Life without blood cells is impossible to imagine. From supplying oxygen to forming blood clots and helping excrete waste products, the cells perform a host of functions. And that’s why it is important to detect any cell-related health conditions early. Myelodysplastic syndromes are a group of disorders in which the body generates cells that are either deformed or do not function well. Here are some signs and treatment options for myelodysplastic syndromes: Signs and symptoms Shortness of breath Many patients with myelodysplastic syndromes grapple with anemia. Since anemia is characterized by low red blood cell count, those suffering from anemia induced by myelodysplastic syndromes usually experience shortness of breath. Fatigue Anemia also tends to cause extreme tiredness and fatigue because oxygen levels in the body are very low. So, those with myelodysplastic syndromes may be highly fatigued throughout the day, even when not physically active. Frequent nosebleeds and bruises If one has a low platelet count, bleeding and bruising become more common than usual. For this reason, myelodysplastic syndrome causes frequent bruises and nosebleeds, even if the injury is minor. Petechiae Petechiae are tiny reddish spots that appear on the skin’s surface, often on the stomach and legs. Patients with myelodysplastic syndromes often experience bleeding into the skin, which reflects as these tiny spots on the skin.

Hemorrhoids are a common health complaint, generally around midlife. This condition is a result of swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum, which causes pain, swelling, itching, bleeding, and mucosal discharge, among other symptoms in the region. Although hemorrhoids are not typically dangerous, they can be painful and uncomfortable. So, here are a few ways to manage the condition at home, along with formal treatments and therapies to get rid of hemorrhoids. At-home management In case of mild swelling or symptoms, the following at-home remedies may help: – Increasing water intake can help reduce the risk of constipation or hard stool. – Eating high-fiber foods helps soften the stool and increase bulk, reducing pressure around the area. – One should avoid sitting on the toilet for a prolonged period. – Using topical treatments such as a hemorrhoid cream can help calm the affected area. – Soaking the affected region regularly in a warm or sitz bath can also help. – Ice packs can help relieve any swelling or pain. – Sitting on cushions rather than hard surfaces can help one manage swelling. – Using moistened pads (such as baby wipes) instead of regular toilet paper is a better option for gently cleaning the area.

Overactive bladder, or OAB, is when one feels a persistent, uncontrollable urge to pass urine. Often, people with this disease choose to stay away from social situations because of the embarrassment involved. But the good news is that identifying this problem early on can help treat it on time and prevent it from escalating. Doctors usually suggest a combination of medical interventions and lifestyle changes. Here is everything one should know about OAB: Causes and triggers of overactive bladder – Diabetes High blood sugar can damage the urinary tract nerves, which culminates in bladder problems. So, people with diabetes are highly prone to overactive bladder. – Neurological disorders Often, loss of control over urination can happen because of an underlying nerve, brain, or spinal cord problem. People with disorders like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis may suffer nerve damage, which can cause or worsen OAB. – Bladder stones Bladder stones or tumors and infections of the bladder can increase one’s risk of OAB because the bladder’s normal functioning is severely affected in many of these cases. – Certain treatments Sometimes, treatments for certain other diseases may trigger an overactive bladder, a side effect of the intervention. Symptoms of overactive bladder – Urgency incontinence Urgency incontinence is when one feels a sudden urge to urinate, after which one may experience an involuntary urine leak.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common condition where bacteria enters the urethra and infects the urinary tract of individuals. This bacteria is found on the skin or enters through the rectum, resulting in infection in the tract. The bladder infection, called cystitis, is one of the most common UTIs. UTIs are curable with the right care given at the right time. Here are some key details about this health condition: UTI symptoms One can detect UTI on the basis of certain typical symptoms of the conditions, including: Burning sensation during urination Due to the bladder getting infected, it becomes particularly painful to urinate. Pain during urination is one of the earliest signs that a person is developing a UTI within their body. People who experience this symptom should not ignore it, as the disease can cause serious health issues, especially if the bacteria travels to the kidneys. Constant urge to urinate Studies have found that a UTI tends to put pressure on the bladder, resulting in the need to empty the bladder immediately. However, when affected individuals go to the toilet to relieve themselves, they are unable to urinate much or at all in some cases. Causes of UTIs A urinary tract infection can be caused by various factors.

Testosterone is a crucial male hormone for growth, sustaining sexual function, and fighting diseases. Low testosterone levels in an individual can point toward a host of debilitating health conditions and poor overall health. That said, quite a few natural remedies can help one maintain healthy testosterone levels. Natural ways to increase testosterone are always preferable to synthetic ones, as they don’t have extreme side effects and can be sustainable. Here are some ways to boost testosterone levels: 1. Adding onion and garlic to meals Onion and garlic are beneficial foods that significantly improve a person’s libido. They also make great additions to recipes and enhance a dish’s flavor. Both of these foods have been medically found to increase the quality and quantity of sperm. Additionally, garlic and onions significantly increase testosterone levels. Onions and garlic are also rich in flavonoids, a compound that makes the body more resilient against external damage. 2. Increasing one’s daily protein consumption Amino acids, which make up protein, are the body’s building blocks. Therefore, consuming protein strengthens the body and helps absorb and assimilate other vital nutrients. Protein has also been shown to increase testosterone levels. That said, the same nutrient, when consumed in very high quantities, especially when living a sedentary lifestyle, can reduce testosterone levels.

