Making Positive Changes in Your Life When You Have Crohn’s Disease

As of this writing, there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, but medication is available that can induce long-term remission, which can allow you to live a fairly normal lifestyle.

On the other hand, medication is not the only thing that you should rely on. Long-term remission means that the disorder can be triggered. To make sure that this doesn’t happen, try making some positive changes in your lifestyle. This allows you to take charge and avoid letting this condition get the best of you.

The following are a few ways that you can make some positive changes in your life when you have Crohn’s disease:

Learn More About the Disease

Educating yourself about Crohn’s disease is one of the major ways in which you can start to bring about a positive change in your life. If you don’t understand Crohn’s, you might unwittingly believe many of the myths and misconceptions about the condition, which can negatively impact how you deal with it.

You can find plenty of resources from your doctors or find the right sources online that can shed more light on this illness and how you can live a happier and healthier life on a day-to-day basis. It also allows you to understand the different symptoms you might experience. No two cases of Crohn’s are alike and your symptoms might differ from the ones showcased by others. Knowing this fact will allow you to be more hopeful.

Similarly, each year, as medical technology advances, new medications and new treatment methods are being explored. While Crohn’s disease is incurable, there is hope that in the future, certain medications or therapies will be introduced that can guarantee complete recovery instead of just long-term remission.

Monitoring Your Diet

Apple with tape measure around it

Since your gut can get irritated with Crohn’s disease, you need to pay attention to your diet. The many symptoms that one experiences with this condition can cause dehydration, malnutrition, and even loss of appetite. A good idea is to make sure you are eating high-protein foods. Opt for smaller serving sizes as well as items that are easier to digest.

Your physician will assign a diet for you as well as a list of supplements that you should consume. In many cases, Crohn’s disease can also cause a major vitamin and mineral deficiency so you could be lacking vitamin B12, C, folic acid, calcium, zinc, iron, and magnesium. These are essential for your body.

It’s also a good idea to keep a food diary so that you can see which foods your body reacts positively to. Despite the recommendations provided, there can be instances when Crohn’s disease makes your body react badly to a certain food item. Note down the ones that cause inflammation or trigger other symptoms.

Attend a Support Group

Woman holding hands with others — Wavebreakmedia – yayimages.com

Getting Crohn’s disease might make you feel bleak, isolated, or unhappy, but this a condition that afflicts over 780,000 people in the US alone. This means that you can easily find a support group of people who understand what it feels like to have a chronic condition that you must live with. A support group is necessary because one of the major symptoms of Crohn’s disease is depression.

It can also be extremely difficult for someone to try and assimilate themselves with the condition. By getting into a support group, you can ensure that you don’t fall into a depressive state. Stress and anxiety can all contribute to causing inflammation and worsening your condition. Another important reason why you need to have a support group is to process your anger.

Many Crohn’s patients are angry at the condition and the way the world perceives people with Crohn’s disease. Despite being such a prevalent disorder, there are still so many misconceptions about it that it can be hard to handle the ignorance shown by others. In times like these, someone with Crohn’s disorder must take a step back and talk to their support group or a therapist about it.

Don’t Let the Good Days Fool You

The symptoms of Crohn’s disease can fluctuate from person to person and from day to day. Some days, you might experience no symptoms while other days, you might feel like you are experiencing all of them at once. It is necessary to remember that regardless of the good days, you stick to your treatment plan. Treatment plans are designed to ease inflammation, nourish your body, and ensure that you experience remission.

However, even when it goes into remission, if care is not taken, the condition can flare up again. If you are experiencing remission, you should continue to follow the treatment plan until your physician tells you that it is fine to stop or switch to a new one. In this manner, you can ensure that you can experience a long-term remission. If you stop your treatment plan prematurely, you ruin your chances of this happening and might trigger your condition again.

Be consistent and you will be able to live your life with a semblance of normalcy as well. Many people with Crohn’s lead a full life so be patient as well. Once you are in remission, you can be as carefree as they are too. Never stop your treatment because you think it is not working. Always consult your physician and work with them to get a customized treatment plan. Just like no two Crohn’s disease symptoms are the same, similarly, no two treatment plans will be the same.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

Tumeric Plant — Photo by hue12 photography on Unsplash

Turmeric is a bright yellow-hued herb containing a variety of nutrients and is closely related to ginger. In the Western world, turmeric was initially used for dyeing fabric. However, in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, it is deeply rooted in food and medicine.

Turmeric contains proteins, fiber, and carbohydrates, along with minerals including manganese, phosphorus, and potassium. Studies have shown that turmeric has numerous beneficial effects on the human brain and body. Some of these effects include the following:

Contains Bioactive Compounds

Illustration of the turmeric plant Turmeric contains bioactive compounds called curcuminoids, which possess unique medicinal properties and is a very powerful antioxidant. The content of curcumin is around 3% of the weight of turmeric.

Unfortunately, curcumin is not readily absorbed in the blood. Therefore, it is advised that turmeric should be consumed with black pepper, which aids in the absorption into the blood. Since curcumin is also fat-soluble, consuming turmeric with a fatty meal can also increase the absorption of curcumin in the blood.

Possesses Anti Inflammatory Properties

Inflammation is the body’s first line of defense against foreign invaders as it helps to protect your body from infection, illness, or injury and is a signal that something’s wrong. When inflammation occurs, chemicals from the body’s white blood cells are released into the blood or affected tissues to protect it from foreign substances. This increases the blood flow to the area and subsequently, could cause redness and warmth. Sometimes there may be swelling, but the important thing to note is that inflammation is a protective process that fights dangerous bacteria. Without inflammation, bacteria can take over your body with potentially fatal consequences.

Low-level chronic inflammation plays an important role in the development of various health conditions. This includes cancer (especially pancreatic cancer), Alzheimer’s, arthritis, and heart diseases.

The bioactive compounds present in turmeric play an important role in controlling inflammation. They are crucial in preventing and treating conditions associated with chronic inflammation. Curcumin functions at the molecular level and turns on genes related to inflammation; thus, it is known to be one of the best anti-inflammatory medicines without any side effects.

