Getting a breast cancer diagnosis can be scary, but things have changed a lot in how we treat it. Unlike the old days when everyone got the same treatment, now it's like having a personalized toolkit to fight the disease.
Survival rates have gone up, with only 5% of women at an average risk of dying within five years after a breast cancer diagnosis, down from 14% in the 1990s. Dr. Harold Burstein from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute explains, We may not always know why someone gets breast cancer, but the good news is that outcomes are improving.
Instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach, scientists can now categorize breast tumors based on cell type. This allows for tailor-made combinations of treatments. Surgery is still common, but chemotherapy might be smaller or skipped. New drugs like immunotherapy and targeted therapies are giving doctors more options.
Breast cancer comes in different types, like ER-positive or HER2-positive. Knowing this helps doctors choose the best treatments. Thanks to research in the last decade, tests can now identify gene mutations, predict tumor growth, and help customize treatments.
For ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, the use of chemotherapy has become more selective. Powerful tools allow doctors to decide if a patient really needs it. Medications like CDK4/6 inhibitors are also used for high-risk cases.
HER2-positive breast cancer, a more aggressive type, has seen progress with targeted therapies like Herceptin. A new approach pairs chemotherapy with proteins for better results with fewer side effects.
Triple-negative breast cancer, a fast-growing type, is challenging, but new drugs and immunotherapy are showing promise. Even more promising is the future use of liquid biopsies, blood tests that can guide treatment based on circulating tumor DNA.
Dr. Burstein is optimistic about the coming years, mentioning new technologies like liquid biopsies. For metastatic breast cancer, which isn't curable yet, patients are living longer with new treatments improving their lives.
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is rare but dangerous. Unlike other types, it doesn't always show a lump. Symptoms develop rapidly, and early signs are often mistaken for less serious issues. Dr. Filipa Lynce advises not to ignore changes in the breast, even without a lump. If symptoms persist, seeking medical attention is crucial.
Finally, for women diagnosed with breast cancer, a multidisciplinary care team is essential. Collaboration among specialists and communication with your healthcare team are key to better outcomes. Don't hesitate to ask questions and be an active part of your treatment plan.
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Seasonal affective disorder can be treated and managed with the use of light therapy and medicines.
The winter season brings chilly days and cozy vibes, but for some, it also ushers in a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a form of depression that kicks in during late fall and winter, easing off with the arrival of spring. While the exact cause remains a mystery, researchers believe a lack of sunlight plays a pivotal role.
Dr. Richard Schwartz, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital, emphasizes the significance of recognizing SAD as a serious condition. He notes, "People should not ignore the signs of SAD and should seek treatment if they appear, as left alone, SAD can escalate to serious health issues."
Sunlight and Your Mood
Sunlight exposure has a profound impact on our brains. It stimulates the hypothalamus, a brain region housing our internal sleep-wake clock. Insufficient light disrupts this clock, leading to an overproduction of the sleep hormone melatonin and a decrease in serotonin, the feel-good brain chemical. This chemical imbalance can result in feelings of low energy, lethargy, and depression.
SAD comes with other telltale signs, including diminished sexual desire, an inclination to overeat (especially comfort foods), and sleep disturbances. It also correlates with cognitive challenges like difficulties in concentration and memory. Dr. Schwartz adds, "As you become more lethargic from SAD, you are also less likely to exercise or socialize."
Several factors heighten the risk of SAD, such as a family history of SAD or depression and geographic location. People residing in northern states, where daylight diminishes significantly in fall and winter, are more prone to SAD than those in the south.
How to keep people from getting too angry at gatherings.
The holidays, envisioned as a time of joy, love, and festive lights, sometimes take an unexpected turn into disagreements when family and friends gather. However, with a little planning and awareness of potential triggers, you can avoid getting caught up in arguments.
Understanding Holiday Stress
The holiday season can be stressful due to financial worries, colder weather, and the juggling act of work and time off. Emotional vulnerability is heightened during this time, making it challenging to manage feelings and communicate effectively. Factors like painful memories or a lack of family support can add to the emotional strain.
Alcohol consumption during holiday gatherings can escalate tensions, as it lowers inhibitions and makes it harder to stay calm. In a survey, 57% of respondents noted family members becoming argumentative after consuming too much alcohol.