Cooking a delicious and nutritious meal for oneself, family members, or friends can be enjoyable. However, despite taking measures to ensure the cooked meal is safe for consumption, a simple cooking error can contaminate the food, causing food poisoning, paralysis, and other complications. These mistakes could be as minor as using the wrong spoon or touching a bacteria-filled surface. Therefore, one must be aware of these six food sanitation mistakes and how to fix them. Not cooking foods thoroughly Foods such as chicken, seafood, turkey, and eggs should not be consumed raw. Undercooking these food items can result in germs getting into the system and triggering health complications. Therefore, it is recommended to use a food thermometer to ensure the right temperature is reached before eating any meal. Poor hand sanitation Our hands may come in contact with various surfaces throughout the day that are usually infested with germs. These germs can be transmitted to our palms. Therefore, cooking meals without washing hands can infect the food and pose health risks. It is important to always wash your hands before eating or cooking, and even when changing a diaper. The best way to wash hands is to scrub them thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Today, individuals have various options to straighten their teeth. One of the options that experts often recommend is using invisible dental aligners. Using advanced technology, dentists can non-invasively scan and create aligners that gradually adjust teeth to the optimal position. For maximum effects, one typically has to wear the aligners for about 22 hours a day, with treatments lasting between 12 and 18 months. Here are a few benefits of using invisible dental aligners. Invisible appearance The most common benefit of these dental aligners is that the trays are crafted from a transparent material. Therefore, they do not detract from the face or smile. It is an ideal option for individuals of all ages who want to carry out daily tasks without the brackets and wires that come with traditional braces. Safe for most ages Invisible dental aligners are safe for children, adolescents, and adults. However, one should speak to a dental health expert about the ideal time for a child to use the dental tool. A professional will typically monitor a child between 8 and 12 for dental issues and the potential use of straightening teeth. The expert may also suggest waiting until the child is 13 or 14 to get invisible dental aligners.

Nasal congestion is mainly caused by certain allergies, colds, sinus, or viral infections. It leads to swelling of the nasal tissues, blocks the passage, and makes it difficult to breathe. Mostly, nasal congestion clears up within a few days. There are several home remedies that help expedite the process. Moreover, certain foods are known to clear congestion. Here are eight such foods that can be especially beneficial as they are known to provide quick results. Pumpkin seeds Pumpkin seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium, which help reduce swelling, drain the mucus, and relax blood vessels. One can easily add these seeds to salads, smoothies, or even roast and snack on them throughout the day. Pineapple Pineapple is a rich source of vitamin C and a powerful enzyme called bromelain, which not only helps break down excess mucus but also reduces its production, especially in case of allergies. Pineapple as a fruit is also quite versatile and can be used in a number of smoothies, juices, and salads or can be eaten raw. Grapefruit This power-packed citrus fruit has anti-inflammatory properties and salicylic acid, which also helps reduce swelling. Its pH levels break down the mucus proteins and fight congestion related to allergies.

Drinking water may seem like a simple task. While that is true, some unhealthy habits while drinking water from a bottle may affect one’s hydration levels and lead to health consequences. They may include adding artificial flavors, not cleaning the bottles after usage, and leaving the bottle in the sun for a long time. To stay on track with one’s hydration goals, look at some common mistakes to avoid while drinking water from a bottle. BPA bottles Many plastic water bottles are made using BPA or bisphenol – a chemical that is harmful to the human body. BPA can get into food and drinks, and too much exposure to this chemical can even lead to congenital disorders. Although no conclusive research supports this, researchers speculate that overexposure to BPA could potentially lead to the rise or development of diseases like hormonal imbalance, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and also some cardiovascular conditions. Bottles made of stainless steel or even glass are safer alternatives. One can also check for BPA-free water bottles. Keeping bottles clean When using water bottles, make sure they are cleaned after usage. Most water bottles have rings around the bottleneck and caps. These tiny spaces may need a thorough cleaning to ensure the water does not get affected and, in turn, cause some infection.  Stay away from sunlight   One must avoid keeping their plastic water bottle in direct sunlight for long periods.

Myelodysplastic syndromes are a group of disorders that directly affect the bone marrow and stem cells. As a result, the body’s ability to make healthy red blood cells gets impacted, resulting in several complications. It is also important to note that myelodysplastic syndromes are a type of cancer but are very rare in nature. To better understand the condition, here are a few details about the symptoms and treatment options for myelodysplastic syndromes. Symptoms Fatigue Feeling weak and extremely tired is a common symptom of myelodysplastic syndromes. It happens because of anemia, which is a result of the body’s reduced ability to produce red blood cells. One may also notice that this fatigue or weakness does not seem to reduce or go away even after adequate rest. Paleness The skin becoming unusually pale is another symptom that occurs due to anemia when the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. A doctor may also notice signs of paleness in the inner part of an individual’s eyelids or the inside of their mouth and nose. Easy bruising One of the types of myelodysplastic syndromes can also reduce the body’s ability to produce platelets. Since platelets are responsible for blood clotting, their low count can lead to easy and unusual bruising.