Health Library

Your Birth Year Could Influence Your Odds for Obesity, Study Suggests TUESDAY, Dec. 30, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The year in which you're born might affect the activity of a gene that could raise your odds for obesity, a new study finds. Members of families who share an obesity-prone mutation of the FTO gene are more likely to carry extra weight if they were born after 1942, the researchers found. "You could have a family where your father might be born in 1920 and you were born after 1942, and you look...

Yoga May Cut Heart Disease Risk Factors TUESDAY, Dec. 16, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Yoga has long been believed to improve overall health, but a growing body of evidence shows the ancient practice may also help the heart, a new review finds. In fact, the benefits were similar to those of conventional exercise such as brisk walking, said lead researcher Paula Chu, a doctoral candidate at Harvard University's Health Policy Program in Boston. The review, of 37 clinical trials, found that people randomly ass...

Your Dog Really Is Listening to You WEDNESDAY, Nov. 26, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- While people have long believed their dogs understand what they're saying, a new study suggests they are processing the meaning and emotion of words in a human-like way. Past research has shown that dogs respond to different parts of human speech -- including the actual content and the emotional tone, said study author Victoria Ratcliffe. But her team's findings give a deeper insight into the canine brain, according to Ratc...

Yogurt Every Day May Help Keep Diabetes Away TUESDAY, Nov. 25, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Eating a serving a day of yogurt may lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, new research suggests. "The data we have gathered show that yogurt consumption can have significant benefit in reducing the risk of diabetes," said senior study author Dr. Frank Hu, a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard School of Public Health, in Boston. "It's not a huge effect, about an 18 percent reduction [in risk]....

Young Children, Energy Drinks a Dangerous Mix SUNDAY, Nov. 16, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The potential dangers of energy drinks, those highly caffeinated beverages that promise to stave off sleepiness, are well known, but a new study suggests that even young children are at risk. Although the target markets for energy drinks are typically teens and young adults, more than 40 percent of reports to U.S. poison control centers in a three-year period involved children under the age of 6, said study author Dr...

Y Chromosome Loss May Predict Earlier Death for Men WEDNESDAY, Oct. 22, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Elderly men who've lost the Y chromosome from their blood cells may be at increased risk for earlier death and death from cancer, a new study suggests. This age-related loss is common among men and could explain why men tend to die younger and have higher rates of certain cancers than women, who do not have a Y chromosome, the researchers say. The study authors analyzed blood samples from more than 1,150 men...

Young Caregivers Risk Failing in School, Study Says MONDAY, Oct. 13, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- More than 1.3 million American children and teens care for family members with physical or mental illness or substance abuse problems, and these children are at risk for poor health and school failure themselves, a new study shows. This "hidden population" of young caregivers suffers physical and emotional stress due to their caregiving duties, wrote study author Dr. Julia Belkowitz, an assistant professor of p...

 

 

 

 

 

Your Child's Asthma: Peak Flow Meters, Oximeters, and Spirometers What is a peak flow meter? A peak flow meter (PFM) is a device used to measure how well your child's asthma is under control. The device measures air flowing out of the lungs, called peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), as a child forcefully blows into the device. A peak flow meter, when used properly, can reveal narrowing of the airways in advance of asthma symptoms. Peak flow meters can help determine: When to seek emergency medical care T...

Your Child's Asthma: How Severe Is It? The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) grades asthma based on symptoms. Those grades are a guideline for treatment. However, your child's health care provider will treat your child based on his or her medical history and current symptoms. The severity of your child's asthma is likely to change over time. The goal of treatment is always to have as few symptoms as possible. Asthma severity: Intermittent asthma. Children with symptoms no more than two t...

Your Child's Asthma: Nebulizer Treatments A nebulizer is a device that sprays a fine, liquid mist of medication. Nebulizers are commonly used in younger children who cannot use inhalers. The device consists of an air compressor, a cup for medication, and tubing connected to a mouthpiece or mask through which the medication is inhaled. Each treatment takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Giving a treatment The following steps are recommended when giving a treatment to your child. However, always talk...

