If you’ve been recently diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes you may need to use insulin. However, the very thought of insulin can give many people panic attacks. In fact, insulin is a life-preserving medication for patients with type I diabetes while it’s known to significantly improve quality of life for many people with type II diabetes. Insulin is a hormone, produced by the pancreas in the beta cells that helps control blood sugar levels. However, patients with type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that gradually kills the beta cells in the pancreas so the body is unable to make (enough) insulin, lack of insulin leads to dangerously high blood sugar and resulting fatigue and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which can be life-threatening. While patients with type 2 diabetes, suffer insulin resistance, which leads to excess blood glucose levels. Thankfully, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes may be prescribed insulin in the following ways: 1. Insulin injections Insulin given via injection (or needle and syringe) is the most commonly prescribed insulin delivery method for diabetic patients. Patients prepare a dose of insulin via needle syringe and inject it directly under the skin of the buttock, belly, thigh, or upper arm.

Inflammation can be a positive thing. For instance, say you cut yourself, white blood cells will rush to the area and cause inflammation to protect the wound from foreign invaders. However, when inflammation is chronic in nature, such as with rheumatoid arthritis, it can cause painful and even debilitating consequences that impact the quality of life. However, research shows that arthritis sufferers can do their part by eliminating certain known inflammatory food from their diets,  taking prescription medications (i.e., Humira, Xeljanz, and Olumiant medicine for RA pain relief) while also adding certain foods known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory prowess. 1. Raspberries and blueberries Attention rheumatoid arthritis sufferers! If you don’t consume dark berries (i.e., strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and even cherries) in your diet, it’s about time you pay more attention to these natural anti-inflammatories. Not to mention, dark-hued berries make excellent additions to many dishes, which include smoothies, yogurt parfaits, salad, and cereal toppers. Plus, the natural antioxidants (i.e., anthocyanins) and plant compounds (i.e., quercetin and rutin) within are known to reduce inflammation linked to rheumatoid arthritis. 2. Fatty fish Seafood lovers rejoice (if you don’t like seafood, omega 3 fatty supplements work as well). Certain fatty fish catches (i.e., trout, mackerel, salmon, and sardines) are loaded with taste and healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation.

Approximately 16 million Americans suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, otherwise known as COPD. However, health experts believe that many individuals live with COPD without knowing they have a chronic health condition. COPD is an overarching term used to describe several progressive lung diseases (i.e., emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and (non-reversible asthma) which cause symptoms that gradually impede airflow, leading to shortness of breath, and breathing troubles. Depending on a patient’s health history, as well as the root of their COPD diagnosis, and their COPD stage, this disease can be treated with several options: Oxygen therapy The major point of any COPD treatment is to make the patient more comfortable by significantly improving symptoms, which in turn lowers the risk of COPD complications (i.e., hospitalization). Oxygen therapy is one treatment that aims to introduce more oxygen to the body and blood stream, thereby decreasing shortness of breath and chances of lung infections. Dietary changes Diet is at the root of many chronic health conditions and COPD is no different. While dietary chances can’t totally cure COPD or banish symptoms completely. Making some healthy changes to your diet may help significantly improve several symptoms (i.e., balance out nutritional deficiencies, boost energy, and improve immunity to prevent lung infections).

Psoriasis is characterized as an autoimmune disease that impacts skin by causing patches of inflammation, flakes, and redness in areas such as the scalp, knees, hands, elbows, and lower back. While patients with psoriasis are often told to avoid certain foods (i.e., processed meat and alcohol), psoriasis symptoms may also see some improvements when patients adhere to a healthy diet that contains lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins. However, certain so called “superfoods” can help psoriasis sufferers reduce painful symptoms and improve skin damage. The following vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant rich foods are linked to improving psoriasis: 1. Garlic In addition to fighting off colds and vampires, garlic is also a known psoriasis aid, thanks to containing plenty of natural inflammation enzyme blockers, or lipoxygenase inhibitors, which are triggered by excess levels of arachidonic acid in the fatty tissues and skin. In addition, fresh garlic particularly contains loads of the natural antioxidants, vitamin C and selenium. 2. Whole grains While many psoriasis sufferers avoid white bread and pasta because they are trying to lose weight, not all grains are created equally. Whole grains such as quinoa, oats, and brown rice help add more fiber to your diet, which is linked to lowering inflammation while helping to better manage blood-sugar.

Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver due to the hepatitis C virus. Hep C (or HCV) is very rarely caused by sexual transmission, rather the virus is typically contracted via blood and other bodily fluid contact with an infected individual in the following ways: Sharing needles = 80% of patients Tattoos and piercings, from unsterile tools and equipment Blood transfusions, particularly before 1992 Dialysis, if equipment is reused or not properly cleaned Babies born to mothers with hepatitis C Unlike many other forms of hepatitis, there is no vaccination against hepatitis C virus, which is why approximately 3.9 million americans are currently living with hep c, but don’t know it. Hepatitis C is difficult to diagnose in the early stages, however treatment is necessary to prevent liver damage and cirrhosis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hep c occurs in the following forms, or genotypes, which can be identified by a blood test: 1. HCV genotype 1 This hepatitis C genotype is the most widespread genotype in North America. In fact, according to the CDC, HCV genotype 1 accounts for approximately 75% of hepatitis C cases in the U.S. 2. HCV genotype 2 Also found on a global level, HCV genotype 2 only accounts for 15% of U.S.

