https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/facts-and-figures-2019.html https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-staging/staging In 25 years, the United States has seen a 27% decline in the number of deaths caused by cancer. This steep decline is due to the reduction in the number of people smoking habitually and advances in technology. But, what has also helped is people staying informed and aware about the disease. Recognizing the signs and symptoms is very important for getting treatment at the right time. So, here’s everything you need to know about cancer. Cancer — What is it? For starters, cancer is not a single disease but rather a bunch of diseases. The cells in the human body are always growing and multiplying, the old ones die and are replaced with the new ones. In the case of cancer, this is what happens, except the cells that are multiplying and replacing the dead cells are abnormal in nature. When these abnormal cells spread to the surrounding tissue, they are called tumors. There are two types of tumors that are present in the body: benign and malignant. The tumors that are cancerous in nature are malignant, which means that they spread not only to the surrounding tissue but also spread to other organs of the body.

Research shows that at least 4 in 10 people suffer from digestive disorders that can disrupt their daily routine. From aches to chronic diseases, stomach conditions affect people of all ages, exhibit a myriad of symptoms, and are accompanied by mild to severe discomfort. Depending on the severity, certain changes in diet and lifestyle can help manage the symptoms. In severe cases, a combination of medications and treatment is recommended by medical professionals. Here’s an overview of the four common stomach conditions and their causes: Bloating and gas This is, undoubtedly, one of the most common stomach conditions and digestive problems among both men and women. One may feel extremely bloated and pass gas regularly in this condition. In fact, it is not uncommon for a person to pass gas up to 21 times a day, indicating normal digestive activity. Gas is nothing more than a byproduct of food that the body releases during digestion. Veggies like asparagus, beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and onions can cause gas to form during digestion, and the resulting buildup can also lead to bloating. Acid reflux Also known as heartburn, it is one of the more severe stomach conditions that results in a painful burning sensation from the upper part of the stomach all the way up to the chest.

Many fitness websites focus on weight loss tips, but nobody talks about how hard it can be to maintain your ideal weight. Weight management is unlike shedding pounds; it is much more complex. It requires a sheer amount of discipline and dedication, along with maintaining a consistent routine. So, here’s a 5-step guide to weight management to make the process easier for you: Step 1: Maintain a consistent exercise routine Exercising is a common way to lose weight, but do not brush it off just because you’ve shed those extra pounds. You throw your routine out the window, and chances are that you’ll be off your ideal weight again. Exercising is essential, as it helps the body burn fat and improves overall health. Also, keep in mind that the type of exercise does not matter, so you can choose any physical activity you like to indulge in. Step 2: Don’t count every calorie Diet plans that help lose weight count each and every calorie consumed and burned, but this does not work in the long run. Trying to stay fit is not possible when you’re on a restricted diet. You need to get all the required nutrients, and fats are also an integral part of the list.

Doctors recommend a decent 8 hours of sleep every night for adults because sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. From managing hormone levels and relieving fatigue to affecting mood, a decent sleep cycle helps regulate various body processes. While there’s nothing one would love more than a good night’s sleep after a tiring day, sleep disorders often disrupt sleep cycles and reduce the quality of sleep. Here are some common sleep disorders and their symptoms that you should know about: Sleep apnea Characterized by repeated interrupted breathing, sleep apnea is a serious disorder. People with this condition experience repeated episodes of breathing difficulties while they’re asleep and often wake up gasping for air. There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) RLS is a sleep disorder that leads to an irresistible urge to move one’s legs. This condition is so uncomfortable that people find it difficult to sleep and pace around at night, hoping to achieve some relief. Insomnia Insomnia is a common condition that makes it difficult for an individual to fall or stay asleep. While many adults suffer from insomnia, only a few experience chronic insomnia. Narcolepsy This is a neurological disorder that affects sleep control and causes uncontrollable episodes of sleepiness during the day.

Hair loss is a natural process that automatically gets rid of old tissue and hair to promote new growth. So don’t be alarmed when you do find a few strands of hair tangled in your comb. However, a clearly visible scalp and a receding hairline are indicative of developing the problem of permanent hair loss. There are several internal and external factors that can accelerate hair fall, leading to pattern baldness in both men and women. Here are the top four reasons that trigger unnatural hair fall. Stress Stress ranks among the top risk factors associated with many medical conditions. In fact, one way or the other, taking physical or psychological stress harms the body more than you can imagine. For hair loss, especially, excessive shedding starts right after the body undergoes physical or psychological distress. A few examples include experiencing high fever, blood loss due to accident or injury, or even post-surgery recovery can result in stress that causes hair loss. Stress, coupled with anxiety, results in accelerated hair loss. To cope with this problem and reduce its effects, stress management is of crucial importance. Hormonal changes Men and women both experience hormonal changes throughout their lifetime. However, an imbalance associated with various conditions can trigger hair loss.

