Iron is required by the body for growth and development. The body utilizes iron to form hemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen to different body parts. Unfortunately, iron deficiency, or anemia, affects approximately 5 million people nationwide. Moreover, women are more susceptible to anemia than men. This can be avoided by having iron-rich foods and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. That said, here are some early signs of anemia to watch out for: Extreme fatigue As mentioned earlier, iron is used to produce hemoglobin, which plays an integral role in supplying oxygen throughout the body. Low iron and hemoglobin levels lead to the lack of oxygen in the body, resulting in extreme tiredness and fatigue. Hence, individuals with anemia may feel perpetually exhausted, even after sleeping well at night. Skin paleness Healthy skin complexion results from capillaries present underneath the skin. However, these capillaries do not function optimally among individuals with anemia. Consequently, the skin may turn yellowish and pale throughout the body or in certain body parts, such as the lips, eyelids, and face. Cold hands and feet Individuals with anemia may experience cold hands and feet as their blood does not get adequately circulated in the body. This is because the body does not have sufficient red blood cells to supply oxygen to the tissues.

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that develops in certain white blood cells called plasma cells. The function of these cells is to fight infections by making antibodies that help attack the germs. Those dealing with multiple myeloma lose the ability to fight these infections as cancerous plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and crowd the healthy cells. Recognizing the following warning signs can help one get an early diagnosis and treatment: Pain and weakness in bones With multiple myeloma, cancerous cells accumulate in the bone marrow, so one of the first signs to develop is bone pain. This symptom usually develops in the back, hips, and skull. One may also experience weakness in the bones brought on by osteoporosis and plasmacytoma—a tumor of the plasma cells. Low blood count Shortage of red and white blood cells and blood platelets is another symptom that can be detected through various tests. One of the issues brought on by low blood counts is anemia, which results in weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, and a reduced ability to exercise. Further, leukopenia is a condition attributed to a diminished white blood cell count in the body. Here, one has a low resistance to infections like pneumonia.

Muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases that leads to progressive weakness and the loss of muscle mass. The condition is triggered due to mutations in genes, which hamper the production of proteins required to form healthy muscles. Generally, the symptoms start in childhood, especially affecting boys. A cure for muscular dystrophy is yet to be determined; still, experts suggest specific treatments and management techniques to slow the course of the disease. Symptoms The primary sign of the condition is progressive muscle weakness. A few other signs may begin at different ages and muscle groups based on the type of muscular dystrophy one develops. The most common symptoms are given below and may occur in younger individuals with Duchenne-type muscular atrophy. Falling frequently Trouble jumping and running Waddling gait Difficulty rising from a lying or sitting position Starting to walk on the toes Pain and stiffness in the muscles Difficulty with learning Unusually large calf muscles Delayed growth One may also experience other types, such as Becker muscular dystrophy. Here, the signs are similar to those of Duchenne muscular dystrophy but may occur gradually. Causes Specific genes are involved in making proteins to protect muscle fibers. However, unusual mutations in these genes may result in muscular dystrophy.

Osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease, is a genetic disorder that makes bones become extremely soft and highly susceptible to damage in the form of fractures. There are eight known types of this condition, each brought on by a unique defect in the gene that monitors growth and development. Nevertheless, certain treatment options can help one deal with the condition. So, here are the common symptoms of osteogenesis imperfecta one should recognize: Brittle bones The most common symptom of osteogenesis imperfecta (or OI) is bone injuries, as the bones break easily at the slightest impact. Many types of OI affect bone density, so another sign could be bone deformities that manifest as bowing of the legs among children. Deformed chest and spine The spinal cord and chest plate contain a large number of bones. Osteogenesis imperfecta affects the natural shape of these bones, leading to the development of a barrel-shaped chest. As the condition progresses, it also affects the natural curvature of the spine, making the body bend forward and affecting the normal posture. Here, the type and severity of OI determine the intensity of such symptoms. Some may also develop irregularities in the face, affecting its shape. Muscle weakness Skeletal muscles develop around the bones and are responsible for movement.

