Statistics show that over 4 million people in the country suffer from mild to moderate symptoms of constipation. It is a health condition wherein the bowel movements become uncomfortable and it is hard to pass stools as they are hard, dry, and small. There are a number of factors that contribute to the development of constipation. Some may be side effects of medications or health complications while others can be problems resulting from an improper diet or poor nutrition. Even not drinking enough fluids throughout the day can cause trouble in bowel movements. The good news is that you can manage the condition and the symptoms at home by incorporating certain foods and beverages to your diet. Fiber-rich foods If you are on an extremely low-fiber diet, the food that is being digested will be hard to pass through the intestine and the colon. Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables help break down the bulk of the food to encourage bowel movements. Castor oil When it comes to natural laxatives, nothing beats castor oil. It is a home remedy for constipation that has been handed down from generation to generation. Castor oil is rich in a compound that stimulates the small and large intestines to encourage bowel movements. You can have a couple of teaspoons of castor oil on an empty stomach. It is a great alternative to store-bought laxatives that may have some side effects. Prunes You can have dried prunes or drink a glass of fresh prune juice as a home remedy for constipation relief. It doesn’t matter how you have it, as this fiber-rich fruit is easy to incorporate in your daily diet. One prune has a gram of fiber so take a good handful of dried prunes to help with your digestion. Prunes also have compounds that trigger intestinal contractions to speed up the process of bowel movement.

Eczema affects both children and adults. It is a term commonly used to describe a group of skin conditions. These include atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis among many others. However, most of these conditions exhibit similar visible indicators of a developing condition. These include developing a rash or light yellowish-brown crusts and pus-filled blisters on the skin. Inflammation is one of the most persistent discomforts of Eczema and can aggravate the skin condition if left unchecked. Statistics indicate that over 31 million citizens suffer from some form of eczema. Despite that, it is not an extremely severe health complication and is quite manageable with simple natural treatments. Herein we discuss three common ways to manage flare-ups and counter symptoms with minimum side effects from the comfort of your home. Baths for eczema relief A simple hot water bath infused with home ingredients like baking soda, bleach, colloidal oatmeal, bath oils, Epsom salts, and vinegar proves to be an excellent topical remedy. Baking soda has soothing qualities and is rich in antibacterial properties effective for eczema relief. Bleach is another potent option that helps counter bacteria forming on the skin. Colloidal oatmeal, on the other hand, helps provide relief from the itching sensation and restores the pH balance of the skin. Gentle bath oils provide respite from the itching and go one step further to nourish and moisturize the skin. Using a salt bath is another great alternative for mild to moderate symptoms of the skin condition. You can use generic table salt, sea salt, or even Epsom salt for preparing the bath. Apple cider vinegar is another versatile ingredient rich in healing properties that helps reduce the bacteria forming on the skin. Topical home remedies Irritation of the skin is also one of the primary symptoms of eczema which is where topical remedies are effective.

Breast cancer is a condition that develops in the breast cells. Changes that are known as mutations cause a division of the cancer cells that begin to multiply in an uncontrolled manner. Typically, the cells begin to grow in the ducts and lobules of the breast while spreading to the fatty tissues and connective tissues. Treatment of breast cancer solely depends upon the stage of cancer or the growth of the tumor. The most common forms of treatment employed include surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. Apart from medical treatment methods, one can explore some natural methods and therapies that have great supporting effects. Holistic therapies Holistic therapies are widely revered for their great effects in promoting a sense of peace and bringing about a desirable balance in an individual’s state of mind. Not only does it reduce the level of stress but it also aids the patient in feeling more relaxed. While this therapy does not have a direct effect on the control or treatment of breast cancer, holistic therapies are widely reported to bring a positive change in the mental health and the reduction of anxiety among patients. Some of the most popular forms of therapy include aromatherapy, journaling, art therapy, music therapy, dance therapy, and meditation among several others. These holistic therapies can be used in combination or singularly depending on likes and comfort. Special diet A healthy diet can have several desirable effects on the body. While a specially formulated diet does not aid in the cure of cancer or other diseases, it can have several positive effects in the promotion of better overall health. Eating the right food will help in supporting the medical treatments employed for breast cancer and reduce the ill effect of certain treatments. One should consider adding more vitamins and foods rich in minerals as part of the diet plan.

