Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT is a condition where a blood clot appears in a deep vein in the body. When a blood clot occurs, the blood turns gelatinous. A blood clot from deep vein thrombosis is more likely to appear in your thigh or lower leg. But these clots can also occur in other parts of the body. This is a condition called a thromboembolism. Vulnerable age groups The symptoms of deep vein thrombosis appear more commonly in people over the age of 50. Certain physical conditions can also increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis in your body. It’s important to identify the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis early to prevent the problem from getting worse. Once you identify the cause of the problem, it’s easy to seek treatment. The factors which are likely to cause deep vein thrombosis are as follows: Injured or damaged veins Being overweight or obese puts a lot of pressure on the veins in your pelvis and legs. This can aggravate the risk factor. So if you’re obese, keep an eye out for symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. A history of deep vein thrombosis in the family can also make you more prone to it. Placement of a catheter in the vein could also lead to the problem.Women who are taking birth control pills regularly may also experience deep vein thrombosis. If you’re undergoing hormone therapy, you may find yourself experiencing some symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. Smoking is one of the biggest triggers for deep vein thrombosis. Lack of physical exercise, a sedentary lifestyle, and the accompanying obesity risk is another major factor that could lead to symptoms of deep vein thrombosis manifesting at a younger age. Stay Vigilant, Stay Safe People over the age group of fifty should stay vigilant for the early symptoms of deep vein thrombosis.

A skin infection caused by the Staphylococcus bacteria —MRSA or Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus is an infection that can occur in any part of the body. Characterised by mild symptoms like sores and boils, the infection can also graduate to severity by infecting surgical wounds, urinary tract, lungs, and bloodstream. The MRSA bacteria are resistant to commonly used antibiotics and that’s why it’s called the ‘ superbug’, making it difficult for the medical fraternity to treat this condition. Causes The Staph bacteria inhabit our bodies and do not pose much risk to healthy people. In fact, one-third of the general population have staph bacteria in their noses. The garden variety Staph is the most common. Staph can land you with a skin infection if it gets into your body. Such infections are minor and don’t call for any specialized treatment. In some cases, Staph can infect wounds or cause pneumonia ( when the bacteria infect the lungs ). Symptoms Of MRSA Staph infection leads to the formation of abscesses, furuncles or boils . These are pus-filled. The area where these boils or furuncles are present become red and swollen accompanied by intense pain. Drainage of the area is also a possibility. If the MRSA infection is moderate, the symptoms that show up are—headache, muscle ache, fatigue, fever, chest pain, and shortness of breath. You’ll experience a general feeling of sickness. When the MRSA infection graduates to become severe, the symptoms worsen. The patient suffers from joint pain, bone pain, muscle ache, chest pain, low blood pressure, fever and chills, fatigue, shortness of breath, painful breathing, headache, rash, and malaise. The above symptoms can be seen if the infection is restricted to the surface of the skin. If the infection reaches the bloodstream, it leads to septic shock , a life-threatening condition.

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in strands. Mold could be present in homes all year round. The most common molds found in homes are as follows. Cladosporium Penicillium Alternaria Aspergillus Stachybotrys chartarum Stachybotrys chartarum is the greenish-black mold that is sometimes found indoors. It grows on surfaces rich in cellulose content, such as wood, fiberboard, paper, and dust. Molds reproduce by forming spores. These spores could travel through air and are invisible to the naked eye. Once mold spores form, they are hard to get rid of and could survive even in dry or harsh conditions. Molds travel with the wind and may grow when they come across a moist environment. Outdoor molds aid in the decomposition process of leaves and compost piles. These are most often found in damp and dark environments. The environments most suitable for growth of molds are as follows. Damp Warm Humid The mold found indoors could affect the surface where it grows and could lead to health issues as well. In homes, molds are most likely to be found in the following places. Bathrooms and basements Drywall Ceiling tiles Carpets Furniture Ductwork Roofing Wallpapers Mold spores enter homes through the following locations. Open doors Windows Vents Attached to shoes Through pets Molds may grow on foodstuff But not all molds are bad. Molds help in making some cheeses such as Brie Gorgonzola Stilton Molds involved with food manufacturing processes are safe and free from health risks. Health Risks Associated with Molds Molds produce allergens. Molds also produce mycotoxins. Presence of mold doesn’t imply that toxins are being produced. It may not imply a high health risk as well. Allergies are most common reactions caused by molds. But molds could lead to some other health problems, though these are rarer. Allergic Reactions to Molds Allergic reactions are the single most common problem associated with molds.

