There are many possible causes of pain in the hands or wrists, including injuries, repetitive strain, cysts, and arthritis. Some home remedies may help relieve the discomfort, but a person should see a doctor for severe, persistent, or reoccurring hand pain. Learn more her...
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Surge by a stronger strain of the flu is another warning that the season for the disease is not over; shots still available
"Though influenza activity typically peaks by February’s end, the flu season isn’t over – and a harsher strain called H3N2 has increased in circulation both nationwide and in Kentucky," reports Caroline Eggers of the Bowling Green Daily News.
“Some people may think flu season is over, but it is not,” Glynda Chu, spokeswoman...
Medical News Today: What causes flank pain?
Flank pain is pain that occurs on either or both sides of the torso, just below the ribs. The most common reason for flank pain is a muscle strain, but there are other possible underlying causes. Learn more her...
Guthrie tries to preserve funding for Medicaid program that gets beneficiaries out of facilities and into community-based support
U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie says he is working to find money to save a program that is aimed at moving Medicaid beneficiaries out of facilities and into community-based, long-term support services.
The "Money Follows the Person" demonstration program got only three months of funding in the latest appropriations bill because...
Medical News Today: What are the best dietary sources of vitamin D?
Vitamin D can improve bone, muscle, and immune system health. Foods with a high vitamin D content include oily fish, some mushrooms, and egg yolks. Learn more about the best dietary sources of vitamin D her...
Medical News Today: What causes upper stomach pain?
There are many possible causes of upper stomach pain, from gas and indigestion to more serious issues involving the liver or pancreas. Learn about the causes and treatments her...
Medical News Today: What testosterone supplements should I take?
Testosterone supplements may include injectable treatments or those that are transdermal, meaning people apply them to the skin. Learn more about testosterone supplements her...
Medical News Today: How to tell if it's bipolar disorder or ADHD
Bipolar disorder and ADHD share some symptoms, but their treatments are different. In this article, we discuss diagnosis and how to tell the two conditions apar...
Medical News Today: What are the best juices for constipation?
Drinking juices can help relieve constipation due to their fiber, water, and nutrient content. In this article, we look at the best fruit juices for relieving constipation, why they work, and how to make them at hom...
Medical News Today: Pale stool: Causes and treatments
The occasional pale stool in adults is often not a cause for concern. However, long-lasting pale stool or stool that is white can indicate a serious issue with the liver, pancreas, or gallbladder. Learn mor...
Health providers and advocates oppose Medicaid co-payment, say it creates barrier to care and administrative burden
By Melissa Patrick
Kentucky Health News
Health advocates at a regulatory meeting about the state's new Medicaid co-payment requirements said the new rule is riddled with problems, all of which they anticipated.
The co-payments, which range from $1 for some prescriptions to $50 for any type of inpatient service, went into...
Medical News Today: Quietness better than background music for creativity
A study finds that listening to music can significantly impair performance on tasks that need creativity compared with doing them in a quiet environmen...
Medical News Today: Letter from the Editor: Making plans
The MNT team jetted off to NYC for the company's year start meeting this month, where we discussed exciting plans for 2019 and beyond. Managing Editor Honor reveals mor...
Medical News Today: Can our surroundings fuel addiction?
New research finds that environmental cues related to drugs can strengthen memories and implicitly make addictive habits harder to kic...
Medical News Today: What are the health benefits of water chestnuts?
Water chestnuts are tuber vegetables that grow underwater. They are low in calories and contain antioxidants, and they can be a healthful addition to a balanced die...
Fat is more than calorie storage
A group of researchers based at the Joslin Diabetes Center and Harvard Medical School just published a paper in the journal Nature Metabolism that tells us something new and amazing, as well as confirms something we all know already.
They studied a protein that is secreted by mouse and human fat cells in response to cardiovascular exercise. The protein, called transforming growth factor-beta 2, or TGFB2, is an adipocytokine (which literally means...
Medical News Today: What are the main symptoms of mania?
The symptoms of mania in bipolar disorder include high energy levels, euphoria, and elevated self-esteem. Learn more about bipolar mania symptoms her...
Medical News Today: Does artemisinin help treat cancer?
Artemisinin, a compound in the sweet wormwood plant, may have potential in future cancer treatments. Research is still underway. This article looks at recent investigations into artemisinin and cance...
