Author: Johan Osborne

Sleep apnea is a severe condition in which a person’s breathing is interrupted while asleep. This means that when it happens, the body and brain lack oxygen. Untreated sleep apnea can affect everyday activities, such as driving and academic and work performances. It can also lead to severe problems like strokes and intense headaches. A number of serious conditions also cause sleep apnea. Let’s take a look at what they are.

Illnesses that are related to sleep apnea include

High blood pressure
Most people with high blood pressure also suffer from sleep apnea. Being unable to control blood pressure puts one at a higher risk of developing Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The two are quite a dangerous combination, and it is often linked to conditions like a stroke.

Type 2 diabetes
People suffering from type-2 diabetes experience instability in their blood sugar levels. This can cause insomnia and other sleeping problems. Additionally, sleep apnea can increase the blood sugar levels in the body due to stress caused by sleep deprivation.

Parkinson’s disease
Sleep apnea is prevalent in those with Parkinson’s disease. It is the most common problem faced by those with PD, constituting 40% of the people. Usually, reduced dopamine levels in the body cause a change in people’s sleeping habits.

Polycystic ovary syndrome
Women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) tend to also suffer from other conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. In addition to that, sleep apnea is prevalent, too. Low estrogen levels or high androgen levels in PCOS usually play a hand in causing sleep apnea. Speaking to a doctor about this will help evaluate the condition.

Hormonal disorders
Certain endocrine and metabolic disorders cause sleep apnea. A rare type of cancer called Acromegaly may also increase hormone production, leading to OSA. Therefore, one must get checked for the possibility of OSA. Early diagnosis and cure of these conditions also help cure the condition.

Obesity
Over 50% of the people who deal with obesity also suffer from sleep apnea. Excess weight is one of the biggest contributors to it, and it usually happens to people whose BMI is above 25. However, after the age of 60, the effect of BMI on sleep apnea is less prevalent. Nevertheless, losing weight can completely cure sleep apnea.

Asthma
People who struggle with asthma are at a much higher risk of developing OSA. Studies show that up to 40% of the people already dealing with asthma are affected by OSA. What’s worse is that if a person has asthma for a long time, it increases their risk of developing OSA.

Common symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

• Daytime sleepiness
• Trouble sleeping at night
• Very loud snoring
• Irritability
• Difficulty breathing
• Waking up often

People with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) experience motor neuron loss, which means their muscles find it difficult to carry out different functions. A large number of nerve cells that are responsible for muscle function are in the spinal cord. SMA interferes with these nerve cells and hampers their ability to send signals to the muscles, consequently impacting movements like standing up or walking. Let’s look more closely at SMA by reading some known facts.

SMA is a Genetic Condition
Genes contain necessary information for protein production. In SMA, a fault in the SMN1 gene leads to poor cell formation. Cells lose their structure, strength, and ability to create enough proteins to boost the muscles, which slowly contributes to weak functioning. Since SMA is a genetic condition, parents can genetically pass it on to their children.

SMA is Recessive
While guiding parents through SMA, doctors may often use the word “recessive.” It refers to the fact that the offspring who has SMA must inherit the SMN1 mutation from both parents. In some rare conditions, only one parent can also be a carrier. For instance, a modification in the SMN1 gene can take place during egg production. In such cases, a single parent can pass this altered gene to their child.

Individuals May Only Be Carriers
Not everyone who inherits the SMN1 gene develops SMA. Those who have one healthy and one mutated copy are safe from symptoms of SMA. But such individuals are still carriers as their kids inherit their genes. Children are at a greater risk of developing the condition if the faulty gene is present in both parents. However, there are also chances that the child could also end up being only a carrier.

Severity Depends on SMA Type
There are different types of SMA. While the majority of kids with type 1 SMA don’t survive past 18 months, those with types 2 and 3 may live through adulthood with treatments and medication. Type 4 SMA patients usually suffer from progressive muscle weakness and other associated SMA symptoms. Among all types of SMA, types 1 and 2 are the most common.

