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Myelodysplastic syndrome – Symptoms, causes and management

Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) is a severe and complex disorder wherein the blood stem cells do not fully mature into healthy blood cells. When the body is deprived of healthy blood cells, one may develop other health conditions like anemia, bleeding without reason, and frequent infections. MDS is a rare condition that affects around 4 out of 100,000 people in the country. Here are some of the common symptoms, causes, and treatments to manage MDS.

What is Myelodysplastic syndrome?

The bone marrow usually produces three types of healthy blood cells to keep the body functioning properly. These include red blood cells (RBCs) that carry oxygen, white blood cells (WBCs) to fight infections, and platelets to help the blood clot during an injury. Now, with MDS, this entire process is disrupted. The bone marrow either starts to make abnormal levels of blood cells or does not make enough of them, which leads to low blood cell counts.

Types of Myelodysplastic syndrome

There are six types of MDS, all divided according to the shape and characteristics of the blood cells-

MDS with multilineage dysplasia (MDS-MLD)- Here, more than one type of blood cell is oddly shaped.
MDS with single lineage dysplasia (MDS-SLD) – One of the three types of blood cells looks abnormal and is low in number.
MDS with ring sideroblasts (MDS-RS) – The existing blood cells appear to have rings of excess iron around them.
MDS with excess blasts (MDS-EB) – Blasts are extremely immature blood cells found in abnormal bone marrow levels.
MDS associated with an isolated del (5q) chromosome – Here, the red blood cells are abnormally low and mutated.
Myelodysplastic syndrome, unclassifiable (MDS-U) – As the name suggests, this type may have unclassifiable results, like abnormal chromosomes or low blood cell count, but no other noticeable signs of MDS.

Myelodysplastic syndrome symptoms

Here are some symptoms of MDS that should prompt one to seek healthcare attention-

Anemia – Anemia, which refers to red blood cell or hemoglobin deficiency, is one of the most common symptoms of MDS. In this condition, the tissues and organs do not receive enough oxygen, so one may feel abnormally tired, dizzy, or have severe headaches. Usually, these symptoms do not get better even after resting well.
Quickly catching infections – White blood cells are responsible for fighting off infections, and MDS compromises their count and, thus, the immune system. It can lead to the body being easily affected by viral or bacterial infections. One may also notice that the recovery time is longer.
Running a fever more frequently
Inability to catch breath or having breathing difficulties
Pale skin—People may notice paler skin or a loss of color, including on the inner eyelids and the inside of their mouths and noses.
Easy bruising – This usually happens because low platelet counts in MDS result in impaired blood clotting, making it easier for bruises to form even from minor bumps or injuries.
Bleeding – Often, MDS patients experience bleeding that does not stop, even with home remedies or treatments. This is because of low platelets in the body.
Petechiae – There may be tiny, flat spots on the skin caused by bleeding underneath it.

It’s important to understand the warning signs and symptoms of MDS and seek treatment whenever one notices them. If left untreated or ignored, the condition can worsen and even develop into cancer of the bone marrow and blood cells called leukemia.

Myelodysplastic syndrome causes

Usually, age older than 60 or above puts individuals at a risk of developing MDS. In addition, if one’s gone through any previous treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy or has been exposed to certain industry chemicals like benzene, it advances the risk of MDS.

Myelodysplastic syndrome treatments

Currently, there’s no direct one-shoe-fits-all cure for MDS, so the treatment usually aims to slow down the disease progression, ease one’s symptoms, and prevent the condition from getting worse or complicated. An MDS patient may be recommended for blood transfusions, wherein a donor’s blood may be used to replace the deficient blood cells in the body. Several prescription remedies can help stimulate blood cell production, help them mature, reduce cell transfusion needs, or help target specific genetic abnormalities.

Another treatment option that health experts suggest would be a bone marrow transplant. This treatment involves certain risks but offers quicker results as it aims to replace abnormal cells with healthy ones. However, one has to be inherently healthy as per the healthcare requirements to undergo this process. Those in advanced stages may not be recommended transplants.

