Category: Pathophysiology

Suppose you’ve wondered if you can join the military with ADHD, we’ve got some interesting answers for you.

You see, having a medical diagnosis stopped being the end of the world for years now. Just like the subject at hand, many people diagnosed with ADHD have gone ahead and conquered challenges and moved further on to do great things, such as joining the military.

We know that the rules for joining the military call for a clean bill of health and fitness, which is the more reason why having ADHD can make enlisting in the military a tad more difficult, but not to worry, there is still a silver lining.

With the proper preparation and support, individuals with ADHD can safely and successfully join the military and make a positive impact.

To expand more on the possibility of joining the military with ADHD, keep reading.

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a type of neuro-developmental disorder. It is characterized by the difficulty for the person involved to concentrate, behave impulsively, and be overly hyperactive.

This medical condition is diagnosed in childhood but mostly persists into adulthood. ADHD in adulthood often becomes more prominent as life becomes more stressful, and the patient experiences severe restlessness, anxiety disorder, and sleep problems.

Attending to duties or work becomes more difficult because this condition affects your ability to face stress and excel above tight situations.

However, getting help from the right place becomes the fastest way to put these symptoms and other added issues in check.

What is the cause of ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), according to research, can be genetically transmitted to offspring. Aside from being in the family, the actual cause of this disorder is yet unknown, but there are other factors that may contribute to this diagnosis.

Drug abuse, Alcohol abuse, or smoking while pregnant is a significant cause of this disorder in infants.

Babies born prematurely stand a great risk of developing this disorder.

Babies born with low birth weight are also at risk of having ADHD.

More so, this disorder thrives more in people with learning disabilities, and that does not mean it can not attack those with learning abilities.

Symptoms of ADHD

Some symptoms will present themselves for adults living with this disorder and help truly identify this health condition. So according to NHS UK, some of these symptoms include:

1. Fidgeting
2. Mood swings
3. Not paying attention to risks
4. Abysmal organizational skills and prone to missing obvious details
5. Making avoidable mistakes
6. Unable to pay attention and concentrate
7. Being restless and always impatient
8. Speaking out of context
9. Jumping tasks
10. Etc

Meanwhile, ADHD can make room for other mental disorders like 

1. Obsessive Compulsory Disorder (OCD)
2. Borderline personality disorder
3. Depression
4. Dyspraxia
5. Anxiety
6. Bipolar

Is ADHD treatable?

This is still beyond science as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has no cure yet. The best option remains to manage the disorder with the appropriate measures and lifestyle.

There are appropriate medications if the symptoms become unbearable. Children with this disorder will need exceptional help and lifestyle change with their parents’ help.

How can you Join the military with ADHD?

While applying for the military, ensure you are sincere in your application, especially with your diagnosis.

Being open and honest will help the military know the next best thing to do. Meanwhile, failure to disclose your ADHD diagnosis can lead to severe punishment, like discharge from the military.

Since this is a medical condition that affects the individual’s day-to-day life, many measures will be put in place before the military can enlist as one with this disorder.

Though measures for enlistment vary in the military, the first and most crucial step begins by conducting a thorough evaluation of the person.

This will help to ascertain the extent and severity of the disorder. Information gathered during the assessment will form the foundational decision of acceptance or rejection into the military.

Findings that can mar your military ambition with ADHD

According to some military guidelines, if an applicant has the following after evaluation, it may be rejected.

1. Been on ADHD medication for the last two years
2. Has other severe mental disorder
3. Exhibits forms of dyslexia
4. Autism
5. Been on the Individualized Education Program (IEP)
6. History of work or unfavorable academic activity.
7. Unable to function correctly in your daily activities.

What to do after medical evaluation

You have to prove that you can function without ADHD medications. This will prove to your recruiter that you can do the work of the military. You may need a psychiatrist assessment to know your mental state if you have not been on the medication.

You must also sit and pass the enlisting exam to demonstrate capability.

The next important thing to obtain is a medical waiver if you must join the military with ADHD.

How can you secure a medical waiver to join the military with ADHD?

Medical waivers are issued to applicants who are not medically fit but wish to join the military. Before you receive the waiver, you need to follow the guidelines for this. Though it may be hectic and long, medical waivers for ADHD are possible.

Furthermore, applicants must find out what works in the military branch they applied for, and all branches have specific rules for this document. Generally, the applicant must fill out some forms honestly while in the recruiter’s office to explain their answers to the recruiter.

Applicants with ADHD will go through a screening for further verification and have a medical expert review the results. The next step is to take the military qualification test known as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test, followed up with a medical exam.

The results of these tests will decide if the applicant will receive a congratulatory message or a NO from the military.

So, ADHD can be a barrier but not a permanent stop to your dreams of joining the military. All it takes is to stay off the meds and still function effectively. If you can, every other thing can easily fall in line with time.

A final thought on Can you join the military with ADHD

Our answer to this question is yes, persons with ADHD can join the military and thoroughly enjoy their time throughout their stay. This medical condition and many other diagnoses stopped deciding the fate of those living with it.

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Iron is responsible for manufacturing red blood cells, which are integral for the optimal functioning of our immunity and muscles and help maintain proper mental function and energy levels.

The human body is incapable of iron production, and not obtaining optimal iron levels through diet and nutrition can result in anemia. This article covers details about iron deficiency anemia and how to recognize and treat it. 

Symptoms and Signs of Iron Deficiency You Shouldn’t Ignore

Low iron levels have various symptoms, ranging from headaches, shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness to restless legs syndrome and difficulty focusing. 

Signs that could indicate low iron levels have caused anemia include:

• Brittle nails
• Cold hands and feet
• Pale skin
• Pain within the mouth and tongue

Main Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia

The top reasons behind this anemia type include the following:

• Blood loss. Either internal to menstrual bleeding or significant blood loss due to an injury or trauma.
• Insufficient iron intake. Inadequate nutrition with low iron ingestion is another cause of this anemia type.
• Problems with iron absorption. Infection, bacteria, or various diseases or conditions.

Iron depletion can occur within any age group. A higher risk exists for children under two, teenagers with growth spurts, adults over 65, and those with chronic disorders and medical conditions.

Potential Treatments of Iron Deficiency Anemia

According to the American Society of Hematology, iron deficiency anemia is a nutritional anemia. Treatment begins with a medical professional confirming the condition and recommending the best action.

Potential therapies are listed below, and you can combine specific options to achieve the desired results.

An Iron IV Infusion To Restore Iron Levels Quickly

Intravenous therapy is an excellent way to boost iron levels rapidly. Thanks to mobile services, you can get anemia IV therapy while relaxing in the comfort of your own home. 

Choosing the location for your treatment allows you to watch TV or read a book while receiving the IV. Administering iron via an infusion ensures the mineral combo is absorbed directly into your bloodstream, eliminating the risk of stomach upset.

Adjust Your Diet to Ingest More Iron and Vitamin C

The human body can only ingest iron from food, so adjusting your nutrition is essential when dealing with anemia. 

Foods rich in iron include:

• Veggies: Be on the lookout for broccoli, spinach, cabbage, or other leafy greens.
• Legumes: Tofu, beans, and peas are excellent iron sources.
• Protein: Eggs, poultry, beef, fish, and liver are all great options for ingesting iron.
• Fruits: Raisins, dates, and figs are some ideal choices.

Vitamin C interacts well with iron and helps its absorption, which has been verified through scientific research. The nutrient enhances iron absorption, so consider adding foods rich in vitamin C to your diet. These include citrus fruit, strawberries, bell peppers, and cruciferous veggies.

Treat any Underlying Conditions

Blood loss is the prevalent culprit of iron deficiency anemia. Treating the underlying injuries or internal issues can help prevent the problem from worsening or reappearing. 

Final Thoughts

It may be difficult to immediately notice the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, especially during the initial phases. Regular checkups can help observe and maintain iron levels and general health.

Depending on your health condition, lab tests might be necessary every few months or each year. Contact a medical professional if you have iron deficiency, and never attempt to diagnose or treat a severe medical condition without medical supervision.

