Parkinson Disease Life Expectancy, Understanding the Condition

Parkinson Disease Life Expectancy, Understanding the Condition

Parkinson’s disease is a brain and movement disorder that is caused when the production of dopamine is reduced severely or ceased by the nerve cells. Dopamine is an essential chemical compound that aids the body in normal motor movements. The symptoms include body tremors, uncontrollable movements, imbalance, slowing down of reflexes and movements. The onset of Parkinson’s disease is usually gradual and unnoticeable in the earlier stages and it cannot be diagnosed by just one definitive test but only by a series of clinical tests. These tests then determine the stage of the disease ranging from Stage one to five. Stage I being the first stage of the onset of the disorder and Stage V being the last stage. The initial symptoms are subtle and when considered individually often go unnoticed. Some of the most common symptoms predicting the onset of the disorder are: Tremors or shaking. Reduction in the size of your handwriting. Loss of smell. Difficulty in walking and standing. Masked face (Having an expressionless or serious face when your mood is not so). These symptoms are just some of the many that require the physician’s consultation and expertise to determine if the onset of Parkinson’s disease is imminent or not. Although there is still no direct cause identified for the origin of this disease in a patient, but there is one strong theory of the disease being hereditary. Studies have also shown that men have 50% higher risk of living with the disorder than women. Various studies have concluded that the life expectancy of patients with Parkinson’s disease is almost the same or slightly less, as that of the general population of the same age. One must understand that even though Parkinson’s disease does not have a cure yet, it is not a fatal illness and hence does not have an adverse effect on the life expectancy of the patient directly.
An Insight Into The Problem Of Peyronies Disease

An Insight Into The Problem Of Peyronies Disease

Peyronie’s disease is an ailment that occurs among men, and it affects their sex organ – the penis. Investigations into the problem have revealed the fact that this is a state of health that is not exactly very serious and can even go away on its own without having to do much about it. What is Peyronie’s Disease? This is a problem that occurs due to a scar tissue or plaque formation inside the penis. In this condition, the penis can bend to any of the sides or even upwards. Peyronie’s disease can happen amongst men mainly due to the following three reasons: · It could happen due to some trauma or pain that could have been inflicted on the penis. It might be caused by injury and bleeding inside the penis that could lead to the formation and also an accumulation of plaque inside the penis. · Often age and genes are responsible for this disease. · It can also occur as a side effect of some kind of medicines and drugs. Symptoms and Diagnosis: Peyronie’s disease is a problem that can occur overnight or can even develop in a slow manner. Here are some of the symptoms that you need to be on the lookout for: It leads to the generation of pain in the penis especially when it is erect. However, you may not experience any kind of pain when your penis is relaxed. The plaque generally appears on the top parts of the penis, but at times it can also occur in the lower parts as well. If the problem is very acute, then the penis can become a little bend or curved, and you will see that only when your penis is erect Intercourse will be painful for as well, and it will become a problem Treatment Doctors are of the opinion that immediate treatment is the best thing that can be done for Peyronie’s Disease cure.
Learn How to Choose Caregivers for SMA Patients

Learn How to Choose Caregivers for SMA Patients

The genetic health condition called spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) affects that part of the nervous system that controls voluntary muscle movements. There is wide variability in the age of the onset, rate of progression, and even symptoms of the condition. For individuals diagnosed with SMA, it is not that easy to roll out of the bed and start the day. However, when a patient has a caregiver’s assistance along with the right medical equipment, it helps a lot to carry out daily activities like showering, dressing, going to the toilet, and even eating. Even though in the early stages of the condition, the family members themselves act as the primary caregivers for SMA patients, it is usually not so in the long run. This is because as the condition progresses, one does need professional caregivers for SMA patients as they help to take care of numerous things. When one is planning to hire caregivers for SMA patients through an agency, they need to ensure that the caregivers hired are trained professionals. Below are some tips that will help one hire a professional caregiver for SMA patients- Have a conversation with the insurance providers and social work departments One needs to realize how many hours will be allotted to the SMA patient by the government before hiring caregivers. While building a case, it is necessary to talk to the insurance provider and a qualified social worker. As the condition tends to vary from person to person, so does the level of help they need. There are some SMA patients that need 24*7 caregivers assistance while there are others who only need someone who can help them get up and get ready in the morning, and put them to bed at night. One needs to determine the level of care their family member needs and communicate the same to their social worker or any other type of independent living department with whom they are working.
Pain Management Doctors’ Suggestions to Get Rid of Pain