4 healthy foods for nursing mothers

Mothers who have recently delivered babies don't have sufficient nutrition due to the loss of blood and lactation. As a result, they have to carefully choose foods that are rich in calcium, carbohydrate, unsaturated fat, iron, folic acid, protein, and vitamins B6, B12, C, and D. Thankfully, healthy foods and supplements can help them regain strength and supply breastmilk to their newborns. The top four superfoods that can help nursing mothers include: Bananas Bananas are less expensive, available throughout the year, and considered a superfood for nursing moms. They are rich in nutrients, healthy carbs, vitamin B, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Bananas are also abundant in potassium, calcium, and pectin, a source of energy. Experts claim that having a banana every day can help moms regain the energy they need to take care of the baby and breastfeed. Potassium is crucial for maintaining fluid balance in the mother's body and aids in the rampant transmission of nerve impulses.Â Bananas can also aid in regulating blood pressure. It can prevent constipation, aid in regular bowel movements, and promote healthy gut bacteria. These fruits can provide about 1/4th of the vitamin B6 required for nursing moms, which is crucial for hemoglobin production and fighting antibodies. However, avoid bananas if you have allergies, a bout of cough and cold, or diabetes. Mothers can eat bananas after any meal or even add them to smoothies or pancakes as part of a meal. Fatty fish Fatty fish are naturally rich in vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. Fish like salmon and sardines are one of the few food sources of vitamin D, which is essential for mothers and their infants. A deficiency of vitamin D in infants, though uncommon now, can lead to weak and deformed bones. These fish also contain DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid essential for an infant's brain and heart development. DHA can be naturally found in breast milk if a mother eats fatty fish, eggs, or red meat. Omega-3 acids can also help in preventing postpartum depression. Mothers can choose from freshly caught fish, buy from verified farms, or use canned salmon. However, ensure that you have salmon or sardines twice a week to get its benefits and increase the production of breastmilk production. Homemade stock Soups and broths are wholesome and satisfying meals for nursing mothers. The most significant advantage of broths or soups is you can make large quantities and freeze them. The first three months can be hectic for new moms, which is why broths are perfect. They are nutritious, time savers, and can instantly replenish nutrients and strength. Mothers can use the bones and cartilage of chicken or lamb for meat broths. However, slow-cook them as the soup will have time to absorb all the nutrients and minerals from the meat and bones.Â On the other hand, vegetarian mothers can make soups and broths of various vegetables and lentils. Bell pepper, carrots, celery stalks, french beans, lentils, mung, cottage cheese, and peas are ideal ingredients for vegetarian soups. Broths and soups can also help deal with postpartum depression and help regain bone density. It can also help reduce joint pain and strengthen joints right after childbirth. Leafy green vegetables It is widely known that green leafy vegetables contain multiple nutrients like vitamin A, C, E, and K, fiber, minerals, calcium, and antioxidants. Spinach has a high concentration of phytoestrogens and iron. When a nursing mom increases the intake of spinach, it raises the estrogen level and helps stimulate milk production. Phytoestrogens also help in regulating and reducing cholesterol and blood sugar levels. They are low on calories; hence, you do not have to worry about gaining weight. One serving of green leafy vegetables daily is the recommended quantity for nursing moms.Â Mothers can also eat broccoli and Swiss Chard, which are high in calcium and iron. The daily calcium requirement for nursing moms is about 1,300 milligrams a day. Kale or collard greens also can supply about 20% of the daily calcium requirement. Moms can also have milk and yogurt to ensure they receive the necessary supply of calcium. They can add greens to salads, smoothies, soups, or casseroles. Cigna breast pump Cigna is a global health service company that offers health, pharmacy, dental and supplemental insurance, and Medicare plans. You can get 100% of Cigna's insurance for hospital-grade and standard electric breast pumps with a prescription from your physician, midwife, or nurse practitioner. Cigna also covers the cost of renting a heavy-duty hospital-grade breast pump if a standard breast pump fails. Elvie Free Elvie, one of the brands covered by Cigna with a doctor's prescription, has introduced a revolutionary, silent wearable breast pump that women can discretely fit in their clothes. It is a wireless breast pump that can be operated through a smartphone. This easy-to-use pump can be used confidently and without any hassle. Since it is silent, it can be used anywhere without any disturbance or the need for privacy. Moreover, there are no tubes or pipes. It consists of five easy-to-assemble and clean components that make pumping clean and safe. If you're a new mother who wants to try out breast pumps, give this a try after consulting a doctor.Â