Childbirth, a timeless and sometimes unpredictable journey, has been an integral part of human experience. In the United States, where rates of avoidable complications and maternal deaths are surprisingly high, the demand for doulas is on the rise. Natalia Richey, interim chief midwife at Massachusetts General Hospital, notes an increasing interest in additional care during pregnancy and birth.
But what does a birth doula do? Unlike midwives or doctors, professional doulas offer emotional and physical support to women throughout pregnancy and the birthing process.
Here's a glimpse into doula care if you're considering it.
Doulas vs. Midwives
While midwives and doulas share some responsibilities, a crucial distinction exists: midwives provide medical care, whereas doulas focus on emotional and physical support. Midwives, like certified nurse-midwives, are trained nurses responsible for maintaining the physical health of both mother and baby during childbirth. On the other hand, doulas don't perform medical tasks; they specialize in helping laboring women stay comfortable and calm, employing various techniques like suggesting comfort measures and optimal positions.
Doula Training and Licensing
It's important to note that doula training lacks standardized rules. Certification from over 100 independent organizations is common, although no formal licensing is required. While private insurers often don't cover doula care, some employers, like Walmart, assist in covering costs. As of February 2023, ten states and the District of Columbia offer Medicaid coverage for doula services.
Impact on Birth Outcomes
A 2023 analysis spanning 22 years and 16 studies found that doula support correlated with improved birth outcomes, including fewer C-sections, premature deliveries, and shorter labor. Emotional support from doulas was associated with reduced anxiety and stress in mothers, with notable improvements in breastfeeding success, especially among low-income women.
Collaboration with Doulas
Agreements regarding care may vary, but typically, doulas meet with expectant individuals throughout pregnancy to discuss birth goals and build rapport. Doulas, akin to obstetricians, are available 24/7 to support clients during labor. This constant support, especially for those with limited resources, can be invaluable.
Doula and OB/GYN Collaboration
Collaboration between doulas and OB/GYN teams is generally seamless. Whether a hospital arranges for a doula or if hired privately, coordination ensures everyone sticks to their roles. Doulas suggest nonpharmacological ways to ease pain, respecting boundaries when medical intervention is necessary.
Questions to Ask When Considering a Doula
Interested in working with a doula? Natalia Richey suggests asking yourself questions like:
- What are my hopes and goals for the childbirth process?
- How do I envision my support team during delivery?
- Do I have friends or family members who have used doulas, and what were their impressions?
When contacting a doula, inquire about their training, the number of births attended, how they can assist during pregnancy and labor, and their approach to collaboration with your partner, spouse, and the medical team.
Take the time to meet with any doula you're considering and make sure they're a good fit, advises Richey. "Because this is someone who will be there during one of the most vulnerable times of your life. Having someone there who doesn't make you feel safe and comfortable can affect birth in a major way.
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Oh, and if you've been rocking nail polish for ages without a break, your nails might rebel with some dry, white spots. It's like they're saying, "Hey, let us breathe!" There's also a chance a sneaky fungal infection is behind the scenes, leaving a white film on your nails. Sometimes, more serious stuff like low iron, kidney issues, or liver scarring can play a part in turning your nails half or mostly white.
If you're scratching your head because none of these seem to fit, it's cool to chat with your doctor about it. Waiting for the spots to vanish on their own might take a while – like six months or more – because, you know, nails take their sweet time to grow out.
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Two days ago, I attended the conference at the Center for Contemporary Art, marking the end of the Anti-Racism Interim Governance Group (AIGG) and the sharing of their recommendations for the vision, mission, and structure of the Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland.
It was very insightful, and people had the opportunity to ask many questions. Racism hasn't been adequately addressed in many countries and has often been taken lightly. A great-grandmother from India, who has lived in Scotland for a long time and has three generations here, shared accounts of how racism hasn't shown significant improvement for a long time.
Another person spoke up and said if there were not significant changes and accountability for those who engage in racist behavior, then she didn't want to be part of this movement.
Individuals from diverse racial backgrounds were in attendance and poured out their heavy hearts.
The event was attended by the Minister for Equalities, Migration, and Refugees, Emma Roddick, and provided an opportunity to hear from them, ask questions, and engage in conversation with the Co-Chairs of the AIGG.
The event also marked the publication of the AIGG community research report, which contributed in various ways. The community research mapped to the AIGG’s work.
Here is the significant question people want answers to:
Observatory Accountability
We would like to know who will be held accountable for how the anti-racist strategy is implemented.
What are your thoughts?
