6 odors that lead to migraine attacks
Health

6 odors that lead to migraine attacks

Migraines are unbearable headaches that can last for hours or even days. About 17.1% of women and 5.6% of men in the country suffer from the condition. There are various stages of a migraine attack, such as prodrome, aura, attack, and postdrome. A common trigger for migraines is osmophobia, where strong odors trigger the condition. Health experts say migraines are also triggered by genetics, bright lights, hormonal changes, and several other factors such as: Car exhaust The amount of vehicular traffic on the road ensures that one passes by hundreds of automobiles every day. They may even drive one to work and other destinations. However, this simple occurrence could be triggering migraine symptoms in an individual. Cars give out carbon monoxide (CO), which is an odorless, colorless gas and is a byproduct of engine combustion. Once inhaled, the gas can stay inside for several hours. Pesticides Pesticides can be chemical substances, biological agents like a virus, bacterium, antimicrobial, or disinfectants. They are created to prevent or eliminate pests that may damage crops and other vegetation in farms and other regions. However, properties in pesticides such as DDT, chlordane, and toxaphene can negatively impact the human body. These chemicals can trigger migraines that can last for hours.
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3 helpful tips to manage breast cancer
Health

3 helpful tips to manage breast cancer

Cancer is a term used to describe a group of diseases caused due to the growth and multiplication of abnormal cells in the body. Breast cancer is when this abnormal growth starts in the breast. Around one in eight women are at risk of developing the condition. The most common sign is a lump in the breast or armpit. Here are some treatments, nutritional choices, and lifestyle changes that can help manage breast cancer: Get the right treatment Unfortunately, there is no cure for breast cancer yet. The various available treatments focus on reducing this condition’s symptoms and slowing cancer’s spread. Popular options include oral therapies, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Here is a closer look at two well-known treatments: CAR T-cell therapy CAR-T cell therapy (chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy) is a form of immunotherapy that can help treat many different types of cancer. It uses the individual’s own immune cells to fight the harmful cells in the body. Immune cells, or T cells, are extracted from the patient’s blood and modified in a laboratory. The modified cells are then injected back into the bloodstream. They are now more capable of fighting the disease. Over the last few years, CAR-T cell therapy has progressed significantly.
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3 excellent ways to boost bone health
Health

3 excellent ways to boost bone health

Many people don’t realize the importance of building and maintaining strong and healthy bones until their bones begin to weaken. Bones protect vital organs and store important nutrients and minerals. However, common diseases like osteoporosis, which affects about 10 million people in the country, can make the bone weak and more likely to break. Fortunately, osteoporosis and other diseases that affect the bone can be managed and even prevented with these simple tips: Treatment options For women with osteoporosis, an excellent treatment option is EVENITY®. The FDA has approved it to treat osteoporosis in women after menopause. Those looking for an effective bone strengthening treatment must know that EVENITY® works in two ways to treat osteoporosis: it boosts the body’s natural ability to form new bone and reduces bone loss simultaneously. It’s one of the only treatments to target these two critical aspects of bone health simultaneously. Studies conducted on EVENITY® found that it helps build new bones rapidly and reduces the risk of spine fracture in 12 months. It consists of two shots (single dose) given under the skin monthly by a healthcare provider. Like every other treatment, EVENITY® comes with certain side effects. The most common side effects are joint pain and headaches.
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5 conditions that may cause bone loss
Health

5 conditions that may cause bone loss

Maintaining bone health becomes increasingly important with age, as the risk of developing bone-related issues, along with fractures and bone collapse, increases as one gets older. Experts suggest that taking up balance and stability exercises can help older adults limit and prevent falls, which may lead to injuries. However, certain diseases can cause bone loss. So here are a few health conditions that could affect the bones, along with common symptoms and treatment options. Osteopetrosis This condition is also known as the Marble bone disease or the Albers-Schonberg disease. It is characterized by increased bone density, making the bones extremely heavy and brittle. They also become weak and incapable of supporting the body. Not only does osteoporosis affect the bones, but it also attacks the bone marrow, which is crucial for fighting infections in the body. This marrow is also responsible for carrying oxygen and helping control bleeding in the body. Symptoms: Fractures, deafness, facial nerve paralysis, low blood cell production, and loss of the cranial nerve function that can lead to blindness are common symptoms of osteopetrosis. Treatment options: The doctor may recommend hormone therapy for both men and post-menopausal women as a treatment option. Some other invasive therapy options as well, which can be prescribed by the doctor if necessary.
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6 must-know causes of excessive sweating
Health

