Prostate cancer is a dangerous health condition in which the cells in a person’s prostate grow unnaturally, aggressively, and out of control. Like other malignancies, prostate cancer can assume life-threatening proportions if not diagnosed and addressed in its initial stages. However, healthcare professionals can treat the condition successfully if a person pays attention to the warning signs of the condition. Some of the leading indicators of prostate cancer are discussed below. Urinating difficulties Prostate cancer affects a person’s urination and the organs contributing to the process. So, people with this condition tend to have weakened or slow urine flow. Moreover, individuals with this condition also experience pain in the lower abdomen and urethra while urinating. Other issues, such as an excessive urge to urinate and a lack of control over how the urine flows, are common problems people face in all stages of prostate cancer. If people face pain while urinating or any other difficulty, they must immediately consult a doctor or oncologist for a cancer screening test. Frequent urination Besides pain during urination, prostate cancer patients might also experience irregular urination patterns in all stages of the condition. As the cells grow out of control into tumors, the adjacent cells and tissues soon start feeling the strain. Eventually, the aggressive cell growth grows into a toxin-filled tumor within the prostate of men with this condition. This tumor tends to put extreme pressure on the bladder and urethra of the individuals. Combined with all these factors, one of the earliest signs of prostate cancer is the frequent and urgent need to urinate. The frequency of such urges can get alarming, with a person feeling a urinating sensation multiple times per hour. Muscle loss without trying All kinds of cancer affect the supply of blood and nutrients to different parts of the body.

Eyesight often worsens with age, leading to various vision problems. Presbyopia, also known as age-related farsightedness, is an eye condition where patients find it extremely difficult to focus on nearby objects. With age, the lenses become less flexible and fail to contract and relax efficiently. However, the good news is that one can manage presbyopia effectively. Here are the symptoms, home remedies, and nutritious foods that help cope with the condition. Symptoms of presbyopia Individuals with presbyopia find it challenging to read fine prints and are often found squinting. They tend to hold reading material at arm’s length to focus. They also find it hard to see in the dark. These things put a lot of strain on the eyes, leading to headaches. Home remedies for presbyopia Besides opting for corrective eyeglasses and other treatment options, one can try the following home remedies: Eye exercises Simple eye exercises like focusing on an object for a long time, switching from big to small fonts, and switching from blurred to sharper text help improve the lens’ focus. Patients must consult an eye specialist for advice regarding the right exercises based on their condition. Warm compress When the eyes feel overworked or strained, it could be challenging to move them. Even resting the eyes could be hard. Dipping a washcloth in warm water and dabbing it on the eyes can help retain moisture and relax the tissues and muscles around the eyes. Foods to manage presbyopia Patients must eat foods high in vitamins A, C, E, omega-3, and zinc. These are essential nutrients to keep eye tissues healthy and working at their optimal best. Carrots, avocados, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, flax seeds, and leafy greens are suitable options. Besides using home remedies and eating the right foods, patients can keep presbyopia eye drops handy.

Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that can affect thoughts, feelings, and behavior. The condition affects less than 1% of the country’s population. The symptoms associated with the disorder can change the ability to think and act, leading to problems in carrying out day-to-day activities. Typically, those with schizophrenia may require lifelong treatment. However, early detection can help in symptom management. So, here are a few early signs of schizophrenia that one can recognize: Disorganized thinking and speech When dealing with schizophrenia, one may experience difficulties in concentrating and maintaining a train of thought. Usually, this sign leads to speech problems. For example, the individual can respond to a question with a completely unrelated answer, repeat words and phrases, or rapidly move from one topic to another. Lack of emotional expression The lack of emotional and facial expressions, also known in psychology as “flat affect,” has often been associated with schizophrenia. It refers to emotional numbness, where one can have some trouble trying to feel and express emotions. For instance, one may be delighted, but due to any lack of expression on their face, observers may believe otherwise, leading to misunderstanding and miscommunication. Social withdrawal or isolation People with schizophrenia may experience bouts of social withdrawal, which can be triggered by fear and confusion. Alternatively, the urge to withdraw can stem from a loss of interest in social activities and situations. If left unchecked, this sudden loss of social interest can lead to a reduction in social and emotional support. This can further increase anxiety, paving the way for prolonged social withdrawal. Inappropriate behavior One of the early signs of schizophrenia is disorganized or inappropriate behavior. A few signs that can indicate such disorganization are a lack of inhibition and impulse control and unpredictable emotional responses, which can seem bizarre or inappropriate to others.

