Deteriorating vision is a common problem as a person ages. Doctors typically recommend multifocal contact lenses for those with myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism, hyperopia (farsightedness), or presbyopia (age-related farsightedness). These lenses allow one to see better and are far more comfortable than contacts or reading glasses. However, they are not for everyone. Here, we discuss the pros and cons of multifocal contact lenses to help you make an informed choice. Pros Better comfort The bridges of one’s nose and ears may hurt because of wearing glasses all day. Sometimes, the weight of the glasses also induces headaches and irritation. Multifocal contact lenses, however, eliminate any fatigue or irritation since they are incredibly  lightweight and comfortable. Wider field of clarity Glasses can get cracked, chipped, or develop scratches with time, affecting the clarity of one’s eyesight. There are no such problems with multifocal contact lenses since they directly fit the curvature of one’s eyes, offering a broader and clearer vision. Eliminates weather-related issues Glasses often become foggy in cold weather, causing a hindrance. For individuals who do not have prescription sunglasses, the brightness of the sun also becomes an issue. However, there are no weather-related problems with multifocal contact lenses since they are unaffected by temperature changes.

A rotavirus infection triggers diarrhea and vomiting in children. In fact, before the vaccine for this virus was developed, most children would be affected at least once by the age of 5. Doctors usually recommend giving children rehydration fluids to replenish all the water lost due to diarrhea. Other than that, there are no major treatments unless the infection triggers health complications linked to rotavirus. Herein, we discuss how getting a vaccine helps prevent rotavirus. Prevention of rotavirus Rotavirus is ranked among the top infectious diseases that majorly affects children under the age of 5. It remained the leading cause of diarrhea among infants up until 2006, when the first vaccine was introduced. Rotavirus is highly contagious infection that mostly spreads through hand and mouth contact. Along with a vaccination, good handwashing habits and overall hygiene will ensure that this disease doesn’t not rapidly spread. Adults must also ensure commonly touched surfaces are disinfected on a regular basis so that the child is not infected by contaminants on surfaces. Vaccination for rotavirus There are two approved vaccines that are given at a gap of two months. The first dose of the oral-drop vaccine is given to the child at the age of 15 weeks and both doses are completed before the child is 8 months old.

Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder of the nervous system that leads to the growth of tumors on the nerve tissues. There are two types of the condition: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) – the more common type, and neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). Each type carries its unique symptoms. Therefore, the treatments to help manage the condition also differ. Here are some of the preferred treatment methods. KOSELUGO® (selumetinib) Doctors prefer KOSELUGO® (selumetinib) – the only FDA-approved prescription medicine – to treat children affected by plexiform neurofibroma. There are ongoing clinical trials to introduce similar drugs, both for kids and adults. Medications for pain As part of the treatment plan for Schwannomatosis – a rare genetic disorder that results in tumors – a doctor may recommend select medications. The following medications help manage any pain related to the condition. Amitriptyline, which is a tricyclic antidepressant Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant) or pregabalin (Lyrica) to manage nerve pain Medications for Epilepsy like topiramate (Topamax, Qudexy XR, Trokendi XR) or carbamazepine (Carbatrol and Tegretol) Duloxetine (Cymbalta, Drizalma Sprinkle), a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) Surgery for tumor removal People affected by NF2 may experience brainstem compression or tumor growth. This can even result in hearing loss.

Rotavirus is a contagious virus that causes inflammation in the intestines and stomach. It is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in children. Although there is no cure for this condition, there are medications that help manage the symptoms. Understanding the symptoms of rotavirus can help one treat the condition immediately.  In this article, we will be discussing the symptoms, causes, and prevention methods of rotavirus. Symptoms The symptoms of rotavirus start two days after the exposure to the virus. However, the symptoms can last for up to seven days. Fever and vomiting During the first three days, one may notice fever and vomiting. However, these symptoms may fade away by the fourth day. Dehydration Babies and younger children may experience severe dehydration. Irritability, lack of fluid consumption, little to no urine, and lethargy may be common symptoms of dehydration. Seek immediate medical help if you notice any of these symptoms. Watery diarrhea After the fever and vomiting fade away, one may experience watery diarrhea. This may last for up to seven days. Abdominal pain The diarrhea may be accompanied by abdominal pain. Nevertheless, the stomach pain should subside within a couple of days. Causes Rotavirus is present in the fecal matter of a person and spreads through hand-to-mouth contact.

