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Experiencing hard and sore nipples? Does pain in your nipples cause you the fear of breast cancer? Well! There are various other reasons which may cause you pain in your nipple pain in pregnancy. Here are 10 reasons nipple pain in pregnancy 1.  Loose Fit Clothes Runner’s nipple, Credits: Pixabay Poorly fitting clothes can rub against your nipples and irritate your skin. A loose t-shirt or a bra can cause friction, pain and soreness in your nipple, especially with a repetitive motion like running. 2.  Allergic to Body Products Body products, Credits: pixabay Certain body products like soaps, shower gels, lotions may cause skin irritation and when used on breasts can make your nipples hard. This is due to the chemicals present in the product that may cause skin allergy,  redness, itching, chapping and rash. 3.  Ovulation Ovulating woman, Credits: pixabay Breast tenderness is one of the most common signs of ovulation. The surge in the estrogen levels during ovulation makes your nipples hard. 4.  Pregnancy Pregnancy, Credits: pixabay A woman’s body undergoes a lot of physical and hormonal changes during pregnancy. A boost in blood supply and hormone fluctuations may harden your nipple and cause nipple pain in pregnancy. 5. Pre and Postmenopause: Menopause, Credits: pixabay As a woman approaches menopause, the estrogen levels in the blood gradually decline which causes wrinkle and skin of the breasts to dry out. The changes in your breast can cause your nipples to become hard and make it painful. 6. Menstrual periods: Menstrual pain, Credits: pixabay Your periods may be causing your nipples to swell, which is due to a surge in the levels of estrogen during menstruation. But it may soon go away once your periods are over. 7. Breastfeeding Menstrual pain, Credits: pixabay Erect nipples are crucial to feeding your baby when she’s hungry. As a result, when your baby feeds it becomes hard due to stimulation. Mastitis associated with breastfeeding can also cause hard and chapped nipples. Mastitis is usually seen in mothers during the early stages of childbirth. It occurs due to the clogged milk ducts that later is inhabited by the bacteria causing infection, pain and nipple discharge. 8. Breast abscess Painful swollen lumps that result in breast abscess can cause nipple pain due to pus formation. It causes extreme pain and is associated with breastfeeding infection. In this case, the bacteria enter through the chapped skin in the nipples and invades the breast tissue to form an abscess. 9. Cold temperatures Nipples are the most sensitive part of the body that can be easily affected by temperature changes. Piloerector neurons present in the nipples are stimulated by cold temperatures making your nipples hard and painful. 10. Infections Fungal infections like candidiasis caused by yeasts can make your nipples sore and itchy. Check with your doctor if you experience severe nipple pain accompanied by deeper pain within the breast. Nipple pain in pregnancy reasons are many.  While many of them go away on their own,  some of them can be prevented by applying moisturizers or nipple guards and taking necessary medications.

Whether it’s the impact of societal pressures or the effects of a chronic condition, people are increasingly exposed to stress and anxiety disorders. While a therapist and medical treatment can help you get rid of your anxiety in the long term, here are a few natural remedies that you can use on a daily basis to stay afloat during a panic attack – Get Proper Sleep: Sleep, Credits: pixabay While anxiety often brings about insomnia, insufficient sleep may trigger and/or make us more vulnerable to anxiety. However, there is no point in tossing around your bed just to sleep even if you aren’t feeling sleepy. This may make you think more and increase your anxiety. In order to sleep better, avoid using your phone, computer, or watching television just before you go to bed. Keeping your room cool and dark can help you fall asleep quickly. Meditate: Meditation, Credits: pixabay Meditating regularly helps relieve stress and anxiety. Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of meditation every day. If you find it difficult to meditate in complete silence, you could use apps for guided meditation. Mindful exercises, like yoga, and Pranayama are also proven to be effective. Avoid Caffeine: Cup of coffee, Credits: pixabay Caffeine triggers anxiety and even worsens anxiety disorders. Those with panic disorders suffer more when they are under the influence of caffeine. Having a cup of coffee or other caffeinated drinks before going to bed will disrupt your sleep cycle. In general, if you have anxiety you should avoid caffeine! Eat Healthily: Healthy eating, Credits: pixabay Your lifestyle and diet have a lot to do with your anxiety. Dehydration and low blood sugar levels can have a significant impact on your mood. It may cause irritability. Drink plenty of water, at least 2 litres a day. Aim for a protein-rich breakfast to keep your blood sugar levels stable throughout the day. Don’t Smoke or Drink: Smoke and alcohol, Credits: pixabay Nicotine and alcohol may have a temporary calming effect, but their long term use is dangerous. Relying on nicotine every time you feel anxious will worsen your anxiety over time. Smoking cigarettes at an early age makes you vulnerable to anxiety disorders in later stages of life. On the other hand, alcohol’s impact is quickly realized. Once the initial feel-good factor is over, it may lead to anxiety and cause you to drink even more. You might also get addicted and dependent on alcohol to feel better. Exercise: Exercise, Credits: pixabay Physical exercise boosts blood circulation throughout your body and is also considered good for your mental well-being. It keeps anxiety at bay for longer hours. If you do not wish to opt for extensive workout routines every day, you could do aerobics or other light relaxation exercises. The key to finding relief from anxiety is doing these exercises regularly. Essential Oils: Essential oils, Credits: pixabay Using essential oils will help you relax and promote sleep by fighting stress. You can use them while bathing, in a diffuser or inhale them directly for a better mood. Lavender oil has been specifically noted to help with anxiety, as effectively as anxiety medication does. Writing: Writing, Credits: pixabay When your emotions are on the surge and you do not know how to explain them, try penning down your thoughts. You might pick up a pen and wonder what to write as your emotions overflow. Try to begin with just a single word. Even if your sentences seem incoherent to you, this attempt to organize your thoughts will make you feel better. Chamomile Tea: Chamomile tea, Credits: pixabay Chamomile tea does not make anxiety disorders go away but it helps calm your nerves and provides temporary relief. It has no side-effects. A warm cup of Chamomile tea before going to bed helps sleep better. Deep Breathing: Pranayama or breathing exercise, Credits: pixabay People suffering from anxiety often note a rapid increase in their heart rate which might lead to lightheadedness, dizziness, or even panic attacks. Practising deep breathing techniques can help regulate your breath when you feel anxious. These natural home remedies will help you out as short-term solutions and promote your well-being. It is, however, advisable to seek professional help and get medical attention to say goodbye to anxiety completely.

