3 tips to help prevent and manage prostate cancer

3 tips to help prevent and manage prostate cancer

The prostate gland, found below the bladder, helps make and transport semen. Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the gland grow uncontrollably, eventually forming a tumor. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among men in our country. Trouble urinating and blood in the urine are common symptoms, and the condition is curable if detected early. Here are the treatments, meal plans, and lifestyle tips that help prevent and manage prostate cancer: Get the right treatment Treatment is vital to kill harmful cells and stop the disease from spreading. Popular treatment options for prostate cancer are: Xofigo It is an FDA-approved option for treating metastatic prostate cancer in cases where the disease has spread to the bones but not other organs. Xofigo binds with bone minerals, delivering radiation directly to bone tumors. Doing so reduces damage to the nearby normal tissues. Its most common side effects include vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Enzalutamide It helps treat prostate cancer in men, where cancer has spread to other body parts. Enzalutamide is mainly used for those who do not get better with hormone therapy or other surgical treatments for lowering testosterone levels. It works by blocking the effects of a male reproductive hormone called androgen, which, in turn, stops cancer growth and further spread.
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3 tips to lower blood sugar and manage diabetes

3 tips to lower blood sugar and manage diabetes

Diabetes, also called diabetes mellitus, is characterized by increased blood sugar or blood glucose levels. It is among the most prevalent ailments affecting more than 37 million people in the country. The condition could result from several factors, including age, family history, and genetics. While some might not show symptoms, those experiencing constant urination and thirst should get checked. Here are the treatment options, foods, and lifestyle changes to help manage high blood sugar: Treatment options There is no cure for diabetes. Available treatments only help control blood sugar fluctuations, prevent complications, and slow the condition’s progression. Here are a few options to treat diabetes: INVOKANA® It is an oral treatment to lower blood sugar levels in individuals over 18 years with type 2 diabetes. INVOKANA® is used with changes in foods and an exercise routine for maximum benefit. Besides lowering blood sugar, this treatment option can reduce the risk of cardiovascular conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and end-stage kidney disease that can result from the ailment. Note that INVOKANA® should not be used to treat type 1 diabetes as it can increase the risk of ketoacidosis. The severe side effects of this treatment include a high risk of amputations, dehydration, ketoacidosis, vaginal yeast infections, and yeast infections around the penis.
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3 tips to help manage Parkinson’s disease

3 tips to help manage Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic progressive nervous system disorder that affects over 10 million people worldwide. The first signs of the disease typically include unintended or uncontrollable movements, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. The exact cause of Parkinson’s isn’t known yet, but low levels of dopamine in the brain may be responsible for its development. Here are some treatment options, meal plans, and lifestyle changes that can help manage Parkinson’s disease: Explore treatment options Doctors typically explore several treatment methods to manage Parkinson’s disease symptoms. These include: Carbidopa-levodopa This combination treatment is one of the most effective remedies for Parkinson’s disease. It can help combat common symptoms such as shakiness, stiffness, and difficulty in moving. While levodopa helps replace the missing dopamine, carbidopa helps prevent levodopa’s side effects—nausea and vomiting. Another function of carbidopa is to prevent levodopa from getting converted into dopamine too early, so more of it can enter the brain. This combination treatment is sold under the brand name Rytary®, among others. Rytary® is an extended-release treatment that reduces the amount of “off” time each day in people with Parkinson’s while improving the performance of motor functions. Some common side effects include nausea, dizziness, headache, and insomnia.
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3 ways to manage osteoporosis and boost bone health

3 ways to manage osteoporosis and boost bone health

Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become weak and brittle with age. Daily activities like bending or coughing can cause minor fractures in the wrist, hip, or spine. The symptoms appear as soon as bones become weak, followed by a noticeable stooped posture, back pain, or even loss of height over time. Here are some healthy meal tips, treatment options, and lifestyle changes that can help manage this condition. Treatment options  Prolia This treatment option is for postmenopausal women who experience physical problems due to weak bones, are at high risk of fracture, and cannot use other osteoporosis treatment methods. Prolia uses targeted therapy that blocks the bone-removing cells from causing any damage to the bone. However, be mindful of taking this treatment if you have low blood calcium, are pregnant, or planning to conceive in the near future. There are certain side effects of this treatment, so consult a health professional and get a detailed report on related steps. Evenity Evenity, a sclerostin inhibitor, helps prevent bone damage by targeting a protein that enables its repair. This treatment option is used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who are at a high risk of bone fracture. Like Prolia, this treatment option is not viable if one has low calcium levels in the blood.
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5 foods that can lower cancer risk

5 foods that can lower cancer risk

Can what we eat help prevent serious illnesses like cancer? The link between disease and foods has been extensively studied. For instance, the research findings of the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research have indicated that food choices greatly affect one’s health and well-being. The results also suggest that certain plant-based foods can help lower one’s cancer risk. So, here are some of the best foods to have: Garlic This pungent food item’s benefits outweigh the inconvenience (i.e., bad breath). Its odor is brought on by its sulfur compounds, which are also responsible for stopping the development of cancer-causing substances in the body. Additionally, garlic can help speed up DNA repair and kill cancer cells. Garlic also battles bacteria, especially the kind of bacteria associated with stomach cancer (H. Pylori bacteria). Studies have also indicated that garlic can reduce the risk of pancreatic, colon, esophageal, and breast cancer. To get the most out of garlic, peel and chop the garlic cloves and let them sit for 20–30 minutes before cooking them. This enables the activation of enzymes and the release of sulfur compounds. Adults should have one clove of garlic per day for better health.
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8 foods and beverages to avoid with arthritis