Pain Management Doctors’ Suggestions to Get Rid of Pain

Pain management doctors are physicians who specialize in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating each type of pain. These doctors, because of their advanced training, treat almost every type of pain, from acute pain in the legs to pain related to cancer. They are also well versed with treating chronic pain lasting for three months or more. Chronic pain is not easy to diagnose and the patients suffering from chronic pain need one or more than one therapies for the treatment of chronic pain. Sometimes, it takes months, or even years, for the treatment to show results, and the patients need to take care throughout their lives. There are various types of pain that a pain management doctor treats, such as those listed here: Nerve pain Hip pain Neck pain Sciatica Arthritis Knee pain Lower back pain Fibromyalgia Head pain and migraines Complex regional pain syndrome What is the role of pain management doctors? For treating the pain of a patient, every doctor has to go through various steps in the treatment procedure. These are as follows: Diagnose the cause of the pain : This is the first step in the treatment process that diagnoses the exact cause of the pain and the conditions that lead to it. It is not easy to diagnose the reason behind the pain. Pain in the lower back may arise due to many conditions. For example, the musculoskeletal nature of pain can be attributed to long hours of sitting on the working desk or exercising in excess. In this pain, your forward-leaning head puts pressure on the neck, and this causes pain in the bottom of the back. Lower back pain may occur due to spinal stenosis and may relate to sciatica. In addition to that, it may also occur due to arthritis and degenerative disc disease.
Natural Methods to Reduce Cholesterol Levels

Natural Methods to Reduce Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol plays a vital role in the normal functioning of the body. It is made in the liver and mainly helps in keeping the cell walls of the body flexible and also plays an important role in making several hormones. Then again just like too much of anything is bad, so is too much cholesterol in the body. Just like fat, cholesterol doesn’t dissolve in water, and instead, it floats in the blood with the help of lipoproteins. Now, different types of lipoproteins have different effects on a person’s health. It has been observed that high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cause cholesterol to deposit in the walls of the blood vessels. This can lead to strokes, clogged arteries, kidney failure, and heart attacks. On the other hand, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) helps carry cholesterol away from the walls of the blood vessels and it prevents various diseases. So, let’s take a look at a few of the natural methods to reduce cholesterol levels. Focus more on monounsaturated fats Unsaturated fats tend to have a double chemical bond, which changes the way they are processed by the body. Monounsaturated fats have only one double bond. Many experts recommend having a low-fat diet for weight loss, but the problem with this diet is that it also reduces the beneficial HDL cholesterol from the body. In contrast, a diet rich in monounsaturated fats has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels or the harmful LDL, but it maintained the healthy HDL level in the body. Monounsaturated fats are good for health as they tend to reduce the level of harmful LDL cholesterol, increase the levels of good HDL cholesterol and inhibit harmful oxidation. Following are some good sources of monounsaturated fats. Avocados Olives and olive oil Tree nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, almonds, hazelnuts, and cashews Canola oil Use polyunsaturated fats, such as Omega-3s Polyunsaturated fats tend to have several double bonds, which changes the way they are used by the body.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Eye Diseases

Common Signs and Symptoms of Eye Diseases

Eyes are the most complex organs in the entire human body. The cornea, iris, pupil, lens and retina are the different parts of an eye that work together to ensure clear vision. Eye diseases are a global health issue and adversely affect the mental and physical health of a person. A person affected with eye diseases may sink into depression and face social withdrawal too. Moreover, a significant loss in the quality of life is expected in affected people due to impairment in day to day activities. According to a report, cataract affects 24.4 million Americans and by the age of 75, half of the Americans develop a cataract. An estimated 2.7 million Americans has glaucoma and approximately 2.1 million have age-related macular degeneration. This data shows the high prevalence of eye disorders in the population. A few eye diseases’ symptoms are listed below. An eye issue can be suspected if a person shows symptoms related to vision, the appearance of the eye, or feels pain and sensations in one or both eyes. Signs and symptoms of eye diseases Eyestrain : Eyestrain is one of the common eye diseases’ symptoms indicating long working hours on computers, continuous reading or driving. Strain in eyes indicates overuse of eyes, and the common symptom is tiredness in eyes. Whenever eyestrain is observed, give some rest to the eyes. If the symptoms persist for a few days, consult a doctor immediately. Red eyes : The surface of our eyes are covered with blood vessels, and they dilate during an infection or irritation. This gives a red appearance to the eyes. Red eyes can happen due to eyestrain, lack of sleep or due to an allergen. Moreover, red eyes can also indicate other eye disorders such as damage due to sun exposure or conjunctivitis. In case of persistent red eyes, an immediate consolation with an eye specialist is a must.
Benefits of Magnesium Supplements

