9 warning signs of lymphoma

9 warning signs of lymphoma

Lymphoma is a form of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, a vital part of the immune system. It arises when either of the two types of lymphocytes (T cells or B cells) begin to multiply uncontrollably. There are two main categories of lymphoma: Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin. Identifying the type is crucial for devising a suitable treatment plan. The following are a few common warning signs of the condition. Swollen lymph nodes Lymph nodes are a critical part of the lymphatic system, located in various body parts, including the neck, groin, armpit, and spleen. They filter lymph fluid to eliminate harmful substances and fight off infections. Lymphoma leads to an abnormal multiplication of lymphocytes, which, in turn, causes one’s lymph nodes to enlarge and swell. As a result, one may notice swelling in the spleen, neck, armpits, or groin, which does not go away. The swelling is usually painless but can be painful in some cases. Itchy skin Persistent and unusual skin itching can also be a warning sign of lymphoma. One may experience itching all over the body or near affected lymph nodes. Persistent and unexplained itching in the hands, legs, or feet could point toward lymphoma. The itchiness results from the release of certain chemicals called cytokines. This symptom can sometimes progress to a burning sensation and even cause a rash. Persistent itchiness can also be a sign of skin lymphoma. Unexplained fever Unexplained fever can be an early sign of several health disorders, including lymphoma. Individuals with this condition develop a fever because of the cancerous cells in their bodies. These cells affect the lymphatic system, triggering an immune response that increases body temperature. Monitoring recurrent and unexplained fevers and getting them examined by an expert is crucial in detecting underlying health issues like lymphoma. Night sweats Night sweats could either result from the fever caused by lymphoma or the body’s response to the chemicals released by the condition.
Top 10 kitchen remodeling errors to avoid

Top 10 kitchen remodeling errors to avoid

Kitchen renovation is an exciting prospect, as it can make the space more functional and visually appealing. The project could involve major changes like knocking down walls, changing countertops, and adding other elements like a breakfast bar and more cabinets. One may also consider changing the backsplash, flooring, and appliances. So, remodeling the kitchen can be a huge undertaking. To ensure it goes as smoothly as possible, here are a few mistakes to avoid: 1. Skipping planning Proper planning is one of the most overlooked aspects of a home improvement project. But, for a successful renovation, one needs to have a vision and a definite end goal, preferably on paper. The vision needs to go beyond just how the space would look and take into account how the new kitchen will serve the inhabitants. Would the kitchen be only used for cooking, or will it also serve as a hangout spot and a breakfast or dining nook? One should assess their requirements and list them, set a budget, and list goals before purchasing materials, hiring contractors, and knocking down the existing structure. 2. Underestimating costs Another huge mistake is setting the wrong budget. One doesn’t need to know the exact expenses beforehand, but they should have an estimate of the cost and leave a little room for the budget to stretch. The wiggle room will ensure that the project is not left unfinished in case of unexpected expenses. This is because, more often than not, one may end up spending more than their initial renovation budget. So, one should set a budget only after checking the prices of countertops, cabinets, flooring, appliances, and other necessities. 3. Selecting appliances after cabinets One may put off choosing appliances for the kitchen until after they get the kitchen cabinets installed. This is a problem.
3 easy tips to manage lymphoma

3 easy tips to manage lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer whose origin is in the lymph system. There are primarily two types: Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). As of 2022, NHL accounts for 4% of all cancers in the country. In contrast, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is expected to affect 8,540 people this year. A variety of treatment options are available. However, the side effects are many, for which supportive care is required. Here are 3 easy tips for coping with lymphoma: Approach a health professional immediately The nature of the treatment plan will depend on the type of lymphoma the patient suffers from, something only an appropriately qualified health professional can identify. Regarding the symptoms, there are 60 of them, broadly classified under two categories: Non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin Lymphoma. The latter requires only chemotherapy or chemotherapy accompanied by radiotherapy for successful cancer treatment. In contrast, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma entails a variety of treatments, the choice of which depends on the type of Lymphoma-aggressive or indolent. For aggressive NHL, the following treatment options are prescribed: Chemotherapy : It is one of the most common treatments for cancer, involving the use of anti-cancer elements to destroy cancer cells. It can be administered orally or via injections and is mainly used in initial treatment or stem cell transplants. Radiation therapy : Also called radiotherapy, it kills cancer cells by using high-powered energy beams like protons and X-rays. Generally, in a line of treatment, it is used after successful chemotherapy to get rid of one or two remaining cancer cells. However, in certain types of lymphoma, specifically the slower ones, radiation may be the only treatment to eliminate cancer cells. Targeted therapy : The strategy this therapy uses to fight cancer cells is to attack the specific abnormalities that add to the potency of the cancer cells. Once these abnormalities are blocked, the cancer cells turn redundant.
Top causes for excessive sweating

