How Tears to the Annulus Fibrosus Are Treated

The annulus fibrosus is the strong wrapping that makes up the outside portion of the intervertebral disc. The nucleus pulposus (and the entireintervertebral disc) provides shock absorption for the spine. Annular Tears One common injury to the annulus is a tear. Ron Levine / Getty Images Tears can be either painful or asymptomatic.Annular tearssometimes lead to bulging or herniated discs, but not always. But scientists and clinicians have been working on ways to strengthen and/or repair the annulus....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 180 words · Vicki Keith

How the 6 Minute Walk Test Works in Physical Therapy

While walking, you may use your normalassistive rig, like a cane or a walker. The total distance that you walk during the six-minute walk test is your score. Where It Can Be Done The 6MWT can be administered anywhere. Paul Bradbury / Caiaimage / Getty Images Its often used in hospital physical therapy controls, but it can also be used in an outpatient clinic. The test is often used as a functional outcome measure incardiac rehabilitation programs....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 204 words · Kaitlin Freeman

How the ABC Model Works in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT is used to treatdepression,anxiety,substance use disorder, and other mental health conditions. Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health What Is the ABC Model? Instead, they can feel better by acknowledging and changing theirreactionsto their environment. Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health This is an event that prompts the start of the reaction. While it can be a major event, its often something simplelike someone speaking rudely to you....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 284 words · Tiffany Green

How the ADHD Brain Is Wired Differently

The differences in the structure, function, and chemistry of the ADHD brain reflect neurodivergence rather than flaws. This article explains the differences between the ADHD brain and the neurotypical brain. By adulthood, these variations become less notable. Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health This means that dysfunction in one part of the brain may result in dysfunction in others. So while certain brain processes may move faster, others may fall to the wayside....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 223 words · Joseph Andrade

How the Boston Naming Test Screens for Alzheimer's and Dementia

The Boston Naming Test is a screening tool that can help assess cognitive functioning. The author of the Boston Naming Test is Sandra Weintraub. This test assessesword-finding abilityand the cognitive functions associated with that task. John Fedele Blend Images / Getty Images The person is given 20 seconds to say what the drawing depicts. The person may then be given another 20 seconds to identify the picture. Scoring cutoffs that indicate a concern in cognition vary per which test version is being utilized....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 177 words · Brian Daniels

How the Cobb Angle Is Used to Measure Scoliosis

Cobb angle is a measurement of the degree of side-to-sidespinal curvature, which is a deformity calledscoliosis. This article explains the role of the Cobb angle in diagnosing scoliosis. This is called theapical vertebra. Visualizing the Cobb Angle The apical vertebra is where two lines drawn from your X-rays will meet. First, two lines are drawn along the edge of the top and bottom bones of the curve. They are located above and below the apical vertebra....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 350 words · Thomas Huang

How the Fast-Mimicking Diet Works

A fast-mimicking, or fasting-mimicking, diet copies fasting’s effects while allowing small portions of food. Fasting is going without food or beverages for a certain period. The fasting-mimicking diet is aplant-based dietthat is low in protein and carbohydrates but high in fat. Elena Noviello / Getty Images On the first day of the fast, you will consume more calories than the remaining four days. Non-caffeinated herbal teas are also allowed. Some fasting-mimicking diets allow for one cup of black coffee per day....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 256 words · Tyler Pitts

How the Flexitarian Diet Helps You Eat Healthier Without Cutting Meat Completely

There are no hard-set rules about specific ways to be a flexitarian. As its name implies, flexitarianism is flexible. This will not apply to everyone, and individual needs may require different diets. Hinterhaus Productions / Getty Images Monday (Vegetarian) 2. Tuesday (Seafood) 3. Wednesday (Vegan) 4. Thursday (Meat) 5. Friday (Vegetarian) 6. Saturday (Meat) 7. Being a flexitarian aligns with theprinciples of healthy eating. Flexitarianism puts the focus on eating more vegetables and fruits while reducing meat intake....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 221 words · Tamara Thompson

How the Hot Toddy Drink Helps Ease Cough Symptoms

Its ingredients may improve coughs, runny noses, and sore throats. The warm drink contains hot water,lemon or lemon juice, and honey. Some recipes also call for alcohol, such as whiskey, rum, or brandy. ivandzyuba / Getty Images Honey Honeyis a proven treatment for coughs. It also has antimicrobial properties that may fight certain bacteria and viruses to prevent illness. Hot Water Drinking hot water may feel soothing when you have a respiratory illness....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 411 words · Jill Stevens

How the Inflation Reduction Act Will Reduce Health Care Costs for Seniors

But advocates for seniors applauded what the new lawdoescontain. The IRA will help ensure fewer people face these impossible choices. Heres whereand whenAmericans can expect to start seeing savings on health care costs. Getty Images The cap will be especially helpful for people who take expensive drugs for life-threatening conditions, such as cancer. Individuals wont see that money, though. The money goes to Medicare to help cover costs. More drugs will be up for negotiation each year for a total of 60 drugs by 2029....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 159 words · Jessica Williams

How the Medications in a Hospice Comfort Kit Can Help

Drazen_ / Getty Images What Is a Hospice Care Kit? The actual contents of the kit vary. That way you’ve got the option to be prepared if and when symptoms appear. *Drazen_ / Getty Images* 2019 Aug;58(2):181-189. doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.04.021 Kaiser Permanente.Comfort care medication kit. Van Esch H, Lokker M, Rietjens J, et al.Understanding relatives' experience of death rattle.BMC Psychol. 2020 Jun;8(1):62. doi:10.1186/s40359-020-00431-3

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 61 words · James Wagner

How the Noristerat Contraceptive Injection Works

Thiscontraceptive injectioncontains the progestin hormone, norethisterone enantate. Noristerat does not offer any protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This article discusses the uses, side effects, and effectiveness of Noristerat. DusanManic / Getty Images Why Is Noristerat Not Available in the United States? Noristerat is also known as Doryxas, Norethisterone injectable, Norigest, Nur-Isterate, Syngestal, and Unidepo. Noristerat Uses Noristerat is a contraceptive that is injected into the muscle of the buttock....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 260 words · Danny Marshall

How the Okinawa Diet Can Boost Your Longevity

How Does the Okinawa Diet Work? People who follow the Okinawa diet tend to treat food as medicine. They eat whole, nutrient-dense foods while steering clear of processed, refined foods. Photography by Martin Irwin / Getty Images Traditionally, the Okinawa diet emphasized foods that were low in calories and fat, but high in carbs. A more modern approach to the diet now includes more fat and protein. Okinawans generally limit their calorie intake by emphasizing mindful eating approaches....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 608 words · Rodney Whitehead