The heel is a supportive bone that plays an essential role in defining the arches of the foot. It is the understructure that helps in balancing the weight of the body. Whenever the heel is overused or excessive force is exerted, a sharp pain is felt. Heel pain is usually acute in nature and its intensity depends on the reason behind its occurrence. If the pain leads to swelling or makes it difficult for you to walk, movement should be restricted post-haste. Proper rest is the best home remedy that is tried and tested for heel pain. It is generally not life threatening, yet, it is advisable to visit a doctor to accurately diagnose the cause. Heel pain can occur because of the following conditions: Plantar Fasciitis – Exertion of extreme pressure on the foot can rupture the ligament called plantar fascia. This ligament is responsible for linking the heel to the other part of the foot. This ailment is the most common cause that results in pain in the bottom region of the heel. Achilles Tendonitis – The most important function played by theAchilles or calcaneal tendon is connecting the calf to the heel. Its inflammation can make the heel stiff as well as sore and ultimately lead to heel pain. Injury –Heel pain through injury is a routine problemencountered by sportspersons and athletes. For example, in basketball, landing on an uneven surface after a jump can twist the heel leading to sprain or strain and in severe cases, fracture. Heel Spur –At times, the heel bone may develop a deformity in the form of a spur triggering pain. Too much foot activity can result in building up of calcium deposits initiating spurs that may or may not visible to the eye. Arthritis –Degeneration of the heel bone or cartilage surrounding the heel bone can also activate pain in the heel region.

Diverticulitis is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in the case of old people. It’s a treatable condition provided that the patient gets early and appropriate intervention. What is diverticulitis? It is a condition where there is an inflammation or infection in the diverticula or small pouches that develop in the lining of the intestine. According to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy more than 50% of people above 60, and nearly everyone over the age of 80 has diverticula in their intestines. These pouches may not pose a health risk provided that they don’t get inflamed or infected. Uncomplicated diverticulitis If diverticulitis does develop, it may be a minor irritant, and one can treat it with a course of antibiotics. In more than 75% of cases, there are no severe complications, and a routine CT scan can confirm the diagnosis. About one-third of the total patients experience a recurrence of symptoms, and in younger patients, intervention and testing procedures are necessary. Serious cases Sometimes, the condition can become chronic, and surgery may be required. In about one-fourth of the cases, patients develop complicated diverticulitis with the formation of abscesses, fissures, obstruction, fistula, and obstruction of the bowel. Perforation of the bowel is a major complication because the patient faces the risk of developing peritonitis. Causes Though the direct causes are not known, some factors do seem significant. Age affects the elasticity and strength of the intestine walls. Patients find it difficult to pass stools, and there is more strain on the colon which results in the formation of diverticula. Undigested food collects in these pouches, causing inflammation and infection. This condition is quite common among people who are over the age of 80. Lack of exercise, smoking, obesity, and eating a fiber-deficient diet could be some of the causes.

Diarrhea is one of the common conditions that happen to humans.In fact, it is the second most common ailment faced by humans, after common cold. Doctors have said that an average human goes through diarrhea at least once till the age of 15 years. The main reason for diarrhea is your gastrointestinal system facing some troubles. This leads to watery stools, stomach cramps, and bloating in some cases. Watery stools common in the condition of diarrhea. However, some effective diarrhea remedies can help you evade the condition. Various reasons can cause diarrhea, here are some of the common ones. Alcohol abuse Allergies from foods Diabetes Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease Bacterial infections Laxative abuse Medications Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) Radiation therapy Digestive system surgeries Malabsorption Different types of diarrhea Osmotic diarrhea : Osmotic diarrhea is caused when the digestive system does not have the ability to absorb a set of components from food items. These components include sugars, sugar alcohols, and some minerals. One of the diarrhea remedies is giving your body a break from high fructose (sugar) containing fruits. Secretory diarrhea : Diarrhea that is caused by stomach infections is called as secretory diarrhea, the main reason is secretion of water and salts into the stools. The stomach infection releases toxins that secrete water and salt, thereby interfering with the intestines. The remedy for this type of diarrhea is to increase the intake of water. Exudative diarrhea : Mucus, blood or other fluids are released when there is a swelling on the line of the colon, this is usually the case in exudative diarrhea. This kind of diarrhea is closely related to diseases like cancer, tuberculosis, and irrigational bowel disease. Home remedies for diarrhea will not work best for exudative diarrhea, you must consult a doctor. Paradoxical diarrhea : A paradoxical diarrhea is not actually a condition of diarrhea, it is more like constipation which causes troubles in stools.