Your Child's Asthma: Avoiding Triggers How to avoid asthma triggers Many things can trigger an asthma flare-up, including the following: Upper respiratory infections, like colds or the flu Allergies to dust mites, pollens, pets, mold, or cockroaches Exercise Irritants, such as cigarette and other forms of smoke, strong odors and perfumes, fumes from wood stoves or kerosene heaters, and air pollution Weather changes The following is a list of things you can do to limit your child's exposure to common tri...

Your Child's Asthma What causes childhood asthma? Researchers continue to learn what causes asthma. It is not entirely understood. The following things play a part: Genetics. Asthma runs in families. Allergies. Some allergies are more common in people with asthma. And, allergies also tend to run in families. Respiratory infections. Infants and young children who have some respiratory infections are more likely to have long-term lung problems. Environmental factors. Irritants, like pollution and allergen...

Your Child's Asthma: Flare-ups What happens during a flare-up? Children with asthma have severe episodes or flare-ups when the air passages in their lungs become narrower and breathing becomes more difficult. Sensitive airways react to certain things, called triggers. Triggers can cause: The lining of the airways (bronchial tubes) to become more inflamed and swollen Tightening of the muscles that surround the airways Increased mucus production Decreased air movement through the lungs Normal Airway Asthm...

Your Child's Asthma Action Plan at School It's important to share your child's asthma action plan with his or her teacher and other school staff. If your child doesn't have an asthma action plan or it's not up-to-date, make sure you talk with his or her health care provider. What’s an action plan? What's an asthma action plan? This plan describes how to manage your child’s asthma. It includes information about your child's symptoms and medications. It also includes instructions about managing symptoms a...

Young Readers, Tomorrow's Leaders? THURSDAY, July 24, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Young children with strong reading skills may be on a fast track to a brighter future, a new study suggests. Kids with above average reading skills may have higher intelligence levels as they get older, according to British researchers. The study included 1,890 identical twins from Great Britain who were given reading and intelligence tests when they were ages 7, 9, 10, 12 and 16. Because each pair of twins had the same genes...

Your Genes May Help Pick Your Friends MONDAY, July 14, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- A person's DNA may play a big role in who they decide to hang with, a new study suggests. "Looking across the whole genome, we find that, on average, we are genetically similar to our friends," study co-author James Fowler, a professor of medical genetics and political science at the University of California, San Diego, said in a university news release. "We have more DNA in common with the people we pick as friends than we ...

Young Pro Pitchers May Face Higher Risk of 'Tommy John' Surgery: Study THURSDAY, July 10, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Pitchers who start playing Major League Baseball at a young age may be at increased risk for requiring elbow surgery later in their career, according to a new study. Researchers looked at 168 pitchers who spent at least one season in the major leagues and subsequently had surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the elbow of their throwing arm. These players were compared...

Your Stomach Bug May Well Be Norovirus FRIDAY June 27, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Norovirus, the highly contagious stomach bug dubbed the "cruise-ship virus," accounts for about one-fifth of all cases of gastroenteritis worldwide, according to a new study. These new estimates, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases , show a need for a vaccine to prevent the often violent attacks of vomiting and diarrhea associated with norovirus, the researchers said. "Our findings show that norovirus infection contr...

Your Smartphone Carries Your Personal Bacteria TUESDAY, June 24, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Your smartphone is personalized in a surprising way: It carries the same types of bacteria you have on your body, which suggests the devices could be used as bacterial and health sensors, a new study says. Trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, live on and in your body, some of them harmful, but many of them beneficial. Researchers assessed the microbiological connection between 17 people and their smartp...