4 disadvantages of senior dental insurance

Seniors who are Medicare beneficiaries have their health insurance covered, more or less. Now, family members may wonder whether to purchase senior dental insurance for them, as it only covers a portion of dental procedures like root canals, fillings, and extractions. Going through dental plans and their pros and cons can help families make informed decisions. Here is what one needs to know about investing in a senior dental insurance plan and its disadvantages: Dental insurance - What it is Many consider dental insurance to be the same as health insurance or part of it. And while it is insurance for the teeth, there are some similarities and differences between these two types of insurance. Just like in health insurance coverage, there are factors like emergencies and other treatment-related expenditures that can be covered; in dental insurance, the coverage includes emergencies like injury to the tooth or getting an oral infection. However, one significant difference between dental and health insurance is the coverage provided under the policy and how this coverage works for individuals. Regular dental plans for seniors While dental plans vary from person to person, generally, the following are the only things covered under the dental plan for seniors: They include: Tooth extractions, fillings for cavities, x-rays for annual exams, root canals, crownings, and two preventative cleanings are needed each year. This can be every six months or twice a year, at any time suitable for the individual. However, for a price, there are some plans that are more comprehensive and cover more oral health issues, like: - Orthodontics This is for correcting poorly aligned teeth or misaligned bite patterns. - Prosthodontics This includes procedures like tooth restoration and getting dentures. - Periodontics This refers to treatments that treat gum disease or dental implants. Cons of dental insurance for seniors There are some disadvantages to dental insurance for seniors, and here is what one needs to know: According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two out of three adults 65 and older have gum disease. Another statistic observes that one in five adults 65 and older have tooth decay, which remains untreated, and one in five adults 65 and older have lost all their teeth with age.Â The statistics also show that more than half the senior populationâaround 53%âsaid they had to delay dental care because it was costly. 23% of the Medicare seniors stated that they, too, have been delayed or gone without dental care for a long time due to its high costs.Â Since dental care does not cover too many ailments, the premium paid for the insurance can probably only cover two cleanings a year, and anything beyond that becomes an out-of-pocket expense for the senior. Medicare does not cover dental care; however, a couple of exemptions can be noted. Any X-rays related to the fractured jaw or facial bone can be covered, as can any removal of teeth for radiation treatment for a tumor, oral or dental exam that is part of the procedure before kidney transplant or heart valve replacement surgeries, and also wiring teeth when treating a jaw fracture in seniors. Medicare Part A and B are infamous for not covering dental care. However, anyone with a Medicare Advantage plan or Part C could see some dental benefits covered. It is still to be noted that the premium for these insurances goes up as more illnesses are covered under them. Coverage Regular expenses like the monthly premium, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance are similar to those of a regular health insurance plan. However, one major difference is the coinsurance amount. Suppose the coinsurance is 20% of regular health insurance; it will double in dental plans. In some cases, this may even go above 40%. It's important to know that dental insurance companies have an annual cap between $1000 and $3000, and realistically, this is a low amount for the kind of expense that dental work requires. So, one may have to pay a substantial chunk of the treatment cost out of pocket. This insurance plan may work for someone who only needs some preventive care and a filling or two; however, managing more than that becomes difficult. This is especially true for seniors, as they are more at risk of developing dental issues, and the source of income becomes significantly less or zero in some cases.

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3 important factors to consider before buying new tires

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