My MedlinePlus Weekly Newsletter: Quit Smoking, IOL Implants, Thyroid Ultrasound

November 13, 2019

The Benefits of Quitting November 15th is the Great American Smokeout. Did you know that tobacco use is the most common preventable cause of death? About half of people who smoke will die of a smoking-related illness. The health benefits of quitting smoking can help most of the major parts of your body from your brain to your DNA. There are many resources available to help you quit, and some people may try several times before they succeed. Learn about how you can quit smoking.

Bladder Matters Your bladder is a hollow organ in your lower abdomen that stores urine. It's a vital part of the urinary tract, which filters wastes and extra fluid from the bloodstream and removes it from the body. Find more information on diseases and conditions that can affect your bladder. IOL Implants: Lens Replacement After Cataracts During cataract surgery, the clouded lens in your eye is removed and is almost always replaced with a new, permanent, artificial lens called an intraocular lens, or IOL. The IOL restores the eye’s ability to focus and helps improve your vision. Learn more about cataracts and cataract removal. Thyroid Ultrasound Your thyroid is a gland in your neck that regulates metabolism. A thyroid ultrasound (also called a sonogram) is a painless imaging method used to see the thyroid. Get information on how to prepare for this test, why it's performed, and what the results may mean. Spinal Stenosis Your spine, or backbone, protects your spinal cord and allows you to stand and bend. Spinal stenosis causes narrowing in your spine that puts pressure on your nerves and spinal cord and can cause pain. Find out about the symptoms and treatments. Buttermilk Scones These light, fluffy Buttermilk Scones are quick and easy to make. Try adding your favorite dried fruit to change the flavor.