hot topics

Travel precautions for hemophilia A patients

Travel precautions for hemophilia A patients

Hemophilia is a rare genetic bleeding disorder that affects a fraction of the people in the country. According to the Centre for Disease Control, roughly 12 out of every 100,000 males are diagnosed with hemophilia A. The bleeding is caused by a missing factor VIII protein, responsible for the blood’s clotting function. This inherited disorder is challenging to manage, and one must take the following precautions, especially while traveling with hemophilia A. Consult with a specialist Always consult with a doctor to understand if traveling with hemophilia A is possible in the first place. One should reconsider if the bleeding symptoms are severe. Some vaccinations for hepatitis A and B are recommended for patients who plan to travel. Doctors also provide a travel letter that explains the disorder for security purposes. Only then can airport officials allow prescriptions and care package supplies on board with the passenger. Prepare a precautionary kit Understand that airline baggage restrictions are not applicable for doctor-approved prescriptions and emergency supplies. So, patients can pack everything conveniently into a carry-on bag. However, it is the patient’s responsibility to label and mark all supplies, as there are certain prescriptions or equipment that cannot be exposed to X-ray scanning at the airport.
3 ways to manage blood sugar levels and control diabetes

3 ways to manage blood sugar levels and control diabetes

High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, is a primary concern for people with diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic health condition affecting about 13% of the adults in the country. Maintaining healthy levels of blood sugar is vital, as raised blood sugar levels for long periods can lead to various complications, including heart, kidney, eye, and nerve diseases. Here are the most effective ways to lower blood sugar for diabetes management: Treatment These prescription treatments can help manage diabetes: GlucoTrust It’s an FDA-approved, 100% natural supplement for type 1 and type 2 diabetes treatment. INVOKANA® INVOKANA® helps control blood sugar and lower the risk of kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes. Kerendia® This is a once-daily tablet for type 2 diabetics. It helps decrease the rate of kidney damage and the risk of cardiovascular, heart attack, and more. Another effective method to control blood sugar levels is insulin therapy. All people with type 1 diabetes and some of those with type 2 diabetes need to take insulin, which is typically administered through a shot or insulin pump. For better diabetes management, it’s advisable to use tools like the Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. It’s a modern, feature-rich device that helps manage diabetes without fingersticks or calibration.
3 ways to manage prostate cancer

3 ways to manage prostate cancer

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland and spreads to other body parts. There are about 268,490 new cases of prostate cancer each year. Each person experiences varied symptoms, but erectile dysfunction and bone pain are two of the significant signs of the condition. If detected early, it is possible to slow the progression. Here are a few treatment options, food habits and lifestyle tips that may help manage the symptoms of prostate cancer: Chalk out a treatment plan with your doctors Once the cancer is diagnosed, it is imperative to start the treatment process immediately. Here are two prescriptions that may be recommended by the doctor to treat prostate cancer. Xofigo® (radium Ra 223 dichloride) It is administered as an injection to treat prostate cancer that no longer responds to hormonal or surgical treatment for testosterone reduction. Xofigo® is further given to individuals where prostate cancer and its symptoms have spread to the bone but not yet reached other parts of the body.  XTANDI® (enzalutamide) XTANDI® is administered orally to patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and those with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC). XTANDI® must be given once a day as per the doctor’s prescription. Erleada® Erleada® is an FDA-approved prescription suggested for managing prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body post metastasis.
4 ways to manage hemophilia and its symptoms

4 ways to manage hemophilia and its symptoms

Hemophilia is a rare, hereditary bleeding condition in which blood may not clot normally when wounded. People with this illness have prolonged or spontaneous bleeding and bruising after an accident, surgery, or other injuries. Even minimal trauma can cause continuous bleeding in hemophilia patients. It can also result in internal bleeding in joints, muscles, brain, or other organs. This article throws light on the ways to manage hemophilia: Treatment options Recombinant factor VIII (8) concentrate The most effective technique to manage hemophilia is to restore the deficient blood clotting factor, allowing the blood to clot normally. Earlier all factor replacement products were made from human plasma. But in 1992, the FDA approved the recombinant factor VIII (8) concentrate, which is genetically engineered through DNA technology and used to treat hemophilia.  Hemlibra® This may also be used to manage it. It works on replacing the function of factor VIII (8) rather than replacing the said missing clot directly. This treatment product is given to patients through an injection.  Kovaltry® Another treatment option is Kovaltry. It helps in replacing the missing clotting factor in adults and children. Kovaltry ®  reduces the frequency of bleeding episodes and is sometimes given after surgery. Foods to eat Hemophilia patients should fill their plates with fruits and vegetables.
Top 4 ways to manage cholesterol

