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3 crucial tips for managing lung cancer

3 crucial tips for managing lung cancer

Cancer may develop in the lungs due to radiation therapy, asbestos, and carcinogens. Factors such as genetics may also trigger the development of lung cancer. There are more than 236,000 new cases of this disorder and its types every year. Those who develop lung cancer may notice symptoms including chest pains, hoarseness, and bone pain that turn severe with time. Here are three tips for one to manage lung cancer.

Start a treatment plan
The first tip for coping with lung cancer is to start a treatment plan as soon as the condition is diagnosed. There are two common types of lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

SCLC therapies
About 20 of every 100 people with lung cancer are diagnosed with SCLC. This type of cancer is also fast growing compared to other lung cancer types. Preferred treatments for small cell lung cancer include chemotherapy, which involves eliminating lung cancer cells that may have spread outside the lung. Furthermore, radiation therapy is used for treating small cell lung cancer when the tumor is limited to the lung or areas inside the chest. The two therapies are often combined in such cases.

Prescription for NSCLC
NSCLC is a more common type of lung cancer that spreads gradually and much slower than small cell lung cancer. GAVRETO® (pralsetinib) helps treat adults affected with NSCLC. The treatment is also administered to adults and kids 12 years of age and older, affected with advanced thyroid cancer or when the condition has spread. The capsule is given by mouth once daily as prescribed by a healthcare expert. The expert will also conduct a test to assess if Gavreto is suitable for the patient.

Eat appropriate meals
Apart from getting on a treatment plan, it is equally important for a person to eat the right foods. Doing so will help boost their immune system and fight cancer symptoms. One should consume foods rich in proteins like eggs, beans, soy products, nuts, and low-fat dairy to keep the organs healthy. Adding edibles like fruits and vegetables to meals can nourish the body with phytonutrients and antioxidants. Such compounds are essential to prevent and reduce cell damage. Avocados, seeds, olive oil, and nuts are a few sources of omega-3 fatty acids and other healthy fats. These fats are known to complement the nervous system and brain. Eating foods abundant in omega-3 fatty acids can also reduce inflammation. Introducing meals rich in carbohydrates can help an individual build their energy levels. Building energy levels is especially useful after one undergoes treatments for their health condition. Healthy sources of carbohydrates include oatmeal, brown rice, whole-wheat bread, and whole-grain pasta.

One should also avoid foods that may worsen the symptoms of lung cancer. These foods may also trigger side effects if the person is currently on treatment for their condition. A few foods to avoid include salty foods, processed meat, soda, fried foods, and cold cuts. These foods contain preservatives and other compounds that can trigger symptoms of lung cancer. For example, the sodium content in salty foods may cause fluid retention and result in shortness of breath in patients with lung complications.

Make lifestyle changes
The lifestyle one follows plays an important role in their recovery or cancer treatment. A few ways to manage cancer symptoms are as follows:

Managing stress levels
By managing stress levels, one can regulate mental and physical health. Relaxation techniques like mediation, guided imagery, and yoga can improve how they cope with cancer symptoms. One must take a few moments in the day to practice these techniques to be mindful of their surroundings.

Sleeping appropriately
Getting a sufficient amount of sleep is imperative when it comes to patients with lung cancer. Sleeping for seven to eight hours each night will improve the individual’s coping mechanism, weight, memory, control, health, and focus. To get proper sleep, one must follow a bedtime routine and keep their room as dark as possible. Moving to cooler rooms can help improve one’s quality of sleep. Furthermore, avoiding excessive time on an electronic device before bed and steering clear of stimulants like caffeine and sugar will ensure a good night’s rest.

Regular exercise
Indulging in various forms of exercises may help a person reduce fatigue, build their strength, and stay in shape. Exercise is extremely useful when a person is undergoing treatment for cancer or when they complete therapy. Developing a fitness routine, including strength exercise and aerobic activities, are a few ways to maintain overall health. Simple activities like walking or balancing the time one spends sitting or standing are also beneficial exercise routines.