#AntiRacismConference #EqualityInAction #AIGGEvent #InclusiveScotland #RacismAwareness #CommunityResearch #EqualityAdvocacy #AccountabilityMatters #AntiRacistStrategy #EmpowerChange
Prevention of Diabetes and Four Ways to Lower Your Risk
Diabetes is a disease that affects more than 30 million people in the United States. Diabetes, if left unchecked, can result in serious complications such as blindness, renal failure, and heart disease, among others. You cannot change some risk factors, such as your age or genetics, or you cannot modify your past activities; but, there are some steps you can take now to minimize your chances of developing diabetes.
1. Adopt a healthy diet
The diet of a person can have a substantial impact on his or her efforts to prevent diabetes. When consumed in large quantities, sugary, refined carbohydrates are broken down by the body quickly and absorbed into the bloodstream, causing spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels to occur. Over time, elevated blood glucose levels can raise your chance of developing diabetes. You can lower your risk by substituting simple carbohydrates and entire grains, such as brown rice, sweet potatoes, and whole wheat bread, for simple carbohydrates and whole grains. More complex carbs take longer for your body to break down, resulting in a slow, consistent rise in blood sugar levels over time.
To help avoid diabetes, you can also boost your fiber consumption, which is a straightforward method. The addition of fiber to a diet is not only excellent for gut health and weight loss, but it also helps to maintain healthy blood sugar and insulin levels in the body. Fiber reduces the rate at which meals and sweets are absorbed, hence reducing the likelihood of insulin spikes. Bananas, apples, dark vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are examples of fiber-dense foods to consume.
Excessive food consumption can also result in elevated blood sugar levels and insulin production. The use of the ADA Plate Method is one method of dealing with this prevalent problem. In this strategy, non-starchy vegetables (spinach, broccoli, carrots, and so on) should take up half of your plate, grains and starches should take up one-fourth of your plate, and protein should take up the remaining one-fourth of your plate. To round out your meal, include a serving of fruit and dairy products, as well as a low-calorie beverage.
A healthy lifestyle necessitates the use of large amounts of water. Sugars, preservatives, and artificial additives are common constituents in many beverages. Despite the fact that some fruit and vegetable juices appear to be healthful, they can be extremely heavy in sugar. To avoid those sneaky sugars, stick to water, unsweetened teas, and coffee instead of other beverages.
2. Participation in physical activity
Exercise enhances insulin sensitivity levels, which aids in the regulation of blood glucose levels after a meal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week to reduce their risk of developing diabetes. Despite the fact that these statistics are intimidating, they may be broken down into 30 minutes per day, five days per week. The importance of consulting with your doctor before commencing any workout program cannot be overstated. Start small and gradually increase your physical exercise — even a simple walk to the mailbox every day can make a difference.
3. Maintaining a healthy weight
Excess weight, particularly around the waist, causes inflammation and insulin resistance, raising the risk of developing diabetes. You can reduce your chance of developing diabetes by as much as 16 percent for every kilogram (2.2 pounds) you lose. However, rather than following fad diets, it is critical to creating realistic goals that you can keep over the long run. When you concentrate on nutrition and physical exercise, as previously described, you should be able to better regulate your weight.
4. Cessation of Smoking
Cigarette smoking is linked to a variety of serious health issues, including diabetes. Cigarette smoking increases the likelihood of developing cancer by up to 44 percent. However, there is good news: it is never too late to stop smoking! After five years of abstinence, your chance of developing lung cancer can fall by up to 13% and continue to decrease over time. After twenty years, you will feel as if you have never smoked!
Along with getting appropriate sleep, managing stress, and contacting your doctor on a regular basis, doing these activities to live a healthier lifestyle will aid in diabetes prevention and minimize your risk of acquiring Type 2 Diabetes. For more health-related information, make sure you subscribe to our blog.
The Rosewe Wine Red pattern dress is perfect for a job interview.
I'm really excited to share this style of post with all of you. Over the years, my style has transformed into this classy and decent style that I absolutely love.
Today, I want to chat about this gorgeous dress I got from Rosewe. I cannot get enough of how good the striped side button wine red tie-collar bodycon dress felt on my figure; it fits me perfectly.
The design mixes plain and patterns to create this perfect look. The clothes match the photo exactly, and the sizing is spot-on. I've come across many lovely reviews about this dress, which only adds to my joy.
