Tests for Appendicitis

This article explains the symptoms of appendicitis and which tests healthcare providers use to diagnose the condition. Appendicitis is often first felt near yourbelly button, then moves to the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. The pain can start suddenly and may wake you from sleep. macniak/ Getty Images Moving, coughing, and sneezing often make the pain worse. Symptoms in Kids Symptoms ofappendicitis in kidsare the same as in adults....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 343 words · Joshua Phillips

Tests for Erection Problems and Penile Tumescence

When erection problems occur, it is important to identify the source of theimpotence. One possible evaluation technique is an overnight study of penile tumescence during sleep. What Is Penile Tumescence? Stephanie Phillips / E+ / Getty Images Penile tumescence refers to the hardening and expansion of the penis into an erection. It often occurs in association with REM sleep and may be noted first thing in the morning. Therefore, an overnight sleep study called apolysomnogrammay be used to assess the function of the penis during sleep....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 261 words · Patricia Jackson

Tests Used to Diagnose Torn Meniscus Symptoms

There are several tests commonly used to diagnose ameniscustear. McMurray Test The McMurray Test is the classic manipulation test for meniscal tears. It involves the full flexion (bending) and rotation of the knee. BJI / Blue Jean Images / Getty Images The movements are similar to those used in daily activities. Both legs will be tested to see how therange of motionof the injured knee is affected. The test is less sensitive than the McMurray Test, with a sensitivity of roughly 65%....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 230 words · Lisa Stokes

Thalassemia: Understanding This Inherited Blood Disorder

In thalassemia, red blood cells don’t function as well or last as long as they should. This shortage of healthy red blood cells means some cells in the body can’t get enough oxygen. People with thalassemia may develop mild to severeanemia. alvarez / Getty Images Anemia is when you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells. Mild anemia can cause symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath but doesn’t always require treatment....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 646 words · Vanessa Hines

The #1 Way To Cook Broccoli for Maximum Health Benefits

It is widely known that prolonged cooking can degrade nutrients in broccoli, including sulforaphane, Johnson explained. The study found that cooking inhibits another enzyme called myrosinase, which is essential for sulforaphane production. So, longer, harsher cooking methods cause a greater reduction in sulforaphane levels. Kseniya Ovchinnikova Should This Change the Way You Eat Broccoli? If raw broccoli sounds good to you, thats a perfectly good reason to eat it, Johnson said....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 124 words · Kristin James

The #1 Way to Make Smoothies to Maximize Fiber, According to Science

Arx0nt / Getty Images TheWhite Lotusfinale may have you thinking twice about sipping on a smoothie. What Does Research Say About Fruit Smoothies? That addition significantly reduced the glycemic spike, even when eating the same mixed fruit whole. Arx0nt / Getty Images Why Are Smoothies With Seeds Good for Blood Sugar? “This can make the fiber easier to digest and potentially more effective in the gut, she added. In other words, your blender gives your digestive system a head start....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 168 words · Grace Keller

The 'Portfolio Diet' Is Another Heart-Healthy Option, Study Finds

What Is the Portfolio Diet? Heres what Crean said is recommended daily if youre following the Portfolio diet. Overall, the Portfolio Diet is a bit more plant-based than the Mediterranean diet. Photo Illustration by Lecia Landis for Verywell Health; Getty Images But it doesnt have to be 100% plant-based. How Does the Portfolio Diet Help Your Heart? However, there isnt much data showing the effects of following the diet for a long time....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 165 words · Paul Kirk

The 'Quad-Demic' Is Creeping Up This Winter. Here's How To Protect Yourself

COVID-19 cases are relatively low but increasing. Influenza has been moving up, starting in December, and now its just rocketing. So were going to have a moderately severeinfluenza season. Hiraman And its not just the flu. As for peak flu season? It may be a bit later this year. This year it has not yet peaked, so we expect it to rise, said Parada. Early symptoms can be similar, includingcough,fever, and chills....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 210 words · Mario Joseph

The 10 Best Foods to Eat When You're Sick

Many of these foods and diets have been recommended by healthcare providers for years because they seem to work. However, there is not much scientific evidence about these diets. These foods contain essential nutrients and energy but should be mild on your digestive system. Rebeca Mello / Getty Images Similar foods include saltine crackers, potatoes (plain, without dairy or fat), and broth. The goal is to choose foods that are gentle on the digestive system and easy to tolerate....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 408 words · Keith Schaefer

The 10 Worst Habits That Ruin Sleep and Cause Insomnia

Obstructive sleep apnea can also cause bothnocturiaand heartburn at night. Rather than tossing and turning, try a relaxing activity like reading. If youcontinue to struggle, get out of bed to reset your sleep. Westend61/Getty Images Subtle variations on this theme will likewise make it hard to catch a few winks. Keep the bedroom comfortable with low lighting, noise, and temperature. Taking Long Naps This one may be a little controversial....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 236 words · Rachel Cook

The 11 Best Cereals for People With Diabetes

The best cereals for people with diabetes are nutritious and will help keep blood sugar levels stable. If you have diabetes, eating breakfast also helps you control your blood sugar. Some brands of cold cereal may be better choices. Image by Zorica Lakonic for Verywell Health Original Cheerios offers 38 grams of whole grain and 1.5 grams of fiber. High blood sugar in the morning is common among people with diabetes....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 208 words · Traci Keith

The 12 Best Foods for IBS Symptoms

FODMAP stands forfermentableoligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, andpolyols. Foods that are low insaturated fatcan also help easeIBS symptoms.Try the following foods to help ease IBS symptoms. Eggs Eggs digest easily and are a safe choice for people with IBS. Ekaterina Fedulyeva / Getty Images Eggs can be enjoyed hard-boiled, soft-boiled, scrambled, or poached. With that said, not every person’s body responds to eggs in the same way. These include sulfur-containing cruciferous vegetables like cabbage andBrussels sproutsthat cause gas....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 383 words · Heather Carpenter

The 14 Best Supplements to Boost Your Energy

Studies show that 30% of people who use supplements do so togain an energy boost. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Iron Around 1% of U.S. males and 11% of U.S. females have low iron levels. Drazen / Getty Images Iniron-deficiency anemia, the muscles don’t get as much oxygen as they need. This lowers exercise endurance. For most people, iron levels can be maintained through iron-rich foods like red meat....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 581 words · Laura Foster MD