In today's world of social media, it's not uncommon to come across medical advice that lacks scientific evidence. One such trend gaining attention is mouth taping to address snoring. However, while conscious nose breathing during the day can have its benefits, such as regulating breathing, filtering allergens, and reducing anxiety, using tape to maintain nasal breathing during sleep can pose risks. It may lead to difficulty in breathing, disrupted sleep, or skin irritation. Surprisingly, there is no scientific research supporting this practice, and in some instances, it may even lower oxygen levels during sleep.
Because I didn't have any skin problems, I remember being confused as I walked through a store looking for products to add to what I already used for my skin. I wanted something very affordable, so I looked for a product that I could use both morning and night. When I came across Osiris Avise recovery oil, I decided to give it a try. This is what I have to say about this product.
1. The pricing is reasonable given what the item does.
2. The product is a good one to own because you can use it with makeup and it gives your skin a brightly shining, moisturised appearance.
3. It also somewhat lightened my skin tone and became my go-to skin care item, especially on lazy days.
4. According to what is written on the product, it heals scars. I have a scar on my face, but I didn't keep note of whether or not it improved my appearance, so I can't speak to that. However, it definitely enhanced the appearance of my skin and made it smoother.
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According to Harvard research, top-rated hospitals had "stunning" price differences for common testing.
You probably browse around to compare prices before paying for a service, like a house repair or a plane ticket, for example. But because of the way our healthcare system is set up, you can't do that for medical services. Until the bill comes, you frequently don't even know how much your health insurance will cover or how much is your obligation.
The new federal Transparency in Coverage rule, which goes into effect in January 2021, aims to address this issue. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued the rule, which requires hospitals to: (1) publish the prices for every good and service they provide; and (2) create a user-friendly interface so that patients can estimate their expected costs for common tests and procedures.
Clear and varying prices
Clarifying the true costs related to diagnosis and treatment makes sense because cardiovascular disease is the most costly chronic disease for the American health care system. To achieve that goal, researchers at the Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center's Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Center for Outcomes Research made use of information made accessible by the new transparency rule. They were able to compare costs for six common heart tests and operations by browsing the websites of 20 of the best hospitals in the United States. These costs are the outcome of discussions between an insurance provider and a hospital or healthcare organization. Wide price disparities were uncovered by their research, which was published in the September 2022 issue of JAMA Internal Medicine.
According to lead author Dr. Rishi Wadhera, "The variation in prices for identical cardiovascular tests and procedures across different hospitals was, quite frankly, stunning." There was a 10-fold variation in the median cost of an echocardiogram (a cardiac ultrasound) between institutions. Prices varied even further for procedures like pacemaker implantation and percutaneous coronary interventions, which include minimally invasive techniques like stent placement to unblock blocked heart arteries.
Depending on which commercial insurance company a patient had, there were significant price variations within the same hospital. According to Dr. Wadhera, the cost of a stress test varies fivefold in one facility.
You probably browse around to compare prices before paying for a service, like a house repair or a plane ticket, for example. But because of the way our healthcare system is set up, you can't do that for medical services. Until the bill comes, you frequently don't even know how much your health insurance will cover or how much is your obligation.
The new federal Transparency in Coverage rule, which goes into effect in January 2021, aims to address this issue. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued the rule, which requires hospitals to: (1) publish the prices for every good and service they provide; and (2) create a user-friendly interface so that patients can estimate their expected costs for common tests and procedures.
Clear and varying prices
Clarifying the true costs related to diagnosis and treatment makes sense because cardiovascular disease is the most costly chronic disease for the American health care system. To achieve that goal, researchers at the Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center's Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Center for Outcomes Research made use of information made accessible by the new transparency rule. They were able to compare costs for six common heart tests and operations by browsing the websites of 20 of the best hospitals in the United States. These costs are the outcome of discussions between an insurance provider and a hospital or healthcare organization. Wide price disparities were uncovered by their research, which was published in the September 2022 issue of JAMA Internal Medicine.
According to lead author Dr. Rishi Wadhera, "The variation in prices for identical cardiovascular tests and procedures across different hospitals was, quite frankly, stunning." There was a 10-fold variation in the median cost of an echocardiogram (a cardiac ultrasound) between institutions. Prices varied even further for procedures like pacemaker implantation and percutaneous coronary interventions, which include minimally invasive techniques like stent placement to unblock blocked heart arteries.
Depending on which commercial insurance company a patient had, there were significant price variations within the same hospital. According to Dr. Wadhera, the cost of a stress test varies fivefold in one facility.
Lowering "bad" LDL cholesterol levels is crucial for preventing heart disease, but what about "good" HDL cholesterol? Understanding the role of HDL in heart health is just as important. This article explores the significance of HDL cholesterol and provides tips for maintaining healthy levels.
Why LDL Cholesterol Matters
Reducing LDL cholesterol is a key strategy for protecting against cardiovascular disease. When LDL levels are high, plaque can build up in the arteries, leading to heart attacks and strokes. The target LDL level varies based on individual risk factors. For those at high risk, aiming for an LDL of less than 70 mg/dL is recommended. Individuals at average risk should strive for levels below 100 mg/dL through lifestyle changes or medication.
The Role of HDL Cholesterol
While HDL cholesterol often takes a backseat in discussions about cholesterol, it plays a crucial role in heart health. HDL patrols the blood vessels, collecting excess cholesterol and transporting it to the liver for removal. This process prevents the formation of harmful plaque. Guidelines recommend an HDL level between 40 mg/dL and 60 mg/dL for men. Levels below 40 mg/dL may indicate insufficient HDL function.
Is Higher HDL Always Better?