Myasthenia gravis is a condition that weakens the voluntary muscles, making them tire easily. It develops when the communication between nerves and muscles breaks down. While there is no permanent cure for myasthenia gravis, treatment can help ease the symptoms. Further, recognizing the signs and seeking an early diagnosis can help one better manage the condition. So, here is a look at some of the key signs of myasthenia gravis: 1. Drooping eyelids More than half of those with myasthenia gravis experience eye-related issues as the first sign of the condition. Here, drooping of one or both eyelids, called ptosis, can be a common sign. One may also experience other symptoms associated with the eyes, like diplopia (double vision), which could make one see dual horizontal or vertical images. 2. Difficulty with speech Speech-related issues could indicate the onset of myasthenia gravis. This could include a hypernasal voice or slurred speech (dysarthria), which is usually observed in younger people diagnosed with the condition. 3. Trouble chewing Difficulty eating or chewing can be a sign of myasthenia gravis. Here, the muscles that help one chew food can tire halfway through a meal. This symptom can seem more prominent while eating something hard to chew, like a steak. Another symptom associated with the face includes a change in expressions; say, a smile can look like a snarl. 4. Breathing issues Myasthenia gravis can cause weakness of the chest wall muscles, leading to breathing problems. Here, one may feel like they are not getting enough air or find inhaling uncomfortable. If one notices persistent breathing issues without any physical exertion, they should consult a doctor. 5. Trouble walking Another common sign of myasthenia gravis is a change in how one walks. As the condition causes weakness in the arms and legs, it could make walking difficult, changing the gait.

The most common disorders of the nervous system are headaches—especially migraine headaches. Statistics show that nearly 15% of adults in the US experience severe headaches with an overwhelming majority of the people affected being women. One in four households has a person who is affected by a migraine. Americans who were surveyed reported that their migraine symptoms lasted between one to three days. It runs within the family genes and 90% of the migraineurs have a family history of the condition. Migraines are not just a headache It is a neurological condition with distinct debilitating neurological symptoms. Throbbing recurrent pain usually on one side of the head but both sides can be involved. Accompanying disabling symptoms include visual disturbances, heightened sensitivity to sound, smell, light, touch, numbness in limbs and face, weakness, nausea/vomiting, dizziness. Attacks may last between 4-72 hours. Impacts the quality of your life. Might be undiagnosed in children. Can cause depression, anxiety attacks, dependence on painkillers. A migraine as a disability The World Health Organization has classified severe migraine headaches as comparable to disabling illnesses like dementia, psychosis, and quadriplegia. Since it affects people largely in the age group of 18-55, the impact is on the productive years of a person’s life. 113 million workdays are lost due to a migraine and employers lose more than $13 billion annually. The annual economic burden for migraine sufferers in the US is approximately $78 billion. This means that chronic migraineurs must spend between $8500-9500 and episodic migraineurs must spend at least $2000 annually on medication, treatments, and healthcare. This figure also takes indirect costs into account such as—lost wages, productivity, etc. Treatments Mild attacks can be addressed with OTC pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, etc. Drugs like triptans are used specifically as remedies for migraines. Ergotamine/Caffeine combinations are also effective.

Have you spent one too many days with a runny nose? If nasal congestion has been putting you down, read on. Nasal congestion is caused by the inflammation of the nasal membranes. The blood vessels that supply blood to the nasal membranes get inflamed, which causes the lining to swell. In most cases, nasal congestion is accompanied by nasal discharge, commonly called ‘a runny nose’. Nasal congestion could be a minor inconvenience to some people, but in rare cases, it can be life-threatening. Nasal congestion interferes with breathing, speaking, and sleeping. Nasal congestion during sleep can manifest itself in the form of sleep apnea, snoring, or the individual might experience difficulty in sleeping. This is especially hard on children who would find it hard to concentrate in school in the next few days. Adults could also suffer from performance deficits in their work. Nasal congestion can also interfere with hearing. Apart from the difficulty breathing, nasal congestion can cause headaches, pain in the face, sinusitis, and generalized discomfort. Nasal congestion can occur due to a variety of causes, ranging from the common cold to severe gastric reflux. Severe nasal congestion relief involves the use of over-the-counter or prescription medication. Some cases also benefit from home remedies. Causes of Nasal Congestion Apart from the common cold and influenza, nasal congestion can be caused by hay fever or other conditions like— allergies, a deviated septum, nasal valve collapse, sinusitis, or nasal polyps. In some instances, nasal congestion can turn into a chronic condition. Severe Nasal Congestion Relief: Treatment Options The most effective way to get an instantaneous severe nasal congestion relief is to blow your nose. If there’s too much mucus present, this is a fast and effective way to provide temporary relief. Severe nasal congestion relief can be attained by using both medication and homemade remedies.

