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MindbodyMingle, Hoppe Expressway East Carlotta, CA 34338, Burbank, CA (2026)

10/26/2023

New research in cell cultures and mouse models explains how Candida albicans can infect the brain and generate toxic proteins implicated in Alzheimer's disease.

10/26/2023

The largest brain cell 'atlas' to date could help improve our understanding of neuropsychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, and major depression.

10/26/2023

Want to live longer, healthier lives? Restricting calories may help
Calorie restriction can help maintain muscle mass until later in life, and it can promote longevity by reducing inflammation. Image credit: Oleksii Syrotkin/Stocksy.
The recent popularity of the world’s Blue Zones has led to increased interest in how a person can not only live longer but also age healthier.
Previous research highlights some things people can do for healthier aging.
Researchers from the National Institute on Aging have discovered that calorie restriction improves muscle health and stimulates biological pathways important for healthy aging.
With the recent popularity of the world’s so-called Blue Zones, where people tend to live longer than elsewhere on the Globe, there has been a lot of interest and discussion on how a person can not only increase their longevity but also age healthier.

Previous research shows that lifestyle interventions, such as staying activeTrusted Source, following a healthy dietTrusted Source, practicing good sleep hygieneTrusted Source, not smoking, and limiting alcoholTrusted Source intake can help people lead healthier lives for longer.

Now, researchers from the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging have discovered that calorie restriction can improve muscle health and stimulates biological pathways important for healthy aging.

Their study recently appeared in the journal Aging CellTrusted Source.

What is calorie restriction?
Calorie restrictionTrusted Source is the process of lowering the average amount of calories a person would normally consume in a day without depriving themselves of the essential vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy.

An average person needs between 1,600 to 3,000 calories a day, depending on their biological s*x, height, age, and activity level.

A calorie-restricted diet reduces food intake by between 20% to 40% while still meeting the recommended daily intake of essential nutrients.

When following a calorie-restricted diet, it is important to talk to a doctor or nutritionist first as cutting too many calories can lead to health issues.

Intermittent fasting can also be used as an alternative to calorie restriction as research shows it offers many of the same benefitsTrusted Source.

How can reducing calories improve health?
For many years, researchers have studied how calorie restriction affects a person’s overall health.

Previous studies show eating fewer calories each day can support weight lossTrusted Source and improve cardiovascular healthTrusted Source and cognitive functionTrusted Source.

The current study is also not the first to link calorie restriction with longevity. Research published in April 2016 found that calorie restriction helps protect the body from aging through inflammation preventionTrusted Source and other mechanisms.

Moreover, a study published in September 2017 reported that calorie restriction may lead to positive changes in the genesTrusted Source associated with aging.

And research published in February 2022 found that following a calorie-restricted diet may help increase a person’s “health span.”

Calorie restriction, genes, and healthier aging
For this study, scientists examined how calorie restriction helped improve muscle health and conserve muscle function, as a declineTrusted Source in muscle mass and function is known to occur with aging.

“Previous studies have found that while people on calorie restriction were losing muscle mass, they did not lose muscle strength, which suggests that something occurred in the muscle that improves their performance, [and] we wanted to know what,” Dr. Luigi FerrucciTrusted Source, scientific director of the National Institute on Aging and corresponding author of this study explained to Medical News Today.

“Also, there is evidence in animal models that [calorie restriction] enhances the production of spliced variants of different proteins,” he added.

Dr. Ferrucci and his team analyzed data from study participants in the Comprehensive Assessment of Long-Term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy (CALERIE)Trusted Source study. This study, supported by the National Institute on Aging, looked at whether moderate calorie restriction in humans offered the same health benefits seen in animal studies.

Although CALERIE study participants were asked to achieve a 25% calorie reduction over 2 years, the highest the group reached was a 12% reduction.

The scientists used thigh muscle biopsies from CALERIE participants to examine how calorie restriction affects human genes.

Using messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules isolated from the biopsies, researchers found that consuming fewer calories upregulated the genes associated with energy generation and metabolism, and downregulated inflammatory genes, resulting in less inflammation.