Kentucky's level of volunteerism depends on how you measure it; studies show that volunteer work helps your health
Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky chart; for a larger version, click on it
Most Kentucky adults are involved in some community activity, broadly defined, but the state ranks below average, 36th, in the latest state-by-state ranking of volunteerism.
"Volunteering can improve a community’s health and build connections...
Medical News Today: Alcohol may be less harmful for people over 50
A new study investigates the potential protective effects of alcohol at different ages. They find that it is not a level playing fiel...
Medical News Today: Growing up in a green area may help support mental health
A new study uncovers emerging evidence suggesting that growing up in close contact with nature may help us enjoy good mental health throughout adulthoo...
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Medical News Today: What are the pros and cons of GMO foods?
The use of GMO foods remains controversial. In this article, we discuss the pros and cons of growing and eating genetically modified organisms, including the effects on human health and the environmen...
Medical News Today: 12 natural ways to relieve pain
People have used natural pain relief methods for centuries. In this article, we discuss 12 natural pain relievers that people can try, including herbal remedies, yoga, and acupunctur...
Medical News Today: How to treat eye discharge in newborns
Eye discharge or excessive eye watering in newborns often indicates a blocked tear duct. The blockage is usually harmless and tends to resolve on its own. However, if there is also redness, swelling, or tenderness in the eye area, this may signify an infection that requires prompt medical treatment. Learn more her...
Medical News Today: What to know about 24-hour cortisol urine tests
Doctors use cortisol urine tests to help diagnose many medical conditions that affect cortisol levels. In this article, we discuss the uses, procedure, and how to interpret the results of a 24-hour cortisol urine tes...
Medical News Today: Top 7 essential oils for sinus congestion
Essential oils are a popular natural remedy for sinus congestion, stuffiness, and a blocked nose. In this article, we look at which essential oils can help and how to use the...
Medical News Today: Small penis syndrome: Everything you need to know
Small penis syndrome is not a physical condition but long-term anxiety about the size of one's penis. It is a type of body dysmorphic disorder. Learn more about the symptoms her...
Medical News Today: How to use coconut oil for hair
Coconut oil offers a variety of benefits for the hair, which include reducing frizz and preventing the damage that harsh chemicals and pollution can cause. Learn how to use coconut oil for hair her...
Medical News Today: ALS: New technique prevents toxic protein deposits in cells
Clumps of faulty TDP-43 protein inside nerve cells are common in ALS and other neurological diseases. Could this new technique offer a way to prevent the...
Medical News Today: New treatment under trial could restore brain cells in Parkinson's
A series of clinical trials have concluded that a new therapy, alongside a novel method of delivery, could be effective in treating Parkinson's diseas...
Medical News Today: Ringworm in babies: Everything you need to know
Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes a distinctive raised rash. Babies are particularly prone to ringworm because they are often in close contact with others. Learn more about ringworm in babies her...
Medical News Today: Which foods to avoid when trying to lose weight
When trying to lose weight, it is important to choose nutritionally dense foods and to avoid those that are high in calories, sugars, and unhealthful fats but low in nutrients. Here, learn about 14 foods to avoid when dietin...
Can vaping help you quit smoking?
It’s hard to overstate the dangers of smoking. Nearly 500,000 people die of tobacco-related disease each year in the US. Over the next decade, estimates are that around eight million people will die prematurely worldwide each year due to tobacco use. The list of tobacco-related diseases and conditions is long and growing. It includes:
cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke
emphysema, bronchitis, and asthma
lung and other types...
Medical News Today: Nature vs. nurture: Do genes influence our morals?
Does education shape our moral values, or are our genetic profiles also responsible? New research suggests that DNA may play an important rol...
Medical News Today: Obesity and the 'self-control' brain area: What is the link?
A new review suggests that the prefrontal cortex, a brain area involved in planning and decision making, has a 'reciprocal relationship' with obesit...
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Medical News Today: What are the signs of pregnancy in week 2?
Doctors measure pregnancy from the first day of a woman’s last period, so week 2 is often when conception occurs. Learn more about the possible symptoms her...
Medical News Today: How to recognize and treat a burn blister
A burn blister is a fluid-filled covering of skin that forms after a burn. People should avoid popping a burn blister, as it plays a vital role in protecting the skin underneath. Learn about how to treat a burn and the resulting blister in this article. We also cover types of burns and when to see a docto...