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Sustaining a spinal cord injury will significantly affect how you live your life. This type of damage can lead to long-term changes in sensation, movement, strength, and other significant body functions. Treating this injury requires lengthy recovery and extended physical therapy. 

When you sustain a spinal cord injury due to another’s negligence, you should read more about personal injury law here. You will encounter several challenges, including a problematic health recovery and extensive financial losses, and you deserve compensation.

Regardless of whether you were in a car accident or a slip and fall case, filing for compensation is a must to cover medical bills and other economic/non-economic damages. You can find out what spinal cord injury is and the long-term effects by reading more below.

What Can Cause a Spinal Cord Injury?

While there are many ways you can harm the spinal cord, there are some common causes for this type of injury. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center studied this matter. The results are as follows: 38.2% of spinal cord injuries result from car accidents, and 32.3% follow slip and fall accidents. Other commonly known causes are acts of violence and sports-related injuries. 

When it comes to car accidents, the impact of the collision can lead to spinal cord injuries, even if it is not violent. It is important to note that your head’s position, seat position, height, weight, gender, and whether you suffer from other conditions will contribute to the severity of the injury. 

Most Common Types of Spinal Injuries

Depending on what type of spinal cord injury you sustained, several symptoms and treatments can be applied. Although not all cases require surgical repair, all spinal cord injuries cause pain and suffering.

Twisting of the spine, torn tendons, ligaments, and spinal cord cuts are some of the most frequent spinal cord injuries. A heavier impact might cause the discs between vertebrae to compress or slip out of place. 

On the other hand, traumatic brain injury (TBI) will lead to long-term rehabilitation due to its mobility, memory, behavior, and cognition issues. If you suffered a broken hip/pelvis, you might need hip replacement (common in slip and fall accidents).

Sustaining spinal cord injuries due to another’s negligence will affect your health, work performance, and financial stability. In such cases, hiring a personal injury lawyer is recommended to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

File a Compensation Claim for Damages

If you decide to file for a personal injury lawsuit, you should first establish liability. The accident’s circumstances play an essential role in the compensation claim.

For example, suppose another driver collided with you due to distracted driving, being under the influence of alcohol or other substances, or speeding. In that case, the guilty party is liable for economic and non-economic damages. 

On the other hand, if you sustained a spinal cord injury due to a slip and fall accident, the business’s or property’s owner is responsible for compensation.

Proving that your well-being suffered due to another’s negligent behavior requires solid proof and documentation. Hiring a personal injury attorney might be the best solution for your circumstances. A qualified lawyer knows how to assess the situation and fight for your rights so that you receive the compensation you deserve.

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Head injuries can be severe and can have a lasting effect on an individual’s health. When a person experiences a head injury, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Even if the head injury appears minor, it is still possible to develop symptoms in the days and weeks following the injury.

It is essential to be aware of the possible signs and symptoms associated with a head injury, as they can vary in severity and be challenging to recognize.

When do the symptoms of head injuries occur?

Common symptoms associated with head injuries include headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and visual disturbances. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and last for days or weeks after the injury.

Headaches are the most common symptom after a head injury and can indicate a more severe problem. Dizziness and confusion are also common and can be caused by a traumatic brain injury or a concussion. Nausea and visual disturbances such as blurred vision, double vision, and sensitivity to light may also occur.

In more severe cases of head injuries, changes in behavior, mood, and thinking can occur. These changes can be subtle and may not be noticed right away. If the person appears more irritable, unusually tired, or has difficulty concentrating, these could be signs of a more severe problem.

Head injuries can also cause long-term or permanent effects. Depending on the severity of the injury, complications such as seizures, memory loss, difficulty speaking, and difficulty concentrating can occur. It is essential to be aware of these possible effects, as they may not be immediately apparent after the injury occurs.

If you or someone you know has sustained a head injury, it is vital to seek medical attention immediately. Even if the injury appears minor, it is still possible to develop symptoms in the days and weeks following the injury.

Your doctor can thoroughly evaluate and determine if any long-term effects may be present. It is also essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a head injury and to seek medical attention if any of these occur. With the proper treatment, most head injuries can be successfully managed and the effects minimized.

What to do after a head injury?

Head injuries are a serious matter that should not be taken lightly. If you or someone you know has suffered a head injury, it is crucial to visit an accident clinic and have yourself checked by a professional. 

The first step you should take after a head injury is to seek medical attention at a Hollywood clinic. This is especially important if you experience the following symptoms: headache, dizziness, confusion, loss of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, or seizures. Even if you do not experience these symptoms, you must see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan. In some cases, a head injury can require hospitalization and surgery. 

If you have been diagnosed with a head injury, it is crucial to follow the doctor’s instructions and take all medications as prescribed. It would be best to avoid activities that could put you at risk for further injuries, such as contact sports or physical exertion. It is also important to rest and get plenty of sleep to allow your body to heal and avoid any actions that could cause further damage.

It is also important to seek out any necessary physical or cognitive therapies to help you recover from your head injury. These therapies can help you regain any lost functions and skills and help you learn to cope with any new limitations.

A physical therapist can help you with balance, coordination, and strength; a speech-language therapist can help you with language, communication, and swallowing abilities; and a cognitive therapist can help you with memory, problem-solving, and decision-making. 

It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle during your recovery phase. Eating a balanced diet, regular exercise, and managing stress can all help you recover from a head injury and prevent further injury or complications. It can also be beneficial to talk to a therapist or counselor to help you cope with any emotions or mental health issues that may arise as a result of your injury.

Finally, it is important to follow up with your doctor regularly to ensure that you are making a full recovery. If your symptoms worsen or you experience any new symptoms, be sure to contact your doctor right away.

By taking the necessary precautions and following your doctor’s instructions, you can help ensure a full and speedy recovery from a head injury.

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It is good to know that chemotherapy is also being offered in hospitals in Australia. Now, the question is ‘How much does chemo cost in Australia?’

It’s obviously upsetting and distressing to learn that you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer.

Money may not be your primary concern during this tough time. Knowing the expenses of treatment choices such as chemotherapy will help you and your family be prepared for any bills that may occur.

However, in this article, we  will be treating the question, ”how much does chemo cost in Australia?”

Cancer is a prominent cause of death in Australia, with about 50,000 cancer-related deaths expected in 2019. Cancer was the second leading cause of mortality in Australia in 2014, accounting for almost three out of every ten deaths. Cancer claims the lives of around 25,000 more people per year than it did in 1982.

Also, it is good to know that chemotherapy is also being offered in hospitals in Australia. This is great for those in Australia. Now, the question is “How much does chemo cost in Australia?”

Keep reading!

What is Chemotherapy?

Before we see answers to the question, ”how much does chemo cost in Australia?”, let’s look at the meaning of chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy is the practice of using medications to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.

According to Cancer Council Australia, there are many different types of medications that can be utilized.   You could be treated with a single chemotherapy agent or a mix of them.

Chemotherapy, according to Cancer Australia, can be used alone or in combination with other treatments such as surgery. It could be used to shrink a tumour before surgery or to remove any remaining cancer cells after surgery, for example. Chemotherapy is usually administered intravenously (through a vein).

Although it can also be given orally (via pills), as a cream, or as injections, according to the Cancer Council. Chemotherapy is usually administered in cycles, with breaks in between to allow healthy cells to recuperate.

How much does chemo cost in Australia?

Chemotherapy medications are costly, as the Cancer Council points out. If you are treated in a public hospital, however, you will not be charged for intravenous chemotherapy.

However, as we’ll discuss further below, you may be charged for chemotherapy administered in other ways. You may also be charged differently at different types of clinics, as well as for related tests and treatments.

It’s a good idea to check with your doctor and your health fund (if relevant) about the cost before you start treatment.  Regardless of how it’s being approached.

• Is chemotherapy covered by the PBS?

Some chemotherapy drugs may be covered entirely or partially by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The PBS is a list of all federally subsidized pharmaceuticals that is available to all Australian residents who have a valid Medicare card.