Improves the Antioxidant Capacity of the Body

Highly reactive molecules with an unpaired electron, known as free radicals present in the body are known to be the cause of many age-related diseases and conditions. These free radicals react with proteins, DNA and fatty acids. The presence of antioxidants protects the body from free radicals and protects against age-related health conditions.

The bioactive compounds in turmeric possess strong antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals. As a result, regular use of turmeric can help prevent many illnesses associated with old age.

Reduces the Risk of Heart Diseases

Heart diseases are one of the leading causes of death around the world. Our lifestyle and diet have greatly influenced our cardiac health. Turmeric, the golden spice, is one of the best herbs to prevent heart diseases.

Here curcumin comes to our defense again as It strengthens the inner lining of the blood vessels, which results in the regulated flow of blood. The effects of consuming turmeric on cardiac health are similar to the impact of exercise. Additionally, curcumin reduces inflammation and oxidation, two leading causes of heart disease.

Can Help Prevent Cancer

A research team at Washington State University used turmeric in cancer research. The study indicated that the use of turmeric successfully prevents the growth of cancer cells.

Again the bioactive compound, curcumin is known to affect cancer cells. According to research, curcumin hinders the spread of tumors by reducing the growth of blood vessels in the tumor.

Useful in Preventing and Treating Alzheimer’s Disease

Artist illustration of the brain's neurons — *Artist illustration of the brain’s neurons*

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease, meaning that it slowly breaks down the brain cells (AKA neurons), which then inhibits communicaition between these cells, causing cognative degeneration.

Unfortunately, the condition has no medical cure; however, researchers are aware of the causes of Alzheimer’s and one of the leading causes is chronic inflammation,which has a negative effect on the brain cells. Another potential cause of this illness includes the buildup of a protein called amyloid plaques.

As mentioned, the bioactive compounds present in turmeric are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, it is beneficial against clearing up these plaques. Therefore, regular use of turmeric can help minimize the chances of developing Alzheimer’s’ disease. It also helps in controlling the symptoms once the condition has been developed.

Beneficial Against Depression

Turmeric is known to be effective against treating depression. Chronic inflammation can also affect the brain. It can lead to a decrease in the level of serotonin and dopamine. It can also result in the degeneration of certain parts of the brain. The powerful anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin can help restore the neurotransmitters which can also help in protecting the brain against degenerative changes, which eventually helps improve mood and other depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

Turmeric is an exceptionally beneficial nutritional supplement that can protect against heart diseases and Alzheimer’s. The bioactive compound present in turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidants which can help relieve symptoms of arthritis and other age-related disorders. It also plays an important role in preventing and possibly treating certain types of cancer and depression. Until we find more concrete research, it is ideal to rely on fresh and powdered forms of turmeric. With more research, it will possibly be considered safe to consume over-the-counter turmeric supplements in the future.

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)

The human body is designed in a unique way. The bones are delicately connected through joints while muscles and tendons provide support. Any deformity in the connection of the bones with the tendons can have serious implications on the ability to perform daily tasks and subsequently, the overall quality of life. One such deformity is known as Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH). Let’s take a look at the details of this abnormality and what can be done to correct it.

What is DDH?

DDH is a problem regarding how the hip bone (known as the ball) is connected with the pelvic bone (known as the socket). The problem arises when the ball does not fit the socket. [Show picture] As a result, the hip does not develop properly. The condition may be present at the time of birth or may develop within the first year of a child’s life.

DDH affects 1 in 1,000 newborns and is more common among girls. The condition varies in severity. In cases of mild DDH, the ball moves back and forth resulting in a specific clicking sound. This “click” sound when the legs are rotated is one of the first signs of DDH. In more severe cases, the ball does not reach the socket and the condition becomes evident when the child starts walking.

Causes

Some of the most common causes of DDH are:

Family History

DDH can be regarded as a genetic condition. If parents or other siblings have this condition, it is highly likely that the newborn will also have DDH.

Breech Position

The baby’s position inside the uterus is one of the factors causing DDH. When the rear portion is facing the birth canal, this can exert undue pressure on the pelvic region of the baby leading to DDH.

Lesser Amniotic Fluid

Typically in pregnancies where there is less amniotic fluid, the fetus is likely to develop DDH. Due to lesser amniotic fluid, the fetus cannot move. This can also happen when the baby is larger than average in size.

Tight Swaddling

Swaddling a newborn too tightly can sometimes cause DDH. This is because the baby does not get enough space for adequate movement of joints and muscles which is essential for healthy development.

Other Conditions

A firstborn child is more likely to develop DDH. Children born with other bone deformities including metatarsus adductus, torticollis and flat head syndrome are at a higher risk of developing DDH.

Symptoms

Some children are born with DDH while others develop this condition during the first year of their life. The condition varies in severity and the symptoms are not always apparent. Some of the common symptoms are:

Clicking sound in the legs during the first medical checkup of a newborn
Unusual creases due to skin folds on the thighs
The difference in the length of legs
Restricted motion of the legs
Achieving milestones like sitting and walking at a later than average age
If DDH goes unnoticed at the time of birth, it becomes apparent when the child starts walking. It manifests in the form of an imbalanced walk

In the case of mild DDH, symptoms appear at a very late age. The patient often complains about pain in the hips and lower back. If there are no other symptoms then the pain might be an indication of some other issue.

Diagnosis

DDH can be diagnosed right after birth when the pediatrician performs the first medical checkup. A physical examination of the legs can help in the diagnosis of DDH. An audible clicking sound upon movement is the most obvious symptom. Restricted limb movement and uneven skin folds near the buttocks can also help in diagnosing DDH.

A follow-up checkup one week after birth is the ideal time for parents to discuss this condition with the medical practitioner. It is important for parents and caregivers to share information about the family history of DDH with their doctor. In that case, the doctor would recommend an ultrasound of the pelvis at around six weeks.

The same method is used for diagnosis if the newborn has other conditions like metatarsus adductus. A physical examination and ultrasound are used to identify the condition.

