Leukemia is an umbrella term for cancers affecting the blood and the body’s blood-forming tissues, called bone marrow. It reduces the body’s natural ability to fight various infections and diseases. Researchers believe leukemia occurs when the DNA in blood cells called leukocytes mutate or change. As with other forms of cancer, there’s no cure for leukemia, but there are multiple tried-and-tested ways to manage the condition and help make life easier: Try these treatment options One must explore these treatment options to manage leukemia: BLINCYTO® The FDA has approved BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) for treating adults and children with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). ALL is a form of leukemia in which the bone marrow makes too many lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. BLINCYTO® is a targeted treatment targeting a specific protein on the leukemia cells so the immune system can identify and destroy them. It is typically prescribed to ALL patients in remission but has detectable traces of cancer and people whose cancer has returned or did not respond to other treatments. BLINCYTO® is usually administered to patients via the infusion pump. Some potential side effects include infections, fever, headache, face swelling, low or high blood pressure, and low counts of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

After a day’s work, you’d want to sleep without much effort. But certain factors can make sleeping on time quite difficult. If you go to sleep and wake up at a fixed time daily, invest in a good mattress, and make your bedroom comfortable and free of clutter, you will soon be able to sleep well through the night. Here are five crucial habits that you should avoid before bedtime: Exercising before bedtime Exercising at night at home or gym and jogging in the late evening are becoming increasingly trendy. But most doctors strongly disagree with this habit as the adrenaline increases your heart rate and keeps you alert. A vigorous workout can also stimulate your nervous system, which prevents the body from falling asleep. While exercising, your muscles go through wear and tear and need adequate rest to heal. Since you may not get enough sleep, your rest is disrupted, and the healing process takes more time. The cumulative result of lack of sleep makes you tired and exhausted and may affect your productivity at home, school, or work. If you can exercise only in the evening, do it at least two to three hours before bedtime. Using gadgets before bedtime You’re not alone if you’ve heard about this earlier and think it is easier said than done.

Blood clotting, known as coagulation, is a process where platelets and plasma proteins combine to clot the blood to prevent excessive bleeding in case of an injury. However, sometimes individuals may not have enough clotting factors due to some disorders. Bleeding disorders are chronic and are either congenital or acquired. There are many disorders that can arise from this condition. Know how to prevent complications that may arise from different bleeding disorders. Inherited bleeding disorders Inherited bleeding disorders are genetic and happen when there is some damage or deficiency in specific genes that control clotting. The inherited bleeding disorders are: Combined deficiency of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors Hemophilia A Hemophilia B Hemophilia C Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia Rare bleeding disorders with deficiency of clotting factors Von Willebrand disease Acquired bleeding disorders Acquired bleeding disorders happen if a disease or treatment has led to less or no production of the clotting factors. It can also occur if there is damage to any blood vessel, causing excessive bleeding. Acquired bleeding disorders include: Arteriovenous malformation where blood vessels may get tangled Disseminated intravascular coagulation Liver disease–associated bleeding Rare cases of Von Willebrand disease and hemophilia Vitamin K deficiency bleeding Symptoms of bleeding disorders The common symptoms of different bleeding disorders include:

About 200 types of mosquitoes are commonly present in the country, and only 12 of them spread germs. Everyone must take preventive steps to protect themselves and their family from the bites of these mosquito types. Mosquitoes have a strong sense of smell, and therefore, they get sensitive to certain scents. Synthetic and chemical repellents and fragrances act as irritants. You can use the following five natural scents to keep mosquitoes at bay: Peppermint Peppermint is a potent insecticide; its oil can kill mosquito larvae within a day. Peppermint plants in your garden and yard can keep adult mosquitoes at bay, and its oil prevents mosquito bites. The impact of the oil lasts for about three hours. How to use: Mix 10-15 drops of good quality and pure peppermint essential oil in a spray bottle with two cups of water. Identify the spots that a mosquito may gain entry into or hide. Spray this essential oil solution in door frames, window sills, furniture, laundry area, curtains, exhaust fans, and air vents. Alternatively, add one or two drops of peppermint oil into pieces of cotton and place them around the house. Combine five to six drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply the mixture to your body.

Lung cancer is a serious disease that affects millions worldwide. Early detection plays a crucial role in improving treatment outcomes and increasing the chances of survival. Recognizing the warning signs and seeking prompt treatment can significantly impact the prognosis. By understanding these signs, individuals can become more proactive in monitoring their health and seeking timely intervention. This information also serves a huge purpose for people with a family history of lung or other types of cancer. Persistent cough A persistent or chronic cough is one of the most common symptoms of lung cancer. It can go on for several weeks or months if left untreated. Over time, the cough can worsen and may even be accompanied by blood-tinged sputum. It is essential to pay attention to the duration and frequency of the cough and seek evaluation if it persists or intensifies. Shortness of breath Breathlessness or shortness of breath experienced without cause or activity can be a huge red flag for people at risk of developing lung cancer. If one starts experiencing this symptom while performing day-to-day activities, it could indicate an underlying condition that should not be ignored. The tumor growing in the lungs can obstruct free breathing and the passage of gases through the airway.