Younger Blacks on Dialysis Fare Worse in Poor Neighborhoods: Study MONDAY, June 16, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Young black adult dialysis patients who live in poor neighborhoods are much more likely to die than their white counterparts, according to a new study. This racial difference was much less pronounced in wealthier neighborhoods, according to the study, published online recently in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology . Among dialysis patients aged 18 to 30, blacks are nearly twice as ...

Yoga May Not Help Ease Asthma, Study Suggests THURSDAY, June 5, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Although yoga is believed to boost physical and mental health, it does not seem to help ease symptoms of asthma, a new study finds. Even so, experts from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) noted that if it makes people with asthma feel better they should continue to practice it. "Many asthma sufferers look to complementary therapies, such as yoga, to help relieve their symptoms," Dr. Mich...

Your Workplace Employer support will be beneficial to successfully continuing breastfeeding. Discuss your plan to continue to breastfeed, and your need to pump or express breast milk during the workday, with your employer when you are pregnant or before you return to work. Be sure your employer understands that continued breastfeeding, and providing your milk by pumping at work, are not just good for your baby--they also are good for the company. Evidence indicates that employer support for continued br...

Yoga as Alternative Therapy for Cancer What is yoga? Yoga is an ancient mind-body health system that began in India more than 5,000 years ago. It has been used in the United States since the 1800s. Yoga uses slow movement, precise posture, meditation, and breathing exercises to reach a state of relaxation. Can yoga help people with cancer? As a complementary therapy, yoga can create a sense of well-being, improve the quality of life, provide relaxation, and reduce stress for some patients with cancer. Y...

Yellow Fever What is yellow fever? Yellow fever is a viral disease that is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Although it is a rare disease, many countries require that visitors have the yellow fever vaccination prior to entering the country. Generally, yellow fever only occurs in certain areas of Africa and South America. In South America (especially Brazil), infections occur sporadically, and usually among forestry and agricultural workers. In Africa, infections occur primarily in the tropical...

Your Child's Growth and Development Understanding your child's changing and emerging growth and development is an important part of parenting. As infants and children progress through a series of growth stages, they may encounter physical and emotional challenges, and some relatively common problems during these years. Growth and development includes not only the physical changes that will occur from infancy to adolescence, but also some of the changes in emotions, personality, behavior, thinking, and s...

Yervoy A drug used to treat melanoma that has spread to other parts of the body or that cannot be removed by surgery. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Yervoy binds to a substance called CTLA-4, which is found on the surface of T cells (a type of white blood cell). Yervoy may block CTLA-4 and help the immune system kill cancer cells. It is a type of monoclonal antibody. Also called ipilimumab and MDX-010.

yellow fever A disease caused by infection with the yellow fever virus, which is carried by mosquitos. Symptoms include body aches, chills, fever, severe headache, weakness, and a yellow skin color. Bleeding, vomiting, and failure of the liver and other organs may occur in late stages of the disease.

yttrium Y 90 DOTA anti-CEA monoclonal antibody M5A A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. M5A is a monoclonal antibody that binds to a protein called CEA on the surface of some tumor cells. It is linked to a radioisotope called yttrium Y 90, which may help kill the cancer cells. Yttrium Y 90 DOTA anti-CEA monoclonal antibody M5A is a type of radioimmunoconjugate and a type of radiopharmaceutical.

yttrium Y 90 edotreotide A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. Yttrium Y 90 edotreotide contains yttrium Y 90 (a radioactive form of the metal yttrium) attached to a molecule that binds to certain types of neuroendocrine tumors (tumors that come from cells that release hormones). The radioactivity from yttrium Y 90 may kill the cancer cells. Also called yttrium Y 90 DOTA-tyr3-octreotide and yttrium Y 90 SMT 487.

