Understanding Epileptic Seizures
Epileptic seizures happen when the normal electrical activity in a person’s brain surges in a sudden, uncontrolled way. People who have epileptic seizures can experience different types of seizures ranging from brief “absences” to intense tonic-clonic seizures during which they may temporarily lose consciousness, jerk parts of their bodies uncontrollably, and clench their jaws, sometimes even […]
Ergot Drugs Explained: From Ancient Poison to Modern Medicine
The Strange Story of Ergot The story of ergot drugs begins with a fungus called Claviceps purpurea, which grows mainly on rye and other grains. For centuries, people did not know that eating bread made from infected grain could cause serious illness. Historical accounts describe outbreaks where entire towns experienced burning pain in their hands and feet, […]
Beetroot Juice and Blood Pressure: The Nitrate Connection
Researchers at the University of Exeter have discovered that drinking beetroot juice can lower blood pressure in older adults, and it’s likely thanks to changes in the bacteria that live in the mouth. In the study, people in their 60s and 70s drank small shots of concentrated beetroot juice twice a day for two weeks. Result […]
What to do if GLP-1 Medications Reduce Libido
It’s a difficult question to even ask. Can weight-loss wonder drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy also reduce libido? There’s been a wave of fascination, almost a collective obsession, with this new class of GLP-1 drugs, often described as revolutionary. One topic, however, isn’t being discussed nearly enough. It sits quietly beneath the surface, weighed down […]
When medications affect sex: understanding some common sexual side effects
Most people expect a prescription medication to make life easier, providing a specific benefit, such as lower blood pressure, improved mood, less anxiety. What is not anticipated is that the same little pill can start whispering into another part of life we care about deeply: desire, pleasure, intimacy. It’s awkward to bring up and easy […]
Spondyloarthritis – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of inflammatory diseases that primarily affects the bones and joints of the spine, though it can also cause pain and swelling in other joints and areas where ligaments and tendons attach to bones. Other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, typically affect peripheral joints (wrists, fingers and feet), whereas […]
Understanding the connection between hormones and vaginal health
The transition into menopause brings a cascade of physical and emotional changes. Among the most common, and least openly discussed, are changes in vaginal health, such as vaginal dryness, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. These changes are closely tied to the body’s shifting hormone levels, particularly the decline of estrogen and progesterone. Recognizing how these […]
Pregabalin vs Gabapentin: New Evidence Links Lyrica to Higher Heart Failure Risk in Seniors
A common painkiller is now under scrutiny. A new analysis of pregabalin vs gabapentin published in JAMA Network Open in August 2025 reports that pregabalin (brand name Lyrica), a widely used treatment for chronic nerve and back pain, is linked to a higher heart failure risk in older adults when compared head‑to‑head with gabapentin (brand name […]
Can hormone therapy help prevent Alzheimer’s disease in women?
A recent article on the WomensHealthMag website revealed that there have been some important findings about how the timing of hormone replacement therapy for older women can have a strong influence on the development of Alzheimer’s Disease in later life. It was already known that Alzheimer’s disease affects more women than men, and its toll on […]
Serena Williams Shows Us the Power of Strength in Self-Care
Watching the finals of the US Tennis Open a few weeks ago, my young niece asked, “How big is the prize?” In my ignorance, I guessed, “It’s a lot of money – probably a million dollars!” My older nephew quickly jumped into the conversation with his iPhone in hand – “No, you’re wrong (implying – […]
