Bone cancer refers to the growth of malignant cells in a bone, most commonly the arm, leg, or pelvic bones and sometimes the skull, hip, and ribs. Eventually, the cancer-causing cells spread to other body parts, including surrounding bones, organs, and tissues. Bone cancer may be cured completely if diagnosed at the initial stages. Moreover, early diagnosis can help curtail the spread of cancerous cells. Here are the types and warning signs of bone cancer: Types of bone cancer Osteosarcoma Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer, wherein the cells that produce bones begin growing excessively, causing the development of a cancerous tumor in the bone. It typically occurs among children and young adults. Extraskeletal osteosarcoma is a rare condition in which the cancer develops outside of the bone. Ewing sarcoma Ewing sarcoma develops in the pelvic region and commonly occurs among children and young individuals. Chondrosarcoma Chondrosarcoma involves the excessive growth of cells that produce cartilage. It is the second most common type of bone cancer. Early signs of bone cancer Swelling Most patients with bone cancer experience swelling and inflammation over the affected bone. Such swelling can considerably restrict one’s mobility, especially if it occurs on a bone situated close to a joint.

Menstrual health and hygiene is often an overlooked aspect of one’s overall health. As a result, there are several period mistakes that one may unconsciously commit, increasing the chances of infections and health disorders related to the reproductive system. Therefore, it is important to follow good hygiene practices to help one stay comfortable during periods without any potential health risks. Here are a few period mistakes to avoid for better health and hygiene. Using scented pads, tampons, or toilet paper Fragrant hygiene products contain several chemicals. Some of these even contain additives such as aloe. These additives can cause irritation and inflammation of the skin. Since the skin in and around the vagina is already sensitive, using scented pads, tampons, or toilet paper can cause discomfort. There can be persistent itching or burn-like symptoms. So avoid using fragrant, feminine hygiene products during periods. Make sure everything is fragrant and additive free. Organic products, menstrual cups, or reusable cloth pads are better alternatives. Changing tampons or pads infrequently To avoid rashes, bacterial growth, infections, and inflammation, it is important to change pads once every four hours. In the case of tampons or menstrual cups, a change is needed once every six to eight hours, depending on one’s period flow.

Atrial fibrillation is a health condition that disrupts the heart’s rhythm. This negatively affects the rhythmic pumping of the atria, or upper chambers, of one’s heart. People with this condition experience fast or irregular heart rates. This makes the heart less efficient in terms of circulation. As a result, it has to work doubly hard to pump blood to various parts of the body. There are certain foods that can worsen this condition. These are foods that patients with atrial fibrillation should avoid: Potato chips Certain food-based compounds can mess with the circulatory system and one’s cardiovascular health. Two such prominent components are partially hydrogenated vegetable oils and margarine. These are usually associated with deep-fried foods. Both of these components contain trans fats in high proportions and can dramatically increase the risk of atrial fibrillation in individuals. Apart from atrial fibrillation, these foods also increase the possibility of developing other cardiovascular ailments. Butter, red meat, and cheese are loaded with saturated fats, while margarine, cookies, potato chips, partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, doughnuts, certain cookies and crackers, and other deep-fried foods are filled with trans fats. Therefore, if one has a habit of tearing open a pack of potato chips and bingeing on them, they will need to let go of it to keep their heart healthy and away from atrial fibrillation.

A strong immune system works as a shield to protect against infections and diseases caused by pathogens and foreign substances. But sometimes, immunity can weaken, leaving one susceptible to several health issues. Also, the recovery time from these illnesses tends to get longer. Therefore, it is important to recognize the common signs of a weak immune system to maintain overall health and take the necessary precautions after consulting a primary care doctor. Common signs of a weak immune system Here are a few common signs of a weakened immune system: Frequent instances of infection When the immune system becomes weak, there are frequent infections. This happens because there is a decrease in the production of white blood cells and antibodies. These are responsible for fighting off bacteria and other germs that cause infectious diseases. As a result, one frequently experiences mild to severe infections such as the common cold, flu, and ear, urinary tract, and sinus infections. Wounds take time to heal Whenever there is a cut, burn, scrape, or any type of wound, white blood cells, antibodies, and essential nutrients flow through the blood to the wound area. This helps the damaged skin layers regenerate faster, so the wound heals quickly without any complications or infections.

As the most visible component of the body, a person’s skin is an accurate reflector of their overall health. People can keep their skin healthy by following certain lifestyle habits such as drinking loads of water, exercising regularly, and getting adequate amounts of sleep every day. On the other hand, certain bad habits can steadily debilitate the skin and make it appear dull and wrinkly. Here are some poor habits that worsen skin health: Not drinking enough water A major reason why some people have elastic and soft skin is because they drink lots of water. Drinking water keeps the skin hydrated and adequately moisturized, which indicates that a person has healthy skin. On the other hand, dehydration causes the skin to look dull, less resilient, and dry. Also, drinking less water removes the body’s ability to flush toxins out, causing eventual breakouts and other skin issues. Ideally, health and skin experts suggest that one must drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water every day without fail. Skipping broad-spectrum sunscreen People should use sunscreen while stepping out of their homes on a sunny afternoon or when one is about to be exposed to sun rays for longer periods.