Arthritis is characterized by the tenderness and swelling of one or more joints in the body. Some of the most common types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The condition results in multiple symptoms, most of which usually get diagnosed due to other health complications and age. But the symptoms may affect one’s quality of life. So it is imperative to identify the signs early and initiate a treatment plan for managing the condition. Pain in a joint Pain in one or more joints may occur due to certain situations, including injuries or joint overuse. Infections like the flu may also trigger acute pain in certain joint areas. In such situations, acute joint pain comes on quickly and fades away. However, if one develops a symptom out of the ordinary and the pain does not reduce over a period of time, one must get it checked by an expert at the earliest. Pain or aching in a joint that becomes worse over time is a potential sign of arthritis. The pain may be triggered by even mild activity, surface after activity, or following a long day at work. Furthermore, joint pain may also result in tenderness, a painful sensation even if mild pressure is applied to the affected area.

Sugar forms a major part of daily sustenance as the condiment is widely used to prepare foods and beverages. However, sugar adds no nutritional value and is simply consumed because it enhances the taste of commonly consumed foods and beverages. Excess sugar consumption is one of the main reasons many people suffer from health complications that affect the body’s natural function. And here is how sugar can even trigger sleep disturbances affecting the natural circadian rhythm. Restlessness Sugar is empty calories, so no good comes from adding sugar to daily foods or beverages. Instead, more sugar in the bloodstream increases the risk of an imbalance that affects the body’s natural metabolism and functions. The sleep and wake-up cycle are regulated by hormones, mainly melatonin, produced naturally by the body. Changes in the body’s metabolic activities and functions affect melatonin production, thus disrupting the natural sleep cycle. As a result, one finds it difficult to go to sleep or stay in a rested rhythm for longer periods of time. The quality and duration of sleep directly impact the progression of known sleep disorders as well. Increases cravings Since sugar adds no nutritional value, the body craves more foods that can fill the void to support necessary functions.

Prostate cancer is curable, but certain lifestyle changes can aid the treatment process. So, it helps to make better food choices when dealing with the disease. This is especially important if one is undergoing procedures such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy that use powerful chemical agents to destroy cancer cells. These prostate cancer treatments often lead to side effects like nausea, heartburn, and headache, which can worsen with the intake of the following foods:  Processed meat Processed meats such as hot dogs, sausages, beef jerky, pepperoni, and bacon contain high levels of sodium and saturated fats. Similarly, deli meats such as roast beef and turkey are also rich in sodium and unhealthy fats, which can lead to heartburn, indigestion, and elevated blood sugar. The high sodium and saturated fat content can disrupt the recovery process for those dealing with prostate cancer. One should opt for lean sources of protein like fatty fish, poultry, and plant-based alternatives (tofu or beans). Red meat Adding protein to meals is crucial when undergoing treatments for prostate cancer, as the nutrient can improve muscle strength and manage fatigue. While meat can be a rich source of protein, one should avoid excessive intake of red meat like pork, lamb, and beef.

Cancer causes rapid growth and spread of unhealthy cells in the body that destroy healthy cells. It is called colon cancer when it develops in the intestinal tract leading to the colon or rectum. While colon cancer has no cure, identifying its symptoms in time can help doctors confirm its presence and recommend treatments to improve the patient’s quality of life. Here are some early warning signs of colon cancer to look out for. Dark stools Cancer destroys healthy cells in the colon and triggers bleeding. When the blood mixes with the stools during bowel movements, it changes the shade of the feces to a dark reddish tinge. This is a clear sign of bleeding in the intestinal tract or the rectum. Some patients also experience external bleeding while passing dark stools with aggressive colon cancer. However, since hemorrhoids can also cause rectal bleeding, it is vital to monitor the progression of this symptom. With hemorrhoids, the bleeding comes and goes with flare-ups. However, with colon cancer, the bleeding persists and worsens as the disease progresses. Erratic changes in bowel movements Since colon cancer develops in the intestinal tract connecting to the rectum, it affects the frequency of a person’s bowel movements.

Breathing is a crucial and natural process for sustaining life. However, have you ever thought about the possibility of there being a correct or incorrect way of doing it? Though it may seem strange since breathing is usually something we do involuntarily, there are several tips for breathing correctly, as well as common mistakes that many of us make daily. This article aims to explore these mistakes and provide guidance on how to avoid them. Using your mouth Many people, including children and adults, breathe through their mouths. However, this can lead to crooked teeth, facial deformities, and stunted growth in kids. In adults, mouth breathing can cause gum disease and bad breath. Breathing through the nose is the proper way to inhale and exhale air. The nostrils in the nose act as filters that keep the air warm and humidified, which can be beneficial in cold and dry climates. It’s important to remember that mouth breathing is not unnatural but is not the best way to breathe. So, it’s advisable to make a conscious effort to breathe through the nose whenever possible. Not breathing through your belly To perform belly breathing, one must use the diaphragm, a muscle located above the stomach.