A high level of cholesterol will increase the chances of heart diseases. Medications do help in keeping the cholesterol levels in check. However, instead of medications, if you can change your lifestyle, then it will be beneficial for you in the longer run. Before getting to know what kind of changes in your lifestyle will help, let’s see what the normal cholesterol levels are for your body. A blood test called lipid profile checks your cholesterol levels and generally reports the flowing things: Total cholesterol Triglycerides High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol What are the normal cholesterol levels ? The normal cholesterol levels depend on lot many factors but usually, they are universal for all. In order to get the perfect numbers or your cholesterol, it is highly recommended that you don’t drink (except water) or eat anything for about 9 to 12 hours prior to submitting blood samples. In the United States of America, the cholesterol levels are generally measured in mg/dl or milligrams (mg) of cholesterol in per decilitre (dl) of blood. Below are the various levels of measurement used for measuring cholesterol. Total cholesterol Below 200 mg/dl- Mostly desirable Between 200 mg/dl to 239 mg/dl- Borderline 240 mg/dl and above- High Triglycerides Below 150 mg/dl- Mostly desirable 150-199 mg/dl- Borderline 200-499 mg/dl- High 500 mg/dl and above- Very high HDL Cholesterol Below 40 mg/dl (men) or Below 50 mg/dl (women)- Poor 50-59 mg/dl- Better 60 mg/dl and above- Best LDL Cholesterol Below 70 mg/dl- Ideal cholesterol levels for those who are suffering from heart disease or diabetes Below 100 mg/dl- Highest for those people who are at risk of heart disease 100-129 mg/dl- Close to optimal if there are no heart diseases; high if the person has heart disease. 130-159 mg/dl- Borderline high if there are no heart diseases; high in case of heart disease.

Diabetes is one of the most common health conditions in the world today. Your blood sugar level is abnormally high when you have this condition. It happens due to the lack of insulin in the body. If left unchecked, diabetes can lead to severe conditions like stroke, cancer, and heart diseases. Having diabetes does not mean that you have to eat bland food. However, the diabetic food list has everything you will need to stay healthy and free from the complications caused by the disease. Here are foods that you must include on your diabetes food list. Avocado This rich and creamy vegetable has several benefits. It aids in digestion and keeps the blood sugar under control after a meal. It has the healthy fats that will help with the insulin resistance and stabilize the blood sugar levels in the long term. You can use avocados in sandwiches or salads and keep your insulin levels in control. Olive Oil Olive oil must be in your diabetic food list. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds that are known to help patients with diabetes. It is used in the Mediterranean diet which is the best diet to prevent heart diseases. The healthy fats that are present in olive oil help with the digestion and prevents your glucose count from increasing. You can use olive oil in salads, pasta, or in any dish you prepare at home. Whole Grain Foods White bread or pasta is very harmful and can cause an immediate spike in the glucose levels. Switching to whole grain can help you keep your blood sugar levels in control. Whole grain foods take longer to digest and so they also assist in maintaining the metabolism fast. Refined foods lose all the nutrition in them. Instead, you can go for whole grain foods that are a lot more beneficial to you.

Testosterone is a sex hormone in males, that is generated in the testicles and helps in the development of their physical features. Testosterone is the key hormone that provides men with muscle and bone strength, facial and body hair, and a heavy voice. Testosterone is an influencing factor boosts men’s sex drive, their mood, erections and their capacity to generate sperms. What does low testosterone mean? This is a medical condition known as hypogonadism or low-T, that refers to a condition in which the production of the testosterone hormone is not normal (there is a lack of fabrication of this sex hormone). Once a man attains 30 years of age, the testosterone levels start decreasing by about 1% every year. This decrease in testosterone levels is normal and is considered as a part of the aging process. However, there are various other reasons that can lead to decrease in testosterone levels. Low-T can be of two types, primary and secondary, and each of these types has its own causes. Common causes of low testosterone Primary hypogonadism This is a medical condition in which the cause of low testosterone levels originates due to problems in the testicles. This can be acquired through time, or even can be genetic. The main causes of primary hypogonadism include: Undescended testicles : When the baby is still not born, the testicles develop within the abdomen, and acquire their permanent position in the scrotum. In some rare cases, the testicles may not acquire its position before birth. This condition gets normal on its own within the initial years after birth, but if the situation remains the same, it may lead to failure of testicles and lesser production of the testosterone hormone. Hemochromatosis : In case the blood running through the veins contains too much iron, testicular failure, or even problems in pituitary gland can occur.

