Around 45 million Americans suffer from a common condition called irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which causes symptoms like cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. While IBS affects both men and women, it is more common in women. The exact causes of IBS are still unknown, but researchers are making progress in understanding and treating this condition.
IBS is characterized by chronic belly pain and changes in bowel habits. There are three types: diarrhea-dominant (IBS-D), constipation-dominant (IBS-C), and a combination of both. It is a common gastrointestinal condition, affecting up to 15% of Americans.
The causes of IBS can vary and include changes in the gut microbiome, abnormal muscle contractions in the intestines, faulty nerve signals, pelvic floor problems (especially in women), early life stress, and genetics.
IBS can be inconvenient and even debilitating, affecting daily life and causing distress. However, there are now more personalized treatment options available.
A recent drug advertisement for Entyvio (vedolizumab) has caught attention with its unique portrayal of toilets in every scene. This article aims to unravel the reasons behind this unconventional choice and shed light on important aspects that may have been overlooked.
Decoding the Symbolism:
The ad showcases a young woman engaging in various activities, with an interesting twist - she is seen sitting on toilet lids instead of regular seats. The voiceover hints at the daily struggles faced by individuals with moderate or severe Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The toilets symbolize the constant reminders and uncertainties associated with these conditions, particularly the unpredictable bouts of diarrhea and urgent need for restroom access.
Key Information Presented in the Ad:
1. Treatment Mechanism: The ad effectively utilizes visually appealing animations and graphics to explain how vedolizumab, administered through infusions every two months, blocks cells responsible for inflammation in the intestinal tract.
2. Side Effects: In adherence to FDA regulations, the ad highlights common and potentially serious side effects of vedolizumab, including infusion and allergic reactions, liver problems, and increased susceptibility to infection. It also mentions a rare brain infection called PML.
3. Benefits: The ad confidently states that Entyvio has provided long-term relief and remission for many participants in clinical trials.
Precision is important when it comes to radiation therapy for prostate cancer, aiming to treat the cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. Technological advancements have led to a newer technique called stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), which can deliver highly targeted radiation to tumors from various angles. This method requires only five treatments over two weeks, making it more convenient than previous approaches. Integrating SBRT with real-time imaging scans, a technique known as magnetic resonance–guided daily adaptive SBRT (MRg-A-SBRT), further enhances precision by accounting for tumor movements caused by everyday activities like breathing or digestion.
A new study conducted by Dr. Jonathan Leeman and his team from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston compared MRg-A-SBRT with a similar method called CT-SBRT, which utilizes computed tomography for imaging. The systematic review analyzed 29 clinical trials involving over 2,500 patients. The results showed that patients treated with MRg-A-SBRT experienced fewer side effects compared to those treated with CT-SBRT. Genitourinary side effects ranged from 5% to 33% in MRg-A-SBRT patients, while CT-guided treatments resulted in side effects between 9% and 47%. Similarly, gastrointestinal side effects ranged from 0% to 8% in MRg-A-SBRT patients, compared to 2% to 23% in CT-guided treatments.
If you're a man over 50, you might be familiar with the challenges of an enlarged prostate. This walnut-shaped gland near your bladder tends to grow as you age, causing issues like a weak urine stream, trouble emptying your bladder, and frequent bathroom trips.
If you experience these symptoms, it's important to consult your doctor for proper evaluation. However, there are some simple changes you can make to ease urinary problems:
- Avoid drinking fluids 1-2 hours before bedtime.
- Limit fluid intake before going out or starting a journey.
- Urinate as soon as you feel the need.
- Follow a timed schedule for bathroom visits, even if you don't feel the urge.
- Take your time while urinating to empty your bladder completely, reducing the need for frequent trips.
It's also essential to avoid over-the-counter drugs like antihistamines and decongestants, as they can further slow your urine stream and hinder bladder emptying.
If you want to learn more about benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), its causes, symptoms, and treatments, check out "Living Better with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia," an online guide from Harvard Medical School.
If constipation becomes chronic, stop playing the laxative roulette wheel. Examine with your doctor.
Occasional irregularity is unavoidable, but you can reduce it with a few simple methods. You should consume a fiber-rich diet, drink plenty of water, and stay physically active.
When it comes to constipation, however, the ideal laxative is the gentlest and safest alternative, such as a bulk-forming laxative. If laxatives do not work, seek assistance. If you require laxatives on a regular basis, you should consult your doctor.
How do stool softeners function?
Stool softeners soften stools, making them easier to pass. They are commonly used before bedtime and come in capsule, tablet, liquid, or syrup form. Take stool softeners exactly as instructed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more frequently than your doctor has suggested.
Laxatives that create bulk are the first choice.
Bulk-forming laxatives attract water into the stool, softening it and making it easier to pass. However, don't expect immediate relief; these can take anywhere from a half-day to several days to offer relief. They are suitable for daily use. They contain a variety of substances, and you may need to test more than one to find one that works for you while causing minimal side effects such as flatulence and bloating. They could be sold as laxatives or fiber supplements.
Owning a dog offers a number of health benefits, including companionship, unconditional affection, and the increased physical activity needed to play with and walk your pet. However, exercise caution when walking Fido on a regular basis. A study that linked dog walking to a dramatic increase in injuries among those holding a puppy's leash was published online on April 14, 2023, by Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Nearly 423,000 patients (average age 53) who visited emergency rooms after being pulled or tripped by a leash were found when researchers examined data from a national health database between 2001 and 2020. Over the course of the study, the yearly injury rate climbed by more than four times, from around 7,200 in 2001 to about 32,000 in 2020.
