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.

Tennis elbow is a painful inflammation of the tendon that occurs on the outer border of the elbow as a result of overuse of lower arm muscles. It is a common problem and is treated with the help of an elbow brace or tennis elbow strap. These straps are available widely in the market in different sizes, forms, and types. To choose a suitable elbow brace, one needs to try it out to see how the different types of braces work. Choosing elbow braces There are some primary factors you need to consider before buying elbow braces. Mainly, there are three varieties of elbow braces available in the market: Epicondylitis clasp Tennis elbow strap Elbow sleeve Epicondylitis clasp The Epicondylitis clasp is usually the more expensive variety of tennis elbow supports and needs to be fitted properly to be effective. Such straps come with a clip or plastic clasp which fits around the arm and is secured with a strap with a pressure point that coincides over a muscle just a couple of centimeters below the point of pain that is near the elbow. The pressure on the tendon or muscle that is attached to the lateral epicondyle absorbs the impact that is transmitted to the tissues causing the injury. The angle at which the tendon works also changes according to the direction of the forces, thereby relieving symptoms of golfers elbow and tennis elbow. Benefits of an epicondylitis clasp type tennis elbow brace: If fitted accurately, they can be applied precisely to the point required which can help ease the bothersome symptoms. Disadvantages of an epicondylitis clasp type tennis elbow brace: Can be pricey Difficulty in placement A fair chance of moving out of place An epicondylitis clasp elbow brace is usually recommended for skilled tennis players who need precision support for high impact forces.

The types of dyskinesia The causes of dyskinesia vary but most cases are due to altered brain chemistry. Dyskinesia is caused due to medication and injury or trauma to the region of the brain known as the basal ganglia. Brain damage is also a major cause when it comes to dyskinesia. The basal ganglia is the region where voluntary movements are learned and controlled. This article examines the types of dyskinesia. Parkinson’s dyskinesia A high number of people, around 50% of patients with Parkinson’s who are being treated with levodopa, develop dyskinesia. Levodopa alters the dopamine levels in the brain, and this rise and fall of dopamine levels causes dyskinesia. The common symptoms of dyskinesia are fidgeting, head bobbing, swaying of the body, wriggling, and writhing. About half of the people who develop dyskinesia do not find the need to seek help and may continue to live healthy lives as the condition is mild and poses no challenge. Tremors Rhythmic movements are used to classify tremors. Some of the familiar types are: Resting or static tremors wherein tremors occur on a limb that is completely supported and is relaxed. These tremors may be associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson’s. Action and intention or kinetic tremors occur when the muscle is in motion and is normally seen during movement of an upper-body part, which includes the hand or the arm. Doctors usually attribute these tremors to MS, cerebral degeneration, vascular diseases, or a tumor. Tests are conducted to reveal the cause. Postural tremors occur when the muscle is not being moved but continue after it is moved. They are the result of alcohol abuse, heavy metal poisoning, and other physiological factors. Sometimes they may be caused by abusing antidepressants. Neurological conditions like Wilson’s disease have also been associated with tremors of this sort.

5 effective home remedies for amyloidosis Amyloidosis is a condition in which the body is unable to process the protein amyloid correctly. Excess amyloid gets distributed through the body and can often impair organ health and functioning. Amyloidosis affects people in different ways depending on which organ is impacted. The different types of amyloidosis are renal, cardiac, and gastrointestinal amyloidosis. There is no known cure for this condition, but it can be managed with a balance of home remedies and medicines. Here are five effective home remedies to help control the symptoms of amyloidosis. Heart-healthy foods The heart is one of the main organs that gets impacted by improper protein processes in the body. Thus, it is essential to follow a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet for heart health. Foods that are good for your heart include green leafy vegetables, avocados, walnuts, tomatoes, beans, nuts and seeds, garlic, onions, and dark chocolate. Also, make sure to get sufficient potassium in your diet through bananas, oranges, prunes, and dried fruit. Omega-3 diet Including these healthy fatty acids in your diet prevent complications from amyloidosis from reaching the heart and affecting the circulatory system. Omega-3 can be found in walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, and linseed oil. Compression stockings Water retention from amyloidosis can lead to severe swelling in the legs and feet. This swelling is often accompanied by severe pain. Wearing compression stockings can go a long way in relieving this pain. You can request your doctor to recommend the best compression stockings suited to you. Alternatively, try to get foot massages done regularly. These will help to improve blood circulation in the affected areas. Many online shopping sites offer foot massage machines for purchase. Rest adequately Getting adequate rest is often overlooked and yet this is a crucial component of managing the symptoms of amyloidosis.

