Numerous studies have shown that there’s a clear link between air pollution exposure and environmental asthma. In fact, environmental factors such as particle pollution and ozone have been known to trigger attacks as well as to make symptoms of asthma and allergies worse. Ozone is typically found in smog, while particle pollution can be found in dust, smoke and haze. Let’s take a look at the top 5 worst cities for asthma: 1. Springfield, MA Year after year Springfield, MA has been regarded as being the nation’s ‘Asthma Capital’. In fact, asthma prevalence and asthma-related emergency room visits are particularly higher in Springfield than any other city in the country. Experts suggest that high pollen counts are a primary factor as to why. Experts also believe that air quality, poverty and access to specialists play a key factor as to why asthma rates in Springfield are so high. They also proclaimed that it tends to be higher among impoverished children due to living in large building complexes that are within close proximity of industrial businesses. 2. Dayton, OH When it comes to environmental asthma, Dayton is believed to be the worst city in Ohio as well as the Midwestern section of the United States.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the nervous system and spinal cord, which mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath is a layer of protection around the nerve cells. There are several MS treatment options. However, proper diagnosis is one of the keys to getting the right treatment. The following are early MS symptoms you may encounter: 1. Vision problems MS may start to affect your eyes before it affects any other part of your body. MS triggers inflammation, which can result in vision problems. You may have blurred vision or double vision. You may also notice that your vision gradually gets worse. 2. Balance problems MS can affect your balance. You may also feel dizzy when you try to stand up and try to walk. Additionally, it is common for people to experience a phenomenon as vertigo. This is where a person constantly feels like everything around them is spinning. 3. Tingling and numbness Numbness and tingling is often referred to as a feeling of pins and needles. The reason that this numbness and tingling occurs is because MS changes the way that your nerve cells communicate. You may feel tingling and numbness in your fingers, arms, face and legs.

As with any type of cancer, knowing the symptoms early is vital to treatment. Prostate cancer affects the male reproductive system, specifically the prostate gland, which is a small walnut-shaped gland that produces seminal fluid and helps to transport sperm. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in males of advanced age. While many prostrates progress slowly and don’t cause serious risk, other types may be aggressive and quick to spread. This is why it’s important to know the early symptoms of prostate cancer: 1. A burning sensation when urinating Many prostate cancer patients identify a burning sensation when urinating. This occurs when the prostate cells become inflamed. It’s this inflammation that can lead to painful urination and discomfort. 2. Difficulty controlling urine When the prostate gland becomes inflamed, patients tend to have difficulty starting and stopping urine flow. An early warning of prostate cancer can include difficulty urinating, decrease in the volume of urine, and lower velocity when urinating. All concerns should be brought to the attention of a doctor immediately. 3. Frequent urge to urinate Patients with prostate cancer often develop a frequent urge to urinate. In fact, loss of bladder control is common in prostate cancer patients since the prostate gland is located near the bladder.

Battling the discomfort of dry eyes is a challenge that many people face globally. Many turn to prescription remedies such as Restasis and Xiidra for relief, or they seek comfort in high-quality contact lenses like Dailies Total 1, Acuvue OASYS, Bausch & Lomb ULTRA, or Alcon Air Optix Aqua Multifocal. However, these are not the only paths to relief from dry eyes. In fact, there are plenty of home remedies available. Here are 10 DIY remedies that can help bring you some much-needed comfort: 1. Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into your diet Omega-3 fatty acids are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help mitigate dry eye symptoms. Incorporate more fish, flaxseeds, or chia seeds into your diet. Supplements are also a viable option. 2. Do blink exercises The digital era has reduced our natural blinking rate, leading to dry eyes. Regular blink exercises can help to counteract this. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: for every 20 minutes you spend looking at a screen, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds and blink 20 times. 3. Use a humidifier The humidity level in your environment can have a significant impact on your eyes. Using a humidifier can help maintain moisture in the air, which can reduce eye dryness.

When you think of Medicare, you probably think of medical coverage for seniors. And while that is a critical aspect of Medicare, there are several different parts to the program. Each part covers different services, and some parts have gaps in coverage that you may not be aware of. Below, we look at what isn’t covered by Medicare and dispel some common myths about the program: 1. Routine dental exams and treatment Medicare coverage doesn’t include routine dental exams, cleanings, fillings, or extractions. There are a few exceptions, however. If you need dental care to have surgery that Medicare covers, then Medicare will also cover the necessary dental care. For example, Medicare will cover the extraction if you need a tooth extraction before heart surgery. Medicare will also cover dental care related to an injury, such as a jaw fracture. But for routine dental care, you’ll have to pay out of pocket or purchase an individual dental insurance plan. 2. Long term care Medicare coverage does not include long-term care, such as nursing home care. Also, Medicare will not pay for custodial care, which is the kind of care you need when you can no longer take care of yourself.