Additionally, the PBS, according to the Cancer Council, pays for intravenous chemotherapy administered in a public hospital. Oral chemotherapy medications, on the other hand, would need a patient to contribute to the expense.

• Costs of tests and medicine connected to the situation

You are still wondering, “how much does chemo cost in Australia?” However, costs for connected treatments and tests may also be incurred by patients.

For example, your doctor may order a molecular test to see if you may benefit from chemotherapy. These tests are often not covered by Medicare and can cost thousands of dollars, according to the Breast Cancer Network Australia.

It discovered, for example, that Oncotype DX tests cost on average $5,000.

Furthermore, you may need to take medicine such as anti-nausea drugs after getting chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can cause nausea, as well as other side effects such as loss of appetite, exhaustion, hair loss, and gastrointestinal issues.

Some anti-nausea treatments are now covered by the PBS as of October 1, 2019. Additionally, most PBS medicines currently cost up to $40.30 or $6.50 with a concession card. Please keep in mind that this amount is changed each year on January 1st to reflect the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

• Is chemotherapy covered by private health insurance?

Depending on the policy, private health insurance may help cover a portion of the cost of chemotherapy. All Bronze, Silver, and Gold hospital policies must cover chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy for cancer or benign tumours. This is part of the 2019 private health insurance reforms.

Do you have private health insurance and choose to be treated as a private patient? You may be required to pay out-of-pocket expenses and contribute to the cost of chemotherapy drugs, according to the Cancer Council.

Chemotherapy financing options

Consider whether you are eligible for any of the following options if you are having financial difficulties paying for treatment. Keep reading to see more to the query, ”how much does chemo cost in Australia”.

Benefits from Centrelink

You or your carer may be eligible for Centrelink benefits, which include:

• If you are employed and unable to work due to a medical condition such as cancer, and you meet the income and eligibility requirements.
• If you have a permanent physical, mental, or psychiatric condition that prevents you from working, you may be eligible for the Disability Support Pension.
• If you are unable to work because you provide full-time daily care for someone with a medical condition, you may be eligible for a Carer Payment.
• If you provide extra daily care for someone with a medical condition, you may be eligible for an income supplement. If you are still able to work, this can be paid in addition to your wages.

You may be eligible for a Health Care Card if you receive a payment from Centrelink.

Additionally, this allows you to lower prescription medicines through the PBS.  Also, it may provide you access to reductions for prices like energy, electricity and healthcare, depending on your state and territory government.

For additional information and support, contact Centrelink. Keep in mind that there may be a waiting period before you can file a claim.

Early withdrawal of superannuation

Normally, you won’t be able to access your superannuation until you reach the ‘preservation age’. That is between 55 and 60 years old depending on when you were born.

However, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) notes that under certain circumstances, you may be eligible to withdraw your super early. This includes paying for medical treatment on compassionate grounds or if you have a fatal medical condition that will kill you within two years.

Insurance

Check your insurance policies to see if they cover your current situation (for example, life insurance, trauma insurance, or income protection insurance).

Be advised that there may be time constraints for filing a claim.

In addition to any standalone policies, you should check to see if you have insurance through your superannuation fund. Contact your insurer or superfund if you’re not sure what you’re insured for.

Furthermore, if you’re having financial difficulties, talk to your doctor about your choices. You can also get free financial planning advice through the Cancer Council’s Pro Bono Program.

These financial planners may be able to assist you with accessing your super and insurance. Applying for and receiving Centrelink benefits, and other financial assistance.

Cancer Hospitals in Australia

Now that you’ve gotten answers to the question,’how much does chem cost in Australia?’ let’s see cancer hospitals that offer chemo in Australia.

• The Royal Melbourne Hospital

Website: Visit here

Address: 300 Grattan St, Parkville VIC 3050, Australia

Phone:  +61 3 9342 7000

Overview

The Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) is one of Australia’s main public hospitals. It’s located in Parkville, Victoria, an inner suburb of Melbourne.

Further, it is a prominent tertiary teaching hospital with a strong reputation for clinical research.

Melbourne Health, which includes the Royal Melbourne Hospital, North West Dialysis Service, and North Western Mental Health, manages the hospital. Christine Kilpatrick AO is the CEO of Melbourne Health.

• Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Website: Visit here

Address: 305 Grattan St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Phone: +61 3 8559 5000

Overview

The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre is also known as the Peter MacCallum Cancer Center and shortened to Peter Mac.

Additionally, it is an oncology research institute, cancer treatment facility, and professional oncologist training facility in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Furthermore, Sir Peter MacCallum is honoured with the name of the centre.  The centre has been housed at the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) in Parkville since June 2016.

The centre is Australia’s first public cancer treatment, research, and education facility. The Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) Cancer Cell Biology Program and the ACRF Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics in Cancer are two research initiatives at the centre.

• The Royal Women’s Hospital

Address: 20 Flemington Rd, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia

Phone:  +61 3 8345 2000

Overview

The Royal Women’s Hospital is Australia’s oldest specialist women’s hospital, located in the Melbourne suburb of Parkville.

Additionally, it provides comprehensive maternity, gynaecology, newborn care, women’s malignancies, and women’s health services. Social work, physiotherapy, dietetics, and pastoral care are among the additional services available.

Furthermore, there are also specialist clinics for endometriosis, chronic pelvic discomfort, menopausal symptoms following cancer, and infertility. It is a large teaching hospital with more than 200 beds and affiliations with the University of Melbourne and La Trobe University.

Also, the Frances Perry Private Hospital, a 69-bed private hospital for women, is also housed in the same structure.

• Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research

Website: Visit here

Address: 1G, Royal Parade, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia

Phone: +61 3 9345 2555

Overview

WEHI is Australia’s oldest medical research institute. It was originally known as the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute.

From 1944 through 1965, Sir Frank Macfarlane Burnet, who won the Nobel Prize in 1960 for his work in immunology, served as director.

Furthermore, Burnet was the one who came up with the concepts of clonal selection and acquired immunological tolerance. Colony-stimulating factors were later discovered and characterised by Professor Donald Metcalf.

Additionally, more than 750 researchers worked at the institute in 2015. They worked at the institute to better understand, prevent, and treat diseases like blood, breast, and ovarian cancers.

Also, inflammatory diseases (autoimmunity) like rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and coeliac disease were treated.

Furthermore, infectious diseases like malaria, HIV, and hepatitis B and C, were treated.

• The Royal Children’s Hospital

Address: 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia

Phone: +61 3 9345 5522

Overview

The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) in Melbourne, Australia, is a major children’s hospital.

This Hospital is Victoria’s largest specialty paediatric hospital. It offers a full range of clinical services, tertiary care, and health promotion and prevention programmes for children and young people.

The hospital is a Nationally Funded Centre for cardiac and liver transplants. Also, it is a designated statewide major trauma centre for paediatrics in Victoria.

• St Vincent’s Hospital

Website: Visit here

Address: 390 Victoria St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

Phone:  +61 2 8382 1111

Overview

St Vincent’s Hospital in Darlinghurst, Sydney, is a leading tertiary referral hospital and research facility.

St Vincent’s Health Australia also runs St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne and manages the facility. It is sponsored and incorporated within the New South Wales state public health system.

Further, the University of Tasmania College of Health and Medicine and the University of New South Wales Medical School are both connected with it.

Conclusion on How much does chemo cost in Australia

The question “How much does chemo cost in Australia?” has been treated above. Also, a bonus heading of a list of cancer hospitals in Australia was added. Hope all this information helps you. Good luck!

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The cost of cancer treatment and care in New York can be expensive. It can have an impact on your health, emotions, time, relationships, and finances.

There may be unexpected charges that your health insurance does not fully cover. You may also feel as if you lack the energy to deal with cancer while also discussing money. You could ask a trusted friend or family member to keep track of your expenses for you.

Cancer is a disease in which certain cells in the body grow inappropriately and spread to other parts of the body. Cancer can spread to almost any part of the human body, which contains trillions of cells. Human cells normally divide and grow to form new cells as needed by the body (a process known as cell division).

