7 mistakes that can aggravate rheumatoid arthritis
Health

7 mistakes that can aggravate rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the inflammation of joints that leads to the degeneration of cartilage. The condition could be due to an autoimmune disease or due to wear and tear of the joints. It is estimated that over 50 million people (about 20% of the population) suffer from rheumatic conditions like arthritis. Avoiding certain habits could help lead a better life and manage rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Here are seven mistakes that can aggravate the condition:  Skipping treatment It is one of the most common mistakes that can worsen arthritis symptoms. Most people skip treatment as soon as they start feeling better. However, the condition can recur and worsen the pain to the extent that the patient might need to visit an ER. Hence, it is vital to seek treatment on time and never skip dosage for proper management of diseases. Treatment options such as Tremfya® and Plaquenil are used for relieving joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Actemra® is another treatment option that blocks the action of a protein called interleukin 6. Eating the following foods Food and nutrition play a crucial role in maintaining optimum health. While it is essential to include some foods to get relief from rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, the following foods must be avoided to prevent aggravation:
Read More
3 crucial tips for managing lung cancer
Health

3 crucial tips for managing lung cancer

Cancer may develop in the lungs due to radiation therapy, asbestos, and carcinogens. Factors such as genetics may also trigger the development of lung cancer. There are more than 236,000 new cases of this disorder and its types every year. Those who develop lung cancer may notice symptoms including chest pains, hoarseness, and bone pain that turn severe with time. Here are three tips for one to manage lung cancer. Start a treatment plan The first tip for coping with lung cancer is to start a treatment plan as soon as the condition is diagnosed. There are two common types of lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). SCLC therapies About 20 of every 100 people with lung cancer are diagnosed with SCLC. This type of cancer is also fast growing compared to other lung cancer types. Preferred treatments for small cell lung cancer include chemotherapy, which involves eliminating lung cancer cells that may have spread outside the lung. Furthermore, radiation therapy is used for treating small cell lung cancer when the tumor is limited to the lung or areas inside the chest. The two therapies are often combined in such cases. Prescription for NSCLC NSCLC is a more common type of lung cancer that spreads gradually and much slower than small cell lung cancer.
Read More
3 ways to manage hemophilia
Health

3 ways to manage hemophilia

Hemophilia is a disorder characterized by unusual bleeding that doesn’t stop quickly. People with hemophilia abnormally bleed continuously, even from a small cut or injury. This happens because the blood’s ability to clot is compromised. Abnormal bleeding can pose a high risk when the patient is undergoing surgery. This article highlights the different types of hemophilia, treatment options, and effective tips on how one can better manage the health condition: Treatment options Hemophilia is a genetically inherited health condition associated with a bleeding disorder. It needs to be managed with the help of treatment plans, nutritious foods, and healthy lifestyle habits. Treatment options for hemophilia include recombinant factor concentrates that work at building the protein factors required to clot the blood in hemophilia patients. The major products used in developing recombinant factors include VIII, IX, and VIIa.  Below are some treatment options that a specialist may prescribe to focus on clotting factors. Since there are different types of hemophilia, they all have different courses of treatment. However, some of the most common treatment options include: KOVALTRY® This treatment option is prescribed to manage hemophilia A, which is caused by the missing protein factor VIII. KOVALTRY® helps replace factor VIII or antihemophilic factors to limit bleeding.
Read More
6 effective tips for relief from nasal congestion
Health

6 effective tips for relief from nasal congestion

Nasal congestion is a common discomfort caused by sinus and nasal cavity inflammation. An allergen could trigger it, or it could simply be a side effect of other diseases. Nasal congestion results in excess mucous production and swelling of the tissues and blood vessels in the nose. It is possible to manage these discomforts with FDA-approved prescriptions, simple changes in daily nutrition, and lifestyle remedies that improve the overall outlook, such as the following: Treatment options Doctors suggest prescriptions to primarily manage severe sinus congestion and nasal inflammation symptoms. Allegra® Allegra® is an FDA-approved prescription that belongs to a class of antihistamines formulated to provide relief from nasal congestion and common allergies. There are separate non-drowsy fast-acting formulas for children and adults available in the form of sprays, liquids, and more for direct consumption. Allegra® helps counter the histamine production that could result in a runny nose, sneezing, itching, and water eyes, among other common symptoms of cold and allergies. Foods to eat and ease nasal congestion Many daily foods and beverages can help manage symptoms and counter inflammation caused by nasal congestion and sinus allergies. Chicken soup ranks among the top foods, and for a good reason. Chicken broth contains an amino acid called cysteine that helps break down mucous, thus relieving congestion.
Read More
5 tips for dealing with ulcerative colitis
Health

