Inaccurate beliefs about black patients’ biology can lead to inaccurate treatment recommendations

Are some doctors letting skin color affect their clinical decisions? A new study published online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that medical students’ false beliefs about biological differences between black and white patients may affect how they perceive a patient’s pain. Researchers collected survey results from 222 white medical students at the University of Virginia.

Glutathione: Why you need to know about this powerful detoxifier

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a “soldier” in your body who fights almost anything that could make you sick and age faster? Yes, the body has many ways of repairing itself, including abilities to bind and neutralize chemical free radicals and toxins, increase immune defenses, fight cancer and even combat aging skin. Most aging occurs when the human body is unable to deal with incoming environmental and other unhealthy stresses. Having little buddies inside you to elbow those nasty toxins and radicals can help!

How much do you know about vitamin B2?

The most famous B vitamin, it seems, is B12 – a popular choice for vitamin injections for people looking for an extra energy boost. But have you heard about vitamin B2? It is also called riboflavin and is one of the eight important B vitamins.

How can women be proactive about kidney stones?

People who have passed kidney stones can attest that it can be very unpleasant, to say the least. And it’s certainly not something they would want to repeat, but unfortunately, about half of the people who have had them, get them again within seven years (without preventative measures). So let’s be proactive and talk about what women, specifically, need to know about kidney stones.

A sour truth about sweets and obesity

It’s no secret that obesity has been rising in America, and there are millions of people who want to get to the root cause of their weight gain so they can enjoy a healthy life. According to the CDC, the 2011–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey showed that 33.9 percent of U.S. adults aged 20 and older were overweight, 35.1 percent were obese, and 6.4 percent were extremely obese. Comparatively, in 1988, the number of overweight people was about the same, but the number of obese people was significantly lower at 22 percent. In the 1960s, obesity rates were just 13 percent. Times have changed, and it makes you wonder …

Working out with sand: What is all the hype about SandBells?

SandBells were first introduced in 2008, but are now changing the way personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts design their exercise programs. These spongy, sand-filled bags are constructed with a heavy-duty neoprene outside and leak-resistant stitching. This technology allows the user to drop, lift, swing, throw, toss, slam, glide with and even stomp on the SandBells without damaging them, yourself or other equipment.

Let’s talk about mental health: Bipolar disorder

October recently brought us World Mental Health Day. So let's look at a commonly misunderstood mental disorder -- bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is characterized by prolonged "highs" and "lows" in mood. During "highs," or manic states, people with bipolar disorder might be talking a mile a minute and have many ideas. They may seem to be tripping over their own words, sleep very little and spend large amounts of money. They may have high confidence and experience interpersonal problems.

Be proactive about overuse and misuse of antibiotics in nursing homes

Approximately 4.1 million Americans are admitted to or reside in nursing homes and long-term care facilities each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Although there are many health challenges these residents face, one of them is risk for infections, due to their age and disability. Unfortunately, the overuse and sometimes inappropriate use of antibiotics to treat suspected infections has led to antibiotic resistance, making the drugs less effective and complicating treatment.

Drug price super spike? Be proactive about toxoplasmosis to avoid it

By now, you’ve likely heard about the pharmaceutical company that raised the price of the drug Daraprim from $13.50 per pill to $750 per pill, sparking widespread outrage and a media firestorm. In response, the CEO has gone on record to say the pill price will indeed be lowered, but just how much is still yet to be seen. Drug companies understand supply and demand, but as a consumer, you’re the one left with the bill. So let’s look at some ways you can be proactive.

Be proactive about uterine fibroids

My friend looked four months pregnant. "Congrat--" was all I could utter, before she interrupted me. "Fibroid." Instead of a baby, a fibroid, or leiomyoma, was stretching out her uterus in noticeable fashion. She had the most common pelvic tumor, one that's seen in 12-25 percent of reproductive-age women. Hers wasn't symptomatic, but many women who have fibroids notice lower abdominal pain, heavy and long menstrual bleeding, or problems getting pregnant.

Be proactive about your joint pain

Joint pain occurs inside or around a single joint connecting two bones, and it can have a multitude of causes. For kids and young adults, joint pain typically comes from injuries (such as falls, sports trauma or accidents), which usually heal after a few weeks. However, joint pain in the middle and later years of life is often related to wear and tear or inflammation, and tends to be more chronic. Statistically, 1/3 of the population has arthritis in one or more joints by the age of 65. With age, joint pain tends to increase, but it does not have to be inevitable.

Be proactive about stents!

There are many people, mostly over the age of 50, walking around with foreign objects in their chests. These objects are called stents, and they have been reported to be lifesavers to innumerable people with coronary artery disease. In the past, even people who didn't have a heart attack, but who did have partial heart blockages (i.e. coronary artery disease), would get stents. But recent medical literature questions whether everyone with heart disease needs a stent.

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