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Common Genetic Disorders in African Americans

Some genetic diseases, especially sickle cell anemia, occur at a higher frequency in African Americans when compared to other populations. Genetic testing for these disorders is available so that couples can receive testing before they decide to have a baby.

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Allergic Reaction to Bactrim DS

Although most prescription medications are safe for use, some patients have an abnormal immune system that reacts poorly with certain drugs.

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Causes of Sudden Short-Term Memory Loss

Sudden short-term memory loss is often as frightening for loved ones as it is for the sufferer. The fact that it comes on suddenly yields clues to its possible causes. New cases of confusion or sudden memory loss for no apparent reason should be evaluated by a medical professional immediately.

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Pregnant woman having cold

Cough Remedies While Pregnant

A cough during pregnancy is often a symptom of a cold or upper respiratory infection. While most coughs are not known to harm the baby, treating coughs can be challenging since only a small number of cold and cough medications are considered safe to use during pregnancy.

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5 Symptoms of Stress Overload

Stress is a typical part of life. You may feel stressed when a situation doesn't turn out the way you intended. A bad test grade, marital problems, getting fired and breaking up with a significant other are all typical situations in which you may experience stress.

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Doctor is taking blood for test.

Are There Symptoms of Low Cholesterol?

According to the American Heart Association, a blood cholesterol level of less than 160 milligrams per deciliter is considered low. Taking cholesterol-lowering medications occasionally leads to low cholesterol, also called hypocholesterolemia. Several disorders and conditions also cause hypocholesterolemia.

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Burping While Swimming

Swallowing air while swimming can lead to excessive burping and belching. While swallowing air is almost unavoidable during your swim, certain triggers can make it worse. If you notice pain with your burping or frequent episodes, talk with your doctor to ensure that it isn't a sign of something more serious.

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Coughing With a Rash in Children

Rashes typically occur when an inflammatory agent comes into contact with your child's skin, but a rash accompanied by a cough could mean something else.

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Why Do Phentermine Diet Pills Give Me Mood Swings?

The diet pill phentermine is associated with a number of negative and dangerous side effects, but it is still sold as a commercial appetite suppressant. Doctors may prescribe this medication to treat obesity, and it was part of the widely used yet discontinued Phen-Fen combination, which also included fenfluramine.

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Can a Shot of Vodka Lower My Glucose?

Glucose, a substance obtained by eating carbohydrates such as cereal and pasta, is an important source of energy. Drinking alcohol can cause hypoglycemia, or dangerously low blood glucose levels resulting in dizziness, disorientation, and even coma.

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Close-up of a father consoling his daughter

How to Treat an 11 Month Old's Cold

The common cold typically causes symptoms such as runny nose and nasal congestion. Babies are very susceptible to contracting the common cold, particularly from older children who don’t always wash their hands. A baby’s immune system is also immature, which makes young children more susceptible.

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Does Chocolate Cause Blood Pressure to Rise?

Recently, there has been evidence that chocolate may lower blood pressure. However, that's not to say that it can't cause a rise in blood pressure as well. How chocolate affects you depends on your sensitivity to the ingredients in it, as well as the amount you eat.

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chicken noodle soup on wooden table

What Should You Eat With a Cold & Sore Throat?

Good nutrition does not just affect the exterior of your body. A steady supply of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants help keep your immune system strong and healthy as well. Several foods can help ease a sore throat and cold as well as fight off the infection causing your symptoms.

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5 Things You Need to Know About Morning Headaches

Whether they are present when you awaken or cause you to wake up early, morning headaches are clearly not the ideal way to start your day. They are relatively common and occur with a variety of conditions.

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Strengthening Exercises for a Torn Bicep Tendon

Tearing your biceps tendon is a very painful injury that results from overexertion of the muscle due to lifting too much weight or falling on an outstretched arm. Over 90 percent of all biceps tendon tears happen near the shoulder, rather than near the elbow, according to the MDGuidelines website.

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Can You Flush Kidney Stones Using Olive Oil?

Drinking water helps flush your kidneys of kidney stones, but olive oil helps ease the pain associated with passing the stones. The use of olive oil for kidney stones is a folk remedy that doesn't require a special detox, cleansing or fasting regime. Gayle Alleman, author of "

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Bland Diets for Upset Stomachs

Bland foods may not be appetizing, but they are ideal for an upset stomach. They allow your stomach and intestines to heal. An upset stomach is commonly referred to as gastroenteritis. The condition is common and has a variety of causes ranging from viruses to eating contaminated food to taking certain medications.

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male doctor examining a young woman's throat with a tongue depressor

What Causes a Dry Mouth so Dry That You Cannot Talk?

Having an exceptionally dry mouth can be more than an annoyance: It can be uncomfortable and severe enough that even talking becomes difficult. Also called xerostomia, dry mouth occurs when saliva decreases substantially. The causes of dry mouth syndrome may be temporary or related to some underlying cause or disease.

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