Have a Safe Date
We are all looking to meet that one perfect person that will change our lives completely, change the way we see ourselves, the way we look at situations, our perspectives, and almost every important aspect of our lives. The peculiarity lies in the possibility of that person being either the love of our lives or our worst nightmare. It all depends on how well we respond to red flags and listen to our gut feelings. We want you to find your soulmate without having to incur any damages and live happily ever after with “the one”. For that to be possible, you should have the highest regard for your personal safety, yes even higher than pleasure. And we will help you with a guide to safe date! Read on!
Don’ts First!
We are very sorry to keep the good things on hold and put the restrictions first, but really, don’ts come first. Because safety comes before pleasure, we are listing some important things it would be best for you to keep in mind for a healthy dating experience.
Know where to stop
The way to connect is to know each others’ likes and dislikes, but in all cases, avoid oversharing. They definitely do not need to know where you were born, where you work, and obviously not where you live. Save your phone number for later too. Financial information like bank details should be off-limits until you establish trust.
Meeting for the first time? Be wise
Planning to go offline after chatting for a while? Never agree to be picked up from your place for the first date. After online dating sites gained popularity, reports of physical, emotional, and mental abuse went up. We certainly do not want any of that to happen.
Do not let them use your belongings
You must keep an eye on all of your belongings when you meet up. Do not let them use your phone unless it is a genuine emergency. You never know how tech-savvy your partner is and what hell can break loose if they get hold of information from your devices.
No “your place or mine” after the first date, please
It is a given, but still necessary to be said. Do not get in their personal vehicles and definitely not inside their house. Do not bring them home either. Is it not a bit too early for that? Get to know each other better before you take your relationship to the next level.
Time for Do’s, finally!
Okay, enough with the restrictions let us get you to the good part real quick. Excited? Us too!
- Search them up before you meet
This is the digital age we are living in. It sounds better to know them more than they have told you about themselves before meeting in person.
- Keep your device charged
You never know what is coming, better be prepared. Mobile phones are the quickest way to send for help.
- Share your whereabouts
Always let someone you trust know where you will be with, who you will be with and what time to expect you back.
- Listen to your gut
You know this already, but sometimes we are so looking forward to something interesting in life, that we forget the most basic of rules. Common sense is what you should use before dating apps. It is never wise to ignore red flags. Trust your gut feelings rather than be sorry later.
- Learn to say “No”
It is just the start. You do not need to be concerned about hurting their feelings if you are uncomfortable. Practice some ‘leaving early’ excuses before you go to meet them.
- Sexual Safety
Here comes the most important safety precaution. You must know well about their sexual history before going intimate. Communication is the key here. Talk about all the details and what safety measures you both would prefer to use. Use contraception you find comfortable. Testing is just as important too. The stigma around sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) will need time to be lifted, but you need to avoid unwanted pregnancies and infections while enjoying yourself.
We meet new people every day, make new friendships and connections while putting our best out there. However, while we are at it, we are so focused on making the most out of every connection; we forget that personal safety should be our foremost priority. Especially when it comes to a romantic relationship, an extra layer of sexual safety gets added. For ensuring your sound sexual health and your partner’s, visit the 24/7 Labs website, loaded with helpful information and for availing testing kits as well. Dating is vulnerable, handle with care!
- Published in STDs
Abortions and Miscarriages in Teens
The world around us changes overnight in our teens. It is important for us to play safely. Know it well before taking your first step forward. Teen pregnancy increases when girls are denied the right to make decisions about their health and their sexual and reproductive health. Girls need to be able to make decisions about their bodies and the future and to be able to access appropriate health and education services. Because young people in other developed lands are getting rich sex education and more access to contraception and family planning services, they have more low rates of pregnancy and abortion. For example, in the Netherlands, where teen sex is almost identical as in the U.S., pregnancy rates are only nine times higher than those in the United States.
Choice
It is important that you have enough information about all the options before making a decision. Unfortunately, many young people delay seeking advice during pregnancy, perhaps hoping that it will not be true. For those who choose to continue their pregnancy this delay could mean missing out on important maternity care. But it is important that you get a right treatment. Adolescents have higher rates of complications in pregnancy and childbirth, and are at greater risk for postpartum depression. It is also important to eat well and stop drinking and smoking during your pregnancy. Talk to a doctor who can discuss your pregnancy with great confidence.
If you choose to terminate (abortion), a delay in confirming the pregnancy may affect the type of termination available. For example, medical termination, or taking a contraceptive pill, is only done with a pregnancy less than 9 weeks).
Physical Risks of Adolescent Abortion
- Young abortion patients are twice as likely to experience cervical dislocation during abortion compared to older women because adolescents have smaller cervical organs
- Bleeding and panic
- Adolescents are also at greater risk of post-abortion infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and endometritis (inflammation of the uterus)
- Adolescents are more susceptible to infections because they do not produce infections found in the cervix of older women which protects them from infection.