Wearing this dress just puts a huge smile on my face, and I wanted to let you know that you can get this beauty on sale at the Rosewe website. Plus, they'll ship it out within 24 hours, and you get a free gift with your purchase. I'm genuinely thrilled about this dress and would love to hear what you think.
This dress is perfect for Monday morning at the office, and it's a great fit for both churches. It's designed with such sophistication—the bold burgundy, gold buttons, and charming bow make it a complete package. If you wear this dress, be prepared for lots of compliments.
I am absolutely in love with this dress! It's gorgeous and perfect for a career day, an office job, or an interview, which brings me to the topic of what to wear for a job interview. When attending an interview, you need to look professional and modest, and this dress crosses all the dots.
By the way, it's only the second day of the week. If you're still going strong, keep it up—the weekend is right around the corner!
Finding relief for the discomfort of atopic dermatitis, a common form of eczema, can be a daily challenge. This skin condition, characterized by inflammation and itching, can disrupt sleep, social activities, and various aspects of daily life.
If simple remedies like gentle cleansing and regular moisturizing don't offer relief, your healthcare provider might suggest a prescription cream for your skin. A recent study has narrowed down the most effective options for managing atopic dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis is a persistent inflammatory skin disease that often affects areas like the face, hands, feet, or skin folds behind the elbows or knees. The exact cause is uncertain, with factors like genetics, the environment, and an overactive immune system contributing to inflammation and persistent itching. The notorious itch-scratch cycle worsens the rash, causing tearing, oozing, and crusting, which can be painful.
The study, evaluating over 200 trials involving more than 43,000 people with atopic dermatitis, sheds light on the effectiveness of various prescription creams and ointments. These treatments fall into five categories, including topical corticosteroids, Janus kinase inhibitors, PDE4 inhibitors, calcineurin inhibitors, and other topicals like antibiotics and prescription moisturizers.
The research aimed to identify medications that significantly improved patients' quality of life, reduced severity, itch, sleep disturbances, or flare-ups, caused fewer serious side effects, and were discontinued the least due to adverse effects.
The standout winners in the study were two calcineurin inhibitors, namely pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (Protopic), along with moderate-potency topical corticosteroids like fluocinolone acetonide (Synalar cream 0.025%) and triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog cream/ointment 0.1%).
The study, evaluating over 200 trials involving more than 43,000 people with atopic dermatitis, sheds light on the effectiveness of various prescription creams and ointments. These treatments fall into five categories, including topical corticosteroids, Janus kinase inhibitors, PDE4 inhibitors, calcineurin inhibitors, and other topicals like antibiotics and prescription moisturizers.
The research aimed to identify medications that significantly improved patients' quality of life, reduced severity, itch, sleep disturbances, or flare-ups, caused fewer serious side effects, and were discontinued the least due to adverse effects.
The standout winners in the study were two calcineurin inhibitors, namely pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (Protopic), along with moderate-potency topical corticosteroids like fluocinolone acetonide (Synalar cream 0.025%) and triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog cream/ointment 0.1%).
Pimecrolimus excelled in six of seven outcomes, proving effective at reducing sleep disturbances and eczema flares. High-dose tacrolimus (0.1%) demonstrated improvement in five outcomes, particularly reducing itch and flare-ups. Moderate-potency steroids, a larger group, were effective in four to six of the seven outcomes, excelling at alleviating eczema itch, flares, and serious side effects.
The study also revealed a surprising finding: using a topical cream twice daily wasn't significantly more effective than using it once daily. While the traditional advice is twice daily, once a day could be more convenient without compromising effectiveness.
On the flip side, the study identified topical antibiotics as among the less effective treatments for eczema.
While the study involved a substantial number of participants, individual responses may vary. Factors like age, affected skin areas, eczema severity, and potential side effects should be considered when determining a treatment plan.
The bottom line? If your current treatment works well without serious side effects, stick with it. However, if your regimen isn't delivering the desired results, consult your healthcare provider or dermatologist to explore alternative prescription creams or ointments.
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Plantar fasciitis is a pretty common and sometimes painful foot problem that many people around the world deal with. It usually hits folks who are on the move, between the ages of 25 and 65. This condition kicks in when the plantar fascia, a band of tissue under your foot that helps keep the arch in shape, gets worked too hard or stretched too much. Over time, this can lead to inflammation and, you guessed it, pain.
