People with an overactive bladder (or OAB) experience a sudden and frequent urge to urinate. About 40% of women and 30% of men in the country deal with this condition, which can be caused by weak pelvic muscles, nerve damage, and excessive caffeine consumption. Those affected may have to urinate more often than usual and can even experience leakage. Here are a few treatment options, foods to eat and avoid, and ways to manage OAB: Treatment options Persistent symptoms should be discussed with a doctor so that they can determine the right course of treatment for OAB. Here are popular options that can be considered based on the doctor’s recommendation: Gemtesa:  It is an FDA-approved prescription treatment for adults affected by OAB. It helps relieve urinary symptoms like urgency, frequency, and even incontinence. Gemtesa is an oral treatment, usually taken with water. Common side effects include diarrhea, headache, or nausea. Myrbetriq:  It can help treat bladder issues like neurogenic detrusor overactivity and overactive bladder. This treatment option relaxes the detrusor, a bladder muscle, making it easier for the bladder to accommodate more urine and reduce OAB symptoms. Doctors recommend oral consumption of  Myrbetriq once a day. Adults can have it with or without food, while children must take it with food. Toviaz:  It prevents frequent bladder contractions and calms the bladder muscles. Additionally, Toviaz reduces symptoms like frequent urination, persistent urge to pee, and incontinence. Doctors may not recommend this option for those who suffer from stomach-related issues and cannot empty the bladder. Allergic reactions are common side effects of this treatment option. Enablex:  It helps treat OAB by relaxing the bladder muscles, improving the ability to control urination, and reducing the likelihood of leakage, frequent bathroom trips, and sudden urge to urinate. Enablex can be taken with or without food once a day.

Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens the bones, causing them to turn brittle and fracture. About 10 million individuals in the country suffer from osteoporosis. The deterioration of bones occurs in one of five men. In women, the probability is higher with osteoporosis affecting one in three individuals. Doctors prefer various prescription methods to cope with the condition and may also recommend some food tips. Here we have a few tips for managing osteoporosis: Eat foods to improve bone health One way to avoid osteoporosis is by eating foods to improve bone health. Introducing foods rich in calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, and milk, can nourish the body with calcium. The element is a vital nutrient for the formation and maintenance of the skeleton. Foods rich in vitamin C, E, K, and B also help in improving bone health. A few foods rich in these vitamins are collards, kale, spinach, arugula, swiss chard, and beet greens. Adding these edibles to meals can also introduce minerals like magnesium, selenium, and manganese to improve the quality of bones. Furthermore, eating foods abundant in omega-3, such as salmon and eggs, nourish the bones and promote rigidity. The fatty acid can also curb inflammation that may relieve any pain a person feels in their joints. On the flip side, several foods are also bad for bones. These foods can trigger inflammation and also lead to other complications. Sodium is an element that can drastically impact bone health. A few foods rich in sodium include processed meats, deli turkey, hot dogs, and ham. The element is coupled with other nitrates and nitrites to preserve these foods and enhance their flavor. Other foods such as burgers, tacos, and pizzas also contain excessive salts. Drinking caffeinated products like energy drinks, beverages, and coffee are other unhealthy foods that can trigger osteoporosis.

Acid reflux, commonly referred to as heartburn, is a discomfort that most adults experience on a regular basis. The stomach holds digestive juices that break down the foods and beverages consumed before moving them along the digestive tract. When these juices flow back up the esophagus, the resulting burning sensation and discomfort is called acid reflux. Here are some known causes, triggers, and habits that may inadvertently worsen the condition. Having a large meal The body can only absorb and process a certain amount of nutrients from foods and beverages consumed daily. Overeating only adds extra calories that remain unprocessed and adds to the body mass index, triggering the risk of high body fat, among other complications. Putting pressure on the stomach forces the gastric foods back up the esophagus. This happens as the esophageal sphincter relaxes, opening the valve connecting the end of the esophagus with the top of the stomach. The acidity content of these gastric juices is extremely high, and the upwards regurgitation is what triggers painful heartburn. Instead of having a large meal, doctors advise splitting up the same food into smaller portions and having smaller meals every couple of hours. Wearing clothing that presses against the stomach Wearing tight fitting clothes may be a stylish fashion choice, but this habit can trigger heartburn. Tight pants, jeans, or wearing tight accessories like belts and waistbands press against the stomach. Even if you don’t consume heavy meals and avoid beverages that lead to acidity, this extra pressure from tight fitting clothing pushes the stomach acids upwards. The added pressure also leaves the esophageal sphincter open, resulting in acid reflux. Taking a nap after having food One of the worst and severely underrated triggers of acid reflux is taking a nap immediately after having a small or large meal.