Children who suffer from dyslexia are found with reading and learning disabilities which can make them self-conscious about themselves. What is Dyslexia? Dyslexia is a neurological condition that is characterized as a learning disability. A child suffering from dyslexia experiences issues with listening, reading, speaking, thinking, writing or spelling despite normal intelligence. Dyslexia does not indicate a problem with intelligence and many children who have 10 celebrities with dyslexia are of above-average intelligence. Even though the ability to read, learn and write normally may be altered in a dyslexic child, they can overcome these problems by making their own way of learning. 10 Celebrities Who have Suffered from Dyslexia Dyslexia is not an uncommon condition, there are many people who have suffered from it and conquered it to make their lives more meaningful. These people hold true inspiration to the people suffering from the same. Here are 10 celebrities With dyslexia who found their passion despite their dyslexic condition. Abhishek Bachchan Abhishek Bachchan, Credits: Wikimedia.org The junior Bachchan was diagnosed with a dyslexic condition when he was in school. He was unable to read, write and speak fluently which made him attend a special school. In the long run, he had overcome and took control over his disorder and went ahead to outshine as an actor. He has given the Indian cinema many blockbuster movies like Guru, Dhoom series, Bunty Aur Babli, and Dostana. Boman Irani Boman Irani, Credits: Wikimedia.org The Bollywood actor who is famous for his role as Sahastrabuddhe aka virus in the 2013 blockbuster 3 idiots also suffered from dyslexia. The condition made him a below-average student at school. He was bullied and ridiculed by his classmates which made him extremely self-conscious. However, he accepted the challenge and went on his way to become famous. Jennifer Aniston Jennifer Aniston, Credits: Wikimedia.org Jennifer Aniston- the famous and most popular TV/film actress in America was unaware of her dyslexic condition until she was 20. The renowned celebrity from the popular TV show, F.R.I.E.N.D.S says that she felt so hard to read back in school and the diagnosis answered all her questions. Octavia Spencer Octavia Spencer, Credits:Wikimedia.org Octavia Spencer, an American actor known for her good performances, and winner of an Academy Award and a Golden Globe was also dyslexic. She found it very hard to read aloud in class. She says that dyslexia shouldn’t prevent kids from pursuing their dreams. Having dyslexia doesn’t mean you are not intelligent – you just need to train your mind differently to function better. Keira Knightley Keira Knightley, Credits: Wikimedia.org Keira Knightley, a popular Hollywood actress was diagnosed with dyslexia when she was just 6.  She transformed her learning disability to motivation and started reading movie scripts made by her parents to get hired as an agent. She is now one of the highest-paid Hollywood actresses known for her significant role in Pirates of the Caribbean. Steven Spielberg Steven Spielberg, Credits: Wikimedia.org Steven Spielberg is a well-known director and producer famous for making sci-fi and adventure films. He was also diagnosed with dyslexia during his childhood. Now, he is considered one of the best filmmakers to give Hollywood many blockbuster movies. John Lennon John Lennon, Credits: Wikimedia.org John Lennon, one of the brightest stars in the domain of popular music and co-founder of The Beatles, was a dyslexic child. Being dyslexic didn’t hamper his passion for music. Henry Ford Henry Ford, Credits: Wikimedia.org Henry Ford, the founder of the Ford Motor Company was a business and engineering genius. This dyslexic child left no stone unturned in revolutionizing the motor industry. He is truly an inspiration to all the people. Henry Winkler Henry Winkler, Credits: Flickr Henry Winkler who was diagnosed with celebrities with dyslexia during his childhood also had difficulty solving numerical. He is now a famous actor, director and author. He has proved that learning differences can’t get in the way of your dreams. Whoopi Goldberg Whoopi Goldberg, Credits: Wikimedia.org Whoopi Goldberg is a famous actress and a wonderful comedian. She was diagnosed with dyslexia when she was just a child. She struggled a lot in her studies and faced bullying. Her classmates used to call her dumb, and when she complained about it to her mother, she used to ask her-not to listen to them. Goldberg believed her mom’s word and grew up to become a comedian and talk-show host. Dyslexic kids are creative and outside the box thinkers. Kids with dyslexia should try to learn and live with the condition while making the best of it!