Cells die as they age or become damaged, and new cells substitute them. When this orderly process fails, abnormal or damaged cells multiply and grow when they should not.

Cancer is a genetic disease, which means it is caused by changes in the genes that regulate how our cells function, specifically how they grow and divide. Cancer-causing genetic changes can occur for a variety of reasons, including cell division errors, DNA damage caused by harmful environmental substances such as tobacco, smoke chemicals, and ultraviolet rays from the sun, or they were passed down from our parents.

Cancerous cells with damaged DNA are normally eliminated by the body. However, our bodies ability to eliminate cells with damaged DNA declines as we age. Every cancer has a unique set of genetic changes. Additional changes will occur as cancer progresses. Different genetic changes may occur in different cells within the same tumor.

Cancer Treatment Medical Costs

Learn everything you can about cancer and cancer treatment before it begins. Remember that everyone’s experience and treatment are unique.

As a result, learning and asking questions will help you understand what to expect in your situation. It can also help you plan for and manage the costs of your care. Many cancer patients have medical expenses for things like:

• Visits to the provider’s office, treatment visits to the clinic.
• Laboratory examinations (blood tests, urine tests, and more, which are usually billed separately)
• methodologies (for diagnosis or treatment, which can include room charges, equipment, different doctors, and more)
• Imaging tests (such as x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, which may incur additional charges for radiologist fees, equipment, and medications used for testing)
• Radiation therapy (implants, external radiation, or both)
• Drug prices (chemo or other medicines that treat your cancer that may be inpatient, outpatient, prescription, non-prescription, and procedure-related).
• Hospitalizations (which can include many types of costs such as drugs, tests, and procedures as well as nursing care, doctor visits, and consults with specialists)
• Expenses for rehabilitation, surgical procedure (surgeon, anesthesiologist, pathologist
• Operating room fees, equipment, medicines, and more)
• Home health care (can include equipment, drugs, visits from specially trained nurses, and more)
• Referrals to specialists (other specialty doctors, physical therapy, and others) and transportation expenses (This may include the cost of traveling to and from treatment, whether by car, plane, train, cab, or bus. Parking may be charged at some hospitals or clinics).

Cost of Cancer Treatment in New york

AARP The magazine claims that the average total cost of cancer treatment is around $150,000, but this is not the case.

A variety of factors influence total out-of-pocket expenses, including insurance coverage, cancer types and treatments, treatment frequency, and cancer center prices. As a result, it is impossible to estimate the cost of cancer therapy for all types of cancer.

Furthermore, a full-time wage or salary worker earns $3,600 per month before taxes on average. Some chemotherapy and immunotherapy infusions are only a third of this price.

The weekly median income for a full-time wage or salary worker in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2018 was $900, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Even if you have a standard employer-sponsored health insurance plan.

A patient with a 25% coinsurance rate would pay $2,500 per month out of pocket for a cancer medicine that costs $10,000 per month under an insurance plan. That is more than 70% of the average American’s monthly earnings.

Cancer, unfortunately, has no monetary value. Patients’ treatment costs can range from $1,000 to $20,000 per year.

According to the American Cancer Society, cancer patients paid $4 billion for their treatment out of their own pockets, but this figure does not include how many people paid or how much they paid individually. Cancer is usually expensive, whether it’s paid for out of pocket, through insurance, or a combination of the two.

This is due to the fact that it is a complex disease that affects the body on a cellular level. An effective treatment that does not harm the surrounding cells necessitates equally complex treatments, such as radiation, administered over long periods of time. These treatments, along with a variety of side effects, can add up to a significant cost.

The cost of cancer treatment in New York is determined by a variety of factors like Cancer’s Increasing Cost: according to studies, while cancer treatments are becoming more effective, they are also becoming more expensive.

Eleven of the FDA-approved cancer drugs in 2012 cost more than $100,000 per year. The rising cost of cancer treatment may make it inaccessible to more patients, particularly those without insurance. According to some studies, patients who cannot afford treatment are afraid to discuss the cost with their doctors.

They are concerned that their inability to pay will influence their doctor’s willingness to treat them. It is, however, critical that you discuss your financial concerns with your cancer care team. They must comprehend your situation in order to provide the most appropriate treatment. They might also be able to assist you in locating and utilizing financial resources for your treatment.

What Questions to ask about Cancer Treatments Cost

Consult with your medical team. They will usually know who can assist you in finding answers to your questions, including questions about the cost of your treatment. Here are some cost-related questions to consider. Select the ones that are relevant to you and your treatment.

• How long will I need to be treated, and how much will my proposed treatment plan cost in total? Are there any treatment options that may be less expensive, and how effective will they be?
• How much will my insurance cover and how much will I have to pay for each of my treatment options?
• Is it necessary for my health insurance company to pre-approve or pre-certify any aspect of the treatment before I begin?
• Is there any way I can get financial assistance to pay for my treatment? Who can I contact for financial assistance or assistance in creating a payment plan?
• Where will I receive care? Are you in the hospital, your office, a clinic, or your own home?
• If you are taking chemotherapy by mouth, find out how much the prescriptions will cost and whether your health care team is aware of any patient assistance plans that can help you pay for your prescriptions.
• Find out from your health care team what other prescription drugs you may require in addition to your cancer treatment, such as nausea medications, pain relievers, and anti-anxiety medications or to alleviate diarrhea You could call a few pharmacies to see where you can get the best deal.
• Find out if your insurance company needs to pre-approve or pre-certify any services that you will receive during your hospital stay if you have to stay in the hospital for any of your treatment options. Determine the cost of your stay and whether you will require services such as rehabilitation or home health care after you leave the hospital.

Conclusion on the Cost of Cancer Treatment in New york

Cancers are not all the same, and neither are their costs. The financial impact of the cancer is determined by a variety of factors, including, cancer’s type and stage,

The type and frequency of treatment, as well as the treatment’s goals, the location of your treatment, including its proximity to your home, your health insurance policy’s coverage, your utilization of supplemental insurance, and your application for financial assistance. You’re probably thinking about the cost of cancer treatment.

While treatment contributes significantly to the cost of cancer, there are numerous other factors that influence the disease’s financial aspects. Yet it is necessary to know the cost of the treatment.

FAQs about the Cost of Cancer Treatment in New york

See below for the perfect answers to some of the most asked questions about the cost of cancer treatment in New York;

1. Which cancer has the highest death rate?

Lung cancer was the most common cause of cancer death, accounting for 23% of all cancer deaths.

Cancers of the colon and rectum (9%), pancreas (8%), female breast (7%), prostate (5%), and liver and intrahepatic bile duct (5%) were the next most common causes of death from cancer (5 percent ).

2. Is cancer treatment covered by insurance?

Although most health insurance policies on the market today cover almost all major critical illnesses, including cancer, these policies typically only cover inpatient hospitalization and treatment in Indian hospitals. They do not pay for the full cost of treatment.

3. How much does it cost to treat a cancer patient?

If one chooses to go privately, the cost of chemotherapy in the UK is high. The price varies greatly depending on the individual’s medical needs, but a single round of chemotherapy can cost up to £30,000. Indeed, chemotherapy is estimated to cost the NHS £1.4 billion per year.

4. What is the most common cause of cancer?

While smoking is still by far the leading cause of cancer and cancer deaths, obesity, poor diet, and excessive alcohol consumption are all contributing to an increase in cancer cases and deaths.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.

It is a type of degenerative joint disease resulting from the breakdown of the joint cartilage and underlying bone.

While it can damage any joint, osteoarthritis will most likely affect joints in the hands, spine, knees, and hips. Click here to read more about osteoarthritis and its treatments.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reports that osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder in the United States, affecting more than 32.5 million US adults. About 70% of people over the age of 65 have evidence of osteoarthritis, as seen in X-rays, but not all experience symptoms.

