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Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition that immobilizes the shoulder joint for months or even years, often developing unexpectedly in women aged 40 to 60. Studies suggest that 2% to 5% of people experience frozen shoulder in their lifetime, with a notable increase in diagnoses during the pandemic. Midlife women may be more susceptible due to declining estrogen levels, and hormone therapy could potentially help prevent it. Treatment options include steroid injections, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy, with early intervention leading to better outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

Rhabdo, short for rhabdomyolysis, is a condition where muscle tissue breaks down and releases proteins and other substances into the blood. It can lead to kidney damage, dangerous heart rhythms, seizures, and even death. While rhabdo is not common, there has been a 10-fold increase in hospital visits for rhabdo in the United States between 2000 and 2019. Intense workouts, trauma to the muscles, and certain genetic conditions can trigger rhabdo. Gradually increasing the difficulty of workouts, staying hydrated, and monitoring heart rate can help prevent the condition. Treatment typically involves IV fluids or electrolytes, and extreme cases may require dialysis. [Extracted from the article]

Body-mass index (BMI) is a commonly used metric to assess healthy body weight, but doctors are now questioning its accuracy. BMI does not distinguish between different types of fat or account for differences in muscle and fat distribution among individuals. It also does not consider factors such as gender, race, and age. Doctors suggest that other measurements, such as waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio, may provide a more accurate assessment of weight health. Additionally, BMI may vary in usefulness depending on race and gender. [Extracted from the article]

As mosquito season continues due to warmer temperatures, concerns about diseases such as West Nile, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and dengue are growing. So far this year in the US, 26 people have died from West Nile and at least one from EEE. However, serious health complications and deaths from these viruses are rare, with most people experiencing no symptoms or mild ones. Vector-borne diseases, including those transmitted by mosquitoes, are among the fastest-growing group of diseases globally, with climate change and rising temperatures contributing to their spread. To protect oneself, it is recommended to stay indoors during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, wear insect repellent, and take other preventive measures such as draining standing water and using screens on windows and doors. [Extracted from the article]

Seniors are missing out on the benefits of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy due to insurance hurdles and concerns about muscle loss. These medications can improve mobility, balance, mood, and overall health for older individuals. However, seniors face challenges in getting insurance coverage for these drugs and need to be cautious about potential muscle loss and interactions with other medications. Medicare typically does not cover weight-loss medications for seniors, which can be costly. Despite these obstacles, doctors encourage seniors to consider the potential health improvements that these drugs can offer. [Extracted from the article]

Excessive anger can have negative effects on our health, including our mental well-being, heart, brain, and gastrointestinal system. Research has shown that chronic anger can impair blood vessel function, increasing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, anger can lead to inflammation in the body and slow down movement in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially causing digestive issues. In terms of the brain, anger can damage nerve cells in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, affecting cognitive functioning and memory. Techniques such as meditation and expressing anger in healthier ways can help manage anger and mitigate its negative impact on health. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the misconceptions surrounding cortisol, the stress hormone. It explains that while cortisol can be problematic if levels remain elevated for too long, it is an essential hormone that helps the body respond to stress and regulate various bodily functions. The article advises against using supplements to manage cortisol levels, as they may contain harmful substances. Instead, it recommends managing stress through lifestyle changes such as exercise, healthy eating, and mindfulness practices. The article also mentions rare medical conditions that can cause abnormal cortisol levels and emphasizes the importance of seeking medical advice for proper diagnosis. [Extracted from the article]

Millions of Americans taking weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy, Zepbound, or Ozempic are facing challenges when they have to go off the medication. Employer-health plans are tightening requirements or dropping coverage, and manufacturers' discount coupons for initial supplies of medication expire, leaving patients to pay around $1,000 a month without insurance. Staying on the drugs indefinitely is not always a realistic option, so some patients are trying to switch to different medications or exploring older anti-obesity treatments or cheaper versions at compounding pharmacies. However, these alternatives have drawbacks, and doctors are concerned about safety and quality. Patients who go off the drugs risk regaining weight, and it has become harder for patients to be covered for these drugs as health plans grow more concerned about costs. Doctors recommend gradually reducing the dosage and increasing exercise when stopping the drugs, but more research is needed to determine the best way to go off the medication. [Extracted from the article]

Marijuana can impair driving abilities for longer than many people realize. Research suggests that individuals should wait at least four hours after smoking marijuana and even longer, around six to eight hours, after consuming edibles before driving. The percentage of motor-vehicle crash fatalities involving cannabis has increased in recent years. THC, the main psychoactive substance in cannabis, impairs driving in various ways, affecting reaction time, judgment, and attention. Developing reliable tests to measure cannabis impairment for driving purposes has proven challenging. [Extracted from the article]

