Hemophilia – Its types, symptoms, and management
Health

Hemophilia – Its types, symptoms, and management

Hemophilia is a group of congenital or acquired bleeding disorders where the blood takes time to clot. People with this disorder may bleed longer if they have an injury or surgery. According to the CDC, about 30,000 to 32,000 people in the country suffer from hemophilia. Contrary to popular belief, this is treatable if the condition is diagnosed and treated on time. Other important facts and information about hemophilia are as follows: What is hemophilia? A clotting factor is a protein in our blood that controls bleeding. If our blood does not have adequate quantities of this protein, it takes time for the blood to clot. Normally, in the case of any injury, trauma, or surgery, bleeding stops right after first aid, dressing, or once the doctors suture the site. However, in a person with hemophilia, the bleeding may continue for a long time and may need attention and treatment. The clotting factors that affect blood clotting are VIII, IX, and XI. Hemophilia is classified based on which clotting factor is lacking in the affected person. Types of hemophilia The type of hemophilia a person has is based on what clotting factors their body lacks. There are three types of hemophilia.
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5 myths about sunglasses debunked
Health

5 myths about sunglasses debunked

Sunglasses not only help protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays but also add aesthetic appeal to the overall appearance. With the right sunglasses, you can pull off any look and, at the same time, maintain eye health. One can opt for polarized sunglasses for the beach day or classic aviators for a brunch date. However, there are many myths about the usage of sunglasses, which unfortunately leads to vision damage. Let’s debunk the following four myths: Myth 1 – Children don’t need sunglasses One common myth amongst adults is that children don’t particularly need sunglasses for protection as adults do. Research shows that the lens of a child allows more UV rays to penetrate through their sensitive retina than in adults. Once you begin to protect the eyes from a nascent stage, you can prevent some eye-related issues from developing as your child grows. Some sunglasses for kids are ambiguous about the features and merely state that they offer protection from ultraviolet rays. Please do not buy them unless it clearly states they provide 100% protection from UV rays. Myth 2 – Cheap sunglasses don’t offer protection Higher the prices, better the quality. This is a general belief that is also applied to eyewear.
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Alzheimer’s disease – 7 tips to manage the condition
Health

Alzheimer’s disease – 7 tips to manage the condition

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.
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7 tips to manage schizophrenia
Health

7 tips to manage schizophrenia

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.
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Various ways to help manage multiple myeloma
Health

Various ways to help manage multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells responsible for overall immunity. The mutation triggers an abnormal multiplication of these cells and releases antibodies that affect bone health and compromise bone marrow function. Multiple myeloma is a rare form of cancer with no cure as yet. However, as given below, changes in daily nutrition and lifestyle can supplement the suggested prescriptions and treatments to improve quality of life: Treatments suggested for various stages of multiple myeloma Orthopedic surgeons, radiation oncologists, oncologists, and bone marrow transplant specialists are the doctors qualified to treat the various stages of multiple myeloma. Approved prescriptions A combination of chemotherapy, corticosteroids, immunomodulating agents, proteasome inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and nuclear export inhibitors are used for treating and managing multiple myeloma. These are various classes of prescriptions suggested based on the severity of the symptoms and stage of myeloma. Each prescription targets and manages a specific symptom to help lower discomforts caused by progressive cancer. Radiation therapy Radiation is one of the commonly suggested treatments to manage the symptoms of multiple myeloma. It is usually the next step for patients who are not responding well to chemotherapy. High-energy rays are focused directly to destroy as many cancer cells as possible to prevent the spread from the localized region.
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3 easy tips to live with lymphoma
Health

3 easy tips to live with lymphoma

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.
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3 tips to manage leukemia
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3 tips to manage leukemia

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.
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5 mistakes to avoid for getting good sleep
Health

5 mistakes to avoid for getting good sleep

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.
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