Medical News Today: How does sex drive change during pregnancy?
Among the many changes that women experience during pregnancy, they may notice that their sex drive increases or decreases in different trimesters. Learn more about sex drive changes and the safety of sex and masturbation during pregnancy her...
Medical News Today: Anterior placenta: Everything you need to know
An anterior placenta occurs when the placenta attaches to and grows on the front of the uterus. It is not usually a cause for concern. Learn more in this articl...
Medical News Today: Can prune juice help relieve constipation?
Constipation is a common problem that people can often treat at home by making dietary and lifestyle modifications. A popular home remedy for constipation is drinking prune juice. Learn whether prune juice is effective for treating constipation her...
Medical News Today: What to know about tachypnea
Tachypnea is a respiratory condition that results in fast and shallow breathing. Causes include a lack of oxygen or excess carbon dioxide. Learn more about tachypnea her...
Medical News Today: Study ties arthritis pain reliever to heart valve disease
An analysis of 8,600 electronic medical records has found a specific link between the use of the NSAID celecoxib (Celebrex) and aortic stenosi...
Medical News Today: New device can detect cancer in just a drop of blood
A newly developed state-of-the-art diagnostic tool that is cost-effective and easy to make can detect the presence of cancer in the tiniest drop of bloo...
Bill to raise legal age to buy tobacco products to 21 fails on 4-6 committee vote; effectiveness questioned
Sen. Steve Meredith, middle, with Altria Vice President
David Fernandez, right, and Juul Labs lobbyist Jennifer
Cunningham about his bill to raise the legal age for buying
tobacco products. (Photo: Adam Beam, The Associated Press)
A bill to raise the legal age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21 in Kentucky was...
Medical News Today: 'Antibacterial' chemical in toothpaste could strengthen bacteria
New research finds that triclosan, a compound that is in many consumer products, could make the bacteria it is supposed to kill stronge...
Medical News Today: What to know about DEXA scans
The DEXA scan assesses bone density and can determine whether a person has weaker bones that are at risk of fracture. No special preparation is necessary. Learn more about DEXA scans her...
Do you really have a penicillin allergy?
Chances are, you or someone you know is one of the 10% of Americans with a documented penicillin allergy. But just because you were told you had a penicillin allergy, or had one in the past, does not mean you have one now. People with a penicillin allergy history have their allergy disproved with allergy testing more than 90% of the time.
Penicillin: a primer
Penicillin is part of a larger drug class called beta-lactam antibiotics, which include...
Medical News Today: What can cause back pain while breathing?
Back pain when breathing can indicate an underlying health condition, such as infection, inflammation, or spinal curvature. The symptom can also signal a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or pulmonary embolism. Learn more her...
Medical News Today: The best home remedies for baby constipation
Babies rarely experience constipation, but it can occur. The first treatment for baby constipation is to try home remedies, such as taking their rectal temperature or practicing light belly massage. Learn more her...
Medical News Today: Insomnia: Certain types of brain cell explain genetic risk
Groundbreaking research uses innovative methods to identify specific brain cells that explain why some people are genetically prone to insomni...
Medical News Today: Osteoporosis: Some yoga poses may cause bone injuries
New research warns that certain yoga poses can be risky for people with osteoporosis and advises caution when engaging in this practic...
Monday, February 25, 2019
Medical News Today: What to know about back pain in pregnancy
Back pain affects around two-thirds of women during pregnancy. In this article, we look at the causes of back pain in the first, second, and third trimester, and ways to relieve the pai...
Medical News Today: Uses of methylsulfonylmethane
Methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, is a compound that may help with arthritis, joints, and muscle recovery. It is available in certain foods and supplement form. Learn more her...
Medical News Today: What is a TFCC tear?
The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a network of ligaments, tendons, and cartilage in the wrist. Injuries to this structure are called TFCC tears, and they can cause pain, swelling, and limited movement in the wrist. Treatment options include splints or casts, physical therapy, and surgery. Learn more her...
Diet and exercise limit heart disease risk in men undergoing hormonal treatments for advanced prostate cancer
Men with advanced prostate cancer are typically treated with drugs that prevent the body from making or using testosterone. A hormone (or an androgen, as it’s known), testosterone drives prostate cancer cells to grow faster, so shutting it down is essential to keeping the illness in check. About 600,000 men with advanced prostate cancer in the United States today are undergoing this type of anti-hormonal treatment, which is called androgen deprivation...
