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Underweight Seniors May Have Added Alzheimer's Risk FRIDAY, Aug. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Having a lower weight may increase older adults' risk of the memory-robbing disorder Alzheimer's disease, new research suggests. The study included 280 healthy people aged 62 to 90 with normal mental function. The participants underwent physical exams, genetic testing and brain scans. According to the researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, there was a link bet...
U.S. Panel Says Evidence 'Insufficient' to Recommend Skin Cancer Screenings TUESDAY, July 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- There currently isn't enough scientific proof to recommend regular full-body exams for skin cancer as a means of preventing deaths from these cancers, a leading panel of U.S. preventive health experts has concluded. An updated evidence review found scant evidence on either the benefits or harms of a health care professional performing a skin exam as part of a patient's regular check-up,...
U.S. Teen Diabetes Rate Exceeds Prior Estimates TUESDAY, July 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- More American teens have diabetes or prediabetes than previously thought, and many don't know they have the blood-sugar disease, a new study finds. Nearly 1 percent of more than 2,600 teens studied had diabetes -- with almost one in three cases undiagnosed, researchers found. Also, almost 20 percent of the group had prediabetes -- higher than normal blood sugar levels but not high enough to be classified as diabet...
U.S. Cases of Drug-Resistant Gonorrhea Rise Fourfold in One Year THURSDAY, July 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Antibiotic-resistant cases of the sexually transmitted illness gonorrhea have more than quadrupled in the United States. This new data, from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, should serve as a warning that "the future of current treatment options may be in jeopardy," the agency said in a news release issued Thursday. "The confluence of emerging drug resistance and very limited ...
Ultrasound Device Approved to Treat Essential Tremor MONDAY, July 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- The ExAblate Neuro device has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to deliver focused ultrasound to destroy small bits of brain tissue that are thought to be involved in a neurological condition known as essential tremor. The device, approved for people who haven't responded to medication or surgery, uses MRI scans to help doctors focus ultrasound on specific areas of the brain, the FDA expla...
U.S. Teens Less Sweet on Soft Drinks THURSDAY, July 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- American teens are turning their backs on soft drinks, says a new government survey that shows soda consumption among youth declined by almost a third in just two years. Instead, bottled water has become the drink of choice for many, the researchers found. "Over the past 15 years, a great deal of research has demonstrated that sugar drinks promote weight gain and obesity, diabetes and heart disease," explained Michael Jacobs...
U.S. Car Crash Deaths Down, But Still Surpass Other Nations WEDNESDAY, July 6, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Car crash deaths on American roads fell nearly one-third over a recent 14-year period, but the nation's collision death rate still tops that of other high-income countries, health officials reported Wednesday. About 90 Americans die in crashes every day. That's the highest roadway death rate among 20 countries examined, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. "It is important to comp...
U.S. Army, French Drugmaker to Join Forces on Zika Vaccine WEDNESDAY, July 6, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- The French pharmaceutical firm Sanofi said Wednesday that it's joining with U.S. Army researchers to work on a vaccine for Zika virus, which has caused thousands of birth defects, primarily in Brazil. Brazil is the site of the upcoming Summer Olympics. Sanofi Pasteur said it will begin working with the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) on development of a potential vaccine. The institute w...
U.S. Cancer Survivors Living Longer FRIDAY, July 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- As the American population ages, more older adults will survive cancer and live with other chronic conditions that will burden the health care system, U.S. government health officials report. "Increasingly, we are seeing the impact of an aging population -- fueled by maturing baby boomers -- on major diseases, including cancer," said lead researcher Shirley Bluethmann, a cancer prevention fellow at the U.S. National Cancer Inst...
Uncle Sam Wants You ... Slimmer THURSDAY, June 30, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Military personnel are expected to meet strict weight and body fat standards. But one in five U.S. military service members is obese, new research shows. "We count on our military to be in the best shape both physically and mentally, and these data show there is a need to improve efforts to maintain a healthy weight within our Armed Forces," said Catherine Champagne, a member of The Obesity Society's advocacy committee. Analyzin...
Urine Protein (Dipstick) Does this test have other names? Reagent strip urinalysis, urine albumin What is this test? This test checks the amount of protein in your urine. Your urine normally has a small amount of protein. Much of this protein is the type called albumin, but more than 200 other types of protein may be found in urine. When your body loses large amounts of protein in the urine, it can be because of dehydration, strenuous exercise, fever, or exposure to cold temperatures. Extra protein in t...
Urine Cytology Does this test have other names? Urine examination with microscope What is this test? This test looks at a sample of your urine to see if it contains abnormal cells. The test is used to diagnose cancers of the urinary tract. These include cancers of the kidney, bladder, ureter, and urethra, the tube through which urine leaves the bladder when you urinate. A specially trained healthcare provider called a pathologist looks at the cells from your urine sample under a microscope. Cancer cells...
