Treatment options and medications for managing rheumatoid arthritis A long-term, progressive and, disabling autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation, swelling, and pain in and around the joints and other body organs. It occurs when a person’s immune system mistakenly assumes the body’s healthy tissues as foreign invaders and, as a response, inflammation occurs in the target tissue or the organ. While this condition can occur in any joints, it usually affects the hands and feet in the initial stage. Treatment approaches for rheumatoid arthritis patients Unfortunately, currently there is no cure to treat rheumatoid arthritis, but there are treatment options that can help reduce inflammation in the joints, relieve the pain, and slow down the damage caused to the joints. Physical therapy The goal is to keep you moving, this therapy uses exercise and other methods that stimulate muscles, bones, and joints. Instead of planning your own personal exercise chart, it’s advisable to consult a professional therapist who is aware of the challenges occurring with rheumatoid arthritis patients and how to work around it to keep the patients fit. Occupational therapy Since rheumatoid arthritis can make daily tasks difficult to accomplish due to pain and swelling, this therapy comes as a rescue.

6 prescription medicines used for treating migraines A migraine is a form of severely painful, recurring headaches that are typically accompanied by a range of sensory symptoms such as temporary vision loss, pins and needles in the arms or legs, difficulty speaking, hearing noises, seeing bright lights, and uncontrollable jerking or other movements. Depending on the severity, this condition can last for hours or even days. According to the American Migraine Foundation, over 36 million people are suffering from this condition. In addition, women are 3 times more likely to get migraines than men. While its exact cause still remains unknown, episodes can be triggered by hormonal fluctuations, emotional distress, fatigue, alcohol, caffeine, dehydration, certain types of medications, and environmental factors. Treatment The following medications are commonly used to treat migraine symptoms. Some of these help mitigate the existing headache, while some prevent the onset of a migraine, reducing the frequency of attacks. Ergomar® Ergomar® belongs to a group of compounds known as ergot alkaloids. These are specially designed for migraine-type headaches, so they shouldn’t be taken to treat common tension headaches or other headaches different from migraine. This medication alleviates migraine headaches by narrowing the widened blood vessels in the head.

Popular medications for neutropenia Neutropenia is a condition where the body does not have enough neutrophils. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cells that are vital to helping the body fight infection. They fight the infection off by destroying harmful bacteria and fungi like yeast that invade the body. Importance of neutrophils It is essential to have a sufficient number of neutrophils in the body; otherwise, the person is prone to several infections. The risk of infection is so high that the person has to be extra cautious about sanitation and hygiene. While washing hands, in general, is good practice, they must wash their hands regularly or they are at the risk of getting serious infections. Symptoms While neutropenia itself does not cause any symptom, it triggers infections which show symptoms like: Sore throat Sores in the mouth or a toothache Pain or burning when urinating Abdominal pain Pain near the anus Unusual vaginal discharge Redness, swelling or pain around cuts or wounds Diarrhea or sores around the anus Shortness of breath or a cough Causes Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow of larger bones and anything that disrupts this process of production in the bone marrow can lead to this condition.

6 FDA-approved medications to treat lung cancer One of the leading causes of cancer deaths, lung cancer has been known to claim more lives every year than prostate, colon, breast, and ovarian cancer together. It begins in the lungs and, depending on the stage, can spread to other parts of the body as well. Lung cancer has multiple causes. However, people who tend to smoke are at a higher risk of lung cancer. The risk increases with the length of time and the number of cigarettes smoked. Other causes include passive smoking, exposure to radon gas, exposure to asbestos and other carcinogens, and a family history of lung cancer. Lung cancer causes coughing that doesn’t go away. Additionally, a person suffering from lung cancer can cough up blood, and experience shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, bone pain, and headache. Treatment usually includes surgery and medications. The below-mentioned medications are FDA-approved and need to be taken only when prescribed by a medical expert. Xalkori: Also known as crizotinib, Xalkori has been approved by the FDA for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Earlier prescribed to those with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, this medication is now recommended to those with ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer that had started spreading.

Common myths about birth control debunked The birth control pill was approved in the 1960s. Ever since then, it has become one of the most researched forms of medication in medical history. Although, women have become a lot more aware ever since the pill was introduced, there are still plenty of myths that exist. To that effect, the following article is all about debunking common myths about birth control: Myth 1: Birth control pills aid weight gain This is the first myth you will come across when you talk about birth control. While we do not deny that some women may gain weight while on the pill, there are research studies that have proven that there is no direct connection between the two. The reason behind weight gain is more or less bloating. It is the estrogen in the pill which can cause bloating. However, this goes away with time. Additionally, there is also progestin in the pill which can cause you to eat more than usual. This might lead to slight weight gain but nothing major that cannot be controlled with healthy eating and exercise. Moreover, many women start the pill in their 30s which is a time when they normally gain weight as part of the process of aging.