- They are at high risk of infertility, ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy) and other serious problems such as premature birth, stillbirth and frequent abortions.
Psychological and emotional consequences
- Deterioration of autonomy.
- Sleep, lust and sexual dysfunction.
- Decreased motivation.
- Disruption in human relationships.
- Guilt and over-anxiety.
- Depression and suicidal tendencies.
- Drug abuse.
How do you keep yourself safe and protect teen pregnancy and abortion?
Abstinence is the most effective way to prevent a miscarriage. Only you, as the parent can decide for yourself what is right and what is wrong. There are many ways to feel close to someone without sex and there is no need to rush. You get to set your boundaries – physically and emotionally. If you are thinking about having sex, start with information. Learn how to protect yourself from STDs and unplanned pregnancies. Information can help you gain confidence.
Healthy relationships have a few things in common: communication, respect and trust. In healthy relationships, people spend time together, but they make their own decisions and have their own lives as well. If your relationship is healthy, you can talk about any problem whether it is bad or difficult. Talk about your limitations when it comes to sex, whether you are ready or not, discuss birth control methods and STD tests. It is all about listening to the other person and respecting their opinion.
The teen should consult a trusted professional
No matter what abortion procedure you take, your first step is to confirm your pregnancy. If you have not yet received an ultrasound, it will be necessary before proceeding with the procedure, to show how far you are and what abortion procedure you will need. It is also important to diagnose and treat STDs (STIs) before there is an invasive procedure; STDs can be transmitted through your cervix (which opens with any abortion) into your uterus.
Free and confidential pregnancy tests, ultrasound and STD tests and treatments, contact Step One, a trusted pregnancy medical center. In the United States, children have the right to have an abortion without the consent of their parents unless otherwise provided by law. Medical abortion is not successful, it requires a surgical procedure to complete the abortion.
- Published in Basic Wellness, Pregnancy Testing
The efficiency of barrier method
The prevention of pregnancy stands as a crucial part of modern practice. Also, it is of major public health interest. Method for controlling fertility is necessary and desired. It is known as barrier method. Traditionally, the method of birth control centered almost exclusively on the deterrence of unwanted conception. Now, the goal of recent birth control has shifted towards delivering more complete health to women. Primarily reproductive health, providing women with effective contraceptives. Considerably of on-contraceptive benefits and lifestyle advantages of various methods. There stands very little information to authorize a comparison about how effective the barriers would be. Therefore, the research on this matter continues.
Barrier contraceptives stand as devices that physically prevent the dissemination of sperm within the vagina. Similarly, it obstructs the access of spermatozoa to the upper genital tract. Again, there are numerous that lists the chemical as well as physical barrier methods of contraception. Also, these can be used independently or in combination.
Some physical barrier methods are:
- Male condom
- Female condom
- Diaphragm
- Cervical cap
- Contraceptive vaginal sponge
Some chemical methods are:
- Spermicidal gels
- Jellies
- Creams
- Vaginal foams
- Films
- Suppositories
- Tablets
We can barely mark concrete differences in the effectiveness of these barrier methods. We can even find some similarities. Also, these methods are associated with the sexual behavior of the user. As each sexual manner provides a particular situation. Then, the partner decides whether to use the method or not. Both partners should decide before encountering sexual intercourse. Therefore, the barrier method expects a necessity for motivation as well as cooperation from the partner.
You can rely on the fact that barrier methods are safe.
Pros:
- Unlike IUD, you can utilize them as per your necessity.
- You can purchase most barriers without a prescription.
- Also, the barriers that need a prescription can be utilized multiple times.
- Sometimes spermicides and condoms exist unrestricted as well as available at the clinic very easily.
- Also, these non-hormonal barriers can be used by everyone.
- Again, you need not have to worry about breastfeeding while accepting them.
- Moreover, there appears no impact on your other health problems. For instance, blood pressure.
- These are extremely reasonable than hormonal birth control methods.
- Furthermore, condoms offer bed protection against STDs during P-in-V intercourse, anal sex as well as oral sex.
- Diaphragms perform 80-90% beneficial while preventing pregnancy. Also, when you use a spermicide along with the diaphragm, the effective percentage increases. As it kills sperm on contact.
Cons:
- The first and foremost is to remember to use them before sexual intercourse.
- There remains a lot of complaints about condoms that interfere with the sensation.
- Again, various people are allergic to spermicides. As a result, condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps regimes.
- Although they assure effectiveness yet they still lack efficiency from the non-barrier method.
With the correct and consistent use of barrier methods effectiveness in STDs as well as HIV stands enhanced. Also, recently these methods are overlooked. Even not prescribed. Hence, people frequently fail to use them and change to alternate methods. Sometimes they abandon using them with no contraception that leads to more disappointments. On the contrary, some of the barrier methods are more acceptable by the users as they provide more privacy. Particularly the women who do not want to reveal their sexual activity.
