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Vaccines save lives. Period. Take the flu shot. (No, really, take it.) During the 2023-2024 flu season, influenza vaccines prevented: 9.8 million flu-related illnesses 120,000 hospitalizations 7,900 deaths
When you think of scuba diving, one of two things probably comes to mind: the thrill of checking off a bucket list adventure, or the cautionary tales about divers surfacing too fast and getting “the bends.”
You’ve seen it in movies: The main character, destined for college, shocks everyone by taking a year off to travel or pursue a passion before deciding their next move. But what about in the real world? How does a gap year play out for students who’ve just earned their undergraduate degrees and are contemplating medical school?
You’ve heard the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But what about nature’s other daily remedy, sunlight?
An oral surgeon is removing a wisdom tooth. The unconscious patient fidgets. Another trained professional boosts the anesthesia level. The patient stays calm, still and unconscious for the rest of the procedure.
Prior to the discovery and use of insulin as a treatment for diabetes in the 1920s, people living with the disease had few treatment options, and essentially no good ones: bloodletting, starvation diets and various potions deceptively marketed as cures. Today, countless people have been able to bring their diabetes under control through a combination of exercise, dietary adjustments and insulin injections. However, though often effective, these approaches aren’t always practical. As diabetes management has advanced, new technologies have emerged that address the need for more practical and convenient treatment options. Here we’ll look at some of the current biotechnology helping individuals with diabetes live healthier and less disrupted lives. Implantable Devices: The Future of Diabetes Care Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) A CGM assesses the wearer’s glucose every few minutes and tracks this information. These biotechnology devices evaluate the level of glucose in the fluid between cells, not the blood itself, but the numbers are generally comparable. The device has a small sensor that can be inserted under the skin of the abdomen or arm and kept in place by an adhesive patch
All medical professionals, no matter how seasoned, started at square one: At some point in their career, a surgeon learned that the spleen sits tucked inside the left ribcage. A primary care physician discovered that lymph nodes are located not just in the neck but all throughout the body. A dermatologist learned that most skin cancers start in the basal cell layer of the epidermis. Anatomy is everything in the medical field. Without it, aspiring professionals lack the groundwork to build deeper expertise. So, is a master’s degree in medical anatomy and physiology right for you? We’ll explore the top career options requiring anatomical knowledge. But if you’re eyeing a future in medicine or a related field, we won’t keep you waiting: The answer is a resounding yes. Healthcare Thinking about a career in healthcare? You’re not alone. These professionals are in high demand, make a real difference in people’s lives and — let’s be honest — bring in serious money. Wages for physicians and surgeons are literally off the charts. A background in human anatomy is vital for anyone hoping to make it in healthcare. All healthcare professionals, from local doctors to top specialists, must be able to relate form to function
Ever feel completely off? Maybe you’re more tired, overwhelmed or emotional than usual and you’re not sure why. Your hormones might be to blame. We often think of hormones in terms of fertility, but they also play a crucial role in mental health. Recent research shows that hormonal changes can affect your mood, motivation and cognitive function. For women, these hormonal shifts are especially significant. As women go through life stages like puberty, pregnancy and menopause, their hormone levels shift in unique ways. This can lead to emotional and cognitive changes that are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. Let’s look at how hormones affect the brain and why understanding them is so important. What Do Hormones Actually Do? Hormones are chemical messengers that carry instructions through the bloodstream
Heartbreak is usually thought of as emotional pain. You’re probably familiar with the feeling of discomfort that settles in your chest and feels like it’ll never go away. Most people expect it to fade with time, distractions and a little TLC. But in rare cases, intense emotional or physical stress can affect the heart itself. This condition is known as broken heart syndrome, and despite the poetic name, it’s a real medical diagnosis. What Is Broken Heart Syndrome? Broken heart syndrome, also called stress-induced cardiomyopathy or takotsubo syndrome, is a temporary heart condition triggered by extreme stress. What Are the Symptoms? The symptoms can closely resemble a heart attack, which is why medical evaluation is always important. Common symptoms of broken heart syndrome include: Chest pain Shortness of breath Dizziness Sweating A sudden feeling of weakness or discomfort While these symptoms can feel frightening, broken heart syndrome doesn’t usually cause permanent heart damage when treated promptly. Most people recover fully within weeks or months. Without medical care, however, the heart muscle can weaken, increasing the risk of complications such as heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms or low blood pressure. What Causes Broken Heart Syndrome? Broken heart syndrome is typically caused by a sudden surge of stress hormones, such as adrenaline, which temporarily interfere with the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. Emotional stressors may include: The loss of a loved one A breakup or major relationship conflict Intense fear, shock or grief In addition, physical stressors like severe injuries or infections can also trigger takotsubo syndrome. Women — particularly post-menopausal women — account for roughly 90% of reported cases, though researchers are still working to understand why. Is Broken Heart Syndrome Dangerous? In most cases, broken heart syndrome is treatable and reversible
Have you ever found yourself in the middle of cold and flu season, doing everything you can to dodge germs? Or perhaps during summer, you’re wondering if those extra sneezes are seasonal allergies or something more serious. No matter the time of year, understanding how your body defends itself against illness can feel like unlocking the secret to better health. So, how does the immune system work against illnesses? Specifically, how does it defend against pathogens: the culprits behind illnesses like the flu and the common cold? In this article, we’ll dive into the fascinating field of immunophysiology to explore how the immune system detects, responds to and remembers these harmful invaders. How Does Your Immune System Work? The immune system works like a well-honed army, protecting your body against harmful pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. This intricate system incorporates specialized cells, proteins and organs that work together to detect and eliminate invaders, while also maintaining a memory of past infections for future protection. Below, we shine a microscope on the key components of the immune system and their roles: AntibodiesThese proteins in the blood play a vital role in detecting pathogens. As they circulate, antibodies bind to specific molecules called antigens found on the surface of pathogens. This binding neutralizes the pathogens and marks them for destruction by other immune cells. Lymphatic systemComposed of lymph nodes, lymph vessels and lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell), the lymphatic system acts as a transportation network that circulates lymph, a clear fluid containing immune cells, through the body
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