When explaining how calorie restriction may affect a person’s genes and lead to healthier aging, Dr. Ferrucci said there are many integrated mechanisms involved:

“The most directly understandable is [an] improvement of mitochondrial health and reduction of inflammation. However, very interesting is also the effect on the clock gene that regulates the rhythm of many metabolisms in our body. Overall, these and other mechanisms improve muscle health and function.”

Preserving function supports longevity
After reviewing this study, Monique Richard, a registered dietitian nutritionist, owner of Nutrition-In-Sight, and national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition Dietetics, not involved in this research, told MNT that the results of this study are not surprising, judging by data gathered by previous research.

“As we age, cellular processes [and] cell regeneration and turnover slow down,” she explained. “If we work to preserve and support these systems, we will be able to preserve function, support longevity, and quality of life.”

“An analogy would be thinking of our body as a vehicle,” Richard continued. “In order to get the most miles and performance out of a vehicle, it is important to provide quality energy — high-grade gas or electricity for the vehicle, high-quality vitamins, minerals and nutrients for our body — regular maintenance and check-ups for the functional pieces — brakes, tires, [and] engine like our brain, heart, and body — and tender, love, and care.”

“Decreasing excess, nonessential calories, but making sure individual needs are met, will preserve cellular function [and] muscle tissue and extend the ability for cells to function and turnover,” she noted.

10/24/2023

What are the branches of the right coronary artery?
Overview
Branches
Health conditions
Summary
The right coronary artery supplies blood to a part of the heart. To do this effectively, it branches off into smaller arteries, such as the conus artery and the sinoatrial nodal branch. Each branch has a different role.

Like any other organ, the heart needs to extract oxygen and nutrients from the blood to function properly. Therefore, the right coronary artery plays an important role in keeping the heart working by supplying it with blood.

This article will explain how the right coronary artery works and provide information about its main branches. It will also discuss the health conditions that might affect the right coronary artery.

What is the right coronary artery?
MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images
The different organs within a person’s body need a steady supply of nutrients and oxygen to carry out their various functions. This is also true of the heart, whose job is to pump blood around the body.

The coronary arteries allowTrusted Source the heart to pump blood to itself. There is one right and two left coronary arteries, which supply blood to different parts of the heart. The right coronary artery originates from the aorta.

As the name suggests, the right coronary artery supplies the right side of the heart. However, as the right coronary artery splits into different, smaller arteries, it also pumps blood toward the back wall of the left side of the heart.

Right coronary artery branches
A diagram of the heart showing the branches of the right coronary artery. Infographic by Jason Hoffman.
The right coronary artery splits intoTrusted Source several major branches, allowing the blood to reach different parts of the heart.

This section outlines the major branches of the right coronary artery.

Conus artery
The conus artery is one of the initial major branches of the right coronary artery. It supplies blood to a part of the heart known as the conus or the infundibulum of the right ventricle.

This artery supplies blood to the right ventricle and to the arteries that travel toward the lungs.

Sinoatrial nodal branch
The sinoatrial nodal branch is also an initial major branch of the right coronary artery. It suppliesTrusted Source blood to the sinoatrial node.

The sinoatrial node is located in the heart’s right atrium and contains pacemaker cells that produce an electrical impulse. This impulse causes the heart to contract and pump blood at specific rhythms, which is called the heartbeat.

Right acute marginal branch
This is an important middle branch of the right coronary artery, as it suppliesTrusted Source the heart’s right ventricle with blood.

The primary function of the right ventricle is to pump blood to the lungs to get oxygenated.

Posterior interventricular branch
The posterior interventricular branch is also known as the posterior descending artery. This is a lower branch of the right coronary artery.

It can supplyTrusted Source blood to the interventricular septum, which separates the right and left sides of the heart.

Posterolateral branches
The posterolateral branch is a lower branch of the right coronary artery. It can supply blood to various locations toward the left of the heart.

