BioMed Central’s journal, BMC medicine has recently published new research, which investigates methods of preventing side effects that come with treatment of prostate cancer.
Epilepsy - Seizure First Aid: A seizure is an electrical disturbance in the brain that can cause confusion, muscle jerking, and loss of memory. A person who suffers more than one seizure is said to have epilepsy. Poorly controlled seizures can lead to injuries, limitations at school or work, and an inability to drive. If you are with someone who has a seizure, it is important to have a general idea of what to do, and what things to avoid. Also, be aware of things to look for that would require calling emergency medical services.
Living with epilepsy means learning about the condition, getting support from others, being prepared for seizures and making your environment as safe as possible.
The flu season is in full effect and it now qualifies as an epidemic in the United States. With all the chatter about vaccine safety and who should or should not get a certain flu shot, it can be hard to know if you should receive the seasonal flu vaccine. So, what’s the bottom line? The CDC recommends that all people over the age of 6 months receive a flu vaccination – with a few exceptions.
American Diabetes Month: Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases, which are characterized by the body’s inability to produce insulin properly. With roughly 29 million Americans living with the disease, the diabetes is currently the 7th leading cause of death.
Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndromes (APS) - Types 1 & 2: APSs include a wide variety of autoimmune disorders that are divided into a very rare juvenile type 1, and a relatively common adult form type 2. There is also a third type that does not affect the adrenal glands. APS type 1 typically occurs in early childhood, while type 2 most often occurs in one's 30s or 40s. Type 1 is caused by mutations of the autoimmune regulatory (AIRE) gene on chromosome 21. It is inherited in a autosomal recessive manner, meaning both parents must be carriers and pass on the faulty gene in order for their child to be affected. The mutation results in the production of defective proteins which cause the autoimmune destruction of target organs. Type 1 can be diagnosed via genetic testing, but not type 2 since it is caused by complex genetic interactions. Check out this infographic to learn more about autoimmune polyglandular syndromes types 1 & 2:
There are times in our life when we have faced a health crisis. It may be a broken bone, or it may be the need for surgery to remove a cyst, and these types of health issues are a worry, but the good news is that they are typically short-lived; but what about when the health issue is considered chronic? Chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis are with you for the long term, and you need to be able to manage your illness, rather than your illness manage you. Here are 3 tips to cope with a chronic condition.
Osteoporosis Overview: Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones that causes them to weaken and become fragile - increasing the likelihood of a fracture. It is sometimes referred to as a "invisible disability" because it can exist for years without symptoms. There is no cure for osteoporosis, though there are many treatment options. Check out this infographic to learn more about osteoporosis, including risk factors, lifestyle changes, and some important statistics:
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) Pulmonary Infections: NTM are a type of bacteria that occur naturally in the environment (water and soil) which do not cause tuberculosis or leprosy. NTM do cause pulmonary infections that resemble tuberculosis, however. Human disease from NTM is believed to be caused by environmental exposure. There is no evidence that NTM-related infections can be contracted by animal-to-human or human-to-human contact. Check out this infographic to learn more about notuberculous mycobacteria, who is at risk for infection, symptoms, and treatment:
Acute Interstitial Pneumonia (AIP) Overview: Acute interstitial pneumonitis (AIP), also known as Hamman-Rich syndrome is an uncommon type of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia for which researchers have not yet found a cause (idiopathic). Pneumonia results when tissues of the lungs become inflamed in reaction to infection. The inflammation can also extend into the bronchioles, the small airways that branch off into the lungs. Prolonged inflammation causes fibrosis. Over time, scar tissue causes the bronchi and the walls of the bronchi widen, or are destroyed, resulting in the lungs shrinking. The condition usually progresses to respiratory failure and medical treatment is immediately required.