In our face-paced lifestyle, our food habits have changed drastically. Fast foods and unhealthy eatables have become an inevitable part of our diet, causing numerous problems like diabetes, obesity, heart problems, etc. Although there has been a significant decrease in deaths due to heart diseases globally, a maximum amount of deaths in America are caused due to the same. Trans fat is the biggest culprit that’s present in junk food and packaged food. This artificially obtained “edible” ingredient is present in most of the food items sold in stores. As a result, people who consume trans fat can be victims of high cholesterol levels. The good news is that people are now realizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle and altered food habits. But, it’s still a slow process. While health consciousness started as a trend, it is successfully becoming a lifestyle choice of many Americans. Also, with the advent of technology, we have come to know a lot about cardiovascular diseases and ways to prevent it. For a healthy heart, one needs to eat healthy and exercise regularly. Here’s a cheat sheet of eating for a healthy heart that comprises a list of four food items that you should include in your diet to keep heart diseases at bay.
Salmon
One of the most heart-healthy foods that you can get your hands on is salmon. Many other fatty fishes that are great for the heart include mackerels and sardines. These seafood items are good for the heart because of the high level of omega-3 fatty acids present in them. Studies have shown that people who take higher amounts of food containing omega-3 fatty acids have lower risks of heart diseases like irregular heart beat (arrhythmia), plaque build up in arteries (atherosclerosis), and also have a significant decrease in the amount of triglycerides in the body. According to the American Heart Association, fatty fishes such as the ones mentioned should be included in the diet at least twice a week.
Oatmeal
This is definitely the king of healthy foods. Not only does an oatmeal recipe taste excellent, but it is also amazing for the heart. Oatmeal has a higher content of soluble fiber. Thus, it acts as a sponge and soaks up all the cholesterol in the body. Hence, the cholesterol is excreted out and not absorbed by the blood. Lauren Graf, the director and dietitian of the wellness program at Montefiore Medical Centre in New York City, however, suggests that it is best to avoid instant oatmeal and opt for the traditional oats because instant oats usually contain sugar. Whole grains like pasta, grits, and bread are also great for the heart.
Citrus fruits
Studies have shown that women consuming high amounts of flavanoids (found in oranges and grapefruits) have a lower chance of getting heart strokes. Citrus fruits have vitamin C, which helps in decreasing risks of heart diseases. However, it is important that you avoid citrus drinks with sugar. Certain grapefruit products might interfere with the actions of Statins, which are cholesterol lowering drugs, and hence, should be avoided.
Nuts
Nuts are not only tasty but are also really good for the heart. Almonds, peanuts, pistachios, walnuts, and macadamia nuts are the ones that you should be eating for a healthy heart on a regular basis. These are high in fibers and contain omega-3 fatty acids and also Vitamin E, which help to control the bad cholesterol in our body.
Chronic migraine is a condition where the affected person experiences at least 15 headache days a month. It is observed that at least 8 out of these 15 days are migraine headaches with severe symptoms, and this pattern of discomfort remains consistent for 3 months. Initially, it may not be a frequently occurring episode, however, with time, the episodes may get regular with chronic headaches. If left untreated, this condition can affect a person’s life.
Causes
Several factors determine the onset of this kind of migraine. One of them includes a steady increase in the frequency of episodic headaches. Over-the-counter treatment options that are used to treat frequent headaches stop affecting over time, leading to side effects that develop into chronic headaches. Some other factors that can put an individual at a high risk of developing this condition include mood disorders like anxiety or depression, snoring, excessive caffeine intake, ongoing disturbed sleep patterns, and a history of stressful life events causing emotional or physical trauma. An unhealthy lifestyle leading to an increase in the body mass index (BMI) can also be a causal factor.
Symptoms
There is no difference between symptoms of chronic migraines and episodic migraines. However, the only thing to notice is the increased frequency of episodic headaches in a month. Some typical symptoms of this illness can be observed for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Transitioning symptoms (episodic to chronic migraines)
Diagnosis
A health professional will take a look at the affected person’s health history. If needed, the doctor may ask questions that help understand the migraine patterns. The questions include how and when the migraines begin, how long they last, are there any notable physical factors or triggers that worsen the condition, and where the location of the pain is.