It is also helpful for women who do not want to consult a doctor. Overall, the preferences of the users are critical considerations recommending a contraceptive method. Because obtaining the correct use of these barrier methods can keep you safe from STD transmission. Again, the barrier methods assure you with the prevention of infertility. Sometimes we counter the occurrence of TSS (toxic shock syndrome) that is rare. It is however associated with the diaphragm and sponge as researched.
The bottom line
Use them! If you are planning for sexual intercourse, use them to prevent the above-mentioned issues. As you can see, all the methods are most effective. Not only effective but also affordable birth control measures. Barrier methods have come a long way from the past 50 years and science made them informative as well as easy to utilize. The most common scenery in sexual intercourse is that the male is responsible for organizing condoms. While the women are responsible for not getting pregnant out of it. However, they should stimulate both to protect themselves against STDs. Contraception methods are available for both sexes.
- Published in STDs
Everything to know about Psoriasis in adults
Psoriasis may be a disease of the skin that causes thick, itchy patches of red skin and silvery scaling. The leading two layers of the skin are called the epidermis and dermis. New cells at rock bottom of the epidermis constantly move up and replace the older cells above them. Normally, it takes one month for cells to form this journey. In psoriasis, cells reach the skin surface in just six to eight days. This particularly happens due to a poor immune system. However, it is extremely common in fair skin people and adults.
How does it happen?
Scientists think that your immune system mistakes certain natural substances in your skin as foreign invaders. This causes your immune system to perform a counterattack called an inflammatory response. Inflammation stands as a series of changes that occur in your skin. This will eventually include enlarged blood vessels along with the growth of more blood vessels. In addition, the growth of more immune cells in the area. This helps in forming groups and faster creation of new skin cells. Over time, this becomes a cycle. Likewise, damaged skin cells signal more immune cells to join the area. Eventually, this allows the skin cells to multiply rapidly and your skin gets thicker. Thus, this results in raised, itchy, and inflamed areas called plaques on the skin. Scientists also think that the chances of your having psoriasis can be passed from your family. It can pass through parts of your DNA through genes. If you are passed with it from your family then there are certain triggers that you should take care of:
- Skin injuries such as big bites.
- Dry skin or dry weather.
- Infections particularly- strep throat or skin infections.
- Stress.
- Smoking.
- Drinking alcohol.
- Certain medications.
Types of psoriasis
There are five major types of psoriasis:
- Plaque psoriasis – It is the most common psoriasis. It appears in raised red patches along with a silvery-white buildup of dead skin cells. This appears common in the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower backs. They are often itchy and painful. Again, if they get cracked, they can bleed.
- Guttate psoriasis- A guttate psoriasis is a form of psoriasis that appears as small dot-like lesions. We can often see it in some children or young adults. This can further stand triggered by a strep infection. About 10% of psoriasis-affected people have guttate psoriasis.
- Inverse psoriasis- This comes out as extremely red lesions in body folds. Particularly, behind the knee, under the arm, or in the groin. Besides, it may appear smooth and shiny.
- Pustular psoriasis- It stands characterized by white pustules or blisters of non-infectious pus. Moreover, it stands surrounded by red skin. It has the tendency to occur in any part of the body. But occurs often on the hands or feet.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis- This is a severe form of psoriasis that directs to extensive fiery redness that spreads all over most of the body parts. It can particularly cause severe itching and pain.
Symptoms
- One or more raised red skin patches with silver scales on your scalp, elbows, knees, low backs, or buttocks.
- One may also notice skin patches that might occur on your eyebrows, armpits, belly, around the anus, or between your buttocks.
- The patches may itch or hurt.
- Some people with psoriasis may also face other symptoms such as swollen, painful joints or pus-filled blisters.
- Sometimes your fingernails might misshapen, thick, and pitted.
When to see a doctor?
It is always safe to see a doctor when you suspect you have psoriasis on any part of your body. Also, consult a doctor immediately if your psoriasis evolves severely or is widespread. Again, when it causes you discomfort, pain, change in the skin, joint problems. Particularly, when it does not improve with normal treatments. Doctors can usually tell you if you have psoriasis by looking at your skin patches. If still there remains any confusion the doctor will ask you for certain tests. They will take a sample of your skin and look at the microscope. This is known as a biopsy. The treatments will include medicines to put on your skin. Again, phototherapy where UV light will shine on your skin to heal. Furthermore, pills or shots are also used to treat psoriasis. Some of the medicines can possess side effects. So, they are only used to treat severe cases.