Medical News Today: What to know about respiratory alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis occurs when the blood pH level is out of balance. Causes include breathing too fast, which may be a side effect of another condition. Learn more about respiratory alkalosis, including how doctors treat it, her...
Medical News Today: What causes a heavy feeling in the chest?
A heavy feeling in the chest can have a range of causes, from anxiety or depression to problems with the heart or lungs. In this article, learn about the possible causes and how to treat the...
Medical News Today: 12 signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Low levels of thyroid hormones can cause a wide range of symptoms. Learn about 12 common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism her...
Medical News Today: Could these brain changes explain phantom limb?
Changes in communication between sensory and motor areas of the brain after lower limb amputation could explain phantom sensation, even without pai...
Medical News Today: Vitamin D and brain health: New mechanism may explain link
A new study in mice shows a previously unknown effect of vitamin D deficiency on the brain. The findings may explain why vitamin D is key for brain healt...
Medical News Today: How chronic stress boosts cancer cell growth
New research in mice explains the mechanism through which chronic stress contributes to cancer cell growth and suggests a potential therapeutic strateg...
Medical News Today: When to see a doctor if a child has a nosebleed
Nosebleeds are common in young children. Most nosebleeds are not a cause for concern, and it is usually possible to treat them at home by applying gentle pressure to the child’s nose. However, persistent, recurring, or very heavy bleeding may require medical attention. Learn more her...
Infertility: Maintaining privacy, avoiding secrecy
When Michelle Obama’s memoir, Becoming, was released in October 2018, several reviewers noted that her book reveals that the Obamas struggled with infertility. When I was lucky enough to receive a copy as a gift, I learned that Michelle and Barack didn’t simply have a ‘touch of infertility’: they went through IVF in order to have both Malia and Sasha.
Why, some reviewers seemed to wonder, was the public learning this significant piece of the Obamas...
Medical News Today: Pulled muscle in chest: Symptoms and treatment
A pulled muscle in the chest can result in mild discomfort or cause severe symptoms. Learn about the causes and treatment of a pulled chest muscle, as well as other possible causes of similar chest pai...
Medical News Today: US adults do not consume enough protein, study warns
New research examines the protein intake, overall diet, and physical functioning of adults over the age of 51 living in the United State...
Medical News Today: Diabetes: Nuts could reduce cardiovascular risk
Individuals with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. According to a new study, eating nuts regularly might reduce the dange...
Sunday, February 24, 2019
Ambulance runs for rural patients are 76% longer when their hospital closes, and for seniors, it's 98% longer, study finds
When a rural hospital closes, it's logical to assume that patients in its former service area will spend more time in ambulances getting to an emergency room farther away. A University of Kentucky study has found how much more time: "Rural patients average an estimated 11 additional minutes in an ambulance the year after...
Medical News Today: Onions and garlic could protect against cancer
According to a recent study, eating more allium vegetables, such as garlic and onions, might reduce the risk of developing colorectal cance...
Medical News Today: What diet is best for older adults?
Finding the best way for older adults to lose weight safely can be challenging. A new study may help guide nutritional decisions in this populatio...
Saturday, February 23, 2019
Medical News Today: Sleep apnea: Daytime sleepiness might help predict cardiovascular risk
A recent study finds that people with obstructive sleep apnea who experience the most daytime sleepiness have the highest risk of cardiovascular diseas...
Medical News Today: Blueberries may lower cardiovascular risk by up to 20 percent
New research finds that eating 200 grams of blueberries every day can reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health among healthy individual...
Friday, February 22, 2019
Report on Medicaid pharmacy benefit managers confirms they are making a profit at the expense of pharmacies; calls for new payment model
A "long-awaited state report" on how pharmacy benefit managers are paid seems to confirm the suspicion that they "are reaping big profits from state Medicaid dollars at the expanse of pharmacies," Deborah Yetter reports for the Louisville Courier Journal.
Pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, are the middlemen between insurance companies and drug companies. They process about $1.7 billion a year in Kentucky Medicaid...
