A renowned physicist from the University of Cambridge was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at the age of 21. During his prime youth years, he was told by doctors that he would not survive more than a couple of months. The physicist who spent his entire life understanding time and explaining it to the world is still alive but with the disease, and his name is Stephen Hawking. Today he is 75 years of age. ALS, being a progressive neurodegenerative disease, affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Most of those who are diagnosed with ALS generally do not have much time left after their diagnosis. However, in rare cases, some patients live for many years along with the disease. For the introductory part, it is essential to know how ALS impacts the body of a person. For that, we need to break down the term Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Here, A means “no” and “myo” translates to “muscle” and trophic translates to “nourishment.” Further, lateral is the reference to the spinal cord and sclerosis means to scar or harden. There are essentially two types of ALS, sporadic and familial. In the US, sporadic is the type of ALS that is most commonly found and almost 95 percent of ALS cases are of the sporadic type.

Typically, most breast lumps are noncancerous; however, if you still find one, it is imperative that you get it checked immediately as it could be a sign of breast cancer. One of the major problems with this condition is that it might not project any symptoms until the later stages. So, it is essential for every woman, especially who are aged above 40 or have a family history related to breast cancer to get regular screenings to rule out any possibilities. Though it is important to note that woman of any age is vulnerable to breast cancer. So, young women should schedule routine appointments with a gynecologist. Breast cancer screening and treatment Screenings for breast cancer are vital as it can detect the onset of the disease, especially when there are zero to mild symptoms. Early diagnosis can help the doctors to treat the condition effectively. Usually, women at an average risk of developing breast cancer fall between the age frame 50 to 75 years and are recommended to get to screening tests in every two years. Moreover, women above 40, should seek the counsel from their doctor for breast cancer screenings. The two most common breast cancer screening tests are mammogram and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) causes a blood clot in your legs, affecting the deep vein. A blood clot in a blood vessel, also known as thrombosis, earns the condition its name. The condition most commonly results in pain, swelling, and redness of the veins. Deep vein thrombosis can also lead to pulmonary embolism, which is a complication that can be life threatening, caused due to the blood clot. There are a number of risk factors associated with the condition, making it all the more important for people to understand techniques that can result in effective DVT prevention. Risk factors are divided into categories that include acquired, inherited, and a mix of both at times. Acquired risk factors Common risk factors for DVT include old age, complications due to surgery, certain types of cancers, lack of exercise, postpartum phase after pregnancy, and leg injury. Furthermore, side effects of oral contraceptives, and inflammatory diseases can result in DVT. Inherited factors Common genetic deficiencies that include the lack of antithrombin, protein C, and protein S can lead to a complication that results in DVT. Mixed risk factors Health complications that arise due to low free protein S, Protein C resistance, hyperhomocysteinemia, high levels of fibrinogen among others can result in deep vein thrombosis.

Bulimia, also known as bulimia nervosa, is an eating disorder that forces a person to binge eat without any control. Binge eating refers to consumption of large amounts of food, within a short span of time. This is a psychiatric disorder, the triggers of which are varied owing to a number of factors and contributors to the binge eating condition. Bulimia is a condition, which refers to binge eating and then purging, which involves the act of forcing food out of your system before the natural cycle of digestion is complete. However, one of the major reasons that lead to this condition is people wanting to lose weight quickly. Bulimia is one of the more orthodox ways of losing weight through rapid consumption and excretion of normal foods, also referred to as purging, forcing an alternative to the natural cycle. Purging is forced with the use of laxatives or forceful vomiting, which can often result in a number of complications. Your shiny white molars are affected the most due to the purging, leading to breakdown of enamel due to the sheer pressure exerted during vomiting. Depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even suicidal thoughts are the more severe symptoms of a person suffering from bulimia.

Whenever we suffer from a disease, we go through the following stages- identifying the symptoms, finding the cause of the diseases, and treating the same. It becomes easier in vanquishing a known enemy than an unknown one, and this holds true in almost every scenario. One such health-related problem that has known to affect millions of people across the globe and the cause of which is still debatable is fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is the second common health condition that affects the muscles and bones, and thus, inhibits the individual’s movements. The most prominent symptoms are widespread joint and muscle pain, and fatigue. Since these symptoms can be associated with a number of other ailments, diagnosing a person with fibromyalgia is quite a task. However, once the individual is diagnosed with fibromyalgia, the biggest hurdle lies in finding the right form of treatment. Since there is no exact cure for this condition, physicians advise fibromyalgia alternative therapies or treatments that are a combination of exercises, medications, ways to manage stress, and lifestyle changes that can help the patients cope with this condition. Here are some popular fibromyalgia alternative therapies that have helped people coexist with this condition. Acupuncture : Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of treatments that aim at reducing chronic pain caused by wear and tear or any injury.

A lupus diagnosis is difficult because the signs and symptoms may considerably vary from person to person. Also, the signs and symptoms vary over time and overlap as well with those of many other disorders. There is no one particular test for a lupus diagnosis. A combination of blood and urine tests, constant monitoring of symptoms and signs along with physical examination findings can lead to a proper lupus diagnosis. Laboratory tests Blood and urine test for lupus diagnosis may include the following tests: Complete blood count: This test is meant for measuring the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets along with the amount of hemoglobin, which is a protein in the red blood cells. In case the results indicate that you have anemia, know that it commonly occurs in lupus. Also, a low platelet or white blood cell count may occur as well in lupus. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate: This blood test determines the rate at which red blood cells settle to the bottom of a tube in an hour. A faster rate compared to the normal rate may indicate a systemic disease, such as lupus. The sedimentation rate is not specific for a particular disease.