- Published in Basic Wellness
Habits that are taking you closer to cardiac arrest
In these uncertain times when the world is battling with the covid-19 pandemic, it is quite natural that our lifestyle and habits took a turn for the worse. Therefore our overall health practices are no longer a consistent part of our lifestyle. We no longer take part in physical movement and our eating habits are just as bad enough. But among all this chaos the most overlooked part of our health is our heart. According to WHO an estimated 17 million people died from Cardiovascular Diseases in 2019 and 85% of those deaths were due to cardiac arrest and stroke. Moreover, most of the deaths related to cardiac arrest can be prevented by addressing behavioral risk factors. Also, these habits take you closer to cardiac arrests among many other related complications.
So what is cardiac arrest?
According to heart.org, cardiac arrest is defined as the abrupt loss of heart function in a person who may or may not have any prior heart condition. While a heart attack is the stoppage of blood flow in the arteries of the heart resulting in the death of heart muscle tissue, on the other hand, cardiac arrest is due to the malfunction of the heart-pumping mechanism resulting in the arrested heartbeats and eventually death. Common signs include loss of consciousness along with irregular or absent breathing. Before entering cardiac arrest, individuals may also experience chest pain or nausea.
Habits that are taking you closer to cardiac arrest
1. You are an active smoker
If you want to reduce your risk of cardiac arrest to a great extent, it is essential to avoid smoke in any way, shape, or form. Smoking tobacco damages the heart and blood vessels and can raise your blood pressure that consequently leads to the malfunction of the heart muscle. That said it is tough to quit smoking or change your lifestyle to avoid second-hand smoke, so do not be afraid to ask for support and try a variety of approaches until you find the right fit.
2. You indulge in heavy alcohol consumption.
The risk of heart attack is increased due to the heavy consumption of alcohol because it leads to an increase in blood pressure. That said, you do not have to quit alcohol completely to keep your heart healthy, but it is smart to cut back to the recommended maximum of two drinks a day for men and one drink per day for women.
3. You do not have a proper diet.
You might not like to spend much time looking at your plate. But overlooking your nutritional needs and food consumption habits will have a great consequence. Food does not need to be boring to provide you with all the nutrition. A balanced diet that has delicious foods like olive oil, fish, lean protein, nuts, fruit, and whole grains can satisfy those taste buds and also can keep your bad cholesterol in check which will lead to a healthy heart. These types of food also help in keeping your heart healthy, thanks to the good fats, fiber, and nutrients. Plus, all these types of food are readily available across all stores.
4. You do not exercise much.
Physical activity is one of the greatest things that can help you cut down your weight, tone out those muscles, and most importantly prevent you from having chronic heart conditions. If you spend all your time sitting around, chances are that you have already damaged your health in certain ways. Any type of physical activity is better than none. You do not need fancy equipment and fitness instructors to start your health journey. Start by taking long walks, stretching, or doing some jumping jacks, which does not need any technique and anyone would be able to accomplish.
5. You skip the annual health check-ups.
Healthcare specialists always suggest undergoing a complete medical checkup every year. Skipping health checkups might keep you in the dark about your health stats on cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar, which can eventually lead to sudden bouts of cardiac arrest.
Be consistent with your choice
Everything being said, Rome was not built in a day, in other words, lifestyle changes are not something that can be implemented in our life suddenly. Practice makes perfect and therefore you need to be mindful about your practices to add these changes slowly but regularly. Whether your goal is to quit alcohol or to start a healthy diet, try to implement a single habit at a time. Trying everything at once will lead to confusion and demotivation. Moreover, becoming more curious on the health front will make you accountable for your unhealthy habits. It ensures that you are well prepared for any emergencies that might need medical attention. Also, try to encourage others to keep a tab on their health. This will motivate you to continue yours and leads to the overall betterment of the community.
In short, try to keep in mind that the ultimate goal is to live a happy and healthy life. This is possible by keeping aside the bad habits and being responsible about our daily choices.
- Published in Basic Wellness
Types Of Genital Cancers In Men
The male reproductive system consists of the penis, testicle, scrotum, and other accessory organs that produce, maintain, and transport semen and sperms. Sperms are the male reproductive cells whereas semen is the protective fluid. Hence, the male reproductive system also produces and secretes male sex hormones responsible for sexual characteristics.
Cancer is a condition in which cells of an organ divide abnormally and uncontrollably and compete with normal cells for nutrition and growth. So, here is a list of types of genital cancers found in males.
Penile Cancer
So, the cancer of the penis is known as penile cancer caused by the growth of normal cells into cancerous cells leading to tumor formation. Men over 60 years of age, with excessive smoking habits, and poor personal hygiene are more likely to develop penile cancer. However, penile cancer can also be caused by sexually transmitted infections. Therefore, if penile cancer is severe, it may affect nearby areas such as the prostate gland, scrotum, and pubic bone.