Treatment

The treatment for DDH depends on whether the condition was present and diagnosed at the time of birth or not. If DDH is diagnosed at the time of birth, it can be easily corrected by using a brace or harness. If the condition was developed later in the first year of a child’s life, DDH will only be diagnosed when the child starts walking. In that case, the treatment becomes more complicated. A typical treatment for DDH can be classified into two categories.

Non-Invasive Treatment

Treatment often depends upon the age of the child. For newborns, a specially designed harness is used which helps in tightening the ligaments surrounding the hip joint. This harness known as the Pavlik harness also facilitates the development of a normal hip joint. A Pavlik harness also allows parents to safely perform daily activities like diapering and bathing. The length of treatment depends upon the severity of the condition. Usually, this treatment is recommended for six weeks. If there is no significant improvement, the treatment is repeated for another six weeks.

As the child grows, a stronger harness made from more firm material is used to align the hip ball and socket. A spica cast is usually applied to these children.

Surgery

Surgical invasion is required when the ball needs to be fixed in the socket. X-rays during the surgery are done to ensure that the hip joint is properly fixed. After the surgery, a cast is placed to maintain the proper position of the hip joint. The bone growth continues normally after the cast is removed and children are able to walk properly.

Early and appropriate diagnosis of DDH can help in effective treatment. Children born with this deformity can lead to a normal life if they are treated well in time. Be sure to tell your doctor about any abnormalities within your family or if you suspect that your child may have DDH.

Cellulite – Can We Get Rid of it

What is Cellulite?

Photo of woman's leg wiht cellulite — iStock

Cellulite is a common skin condition that affects over 80% of women around the world. It can make your skin appear dimpled or bumpy. It is not a disease but a cosmetic concern for most people. The dimply skin affects certain areas of the body, especially the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks. The condition is usually referred to as “orange peel skin” because of the uneven texture. It not only affects women but also men. The condition is a result of fat deposits pushing through the connective tissues under the skin.

Human cells have three major components – dermis, epidermis, and fat cells. The fat cells are present beneath the top layers of the skin known as the epidermis and dermis. These fat cells store excess energy. Between the fat cells and the top layer of the skin, there are connective tissues. These tissues run vertically between the fat cells and the top layer of the skin. The vertical bands create chambers that can accommodate fat. When the fat cells expand, the chambers fill up and begin to bulge. This forms a small bump over the skin. When the same thing happens to most of the chambers under the skin, there are small bumps all over. This appearance of bumps gives an uneven texture to the skin causing a dimpling effect. This condition is known as cellulite.

According to its severity, the condition can be ranked in three grades. It ranges from grade 1 which is mild to grade 3 which is the most severe form of cellulite.

Risk Factors

The exact cause of this skin condition is not known. However, there are a few risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing cellulite.

Gender

Cellulite can affect both men and women. But the condition affects more women than men. According to estimates, 80-90% of women around the world get cellulite at some point in their lives. On the other hand, it only affects 10% of men globally. The reasons are multiple. To support childbirth, the physical structure of women is such that they have stronger thighs and pelvic regions. Therefore they tend to carry more fat cells in their lower body. But they also have fewer connective tissues in that region. This is the reason why active women with an ideal BMI and a healthy lifestyle can also develop this condition. Additionally, female hormones are a major reason why more women are affected by this condition.

Age

Women are more prone to this condition as they age. This is due to the changes in hormones. As they age, women tend to produce less estrogen. This hormone is responsible for the smooth flow of blood in the vessels. As estrogen in the blood decreases, there is poor circulation, and the formation of new collagen results in the breakdown of the connective tissues.

Pregnancy

Cellulite affects the lower body of women. It is the same region that grows during pregnancy. Also, hormonal changes during pregnancy can trigger the condition or make your cellulite appear worse. However, with sufficient weight loss post-delivery, most women can overcome the severity of cellulite.

Genes

Cellulite may run in families. If other women in the family have it, you have a higher chance of developing the condition. However, since most women develop cellulite, having a family history is not much of a concern.

Lack of Exercise

Lack of exercise is one of the potential risk factors. Regular exercise helps strengthen the connective tissues. It also burns excess fat stored under the skin. Therefore strength training targeted towards the lower body can significantly reduce your risk of getting cellulite.

Smoking

Tobacco smoke leads to reduced blood flow in the vessels. It also hampers the process of collagen formation. This results in damage to the connective tissues which makes your skin look drier. It also causes premature aging and can contribute to cellulite.

Diet

A diet rich in fats, carbohydrates, and salts is likely to contribute to this condition as well.

Treating Cellulite

Cellulite is not a disease. Therefore it does not require any treatment. But since it is a cosmetic concern for most women, many opt for invasive and non-invasive treatments. This may include laser therapy and the use of a filler injection. It is a widespread misconception that liposuction can treat cellulite. In fact, the best way to treat cellulite is to adopt certain lifestyle changes. This includes incorporating a regular and targeted exercise regime. It also involves making a few dietary changes and quitting habits like smoking.

Exercise

If you want to get rid of cellulite, you need to keep your body moving. Highly-priced moisturizers and serums will not produce the dramatic effect they claim but exercise will.

Squats, lunges, and high-intensity strength training not only affect your lower body but will also boost your metabolism. This will tone the thighs and lower abdomen but it will also burn the excess fat stored under the skin.

Foods Which Can Help Get Rid of Cellulite

The strength of the connective tissues and fat deposits in the cells are the two primary concerns in this condition. There are various foods that can help improve the integrity of connective tissue and skin layers. Incorporating these foods on a consistent basis can help in reducing cellulite. Some of these foods are

- Eggs
- fish
- Brown rice
- Olive oil
- Avocado
- Nuts
- Flaxseeds
- Carrots and
- Berries

In all, food rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats can help reduce the condition. However, since the body also needs nutrition from carbohydrates, limiting the intake of carbs can be very effective in treating cellulite.

Will Artificial Intelligence Replace Medical Practitioners?

A robot standing with a first aide kit next to it — Photo by Kirill_m – yayimages.com

Will physicians be a thing of the past? It is claimed that robots will replace doctors by 2035 and artificial intelligence (AKA AI, machine language, machine learning) is the source of this highly sort after the trend of the 21st century.