Top 4 ways to manage cholesterol

Cholesterol is a condition that is mostly seen among people over the age of 50. But with unhealthy food and lifestyle habits, younger people today are prone to it as well. High levels of cholesterol mean there’s a higher risk of premature heart attacks and complications. Moreover, stats claim that over 1 million adults have an inherited risk for cholesterol. This article highlights some lifestyle tips and ways that help manage cholesterol levels: Treatment There are medications to clear the cholesterol from the system. LIVALO (pitavastatin) is used to lower bad cholesterol in patients who have abnormally high levels of it. This oral prescription can be had daily, but the dosage can vary depending on the advancement of the disease. Repatha® is another prescription to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Food habits Foods play a huge role in the development of cholesterol. People should generally avoid greasy options like fries, deep-fried snacks, and frozen dinners. Moreover, foods like cheese and butter should be eaten in moderation. Packaged foods like chips, canned foods, and ready-to-make dinners should also be avoided, as they are high in sodium and preservatives, which also contribute to complications related to the heart. Instead, choose to cook fresh meals from scratch and include more vegetables and fruits in one’s meal plans.
3 ways to manage leukemia symptoms

3 ways to manage leukemia symptoms

Leukemia is a cancer that involves blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow as well as the lymphatic system. It is the sixth most common type of cancer diagnosed in the country. It primarily impacts the white blood cells that are responsible for the body’s ability to fight against microbial and parasitic infections. Listed below are a few treatment options, meal plans, and lifestyle changes to manage the symptoms of leukemia: Treatment BLINCYTO® BLINCYTO® is used in the treatment of some types of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). It works by directing T-cells to target and bind with a particular protein within lymphoma cells. TASIGNA® TASIGNA® contains nilotinib, a compound that is used in the treatment of certain types of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML). It works by slowing down the progression or stopping the growth of cancerous cells. Foods to eat and avoid Patients undergoing treatment have a compromised immune system that makes them more susceptible to food-borne illnesses. It is important for them to be more mindful of the food they consume. Whole grain Whole grains are rich in minerals and vitamins. Including whole grains like rice, buckwheat, oats, and quinoa will give leukemia patients the nutrients they need. Fruits and vegetables Cruciferous vegetables and legumes are highly recommended for patients.
3 ways to manage a urinary tract infection

3 ways to manage a urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are characterized by burning sensations, abdominal pain, and cloudy urine. These infections are significantly more common in women than in men and can affect any part of one’s urinary tract including the kidneys, bladder, and even the urethra. If left untreated, UTIs should not be left untreated as they can lead to severe pain and other serious complications. Read on to know about the ways to keep UTIs in check: Get the right treatment FETROJA® (cefiderocol), is a cephalosporin antibacterial treatment option used to tackle complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs). These include pyelonephritis caused due to susceptible Gram-negative microorganisms. This treatment is prescribed to individuals over 18 years of age. It is often a last resort for those who have limited or no alternative treatment options. Common side effects of FETROJA® include diarrhea, injection site reaction, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Individuals may also experience constipation, rash, cough, and low blood potassium levels. FETROJA® can interact with other ongoing treatments, so it is best to consult a doctor before going for this treatment option. Eat the right foods Foods can go a long way in managing UTIs. Berries such as cranberries, blueberries, and raspberries can help fight UTIs.
3 tips for the management of multiple myeloma