It is crucial to keep the lungs healthy in order to prevent the onset and escalation of serious conditions. There is a possibility that harmful toxins in the environment and consumption of inflammatory foods can lead to ailments such as chronic MAC infection, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis. Altering lifestyles and eating a nutrient-rich food regime can boost lung health. Here are five foods that can improve the function of the lungs. Beetroots and beet greens Beetroots are beneficial for the lungs, as they contain nitrates that relax blood vessels, decrease blood pressure, and improve oxygen levels in the body. On the other hand, beet greens are rich in magnesium and potassium, both minerals that boost lung health and help manage chronic MAC disease. Apples Apples, filled with beneficial flavonoids and a phytonutrient called quercetin, have always been known to keep doctors at bay. This fruit also contains phytochemicals that help keep your lungs healthy and your throat passageways clear. Apples contain all the good antioxidants that prevent chronic ailments. Ginger This immunity booster is an age-old remedy that helps keep the respiratory system healthy. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory spice and relaxes muscles of the lung tissue. A cup of ginger tea after your last meal aids digestion too. Bananas Bananas strengthen the heart and prevent oxidative damage of cells caused by free radicals. It is loaded with potassium and fibers that help promote lung function. Bananas are one of the fruits that people of all ages can consume. Tomatoes Lycopene is a carotenoid antioxidant that improves lung health, and tomatoes are full of them. They help in reducing inflammation of the airways in patients with asthma. Tomatoes boost immunity, too, as they are rich in potassium and vitamin C. In patients with severe lung conditions, doctors may recommend a change in lifestyle and antibiotics like Esbriet.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious medical complication which can be effectively dealt only by rheumatoid arthritis doctors. It is a chronic disease, and if a patient is diagnosed with the same, it is usually a lifelong affair. It is therefore very vital that before the patient approach the rheumatoid arthritis doctors, a clear understanding of symptoms is available so that the same can be discussed with the doctor and suitable treatment be sought. Key symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis Swollen or pain giving joints indicate the evolution of rheumatoid arthritis. However, there are some other key symptoms of this disease condition which will help a patient understand that if they are suffering from this complication and they need to meet rheumatoid arthritis doctors. Some of these key symptoms might include the development of extreme fatigue, low-grade fever, the stiffness of joints during morning hours, weight loss which is unexplained and nausea. Before you head out to meet the rheumatoid arthritis doctors, it is important that you understand about different types of doctors who treat this medical complication. Family doctor The family doctor can be your first link between a rheumatoid arthritis physician and you. They would refer you to a consulting doctor who can then work on the complication. Rheumatologist A rheumatologist is a person who has undergone special training in diagnosing connective tissue complications and immunology related complications. Those who have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis should ideally visit a rheumatologist who can then suggest the best way to treat this disease. He or she will be in a better position to keep a tab on symptoms of this medical complication and the test results. Orthopedist Patients who have rheumatoid arthritis also can plan to visit an orthopedist. As the name indicated, an orthopedist is a trained surgeon who has specialization in treating bone joint complications and trauma that might arise owing to such situations.

Some seemingly insignificant lifestyle changes can go a long way in effectively managing COPD symptoms. Here are the steps that you can take. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung condition that creates difficulties in breathing. This disease causes an obstruction in the airflow from your lungs, resulting in troubled breathing. In most cases, COPD is caused owing to long-term exposure to certain pollutants such as dust, chemical gases, fumes, and cigarette smoke. Some other COPD symptoms include persistent coughing, wheezing, lack of energy, tightness in the chest, and shortness of breath particularly during physical activities. If you have COPD, it increases your risk of developing other health conditions, which include heart diseases and lung cancer. However, the good news is that COPD is a treatable disease. The proper medication and treatment can enable COPD patients to manage their symptoms well and have a comfortable daily living experience. In addition to doctor consultations and treatments, you can make some small lifestyle changes and incorporate certain habits that will go a long way in keeping your COPD symptoms under control. Here are some things that can make breathing easier for you, and reduce the discomfort caused by COPD symptoms. Quit smoking One of the chief causes of COPD is smoking, and if you are a smoker, kicking the habit can be an effective way of reducing your COPD symptoms. Being diagnosed with the lung condition and the manifestation of the COPD symptoms mean that your lungs have already suffered considerable damage owing to your smoking. Although this damage cannot be reversed, stopping smoking will prevent any further damage to your lungs. With time, you will notice that your COPD symptoms are reduced, and breathing is far easier than it was initially. Refraining from smoking will also benefit your overall health and help in faster healing.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a condition characterized by the inability of the pancreas to produce and release enough enzymes into the small intestine to digest food properly. Various health conditions, such as chronic pancreatitis and cystic fibrosis, can cause EPI. Due to the lack of enough pancreatic enzymes to break down foods, one might experience symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. Understanding these warning signs is crucial for early diagnosis and management. Causes Damage to the pancreas is the most common cause of EPI. Inflammation of the pancreas is a key contributor, which could also trigger swelling. With time, chronic inflammation may damage pancreatic cells that make the digestive enzymes. Other potential causes include Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diabetes, pancreatic cancer, and surgery on the digestive tract. Symptoms People with EPI may have trouble absorbing fats from foods, resulting in abdominal pain, gas, and bloating. Other symptoms include diarrhea, fatty stools, and unexplained body mass loss. Some people might also feel full even after eating small meals. Management options A healthy meal plan A health expert might recommend a high-calorie, high-fat meal regime to help the body absorb more nutrients. The professional may also suggest eating six small meals daily instead of the traditional three. Bigger meals might not be a good choice if one has digestive trouble caused by EPI. Essential vitamins People with EPI may need to intake various vitamins to help the body balance nutrient levels. Along with a healthy meal regime, patients may need to have vitamins A, D, E, and K for better management. It could help those who struggle to absorb fat-soluble nutrients from food. Regular doctor appointments While a doctor may recommend various treatment options for EPI, patients should consult the professional regularly to monitor their progress, identify any underlying complications, and get them treated as soon as possible.