Seeking support
Being affected by any form of cancer or other diseases can be overwhelming for anyone. So to improve one’s ability to cope and live with their condition, one must seek appropriate support from others. Enrolling in a social support group can help one learn more about their condition and share their feelings with others who have a similar diagnosis. One can also speak to their family members or friends, which is an ideal way to manage the condition.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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3 ways to manage hemophilia

Hemophilia is a disorder characterized by unusual bleeding that doesn't stop quickly. People with hemophilia abnormally bleed continuously, even from a small cut or injury. This happens because the blood's ability to clot is compromised. Abnormal bleeding can pose a high risk when the patient is undergoing surgery. This article highlights the different types of hemophilia, treatment options, and effective tips on how one can better manage the health condition: Treatment options Hemophilia is a genetically inherited health condition associated with a bleeding disorder. It needs to be managed with the help of treatment plans, nutritious foods, and healthy lifestyle habits. Treatment options for hemophilia include recombinant factor concentrates that work at building the protein factors required to clot the blood in hemophilia patients. The major products used in developing recombinant factors include VIII, IX, and VIIa.  Below are some treatment options that a specialist may prescribe to focus on clotting factors. Since there are different types of hemophilia, they all have different courses of treatment. However, some of the most common treatment options include: KOVALTRY® This treatment option is prescribed to manage hemophilia A, which is caused by the missing protein factor VIII. KOVALTRY® helps replace factor VIII or antihemophilic factors to limit bleeding. This is especially important when a hemophilia patient opts for surgery. HEMLIBRA® This antibiotic is prescribed to manage hemophilia A in adults, children, and babies who are born with missing VIII factors. HEMLIBRA® helps reduce the bleeding episodes by combining factors IXa and X together to continue the blood clotting process. Foods to eat and avoid Food is one of the key contributors to helping one manage hemophilia. Try to add vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds to your daily meal regime for nutritional value. Include healthy staples like brown rice, millets, oats, and low-fat dairy, and try recipes with minimal oil. Switch your vegetable oil to olive oil for its healthy fat content. Avoid foods that work as blood thinners, including coriander, ginger, cayenne peppers, grape seed extract, avocados, chilies, and pineapple. These foods can pose a risk of easy bleeding. Types of hemophilia  Hemophilia (A) This primary type of condition, also termed classic hemophilia, is caused by a deficiency of factor VIII, a protein that helps form blood clots. Hemophilia (B) This type of hemophilia is caused due to deficiency of blood protein IX, which is a clotting factor. Type B of hemophilia is also known as Christmas disease as it is named after the first person diagnosed with the second type of hemophilia, Stephen Christmas, in 1952. Signs and symptoms of hemophilia Bleeding in the joints This condition can cause swelling, tightness, or pain in the joints, including knees, elbows, and ankles. Bleeding in the skin This may be caused due to bruising or build-up of blood in muscles and soft tissues.  Bleeding of the mouth and gums This kind of bleeding occurs when one loses a tooth or during dental procedures.  Bleeding after injections One may not stop bleeding when getting an injection, vaccine, or IV. Bleeding in the head This may occur due to a head injury or during a difficult delivery. Blood in the urine or stool Blood passing through urine or stool needs to be brought to a doctor's attention as it could be associated with complexities. Frequent nosebleeds People with hemophilia can experience frequent nosebleeds, which can be treated by packing the nose with a cloth or cotton.  Bleeding post-surgery or any health treatment This is one of the most common concerns for hemophilia patients. It's always a risk for them to get into a minor operation or major surgery. One needs to discuss the situation with the doctor before opting for such health treatment plans.  Effective tips to help manage hemophilia Despite the complication of the condition, there are lifestyle tips that help one live with hemophilia. Below listed are simple lifestyle changes that can be rewarding for patients. Make exercise a part of your daily routine Regular exercise can help patients maintain a healthy BMI, boost their immune system, and improve their overall well-being. However, avoid physical activities that may involve easy injuries or bruises. Refrain from participating in sports that demand physical contact. Instead, opt for walking, jogging, and swimming. Practice dental hygiene Dental problems can arise from a lack of oral hygiene. Hemophilia patients must maintain proper dental hygiene to avoid unforeseen complications like gum bleeding and infections. Also, it is a great way to prevent unwanted dental visits. Stay hydrated A well-hydrated body functions smoothly and puts less stress on the organs and internal systems. Keep a dedicated bottle next to you, so you can easily measure the daily water intake and act on it accordingly. Sip water throughout the day instead of chugging it in long intervals. Use safety gear When indulging in any physical activity, indoors or outdoors, one must consider using helmets, knee and elbow pads, and mouthguards to avoid complex injuries. One may not be able to gauge the degree of complexity of an injury until it happens, and there's no going back from there.

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