Top causes for excessive sweating

Sweating is body’s way to cool down when you experience excess heat. You may also sweat when you feel afraid or nervous, primarily due to inactivity or an average temperature. This is called excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis, scientifically. While there are several reasons for excessive body sweats, there is no proper cure, although getting diagnosed at the right time may help. Learn more about the causes of excessive sweating and the possible treatments and therapies. Signs of hyperhidrosis Firstly, you may experience sweating even when you are inactive or if your body temperature is average. Most hyperhidrosis patients sweat on one or two body parts. These include hands, feet, head, or underarms. Other features of the body mostly remain dry. Another symptom related to excessive sweating is the amount of body sweat. More often than not, you are likely to find your clothes dripping wet, and you will have difficulty holding a pen in case of sweaty hands. As your body sweats for extended periods, your skin will likely turn soft, peeling, and wet. Besides, skin problems like jock itch are not uncommon in such conditions. Moreover, the social embarrassment you face due to uncontrolled sweating is worse.  Types of hyperhidrosis Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating is mainly of two types: Primary focal hyperhidrosis It is the most typical form and has hardly any significant medical cause. It primarily begins in adolescence or even earlier. Under this condition, you are likely to sweat more than others as the nerves that activate your sweat glands may become too active, specifically when you are stressed, afraid or nervous. Primary hyperhidrosis mainly occurs during the day and may affect the following parts of your body: Face Underarms (Axillary Hyperhidrosis) Palms Groin area Under breast area Soles There is a probability of primary focal hyperhidrosis being genetic as the factors triggering it have been observed to run in the family genes.
5 conditions that may lead to bone loss

5 conditions that may lead to bone loss

It is widely known that old age and menopause tend to increase the risks of osteoporosis or bone loss. However, very few people know that some specific disorders can also increase the chances of bone loss. While some of these conditions are the root cause of bone loss, others indirectly enhance the risk of diseases such as osteoporosis. Thus, here are five health conditions you must know and adequately manage to prevent bone loss: Diabetes For reasons still unexplained, scientists have observed that patients with Type 1 diabetes frequently suffer from bone loss. According to studies, the bones of patients with Type 1 diabetes tend to have delayed bone recovery and regeneration. Besides, their bone formation also is lower than normal. Type 1 diabetes typically begins in childhood, a period when your bones are still in the developing stage. In this condition, your pancreas releases little or no insulin, a protein hormone that maintains your blood sugar by carrying them to different parts of the body to be used as energy. It has been observed that without a sufficient amount of insulin, your bones may not reach their peak potential density. Furthermore, even if their bone density is not too lower than normal, patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are more susceptible to bone fracture than others. Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland becomes overactive and generates excessive thyroid hormone. An overactive thyroid can increase the rate of bone regeneration. In other words, it can escalate the number of cycles in which the old bones are substituted by newer ones. The problem with such a process is that any bone-remodeling cycle after 30 turns redundant. Instead of developing new healthy bones, such cycles tend to cause loss of bone mass. Thus, the more bone-remodeling cycles you undergo, the more bone density you lose.
8 Best Times to Drink Water

8 Best Times to Drink Water

Water is essential for the overall well-being of humans as it constitutes 75% of the body. It is crucial in managing all bodily functions. Staying hydrated also protects us from many harmful diseases. Therefore, drinking ample water daily is necessary to keep a person hydrated and healthy. However, do you know that the time one drinks water may impact the body’s overall functioning? Read on to learn about the best times of the day to drink water. Upon waking up in the morning When a person wakes up in the morning, the first essential thing to do is to hydrate the body. The body undergoes a long fasting period as we sleep, and a person is dehydrated for a longer hours of time. Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning is an easier way to maintain proper hydration habits and boost fluid intake throughout the day. Though there is not much evidence that drinking water when one wakes up in the morning is beneficial, some people believe it works for them. Despite these uncertainties, one thing everyone admits to is that it helps maintain a healthy hydration routine. Increasing the hydration level helps improve energy, improve one’s mood, and boost brain function. Before having a meal It is best to drink ample water 30 minutes before a meal. It will create a feeling of fullness and prevents overeating. Never drink water immediately before, after, or during a meal because this will dilute the digestive juice and impair digestion. It is constructive advice for older adults , as it helps to reduce the intake of more calories during the meal. Consuming water before meals is also an efficient way to promote hydration in the body. So, keeping a  1l filter water bottle  handy will help a person drink the usually recommended quantity of water.
Leukemia – Silent Signs, Causes, and Management Options