3 tips for the management of multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer associated with white blood cells. In this condition, the white blood cells fail to perform their usual function of fighting infections. These unhealthy white blood cells crowd out the healthy cells. Multiple myeloma is a rare type of cancer in the country, with a lifetime risk of 1 out of 132 (0.76 percent). This article highlights some treatment options, food choices, and tips to manage the condition: Treatment options Two major treatment options for multiple myeloma are BCMA therapy and the use of monoclonal antibodies. BCMA (B-cell maturation antigen) can be seen in almost all multiple myeloma cells. Many studies indicate that targeting BCMA can significantly help in multiple myeloma treatments. BCMA is a part of signaling pathways that lead to the survival and growth of cancerous plasma cells. Many new BCMA-targeted therapies are being developed, which could help in the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. The use of monoclonal antibodies is another treatment method. Monoclonal antibodies can help in restoring, modifying, or improving the immune system’s attack on unwanted cells, like cancer cells. Some monoclonal antibodies prevent cancer cells from connecting with proteins that promote cell growth. Thus, they can block the growth of cancer cells.
3 ways to manage lymphoma

3 ways to manage lymphoma

The lymphatic system is part of the body’s germ-fighting network, comprising lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland, and bone marrow. When cancer begins in the lymphatic system, it is called lymphoma. Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin are the two main types of lymphoma, the latter being the most common. Both types are often treatable, especially if detected in the initial stages. Here are some treatment options, foods to eat and avoid, and other ways that help manage lymphoma: Treatments Treatment options for all types of lymphoma usually include a combination of therapies. One of the most common therapies is an oral therapy, such as IMBRUVICA® (ibrutinib). IMBRUVICA® is used to treat mantle cell lymphoma, small lymphocytic lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, and other types of cancers. The active substance in IMBRUVICA®, ibrutinib, inhibits the enzyme Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK), which is linked to lymphoma. IMBRUVICA® is typically taken once a day and can work alone or together with other treatments. Common side effects include diarrhea, tiredness, rash, bruising, muscle pain, and bone pain. Other treatment options for lymphoma include chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation. Foods to eat and avoid Although no specific food or meal plan can cure lymphoma, eating and avoiding certain foods can help ease symptoms and reduce the side effects of treatments.
4 tips for breast cancer management

4 tips for breast cancer management

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast mutate and grow out of control. They grow to form a mass of cancerous cells called a tumor. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers. Estimates suggest at least 13% women in the country face an increased risk of breast cancer. This is why it is important to be aware of its management. Such tips are listed below along with treatment options and food choices: Treatment options Before discussing management tips, it is important to know some treatment options for breast cancer. AFINITOR® (everolimus) is one such option. It is an mTOR inhibitor. mTOR is a type of protein that provides energy to cells to grow. AFINITOR® stops cancer cells from getting energy since it is an mTOR inhibitor. It is used to treat postmenopausal women that have HER2-negative and advanced hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Another treatment option is CAR-T cell therapy. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a process that helps T-cells specifically recognize and attack malignant or cancerous cells. It is a less toxic treatment method than conventional options like chemotherapy. Eating healthy Consuming healthy foods is an effective cancer management technique. The nutrients and minerals in our food improve the efficacy of medications.
4 foods that may help manage ulcerative colitis

4 foods that may help manage ulcerative colitis

When the immune system misidentifies and targets good gut bacteria, the cells that line the colon, and food, it can lead to ulcerative colitis. The condition drives the white blood cells to attack the colon lining and trigger symptoms like irritation, inflammation, and ulcers in the large intestine. While ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition, adding certain foods to one’s meals and following some treatment options may help manage the condition. Foods for ulcerative colitis Nut butters A good source of proteins and healthy fats, nut butters like peanut butter, cashew butter, and almond butter may help manage any flare-up that may result from ulcerative colitis. Peeled and cooked veggies Peeled and cooked vegetables are soft and contain less insoluble fiber, making them less irritating to the gut. A few foods to consider are carrots, spinach, parsnips, turnips, and potatoes. The vegetables are abundant in nutrients like vitamins A and K, which can help reduce the effects of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a type of ulcerative colitis. Yogurt Fermented foods like yogurt are rich in probiotics that contain healthy bacteria. Such bacteria aid the digestive system and reduce ulcerative colitis symptoms and flare-ups. But one must steer clear of flavored yogurt as its sugar content may worsen symptoms.