Benefits of Magnesium Supplements

One of the most crucial micronutrients for our body is magnesium. Now you may ask what a micronutrient is. It is a chemical substance or compound which is required in trace amounts for the normal running of the body. Magnesium, being one of the many micronutrients essential to our body, is present in various sources that we intake daily. But unfortunately, due to most food being processed, naturally occurring magnesium is mostly not sufficient for the needs of the average body. Hence, many people are suffering from magnesium deficiency in the present times and need the best magnesium supplements. Why is magnesium essential? Magnesium plays a key role in protein synthesis, thus supporting the DNA structure, aiding in muscle relaxation and contraction, regulating blood sugar and blood pressure, and controlling neurons (the most basic unit of our entire nervous system). In case you are facing health issues related to any of these areas, it is most probable that you have a magnesium deficiency. However, it is tricky to diagnose magnesium deficiency, but a good indicator is if you are suffering from fatigues, aches, migraines, mood changes, severe PMS, irregular sleep, heart and digestive troubles, depression, brain fog or anxiety. Magnesium Ingestion Magnesium cannot be ingested on its own by the body. It always is ingested as a compound with some other substances, leading to different therapeutic values and absorption rates. Thus knowing that you have a magnesium deficiency is not enough, knowing which form of magnesium to ingest to overcome the deficiency is equally important. Only then will you be able to understand the best magnesium supplement for yourself. Best magnesium supplements Magnesium chloride : Magnesium chloride is the most widely and easily available and needless to say best magnesium supplement due to its solubility in water. The method of ingestion is spraying on the body as well as baths.
Top Best Vitamin D Supplements in the Country

Top Best Vitamin D Supplements in the Country

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for the body as it promotes the growth of bones by absorbing calcium. Majority of the world’s population suffers from a lack of vitamin D in the body. We get this vitamin from the exposure to the Sun. Many people do not get enough exposure to the sun’s rays owing to residing in cold climates, etc. The vitamin cannot be synthesized naturally in such people, and taking supplements is a smart option. Low levels of vitamin D in the body can result in children having soft bones and misshapen bones in adults. Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to prostate cancer, colon cancer, heart disease, depression, weight gain, and breast cancer. Studies show that people with higher levels of the vitamin are at a lower risk of contracting these diseases. While this is not definitive, it sure is indicative! Here are a few of the best vitamin D supplement options available in the market. Nordic Naturals Vitamin D3™ Nordic Naturals Vitamin D3 is a great option to explore. It is one of the best vitamin D supplement options available today. It provides for a concentrated source of vitamin D along with some healthy oils. The capsule is made of gelatin and comes with 5000 IU of vitamin D3 dissolved in omega-9 fatty acid and olive oil. These have great heart benefits. The soft gels are flavored with a natural orange extract and preserved with rosemary extract. This keeps the supplement fresh. All in all, this product is fantastic and worth considering. DailyD® Vegan Vitamin D3 Supplement This vitamin comes after being tested for sports certification. It has a dosage of 2500 IU per capsule and uses a lichen source for its vitamin component. It is derived from plant sources and is perfect for vegetarians and vegans as well (unlike the previous supplement).
Guide to Choose the Right Shoes for Heel Pain

Guide to Choose the Right Shoes for Heel Pain

A survey conducted in the year 2014 showed that 8 out of 10 American people have some type of complication regarding their feet. The overall stability of one’s health and life depends on the condition of the feet because it is that part of your body that gets used for the most part of the day. The part of feet that carries almost the whole weight of the body is the heel. Heel pain may present itself in two spots: under the heel and behind the heel. Having heel pain can make day-to-day life very uncomfortable while performing daily activities, and shoes play a crucial role here either by adding to the pain or lessening the pain. Thus, wearing the right type of shoes helps a lot while managing heel pain. Certain things should be kept in mind while buying the right shoes for heel pain, which may be overlooked often. Given are few “dos and don’ts” that would prove really helpful when one is looking for shoes for heel pain. Buy the shoe toward the end of the day Feet are that part of the body that get worked up the most throughout the day. By the second half of the day, the feet expand because of all the pressure and may swell after a long day in hot weather. If bought in the earlier part of the day, shoes may fit comfortably in the morning but the same shoe may feel a little tighter and may feel uncomfortable later in the evening. This can lead to heel pain in the long run. The fit of shoes is essential when buying shoes for heel pain. Do not take the measurement on the box as ultimate Many people have the tendency to take the measurement on the box as the sure way of finding the size.
How to Treat and Prevent Heartburn and Indigestion