Leukemia – Silent Signs, Causes, and Management Options

Leukemia is cancer that affects the blood cells and bone marrow. It is a condition that requires prompt medical attention. While some forms of leukemia can be cured, others may require lifelong treatment to manage symptoms and prolong survival. Some symptoms of leukemia are obvious, such as fatigue and frequent infections, but there are also silent signs that may go unnoticed. Here are some common symptoms, causes, and treatment options for leukemia. What is leukemia? Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells that affects the bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside the bones that produces blood cells. Leukemia occurs when the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells, which are known as leukemia cells. These leukemia cells do not function properly and can crowd out healthy blood cells in the bone marrow. This can lead to various health problems, including anemia, infections, and bleeding disorders. There are four main types of leukemia: chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Silent signs of leukemia Bruising and bleeding Leukemia cells can interfere with the body’s ability to produce platelets responsible for clotting the blood. As a result, people with leukemia may experience bruising and bleeding, even from minor injuries. This can include tiny red or purple skin spots and easy bruising and bleeding from the gums or nose. Joint pain Leukemia cells can also accumulate in the joints, which can cause pain and swelling. One may also experience pain in the ribs on the left side. Abdominal discomfort Leukemia cells can infiltrate the liver and spleen, which can cause abdominal discomfort. This can include pain or fullness in the abdomen and a feeling of fullness after eating a small amount of food. Cough A persistent cough that lasts for weeks and wheezing may be a sign of leukemia, especially CLL.
10 uncommon signs of dehydration explained

10 uncommon signs of dehydration explained

Over 75% of the human body is made up of water. And every day, the body loses fluids that must be replenished by simply drinking water or fluids. Water is critical for maintaining electrolyte balance, promoting blood circulation, and even helping the body flush out toxins through urination. If the fluids are not replenished as and when required, it increases the risk of dehydration. Here are unusual signs of dehydration one must be aware of.  Dark urine Water helps flush out toxins from the body, where the kidneys purify the blood and evacuate fluids via the bladder. Regular urine is usually pale yellow or a lighter shade in color. But if one notices a darker shade of urine, it is indicative that the body requires more water to enable this process. Similarly, the frequency of urination can also indicate severe dehydration. If the person is not passing urine at all, it is a worrying sign of dehydration that should not be ignored. Dryness of the skin Drinking water helps the skin remain more supple. However, reduced water intake can affect this elasticity causing the skin to become dry and extremely rippled. Doctors advise taking a pinch test to see if the skin bounces back into its original texture after a quick pinch. If the shape is not retained and the skin folds stick together, it is a sign of severe dehydration. Fatigue People often mistake feeling lightheaded or weak as a sign of hunger. But dehydration can also trigger these symptoms as the body is not able to sustain basic functions. For example, water is necessary to promote better circulation of freshly oxygenated blood. Even the brain tissue is made up of mostly water. So, lack of fluids affecting these organ functions triggers fatigue-like symptoms. Fluids are also necessary to maintain an electrolyte balance that controls vital metabolic functions.
10 common side effects of caffeine

10 common side effects of caffeine

Most people love to start their day with a hot, refreshing cup of coffee. Coffee, as everyone knows, is a major source of caffeine in the lives of millions worldwide every day. While caffeine has its positives, one of which is helping people stay awake and refreshed for long hours, daily consumption can be problematic. Healthcare professionals generally discourage people from consuming excessive amounts of caffeine for a whole host of reasons. Anxiety Perhaps the most well-known benefit of caffeine is how it eases exhaustion. This is possible as caffeine inhibits the effectiveness of adenosine, a brain chemical that creates the sensation of exhaustion in individuals. Simultaneously, caffeine also causes the release of a hormone named adrenaline, which brings about increased energy and vigor in caffeine consumers. Unfortunately, when one consumes too much caffeine, these effects are magnified excessively and cause anxiety, rapid breathing, jitteriness, and stress. If an individual consumes caffeine despite developing anxiety, their condition can go from bad to worse. Frequent urges to urinate Consuming too much of any liquid can overwork the bladder and make one visit the restroom more often to urinate, and coffee is no different in that regard. However, caffeine contains chemicals that raise the risk of increased urination. It can stimulate the bladder excessively. In fact, this can cause one of the worst caffeine side effects in the long run: incontinence. Insomnia People mainly use caffeine to stay awake during work or study; however, as with the other side effects on this list, excessive caffeine intake can make it a tall task for people to get enough sleep in a day. Caffeine increases the amount of time one needs to fall asleep. Therefore, people with existing cases of insomnia need to avoid coffee or have as little of it as possible. Caffeine’s effects on a person’s sleep also take a long time to wear off.
10 essential cleaning tools every home should have

