Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder in humans. It is a disorder that makes a person lose his or her control over sleep and wakefulness. Many people suffer from excessive sleepiness during the daytime. This is a common symptom of narcolepsy. The sleepiness can be at any time during the day, devoid of any environmental factors such as place, time, or activity. This sudden attack of sleepiness compels the person to drift off to sleep at odd intervals. The actual cause of narcolepsy is not known to health professionals, though studies in the field are still in progress. Difference between normal sleep and narcolepsy sleepiness Sleep is normally associated with night-time, with maybe 1 or 2 short naps during the daytime. The human sleep cycle involves various phases and levels. One does not slumber into a deep sleep the minute he or she closes their eyes. Studies show that a normal person takes approximately 90 minutes after falling asleep to enter a phase of deep sleep. Clinically, this phase of the sleep cycle is termed as Rapid Eye Movement or REM. This is the phase of sleep in which we have dreams. One does not wake up during this time. A patient with narcolepsy enters the REM phase almost immediately after falling asleep. This sleep need not take place during the night but can happen anytime during the day and any number of times. This abnormal and untimely sleep pattern often disrupts the person’s regular sleep cycle resulting in disrupted or sleeplessness during the night. Narcolepsy decreases the overall quality of a person’s sleeping pattern. Causes of narcolepsy The actual cause of narcolepsy is yet to be pinpointed upon by health experts. Researchers and health practitioners are still conducting studies to find out the exact causes of narcolepsy and understand why some people tend to suffer from untimely daytime sleep.

Arthritis is a condition of the bones characterized by inflammation which causes pain and stiffness. Many methods can be used to prevent the onset of arthritis, but the condition cannot be fully cured. Age is an important factor in the development of arthritis. Smoking, drinking, stress, and your family’s medical history are other risk factors. Here are some home remedies to prevent arthritis: Avocado and soybean mixture The mixture contains one-third avocado oil and two-thirds soybean oil. It helps slow down the progression of arthritis by blocking pro-inflammatory chemicals, regenerating connective tissues, and preventing the destruction of the synovial cells. It is recommended that you take a dose of 300mg every day. Black currant oil The oil is obtained from blackcurrant seeds and contains 20% GMA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid). It can be consumed either through a capsule or in a liquid form to help arthritis. You can consume 360-3600mg every day. Boswellia Boswellia, otherwise known as Indian Frankincense, is a gum resin obtained from the bark of the Boswellia tree. It reduces inflammation and is most effective for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Boswellia extracts possess strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic components. They strengthen cartilage and inhibit the process of autoimmunity. It is recommended that you take 300-400 mg thrice a day. Capsaicin It is a component found in chili peppers, which is why it is spicy. When applied as a gel or cream, capsaicin impairs the functions of nerve receptors in the surrounding region due to the stinging it causes. This, in turn, reduces pain. The recommended dosage is 0.025-0.075 percent concentrations in any cream. You can apply this cream thrice a day. Cat’s claw Cat’s claw is the bark of a woody vine. It reduces inflammation and improves the immune system’s response by inhibiting the production of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF).

Pain in the lower back area could be the result of numerous factors. But is your lower back pain kidney related? Pain caused in the lower back may be due to kidney infection or kidney stones. Very often, when you have lower back pain, you may be confused about the exact cause. With this article, we will help you distinguish whether you have normal back pain or whether your lower back pain kidney related. If it is lower back pain induced by kidney related issues, you will experience sharp pain between the hips and flanks and ribs. Unlike normal pain in the lower back which is not very specific, the lower back pain induced by kidneys is concentrated around the hip area and below the rib cage or in the lower back sides. Difference between normal lower back pain and kidney-related lower back pain When the lower back pain is kidney related, it usually shows incidence in the form of specific, localized pain. A normal back pain, on the other hand, may tend to affect the areas from your neck to your back. If you experience a sudden, shooting pain in the lower part of your rib cage or on the lower sides on your back, it is pain induced by kidneys. Kidney pain may lead to pains in lower abdomen and inner thighs, whereas in the case of normal back pain, the pain may spread further to your hips, thighs, calves, or feet. Kidney-related lower back pain causes The most common causes behind lower back pain are kidney stones or kidney infection. Other causes behind the lower back pain include renal infarction, kidney cancer, glomerulonephritis. Kidney stones can be responsible for inducing pain in your lower back. When there is a movement of the stone in your left kidney, you tend to experience lower left back pain.