Indeed, AI is proving to be a benefit across a broad spectrum of industries. It is of special use for law enforcement, such as the Department of Homeland Security who is using machine language to help identify human traffickers. Moreover, the medical industry is very interesting and aggressive with promoting AI and the results are impressive.

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital showed that machine learning is more efficient in analyzing readings for mammograms of high-risk cancers than human radiologists. Similar efficiency of AI was reported when examining retinal images of diabetic patients.

Advancements in medical technology go much farther than that. Be it imaging, testing, or microscopic surgery, machine language is now widely used in the medical field. It is believed that AI will provide more evidence-based medical care along with more accurate diagnoses and provide very few chances of errors.

And the industry is thriving with new and innovative minds who will bring us to a new technical revolution of machine learning all through this 21st century, such as the discussion in this tweet.

What Exactly is Artificial Intelligence?

In a nutshell, AI is the use of computers to study data and subsequently learn from that data in order to produce more efficient results.

With that said, the health care industry still has certain limitations when using machine language. For example, it cannot replace the need for medical practitioners physically and psychologically diagnosing a patient, but as advancements continue, it is not a far thought that practitioners may be seeing less and less of us.

One example is heart monitor apps that you can download to your smartphone, along with acquiring the appropriate apparatuses. Another example is small chips that a surgeon might place near your heart and as you sleep, it monitors your heartbeat and sends the data back to the hospital.

Whether human physicians will always remain in the health care equation in the future or they will leave and we will be diagnosed by a hologram doctor remains to be seen. Let’s see how close we really are to having robots diagnose our physical health.

Benefits of AI in the Medical Industry

Animated man with bacteria showing moving towards him

Intelligent software has numerous applications. It is widely used in robot-assisted surgeries, analysis of images like CT scans and MRIs, and clinical trials. The total investment in healthcare AI is expected to reach $6.6 billion by 2021. There are many important reasons for such a huge investment.

Some of the reasons why AI is likely to have a greater hand in helping human doctors are:

Faster and More Accurate Diagnosis

Though artificial intelligence is not a real doctor, it is an accurate tool for faster and more accurate diagnoses. Some diseases require immediate intervention, and human medical practitioners might fail to meet this need.

AI systems are designed similar to the neural network in the human brain and have the ability to learn from previous cases and that is the key – they learn.

Unlike standard software which simply performs a task or multiple tasks, machine language goes one step further by taking certain facts (called data points) and compares them to other examples to would determine the outcome. AI also has the ability to quickly access knowledge bases around the world in order to make an accurate judgment and a faster diagnosis.

Interactions with humans can be exhausting for medical practitioners, and subsequently, increase the chances of an inaccurate diagnosis. But computers never get tired. They can deal with hundreds of patients without affecting the chances of error.

Cost Reduction

Investment in machine learning is generally considered by many to be an expensive proposition. In reality, though, the operating costs are far less when compared to human practitioners. The initial investment is huge, but it can be easily recovered because of lower operating costs.

Reliance on AI also saves costs for the patients. Since AI can provide you with a solution without visiting a doctor’s office, it saves traveling time and cost.

Virtual Presence

Not exactly AI, but still an advancement in technology, telemedicine allows people with medical issues to have a video conference with a physician without the need to visit his/her office.

Regardless of your location, you can seek accurate medical assistance for numerous ailments. This is exceptionally helpful for people that live in rural areas where medical practitioners are many miles away.

Reasons Why Artificial Intelligence Cannot Replace Doctors

Even though AI is widely used in the medical industry, it cannot replace the need for medical practitioners altogether. Some of the reasons why there will always be a need for physicians are:

Robots and AI are Not Empathetic

a-male-patient-smiles-while-holding-the-hand-of-a-friend — Compassion is one area where computers cannot compete. At least not currently, but who knows?

Human beings are social animals. They do not only have physical needs but emotional needs as well. At times, a patient visits a doctor’s office just to be heard and understood.

Though machine language can help in providing a faster and more accurate diagnosis, the algorithms can never fulfill the emotional needs of patients. For life-changing decisions like surgery, even the smartest algorithms cannot listen to your concerns and provide compassionate advice. It is still impossible to imagine healthcare without the human element involved.

Not Everything Can be Classified as 0s & 1s

Algorithms classify everything as 0s and 1s – the binary code (DNA of computers) used in all machines worldwide. However, in case there are multiple problems, it is may become complicated before reaching a conclusion.

Diseases also follow the same pattern of variability. AI is still incapable of analyzing complex information about multiple diseases and illnesses at the same time. In the future, there might be an improvement in technology that can process more complicated information, but right now, our dependence on computers for accurate diagnosis remains specific to single ailments.

Human Element in Data Entry

AI is not self-sufficient. It still needs humans to enter data. Only then will artificial intelligence process information and suggest a conclusion. If there is human error in the data entry phase, there will be an error in the analysis and diagnosis. Therefore, we cannot always rely solely on the diagnosis of machines, so currently, there will always be the need for a medical practitioner to reach a final conclusion.

It’s Not About Technology vs. Humans

Machines and human beings are not rivals. They are partners working towards the same goal. Technology helps in providing more accurate and timely solutions, but it lacks the ability to process complex information at this time.

Human medical practitioners, on the other hand, are not as quick thorough on specific diagnoses and might reach a faulty conclusion. Only if humans and technology work together, can they provide safe and reliable medical solutions to the patients.

Conclusion

Doctor with Stethoscope We see that there is a bright future for the medical industry as far as technological advancements are concerned. The human error aspect has decreased drastically, while efficiency has increased multiple times over, but even considering the efficiency of AI, it is highly unlikely that robots will replace human physicians in this decade.

So for now, AI and humans will have to work in collaboration, but who knows? Maybe in our lifetime, we may just see that holographic doctor after all.

Four Most Common Cardiovascular Diseases

What are Cardiovascular Diseases?

Graph of a heart rate — Heart Rate Vector Design Element Over White. Bigstock

The cardiovascular system is made up of the heart, blood vessels, and blood. The heart is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to the entire body. The blood vessels act as a transporting agent, carrying oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to and from the heart to our other organs. When the organs receive this oxygen-rich blood, they can perform their respective functions.