There is a lot of variation in the posterior interventricular and posterolateral branches. In around 70%Trusted Source of people, these branches originate solely from the right coronary artery, which scientists call right-dominant coronary circulation.

When these branches originate solely from the left coronary artery, it is left-dominant coronary circulation. When they originate from both, experts call it codominant or balanced.

Health conditions
According to 2021 researchTrusted Source, several serious health conditions can develop if there is an issue with the right coronary artery.

Heart disease
If too much plaque builds up within the right coronary artery, the blood may not receive enough nutrients and oxygen to function properly.

This could lead to health issues such as:

angina
heart attack
sudden cardiac death
Here, learn about whether it is possible to unclog plaque from the arteries.

Coronary artery fistulas
People can have coronary artery fistulas in their right coronary artery.

ScientistsTrusted Source define coronary artery fistulas as atypical connections between coronary arteries and other parts of the circulatory system. These include heart chambers and arterial branches.

Coronary artery fistulas can occur in any coronary artery. Right coronary artery fistulas make up around 50–55% of coronary artery fistulas. Left anterior descending artery fistulas comprise around 35–40% of all cases.

Most coronary artery fistulas do not cause any symptoms or complications. However, some coronary artery fistulas can lead to serious conditions, including heart attacks.

Coronary artery aneurysm
A coronary artery aneurysm is a rare condition where the coronary artery widens due to weakness in the arterial wall.

It most commonly occurs in the right coronary artery and typically stems from atherosclerosis, which is the hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to plaque buildup.

Most aneurysms are harmless and do not cause symptoms. However, in severe cases, aneurysms can rupture the artery wall, causing life threatening internal bleeding.

Coronary artery dissection
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an uncommon condition in which the inner layer of the artery wall tears.

The right coronary artery has three layers:

inner
middle
outer
When the inner layer tears, it allows blood to enter the inner chamber of the heart. The trapped blood can cause a blockage and extend the tear, which can lead to a heart attack due to blood loss.

SCAD typically occurs suddenly. Symptoms are similar to those of a heart attack and include:

chest pain
shoulder pain
shortness of breath
dizziness
Summary
The right coronary artery is a crucial component of the circulatory system. It helps the heart receive oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood, which it pumps to itself via several branches.

Branches include the conus artery and the sinoatrial nodal branch, which supplies blood to the part of the heart that produces the heartbeat.

Some conditions affecting the right coronary artery can be life threatening. However, abnormalities in the arteries are often benign.

10/24/2023

What is the function of the carotid arteries?
Anatomy
Function
Carotid artery disease
Treatment
Summary
The function of the carotid arteries is to help transport blood into a person’s brain and other areas in the head, making them essential to brain function.

Arteries play a vital role in transporting oxygen-rich blood from the heart to other parts of the body.

Keep reading for more information about the carotid arteries, including their anatomy and function. We also discuss the role that they play in carotid artery disease.

Anatomy
The carotid arteries extend out from the aorta artery, which transports blood out of the heart and is the body’s largest artery.

The carotid arteries carry blood through the neck up to the brain. There are two carotid arteries: one on the left and one on the right.

In the neck, each of them branches off into an internal carotid artery and an external carotid artery.

The position of the branched carotid arteries is where a person can feel the pulse in their neck, just under the jaw.

There are an additional eight major divisionsTrusted Source of the carotid arteries. The different divisions help transport blood to different parts of the head and face.

Function
The carotid arteries transport oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the brain and head. Some of the areas that carotid arteries help supply with blood include the:

brain
face
scalp
roof of the mouth
tongue
seventh cranial nerve
oral cavity
teeth
ears
supporting muscles in the face and neck
Without adequate blood flow and oxygen, brain cells will die off, resulting in brain damage.

Carotid artery disease
Carotid artery disease is a condition in which the carotid arteries narrow. This narrowing reduces the amount of oxygen-rich blood that can flow through these vessels.

The most common cause of carotid artery disease is atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of plaques comprising fatty deposits, cholesterol, and other substances.

