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TUESDAY, June 1, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- An aggressive weight-loss program not only achieves remission of type 2 diabetes, but may also end the need for blood pressure medications, new research shows."Our study shows that, in addition to possible remission from type 2 diabetes, there are other very important health benefits, as weight loss is a very effective treatment for hypertension [high blood pressure] and its associated serious health risks," said researcher Mike Lean. He is a professor at the University of Glasgow School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, in Scotland.The weight-loss program begins with 12 weeks on a nutritionally complete diet of low-calorie soups and shakes. If fully followed, the regimen will lead to a weight loss of more than 33 pounds, the researchers...

MONDAY, May 31, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- You suddenly develop the sniffles. Is it allergies or COVID-19?One expert says whether you have a history of allergies might provide your biggest clue."Symptoms such as congestion, sore throat and loss of smell are all common with both seasonal allergies and COVID-19," said Dr. Jonathan Matz, an allergist and immunologist with LifeBridge Health, in Maryland. "We're not getting much concern from people who have seasonal allergies because their symptoms are predictable year to year," Matz said in a LifeBridge news release. That means if your runny rose and sore throat consistently occurs at this time of year, you likely have seasonal allergies, he noted.Along with the predictability of symptoms, another sign of seasonal allergies is an itch in the...

MONDAY, May 31, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- Women who are struggling to get pregnant, beware of false dietary supplements that claim to help cure infertility and other reproductive health issues.Such supplements are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and they could prevent patients from seeking effective, approved drugs, the agency warned."These purported fertility aids seek to profit off of the vulnerability and frustration many may feel as they face difficulties in getting pregnant," the FDA said in a news release. "Relying on ineffective, unproven products can be a waste of time and money, and can possibly result in illness or serious injury."The agency noted that most of these unapproved drugs are sold online and many are falsely labeled as dietary supplements."It...

MONDAY, May 31, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- Many Americans have used telehealth and would turn to it for mental health care, a new online poll shows.Conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA) from March 26 to April 5, the poll found that 38% had used telehealth to consult with a health professional, up from 31% last fall.In all, 82% have used it since the start of the pandemic, the poll found. Most consultations were done via video (69%). Thirty-eight percent of respondents said they had used phone calls only."The quick pivot to providing telehealth services at the start of the pandemic was vital to providing continued access to care, and this poll shows the important potential role for telehealth going forward," said APA President Dr. Vivian Pender. "Telepsychiatry...