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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Leukemia is an umbrella term for cancers affecting the blood and the body’s blood-forming tissues, called bone marrow. It reduces the body’s natural ability to fight various infections and diseases. Researchers believe leukemia occurs when the DNA in blood cells called leukocytes mutate or change. As with other forms of cancer, there’s no cure for leukemia, but there are multiple tried-and-tested ways to manage the condition and help make life easier: Try these treatment options One must explore these treatment options to manage leukemia: BLINCYTO® The FDA has approved BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) for treating adults and children with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). ALL is a form of leukemia in which the bone marrow makes too many lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. BLINCYTO® is a targeted treatment targeting a specific protein on the leukemia cells so the immune system can identify and destroy them. It is typically prescribed to ALL patients in remission but has detectable traces of cancer and people whose cancer has returned or did not respond to other treatments. BLINCYTO® is usually administered to patients via the infusion pump. Some potential side effects include infections, fever, headache, face swelling, low or high blood pressure, and low counts of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 1.3% of adults in the country have Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), like Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis. Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract leads to Crohn’s disease. Early diagnosis and treatment can help in maintaining your quality of life and preventing complications that may be life-threatening. Following are some of the early warning signs of Crohn’s disease to look out for: Abdominal pain It can indicate Crohn’s disease if you feel cramps and pains in the lower right abdomen or any spot along the digestive tract. Recurring inflammation, abscesses, and ulcers that develop along the GI tract cause the pain. For some, pain may be the only symptom. Nausea Some may have cramps that make them nauseous. Some may throw up when there is pain. If one has continuous or frequent pain and vomiting episodes, visit a doctor without delay. Chronic diarrhea or constipation If diarrhea does not respond to home remedies or over-the-counter remedies, it may be an early warning sign of inflammation in the colon. Though diarrhea is more common, some may also experience constipation and pain while passing stools. Anal fissures Crohn’s disease directly leads to tears or fissures in the anus lining.

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells responsible for overall immunity. The mutation triggers an abnormal multiplication of these cells and releases antibodies that affect bone health and compromise bone marrow function. Multiple myeloma is a rare form of cancer with no cure as yet. However, as given below, changes in daily nutrition and lifestyle can supplement the suggested prescriptions and treatments to improve quality of life: Treatments suggested for various stages of multiple myeloma Orthopedic surgeons, radiation oncologists, oncologists, and bone marrow transplant specialists are the doctors qualified to treat the various stages of multiple myeloma. Approved prescriptions A combination of chemotherapy, corticosteroids, immunomodulating agents, proteasome inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and nuclear export inhibitors are used for treating and managing multiple myeloma. These are various classes of prescriptions suggested based on the severity of the symptoms and stage of myeloma. Each prescription targets and manages a specific symptom to help lower discomforts caused by progressive cancer. Radiation therapy Radiation is one of the commonly suggested treatments to manage the symptoms of multiple myeloma. It is usually the next step for patients who are not responding well to chemotherapy. High-energy rays are focused directly to destroy as many cancer cells as possible to prevent the spread from the localized region.

After a day’s work, you’d want to sleep without much effort. But certain factors can make sleeping on time quite difficult. If you go to sleep and wake up at a fixed time daily, invest in a good mattress, and make your bedroom comfortable and free of clutter, you will soon be able to sleep well through the night. Here are five crucial habits that you should avoid before bedtime: Exercising before bedtime Exercising at night at home or gym and jogging in the late evening are becoming increasingly trendy. But most doctors strongly disagree with this habit as the adrenaline increases your heart rate and keeps you alert. A vigorous workout can also stimulate your nervous system, which prevents the body from falling asleep. While exercising, your muscles go through wear and tear and need adequate rest to heal. Since you may not get enough sleep, your rest is disrupted, and the healing process takes more time. The cumulative result of lack of sleep makes you tired and exhausted and may affect your productivity at home, school, or work. If you can exercise only in the evening, do it at least two to three hours before bedtime. Using gadgets before bedtime You’re not alone if you’ve heard about this earlier and think it is easier said than done.