8 foods and beverages to avoid with arthritis

Arthritis is a group of bone-related disorders that include gout, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PA), and osteoarthritis. A person with arthritis is susceptible to inflammation, which triggers pain and other associated symptoms. The underlying cause is inflammation which eventually affects the tissues around the joints, leading to chronic conditions like heart diseases and diabetes and worsening the arthritis symptoms. Here are eight foods and beverages to avoid with arthritis:  Salt The sodium content in salt is required for the body to perform innumerable functions. However, over intake of salt calls for a lot of trouble. Several researchers point out that one mostly uses way too much salt than is required. Excess salt intake is associated with greater inflammation levels which can also trigger pain and other symptoms related to arthritis. Make sure you look for foods with no added salt. Use spices or herbs to garnish food.  Omega-6 fatty acids These polyunsaturated fatty acids, when used in excess, cause inflammation. Some common sources of omega-6 fats include sunflower oil, canola oil, nuts, and meat. Opting for olive oil would be a smarter choice as it contains primarily monounsaturated fat. Sweetened beverages Sweetened drinks like fruit juices, soda, and other sweetened drinks contain a high amount of sugar.
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4 alternative methods for managing rheumatoid arthritis

4 alternative methods for managing rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is quite a painful inflammatory condition, generally classified by the presence of stiffness, soreness, and pain in the hands, wrists, and feet. With the help of treatments, one can alleviate physical stress, reduce inflammation, and keep complications under control. Today, we’ll be discussing the various prescription options, foods that patients should include and avoid on a regular basis, and some management tips that can prove effective for relief: Treatment options These prescriptions are known to provide quick action against rheumatoid arthritis symptoms: ACTEMRA® This treatment for rheumatoid arthritis contains tocilizumab and is effective for patients with moderate to severe symptoms. The mode of action is based on the blockage of the IL-6 compound that causes inflammation in the body. Actemra® injections can be used as a weekly treatment. On the other hand, the IV infusion is used once every month or as prescribed by the doctor. Planquenil® Planquenil® is a prescription option used for addressing inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. The primary component is hydrocholoquine, which is sometimes even on its own for certain conditions. Common side effects of Planquenil® include headache, vomiting, nausea, and loss of appetite. Foods to eat and avoid Here are some foods to include in a rheumatoid arthritis meal plan:
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4 things to avoid before bedtime for quality sleep

4 things to avoid before bedtime for quality sleep

Sleep is a natural state of rest, essential for maintaining physical and mental health. Doctors recommend that one must get at least eight hours of sleep every day. But sometimes, an individual may not be able to sleep well despite returning home exhausted after a long day’s work. It could be because of certain unhealthy practices right before bedtime. Below are four habits to avoid before bed to improve sleep: Drinking coffee Beverages like coffee, energy drinks, and chocolates are laden with caffeine. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and increases alertness, making a person feel full of energy and more awake. Therefore, drinking these beverages a couple of hours before bedtime can make it hard to fall asleep, disrupting one’s sleep cycle. The tiredness and sleepiness that follow the next day may compel the person to drink more coffee to stay awake for work, thus entering a never-ending cycle of poor sleep. Therefore, cutting down or avoiding coffee, especially a few hours before bedtime, is advisable. Other foods that may affect one’s sleep pattern are spicy foods, those with added sugars, fatty foods, packaged products, and processed foods. Staring at a screen Many people claim that they do not get sleep unless they watch a movie on television or browse through their smartphones in bed.
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3 effective ways to manage atopic dermatitis

3 effective ways to manage atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, is an inflammatory skin disorder affecting approximately 16.5 million adults across the country. It could develop at any age due to genetics, environmental factors, and stress. The most common symptoms include red, scaly, and itchy rashes on the skin. These rashes tend to flare periodically and are often accompanied by physical discomfort, emotional burden, and disturbed sleep. Here are the treatments, meal plans, and lifestyle tips for managing atopic dermatitis: Treatment options Since atopic dermatitis is a long-term skin condition, patients need professional assistance. Below are some popular treatment options: DUPIXENT Doctors recommend this treatment option for adults and children over six months to treat mild-to-severe atopic dermatitis. It is ideal for those who do not get better with topical ointments or therapies. DUPIXENT is administered subcutaneously under the skin, targeting the key source of inflammation. The possible side effects include eye problems, joint pain, and allergic reactions. CIBINQO It is a once-daily oral treatment for people with moderate-to-severe eczema. CIBINQO targets a specific protein responsible for inflammation, providing relief from symptoms like itchy skin. The treatment is available in multiple dosage options, and one can consult a doctor to understand the correct dosage as per their requirement.
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Top 3 ways to relieve constipation

Top 3 ways to relieve constipation

Constipation is a condition in which a person passes occasional bowel movements that are difficult to pass. It’s one of the most common digestive problems in the country, affecting around 16 out of 100 adults. It’s often caused by low fiber or water intake. Many people experience constipation occasionally, but for others, it’s a long-term or chronic problem. Here are multiple treatment options, meal plans, and lifestyle changes to help combat constipation: Treatment options Some effective treatment options for constipation include: LINZESS LINZESS (linaclotide) is an FDA-approved treatment for adults with irritable bowel syndrome, causing constipation or chronic idiopathic constipation. It can proactively manage symptoms of these health conditions, including stomach pain and abdominal discomfort. It acts locally in the intestine and works by accelerating bowel movements and calming pain-sensing nerves. LINZESS is an oral treatment that is usually taken once a day on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before the first meal of the day. Some of the common side effects include diarrhea, gas, abdominal pain, swelling, or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen. MOVANTIK MOVANTIK (naloxegol) treats constipation caused by opioids, which are powerful pain relievers. It works by blocking opioid receptors in the intestines, enabling bowel movements, and relieving constipation.
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