Atrial fibrillation, or Afib, is a form of arrhythmia that gives rise to an exceedingly rapid and irregular heartbeat. The ramifications of this ailment can be quite serious, as it may result in a lack of coordination between the atria and ventricles. In turn, this can lead to blood pooling within the heart’s chambers, potentially triggering the formation of blood clots, strokes, or even heart failure. Afib is commonly seen in those with heart valve disorders, but other risk factors include sleep apnea, high blood pressure, obesity, having undergone the TAVR procedure, and more. While Afib can manifest intermittently for some, it can persist chronically for others. The best way to protect yourself is to wear an ECG/EKG monitor to detect when your heart rate is getting too high. Additionally, there are treatments such as the pacemaker implant to help your heart beat properly. With the recommendation of a monitor or the pacemaker implant, your doctor may also recommend a change in diet. Here are a few foods that help to manage Afib: 1. Fruits and vegetables A diet loaded with fruits and vegetables can help to decrease obesity and high blood pressure, both of which are risk factors of Afib.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motor neuron disease characterized by progressive degeneration of nerve cells that are located in the spinal cord and brain. The degeneration of such nerve cells impacts voluntary control of arms and legs as well as other issues. While this disease is one of the most devastating in terms of nerve and muscle function, it does not impact mental function or senses at all. Therapies for treating ALS include things like occupational therapy, speech therapy, respiratory therapy, and heat or whirlpool therapy to help relieve muscle cramping. In addition to therapies, patients may be prescribed medications such as RADICAVA (edaravone) and Riluzole (Rilutek, Exservan, Tiglutik) to help with symptom management. Here are some early warning symptoms of ALS: 1. Twitching and cramping of muscles Twitching and cramping of the muscles is a common symptom of ALS. It occurs as a result of ongoing signal disruptions from the nerves to the muscles, and some cramps can be extremely painful, which is where medications and heat or whirlpool therapy come in. 2. Loss of motor control ALS can impact motor neurons, causing them to degenerate and die, thus becoming unable to send messages to the muscles.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic allergic/immune condition of the esophagus, causing a large number of white blood cells (known as eosinophils) in the inner lining of the esophagus. These eosinophils can release substances into surrounding tissue, causing inflammation, eosinophilic asthma symptoms, and other symptoms such as decreased appetite, abdominal pain, trouble swallowing, vomiting, and so on. Symptoms often vary by age, but the biologics for eosinophilic esophagitis include medications like Dupixent, Dupilumab, proton pump inhibitors, and topical steroids. To help manage the condition, there is also the option of dietary therapy, in which you practice the six-food elimination diet (SFED), outlined below: 1. Wheat The SFED diet has patients eliminate wheat from the diet, as it is a common allergen and food trigger for some conditions, especially eosinophilic esophagitis. Some substitutes for wheat ingredients in a meal include barley, oats, corn, potatoes, and beans. 2. Milk Milk is another top allergen and food trigger for a variety of conditions—so much so that it is often recommended you eliminate dairy and wheat first on this list of foods. Milk goes hand in hand with all dairy products, but luckily there are many dairy substitutes made with bases like almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, and rice milk.

There are many different types of cancer such as leukemia, breast cancer, and melanoma. This means that there are many different warning signs to look out for. However, if you figure out that you or a loved one has cancer, there are plenty of treatment options to consider. Cancer drugs like Eribulin, Omacetaxine, and Vorinostat can work to treat cancer in a variety of patients. Specifically, AYVAKIT® (avapritinib) for unresectable or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is an option for those with GIST to consider. Additionally, various therapies are available to treat cancer such as hormone therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and more. If you or your loved one has cancer, it’s important to consult with a medical professional about tailoring the best possible treatment plan. Otherwise, if you suspect that you or your loved one may have cancer, here are 4 early warning signs to keep an eye out for: 1. Pain While this warning sign is very general and can, of course, be caused by any number of things—various conditions, illnesses, lifestyle choices, and more—pain can also be caused by cancer. The disease can result in different types of pain due to the chemicals that a cancer releases, the spread of cancer throughout the body—also known as metastasis—and a tumor or mass putting pressure on another area of the body.