Cardiovascular diseases are a category of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels and encompass various conditions, but the most common ones are highlighted below.

Heart Attack

Also known as myocardial infarction, is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases. Every year, around 0.7 million Americans suffer from this debilitating ailment. It is one of the leading causes of death globally and causes one in every four deaths in the US.

The heart muscles need a constant flow of oxygen-rich blood, providing adequate blood supply to the body’s organs. In the case of cardiovascular diseases, the blood vessels are narrowed and consequently result in a higher risk of blood clots. A heart attack occurs when the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly stopped due to these clots and this problem can seriously damage the heart muscle.

Not all heart attacks are due to blood clots, however. A heart attack can be a result of a spasm of blood vessels carrying blood to the heart. During a spasm, the blood vessel is unable to perform its function normally. As a result, the heart is deprived of oxygen-rich blood and the heart muscle suffers permanent damage.

This heart muscle deterioration depends upon the period the heart was deprived of oxygen. The muscle can begin to heal right after a heart attack and full recovery can take up to eight weeks. In case of serious damage, a heart attack can be fatal.

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease is a specific medical condition related to the arteries, which are the blood vessels for carrying oxygen-rich blood to the heart. The heart then pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.

Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries become too narrow, due to a thick lining of fatty deposits. This is caused by a sedentary lifestyle and a diet rich in fats. The fatty deposits, called plaque, exert pressure on the arteries and result in damage to the vessel’s inner layers. This injury causes inflammation within the artery and the plaque further deposits in the artery; subsequently, pressure is exerted on the blood vessel and this may cause it to rupture. It also increases the risk of clot formation.

Congenital Heart Defect

This condition is associated with a defect in the structure of the heart or major blood vessels. A congenital heart defect is one of the most common birth abnormalities. Every year, around 1% of babies in the US are born with congenital heart defects. This birth defect either causes blood to flow through the heart irregularly or it may restrict the flow of blood in the heart or other blood vessels. Previously, children born with congenital heart defects were unable to survive. However, with advances in technology, it is possible to successfully treat some of these birth defects.

There are over 30 different types of congenital heart defects. Medically, these defects can be divided into two categories.

Cyanotic Heart Disease

This condition is often characterized by low oxygen levels. This can cause breathlessness, fatigue, and fainting in infants. There may also be blue skin and lips, as well as fever, nausea, or vomiting.

Acyanotic Heart Disease

The oxygen levels in this condition are normal, but there is a flaw in the structure of the heart. This restricts the heart’s ability to pump blood to all the other parts of the body effectively.

Most of the patients suffering from congenital heart defects have a higher than normal blood pressure. This means that the heart needs to work harder to transport blood throughout the body. This can weaken the heart muscles over time and may lead to heart failure. High blood pressure also increases the risk of other medical conditions, including stroke and kidney failure.

Arrhythmia

Some changes in the heart rate are normal. When a person sleeps, the heart rate drops and increases during exercise or stressful situations. However, an abnormally high or low heart rate can be a sign of a dangerous cardiovascular disease.

Arrhythmia is a cardiovascular disease related to the rhythm of your heartbeat. People suffering from this condition experience irregular cardiac rhythm. There are two common types of arrhythmia. Either the heart beats too slowly. This condition is referred to as bradycardia. Or the heart rate is too high. This is known as tachycardia and occurs when you have more than 100 heartbeats per minute.

Though the condition is not related to blood vessels, it is categorized as cardiovascular disease. This is because it is associated with the heart and the electrical impulses of the heart. The condition is particularly dangerous because if the heart is beating too fast or too slowly, it cannot effectively pump blood to all other organs. Ineffective blood supply to vital organs like the lungs, brain, and other organs can damage them.

We are just scratching the surface here to give you a quick overview of heart ailments, but there is an amazing abundance of heart-related websites on the Internet. Be sure to read up on cardiovascular diseases for more detailed information, but make sure the information you find is from a reliable source.

As far as prevention is concerned, there is no guarantee that you will not acquire a cardiovascular disease sometime in your lifetime and there is also the possibility that you will never have a heart-related issue, but good exercise and proper diets can always reduce the odds. Of course, if you feel that something is wrong, contact your doctor immediately. Don’t wait!

Motherless Birth – The Future of Human Reproduction

An illustration of a baby in a mother’s womb against test tube

Photo by adrenalina – yayimages.com

Imagine having children from your bloodline but were never nurtured within your womb! Some people may be shocked, but others may be thrilled. Especially those who cannot have children. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this new breakthrough research.

How Did Motherless Birth Technology Materialize?

New advances in genetics and stem cell research have transformed childbirth to significantly improve the possibility of saving the lives of premature babies, as well as helping those who can’t conceive a child naturally.

Researchers are now approaching a 21st-century incubation technology analogous to those futuristic sci-fi movies we see – the artificial womb, which is a biotechnological breakthrough, called ectogenesis that will change the course of human reproduction forever.

The word was coined in 1924 and describes pregnancy occurring outside the womb. The scientist who labeled this word predicted that by 2074, more than 70% of the fetuses will grow in an artificial environment. His prediction might be right on target. Today, a preterm fetus with a gestational (the period of time between conception and birth) age of 22 weeks can survive outside the mother’s womb. With a little more than halfway through the pregnancy, sophisticated medical equipment with replicated womb-like conditions will allow the fetus to continue to grow in an artificial environment.

Studies are still underway to push back the minimal gestational age. Eventually, this technology will take over the natural pregnancy and childbirth process completely. But will society accept this artificial birthing process? Is the technology 100% safe and risk-free? Here are some answers to the artificial womb and motherless birthing.

The Technology

T Image of an Embro he research on ectogenesis began earlier in the last century. However, there has been rapid progress over the last 20-30 years. It is during this time that the world has experienced marked improvements in neonatal intensive care.