We all sleep in our unique sleeping position. Some sleep like they are standing in attention, while others who do break dancing moves in bed. Our goal is to find a position to sleep in which we are comfortable. But if we are suffering from muscle pain regularly it’s worth wondering if it’s because of it. Your sleeping position muscle pain plays a vital role in ensuring that the muscles are not subjected to abnormal pressure which can lead to discomfort and pain. Today we are looking at 5 sleeping positions that have been linked with muscle pain. Here are sleeping positions that you should avoid: Sleeping Facedown Sleeping upside down causes neck and back pain, Credits: Freepik In this position, a person is facing the bed and rotating their neck to face either left or right. This position is not good for two particular sets of muscles, neck muscles and back muscles. The turning of the head to one side strains the neck and causes muscle soreness. This can last through the next day and even longer in some cases. The second sets of muscles this position harms is the back muscles. When you are face down there is no lumbar support for the spine which does not provide comfort and rest for your back. This position leads to back pain. If this is your sleeping position you should change to help with muscle soreness. Fetal Position Sleeping in the fetal position can cause shoulder pain, Credits: Pxhere This is a position which resembles a foetus. A person is on their side with their arms and legs folded. This position can lead to many kinds of muscle pain because it is not a comfortable position. The neck and back do not have support which leads to strain and soreness. In addition to that, this position has also been linked with leg pain and shoulder pain. Raised Armss Raising arms above the head strains the shoulders, Credits: Pikrepo In the raised arms position, a person is either sleeping facedown or face up but their arms are raised above their head. This extension of the arms increases pressure on the upper back as well as shoulder muscles. This position can lead to extensive shoulder pain. It is also known as the starfish position. To keep the shoulders pain free and comfortable arms should be kept on the sides. Sleeping on Your Side with Arms Out Stretched arms restrict blood flow, Credits: Flickr This position can lead to muscle soreness as well as cause discomfort because of pressure on your internal organs. When you sleep on your side, the entire body weight is shifted on it which can harm internal organs and create pressure on the abdomen and other internal organs. The stretched out arms are also damaging as stretching them out can restrict the blood flow. This restriction in blood flow causes shoulder and arm pain. It is also believed that sleeping on your right side is worse than sleeping on your left. One Leg on Top of Other Sleeping with one leg on top of other imbalances the pressure on each leg. This uneven pressure is not good for the knees and legs. It is important to ensure that equal pressure is there on both the legs. Keeping one leg on top of another can also lead to back pain. Takeaway Finding the right best sleeping position for muscle pain is very important for a host of reasons but if any of the above-mentioned positions is your ideal best sleeping position for muscle pain then you should consider changing it. These positions cause muscle discomfort which can last for days. If you are suffering from muscle soreness for long periods of time then you should see a doctor. #MusclePain #MuscleSoreness

Gallbladder sludge or Biliary sludge is a mixture of solids and liquids which forms inside the gallbladder. The gallbladder stores bile which has many components including calcium and salts. In some cases, the gallbladder does not empty which leads to a residue of certain particles. Overtime, this residue turns into gallbladder sludge. What are the Signs and Symptoms of Gallbladder Sludge? In most cases, the existence of biliary sludge shows no signs or symptoms. This makes it very hard to detect it without using proper diagnostic tools. However, some people show the following symptoms: Abdominal Pain Vomiting Nausea Clays stool Pain in the right shoulder Chest pain Who is Likely to Develop Gallbladder Sludge? Pregnant women are more likely to develop gallbladder sludge, Credits: Wikimedia Commons It is well established that gallbladder sludge forms when bile residue remains in the gallbladder but it has been observed that some individuals are more likely to develop it than others. The population groups that are more likely to develop gallbladder sludge are: Overweight Individuals Who have gone through rapid weight loss Critically ill patients Diabetic patients Had an organ transplant Pregnant women What are the Possible Complications of a Gallbladder Sludge? In a majority of the cases, gallbladder sludge resolves on its own and most individuals don’t even realize that they suffered from this condition. However, in severe cases gallbladder stones can lead to the following serious complications: Gallstones: Gallstones are solid deposits that form inside the gallbladder. These solid formations can hinder the fluid flow inside the sludge in gallbladder treatment which can result in severe complications. They are often accompanied by severe abdominal pain and require immediate medical intervention. Cholecystitis: Cholecystitis is a condition in which the gallbladder is inflamed. Gallbladder sludge increases the chances of developing cholecystitis. What is the Diagnostic Approach Used? An ultrasound is used for diagnosing gallbladder sludge, Credits: Wikimedia Commons The diagnostic approach has two aspects. It’s important for detecting the presence of the sludge, and its cause. Ultrasound: An ultrasound is used to detect abnormalities present in the body. In case a patient suffers from abdominal pain, a doctor is likely to order an ultrasound. Ultrasound can detect many other diseases and that is why it is done often. Identifying the cause: The goal of these tests is to determine why the slide was formed. The tests which are commonly done are blood tests and liver function tests. What is the Treatment for Gallbladder Sludge? In severe cases, gallbladder sludge can cause gallstones which might require surgery, Credits: Pixabay In most cases, treatment is not necessary for gallbladder sludge and the condition resolves on its own. However, in severe cases, where it causes pain and discomfort then the doctor may need