8 tips for preventing heart disease and stroke
Diagnosis & Prevention

8 tips for preventing heart disease and stroke

Heart disease and strokes are serious health concerns around the world, however, 80% of premature attacks are preventable. While risk factors like genetics and age cannot be controlled, it is possible to modify one’s lifestyle to reduce the likelihood of developing heart conditions. It is important to start developing these habits as early as possible to lead a longer and healthier life. Here are eight things one can do to prevent ailments of the heart: Eat healthier Adding foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, plant-based proteins, lean proteins, and fish to one’s meals can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Further, limiting the intake of refined carbohydrates, refined meats, and processed foods can help maintain optimal heart health. Exercise regularly Adults must aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week or 75 minutes of high-intensity vigorous activity per week to stay healthy and prevent diseases. Keep cholesterol in check High levels of cholesterol can clog the arteries and increase the risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack. Lifestyle changes and treatment plans as advised by the doctor can help lower cholesterol levels and stay healthy. Manage diabetes Having diabetes doubles the risk of having diabetic heart disease because high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves around the heart. It is important to get tested for diabetes and to keep it in check. Get enough sleep Not getting a healthy amount of sleep (7–9 hours for adults) also increases the risk for high blood pressure and diabetes, which can result in heart disease. One should consult their doctor in case they face issues with getting adequate sleep. Manage stress High blood pressure and stress have been linked to heart health. It is important to find ways to manage stress, which may include healthy coping mechanisms such as exercise, listening to music, treatment options, and other relaxation techniques.
Foods to manage lung cancer symptoms
Diagnosis & Prevention

Foods to manage lung cancer symptoms

Research talks about plenty of tips and food products that claim to prevent lung cancer; however, only a few mention foods that could help fight this condition. Since lung cancer is fatal, it is advisable to first consult a doctor before trying out any of these foods. Some of the foods that could help fight lung cancer are: Pears Studies showed that phloretin, which is found in apples and pears, noticeably induced cell death in these cancer cells. Additionally, phloretin could also reduce fibrosis in the lungs. Green tea Green tea has a key role in the prevention of lung cancer and is beneficial to those already suffering from this condition. One needs to keep in mind that green tea contains caffeine, so if someone is sensitive to it, they might want to go in for a caffeine-free variety. Also, skip the creamer, as dairy products could neutralize the compound which helps prevent the effects of cancer. Salmon Foods rich in vitamin D could greatly benefit people who have lung cancer. Moreover, vitamin D deficiency could end up leading to many health problems. Of all the minerals and vitamins in our food, vitamin D could be the hardest to get in meals. However, vitamin D is found in fatty fish such as herring, mackerel, and salmon. Ginger Ginger contains a compound known as 6-shogaol , which has been proven to prevent lung cancer from developing and lower the risk of metastases cancer. Since the metastasizing of cancerous cells is the chief reason for fatalities for people with cancer, consuming ginger is important. Try eating ginger in a crystallized form or in the form of ginger tea. Carrots Carrots are rich in chlorogenic acid, a phytochemical. In order for cancerous cells to grow and attack the tissues, they need to grow new blood vessels without which they cannot expand.
lung cancer – diagnostic and management methods
Diagnosis & Prevention

lung cancer – diagnostic and management methods

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the lung tissues and can be grouped into two main types: small cells and non-small cells. An individual might have varied symptoms that could indicate the presence of lung cancer. Since the signs might also be similar to other health conditions, one would be required to get a biopsy to determine the cancer size and stage for the oncologist to come up with management options. Here are a few things to know about the management of this cancer type: Diagnosis methods There are various diagnostic methods to determine the presence of lung cancer. A few tests are mentioned below: 1. Imaging tests An imaging test takes pictures of the body and can show the location and size of the lung cancer. The tests often include X-rays, MRIs, CT, and positron emission tomography (PET scan). Imaging tests might be carried out for various regions, including looking at suspicious areas that might be cancer, determining how far the cancer has spread, assessing whether the treatment is working, and looking for possible signs of cancer recurring after treatment. 2. Sputum cytology Sputum is mucus coughed up from the lungs. If an individual coughs up sputum, it can be collected and studied under a microscope. The mucus can sometimes show signs of cancerous cells. The test is more likely to find cancers that start in the major airway of the lung, such as squamous cell lung cancers. 3. Biopsy This method requires the removal of tissue for testing in a lab. The healthcare team may perform a lung cancer biopsy through various methods. One method includes a bronchoscopy, where a lighted tube with a camera is passed down the patient’s throat into the lungs to examine the area while special tools are passed through to collect tissue samples.