Baby eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis (AD), is an allergic condition which is often found on baby skin during the early childhood stages (ages 0-5). It is mainly a condition where the skin develops dry, flaky patches and inflammatory bumps. Some babies have weak skin blockades which avoid the skin to allow water inside it. Less absorption of water in the skin can cause inflammation and makes the skin to develop patchiness and dryness. It can be treated by using certain medically recommended creams and by following certain cleanliness measures. It is mostly self-curable and it can be healed within a span of time. Family members having allergies of any kind can also cause the babies to have eczema. In some cases, even the ones who don’t have any member having an allergy can also get it. Causes of eczema in babies Baby eczema can be caused by exposure of the skin to heat which can possibly be caused by diapers, tight clothing, etc. It can also be caused by the stuffed animals, dust and pollen. This condition can also be transferred from parents, especially, mothers who are breastfeeding. Drools may also cause the skin to get dryer. Symptoms of baby eczema Baby eczema shows certain symptoms which makes it easier to recognize.

ADD (attention deficient disorder) and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder) are the two nerve-related disorders that are usually seen among children these days. Children suffering from ADD tend to face a lot of problems such as getting distracted easily, difficulty in organizing, putting in a lot of effort to conduct any mental effort, and trouble carrying things. They also have difficulty while listening and paying attention. When such symptoms are caused for a long period of time, then the child may be tested for ADD. They will often be inattentive, distracted, unorganized and carry low self-esteem. Children suffering from ADHD will usually experience problems such as talking excessively, unable to concentrate, and excess body movement during inappropriate or awkward situations. They are usually restless and impulsive in nature. As these disorders are getting common, it is essential to find a good treatment for the same. There are numerous over-the-counter medicines available that will help in treating the problem. Apart from this, there are herbal and natural treatments. Dietary changes are also required to help children overcome the problem at a fast rate. Effective ADD and ADHD therapy Behavioral treatment is essential for treating these problems. Here are some important tips for effective therapy.

Depression is a misunderstood mental disorder that can be sometimes treated with the help of medicines. However, before any medication for depression is taken, it is often necessary that the signs linked to depression are taken into consideration. It is not necessary that depression is linked to a particular cause; there are numerous reasons for depression, and they can be identified through various signs. Listed below are 10 signs of depression that are an indication that all may not be well with him or her. A persistent mood of despondency Such a sign is the most common among the 10 signs of depression, and it should be treated delicately. Talking to the person is one of the key remedies in such case as it makes them feel lighter. Feeling of hopelessness A feeling of hopelessness dwells in the mind of the person when they feel depressed. Often, such people feel an imminent sense of loss. Feeling of guilt People who are depressed often feel that they are guilty of things that they might not have achieved. They may also have a sense of guilt for the smaller  things in life. Lack of interest A key sign of the onset of depression setting in is that people suffering from depression feel that they have lost interest in various activities in life that they previously enjoyed.

Prostate cancer is becoming common among men of all age groups. However, prostate cancer usually affects men after the age of 50. While there is no specific reason for a person to suffer from prostate cancer, genes, high intake of red meat or high-fat dairy products, obesity, etc. are some of the causes for prostate cancer in men. Symptoms A frequent urge to urinate, difficulty in urinating, finding blood in the urine, painful urination, problems related to erection etc. are some of the symptoms of early stages of prostate cancer. Bone pain in the femur, pelvis, spine etc. are some of the symptoms of advanced prostate cancer. Diagnosis If the diagnosis for the prostate cancer is done in early stages, then there is a high life expectancy for the patient with many therapies like hormone therapy, radiation therapy etc. If the diagnosis for prostate cancer is done before spreading to other organs, then there is a guarantee of five years of life time to the patient. Diagnosis of prostate cancer is done through regular PSA blood checkups.  Patients with the above-mentioned symptoms are tested for higher PSA blood levels. A digital rectal examination is performed, wherein the doctor manually checks for the abnormal growth.

Asthma problems have become quite common among people in the country. In most cases, 60%-90% of patients suffering from this pulmonary disorder get the condition triggered by some allergens. While some are allergic to cat dander, others may be allergic to pollens or mites. Doctors generally ask patients to avoid the allergens triggering the condition, yet that is not enough. If you are suffering from this condition, it is wise for you to know about the various allergic asthma medications available so that you can deal with the condition at once. Inhalers or short-term bronchodilators Also known as the rescue inhalers, these bronchodilators come in small packages and can be used anywhere to deal with breathing difficulties triggered by asthma. As these allergic asthma medications are meant for short-term relief, you generally have to puff at a regular interval of 4-6 hours for opening up your lungs. Doctors in the country generally prescribe albuterol like Ventolin, Proventil or Proair, levalbuterol like Xopenex and pirbuterol like Maxair as rescue inhalers. Inhaled corticosteroids In cases where asthma does not come under control with rescue inhalers, doctors may have to prescribe controller medicines or inhaling steroids. As these allergic asthma medications help in curbing the condition successfully for a longer period of time, you may not need the short-term bronchodilators any further.