But in the last decade, there was extensive research on how a human fetus can grow outside the human body. A fetus develops vital organs like lungs, liver and kidneys well in advance of its birth. This is the reason why a minimal gestational age of 22-24 weeks is required for the survival of premature babies. Until this time, the fetus has developed vital organs required for cleansing the blood. Only then can the fetus manage to survive in artificial conditions like an incubator.

there was extensive research on how a human fetus can grow outside the human body. A fetus develops vital organs like lungs, liver and kidneys well in advance of its birth. This is the reason why a minimal gestational age of 22-24 weeks is required for the survival of premature babies. Until this time, the fetus has developed vital organs required for cleansing the blood. Only then can the fetus manage to survive in artificial conditions like an incubator.

A few years ago, a review published by the New York Academy of Sciences highlighted significant medical achievements. It showed two major developments in ectogenesis. One is the development of an artificial amniotic fluid which provides the right environment for the fetus. The other is the transfer of an embryo from the laboratory to the uterus of the mother. Both these technologies will allow the transfer of an embryo to a system which includes the placenta and the umbilical cord. These two organs provide nourishment to the fetus and remove all types of waste from the blood.

So far, the survival of the premature baby born at the gestational age of 22-24 weeks depends upon the optimal functioning of the lungs, kidneys, and liver. Further research in this field will substantially improve the survival of premature babies. It is expected that it will lead to the complete development of a fetus in an artificial setting. This means that a fetus can grow without the need of a uterus even in the early stages.

Who Benefits from this Technology?

This is advantageous to many segments of society. Those who are most likely to benefit from this technology include:

Couples Who Cannot Have Children

The artificial womb is the perfect technology which can help couples who are unable to have children naturally. It is a step ahead of in-vitro fertilization and is equally beneficial for both men and women. This advancement allows couples to rent artificial wombs so that they can have children. Though the children grow in an artificial setting, they would genetically and legally be the offspring of the donor couple.

Survival of Premature Babies

The artificial womb, known as the Biobag, is far better than the conventional incubators. The environmental conditions are much closer to conditions inside a mother’s womb. This would significantly improve the survival rate of premature babies. Researchers will be able to push down the minimal gestational age necessary for survival.

LGBT Parents

By eliminating the need for a real womb, ectogenesis can allow gay couples to have children without the need of a surrogate mother. Instead, they only need an egg donor. The same applies to transgender people who wish to have a child.

Societal Implications

It is theorized that children grown in an artificial womb are likely to be smarter and less prone to diseases. In fact, they might be perfect kids with a limited risk of genetically transmitted conditions. Will it possible to handle such perfect humans? How it will affect the future of humankind still remains a mystery.

As mentioned. motherless births have the potential to develop living human beings without the need of a human carrier. But the role of the mother is not only limited to providing nourishment and the right environment. It has an emotional aspect as well. Fetal growth outside the womb will deprive both the mother and the child of this emotional bonding. No one knows how this will alter relationships in the future.

Conclusion

Ectogenesis will have numerous medical benefits. Artificial wombs can save the lives of premature babies, can help infertile couples and enable older people to have children. It gives a chance for high-risk pregnant women to have a child without risking their lives. In the coming years, it could offer a safer alternative to conventional pregnancy and childbirth. However, it can alter our ideas about intimacy, relationships, and human nature.

The technology of the artificial womb has come far but it still needs to be perfected through further research and accepted in today’s society. People may be skeptical. Will it be possible to handle such (theoretical) perfect human beings? Is there more research related to the mental health of children through ectogenesis required? What will religious groups say? What if unscrupulous groups try to exploit this development in a nefarious manner such as the perfect ‘soldier’ or ‘superhuman’? How it will affect the societal, religious and political future of humankind still remains a mystery.

Even when science develops to perfection the physical aspect of ectogenesis, society may take a much longer time to accept its consequences from a psychological perspective.

All You Need to Know About Personality Disorders

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Human beings are complex social creatures. Our personality plays an important role when it comes to managing relationships with others, whether it is in the home, at work or in social settings, where one can display his/her emotions without a face-to-face encounter, which has led to some of the most unusual and sometimes just plain scary and dangerous posts. How we interact, behave and think is all determined by the type of personality we have.

What are Personality Disorders?

Our personality can be determined by many factors. Our upbringing and social environment would be at the top of the list; however, there are certain factors which can result in changes in our mood. This may involve a change in behavior and thought process which is unhealthy and damaging to relationships. An inflexible and destructive thought process and behavior is known as a personality disorder.

People suffering from these disorders have difficulty in managing relationships and day to day tasks. They have trouble dealing with stress and coping with routine situations which may arise every day. Personality disorders not only affect the behavior with others but it also involves how a person treats him/herself.

Types of Personality Disorders

Based on characteristics, personality disorders are divided into three clusters. The signs and symptoms vary with the type of condition. People suffering from cluster A will exhibit different symptoms when compared with individuals suffering from cluster B. It is possible to get diagnosed with more than one personality disorder.

Cluster A – Suspicious

This is characterized by odd, eccentric behavior. The common features of this type of personality include social awkwardness and withdrawal. These people have trouble forming close relationships, even with family. Lack of trust even among the closest relatives in one of the most important warning signs. Some of the common personality disorders which are part of this group are:

Paranoid Personality Disorder
Schizoid
Schizotypal

Cluster B – Impulsive and Emotional

This cluster is characterized by trouble in controlling emotions and behavior. It causes serious problems when it comes to managing relationships. People suffering from this condition not only have trouble with others but they have irrational and erratic behavior towards themselves as well. The four personality disorders which fall under this cluster are:

Antisocial personality disorder
Borderline
Histrionic
Narcissistic

Cluster C- Anxious

This cluster is characterized by intense anxiety and fear. It can seriously hamper a person’s ability to manage routine stress. As a result, it is particularly dangerous as it can affect a person’s normal functioning of life. Disorders included in this cluster are:

Avoidant personality disorder
Dependent
Obsessive-Compulsive

Causes of Personality Disorder

Personality disorders can be attributed to many factors, not the least of which could be associated with mental illnesses, such as bipolar or schizophrenia, but in this article, we will keep it simple by just listing some of the reasons why one would have a disorder with his/her personality.