Non-small cell lung cancer or non-small cell lung carcinoma is the most prevalent type of lung cancer. There are mainly two types of lung cancers, which are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer. Lung carcinoma is a condition in which the lung cells become abnormal, as a result, grow out of control. These abnormal or cancer cells develop rapidly and spread to other parts of the body. Prevalence and causes of non-small cell lung cancer Among the lung cancer cases in the country, almost 80-85% are of non-small cell lung cancer type, and only about 10-15% is of the small lung cancer type. The symptoms and treatment for these two types of lung cancer vary. There are many subtypes of NSCLC, namely, adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and sarcomatoid carcinoma. The NSCLC type is a serious condition that cannot be reversed but prevented from getting worse. Majority of those affected by this type of lung cancer are smokers or have been exposed to smoke. Exposure to radon, asbestos, air pollution, metal or mineral dust, or radiation is likely to cause this disease. Symptoms of non-small cell lung cancer It is difficult to detect this disease during the early stages because the symptoms are not easily detectable. Often, the symptoms are confused with those of other illnesses like pneumonia or collapsed lung. However, common symptoms of NSCLC are as follows: A cough that worsens or a persistent cough : Continuous bouts of a cough or coughing symptoms that worsen with time may be a symptom of NSCLC. This type of cough may not be associated with a recent spell of cold or flu or other infections. Chest pain : Another classic symptom that is often confused with other diseases. Chest pain due to NSCLC may increase with cough or when one takes deep breaths.

Diarrhea is a condition characterized by frequent and watery bowel movements. It is caused by bacteria such as salmonella; viruses such as norovirus and rotavirus; or parasites like giardia. They infect the bowel and cause irresistible urges to use the toilet. This can also cause abdominal pain, bloody stool, vomiting, weakness, and tiredness. What Is Chronic Diarrhea? Usually, diarrhea gets resolved on its own within a week. But if the symptoms persist for more than four weeks, it is a case of chronic diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea can be dangerous especially when it leads to extreme dehydration. The frequent watery bowel movements cause excessive loss of water from the body, which leads to dizziness, reduced the amount of urine, lethargy and other problems. This can further lead to multiple infections in the body. What Causes Chronic Diarrhea? The recurring diarrhea episodes can be a result of an underlying health condition such as inflammation in the intestines due to gluten or lactose intolerance, bowel cancer, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome. Other causes of chronic diarrhea include certain antibiotic and anticancer drugs. How Is Chronic Diarrhea Diagnosed? Chronic diarrhea is diagnosed by examination of the blood and the stool. Sometimes sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy is advised to rule out the presence of the inflammatory bowel disease. How Can Chronic Diarrhea Be Treated? Treating Chronic Diarrhea At Home: If you are suffering from chronic diarrhea, it is essential to take proper care of yourself so that the symptoms do not aggravate further. You can make individual steps at home to treat chronic diarrhea or stop it from exacerbating. Avoid Dairy Products If your diarrhea is aggravated by lactose intolerance, try to avoid dairy products like milk and other milk products. This is a great way to treat chronic diarrhea. Go For Gluten Free Food Items If gluten is the cause of diarrhea, avoid foods such as pasta, bread, crackers, wheat starch, and semolina.