Detecting Sleep-Wake Patterns With Actigraphy Monitoring

Can these devices accurately detect sleep-wake patterns? Discover the answer and how these data may be used to help you to sleep better. What Is Actigraphy? AndreyPopov / Getty Images Actigraphy is the continuous measurement of activity or movement with the use of a small gear called an actigraph. Periods of movement suggest wakefulness while those of relative stillness would likely correspond to sleep or quiescence. What Does an Actigraph Look Like?...

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 308 words · Amanda Greene

Determing if You Have a Cold Sore vs. Herpes

There are two types of HSV: HSV-1 and HSV-2. This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing. Cold sores are usually sparked by HSV-1, whilegenital herpesis typically linked to HSV-2. ancoay/ Getty Images There is no cure or vaccine for HSV-1 or HSV-2. Is Oral Herpes an STD? Genital herpescanappear on thevulva or vagina,penis or scrotum, buttocks, anus, or thighs. HSV-2 can cause herpes sores around the mouth, but this is rare....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 305 words · Miguel Smith

Determining the Need for Surgery When You Feel Better Post-ACL Tear

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tearsare a common sports-related injury, and they often require surgical reconstruction. Without surgery, athletes with anACL tearmay have recurring problems withknee instability. The Injury and Recovery Process After an ACL tear, the knee is usually swollen and painful. PhotoAlto / Sandro Di Carlo Darsa / Getty Images Patients who sustain this injury are uncomfortable and know they have a serious problem with the knee joint. Once the swelling improves and the pain subsides, patients may begin to feel much better....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 243 words · William Flowers

Device Representatives in the OR During Joint Replacement Surgery

But would you expect a representative from the company who made the implant machine? Well, the truth is, they are often there. During joint replacement, most surgeons have an industry unit representative in the OR during the surgical procedure. Caiaimage / Sam Edwards / Getty Images Many companies will have a representative present in the operating room at the time of surgery. While this was a practice decades ago, this does not occur any longer....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 234 words · Angela Mendoza

Dexedrine vs. Adderall for ADHD

They can help improve attention, focus, and impulse control. Getty Images / fotostorm What Is Adderall? Adderall is acentral nervous system(CNS) stimulant that contains two medications in one: dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. Getty Images / fotostorm It is used to help manage ADHD andnarcolepsy. The way Adderall works is not fully understood. This is thought to includedopamineandnorepinephrine. This increases the amount of these chemicals that last. With the increased stimulation in the brain, these neurotransmitters can boost alertness, attention, and impulse control....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 597 words · Melissa Cole

DGL for Acid Reflux: How Useful Are Supplements for Symptom Relief?

Licorice root contains antioxidants that may have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It may be used as a supplement. Licorice contains a substance calledglycyrrhizin, which may cause side effects. Bruno Guerreiro / Getty Images This is why it might be tried to manage various digestive conditions, includingacid reflux. A substance in licorice called glycyrrhizin is thought to be what causes side effects. The second processingcalled deglycyrrhizinationremoves the glycyrrhizin (which is a pop in of acid) from licorice....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 595 words · Kelly Fletcher

Diabetes and Cataracts: What Is the Relationship

If you havediabetes, you may also find yourself contending withcataracts(a clouding of thelensof the eye). For those under age 65 with diabetes, cataracts occur 3 to 4 times more frequently. Likewise, for those over age 65, cataracts are twice as prevalent for those who have diabetes. FG Trade / Getty Images Here’s how it works. High blood sugar levels can cause the lens to swell and blur vision. Also, an enzyme in the lens converts sugar into a sugar alcohol known assorbitol....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 322 words · Rodney Johnson

Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease: What Is the Relationship?

Although each can occur on its own, they can also occur together ascomorbid(coexisting) conditions. It also explores treatment options and things you might do to prevent this all-too-common comorbidity. When blood sugar levels are highreferred to ashyperglycemiathey reduce levels of a chemical in the blood called nitric oxide. FatCamera / Getty Images This causes hypertension, a common condition in people with diabetes. When this occurs in the kidneys, millions of tiny filtering units callednephronscan be irreversibly damaged....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 342 words · Robert Mccarthy

Diabetes and Heart Attack: What Is the Relationship?

Therefore, having diabetes makes it even more important to monitor your heart health. Over time,high blood sugarcan damage your blood vessels and nerves. Untreated oruncontrolled diabetescan lead to manycomplications, including heart disease. goc / Getty Images The following are several ways to lower your risk of heart disease when you have diabetes. Discuss cholesterol goal numbers with your healthcare provider and ways to achieve this. Diabetes medications such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are effective at reducing weight....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 233 words · Henry Gonzalez

Diabetes and Heart Disease Risk in Black People

This article is part ofHealth Divide: Heart Disease Risk Factors, a destination in our Health Divide series. Black people are disproportionately impacted by diabetes and as a result, have an increased risk of heart disease. Black people get diabetes at a 60% higher rate than White people. Zoe Hansen / Verywell Social and economic barriers make accessing care more difficult for many Black people. Questions to Ask Choosing the right healthcare provider isnt easy....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 260 words · Crystal Ball

Diabetes and Pancreatic Cancer: What Is the Relationship?

The connection is a two-way street Diabetesandpancreatic cancerhave a cause-and-effect relationship. Diabetes causes changes in cells that can lead to cancer due to the damaging effects ofhigh blood sugar. It also explains how pancreatic cancer is treated and prevented in people with diabetes, and vice versa. MoMo Productions / Getty Images Withtype 1 diabetes, the pancreas no longer makes an adequate supply of insulin to regulate blood glucose. Insulin has several functions in the body....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 461 words · Charles Davis

Diabetes and Shortness of Breath: What's the Connection?

However, it’s important to know that the two are connected. Diabetic Ketoacidosis Diabetes is a condition in which the body makes too little insulin or resistsinsulin. Since the entire body requires energy, diabetes can affect every part of it. Catherine McQueen / Getty Images The body then begins to break down fats for energy. When this happens, it creates a waste byproduct called ketones. This results in a buildup of ketones, which is toxic....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 304 words · Nicholas Patrick

Diabetes and the Workplace: Rights and Laws to Protect You

Diabetesand the workplace dont always mesh well. Thats why laws are in place to protect you from discrimination because of your condition. Understanding the laws can also help you better blend work and diabetes management. PixelsEffect/ Getty Images Requesting Reasonable Accommodations you better ask for reasonable accommodations. Some employers have a policy in place. Your employer only needs documentation to prove that you’re disabled and need accommodations. Legally, they can’t ask for anything beyond that....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 411 words · Annette Gregory