5 snacks that help ease rheumatoid arthritis pain Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that damages the health of the joints and affects their ability to function efficiently. In this lifelong inflammatory disease and people experience a lot of pain in the joints of their hands and feet. Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain, stiffness, inflammation, tenderness, and weakness in the joints. The excruciating rheumatoid arthritis pain can be extremely difficult to cope with. However, by incorporating certain food items in the diet, you can alleviate this pain. And the best way to do so would be by having healthy snacks that help avoid any further problems. Herein, we discuss some of the snacks you can try making at home. Fruit salad Fruits like cherries, raspberries, oranges, and grapefruit are packed with potent antioxidants and vitamin C that enable them to combat the pain in the joints caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Berries contain anthocyanins that reduce the inflammation and eases the associated discomfort. Put all these fruits in a bowl and mix to enjoy your very own pain-relieving snack. Edamame Feast on Edamame, which is immature soybeans served with salt, for that boost of fiber and protein to the body. The incredible nutritional value of edamame makes it an amazing snacking item for those suffering from the unpleasant and painful symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Instead of reaching out for unhealthy food items when hungry, try the super healthy edamame snack with soy sauce or wasabi to enhance the flavor. Crackers with salmon The easy to make crackers with salmon recipe can be prepared within a jiffy. Enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, salmon helps effectively alleviate pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. It also reduces stiffness and inflammation in the joints that make it difficult to move around or stay active. Have the incredible combination of crackers and salmon and add olive oil to the preparation to further enhance its taste and effectiveness.

Diet for schizophrenia: What to eat and what to avoid? Schizophrenia is a mental illness that can cause delusions, paranoia, social and cognitive problems, and hallucinations. While the most common method of this condition is medication and psychotherapy, those who have schizophrenia can benefit from following a proper diet. Certain food items must be avoided, while there are a few that would be good for schizophrenia patients. What to avoid There are certain food items that a schizophrenia patient should avoid as can cause various health problems that can aggravate the condition. Sugar Schizophrenia patients need to be in good physical health to ensure their mental health improves. Maintaining blood sugar levels is important and for this, sugar and food items containing sugar must be avoided or eaten in moderation. Carbohydrates A diet that has high carbohydrate content needs to be avoided. Instead, a diet that has low carbs and helps in keeping blood sugar in check should be preferred. It also helps in weight control, which is required for those suffering from schizophrenia. Gluten Gluten needs to be removed from the diet for schizophrenics. Most people are allergic to gluten found in wheat, rye, and barley. Studies have shown a link between gluten and aggravated symptoms of schizophrenia. What to eat A healthy and well-balanced diet helps improve both physical and mental health. The following food items and nutrients are essential for someone who has schizophrenia. Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 is a very powerful fatty acid that has multiple health benefits. It has been found to be useful in improving mental health. Fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 and if one doesn’t have access to these varieties of fish, fish oil capsules and omega-3 supplements can also be consumed. Omega-3 is also found in nuts and seeds like flaxseed and pumpkin seeds.

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.

Congestive heart failure is a condition which involves a buildup of fluids around the heart, which in turn affects the pumping and overall functioning of the heart. The heart has four chambers—the upper half houses two atria, while the lower half has two ventricles. The ventricles are responsible for pumping blood to the entire body and organs, while the atria are responsible for receiving blood. If you’re suffering from congestive heart failure, your ventricles become incapable of pumping sufficient blood to the body. This results in the blood and fluids getting accumulated in the lungs, liver, abdomen, and other parts of the body. If not treated in time, congestive heart failure can be life threatening. What Causes Congestive Heart Failure? There are a few causal factors of congestive heart failure, and this includes: Coronary Artery Disease Coronary heart disease is a disease that affects the arteries. It involves the blockage or narrowing of the arteries. It can cause your heart to be starved of the oxygen and nutrients it requires. Coronary artery disease is one of the most common causes of congestive heart failure. Cardiomyopathy This is a progressive heart disease, where the heart walls thicken, stiffen up, and enlarge. This, in turn, can disturb the heart’s ability to pump blood, causing congestive heart failure. Heart Attack Heart attacks are the most common cause of congestive heart failure. A heart attack happens when the coronary arteries get blocked suddenly. This stops the flow of blood to the heart and to the rest of your body. A heart attack can damage the heart muscles as well, leaving it dysfunctional. Alcohol and drug abuse Alcohol and drug abuse can damage the heart and cause congestive heart failure. Research shows that people who indulge in alcohol and drug abuse are more prone and likelier to get congestive heart disease, as opposed to those who don’t.