to remove the gallbladder surgically. A non-invasive surgical option is called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This procedure can be used to remove gallbladder sludge and gallstones. Can Lifestyle Changes Help with Gallbladder Sludge? Avoid drinking alcohol as consumption of alcohol can lead to gallbladder sludge, Credits: Wikimedia Commons The answer is yes. There are certain lifestyle changes which can prevent as well as help in treating gallbladder sludge. These are: Abstaining from Alcohol Intake: Alcohol has been linked with various digestive problems and it plays a role in the formation of gastric sludge. Low Fat Diet: A diet which is rich in fat can have adverse effects on the body. Eating a balanced diet which contains optimum amounts of all nutrients is important to maintain health. Rapid Weight Changes: Rapid changes in weight harm the body. Both increase and decrease in weight are harmful if they are done unnecessarily fast. Such weight changes cause gallbladder sludge. Takeaway Gallbladder sludge is not a serious condition but it can lead to other serious conditions. If you feel any signs of recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort then you should consult a doctor. In case you are diagnosed with gallbladder sludge in gallbladder treatment then you should focus on the lifestyle changes and monitor your condition with regular visits to the doctor.

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by a pathogenic parasite. This parasite is usually carried by the female mosquitoes, and when the infected mosquito bites a person the parasite enters into the bloodstream and destroys the oxygen-carrying red blood cells. Malaria can take a few weeks to even years to show symptoms. It’s because the parasite that causes it can incubate in the liver for a long time. Diagnosis of Malaria The symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, and alternating chills which warrent immediate medical attention. Malaria is considered as a potential medical emergency by the WHO and should be treated accordingly. Any delay in the diagnosis and treatment of malaria can lead to the death of the patient suffering from it. It’s extremely necessary to recognize malaria promptly in order to treat the patient in time and prevent the further spread of infection via local mosquitoes in the community. Types of Tests for Malaria Thick and thin blood smears It is a type of blood test that helps identify any abnormalities in your red blood cells. It is the most common test carried out to diagnose malaria. In this test, a lab technician, nurse, or a doctor will withdraw a few ml of your blood. The blood sample is sent to the lab where the technician makes thick and thin blood smears on slides. Here, a ‘thin blood smear’ refers to the technician spreading one drop of blood across most of the slide whereas, a ‘thick blood smear’ is the spreading of a single drop of blood on a smaller area. After the thin and thick blood smears are made, the slides are then investigated under a microscope to identify the number of malarial parasites. Limitation: Thick and thin blood smear tests don’t provide accurate results most of the time. This is because the number of malaria parasites in your blood can change every day which may mislead the diagnosis of malaria. Rapid diagnostic test Rapid diagnostic tests (RDT’s) are used as an alternative to the diagnosis of malaria where good quality microscopy services cannot be readily provided. RDT’s is an antigen testing method and is a quick option to detect if you have malaria or not. RDT for malaria involves putting the blood sample taken from a finger prick on a test strip. The test strip is already provided in the RDT kit. The change in the colour of the strip represents whether you have malaria or not. Limitation: RDT’s are unable to diagnose the type of malaria and its severity. Molecular test A molecular diagnosis, also known as a polymerase chain reaction test, is a technique enabling sensitive detection. It detects the parasite by amplifying its trace quantities found in samples. This test can help identify the type of malarial parasite, which aids in better treatment by helping the doctor prescribe drugs specific to the Types of Malaria Tests. This test can provide accurate results in case your blood has a low number of parasites or when other tests have failed to provide accurate results. Limitation: There is a possibility of contamination due to the spread of amplicon aerosols in a laboratory environment. Antibody test This test is used to determine if a patient has been infected with Plasmodium in the past. It detects any antibodies present in the blood in response to malaria infection. It helps identify the blood donors who may have passed the parasite during blood-transfusion. This test helps detect the individuals who have relatively low malarial parasites. (below the detectable level) Drug resistance test It has been found out that some malarial parasites become resistant to the treatment. In such a case, drug resistance test is carried out to provide the patient with the best treatment. It is usually of two types: In vitro tests: In this test, the parasites isolated from the patient are grown in a culture medium in a laboratory environment. The culture is provided with the increasing concentrations of drugs; the drug concentration that is able to inhibit the parasite growth is used as an endpoint. Molecular characterization: Molecular characterization by PCR technique amplifies various strains of the parasite and allows its prediction, as well as to some degree, of resistance to some drugs. Blood test Blood tests for malaria help identify blood count and the chemistry panel of the blood. This may help your doctor identify the severity of the infection or any other problems caused Types of Malaria Tests which include anaemia or kidney failure. #Malaria

