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Jakafi Approved for Chronic Bone Marrow Disease THURSDAY, Dec. 4, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Jakafi (ruxolitinib) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat polycythemia vera, a chronic disease of the bone marrow. Jakafi is the first FDA-sanctioned drug for the disease, which occurs when too many red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. This may lead to a swollen spleen and phlebitis, characterized by blood clots near the surface of the skin. The disease also increases the...

Just Try Getting an Appointment With a Psychiatrist WEDNESDAY, Oct. 15, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Residents of major U.S. metropolitan areas who need a psychiatrist are often likely to come up empty-handed, regardless of ability to pay, new research suggests. Why? Wrong numbers, unreturned phone calls, and full practices, according to a study conducted around Boston, Houston and Chicago. "One message from this is that having insurance, even good insurance, is not enough to guarantee that you can get the ...

Jealous, Moody Women May Face Higher Alzheimer's Risk, Study Says WEDNESDAY, Oct. 1, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Middle-aged women with a neurotic personality style and prolonged stress may have a heightened risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, new research suggests. Tracking 800 women over nearly four decades, Swedish scientists found that those who were most anxious, jealous and moody -- which they defined as neurotic -- and experienced long-standing stress had double the risk of developing Alzheimer'...

Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis What is juvenile ankylosing spondylitis? Juvenile ankylosing spondylitis (JAS) is a type of arthritis that affects the spine and the sites where the muscles, tendons, and ligaments are attached to bone. Ankylosing means stiff or rigid. Spondyl means spine. Itis refers to inflammation. The disease causes inflammation of the spine and large joints, resulting in stiffness and pain. The disease may wear away the joint between the spine and the hip bone (the sacroiliac joint)....

Jardiance Approved for Type 2 Diabetes FRIDAY, Aug. 1, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Jardiance (empagliflozin) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat type 2 diabetes, which accounts for some 90 percent of diabetes cases in the United States, the agency said Friday in a news release. Affecting some 26 million people in the United States, the disease can lead to complications including heart disease, blindness and nerve and kidney damage, the FDA said. Jardiance, from a class of dr...

J&J Pulls Hysterectomy Tool Tied to Cancer Risk From Market THURSDAY, July 31, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The largest maker of a surgical tool that has shown an increased risk of spreading undetected cancers in women has said it will withdraw its device from the market. In a letter that was to be sent to all of its customers Thursday, Johnson & Johnson asked that its laparoscopic power morcellators be returned to the company, the Wall Street Journal reported. Sales of new morcellators had been sus...

Job Loss Tougher for Americans Than Europeans THURSDAY, June 19, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Getting a pink slip is never uplifting, but a new study suggests it's a bigger downer for Americans than for Europeans. The study of more than 38,000 people in the United States and 13 European countries found that Americans are prone to developing depression if they become unemployed, compared to their European peers. The finding was especially strong if the job loss involved workers at a plant that had been close...

Joint Aspiration (Joint Injection and Aspiration, Joint Aspiration and Analysis, Arthrocentesis) Procedure overview What is joint aspiration? Joint aspiration refers to removing fluid from the space around a joint using a needle and syringe. This is usually performed under a local anesthetic to either relieve swelling or to obtain fluid for analysis to diagnose a joint disorder and/or problem. Joint aspiration is usually performed on the knee. However, fluid can also be removed from other joints, such a...

Joint X-ray with Contrast Dye (Arthrography, Arthrogram) Procedure overview What is joint X-ray with contrast dye? Joint X-ray with contrast dye is used to examine a joint, such as the knee or hip, when standard X-rays are not adequate. A series of X-rays is taken with the joint in various positions after contrast dye is placed in the joint. The doctor may use fluoroscopy, CT, or MR imaging to better visualize the joint. While joint X-ray is most commonly used to examine the knee and shoulder joints, it...