Y 90 ibritumomab tiuxetan A radiolabeled monoclonal antibody that is used to treat certain types of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and is being studied in the treatment of other types of B-cell tumors. It is made up of the monoclonal antibody ibritumomab plus the radioisotope yttrium Y 90. It binds to the protein called CD20, which is found on B cells. The radiation in the yttrium Y 90 may kill the cancer cells. Y 90 ibritumomab tiuxetan is a type of radiopharmaceutical. Also called IDEC-Y2B8, Y 90 Zevalin...

Y 90 Zevalin A radiolabeled monoclonal antibody that is used to treat certain types of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and is being studied in the treatment of other types of B-cell tumors. It is made up of the monoclonal antibody ibritumomab plus the radioisotope yttrium Y 90. It binds to the protein called CD20, which is found on B cells. The radiation in the yttrium Y 90 may kill the cancer cells. Y 90 Zevalin is a type of radiopharmaceutical. Also called IDEC-Y2B8, Y 90 ibritumomab tiuxetan, and yttrium...

yttrium Y 90 DOTA monoclonal antibody HuAFP31 A substance being studied in the treatment of liver cancer. HuAFP31 is a monoclonal antibody that can bind to tumor cells that make a protein called alpha fetoprotein (AFP). It is linked to a radioactive substance called yttrium Y 90, which may help kill the cancer cells. Yttrium Y 90 DOTA monoclonal antibody HuAFP31 is a type of radioimmunoconjugate.

YKL-40 A substance that may be found in higher-than-normal amounts in the blood of patients with certain types of cancer and inflammatory diseases. It is a type of glycoprotein.

yttrium Y 90 A radioactive form of the rare metal yttrium that is used in radiation therapy to treat some types of tumors. Yttrium Y 90 can be linked to a molecule, such as a monoclonal antibody, to help it locate and bind to certain substances in the body, including cancer cells. The radiation may kill the cancer cells.

yoga An ancient system of practices used to balance the mind and body through exercise, meditation (focusing thoughts), and control of breathing and emotions. Yoga is being studied as a way to relieve stress and treat sleep problems in cancer patients.

yttrium Y 90 DOTA monoclonal antibody HuPAM4 A substance being studied in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer. HuPAM4 is a monoclonal antibody that can locate and bind to pancreatic cancer cells. It is linked to a radioactive substance called yttrium Y90, which may help kill cancer cells. Yttrium Y 90 DOTA monoclonal antibody HuPAM4 is a type of radioimmunoconjugate.

yangona An herb native to islands in the South Pacific. Substances taken from the root have been used in some cultures to relieve stress, anxiety, tension, sleeplessness, and problems of menopause. Yangona may increase the effect of alcohol and of certain drugs used to treat anxiety and depression. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises users that yangona may cause severe liver damage. The scientific name is Piper methysticum. Also called intoxicating pepper, kava kava, rauschpfeffer, and tonga.

yohimbe 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 johimbe.

yin and yang In Chinese philosophy, yin and yang are opposite forces that form a whole. Everything contains both yin and yang in a balance that is always changing, such as hot and cold, day and night, and health and disease. In traditional Chinese medicine, disease is diagnosed and treated based on the balance of yin and yang.

yttrium Y 90 DOTA-biotin A compound that contains the radioisotope yttrium Y 90 linked to the chemical biotin. Biotin is a molecule that binds strongly to the chemical streptavidin. Yttrium Y 90 DOTA-biotin will find tumor cells in the body that have been targeted by an antibody linked to streptavidin and kill them. It is being studied together with CC49-streptavidin in the treatment of cancer. Also called 90Y-DOTA-biotin.

