A comprehensive guide on Alzheimer’s disease

A comprehensive guide on Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease, a neurological condition, causes brain cells to die. It is a debilitating illness that starts with memory loss and cognitive decline caused by brain cell damage. It is one of the most common forms of dementia with nearly 80 percent of dementia cases starting with Alzheimer’s disease. More than 5 million people are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease annually. The disease progresses in stages and symptoms become severe over time. Here are a few important things to know about Alzheimer’s disease. Various stages As mentioned above, Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are seven stages based on the severity of the symptoms. The disease begins with no impairment, progresses to mild and moderate decline, and finally, a state of severe decline. The diagnosis is usually done in the fourth stage of Alzheimer’s, known as “early-stage or mild Alzheimer’s.” Therefore, the disease can be said to have three main stages. The first one is preclinical, the stage before any of the symptoms appear. Mild cognitive impairment is the second stage, where symptoms begin to appear; however, they are quite mild. Dementia is the last and final stage of Alzheimer’s disease. Common symptoms One of the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease is cognitive loss, which causes memory loss.
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Eat these 6 foods to keep anemia at bay

Eat these 6 foods to keep anemia at bay

The blood mainly comprises three types of cells: White Blood Cells (WBCs) that stave off infections and diseases, platelets that help heal wounds, and Red Blood Cells (RBCs) that carry oxygen throughout the body. A depletion in RBCs due to lack of nutrition or an underlying disease leads to anemia and manifests symptoms that can range from persistent fatigue to irregular heartbeats. There are several types of anemia categorized on the basis of the causes and symptoms. Several health experts suggest that, apart from early diagnosis and timely treatment, following a healthy diet and ensuring proper nutrition are key to maintaining healthy levels of RBCs in the body. Here are a few power-packed foods that can help keep the symptoms of anemia at bay: Dark leafy greens The deficiency of iron has long been synonymous with anemia. So, don’t forget to add leafy greens like spinach and kale into your basket the next time you’re out buying vegetables. Also, you must up your intake of leafy green veggies if you depend only on plant sources of iron, as the body absorbs less of the nutrient. Lean meats If you’re looking for a larger dose of iron and don’t mind meat on your plate, grass-fed lean meat is a perfect source.
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Understanding the Basics About Cancer

Understanding the Basics About Cancer

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/facts-and-figures-2019.html https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-staging/staging In 25 years, the United States has seen a 27% decline in the number of deaths caused by cancer. This steep decline is due to the reduction in the number of people smoking habitually and advances in technology. But, what has also helped is people staying informed and aware about the disease. Recognizing the signs and symptoms is very important for getting treatment at the right time. So, here’s everything you need to know about cancer. Cancer — What is it? For starters, cancer is not a single disease but rather a bunch of diseases. The cells in the human body are always growing and multiplying, the old ones die and are replaced with the new ones. In the case of cancer, this is what happens, except the cells that are multiplying and replacing the dead cells are abnormal in nature. When these abnormal cells spread to the surrounding tissue, they are called tumors. There are two types of tumors that are present in the body: benign and malignant. The tumors that are cancerous in nature are malignant, which means that they spread not only to the surrounding tissue but also spread to other organs of the body.
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4 common stomach disorders and their causes

4 common stomach disorders and their causes

Research shows that at least 4 in 10 people suffer from digestive disorders that can disrupt their daily routine. From aches to chronic diseases, stomach conditions affect people of all ages, exhibit a myriad of symptoms, and are accompanied by mild to severe discomfort. Depending on the severity, certain changes in diet and lifestyle can help manage the symptoms. In severe cases, a combination of medications and treatment is recommended by medical professionals. Here’s an overview of the four common stomach conditions and their causes: Bloating and gas This is, undoubtedly, one of the most common stomach conditions and digestive problems among both men and women. One may feel extremely bloated and pass gas regularly in this condition. In fact, it is not uncommon for a person to pass gas up to 21 times a day, indicating normal digestive activity. Gas is nothing more than a byproduct of food that the body releases during digestion. Veggies like asparagus, beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and onions can cause gas to form during digestion, and the resulting buildup can also lead to bloating. Acid reflux Also known as heartburn, it is one of the more severe stomach conditions that results in a painful burning sensation from the upper part of the stomach all the way up to the chest.
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Five steps for effortless weight management

Five steps for effortless weight management

Many fitness websites focus on weight loss tips, but nobody talks about how hard it can be to maintain your ideal weight. Weight management is unlike shedding pounds; it is much more complex. It requires a sheer amount of discipline and dedication, along with maintaining a consistent routine. So, here’s a 5-step guide to weight management to make the process easier for you: Step 1: Maintain a consistent exercise routine Exercising is a common way to lose weight, but do not brush it off just because you’ve shed those extra pounds. You throw your routine out the window, and chances are that you’ll be off your ideal weight again. Exercising is essential, as it helps the body burn fat and improves overall health. Also, keep in mind that the type of exercise does not matter, so you can choose any physical activity you like to indulge in. Step 2: Don’t count every calorie Diet plans that help lose weight count each and every calorie consumed and burned, but this does not work in the long run. Trying to stay fit is not possible when you’re on a restricted diet. You need to get all the required nutrients, and fats are also an integral part of the list.
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5 common sleep disorders and factors that affect sleep quality

