Category: Health & Fitness

  • Cancer Screening: Cancers Detected, Who Needs It

    How do doctors screen for cancer? Doctors use various screening methods to detect cancer early, often before symptoms appear. The specific screening tests depend on the type of cancer being screened for and the individual’s risk factors, such as age, family history, and lifestyle. Here are some common cancer screening methods: Breast Cancer Cervical Cancer…

  • Breastfeeding: Benefits and Risks

    How should I start breastfeeding? Starting breastfeeding can be a wonderful and rewarding experience, but it may also come with challenges as you and your baby learn to breastfeed. Here are some steps to help you start breastfeeding: Remember, breastfeeding is a learned skill for both you and your baby, so be patient with yourselves…

  • Breast Self-Exam: How To

    How do I do a breast cancer self-exam? Performing a breast self-exam (BSE) can help you become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts, making it easier to detect any changes that may occur. Here’s how you can perform a breast self-exam: It’s important to remember that most breast lumps are not…

  • Body Mass Index (BMI): Underweight, Healthy Weight, and Obese

    What is a person’s body mass index? Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. It indicates whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. Here’s what BMI indicates: Keep in mind that BMI is not a perfect measure of health, as it does not take…

  • Blood Oxygen Level: What it is and how to increase it

    What is a healthy blood oxygen level? A healthy blood oxygen level, as measured by a device called a pulse oximeter, is typically between 95% and 100%. This means that your blood is carrying enough oxygen to meet your body’s needs. A blood oxygen level below 90% is considered low and may indicate hypoxemia, which…

  • Blood Alcohol Content: What is it and what is dangerous?

    What is blood alcohol content and what are the degrees of BAC? Blood alcohol content (BAC) is a measure of the amount of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream. It is typically expressed as a percentage and is used to determine the level of alcohol intoxication. BAC is influenced by factors such as the amount of…

  • Bladder-Irritating Foods and Bladder Friendly Foods

    What foods and drinks can irritate the bladder? Some foods and drinks can irritate the bladder and worsen symptoms of bladder stones, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and other bladder conditions. Here are some common culprits: Some specific foods that may be problematic for people with bladder stones or UTIs include: It’s essential to note that…

  • Birth Control Options

    What is tubal ligation and what are its benefits and risks? Tubal ligation, also known as “having your tubes tied,” is a surgical procedure that permanently prevents pregnancy. During the procedure, the fallopian tubes are either cut, sealed, or blocked to prevent eggs from reaching the uterus and sperm from reaching the eggs. Benefits of…

  • Biofeedback: Uses and Effectiveness

    What is biofeedback? Biofeedback is a technique that involves using monitoring devices to provide real-time information about physiological processes in the body, such as heart rate, muscle tension, skin temperature, and brainwave activity. The goal of biofeedback is to help individuals learn to control these processes consciously, often to improve health or performance. During a…

  • Benefits of Breastfeeding

    What are the benefits of breastfeeding? Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both the baby and the mother. Some of the key benefits include: For the baby: For the mother: It’s important to note that while breastfeeding is beneficial, it is not always possible or feasible for every mother and baby. In such cases, formula feeding…

  • The Four Attachment Styles

    What are the four attachment styles? The four attachment styles, as described by psychologist Mary Ainsworth and further developed by researchers such as John Bowlby and Mary Main, are: It’s important to note that attachment styles are not fixed and can change over time based on experiences and relationships. They can also vary across different…

  • Aromatherapy: Does it Work?

    What is aromatherapy? Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts, known as essential oils, to promote health and well-being. These essential oils are extracted from various parts of plants, including the flowers, leaves, bark, roots, and fruits, and are believed to have a wide range of therapeutic properties. Aromatherapy can be…

  • Allergy Shots: Uses, Side Effects

    What allergies do allergy shots work against? Allergy shots, also known as allergen immunotherapy, are effective against a variety of common allergens. They work by gradually desensitizing the immune system to specific allergens, thereby reducing the severity of allergic reactions over time. Allergy shots are particularly useful for individuals who have not found sufficient relief…

  • Advance Directives: The Three Types

    What are advance directives? Advance directives are legal documents that allow individuals to specify their wishes regarding medical treatment and care in the event that they are unable to communicate their decisions. These documents provide instructions to healthcare providers and family members about the type of care a person wants to receive or not receive…

  • A1C Tests

    What is an A1C test? The A1C test, also known as the hemoglobin A1C test, is a blood test that provides information about a person’s average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. It measures the percentage of hemoglobin — a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen — that has…