Testosterone is a sex hormone in males, that is generated in the testicles and helps in the development of their physical features. Testosterone is the key hormone that provides men with muscle and bone strength, facial and body hair, and a heavy voice. Testosterone is an influencing factor boosts men’s sex drive, their mood, erections and their capacity to generate sperms. What does low testosterone mean? This is a medical condition known as hypogonadism or low-T, that refers to a condition in which the production of the testosterone hormone is not normal (there is a lack of fabrication of this sex hormone). Once a man attains 30 years of age, the testosterone levels start decreasing by about 1% every year. This decrease in testosterone levels is normal and is considered as a part of the aging process. However, there are various other reasons that can lead to decrease in testosterone levels. Low-T can be of two types, primary and secondary, and each of these types has its own causes. Common causes of low testosterone Primary hypogonadism This is a medical condition in which the cause of low testosterone levels originates due to problems in the testicles. This can be acquired through time, or even can be genetic. The main causes of primary hypogonadism include: Undescended testicles : When the baby is still not born, the testicles develop within the abdomen, and acquire their permanent position in the scrotum. In some rare cases, the testicles may not acquire its position before birth. This condition gets normal on its own within the initial years after birth, but if the situation remains the same, it may lead to failure of testicles and lesser production of the testosterone hormone. Hemochromatosis : In case the blood running through the veins contains too much iron, testicular failure, or even problems in pituitary gland can occur.

What is Blood Pressure? Blood pressure is the force that transports blood through our circulatory system. It is a life force which pushes oxygen and nutrients around our circulatory system to feed tissues and organs. Blood pressure is also important because it distributes white blood cells and antibodies for immunity, and hormones such as insulin. The fresh blood that gets delivered also gathers the toxic waste products of metabolism along with the carbon dioxide we breathe out, and the toxins we clear through our liver and kidneys. The heart builds up blood pressure by pumping out blood when it contracts with every heartbeat. Biology Our blood pressure is highest at the commencement of its journey from our heart, and it is lowest at the end of its journey along smaller branches of arteries. That pressure difference is what causes blood to flow around our bodies. The condition of the arteries effect on the blood pressure and flow. What does Blood Pressure Values denote? Measurement of your blood pressure will give two readings. Your blood pressure will have two numbers, e.g., 120/80 mm. Hg. The number which appears on the left-hand side, being the highest number, is called systolic. The number which appears on the right-hand side, being the lowest number, is called diastolic. Systolic blood pressure denotes the highest pressure registered during the time your heart pushes the blood in your body system. Diastolic blood pressure denotes the lowest pressure registered, at the moment your heart rests between beats. Which number is more important? Typically, systolic blood pressure (the left side number) poses the main risk agent for cardiovascular disease for people over 50. In most people, systolic blood pressure rises incrementally with age due to the increasing rigidity of arteries. Blood Pressure Chart The blood pressure chart maps out levels of blood pressure at different times.

Our memories are often our most prized possessions. They remind us of lessons learned and a life well lived. Imagine the pain of losing them! This is what exactly happens in Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is a chronic, degenerative disease that affects neurological and cognitive functions and is the most common cause of dementia. It affects approximately 29.8 million people worldwide, as of 2015. Alzheimer’s is a painful and debilitating condition. Therefore, it is important to watch out for the symptoms and signs to improve the quality of life. Alzheimer’s disease can have many varied signs. Alzheimer’s disease has a slow, insidious onset, so you have to be vigilant to the symptoms. It starts off slowly and progresses until control of bodily functions is lost. The life expectancy of patients with Alzheimer’s ranges between 3 – 9 years. Warning Signs: Alzheimer’s disease The early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s are often vague. The first characteristic sign of Alzheimer is an inability to remember recent events including forgetting names of objects, places, and people. As the disease progresses, the memory impairment worsens along with the appearance of other signs of Alzheimer. Alzheimer’s shows the following symptoms: Difficulty in planning or problem-solving: Some people will notice that it is becoming harder for them to formulate and stick to plans and structured activity. There may be an associated difficulty in managing numbers. Difficulty in performing familiar tasks: A person may forget to perform routine tasks and activities such as to operate a stove, use tools, or other such signs of Alzheimer. Alzheimer’s can impair the ability to complete tasks that were once familiar. Language problems: A person may forget words, pronunciations, spellings, grammar, and another component of written and spoken language. There may difficulty holding or following a conversation and using the wrong words.

A migraine is a condition characterized by severe headaches, which commonly occurs predominantly in one part of the head. A migraine is often debilitating and hampers people’s daily life. The people who experience a migraine have a throbbing or pulsating sensation, which is often made worse by daily activities like walking. A migraine can be episodic or chronic in nature. An episodic migraine is characterized by severe headaches for a short duration of time with a frequency of fewer than fifteen days in a month. Episodic migraine attacks can have a gap of weeks or sometimes even months, between them. A chronic migraine is defined as a condition characterized by more than fifteen headaches per month. At least eight of these headaches need to be moderately or severely painful, and should be in the absence of medication overuse. Chronic migraines last for a longer duration of time, and occur more frequently than episodic ones, but affect a very small percentage of people. A few people who experience episodic migraines can develop a chronic migraine. Most of the chronic migraine patients develop the symptoms over time, with a steady development in the frequency and severity of the headaches. There is no specific reason for a chronic migraine. Every individual has his or her own set of triggers and causal factors. Following is a list of some of the probable causes. Chronic migraine can cause severe pain in certain patients. . Severe Neurological Conditions Certain Neurological conditions can impact the brain or the complete central nervous system in a negative way. Chemical Imbalances In The Brain Sometimes the brain function is incapacitated due to a chemical imbalance. If the neurons do not work in coordination, or if there is a hindrance in nerve pathways due to broken nervous communication channels, it can cause migraine headaches.