Hemophilia is a health condition in which the patient’s blood fails to clot normally due to the absence of clotting factors like Factor VIII and Factor IX. In most cases, this disease is genetically passed through generations, mainly affecting males. In patients with low clotting factors, spontaneous and injury-related bleeding can have fatal results. According to CDC, 12 people per 100,000 males in the country have hemophilia A. Here are four ways to manage the disease:   Effective trea tment options Even though this condition is non-curable, there are ways to minimize symptoms and keep it under control. The treatment varies as per the type of disease detected in the patient. It is important to remember that the main purpose of the treatment is to reduce bleeding and promote blood clotting.    Hemlibra, Recombinant Factor Concentrates, and Kovaltry  are three different types of treatment advised for patients suffering from this kind of blood disorder.    Hemlibra This is prophylaxis that needs to be prescribed by a practicing health professional. It is given to patients suffering from Hemophilia A, and its main objective is to reduce bleeding in the patient. It is prescribed for newborns, kids of all ages, and adults alike. Recombinant Factor Concentrates These are derived from animal cells that use the human gene to make the factor protein. Recombinant factors 8,9, and 7A have been in use since the 1990s. Doctors advise these concentrates for patients with hemophilia with an inhibitor against Factor 8 or 9.    Kovaltry It is a treatment offered to patients suffering from Hemophilia A and is used to replace clotting Factor VIII. It is recommended for adults and kids. Regular usage as prophylaxis, this treatment can effectively lessen bleeding episodes.   These treatments should not be self-prescribed. You need to speak to a healthcare provider and inform them of all your symptoms before starting these treatments.   Good food habits – What to eat      Increase fruit and vegetable intake Since blood loss is the main problem in hemophilia patients, they are advised to eat lots of green leafy veggies and fruits rich in iron.

Making kids adopt healthy eating habits can be a challenge. You have to ensure the food is not only nutritious but also tasty enough not to be left aside on the plate. But then, most parents run out of ideas over time and eventually become frustrated. So, how do you get your kid to choose the right foods and stay healthy? Here are a few tested strategies to get kids to eat better: Give them the freedom to choose Nobody likes to be compelled to do something, especially high-spirited toddlers and older children constantly trying to assert their autonomy. And the kitchen is not an exception to this principle. Choosing between celery with peanut butter and apple slices may not hold much significance for you; you may think both are healthy and pick either for your child on any given day. However, leaving it to your little one to decide will give them a sense of autonomy, which they seek so much. They may even agree to try new healthy dishes if they feel it is their choice. Let them prepare their plates Allowing children to prepare their own plates is another way of letting them feel their autonomy. It will, in turn, make them enthusiastic about trying new dishes. This may not be easy initially. Your little one may diverge from the established food guidelines of creating a balanced plate with veggies, fruits, proteins, carbs, etc. However, with appropriate guidance, they may get accustomed to the rules and be more willing to include healthy options on their plates, only to exercise their freedom to choose. Introduce new food options According to experts, children learn and get accustomed to the what, how, and when of food habits during the initial five years of their life. So, it is essential to introduce them to as much variety as possible when their taste buds and food habits are still developing.

Asthma is a respiratory condition wherein the airways in the lungs swell up, become narrow, and produce extra mucus, making it difficult to breathe. People affected can experience breathlessness, coughing, and wheezing. The disease could be a minor issue for some, while others may have to deal with serious long-term symptoms. Although there is no permanent cure for asthma, here are treatment options, foods to have and avoid, and alternative therapies to manage the symptoms: Treatment options Doctors can recommend the right course of treatment based on the severity of asthma symptoms. Here are a few popular options: Tezepelumab:  It is a popular treatment option, approved by the FDA as a supplementary maintenance remedy for pediatric patients over 12 and adults with asthma. Tezepelumab is an injectable option and the first and only biologic to significantly and consistently reduce severe asthma symptoms in clinical trials. Fasenra:  This is a monoclonal antibody that works on the immune system activity in the body. Fasenra helps control the elevated eosinophil count responsible for severe asthma symptoms. This injection is suitable for children over 12 and adults and can be used with other treatment plans to keep flare-ups in check. Nucala:  This is a monoclonal antibody that also reduces the eosinophils in the body. Doctors recommend this option with other treatment plans to control severe symptoms in children (over 6) and adults. Nucala is administered once every four weeks, and it cannot work as a rescue treatment to deal with sudden attacks or breathing problems. Xolair:  This option helps treat moderate to severe allergic asthma symptoms in children (over 6) and adults. This oral treatment option lowers the allergic response in the body, but it is not a rescue treatment to cure sudden asthma attacks. Zyrtec:  Antihistamines like Zyrtec target allergy-related symptoms like runny nose and watery eyes and can ease breathing difficulty in patients with mild to moderate asthma.

