Chronic inflammation in the gut may be due to inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. It’s unclear what causes IBD. Doctors suspect it’s a combination of factors, such as eating an unhealthy diet or using certain medications; altered gut bacteria; having a leaky gut; or genetics. The goal of IBD treatment is remission: suppressed symptoms, lower blood levels of inflammatory markers, and normal-looking bowel and tissue biopsies. Approaches to achieve remission and prevent flare-ups include medication, a healthy lifestyle, and possibly surgery.
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Blood clots in the legs (deep-vein thrombosis, or DVT) can break loose and travel through the veins to the heart and then to the lungs, causing a dangerous pulmonary embolism. Common triggers for blood clots include being bedridden for long periods; sitting for long periods in a car, plane, or train; or getting too little activity and sitting too much. To avoid blood clots in the legs, it helps to hydrate, get up from sitting every hour or two and stretch the legs, move the legs while lying down, or wear compression stockings.
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A study published online April 20, 2021, by the journal Nature Communications suggests thatgetting too little sleep in midlife increases the risk for dementia later in life. Researchers analyzed the sleep data of 8,000 middle-aged adults who were followed for 25 years. People who slept six hours per night at age 50 were 22% more likely to develop dementia, compared with people who slept seven hours. People who slept six hours per night at age 60 were 37% more likely to develop dementia, compared with people who slept seven hours. The study was observational and can’t prove causation.
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Non-weight-bearing exercise takes the burden off the hips and knees and makes it easier for people with joint pain to exercise. Exercise machines that are gentle on the joints include an elliptical trainer, a stationary bike, and a rowing machine. Low-impact exercises can also provide a good cardio workout and muscle strengthening without stressing the joints. Examples include pool exercises, tai chi, and short walks at a brisk pace.
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Research has shown that social isolation is bad for our health. Sharing our personal stories helps connect us, and it is an important aspect of maintaining mental health and managing chronic conditions.
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News stories frequently tout “breakthrough” drugs, but how often does this turn out to be true? When you read or hear about the results of a study for a new medication, these steps can help you ask questions to get the full story and a better sense of what it might mean for your health.
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As humans, we live our lives in a chaotic world, knowing that bad things happen to people every day, yet we are expected to continue moving forward. How do we do this? By finding ways to confront life’s dangers with hope, an essential component of our well-being.
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Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under a year old. Usually, cases drop in spring and summer, but the pattern is changing and parents should be watchful.
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Heart failure can limit a person’s ability to accomplish daily tasks, affect quality of life, and even shorten lives. Updated guidelines for one form of heart failure are available to help clinicians and people living with this condition navigate complex therapy options.
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One reason people eat yogurt is because it contains probiotics — beneficial bacteria and yeasts that improve digestion, provide protection from dangerous organisms, and boost the immune system. But not everyone likes the taste or texture of yogurt, so here are some other foods that offer the same benefits.
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