Shortness of breath, medically termed as dyspnea, is an unsettling condition where one struggles to breathe fully or comfortably. This common symptom is associated with a myriad of health issues, ranging from mild anxiety to severe cardiac and respiratory diseases. Understanding the exact cause of shortness of breath can be a pivotal step towards finding an effective solution or remedy. Some common causes include cardiovascular disease, particularly heart failure and coronary artery disease, as these conditions limit the heart’s capacity to pump blood and lead to reduced oxygen supply to the body’s tissues. Additionally, and least surprisingly, respiratory disorders like asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and pulmonary fibrosis can lead to breathlessness as a result of impaired lung function and reduced air flow. As mentioned, anxiety, panic attacks, and other forms of emotional distress often lead to rapid breathing, creating a sense of breathlessness. Anemia, or low iron, caused by a deficiency in red blood cells can lead to inadequate oxygen transport, manifesting as shortness of breath. Lastly, obesity can exert pressure on the lungs and heart, making breathing more laborious and causing a shortness in breath. Be sure to consult a healthcare professional to understand the cause and identify the best course of action for you, but consider these 5 simple treatment techniques that may help improve shortness of breath or offer temporary relief:

Tinnitus is the perception of sound with no external source—meaning other people cannot hear it. It commonly is described as a ringing sound, but some others experience a roaring or buzzing. With the condition being so common, approximately 10-25% of adults have it, there are some treatment options and hearing solutions, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, and tinnitus therapy that each can help reduce symptoms and improve hearing. Here are 5 common causes of tinnitus: 1. Noise exposure Most individuals are diagnosed with tinnitus after exposure to loud noise, whether that’s in the workplace, a concert, a sporting event, and so on. This condition is the most common service-related disability among veterans, due to the loud noise experienced from gunfire, machinery, bomb blasts, or other relative noises. 2. Hearing loss Hearing loss is often attributed to aging or exposure to loud noise, and it is strongly associated with tinnitus. However, it is possible that individuals with hearing loss will never experience tinnitus. 3. Medications It’s important to always read the side effects of medications, as tinnitus can even be caused by certain medications—especially if they’re taken at high doses. Common medications that are associated with tinnitus include non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (e.g.

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune skin disorder characterized by the rapid buildup of skin cells, leading to scaling on the skin’s surface. These scales are typically thick, white-silvery, and red patches that can be itchy and sometimes painful. Psoriasis is often a lifelong condition, varying in severity from small, localized patches to complete body coverage. The most commonly affected areas include the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back, though it can appear anywhere on the body. Environmental factors, including certain types of soaps, can trigger or exacerbate the symptoms of psoriasis. Therefore, it is essential for individuals with psoriasis to be cautious about their choice of soaps. Here’s an overview of five types of soaps that are commonly known to potentially worsen psoriasis symptoms: 1. Fragranced soaps Soaps containing fragrances or perfumes are among the top irritants for psoriasis sufferers. The chemicals used to create these scents can be harsh on sensitive skin and can trigger inflammation and flare-ups. Opt for fragrance-free or hypoallergenic soaps. Natural, unscented soaps are also a good choice. 2. Alcohol-based soaps Soaps that contain alcohol can be very drying to the skin. Dry skin is prone to cracking and can lead to psoriasis flare-ups. Look for soaps with hydrating ingredients like glycerin or aloe vera, which are gentler on the skin.

In the fight against cancer, a comprehensive approach involving both lifestyle changes and conventional medical treatments is essential. Cancer is characterized by the mutation and abnormal growth of cells, which can lead to tissue damage and tumor formation. There are various types of cancer, including liver, lung, and colorectal cancer, each requiring targeted treatment strategies. Alongside necessary medical interventions, incorporating superfoods into one’s diet can play a crucial role in cancer prevention. These nutrient-rich foods may help reduce the risk of cell mutations and support overall health. In terms of medical treatments, options like Opdivo (nivolumab) are vital. Opdivo, an immunotherapy drug, works by enabling the immune system to recognize and target cancer cells more effectively. This integrated approach, combining healthy dietary choices with proven medical therapies, offers a robust defense against the development and progression of cancer. 1. Broccoli Broccoli has exceptional anti-cancer properties, which makes it one of the best foods that help prevent the disease. This green veggie is made up of sulforaphane, a substance known to destroy tumor cells. It also aids in lowering the size of the tumor and removing cancer-causing chemicals from the body. Furthermore, broccoli is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and flavonoids that help reduce the growth of malignant cells and promote overall health and digestion.

Breathing is one of those things most people take for granted—until it becomes difficult. For those living with chronic pulmonary conditions, this basic act can be a daily struggle. Breathing techniques can play a crucial role in managing these conditions, helping to ease the strain and improve quality of life. Chronic pulmonary disorders, which include a variety of long-term respiratory conditions, can severely impact lung function and make breathing a challenge. Understanding these disorders is key to early diagnosis and effective management, ensuring that every breath is as easy as possible. 1. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) COPD is a major player in the world of chronic pulmonary disorders, encompassing both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is characterized by the obstruction of airflow, which makes normal breathing a Herculean task. Imagine trying to breathe through a straw—that’s what it can feel like for someone with COPD. The key to managing COPD lies in opening up those airways, often with the help of inhalers and bronchodilators, and reducing inflammation with steroids. Pulmonary rehabilitation can also be beneficial, teaching patients how to breathe more efficiently and conserve energy. 2. Asthma Asthma is another common respiratory condition that involves the inflammation and narrowing of airways.