Several factors put a person at increased risk of developing carotid artery disease. These include:

diabetes
being male
having an elevated level of fats in the blood
obesity
reaching an older age
a diet high in saturated fats
family history
genetic factors
a sedentary lifestyle
smoking
high blood pressure
A person may not experience any symptoms of carotid artery disease. If the arteries get so narrow that a blockage forms, however, they could experience a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke.

A TIA is similar to a stroke in that it causes a lack of blood flow to parts of the brain for a short time.

However, unlike a stroke, the symptoms of TIA are temporary and will typically go away.

If a person experiences either a TIA or a stroke, they may show signs such as:

lack of coordination or inability to move
blurred vision
a sudden weakness, numbness, or paralysis on one side of the body
temporary vision loss
dizziness or fainting
confusion
inability to concentrate
slurred or incoherent speech
a headache
A stroke is a medical emergency. Anyone who witnesses someone possibly having a stroke should call 911 or the local emergency number immediately.

A doctor may use several different tests to determine whether a person has carotid artery disease or has had a stroke or TIA. These tests include:

MRI scan
carotid artery duplex scan
auscultation (listening to the internal sounds of the body using a stethoscope) of the carotid arteries
CT scan
angiography
magnetic resonance angiography
Once a doctor has diagnosed carotid artery disease, they will recommend treatment options to help prevent future complications.

Treatment
There are several treatment options for carotid artery disease.

If the carotid artery narrowing is less than 50%, a doctor will often treat the blockage with medications and lifestyle changes.

They may recommend the following medications:

antihypertensives, which lower blood pressure
antihyperlipidemics, which lower blood lipid levels
antiplatelet medications
Possible lifestyle changes may include:

quitting smoking
exercising regularly
eating a more healthful and balanced diet
If a person has a more severe blockage, a doctor may recommend additional treatments, such as carotid angioplasty with stenting (CAS). CAS is a minimally invasive procedure.

During a CAS procedure, a doctor inserts a small hollow tube, or catheter, into the arteries through the person’s groin. The catheter may have a balloon at its tip, which the doctor can use to increase the size of the artery so that they can place a stent in the artery.

The stent helps hold the artery open, reducing the risk of blockages.

In some cases, a doctor may recommend a carotid endarterectomy (CEA). A CEA is a procedure in which the doctor cleans plaque from the carotid artery.

A person’s treatment will vary depending on their age, overall health, and medical history, as well as how advanced the carotid artery disease has become.

10/22/2023

7 of the best OTC birth control options

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People can buy over-the-counter birth control without a prescription from drugstores, online retailers, or telehealth companies. Some options protect against STIs, and others can provide 24-hour protection.

This article looks at some over-the-counter (OTC) birth control options, including emergency contraception, barrier methods, and fertility trackers. It also discusses the factors a person should keep in mind when considering OTC birth control and answers some frequently asked questions.

This article talks about perfect and typical use of birth control. Perfect use describes how effective a form of birth control is if everyone uses it exactly as instructed every time they have s*x. Typical use describes how effective a form of birth control is if a person sometimes uses it as instructed but may also use it irregularly or imperfectly.

Even with perfect use, contraception is not 100% effective. People should discuss birth control options with a healthcare professional to find the right option for them.

Was this helpful?

S*x and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to s*x assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

Was this helpful?

Quick links
Best emergency contraceptive: Nurx New Day
Best for 24-hour protection: Today Sponge
Best for STI protection: Hims Ultra Thin Condoms
Best internal condom: Ormelle Female Condom
Best s***micide: VCF Vaginal Contraceptive Film
Best latex-free condoms: SKYN Selection Non-Latex Condoms
Best fertility tracking app: Natural Cycles
What is over-the-counter birth control?
OTC birth control describes contraceptives that a person can buy without a prescription. OTC birth control is usually available at drugstores and online retailers, such as Walmart, Walgreens, or CVS Pharmacy.

Condoms, s***micides, and the birth control sponge are common types of over-the-counter birth control.

