What to know about rib pain during pregnancy   Reviewed by Jenna Fletcher & Deborah Weatherspoon, PhD, RN, CRNA Women can often experience a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms during pregnancy. One common complaint is rib pain, which has several possible causes that vary by trimester. In most cases, the cause of rib pain is harmless. The growing fetus often causes aches and pains around the ribs due to their position in the womb. Less commonly, medical complications can cause rib pain, so it is important to know the warning signs. In this article, we look at what can cause rib pain in pregnancy, how to relieve the pain, and when to see a doctor. Causes and trimesters The most common causes of rib pain during pregnancy vary by trimester. In this section, we look at the possible causes and why they occur. Pressure from the growing fetus The position of the fetus in the womb can cause rib pain. In the late second trimester and third trimester, the uter...

What to know about sleeping with earplugs Reviewed by Aaron Kandola & Deborah Weatherspoon, PhD, RN, CRNA Earplugs are generally safe to use while sleeping. However, it is possible that frequent use can lead to some minor problems in the long run, such as earwax buildup. Sometimes, noise from the environment can disrupt sleep. For example, having a bedroom that faces a busy street can affect sleep duration. However, disrupted sleep may also be a problem when trying to sleep in different environments, such as on a plane. Earplugs can significantly reduce the amount of sound entering the ears, which may help people get to sleep in noisy environments. This article will discuss the safety of earplugs and the benefits they can provide. Safety Using earplugs while sleeping can block out surrounding noises. Using earplugs is a great way to block out surrounding noises that can disturb a natural sleep pattern. Not all noises have a negative effect on sleep. For exa...

How does exercise support health later in life? By Chiara Townley Fact checked by Jasmin Collier New research shows that older adults who exercise regularly can perform everyday tasks more easily and gain independence. Swimming is a great way to stay fit in older age. Insufficient physical activity causes around 3.2 million deaths worldwide each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). These declining levels of physical activity may be due, in part, to an increase in sedentary behavior, heavy traffic areas, pollution, and a lack of parks and facilities. For adults aged 65 and above, experts define physical activity as a combination of everyday tasks, such as work duties (if applicable), transportation, chores, and exercise they do during leisure time, such as walking, swimming, and gardening. The WHO recommend that older adults get 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic physical activ...

What are the Causes of swollen hands Reviewed by Claire Sissons & Elaine K. Luo, MD Swelling happens when fluid builds up inside tissues. Numerous factors can cause it, including temperature change and underlying conditions. If swollen hands are due to a medical issue, treating it should resolve the swelling. A person may notice their fingers or hands appearing larger than usual. The skin may look puffy or shiny, and a dent may appear when a person presses the skin. Swelling in the hands often goes away without treatment. Making some lifestyle changes can help to reduce the frequency of swelling. Swollen hands may occur at certain times of day or have a link to particular activities. Making a note of when swelling happens can help pinpoint the cause. It may be a good idea to keep a record of the time of day and circumstances when the hands appear swollen. Some simple home remedies can reduce swelling in the hands. Treatment aims to encourage fluid to flow thro...

Benefits and uses of lemongrass essential oil Reviewed  by Beth Sissons &  Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT Lemongrass essential oil comes from the lemongrass plant, which grows in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. The oil can be bright or pale yellow with a thin consistency and a lemony scent. People have used lemongrass in traditional medicine for pain relief, stomach problems, and fevers. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties may also give it other benefits. In this article, learn about the possible benefits of lemongrass essential oil, as well as how to use it, and if it has any side effects. Benefits Benefits of lemongrass oil may include: Fighting bacteria Lemongrass essential oil can help inhibit the growth of bacteria. The authors of a 2016 in vitro study found lemongrass essential oil to be effective in fighting strains of the Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria. This multi-drug resistant ba...

How much coffee is too much for the heart? Published by Maria Cohut Fact checked by Jasmin Collier For many people, coffee is the magical brew that kickstarts the day, a much-needed pick-me-up in the afternoon, and sometimes even a well-appreciated digestive after dinner. However, how much coffee is too much? A large new study claims to hold the answer. "What on earth could be more luxurious than a sofa, a book, and a cup of coffee?" So wrote the Victorian writer Anthony Trollope in his 1855 novel The Warden. Whatever it is that draws people to coffee — be it its taste and aroma or effects as a stimulant — it is undeniable that this is one of the world's most popular beverages. In the United States, coffee drinking has even been on the rise. Statistic reports  indicate that, in the 2018/2019 fiscal year alone, people in the U.S. have consumed almost 26.5 million 60-kilogram bags of coffee. According to the same reports, this is significantly more than ...

Nigerian, Victoria Obaze Becomes Mayor in UK Mrs. Victoria Obaze, a Nigerian from Imo State made history on Wednesday after she was sworn into office as the first black female Civic Mayor of London Borough of Tower Hamlets, United Kingdom. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Obaze's inauguration on Wednesday is the latest in turn of events that have seen Nigerians emerge as mayors in their area councils of residence in the UK. It will be recalled that Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, and Mrs Kate Anorue, both from Anambra State, were recently sworn into office as Mayors of London Borough of Brent and Enfield, respectively. Obaze, who contested three previous councillorship elections in 2010, 2014 as well as 2016 and failed, eventually succeeded in an election conducted on May 5, 2018 in Whitechapel Ward. She later became the Council's Deputy Speaker following her nomination by her Councillor Colleagues from where she took over the mantle as Mayor of London Borough of...