Symptoms Of Penile Cancer
- Development of lump or ulcer on the penis
- Change in the color of the penis
- Thickening of penile skin
- Swelling of lymph nodes of the groin
- Itching, burning, and redness in the pelvic area
- Liquid discharge under the foreskin
- Appearance of rashes
Prostate Cancer
A small gland located in the lower abdomen in males is known as the prostate gland which is regulated by the testosterone hormone. The prostate gland plays a major role in the production of seminal fluid. Cancer of the prostate gland occurs due to the malignant growth of cells forming a tumor in the prostate. Prostate cancer can be divided into two types- Aggressive and Non-aggressive based on its rapid growth. Therefore, the risk factors for developing Prostate cancer include old age, obesity, genetic changes, ethnicity, race, and family history of cancers.
Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer
- Urinary problems- frequent urges to urinate, slower stream while urinating, and blood discharge in urine
- Pain and numbness in pelvic area, chest, and neck
- Erectile dysfunction
- Swelling and puffiness in legs
- Change in bowel habits
- Abnormal weight loss with no apparent cause
Testicular Cancer
Testes are the male reproductive organ located inside the scrotum responsible for the production of sperms and testosterone. Testicular cancer develops due to the formation of a tumor in either one or both testicles or testes. Seminomas and nonseminomas are the two types of germ cell tumors divided on the basis of how rapidly they grow and expand. Therefore, the risk factors of testicular cancer include undescended testicles, family history of cancer, and abnormal testicular development.
Symptoms Of Testicular Cancer
- Testicular swelling and redness
- Pain and discomfort in testicles
- Pain in abdomen, groin, scrotum, and back
- Changes in male breast tissues
- Growth of painless lump in the testicle
Urethral Cancer
A hollow tube that serves as a common passage for urine and sperms in males is the urethra. Urological cancer of the urethra is rare and difficult to detect at an early stage. Generally, individuals suffering from chronic inflammation or infections are at a greater risk of developing urethral cancer. Males diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (such as HPV) are more likely to develop urethral cancer. Hence, old people, people with bladder cancer, and urethral stricture often develop urethral cancer.
Symptoms Of Urethral Cancer
- The appearance of a lump on or near the urethra
- Reduced urinary flow or dribbling
- Bleeding and pain while urinating
- Urinary incontinence
- The appearance of enlarged lymph nodes in the groin
- Frequent urges to urinate
Bladder Cancer
The urinary bladder holds urine produced in the body and guides the urge to remove it with the help of stretch receptors. Generally, males with exposure to chemicals and chronic bladder infections are more likely to develop bladder cancer.
It can be of the following types.
- Squamous cell carcinoma, occurs in the squamous cells of the urinary bladder. Hence, leading to irritation, redness, and pain.
- Transitional cells are modified cells of the urinary bladder that stretch and change shape to store and pass urine. Carcinoma occurs in the transitional cells of the urinary bladder.
- Adenocarcinoma occurs in the glandular cells of the bladder. Hence, it causes inflammation and irritation.
Symptoms Of Bladder Cancer
- Bleeding and pain while urinating
- Urinary incontinence
- Frequent urges to urinate
- Pain in abdomen and lower back
- Unexplained tiredness
- Weight loss with no apparent cause
- Bone tenderness
Conclusion
However, to summarize, cancer develops when cells of any organ divide abnormally and uncontrollably forming a tumor. Bladder cancer, penile cancer, urethral cancer, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer are some of the male-centric cancers. Furthermore, the treatment of cancer is majorly by the location of the tumor, size of the tumor, stage of cancer, and age of the patient. Therefore, general symptoms associated with cancer of any genital part include pain, redness, and discomfort in that area. Also, growth of lumps that may be painful or painless, urinary incontinence, and changes in the genital color or structure.
- Published in Basic Wellness
A Complete Guide To Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a commonly observed condition in women wherein a lump or aggregated mass of cells form on the breasts.
Breast cancer may begin in the duct carrying milk to the nipple, in the glands storing the breast milk, or in other breast tissues. Generally, mammograms, MRIs, Biopsy, and ultrasound help diagnose breast cancer.
Symptoms of breast cancer
Initial symptoms of breast cancer include:
- Development of lumps in the breast or armpit leading to thickening of the area.
- The common symptoms of breast cancer are pain, redness, or pitting of the breast skin, armpits, or nipples.
- Development of rashes around the nipples and scaling of breast or nipple is indicative of breast cancer.
- The presence of an inverted nipple, discharge of blood from nipples, or formation of lump or swelling under the arm also indicate the presence of breast cancer.
Causes of breast cancer
- Breast cancer is more likely to develop in females than males as the cells of female breasts expose to hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
- The condition is more likely to develop in females that have undergone breast biopsy associated with lobular carcinoma or breast hyperplasia.
- Women having a family history of breast cancer are more likely to be diagnosed with the disease particularly at a young age.
- Gene mutations are major factors governing breast cancer. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are major generation mutations reports to be the cause of breast cancer.