Halitosis is the medical term used for the condition we commonly know as bad breath. It is also termed as Fetor Oris, where fetor refers to an unpleasant odor emanating from an individual. The condition may cause embarrassment in social situations, lead to increased anxiety and become a thought-irritant, playing constantly on your mind. Depending on the symptoms and the underlying cause, halitosis could occur as a singular incident – an acute condition or could persist over a longer period in a chronic form. It is the third most common reason for you to visit your dentist, the first being tooth decay and second, gum disease. Symptoms Of Bad Breath Bad breath goes unnoticed until someone comes nearby and points out the condition. When people around you – friends, relative, colleagues, start maintaining a physical distance it may be because of bad breath. Other signs may include: · An unpleasant/sour taste · Dry mouth · Changes in taste · Tongue coating Causes Of Bad Breath The condition of halitosis is one which all of us have to suffer through at some time. For some, it may cause significant distress and psychological anguish. Causes of Fetor Oris or bad breath include: · Food – A primary reason for bad odor from the mouth is food. Food stuck in the teeth, or its breakdown chemicals are often the cause of bad breath. · Dry Mouth –When the body fails to produce enough saliva; as a result, the mouth goes dry, and odors build up. · Tobacco – Smoking or chewing tobacco can leave breakdown chemicals in the mouth that carry their distinct odor. Smoking can also lead to other bad-breath causes like gum diseases or oral cancers. · Poor Dental Hygiene – To ensure that no food particle is left behind in the mouth, brushing and flossing the teeth is recommended for a good oral health.

Pests can invade a dog’s furry coat and create quite havoc. Some dogs are extremely sensitive to these crawly bugs and can develop skin reactions. That said, several products are available in the market to tackle this problem, and flea tablets are one of them. These fast-acting pills control ticks, worms, and other pests, so pet owners won’t have to worry about infestations. Here are a few trusted flea pills for dogs that will actively protect your pet’s fur coat. Capstar Flea Tablets Capstar is a well-known brand for effective flea-prevention and treatment products. Their flea pills for dogs and puppies can prevent allergy dermatitis, which often occurs due to a flea infestation. Their tablets can start killing these pests within half an hour of ingestion, and they are safe enough for daily single-dose consumption. While no prescription is needed to purchase these, remember to get approval from your vet as they will know if the medicine will agree with your canine. Trifexis Chewable Tablets These strong monthly chewable flea pills for dogs are a good fix for fleas, and they also help keep heartworm disease at bay. They have a blend of pest-fighting agents like milbemycin oxime and spinosad that fight parasites and curb infestation. These tablets come in a beef flavor, so your dog may look forward to feeling better with these chewable pills. The complex formulation of the tablet may cause side effects, so it is only recommended for dogs that are 8 weeks or older and weigh 5 pounds or more. Sentinel Flavor Tabs These flavored tablets are ideal for preventing adult roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm infections in pups more than 4 weeks old and over 2 pounds of weight. Plus, it won’t be difficult to get your pet to eat them as they taste just like treats.

A rotavirus infection triggers diarrhea and vomiting in children. In fact, before the vaccine for this virus was developed, most children would be affected at least once by the age of 5. Doctors usually recommend giving children rehydration fluids to replenish all the water lost due to diarrhea. Other than that, there are no major treatments unless the infection triggers health complications linked to rotavirus. Herein, we discuss how getting a vaccine helps prevent rotavirus. Prevention of rotavirus Rotavirus is ranked among the top infectious diseases that majorly affects children under the age of 5. It remained the leading cause of diarrhea among infants up until 2006, when the first vaccine was introduced. Rotavirus is highly contagious infection that mostly spreads through hand and mouth contact. Along with a vaccination, good handwashing habits and overall hygiene will ensure that this disease doesn’t not rapidly spread. Adults must also ensure commonly touched surfaces are disinfected on a regular basis so that the child is not infected by contaminants on surfaces. Vaccination for rotavirus There are two approved vaccines that are given at a gap of two months. The first dose of the oral-drop vaccine is given to the child at the age of 15 weeks and both doses are completed before the child is 8 months old. The two approved vaccines for use are RotaTeq® The RotaTeq® vaccine is given three times: starting first at the age of 2 months, then at 4 months, and then 6 months Rotarix® Starting first at the age of 2 months and once at 4 months, the Rotarix® vaccine is given only twice. Note that the number of doses varies with these two approved brands. Statistics and studies indicate that vaccination protects almost 9 out of 10 children from severe form of the rotavirus disease.

Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that line the nose or sinuses. Small polyps may not cause any symptoms, but larger ones can block the nasal passages. While multiple treatment options are available for nasal polyps, nutrition plays an important role in managing the condition and reducing the risk of nasal infections like sinus inflammation or sinusitis. Researchers have identified certain foods that can worsen nasal polyps and aggravate sinusitis. Here, we’ve listed some foods that people with nasal polyps must avoid. Dairy Dairy products increase mucus and phlegm production, which can worsen nasal congestion. Also, some studies show that people who are allergic to the protein found in dairy products can develop nasal polyps. So, it’s best to avoid full-fat milk, cheese, and yogurt when suffering from nasal polyps or sinusitis. Legumes Beans and lentils are nutritious and contain several beneficial compounds like salicylates. However, people who are hypersensitive to salicylates may develop nasal polyps as a side effect. This natural compound can also trigger nasal allergy or rhinitis and aggravate sinus inflammation. Foods like cauliflower, pickled vegetables, strawberries, watermelon, oats, corn, and rosemary contain salicylates. Tomatoes Tomatoes contain a compound called histamine. And while the body naturally produces histamine, the buildup of this compound causes sinusitis-related symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and breathing difficulty. Apart from tomatoes, most processed meat, avocados, eggplant, raisins, apricots, aged cheeses, chocolate, and wine contain histamine. Refined sugar Foods high in refined sugar, such as pastries, candies, chocolate bars, and fruit juices, can cause inflammation and exacerbate sinusitis symptoms. Completely avoiding such foods may not be necessary, but it’s crucial to significantly reduce refined sugar intake. Red meat Consuming excessive amounts of protein-rich red meat can lead to the excessive production of mucus in the body. Such a buildup increases nasal congestion and worsens sinusitis symptoms.

Asthma is a respiratory condition where the airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus. These factors make it difficult for the person to breathe and trigger wheezing and coughing. Apart from treatment and home remedies, people with asthma tend to eat foods that can boost their recovery. But not all foods are suitable, and some may even worsen the condition. Here are seven such foods that may trigger severe respiratory symptoms. Eggs Eggs contain healthy nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, and minerals. However, asthma patients prone to egg allergies should avoid them. Egg allergies generally lead to reactions on the skin, such as hives. Eating eggs can also cause inflammation in the respiratory tract and lead to an asthma attack. Soda Soda produces gas, which may apply pressure on the diaphragm. The excessive pressure may make it difficult to breathe, worsening the symptoms of asthma and other respiratory disorders. Bread Bread is a wheat-based product that may also cause allergic reactions because of its gluten content. Those allergic to gluten are likely sensitive to albumin and globulin. These are amino acids that lead to inflammation in the respiratory tract and subsequently cause an asthma attack. Dried fruits Despite their healthy nature, people with asthma must avoid dried fruits. They contain sulfites that keep the food fresh. However, such preservatives may worsen respiratory symptoms in people with asthma. Milk People with asthma should avoid milk or milk-based products. Studies show that milk increases mucus production in the body. Since people with asthma already produce excess mucus in the lungs, milk will only increase their chances of severe respiratory symptoms. Shrimp Shellfish are likely to increase the risk of asthma attacks in people allergic to seafood. Shrimp contains sulfites, a property to which many asthma patients are sensitive. Other seafood options people with asthma should stay away from include clams and oysters.

People should get tested for food allergies to eliminate foods that could leave them with compromised digestive systems. Those who have recently suffered an infection or have been recommended powerful treatment can also experience changes in their gut microbiota. It is yet another case where digestive problems can arise. Some common signs of poor digestive function include difficulty swallowing, painful swallowing, or chest pain while eating. Individuals with digestive trouble must avoid trigger foods. Processed foods Fiber helps regulate the digestive system. Processed foods are not only low in fiber but also high in salts, preservatives, and food coloring. It makes things difficult for people with sensitive stomachs. Fiber deficiency leads to increased constipation, while the additives cause issues like gas, bloating, indigestion, and acid reflux. Artificial sweeteners Foods and beverages prepared with artificial sweeteners cause a change in the body’s natural gut bacteria. This can lead to gastrointestinal tract problems. Sugar-free drinks, candies, and gums are the best examples. They are loaded with refined sugar alternatives like xylitol, maltitol, and sorbitol, which cause gas, bloating, and other digestive and laxative effects. They can also cause the body to produce more acid than it needs, leading to stomach ulcers. Spicy foods Although spices are believed to help with digestion, they can trigger digestive problems in people with sensitive stomachs. High amounts of spices or heat can cause acid reflux and heartburn. Therefore, avoiding foods that stimulate the digestive tract is essential. Dairy Research has shown that milk and milk products are common inflammatory foods. While dairy is essential, the problem arises when it is made a part of daily meals. Some might not be lactose intolerant, but their stomach presents sensitivity to milk compounds. Prolonged digestive tract inflammation can lead to problems like a damaged stomach lining. People with a condition called eosinophilic esophagitis experience symptoms similar to an allergy after eating trigger foods.