Juvenile Osteoporosis What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a progressive condition in which bone density is lost, or there is insufficient bone formation, thereby weakening the bones and making them more susceptible to fractures. Although much more common in older adults, especially women in menopause and after, osteoporosis can also occur during childhood. Most often, osteoporosis during childhood is caused by an underlying medical condition (called secondary osteoporosis) or a genetic disorder (such ...

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis What is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis? Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is a form of arthritis in children ages 16 or younger that causes inflammation and stiffness of joints for more than six weeks. Unlike adult rheumatoid arthritis, which is chronic and lasts a lifetime, children often outgrow juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. However, the disease can affect bone development in the growing child. The disease can be classified into three categories based on the number of a...

Juvenile Dermatomyositis What is juvenile dermatomyositis? Juvenile dermatomyositis is one of the conditions in a group of conditions called the dermatomyositis/polymyositis complex. The conditions in this complex are characterized by muscle damage due to an inflammatory process of the blood vessels that lie under the skin and muscles. Skin changes around the eyelids and over the knuckles and finger joints are also seen. Juvenile dermatomyositis is the condition most often seen in children. Juvenile der...

Joint Replacement Surgery What is joint replacement surgery? Click Image to Enlarge Joint replacement, a surgical procedure to remove and replace an arthritic or damaged joint with an artificial joint (called a prosthesis), may be considered only after other treatment options have failed to provide adequate relief from pain and/or disability. More than 285,000 primary total hip replacements and more than 600,000 total knee replacements are performed in the United States annually. When preparing for join...

What Do You Know About Juvenile Arthritis? Arthritis is usually thought of as a disease that occurs later in life, but one child in every thousand develops a juvenile form of this illness. About 300,000 children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with juvenile arthritis or other rheumatic conditions, according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). Take this quiz to learn more. 1. Joint inflammation that begins before age 16 and continues for at least six weeks is the hallmark of juvenile arthritis...

Jakafi A drug used to treat certain types of myelofibrosis. It is also being studied in the treatment of other blood diseases and some types of cancer. Jakafi blocks a protein called JAK, which may help keep abnormal blood cells or cancer cells from growing. It is a type of tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Also called ruxolitinib phosphate.

jejunostomy Surgery to create an opening into the jejunum (part of the small intestine) from the outside of the body. A jejunostomy allows a feeding tube to be put into the small intestine.

Jevtana A drug used with prednisone to treat hormone-resistant prostate cancer that has spread and that had been treated with docetaxel. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Jevtana blocks cell growth by stopping cell division and may kill cancer cells. It is a type of antimitotic agent. Also called cabazitaxel and taxoid XRP6258.

J-pouch colorectal anastomosis A surgical procedure in which the colon is attached to the remainder of the rectum after most of it has been removed during surgery for rectal cancer. A 2-inch to 4-inch section of the colon is formed into a J-shaped pouch to store stool until it can be eliminated.

JEB regimen An abbreviation for a chemotherapy combination used to treat childhood ovarian and testicular germ cell cancers that have spread. It includes the drugs carboplatin (JM8), etoposide phosphate, and bleomycin sulfate. Also called JEB.

JEB An abbreviation for a chemotherapy combination used to treat childhood ovarian and testicular germ cell cancers that have spread. It includes the drugs carboplatin (JM8), etoposide phosphate, and bleomycin sulfate. Also called JEB regimen.

juvenile rickets A condition in children in which bones become soft and deformed because they don’t have enough calcium and phosphorus. It is caused by not having enough vitamin D in the diet or by not getting enough sunlight. In adults, this condition is called osteomalacia. Also called infantile rickets, rachitis, and rickets.

juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma A slow-growing type of central nervous system tumor that forms from glial (supportive) tissue of the brain and spinal cord. Juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma usually occurs in children and young adults. It forms in the brain more often than the spinal cord.

Jamshidi needle A long, hollow needle with a tapered cutting edge on one end and a handle with a place to attach a syringe on the other end. It is used to remove a sample of tissue from the bone marrow. The needle is inserted through the bone into the bone marrow and the syringe is attached to the top to remove the sample or to deliver drugs or fluid into the bone.