5 tips for dealing with ulcerative colitis

When the lining in the large intestine and rectum becomes inflamed, it can induce the colon to empty itself frequently, leading to diarrhea. This inflammatory condition is called ulcerative colitis (or UC). The disease kills the cells in the colon lining, resulting in open sores and ulcers in the region. This is a chronic condition that has no permanent cure, however, a few tips can help one prevent UC and manage the symptoms: Understand risk factors and get tested Knowing if one is at risk for ulcerative colitis is the first step toward preventing it. One should check which risks can be managed or things that can be avoided to prevent UC. Doctors are yet to pinpoint a definitive cause but have narrowed down a few factors that can increase the risk of developing the condition. The common risk factors are: Age: UC typically begins between the ages of 15 and 30, though there are many cases where it has developed above 30 years of age. Race: Research suggests that Caucasians are at a higher risk when compared with other races. Further, the condition’s incidence has increased in African-American, Asian, and Hispanic communities. Heredity: If members of immediate family, like parents or siblings, have been diagnosed with UC, then one is at a higher risk of developing it too.
Read More
7 simple snack ideas that can reduce cholesterol levels
Health

7 simple snack ideas that can reduce cholesterol levels

If the cholesterol level in an adult is above 240 mg/dL, they have high cholesterol. The level varies for men and women based on their age. 12% of adults and 7% of adolescents in the country have high cholesterol. Besides treatment, nutritional regimes and exercise are key to lowering cholesterol levels. A person with high cholesterol must commit to a diet that does not spike the current numbers. Here are some snack options that can lower cholesterol levels: Avocado Avocado is a must-have item in the kitchen if an individual has high cholesterol. It is rich in healthy fats that keep one satisfied, and it has 0 cholesterol. Avocado is also versatile; add it to egg, chicken, or vegetable salads, and make guacamole, toast, or salsa. If there are young kids with cholesterol, avocados can be included twice a week in ways that appeal to their palette. Here are some easy-to-make avocado snacks: Avocado and salmon toasts Avocado and cucumber roses Grilled avocado with hummus and tahini Avocado and chicken or egg salad Guacamole with baby carrots Baked avocado fries Baked chips If an individual is working towards lowering their cholesterol levels, it takes a lot of commitment and discipline. Doctors would have banned fries, but one can still enjoy healthy fries once in a while.
Read More
6 easy tips to aid in managing ADHD
Health

6 easy tips to aid in managing ADHD

Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a chronic neurodevelopment disorder often diagnosed in children. Several cognitive and behavioral traits are symptoms of ADHD. Irritability, hyperactivity, and control of impulsive actions are some symptoms of ADHD, but each case varies from another. While doctors commonly seek therapy and drug treatment options, patients and families alike, certain lifestyle tips can help manage ADHD. Here are some effective tips that can help create a routine and manage ADHD in the long run: Start treatment for ADHD Ideally, once a diagnosis of ADHD is made, it is necessary to consider all possible treatment options and begin immediately. Do not start treatment in a hurry, as there is no need to panic. As a matter of protocol, doctors talk to the patient and their family about the best course of action. While drug treatment and therapy is the most common treatment option for ADHD, a combination of both is recommended by pediatricians and psychiatrists. While there is a limited number of licensed drug treatments for ADHD that help control the day-to-day symptoms of ADHD, it is imperative to consider the symptoms of any drug treatment. Make lifestyle changes  While treatment options are the status quo, you can make lifestyle changes that help with impulse and attention issues.
Read More
Hemophilia – Its types, symptoms, and management
Health