Cancer is a condition in which there is a rise in the number of abnormal cells which attack the body tissue and destroy it. There are more than a 100 types of cancer. Although many forms of treatment are available, effectively curing the disease largely depends on the type of cancer and how early it was identified. Today we look at things that are part of our daily lives which are suspected to be cancer-causing agents. Air Travel Frequent flying has been linked with cancer., Credits: Freepik Frequent air travel has been linked with cancer on many occasions by experts. A 2014 study titled The self-reported health of U.S. flight attendants compared to the general population showed that frequent flying females suffered from 38% more reproductive cancers. There are other studies which have linked frequent air travel to other types of cancer as well. Tanning Being exposed to the sun for long periods of time can lead to skin cancer. The rays of the sun contain UV light which can have adverse effects on the skin. Recent studies have shown that tanning which is done through artificial tanning machines can also cause skin cancer. Studies have linked it to melanoma. Trans fat Food items such as doughnuts contain trans fat., Credits: needpix Trans fat which is also known as trans unsaturated fatty acid which is found naturally in certain food items and is added artificially in others. Food items such as doughnuts and microwavable popcorn. There are various studies which link trans fat intake to breast and colon cancer. Unpurified Water Unpurified water may contain chemicals which can cause cancer. Credits: Pxfuel Unpurified water is a major source of many infectious diseases but it has also been linked with cancer. Tap water can contain small quantities of chemical compounds such as arsenic which cause cancer. It is very important to drink purified water. Shift Work Working in night shifts, often called the graveyard shifts, is believed to have many ill effects on an individual’s health. Experts believe that sleep patterns, especially the time of day you sleep at requires much more research to have a clear conclusion. Working through the night has been linked with cancer and a suspected reason is the loss of body rhythms. Dry Cleaned Clothes It has been found that prolonged exposure to chemicals that have been used in dry cleaning can lead to cancer. One common chemical called tertracholororythlene is widely used in dry cleaning and is suspected to be a carcinogen. Certain regulatory bodies have classified it as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. Disposable Food Containers Some food containers contain a carcinogen called styrene. Credits: wikimedia commons Most disposable food containers are made from plastics. The plastic industry widely uses a known carcinogen in their manufacturing process called styrene. When hot food items come in contact with plastic products, there is a chance of styrene seeping into the food products. Avoid using plastic containers for food. No Physical Activity Physical activity is a must to be a healthy human being yet there are individuals who do not get any exercise. The lack of physical activity increases the risk of endometrial, breast, and colon cancer. In addition to this, lack of exercise also plays a role in weight gain which may lead to obesity. Obesity also increases the risk of many other ailments apart from cancer. Takeaway More research is needed to understand exactly which activities lead to cancer but the current research is enough to take precautions. Get enough exercise, use sunscreen when out in public and avoid exposure to chemicals. These small changes may be enough to protect you from cancer.

There are various conditions and diseases that are not commonly known among the general population. Most may be deadly in nature and some may do no harm to human health. The one thing they have in common is their rareness or bizarre nature. Here’s a list of some of the world’s rarest and most unheard-of diseases: #1 Microcephaly It is one of the rarest conditions that usually occur along with Downs Syndrome and affects newborns, eather immediately after or before birth. Such infants develop a smaller head compared to their normal baby body size. Researchers believe that microcephaly is developed due to exposure of the pregnant mother to hazardous substances like radiation or chemotherapy. It could also be caused due to some genetic complications during fetus formation. Such patients suffer from: Mental retardation Hyperactivity Dwarfism Seizures Balance problems Speech and motor problems #2 Erythropoietic Protoporphyria This condition is caused due to a mutated gene that disables the body from processing protoporphyrin, a light-sensitive chemical that is formed and developed in the top layers of the skin when it reacts to sources of light. Due to its absence, when one goes out in the sun without covering up they will experience tingling sensations, itchiness, burns, and develop painful blisters. Bluish gray skin, Credit: flickr #3 Argyria This bizarre condition causes your skin color to appear bluish-gray. This pigmentation is due to tiny bits of silver that build up in your tissues. This is usually caused when people consume a dietary supplement that contains colloidal silver. Unfortunately, this condition is mainly permanent and exposure to sunlight and UV rays will only speed up the process and escalate the symptoms. Also Read: 5 Viruses More Dangerous Than Covid-19 #4 Eruptive Xanthomas This condition causes a sudden appearance of uneven, wart-like, waxy bumps on your skin and most people wrongly assume that it is caused due to some infections. However, they are neither contagious, nor infectious. They are just mainly fatty deposits of cholesterol which is caused due to very high levels of triglycerides fat in your blood. These warts and bumps can be cleared and treated with medication. Symptom of morgellons disease. Credit: Wikimedia Commons #5 Morgellons Disease It is a rare and poorly understood disease. Symptoms include: Biting Itching Crawling sensation Lesions on skin Memory problems Moodiness Concentration problems Some researchers believe that this condition is linked to psychological or mental health issues which is why doctors suggest therapy alongside treatment. Rare Diseases in India 1 in 20 Indians suffers from some rare, life-threatening diseases and the majority affected are children. Most of them go undiagnosed. Symptom of thalassemia, credit: needpix #1 Thalassemia This condition is a genetic and hereditary blood disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin by reducing it. Hemoglobin is a protein component of red blood cells and is responsible for carrying oxygen from your lungs to deliver it to your cells and tissues. Thus the reduction in hemoglobin results in the reduction of red blood cells and as a result, your body will not have sufficient oxygen to function properly. This condition is known as anemia. Symptoms include: Coloured or dark urine delayed growth and development fatigue pale skin Face deformities #2 Pompe disease This