Research data estimates that approximately 5.5% of the population nationwide suffers from cancer. While genetic factors also play a role in the onset of cancer, certain lifestyle changes can help with its prevention. According to WHO, 30-50% of all cancer cases can be prevented. Following a healthy meal plan, staying physically active, and avoiding processed foods are some ways to help prevent cancer. Here are some superfoods that can reduce cancer risk: Garlic Garlic serves several vital functions in the body besides flavoring one’s food. This ingredient fights against H. pylori, a bacterium associated with stomach cancer, and reduces one’s risk of developing stomach, pancreatic, and colon cancer. It also reduces the risk of other cancer types, including esophageal and breast cancer. Peeling and chopping garlic cloves about 20 minutes before having them can activate compounds containing sulfur and maximize their anti-cancer properties. Tomatoes These versatile fruits are packed with lycopene, an antioxidant that terminates cancer cell growth, prevents damage to DNA, and enhances the functioning of enzymes involved in destroying cancer-causing elements. Studies have shown that a meal plan rich in lycopene can reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer by 31%. It is also proven to help prevent prostate cancer.

Maintaining eye health is essential to avoid age-related vision problems as well as diseases. Here, making certain lifestyle changes and adopting healthy habits like better nutrition can help strengthen the eyes and lower the risk of age-related eye diseases. While some eye conditions can be managed with corrective glasses or contact lenses, others may require extensive treatment. So, here are a few ways to maintain eye health and prevent damage in the first place: 1. Make better nutritional choices Maintaining a healthy food regimen is crucial for overall well-being, including the health of the eyes. Here, vegetables such as carrots, spinach, and kale are rich in antioxidants and vitamins which promote eye health. Additionally, fruits like oranges and berries are excellent sources of eye-protective nutrients. Additionally, foods that are rich in zinc, such as chickpeas and pumpkin seeds, can help protect the eyes from macular degeneration. Omega-3 fatty acids and lutein found in foods like nuts, flaxseeds, legumes, and broccoli are essential for maintaining healthy eyes and supporting vision. So, the abovementioned nutrient-rich foods should be added to daily meals to maintain eye health. A healthy food regimen is just one aspect of maintaining eye health, and only by combining it with the following changes can one ensure that their eyes stay healthy.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mostly called COPD, is a respiratory condition affecting millions of individuals in the country. COPD is known to obstruct the airflow in the lungs, significantly impacting one’s quality of life. This brief post takes a closer look at the common symptoms of COPD. It also discusses the available treatment options, including surgical interventions and lifestyle changes, that can help patients manage the discomfort in the long run. Types of COPD COPD is an umbrella term used to describe different conditions that affect the airways. The following are three such conditions, each with unique characteristics and triggers: Chronic bronchitis Chronic bronchitis is characterized by long-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Individuals with the disorder often have a persistent cough with excessive mucus production. This form of COPD is often linked to exposure to irritants. Emphysema Emphysema is marked by the gradual destruction of the lung’s air sacs, known as alveoli. It leads to decreased lung elasticity and impaired airflow. Overlapping COPD-asthma syndrome Some individuals may experience a combination of COPD and asthma symptoms, leading to a condition known as overlap syndrome. This can complicate diagnosis and treatment. Recognizing the symptoms Recognizing the symptoms of COPD is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention.

Viruses are tiny infectious agents that can cause a wide range of illnesses, from the common cold and flu to more severe diseases. Enhancing immunity against these respiratory viruses is crucial for both public and personal well-being. A robust immune system is the body’s natural defense against infections, and there are several strategies to boost its function. So, here is a look at some of the best ways to boost immunity against viruses: Vaccination Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to enhance immunity against dangerous respiratory viruses. Vaccines help the immune system recognize and respond to specific pathogens, creating a memory that allows the body to defend itself more effectively in case of exposure to disease-causing microbes. Annual flu vaccines, for example, help protect against influenza, while COVID-19 vaccines have been developed to combat the SARS-CoV-2 virus.  For instance, the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine (NVX-CoV2373) is one of the options. It uses protein subunit technology to stimulate the immune system response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This technology involves using a nanoparticle that mimics the spike protein found on the virus’s surface. By introducing this protein to the body, the vaccine triggers an immune reaction, creating antibodies and memory cells that can recognize and defend against the actual virus.

Skin cancer is a severe condition that affects thousands of people in the country. While treatments are essential, a holistic approach to managing the disease might also be beneficial. One approach involves incorporating foods that offer potential benefits in alleviating the symptoms of cancer and supporting overall skin health. Here are ten foods and their benefits that may help improve symptoms when an individual integrates them into their regular meal regime. Broccoli Broccoli contains sulforaphane, a potent compound with potential anti-cancer properties. Research suggests that sulforaphane may inhibit the growth of skin cancer cells by promoting their self-destruction and reducing their ability to multiply. Additionally, broccoli is rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and E, which help protect skin cells from oxidative damage that may contribute to skin cancer development. So incorporating broccoli into one’s meal plan may support cancer prevention and boost overall skin health. Blueberries Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins and vitamin C, which potentially benefit those with skin cancer. These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress, reducing cellular damage caused by free radicals, which might contribute to skin cancer. Moreover, blueberries have been associated with anti-inflammatory properties, which may aid in managing skin cancer symptoms. Other berry sources that may help manage skin cancer include raspberries and strawberries.