Cancer is a global health issue. To put its prevalence into perspective, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimates that every sixth death on the planet is the result of cancer, making it the second leading cause of death to heart disease. Cancer is an umbrella term that describes an array of diseases that result when abnormal cells divide and spread (or metastasize) to nearby tissues and organs, by the NCI. Cancer can originate and spread to almost any part of the body via the bloodstream and lymph systems, which means different treatments, or a combination of, are often required depending on several factors: Cancer type Cancer stage Patient’s health and any other health conditions Here are the treatments that oncologists most often recommend for cancer treatment: 1. Surgery Surgery to remove cancer cells, or masses of cells (cancer tumors) surgery may be recommended prior or post other cancer treatments (i.e., chemo and radiation). For smaller tumors, a minimally invasive surgical procedure known as laparoscopic surgery, makes a tiny incision and inserts a camera and surgery tools (with guidance from an external monitor) to eradicate cancer cells. tumor using a camera and a thin tube (known as laparoscopic surgery). While more invasive open cancer surgery is used to remove larger cancerous tumors and cancer cells that have metastasized to the lymph system.

Acid reflux, sometimes called acid indigestion, is a condition in which stomach acid flows in reverse towards the food pipe known as the esophagus. This causes a severe burning in the chest which is referred to as heartburn. Some other symptoms of acid reflux include bloating, sore throat, unexplained weight loss, nausea, and incessant hiccups. In some cases, there might be blood in the stools as well. A more severe form of acid reflux is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Though the two terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. Estimates show that on an average, approximately 60 million citizens experience symptoms of heartburn at least once a month. Causes of acid reflux In spite of being known as heartburn, acid reflux does not have any connection with your heart health. The human stomach contains a substance known as hydrochloric acid. This stomach acid helps break down ingested food and protects the stomach against bacterial infections. The entrance of the stomach is marked by the presence of a ring known as the sphincter muscle. This muscle opens and closes to allow food to enter the stomach. However, when the muscle does not shut properly, stomach acid flows in reverse towards the esophagus.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that commonly affects children; however, it can also persist into adulthood. In this condition, the patient faces difficulties in paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. While there is no particular cure for ADHD, there are various options that may be used to manage the symptoms that occur with ADHD in children as well as adults. Following are some of the best ways for treating and managing ADHD: Medications There are two types of medications that are recommended for people with ADHD. Depending on the symptoms and severity of ADHD,   doctors would suggest either of the following: Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants:  These medications are supposed to be the most popular type of medications prescribed for ADHD. They help in increasing the brain chemicals, particularly norepinephrine and dopamine. This may successfully help treat ADHD in children and improve a child’s focus drastically. Some of the most common medications used for the treatment of ADHD include amphetamine-based stimulants, such as Adderall, Dextroamphetamine , Methamphetamine , and Dexmethylphenidate . The other popular type of medication which is often recommended is Methylphenidate. Nonstimulant medications:  Since ADHD may have different effects on children, there is a possibility that stimulants have severe side effects or may not help in the betterment of ADHD at all.

Bladder cancer is characterized by a cancerous growth in the bladder tissue. The bladder is the main organ responsible for holding urine in the body. According to a research study, this type of cancer attacks approximately 45,000 men and 17,000 women annually in the country. Types of bladder cancer Bladder cancer treatment can only be decided once the type and the stage of bladder cancer are determined. Following are some of the primary types of bladder cancer. Transitional cell carcinoma The bladder cancer treatment for this type is comparatively much easier than the other stages. It begins in the transitional cells present in the inner layer of the bladder. These cells transform their shape without damaging the tissue. Squamous cell carcinoma Squamous cell carcinoma is a rare type of bladder cancer. It can mainly be attributed to long-term infections or irritants present in the bladder. Adenocarcinoma This begins when the bladder has been inflamed and irritated for a very long time and glandular cells begin to form, which are mucus-secreting cells. TNM system The TNM system is widely used by oncologists to describe the staging of cancer. These stages are used to understand the severity, thereby ensuring that the bladder cancer treatment undertaken is most effective.

Breast cancer is caused when there is an unwanted growth of cells in the breast tissue. This cellular reproduction is quite normal, but when cells start to multiply in an unusual manner, it may spell cancer. While growing, in most cases, these cells tend to form a tumor, which can be detected through breast cancer screening. There are mainly two types of breast cancer you should be aware of. These types are mainly dependent on the part of the breast within which these cells grow. The first type is an invasive ductal carcinoma, while the second is invasive lobular carcinoma. To undertake breast cancer treatment, correct screening is also important. Following is all you need to know about breast cancer treatment preceded by the forms of screening. Breast cancer screening Breast cancer screening refers to the process in which a woman’s breasts are checked thoroughly for cancer before any of the telltale signs start to become visible. There are mainly two types of breast cancer screening methods available. Following is some more information about the two main procedures used for breast cancer screening. Mammogram Mammography refers to an X-ray of the breasts. A screening tool is used for the diagnosis or detection of cancerous cell growth in the breast tissue.