condition is a hereditary disorder that occurs when your body is unable to digest complex sugar to glucose. This is because the body is not capable of producing the protein that initiates this breakdown. As a result, the body is unable to produce energy and ATP due to the shortage of glucose. Symptoms include muscle weakness and trouble breathing and problems with the liver, heart, and muscles. Pompe disease can affect different age groups but for convenient diagnosis and treatment, it has been classified into groups: classic infantile, childhood or non-classic infantile, late-onset. #3 Haemophilia This is another inherited disorder and mainly occurs in males. Haemophilia directly affects the blood’s ability to clot properly. As a result, a person will experience internal and external bleeding even after a small injury or damage this is known as prolonged bleeding. Other symptoms include: Easily bruised skin pain and stiffness around elbows and knees Internal bleeding causes tinted urine or stool #raredisease

Periods are still considered to be a taboo in India. With only 12 % of Indian women using sanitary pads, menstruation has become an elusive topic in India. Women in India are deprived of proper menstrual hygiene management due to lack of awareness and socio-cultural beliefs. Menstrual Hygiene Management – How Important Is It? Menstrual hygiene is a crucial and integral part in every woman’s life and it’s a fundamental right of her’s, to be able to manage her menstruation hygienically. Poverty, gender inequality and suppressive conditioning of women may inhibit them from using proper menstrual hygiene products. Menstrual Hygiene Management is managing cleanliness during periods by using products that help soak menstrual discharge by women. It also involves changing these products in privacy as required, with proper access to water, soap and disposal methods. Menstrual hygiene practices include: Changing of pads every 4 hours Washing and sun-drying reusable sanitary towels Cleaning the area properly after changing pads Washing your hands with soap and water after changing pads. If hygienic practices are not followed during menstruation, there are chances of getting Urogenital tract infection, which increases during later stages. 5 Health Risks That Can Result from Poor Menstrual Hygiene Infection of Reproductive Tract: Contaminated products when used as sanitary napkins can alter the vaginal PH and allows breeding for several bacteria like  Staphylococcus, Salmonella, and E. coli. These pathogens directly enter into the bloodstream and can cause sepsis and related complications. Urinary Tract Infection: This is one of the most common diseases that occur due to poor menstrual hygiene. The bacteria that cause UTI can irritate the mucosal region of the urinary tract and cause infection. Yeast Infections: Candida albicans caused by yeasts infects the urinary and reproductive tract when improper menstrual hygiene is followed. Hepatitis B Infection: Hepatitis B is a serious infection of the liver which is easily transmitted through bodily fluids, including menstrual discharge. Increased Risk of Cervical Cancer: Lack of menstrual hygiene in some women may make them vulnerable to Cervical cancer. Lack of menstrual hygiene due to ignorance makes women suffer from various health risks. Raising awareness on menstruation and use of hygienic products can help avoid health risks in periods. #MenstrualHygieneManagement

Cancer is among the biggest challenges faced by healthcare professionals today. The World Health Organization states that cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world, causing an estimated 9.6 million deaths a year. This disease has more than 100 types, making it very difficult to come with treatment options. There are various cancer treatments options available but they are highly dependent on early diagnosis of the disease. Scientists and researchers have been constantly looking for solutions and have come up with some very interesting approaches that could be very effective in battling cancer. Here are some treatment approaches for cancer that have been developed recently: Genetically Modified Virus Therapy Using Polio Virus Genetic modification is being widely used in researching new treatments., Credits: Pixabay This is an experimental treatment which has been developed by researchers at duke university. In genetically modified viruses, the goal is to remove the disease-causing component of the virus and use the deactivated virus to fight off other medical conditions. The newly formed virus directly acts on the tumour to neutralize it. The poliovirus is attached with a component of cold-causing rhinovirus and the newly formed virus is known as the PVS-RIPO.  This virus attacks the cancer cells and kills them by infecting them. This unique mechanism also makes the body’s immune system attack the tumour because of the new infection. The intended target for this therapy is brain tumours. This treatment has immense potential for treating cancer. Genetic modification has massive potential to develop targeted treatments for many forms of cancer as well as other diseases. Gene Therapy Gene therapy makes chemotherapy effective., Credits: Wikimedia Commons This is a form of treatment in which specialized enzymes are developed which are released directly into the tumours. These enzymes act on the tumours and make them reactive towards chemotherapeutic agents. The principle of this therapy is to introduce genes which will have a suppressant action on the cancerous cells so that they can be inhibited with other agents. The current study is using thymidine kinase which is released directly into gliomas. This introduction suppresses them to a point where they can be treated with Acyclovir.  Adenoviruses are used as vehicles for gene therapy. This method is limited to one type of tumours at the moment but more research is being conducted to find more applications. Hyperthermia or Heat Therapy It is a new form of treatment which is currently being developed to treat cancer. The principle behind this treatment is to administer heat and use this heat to kill the cells present in a tumour. Many ancient systems of medicines used hypothermia to treat diseases in their time. The goal of this therapy is to either use full-body or targetted heat administration which will act on the cellular proteins causing their denaturation. This will result in the killing of the cancer cells. This therapy is currently in the experimental stage but many experts believe that we will have an application for this therapy ready to use very soon. High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound HIFU uses targeted sound waves., Image Credits: Public Domain Pictures A HIFU treatment uses a sonicator to focus sound waves at a tumour. These sound waves raise the temperature of the tumour and kill it. This form of treatment has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. More research is needed to ensure that this treatment is developed for different types of cancers.  