Category: Health

Cells and tissues are being constantly created and destroyed in the body. However, in some individuals, there is no efficient regeneration of bone tissues after the disintegration of the old ones. This condition is known as osteoporosis. It leads to a weakening of the bones, causing them to be brittle and susceptible to fractures. There are certain factors that increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, leading to increased symptoms.

Some of these are as follows:

Causes and risk factors for osteoporosis

Age
As you get older, you are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with osteoporosis. People over the age of 65 are more vulnerable to the condition than people of other ages. In fact, women over the age of 50 are very likely to have osteoporosis and must therefore consult their doctor for optimal bone care and recommended changes to be made in their lifestyle.

Family history
As is observed in most diseases, having a family history of osteoporosis puts one at a higher risk of being diagnosed with the same. If you have a family member who has the condition, you should take extra care of your bones by following a healthy diet and exercise regimen so as to keep them fit and strong.\

Medication
Certain corticosteroids recommended for rheumatoid arthritis patients reduce the amount of calcium absorbed during digestion and, hence, cause a deficiency of the same. These steroids also lead to an increase in the excretion of calcium from the body. As a result, individuals who are prescribed these medications are more susceptible to osteoporosis if they do not add calcium and vitamin D supplements to their diet.

Smoking
Smoking has a lot of adverse effects on the body, one of which is the weakening of muscles. The tobacco that gets absorbed in the body is known to cause a steep reduction in estrogen for women and testosterone for men. This causes weakened bones and may also lead to early menopause.

Lack of physical activity
Leading a sedentary lifestyle is one of the major risk factors that cause osteoporosis in people. It is important to add at least 20 minutes of moderate exercise to your daily routine in order to lead a fit and healthy lifestyle and avoid any such conditions.

Signs and symptoms of osteoporosis
People suffering from osteoporosis often do not get diagnosed with the condition immediately since there aren’t any significant signs and symptoms. It is usually diagnosed when an individual suffers from a bone injury or fracture from even a minor incident such as sneezing and coughing. Aside from this brittleness of the bones, the person may experience severe back pain, a fractured or collapsed vertebra, reduced height, and poor posture, among other symptoms.
Fractures due to osteoporosis are usually observed in the bones of the hips, wrists, spine, etc. These symptoms may, therefore, be prevalent in the legs, the pelvis, the spine, or the skull.
It is advisable to keep an eye out for such vulnerabilities, especially after crossing a certain age, so as to not face the repercussions later on.

Over the past decade, social media platforms have become an integral part of our lives. The constant spotlight and pressure to put on a facade of having a perfect life can be quite challenging. This can seriously affect our mental health and may give rise to conditions such as depression or anxiety. Here are some factors that link social media usage to developing depression and anxiety.

Through the looking glass
Scrolling through Instagram or binge-watching videos from our favorite YouTubers has become a part of our everyday lives. On the other side of the screen, a career as a social media influencer may seem like a piece of cake, but with a large following comes great responsibility. Aside from creating and editing content every day, these influencers are responsible for making sure that the products and services they are promoting are authentic and of good quality. Therefore they tend to spend a lot of time and energy curating every single post that we see on our phone screen. Even though it may not seem like it, it takes hours of hard work, planning, and creativity to be able to run a successful social media account, which can take a toll on the mental health of such content creators.

Unrealistic standards
A common theme that seems to run in the lives of all successful social media influencers, especially those that cater to the entertainment industry, is that they have all experienced some level of anxiety and pressure to live up to some really high standards when managing their personal and professional lives. Whether it is unrealistic body image expectations, lack of empathy for people who haven’t been posting enough content, or negative criticism for work being sub-par compared to others, such expectations end up putting such influencers under a lot of stress.

Privacy problems
Social media success can lead to a lot of fame. While that is the upside to being an influencer, it also comes with an unhealthy lack of privacy. It can be extremely difficult for popular influencers to even get a cup of coffee from across the block without getting noticed by the paparazzi. This can soon get to be quite uncomfortable and may end up making them quite vulnerable to bad situations.

Fear of missing out (FOMO)
When scrolling through these platforms, it can be quite easy to fall into a hole of self-doubt and low self-esteem. People tend to look at posts of influencers traveling to different countries or living lavish lifestyles and feel self-conscious about not doing the same. It is important to remember that these influencers do not post everything they experience on social media. Just because nobody is posting their failures and setbacks doesn’t mean that they don’t have any. Social media is used to show the world your best moments, and it is important to remember that just because someone’s social media is displaying a perfect lifestyle doesn’t always mean that it is. It is important not to fall for unrealistic standards that are sometimes set in society.