How to Treat and Prevent Heartburn and Indigestion

Heartburn is an unpleasant condition often characterized by a burning sensation in the throat and chest. Most of the times, it is triggered by the food we consume, especially acidic, fatty or spicy foods. Heartburn and indigestion are often used interchangeably. But, it is important to understand that heartburn is a symptom of indigestion. Eating certain foods can cause some discomfort in the belly, resulting in digestive pain and heartburn. In a lot of cases, heartburn is also caused due to acid reflux, a condition in which some of the stomach’s content is forced back up into the esophagus. If the acid reflux happens more than two times a week, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, approximately 15 million Americans experience heartburn every day. Common causes of heartburn If one experiences occasional heartburn, then it is generally not a cause for concern. Persistent acid reflux may result in the diagnosis of GERD, which can have serious consequences for health or may indicate another underlying health issue. However, conditions such as digestive motility disorders, hiatal hernia, diabetes or asthma can also lead to excessive heartburn. Certain medications, such as anti-anxiety pills, steroids, antibiotics, and narcotics, can also trigger heartburn. Some ways to prevent heartburn There are plenty of ways to prevent this unpleasant and discomforting condition from occurring, such as the following: Avoid excessively acidic and spicy foods Maintaining a healthy body weight Not wearing very tight clothes, especially around the waist Eating regulated portions of food Avoiding smoking Avoiding constipation Getting adequate rest and reduce stress Consuming warm liquids after meals Waiting for 3 hours after eating before going to the bed or lying down Treatment of heartburn Treatment for heartburn and indigestion usually begins with making certain lifestyle and dietary modifications. In case, one experiences occasional bouts of heartburn, one can take some over-the-counter medicines for getting instant relief.
Effective Home Remedies for Nasal Congestion

Effective Home Remedies for Nasal Congestion

The irritation and frustration that comes with nasal congestion or a stuffy nose can be really daunting. The trouble in breathing accompanied by a headache can definitely stall your daily activities even when it is not a serious disease. Nasal congestion is caused when there is an excessive build-up of mucus in the nose. This causes an inflammation within the nostrils which could be a side effect of an allergy or flu. The good news is that nasal congestion can be treated with home remedies as well. If you happen to suffer from nasal congestions frequently then this article will help you to benefit from the home remedies that you can try to get rid of stuffy nose. Here are the top effective home remedies that can help you with nasal congestion reliefs. Warm compress: A warm compress has been known as the best home remedy for a stuffy nose. It helps in opening up the nasal passage and helps tremendously with a stuffy nose. All that you have to do is soak a towel in warm water and then squeeze out the excess water. Place this towel on your nose and forehead. You can repeat this several times a day for best results. The warm towel helps in soothing the inflammation and is one of the best nasal congestion remedies. Stay hydrated: When dealing with a stuffy nose, drinking plenty of water will help in easing the condition. Staying hydrated helps in thinning the mucus-clogged in the nasal passage and it also decreases the pressure on sinuses. Also, you should make sure that you are drinking warm water, soups or tea to help you with the nasal congestion. This can help with nasal congestion reliefs. Steam: This is one of the most effective nasal congestion remedies. Inhaling steam helps a lot in treating the sinuses.
What to Eat and Avoid when Treating Colitis

What to Eat and Avoid when Treating Colitis

Colitis, or ulcerative colitis, is a specific kind of inflammatory bowel disease. It can cause agonizing symptoms such as extreme abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Following a healthy diet for colitis and making some simple dietary changes can help in effectively managing the condition and easing the symptoms, but how do you know which foods to eat and which ones to avoid? Well, this article focuses on the list of foods that might be beneficial for people suffering from this inflammatory disease. Also, it lists certain food items to avoid the worsening of symptoms. Let’s have a look. Foods to Eat With so many potential food triggers, it can sometimes be difficult to identify the exact cause that may prompt the symptoms. Also, with trigger foods, those that are safe and do not flare up symptoms will vary from person to person. Some of the most common food items that usually form a part of healthy diets for colitis are as follows: Avocados Avocados are helpful for treating ulcerative colitis as they are especially high in nutrients. Applesauce This is also a powerhouse of nutrients, but, at the same time, the presence of fructose and high fiber content may cause unnecessary triggering of symptoms in some people. Eggs Eggs are good for health, especially as they contain omega-3 supplementation. Squash Squash is found to be helpful in easing the symptoms of colitis. Salmon Salmon is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that have a lot of health benefits besides aiding digestion. Fermented Foods Fermented foods such as yogurts contain active probiotics that help in digestion. Also, it is believed that regular use of probiotics is one of the best long-term treatment options for colitis. Oatmeal Oatmeal is a good option as it is easier to digest. In addition to the abovementioned food items that are integral to diets for colitis, it is advisable to consume plenty of liquids to avoid diarrhea and subsequent dehydration.