Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disorder in which your body’s immune system attacks the myelin sheath that protects your nerve cells in your brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve. If you or someone you know are showing multiple sclerosis signs and you are worried here are 4 multiple sclerosis symptoms that serve as early warning signs: 1. Vision issues One of the early warning signs of multiple sclerosis is inflammation of the optic nerve which causes vision problems such as blurred vision, dim vision, or loss of color vision. It can also cause an ache in your eyes when moving them. These vision problems tend to come and go and might affect one or both eyes. These vision problems are known as optic neuritis and are one of the first obvious signs of MS. 2. Muscle weakness and spasms Muscle weakness and spasms otherwise known as MS spasticity affects between 40% to 80% of people with MS. These muscle issues tend to be occasional and not happen all the time. The spasms are painful and uncontrollable and affect extremities, typically the legs. Spasticity may also cause a feeling of tightness and pain in the joints and lower back. 3. Bladder and bowel issues Bladder and bowel issues affect 78 to 90 percent of patients during the course of MS.

Narcolepsy is characterized as a type of neurological disorder that impacts the area of the brain responsible for wakefulness and sleep control. Narcolepsy occurs in intermittent, uncontrollable “sleep attacks”, which cause extreme fatigue and even cause the narcoleptic to suddenly fall asleep throughout a day, regardless of time or activity level. For instance, a narcoleptic could suffer a sleep attack during a morning work presentation or when driving home from work. Most narcoleptics remain undiagnosed and untreated. However, diagnosis almost always follows up with a prescription for Sunosi, Xyrem, or Provigil to help manage the production of wake and sleep chemicals (chemical hypocretin deficiency). REM sleep can be greatly disturbed and negatively impacted. To be diagnosed as narcoleptic, one of the following warning signs of narcolepsy, ranging from mild to severe, must be present. Only a small portion (less than a third of patients) of narcoleptics have all of the five following symptoms: 1. Cataplexy Cataplexy is described by medical professionals as muscle weakness experienced during wakeful periods. Cataplexy can strike the entire body or specific muscle areas, causing weakness in the knees, sudden loss of grasping so you drop whatever you’re holding, or even entire loss of muscle control that affects the entire body, causing the patient to fall down.

Battling the discomfort of dry eyes is a challenge that many people face globally. Many turn to prescription remedies such as Restasis and Xiidra for relief, or they seek comfort in high-quality contact lenses like Dailies Total 1, Acuvue OASYS, Bausch & Lomb ULTRA, or Alcon Air Optix Aqua Multifocal. However, these are not the only paths to relief from dry eyes. In fact, there are plenty of home remedies available. Here are 10 DIY remedies that can help bring you some much-needed comfort: 1. Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into your diet Omega-3 fatty acids are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help mitigate dry eye symptoms. Incorporate more fish, flaxseeds, or chia seeds into your diet. Supplements are also a viable option. 2. Do blink exercises The digital era has reduced our natural blinking rate, leading to dry eyes. Regular blink exercises can help to counteract this. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: for every 20 minutes you spend looking at a screen, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds and blink 20 times. 3. Use a humidifier The humidity level in your environment can have a significant impact on your eyes. Using a humidifier can help maintain moisture in the air, which can reduce eye dryness.

Myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells, or white blood cells, that protect our bodies from infection by producing antibodies. There are 3 types of myeloma, including multiple myeloma, solitary plasmacytoma, and extramedullary plasmacytoma. This cancer sets itself apart from other types as it’s relapsing remitting, commonly with multiple myeloma. This means that there are times when this cancer is active and requires treatments, and times when it is steady and under control. Myeloma treatments include targeted therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, bone marrow transplant, radiation therapy, and more. Like other cancers, when caught early on, myeloma treatments are more successful—here are some early warning signs to look out for: 1. Bone problems Bone problems are an early warning sign of myeloma. This occurs due to myeloma cells growing in the bone marrow and bone. Issues with bones typically include bone pain, bone weakness, or broken bones. With bone pain, one may experience uncomfortable feelings in any bone—most commonly this affects the back, hips, and skull. Bone weakness occurs as a result of an onset of osteoporosis which thins the bone. Lastly, broken bones can happen more easily, even from minor stress or injuries. 2. Chronic infections Since white blood cells protect our bodies from infection by producing antibodies, myeloma, which inhibits their functionality, can result in more chronic infections.

Allergic conditions are becoming increasingly common in modern society, with millions of people worldwide suffering from a range of symptoms. Some of the most common allergic conditions include asthma and rhinitis, eosinophilic esophagitis, oral allergy syndrome, atopic dermatitis, and angioedema. While the causes and triggers of allergic conditions can vary, there are several common factors that can contribute to their development. Keep reading as we explore five of the most significant causes and triggers of allergic conditions: 1. Environmental factors Environmental factors such as pollution, climate change, and exposure to allergens can also trigger allergic reactions. Air pollution, for example, can exacerbate asthma symptoms, while exposure to pollen can trigger hay fever. Climate change has also been linked to an increase in allergies, as rising temperatures and carbon dioxide levels cause plants to produce more pollen. 2. Food allergies Food allergies are another common trigger for allergic reactions. Some of the most common food allergen triggers include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, milk, and eggs. Symptoms of food allergies can range from mild to severe, with anaphylaxis being the most severe and potentially life-threatening. 3. Medications Medications can also trigger allergic reactions in some people. Antibiotics, in particular, are a common cause of drug allergies.

