Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Does this test have other names? ESR, sed rate What is this test? Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a blood test. It measures how quickly erythrocytes, or red blood cells, separate from a blood sample that has been treated so the blood will not clot. During this test, a small amount of your blood will be put in an upright tube. A lab specialist will measure the rate that your red blood cells settle toward the bottom of the tube after 1 hour. If you have a condition that causes inflammation or cell damage, your red blood cells tend to clump together. This makes them heavier, so they settle faster. The faster your red blood cells settle and fall, the higher your ESR. A high ESR tells your healthcare provider that you may have an active disease process in your body.  Why do I need this test? You may need this test if you have symptoms of one of the diseases that may cause ESR to go up. You may also need this test if you have already been diagnosed wi

 The brain-hijacking parasite Toxoplasma gondii seems to be almost everywhere. The microscopic invader is thought to infect up to 50 percent of people, and a range of studies suggests it may alter human behavior, in addition to that of many other animals. The parasite has been linked with a large range of neurological disorders, including schizophrenia and psychotic episodes, and scientists keep uncovering more mysterious effects that may result from infection. In one such new study, researchers found that men and women infected by the parasite ended up being rated as more attractive and healthier-looking than non-infected individuals. On the face of it, that might sound strange and unlikely. But hypothetically speaking, the phenomenon could make sense from an evolutionary biology standpoint, scientists say. Above: Composite images of 10 Toxoplasma-infected women and men (a), beside 10 composite images of 10 non-infected women and men (b). Amidst the many neurobiological changes T. gon

Tomato Fever: Feed a lot of water to infected children, take a bath by mixing... Tomato Flu: Most of the children have had problems with rashes, skin irritation and dehydration. The problem of blisters in some parts of the body has also been seen. Tomato fever is a rare virus that attacks only children. Especially those under the age of five. However, it is not yet confirmed whether this (unknown fever) is viral or dengue, chikungunya. Most of the children have had problems with rashes, skin irritation and dehydration. The problem of blisters in some parts of the body has also been seen. Tomato Fever: Where the Name comes from Tomato flu is named after this blister. The blisters look like red, wheeled tomatoes. It is still growing in Kollam so far. However, health officials have warned that it may soon spread to other parts of Kerala. The mysterious disease is also called Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease. Tomato Fever: Measures to avoid infection  1. Feed a lot of water to infected childre

 What to know about cardiovascular disease The cardiovascular, or circulatory, system supplies the body with blood. It consists of the heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries. CVD is now the most common cause of death Trusted Source worldwide. However, there are many ways to reduce the risk of developing these conditions. There are also many treatment options available if do they occur. The treatment, symptoms, and prevention of the conditions that are part of CVD often overlap. In this article, we look at the different types of CVD, their symptoms and causes, and how to prevent and treat them. Types CVD comprises many different types of condition. Some of these might develop at the same time or lead to other conditions or diseases within the group. Diseases and conditions that affect the heart include: angina, a type of chest pain that occurs due to decreased blood flow into the heart arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat or heart rhythm congenital heart disease, in which a problem wi

  Grapefruit is a tropical citrus fruit known for its sweet yet tart taste. It is rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber. This makes it one of the healthiest citrus fruits you can eat. Plus, research shows that grapefruit may have some powerful health benefits. These include weight loss and a reduced risk of heart disease. 1. It’s low in calories, yet high in nutrients Grapefruit is a great food to include in a balanced diet. That’s because it’s high in nutrients but low in  calories . In fact, it’s one of the lowest-calorie  fruits . It provides a decent amount of fiber, in addition to more than 15 beneficial vitamins and minerals. Here are some of the major nutrients found in half of a medium-sized grapefruit ( 1 ): Calories:  52 Carbs:  13 grams Protein:  1 gram Fiber:  2 grams Vitamin C:  64% of the recommended dietary intake (RDI) Vitamin A:  28% of the RDI Potassium:  5% of the RDI Thiamine:  4% of the RDI Folate:  4% of the RDI Magnesium:  3% of the RDI Additionally, it is a

  Share on Pinterest Researchers say listening to music or auditory beat stimulation can help ease anxious feelings for some people. Ivan Gener/Stocksy United Ivan Gener/Stocksy United. Two new studies are highlighting the potential benefits of sensory therapy to ease periods of anxiety. One study involved participants listening to music and auditory beat stimulation. The other used a huggable pillow that simulated breathing. Experts say sensory therapies can help ease and reduce transient anxiety. However, they say it’s not known how effective these treatments are for more serious anxiety disorders. Sensory therapy techniques may be beneficial for people experiencing feelings of anxiety. That’s the conclusion of two new studies that explore the benefits of therapies that use the senses to help manage feelings of anxiety. One study involved music, and the other involved a huggable pillow that simulates breathing. “In the realm of psychology, sensory therapy involves the use of visual a

  World TB Day 2022—Invest to End TB. Save Lives March 24, 2022 Statement of Lakshmi Ramachandra, Ph.D., Peter Kim, M.D., and Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institutes of Health Today marks the 140th anniversary of the announcement by Dr. Robert Koch that tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the bacterium  Mycobacterium tuberculosis . World TB Day is a reminder that this ancient disease remains a relentless killer. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, affirms its commitment to the 2022 World TB Day theme,  Invest to End TB. Save Lives , by supporting and conducting wide-ranging research aimed at reducing the health and economic impacts of TB. The global burden of TB is profound. The World Health Organization  estimates  that, in 2020, approximately 10 million new TB cases were diagnosed globally, including as many as 500,000 cases of multidrug-resistant (MDR) or ext