Depression is a common mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. While medication can be effective in treating depression symptoms, it’s not always the best option for everyone. Some popular antidepressant medications include Auvelity, Viibryd, Lexapro, Trintellix, Latuda, Spravato, Vraylar, Vortioxetine, Bupropion, and Rexulti. However, there are alternative ways to reduce depression symptoms without the use of medication. Some alternative strategies that can help alleviate depression symptoms include online therapy, online counseling, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, exercise, and changing the foods you eat. Here are some recommended alternative ways you can reduce the symptoms of depression: 1. Make achievable goals Setting achievable goals is a great way to regain a sense of control in life and boost self-esteem, which can help with depression symptoms. Small, realistic goals, such as completing a task or learning a new skill, can provide a sense of accomplishment and help to build a positive outlook. 2. Consume more omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, flaxseed, and walnuts, have been shown to improve mood and cognitive function, making them a useful supplement for those struggling with depression. Omega-3s work by promoting healthy brain function and reducing inflammation, both of which can contribute to depression symptoms.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that affects millions of men worldwide. The good news is that there are many things you can do to lower your risk of developing ED or improve your existing condition. In this article, we will explore tips to lower the risk of ED, including treatment options, medication, diet, stress reduction techniques—including tips for patients with peyronie’s disease; taking supplements and hormones (i.e., testosterone), and medications such as Viagra (Sildenafil), Cialis (Tadalafil), Levitra (Vardenafil), or Stendra (Avanafil), which work by increasing blood flow to the penis, helping you achieve and maintain an erection. If you are already experiencing ED, it’s important to seek medical advice from a professional about your treatment, medication and surgery options: 1. Medication Certain medications—like those for depression and diabetes—can increase the risk of ED. If you’re taking medication and experiencing ED, speak to your doctor about alternative options. Blood pressure medication, antidepressants, and antihistamines are among the drugs that may cause ED. Recreational drug use, such as cocaine, marijuana, or amphetamines, can also increase the risk of ED. Quitting or reducing drug use can help lower the risk of ED. 2. Diet Eating a healthy diet can reduce the risk of developing ED.

You would do anything for your furry friends, and you don’t stop from getting the best products for them, from cat food, cat treats, online veterinarians, pet insurance, pet medications, and Fresh Step litter. While you can buy them everything they need and more, are you well-educated on how to tell if your cat is sick? Here’s 6 telltale signs kitty isn’t feeling well that you can keep watch for: 1. Check their litter box If your cat’s litter box is full of diarrhea or has nothing in it, due to constipation, both are reasons to take your cat to the vet as they are indicators of disease. Small, dry stool is also a concern as it may indicate kidney disease. If you notice there is more urine than usual, it may be a sign that your cat is unable to conserve water properly and could be another sign of kidney or liver problems. Less urine may indicate kidney or bladder issues. If you notice any significant or consistent changes in your cat’s litter, you should take them to get checked out. 2. Eating and drinking habits change Sick cats will often change their eating and drinking habits by either increasing or decreasing the amount they eat and drink—any change is reason for concern.

Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the brain that directly affects the nervous system and causes dyskinesia, unintentional or uncontrolled movements. This can include stiffness, shaking, balancing and coordination difficulties. Symptoms come on gradually and progressively worsen over time—while there is no cure, these symptoms can be managed with medications and treatments such as Gocovri ER, Rytary, Ingrezza, and Austedo. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should see your doctor to get tested for Parkinson’s disease: 1. Tremors Tremor’s as a result of Parkinson’s often begin in the hands and ‘spread’ to the rest of the arm and could eventually go down to the foot on the same side. While there is no cure or way to completely stop the tremor, there are medications and treatments that can make it more manageable as well as different products that can help make daily tasks easier for those with tremors. 2. Muscle stiffness Muscle stiffness can make your body feel more inflexible and rigid as well as making daily tasks, like tying shoelaces, writing, and turning over in bed, more challenging to complete. It can be difficult to relax your muscles or to stretch. 3. Slowed movement If you notice it’s taking you longer to do things and move around, this is one of the main  symptoms of Parkinson’s known as bradykinesia.

If you’ve had allergies, you’ve definitely experienced itchy, dry eyes at one point or another—-this can be an incredibly uncomfortable feeling. Luckily, humidifiers and eye drops may help to bring moisture back into your eyes and ease the discomfort. But allergies aren’t the only reason you can get dry eyes, so if you’re experiencing the issue and aren’t sure why it’s happening, read on to learn potential causes: 1. Allergies Environmental factors like pollen, dust mites, smoke, and pet dander can cause allergies to flare up, which then results in inflammation of the eyes, itchy eyes, and decreased tear production which turns into dryness of the eyes. If you know you suffer from environmental allergies, it would be a good idea to take allergy medications or carry eye drops on days when external factors live pollen levels are high. 2. Hormonal changes Hormonal changes, typically estrogen and progesterone, occur most commonly in women after menopause or pregnancy. With changing levels of these hormones, it can impact your meibomian gland and can lead to dryness of the eye. Hormonal changes can also come with your menstrual cycle and the use of birth control, so if you are experiencing significant issues with dry eyes, you should talk to your healthcare provider.