When constipated, one’s bowel movements become difficult and infrequent. People with constipation find it challenging to pass stool and can experience hard stool, bloating, or even nausea. Not having enough fiber or fluids can cause constipation, and factors like pregnancy, traveling, sedentary lifestyle, and stress can also increase the risk of developing this condition. Constipation is usually treatable and can be managed using the following treatment options, foods, and lifestyle changes: Treatment options Doctors can prescribe laxatives and other such options based on the severity of the condition. Here are a few popular options to treat constipation: Linzess:  This increases the fluid content in the intestines, which accelerates the food movement through the gut. It also helps improve stool consistency and eases symptoms like discomfort, abdominal pain, straining, bloating, and feeling of incomplete bowel movements. Doctors recommend taking Linzess orally, at least half an hour before one’s first meal. Movantik:  This option is prescribed to cure the kind of constipation that is a side effect of other treatment options that target non-cancer pain. Movantik curtails the impact of the other prescription treatments on the gut without blocking their effect on pain. This is an oral prescription treatment that should be taken on an empty stomach   an hour before a meal or two hours after one. Amitiza:  This is used to treat conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or chronic idiopathic constipation. Amitiza can provide relief from symptoms like abdominal discomfort and bloating. It may also reduce the need to strain, improve stool texture, and lower the feeling of not completely emptying oneself. Duphalac:  This laxative is a type of sugar that can increase your frequency of bowel movements, can soften the stool, and improve stool water content. Duphalac can be taken once a day as a solution using its syrup or powder.

Around one in seven individuals worldwide suffer from migraine. It is a severe headache that affects one side of the head, usually accompanied by nausea and vomiting. While migraine can be caused due to several reasons, increased sensitivity to smells, or osmophobia, is a prevalent trigger. It is not clear why some are sensitive to specific smells and develop headaches. Below are a few odors that can trigger migraines and ways to manage the condition: Which odors can trigger migraines? Smells are just as powerful a trigger for migraine as sleep deprivation. The most prevalent smells that can lead to migraine are gasoline, car exhaust, perfumes, pesticides, asphalt, nail polish, cooking steam, and detergents. However, it can take over 15 minutes for a person to develop symptoms after exposure to a problematic odor.  Why do smells trigger migraines? As mentioned, hypersensitivity to these smells is the cause of the problem. Experts suggest that increased sensitivity may be linked to a smaller olfactory bulb, a brain receptor responsible for processing odors. Studies show that people with migraines have a relatively tinier olfactory bulb than others.  How to manage migraines? Migraines caused due to osmophobia can be extremely painful and unpleasant. Many individuals report feeling disgusted by the smell of food being cooked and repelled by raw food. But thankfully, the condition can be managed effectively by following a few tips: Choose healthy foods A few foods can help manage the symptoms of a migraine. These include: Bananas This fruit   can be a go-to pick for those who experience frequent episodes of migraines. Bananas boost energy levels, help reduce pain, and provide several other benefits. They are rich in magnesium, B vitamins, and potassium, essential for fighting headaches.  Watermelon This fruit consists of 92 percent water. Drinking plenty of water and eating foods with high water content can help stay hydrated.

Esophageal cancer affects the esophagus. It is the long tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. In this tube, cancerous cells grow for various reasons leading to tumors. As the tumor grows, esophageal cancer signs start to become evident. As soon as the symptoms show up, it is recommended to start treatment to prevent the cancer cells from metastasis. Here are a few esophageal cancer signs, causes, and treatments to make note of. Esophageal cancer signs Starting in the inner layers of the esophagus, the cancer cells grow outward, spreading to the esophageal wall. In the early stages, no symptoms are noticeable or detectable. However, as the cancer cells grow to the lymph nodes, the blood vessels in the chest, and other organs, some of these esophageal cancer signs start to manifest. Chest pain This is one of the most common symptoms of esophageal cancer. A person will start to feel pain, specifically in the middle area of the chest. The pain is similar to feeling pressure build up in the chest or like a burning sensation. After some time, the pain radiates to other areas, such as below the throat, between the shoulders, and behind the breastbone. Trouble swallowing Esophageal cancer often causes difficulty in swallowing. This happens because the growth of the cancerous cells causes the esophagus to become narrow. Due to this, there is an obstruction in the smooth passage of food. This makes it difficult to swallow the food normally. This symptom starts as very mild in the beginning. With the cancer advancing, it worsens as the person feels like the food is stuck in the throat or chest. Sometimes, this can also cause choking. Hoarseness An occasionally occurring cough or a hoarse, scratchy voice may indicate a mild health problem that may pass in a few days.