According to research some of the common causes include:

Genetics

A malfunctioning gene is an important contributing factor in the development of a number of personality disorders, including OCD. More research is trying to find the link between genetics and other common disorders like anxiety.

Childhood Trauma

Childhood trauma is likely to be an important cause of developing personality disorders. A research study has found that the number and type of childhood trauma is closely linked with different types of personality disorders. For example, children who experience sexual abuse have a higher risk of developing borderline personality disorders.

Verbal Abuse

It is rightly said that verbal abuse is far more dangerous than physical abuse. Research shows that adults who were exposed to verbal abuse during childhood were three times more likely to develop various personality disorders.

Inadequate Parenting

Inadequate parenting is one of the potential causes of developing personality disorders. Children who feel left out, are unheard or come from disturbed families are more likely to develop personality disorders. In comparison to those children who were nurtured and brought up in a loving and caring environment.

Diagnosis

A personality disorder is usually not determined by a physical exam. However, a physical exam is conducted to screen and rule out other possible causes of behavioral issues. A detailed psychiatric evaluation is the most important step in identifying and diagnosing the type of personality disorder. The symptoms of the patient are then be compared to the criteria provided by the American Psychiatric Association known as DSM-5.

Treatments

Personality disorders are a serious condition affecting the quality of life of a person. It is detrimental to relationships and for the individual. Often people suffering from personality disorders have denial issues. However, it is important to realize that these conditions are not self-curative. They need proper medical intervention.

These disorders are difficult to cure but appropriate diagnosis and effective treatment can turn out positive results. Common treatments for curing personality disorders include:

Medication

A number of psychiatric drugs are prescribed to control the symptoms of personality disorders. Some common medications used include:

Mood Stabilizers
Anti-depressants
Anti-psychotic drugs and
Anti-anxiety medications.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is guided intervention by a psychologist to treat the personality disorder. This method may be used alone or as an alongside treatment with medicines. Trained psychologists use talk therapy to modify the thought process of patients. These sessions are effective for stabilizing mood and behavior. The process may also involve the family members of the patient. Some of the common types of therapies include

Cognitive behavioral therapy
Dialectical behavioral therapy
Interpersonal therapy
Family focused therapy

Hospitalization

In some cases, a personality disorder may be very severe. In such cases, it is important to hospitalize the patient. This treatment is usually used when the patient can inflict self-harm or may harm others. To avoid such conditions, patients are hospitalized and adequate treatment is provided.

Ten Facts to Know About Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the most common medical conditions of the bones and joints. With that said, this disease is greatly underrated and highly misunderstood. Over 50 million adults and 300,000 children currently suffer from arthritis. Women and seniors are most affected by it, feeling frequent joint pain and swelling. Although it is not related to gender, race, or age group, the condition can worsen as we get older.

The pain and stiffness can hamper the motor skills and the ability to move. The symptoms can be temporary or permanent, mild, or severe. A patient can experience difficulty in carrying out daily tasks like climbing stairs or walking. Since the bones affected by arthritis deteriorate with time, it is important to understand what is happening and that there are ways to limit acquiring this bone disease. Let’s take a look at what arthritis is all about first.

There are more than 100 types of Arthritis Conditions

Arthritis is a term used to represent numerous bone and joint conditions. The types are categorized as degenerative, inflammatory, infectious, and metabolic arthritis. The two most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis targets the hard, lubricated tissue lining the joints, called cartilage, whereas rheumatoid arthritis triggers the immune system, which works against the joints.

Rheumatologists are Arthritis Specialists

When dealing with specialized conditions, referring to the professionals trained in that area is essential. To provide adequate care for arthritis, rheumatologists should be referred to. They’ll be able to diagnose the type of arthritis and plan a treatment plan accordingly.

Arthritis Patients Face Difficulties in Daily Tasks

Person bending with knee injury Moderate to severe arthritis can cause physical limitations and even a person’s daily chores can become painful. Bone and joint pain make bending, walking, and climbing difficult. People may also need assistance in cooking, cleaning, bathing, and other home chores.

Arthritis is Incurable

This might be the worst thing about arthritis. There is no known treatment or medication that can be used to cure it completely. However, your doctor will be able to prescribe antibiotics for Lyme’s arthritis or medication to reduce pain, swelling, and other symptoms. These medicines can be effective in slowing down the disease and controlling the associated conditions, but there’s no way currently available to cure the disease completely.

Early Diagnosis Can Definitely Help

Like all other diseases, diagnosing arthritis in its initial stages can help treat the disease. If the symptoms worsen with time, there’s not much that can be done. The ideal treatment plan would entail an early diagnosis and medication to regress the progression of the disease.

Arthritis Can be Controlled by Adopting Healthy Habits

A healthy lifestyle can make a huge difference for arthritis patients if they adopt habits like regular exercising, healthy eating, managing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting sufficient sleep. It is important to quit smoking and drinking as these habits can worsen the illness.

A Lot of Information about Arthritis Is Misleading

You’ll be surprised to know that several things associated with arthritis are based on myths, misconceptions, and rumors. The belief that this disease is age-specific and will affect only old people is incorrect. Age is not a cause of arthritis. Similarly, climate and diet have nothing to do with it either. Even though the thought of curing the disease is a good one, it is still just a myth. Lack of compassion also gives birth to some myths. Arthritis pain is not “just pain”, it can get quite severe and can interfere with the daily life anyone who acquires it.

Each Person Will Have a Different Reaction to Treatment

Senior Citizen showing hands hurt from arthritis

The treatment of arthritis will differ from patient to patient. The doctor will adopt a trial and error method and prescribe different medications including NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs), analgesics (pain medications), biologics, or corticosteroids. The treatment plan will be refined based on the patient’s reaction until the most optimum combination of medicines is found.

The Treatment Can Be Expensive

Arthritis is the number one cause of disability in America, and its treatment can be pretty expensive, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The national arthritis-attributable medical expenditures were estimated to reach annual medical expenditures can be as high as $140 billion in 2013. The disease can leave the patients impaired and this may lso costs them wage losses along with medical costs, which can almost double this amount. In 2013, this was estimated to be $303.5 billion or 1% of the 2013 US Gross Domestic Product.

