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Why should you get a bone density test?

Why should you get a bone density test?

A bone density test is a test that is performed to gauge the strength of the bone. The density of the bone is measured and the chances of fractures and osteoporosis are determined. It is a simple noninvasive test, where a dual x-ray absorptiometry scan is performed. It is mostly done in the spine, hip, finger, wrist, or heel. Why you should get a bone density test? Fractured bone If you have had a fracture previously or are prone to such incidents, it is recommended that you immediately get a bone density test. If bone density is low, then there are more chances of fractures. A bone density test will help doctors to determine if the fracture is due to any underlying causes. It can be treated by medicines and a diet filled with vitamin D and calcium. Lost height If you have a recorded measure of the decrease in height, get your bone density tested immediately. There’s a chance that the decline is due to low bone density. Although such cases are very rare, it’s better to be on the safe side and get yourself tested as soon as possible. Severely underweight People who are severely underweight (below 127 pounds) should also get their bone density tested.
Have you checked the child vaccine schedule for 0 to 6 years kids

Have you checked the child vaccine schedule for 0 to 6 years kids

Vaccinations are a crucial part of your child’s overall health. And to secure their well-being you must follow the child vaccine schedule prescribed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you get your child vaccinated according to the CDC’s child vaccine schedule then by the time they turn two, they will develop a biological immunity against fourteen diseases. The following is an overview of the recommended vaccinations prescribed for kids aged from 0 6 years: Hepatitis B (HepB) HepB vaccine needs to be given to all the newborns within one day of their birth. The next set of doses is administered after the child completes the first or second month of their life. Between the age of 6 to 18 months, parents should ensure that they kid receives the third HepB dose. Diphtheria (DTaP) The child vaccine schedule recommended by the CDC directs the parents to get DTaP vaccination when the child is aged 2, 4, and 6 months respectively. After these 3 immunizations, the child must get the 4th dosage anywhere between the age of 15 to 18 months. The 5th dose is required to be taken when the child is between 4 to 6 years of age.
Understanding the causes, symptoms and treatment options for diverticulitis

Understanding the causes, symptoms and treatment options for diverticulitis

Situated on the lining of the large intestine, diverticula are nothing but tiny bulging sacs. Diverticulitis, on the other hand, is a condition where these sacs get infected or swollen. Although a more common condition in the large intestine, these can appear in any area of the digestive system. Interestingly, the exact reasons behind the occurrence of diverticulitis are not discovered. Although some theories conclude that the lack of fiber in the body can lead to the formation of the sacs. The absence of adequate bulk in the digestive tract can cause strain on the bowel movements. Apart from low fiber, chronic constipation, age, and obesity can be triggers for the development of diverticulitis. What are the primary diverticulitis symptoms? The main symptom of diverticulitis is a sudden, sharp pain in the lower left area of the abdomen. This discomfort can get severe with every passing day. Besides the obvious cramping, diverticulitis symptoms comprise Nausea Diarrhea Constipation Bloating or gas Rectal bleeding Fever and chills If you notice any of the above-mentioned diverticulitis symptoms, then you must notify your general practitioner. Your doctor will draw diagnosis with the help of blood tests such as white blood cell count to examine any abnormal fluctuations causing infections.
5 home remedies to decrease protein in your urine

5 home remedies to decrease protein in your urine

Proteinuria or protein in urine is an indicator of bad kidney health. Most people who suffer from kidney diseases are likely to be affected by this condition. Normally, protein is present and circulates in the bloodstream of the body. However, when the kidneys are unhealthy and its filters do not carry out their function efficiently, the proteins pass through the filters and enter into the urine. Protein in the urine exhibits in the form of foamy urine. This condition is proven to be triggered by diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. In order to prevent further damage, it is necessary to medically control the kidney disorder. However, protein in your urine can be naturally minimised using the following home remedies: Fish oil – Fish oil is an ingredient that is extremely beneficial for people who suffer various diseases and comes with a ton of health benefits. The omega-3 fatty acids present in the oil soothes inflammation and aid in the well-being of the kidneys. It decreases the protein in urine and is also known to balance blood pressure levels. Diet control – As the name suggests, proteinuria is caused by excess protein in the urine. Thus, keeping a control one’s diet by limiting the intake of too much protein can help.
Proteinuria – The process of protein in urine test

Proteinuria – The process of protein in urine test

Protein is present in the bloodstream of every individual. This protein is necessary for the healthy functioning of the body. It promotes the growth and aids in the building of muscles and bones while carrying out other important functions such as controlling the excess formation of fluid in the body. However, when the kidneys do not function well, the protein escapes the filters and enters into the urine. This condition is known as protein in urine or proteinuria. People who suffer from diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure are at a greater risk of having protein in urine. However, an individual who has a family history of kidney disease too can be affected by the condition. A weak kidney system can trigger this problem too. If one notices indicators such as foamy urine and abdominal swelling, the doctor will suggest undergoing a protein in urine test. In some cases, a patient may also be asked to undergo a protein in urine test in case of abnormal kidney functioning or urinary tract infection (UTI). A protein in urine test measures the amount of protein in the urine. During the urine test, a doctor may examine a one-time sample or a sample that is collected over a duration of 24 hours.
How to check your health using a stool color chart

How to check your health using a stool color chart

You might be surprised by this, but your stool says a lot about your health, diet, and what illness you might have. The color, texture, quantity and the consistency of your stool changes as per your dietary intake, and when you suffer from any health issues. Your stool acts as an indicator which helps you know about your health and the preventive measures you can take to escape from falling a victim of any diseases. For this, it is important that you know how to read and analyze the stool color chart. Normal stool color The color of the stool depends on your diet and the amount of bile in it. The normal stool color is somewhere between light and dark brown. The most common color of stool is medium brown, and it indicates that you are healthy. Causes of change in stool color The color of the stool might change when you suffer from diarrhea, as at that time your food passes too quickly through the intestine, which does not give the chemicals in your gut enough time to break down the bile in your stool. Also, another cause can be an excessive intake of green leafy vegetables due to which your stool appears green.
An overview of TMJ treatment options