Our digestive system plays a crucial role in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients for producing energy. The gut, or stomach as it is called in simple terms, is where food is temporarily stored during the process. Certain harmful foods or lifestyle habits can affect the working of this organ, leading to severe complications in some people. The following are a few common signs of an unhealthy gut to look out for. Constipation or diarrhea An unhealthy gut can change the consistency and frequency of a person’s stools. Repeated cases of constipation (irregular bowel movements) or diarrhea (loose, watery stools) indicate the stomach is facing trouble processing food or experiencing microbial imbalance. Generally, people are advised to see a doctor if these symptoms last more than seven days and the frequency of passing stools rises considerably. Constipation and diarrhea can interfere with a person’s daily routine, so one should not delay visiting an expert. A lack of sleep Insomnia is a health condition where people find it hard to sleep at night. As a result, they feel tired throughout their day, which takes a toll on their productivity. A lack of sleep can result from various reasons, such as depression, anxiety, and cancer. Another common cause is an unhealthy gut. Most of the body’s serotonin, a compound that influences a person’s sleep patterns and mood, is created in the gut. So, when a person has stomach issues, it triggers serotonin imbalance. Consequently, they find it incredibly hard to sleep during the night. Acid reflux Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also commonly known as acid reflux, is a condition in which the digestive system does not work correctly, and, as a result, the digestive juices in one’s gut travel up the food pipe. This causes a burning sensation in one’s throat and upper abdominal area.

Alzheimer’s is a neurologic disorder that progressively causes the brain cells to deteriorate. This condition’s repercussions are dementia, which makes functioning independently quite cumbersome. One’s behavioral, social, and thinking skills are affected, and the country has about 5.8 million people over 65 suffering from the disease. Alzheimer’s worsens with age, as more than 80% of patients are aged 75 and above. Here are three tips caregivers should follow to slow the progression of this condition: Ensuring a balanced meal plan Caregivers need to remember that there is no special nutritional regime for patients in such cases. Healthy foods and a balanced meal plan are enough to keep them strong. The presence of certain nutrients that have neuroprotective effects. And leafy green vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, and kale can help against age-related cognitive decline. Vegetables like Brussels sprouts and cauliflower contain nutrients that act against Alzheimer’s symptoms, like vitamin B and carotenoids. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and cherries are rich in anthocyanin, which helps protect the brain cells and reduce cognitive decline. These berries are also rich in anti-inflammatory agents like antioxidants and vitamins. Whole grains are rich in vitamin E, which lowers the risk of dementia. Antioxidant elements in this food reduce the buildup of beta-amyloid proteins, one of the factors responsible for the disease. Beans are a recommended part of nutrition because they are rich in protein and fiber and low in fat and calories. Nuts like almonds, cashews, peanuts, and walnuts contain vitamins E and B and minerals like magnesium. All these nutrients keep the brain healthy, especially during the aging process. Olive oil and flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help fight dementia and maintain the brain’s health. Staying hydrated is crucial, but those with Alzheimer’s tend to forget or ignore their fluid needs. Caregivers need to ensure that the patient has small but regular amounts of fluids, including water, shakes, soups, smoothies, and juices.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin disorder identified by itchy, dry, and inflamed skin. This condition begins in childhood and sometimes lingers through adulthood. Unfortunately, there is no clarity on the cause of atopic dermatitis. During a flare-up, the symptoms and inflammation can get worse when scratched. Despite no definitive cure, some treatment options can manage the symptoms. Let us look at the treatment methods, meal plans, and natural remedies to ease the condition: Treatment options DUPIXENT ® It is a prescription treatment that can help treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis signs. You can use it alone or with other treatment measures. It is an interleukin inhibitor. You can find the  DUPIXENT ® injection as a preservation-free, sterile, slightly opalescent to clear, yellow or colorless solution. But, this treatment option can result in severe side effects like pink eye, injection site reactions, new-onset or worsening eye symptoms, cold, and headache. This treatment option should be administered under professional care and supervision. In addition, consult the doctor for the recommended dosage. Upadacitinib and Eucrisa It is an oral Janus kinase (JAK)1-selective inhibitor that helps with severe atopic dermatitis, especially in patients who did not respond to other treatment measures. Upadacitinib is an FDA-approved treatment indicated for use in those who are twelve years and older. Eucrisa curtails a substance that triggers atopic dermatitis symptoms. It is an ointment that offers relief in mild to moderate eczema. It is safe for use in adults and children three months and older. CIBINQO™ This is an oral treatment option prescribed for adults with moderate to server AD symptoms. CIBINQO™ blocks the JAK 1 protein, which reduces skin inflammation. The dosage depends on the severity of the condition and the physician’s recommendation. It can also result in side effects like headache, nausea, cold, cold sores, UTI, and throat pain.