The majority of OTC birth control options do not affect a person’s hormones and aim to prevent pregnancy by blocking s***m or tracking when a person is likely to be fertile.

Who is OTC birth control best for?
OTC birth control may suit individuals who want to avoid pregnancy by using methods that do not require a prescription or visiting a doctor’s office.

People without health insurance may also benefit from OTC birth control.

These methods may also be a good option for people who cannot or do not want to take or use hormonal birth control, such as the birth control pill, shot, patch, ring, or implant.

Additionally, hormonal birth control does not protectTrusted Source a person against s*xually transmitted infections (STIs) or HIV. Some OTC birth control options can protect a person against these conditions.

Learn more about nonhormonal birth control here.

Over-the-counter vs. prescription birth control
There are benefits and drawbacks of both OTC and prescription birth control.

OTC birth control may suit those who are looking for a temporary contraceptive method rather than a long-term form of birth control. Additionally, OTC birth control is generally accessible and affordable.

However, some OTC birth control methods can only be used once and may not be the best sustainable or cost-effective option for long-term use.

Prescription birth control methods have very low failure rates for typical use. For instance, intrauterine devices (IUDs) have a typical use failure rate of 0.1% to 0.8%. In contrast, external or male condoms have a typical use failure rate of 13%, and s***micides have a failure rate of 21%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source.

Learn more about the safest condoms.

Prescription birth control that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source is covered by health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.

7 of the best OTC birth control options of 2022
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Was this helpful?

Below are seven of the best OTC birth control options that are available online.

Best emergency contraceptive: Nurx New Day
New Day is the generic version of Plan B One-Step emergency contraception. A person can use emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy after having s*x without birth control or a barrier method.

Nurx New Day contains 1.5 milligrams (mg) of levonorgestrel and is a type of hormonal birth control.

Individuals can take Nurx New Day up to 24 hours after having s*x without birth control or a barrier method. That said, Nurx states that this drug may also be effective for up to 72 hours.

Learn more about Nurx.

Pros
available to people without insurance
free shipping
not harmful if a person has become pregnant, according to Nurx
Cons
online reviews raise concerns about shipping and customer service
not available in all 50 U.S. states
Was this helpful?

The emergency contraceptive pill is available for $20. A person can choose free shipping or

10/20/2023

Discover fascinating facts about carbohydrates, from their role as an energy source to their impact on weight management and brain function.

10/20/2023

Understand how technology is impacting your mental health and well-being with these 10 facts. Get the information you need to make informed decisions today.

10/20/2023

Scoliosis is a condition that affects the curvature of the spine, causing it to bend sideways. It can occur in people of all ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed during adolescence. In this article, we will explore 19 crucial facts about scoliosis, shedding light on its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Whether you or a loved one are living with scoliosis or simply seeking to expand your knowledge, this comprehensive guide will provide valuable insights and support your journey towards understanding this complex condition.

Table of Contents
Definition and Types
Scoliosis is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. It can be categorized into different types based on the age of onset and the cause of the curvature. The most common types include adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, congenital scoliosis, and degenerative scoliosis.

Prevalence
Scoliosis affects approximately 2-3% of the population, or an estimated 6-9 million people in the United States alone. It can occur in both males and females, although females are more likely to develop severe curves that require treatment.

Age of Onset
While scoliosis can be present at birth (congenital scoliosis) or develop in adulthood (degenerative scoliosis), the most common age of onset is during adolescence. This is known as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and it typically appears between the ages of 10 and 18.

READ ALSO: 15 NyQuil Facts You Should Know Discover the Benefits of NyQuil

Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of scoliosis is often unknown (idiopathic scoliosis). However, various risk factors can contribute to its development. These may include genetics, family history, muscle imbalances, neuromuscular conditions (such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy), and certain connective tissue disorders.

Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of scoliosis can vary depending on the severity of the curvature. Common indications include an uneven waist or shoulders, one shoulder blade that appears more prominent than the other, an asymmetrical rib cage, and a visible sideways curvature of the spine. In some cases, scoliosis can cause back pain, difficulty breathing, and limited mobility.