The non-invasive nature of this treatment makes it an exciting prospect. Currently, this form of treatment is being used in patients suffering from prostate cancer and bone cancer. Immunotherapeutic Vaccines Immunotherapeutic vaccines provide the body the tools it needs to fight cancer. Image Credits: Flickr Immunotherapeutic Vaccines are specialised vaccines which trigger an immune response by the body. These vaccines are designed in a way that upon administration, it equips the immune system and helps it fight cancer. This approach allows for the use of specific vaccines for specific types of tumours. Developing specific vaccines is a difficult task with major issues that have to be worked but the treatment has massive potential. One immunotherapeutic vaccine called Sipuleucel-T is currently available for the treatment of prostate cancer. Takeaway The research for finding new cancer treatments is moving in the right direction and at a rapid pace. The number of cases of cancer is very high in the world and these medical advancements are needed. The above-mentioned treatments give hope to patients that newer and more effective treatments will be available soon. #CancerTreatments

The basic and ideal goal of couples therapy is to improve the quality of you and your partner’s life together. Sometimes in a relationship, there may be changes in your life that are not desired by your partner and vice versa. When such problems are not communicated well to one another, it causes a stressful atmosphere and creates bad energy between the couple. Thus, for the sake of moving forward and ensuring a happy relationship with their loved one, couples therapy is solely based on fixing these problems by coming up with compromises and solutions. Couples Therapy – Here are some ways to help ensure success: #1 Readiness To bring any form or change, one must have the desire to change – The moment you both realize there is a problem in your marriage that needs fixing and have the desire to fix and work on it, there is nothing that can stop you from achieving your goal. One common reason why failure is observed in such therapies is usually when one of the partners is forced to unwillingly attend the session and thus was unresponsive throughout the sessions. #2 Decide Together Every person has a certain preference or connection when it comes to therapists. This is why couples must first explore and have a few trial sessions with different therapists and then decide which one suits them the most. It is important that both are in agreement with one therapist. This is because trusting the advice, solutions, and opinions of your therapist is the key to progress. This is why you’re going to therapy in the first place- to receive proper guidance. Fixing problems in your relationship, Credit: flickr #3 Keep an Open Ear and Mind When something is stressing a person, their thoughts tend to get clouded with their problems and point of view. However, it is very important to break this pattern and keep an open mind during your sessions. This is because you will be able to understand the problem from your partner’s point of view and you may be able to empathize and work towards uncomplicating things for both of you. Therapy forces a person to express themselves and listen to other people. In short, it helps you communicate. The act of communication for both of you to share your expectations and needs and this act alone can make you feel so much more connected to one another. #4 Be Honest You’ve come this far to try to fix your issues so there’s no point trying to be dishonest about your feelings to one another. Your concerns and issues must be voiced out clearly because your problems cant be resolved if someone doesn’t know what your problems are. Communication and honestly, Credit: Pikist #5 Commitment Remember, progress in any form of therapy comes slowly. Therefore, you must be willing to commit yourself to around six months of therapy and not expect progress during your first session. This is because it takes a significant amount of time for people to learn, change, and evolve. Thus, to ensure success, one must prioritize therapy and create a flexible time and budget for it. Remember! The most important thing to remember during this session is that it is you and your partner against the problem and not against one another. So, don’t victimize yourself and villainize your partner but instead work together resolving your issues. Sex Therapy Exercises, Credit: Pickpik Couples Sex Therapy Exercises It is a form of psychotherapy that helps couples overcome their anxieties and make them more emotionally confident in their sexual relationships. It is important to understand if sexual contact is not an option because of lack of secual compatibaity or performance issues, general anxiety or any other reason, you both need to ease your way into it. There are a lot of non-erotic or no genital contact exercises that couples can practice until they’re ready again. Some of these exercises include: A full-body hug with your partners will help release hormones that will help you relax and feel more comfortable. The purpose of this exercise is to try and ease your way into getting comfortable with your part and feel more connected, psychically. Lie down in your bed, head on a pillow, facing each other. Look into your partner’s eyes and feel the emotional connection between each other. Touching one another is okay and awkwardness at the initial stages is normal. Once you and your partner start touching each other, you will start to feel and flow or a mental and physical connection with one another. While doing this, one can also light a candle or play some music to set in the mood. Keep in mind: These exercises cannot lead to sexual intercourse. This is because this practice is meant for the initial stages when you are still trying to earn your partner’s full confidence and comfort and eliminate any form of anxiety.