The professional may also ask for a detailed history of other health conditions like anxiety, depression, lifestyle choices that may trigger these headaches, any treatment options used, and possible side effects that could be factored into the diagnosis. Based on the results, appropriate treatment methods will be advised and implemented.
Treatment options
Most of the treatment methods focus on managing the symptoms, the migraine attacks, and reducing the episodes and pain.
One of the treatment therapies includes focusing on lifestyle changes.
Some other treatment options for managing migraine attacks include:
Other techniques include:
Also, maintain a headache diary and note down the possible triggers and the number of migraine attacks in a month. If there’s a notable increase in the attacks, consult a doctor at the earliest. Knowing the triggers can help the doctor chalk out an effective treatment plan.
Preventive treatments and methods
Apart from treatment options that help manage the symptoms, there are preventive treatment methods that reduce the episodes of these headaches to a certain extent. These include using beta blockers and other therapies. One such treatment method also includes using an Allergan product named BOTOX®, which doctors recommend for those 18 years and older. The intravenous treatment method is administered around the neck or the head, where the migraine pain usually affects the person. This ten-minute procedure is not painful and can prevent headaches for three months. The procedure takes place in a doctor’s clinic under close supervision.
Chronic migraine can be painful and disrupt everyday life activities, so choosing the right treatment plan is crucial. Get all the information from a licensed health professional and seek the best possible treatment plan according to a detailed diagnosis.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in the cells that produce melanin. The pigment melanin is responsible for giving the skin its color. Advanced melanoma can form inside one’s nose, throat, or digestive tract. Studies show that the risk of melanoma increases in people under 40, especially women. Knowing the early signs of the disease is crucial since melanoma can be treated successfully if detected early.
Stages
There are five stages of melanoma. The cancer cells of Stage 0 melanoma are restricted to the epidermis, the top layer of skin. The epidermis and dermis, the deeper layer of the skin, both contain cancer cells in Stage I melanoma. Stage II melanoma is marked by tumor thickness and ulceration, while Stage III is marked by melanoma deposits in the skin and cancer spreading to nearby lymph nodes. The advanced stage of melanoma, also called metastatic skin cancer, shows the further spread of cancer to distant areas of the body.
Causes of advanced melanoma
The exact cause of melanoma is unknown, although exposure to harsh ultraviolet (UV) radiation, tanning beds, or lamps has been shown to increase one’s risk of getting the disease. One can develop skin disease anywhere in one’s body. Those with a family history of the disease or exposure to radiation or vinyl chloride are also vulnerable to metastatic melanoma.
Signs of advanced melanoma
An early sign of melanoma is the development of an unusual mole. Normal moles are minor and uniform in size and color. But melanoma moles have irregular shapes or borders and can be larger than 6 millimeters. If a mole grows in size, color, and shape and causes itchiness, it’s best to get it checked. Advanced melanoma may lead to chronic fatigue, swollen lymph nodes or liver, loss of appetite, jaundice, skin itchiness, headaches, and even seizures. Depending on where the metastatic melanoma has spread, one may experience chest pain, breathing issues, aching bones, paralysis, sleepiness, and swelling in one’s legs or abdomen.
Melanoma treatment options
The American Cancer Society reports that the five-year survival rate for patients with melanoma that has spread to surrounding lymph nodes is 66%. Surgery is a common way to treat it. Targeted therapy is another method to eliminate the tumor and its metastases selectively. Alternatively, immunotherapy aids a person’s immune system in recognizing and shrinking cancer cells. Other treatments for metastatic skin cancer include chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Conclusion
Opdulag is a standard treatment for advanced melanoma skin cancer. The therapy, given by intravenous (IV) infusions, works with one’s immune system and is used to fight cancer that has spread or cannot be surgically removed. If one experiences any early signs of melanoma skin cancer, it’s recommended to consult a doctor immediately.