Hemophilia – Its types, symptoms, and management

Hemophilia is a group of congenital or acquired bleeding disorders where the blood takes time to clot. People with this disorder may bleed longer if they have an injury or surgery. According to the CDC, about 30,000 to 32,000 people in the country suffer from hemophilia. Contrary to popular belief, this is treatable if the condition is diagnosed and treated on time. Other important facts and information about hemophilia are as follows: What is hemophilia? A clotting factor is a protein in our blood that controls bleeding. If our blood does not have adequate quantities of this protein, it takes time for the blood to clot. Normally, in the case of any injury, trauma, or surgery, bleeding stops right after first aid, dressing, or once the doctors suture the site. However, in a person with hemophilia, the bleeding may continue for a long time and may need attention and treatment. The clotting factors that affect blood clotting are VIII, IX, and XI. Hemophilia is classified based on which clotting factor is lacking in the affected person. Types of hemophilia The type of hemophilia a person has is based on what clotting factors their body lacks. There are three types of hemophilia.
Read More
5 myths about sunglasses debunked
Health

5 myths about sunglasses debunked

Sunglasses not only help protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays but also add aesthetic appeal to the overall appearance. With the right sunglasses, you can pull off any look and, at the same time, maintain eye health. One can opt for polarized sunglasses for the beach day or classic aviators for a brunch date. However, there are many myths about the usage of sunglasses, which unfortunately leads to vision damage. Let’s debunk the following four myths: Myth 1 – Children don’t need sunglasses One common myth amongst adults is that children don’t particularly need sunglasses for protection as adults do. Research shows that the lens of a child allows more UV rays to penetrate through their sensitive retina than in adults. Once you begin to protect the eyes from a nascent stage, you can prevent some eye-related issues from developing as your child grows. Some sunglasses for kids are ambiguous about the features and merely state that they offer protection from ultraviolet rays. Please do not buy them unless it clearly states they provide 100% protection from UV rays. Myth 2 – Cheap sunglasses don’t offer protection Higher the prices, better the quality. This is a general belief that is also applied to eyewear.
Read More
Alzheimer’s disease – 7 tips to manage the condition
Health

Alzheimer’s disease – 7 tips to manage the condition

Around 6.2 million people in the country above 60 suffer from Alzheimer’s. This irreversible and progressive disease of the brain shrinks the blood cells and typically has an effect on a person’s memory and thinking skills. And as the disease advances, the person gradually loses the ability to do the most basic and simple tasks. Knowing the following seven tips can benefit one when it comes to managing Alzheimer’s disease: Continue with treatment The FDA has approved several prescriptions for treating Alzheimer’s symptoms and one in June 2021 to treat its underlying biology. There are no approved non-prescription treatments. One must follow the doctor’s guidelines to the T to get the optimum benefit of the available treatments. To explore alternative treatments, one must do it by consulting their doctor. Without a structured treatment, the disease may progress quickly. Manage comorbidities Hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, COPD, and depression are some of the most common comorbidities of Alzheimer’s disease. It is important to continue the treatment of these illnesses. Worsening symptoms of existing diseases can cause additional pain and distress to patients. For example, fluctuating or poorly managed blood sugars can further weaken their cognitive abilities. Hence, along with treating Alzheimer’s, one must continue treating any preexisting diseases.
Read More
7 tips to manage schizophrenia
Health

7 tips to manage schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a treatable mental illness characterized by distortions in speaking, thinking, and behavior accompanied by auditory and visual hallucinations. It is estimated that 3.5 million people in the country have been diagnosed with schizophrenia and other related mental illnesses. However, most symptoms significantly improve with treatment. But since there are too many myths and half-truths about the condition, you must learn the following tips to manage schizophrenia: Learning the truth and facts about schizophrenia Lack of awareness has resulted in the proliferation of myths about schizophrenia. It can confuse the person affected and their immediate circle of family and friends who may be their caregivers. Knowing the truth is essential for both patients and caregivers. Schizophrenic patients are not dangerous. They have a mental illness. They do not have a split personality or multiple personality disorder. They can get better with a structured and continuous treatment. Parental or societal influences do not cause schizophrenia. Learning about symptoms A person with schizophrenia may exhibit one or more of its typical symptoms. Knowing the typical symptoms can help one prepare to take adequate preventive measures per the doctor’s advice. While an individual can work on managing stress independently, it is advisable to go to a doctor if they experience severe and intense mood changes, thoughts, or symptoms of a psychotic episode.
Read More