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by its symptoms of inflammation of the eye muscles and fatty tissue, resulting in eyes pushed forwards that appear ‘bulging.’ TED often occurs as a result of an overactive thyroid gland due to Graves’ disease and often occurs after the diagnosis of thyroid disorder. Symptoms can be managed with treatments and medications such as Tepezza. Here are some early signs of thyroid eye disease to be on the lookout for: 1. Eye bags Due to the inflammation of the eye muscles and fatty tissue, it is normal to get eye bags with TED. Eye bags should reduce with treatment of TED, but if they are still significant, some patients consider aesthetic treatments such as skin care, wrinkle relaxers, and fillers that are injected. 2. Dry or gritty eyes With TED, the muscles around the eyes become affected. The upper lid may pull up whilst the lower lid pulls down—this paired with the build up of tissue behind the eye and ‘bulging’ makes it challenging to close your eyes tight. If you don’t blink enough or cannot close your eyes tightly, moisture will quickly evaporate and result in dry eyes. TED may also result in a reduced production of tears, another cause of dry eyes.

Water, whether you consume it as sparkling water, bottled water, fresh purified water, or seltzer water, is essential for hydrating your body. Every living thing needs it, from tiny bacteria, to plants, to giant blue whales—water is a key component of life. Tap water can sometimes get contaminated, so to consume the healthiest water possible you should look for the best water filters to ensure you get clean hydration. You might wonder if there’s ever a certain time that you should be drinking water, and there is! Here’s the 6 best times to drink water for maximum health benefits: 1. When you wake up Start your day off right by enjoying a refreshing glass of water when you wake up in the morning. This sets healthy habits and makes maintaining good hydration habits throughout the day much easier. 2. Before meals If you’re trying to lose weight, drinking water before a meal can enhance fullness and prevent you from overeating. Not only this, but creating a schedule where you drink water before meals can up your hydration and water intake, making good, healthy habits. 3. Before and after exercise When you exercise, you lose water and electrolytes through sweat. To maintain your hydration, it is recommended that you drink water before and after a workout.

Arthritis is the swelling and inflammation of the joints, resulting in pain, stiffness, redness, and decreased range of motion. As arthritis impacts many people worldwide, there are many medications and treatment drugs to help with inflammation and pain, such as Xeljanz, Tremfya, Actemra, Rinvoq, Skyrizi, Simponi Aria, Apremilast, and over the counter pain relievers like Voltaren and Advil. In addition to taking prescribed medications, consuming a healthy, balanced diet of anti-inflammatory foods can help manage symptoms. Try these 6 anti-inflammatory foods: 1. Tomatoes Lycopene, a potent antioxidant, is found in tomatoes. Lycopene is an anti-inflammatory agent that prevents the production of cytokines, which have inflammatory properties. What’s more, tomatoes can improve defenses in the body that prevent inflammatory diseases—stock up on baby tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato soup, and more! 2. Olive oil Olive oil contains an anti-inflammatory antioxidant known as oleocanthal that works like the drug ibuprofen. Using olive oil as opposed to butter to cook your food has an added benefit in that butter is inflammatory, so you get to avoid this food while consuming an anti-inflammatory one. 3. Leafy green vegetables Leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, collards, and arugula are full of vitamins and nutrients that prevent inflammation.

Lung cancer is cancer of the lungs, and it can take on a few forms, ranging from small cell carcinoma to advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and many variations in between. Like any type of cancer, it’s essential to catch it early on and start medications and treatments right away for the most optimal outcome, but unfortunately many individuals ignore their symptoms. Lung Cancer Treatment Options While there is currently no cure for lung cancer, there are many options for medications to help treat it and assist with symptom management. Medications your doctor may prescribe include Zepzelca, Alecensa, Rybevrant, and ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), ROS1 inhibitor, or OPDIVO (nivolumab) combined with YERVOY (ipilimumab). In addition to medications to help manage symptoms, you likely will also require targeted treatments to directly fight against the cancerous tumors. One may endure therapies such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. These can be mentally and physically exhausting, so it’s helpful to have a support system there to encourage and help you through it, like close friends and family. There are also cancer support groups you can join to talk to people that understand exactly what you’re going through. Although it is an extremely challenging and scary process, you can feel assured that your doctor will work with you to get the best treatment plan that will meet your needs.

Osteoporosis is what occurs when more bone gets broken down than replaced, resulting in brittle bones, or easily breaking bones, weaker grip strength, back or neck pain, receding gums, weak or brittle finger nails, stooped posture, and more. There are some medications and treatments that can help reduce these symptoms such as Evenity, Forteo, Fosamax, Prolia, and Boniva, but one of the best ways to improve bone strength is through your diet. Just as there are some foods you should eat more of, there are some foods you should try to avoid entirely. Here are 5 foods to avoid to keep osteoporosis at bay: 1. High sodium foods High sodium foods can result in a loss in calcium in your body, the mineral associated with healthy bones and teeth. With a lack of calcium, you will suffer from bone loss, causing your bones to become weak and you to develop osteoporosis. Processed foods and canned foods are typically very high in sodium, so make sure to read your labels and try seasoning your food with spices as opposed to added salt. 2. Wheat bran Wheat bran contains what’s known as phytates, something considered an anti-nutrient that makes it harder for your body to absorb calcium and other essential nutrients.