you’re able to get almost any part of your body pierced, including your nipples. While nipple piercing seems pretty harmless, it does carry health risks that you should be aware of. Scars, tears, and nerve damage are also possible. richardarno / Getty Images These may be related to how the piercing was done, how clean you keep the wound or both. The article looks closely at some of the risks of body piercing....
The movement of electrical signals across the heart is what is traced on anelectrocardiogram(EKG). This article explains five components of the cardiac conduction system and how they work. It also discusses howheart diseaseor aheart attackcan cause serious disruptions in the system. Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health Where Do Electrical Impulses Start in the Heart? The heart generates its own electrical signal. The cardiac electrical signal controls the heartbeat in two ways....
What the CDC Report Found The CDC report analyzed national HIV surveillance data from 2009 to 2013. Physiological Vulnerabilities There are also physical vulnerabilities that place MSM at a higher risk of HIV overall. Chief among these is anal sex. JGI / Getty Images Biologically, the anus and rectum are lined with only a single column of cells, called epithelial cells. that serve as a barrier to infection. By contrast, the vagina has many....
Early techniques were primitiveeven barbaric by todays standards.Anesthesiawas not used until the mid-1800s. These advances continue asrobotic surgery,laser surgery, and microsurgery allow surgeons to treat conditions once thought untreatable. This article provides a timeline of notable surgeries and medical advances from the Stone Age through the early 2020s. Reza Estakhrian / Getty Images The focus moving forward is placed more on refining those techniques to ensure better short- and long-term outcomes....
The Significance of Vaccines Vaccineshave changed the course of human history. However, some did get sick and even died. The practice of variolation soon made its way from China to the Ottoman Empire. Ramesh Lalwani / Getty Images On the one hand, vaccine development has snowballed with an ever-widening range of vaccine platforms to build on. Public health officials fear that the same could occur with other diseases once thought eradicated....
Cancermay have been discovered and written about thousands of years ago. However, the disease itself has actually existed since before the evolution of humans. It was first documented in Egypt about 5,000 years ago. Dan Kitwood / Getty Images This article will look at what we know about the history of cancer. The Roman physician Celsus was the first to translate the word into the Latin word cancer. 20th Century to Present Day The 20th century was an exciting time in cancer research....
In the United States, the history ofemergency contraceptionhas sparked controversy, ignited political debates and generated lawsuits. These two medications arenotthe same and each works entirely differently when it comes to the process of reproduction. It is well understood that medications used for emergency contraception do not cause abortions. Gregory Smith/Getty Images So buckle up, this may be a bumpy ride. What does the year 2006 have in store for the morning-after pill?...
Throat (oropharyngeal) cancerleads to more than 20,000 new cases a year in the United States. In 2009, the recommendation expanded to include boys and men in the same age range. By 2018, the vaccines use was extended to adults ages 27 to 45. Damien Meyer / Getty Images The World Health Organization adopted similar changes in 2022 after studies showed the vaccine remains effective at lower doses. When we have shared clinical decision-making for a vaccine, it can lead to less uptake....
In the early 1970s, National Geographic ran an extensive series of articles investigating claims of these long-lived people. As a result, the Hunza people and region became fascinating case studies on health and longevity. They remain so today as people seek ways to boost their own health and live longer lives. Shehzaad Maroof / Getty Images The six tribes from Hunza now live a blend of traditional and modern, technology-driven lives....
HPVcan causegenital wartsand, in some people,cervical,throat,anal, or other cancers. Gardasil-9is the only HPV vaccine available in the United States. The HPV vaccine can prevent you from getting infected. Joe Raedle / Getty Images It does not alter the course of the disease in people who have already been infected. Given this, the CDC recommends HPV vaccination for all children ages 11 to 12. The vaccine can be given as early as age 9....
For many of us,alcoholis embedded in our social and cultural activities. From the first sip, alcohol impacts the bodyeven if you don’t realize it. It impacts us both physically and psychologically. Alcohol consumption continues to be on the rise. This article discusses the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol and how to change your drinking habits. What Parts of the Body Does Alcohol Affect? We can all experience temporary and long-term effects of alcohol, depending on our consumption....
Lean muscle mass is the weight of your muscles without extra fat. Muscle burns calories even when you’re inactive, boosting your metabolism and aiding in weight management. A Word From Verywell Strength training can be a valuable tool in your weight loss toolkit. FG Trade / Getty Images It can boost metabolism, increase energy, and even burn calories. To do this exercise: This exercise targets the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and core....
What Is Medication Adherence? Medication adherence is taking medication as recommended by a healthcare provider. On a broader scale, medication nonadherence has profound healthcare cost implications. This can ultimately create higher copayments or increase your employer’s coverage costs. This article discusses why medication is prescribed, how to best access medication, and tips for adherence. Also, sticking to your prescribed treatment regimen is necessary for preventing some conditions from worsening over time....