10 essential cleaning tools every home should have

If you’re planning to move to a new place or simply want to upgrade your cleaning supplies, there are some essential tools that you should keep within reach. These items will simplify your cleaning tasks and reduce your stress levels. Whether you enjoy cleaning or not, possessing these necessary tools will enhance your productivity and speed. Moreover, they are affordable and won’t put a dent in your wallet. Read on to learn more. Microfiber dusters Cleaning delicate and breakable items such as photo frames, light fixtures, and other knick-knacks with a cloth can be tricky. If you use a cloth, you know how troublesome it is to wipe it. To avoid damaging these delicate items while cleaning, use microfiber dusters. These are made of fine microfiber strands that lift off dust easily. Moreover, these are light and fluffy. You can simply use the handle to clean off everything without moving them. So there is no risk of breaking or damaging. Pan scrapers Sometimes you may forget to grease a baking dish or set a timer while cooking. This could lead to food residue sticking to the bottom of the pan with such intensity that aggressive scrubbing also does not help. Instead of wasting time scrubbing repeatedly, pan scrapers are an efficient way to clean a pan. All you need is some soap and hot water. Scrape the pan with these scrapers before putting them in the dishwasher. The scrapers are versatile enough to be used for any type of pot or pan. Power scrubber Also known as a drill brush set, these are great for getting rid of stains, dust, or anything else. These have brushes and sponges attached to a drill. So instead of using elbow grease, you can use the high-speed drill to make your shower squeaky clean quicker than ever.
9 early signs of sickle cell anemia

9 early signs of sickle cell anemia

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited health condition in which the red blood cells of an individual are crescent or sickle-shaped. These cells block blood flow to various body parts, depriving them of essential nutrients and oxygen. If not addressed, sickle cell anemia can cause damaged organs and nerves. To avoid this outcome, everyone should be aware of some common early warning signs of sickle cell anemia. They are: Yellowish hue on the skin People with sickle cell disease often develop jaundice, a condition in which their eyes and skin turn yellow. This happens because the sickle cells’ lifespans are shorter than normal red blood cells and die out faster than one’s liver can filter them out. The yellow color stems from the build-up of bilirubin, a yellowish compound that the dead cells build up inside the body, causing jaundice. The yellowing of a person’s eyes and skin are early red flags of sickle cell anemia. As this health condition is inherited, people who experience this symptom must visit a healthcare professional immediately, especially if someone in their lineage has the disease. Frequent infections Sickle cells tend to damage the spleen, an important organ for protection against specific germs and infections. Because of this, people with sickle cell anemia (in its early stages) frequently suffer from a wide array of infections. Individuals who have damaged spleens because of sickle cell anemia tend to suffer from infections caused by bacteria such as Meningococcus, Pneumococcus, Hemophilus influenza type B, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma pneumonia. These bacteria cause illnesses such as lung infection, blood infection, bone infection, and infection of the brain and spinal cord covering. Frequent episodes of pain Sickle cell anemia brings frequent and periodic pain crises, a medical term indicative of extreme pain. As specified earlier, the abnormal, sickle-shaped red blood cells obstruct blood flow.
7 signs of kidney disease made worse by excessive blood sugar

7 signs of kidney disease made worse by excessive blood sugar

Chronic kidney disease is a health condition in which the kidney’s functionality is severely compromised. In fact, the kidneys of people with this disorder get progressively worse in terms of health and functionality. Moreover, high blood sugar, known as hyperglycemia has long been associated with kidney disease. Essentially, high blood sugar, if not controlled, may eventually cause kidney failure. Here are some signs of kidney disease caused due to excessive sugar in one’s blood. Increased urges to urinate One of the earliest indicators of kidney disease is urgency incontinence or an increased need to pee often during a given day. A frequent urge to urinate is seen in people who have stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD). This is an advanced stage of the health condition, followed soon by kidney failure. A frequent urge to urinate is a symptom that is accompanied by back pain and swollen hands and feet in individuals with kidney disease. People with elevated blood glucose levels also experience this symptom. Individuals with diabetes may experience incontinence with regard to urination quite commonly in all stages of the disorder. As diabetes causes kidney issues, this is a sign that should prompt people experiencing it to visit a healthcare professional for a checkup to diagnose the condition. High blood pressure Kidneys consist of millions of filters known as nephrons, which are filters responsible for blood purification and, by extension, the vital functioning of other critical organs in the body. People with high blood sugar caused due to diabetes suffer from extensive damage to the blood vessels in their kidneys as well as their nephrons. This seriously impacts the functioning of the nephrons and results in blood circulation issues. Over a period, individuals with high blood sugar also end up suffering from high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues.