When it comes to chronic pain conditions, nothing is as debilitating and widespread as fibromyalgia. It is a condition that causes pain throughout the body and increases your sensitivity to pain as well. Besides that, general fatigue, sleep problems, and appetite fluctuations are some of the side-effects of the condition. Despite the fact that around 10 million people in the country suffer from the condition, and though a huge amount of research is available on the subject, the causes of fibromyalgia are still not well understood. As of now, there is ongoing research about the possible factors involved in the onset of fibromyalgia and the risk factors that may increase one’s likelihood of suffering from this condition. Understanding fibromyalgia The condition is pretty simple since it operates on the basic principle of pain detection. Nothing is as sensitive to pain as your brain is, and this is what leads to fibromyalgia. People who have fibromyalgia have more pain receptors that carry pain signals to the brain. On the flip side, cells that reduce the pain receptors from reaching the brain continuously or those that slow down this signaling, are fewer in number. Thus, a single bump feels like stabbing, and things that shouldn’t cause any pain at all lead to a numbing, painful sensation. Either way, the patient’s pain signals are all awry and off the charts most of the time. It is quite difficult to understand the factors that lead to this condition. However, here are some causes that may lead to fibromyalgia: Genetics Seeing as how fibromyalgia runs in families, it isn’t strange to suspect that a patient’s genes play a vital role. Women with a relative suffering from fibromyalgia are more likely to suffer from this condition themselves. Perhaps, there is a gene that causes hypersensitivity to pain.

For anyone who is over the age of 20, cholesterol levels should be checked intermittently every 5 years to keep a track record of health. The test used to screen cholesterol levels is known as lipid profile, and it is recommended by experts that women above the age of 45 years and men above the age of 35 years should get frequent screenings done to check for lipid disorders. The aspects covered by the lipoprotein profile include the following: Total cholesterol LDL (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, more famously known as “bad” cholesterol) HDL (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, more commonly known as “good” cholesterol) Triglycerides (fats that are carried into the blood from the food that is consumed. Too much of alcohol, sugar or calories in the body get converted to triglycerides that are stored in fat cells throughout the body.) The results of the blood test for the lipid profile come in the forms of numbers. The numbers indicated in the test should not be the only proof to predict the risk of any potential heart problems. They also cannot help formulate ways in which the predicted risk can be lowered. These numbers are simply part of a much larger equation under which other factors like age, blood pressure, sugar levels, hormone profile, smoking habits, use of medications and other factors are also accounted for. This complete information profile is used by the doctor to calculate the 10-year risk a person may be at for serious heart problems. Once the key areas have been identified, a health strategy may be developed to reduce the risk. The test report shows all cholesterol levels in a measure of milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). Total cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol are one of the many factors that are considered by a doctor to predict a 10-year risk assessment or a lifetime risk assessment regarding heart disease, like heart attacks or strokes.

Migraines are a chronic form of headaches, which are caused by several environmental, physiological, and psychological factors. With close to 1 billion cases worldwide, nearly 40 million people in our country suffer from this condition. While there are medications that provide relief from migraine symptoms, regularly consuming certain foods can also help manage the same. Here is a list of some of the top food items that can help you keep the pain in check. Caffeine While having excess caffeine can aggravate migraines, caffeine is one of those foods that can help get rid of a headache or migraine attacks naturally. Beverages such as tea and coffee contain caffeine, which, when consumed with specific over-the-counter medications, can help relieve a headache. Bananas Bananas are not only a great source of energy, but the magnesium present in the fruit can help treat migraines and headaches effectively. Apart from this, bananas have more than 70 percent water. They, thus, help in improving the body’s hydration levels, providing further relief from headaches. Watermelon Dehydration is one of the primary risk factors for headaches and migraines. Watermelons contain more than 90 percent water. So, a couple of slices of this fruit can provide relief from the condition. Apart from this, the natural sugars present in the fruit can also replenish the energy levels of the body. Seeds and nuts Magnesium is one of the key nutrients that can provide relief from aches and pains. Seeds such as flaxseeds, sprouted pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds are rich in magnesium, and a handful of them can help effectively manage migraines and headaches. Additionally, walnuts and cashews are magnesium-rich too and can be used to control the flare of symptoms. Peppermint It is yet another one of those foods that can help get rid of a headache or migraine attack naturally.