Arthritis, a disease of the joints, causes swelling and tenderness in the joints. The most prominent symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which worsen with time. Arthritis is of two types: rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis. It affects people when their joints are overused. Although this condition mostly affects people when they reach old age, it can also occur due to joint injuries or obesity, as they cause excess stress on the joints. One’s knees, hips, feet, and spine are most likely to feel the pain as these bear the most weight. These are also the most common joints to be affected by osteoarthritis. Healthy joints have a coating of cartilage that’s tough yet smooth and slippery. These cartilages cover the surface of the bones and allow the bones to move freely against each other. However, in osteoarthritis, the cartilage becomes thin and the surface becomes rough, which prevents the joints from moving freely. Osteoarthritis can affect the joints of the neck, lower back, hips, the base of the thumb, ends of fingers, knees, and the base of the big toe. Treatment and medication The treatments of osteoporosis include medications and lifestyle changes. Medication used in osteoporosis slows the breakdown of bones and rebuilds them so that they are stronger. This, in turn, stops the breakage. The medication used in osteoporosis also effectively maintains bone density that prevents the bones from breaking. Medication alone cannot treat the condition and must be accompanied by lifestyle changes that include regular exercise, intake of a nutritious diet, and limiting or quitting alcohol and all kinds of intoxication. Symptoms of osteoarthritis can also be treated by some home remedies. Thermotherapy Thermotherapy is an effective home remedy that osteoarthritis patients can incorporate. This therapy involves the usage of hot and cold compress that is used when patients experience acute pain.

Schizophrenia affects an individual’s ability to think, receive, or comprehend sensory information. Changes in behavior are among the first noticeable signs of a developing mental disorder. Although the condition is uncommon, it can disrupt a person’s ability to live a normal life. The family of the affected person must also exercise caution on their part to provide a comfortable surrounding and environment. In rare cases, children can also suffer from schizophrenia. Normally, adults between the ages of 16 and 30 can experience positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. Positive psychotic behaviors include hallucinations, delusions, thought disorders, and movement disorders. Negative behaviors can cause an individual to suffer from reduced speaking, feelings and expression of emotions. They may have trouble performing simple activities as well. A person might also experience subtle cognitive symptoms including problems with working memory, focusing, and reduction in the ability to understand and use information. Understanding medical care and rehabilitation for schizophrenia. Medications and medical follow-ups In most cases, antipsychotic medications, commonly referred to as neuroleptics, can help a person control the varied symptoms. Here, one must understand that antipsychotics simply control the symptoms to help the person shift their attention to other aspects of their lives. Medication and subsequent follow-ups are a crucial part of the rehabilitation process. Subsequently, the purpose of a follow up is to monitor compliance for the medications taken and adjust the dosage levels depending on the prognosis. In simple terms, the medication can be adjusted depending on the measure of improvement shown by the affected person. At any given stage in the condition, medical professionals may work with both the patients and their families. Open communication Medication and medical follow-ups are an ongoing process. The next stage in rehabilitation includes psychotherapy sessions. A person suffering from schizophrenia must stay in touch with their doctor to discuss everything related to the condition.

A severe mental disorder, schizophrenia impacts how an individual thinks, reacts to emotions, and perceives reality. It results in a variety of symptoms including delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia that can cause the patient to isolate themselves from the rest of the world. At present, roughly 1% of the total population suffer from this mental disorder. Schizophrenia cannot be cured, however, it can be managed with the help of medications and therapy. This disorder can affect anyone. It typically develops in men during their late teens or early twenties. On the other hand, in women, the symptoms of schizophrenia begin to surface during their twenties or early thirties. The following are some commonly observed symptoms of this condition: Delusions:  People suffering from schizophrenia often have delusions that can impair their day-to-day life. For example, they might believe they are being subjected to unjust prejudice, or they are exceptionally famous, or a big disaster is about to occur. Hallucinations:  Typically, patients experiencing schizophrenia mention seeing things or hearing sounds and/or voices that don’t exist. Hallucinations can also involve smelling strange odors or experiencing odd sensations in the body. Disorganized speech:  Schizophrenia impairs the brain’s ability to think clearly which leads to disorganized speech. Simply put, the patient will talk about things that are completed or partially unrelated to the current conversation. In rare cases, they might put together random words that don’t make sense. Abnormal motor behavior:  This symptom can manifest in a number of ways. For example, the individual might act silly, be unnaturally childish, or get absurdly angry. Since the behavior isn’t directed towards a goal, it can become tough to manage routine tasks as one might disobey instructions, not respond, keep repeating movements, and hold an awkward pose for a long time. Negative symptoms: The negative symptoms of schizophrenia refer to the diminished ability to do things normally.

