
A speculum is a duck-bill–shaped instrument physicians employ to look inside a hollow body cavity and help diagnose or treat medical issues. One frequent application is during vaginal examinations. Gynecologists use it to separate the vaginal walls and inspect the vagina and cervix. (img by ASP Global) Kinds of speculums Speculums are manufactured from stainless […]

Studies indicate that many students are assigned homework amounts that exceed expert recommendations, which can trigger stress and adverse health outcomes. Research finds that when youngsters are expected to manage workloads that outpace their developmental readiness, both children and their families can suffer significant stress. Both the National Education Association (NEA) and the National PTA […]

After intrauterine insemination (IUI), it’s best to wait roughly two weeks before trying a pregnancy test. That interval gives you the greatest chance of getting an accurate result. “Relax. Try not to obsess — there’s nothing more you can do now,” a friend might tell you after your latest IUI. That kind of advice can […]

Use this overview to learn how to distinguish between two frequent types of sores and what steps to take if you suspect one of them. Unfamiliar bumps or blisters in the genital region can raise alarms — is it herpes, or merely an ingrown hair? Recognizing a herpes lesion A sore near the vulva or […]

What is paraffin wax? Paraffin wax is a soft, solid substance that is typically white or clear. It is composed of saturated hydrocarbons. Because it is colorless, tasteless, and largely odorless, it’s commonly used in spa and salon skin treatments for hands, cuticles, and feet. It’s also employed to ease discomfort in aching joints and […]

After wisdom tooth extraction, bits of food can become lodged in the resulting socket. You can remove them in several safe ways, such as gentle brushing or rinsing with salt water. Alternatively, you can leave the socket alone and allow the debris to come loose on its own. Wisdom teeth are the final set of […]

Traditionally, poke root has featured in herbal remedies. Still, every part of the pokeweed plant is poisonous to humans unless processed in a very specific manner. (img by Chanchal Cabrera) Poke root (Phytolacca americana) is a flowering shrub with reddish-pink stems and dark purple-black berries. It is native to the southeastern and eastern United States, […]

Named for their distinctive green-rimmed shells, green-lipped mussels — also called New Zealand mussels — are shellfish indigenous to New Zealand. They’ve been promoted for their medicinal qualities and have grown in popularity as dietary supplements. The mussels are rich in several anti-inflammatory compounds that are marketed for treating inflammatory disorders, including asthma and arthritis. […]

Liquid can be taken up within minutes of swallowing. Your kidneys are continually functioning, so any water your body does not require will be expelled through urine or perspiration. This occurs far more rapidly than the time it takes for solid food to be eliminated as stool. Rates differ between individuals, but on average it […]