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Simple strategies for tackling environmental allergies

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances like pollens, pet dander or even certain foods. These reactions can lead to sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, skin irritation or more serious symptoms like difficulty breathing. Avoiding allergens is crucial for managing allergies. And identifying the triggers that cause your symptoms is key to finding relief. Identifying spring allergy symptoms Springtime allergies often cause sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes and scratchy throat — especially when pollen levels rise. “Pattern ...

Understanding same-day joint replacements

For many years, having a knee or hip replacement meant several days in the hospital, followed by weeks of recovery. Today, that picture is changing. Thanks to medical advances, some patients can now go home the same day they receive a new joint. This approach, often called same‑day or outpatient joint replacement, is becoming more common and for the right patient, it can be a safe and effective option. How It’s Possible Several improvements have made same‑day discharge possible. Surgeons now use smaller incisions and more precise techniques, which cause less damage to ...

Frequency shifting

Since my last article four years ago on the topic of frequency shifting, technology has progressed. Modern hearing aids can capture sounds at their original frequencies and quickly rebroadcast them at lower frequencies — a process called frequency shifting. This helps patients with severe high-frequency hearing loss understand softer consonants and voices, even if louder volume alone isn’t enough. For example, a husband may better hear his wife’s higher-pitched voice when it is shifted to a range where his hearing is less impaired, though her voice will sound slightly ...

Judge refuses to block sending abortion pill by mail for now, but says FDA must finish review

A federal judge Tuesday refused to block filling prescriptions for the abortion pill mifepristone by mail across the U.S. — at least for now — in a setback to Louisiana’s effort to stifle groups that send it into states where abortion is banned. U.S. District Judge David Joseph, who sits in Lafayette, Louisiana, ruled against Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, who asked that U.S. Food and Drug Administration rules that allow mifepristone to be dispensed through the mail be paused while a challenge to those 2023 regulations moves through the courts. He granted the ...

What to know about donating a kidney

Currently more than 92,000 people are waiting for a kidney donation. Choosing to donate a kidney is a selfless act, and a big decision. Before you make the choice, it’s good to gather as much information as possible. Wondering what questions to ask? Start with these. 1. How can I get ...