- Age is also a factor that can lead to the development of lumps on breasts. Aged women are more likely to develop breast cancer compared to younger females.
- Alcohol elevates the risk of developing breast cancer. Along with alcoholism, obesity is also a cause of breast cancer.
- Women taking postmenopausal hormone therapy are at a higher risk of getting breast cancer.
- Radiation exposure certainly increases the chances of breast cancer. Therefore, women undergoing radiation treatment are more likely to develop breast cancer.
Stages of breast cancer
Breast cancer has five stages according to the tumor size and the area it spreads to. The stages of cancer help the doctors to determine whether the cancer is invasive or noninvasive if lymph nodes face effects, and if cancer has spread to nearby tissues and organs.
Stage 0
This stage determines the confinement of cancer to the ducts of the breast and nearby tissues only.
Stage 1
In this stage, lymph nodes remain unaffected. However, the tumor develops up to 2 cm near the breast. In the later part of this stage, cancerous elements develop near the lymph nodes.
Stage 2
The cancerous tumor spreads around 2 to 5 cm to the armpit lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are not affected in this stage.
Stage 3
The cancers spread to axillary lymph nodes affecting mammary nodes 4 to 9 cm. The tumor may invade the chest wall and skin up to few centimeters. Hence, in this stage, lymph nodes near the collarbone and internal mammary nodes get affected.
Stage 4
In this stage, the cancerous cell spreads to the nearby lymph nodes and organs including bones, brain, liver, or lungs affecting their functions adversely.
Treatment of breast cancer
Treatment of breast cancers depends on various factors such as type of breast cancer (Angiosarcoma, Ductal carcinoma in situ, Lobular carcinoma in situ, inflammatory breast cancer, or others), stage of cancer, patient’s age and overall health, and patient’s sensitivity to the hormones. Therefore, there are various types of treatment available for breast cancer.
Surgery
Removal of the tumor and some amortizing healthy tissue around is surgical. The name of the procedure is lumpectomy. Removal of lobules, ducts, nipples, areola, lymph nodes, chest muscles, and fatty tissue takes place in a mastectomy.
Chemotherapy
The use of cytotoxic drugs can be extremely helpful in killing the cancerous cells and restricting their invasion and spreading.
Hormone blocking therapy
The doctors use hormone-blocking therapy to treat estrogen receptor-positive and progesterone receptor-positive cancers using hormones along with medications.
Biological treatment
Biological treatment can be administered to the patients with the help of drugs to destroy cancerous cells.
Conclusion
So, the formation of lumps or aggregated mass of cells on the breasts indicates the presence of breast cancer. Some of the commonly observed signs and symptoms of breast cancer include pain, redness, or pitting of the breast skin, armpits, or nipples, development of rashes around the nipples, inverted nipple, discharge of blood from nipples, and formation of a lump or swelling in the armpits. Surgical procedures such as lumpectomy, mastectomy, axillary lymph nodes dissection, and sentinel node biopsy are necessary for the treatment of breast cancer. Hence, avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol, maintaining the body mass index (BMI), exercising, and following a balanced diet can be helpful to prevent breast cancer.
- Published in Basic Wellness
Types Of Autoimmune Diseases
When the human body attacks its self cells and tissues, the condition is known as autoimmune disease. The immune system acts as a defense mechanism that fights against harmful foreign cells by producing antibodies.
In autoimmune diseases, the body fails to differentiate between self and foreign cells such as bacterias and viruses. Because of this, the body releases antibodies that attack healthy self cells. Autoimmune diseases may lead to abnormal growth of organs, tissue destruction, and alteration in organ functioning. Blood vessels, skin, red blood cells, endocrine glands, connective tissues, muscles, and joints can be affected due to autoimmune disease. Here is a list of the most common and dangerous autoimmune disorders.
Types Of Autoimmune Diseases
Rheumatoid Arthritis
It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system produces antibiotics that affect the body’s joints. Symptoms of this include joint pain and soreness, swelling, redness, deformities in the joints, and joint stiffness. Medications, home remedies, and dietary changes help in controlling rheumatoid arthritis. This disease can be detected using the rheumatoid factor test, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, anti-citrullinated protein antibody test, and antinuclear antibody test.