An overview of TMJ treatment options

The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to your skull. Injury or damage to the same can cause localized pain or discomfort, this condition is called as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome. In most of the cases, TMJ disorders disappear without any treatment. Other than that, here is an overview of different types TMJ treatment options based on its severity. The doctors may recommend a variety of treatment options based on the severity of the disorder. Most often more than one TMJ treatment can be applied at the same time. Medicinal approach A non-surgical approach, medicinal approach can help in relieving the pain that is associated with TMJ disorders. The doctor might initially suggest for prescription based pain relievers and anti-inflammatories in case over-the-counter medications are not enough to relieve the TMJ pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can be used to treat such medical conditions. Tricyclic antidepressants which are mostly used for treating depression, can be used to relieve pain due to TMJ disorders. If the jaw pain is due to muscle stiffness in the jaw area, muscle relaxants can be used for a few days or weeks to relieve the pain due to TMJ. Therapy Therapies are non-drug TMJ treatments which include Physical therapy like ultrasound, moist heat or ice application together with exercises can be applied which will stretch and strengthen the jaw muscles.
Endoscopy procedure for treating kidney stones

Endoscopy procedure for treating kidney stones

Kidneys act as filters for the body as they help in removing chemicals and excess fluid from the body by making urine. Most of the chemicals get converted into urine and are flushed out of the body, unnoticed. However there are some chemicals that accumulate in the system and form tiny crystals. These tiny crystals clump together and form kidney stone. There are many procedures that can be used to treat and remove kidney stones. If the stones are too small, the primary goal is to administer medications and dissolve them in the urine. Endoscopy procedure to treat kidney stones is performed in the following way: The endoscopy procedure for treating kidney stones is called ureteroscopy. This procedure is performed under general or spinal anesthesia, which generally takes about 1 hour. The surgeon uses an x-ray that will guide a tiny telescope (called as cystoscope) in the urethra. Urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder. This cystoscope helps the surgeons in conforming if there are any problems with the bladder by viewing it with the help of the apparatus. A thin guiding wire is then passed through the cystoscope. After removing the cystoscope, the guiding wire will be pass a ureteroscope which is one of the actual apparatus of endoscopy procedure, that is passed directly to the kidney stones.
4 tips to eat healthily and lower bilirubin levels

4 tips to eat healthily and lower bilirubin levels

Bilirubin is produced by the conversion of hemoglobin when the liver breaks down red blood cells that are no longer required by the body. High bilirubin levels in the body are caused due to an increase in toxicity in the liver, malfunction of the liver or the gallbladder. High levels of bilirubin can also be caused due to diseases such as cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, gallstones, leukemia, Gilbert syndrome, pancreatitis, cancer or inflammation of the gallbladder. High bilirubin levels can cause jaundice-like symptoms such as yellow discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes. In case of Gilbert syndrome, the body experiences constant fatigue or stomach pain. The best way to treat these symptoms and lower bilirubin levels is by consulting a doctor and following a prescribed treatment plan. Along with treatments, it is necessary to fortify the liver so that its functions return to normal, thus lowering bilirubin levels. One way to do this is by eating a healthy diet that works towards making the liver strong. Here are a few things that should be a part of the diet when high bilirubin levels are produced in the body: Food with high nutrient content : Nutrients in the food is processed by the liver.
Popular treatment to manage double vision

Popular treatment to manage double vision

Causes of double vision and type of diplopia are two important factors that affect the treatment for double vision. While for people with monocular diplopia, wearing an eye patch may serve as the best treatment for double vision, people with a severe condition may have to resort to eye surgeries. The first step in the treatment for double vision includes identifying the exact causes of double vision and targeting the underlying causes first. If double vision is caused by a squint, doctors may recommend eyelid surgeries or Botox injections. People whose causes of double vision includes cataract may be required to undergo a cataract surgery to manage the condition. Similarly, people with the tendency of dry eyes may have to seek dry eye treatment for double vision. Often diseases like diabetes, weak muscles, and other issues may be the main causes of double vision. In each of these cases, the condition can be corrected with medications. Often, people with incurable diplopia may seek treatment for double vision to manage and live with the condition. People with monocular diplopia often are prescribed prism glasses, and eye patches to align two images into one. Other possible treatments for double vision have been listed below.
A quick guide to black mold exposure and how to get rid of it

A quick guide to black mold exposure and how to get rid of it

A mold infestation is something you wouldn’t wish even on your enemy’s house. It not only meddles with your home life but also puts your health at risk. Every house has a mold infestation, if you have not found one at your place yet, it either means you aren’t looking at the right places or the mold is growing in some hidden corner of your house. So, what is mold exactly? Molds are black spots you see growing on damp walls, wet wooden floors, drywall, cardboard, carpets, and surfaces which have a leakage. These molds spread tiny spores in the air which may cause some serious allergies. Symptoms of black mold exposure: Sneezing Coughing Irritation of eyes Irritation of skin or skin rashes Worsening of asthma condition in patients with asthma In some rare cases, difficulty in breathing How to treat black mold exposure? When it comes to the treatment for mold exposure, it is like any other kind of allergy. Following are some of the typical steps taken to treat black mold exposure: One of the most common ways of treating mold exposure is taking antifungal drugs. Another common practice is using nasal inhalers for sinuses and allergies related to mold.