Do you know that eating certain foods on a regular basis may trigger your joint pain? Suffering from Joint pain can worsen over time, and affect your daily activities. Eliminating certain foods from your regular diet can help you overcome the debilitating joint pain and will also improve your quality of life. 10 Foods to Avoid with Arthritis – Joint Pain #1 Sugary foods Some of the food ingredients that can aggravate your joint pain , Image Credits: pixabay Sugars can be hard to resist for those who have a sweet tooth. Sugary foods like fruit juices, desserts, chocolates, and candies can worsen your joint pain by triggering the inflammatory cascade. This is because regular consumption of sugars may lead to fructose malabsorption. Unabsorbed fructose sugar, in turn, may activate your body’s defence system by recognizing it as a foreign body. Thereby, contributing to pain and inflammation. #2  Saturated Fats Saturated fats containing food, Image Credits: pixabay High cholesterol levels in your body can also trigger inflammation and worsen arthritis or joint pain. Foods containing saturated fats like oils, cheese, salad dressings, butter, red meat and full-fat dairy products accumulate in your adipose tissue and may trigger inflammation in the joints causing joint pain. #3 Trans Fats Fried potatoes, Image Credits: pixabay Always check for labels while buying  food products. Junk food like fried foods, chips, crackers or other fast foods are made by reusing the same oil. The foods which are cooked in such oil are high in trans fats which generate free radicals in our body. In order to fight those free radicals, the inflammatory cascade is activated. This, in turn, triggers and aggravates the joint pain. #4 Refined Carbohydrates Carbohydrate-rich food, Image Credits: pixabay Refined carbohydrates are high in glycemic index. These foods are devoid of fibre, nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Consuming refined carbohydrates like bread made from refined wheat flour, crackers, instant mashed potatoes, fried foods like french fries, pastries, baked cookies, promote the production of advanced glycation end (AGE) products. Formation of AGEs contributes to oxidative stress by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in inflammation and pain. #5 Insoluble fibres fruits and vegetables, Image Credits: pixabay Insoluble fibres like cellulose and lignin are found mostly in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These fibres can alter the intestinal permeability when taken regularly in large amounts. Altered intestinal permeability may trigger the inflammatory mediator’s such as plasma fibrinogen, tumour necrosis factor, and C-reactive proteins to cause pain and swelling in the joints. #6 MSG Chinese food with MSG, Image Credits: pixabay Mono-sodium glutamate (MSG) makes for an important component of Chinese food as a flavouring agent. Foods like noodles, salad dressings, deli meats, soy sauce, prepared soups and soup mixes, are loaded with monosodium glutamate. When such foods are consumed they can trigger the inflammatory cascade and worsen joint pain. #7 Gluten and Casein Gluten and casein protein, Image Credits: pixabay Gluten is a wheat protein whereas casein is a milk protein. People with arthritis or chronic joint condition are found to be intolerant towards such proteins. These proteins can trigger the defence system and stimulate an autoimmune reaction. Also, gluten protein is hard to digest and adopting a gluten-free diet can help you with your joint pain. This is due to a protective effect on your small intestine. #8 Aspartame Aspartame sugar, Image Credits: pixabay Aspartame sugar may activate your immune system and lead to inflammation and pain if you are found sensitive to it. Try avoiding aspartame sugar in your foods. #9  Alcohol Alcohol, Image Credits: pixabay Excessive use of alcohol alters your liver function. The liver helps eliminate toxins from our body. Altered liver function due to alcohol abuse may generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to tissue damage. This may worsen your joint pain. #10 Iodized salt Salt, Credits: pixabay Consuming excessive salt can alter your kidney function to get rid of those excessive salt. Sodium in salt expands the blood volume, resulting in vein expansion. In pre-existing conditions like arthritis,  joint pain may worsen due to excessive salt in the body. To sup up, consider avoiding the above mentioned foods, finding suitable alternatives to them, or reducing their consumption if have issues with joint pain. #JointPain