4 misconceptions about contraceptives There is a lot of information as well as misinformation on birth control. More often than not, it is hard to distinguish between the two. Here are 4 myths on birth control that need to be debunked immediately. Birth control keeps you safe from sexually transmitted diseases This myth is perhaps one of the most important ones that need to be debunked. Firstly, the only thing that can protect people from sexually transmitted diseases or sexually transmitted infections, including HIV(Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the use of condoms. There is no other form of contraceptive that provides complete protection against sexually transmitted diseases the way a condom does. Hence, as per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, condoms must be used consistently and adequately during active sexual contact, so that you do not suffer from an STI. Using a condom is perhaps the safest way for preventing pregnancy Contrary to popular belief, condoms are only an adequate way to prevent men and women from getting a sexually transmitted infection. Even so, it is not the ideal way to keep pregnancy at bay. A study shows that only 98% efficacy can be achieved with a condom when it comes to prevention of pregnancy.

Facts behind the common birth control myths The field of contraception and gynecology has advanced. One very crucial component of this field is birth control. Right from condoms and pills to IUD (Intrauterine Device), there are plenty of methods to ensure that there is no occurrence of unwanted pregnancy. Even so, there are plenty of misconceptions revolving around the usage of birth control. To ensure that you are not a victim of these myths, here are the ones you need to steer clear away from. Myth 1: You do not need to practice birth control while you are on breastfeeding One of the most common myths around birth control is that you do not need to adopt it if you are breastfeeding. As per Mary Jane Minkin, who is the M.D at obstetrics and gynecology at Yale University, it is perhaps one of the biggest reasons behind unwanted pregnancies. The reason is that while you are on breastfeeding, the hormones generated from the pituitary gland get suppressed. These are responsible for ovulation. However, this is not the case all the time, so it is advisable to stick to a birth control method even when you are breastfeeding. Myth 2: The birth control pill needs to be taken at the same time every day As per Vanessa Cullins, the M.D of External Medical Affairs at Planned Parenthood, there is no connection between the efficiency of a birth control pill and the time you consume it.

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation. The symptoms of this condition are generally stiffness, pain, and swelling in the joint which can flare up or subside. It is common among those who suffer from this type of arthritis to wake up with morning stiffness. It is a condition that can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes but cannot be cured permanently. It is a chronic condition that can even last a lifetime. While doctors administer various treatments, lifestyle changes can help improve psoriatic arthritis to a large extent. Here are the lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis: Stress Stress plays a very important role in triggering arthritis flare-ups. Learning to manage your day-to-day stress can keep your symptoms away. You need to first identify the reasons for stress in your day-to-day life and then understand how you can deal with it. Stress management varies from person to person. Once you understand what works best for you, this would be one of the best lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis. Food The food you eat plays a vital role in psoriatic arthritis triggers and the healing process. Here are some of the food groups that you must consume while avoiding others regularly.

Teeth begin to turn yellow with age. But, some simple ways can help you in retaining the white color of your teeth. There are numerous tooth whitening kits available in your nearest medical store. But, most of these are chemical-based products, which bleach your teeth. If you want to whiten the teeth and at the same time want to avoid chemicals, you should intake foods that whiten teeth naturally say no to red wine, dark berries, and black coffee. Here is a list of 10 such foods that whiten teeth naturally. Strawberries Strawberries are known as the most efficient natural tooth whitener. They are the storehouse of malic acid, which is a natural astringent that prevents tooth discoloration. No matter how you eat them, cereal, salad or dessert, strawberries will ensure that you always own a brighter smile. You can even mash strawberries and use them as toothpaste as they are counted as one of the top foods that whiten teeth naturally. Seeds and nuts Most of the seeds and nuts such as walnuts, almonds, cashews or sunflower seeds have an abrasive texture. This abrasive texture works as a stain remover of your teeth and naturally whiten them. Onion Ignore its breath.

Living with epilepsy can be challenging and it is essential to know how to manage it better. People suffering from this condition are constantly looking for ways to stay seizure-free. It is believed that a balanced diet that has the right amount of nutrients from various food groups can ensure that the brain and body function normally. So, a diet can help one control seizures and live with epilepsy efficiently. How diet affects epilepsy While no food can trigger an epileptic seizure, a well-planned diet can reduce the risks of seizures by maintaining good health. A balanced diet will give one the energy and important nutrients and better sleep and stamina for engaging in activities. These factors can help one live better; one becomes more positive and develops stronger focus and control to manage the condition. Top nutrition tips for living well with epilepsy When the body metabolizes fats, it produces ketones. So, following a Ketogenic diet forces the body to utilize more fats for energy production instead of glucose or sugar through a diet that increases fat intake and lowers carbohydrate intake. This diet plan can work in reducing seizures amongst kids and grownups suffering from epilepsy. But for this diet to work its magic, one will have to follow it without any breaks.