Uric Acid (Urine) Does this test have other names? Urinalysis, 24-hour urinalysis What is this test? This test looks for uric acid in your urine. Uric acid is a normal bodily waste product. It forms when chemicals called purines break down. Purines are a natural substance found in the body and are also found in many foods such as liver, shellfish, and alcohol. They can also be formed in the body when DNA is broken down. When purines are broken down to uric acid in the blood, the body gets rid of it when...
Uric Acid (Synovial Fluid) Does this test have other names? Synovial fluid analysis What is this test? The uric acid test measures levels of uric acid that can collect in joint fluid. Uric acid is a normal bodily waste product. It forms when chemicals called purines break down. Purines are a natural substance found in the body and are also found in many foods such as liver, shellfish, and alcohol. They can also be formed in the body when DNA is broken down. When purines are broken down to uric acid in t...
Uric Acid (Blood) Does this test have other names? Serum uric acid What is this test? This test measures the amount of uric acid in your blood. Uric acid is a normal bodily waste product. It forms when chemicals called purines break down. Purines are a natural substance found in the body and are also found in many foods such as liver, shellfish, and alcohol. They can also be formed in the body when DNA is broken down. When purines are broken down to uric acid in the blood, the body gets rid of it when y...
Urea Nitrogen Clearance (Urine) Does this test have other names? Urine urea nitrogen, 24-hour urine test What is this test? This test measures the amount of urea nitrogen in your urine. Urea nitrogen is a waste product made when your liver breaks down protein. It's carried in your blood, filtered out by your kidneys, and removed from your body in your urine. If your liver isn't healthy, it may not break down proteins the way it should. And if your kidneys aren't healthy, they may not properly filter ure...
Uniparental Disomy Does this test have other names? Genetic testing for Angelman syndrome, genetic testing for Prader-Willi syndrome What is this test? This is a blood test used to see if your child has certain chromosome changes. Normally, people have 23 pairs of chromosomes in their cells. In each pair, one chromosome comes from their father and one from their mother. These chromosomes contain genes. Sometimes people will inherit two copies of a chromosome or a part of a chromosome from their mother o...
Uterine Prolapse What is uterine prolapse? Uterine prolapse occurs when the muscles and tissue in your pelvis weaken. The weakness allows your uterus drop down into your vagina. Sometimes, it comes out through your vaginal opening. Nearly half of all women between ages 50 and 79 have this condition. What causes uterine prolapse? Uterine prolapse is caused when the muscles and tissue of the pelvic floor are weakened and can’t support the weight of the uterus. This allows it to drop into your vagina. What...
U.S. Lung Cancer Rates Falling Overall, Study Finds MONDAY, Aug. 11, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Overall lung cancer rates are dropping, according to a new analysis of nearly a half million Americans with lung cancer. But, the news wasn't all good -- the study also found that the rates of certain types of lung cancer are increasing, according to researchers from the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Over nearly three decades, the overall lung cancer rate has dropped approximately 12 percent, said the s...
U.S. Hospitals See Big Rise in Drug-Related Suicide Attempts THURSDAY, Aug. 7, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Drug-related suicide attempts in the United States increased over a recent six-year period, with dramatic increases seen among young and middle-aged adults, health officials reported Thursday. Overall, suicide attempts involving prescription medications and other drugs jumped by 51 percent among people 12 and older between 2005 and 2011, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Admi...
Unwed Parents Should Tie the Knot Before Child Turns 3: Study THURSDAY, July 3, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Unwed parents who plan to get married should do it before their child is 3 so they can create the strongest possible bond, a new study suggests. It's widely believed that unwed parents are most receptive to marriage immediately after their baby's birth, a period that some refer to as the "magic moment." "It turns out the 'magic moment' lasts longer than conventional wisdom has held. And for some subg...
Upper Respiratory Disorders Many different upper respiratory disorders require clinical care by a doctor or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some of the conditions, for which we have provided a brief overview. Upper Respiratory Infection (URI, or Common Cold) Sinusitis Allergic Rhinitis Stridor Congenital Laryngeal Stridor / Laryngomalacia Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis Influenza (Flu) Epiglottitis Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Croup
Using a Breast Pump Health considerations when using a breast pump Breast milk is not sterile and its anti-infective properties hinder the growth of bacteria. Still, you do not want to introduce "outside" bacteria unnecessarily when getting ready to pump, during the actual pumping session, or when storing milk or transporting milk. To minimize the risk of infection, consider the following: Always wash and rinse your hands thoroughly before handling pump parts, your breasts, or the milk collection bottle...