Graves Disease
Graves disease is a type of autoimmune disease that happens due to hyperthyroidism in which the body produces thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins. Hand tremors, unexplained fatigue, rapid heart rate, muscular weakness, swelling in the thyroid gland, disturbed sleep, and hearing intolerance are some of the symptoms that associate with this disease. Blood tests, thyroid-stimulating hormone tests, radioactive iodine uptake tests, and thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin tests are necessary for diagnoses.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
There are two types of Autoimmune inflammatory bowel diseases namely Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis. Inflammatory bowel diseases affect the intestinal walls by causing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, large intestine, and rectum. The occurrence of diarrhea, bleeding ulcers, stomach pain, abnormal weight loss, cramps in the stomach, and anemia are some of the symptoms associates with IBD. This autoimmune disease may lead to malnutrition, fistula, bowel obstruction, and colorectal cancer. However, inflammatory bowel disease can be confirmed by a stool sample, colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy, etc.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body attacks the myelin that affects the central nervous system. The symptoms that associate with this are fatigue, numbness of limbs, difficulty balancing the body, optic neuritis that causes blurry vision, blindness, double vision, speech problems, tremors, and sleep problems. MRI scan, optical coherence tomography, visual evoked potential tests, and spinal tap are some of the tests used to diagnoses. There are very few treatment options for this disease. However, medications and disease-modifying therapies prove to be effective.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis is a condition wherein skin cells rapidly replicate leading to the formation of red patches and swelling on the skin. The symptoms of this include swelling in tender joints, scaly skin patches, swelling in toes and fingers, extreme fatigue, nail pitting, eye redness, and eye pain. In some cases, spinal pain and stiffness are also visible. Psoriatic arthritis treatment is by, using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biological drugs.
Type 1 Diabetes
Another type of autoimmune disease is type 1 diabetes in which the endocrine gland, pancreas damages leading to less production of insulin. Insulin is essential for the body for the breakdown and utilization of glucose. Because of less production of insulin, the glucose levels in the blood rise above normal. Excessive hunger, frequent urge to urinate, tiredness, dry skin, nausea, excessive thirst, and blur vision are some of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes. To treat juvenile diabetes, insulin injections, medications, and tuberculosis vaccinations prove to be productive. Therefore, the major method to control type 1 diabetes is through dietary control.
Addison’s Disease
Addison’s disease is occurring due to abnormal functioning of the adrenal cortex leading to the unbalanced release of adrenal hormones. The symptoms that relate to this disease include nausea, tiredness, vomiting, depression, abnormal heart rate, loss of appetite, behavioral problems, hyperpigmentation, hypoglycemia, and sexual dysfunction. Hence, medications and alternative therapies are helpful to treat this autoimmune disease.
Conclusion
Autoimmune diseases occur when the human body attacks its self cells and tissues. Blood vessels, skin, red blood cells, endocrine glands, connective tissues, muscles, and joints are some of the areas that autoimmune disease affects. General symptoms associated with autoimmune diseases include unexplained tiredness, trouble concentration, redness and swelling in affected areas, skin rashes, muscular pain, and numbness in limbs. Celiac disease, autoimmune vasculitis, pernicious anemia, etc. are also autoimmune diseases. Therefore, rheumatologists, dermatologists, and endocrinologists help in the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases.
- Published in Basic Wellness
Things You Never Knew About PCOD
A lot of people have heard the term PCOD but do not know what it exactly is. Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD) are hormone disorders that occur in women. The most common age of having PCOD is the reproductive age. The common symptoms of these diseases are irregular periods, weight gain, and hair loss. There is surprisingly an increase in the number of women suffering from PCOD in the last decade. When there are health conditions, having misconceptions about them is common.
Today we are sharing some things that you never knew about PCOD.
Difference between PCOD and PCOS
The most common perception about these conditions is that both are the same. But that is not true. PCOD and PCOS are two different things. Both are similar but not the same. As we know, women have two ovaries that release an egg alternately every month. The ovaries also produce the male hormones- androgens in minute quantities. Both in PCOD and PCOS, ovaries release high amounts of androgen. But the development of cyst in PCOD takes place due to the release of a lot of immature or partially mature eggs. Eventually, these eggs turn into cysts. The ovaries usually become enlarged due to cysts. Abdominal weight gain, irregular periods, male pattern hair loss, and infertility are some of the common symptoms.
The best treatment for PCOD often reduces the severity of such symptoms. Whereas in PCOS the high amounts of androgen interfere with the development and release of the eggs. Some of the eggs develop into cysts. These cysts build up in the ovaries and even get enlarged many times, instead of being released during ovulation.
Where PCOD is the condition of hormonal imbalance. PCOS is a disorder of the endocrine system. It is a belief that hormonal imbalances and genetics play an essential role in both conditions. Theoretically, high levels of male hormones prevent ovaries from producing hormones and producing eggs normally. Also, Insulin resistance and inflammation have been linked to excess androgen production.
These are Rare Conditions
Though perceived to be a rare condition, you will be surprised to know the number of cases of PCOD. About 5% -10% of U.S. women aged between 12-45 years of age have either PCOD. Hence, not so rare of the conditions. As per the PCOS Foundation, less than half of all women with PCOS are diagnosed correctly. This means that millions of women are unaware of their condition.