Are you or someone you know suffering from urinary tract infection? Well, first, do not panic! This infection is common and curable. In some cases, just simple home remedies can treat it. Sometimes, medical attention is necessary to prevent further complications. However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor or a healthcare professional for the best treatment for UTI. A UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) is a bacterial infection of the urinary tract that is composed of urethra, kidneys, ureters, and bladder. This entire system is responsible for the process of urine formation and urine expulsion from the body. Hence, any infection in this system is bound to cause some physical uneasiness. The E. Coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria is the main reason behind most of the UTI cases. However, this infection is not contagious. Few causes of UTI The bacteria may reach the urinary tract while having sex. Also, using an unhygienic bathroom may cause this bacterial infection. Any person having kidney stones can suffer from this infection if the stones block the urinary tract. There is a high chance that people with diabetes get this infection as they do not have a strong immune system. If a person is going through medical treatments like urinary catheter, chemotherapy etc., UTI may occur. If someone keeps holding the urine for too long, chances of occurring UTI increase. Parkinson’s disease, injuries in the spinal cord, or any structural abnormalities in the genitourinary tract. The best treatment for UTI is only possible when it is diagnosed properly. According to various medical research reports, women get urinary tract infection more than men. It is because women’s urethra is shorter in size and it is located closer to the rectum. Signs and symptoms of UTI Here are some symptoms that will help you understand if you are suffering from the infection or not, and you can then consult a doctor to get the proper urinary tract infection treatment.

A dry cough can be very troublesome. Not only is it irritating, but it takes a toll on your throat too. It feels like a thousand razor-sharp knives are piercing through your throat each time you cough. It is best to get persistent dry cough treated as soon as possible to get rid of the nuisance. In some cases, a persistent dry cough may be a result of inhaling some foreign substance. It is essential to consult a doctor straight away and a chest X-ray should be done to stay on the safe side. Some common causes and risk factors include medications, whooping cough, asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinus problems and oesophageal reflux of stomach contents. Here are a few causes as well as treatments for persistent dry cough. Cause – If it was not already obvious, cigarette smoking is the most common cause of persistent dry cough. Treatment – Avoid smoking if you are suffering from such a cough and visit a doctor for further check-ups. Smoking is extremely harmful to the body. The onset of a persistent dry cough may be an indicator of other health problems. You can try nicotine patches to quit smoking after consulting a doctor. Cause – Asthma is another common cause of persistent dry cough. It is a disease of the airways and results in several breathing difficulties. Some asthma sufferers have persistent dry cough as their only symptom. This is often called cough-variant asthma. This may be further aggravated by exposure to air pollutants, pollen, and perfume. Smoke and cold air can further cause problems so be aware! Treatment – Steroids and bronchodilators are given to patients to relieve them of their symptoms. While these are inhaled variants, short-term oral steroids may be given as well. Cause – The acid reflux of the stomach content into the esophagus is another cause of persistent dry cough.

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.

Pollen can cause allergies and hay fever, and this is a very common problem in the country. Pollen is a powdery substance produced by flowers and trees. Many people show adverse effects when they breathe in pollen. Usually, when a harmful invader like bacteria or virus enters the body, the immune system starts to fight against it. However, some people face a problem whereby their immune system starts attacking pollen when it enters the body, even though it is not harmful. This response is known as an allergic reaction, and the pollen is known as the allergens. Many people face this problem throughout the year while others have to deal with it only during a specific time of the year. Pollen count Pollen count is the level of pollen present in the atmosphere in a particular place. Checking this count is quite useful for the people who suffer from a pollen allergy. Based on the weather condition, the count will vary from place to place. An allergist carries out this test which helps us know the exact pollen count in an area. When you have an idea about the pollen levels outside, you will be able to plan your outdoor activities with ease. Usually, there are three levels of pollen count — low, medium, and high. Sometimes, you can also find detailed information about which kind of pollen is present in the air in a specific area. How is pollen counted and measured? The allergist will place a pollen counter on the top of a building. With the help of these pollen counters, air is collected through different methods available. The allergist will also place a microscopic glass on the top of the building with a jelly-like substance on it. The pollen sticks to the glass because of this substance.