Ovarian cancer is when cancerous growths start developing in cells present in and around the ovaries and the fallopian tubes. Several different types of ovarian cancers are observed in women based on the types of cells or tissues affected and where they begin metastasizing. Certain factors, however, put women at a greater risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Risk factors

• Genetics
  Someone with a family history of cancer, specifically ovarian cancer, is more at risk of developing ovarian cancer herself. More people in the family with a history of some cancer further increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
• Age
  In most types of cancers, the risk of developing such growth increases with age. As a result, people over the age of 50 are more likely to be diagnosed with such cancers than those who are younger. This is also true for ovarian cancer in women, especially if they have already been through menopause.
• Obesity
  It has been observed that women who are slightly overweight or even obese are more susceptible to ovarian cancer. It is also quite difficult for such women to successfully deal with the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Hence it is recommended for women, especially over the age of 50, to lead an overall healthy lifestyle.
• Hormonal imbalances
  The natural hormonal balance in our body can get disrupted drastically due to external or internal changes such as stress, taking hormone therapy after menopause, or taking contraceptives. This imbalance of hormones can increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer in women.
• Treatment options
  The treatment options recommended for patients with ovarian cancer can either be surgical or associated with chemotherapy along with other therapy options to accompany.
• Surgery
  The doctor may recommend getting a surgery done to remove either one or both the ovaries for women with ovarian cancer. It may even be recommended that the patient also get their uterus surgically removed in some severe cases. If the cancer is quite advanced, the doctor will also suggest going through chemotherapy after surgery.
• Chemotherapy
  Chemotherapy on its own would be recommended only to those patients who are showing very benign cancerous growths. Most of the time, chemotherapy is recommended as a repetitive procedure to be done for some time after surgery is done.
• Other treatment options
  Along with surgery and chemotherapy, other treatment options can be considered to ensure that the cancer is eliminated from the body for good. Treatments such as targeted therapy and palliative care are often recommended to patients after surgery.

Colon cancer is a condition that affects the large intestine (colon). Small, benign clumps of cells called polyps form inside the colon, and over time, some of these polyps become cancerous. This condition is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country; an estimated 53,200 individuals lost their lives due to the disease last year, and the number is expected to increase. It usually affects older adults.

Risk factors for colon cancer
The exact cause of colon cancer hasn’t been identified; however, certain risk factors can increase one’s chance of developing the disease. These are mentioned below:

• Old age
  The risk of developing colon cancer increases with age. That said, the incidence of the condition in younger adults has seen a steady rise in recent years, but it’s still an uncommon disease in young people.
• Family history of the disease
  One in three cases of colon cancer is of those who have a history of the disease in their family. This is especially true when individuals are diagnosed with the condition before 60. The risk is even greater if multiple members of the family have the disease.
• Diabetes
  Studies have found a link between colon cancer and type 2 diabetes. Obesity, which is closely associated with diabetes, also increases the chances of one developing colon cancer.
• Certain inherited genes
  Although rare, inherited genes can be a risk factor for colon cancer. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome are two such genetic mutations passed down by parents that increase the likelihood of one being diagnosed with the condition.
• Poor diet
  A diet low in fiber and high in fats and calories is detrimental for the body and increases the risk of various diseases, including colon cancer. Processed meat and fast foods, which make up a major part of such a diet, contain toxic compounds like calcium sulfate and phosphate additives, which are harmful for the body.
• Smoking
  Smoke allows the free radicals to change DNA makeup and kill the healthy cells in the body. This increases the number of unhealthy cells in the system, which can lead to colon cancer. Studies have also shown that those who smoke are more likely to die from the condition than nonsmokers.
• Prevention
  A few tips may lower a person’s risk of colon cancer. These are mentioned below:
• Exercise regularly
  Those who are not active are at greater risk of colon cancer. So making exercise an important part of the daily routine will keep one healthy.
• Diet and weight management
  Obesity not just increases one’s risk of colon cancer but various other problems as well. A diet rich in fiber and low in red meat may help bring down the risk of colon cancer. Studies have found that those who take calcium and vitamin D supplements have a lower risk of developing the condition. Having a wholesome diet and exercising regularly will build the immune system and help fight diseases.

Cold and flu are unavoidable. The pathogens responsible for these illnesses are everywhere, so there’s no “safe place” as such. Fortunately, both problems can be easily tackled and don’t necessarily require medical attention, unless it’s an emergency. The food you eat has the necessary nutrients to dilute the effect of the pathogens responsible for both illnesses. This article takes you through the most effective of these nutrients.