Only Overweight women have PCOD
Another mistake that people make. PCOD has nothing to do with the weight of the person. They are hormonal disorders. You can have either of these diseases whether you are underweight, have an ideal weight, or overweight. Due to this mistake, people often ignore the symptoms that they have. It could easily be PCOD. Do not think that you have a lean body so you cannot have this condition. If you feel you have some symptoms visit a gynecologist immediately.
Do irregular periods mean PCOD?
You can have irregular periods due to many reasons. You do not need to have either PCOD. There are various reasons for irregular periods. It could be an unbalanced diet or hormonal change. If your diet is not balanced, then your periods will be irregular. Also, women who face problems of uterus fibroid or pelvic inflammatory conditions can experience some irregularities in their period. Therefore, stressing and thinking about having certain things is not fair for yourself. If you want to know why your periods are irregular, have a diagnosis. Do not assume things that will cause you stress and anxiety.
Women suffering from either cannot conceive
Another thing that people assume. But that is not true. Unknown to many, women with either PCOD can conceive. But they will have slight difficulty when trying to conceive. It is because of ovulation, hormonal or egg quality issues. The doctors emphasize eating a balanced diet, exercising, sleeping on time, managing stress levels, and drinking enough water. If you take care of these five things when trying to conceive, you will increase your chances of getting pregnant.
Losing weight might help to get rid of PCOD
Losing weight seems the solution of PCOD to most people. But what they do not know is losing weight is not the only solution. It will not help you to get rid of either of these diseases. There are several reasons for a person to have PCOD. Therefore, along with losing weight, you have to do a lot more. Also, as mentioned above, these are hormonal diseases. And weight is not the only factor. These are also known as lifestyle diseases. So along with losing weight, you have to make significant lifestyle changes for better results.
Conclusion
Now you are familiar with lots of things about PCOD. These are important to be checked with your doctor. There are a lot of presumed solutions of PCOD but it is not mandatory that they work. These can cause a lot of discomfort to you and your loved ones. Therefore, support your mothers, sisters, wives, friends who go through this. Support them. Make them happy and they will pass this phase of their lives without any difficulties.
- Published in Basic Wellness
The Role Of Dairy In PCOS/PCOD
PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common hormonal disorder from which almost 1 out of 10 women tend to suffer. In research, it has been stated that more than 10 lakh cases per year come to light. PCOS can last for several years. This condition is common among females and it is manageable by proper treatment.
There is no known cure for PCOS but women suffering from this are often suggested to avoid some products. One such debatable product includes dairy products. We will see what is the role of dairy in PCOS and how badly it can affect health.
Is Dairy Bad For PCOS?
Consuming dairy products boosts all the PCOS syndromes. It can trigger a woman’s body by making external changes in hormones, acne, and insulin resistance. Below mentioned points will help us in knowing why dairy is bad for women with PCOS.
Dairy products affecting hormones
It has been claimed that milk contains hormones like estrogen and Bovine growth hormone(BGH) and antibiotics which are harmful to the human body. These hormones can affect the ovary, breasts, and uterus and can be responsible for causing cancer.
To treat the bacterial infections in milk, farmers treat it with antibiotics. Hence, the IGF(a growth hormone) and BGH are present in the milk which stimulates the growth of cancer cells.
Dairy products affecting your acne
One of the symptoms of PCOS is hormonal acne. Androgen is present in the milk which can affect the hormonal level.
Dairy products trigger acne too and can cause skin breakout. Cows are injected with antibiotics and hormones which increases IGF in the milk. This leads to the secretion of oil which is the primary reason for causing an acne breakout.
Inflammation
Milk contains a slow-digesting protein, casein which is responsible for making 80% of the protein present in milk. There are two types of casein and they are A1 and A2. Casein A1 is responsible for increasing inflammation in the digestive system. Inflammation can make the condition worse for women with PCOS. They can be diagnosed with some diseases like diabetes, leaky guts, and even cancer due to inflammation.
Impact on Fertility
The high intake of low-fat dairy products can increase the chances of anovulatory infertility. Because of this, ovulation does not take place as ovaries do not release the egg. The lack of ovulation is the reason behind infertility. However, intake of high-fat dairy products may lower the chances of infertility.
Should PCOS Women Avoid Dairy?
Totally avoiding dairy products does not seem to be a great idea. Dairy products are a good source of calcium which causes the strengthening of bones. It also contains vitamin D and vitamin A which can reduce inflammation, and vitamin K which can help in improving insulin resistance.
There is no study or research that strongly suggests avoiding dairy products. There is contradictory information available on the internet which does not give a clear idea. Hence, there is no straightforward answer to this question.
Conclusion
When it comes to dairy products, it is pretty hard to resist them. Cutting out dairy products completely is not the solution. It is better to do research on PCOS, dairy, and its effect on health and then jump to the conclusion.
If you do not want to rely much on dairy products, then have a balanced diet. Include leafy green vegetables, nuts, grams, and beans so that you can get proper nutrients.
- Published in Basic Wellness
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