Diagnosis
Scoliosis is typically diagnosed through a physical examination, medical history review, and imaging tests such as X-rays. The degree of spinal curvature is measured using a system called Cobb angle, which helps determine the severity of the condition and guide treatment decisions.

Cobb angle skoliosis vertebral xray
Image from Adobe Stock
Cobb Angle Classification
The Cobb angle classification system categorizes scoliosis based on the magnitude of the spinal curve. Mild scoliosis is defined as a Cobb angle of less than 20 degrees, moderate scoliosis ranges from 20 to 45 degrees, and severe scoliosis is characterized by a Cobb angle greater than 45 degrees.

Progressive Nature
In some cases, scoliosis can progress over time, particularly during periods of growth. Regular monitoring is essential to detect any changes in the curvature, as early intervention can help prevent further progression and minimize potential complications.

Treatment Options
The treatment options for scoliosis depend on various factors, including the severity of the curvature, age, and overall health of the individual. Mild cases may only require monitoring and periodic check-ups, while moderate to severe cases may necessitate bracing or surgery. Physical therapy and exercise can also play a supportive role in managing scoliosis.

READ ALSO: 20 Interesting Facts About Leukemia

Bracing
Bracing is a common non-surgical treatment option for moderate scoliosis. A brace, such as a Boston brace or a Charleston bending brace, is custom-made and worn to help halt the progression of the curvature and maintain spinal alignment during periods of growth.

10/20/2023

Whether it’s a loved one fighting for their lives in the ICU, or your desire to better understand the intriguing domain of critical care medicine, this article is your essential guide. We present to you 11 fast facts for critical care. Join us as we delve deep into the nuances of this specialized field and explore the salient aspects shaping critical care today.

Table of Contents
Understanding Critical Care
Critical care is a medical specialty dedicated to providing specialized treatment and management for patients with life-threatening conditions. This discipline extends far beyond a single room in the hospital – it’s a comprehensive approach, encompassing various specialties, services, and healthcare professionals dedicated to patient survival and recovery.

The Critical Care Team: Multidisciplinary in Nature
In a critical care unit, you’ll find a multidisciplinary team working hand-in-hand. This team includes intensivists (critical care doctors), critical care nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, dietitians, social workers, and often a host of other specialized professionals. This collaborative effort ensures every aspect of a patient’s care is attended to, from medical treatment to psychological support.

The Role of Intensivists: More Than Just Doctors
An intensivist is a board-certified physician who provides special care for critically ill patients. However, their role transcends the usual medical care. They coordinate with the multidisciplinary team, make crucial decisions, conduct research, teach, and advocate for patients and their families. In many ways, intensivists are the lifeline of the ICU.

READ ALSO: 20 Vitamin D Facts Benefits and Sources of this Vital Nutrient

ICU: A Broad Umbrella
The Intensive Care Unit, or ICU, isn’t a one-size-fits-all term. There are different types of ICUs, including Neonatal ICUs, Pediatric ICUs, Neurological ICUs, and Cardiac ICUs, each dedicated to managing specific health crises. Thus, ‘ICU’ signifies a range of specialized units, each equipped to cater to a particular category of critical ailments.

The Sobering Reality of ICU Admissions
While ICUs are equipped to handle the gravest of medical conditions, admission to the ICU is sobering. According to statistics, roughly 20% of hospital admissions require intensive care. This percentage underscores the importance of critical care medicine in our healthcare system.

mechanical ventilator for patient in hospital
Image from Adobe Stock
Life-saving Technology in Critical Care
The backbone of modern critical care is sophisticated technology. Mechanical ventilators, dialysis machines, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machines, and a host of advanced monitoring systems play a critical role in sustaining patients’ lives and aiding their recovery.

Evolving Treatment Protocols in Critical Care
Treatment protocols in critical care are continually evolving, shaped by the latest research findings. From implementing new sepsis guidelines to incorporating tele-ICU services, critical care medicine continually strives for the best possible patient outcomes.

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