Javlor A substance being studied in the treatment of bladder cancer, lung cancer, and other types of cancer. Also called vinflunine.

jiang huang An East Indian plant that is a member of the ginger family and is used as a spice and food color. The underground stems are used in some cultures to treat certain stomach problems. The substance in jiang huang that gives it a yellow color (curcumin) is being studied in the treatment of cancer, Alzheimer disease, cystic fibrosis, and psoriasis. The scientific name is Curcuma longa. Also called Indian saffron and turmeric.

johimbe A tree native to West Africa. The bark is used as a supplement for bodybuilding and to enhance male sexual performance. It contains the chemical yohimbine, which is being studied in the treatment of sexual dysfunction. It may interact with certain drugs used to treat depression, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar. The scientific name is Pausinystalia yohimbe. Also called yohimbe.

joint In medicine, the place where two or more bones are connected. Examples include the shoulder, elbow, knee, and jaw.

Jim’s Juice A liquid that has been promoted as a treatment for a wide range of diseases, including cancer. The ingredients thought to be in Jim’s Juice have been tested, and none of them have been shown to be effective in treating any form of cancer. Jim’s Juice is not available in the United States. Also called 126–F, Cancell, Cantron, JS–101, JS–114, Protocel, and Sheridan’s Formula.

JS–101 A liquid that has been promoted as a treatment for a wide range of diseases, including cancer. The ingredients thought to be in JS–101 have been tested, and none of them have been shown to be effective in treating any form of cancer. JS–101 is not available in the United States. Also called 126–F, Cancell, Cantron, Jim’s Juice, JS–114, Protocel, and Sheridan’s Formula.

JS–114 A liquid that has been promoted as a treatment for a wide range of diseases, including cancer. The ingredients thought to be in JS–114 have been tested, and none of them have been shown to be effective in treating any form of cancer. JS–114 is not available in the United States. Also called 126–F, Cancell, Cantron, Jim’s Juice, JS–101, Protocel, and Sheridan’s Formula.

JMML A rare form of childhood leukemia in which cancer cells often spread into tissues such as the skin, lung, and intestines. Also called juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia.

JM 216 A substance being studied in the treatment of prostate and other types of cancer. It contains the metal platinum and may kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA and stopping them from dividing. It is a type of alkylating agent. Also called BMS-182751 and satraplatin.

J-pouch coloanal anastomosis A surgical procedure in which the colon is attached to the anus after the rectum has been removed. A 2-4 inch section of the colon is formed into a J-shaped pouch in order to replace the function of the rectum and store stool until it can be eliminated. This procedure is similar to the side-to-end coloanal anastomosis but a larger pouch is formed.

Jewett staging system A staging system for prostate cancer that uses ABCD. “A” and “B” refer to cancer that is confined to the prostate. “C” refers to cancer that has grown out of the prostate but has not spread to lymph nodes or other places in the body. “D” refers to cancer that has spread to lymph nodes or to other places in the body. Also called ABCD rating and Whitmore-Jewett staging system.

jaundice A condition in which the skin and the whites of the eyes become yellow, urine darkens, and the color of stool becomes lighter than normal. Jaundice occurs when the liver is not working properly or when a bile duct is blocked.

J-107088 A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is a type of topoisomerase I inhibitor. Also called edotecarin.

juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia A rare form of childhood leukemia in which cancer cells often spread into tissues such as the skin, lung, and intestines. Also called JMML.

junctional nevus A type of nevus (mole) found at the junction (border) between the epidermis (outer) and the dermis (inner) layers of the skin. These moles may be colored and slightly raised.

Jasmine a Restful Scent Showering with jasmine-scented soap before bedtime or sleeping in a jasmine-scented room helped people sleep more soundly, say researchers at Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia. They tossed and turned less, felt more refreshed the next morning and were more alert throughout the day than people who slept in lavender-scented or fragrance-free rooms.