A growing number of doctors are advocating for the renaming of low-grade prostate cancers that grow slowly or not at all, arguing that the use of the term "cancer" can lead to unnecessary aggressive treatment and anxiety among patients. This renaming would follow the reclassification of certain other types of cancers to avoid causing unnecessary fear. Studies have shown that careful monitoring can effectively manage low-grade prostate cancers, and some doctors believe that a name change could encourage more patients to choose active surveillance instead of surgery or radiation. However, there are doctors who argue that the term "cancer" should still be used for these low-grade cancers due to concerns about accuracy and patient compliance with active surveillance. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the optimal amount of caffeine to consume in order to boost alertness without disrupting sleep. Government and health groups recommend that healthy adults consume no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day, which is roughly equivalent to four 8-ounce cups of coffee. The average American adult consumes about 200 milligrams of caffeine per day. Caffeine can help with focus and alertness, and it has been linked to physical benefits such as increased walking and improved exercise performance. However, caffeine can disrupt sleep, and the impact on sleep varies depending on how fast an individual metabolizes caffeine. The best sources of caffeine are unsweetened coffee or tea, as they also contain beneficial ingredients like polyphenols. It is important to be cautious with caffeine consumption for children, teenagers, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions. People who experience migraines should limit their caffeine intake. [Extracted from the article]

A new approach to treating chronic back pain called "pain reprocessing therapy" aims to train the brain not to send false pain signals. This therapy has shown promising results, with 66% of participants in a study published in JAMA Psychiatry reporting being pain-free or nearly pain-free up to a year later. While the treatment is still in the research stages and not typically covered by insurance, it is being performed in a growing number of centers. Some doctors are hopeful that this alternative treatment will be effective, as existing options for chronic pain can often be ineffective. [Extracted from the article]

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Covid-19 cases are rising again in the United States, just in time for the holidays. Doctors and virus trackers expect cases to increase further as colder weather drives people indoors and a new variant, JN.1, spreads rapidly around the world. Covid-19 test positivity rates have recently ticked back up, and hospitalizations are also on the rise. Scientists and public-health officials are monitoring wastewater levels, which serve as an early warning for infections. Despite the increase in cases, doctors assure patients that this round of Covid-19 is different from previous waves due to the level of immunity from previous infections and vaccinations. [Extracted from the article]

Research suggests that chemicals in hair-straightening treatments and products may increase the risk of uterine, ovarian, and breast cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is considering a proposal to ban formaldehyde, a chemical commonly used in salon-based keratin treatments, from hair smoothing and straightening products. While drugstore-bought hair straighteners and relaxers typically do not contain formaldehyde, they may contain other chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system and increase the risk of cancer. These products are often used by and marketed to Black women and other women of color. It is important for consumers to be aware of the ingredients in hair products and to seek safer alternatives. [Extracted from the article]

The ubiquity of walk-in and urgent-care clinics has changed the way many people seek treatment for minor ailments. While urgent care centers can be a convenient option for immediate medical concerns, relying too much on them may result in missing bigger health issues or neglecting preventive care. Urgent care centers are well-equipped to treat certain injuries and often have advanced equipment, but they generally lack access to patients' electronic health records and may not provide comprehensive care. It is important to consult a primary care doctor for managing overall care, routine healthcare needs, and chronic conditions. [Extracted from the article]

Flu season is approaching, but there is some good news. The flu season in the Southern Hemisphere, which serves as a predictor for the Northern Hemisphere, did not result in a large number of hospitalizations and deaths. Additionally, this year's flu vaccine is a good match for the predominant strain so far. While it is difficult to predict the overall outlook for respiratory illnesses this winter, a mild flu season would be a welcome relief after last year's tripledemic. It is recommended to get vaccinated for the flu and to wear masks in crowded indoor areas. [Extracted from the article]

A new study suggests that hormone therapy taken during midlife may lower or not increase the risk of developing dementia later in life for women. However, for older women, there are indications that hormone therapy might raise the risk of dementia, although the evidence is not conclusive. The study analyzed 50 prior studies and found that younger women who took estrogen-only hormone therapy during perimenopause or early menopause had a reduced risk of dementia. The findings highlight the complexity of hormone therapy and its potential effects on dementia risk. [Extracted from the article]

Tracking your maximum heart rate may not be as accurate or important as you think. Many fitness enthusiasts rely on formulas, such as subtracting their age from 220, to determine their maximum heart rate. However, these formulas are often inaccurate and can vary by 10 to 12 beats per minute. Additionally, wrist-worn heart rate monitors may not be precise, especially if they are not worn tightly enough. While monitoring your heart rate can be useful for some individuals, doctors generally recommend listening to your body and how you feel during exercise as the best guide. [Extracted from the article]

Americans who indulge in European cuisine while on vacation often find themselves losing weight instead of gaining it. This phenomenon has sparked an internet debate, with some speculating that it reflects the unhealthy nature of American diets. However, experts suggest that the weight loss can be attributed to two factors: increased physical activity while on vacation and the generally healthier and less processed nature of European food. European cities are often more pedestrian-friendly, leading to more walking, and European diets tend to have fewer ultra-processed foods compared to American diets. While the perception is that Europeans are much healthier than Americans, the gap is narrowing. [Extracted from the article]