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Socializing has been linked to a lower chance of dying young, among other health benefits. However, how much socialization might prolong one's life? On March 6, 2023, the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health published a sizable Chinese study online that suggests—possibly not at all. Researchers assessed the well-being, way of life, and self-reported social engagement of almost 28,000 individuals (average age: 89) whose survival was monitored for a mean of five years or until they passed away. People lived longer during the first five years of life, the more socialized they were. The people who socialized daily, weekly, monthly, or infrequently all lived longer than the previous group.
What is and isn't normal? Learn to recognize this dangerous mental health condition.
Hoarding disorder: what is it?
An incapacity to part with some possessions to the point of unhealthy accumulation is the hallmark of hoarding disorder, a mental health illness.
Even though the goods being hoarded may seem insignificant to others—old clothing, boxes, documents, junk mail, or even expired food or trash—the individual hoarding the stuff is certain that they will come in handy at some point. The thought of leaving them behind is deeply upsetting. Over time, items accumulate in the house to create mountains of disorderly clutter that clog halls and rooms, hinder daily activities, and endanger safety.
Dr. Stephanie Collier, a psychiatrist at McLean Hospital, which is connected with Harvard, says, "There might be clutter blocking the stove so you can't prepare meals, or blocking the door so you can't get to work or get out in an emergency."
What makes someone hoard?
The etiology of hoarding disorder is unknown. Although it usually appears in adolescence, hoarding may also manifest in later life because of its correlation with certain mental health issues. These include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, dementia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Sometimes certain situations' characteristics lead to hoarding behavior.
People suffering from anxiety disorders, for instance, may worry excessively that they won't have enough of a specific item. They feel more in control when they have a larger supply, according to Dr. Collier. "There may be persistent notions in the minds of OCD sufferers concerning the quantity of stuff they need. Despite their desire not to, individuals are constantly driven to keep the items."
Additional examples: Individuals with ADHD may struggle to decide what should be thrown out first. Additionally, because they can't remember if they need certain things, like bills, people with cognitive impairment may be reluctant to part with them.
It's funny how the elbow works. It contains your ulnar nerve, often known as your funny bone, which stings when struck in a certain way. Furthermore, we frequently undervalue the elbow as a crucial joint that supports our ability to remain independent.
Because the elbow is not a weight-bearing joint and doesn't frequently develop arthritis or require joint replacement, many individuals may not give it much thought. However, elbow pain can prevent you from using your arms for other tasks like dressing or cooking. It's easier to take care of oneself if you can take care of this joint.
Basics of elbows
Bones, muscles, ligaments (which join bones), and tendons (which join muscles to bone) make up the elbow. The humerus, located in the upper arm, and the ulna and radius, located in the lower arm, are the two long bones that meet at the elbow joint.
Elbow motions are mostly twofold:
bending and extending. When transferring food to your mouth or placing your hands on your hips, you flex your arm to enable you to bring your hand toward your body. Stretching your arm straight enables you to perform actions like reaching your toes or inserting your arm in a shirt sleeve.
varying in volume. Additionally, you have the option to pronate, or turn your hands from facing the floor to facing the ceiling. Many basic motions, like turning a key or a doorknob, depend on these motions.
Reasons why elbows hurt
Elbow tenodesis, affecting one or both of them, is the most frequent cause of elbow pain. This condition is known as tendinitis, and overuse is frequently the cause.
Repetitive motions from daily tasks, housework, tennis, or golf can cause tendinitis. These motions can also damage the muscles above and below the elbow. Pain from tendinitis can radiate from the elbow into the upper or lower arm.
Other reasons for elbow pain include fractures, which can occur when a person falls onto an extended arm; arthritis; sprains, which can stretch or tear elbow ligaments; and bursitis, which is inflammation of the fluid-filled joint cushions called bursae. All of these conditions can produce discomfort in the elbow.
Naturally Clear Skin: A Comprehensive Guide to Getting Rid of Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages, causing frustration and affecting self-confidence. While there are numerous acne treatment products available, some may contain harsh chemicals that can cause further skin irritation. Fortunately, there are natural remedies and products that can help combat acne effectively without harmful side effects. Here are various natural methods to get rid of acne.
1. Keep your skin clean:
- Gently cleanse your face twice a day using a mild, natural cleanser to remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities. Avoid aggressive scrubbing, as it can aggravate acne.
- Consider using natural ingredients like tea tree oil, which possesses antibacterial properties that can combat acne-causing bacteria.
2. Exfoliate regularly:
- Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and prevent acne breakouts. Opt for natural exfoliants such as sugar or oatmeal mixed with honey to gently buff away dead skin cells.
- Avoid over-exfoliating, as it can lead to skin dryness and inflammation.
3. Incorporate acne-fighting ingredients:
- Tea tree oil: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil can reduce redness and kill acne-causing bacteria. Dilute it with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin.
- Aloe vera: This natural gel soothes inflammation, reduces redness, and promotes healing. Apply a thin layer of pure aloe vera gel to affected areas.
- Witch hazel: With its astringent properties, witch hazel can help tighten pores, control oil production, and reduce inflammation. Apply it using a cotton pad after cleansing.
4. Maintain a balanced diet:
- A healthy diet can greatly impact your skin's condition. Incorporate foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, to help fight inflammation and promote clear skin.
- Reduce your intake of sugary and processed foods, as they can trigger acne breakouts.
5. Hydrate and moisturize:
- Keeping your skin hydrated is essential for maintaining a healthy balance. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to flush out toxins and promote clear skin.
- Choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer suitable for acne-prone skin. Look for natural ingredients like aloe vera, green tea extract, or hyaluronic acid.
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