SMN2 Can Be a Backup Gene
People with SMA get their proteins from the SMN2 gene. A person who has several copies of this gene may face mild symptoms. However, those who have only one copy may experience severe complications. The SMN1 gene, in normal conditions, is a powerhouse when it comes to production of proteins. In comparison, the SMN2 gene produces fewer working proteins, so the motor neurons can’t function properly.
Although SMA affects physical movement largely, the right health care can help with symptoms. Along with medical treatment, patients can benefit from lifestyle changes, exercise programs, and active support.

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes severe pain, swelling, and burning sensation in the joints, especially that of the big toe. The condition occurs when uric acid accumulates around the joints and turns into crystals. Purine, a substance found in certain foods, propagates the formation of uric acid. Here’s a list of foods a gout patient must have and avoid to manage their symptoms.

Foods that benefit a gout patient
Knowing what foods to eat to manage gout symptoms is essential and, when combined with the right course of medication, can bring about a remarkable improvement. Here are some foods gout patients can enjoy:
Cherries
Tart cherries or their juice is a potent natural medicine for gout. It helps curb the gout attacks as well as the discomforting symptoms.

Ginger
Besides its potent aroma and flavor, ginger makes for a great anti-inflammatory spice to manage gout symptoms. Ginger can be added to many dishes and beverages. Many gout patients also apply non-diluted ginger juice to the affected area.

Fish, nuts, olive oil, seeds
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, olive oil, and seeds, are packed with anti-inflammatory properties and are, hence, beneficial for gout patients.

Oranges, lemons, bell peppers
Vitamin C helps reduce uric acid levels in the body, which, of course, is beneficial for gout patients. Other foods rich in vitamin C include blackcurrant, broccoli, and brussels sprouts.

Apple cider vinegar
Apples and apple cider vinegar can benefit gout patients by ridding their bodies of accumulated uric acid. Apples make for a great snacking option, too, and patients can try their hand at exciting beverages and salads that consist of apple cider vinegar.

Grains, barley, quinoa, oats
These staple foods are packed with non-inflammatory properties that help manage gout symptoms. In fact, research suggests that whole grains could even resolve arthritis. Another additional benefit of whole grains is that they keep a person feeling full for long, eventually aiding in weight loss.

Foods to avoid
Although the above foods can help manage gout, certain others can interfere with the healing process. Here’s a list of foods to avoid for a gout patient:

Meat and seafood
Red meat and certain seafood tend to be high in purines, a substance directly associated with increased uric acid levels. Therefore items like bacon, turkey, veal, venison, sardines, cod, mussels, trout, scallops, anchovies, liver, and haddock must be avoided.

Carbonated drinks and packaged juices
Fructose consumption in any form is considered a significant risk factor for gout. If one has gout or is at potential risk of developing it, carbonated drinks can be replaced with tart cherry juice.

Alcohol
Alcohol can trigger gout symptoms as the body prioritizes getting rid of alcohol and lets uric acid accumulate in the joints.

Hepatitis C is a viral disorder that causes inflammation in the liver. It is caused due to the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and can vary in intensity from mild to severe in different situations. This condition can be acute or chronic. Based on how the virus affects the body and due to the lack of apparent symptoms, Hepatitis C can go undiagnosed for a long period of time.

Here are some ways in which Hepatitis C can affect the body:

Blood and vessel problems
People suffering from hepatitis C have proteins present in the blood stick together in colder temperatures. This condition is known as cryoglobulinemia. It leads to an unhealthy buildup of such proteins in the blood vessels and may result in blockage, swelling, and severe damage to the vessels. The patient may also suffer from a deficiency of white blood cells and/or platelets in their blood. Since this disease directly affects the liver, it has an impact on the flow of blood in the body. Some levels of scarring can also block this flow of blood and cause further complications.

Neurological effects
Hepatitis C is also known to cause some damage to the nervous system due to the increased number of toxins present in the body. This may result in brain fog and trouble focusing and may also lead to depression. In more severe cases, the patient may also experience some loss of memory and fatigue. Other symptoms of nerve damage caused due to Hepatitis C are numbness in the hands and feet, prickling sensation in certain parts of the body, or abnormal shaking.

