Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a rare inherited neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects the nervous system and the heart. It is caused by mutations in the FXN gene, which reduce the production of a protein called frataxin, essential for mitochondrial function. This deficiency leads to nerve and muscle damage over...
Health
Good sleep is very important for our health. Many people have trouble sleeping well at night, and one way to help improve sleep quality is by eating the right foods. Certain foods have nutrients that help the body relax and prepare for sleep. Read on for information on ten...
We've put together a patient-friendly review of treatment options for hereditary angioedema (HAE) so you can understand how they work, how to incorporate lifestyle and natural supports and understand warning signs. Always work closely with your immunologist or allergist before making changes to your treatment plan. This is often...
Nicotine is highly addictive, and breaking free from the habit takes effort and commitment. However, with the right strategies, you can try different ways to quit smoking for good. Here are five effective methods to help you succeed. One of the first steps to quitting smoking is to set a quit date. Choose a day within the next two weeks so you have time to prepare but don’t delay too long. Once you have a date, create a quit plan by identifying your triggers, developing coping strategies and deciding...
Kidney disease requires careful and effective management to prevent complications and progression of the disease. In this article, we’ll discuss different treatment options for kidney disease, including medical options, lifestyle changes and preventative measures you can take to maintain the health of your kidneys and manage your kidney disease safely. Treatment for kidney disease usually includes therapies to help manage your symptoms, treat complications and slow the progression of the disease. Treatments may include: For advanced kidney disease, dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment that performs the essential functions of...
Treatment options for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) often require an individualized multidisciplinary approach. It’s important to discuss the benefits and risks of each treatment option with your oncologist to determine the most effective treatment plan. Common treatment options include the following. If the tumor is localized and operable, surgery is often the first line of treatment for GIST. The goal of surgery is to completely remove the tumor along with a margin of healthy surrounding tissue to ensure that all cancer cells are removed. Surgery can be performed laparoscopically,...
If you've been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC), understanding the different treatment options is essential for managing your symptoms and achieving long-term remission. In this article, we’ll discuss ulcerative colitis treatment options, including medications, surgical intervention and lifestyle modifications that are often used in combination for optimal treatment outcomes. Medications are the cornerstone of UC treatment. They help reduce inflammation, achieve and maintain disease remission and prevent complications. Medications commonly used to treat UC include: Other medications may be recommended to relieve specific symptoms of UC, including diarrhea, abdominal...
Stomach cancer is a sneaky and aggressive disease with early signs and symptoms mimicking less serious conditions such as acid reflux, stomach ulcer and GERD. The disease can be deadly when found in later stages so it is important to recognize the signs early on. While the symptoms of stomach cancer are the same for women as they are for men, it is more common for men to develop this type of cancer. Stomach cancer tends to affect people over age 45 with those over age 60 at highest...
Hearing aids can help older adults hear better and enjoy life more. With so many options available, it can be hard to know which hearing aid is the best. BTE hearing aids are worn behind the ear and are suitable for many types of hearing loss. They have a small tube that sends sound into the ear. BTE hearing aids are easy to handle, making them a great choice for seniors. ITE hearing aids fit directly inside the outer ear. They are larger than some other types, making them...