Do Certain Ethnic Groups Have a Higher Risk of Diabetes?

One out of every 10 people in the United States has diabetes. Pacific Islanders, Alaskan natives and American Indians have the highest prevalence rates of diabetes among groups studied in the United States Census. According to the National Diabetes Statistics Report (2020), a periodic publication of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 10.5 percent of people in the...

Can Doctors Tell if You Smoke From a Blood Test?

A nicotine test measures the level of nicotine or the chemicals cigarettes produce in the body. A lab examination called a nicotine test may help a doctor determine the nicotine content in a person's body. Yes, a lab examination called a nicotine test may help a doctor determine the nicotine content in a person’s body. A nicotine test measures the...

Liver Function Tests: Normal, High, and Low Ranges, Chart & Results

Liver blood tests are some of the most commonly performed blood tests.Source: MedicineNet / iStock What are the basic functions of the liver? The liver is located in the right upper portion of the abdominal cavity just beneath the rib cage. The liver has many functions that are vital to life. Briefly, some of the important functions of the human...

Can You Get a Skin Rash From Stress?

Stress can make the skin break into hives Yes, the stress can make the skin break into hives. Stress induces a chemical response in the body that makes the skin more sensitive. It releases the hormone, cortisol, in the body that directs the gland in the skin to produce more oil, causing more skin problems. Stress rash isn’t a reason...

Breast Cancer Self-Exam: Get Tips and Steps

Breast cancer can recur at any time, but most recurrences occur in the first three to five years after initial treatment. Breast cancer can come back as a local recurrence (in the treated breast or near the mastectomy scar) or as a distant recurrence somewhere else in the body. The most common sites of recurrence include the lymph nodes, the...

Teeth Grinding: Treatment, Mouth Guards and How to Stop

What is teeth grinding? Teeth grinding can create numerous problems such as local muscular pain, headaches, loss of tooth structure, etc. Teeth grinding is a condition whereby one excessively grinds or clenches their teeth. Typically grinding and clenching occurs mostly when sleeping but some individuals may grind and clench during the day also. Teeth grinding is also referred to as...

Bad Breath Home Remedies, Symptoms & Halitosis Prevention

Bad breath (halitosis) facts Halitosis, or bad breath, can be cured with treatment of the underlying causes. Bad breath, or halitosis, is characterized by an unpleasant odor of the mouth. Causes of bad breath include food, tobacco products, poor dental hygiene, health problems, dry mouth, oral infections, dental problems, or medications. Symptoms of bad breath include unpleasant odor or taste...

Breast Biopsy Procedure Recovery, Types & Results

Breast biopsy facts Readers Comments 6 Share Your Story A breast biopsy procedure is usually done to determine whether a growth in the breast is cancerous or benign. A lump or other sign of breast cancer in a man or woman may warrant a breast biopsy. A breast biopsy can be done with a needle or by a surgical procedure....

What Are the Best Foods To Eat When You Have a Stomach Ulcer?

What is a stomach ulcer? Stomach ulcers are open sores that develop on the stomach lining when acids from digested food damage the stomach wall. Foods, fruits, and vegetables rich in dietary fiber, vitamin A, and flavonoids are the best foods to eat. Green tea and cranberry juice are also helpful. Stomach ulcers are open sores that develop on the...