Osteoarthritis Of The Knee The knee is one of the most important and crucial joints in your body. The knee is the joint bears the weight of the entire body and should be kept in good health. The knee ensures that the person can stand in an upright position, and is adequately active and functional. Unfortunately, the knee joint is also one of the most common joints to be afflicted with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis of the knee affects a large number of people. Research shows that there could be a number of reasons for osteoarthritis of the knee. Obesity is one of the most common reasons for osteoarthritis of the knee. A hereditary disposition for arthritis can also make you prone to this condition. Serious knee injuries and infections can also act as a trigger for osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis Of The Knee: An Overview Osteoarthritis is one of the common forms of arthritis. It is also known as wear-and-tear arthritis. Osteoarthritis of the knee affects different joints of the body in an adverse manner. The pain and trouble arises from the falling levels of natural cushioning and cartilage present in the joints. When this cushioning between your joints, which is made of natural fluids and liquids, reduces, the bones of the joints come in closer and more frequent contact with each other. The natural fluid that acts as a shield is absent to minimize friction from your joints rubbing together. This is what causes pain in your joints. This frequent rubbing of bones can also lead to stiffness, and swelling of the joints. This can cause intense pain even from the smallest of physical movements. In the long run, this state could also lead to bone spurs. Osteoarthritis of the knee can affect anyone, But in most case, we see that it affects people who are above the age of 45.

3 Major Blood Cancer Types You Should Know Cancer in any form is life-threatening; approximately 38.5% of men and women in the country are diagnosed with one or the other type of cancer. It is common knowledge that when cancer is detected in its initial stages, there’s a possibility of curing it. However, when cancer becomes metastatic, it can only be controlled to a certain extent; it cannot be cured completely. Studies indicate that 10.2% of the total cancer cases are that of blood cancer. Approximately every 3 minutes an individual is detected with leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma. These are the different types of blood cancer that can affect an individual, and if left undetected can have life-threatening consequences. Blood cancers, or hematologic cancers, are known to affect the production and functioning of the blood cells. This form of cancer originates in the blood marrow before it starts affecting the blood cells. Before a disease can affect the individual in a full-fledged manner, various symptoms surface. An individual might display the following symptoms even b efore blood cancer makes itself evident. Persistent fatigue or weakness Fever and chills Night sweats Sudden weight loss Joint pain Loss of appetite Headaches Frequent infections Nausea Itchy skin or rashes on the skin Abdominal discomfort These are the common symptoms that surface when an individual suffers from blood cancer. Types of blood cancer As mentioned earlier, blood cancer originates from the bone marrow and later affects the production and function of the blood cells. Blood cancer is of three types- leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Leukemia It is a type of blood cancer that affects the blood cells especially the white blood cells and affects the production of these cells and prevents them from performing their functions. When a person suffers from leukemia, the bone marrow starts producing abnormal white blood cells, called leukemia cells.

Arthritis is a painful condition that causes inflammation of the joints. The term arthritis covers a broad spectrum of rheumatic diseases and conditions, that affect the joints. There are over 200 types of arthritis, classified into seven main groups. The main groups under which the various types of arthritis are classified are: Mechanical or degenerative arthritis Inflammatory arthritis Soft tissue musculoskeletal pain Back pain Infectious arthritis Connective tissue arthritis Metabolic arthritis Causes of arthritis While it is not possible to pinpoint any single cause, a combination of any of the following can lead to arthritis. Family history can lead to osteoarthritis Immune dysfunction can lead to Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus Abnormal metabolism can lead to gout and pseudogout Any injury to the musculoskeletal system can lead to degenerative arthritis Any infections can lead to arthritis as in Lyme’s disease Arthritis pain symptoms There are symptoms that precede, before a completely developed arthritis. Arthritis is a progressive condition, and the severity of symptoms increase over a period of time. In some cases, the pain is persistent, while in others, the pain is on and off. Also, the symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis. There are certain arthritis pain symptoms that are experienced by a majority of patients. There are four key warning signs of arthritis. Joint pain The earliest symptom of arthritis is joint pain. Arthritis can affect the joints in the neck, shoulders, elbows, knees, wrist, hips and ankles. The pain can be continuous or intermittent. It can be isolated to one place or the pain can be felt in all parts of the body. Joint stiffness Some types of arthritis display a typical symptom—joint stiffness. Joints get stiff after waking up in the morning, after sitting for a long time at the work desk, or in the car.