Cardiovascular effects
HCV, which is the cause of hepatitis C, is known to alter the body’s glucose metabolism process. This puts such patients at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, people who are already suffering from type 2 diabetes are said to be more vulnerable to increased fibrosis if diagnosed with hepatitis C. Since this condition directly affects the circulatory system, it is known to cause hypertension in people and may also lead to variceal bleeding or internal bleeding due to ruptured blood vessels. In some patients, atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of the arterial walls, is also observed.

Digestive problems
The liver is responsible for producing bile, which helps digest food particles in the intestines. When infected by HCV, the production of bile in the liver reduces, which largely interferes with its ability to digest fatty foods. As a result, it may lead to pain in the abdomen. Liver damage, which is also known as cirrhosis, may also reduce the amount of albumin produced in the body. Albumin is responsible for controlling the amount of fluid in cells, and thus a deficiency of albumin may lead to a buildup of fluid in the stomach, which is known as ascites. Inflammation of the gallbladder is also observed in people with Hepatitis C.

Skin conditions
The unnatural clotting and blockage of blood vessels and reduction in the number of white blood cells and platelets in the body can often result in visible skin conditions, such as bumps, blisters, and light or dark patches on the skin. In severe cases, the patient may also experience vitiligo, which is the loss of color in the face, elbows, knees, and wrists.

Carcinoma and sarcoma are two types of cancers that have nothing but the suffix “oma” in common. Oma is a medical term that stands for tumor or cancer. While carcinomas are common types of cancer, sarcomas are a rare kind. This article briefly enlists the differences between both kinds of cancer:
The biggest difference between the two is where the cancer occurs. Carcinomas develop in the epithelial tissues that line the kidneys, liver, lungs, and colon. Sarcomas, on the other hand, develop in the mesenchymal cells present in the bone marrow, muscles, tendons, and other tissues.

Types of carcinomas
The most common types of carcinomas tend to develop on the skin or mucous membranes. Here are some key forms of carcinoma:

• Adenocarcinoma
  This type of cancer develops in the mucus-producing glandular cells and affects organs, such as the breasts, intestines, lungs, prostate, and pancreas.
• Basal cell carcinoma
  Basal cells are present on the outer layer of the skin, and are responsible for producing new skin cells. This type of carcinoma often shows on the skin in the form of translucent bumps.
• Squamous cell carcinoma
  This form of skin cancer affects the topmost layer of the skin, which is damaged by ultraviolet (UV) rays or artificial tanning services. It is the second most common form of skin cancer.
• Transitional cell carcinoma
  In this condition, the cancer cells attack the urinary system, especially the bladder. In fact, it is known to be one of the most common types of bladder cancer.

Types of sarcomas
Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that affects the bones, blood vessels, cartilage, nerves, muscles, fat, joints, tendons, and ligaments. It most commonly affects the abdomen, arms, and legs. Some common types of sarcoma include:

• Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma
  This rare type of cancer occurs in the soft tissues that hold all the organs together.
• Leiomyosarcoma
  This tumor is commonly found in the abdomen, but can affect any smooth muscle tissue.
• Osteosarcoma
  This is a type of bone cancer that usually affects the long bones. In rare cases, it can also occur in tissue that is outside the bones.
• Liposarcoma
  As the name suggests, this type of sarcoma begins in the fat cells, and commonly affects the limbs or the abdomen.

Risk factors for carcinoma
Carcinoma is a common type of cancer that can affect people of any gender and ethnicity. Some risk factors for carcinoma are:

• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Obesity
• Excess exposure to UV rays or tanning beds
• Lack of activity

Risk factors for sarcoma
Sarcoma can be influenced by environmental and medical conditions, and even certain lifestyle habits. Some risk factors for sarcoma include:

• Genetics
• Immune system abnormalities
• Exposure to toxic chemicals
• Lymphedema
• Radiation therapy
• Continual exposure of x-rays, CT-scans, MRI

When one suffers from anemia, the blood lacks healthy red blood cells or there is a certain dysfunction in these blood cells. This means oxygen isn’t effectively carried to all parts of the body and it can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a pacing heartbeat. Thankfully, this condition is treatable and can be improved by a few dietary changes. This article shares which foods an anemic person should eat and avoid.

