Diseases & Conditions Archive

Diseases & Conditions

Why are mRNA vaccines so exciting?

Updated November 1, 2021

The first vaccines approved in the US to prevent COVID-19 were an entirely new type: mRNA vaccines. Over the past year, they've proven unusually effective and safe. How do mRNA vaccines differ from traditional vaccines, and what makes them so exciting?

Diseases & Conditions

Taming the chronic inflammation of psoriasis

Published November 1, 2021

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition in which the immune system attacks the skin. It causes painful skin lesions and may also lead to psoriatic arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or coronary artery disease. Psoriasis treatments include topical steroids, gentle exfoliant lotions, emollients that keep the skin hydrated, ultraviolet light (phototherapy), laser therapies, vitamin A (retinoid creams), and medications (for moderate-to-severe psoriasis). People with psoriasis are encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 with an mRNA vaccine (from either Pfizer or Moderna) as soon as possible, if they haven’t already done so.

Diseases & Conditions

4 reasons for tingling or numbness in the arms and legs

Published November 1, 2021

There are lots of reasons for numbness or tingling in the limbs. Constant or recurrent symptoms point to a potentially serious cause. One possibility is peripheral neuropathy, which damages nerves throughout the body. Another is peripheral artery disease—a narrowing of the arteries in the limbs that reduces blood flow. Another is nerve compression, which might be caused by sciatica (irritation of the sciatic nerve in the legs) or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal). When numbness or tingling persists, one should report the symptoms to a doctor right away.

Diseases & Conditions

Casing the joints

Published November 1, 2021

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis among older adults. Often called the "wear and tear" disease, osteoarthritis doesn’t occur because of overusing or stressing one’s joints. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, people can lower their risk or better manage the condition by losing excess weight, strengthening the muscles surrounding joints, and using over-the-counter pain medication as needed.

Diseases & Conditions

Gastroparesis: A slow-emptying stomach can cause nausea and vomiting

Published October 27, 2021

Gastroparesis is a condition that causes delay in the emptying of food from the stomach. This can cause uncomfortable symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, and can affect nutrition and quality of life. Treatment may involve medication or a procedure, but a correct diagnosis is necessary first.

Diseases & Conditions

What to do when elective surgery is postponed

Published October 20, 2021

When hospitals fill with COVID-19 patients, elective surgeries need to be postponed. If your elective surgery is temporarily derailed, what steps can you take to help yourself cope and be prepared for when the surgery is rescheduled?

Diseases & Conditions

Can COVID cause diabetes?

Published October 1, 2021

COVID-19 infections may raise the risk of developing diabetes, because the virus can damage insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Diseases & Conditions

Can you get shingles more than once?

Published October 1, 2021

It is possible to get shingles more than once. But getting vaccinated with the Shingrix vaccine may help prevent this from occurring.

Diseases & Conditions

Frequent migraines? Eating fatty fish may offer comfort

Published October 1, 2021

People who suffer from chronic migraines could find relief by increasing their intake of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, found in fatty fish like salmon, herring, sardines, mackerel, and trout.

Diseases & Conditions

Inflammatory bowel disease on the rise in older adults

Published October 1, 2021

The number of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cases among older adults has increased every year over the past decade. While all racial and ethnic groups were affected, the most significant annual percentage increase was among non-Hispanic Black individuals.

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Diseases & Conditions Archive

Articles

Why are mRNA vaccines so exciting?

Taming the chronic inflammation of psoriasis

4 reasons for tingling or numbness in the arms and legs

Casing the joints

Gastroparesis: A slow-emptying stomach can cause nausea and vomiting

What to do when elective surgery is postponed

Can COVID cause diabetes?

Can you get shingles more than once?

Frequent migraines? Eating fatty fish may offer comfort

Inflammatory bowel disease on the rise in older adults

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