6 must-know causes of excessive sweating

Hyperhidrosis, also known as excessive sweating, is a condition where an individual sweats excessively, not necessarily due to heat or exercise. The sweating may be so severe that it drips through clothes, becoming a source of embarrassment. Thankfully, several treatments help reduce sweating and other symptoms, and surgical interventions are also available for severe cases. But it is necessary to know the reason behind it. Below are a few causes of hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating: Pregnancy A primary cause of hyperhidrosis is pregnancy. During pregnancy, blood flow increases throughout the body, making women feel warmer and causing excessive sweating. Hormones also tend to fluctuate significantly during gestation, which is a trigger for perspiration. It is more common in the first and third trimesters and can also occur postpartum or after delivery when hormones begin to settle down. Menopause Menopause is another reason why a woman’s hormones fluctuate. Hot flashes are the most familiar symptom during this time, caused due to ever-changing levels of estrogen in the body. The fluctuation of this hormone suddenly causes the individual to feel warm and sweat excessively. Nighttime sweats are pretty common in the perimenopausal period. Eating non-spicy food, sitting under a fan, or dressing in light layers help reduce the discomfort associated with extreme sweating caused by menopause.
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11 signs of high sugar intake that can cause health issues
Health

11 signs of high sugar intake that can cause health issues

Although sugar is essential, people deem it unhealthy. That is because not all sugars are the same; natural sugars like fructose and lactose found in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products are healthy. These sugars are found in small amounts and contain healthy doses of fiber and calcium. However, added sugars in most processed foods can often lead to health troubles, as they have no nutritional value. Here are ten signs you’re eating too much sugar: Increased hunger and weight gain Although sugar satisfies the taste buds, it does not fill our stomachs. Processed foods rich in sugar generally lack protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and our body burns through this sugar quickly, making us feel more hungry and snacky. Consumption of extra calories may result in weight gain. High sugar intake also disrupts metabolism and the ability to process lipids and cholesterol, affecting hunger patterns and weight gain. Frequent urination Persistently high blood glucose makes the kidneys work overtime to filter and absorb the additional sugar. When the kidneys cannot keep up, the excess sugar goes into the urine, taking along fluids from the body’s tissues. This can cause dehydration. As a result, one might feel frequent urges to drink more fluids, which results in frequent urination.
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3 types of soaps that can trigger an eczema flare-up
Health

3 types of soaps that can trigger an eczema flare-up

Eczema is a condition that leads to red, dry, and scaly patches of skin on the body that itch. It affects roughly 31 million people in the country in different age groups and can be caused due to allergens or genetics. Various treatment options help tackle this skin disorder, and individuals can also try home remedies to manage symptoms and keep their skin healthy. Here are some types of soaps that can trigger eczema flare-ups: Soaps with harsh cleaners One of the things that can trigger and worsen eczema is a harsh chemical or cleaner. Unfortunately, most soaps are often filled to the brim with harsh cleansers, which could be terrible for those suffering from eczema or other skin conditions. The only way to avoid this is to steer clear of such soaps. One method to identify products with harsh chemicals is to keep an eye on the label. Look for words like parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and even triclosan. Avoiding soaps with harsh chemicals will help protect the skin barrier, retain natural proteins, and maintain moisturizing factors to prevent dryness and eczema breakouts. Instead of harsh chemicals, one should use soaps with a pH-balanced formula. Fragranced soaps Fragranced soaps are also best avoided with eczema.
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3 useful fruit intake tips for people with diabetes
Health