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that may lead to serious health problems. The condition induces high blood pressure. In other cases, it may cause one to stop breathing while sleeping. So, to avoid any health disorders caused by sleep apnea, it is essential to seek treatment at the earliest. Here are the common medical treatments that help ease or prevent the symptoms of the disorder. Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy It is one of the most commonly used treatments for most people affected by sleep apnea. In this therapy, the patient is required to wear a mask over their nose, mouth, or both. Next, an air blower pushes air through the respiratory system. This pressure is regulated to avoid the collapse of the upper airway tissues. Also, based on each individual’s requirements, there is more than one type of positive airway pressure device. They include: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) It is a preferred device that is set at one single pressure. Bi-Level PAP The device uses a single pressure when the person breathes in and a lower pressure while breathing out. Auto CPAP Auto CPAP devices can self-regulate their pressure based on the requirements detected by the machine.

Narcolepsy, a type of sleep disorder, is characterized by severe and persistent daytime sleepiness, which may cause disruption in one’s daily routine. Although rare, the condition affects close to 70 people per 100,000 in the country. This article attempts to shed light on the types, causes, and diagnosis of narcolepsy. Types of narcolepsy Narcolepsy type 1 NT1 or Narcolepsy Type 1 is associated with cataplexy, a symptom that causes a sudden loss of muscle tone. This type of sleep disorder was referred to as narcolepsy with cataplexy. However, it is important to note that NT1 may not always cause cataplexy. It has been observed that those with narcolepsy have low levels of a chemical called hypocretin-1, which is required to control wakefulness. Narcolepsy type 2 NT2 was previously referred to as narcolepsy without cataplexy. Those with this condition have normal levels of hypocretin-1. This type of narcolepsy could result from trauma to the brain or a tumor that may damage the hypothalamus, resulting in daytime weakness. Causes of narcolepsy The root cause of narcolepsy is not known, but as mentioned above, one of its causes can be low levels of hypocretin -1, a chemical that regulates wakefulness. It has also been observed that those with narcolepsy type 1 have fewer hypocretin-making neurons.

Having healthy bones is one of the many basic requirements for staying physically fit. Many essential nutrients and minerals are absorbed by your bones in the early childhood years, which makes up the bone density in an individual. But there still are ways to increase this density or maintain healthy bones with some tips and lifestyle changes. Let’s take a look at how one can have better bone health. Start regular strength training Unlike what most of you may think, strength training will not make your bones weak; in fact, it does quite the opposite. Some studies suggest that daily strength-training exercises increase bone mineral density in older men and women. Exercises that focus on weight-bearing and are of high-impact are advised. However, there must be a trainer present at all times if you are not experienced enough to do the workout alone. Have calcium-rich foods Calcium is one of the primary minerals that make up bone mass and must be added to your diet. Old bone cells break down on a daily basis, and new bone can only form if there is enough calcium in the body. According to recent research, one needs about 1000 mg of calcium each day, but this number is subject to change from one individual to another.

A gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a type of tumor formed by the abnormal growth of cells in the gastrointestinal linings. The tumor can be observed anywhere along the digestive tract, but it is most commonly observed in the stomach and small intestine. The abnormally growing cells have the potential to develop into cancer, and therefore must be addressed immediately. Signs and symptoms of GIST As the symptoms aren’t obvious, in most cases, this condition goes undiagnosed for a long period of time. When the condition progresses, the tumor increases in size, and the following symptoms are observed: Abdominal pain and discomfort Bowel obstruction Loss of appetite Small bumps felt through the skin of the abdomen Nausea and vomiting Fatigue Weight loss Causes of GIST The abnormal tumor is typically observed in special cells in the body known as interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs). These cells lead to involuntary movements that occur in the gastrointestinal tract. According to studies, it is assumed that this abnormality in cells is induced due to certain mutations in the DNA. Such mutations result in the improper behavior of the enzyme tyrosine kinase (KIT). Treatment options for GIST Once the condition is diagnosed, the doctor may prescribe a course of treatment depending on the severity.

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, or NAC, is an FDA-approved health supplement that promotes physical and mental wellbeing. It helps prevent infections, lowers inflammation, and improves the functioning of various organs in the body. There are many NAC options available in the market. But when it comes to having supplements, it’s crucial always to get them from the best, most trusted sources. This article lists the five best NAC supplements out there that one can consider. Nutricost NAC Nutricost uses high-quality ingredients to make its NAC capsules. Their supplements are free of artificial colors, gluten, and preservatives, which help stabilize the production of proteins. It also helps strengthen the immune system and optimize the function of the liver and lungs. Nutricost’s 120 servings bottle costs around $18, and the company offers a 90-day moneyback guarantee. Swanson NAC Swanson’s NAC helps fight free radicals and toxins and improves lung function. In addition, it helps replenish glutathione, a component necessary for strengthening the body’s defense mechanism. The brand sells its 100-capsule pack for around $7, and customers can avail of a 100% moneyback guarantee if they aren’t satisfied. Life Extension NAC This is another NAC option that promotes healthy glutathione levels. In addition, it improves respiratory functions, immune health, and liver function.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition that is characterized by tremors, shaking, and stiffness. It affects the person’s ability to walk, talk, and function in day-to-day life. While medication is an essential part of managing Parkinson’s, eating certain foods can also help tackle the symptoms of this condition. In this article, we focus on understanding foods that one should eat to help alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Fatty fish When it comes to managing Parkinson’s disease, one needs to eat foods with high omega-3 fatty acids. This is because research suggests that consuming omega-3 fatty acid-rich products, such as fish oil and fatty fish, can help slow down the progression of this degenerative condition. Omega-3 may also help reduce inflammation in the nerves, improve transmissions in the brain, and slow down the process of neurodegeneration. Common seafood items high in omega-3 include salmon, sardines, anchovies, herring, and oysters. Aside from managing Parkinson’s symptoms, eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids can also help improve heart health. It is also shown to reduce the risk of confusion and dementia caused due to Parkinson’s. Fava beans Fava beans are great for managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s. They contain high levels of levodopa, which can help treat multiple signs of Parkinson’s disease.

Arthritis is a health condition where one or more joints swell and become tender. This leads to symptoms such as stiffness and joint pain, which subsequently worsen with age. There are treatments to deal with different forms of arthritis that help reduce its symptoms and make life easier. Studies also show combining treatments with certain foods helps get rid of arthritis or reduces its symptoms. Leafy green vegetables Leafy greens contain high levels of vitamins E and vitamin C. A few leafy green vegetables are kale, spinach, cabbage, beet greens, collard greens, watercress, arugula, and Bok choy. Vitamin C helps produce collagen, facilitating joint flexibility. Vitamin E is known to ward off inflammatory molecules from the body. Berries When it comes to foods to help get rid of arthritis naturally, berries deserve a spot on your grocery list. Just like all fruits, berries are rich in antioxidants, which are known to help eliminate potential inflammations. Also, blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries contain anthocyanins that help reduce inflammation. Fatty fish Fishes like mackerel, salmon, and tuna help deal with the symptoms of arthritis. These are rich in vitamin D and contain Omega-3 fatty acids that can significantly reduce any inflammation in the body.