Macular degeneration causes a loss of central vision in both eyes. It is a painless condition that normally affects people who are older than 50 years. It is commonly known as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). There are also rare cases of Juvenile Macular Degeneration, which affects young people. Certain genetic disorders are the cause of the development of juvenile macular degeneration. When a person suffers from Macular Degeneration, the central vision is affected. So, there is difficulty in focusing on objects that lie straight ahead. The result is that everything appears blurred, it becomes difficult to read, the faces of people appear blurred and colors of objects around you look pale and dull. Causes The exact cause for macular degeneration isn’t known yet. Aging can cause a person to develop this condition. In older people, the macula, which is a central spot in the retina, develops a problem and causes age-related macular degeneration. AMD can develop as wet AMD or dry AMD. Dry AMD The macula has light-sensitive cells that gradually break down as you age. As the light-sensitive cells reduce in number, the central vision deteriorates. Waste products start to accumulate in the retina and cause small deposits called drusen. As the drusen increases in size, vision problems arise. Drusen is a characteristic feature of dry AMD. Wet AMD Tiny blood vessels form underneath the macula attempt to clear the drusen from the retina. These blood vessels cause fluid and blood to leak into the macula, leading to scarring and macular damage. This can lead to serious symptoms like blind spots and distorted vision. Symptoms Macular degeneration escapes attention, till you experience diminished vision. The primary symptom is blurred central vision. Faces, writing, and images get distorted in the central view. You lose visual acuity. You cannot see the fine details, and it becomes difficult for you to read and drive.

Hepatitis – types and contributing factors Hepatitis is described as an inflammation in the liver. Inflammation is essentially any tissue’s natural response to injury or irritation, and the general effects of inflammation are swelling, redness, and pain. There is a wide range of causes of the condition, but they differ based on the type of hepatitis that one is affected with. For example, various types of viral hepatitis involve viral infections rather than any other disorder in the body. Hepatitis can be acute or chronic depending on the severity, and there are various types: Types Hepatitis A This type of hepatitis does not result in chronic infections and typically involves no complications. It is one of the most common food-borne infections, and the liver takes approximately two months to properly heal from hepatitis A. In rare cases, hepatitis A can lead to liver failure, which can be fatal. The most common prevention method for hepatitis A is vaccination. Hepatitis B Above 70% of all diagnosed occurrences of hepatitis B have been found in young people from the age of 15 to 39. It usually takes people 6 months to completely recover from the illness, but some may suffer from a life-long, chronic infection, which leads to ongoing liver damage. If an individual contracts hepatitis B at an early age, it has a higher chance of becoming chronic. Hepatitis C Hepatitis C is among the most common causes of liver disease in the country and also the biggest reason for people to get a liver transplant. Around 80% of patients suffering from hepatitis C develop a chronic liver infection as it is difficult to diagnose hepatitis C because it comes with no noticeable symptoms. Unlike the other types, there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C. Contributing factors to the development of hepatitis Contributing factors are simple incidents, habits, or occurrences that can increase one’s chances of contracting hepatitis.

Many factors can have a serious impact on the cholesterol levels in the body. To control these levels, having a proper and well-maintained diet is the most important thing on the priority list. Cholesterol and the saturated fat available in the food you consume increases the cholesterol levels in your blood. The prime factor is the saturated fat; however, you cannot undermine the importance of the cholesterol contents available in your food. You must consume foods that contain a reduced amount of saturated fat and cholesterol to decrease the blood cholesterol level. You can also refer a cholesterol level chart to keep track of your blood cholesterol. In a cholesterol level chart, you would find the various levels which would help you decide in which section the cholesterol level falls. The following points are essential as they contribute to knowing the factors that affect the cholesterol levels in the body. Body weight is an indicator of your cholesterol levels When your blood cholesterol levels rise, you become very susceptible to heart diseases. As per the cholesterol level chart, weight is an important risk factor for heart ailments. When one’s weight increases, the cholesterol level also increases. However, when one starts to lose weight, they can reduce the level of LDL cholesterol. It also helps reduce the triglyceride levels and optimize the HDL cholesterol levels. Never underestimate the importance of physical activity Physical activity is an important aspect that you need to consider. If you are not physically active, you are putting yourself at risk for heart diseases. Regular physical activity not only reduces the LDL or bad cholesterol levels but also increases the HDL or good cholesterol levels. When you are physically active, achieving the desired weight loss goal becomes easier. Focusing on being physically active at least for 30 minutes a day will help you see LDL levels decline on the cholesterol level chart.

A lot of middle-aged women these days are considering Botox to get back their young face. Though it is not a permanent way of getting rid of a wrinkly face, it helps in rejuvenating your skin for few months, after which you can again get injected. Botox is a toxin that blocks signals from the nerves to the muscle. The toxin acts on your muscles, and the muscles stop their contraction and stay relaxed. You might not know this, but facelift and lifting of lips are not the only uses of Botox. The truth is that Botox has a far broader application. If done right, a Botox surgery can help in different medical conditions. Here are some things to know about a Botox surgery and its cost. Medical conditions which can be treated by Botox For those who suffer from overactive bladder, you can inject Botox and control your bladder. When you inject Botox, it paralyzes the muscles of the bladder, thus reducing your washroom visits. Botox can also relieve the pain of a chronic migraine if supplemented with other treatments. The patient will experience less of a headache and nausea after the injection. For those who suffer from muscle spasm, you can consider getting a Botox to train your muscles to relax and soften. Another absurd but effective area where you can get a Botox injected is your armpits. This is great for people with the condition of excessive sweating and body odor. For these medical conditions, you can check up with your insurance company. Insurance covers your Botox cost if it is for a non-cosmetic purpose. Choosing a Botox surgeon Since Botox can completely change how your face looks, you should be sure of the surgeon from whom you are getting it done. Don’t settle for a doctor just because he offers a cheap Botox cost.

Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient that contributes to the healthy functioning of our body. As it is not produced by our body and we need to get it from animal-based foods. Hence, there is a need to consume vitamin B12 rich food regularly to maintain good health. Vitamin B12 supplements are a good alternative to make sure that an individual doesn’t suffer from any severe deficiency disorders. B12 and Its Significance Vitamin B12 is water-soluble having a significant role in brain function and healthy nervous health. It is required for synthesizing of myelin- a fatty substance that forms a layer around the axons and enables quick transmission of brain signals. Vitamin B12 also helps in the formation of red blood cells. Moreover, it contributes to the synthesis of DNA and metabolism of fatty acid and amino acid. Vitamin B12 supplements can be very useful at the same time. Vitamin B12 Deficiency Vitamin B-12 deficiency is not a very common condition in America. In case you are unsure get a blood test done to diagnose yourself or consult a doctor. Common factors that lead to vitamin B12 deficiency could be aging or heavy alcohol consumption. Weight loss surgery, removal of parts of the stomach or long-term consumption of acid-reducing medication could also lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency. A vegan diet could be another obvious reason for incurring deficiency as there is no source of animal-based food intake. Such a person’s daily requirement would not be met and slowly lead to a deficiency. A few disorders could also lead to lack of B12 in your body. These are- Atrophic gastritis: thinning of the stomach lining. Pernicious anemia: a condition that impairs adequate vitamin absorption from food. Small intestine disorders like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, bacterial growth, or a parasite all hamper the normal vitamin absorption from food.

Cholesterol is essential in the body as it is found in the cells and membranes and is helpful in producing hormones, bile acids thereby aiding in digestion and vitamin D. The liver produces cholesterol. Bad cholesterol is often common in women. Women face the major issue of having a high blood cholesterol level as they tend to gain weight, especially around the waistline. One in every six adults has bad cholesterol. With the rise in obesity amongst children, the rate of bad cholesterol in children is also increasing. The body does need some cholesterol, and the presence of cholesterol in the body is normal, but bad cholesterol can clog and block the arteries. To maintain a healthy heart, a normal cholesterol level is required. If you are wondering what is the normal cholesterol level, read on. The normal cholesterol level is when the cholesterol is kept below 200 mg/dL in adults. 200 mg/dL of cholesterol is a borderline high-risk in developing bad cholesterol problems. A check-up of the cholesterol should be done every 5 years. Cholesterol levels are divided into two fat and protein packages referred to as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and the high-density lipoprotein (HDL). These levels are tested in order to determine the good or bad cholesterol. Although many people know what the normal cholesterol level is, they fail to maintain the same. Your diet plays an essential role in maintaining a good or bad cholesterol level. There are several studies that back the idea that deaths from heart disease can be countered by treatment of high cholesterol or bad cholesterol. This would also aid in the profiling of people that may test for bad cholesterol therefore making them prone to a heart disease. The process of bad cholesterol accumulation is made over the years when fats from food raise the blood level of cholesterol.

Dupuytren’s contracture, a deformity, is triggered in the hand. It develops when a layer of tissue beneath the skin in the palm forms knots. These knots then go on to create a thick cord that pulls one or more fingers, causing them to bend. Unfortunately, this condition can make everyday tasks difficult like shaking hands, using gloves, and holding objects. Symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture Typically, the two fingers that are farthest from the thumb are affected by Dupuytren’s contracture. Since this condition progresses at a very slow pace, it is quite difficult to understand or detect it early on. However, some of the symptoms that are most likely to be noted include: Thickening of the skin that covers the palm of the hand. Overtime or with further development of the condition, the skin on the palm may appear dimpled. There may be a lump formation in the palm. The lump tissue feels thicked against the skin and there may also be sensitivity when touched. However, one may feel no pain. Over the advanced stages, the cord knots in the fingers begin to pull much tighter. The fingers are pulled closer towards the palm, causing them to bend further. As a result, one may have difficulty using their hands for basic functions. In rare cases, Dupuytren’s contracture can affect even the index and middle finger. Sometimes, the thumb too be may be affected. The condition may also occur in both hands; however, one hand usually suffers a more severe impact. The symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture can range anywhere between mild to severe, depending on the progression of the condition. Despite intense medical research, professionals are unable to point out the main cause of Dupuytren’s contracture. Currently, there is no evidence that points out specific factors that lead to its development. However, there are some factors that are believed to increase the risks of developing the condition with time.

The total cholesterol or the total blood cholesterol is a measure of HDL cholesterol level, LDL cholesterol level, and other lipid components. Total cholesterol is not actually a type of cholesterol but a composite of the different types of cholesterol. Twenty percent of the triglyceride level plus the LDL and HDL cholesterol level score gives the total cholesterol score of a person. For anyone who is over the age of 20, cholesterol levels should be checked every five years to keep a track record of health. The test that used to screen the cholesterol levels is known as the lipid profile, and it is recommended by experts that women above the age of 45 years and men above the age of 35 years should get frequent screenings done to check for lipid disorders. The risk for heart disease is determined on the basis of the total cholesterol number by a doctor who can devise a medical health plan to lower the risk. Overall, regular routine checkups, an active lifestyle, and a clean diet with the minimum intake of triglycerides are said to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. The aspects covered under the lipoprotein profile include the following. Total cholesterol LDL (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, more famously known as “bad” cholesterol) HDL (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, more commonly known as “good” cholesterol) Triglycerides (fats that are carried into the blood from the food that is consumed. Too much of alcohol, sugar or calories in the body get converted to triglycerides that are stored in the fat cells throughout the body.) The test report shows all cholesterol levels in a measure of milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). Total cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol are one of the many factors that are considered by a doctor to predict a 10-year risk assessment or a lifetime risk assessment in terms of heart disease like heart attacks or strokes.

Cancer has become widespread in today’s world. Out of the many types of cancer, lung cancer is becoming common. Rapidly changing lifestyle and food habits contribute to the increase in cancer cases. Habits such as smoking and excessive drinking lead to the development of this disease. Once a person is affected by lung cancer, they need to analyze their lifestyle and make healthy changes. One of the most important ways to prevent the onset of cancer is to consume healthy food. Given below is a list of foods that help fight lung cancer: Pears and apples As per recent studies, scientists have discovered that pears and apples have a certain amount of phloretin chemicals in it, which helps in the recovery of lung cancer. Phloretin helps in reducing the growth of tumors. They also prevent fibrosis in the lungs, due to the presence of photo-chemicals in them. Green tea Green tea contains compounds such as Theaflavin and Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG). These compounds are mainly used in cancer-curing drugs. It is important to consume freshly made green tea and not the bottled ones available in store, as the bottled ones have less or no traces of these compounds. Salmon Increased intake of salmon helps in providing increased nutrition. Salmon consists of Vitamin D3, which is one of the powerful resources to heal or recover from cancer. In most cases, the intake of Vitamin D can be increased by being exposed to sunlight regularly. However, people undergoing chemotherapy face a higher risk of sunburns, and therefore, cannot be exposed to the harsh sun rays. In such cases, salmon and other food products can provide your daily dose of Vitamin D. Ginger Ginger has several health benefits and it is rich in antioxidants like 6-Shogaol. It plays a prominent role in preventing the development of lung cancer by reducing the level of metastasis or spread of lung cancer.