Foods to Have
Anemia patients either don’t get sufficient amounts of iron or their body can’t absorb iron the way it normally should. Foods that are rich in iron include

• Fruits and Veggies
  Dark green, leafy vegetables are great iron sources, and citrus-rich fruits help your body absorb iron better. Consider adding kale, peas, beet greens, spinach, dandelion greens, oranges, lemon, red and yellow pepper to your diet.
• Meat and Fish
  Red meat is a great source of heme-iron, which is easier for the body to absorb. Other options include lamb, liver, tuna, shrimp, salmon, oysters, and halibut.
• Nuts and Seeds
  These foods are packed with iron and a variety of other nutrients. Nuts and seeds make for a great snacking option and are easy to carry around. You can try and alternate these nuts and seeds in your daily routine: almonds, pistachios, peanuts, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, hazelnut, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, cashews.
• Eggs
  While eggs are known for its protein content, they also make for a great source of iron. You can start your day with eggs and alternate it with different recipes for a change of taste.
• Grains
  Quinoa, oats, whole wheat, kamut, and teff are all natural sources of iron. And the staples that can be included to your everyday-diet include whole grain breads, cereals, and pastas.
• Foods to Avoid
  Some foods inhibit the absorption of iron, and that’s why knowing which foods must be avoided is imperative. Here’s a list of the ones to keep away from at all costs:
• Dairy
  Milk, yogurt, tofu, and cheese are high in calcium, and they prevent the absorption of iron. If you have been taking iron supplements, it’s common for your doctor to suggest that you steer clear of dairy and other calcium-rich foods.
• Tea and Coffee
  As much as these beverages are loved across the globe, they aren’t a good choice for anemics. Tea and coffee contain tannins, which interfere with the absorption of iron. The other foods high in tannins are grapes, sorghum, and corn.
• Cocoa, Apples, and Spices
  These foods contain polyphenols or phenolic compounds that inhibit iron absorption. And they’re best avoided by anemic patients when following the diet.
  Despite sharing this list of foods to eat and avoid for anemic patients, we highly recommend you consult a doctor before you commit to a specific diet.

Leukemia is a type of blood cancer characterized by the bone marrow increasingly developing abnormal white blood cells. These white blood cells, unlike healthy ones, are incapable of fighting viruses, bacteria, and other foreign substances that threaten the body. These abnormal cells’ excessive growth outnumber the healthy cells and invade their functions, making the body more prone to illnesses. Check out the sign of leukemia and how it is diagnosed.

Symptoms of leukemia

• Pale skin
  When the white blood cells outnumber the red blood cells, the patient’s skin can easily turn pale. This is the first tell-tale sign of an increase in white blood cells.
• Fever or chills
  An infection accompanies fever or chills in the body, but in leukemia, the malignant cells send signals that cause the body to elevate the core temperature.
• Persistent fatigue
  Chronic leukemia can make the patient feel excessively tired despite sufficient rest. Since the body lacks healthy white blood cells, the body is always prone to infections, and the healthy white blood cells use up most of the body’s energy in fighting them.
• Frequent infections
  Leukemia outnumbers healthy white blood cells, making the body more prone to infections.
• Easy bruising and bleeding
  Leukemia keeps the body from producing healthy white blood cells, which keep the platelets (clot-forming cells) in check. Platelets help form clots to prevent the body from losing blood during cuts and injuries. And the low levels of platelets make the body more prone to bruising and bleeding.
• Excessive night sweats
  The body turns up its core temperature to fight against cancer. Additionally, fever is a symptom of this disease, contributing to night sweats.
• Bone pain or tenderness
  The abnormal white blood cells take over the bone marrow and form masses around the spinal cord nerves or joints in the body, which causes joint pain and sensitivity to touch.
• Enlarged liver or spleen
  The abnormal white cells build up in masses around the spinal cord nerves and the liver, causing them to expand. This condition is accompanied by significant discomfort and a greater risk of reducing healthy cells.
• Loss of appetite
  The enlarged liver puts pressure on the stomach, making the patient always feel full. Even if the patient feels hungry, they may not be able to eat much because they’re prone to a feeling of fullness. That said, the patient naturally experiences sudden weight loss. This sign also denotes that cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