Cancer is triggered due to an uncontrolled multiplication of healthy cells in the body that affects vital organs and functions. Lung cancer is detected when these cells mutate, affecting the lung’s ability to absorb oxygen. It is a progressive disorder and cannot be completely cured. The risk is high among patients exposed to elements that worsen the cancer progression. Here is an overview of the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for lung cancer. Causes of lung cancer Exposure to pollutants Exposure to known pollutants and carcinogens is one of the significant risk factors associated with lung cancer. Pollutants comprise chemicals and particulate matter that damage the air sacs in the lungs. This comprises the ability of the lungs to absorb oxygen. Radon gas Radon is one of the most severe triggers of lung cancer. Exposure to this gas is quite common in residential homes as this compound is naturally present in the soil. Over time the gasses creep up into the building’s foundation and leak inside the home. Since this is a colorless, odorless gas, it’s quite difficult to identify this risk without smoke and gas detectors. Genes Certain genetic conditions or mutations in the genome sequence can also trigger lung cancer, especially if there is a history of the condition diagnosed among close members.

Breast cancer develops when the cells in the breasts grow and divide in an uncontrolled manner. This leads to the formation of a mass tissue known as a tumor. Typically, this type of cancer develops in either the milk-making glands of the breast or the ducts that carry milk. If left unchecked, the tumor can grow and spread to the surrounding lymph nodes and other parts of the body. Here is everything to know: Symptoms Generally, the symptoms of breast cancer can vary from one person to another. However, here are a few common symptoms of the condition: – Changes in shape, size, or appearance of the breasts – Development of small pea-sized lumps or mass in the breasts – Redness developing on the breast skin or nipple – A hardened spot under the skin – Clear or blood-stained discharge from the nipple While some of these signs can be easily observed, others may be harder to spot. This is why routine checkups, self-examination, and mammograms can help one get an early diagnosis Causes The primary cause of cancer is the uncontrolled growth and division of breast cells. However, what triggers this process is not yet known. However, the following risk factors have been associated with the development of breast cancer:

Hypersomnia, a sleep disorder, affects one with constant drowsiness, impacting daily life and overall well-being. While it may not be as widely recognized as its counterpart, insomnia, hypersomnia deserves equal attention. It impacts approximately 5% of people and is found to be more common in females than males. By understanding this sleep disorder, let’s learn how to manage this often-overlooked condition and support those who grapple with excessive daytime sleepiness. Causes of hypersomnia Hypersomnia can be caused due to an underlying condition, genetic factor, or because of an unclear cause. Other factors include: Sleep apnea Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition in which the patient experiences the airway being partially or completely blocked when sleeping. This can give rise to interrupted sleep patterns, frequent bouts of being awake, and continued feelings of sleepiness during the day. Patients living with untreated OSA tend to struggle with staying awake in the daytime, irrespective of the hours spent in bed the previous night. Effective treatment of OSA can significantly alleviate hypersomnia symptoms, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis. Narcolepsy Another cause of hypersomnia is narcolepsy. It is a neurological disorder characterized by the sudden onset of uncontrollable episodes of sleep anytime during the day.

With a little help from dentists, everyone can achieve the bright smile they desire. Instead of braces, many people are now moving to aligners. These clear orthodontic devices are practically invisible. The process makes use of a series of tight-fitting custom-made pieces that slip over the teeth to correct teeth placement. However, these may only be suitable for some. Read on to learn more about invisible dental aligners and how they work. Who can get invisible aligners? Invisible aligners are custom-built and offer a tight grip, making them ideal for teenagers and adults. They are generally not advisable for growing children. These aligners are typically used for people with mild to moderately crowded teeth or minor spacing issues. Those with severe crowding or spacing problems may need to opt for other complex treatment options. It is best to consult a dentist before opting for aligners. How do invisible aligners work? Depending on one’s current teeth alignment, the doctor creates a plan to correct the bite. Based on this plan, several versions of the clear aligners are made. Several digital scans are conducted for every patient to ensure a snug fit on the teeth over the course of the treatment. The aligners are changed every few weeks to continually move the teeth and bring them to their desired position.