Health

A cigarette on a blue background with a red X crossing over it.

How to Quit Smoking for Good

Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your health. It lowers your risk of cancer, heart disease, lung problems and adds years to your life. But it’s not easy. Nicotine—the addictive substance in cigarettes—is powerful, and quitting takes more than just willpower. The good news? There are many proven ways to quit, and you don’t have to do it alone. Everyone is different, so finding the method (or combination of methods) that works best for you is key. Let’s take a look at some of the most effective ways to stop smoking for good. Knowing how to quit smoking for good is within reach....

Three women in a yoga class.

Self Care Practices for Managing Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances and cognitive issues, often referred to as "fibro fog." While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, self care practices can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Implementing a holistic approach that includes physical, emotional and lifestyle adjustments can make a significant difference in how individuals feel on a daily basis. Below are some essential fibromyalgia care practices you can implement to help manage symptoms. One of the most common and debilitating symptoms of fibromyalgia is sleep disturbances. Poor sleep can exacerbate pain and fatigue, making it crucial to develop good sleep hygiene. Although fibromyalgia causes...

A white bottle spilled out different kinds of pills. They are different colors including pink, white and orange.

How to Manage Fabry’s Disease

Fabry’s disease falls into the group of diseases known as lysosomal storage disorders. This rare genetic disorder impacts the lysosomal enzyme—α‐galactosidase A (α‐Gal A)—which is responsible for breaking down fats. As a result, fats accumulate in the blood. And this can lead to various health risks, such as heart attack, kidney failure and stroke. While there is no cure, treatments are available to help manage this disease and its symptoms. Fabry’s disease treatment can further help slow the overall progression of the disease and improve one’s overall quality of life. Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) replaces the deficient enzyme α‐galactosidase A (α‐Gal A) with a synthetic version. In turn, this...

Blood cancer cells under a microscope.

Key Differences Between Leukemia and Lymphoma

Wondering what sets leukemia and lymphoma apart? While both are types of blood cancers, they have some pretty distinct differences that are worth knowing. Where do these cancers start? Leukemia begins in the bone marrow. This is the soft, spongy tissue inside your bones where blood cells are made. It primarily affects the blood and bone marrow. Think of leukemia as a rogue factory in your bones that's churning out abnormal white blood cells. Lymphoma originates in the lymphatic system, which is a crucial part of your immune system....

A woman scratching her head with both hands.

Dandruff or Scalp Psoriasis: Understanding Key Differences

Finding skin flakes in your hair can pose a troublesome and embarrassing dilemma. Not only that but as time goes on, it may make you wonder whether you’re suffering from a skin condition, such as psoriasis. While dandruff and psoriasis have similar symptoms, there are some key differences between the two. In this article, we explore dandruff vs scalp psoriasis and how you can sport the differences. Let’s take a closer look! Dandruff is essentially skin cells or flakes found on the scalp, eyebrows and beard or mustache. It...

An illustration of blue lungs, with tiny microbes on it to indicate pneumonia.

Effective Pneumonia Treatments for Adults

Pneumonia is an infection spread by coughing or water droplets. This infection causes inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs, which is where the body exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide. It can quickly become a life-threatening situation, especially for older adults. Thankfully, there are pneumonia treatments in adults that can help relieve symptoms. In this article we look at the types of pneumonia treatment in adults. Let's get started. Commonly acquired pneumonia, or bacterial pneumonia, is frequently treated with antibiotics. However, it’s worth noting that some antibiotics may...

A woman in a long sleeved grey shirt holding a paper cut of out of pink intestines in front of her torso.

Colon Cancer in Young Adults: 5 Warning Signs

You never think it could happen to you, especially when you're young and healthy. But the reality is that colon cancer is on the rise among young adults. While it sounds scary, and it may be tempting to brush off the symptoms and attribute them to less serious conditions, it always pays to consult with your doctor, especially when something doesn’t feel quite right. What are the warning signs of colon cancer in young adults? What should you know? Below, we take a closer look. It’s important to become...

Thin lime and kiwi slices laid out all together.

What is Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome?

The heart, kidney and metabolism work hard to ensure the body receives adequate nutrients and eliminates waste effectively. These organs and systems are essential for overall health and well-being. However, when these systems become imbalanced or dysregulated, it can give rise to a condition known as cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome. So, what is CKM syndrome? Potentially unsurprisingly, CKM, heart disease, obesity and diabetes are all interconnected. In this article, we take a closer look at how, as well as CKM syndrome symptoms, treatments and more. CKM syndrome is an umbrella...

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How Doctors Diagnose Metastatic Breast Cancer

When we talk about breast cancer, we might think it’s just one entity. But in the eyes of a medical professional, it has multiple forms that are categorized by staging. You may have similar signs and symptoms at each stage but there are also differences. The common signs lie in the changes in the breast itself, such as Now let’s talk about how the last stage, stage 4, differs from the early stages. Metastatic breast cancer (MBC), also known as stage 4 breast cancer, has some key differences compared...