Osteoarthritis symptoms generally develop slowly and worsen over time. Osteoarthritis symptoms include:

• Pain – the affected joints can hurt when moving
• Stiffness – frequently noticeable after being inactive or upon awakening
• Tenderness – you may experience tenderness when applying soft pressure to the affected joints or near them
• Swelling – may be caused due to mild tissue inflammation around the affected joints
• Bone spurs – extra bits of bone may form around the affected joint
• Loss of flexibility – not being able to move the joint through its full range of motion

Depending on the severity of osteoarthritis, the symptoms can be mild for some people without really noticing them.

However, others suffering from osteoarthritis can experience more severe symptoms, making it difficult to perform everyday activities.

If you face persistent symptoms, it is recommended you seek medical help so the doctors can confirm your diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment.

The Most Common Causes of Osteoarthritis

The breakdown of cartilage is the main cause of osteoarthritis. The cartilage is a slippery yet firm tissue enabling nearly frictionless joint motion.

If it wears down completely, the bone will rub on it. It usually affects the fingers, thumbs, big toes, knees, hips, and spine.

Common in older people, osteoarthritis can occur due to repetitive use leading to swelling and then pain. In the most severe cases, patients can lose all the cartilage between the bones of a joint.

Secondary osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage is damaged due to other diseases or medical conditions, such as:

• Obesity – putting too much stress on the joints (especially knees)
• Injury or surgery to the joint
• Congenital abnormalities
• Body mechanics – an unusual way of walking or hypermobility
• Hobby or job – using a joint in repetitive movements (lifting, squatting)
• Gout – crystal deposits in the cartilage can lead to damage and osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions – followed by joint damage and cartilage breakdown
• Diabetes or other hormone disorders – may cause inflammation leading to osteoarthritis
• Menopause – levels of estrogen may fall after menopause, lowering the level of protection of the cartilage and bones
• Genetics – some may inherit a tendency to develop osteoarthritis
• Bone deformities – some can be born with malformed joints or a breakdown of cartilage
• Gender – it is unclear why, but women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis

How Can a Doctor Diagnose Osteoarthritis?

Your orthopedist will begin with a physical exam, determining whether your affected joints show any signs of swelling, tenderness, flexibility, or redness. The doctor will then conduct imaging tests or lab tests.

Imaging Tests

Your orthopedist will most likely recommend X-rays or MRI to see pictures of the affected joints. The cartilage cannot be seen on X-ray images, but cartilage loss shows up on the X-ray as a narrowing of the space between the bones. Also, an X-ray can see bone spurs around a joint.

By using radio waves and a strong magnetic field to create detailed images of soft tissues, bone, and cartilage, an MRI may help provide information about osteoarthritis in the most severe cases.

Lab Tests

A doctor can confirm a diagnosis of osteoarthritis by analyzing blood or joint fluid. While there are no blood tests for osteoarthritis, some tests may help rule out other causes of pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

On the other hand, if your doctor needs a joint fluid analysis, they may use a needle to draw fluid from the affected joint. It then gets tested for inflammation, helping determine if the pain is caused by an infection or gout rather than osteoarthritis.

How is Osteoarthritis Treated?

Unfortunately, osteoarthritis cannot be reversed or cured, but some medications or treatments may reduce the pain or increase mobility.

Medications

The medicines used to relieve osteoarthritis symptoms include:

• Acetaminophen – helps relieve the pain of those suffering from osteoarthritis
• with mild to moderate pain
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil), or naproxen sodium (Aleve) can relieve pain.
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is used as an antidepressant; it is approved to treat chronic pain, such as osteoarthritis pain.

In addition to these medications, you may need to undergo therapy, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

Surgical or Other Procedures

If these treatments do not help you, a doctor may want to consider procedures such as:

• Cortisone injections are used to relieve pain for a few weeks, but the number of injections you can receive is limited to three or four a year.
• Lubrication injections
• Realigning bones – an osteotomy may be helpful if one of your knees was damaged more than the other.
• Joint replacement – a surgeon will remove the damaged joint surfaces and replace them with metal or plastic parts.

Other Remedies

If you suffer from osteoarthritis and want to lessen your joint pain and stiffness, your lifestyle can significantly affect your symptoms. You can exercise, try to lose weight if necessary, or use movement therapies (yoga, tai chi) to reduce pain and improve movement.

Additionally, consider using heat and cold therapies, which help muscles relax and ease the pain, capsaicin (a chili pepper extract), braces or shoe inserts (supports your joints to take pressure off), or assistive devices (cane or walker).

Some complementary and alternative medicine treatments such as acupuncture, avocado-soybean unsaponifiable, omega-3 fatty acids, or glucosamine and chondroitin might help some people.

Regardless of the remedies, you may find useful, you should seek the medical help of an orthopedist to understand better what you are dealing with.

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How is weed helpful in multiple sclerosis? We will unravel the cardinal things you ought to know.

People have been using cannabis, or weed, to heal their ailments for thousands of years, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The Food and Drug Administration, on the other hand, has not declared weed safe or beneficial in the prevention of any medical ailment, even though cannabidiol, a component of cannabis, was approved as a treatment for epilepsy.

Weed is used to modify one’s state of awareness or to achieve a sense of calm. This sensation is known as the psychoactive effect, and this can be obtained in numerous ways, including smoking, vaporizing, or eating food that contains marijuana as an ingredient.

Weed is also used for therapeutic purposes since it might help treat chronic pain and other illnesses. Multiple sclerosis is one of them. One can order it easily through weed delivery.

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis or MS is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction. When individuals have these diseases, their immune system kills healthy cells by mistake.

It destroys neurons surrounded by the myelin sheath that covers neurons inside the brain and the spinal cord.

There are many probable causes of MS, such as:

• Autoimmune diseases
• Infectious agents (viruses)
• Environmental factors
• Genetic factors

Nerve impulses from the brain to distinct body parts are disrupted when the myelin sheath is damaged. Symptoms affecting the nervous system and eyes are possible due to the damage.

MS symptoms are caused by this damage, which delays or stops impulses from the brain and the body.

They may include the following:

• Visual disturbances
• Muscle weakness
• The trouble with coordination and body balance
• Sensations such as numbness, tingling, or “pins and needles.”
• Thinking and recalling problems

How may weed help with MS?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disorder that affects the brain, spinal cord, and neural cells. Cannabis sativa, or weed, has dozens of compounds that may impact the mind and body.

At least as judged by self-reported symptoms, a group of scientific institutions found that marijuana, nicknamed weed, is proven or highly likely to help alleviate tightness and muscle spasms that are typical in MS.

There are also reported instances of MS patients recommending weed use to alleviate spasticity symptoms.

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis and how weed might help with them

MS is a degenerative disease that might lead to irreversible neural damage. Currently, there is no cure except mainstream treatments that help a patient deal with the symptoms.

Although weed might help, its consumption cannot reduce all the aspects of MS. Some common symptoms that weed might reduce are:

• Fatigue

Fatigue caused by multiple sclerosis is challenging to live with and more typical to treat. Although there is no appropriate study to confirm that weed might help with MS symptoms, there is evidence to indicate that it may help with sclerosis symptoms in general.

With the correct consumption, weed might get rid of exhaustion and push the body more awake.

• Muscle spasms

Muscle spasms occur if one or more muscles tighten involuntarily and cannot release. Weed’s pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties make it the most efficient treatment for muscular stiffness and the discomfort that comes with them.

Because of its anti-inflammatory effects, the cannabinoid mixture found in marijuana may help to reduce muscle stiffness and suppress CNS inflammation.

• Muscle pain

Muscle weakness is common in those who have MS. Disruption to the nerve cells that govern muscles causes this ailment. As a result, muscle soreness develops.

Weed may be resourceful in the treatment of chronic pain. Its probable analgesic characteristics may relieve muscle pain. However, it is not as severe as chronic pain. Few studies have shown that weed might help with excruciating pain (which is the case with muscular pain). It operates similarly to aspirin or ibuprofen would.

• Having trouble falling asleep

Muscle discomfort and spasticity make it difficult for a patient with multiple sclerosis to sleep. Individuals have trouble falling asleep, but they also have trouble staying asleep.

