How To Protect Yourself From New COVID-19 Variants

Public health experts say the recently-approved vaccines are still effective against the U.K. variant. So how do you protect yourself? confirm to wear your mask, social distance, and wash your hands. Luis Alvarez / Getty Images “Wearing your mask properly covering your nose and mouth is still very important,” Ascher says. New Variants Are Expected Health experts are not at all surprised that new variants have emerged. “Viruses are commonly mutatingor changing form, Ascher says....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 123 words · Brenda Yates

How to Provide Peanut and Nut-Free Classroom Snacks

Most people with food allergieseven severe allergiescan manage their allergies by simply not eating foods that contain those allergens. Nuts and peanuts are full of natural oils that leave residues. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Food allergen labeling and consumer protection act of 2004 questions and answers. Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Have food allergies? Food Allergy Research & Education.Managing food allergy at school fact sheet.

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 69 words · Michael Marshall

How to Qualify for Social Security Benefits With Osteoporosis

Osteoporosiscan be a debilitating disease that significantly impacts your quality of life. The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program provides disability benefits to qualifying individuals. gilaxia / Getty Images Is Osteoporosis a Disability? gilaxia / Getty Images Osteoporosis is characterized by porous bones and low bone mass due to thinning of the bones over time. In that case, osteoporosis is disabling. The Blue Book does not define osteoporosis as a disability on its own....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 488 words · Desiree Freeman

How to Read Blood Ketone Test Results

What the Numbers Mean If you are living withdiabetes, you’ve most likely had your blood orurinetested forketones. DKA is a condition that can make you ill. In extreme cases, diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to coma and death. Andrew Brookes / Getty Images Your healthcare provider will tell you which circumstances and symptoms warrant a ketone test. Expired strips will not give accurate results. The FDA also warns against purchasing strips that have not been cleared for sale in the United States....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 122 words · James Howell

How to Read Your Eyeglass Prescription

If you have less than perfect vision, you might be wondering how to read your glasses prescription. However, there are important reasons why the prescription is written the way it is. Eyeglasses prescriptions use the same standard format and common notations. Verywell / Alex Dos Diaz This makes them universal, meaning that they can be read anywhere in the world. The article will help you decipher an eyeglass prescription by walking you through what the terminology means....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 512 words · Tami Diaz

How to Realistically Quit Smoking: 24+ Steps to Take Right Now

Quitting smoking is challenging. Natural/Herbal Therapies There are several natural approaches people can take when it comes to quitting smoking. Cold Turkey Cold turkey is the most natural approach to quitting smoking. Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images It involves picking a quit date and completely removing tobacco from your life in one go. However, quitting smoking cold turkey can actually be a viable way to kick the habit. However, it depends on how heavily a person smokes....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 373 words · Alexandra Hurst

How to Recognize a Trauma Bond

The abusive partner can fluctuate between extreme affection and extreme abuse. The episodes of affection serve as positive reinforcement to stay in the relationship. Trauma bonding tends to form subtly, often without the abused partner ever realizing it. PhotoAlto/Eric Audras/ Getty Images PhotoAlto/Eric Audras/ Getty Images What Is a Trauma Bond? A trauma bond often affects people who have been abused in the past, including childhood or previous relationships. Over time, themanipulationsbecome more intentional and abusive....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 330 words · Joseph Bentley

How to Recognize Agonal Breathing

Agonal breathing sounds like a person gasping for air. This article will describe the causes, symptoms, and treatments for agonal breathing. The symptoms of agonal breathing include: A Word From Verywell Agonal breathing is an emergency. FG Trade / Getty Images Call for appropriate help immediately if you notice someone with agonal breathing. Tell a healthcare provider what is happening if you are in a hospital or hospice setting. Outside of a healthcare setting, call 911 immediately....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 321 words · Michael Willis

How to Recognize and Deal With Herpes Discharge

Abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina is one of the possible signs ofgenital herpes. It can also have an odd or fishy smell. While abnormal discharge can be a sign of herpes, it can also be a symptom of other conditions. Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health How Common Is Herpes? This fluid can be bloody or whiteish in color. In addition to discharge from the blisters, herpes can also cause vaginal or penile discharge....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 312 words · Barbara Reed

How to Recognize and Respond to Gaslighting

A person gaslights to obtain power and control, which are classic elements ofabuse. Gaslighting often occurs in an intimate partner relationship. LaylaBird / GettyImages Where Does the Term Come From? LaylaBird / GettyImages Signs of Gaslighting People who gaslight seek power and control. They may have witnessed and learned gaslighting growing up, or they may have apersonality disorder. Gaslighting occurs very gradually over time, so themanipulative behavior’seffects are not usually immediate....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 317 words · Jason Jimenez

How to Recognize and Treat a Second-Degree Burn

The appearance of a second-degree burn sets them apart from a less severe first-degree burn. You’ll see skin discoloration, blisters, redness and swelling, and shiny, moist skin. What Is a Second-Degree Burn? Nordyke A second-degree burn is usually a mild to moderate injury. Second-degree burns damage the epidermis and the second layer of skin (thedermis). What Do Second-Degree Burns Look Like? Shells The pictures below will show you some of the different causes of second-degree burns and what they look like....

April 18, 2025 · 5 min · 1035 words · Jacob Medina

How to Recognize and Treat a Sun Rash

Not everyone has a rash-inducing response to UV light. It usually occurs due to a genetic condition or taking certain medications. About 10% to 20% of the population in the United States is prone to sun rash. ljubaphoto / Getty Images This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing. Reproduced with permission from DermNetdermnetnz.org2023. Poisoning vs. PMLE Asun allergyis triggered by the body’s immune response to sun exposure....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 358 words · Harry Jefferson

How to Recognize and Treat a Yellow Jacket Sting

Yellow jacket stings can cause extreme pain, redness, swelling, and itching. People with signs of anaphylaxisincluding hives, swelling, and breathing difficultiesneed an immediate injection ofepinephrineto avoidshockand even death. Only females can sting. mariusz_prusaczyk/istock Yellow jackets are recognized by their distinctive markings. A typical worker is about 1/2-inch long with alternating black and yellow bands on their abdomen. Because of their size and coloration, yellowjackets and honey bees are sometimes mistaken for each other....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 391 words · Tiffany Heath MD