Zinc
Zinc is an incredible mineral that boosts your immune system and helps heal wounds. It proves especially useful against colds; preventing rhinovirus, which is responsible for it, from multiplying or entering the mucous membranes of the throat and nose. Zinc’s antiviral properties make it effective against other types of viruses as well, including the ones that lead to flu. Experts recommend around 8mg of zinc a day for women and 11mg for men. Nuts, beans, and whole grains are the best sources of the nutrient.

Vitamin A
Among the most beneficial nutrients out there, vitamin A promotes growth and development and enhances the function of the immune system. It plays a central role in cellular immune response, also proving effective against infectious diseases such as cold and flu. Its anti-inflammatory properties assist the immune system to carry out its functions effectively. The wider benefits of vitamin A cannot be ignored either, with the micronutrient supporting good vision and reducing the risk of certain cancers.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is renowned for its wide range of health benefits. As far as its effect on the immune system is concerned, the micronutrient promotes the formation of antibodies, which help in destroying bacteria and viruses. The pathogens responsible for cold and flu are rendered ineffective in this way, while the nutrient also promotes wound healing by increasing the production of collagen. Besides citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli, and tomatoes are some of the best sources of vitamin C.

Vitamin E
Studies have found that vitamin E supplements might help reduce the risk of common cold. Vitamin E, as a natural antioxidant, enhances the immune system response, which increases immunity and provides better protection against pathogens. It also shields the immune cells themselves, thus increasing their resistance to pathogens. Vitamin E, additionally, maintains skin health and decreases inflammation throughout the body. Almonds, spinach, and vegetable oils are all rich in this nutrient.

Protein
Every cell relies on protein for its overall development. This includes the cells in the immune system, which need protein to repair tissue and prepare themselves for the next wave of bacterial and viral attacks. Meanwhile, the lack of protein in the body weakens the immune system, making it easy for viruses to compromise the body. Lean sources of protein, such as skinless chicken, lean beef and turkey, must be added to the diet to prevent this outcome.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is a neurological disorder that is often diagnosed during childhood. Kids with ADHD have trouble paying attention to their surroundings and are often unable to control impulsive behaviors. This condition can adversely affect your child’s social life and growth. While ADHD does not have a definitive cure, the symptoms can be managed with the help of some natural remedies.

Following are some natural remedies and treatments that help with ADHD.

Dietary changes
There are a wide number of dietary changes that can be introduced in order to control ADHD symptoms. Children must get sufficient nutrients and micronutrients for their healthy development and growth. Hyperactivity often causes the body to release energy. For this, the body requires a balanced diet. Including foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids in the diet helps improve brain function and maintain cardiovascular health. Also, healthy intake of foods high in proteins, essential vitamins, minerals, and probiotics control the symptoms of ADHD.

Reducing screen time
Since children with ADHD have a lot of energy and are unable to focus on one task, they find it really difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Moreover, if they are continually watching television or using mobile phones just before bed, the exposure to blue light from these screens can affect the quality of sleep. It is essential for kids with ADHD to get proper rest and sleep during the night, and an excellent way to ensure that is by cutting off screen time an hour before bedtime. You can also ensure dimmed, warm-toned lights during this time so your child can relax and fall asleep with ease.

Increased physical activity
Exercise is one of the best natural remedies for kids with ADHD. Increased physical activity helps use all the excess energy and hyperactivity. Parents must encourage their kids to play and spend time outdoors with other kids of the same age group. Spending some time out in nature can definitely help these kids recover from fatigue and keep them in high spirits. Low-intensity physical exercises like yoga and stretching are also recommended because they allow kids to be more aware of their body, helping them slow down and focus better. Exercising also helps release endorphins in the body, which helps keep such kids in a positive mood.

Meditation and mindfulness
Meditation and mindfulness are some practices that can be extremely helpful in helping kids with ADHD. Practicing these activities regularly helps calm the mind and train the body to be still for long periods of time. It also helps in regulating the emotional state of the patient, preventing tantrums and emotional outbreaks.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease wherein the body attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers the nerve fibers. This illness puts the central nervous system—the brain and the spinal cord—at risk of disability. Symptoms that accompany this illness include impaired coordination between the brain and body, slurred speech, and vision loss. Let’s look at the genetic and environmental factors that increase the risk of multiple sclerosis.