Our bodies are made up of different kinds of cells. Blood cells are an important type of cell that is further bifurcated into three parts, namely white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Each type of blood cell plays an essential role in the human body. Red blood cells remove carbon dioxide from the body and carry oxygen to the tissues. Platelets prevent bleeding by forming blood clots. While blood cells are an essential part of the immune system and help fight infection and protect the body from foreign substances. There are several types of white blood cells. B lymphocytes are a type of white blood cells that become plasma cells upon identifying antigens in the body. Plasma cells and multiple myeloma Plasma cells produce antibodies that fight antigens, otherwise known as harmful foreign substances. These cells are normally present in the bone marrow in a limited number, but they can turn into a tumor upon abnormal cell multiplication. The tumor can turn cancerous and may cause multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. While scientists do not know the exact cause of multiple myeloma, they have conducted studies on how certain DNA changes can cause the plasma cells to turn cancerous and form a tumor. Multiple myeloma can lead to a loss of red blood cells, causing anemia. It can also decrease the number of platelets in the blood, which causes increased bleeding and bruising. Multiple myeloma even causes a shortage of white blood cells that leads to problems in fighting infections. Medical researchers and doctors who have been studying multiple myeloma are looking for a cure and methods to prevent this disease. Preventing it becomes less challenging when one knows the risk factors and early signs of cancer. Identifying the risk factors and taking the right measures to eliminate the risk can be an effective way to prevent multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma is a condition wherein plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cells in the bone marrow, become cancerous and start multiplying. This condition can damage the bones, immune system, and kidneys and the treatment for myeloma depends on the stage of cancer. Options include medication, corticosteroids, chemotherapy, and radiation; a stem-cell transplant may also be done. Cost of treatment There have been major advances in the last 15 years in the diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma. Overall, survival has remarkably improved during this period due to the research and introduction of new medications. But the costs of treating myeloma are very high, more than other oncology treatments. The cost is amplified in three ways: first, treatment requires a combination of multiple medications; second, treatment is usually done in the form of continuous or maintenance therapy, due to which costs are not temporary but continual; third, as survival through multiple myeloma has remarkably improved, the cumulative cost of care over the lifetime of a patient is very high. The costs for treatment for multiple myeloma can include approximately $150,000 per annum for medication and treatment, and around $100,000 per annum for maintenance and care after initial treatment. These costs not only affect the patient but also society as a whole. Introducing biosimilars to replace biologics – many of whose patents are due to expire – can result in huge savings, projected to be to the tune of $54 billion from 2017 to 2026. Comparing biologics and biosimilars Biologic medicines are transforming cancer treatment by targeting the key path that underlies the mechanism of the disease. They are more active and less toxic in the treatment of cancer than the previous generations of small-molecule medications. The research, manufacturing, and introduction cost of biologics is high, which explains why cancer medication is very expensive.

Prevention is better than cure, as the saying goes. There are steps one can take that might help prevent osteoporosis instead of having to treat it later. And should on already have it, he or she can still follow these steps to help reverse the disease. These include the following: Avoid having carbonated drinks. Champagne or any sort of fizzy drink causes calcium to seep out of your bones. The phosphate content in carbonated drinks increases the loss of the bone. Avoid too much of protein. It causes excess acidity which in turn leads to calcium being leached out of your body through your urine. Don’t block your stomach acids with drugs when you have a heartburn or hiatal hernia. Stomach acid helps absorb minerals that are significant for the well-being of the body including calcium. Acid blocking agents are to be taken for a few weeks, not for years together. Avoid caffeine. Studies say that with every cup of coffee, 150 mg of calcium leeches out of your body through your urine. If you have to have coffee, ensure you have an additional 150 mg of calcium every day. Make sure you take in the right kind of calcium. Tums, for instance, is a bad source of calcium because it has calcium hydroxyapatite which is not absorbed well and it decreases stomach acid. Remember, your body can absorb a maximum of 500 mg of calcium only at a time. Make sure you get some exposure to sunlight every now and then. Vitamin D helps absorb calcium and helps deposit it in the bones. Check your hormones regularly. In women, a decline in hormones after menopause leads to bone loss. In men, the equivalent of menopause is called andropause and it causes bone loss as well. Too much of cortisol, insulin, and parathyroid hormones are also culprits in bone loss.