A detailed guide to understanding what BRCA testing is, who should get tested, and what results you can expect. There are many forms of cancer, out of which some are hereditary cancers. With so many different types of the disease and many treatments and screening tests available, understanding hereditary cancers can be confusing. Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) is one such topic. There is also a genetic testing available to determine your risk factors for such cancers, known as BRCA testing. Here are some of the most common FAQS (frequently asked questions) about various aspects of BRCA testing. You most likely had one or more such questions on your mind, but did not know whom to ask. We provide you the answers that you were looking for about BRCA testing. What is BRCA testing all about? First of all, the genetic BRCA testing is not a test to detect whether or not if you have cancer. Rather, it is a test that helps doctors determine whether you and your family are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer or ovarian cancer. BRCA testing is done to check if there are any mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. These genes are usually present in all people, and belong to a class of genes called tumor suppressors. What does HBOC mean? Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) refers to these two cancers that run in certain families, and this may occur because of some alteration in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes of the family members. If you have a BRCA gene mutation, you can have up to an 87 percent chance of breast cancer and up to 44 percent of developing ovarian cancer. Such genetic mutations can be passed down to you from either parent. If a man has such a mutation, his risk of developing breast cancer and prostate cancer goes up.

The listed symptoms for meningitis are among those that are often difficult to diagnose. This results in a much critical condition for a patient that could be life-threatening if it is not timely addressed. Meningitis is often mistaken for a less critical condition because of its symptoms that are synonymous with symptoms of other illnesses. Therefore, it becomes very important to spot the common symptoms for meningitis to prevent this from becoming serious enough to be a threat to one’s life. The early signs of meningitis are same as that of a common seasonal flu. In fact, the disease begins like the flu or infection at the start. So, it is common for doctors too to fail to recognize it or mistake it for other common infection. If one knows how to detect if someone might be suffering from among the common or listed symptoms for meningitis, a lot of lives could be saved. There are many commonly listed symptoms for meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is quick to develop; it can take hours or a few days to develop. Moreover, viral meningitis is also quick to develop. It is important to know that there are two types of meningitis: viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is more than the former. Viral Meningitis can be cured easily without much complication, but bacterial meningitis is most likely to remain uncured and can become more serious. The commonly listed symptoms for meningitis include fever, headache, and a stiff neck. However, there are more commonly listed symptoms for meningitis such as the following. – Vomiting – Nausea – Confusion – Drowsiness – Sensitivity to bright light – Poor appetite – Seizure – Patients may also go into a coma in more serious cases. Infants can show symptoms such as fever, poor feeding, lethargy, and irritation.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is the condition where the amount of force exerted against the artery walls when the blood flows through them is higher than usual. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), one in every three persons in the country over the age of 20 has high blood pressure. Without the right treatment, blood pressure may lead to many health problems including heart failure, stroke, vision loss, and kidney disease. Common symptoms of high blood pressure Hypertension is known as the silent killer as it does not exhibit any symptoms. When the blood pressure reaches 180/110 mmHg, it is considered a medical emergency. Some of the common symptoms of high blood pressure are as follows: Headaches It is one of the most common symptoms of high blood pressure. It may get worse because of factors like stress, migraines or sinusitis. High blood pressure can affect the blood-brain barrier, exert excess pressure on the brain, and lead to blood leaks from the blood vessels. The leaked blood causes swelling, which exerts more pressure on the brain and leads to headaches. Dizzy spells It is another symptom of high blood pressure, but its cause may also be anxiety, the side effect of some medicines, low blood pressure, or pregnancy. High blood pressure can cause the blood vessels in the brain to rupture, narrow or leak, sometimes blocking blood flow too. Due to this blockage, a patient may feel dizzy, and in the worst case, it may lead to a stroke as well. Facial flushing People who consume alcohol, eat hot and spicy food or are prone to food allergies show this symptom. Sometimes, hot flushes are associated with menopause as well. But high blood pressure can cause facial flushing due to the excess flow of blood when the patient is angry or anxious.