Now, spotting plantar fasciitis can be a slow build-up or hit you out of the blue, especially after pushing yourself physically. Being aware of the signs is key for early action and managing it properly.
The classic signs of plantar fasciitis include:
- Feeling pain on the bottom of your foot, near the heel. It could be a constant ache or a sharp stab.
- Waking up to some serious heel or foot discomfort in the morning or after a good rest. Luckily, it tends to ease up after a bit of walking around.
- Noticing that the pain tends to get worse after physical activity but isn't really bothering you during the exercise itself. Climbing stairs can be a real pain.
- Feeling tenderness when you touch the area, especially close to the heel.
- Dealing with foot stiffness, especially when you first get out of bed or after sitting for a while. This stiffness can make walking a bit tricky.
So, why does this happen? Plantar fasciitis is like a protest from your foot's tissue, shouting "enough!" when it gets overworked or strained. It can be triggered by constant stress from activities like standing or running, and sometimes even significant weight gain, like during pregnancy.
Certain things can make you more likely to go through this foot ordeal:
- Having foot arch issues, whether they're too flat or too high.
- Doing long-distance or downhill running on uneven surfaces.
- Carrying some extra weight.
- Having a tight Achilles tendon.
- Wearing shoes without enough arch support or with too-soft soles.
- Suddenly changing how active you are.
If you suspect you're dealing with plantar fasciitis or are stuck with persistent foot pain, it's a good idea to see your doctor for the full scoop and a plan to tackle it. They'll check your foot for signs like tenderness, high or flat arches, and limited ankle flexibility.
Now, the good news is that most people get better within nine to twelve months with non-surgical treatments. Here's the usual game plan:
- Rest: Taking a break from activities that make your foot mad is step one. You might want to switch to lower-impact exercises like cycling or swimming during this rest period.
- Ice: Putting ice on the sore area can help dial down inflammation and ease the pain. Rolling your foot over a cold water bottle or using an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes, especially after activities that trigger pain, can do the trick.
- Stretching: Tight muscles in your feet and calves can make plantar fasciitis worse. Doing specific stretches can help loosen these muscles, giving your plantar fascia a break.
- Night splints: These are like super-stretchy socks or braces you wear while sleeping. They help keep your plantar fascia from tightening up overnight, which can reduce morning pain and stiffness.
- Supportive shoes: Wearing shoes with good arch support and cushioning is a must. If your pain sticks around, your doctor might suggest custom-made shoe inserts.
- Physical therapy: Working with a physical therapist on an exercise program that focuses on stretching your calf muscles and plantar fascia can be super helpful. They might throw in some ice treatments or massages to help with inflammation.
- Medication: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen, can help with pain and swelling. But, it's best to use them under your healthcare provider's guidance and for a limited time to avoid potential side effects.
If things don't improve with the above tricks, your doctor might recommend more intense measures like a walking boot, corticosteroid injections (in severe cases), shockwave therapy, Botox injections, dry needling, laser therapy, or surgery (which is pretty rare).
Now, when it comes to shoes, picking the right pair is a big deal. Here are some key things to look for:
- Arch support: shoes should give your arches some love to distribute pressure evenly.
- Cushioning: Good padding in the heel and forefoot can absorb shock and ease the impact on your plantar fascia.
- Heel support: Look for shoes with a solid heel counter to handle the tension on your fascia when your heel hits the ground. You can also try silicone heel pads for an extra cushion.
- Shock absorption: Find shoes with good shock-absorbing properties, especially in the heel area. Cushioned soles or gel inserts can help.
Consider chatting with a foot expert (podiatrist or orthopedic specialist) for personalized advice on footwear. They might even recommend custom-made arch supports called orthotics to spread the pressure on your feet more evenly.
Doing specific stretches for your plantar fascia can also be a game-changer. Research shows that focused stretching can help reduce heel pain, improving things by about 52% after eight weeks.
Here are a couple of stretches you can try three times a day:
- Calf stretch: Stand against a wall with one knee straight and the heel on the ground. Put your other leg forward, bent at the knee, and push your hips toward the wall. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds and do this for both legs.
- Plantar fascia stretch: Sit in a chair with one foot on the floor. Lift your other leg and rest the ankle on your knee in a figure-four position. Grab your raised foot's toes with your hand and gently pull them back until you feel a stretch on the sole of your foot. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat 10 times for each foot.
Remember, everyone's foot journey is a bit different, so don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare pro for personalized advice and care!
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