Uso de Drogas Ilegales y el Embarazo Riesgos asociados con el uso de drogas ilegales durante el embarazo: Los efectos que provocan las drogas ilegales, como la cocaÃna, pueden ser devastadores para un feto. Lamentablemente, muchas mujeres estadounidenses en edad fértil usan algún tipo de droga ilegal. El consumo de drogas ilegales durante el embarazo aumenta el riesgo de la madre de contraer anemia, infecciones de la sangre, del corazón y de la piel, hepatitis y otras enfermedades infecciosas. Además, s...
Una Visión General de Complicaciones ClÃnicas de Diabetes ¿Cuáles son las complicaciones clÃnicas asociadas con la diabetes? Las complicaciones clÃnicas asociadas con la diabetes pueden incluir las siguientes: La enfermedad cardiovascular La enfermedad cardiovascular, en muchos casos, es causada por la arteriosclerosis - una acumulación en exceso de placa en la pared interior de un vaso sanguÃneo grande, la cual restringe el flujo de la sangre. La cardiopatÃa es la causa principal de las muertes relacio...
Uso del Alcohol y las Personas que Tienen Diabetes El alcohol y la diabetes: El consumo del alcohol puede bajar los niveles de azúcar en la sangre hasta el punto que causa sÃntomas de hipoglucemia (azúcar baja en la sangre). Una persona con diabetes debe mantener un registro cuidadoso de sus niveles de azúcar en la sangre al beber alcohol, porque ciertos medicamentos, incluyendo la insulina, también bajan el nivel de la glucosa. Si los niveles son muy bajos, o si el estómago está vacÃo, el consumo del a...
Urinary Conditions Many disorders of the urinary system require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Anatomy of the Urinary System Urinary Incontinence Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Interstitial Cystitis
Upper Respiratory Infections Several upper respiratory infections require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some of the conditions, for which we have provided a brief overview. Common Cold Influenza Pharyngitis / Tonsillitis Sinusitis
Unusual Cancers of Childhood (PDQ®) General Information About Unusual Cancers of Childhood Unusual cancers of childhood are cancers rarely seen in children. Cancer in children and teenagers is rare. Since 1975, the number of new cases of childhood cancer has slowly increased. The number of deaths from childhood cancer is less than half what it was in 1975. Unusual cancers are so rare that most children's hospitals see fewer than two cases in a year. Because the unusual cancers are so rare, there is not ...
Uterine Sarcoma Description What is sarcoma of the uterus? Sarcoma of the uterus , a very rare kind of cancer in women, is a disease in which cancer ( malignant ) cells start growing in the muscles or other supporting tissues of the uterus. The uterus is the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a baby grows. Sarcoma of the uterus is different from cancer of the endometrium , a disease in which cancer cells start growing in the lining of the uterus (refer to the PDQ summary on Endometrial Cancer Treatment for...
Urethral Cancer Description What is cancer of the urethra? Cancer of the urethra , a rare type of cancer, is a disease in which cancer ( malignant ) cells are found in the urethra. The urethra is the tube that empties urine from the bladder , the hollow organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine. In women, the urethra is about 1 1/2 inches long and opens to the outside of the body above the vagina. In men, the urethra is about 8 inches long and goes through the prostate gland and then through the peni...
upper extremity The part of the body that includes the arm, wrist, and hand.
ultraviolet A radiation Invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. Ultraviolet A radiation also comes from sun lamps and tanning beds. Ultraviolet A radiation may cause premature aging of the skin and skin cancer. It may also cause problems with the eyes and the immune system. Skin specialists recommend that people use sunscreens that protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation. In medicine, ultraviolet A radiation also comes from special lamps or a laser and is used to treat ce...
ultraviolet B radiation Invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. Ultraviolet B radiation causes sunburn, darkening and thickening of the outer layer of the skin, and melanoma and other types of skin cancer. It may also cause problems with the eyes and the immune system. Skin specialists recommend that people use sunscreens that protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation. In medicine, ultraviolet B radiation also comes from special lamps or a laser and is used to treat certain...
ultraviolet C radiation Invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. Most ultraviolet C radiation from the sun is blocked from the Earth’s surface by the ozone layer. In medicine, ultraviolet C radiation may also come from special lamps or a laser and is used to kill germs or to help heal wounds. It is also used to treat certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and skin nodules of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma Also called UVC radiation.