The prostate is a tiny gland in the body responsible for producing seminal fluids. Certain risk factors like old age, genetics, and race can affect the prostate and lead to health problems. These include the unnatural enlargement of the prostate, prostate inflammation, and prostate cancer. Fortunately, consuming certain foods and treatments, such as those listed below, can help control prostate-related issues. Foods to boost prostate health Fish Fish like herring, salmon, and lake trout are loaded with polyunsaturated fats like Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. They help reduce harmful cholesterol levels and manage high blood pressure, even reducing the chances of a heart attack. These health improvements are highly beneficial for better prostate health. Nuts Pecans, walnuts, and almonds are a few nuts rich in healthy fats. They are also known to significantly improve brain health. Another good source of vital nutrients is Brazil nuts, which are rich in vitamin E, calcium, and selenium. Together, these nutrients are known to lower the chances of developing prostate cancer. Berries Adding berries to your meals can significantly help improve prostate health. Blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. Antioxidants prevent any cell damage that may be caused by certain molecules, therefore avoiding the risk of cancer. Vitamin C can alleviate the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) through urination and reducing any swelling. Watermelon Watermelon is rich in vitamin A and C and is also sodium and fat-free. All these aspects make this an ideal fruit to boost overall well being. The fruit also contains lycopene – an antioxidant known to reduce any potential cancer risk. Medications to improve prostate health Alpha-blockers Prescription medications such as Alfuzosin (Uroxatral), Prazosin (Minipress), Silodosin (Rapaflo), Tamsulosin (Flomax), and Terazosin (Hytrin) can relax the muscles in the bladder and prostate, making it easy to urinate.

Impotence is a common problem that men around the world face. While it is not a life-threatening condition, it hampers the patient’s quality of life. Here are some of the best options for treatment of impotence. Erectile dysfunction is characterized by the inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection during intercourse. In general, men over the age of 40 years are susceptible to this condition. Impotency is often caused as a result of various diseases such as multiple sclerosis, vascular diseases, kidney diseases, neurological diseases, endocrine disorders, diabetes, and blood pressure. More than 70 percent of men who suffer from the medical conditions, also report impotency. Men who are diabetic are more susceptible to impotency. Other causes of impotency include any penile injury, hormonal disorder, narrowing of blood vessels caused as a result of standing for a long time, and high blood cholesterol. Treatment of impotence is recommended after proper diagnosis of the physical, hormonal, and psychological problems that go hand-in-hand with this condition. The following are different ways that help in the treatment of impotence. Weight Loss Obesity increases the risk of developing erectile dysfunction, and hence the first step towards treatment of impotence is losing weight. Men who are over-weight are more likely to develop medical conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes, heart diseases, atherosclerosis, etc. which are factors that encourage the development of impotency. Psychological Counseling Erectile dysfunction can also be caused due to high levels of stress, anxiety or depression. In such situations it is recommended to seek help from a professional counselor or therapist who can guide the patient correctly for the treatment of impotence. Medication Treatment of impotence is done with the use of various prescribed pills. Certain medicines are either injected into the penis or need to be inserted inside the tip of the penis.

The mild winter warm days have a surprise accompanying them, an increase in the pollen count around you. The pollen grains in the air are a count of the pollens of plants such as grass, olive or ash in the air. This pollen count is measured in order to understand the pollens in the atmosphere. Pollen in each cubic meter is measured in order to determine pollen count. The colder the winters, the delay in the release of pollen would be felt. Hot weather or the comparatively warm weather is when pollen is released into the air. The state does release a national survey of the pollen grains in the air. There are several ways to measure the pollen count, one of the ways is to take a silicon grease clad rod and rotate it in the air to collect all the pollen. Periodic rotation of the rod occurs through an entire 24 hour day. This rod is then removed and then is taken to a lab to get analyzed in order to understand the type of pollen in the air and the concentration of the pollen present in that air. Another method of measuring pollen count is using the 7-day volumetric spore trap. This is done by using a Burkard trap. The direction of the wind is determined and this device is kept in the wind and air is drawn by a pump. The rotating rod has a sticky film on it that helps to trap the grain. During a course of seven days, the drum rotates very slowly in one direction. These 7 days are used to collect particles in order to aid the process of measuring the pollen grains. This tape on the drum is then removed and tested for pollen count. The actual allergy to pollen is referred to as hay fever.