Contrary to popular belief, extremely high HDL levels above 80 mg/dL may not provide additional benefits. HDL's protective effects depend on a balance with LDL and triglyceride levels. To optimize cardiovascular protection, all three lipid components should be maintained at healthy levels.
The Impact of Junk Food on Deep Sleep: How Your Diet Affects Restful Nights
Are you looking to improve the quality of your sleep? It might be time to reconsider your junk food habits. Recent research has revealed that consuming an unhealthy diet high in processed foods can have a detrimental effect on deep sleep, also known as slow-wave sleep. This particular stage of sleep plays a crucial role in the release of growth hormone, which aids in the repair and development of muscles, bones, and other tissues. Additionally, deep sleep contributes to enhanced cognitive function and memory.
A study, published online on May 28, 2023, in the prestigious journal Obesity, examined the sleep patterns of 15 healthy men with regular sleep routines, averaging seven to nine hours per night. These participants were divided into two groups: one consumed a healthy diet, while the other followed an unhealthy diet for a week. Although both diets provided the same number of calories tailored to each individual's daily needs, the unhealthy diet contained higher levels of sugar and saturated fat, along with a significant portion of processed foods.
The positive effects of afternoon napping are widely known, as they can boost mood, reduce tiredness, and enhance alertness. However, it is important to consider the optimal duration of these naps. A recent study published in the May 2023 edition of Obesity suggests that keeping midday naps under 30 minutes is ideal for maintaining good health.
The study involved 3,275 individuals who were in good health. Baseline health assessments were conducted, and participants completed a questionnaire regarding their napping habits as well as other lifestyle factors such as diet and sleep patterns. The findings revealed that individuals who took midday naps lasting 30 minutes or longer had higher body mass index, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure compared to those who did not nap. On the other hand, participants who had shorter naps, lasting less than 30 minutes, did not exhibit these risks and were even less likely to have elevated blood pressure compared to non-nappers.
New research suggests that individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The study, conducted in Sweden, examined the medical records of over 5.4 million people without pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. The findings revealed that 38% of those with ADHD were diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, compared to 24% of individuals without ADHD. The increased risk remained even after accounting for other factors that contribute to heart problems, such as obesity, sleep issues, and heavy smoking. Surprisingly, the study also found that the use of medication for ADHD did not impact the elevated risk. The authors of the study recommend that individuals with ADHD be closely monitored for signs of heart disease. The findings were published in the October 2022 edition of World Psychiatry.
Neck pain can be incredibly uncomfortable and debilitating, affecting your daily life in various positions. While structural issues like arthritis or degenerated discs can contribute to neck pain, it's often the result of strains in the neck muscles that are triggered by subtle activities in your daily routine. Here are some surprising causes of neck pain and strain, along with quick fixes to alleviate the discomfort.
Binge-watching TV shows: Spending hours watching TV in an awkward position, such as leaning too far back or to the side, can strain your neck muscles. Using a horseshoe-shaped travel pillow when leaning back and changing positions every 15-20 minutes can provide relief.
Leaning forward: Leaning forward throughout the day, whether it's to see a computer monitor or during a conversation, can strain your neck muscles. Keeping your back straight and tilting forward at your hips, adjusting your monitor or font size, and considering eyeglasses or a hearing test can help.
Wearing a flimsy bra: Wearing a bra with little support can strain your neck and shoulder muscles, especially for those with heavy breasts. Opting for a well-fitting bra that provides proper support or trying a sports or posture bra can distribute the weight of your breasts more evenly.
Sleeping in risky positions: Sleeping on your stomach or on your side without adequate neck support can lead to neck muscle strain and pain. Avoid sleeping on your stomach and ensure your pillow provides enough support by filling any gaps between your head and shoulders.
Sitting "comfortably": Slouching while sitting can put abnormal strain on your neck and back. Sitting up straight, practicing proper posture, and using an ergonomic chair can alleviate this strain.
If you find yourself getting bothered by sounds like chewing, sniffling, heavy breathing, and more, you may be experiencing misophonia. This surprisingly common condition can be challenging to manage, but there are ways to cope with it.
For some individuals, hearing their spouse slurping, a colleague cracking their joints, or a friend clearing their throat can be more than just annoying. These everyday sounds, along with snoring, sniffling, loud chewing, yawning, and heavy breathing, can trigger feelings of agitation, rage, or disgust.
This aversion is a characteristic of misophonia, a sensory processing disorder that elicits an exaggerated emotional response to sounds made by others. According to a study published in the journal PLOS One, nearly one in five adults experience this condition, with women generally having more intense reactions than men.
Dr. Michael Mufson, a psychiatrist and director of the Complex Diagnostic Center at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital, explains that individuals with misophonia "can't stand to be in the room with those sounds" and often try to avoid such situations, although it is often challenging to do so.
It's not uncommon to have never heard of misophonia before, as only 14% of participants in the study were aware of the diagnosis. However, as the stigma surrounding the condition diminishes, more people are coming forward with their experiences. Dr. Mufson notes that misophonia is no longer a hidden disorder.
New research suggests that consuming more foods rich in magnesium could improve brain health, particularly in women. The study, published in the European Journal of Nutrition, involved over 6,000 adults aged 40 to 73 in the UK. Participants completed an online survey multiple times over 16 months, which allowed researchers to calculate their average daily magnesium intake based on their consumption of various magnesium-rich foods such as leafy greens, legumes, seeds, nuts, and whole grains. MRI imaging was used to measure participants' brain volumes. The findings revealed that individuals who consumed more than 550 milligrams of magnesium per day had larger brain volumes, equivalent to a brain age approximately one year younger by the age of 55, compared to those who consumed about 350 milligrams of magnesium daily. These effects were more pronounced in women compared to men. The researchers noted that less age-related brain shrinkage is associated with better brain function and a reduced risk of dementia in the future
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