UVC radiation Invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. Most UVC radiation from the sun is blocked from the Earth’s surface by the ozone layer. In medicine, UVC radiation may also come from special lamps or a laser and is used to kill germs or to help heal wounds. It is also used to treat certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and skin nodules of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma Also called ultraviolet C radiation.
upstaging In cancer, changing the stage used to describe a patient’s cancer from a lower stage (less extensive) to a higher stage (more extensive). Upstaging is based on the results of additional staging tests. It is important to know the stage of the disease in order to plan the best treatment.
uPA An enzyme that is made in the kidney and found in the urine. A form of this enzyme is made in the laboratory and used to dissolve blood clots or to prevent them from forming. Also called u-plasminogen activator, urokinase, and urokinase-plasminogen activator.
u-plasminogen activator An enzyme that is made in the kidney and found in the urine. A form of this enzyme is made in the laboratory and used to dissolve blood clots or to prevent them from forming. Also called uPA, urokinase, and urokinase-plasminogen activator.
urokinase-plasminogen activator An enzyme that is made in the kidney and found in the urine. A form of this enzyme is made in the laboratory and used to dissolve blood clots or to prevent them from forming. Also called u-plasminogen activator, uPA, and urokinase.
urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA)-derived peptide A6 A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. Urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA)-derived peptide A6 is a small piece of a protein called urokinase (an enzyme that dissolves blood clots or prevents them from forming). It is a type of antiangiogenesis agent and a type of antimetastatic agent. Also called A6.
upper gastrointestinal series A series of x-ray pictures of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). The x-ray pictures are taken after the patient drinks a liquid containing barium sulfate (a form of the silver-white metallic element barium). The barium sulfate coats and outlines the inner walls of the upper gastrointestinal tract so that they can be seen on the x-ray pictures. Also called upper GI series.
Ultram A drug used to treat moderate to severe pain in adults. It binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system. Ultram is a type of analgesic agent and a type of opioid. Also called tramadol hydrochloride.
urticaria Itchy, raised red areas on the skin. Urticaria are caused by a reaction to certain foods, drugs, infections, or emotional stress. Also called hives.
urea/lactic acid-based cream A substance being studied in the treatment of hand-foot syndrome (a condition caused by chemotherapy and marked by tingling, numbness, and red, peeling skin). Urea/lactic acid-based cream is a moisturizer that may help break down the hardened protein in dry, scaly skin and relieve these symptoms.
uveal tract The middle layer of the wall of the eye. The uveal tract has 3 main parts: (1) the choroid (the tissue layer filled with blood vessels); (2) the ciliary body (the ring of muscle tissue that changes the size of the pupil and the shape of the lens); and (3) the iris (the colored part of the eye). Also called uvea.
unclassified variant A variation in a genetic sequence whose association with disease risk is unknown. Also called variant of uncertain significance, variant of unknown significance, and VUS.
uninformative A negative test result in an individual where a clearly deleterious mutation has not been found in any family members. The genetic risk status of such an individual must be interpreted in the context of his or her personal and family history. Also called inconclusive and indeterminate.
UFT A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. It is a combination of tegafur and uracil. The tegafur is taken up by the cancer cells and breaks down into 5-FU, a substance that kills tumor cells. The uracil causes higher amounts of 5-FU to stay inside the cells and kill them. UFT is a type of antimetabolite. Also called Ftorafur, tegafur-uracil, and Uftoral.
Uftoral A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. It is a combination of tegafur and uracil. The tegafur is taken up by the cancer cells and breaks down into 5-FU, a substance that kills tumor cells. The uracil causes higher amounts of 5-FU to stay inside the cells and kill them. Uftoral is a type of antimetabolite. Also called Ftorafur, tegafur-uracil, and UFT.
ultrasound biomicroscopy A type of ultrasound eye exam that makes a more detailed image than regular ultrasound. High-energy sound waves are bounced off the inside of the eye and the echo patterns are shown on the screen of an ultrasound machine. This makes a picture called a sonogram.
uvea The middle layer of the wall of the eye. The uvea has 3 main parts: (1) the choroid (the tissue layer filled with blood vessels); (2) the ciliary body (the ring of muscle tissue that changes the size of the pupil and the shape of the lens); and (3) the iris (the colored part of the eye). Also called uveal tract.
underactive thyroid Too little thyroid hormone. Symptoms include weight gain, constipation, dry skin, and sensitivity to the cold. Also called hypothyroidism.
upper endoscopy Examination of the inside of the stomach using an endoscope, passed through the mouth and esophagus. An endoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. It may also have a tool to remove tissue to be checked under a microscope for signs of disease. Also called gastroscopy.
urea A substance formed by the breakdown of protein in the liver. The kidneys filter urea out of the blood and into the urine. Urea can also be made in the laboratory. A topical form of urea is being studied in the treatment of hand-foot syndrome (pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, or redness of the hands or feet that may occur as a side effect of certain anticancer drugs). Also called carbamide.
unguent A substance used on the skin to soothe or heal wounds, burns, rashes, scrapes, or other skin problems. Also called ointment.
unaffected An individual who does not manifest symptoms of a condition or disease occurring in his or her family.
urethral cancer A rare cancer that forms in tissues of the urethra (the tube through which urine empties the bladder and leaves the body). Types of urethral cancer include transitional cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that can change shape and stretch without breaking apart), squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in flat cells lining the urethra), and adenocarcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids).
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