How the Right Atrium Works

The rightatriumis one of the heart’s upper chambers that plays a role in blood circulation. It collects deoxygenated blood and directs it on a pathway to get oxygen from the lungs. Problems with the right atrium can occur from birth or due to problems with the heart valves or muscles. andresr / Getty Images These can be associated witharrhythmias(irregular heartbeats), blood clots, and heart failure. These chambers are hollow and surrounded by muscle and other tissue....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 387 words · Steven Franklin

How the Stroop Test Screens for Signs of Early Alzheimer's

Executive functioning, along with short term memory impairment, is often one of thesymptomsof early-stage Alzheimers disease. The Stroop effect was first written about by John Ridley Stroop in 1935 for his Ph.D. dissertation. What Does the Stroop Test Contain? LWA/Dann Tardif Blend Images 158315060 / Getty Images The Stroop Test consists of colors that are written in words but in the wrong color ink. However, results have been shown to be influenced by age, education levels, and sex....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 125 words · Dalton Banks

How the T3 Blood Test (Free Triiodothyronine Test) Helps Diagnose Thyroid Conditions

This hormone is made by the thyroid gland, which is responsible for many body functions. The blood test will diagnose certain thyroid conditions like hyperthyroidism. This article will discuss normal and abnormal free T3 levels. Vadym Terelyuk / Getty Images It will also cover what to expect when receiving a free T3 test. Vadym Terelyuk / Getty Images What Is a T3 Blood Test? A T3 blood test measures the level of triiodothyronine hormone in the blood....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 533 words · Sara Barajas

How This ADHD Medication Can Help Manage Traumatic Brain Injuries

It would be a lot harder without [this medication]. Anne still takes methylphenidate, taking small doses twice a day. And experts are increasingly examining how medications like methylphenidate can help. Malte Mueller / Getty Images Stigma about traumatic brain injuries and their possible symptoms highlight the importance of awareness of treatment options. Methylphenidate is far from the only medication that can be used to help people manage their symptoms. Its more thinking about what exactly is the problem that’s causing the symptoms, Kesari told Verywell....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 148 words · Jennifer Turner

How Thyroid Disease Affects Your Mood

Thethyroidis abutterfly-shaped endocrine glandlocated in the neck. The thyroid produces hormones such asthyroxine(T4). Thyroid disease can cause, or be triggered by, disruption in thyroid hormone production and regulation. damircudic / Getty Images An underactive thyroid is calledhypothyroidism, while an overactive thyroid is calledhyperthyroidism. As many as 60% of people with thyroid disease are not aware that they have it. Read on to learn more about thyroid disease, its symptoms, and how it affects mood....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 347 words · Barbara Guzman

How Thyroid Eye Disease Is Diagnosed

Thyroid eye diseaseis a condition that affects the muscles and tissues of the eyes. The condition happens when you have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) caused byGraves disease. To diagnose thyroid eye disease, you may need a physical exam, lab tests, and imaging tests. stockstudioX / Getty Images You have to see a healthcare professional who can do clinical tests to receive an accurate diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will do a thorough physical examination....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 254 words · Tamara Vazquez

How Thyroid Eye Disease Is Treated

Thyroid eye diseaseaffects the muscles and tissues of your eyes. It is triggered by an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) fromGraves disease. Managing your overactive thyroid is important for your eye health. Chakrapong Worathat / EyeEm / Getty Images Symptoms can improve on their own. During this time, you may want to discuss home remedies or lifestyle changes. This procedure destroys some of the damaged eye tissues. Your healthcare provider will discuss all the options before the first surgery happens....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 215 words · Jeffery Sullivan

How to Adjust Crutches

Aphysical therapistcan help you pick the right crutches and fit them appropriately. If you find you gotta do this yourself, read on. How to Measure for Crutches Buying crutches online can be a little complicated. Jose Luis Pelaez Inc ./ Getty Images Most manufacturers have size chart on their website that it’s possible for you to reference. The size choice may be obvious (e.g., child size for a seven-year-old) or it may not....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 263 words · Benjamin Navarro

How to Adjust to a New Time Zone

Jet lag can cause you to feel ill as well as tired, and it can ruin a trip. Fortunately, there are ways to prepare for time zone transitions. This article explains the signs of jet lag and strategies to help you avoid it or manage the symptoms. amriphoto / E+ / Getty Images Until the circadian rhythm is reset, jet lag symptoms persist. But if you cross oceans and continents it will be more challenging....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 220 words · Hector Moore

How to Adjust Your Sleep Schedule to Work Night Shifts

If you might’t get the sleep you need during the day, you could experienceinsomniaand sleep deprivation. Still, it’s an important one not only for your work performance, but yourhealth and safety. This article offers suggestions on how to change your sleep schedule for night shift work. Seb Oliver / Cultura / Getty Images First, it’s key that youminimize your exposure to morning lightwhen you come off your shift. If possible, wear dark sunglasses when leaving work....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 247 words · Michael Douglas

How to Avoid a Melatonin Hangover, According to Sleep Experts

However, experts warn that many people taketoo much melatoninor take it for the wrong reasons. But its really not. Here are a few things it’s possible for you to do to avoid a melatonin hangover. Westend61 / Getty Images If youre experiencing melatonin hangovers, consider cutting back on your dosage. Higher doses can increase the likelihood and intensity of next-day side effects. Another challenge with finding the correct dose is thatmelatoninis regulated as a dietary supplement....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 196 words · Amanda Davis

How to Avoid CPAP Marks and Lines on Your Face

A CPAP mask should fit comfortably, but be tight enough that air doesn’t leak out. Pressure marks on the face are often a consequence of that. Speak to your healthcare provider about what options are best for you and if it’s worth switching. Brandon Peters, M.D. Speak with yoursleep specialistor healthcare provider if you aren’t sure if your mask fits properly. Use CPAP Mask Padding and Liners Many masks have padding or covers for the straps....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 131 words · Brian Harris

How to Avoid Frostbite From an Ice Pack

Ice crystals form in the skin cells and blood flow slows, depriving the tissues of oxygen. As it progresses, the ice burn causes permanent damage to your skin and underlying tissues. In severe cases, it can lead togangrene(tissue death) and amputation. Dmitry Marchenko / EyeEm / Getty Images In some people, the syndrome itself is linked to a thyroid disorder, which may contribute to risk. The first stage of ice burn is known asfrostnip....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 385 words · Mrs. Sarah Bennett