Diagnosis of leukemia

• Blood test
  Thankfully, leukemia can be diagnosed by a blood test, which allows the doctor to determine the abnormal growth of white blood cells.
• Physical exam
  If you go to your doctor with leukemia symptoms, the doctor may look for signs like pale skin, swollen lymph nodes, and enlargement of the liver or spleen.
• Bone marrow
  When the blood test fails to show any leukemia cells in the blood sample, the symptoms hint at the illness, the doctor may perform a bone marrow test.

The porous nature of skin makes it a victim to environmental pollutants. Urban spaces expose humans to dust, smoke, and chemicals, and skin becomes the first point of contact for these elements in the air. People staying in cities, thus, have a higher risk of toxin-related skin diseases and allergies. Read on to learn more about the common city pollutants and their effects on skin.

Dust
Dust particles are small enough to enter the pores of your skin. They settle down on damaged cells and prevent them from healing. In reality, dust is a morbid mix of tiny pieces of dead skin, bugs, pollen, and more. And when it mixes with toxins in the air, it turns into a substance that is extremely harmful for the skin. It can lead to breakouts and trigger skin disease. If you are exposed to a lot of dust and need to cleanse your skin, then you should try taking some steam as it rids the pores of dirt and debris.

Nitrogen oxides
Nitrogen oxides are released into the air primarily from combustion sources. They can severely irritate the skin and also corrode it. When the body exudes moisture and comes in contact with liquid nitrogen dioxide, it turns into nitric acid. This acid can cause many skin problems, including allergies. People who are exposed to nitric acid complain of ulceration, chronic burns, and dermatitis. This corrosive substance is also guilty of causing the skin to turn yellow.

Tobacco smoke
It’s no secret that tobacco smoke is bad for health. It can harm the inner workings of the body and also have detrimental effects on the skin. Cigarette smoke contains more than a thousand chemicals. It can increase the risk of psoriasis, a skin disease characterized by itchy red patches on the skin. The smoke is lethal enough to narrow the blood vessels and decrease the amount of blood that nourishes the skin.

Ozone
You may experience severe skin reactions and allergies after coming in contact with ozone or O3. It destroys antioxidants and fuels oxidative stress, which weakens the protective layer of the body. This may render your skin more susceptible to diseases and further corrosion. O3 affects the skin on a deeper level and is associated with skin conditions like contact dermatitis, inflammation, and eczema.

Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless chemical that can have ill effects on your skin. It is created during the partial combustion of energy resources like oil, coal, and wood. When the skin comes in contact with this toxic air pollutant, it can turn red. Conditions like blistering and necrotic skin lesions are associated with carbon monoxide poisoning.

Skin is the barrier that protects the body from harmful elements present in the environment; and constant exposure to these substances—and many more—can cause immense damage to it. Therefore, avoiding situations that can increase your contact with these substances is important to keep your skin healthy.

One’s health can be affected by a region’s climatic and environmental conditions. Allergies, joint pain, and asthma can worsen depending on the heat, pollen count, and air quality of the area. As spring arrives, so does the wheezing and sneezing. Understanding which cities are affected by pollen will help you manage symptoms or plan trips better. Read on to find out the top nine cities that are the worst for allergies.

Memphis, Tennessee
The warm temperatures of Memphis allow pollen from trees and flowers to flourish. The air quality of Memphis is quite average too. Due to lack of healthcare and high pollen count, Memphis is considered to be one of the worst cities for people with allergies or asthma.

Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville has an abundance of bluegrass – a type of grass that contains plenty of pollen. The weather in this region is warm and humid, making it perfect for speedy tree growth. The accumulation of pollen in the air aggravates allergy and asthma symptoms.

McAllen, Texas
Trees and grasses that release pollen into the air, such as Huisache, Cedar, and Johnson, are prevalent in this region. They damage the quality of the air. Furthermore, sometimes, smoke that drifts from Mexico can trigger certain symptoms for people with asthma.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Winds from the south bring in tree pollen after winter. Moreover, Oklahoma City laws are lenient about public smoking. This deteriorates the quality of the air, which, in turn, triggers symptoms in people with allergies or asthma.

Buffalo, New York
Buffalo experiences dry and sunny springs. It is also fairly close to Niagara falls, making the weather humid. These conditions are ideal for pollen to flourish and travel. This can trigger asthma or allergy symptoms in people.

Jackson, Mississippi
Jackson experiences one of the worst allergy seasons in the country. Its dense greenery, humid weather, and high pollen count can allergy aggravate symptoms. However, the number of specialists available to treat allergies is much higher in this city.

Wichita, Kansas
Due to an abundance of trees, there is also greater production of pollen. Furthermore, the warm weather allows increased production of pollen. This contaminates the air, making it very difficult for people with asthma.

Knoxville, Tennessee
Due to an abundance of maple, oak, and birch trees, a large amount of pollen is released into the air. The humid weather and high winds allow the pollen to thrive and stay in the valley itself. All these factors make it difficult for a person with allergies or asthma to live here.

Syracuse, New York
Springtime in Syracuse calls for the allergy season. The weather is warm, facilitating pollen growth and spread via air. Syracuse also experiences longer and warmer winters, worsening conditions for those with allergies.

Human papillomavirus is one of the most common types of STDs. It can be transmitted through oral, anal, and, vaginal sex. Low-risk HPVs are less harmful; however, high-risk HPVs can lead to life-threatening diseases like cancer. Almost all cervical cancers happen as a result of it. In this article, we will be discussing the risk factors and prevention methods for HPV and cervical cancer.

The link between HPV and cervical cancer
The immune system generally manages to successfully fight an HPV attack. However, sometimes, the virus survives and remains in the body for years together. Eventually, it begins mutating the normal cells on the cervical lining to cancerous ones. Sometimes, the precancerous changes fade away automatically. Although, occasionally, they tend to advance and cause cervical cancer.

Symptoms
One may experience little to no symptoms during the initial stages of cervical cancer. As the cancer advances, the following symptoms are observed: pain in the pelvis, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, pain after intercourse, bleeding post intercourse and menopause, and bleeding between periods.

Risk factors
The risk factors for cervical cancer are as follows:

• Various sexual partners
  The greater the number of sexual partners, the higher the risk of developing HPV and cervical cancer. If your partner too, has been intimate with many people, the risk is greater.
•  A weak immune system
  When a person undergoes an organ transplant or has been infected with HIV, their immune systems tend to weaken. This puts them at a greater risk of developing cervical cancer.
• Medication that prevents miscarriages
  If one has been exposed to a medication called diethylstilbestrol, they are at risk of developing a certain type of cervical cancer.
• Early sexual activity
  If a person engages in sexual activities at a relatively younger age, they are at a greater risk of developing HPV and cervical cancer.
• Smoking
  Smoking has been linked with squamous cell cervical cancer. It contributes to the development of cancer.
• STIs
  Having sexually transmitted diseases like HIV, gonorrhea, and syphilis puts one at a higher risk of developing HPV and thus, cervical cancer.

Prevention methods
The methods used to prevent oneself from HPV and thus, cervical cancer are:

•  Get yourself vaccinated
  Vaccines are available for HPV, getting the shot administered will prevent one of nine types of HPVs and HPV-related cancers. It also protects one from new HPV infections.
• Quit smoking
  If one doesn’t smoke, it is advisable not to begin at all. However, if one is already a smoker, quitting the use of tobacco is advisable.
• Practice safe sex
  Using protective measures such as wearing a condom every time one has sex can lower the risk of developing HPV as well as cervical cancer.
• Have routine checks
  Having a PAP test done every few years can help one detect or treat any precancerous or cancerous conditions.