Arthritis Can Be Emotionally Exhausting

A person can suffer from depression due to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. While there are numerous physical limitations of the disease, the emotional trauma goes beyond that. There lies a huge responsibility on the family and friends of the patients. At its worst, anger, resentment, and fear can lead to self-destructive practices and may even take away the will to live. People suffering from arthritis should be treated with love and support.

Arthritis and associated conditions can affect a patient’s life and society in general. We hope that this brief article can help you gain some introductory knowledge about this disease. Living a life with pain and discomfort is no fun, but knowing about the disease can help in early diagnosis and effective treatment. Talk to your doctor and find out what he/she recommends!

Genetic Disorders

“meduza” by Natasha Dzhola is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Ever wonder why some people have disabilities? Might be from an accident or they could have been that way since birth, but if they were born that way, the question would be why did this happen?

People from around the world fall victim to different birth defects, also known as genetic disorders. Some of the more common diseases are: Down Syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis, and Sickle Cell Anemia.

But what is a genetic diesorder exactly and what can be done about it? Let’s dwelve into this more closely.

What Is a Genetic Disorder?

Illustration of molecules and DNA — *https://www.storyblocks.com/stock-image/molecules-background*

A Genetic disorder is a condition caused by a mutation in the DNA or the abnormality in a person’s genome or genetic makeup.

There are about 6000 genetic disorders, which can be categorized by the following four types:

Single-gene mutation
Multiple genes mutations
Chromosomal abnormalities
mitochondrial mutations

Single Gene Mutation

Single-gene mutation, (AKA Mendelian disorder, or monogenic inheritance) is the type of abnormality which occurs in a single gene’s DNA sequence. There are thousands of known single-gene disorders, but these diseases are not too common. Four examples follow.

A condition caused by acquiring a single defective gene from any one of the parents called Autosomal Dominant Inheritance.
A condition caused by acquiring one defective gene from each parent, forming a pair, called Autosomal Recessive Inheritance.
A condition caused by acquiring the defective gene from the female or x-chromosome, called X-Linked Inheritance. It is further divided into dominant or recessive.

Some common examples of a single-gene mutation are cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, fragile X syndrome, Huntington’s disease, hemochromatosis, and Marfan syndrome.

Multiple Genes Mutation

The second category consists of genetic disorders caused by multiple genes mutations, (AKA polygenic inheritance, or multifactorial inheritance). This mutation occurs when more than one gene is altered and environmental factors also play a role. Some chronic diseases like heart conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease are multifactorial disorders. Fatal diseases, like Breast cancer, are found to have genetic symptoms when mutations exists on the chromosomes. Each human has 23 pairs of chromosomes and they are numbered. In this case, if chromosomes 6, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, and 22 are defective, the diseases mentioned above can occur.

Normally, a child often inherits characteristics and traits like hair, eye, skin color, height, and facial features due to multiple gene inheritance.

Chromosomal abnormalities

Chromosomes contain genetic information and any abnormality in its structure can cause genetic disorders as mentioned. These abnormalities occur during the process of cell division.

Mitochondrial Mutations

Each cell contains small round, rod-like structures called organelles. Some organelles are the nucleus, nucleolus, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, ribosomes, lysosomes, endosomes, and peroxisomes. Confused? Don’t worry. Just know that there are different parts of a cell called organelles.

The diseases caused by a mutation such as a defection in the mitochondria would include Leber’s hereditary optic atrophy (LHON), myoclonic epilepsy with ragged red fibers (MERRF), mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS).

Some Common Genetic Disorders

DOWN SYNDROME

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Normally, there are 23 pairs of chromosomes present in the nucleus of a cell. A person suffers from Down syndrome when out of these 23 pairs, a part or the entirety of the 21st chromosome gets copied an extra time. Prenatal screening tests, like blood tests, are carried out during pregnancy to study the chromosomal material present in the mother’s blood. This is an effective method of finding out whether or not the newborn will have Down syndrome.

This disorder causes physical and cognitive growth delays, mild to moderate intellectual disability, and special facial features. Small body frame, upward tilted eyes, and a low muscle tone are also some signs of Down syndrome. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that out of every 700 babies born in the U.S. at least one will suffer from this disorder. This disease also depends on the age of the mother: the greater the age, the higher the chances of this disorder.

THALASSEMIA

It is a genetically inherited blood disorder in which the quantity of red blood cells in a person’s body is lower than normal and the body naturally produces a lesser amount of hemoglobin. This disease is caused by mutations in the DNA of cells that make hemoglobin. This disease hinders the flow of oxygen within the body. If both the parents contribute with a Thalassemia gene, there will be a 25% probability of the newborn acquiring this disease. The severe anemia necessitates regular blood transfusions and chelation therapy.

The symptoms of the disease may include slow growth, weakness, pale or yellowish skin, facial bone deformities, fatigue, dark urine, and abdominal swelling.

CYSTIC FIBROSIS

This genetic disorder adversely affects the lungs, digestive tract and other vital organs of the body. Screening for cystic fibrosis is carried out in newborns and is diagnosed in the first month. The disorder targets the cells that are responsible for the production of mucus, digestive juices, and sweat. These secretions are generally slippery and thin, but the defective gene causing cystic fibrosis turns them thick and sticky. The lubricating juices start clogging the passageways, thus causing severe difficulties in the lungs and pancreas.

TAY-SACHS DISEASE

The genetic defects that cause Tay-Sachs disease are similar to that causing Down syndrome. In this disease, the 15th chromosome is repeated, making this disease fatal for children diagnosed with it.

Tay-Sachs is a rare genetic disorder which destroys the neurons in the brain and spinal cord. The newborn suffering from this disease will show no sign of abnormality during the initial three to six months. However, soon the infant starts losing his/her motor skills. The disease worsens with time and the patient suffers from seizures, vision and hearing loss, intellectual disability, and paralysis. Another characteristic sign of this disease is the cherry-red spot in the eye. This condition is fatal and most patients do not survive past their early childhood.