Environmental or lifestyle factors:

• Insufficient sun exposure
  A lack of sunlight exposure and a deficiency of vitamin D have been linked with multiple sclerosis in several studies. Vitamin D is essential for the immune system to function at its best, and a deficiency can compromise the fighting capability of the system. So, a lack of sunlight exposure is a potent risk factor for multiple sclerosis.
• Obesity
  Being overweight is directly associated with the risk of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). People who were overweight or obese in their childhood and early adulthood are more likely to develop MS. Young adults aged 20 with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater are at more risk of developing MS than people with a BMI of 18.5 to 21 kg/m2.
• Autoimmune diseases
  People with other autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis, pernicious anemia, and inflammatory bowel syndrome face a significantly higher risk of MS. Autoimmune diseases weaken the system and make the body more prone to infections and illnesses.
• Climate
  People who live in cold regions like Canada, North America, New Zealand, and Europe only get sunlight for a few months a year and lack vitamin D. Low levels of this vitamin, as mentioned earlier, add to the risk of MS as they aid in the optimal function of the immune system.
• Smoking
  People who smoke cigarettes or inhale passive smoke tend to develop an illness faster than people who do not smoke cigarettes.
• Infections
  Infections like cold, flu, urinary tract infection, and those caused by the Epstein-Barr (infectious mononucleosis) virus are among the lifestyle and environmental factors that contribute to worsening MS symptoms. Patients experience a flare-up of abdominal pain, fatigue, and other uncomfortable symptoms when they are fighting an infection.

Genetics:

• Family history
  If two or more immediate relatives have MS, it puts an individual at a higher risk of manifesting this disease.
• Mutations in the HLA-DRB1 gene
  Mutations in the HLA-DRB1 gene are the biggest factors that contribute to MS risk. This gene from the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) complex helps the immune system distinguish between the proteins produced by the body and the proteins produced by invaders (infections).
• Mutations in the IL7R gene
  The IL7R gene is responsible for stimulating signals that encourage the growth and survival of immune cells.
  Since these genes are involved in protecting and strengthening the immune system, a mutation can have a negative impact, elevating the risk of developing MS.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition characterized by a man’s inability to achieve an erection or maintain one despite sufficient sexual arousal. This condition can interfere with a healthy relationship and can cause potential conflicts between couples. If you notice any symptoms of erectile dysfunction, here are nine lifestyle habits you may want to change.

Insufficient sleep
Poor quality or insufficient sleep can have a significant impact on the levels of testosterone, which influences libido and sexual performance in men. It’s necessary to get 7-8 hours of quality sleep for the body to function at its best.

Stress
Stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue can contribute to the constant series of failures in the bedroom. Stress could be caused by a demanding job, relationship conflict, or monetary issues.

Excessive alcohol consumption
Alcohol is a depressant, and continuous heavy consumption can harm the body and the brain. Long-term abuse of alcohol can significantly interfere with the ability to get an erection despite being sexually aroused.

Smoking
Long-term smoking can potentially damage the blood vessels, compromising the blood supply to the penis. Lack of blood flow in the penis is the main cause of erectile dysfunction.

Medication
If you’re on any medication, consult with your doctor about its potential side effects. Many medicines like antidepressants, blood pressure medications, cholesterol-reducing medicines, and hair-growth products can cause ED. These medicines can reduce testosterone levels in the body, lack of which is directly associated with erectile dysfunction.

Poor diet
If you’re not mindful of what you eat and are experiencing ED, it’s time to switch to a healthy diet. Foods that are good for your heart and your overall health are important to improve blood flow.

Obesity
Being overweight is one of the risk factors of erectile dysfunction since it can lead to a number of underlying illnesses like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and dyslipidemia, among others. The illness, as well as the medication to treat these conditions, can contribute to ED.

Poor oral health
Healthy gums are not just a good sign for your oral health, but it’s also good news for the penis. Many recent studies have drawn association of infected gums with ED. Bacteria from the mouth can cause inflammation that can easily spread through the bloodstream, further damaging the blood vessels. Narrowed arteries and blood vessels can interfere with the normal course of blood flow through the body. Compromised blood flow can have a significant contribution to ED.

Sedentary lifestyle
An inactive lifestyle can curb blood circulation and manifest many illnesses like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis, lipid disorders, and high blood pressure. These conditions add to the risk of erectile dysfunction.

If you experience ED despite making these lifestyle changes, consult a doctor immediately.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease that affects the lung’s arteries. The pulmonary artery, responsible for carrying blood from the heart to the lungs, starts to shrink, making it difficult for blood to flow through the vessels. Consequently, the force of the blood pushing against the pulmonary arteries rises far above normal levels—the raised pressure results in weakened heart muscles, leading to heart failure.