Optimal doses of weed might help the body relax and assist it in falling asleep- gradually. The herb interacts with the brain and influences physiological reaction that promotes sedation. As a result, the patient falls asleep without much effort.

What are the risks associated with weed consumption?

If not timely checked, multiple sclerosis can turn into a life-threatening disease. Nevertheless, proper precautions and safe treatments can help an individual improve their health. Following are a few risks for an individual to consider before opting for weed as a treatment.

Some risks of consuming weed are-

• Paranoia
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Excessive sleep
• Increased appetite
• Loss of body balance
• Increased heart rate

Conclusion

People with MS may take advantage of weed health benefits. As reported by scientific data, it may help with pain, muscular problems, and sleeping issues.

Before using marijuana for multiple sclerosis, people should see their health experts. Their physician can assist them in weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the treatment to see if it is safe and appropriate for them.

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Do you know What diseases can cause bad body odor? Before we plunge into the kinds of diseases that cause bad body odor, let’s address a point.

Oftentimes, we do not pay close attention to changes in our body system. This is due to our overly busy schedules.

So, we neglect the changes we notice or brush them aside by the wave of a hand. Not knowing that those changes, albeit little, might be an alarm going off and seeking to be immediately addressed.

Furthermore, these warning signs might lead to full-blown disorder or illness and also set off a chain reaction of problems.

For clarification, our body is built in a kind of way that leaves us in wonder. Just like in the case of a referred pain, which is a pain that you feel at a location of your body, without knowing that the origin of the pain is actually elsewhere.

What is body odour?

As unique as we all humans are, we all have a certain unique way we smell naturally. Body odour on its own is never a bad thing and not a cause for alarm.

For what it’s worth, healthy individuals do have body odour unique to them but it is never unpleasant.

So, all humans produce odourants from the age of puberty upwards. This is when the sweat glands become more pronounced and active.

Most times, people misunderstand the point that sweat on its own does not smell. However, the breakdown of sweats by bacteria on the skin leads to the production of body odour.

Evidently, there is a problem when the body odour becomes unpleasant and offensive.

Bad body odour

Bad body odour begins when an individual releases an unpleasant smell from their body. This might be caused by underlying reasons or diseases if you look at it critically.

Now it is important we search out some of these diseases that can cause bad body odour.

What Diseases can cause bad body odor?

In continuation, our body systems sometimes develop a mind of its own, and when you overlook a sign for so long, you will totally lose the right to tell your system how to react to intruders or unwanted development.

Mind you, your immune system and your body’s ability to fight off diseases can only go a long way if you do not help them to help you lead a healthy life.

So, the best decision you can ever make is to stay on alert. Know your body, listen and watch out for any slight changes.

If you discover that there is this odour emitting from your body, check out one of these diseases. However, make sure you get a confirmation from a good hospital and doctor.

Without much ado, let us look at some diseases that can cause bad body odour.

Hyperhidrosis

This is abnormal or excessive sweating. As a matter of fact, we all sweat when the body needs to cool down when we are hot or when we exercise.

But that is not the same case with this condition called Hyperhidrosis. This disease does not on its own cause bad odour but as a result of it, the odour begins to become unavoidable and noticeable due to the breakdown of bacteria mixed with excessive sweat.

In line with this, there are two types of Hyperhidrosis; primary Hyperhidrosis and secondary Hyperhidrosis.

Primary Hyperhidrosis causes a sufferer to sweat excessively to the point that the sweat soaks the clothes and starts dripping out so obviously. Also, the sufferer experiences this abnormal sweating on the feet, armpit, hands, groin, and face.

Secondary Hyperhidrosis is triggered by a more serious underlying medical condition. Not just that, it might be triggered as a result of reactions to some medications. More so, this secondary Hyperhidrosis causes the individual to sweat all over the body. This time around, not just in certain areas.

At this point, it is important for you to visit the hospital, run a sweat test and listen attentively to your doctor. 

some drugs that can cause Hyperhidrosis

• Zinc supplements
• Norpramin (antidepressant)
• Iron supplements

 Metabolic disorders

Now, understand that our body breaks down chemical compounds which helps the system maintain a non-toxic internal environment. When your body stops breaking down trimethylamine, it becomes a problem.

Although trimethylamine is produced in the gut when the good bacteria break down some of the things we ate, the body still needs to break it down and turn it into an odourless chemical.

So, when the body becomes unable to break this chemical compound down, it, in turn, builds up inside the body, finds its way into the bloodstream and then, into the sweat pores.

Moreover, this condition is called Trimethylaminuria. The person begins to ooze out bad fishy-like body odour.

By the way, this condition is not a result of the individual’s doing. Trimethylaminuria is hereditary and caused by a bad FMO3 gene. Once two partners are carriers, their offspring stands the risk of having this disease.

Importantly, individuals that suffer trimethylaminuria are advised to avoid foods like;

• Fish
• Eggs
• Diary
• Liver
• Beans

Also, avoid any activity that might trigger sweating

Diabetes

This is a condition that makes the body unable to break down glucose or blood sugar.

Also, there are different types of this disease but the most common are diabetes type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 is a condition where the individual’s body stops producing insulin. So, the individual receives insulin externally.

Type 2 is another form of it that makes the body unable to use insulin effectively. As much, this can be an underlying factor behind bad body odour.

Obesity

An obese person suffers from unhealthy excess body weight and fat. You can determine obesity by the individual’s Body Mass Index (BMI).

Therefore, obesity triggers more health conditions including metabolic issues. In light of this, when the body finds it hard to breakdown certain chemical compounds, it may cause a bad body odour.

So, you must maintain a healthy weight, try any form of exercise that you are comfortable with, and watch what you eat always.

Bromhidrosis

Firstly, this is a medical condition that makes the bacteria break down sweat and in turn produce sulfur or onion-like odour.

This medical condition has two types:

Apocrine Bromhidrosis:

Here, the sweat from the apocrine glands mixes with the bacteria on the skin. This just goes ahead to produce an unpleasant onion-like smell from the armpits and groins.

Eccrine Bromhidrosis:

The bacteria in the skin combine with the sweat from the eccrine gland to produce an unpleasant smell in the hands, feet and body.

Summarily, bad body odour can be treated if it is a result of underlying medical conditions. Once the main problem is exposed and treated, these unpleasant smells go away by themselves.

Then again, if the bad body odour is a result of genetic inheritance, you can manage the condition and reduce it to its barest minimum. Only keep to the instructions of your doctor and take the necessary prescribed medications.

Moreover, you just can not overlook the need for personal hygiene. One of the steps to curb bad body odour is to be interested in what your body is telling you per time and also top up your personal hygiene steadily. And while at it, bring a doctor on-board.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What diseases can cause bad body odor

• Why can’t you smell your own body odour?

Ans. Frankly speaking, scientists are not exactly sure why you can not smell your own body’s odour.

However, a random idea believes that the receptors in our nose becomes quite familiar with the smell and turns off to it. These receptors are now only interested in picking out new, different smells.

• Is there any way I can at least, smell myself?

Ans. Of course, there are hacks to these things. You can put the clothes you wore without any form of perfumes and deodorants to your nose after removing them. This might help you know how you smell.

• How can I smell good naturally?

Ans. You must be clean and keep up with proper hygiene procedures. Also,

• Take your bath regularly
• Put on well-dried clothes
• Put on dry footwear and air your feet regularly
• Drink enough water daily
• Keep your armpits dry
• Use good colognes or perfumes regularly
• Reduce activities that might lead to serious sweating
• Eat healthy because you are what you eat.
• Air out your clothes and wardrobe
• Avoid overly tight clothes

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Fragile x syndrome is one of the genetic diseases everyone ought to know.  FXS is the most commonly known cause of inherited intellectual disability.

As the name implies, FXS when looked at through a microscope, part of the X chromosome looks “broken” or “fragile.”

It affects both males and females. Females often have milder symptoms than males. That is largely because males experience both greater frequency and greater severity of symptoms.