The blood sugar levels indicate the amount of glucose which is a source of energy in the body. It is the body’s ability to produce insulin and process sugar. Blood sugar is measured in milligrams per deciliter, or mg/dL. A person’s ideal blood sugar levels in a single day are measured using blood sugar level charts or blood glucose charts. This measure also includes blood sugar levels before and after meals. According to standard blood sugar level charts, the normal blood sugar level ranges from 70 mg/dL to 100 mg/dL. The blood sugar level can go up to 120 mg/dL after a meal. This usually comes down to normal levels in about two hours. The blood sugar level can be determined through a series of blood tests. These tests are conducted before a meal, which is known as fasting sugar value, and after a meal, which is known as post prandial or post meal value. The post prandial blood sugar level is measured two hours after a meal. Depending on the readings of the blood test, a person might suffer from low blood sugar or high blood sugar, if the sugar levels do not fall under the normal range. Here are a few diagnostic ranges that are given in every blood sugar level charts. The ranges are divided into three categories: normal, pre-diabetes, and diabetes. These ranges will indicate whether a person is at a risk of having diabetes or not. Normal: If the minimum fasting value is 70 mg/dL and the maximum fasting value is 100 mg/dL, along with the post prandial value falling below 140 mg/dL, the person has normal blood sugar level according to the blood sugar level charts. There is no risk of diabetes. Pre-diabetes: The fasting glucose level is between 101 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL.

Erection problems occur when a man cannot achieve or maintain an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse with a partner. While this is not a life-threatening issue, one should still consult a medical expert if they are unable to achieve an erection for one-quarter of the time to find out the underlying cause for this problem. Erectile problems are also known as: Sexual dysfunction Impotence ED or erectile dysfunction Common causes of erection problems It is necessary to understand why this problem occurs to get the right treatment. According to various medical reports, the most common causes of erection problems are psychological, physical, or a combination of both. Some research studies state that older men suffer from erectile dysfunction due to various physical reasons. The blood vessels and nerves responsible for an erection may be affected by this disorder. On the other hand, some medical studies indicate that most of the times, psychological effects and lifestyle concerns cause erectile dysfunction in young men. Here is a list of the probable physical causes that lead to erectile dysfunction in men. Note that these causes may vary from one person to another. Diabetes Heart disease along with the narrowing of the blood vessels High cholesterol High blood pressure Metabolic syndrome and obesity Multiple sclerosis Parkinson’s disease Peyronie’s disease (anatomical or structural penis disorder) Hardening of the arteries Substance abuse Kidney or liver disease Alcoholism Treatment processes for the prostate issues Congenital genitalia issues Excessive tobacco use Hormonal disorders like testosterone deficiency and thyroid conditions Radiation therapy in the pelvic region Injuries to the spinal cord or pelvic area Surgical complications Almost 90 percent of the erection problems are the result of physical causes. Psychological causes lead to fewer cases. If there is no identifiable physiological issue or anatomical deformity, the following psychological factors could be the cause of erectile dysfunction:

Dry eye is a condition of itchy, unhealthy, and unclear vision of the eye. This mostly occurs when the tear gland produces low-quality tears or no tears depending on the severity and cause of the dry eye. Tears are very important for the eyes as they wash any dust present in them, keeping the eye clean and moisturized. Tear gland functions to keep the eyes healthy and moisturized every day. The following are certain causes of dry eye that needs to be understood to relieve dry eye: Decreased tear production : Decreased tear production by the tear gland is one of the basic cause of dry eye. Aging, certain medical conditions like laser eye surgery, and inflammation of the eye are some of the other reasons. Increased tear evaporation : There are certain causes of increased tear evaporation such as smoke and dry air, not blinking your eye for long, and certain eyelid issues. These strain your eye muscles, thereby, declining the functioning of tear gland. Imbalance of composition : Imbalance of proposition of water, oil, and mucus in tears can also cause dry eye. For example, when the proportion of oil in your eye is not adequate, the tears produced will be of low quality. Dry eye is a progressive disorder, and there are certain risk factors of dry eyes that mainly include aging as the function of tear gland declines with age, menopause or pregnancy is most of the time a risk factor for dry eye in women, and also wearing contact lenses can curb the natural working of the tear glands. Here are some suggestion to relieve dry eye that can help you keep your vision and eyes healthy and moisturized. Warm compresses Tears are made of mucus, oil, and water. Dry eye can be caused if there is oil clogged at the edge of your eye blocking the functioning of the tear gland.