Symptoms of PAH
The narrowing and constrictions in the arteries may take years to worsen enough to become severe and for symptoms to become noticeable. The signs that start to show can be confused with other conditions, which means they can be easily ignored. That said, here are a few warning signs that point toward this condition.

• Fatigue and dizziness
  When the lungs don’t get an adequate blood supply to properly function, it leads to oxygen-deficiency in the body and brain. The body cannot perform tasks without oxygen. Without it, one can’t go about their normal routine. Inadequate oxygen will make them feel tired easily.
• Shortness of breath
  Shortness of breath is one of the early warning signs that point toward PAH. The blood vessels and arteries responsible for carrying blood to the lungs make breathing possible. PAH can make inhaling oxygen-rich air and expelling air more labored. Everyday tasks that didn’t require much energy, like taking a stroll and cleaning the house, seem more difficult and leave an individual gasping for breath.
• Discoloration of skin
  Lack of oxygen in the body can cause the skin to turn dark or bluish, and this is usually evident on the face or lips. Unusual discoloration of the skin is associated with the lungs not producing enough oxygen for the body to function properly.
• Swelling in the limbs
  PAH can cause swelling or edema in the limbs. This occurs when the kidneys cannot remove waste properly from the body. Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the tissues also becomes a recurring problem the longer one has PAH.
• Irregular heartbeat and chest pain
  Due to PAH, the heart beats harder than it should, and the continuous pressure can weaken the heart muscles. High blood pressure can cause palpitations, erratic heartbeat, a racing pulse, or even chest pain.

Hypertrophy
Right ventricular hypertrophy is an abnormal expansion in the muscle mass of the right ventricle, usually in response to the pressure overload caused by severe lung disease.

Cough accompanied with blood
Those with this condition may also notice blood in their cough. If this happens, it is essential to go to a doctor before the situation aggravates.
Since the warning signs of the condition are nonspecific, it leads to a delay in diagnosis. The symptoms are always linked with right ventricular dysfunction. Those with PAH usually exhibit exertional symptoms like chest pressure, dyspnea, and lightheadedness. These often worsen during exercise and limit the patient’s ability to perform physical tasks. It is essential to visit a doctor to identify the cause of the symptoms.

Pancreatic cancer is responsible for seven percent of all cancer-related deaths in the country. It is a disease of the pancreas, a small organ located in the abdomen that helps convert food into fuel for the body’s cells. When the pancreas is affected by cancer, it cannot function normally. The cancerous cells keep multiplying and develop into a tumor.

What causes these cancerous cells to grow in the pancreas remains unknown. While inherited genes can develop mutations and lead to pancreatic cancer, the number of such cases is relatively small. So to think that pancreatic cancer is a hereditary disorder isn’t totally accurate. Various other factors have just as big a say.

Risk factors for pancreatic cancer
Besides specific genetic mutations, such as mutations in the gene PRSS1 (familial pancreatitis) and gene NF1 (neurofibromatosis, type 1), a host of other factors can also increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. The most significant risk factors include the following:

• Age
  Adults of any age can develop pancreatic cancer, although the risk increases significantly for those who are 45 or older. Individuals over the age of 55 are even more likely to develop the condition.
• Gender
  Data suggests that men are more likely to develop and die from pancreatic cancer than women. Estimates from last year point that of the 57,600 adults diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, 30,400 were men.
• Diabetes
  Pancreatic cancer and diabetes are closely linked. Individuals who have had diabetes for more than five years are the most vulnerable to developing the condition. Sometimes, the onset of type 3c diabetes can also indicate something’s up with the pancreas, and it can be used in the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Rare inherited diseases
Certain diseases that are passed down from parents can lead to pancreatic cancer. Hereditary pancreatitis (HP), Lynch syndrome, and Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) are a few such disorders known to increase the condition’s risk.

• Obesity
  A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more is a sign of obesity. The condition is known to increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease, in addition to pancreatic cancer. According to statistics, obese individuals are 20 percent more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than those without the problem.
• Lifestyle decisions
  Poor diet, which is responsible for obesity, has a significant impact on whether an individual will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Foods rich in trans and saturated fats are harmful, and regular consumption of such foods significantly increases the risk of the condition. Alcohol is just as big a problem as it causes recurrent pancreatitis, a disease that causes inflammation of the pancreas. Similarly, people who smoke are two to three times more likely to suffer from pancreatic cancer.