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Showing posts from February, 2019
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What to know about whooping cough in adults Last reviewed Fri 22 February 2019 By Jamie Eske Reviewed by  Vincent J. Tavella, MPH Symptoms   Diagnosis   Complications   Treatment Risk factors   Prevention   Takeaway Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious condition. This infection is most common in infants, but people of all ages can contract it. Whooping cough  symptoms tend to be less severe in adults than in children. Unvaccinated infants have the  highest risk  of developing severe symptoms and complications from whooping cough. In this article, we discuss the symptoms and complications of whooping cough in adults and the treatment options. Symptoms in adults Whooping cough can affect adults and it is often less severe than in children. Adults tend to experience less severe symptoms of whooping cough compared with children. The reason for this is that adults have built up immunity ...
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Sleep apnea: Daytime sleepiness might help predict cardiovascular risk Published Saturday 23 February 2019 By Chiara Townley Fact checked  by Jasmin Collier A recent study categorizing people with obstructive sleep apnea based on their differing symptoms found a strong link between excessive daytime sleepiness and cardiovascular disease. OSA increases hypertension risk. Obstructive sleep apnea  (OSA) causes sporadic airflow blockages during sleep. All of the different types of sleep apnea, OSA is the most common. Symptoms include snoring, daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and  high blood pressure . OSA occurs when the throat muscles relax too much to keep the airway open. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than  18 million  adults in the United States have sleep apnea. If a person does not seek treatment, it can lead to several complications — one of which is cardiovascular disease. Sleep apnea an...
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This Japanese plant could hold the key to extended youth Published Thursday 21 February 2019 By  Maria Cohut Fact checked  by Gianna D'Emilio In Japan, many have long believed that a plant called ashitaba is important in supporting a person's health and well-being. Now, researchers are suggesting that a compound in this plant boosts cellular health and may prolong youth. Practitioners of traditional medicine in Japan have long touted ashitaba's health benefits. New research suggests that they may be right. Part of the way in which the body maintains health at a cellular level is through the process of autophagy.  This involves cells disposing of their own broken and disused parts to prevent the buildup of debris. If autophagy is not efficient, the cellular debris that accumulates can become harmful, exposing healthy cells to  stress  and contributing to the development of a range of diseases and conditions, including  cancer . ...
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Blueberries may lower cardiovascular risk by up to 20 percent Published Saturday 23 February 2019 By  Ana Sandoiu Fact checked  by Gianna D'Emilio The phytochemicals that give blueberries their blue color can significantly improve cardiovascular health, finds a new two-part study. The positive effect that blueberries can have on blood pressure is comparable to that of hypertension drugs. Dubbed "the silent killer" because it has no visible symptoms in its early stages,  hypertension  affects approximately  1 in 3 adults  in the United States. The condition puts a strain on the cardiovascular system, which in the long run may contribute to  heart failure ,  stroke , and kidney failure. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend that people with  high blood pressure  stay in control of the condition by eating healthfully, exercising, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight. But should you eat ...
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What diet is best for older adults? Published Today By Monica Beyer Fact checked  by Carolyn Robertson A new study has revealed that a diet rich in protein and low in calories can help older adults with obesity lose more weight while maintaining muscle mass and improving bone density. Losing weight as an older adult presents some challenges. Older adults often lose bone density and muscle mass when they concentrate on shedding weight. This unwanted bone and muscle loss can result in mobility issues and can even increase a person's risk of injury. A recent study, which Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC, is the lead on, has shown that a high-protein, low-calorie diet can help adults avoid these problems. Several peer-reviewed journals, which include  Journals of Gerontology: Medical Sciences  and  American Journal of Clinical Nutrition  have accepted four research papers from the study for  publication . The res...