Shortness of breath, medically termed as dyspnea, is an unsettling condition where one struggles to breathe fully or comfortably. This common symptom is associated with a myriad of health issues, ranging from mild anxiety to severe cardiac and respiratory diseases. Understanding the exact cause of shortness of breath can be a pivotal step towards finding an effective solution or remedy. Some common causes include cardiovascular disease, particularly heart failure and coronary artery disease, as these conditions limit the heart’s capacity to pump blood and lead to reduced oxygen supply to the body’s tissues. Additionally, and least surprisingly, respiratory disorders like asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and pulmonary fibrosis can lead to breathlessness as a result of impaired lung function and reduced air flow. As mentioned, anxiety, panic attacks, and other forms of emotional distress often lead to rapid breathing, creating a sense of breathlessness. Anemia, or low iron, caused by a deficiency in red blood cells can lead to inadequate oxygen transport, manifesting as shortness of breath. Lastly, obesity can exert pressure on the lungs and heart, making breathing more laborious and causing a shortness in breath. Be sure to consult a healthcare professional to understand the cause and identify the best course of action for you, but consider these 5 simple treatment techniques that may help improve shortness of breath or offer temporary relief:

Menopause is a normal process of a female’s life, typically occurring around their mid-40s when estrogen levels begin to decline, hindering the body’s natural ability to ovulate. Menopause symptoms are different for everyone, but most often include irregular periods, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, chills, night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes, slowed metabolism, thinning hair, and so on. Luckily, menopause treatments can assist with menopause management, with things like hormone therapy, vaginal estrogen, low-dose antidepressants, and more. However, it is also possible that your diet may influence your menopausal experience—with that being said, here are 5 foods that help manage menopause symptoms: 1. Fish 8 ounces of fish is recommended per week, particularly fattier species like salmon and tuna, for a great source of omega-3 fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Those who consume more oily fish may potentially experience less severe hot flashes, and some research suggests that regular fish-eaters may experience less depression, which can be helpful for women beginning midlife. 2. Yogurt Active cultures in yogurt are probiotic and rich in protein and calcium, which are essential for women in menopause. Women experiencing menopause are more likely to develop osteoporosis, making the consumption of foods that support bone health crucial.

Anemia is a condition where the body is not producing enough red blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells which carry oxygen to the organs from the lungs. This can cause many health issues, and because of the different variations of anemia, Anemia Symptoms can be mild or even fatal. Knowing Anemia Warning Signs can be extremely helpful in prevention and treatment options. Here are the most common signs you should look out for: 1. Shortness of breath One of the early indicators of anemia is a sudden and unexplained shortness of breath. When your body lacks sufficient red blood cells, oxygen delivery to tissues becomes compromised, causing you to feel breathless even with minimal exertion. If you find yourself gasping for air more often than usual, it’s time to consult with a healthcare professional. 2. Unusual tiredness Feeling constantly fatigued despite getting adequate sleep may be a red flag for anemia. When there’s a shortage of red blood cells, your body has to work harder to perform everyday tasks, leaving you feeling unusually tired and lacking energy. If that 8-hour sleep isn’t enough to recharge your batteries, anemia could be a culprit. 3.

When you think of Medicare, you probably think of medical coverage for seniors. And while that is a critical aspect of Medicare, there are several different parts to the program. Each part covers different services, and some parts have gaps in coverage that you may not be aware of. Below, we look at what isn’t covered by Medicare and dispel some common myths about the program: 1. Routine dental exams and treatment Medicare coverage doesn’t include routine dental exams, cleanings, fillings, or extractions. There are a few exceptions, however. If you need dental care to have surgery that Medicare covers, then Medicare will also cover the necessary dental care. For example, Medicare will cover the extraction if you need a tooth extraction before heart surgery. Medicare will also cover dental care related to an injury, such as a jaw fracture. But for routine dental care, you’ll have to pay out of pocket or purchase an individual dental insurance plan. 2. Long term care Medicare coverage does not include long-term care, such as nursing home care. Also, Medicare will not pay for custodial care, which is the kind of care you need when you can no longer take care of yourself.

Epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, affects millions of people worldwide. Its triggers are varied and can range from genetic factors to environmental influences. Five common triggers of epilepsy include genetic predisposition, brain trauma, infectious diseases, developmental disorders, and exposure to certain chemicals or drugs. Managing epilepsy often involves a multi-faceted approach, including medication, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery. Among the drug treatment options, three notable ones are anticonvulsants like Levetiracetam, Sodium Valproate, and a relatively new addition, Epidiolex. Epidiolex, particularly noteworthy for being the first FDA-approved drug derived from cannabis, is used primarily to treat seizures in two rare and severe forms of epilepsy, Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. This introduction sets the stage for a deeper exploration into the complexities of epilepsy, its triggers, and the evolving landscape of its treatment options. 1. Pay attention to fevers Fevers can act as a potent trigger for seizures in individuals with epilepsy, especially in children. Monitoring body temperature during illness and taking prompt measures to manage fever can help mitigate this risk. Keep a thermometer handy, and in case of fever, use appropriate fever-reducing medications as directed by a healthcare professional. Staying vigilant during times of illness is a crucial step in preventing seizures associated with elevated body temperature.