Joint Aspiration Podcast Detailed information on joint aspiration, including the reasons and preparation for the procedure, how the procedure is performed, after care, and an anatomical illustration of the anatomy of the knee. Play Audio

Jaundiced Newborn Return to Index Does this describe your child's symptoms? Definition The skin and whites of the eyes have turned yellow Types of Jaundice Physiological jaundice (50% of newborns) Onset 2 to 3 days of age Peaks day 4 to 5, then improves Disappears 1 to 2 weeks of age Breastfeeding or Malnutrition jaundice ( 5 to 10% of newborns) Due to inadequate intake of breastmilk Pattern similar to physiological type Also, causes poor weight gain Breastmilk jaundice (1% of newborns) Due to substance...

Jock Itch Return to Index Does this describe your symptoms? Definition Slowly expanding pink-red rash on inner thigh near genital area Rash is usually symmetrical (looks the same on both inner thighs) Rash is itchy and not painful In men it does not involve penis or scrotum In women it does not involve vulva General Information Jock Itch is a fungal infection that grows best on the warm, damp skin of the inner thigh. The medical term for this condition is "Tinea Cruris." It is usually caused by the same...

Japanese Encephalitis Virus Vaccine for injection, solution What is this medicine? JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS VIRUS VACCINE (jap uh NEEZ en sef uh LAHY tis VAHY ruhs vak SEEN) is a vaccine. It is used to help prevent Japanese encephalitis infections. You cannot get the disease from the vaccine. How should I use this medicine? This vaccine is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional. Two doses are given. The second dose is given 28 days after the first dose. A copy of Vaccine Inf...

Journaling for Mental Health When you were a teenager, you might have kept a diary hidden beneath your mattress. It became your confidant and a place to confess your struggles and fears without judgment or punishment. It probably felt good to get all of those thoughts and emotions out of your head and down on paper. The world seemed clearer. Although you may have ditched the diary once you reached adulthood, the concept and its benefits still apply. Now it’s called journaling. It's simply writing down y...

Jumping Rope: A Kid Favorite with Grownup Benefits If you're searching for a great piece of exercise equipment, just ask the nearest grade-schooler. Kids jumping rope on playgrounds and at parks are getting a great workout while having fun. A jump rope is simple and rugged. You can work out with it at the gym or in your living room (if your ceiling is high enough). It's easily portable and fits into your purse or even your pocket. Better still, you can pick one up for less than $15 at a department or sp...

Jog or Walk? Both Boost Your Health Which is better for you, jogging or walking? Nearly all studies show that jogging provides slightly more benefits for your bones, muscles, heart, and lungs. But walking has gained a lot of ground in the last decade or so as a viable exercise. It strengthens bones, tones muscles, and helps your cardiovascular system. Walking is easier on the body's joints. It causes far fewer injuries to heels, shins, knees, and hips than jogging or stair climbing, according to the Ame...

Job Safety Critical for Teens The main threats to teens are often said to involve drugs, alcohol, or car crashes. But there’s another risk most parents might not think of: work. Labor laws limit the kinds of jobs that kids younger than 18 can hold and the hours they can work. Still, tens of thousands of teens are badly hurt at work each year, says the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Variety of injuries Injuries range from cuts and burns to sprains and broken bones. Hazards run the...

Jump in, Just Don't Swallow the Water SATURDAY, May 24, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Taking a dip in the water can help refresh you on a hot day, but you need to protect yourself and your family from bacteria and parasites that can lurk in water, an infectious disease expert says. "One of the worst offenders is the kiddie wading pool," Dr. Christopher Ohl, professor of infectious diseases at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, said in a medical center news release. "Warm, shallow water and kids in swim diap...

Jury Still Out on Whether Doctors Should Screen for Suicide Risk MONDAY, May 19, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- There is still not enough evidence to recommend either for or against patients getting routinely screened for suicide risk by their primary care doctors, an influential panel of experts said. The ruling applies to when doctors are dealing with teens, adults and older adults without a mental health disorder or symptoms of mental illness, according to a final recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Se...