Dr Kefilwe Victoria Dire

What to know about diabetes and amputation

Diabetes is a leading cause of lower limb loss by amputation in the United States. In this article, we look at why this can happen, how common it is, and how to prevent it. We also look at the warning signs to look out for to prevent diabetes-related complications and amputation.
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How to stop getting sick

Some people find that they keep getting sick. Potential causes of frequent sickness include stress and lack of sleep. Lifestyle changes can help reduce the likelihood of a person becoming ill. Learn more about why some people keep getting sick and what to do about it here.
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Vitamin C can cut time spent in intensive care units

An analysis of published trials calls for research into vitamin C's effects on critically ill patients after finding it can cut time in ICU by 8 percent.
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Why do I wake up hungry?

A person may wake up hungry because they did not eat enough or exercised heavily the day before. There are several other possible reasons. Here, learn more about waking up hungry and how to prevent it.
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The effects of going more than 24 hours without sleep

It is not clear how long a person can go without sleep, but in a famous 1964 experiment, a person managed to stay awake for 264 hours. Sleep deprivation can negatively affect energy levels, mood, and cognitive functioning. In the long term, it can increase a person's risk of several chronic conditions. Learn more here.
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Cystic fibrosis: Existing drug may improve lung function

According to a recent study, a commonly used antifungal medication could be useful for treating lung infections related to cystic fibrosis.
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Why narcolepsy is an autoimmune condition

New research finds an autoreactive type of immune cell related to narcolepsy, adding to the mounting body of evidence that the condition is autoimmune.
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What can cause painful respiration?

Causes of painful respiration can include infections, injuries, and inflammation. Pain when breathing can sometimes also be due a potentially life-threatening condition, so it is important to be able to recognize signs that indicate a medical emergency. Learn more here.
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Napping may be as good as drugs for lowering blood pressure

Researchers have now uncovered evidence that indulging in a midday nap can help control blood pressure levels about as well as taking medication.
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How to get fast relief from dry socket

Dry socket occurs when a blood clot falls out of the extraction site of a recently pulled tooth. It can be very painful, but some home remedies can ease symptoms until a person can see their dentist.
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Sleep loss can turn us into social outcasts

Researchers have uncovered evidence suggesting that sleep loss can make us want to avoid social contact, while also sending a 'keep away' signal to others.
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What is a hypnic jerk?

Hypnic jerks are muscle twitches that many people experience as they are falling asleep. Learn more about why they happen and their possible triggers here.
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What to know about heart pacemakers

A pacemaker keeps the heart beating regularly, and inserting one into the chest requires surgery. This is a relatively safe procedure. Learn more about heart pacemaker surgery here.
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Could sleep apnea be a risk factor for Alzheimer's?

A preliminary study has unearthed a potential link between sleep apnea and tau tangles, which are the neurological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease.
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Why do we sleep? Scientists find brain repair mechanism

How does sleep act in the brain, at the cellular level? A new study in zebrafish identifies and explains the beneficial effects of slumber.
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Is insomnia genetic?

Studies in twins have identified a genetic component in insomnia. New research implicates hundreds of genes, but stress also plays a role.
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18 ways to get a flat stomach

It can be challenging to get rid of abdominal fat, but there are many techniques that people can use to help get a flat stomach. These include eating more fiber, doing resistance training, and reducing stress.
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This sleep disorder puts people at 'very high risk' of Parkinson's

A large study found that those who experience a certain sleep disorder are also at high risk of Parkinson's disease, but this knowledge can aid prevention.
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What is aspiration?

Aspiration can refer to a medical condition or a medical procedure. The procedure involves a doctor using a suction tube to remove fluid from a person’s body. Pulmonary aspiration is a condition that occurs when someone inhales a foreign material, such as food or drink, into their lungs. Learn more here.
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Sleeping more on weekends does not make up for past sleep loss

The results of a new study warn that weekend lie-ins cannot effectively erase the harm resulting from insufficient sleep throughout the working week.
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