Hearing loss, deafness, or impairment is the partial or total inability to hear sounds. People with low to moderate hearing impairment face challenges in understanding what the other person is saying in a noisy environment. Whereas, people with severe deafness cannot hear anything, and rely completely on lip-reading and sign language skills. There are three main types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive, and a combination of both. Let’s understand these types in detail and learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of each type. Sensorineural hearing loss It’s the most common type of hearing loss. Sensorineural is permanent hearing loss often caused by damage to the tiny hair cells that line the inner ear or the auditory nerve. The damage stops or weakens the transfers of nerve signals to the brain. These signals are essentially the intensity and clarity of sounds. Causes: Aging and exposure to loud noises for a long period of time are the most common cause of the damage. Certain medications and illnesses can also increase risks. It can even be genetic, and pass on to the child in the mother’s womb. Treatment: There is no medical or surgical treatment available to repair the tiny hair cells once they’re damaged.

Heartburn is an unpleasant, burning sensation in the chest that is more common than a lot of individuals realize. Pregnant women, older men, and even young adults experience it frequently. Despite it being such a prevalent experience, not many know that heartburn has actually nothing to do with the heart and everything to do with the stomach and the esophagus. Unsurprisingly enough, heartburn is also used interchangeably with GERD. But, before we get to deciphering heartburn and GERD, let’s understand what acid reflux is. What is acid reflux or GER? Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter or LES becomes weak, allowing the contents of the stomach to travel in the wrong direction, back up the esophagus. Acid reflux is also called GER or gastroesophageal reflux as it involves the stomach and esophagus. This condition can usually be resolved with over-the-counter medication. What is heartburn? Heartburn is a burning or painful sensation that is experienced in the chest. Since the lining of the esophagus is not as strong as the lining of the stomach, the acid from the stomach can cause a burning sensation in the chest. This pain or burning sensation that is heartburn can often be misconstrued for a heart attack.

You might have heard people saying “you are what you eat,” but do you know what it means? The connection between food and mood comes from the relationship between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract, which houses bacteria that influence the production of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit messages to the brain. Consuming specific foods enhances the development of bacteria that positively affects neurotransmitter production, boosting mental health and reducing anxiety and depression. Here are a few foods that boost the production of “good” bacteria and enhance mental wellbeing: Raw foods and fruits and veggies Eating fresh foods and veggies regularly is the first step to ensuring long-term positive effects on mental health. Researchers have found compelling evidence that people who consume more fruits and vegetables show fewer depressive symptoms and experience lower stress levels as compared to those who eat more canned, cooked, and processed food. Studies have also revealed that people who consume raw food are usually happier and feel more satisfied and fulfilled in life. These foods include leafy greens like kale, spinach, collard greens, carrots, apples, bananas, kiwifruit, and grapefruit. Yogurt People across the world prefer yogurt for the added benefit of probiotics. Probiotics are friendly bacteria that assist the digestive system to function smoothly.

Dehydration is the loss of fluids from one’s body. It can be caused due to something as simple as not having an adequate water intake or perhaps a severe medical side effect. The symptoms of fluid loss caused due to this condition can affect people of all ages. From toddlers and infants to older adults, one can experience mild to severe dehydration depending on the primary cause of the same. Herein, we shall try and understand the severity and risk factors associated with dehydration in people of different ages. Children and infants At a very young age, infants and children are more susceptible to bacterial infections that cause vomiting and diarrhea. Both result in the rapid loss of fluids. Note that infants lose more fluids in comparison to adults. Young children, especially toddlers, unlike adults, may also not realize when they are thirsty. This increases the risk of staying dehydrated unknowingly until severe symptoms indicate the same. It is one of the main reasons why doctors prescribe electrolyte-rich fluids for children experiencing a high fever to help replenish the lost fluids. Seniors and older adults Adults after a certain age face more difficulties as the body gradually loses its ability to conserve water.

Our sensory organs are extremely essential in our daily life. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to stand straight, see things, taste, communicate, and live the way we do. But the power of sight is one of the most important of them all. Maintaining good eye health is necessary, and, unsurprisingly, making healthy lifestyle and dietary choices is crucial for this. So, here are a few nutrients you should add to your daily diet to keep your vision in top-notch condition: Vitamin A The deficiency of vitamin A is one of the most common causes of blindness across the globe. Why is this vitamin so important? Well, for starters, it helps manage and maintain the light-sensing cells in your eyes. A lack of vitamin A can cause dry eyes and other serious eye conditions. Best food with vitamin A content: To get the right amount of vitamin A in your diet and maintain optimal eye health, include foods like apricots, carrots, spinach, and yam in your diet in plenty. Vitamin C Vitamin C is present in high concentration in the aqueous humor (the liquid in the outermost part of the eye). The amount of this vitamin in the aqueous humor is proportional to the amount in your diet, and research has proved that people with cataracts tend to have low amounts of vitamin C in their bodies.