Tobacco-free schools bill is in trouble in the House; sponsor, a Republican, can't get enough of her party's members to be for it
By Melissa Patrick
Kentucky Health News
A bill to make all Kentucky school properties and events tobacco-free is in trouble in the state House, prompting advocates to mount a rescue effort.
Fifteen organizations took to social media and sent a letter to every representative asking for their support for House Bill...
Medical News Today: What to know about panic attacks at night
Panic attacks occur when a person experiences a sudden onset of fear and distress. Panic attacks can also happen at night and possibly wake a person from sleep. Learn more about panic attacks that occur at night her...
Medical News Today: What to know about whooping cough in adults
Whooping cough is an infection that is more common in children, but adults can also contract it. The symptoms are usually less severe in adults than in children. This article discusses the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of whooping cough in adult...
Medical News Today: What to know about winter rash
A winter rash is when the skin becomes dry, cracked, and painful during the winter. It usually results from cold, dry conditions. In this article, we look at the causes, symptoms, and treatments of winter ras...
Medical News Today: What to know about acute respiratory failure
Symptoms of acute respiratory failure include shortness of breath and confusion. Causes include lung-related conditions and chest trauma. Learn more about acute respiratory failure her...
Medical News Today: 17 reasons for always feeling hungry
There are many reasons why a person may always feel hungry, including dietary and lifestyle factors. However, increased or constant hunger can also be a sign of an underlying health condition. Learn about 17 reasons for always feeling hungry her...
Officials rejected infectious-disease chief's plea to move faster against hepatitis A outbreak, now nation's largest and deadliest
As part of a package of stories about Kentucky's hepatitis A outbreak, which is the "worst this century, sickening nearly 4,100 and killing 40," Laura Ungar and Chris Kenning of the Courier Journal write that the "state could have done more to control it."
In an April 2018 e-mail obtained by the Louisville newspaper,...
Medical News Today: Masturbation and depression: Is there a link?
While masturbation is not likely to have any effect on whether a person develops depression, having depression can affect a person’s libido and sexual function. Learn more her...
Medical News Today: Are eggs good for people with diabetes?
Eggs are a good source of protein for people with diabetes. They contain little carbohydrate and may improve fasting blood glucose levels. Learn more about the link between eggs and diabetes her...
Medical News Today: What to know about enlarged adenoids
Enlarged adenoids are common in children. This article provides an overview of enlarged adenoids, including how to recognize this condition, its causes and risk factors, and possible treatment...
Medical News Today: Alzheimer's: 'Holy herb' extract shows promise as future treatment
A laboratory screen found that a compound in the Yerba santa medicinal plant protects against several age-related triggers of death in mouse nerve cell...
Medical News Today: How language shapes our brains...and our lives
In this Spotlight, we look at the origins of spoken language, where language is present in the brain, and how the languages we speak shape our worl...
Medical News Today: How exercise can counter the effects of jet lag
New research finds that exercise can shift the body clock forward or backward, which helps counter the effects of jet lag or shift wor...
Poll finds those with dental insurance are more likely to visit the dentist, and insurance often depends on income
Nearly 60 percent of Kentucky adults saw a dentist in the past year, but 26 percent said they delayed dental care because it cost too much, according to the latest Kentucky Health Issues Poll.
"Good dental health is about more than an attractive smile; taking care of your teeth and gums and seeing a dentist regularly can help...
Medical News Today: What is an amylase blood test?
Doctors typically use amylase blood tests to diagnose and monitor people with acute or chronic pancreatitis. However, abnormally high or low levels of amylase in the blood can be a sign of several other conditions. Learn about what to expect from an amylase blood test her...
Medical News Today: How to perform a lymphatic drainage massage
When health conditions cause a buildup of lymph fluid, people can use lymphatic drainage massage to get this fluid moving. In this article, we discuss the benefits of lymphatic massage and how to do it at hom...
Medical News Today: The unexpected dangers of gum disease
According to recent research, gum disease may increase the risk of a range of seemingly unrelated conditions, including cancer and dementi...
Sweeteners: Time to rethink your choices?
When it comes to low-calorie sweeteners, you have a lot of choices. There’s the blue one, the pink one, the yellow one, or the green one. Whichever one you choose, know that scientists have probably studied it extensively. What they’ve found may surprise you.
Artificial and other non-caloric sweeteners: The major players
The marketers for artificial sweeteners have color-coded their products, but they differ in some important ways beyond their packaging....
