Around 6.2 million people in the country above 60 suffer from Alzheimer’s. This irreversible and progressive disease of the brain shrinks the blood cells and typically has an effect on a person’s memory and thinking skills. And as the disease advances, the person gradually loses the ability to do the most basic and simple tasks. Knowing the following seven tips can benefit one when it comes to managing Alzheimer’s disease: Continue with treatment The FDA has approved several prescriptions for treating Alzheimer’s symptoms and one in June 2021 to treat its underlying biology. There are no approved non-prescription treatments. One must follow the doctor’s guidelines to the T to get the optimum benefit of the available treatments. To explore alternative treatments, one must do it by consulting their doctor. Without a structured treatment, the disease may progress quickly. Manage comorbidities Hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, COPD, and depression are some of the most common comorbidities of Alzheimer’s disease. It is important to continue the treatment of these illnesses. Worsening symptoms of existing diseases can cause additional pain and distress to patients. For example, fluctuating or poorly managed blood sugars can further weaken their cognitive abilities. Hence, along with treating Alzheimer’s, one must continue treating any preexisting diseases.

Schizophrenia is a treatable mental illness characterized by distortions in speaking, thinking, and behavior accompanied by auditory and visual hallucinations. It is estimated that 3.5 million people in the country have been diagnosed with schizophrenia and other related mental illnesses. However, most symptoms significantly improve with treatment. But since there are too many myths and half-truths about the condition, you must learn the following tips to manage schizophrenia: Learning the truth and facts about schizophrenia Lack of awareness has resulted in the proliferation of myths about schizophrenia. It can confuse the person affected and their immediate circle of family and friends who may be their caregivers. Knowing the truth is essential for both patients and caregivers. Schizophrenic patients are not dangerous. They have a mental illness. They do not have a split personality or multiple personality disorder. They can get better with a structured and continuous treatment. Parental or societal influences do not cause schizophrenia. Learning about symptoms A person with schizophrenia may exhibit one or more of its typical symptoms. Knowing the typical symptoms can help one prepare to take adequate preventive measures per the doctor’s advice. While an individual can work on managing stress independently, it is advisable to go to a doctor if they experience severe and intense mood changes, thoughts, or symptoms of a psychotic episode.

The lymphatic system is the human body’s germ-fighting network. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects this system and causes infected and ineffective lymphocytes in the lymph nodes. The development compels the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen to swell, leading to health complications. The two main lymphoma types are Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s. There are methods to tackle the mutation. At the same time, following these easy tips may also help one manage lymphoma. Getting the right treatment Treatment is essential for any form of lymphoma. However, before starting a treatment plan, one should get a proper diagnosis of the condition. One test to narrow down on cancer includes a physical examination where the healthcare expert checks the underarm, groin, and neck region for swollen lymph nodes. Removing a lymph node or extracting a bone marrow sample for testing are other methods to identify lymphoma. A doctor may also conduct blood and imaging tests to diagnose the condition. After lymphoma is detected, a healthcare expert may suggest active surveillance to monitor the growth and progress of lymphatic cancer, especially if it is in the initial stages. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplants are also suggested based on the severity of the cancer.

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.

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the lymphatic system, which is responsible for producing and utilizing white blood cells to protect the body against infections. There are two main types of lymphomas—Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The symptoms of both these conditions can be vague and vary greatly from person to person. Nevertheless, here are a few silent signs of lymphoma one should recognize: 1. Swollen lymph nodes Lymphoma mainly affects the lymphocytes, i.e., the white blood cells in the bone marrow and lymph nodes—parts of the immune system located in the neck, groin, armpit, and spleen areas. The growth of cancer can cause the lymph nodes to swell or become enlarged. So, one can feel lumps under the skin that may not cause pain or discomfort in most cases. 2. Pain The initial stages of lymphoma are often painless. However, as the condition progresses, some may experience severe pain in certain parts of the body. This symptom generally develops when lymphoma has affected one or more organs. To rule out any serious disease or illness, any unexplained pain lasting longer than 4 days must prompt one to consult a medical professional for a thorough examination.

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.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 1.3% of adults in the country have Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), like Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis. Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract leads to Crohn’s disease. Early diagnosis and treatment can help in maintaining your quality of life and preventing complications that may be life-threatening. Following are some of the early warning signs of Crohn’s disease to look out for: Abdominal pain It can indicate Crohn’s disease if you feel cramps and pains in the lower right abdomen or any spot along the digestive tract. Recurring inflammation, abscesses, and ulcers that develop along the GI tract cause the pain. For some, pain may be the only symptom. Nausea Some may have cramps that make them nauseous. Some may throw up when there is pain. If one has continuous or frequent pain and vomiting episodes, visit a doctor without delay. Chronic diarrhea or constipation If diarrhea does not respond to home remedies or over-the-counter remedies, it may be an early warning sign of inflammation in the colon. Though diarrhea is more common, some may also experience constipation and pain while passing stools. Anal fissures Crohn’s disease directly leads to tears or fissures in the anus lining.

Major depressive disorder is a common occurrence seen in many people: about 17.3 million adults and 1.9 million children between the ages of 3 and 17 in the country are diagnosed with the disorder. Such a condition can lead to symptoms such as an irregular appetite, lack of energy, and trouble sleeping. Among other mechanisms to manage depression, following certain tips can also help an individual improve how they cope with the condition. Initiating treatments The first essential step for coping with major depressive disorder is initiating a treatment plan. A healthcare professional may recommend psychotherapy (talk therapy) to treat moderate to severe depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy is often the preferred option when it comes to tackling depression. Healthcare experts may recommend Rexulti® (brexpiprazole) for depression. The patient must take the tablet in combination with antidepressants as prescribed by the doctor. The dosage is also prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia (a common depression trigger) in adult and pediatric patients aged 13 years and older. Rexulti® can be taken once daily with or without food. Caplyta® (lumateperone) is another prescription known to tackle episodes of depression associated with bipolar depression in adults. The prescription is administered by itself or by combining it with lithium or valproate.