However, females with FXS do present a variety of challenges as well so this special expanded column is dedicated to addressing them.

This disorder is said to occur in approximately 1 in 4,000 males and 1 in 8,000 females. Other names include Fra(X) syndrome FRAXA syndrome, Martin-Bell syndrome, and X-linked mental retardation and macroorchidism.

The inheritance is dominant if one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the condition. X-linked dominant means that in females (who have two X chromosomes), a mutation in one of the two copies of a gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder.

In males (who have only one X chromosome), a mutation in the only copy of a gene in each cell causes the disorder. In most cases, males experience more severe symptoms of the disorder than females.

FXS is not life-threatening and although there is no cure, medication and therapy can help manage the symptoms.

Pathophysiology of Fragile X syndrome

Mutations in the FMR1 gene cause fragile X syndrome. FMR1 is a gene located on the X chromosome that produces a protein called FMRP needed for proper cell function.

The syndrome became known as the fragile X syndrome because some individuals with the disorder were found to have a segment of their X chromosome that appeared to be broken or fragile as earlier stated.

Human body cells normally have 46 chromosomes. Pairs of human chromosomes are numbered from 1 through 22 and the sex chromosomes are designated X and Y. Males have one X and one Y chromosome and females have two X chromosomes.

Each chromosome has a short arm designated “p” and a long arm designated “q”. Chromosomes are further sub-divided into many bands that are numbered. For example, “chromosome Xq27.3” refers to band 27.3 on the long arm of the X chromosome where the FMR1 gene is located.

It is the absence or severe reduction of the protein made by the FMR1 gene, FMRP, that causes fragile X syndrome. Mutation of the FMR1 gene causes the loss or reduction of FMRP.

Normally, this DNA segment is repeated from 5 to about 40 times. In people with fragile X syndrome, however, the CGG segment is repeated more than 200 times.

The abnormally expanded CGG segment turns off (silences) the FMR1 gene, which prevents the gene from producing FMRP.

Loss or a shortage (deficiency) of this protein disrupts nervous system functions and leads to the signs and symptoms of fragile X syndrome.

Males and females with 55 to 200 repeats of the CGG segment are said to have an FMR1 gene premutation.

Most people with this premutation are intellectually normal. In some cases, however, individuals with a premutation have lower than normal amounts of FMRP.

As a result, they may have mild versions of the physical features seen in fragile X syndrome (such as prominent ears) and may experience emotional problems such as anxiety or depression.

Signs and symptoms of fragile x syndrome

Let’s take a look at the different symptoms of this disorder. However, it is essential to note that the signs and symptoms are not limited to the ones listed below;

• A large forehead
• A large jaw
• A long, narrow face
• Anxiety
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Depression
• Difficulty picking up “social cues.”
• Enlarged testicles (in males, after puberty)
• Flapping or biting their hands
• Flat feet
• Language processing
• Large ears and crossed/lazy eyes
• Learning disabilities
• Low intelligence quotient (IQ)
• Low muscle tone
• Obesity
• Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
• Poor eye contact
• Problems with math
• Seizures (epilepsy)
• Self-injury behaviors
• Sensory disorders
• Social anxiety, shyness
• Soft skin
• Very flexible or double-jointed fingers

FAQs about fragile x syndrome

Below are the perfect answers to the most asked question about FXS;

Is fragile X syndrome permanent?

Yes. It’s a permanent disorder that lasts for a lifetime.

Can my child attend daycare/school?

Your child may need special accommodations at daycare or school. Some parts of the school day and classroom may need to be adjusted to fit their needs.

Does fragile X syndrome get worse with age?

The intelligence quotient (IQ) of a person with fragile X syndrome decreases over time. They become less intelligent with age.

What’s the life expectancy for someone with fragile X syndrome?

None of the symptoms of fragile X syndrome are life-threatening, so the life expectancy for someone with fragile X syndrome is the same as for the average person.

How do I help my friend or family member with fragile X syndrome?

Educate yourself as much as possible. Look for support groups and community resources that can help you and them. Life skills programs may be appropriate.

When should I take my child to see a healthcare provider?

Take your child in to see their pediatrician as soon as you notice the symptoms of fragile X syndrome. Don’t wait, as early intervention is important.

What questions should I ask a healthcare provider about my child’s fragile X syndrome?

The following are some questions you may want to ask the healthcare provider when you discuss your child’s diagnosis:

• What therapists should my child see?
• How severe is the fragile X syndrome?
• What medications are appropriate for my child?
• What are my early intervention options?

What’s the difference between fragile X and autism?

Fragile x syndrome can sometimes cause autism. If your child has autism, they have a 2% to 6% chance of also having fragile X syndrome.

Is fragile X syndrome hereditary?

Yes, fragile X syndrome is an inherited genetic condition.

Is fragile X syndrome only in males?

No, but males are more likely to have fragile X syndrome than females. Their symptoms are also more severe.

At what age are kids usually diagnosed with fragile X syndrome?

Boys are usually diagnosed around 35 to 37 months old, and girls around 42 months. You might start to notice symptoms in your child as early as 12 months.

Which healthcare providers evaluate and diagnose fragile X syndrome?

Your pediatrician or genetic counselor can order a test for fragile X syndrome.

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Let us take a look at the causes of birth defects. Birth defects are a common disorder that happens while a baby develops in the mother’s body.

Many things have been attributed to this problem. This defect isn’t a rare thing as it is reported that 1 in every 33 neonates given birth to in the US is born with a birth defect.

The defect affects the physical characteristic of the baby as it may affect the body composition and how it appears.

A cleft lip is an example of a common congenital disability that is common in the society today. Also, there are defects such as heart diseases found while conducting some tests.

Birth defects can range from mild to chronic ones, depending on the diagnosis of the medical personnel.

Causes of birth defect

In this piece, we’ve compiled some causes of birth defects in the neonate. Please read on to find out more!

Infection during Pregnancy 

One of the major causes of birth defects is infection during pregnancy. Mild infections that wouldn’t even cause any infections in an adult could result in birth-defect causing infections during pregnancy.

You should watch out for any type of infection when you’re pregnant because it could lead to many undesirable things if left untreated.

Even if the infection doesn’t cause loss of pregnancy or stillbirth, it can still result in low birth weight and dysfunction of vital organs in the body.

This means early detection is your best shot at dealing with infection during pregnancy. Also, you can take a couple of steps to avoid infection when expecting a baby; you can go for vaccination and other recommended measures by your physician.

Genetic makeup 

Another factor that could contribute to birth defects is the genetic makeup of both parents. Say, for example, the mother is a carrier of a particular disorder, and the same goes for the father, too, then the possibility of the neonate expressing the condition is pretty high.

When you’re a carrier of a particular illness, you won’t express it, and you also won’t know this except you get screened for that particular disorder.

But in a situation, your spouse is a also a carrier of the same disorder, that’s why the trouble lies.

So it’s always advisable for expecting mothers to get screened for a couple of disorders to know their status.

If they’re carriers of some conditions, they get treated and place of maximum care to save the baby from developing such illness.

Lifestyle choices and behaviours 

You also need to know that lifestyle choices are a factor that must be carefully looked into if you’re a pregnant woman.

There have been many reports on the disadvantages of smoking while pregnant, and sadly, many expecting mothers are into this.

Excessive smoking increases the chances of abnormalities in newly born babies. According to many researchers, tens of hundred babies are born with one defect or the other as a result of their mother’s smoking lifestyle.

Surprisingly, there’s a report online that the more an expecting mother smokes, the smaller the baby becomes, which ensures ease of delivery.

This is not only a baseless report but an attempt to ruin the quality of life the unborn generation will have.

When you smoke excessively when pregnant, you’re stylishly threatening the lives of the unborn generation.

Excessive smoking can result in deformed limbs and facial malformation in babies and to the smoking mother, you’re reducing the chances of your easy delivery without you even knowing.

Exposure to certain drugs 

You also need to be careful of medication if you’re an expecting mother. It’s said that more than 50% of ladies take prescription or non-prescription drugs or use social drugs when they are pregnant.