5 common sleep disorders and factors that affect sleep quality

Doctors recommend a decent 8 hours of sleep every night for adults because sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. From managing hormone levels and relieving fatigue to affecting mood, a decent sleep cycle helps regulate various body processes. While there’s nothing one would love more than a good night’s sleep after a tiring day, sleep disorders often disrupt sleep cycles and reduce the quality of sleep. Here are some common sleep disorders and their symptoms that you should know about: Sleep apnea Characterized by repeated interrupted breathing, sleep apnea is a serious disorder. People with this condition experience repeated episodes of breathing difficulties while they’re asleep and often wake up gasping for air. There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) RLS is a sleep disorder that leads to an irresistible urge to move one’s legs. This condition is so uncomfortable that people find it difficult to sleep and pace around at night, hoping to achieve some relief. Insomnia Insomnia is a common condition that makes it difficult for an individual to fall or stay asleep. While many adults suffer from insomnia, only a few experience chronic insomnia. Narcolepsy This is a neurological disorder that affects sleep control and causes uncontrollable episodes of sleepiness during the day.
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Rheumatoid arthritis – Things to avoid to manage the condition

Rheumatoid arthritis – Things to avoid to manage the condition

Rheumatoid arthritis or RA is the inflammation of joints, leading to cartilage degeneration. It is an autoimmune disease wherein the immune system attacks the body’s tissues and can be caused by the wear and tear of the joints. It is estimated that more than 20 percent, which is over 50 million people, get diagnosed with rheumatic conditions like arthritis. Here are some things to avoid in daily lives for better management of rheumatoid arthritis. Leading a sedentary lifestyle A sedentary lifestyle is one of the biggest risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis. Lack of movement can weaken the joints, making it challenging to manage rheumatoid arthritis. Doctors recommend doing some light intensity exercises to relieve pain due to arthritis and help build stronger joints. Bad posture Bad body posture can put excess weight on weakened joints, which can worsen rheumatoid arthritis. A good body posture reduces the pressure on the joints, thereby reducing other symptoms like excess joint pain and trouble walking or doing simple chores. Wearing high heels High heels can put a lot of pressure on the hips and knees. This can aggravate arthritis symptoms. The cartilage around the joints can get damaged further, resulting in pain and inflammation.
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6 superfoods for lactating mothers

6 superfoods for lactating mothers

Lactating moms should fuel their bodies with the best foods so the child grows healthier. During the time of breastfeeding, the mother’s body is making milk 24 hours per day. Generally, breastfeeding moms feel hungry ever so often. This appetite comes from the energy the body polishes off for producing milk. High on energy and low on calories, these six superfoods offer adequate nourishment for the mother and the child. Avocados Avocados contain healthy fats that will not only provide you with necessary energy over the course of the day but also assist you in controlling your cholesterol levels. Avocados are also plentiful in protein, vitamin E, and folate, all of which assist in the improvement of your child’s focal sensory system. Nuts Nuts are full of essential minerals such as iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin B, and vitamin K. They contain fatty acids and protein. Nuts are considered lactogenic in many parts of the world, meaning they are sometimes used to produce breast milk. Legumes or beans Legumes are a versatile food option for breastfeeding mothers, as they are a rich source of folate, iron, protein, vitamins, minerals, phytoestrogens, and fiber. Breastfeeding mothers require extra 25 grams of protein per day.
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Tips to prevent complications from a bleeding disorder

Tips to prevent complications from a bleeding disorder

Bleeding disorders can be quite dangerous and can lead to fatal consequences if neglected. In some instances, such as those with hemophilia, it is vital to know about the right diagnosis and treatment options available to ensure one’s safety and prevent accidents from occurring. This article discusses some tips on keeping a check on the symptoms of a bleeding disorder. These tips help manage the condition daily and prevent complications. Tips to prevent complications from a bleeding disorder Frequent check-ups It is vital to get frequent check-ups done every year, including checking the joints, muscles, and bones. Physical therapy is necessary to prevent any joint pain, and consider visiting a dentist every six months to a year. Get X-rays of the joints to eliminate any other hidden complications. Blood tests Getting a factor level check every once in a while is advisable as it will help with blood clotting function. Ensure to check for inhibitors as well, which can be done every year. Liver tests, complete blood count, and an immune system check are essential to ensure all the vitals are good. Additionally, check for Hepatitis A, B, and C, and if you aren’t vaccinated yet, get the vaccine if the results are negative.
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Travel precautions for hemophilia A patients

Travel precautions for hemophilia A patients

Hemophilia is a rare genetic bleeding disorder that affects a fraction of the people in the country. According to the Centre for Disease Control, roughly 12 out of every 100,000 males are diagnosed with hemophilia A. The bleeding is caused by a missing factor VIII protein, responsible for the blood’s clotting function. This inherited disorder is challenging to manage, and one must take the following precautions, especially while traveling with hemophilia A. Consult with a specialist Always consult with a doctor to understand if traveling with hemophilia A is possible in the first place. One should reconsider if the bleeding symptoms are severe. Some vaccinations for hepatitis A and B are recommended for patients who plan to travel. Doctors also provide a travel letter that explains the disorder for security purposes. Only then can airport officials allow prescriptions and care package supplies on board with the passenger. Prepare a precautionary kit Understand that airline baggage restrictions are not applicable for doctor-approved prescriptions and emergency supplies. So, patients can pack everything conveniently into a carry-on bag. However, it is the patient’s responsibility to label and mark all supplies, as there are certain prescriptions or equipment that cannot be exposed to X-ray scanning at the airport.
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