3 useful fruit intake tips for people with diabetes

People with diabetes are often advised to avoid sweet foods as they can increase blood sugar levels. But not all sweet foods are bad. While refined sugar is a culprit, patients can add foods with natural sugar to their nutrition plan, like fruits. However, those with high blood sugar need to be cautious and follow specific rules when opting for fruits. Here are some fruit intake tips for diabetes patients: Consider where the fruit came from This does not mean finding out where the fruit was farmed. Tracking where the fruit came from involves understanding how it was processed and stored before it arrived in stores. Was it fresh, frozen, canned, or powdered? Each method of storing and processing fruits can impact diabetes and overall health differently. Studies have shown that fresh fruits have little to no negative impact on blood sugar. The same goes for frozen fruits or those preserved in their own juices. However, canned fruits can be harmful. Fruits in supermarkets packed in jars or cans are preserved commercially with preservatives. And most preservatives use sugar as the main ingredient. It is advisable to stick to fruits without added sugars and preservatives. Check the fruit’s glycemic index Glycemic index, or GI, is a rating given to every food, including fruits, depending on the speed at which it can increase blood sugar levels.
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Foods and habits that can worsen arthritis
Health

Foods and habits that can worsen arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that causes painful and swollen joints. It is also categorized by the presence of signs like soreness and stiffness of the joints. Feet, hands, wrists, and knees are some of the most commonly affected areas of the body. Treatment options often aim to reduce the inflammation and pain caused by the condition. It has been found that natural remedies, and healthy eating habits, show greater results. Treatment options: TREMFYA® Tremfya® belongs to the class of compounds known as monoclonal antibodies. Its mode of action is based on blocking a compound called interleukin-23. The body naturally produces interleukin-23 and is blocked by guselkumab present in TREMFYA®. It is essential in the prevention of frequent inflammation and the reduction of swelling. These are two of the most common symptoms seen in arthritis patients. It is administered as an injection, preferably by a trained professional. Some common side effects of TREMFYA® include gastroenteritis, skin infections, headaches, and more. ACTEMRA® Actemra® is a rheumatoid arthritis treatment option that contains tocilizumab as its primary ingredient. It is generally prescribed to patients with moderate to severe arthritic symptoms. Actemra® works by blocking the IL-6 compounds responsible for the body’s inflammatory response to triggers.
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3 effective ways to deal with cold and flu symptoms
Health

3 effective ways to deal with cold and flu symptoms

Cold and flu (influenza) are contagious conditions brought on by viruses that enter the body through nose, eyes, or the mouth. While cold is a milder respiratory condition, both illnesses are often characterized by similar symptoms like sneezing, coughing, fever, runny nose, congestion, and body ache. However, certain treatment options, right food choices, and remedies can help people get rid of the symptoms. So, here are 3 ways to deal with cold and flu: Treatment options Antiobiotics are usually ineffective in treating cold- and flu-like symptoms. Doctors may recommed the following options: Xofluza: Xofluza is an antiviral treatment option prescribed for patients affected by the flu. However, the tablet is said to be most effective when taken within 48 hours of the appearance of symptoms. Xofluza helps reduce the severity of symptoms like fever, sore throat, chills, and fatigue. It works by interfering with the growth of the virus and might also cut down the recovery time by a day or two. Tamiflu: Tamiflu is a treatment option prescribed for patients affected by the flu virus. It is an antiviral option in the form of 75mg tablets that are usually available in a pack of 10. This can also be recommended to prevent contracting the infection.
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3 treatment tips to fight melanoma
Health

3 treatment tips to fight melanoma

Melanoma, which is one of the most serious forms of skin cancer, develops in melanin cells or melanocytes, which are the cells responsible for skin pigmentation. It is caused when UV rays or tanning beds alter the melanocytes’ genetic mutations. Early detection has been found to heal most patients suffering from the disease. This article discusses the treatment options, meal plans, and lifestyle changes that can help patients with melanoma alleviate its effects: What are the treatment options? Early treatment is crucial to ensure a complete recovery from melanoma. Surgery is the primary intervention for melanoma, particularly when it is detected in an initial stage and the tumor is less than 1 mm in thickness. However, surgical melanoma removal becomes difficult or impossible if the condition is left undiagnosed. In such cases, one of the most reliable treatment options is Opdivo®, authorized by FDA for patients with advanced melanoma, i.e., stages III and IV. In stage III, surgery must be supplemented by other treatments to eradicate melanoma cells. In stage IV, melanoma begins spreading to other organs and cannot be removed surgically. Typically, hospitalization is not required for Opdivo ® intervention, as outpatient treatment is the preferred treatment plan. Opdivo ® primarily aims to dissolve tumors from all parts of the body, facilitate symptom relief, and help patients recover completely from the condition.
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