Lupus Symptoms and Diagnostic Tests
I have a rash covering a good portion of my face. My doctor ran blood tests for lupus. The antinuclear antibody test came back positive. Does this mean I have lupus?
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Melanosis Coli
I have been undergoing a program of colon cleansing with an herbal product. Recently, I underwent a colonoscopy and my doctor said I have “melanosis coli,” which he thinks was caused by the colon cleansing. What is “melanosis coli” and should I be concerned?
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Home Tests May Not Help Some Diabetics
Testing blood sugar at home may not help people with type 2 diabetes, a study suggests. The study included 184 people who had just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. They were divided randomly into two groups. One group was told to test blood glucose eight times each week. The other group was told not to test. Every three months, they received a blood test known as hemoglobin A1c in the doctor’s office. This is a way to measure long-term blood sugar control. The two groups had similar A1c levels. Also, people who did the home tests were more likely to become depressed than people who did not. The study was published April 17 in the British Medical Journal.
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Gastric Bypass Surgery and Colon Cleansing
I had gastric bypass surgery four years ago. Can I safely take an herbal colon cleanse?
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Treating ADHD in children and adolescents
A long-term study of children with ADHD concluded that the most beneficial treatment involved medication, either alone or with behavioral therapy, but the effectiveness of medication begins to fade after about two years.
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In brief: Post-discharge counseling helps hospitalized smokers quit
An analysis of hospital-based programs to assist smokers in quitting found that only those that followed inpatient treatment with continued counseling and support after discharge were successful.
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Medication Update: Research raises questions about long-acting antipsychotics
A study of patients taking an injectable, long-acting form of an antipsychotic medication found that within six months of starting treatment, most patients had switched back to the oral form of the drug.
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Interactions Between Medications for High Blood Pressure and Cold Relief
I take high blood pressure medication. I have a cold that is settling into my chest. Can I use over-the-counter medications for mucus relief?
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Thriving, Struggling or Suffering in America
Nearly half of Americans are thriving, according to a new “well-being” index. But most of the rest are struggling. About 4% are suffering, with problems meeting their basic needs. The numbers are based on a Gallup survey of more than 100,000 people. They were asked about their lives and how well they are meeting their needs. People who are thriving mostly have higher incomes, more education and better health. The Associated Press wrote about the index April 30.
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ECG Urged Before Giving ADHD Drugs
Children should be tested for heart problems before being treated with drugs such as Ritalin, the American Heart Association (AHA) says. The new guidance applies to children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Drugs used to treat ADHD can increase blood pressure. They also can speed up the heart. In someone with a heart condition, this could cause the heart to stop. The AHA says kids should have an exam and an electrocardiogram before drugs are prescribed. The Associated Press wrote about the statement April 22. It was published in the journal Circulation.
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