Depression and constipation: What's the link? Published By Tim Newman Fact checked by Carolyn Robertson Chronic constipation often accompanies depression. Using a mouse model, researchers investigated why this relationship might occur. They have also tested an experimental drug with encouraging results. Depression and constipation often go hand in hand. Over the years, scientists have found strong links between psychiatric disorders and an increased risk of constipation, particularly in older adults. Around one-third of people with depression  experience constipation and, according to some reports, it plays a significant role in reducing the perceived quality of life of these individuals. Some depression medications are known to reduce gut motility and slow bowel movements, but researchers believe that this fact alone cannot explain all cases of constipation. Recently, a group of researchers from Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York decided...

  Nigeria Immigration Begins Web-Based Application for Visa-on-Arrival The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has migrated to a web-based portal to be used to apply for Visa-On Arrival facility, with effect from May 13. Its Public Relations Officer, Mr Sunday James, announced this in a statement on Monday. James said that prior to the migration to a web-based portal, applicants were expected to forward applications for visa via email or hard copy to the Comptroller General for approval. The spokesman, however, said that with the web-based regime, applicants would only be required to log onto www.immigration.gov.ng where they could apply for the facility, make payment, and receive approval online. James said,“The Comptroller-General of Immigration Muhammad Babandede, hereby calls on genuine investors to take advantage of the innovation as it improves migration and transparency in the system in line with the Federal Government’s policy of Ease of Doing Business.” Visa ...

64-Megapixel Phone Cameras Are Coming Samsung has announced a new image sensor for mobile phones with a higher resolution than anything comparable on the market. The ISOCELL Bright GW1 is a 64-megapixel sensor that uses the same 0.8μm-sized pixels as Samsung’s current 48-megapixel component, meaning it’ll be a physically larger sensor that can capture more light overall. The Bright GW1 will produce 16-megapixel images by merging four pixels into one, like how existing 48-megapixel sensors turn out 12-megapixel photos by default. Samsung’s new sensor will also be able to descramble the color filter for full-resolution 64-megapixel shots in good light. Sony’s IMX586 48-megapixel sensor has a similar capability, but Samsung’s doesn’t; today the Korean company is also announcing an updated 48-megapixel part that offers the same feature. 48-megapixel cameras are now a common sight on phones: Samsung, Huawei, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, and others have all shipped devices with the sensors. Sa...

What causes asthma complications?   Reviewed by Nicole Galan and Karen Gill, MD Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs and respiratory system. It causes inflammation of the airways, which can make it hard to breathe. Asthma can present at any age. Symptoms can sometimes appear in infancy, while other people do not develop the condition until adulthood. The potential triggers of asthma can vary from person to person. Some people get asthma symptoms after having a cold or respiratory illness. The condition can also develop after exposure to certain chemicals or substances. Asthma can vary in its severity too. Some people experience only mild symptoms, such as coughing or wheezing when they exercise. Others have more severe symptoms that can cause difficulty breathing, lead to frequent hospitalizations, and potentially even be life-threatening. An asthma attack occurs when a person's asthma symptoms suddenly worsen. Asthma can cause severe comp...

Is drinking cold water bad for a person? Reviewed by Beth Sissons and Katherine Marengo LDN, RD Staying hydrated is vital for our health, but there is some debate about the best temperature for water to be when people drink it. Some advocates believe that drinking cold water can be bad for you. Consuming enough water every day is essential for supporting all bodily functions, including digestion and metabolism, getting rid of waste, maintaining a normal body temperature, and keeping organs and tissues healthy. In this article, we examine whether drinking cold water is bad for people. We also cover the potential risks and benefits of drinking cold water and whether it is better to drink warm or cold water. Is drinking cold water bad for you? There is no evidence that drinking cold water is bad for health. According to the Indian traditions of Ayurvedic medicine, cold water can cause an imbalance to the body and slow down the digestive process. The body has a...

What causes watery semen, and does it affect fertility?   Reviewed by Jamie Eske and Alana Biggers, MD, MPH Semen is typically a thick, white fluid, but it can vary in color and consistency. Watery semen can occur due to low sperm count, lifestyle factors, and nutritional deficiencies. In this article, we explore some of the possible causes of watery or clear semen. We also discuss whether watery semen can affect fertility, the meaning of discolored semen, when to see a doctor, and treatment. Low sperm count Having a low sperm count does not automatically mean that a person is infertile. The World Health Organization (WHO) define low sperm count, or oligospermia, as producing fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. Having a low sperm count can make it more difficult for a person to conceive but does not necessarily mean that a person is infertile. There is not always an obvious cause for having a low sperm count. However, some genetic conditions, ...

What causes dry skin on a baby's face? Reviewed by Gillian D'Souza and Karen Gill, MD It is relatively common for newborns and older babies to have some dry skin on their faces. In most cases this dry skin is harmless, and it tends to clear up without treatment. Babies often have dry skin on their faces because their skin is more sensitive than adults. Their skin may be adjusting to the environment outside the womb, or it may be reacting to allergens in products or clothes. Dehydration and skin conditions can also cause dry skin. Most cases are minor, temporary, and of little cause for concern, though some may need specialist advice, treatment and continued observation. The following sections look at the causes of dry skin in a baby's face and treatments. 1. Newborn skin peeling It is common for babies to have dry skin on their face occasionally. It is common for newborn babies to have peeling skin for a week or two after birth. In the womb, amniotic f...