YM598 A substance that is being studied as a treatment for advanced prostate cancer and for pain caused by prostate cancer that has spread to the bone. It belongs to the family of drugs called endothelin ETA receptor antagonists.

yttrium Y 90 DOTA-tyr3-octreotide A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. Yttrium Y 90 DOTA-tyr3-octreotide contains yttrium Y 90 (a radioactive form of the metal yttrium) attached to a molecule that binds to certain types of neuroendocrine tumors (tumors that come from cells that release hormones). The radioactivity from yttrium Y 90 may kill the cancer cells. Also called yttrium Y 90 edotreotide and yttrium Y 90 SMT 487.

yttrium Y 90 ibritumomab tiuxetan A radiolabeled monoclonal antibody that is used to treat certain types of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and is being studied in the treatment of other types of B-cell tumors. It is made up of the monoclonal antibody ibritumomab plus the radioisotope yttrium Y 90. It binds to the protein called CD20, which is found on B cells. The radiation in the yttrium Y 90 may kill the cancer cells. Yttrium Y 90 ibritumomab tiuxetan is a type of radiopharmaceutical. Also called IDEC-Y2...

yttrium Y 90 SMT 487 A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. Yttrium Y 90 SMT 487 contains yttrium Y 90 (a radioactive form of the metal yttrium) attached to a molecule that binds to certain types of neuroendocrine tumors (tumors that come from cells that release hormones). The radioactivity from yttrium Y 90 may kill the cancer cells. Also called yttrium Y 90 DOTA-tyr3-octreotide and yttrium Y 90 edotreotide.

yttrium A metal of the rare earth group of elements. A radioactive form of yttrium may be attached to a monoclonal antibody or other molecule that can locate and bind to cancer cells and be used to diagnose or treat some types of cancer.

Your Employment Rights as a Cancer Survivor Work fulfills a critical financial and emotional need for most cancer survivors. In addition to providing income and important benefits such as health insurance, employment also can be a source of self-esteem. Cancer, however, may create barriers to finding and keeping a job, as well as wreak havoc on the ability to pay bills and to obtain adequate health insurance. Although most employers treat cancer survivors fairly and legally, some employers—either throug...

In your last trimester, you may feel short of breath or the need to use the bathroom more often. This is normal. Your growing baby is putting pressure on your organs.

The first change you may notice when you become pregnant is a missed period. Some women also develop headaches, fatigue, or breast tenderness just after they conceive.

The March of Dimes recommends avoiding the following foods when you're pregnant: Raw shark, swordfish, tilefish, and other fish that can be high in mercury Raw or undercooked eggs Unpasteurized juices Unpasteurized cheese Raw sprouts Herbal supplements Herbal teas

Stretch marks may appear on your abdomen, and the skin around your nipples will darken in this trimester.

Younger Smokers at Risk Not smoking can reduce the risk for fatal strokes in young and middle-aged adults. A study by the American Stroke Association found that stroke patients ages 18 to 49 who smoked were 3.7 times more likely to have a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) stroke than nonsmokers. SAH is fatal up to 50 percent of the time.

Yogurt Helps Produce a Slimmer You Plain yogurt should be a part of your diet, particularly if you are trying to lose weight. Researchers from the University of Tennessee found that people who ate plain yogurt as part of a reducing diet lost more weight than did people who didn't eat yogurt while dieting. If you're dieting, try to include three servings of fat-free or low-fat dairy products in your menu each day.

Younger Kids Shouldn't Use Skateboards Skateboards and scooters are popular with children. But the American Academy of Pediatrics offers this caution: Skateboards aren't safe for children younger than 10, and protective gear such as helmets, wrist guards, elbow and knee pads should be worn. You should insist that older kids wear protective gear, as well.

Yersinia (Stool) Does this test have other names? Yersiniosis test, Yersinia stool culture What is this test? This test checks for an infection from the Yersinia bacteria. This infection is also called yersiniosis. Most cases of infection in the U.S. are from a type of bacteria called Yersinia enterocolitica . This illness is most common in children, and it tends to strike more often during the winter. Eating or handling undercooked pork – especially pork chitterlings, or intestines – raises the risk fo...

Yohimbine Hydrochloride Oral tablet What is this medicine? YOHIMBINE (yoh HIM been) is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. How should I use this medicine? Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. This medicine is not for use in children. What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine? Side effects that you should report to your doct...