Medical News Today


Welcome to this week's MNT newsletter, bringing you the headlines and updated stories of the past week from our team of expert writers.

Stay informed with the latest developments in the current COVID-19 outbreak and our dedicated COVID-19 daily newsletter.


Blood / Hematology
Sickle cell disease: Cannabis may improve pain-related mood
A new study suggests that inhaling vaporized cannabis could improve the mood of people with sickle cell disease when they experience pain.


Bones / Orthopedics
Can you get rid of heel spurs?
Surgery can get rid of heel spurs by removing the excess bone. However, exercises and other nonsurgical treatments can relieve pain and inflammation.
7 causes of shin pain
Shin pain can occur for a variety of reasons. Learn more about the potential causes of shin pain, and the treatment options available here.


Colorectal Cancer
What to expect before, during, and after a colonoscopy
Find what to expect before, during, and after a colonoscopy. We also discuss how much the procedure costs and when a person might need to have one.


Depression
10 ways to lose weight gained from medications
Find out how to lose weight that is due to medication using 10 methods. We also discuss why some medications sometimes cause weight gain.
6 pressure points that alleviate anxiety
Learn the location of six pressure points that relieve anxiety and how to massage them. Also, find out what the research says about the effectiveness of acupressure.
What to know about depression in Black communities
Depression is about as prevalent in Black communities as in white ones, but there are important differences. Learn more.
What to know about racial trauma
Racial trauma is people's ongoing experience of racism, racist bias, and exposure to racist abuse and violence in the media. Learn more here.
Are depression and memory loss connected?
Depression has been associated with memory loss in several studies. Find out why this happens and how to manage memory loss brought on by depression.


GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
Vomiting and diarrhea when pregnant: Causes and treatments
Vomiting and diarrhea are common during pregnancy. They usually resolve with minimal intervention, but severe cases require professional care. Learn more here.
Watery diarrhea: Treatments, remedies, and prevention
Watery diarrhea has many potential causes, including viral infections and certain foods. Home remedies and medications can help treat symptoms. Learn more here.
How long does it take for an enema to work?
How long an enema takes to work can vary from a few minutes to 1 hour. Learn more about the types of enemas and how to use an enema safely here.


Hypertension
What do doctors consider to be high blood pressure?
Some groups of people are more at risk than others of developing high blood pressure. Learn what levels of blood pressure doctors consider to be hypertension.


Men's Health
How to make your first time not hurt
What can people do to make losing their virginity less painful? We provide tips that may help make the first time a less painful experience.
Genital size and sexual compatibility
How important are genital size and shape for sexual compatibility? Read on to discover what can affect sexual compatibility and tips to improve it.
Everything you need to know about erogenous zones
What are erogenous zones, and how can people stimulate them? Read on to discover the definition, how they vary among people, and how to stimulate them.
ED medication: Which pills are the most effective?
Erectile dysfunction is a common and treatable problem, and a variety of medications can help. Learn which pills may be most effective here.
What to know about ED pills and diabetes
A person with erectile dysfunction (ED) and diabetes may benefit from taking standard ED medications. Learn about the side effects, risks, and more.
Can you test for ED at home?
Many men experience ED, but self-tests are not always the best way to check for it. Learn more here.
Everything you need to know about sex drive
What is a normal sex drive? Read on to discover why sex drive varies, plus tips on how to increase it.


Neurology / Neuroscience
A desk-based job may lower the risk of cognitive decline
New research from the University of Cambridge suggests a surprising link between sedentary, desk-based jobs and better cognitive functioning later in life.


Nutrition / Diet
Best vitamin B12 foods: Supplements and RDA
The best vitamin B12 foods include clams, liver, and trout. Fortified foods, such as cereals and nutritional yeast, are plant-based alternatives. Learn more here.


Pain / Anesthetics
What can cause groin pain on the right in females?
Pain on the right side of the groin can occur for various reasons, and some are more serious than others. Learn more about the causes and their treatments here.
Is Aleve an NSAID?
Aleve is a brand of naproxen, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Learn about its uses, dosage, and side effects, and how it compares with other NSAIDs.


Respiratory
Stroke risk higher for COVID-19 patients who smoke or vape
New research suggests that people who smoke or vape have blood vessel damage that may raise their risk of stroke if they contract the new coronavirus.
What can cause chest pain while breathing?
Chest pain when breathing can have many causes that range from mild to more serious. Find out about the different causes and their treatment options.


Sexual Health / STDs
What to know about lesbian sex
How do lesbians have sex? Read on to discover how people define sex, answers surrounding lesbian sex myths, and tips for preparing for lesbian sex.
Home remedies for vaginal and vulval itching
Vaginal and vulval itchiness can be uncomfortable. Here, learn about home remedies that can help ease the itchiness and when to seek professional treatment.


Stroke
What is craniotomy, and how is it different from craniectomy?
Learn about the differences between craniotomy, craniectomy, and burr hole procedures here. This article also discusses recovery and potential scarring.
What causes a throbbing headache?
A throbbing headache can occur due to migraine, tension, or neuralgia. Learn the causes, treatments, and remedies for this type of headache.