With so much importance being placed on physical health and mental health, it’s easy to forget about oral health and the importance of proper dental hygiene. There are various types of food and drink that can negatively affect your mouth health and will lead to cavities and gum diseases. This can also result in many visits to the dentist and even dental surgery, which can cost thousands of dollars. Fortunately there are financing options for full dental implants available if you look into plans. For now you can prevent any dental complications with this list of foods that are harming your teeth: 1. Sweetened beverages Starting your day with your morning caffeine run might not be the best idea, especially if you take it with sugar. Coffee stains your teeth, similar to soda, and is also highly acidic which causes the enamel on your teeth to erode. These types of drinks provide fuel for cavity-promoting bacteria, so whether you choose diet soda or regular, your teeth are still being damaged. 2. Sticky or chewy candy Eating things like taffy, toffee or caramel that stick to your teeth should be of no surprise as negative for dental health. Sticky candies can increase the risk of dental erosion and may even pull out fillings.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Early detection can make a significant difference in the management of this disease. Drugs like Riluzole and Edaravone, FDA approved drugs for ALS, can slow the disease’s progression and improve the quality of life for those diagnosed. Furthermore, cell therapy manufacturing companies are continuously researching and developing groundbreaking stem cell treatment options for ALS. Let’s delve into the early symptoms of this disease: 1. Muscle weakness One of the earliest signs of ALS is muscle weakness. This might initially manifest as difficulty performing routine tasks such as climbing stairs, lifting objects, or even walking. It’s essential to note that muscle weakness due to ALS is often asymmetrical, meaning it tends to start on one side of the body. 2. Twitching and cramping Muscle twitching and cramping, particularly in the hands and feet, can be an early symptom of ALS. These twitches are usually not painful but can be quite noticeable and frequent. 3. Slurred speech As ALS progresses, it can affect the muscles responsible for speech, leading to slurred or nasal speech. This symptom is often one of the first signs that prompt individuals to seek medical attention.

The human respiratory system, consisting primarily of the lungs, is a complex structure that is essential for life. It’s also susceptible to a range of diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia, and nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease. Recognizing the early warning signs of these conditions can be the key to timely treatment and management. Here are seven warning signs that you should never ignore. 1. Persistent cough A cough that lingers for more than two weeks, especially if it’s accompanied by phlegm, could be a sign of a serious lung condition such as COPD or pneumonia. Don’t dismiss it as a simple cold or allergies. 2. Shortness of breath Finding it hard to catch your breath after climbing a flight of stairs or doing other routine activities might indicate a problem. This symptom is common in lung diseases like asthma and pulmonary fibrosis. 3. Chest pain Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing is often associated with lung diseases. It could be a symptom of conditions such as pneumonia or even lung cancer. 4. Wheezing Wheezing, a whistling sound when you breathe, suggests that something is obstructing your airways.

Myelodysplastic syndromes, or MDS, are a group of disorders caused by poorly formed blood cells or ones that don’t work properly. The MDS life expectancy varies greatly from patient to patient, depending on several factors, including age, overall health, and how well the disease responds to treatment. One of the major complications of MDS is that it can cause anemia, a condition characterized by a lack of red blood cells. It’s important to recognize the warning signs of MDS to seek early treatment. Here are ten signs that may indicate the presence of this disease. 1. Fatigue One of the most common symptoms of MDS is fatigue. This is primarily due to anemia, which can make you feel tired and weak. If you’re feeling unusually fatigued, it might be worth discussing with your doctor. 2. Shortness of breath Another sign of MDS can be shortness of breath, especially during physical activities. This symptom is also related to anemia, as your body isn’t getting enough oxygen due to a lack of red blood cells. 3. Frequent infections MDS can cause your white blood cell count to drop, making you more susceptible to infections. If you find that you’re getting sick more often than usual, it could be a sign of MDS.

Ensuring kids receive the right nutrients is crucial for their growth and development. With so many options available, parents often wonder about the 10 Best Vitamins For Kids and which are essential for their well-being. While a balanced diet is the best source of vitamins, sometimes kids need a little extra help. That’s where the best vitamin supplements come into play, providing a safety net to fill in nutritional gaps. In this article, we’ll explore the best sources of vitamins for children, ensuring they get the nutrients they need to thrive. 1. Vitamin A Vitamin A is vital for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immune function. It plays a significant role in ensuring that children’s eyes can adapt to changes in light, keeping those peepers sharp and ready for action. The best sources of vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, and dark leafy greens. If your child is a picky eater, consider a supplement that provides this essential vitamin to support their overall health. 2. Vitamin B complex The B vitamins are a group of essential nutrients that work together to support energy production and brain function. They are crucial for converting food into energy, which is especially important for active kids.

Excessive sleepiness is a condition that can significantly impact daily life, making it hard to stay awake and alert. This issue is often associated with disorders like narcolepsy and hypersomnia. Understanding the root causes and finding effective treatments can be life-changing for those affected. While the occasional sleepy afternoon is normal, chronic excessive sleepiness is not something to ignore. It can affect work performance, social life, and overall well-being. Let’s explore some effective treatments that can help tackle this condition head-on. 1. Cognitive behavioral therapy Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is not just for anxiety or depression. It’s also a fantastic tool for managing excessive sleepiness. By helping individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors, CBT can improve sleep hygiene and overall sleep quality. This therapy often involves keeping a sleep diary, setting a consistent sleep schedule, and creating a restful sleeping environment. These strategies can significantly reduce the symptoms of excessive sleepiness by promoting healthier sleep habits. 2. Medication management For some, medication may be necessary to manage excessive sleepiness, especially in cases of narcolepsy or hypersomnia. Stimulants like modafinil or armodafinil are commonly prescribed to help increase wakefulness. These medications can help maintain alertness during the day, but they should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.