This actually increases the risk of the baby developing some form of abnormalities if not taken care of.

You must avoid all kinds of drugs when you’re pregnant, except if the physician recommends it for you. If used, drugs can result in irreparable damages to the fetus.

A recent report even corroborates that about 3% of the drugs taken resulted in a disorder in the neonate. Hence, it’s in the best interest of any expecting mother to avoid using drugs indiscriminately.

Lack of certain nutrients 

When a pregnant woman lacks essential nutrients in the body, the chances of having child defects increase.

This is because pregnancy is a critical period in which women need to always consume a balanced diet – food rich in necessary nutrients.

Specifically, there’s a need for the expecting mother to take in as many as possible vitamins to supplement the ever-in-use ones in the system. This way, there’s maximum support for the developing fetus.

In addition to adequate weight gain during pregnancy, eating healthy meals also ensures free delivery with no complications.

Final Thoughts 

Birth defects are conditions caused as a result of genetic and environmental factors or a combination of both.

The disorder caused may be life-threatening or mild in nature depending on the causative factor and the resultant illness.

Lowering the chances of having birth defects is a must-do activity for every expecting mother. A pregnant woman should stay healthy at all times by ensuring adequate consumption of food- enough quality and quantity.

As a woman who’s old enough to conceive, you’ve got to always be on alert to know as soon as possible once you’re pregnant.

This way, you’ll be able to watch your diet as this first semester is always a very critical stage in the development of a child. If taken care of well, birth defects’ risks are reduced to the barest minimum.

Frequently Asked Questions on Causes of Birth Defects 

Below are a couple of frequently asked questions on causes of birth defects:

What are the most common birth defects?

There are many birth defects in existence with heart defects; cleft lip and palate are the commonest ones. Other defects are spinal muscular atrophy, turner syndrome, tuberous sclerosis and many more.

What defects can be detected before birth?   

Despite the fact that many birth defects are only known when the expecting mother finally gives birth, there are also ones that can be detected even before the child’s birth.

Some of such conditions include hemophilia A, cystic fibrosis, polycystic kidney diseases, sickle cell disease and a couple of others.

What trimester do most birth defects occur?   

You should take good care of your health throughout the pregnancy period as an expecting mother, as birth defects can occur in any of the trimesters.

But it’s very common within the first trimester as the development of the child takes place at this stage.

In the first three months of pregnancy, it’s reported the development of vital organs and all parts are taking place at this level.

So consuming the necessary protein, vitamins, and carbohydrates are critical to a safe and healthy delivery. Also, the defects can also be noticed in the last part of the pregnancy.

How do I know my fetus is doing well?  

With the use of an ultrasound scan, which is a device that uses high-frequency sound waves to make images of the internal organs in the body, you’ll get to know how well your fetus is doing. The screening helps check the fetal growth if it’s normal and estimates your due date.

You can go for an ultrasound scan any time within the pregnancy period to know the status of the fetus and all organs in the body.

Can one prevent birth defects? 

There are a couple of ways you can protect your neonates from having any defects, but total prevention of birth defects is impossible.

All thanks to the advent of technology, there are ways through which birth defects or any fetal conditions can be treated now.

The healthcare sector has been revolutionized with technological advancement. Affect babies can now survive and lead qualities lives thereafter.

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We will look at the essential things you should know about X birth defects, treatments, and their causes.

Annually, 8 million children are born with congenital disabilities worldwide, out of which 300,000 die due to secondary to associated complications.

Overview of X birth defects

Congenital disabilities are structural and/or functional abnormalities of one or more body organs that do not follow normal human anatomy.

These anatomical and physiological alterations cause physical and functional disabilities in the affected individuals impairing their lives.

Some babies present with isolated deficits; however, others are born with impairments in multiple organs and termed syndromes. The severity and site of impairments determine the prognosis of the disease by affecting the life expectancy in these children.

The majority of cases of congenital disabilities have no definite cause, while some are results of medical negligence. With that said, let’s take a brief look at common birth defects.

Down’s Syndrome

It is a chromosomal disorder where a child is born with an extra pair of chromosomes on chromosome 21.

In simpler terms, chromosomes are found within the nucleus of our cells and contain genetic material transmitted by our parents that determines our physical and functional attributes.

If an extra chromosome combines with the existing one, it results in the characteristic appearance of Down syndrome.

The most evident factor that causes Down syndrome is maternal age above 40 or a previous child diagnosed with the same.

The characteristic features of Down syndrome include Mongolian faces with upward slanting of eyes, a flat nose, a protruded tongue, and short stature.

These children suffer from multiple defects in the heart, irregular bowel movements, deformed eyes, and skin. The average life expectancy is around 40 years.

The treatment for Down syndrome, however, is usually symptomatic.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a common birth injury resulting from brain damage in the uterus, during, or after birth. Factors that may contribute to the development of the diseases include low birth weight, premature birth, maternal infections, and conditions.

Anything that halts the oxygen supply to the brain contributes to cerebral palsy. It has multiple manifestations, including developmental delay, loss of muscle tone making the child floppy, spasticity, and stiffness of muscles contributing to abnormal gait and posture, excess drooling, and other neurological deficits.

Treatment for Cerebral Palsy is symptomatic, and the overall prognosis depends on disease severity.

Cleft lip and palate

A cleft palate occurs due to soft and hard palates failing to fuse in the mouth. Children who have this congenital disability have an apparent cosmetic defect requiring cosmetic surgery.

The cause for cleft lip and palate is unknown, but some research indicates specific lifestyle of the mother contributes to the deficit.

The treatment for cleft lip and palate is through multiple corrective surgeries that usually begin around 3- 6 months of age.

Congenital hearing loss

Hearing loss is usually noticed after the first two months of birth when babies are unable to respond to the sound of their mothers. Congenital hearing loss may be hereditary or due to other factors. One of the leading causes of hearing loss is the Rubella virus.

Vaccinations at least two months before conceiving a baby are advised for mothers who have didn’t receive their MMR vaccine during childhood, as a preventative measure by the World Health Organization.

Hearing aids and cochlear implants, in combination with speech therapy, are used to treat patients with congenital hearing loss.

Congenital blindness

Complete or partial loss of vision in childhood may be sudden or gradual. Common causes include vitamin A deficiency, measles during the first or second trimester, congenital cataracts, premature birth, or hereditary refractive errors like near-sightedness.

The treatment regime depends on the underlying cause—for example, corrective glasses with concave or convex lenses for refractive errors.

Spina bifida

It is a neural tube defect in which the anatomical remnant of the spinal cord remains open and bulges out due to improper closure. Many hypotheses have revealed that genetic alterations, including folate deficiency in mothers, alcohol, and smoking during pregnancy, are the culprits for this defect.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that women of reproductive age consume 400 mcg folate supplements and a folate-rich diet to prevent neural tube defects.

For those born with spina bifida, surgical correction is the preferred treatment. Despite treatment, these children have some range of physical immobility and need walking aids or a wheelchair in severe cases.

Esophageal Atresia

The esophagus is a food pipe connecting our mouth to the stomach. When it fails to form, there is a disconnection between the digestive tract and the mouth, and this is usually detected when a baby chokes or vomits the first feed soon after birth.

Genetic defects and advanced paternal age are linked with this developmental disorder. Also, women who opt for assisted reproductive technology are more likely to have a child with esophageal atresia.

When there is a disconnection between the wind food pipe in the uterus, the child experiences breathing difficulties.

Treatment is multiple steps of surgical correction so that the baby can eat and breathe normally. Long-term survival and prognosis are unsatisfactory; however, early treatment intervention may improve outcomes.

The Takeaway

Some congenital disabilities are apparent, while some aren’t. Some, if detected early, can be easily treated with promising outcomes, while others may not respond well to a treatment regimen.

It is essential to organize awareness campaigns to educate the general public regarding congenital disabilities and their disabilities. In this way, preventable causes can be eliminated, reducing the incidence of birth defects.

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