Schizophrenia is a treatable mental illness characterized by distortions in speaking, thinking, and behavior accompanied by auditory and visual hallucinations. It is estimated that 3.5 million people in the country have been diagnosed with schizophrenia and other related mental illnesses. However, most symptoms significantly improve with treatment. But since there are too many myths and half-truths about the condition, you must learn the following tips to manage schizophrenia: Learning the truth and facts about schizophrenia Lack of awareness has resulted in the proliferation of myths about schizophrenia. It can confuse the person affected and their immediate circle of family and friends who may be their caregivers. Knowing the truth is essential for both patients and caregivers. Schizophrenic patients are not dangerous. They have a mental illness. They do not have a split personality or multiple personality disorder. They can get better with a structured and continuous treatment. Parental or societal influences do not cause schizophrenia. Learning about symptoms A person with schizophrenia may exhibit one or more of its typical symptoms. Knowing the typical symptoms can help one prepare to take adequate preventive measures per the doctor’s advice. While an individual can work on managing stress independently, it is advisable to go to a doctor if they experience severe and intense mood changes, thoughts, or symptoms of a psychotic episode.

The lymphatic system is the human body’s germ-fighting network. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects this system and causes infected and ineffective lymphocytes in the lymph nodes. The development compels the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen to swell, leading to health complications. The two main lymphoma types are Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s. There are methods to tackle the mutation. At the same time, following these easy tips may also help one manage lymphoma. Getting the right treatment Treatment is essential for any form of lymphoma. However, before starting a treatment plan, one should get a proper diagnosis of the condition. One test to narrow down on cancer includes a physical examination where the healthcare expert checks the underarm, groin, and neck region for swollen lymph nodes. Removing a lymph node or extracting a bone marrow sample for testing are other methods to identify lymphoma. A doctor may also conduct blood and imaging tests to diagnose the condition. After lymphoma is detected, a healthcare expert may suggest active surveillance to monitor the growth and progress of lymphatic cancer, especially if it is in the initial stages. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplants are also suggested based on the severity of the cancer.

Leukemia is an umbrella term for cancers affecting the blood and the body’s blood-forming tissues, called bone marrow. It reduces the body’s natural ability to fight various infections and diseases. Researchers believe leukemia occurs when the DNA in blood cells called leukocytes mutate or change. As with other forms of cancer, there’s no cure for leukemia, but there are multiple tried-and-tested ways to manage the condition and help make life easier: Try these treatment options One must explore these treatment options to manage leukemia: BLINCYTO® The FDA has approved BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) for treating adults and children with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). ALL is a form of leukemia in which the bone marrow makes too many lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. BLINCYTO® is a targeted treatment targeting a specific protein on the leukemia cells so the immune system can identify and destroy them. It is typically prescribed to ALL patients in remission but has detectable traces of cancer and people whose cancer has returned or did not respond to other treatments. BLINCYTO® is usually administered to patients via the infusion pump. Some potential side effects include infections, fever, headache, face swelling, low or high blood pressure, and low counts of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

After a day’s work, you’d want to sleep without much effort. But certain factors can make sleeping on time quite difficult. If you go to sleep and wake up at a fixed time daily, invest in a good mattress, and make your bedroom comfortable and free of clutter, you will soon be able to sleep well through the night. Here are five crucial habits that you should avoid before bedtime: Exercising before bedtime Exercising at night at home or gym and jogging in the late evening are becoming increasingly trendy. But most doctors strongly disagree with this habit as the adrenaline increases your heart rate and keeps you alert. A vigorous workout can also stimulate your nervous system, which prevents the body from falling asleep. While exercising, your muscles go through wear and tear and need adequate rest to heal. Since you may not get enough sleep, your rest is disrupted, and the healing process takes more time. The cumulative result of lack of sleep makes you tired and exhausted and may affect your productivity at home, school, or work. If you can exercise only in the evening, do it at least two to three hours before bedtime. Using gadgets before bedtime You’re not alone if you’ve heard about this earlier and think it is easier said than done.

Blood clotting, known as coagulation, is a process where platelets and plasma proteins combine to clot the blood to prevent excessive bleeding in case of an injury. However, sometimes individuals may not have enough clotting factors due to some disorders. Bleeding disorders are chronic and are either congenital or acquired. There are many disorders that can arise from this condition. Know how to prevent complications that may arise from different bleeding disorders. Inherited bleeding disorders Inherited bleeding disorders are genetic and happen when there is some damage or deficiency in specific genes that control clotting. The inherited bleeding disorders are: Combined deficiency of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors Hemophilia A Hemophilia B Hemophilia C Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia Rare bleeding disorders with deficiency of clotting factors Von Willebrand disease Acquired bleeding disorders Acquired bleeding disorders happen if a disease or treatment has led to less or no production of the clotting factors. It can also occur if there is damage to any blood vessel, causing excessive bleeding. Acquired bleeding disorders include: Arteriovenous malformation where blood vessels may get tangled Disseminated intravascular coagulation Liver disease–associated bleeding Rare cases of Von Willebrand disease and hemophilia Vitamin K deficiency bleeding Symptoms of bleeding disorders The common symptoms of different bleeding disorders include:

About 200 types of mosquitoes are commonly present in the country, and only 12 of them spread germs. Everyone must take preventive steps to protect themselves and their family from the bites of these mosquito types. Mosquitoes have a strong sense of smell, and therefore, they get sensitive to certain scents. Synthetic and chemical repellents and fragrances act as irritants. You can use the following five natural scents to keep mosquitoes at bay: Peppermint Peppermint is a potent insecticide; its oil can kill mosquito larvae within a day. Peppermint plants in your garden and yard can keep adult mosquitoes at bay, and its oil prevents mosquito bites. The impact of the oil lasts for about three hours. How to use: Mix 10-15 drops of good quality and pure peppermint essential oil in a spray bottle with two cups of water. Identify the spots that a mosquito may gain entry into or hide. Spray this essential oil solution in door frames, window sills, furniture, laundry area, curtains, exhaust fans, and air vents. Alternatively, add one or two drops of peppermint oil into pieces of cotton and place them around the house. Combine five to six drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply the mixture to your body.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 1.3% of adults in the country have Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), like Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis. Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract leads to Crohn’s disease. Early diagnosis and treatment can help in maintaining your quality of life and preventing complications that may be life-threatening. Following are some of the early warning signs of Crohn’s disease to look out for: Abdominal pain It can indicate Crohn’s disease if you feel cramps and pains in the lower right abdomen or any spot along the digestive tract. Recurring inflammation, abscesses, and ulcers that develop along the GI tract cause the pain. For some, pain may be the only symptom. Nausea Some may have cramps that make them nauseous. Some may throw up when there is pain. If one has continuous or frequent pain and vomiting episodes, visit a doctor without delay. Chronic diarrhea or constipation If diarrhea does not respond to home remedies or over-the-counter remedies, it may be an early warning sign of inflammation in the colon. Though diarrhea is more common, some may also experience constipation and pain while passing stools. Anal fissures Crohn’s disease directly leads to tears or fissures in the anus lining.

Major depressive disorder is a common occurrence seen in many people: about 17.3 million adults and 1.9 million children between the ages of 3 and 17 in the country are diagnosed with the disorder. Such a condition can lead to symptoms such as an irregular appetite, lack of energy, and trouble sleeping. Among other mechanisms to manage depression, following certain tips can also help an individual improve how they cope with the condition. Initiating treatments The first essential step for coping with major depressive disorder is initiating a treatment plan. A healthcare professional may recommend psychotherapy (talk therapy) to treat moderate to severe depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy is often the preferred option when it comes to tackling depression. Healthcare experts may recommend Rexulti® (brexpiprazole) for depression. The patient must take the tablet in combination with antidepressants as prescribed by the doctor. The dosage is also prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia (a common depression trigger) in adult and pediatric patients aged 13 years and older. Rexulti® can be taken once daily with or without food. Caplyta® (lumateperone) is another prescription known to tackle episodes of depression associated with bipolar depression in adults. The prescription is administered by itself or by combining it with lithium or valproate.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic or long-term condition of the brain and spinal cord, the two main parts of the central nervous system. The disease affects each individual differently, causing varied and unpredictable symptoms like weakness, vision problems, and bowel issues. It occurs when the immune system attacks myelin, the protective layer insulating wire-like nerve fibers. While there’s no known cure yet, there are multiple ways to manage multiple sclerosis: Treatment options Several treatments are available for multiple sclerosis. Doctors may prescribe the following treatments to help patients manage the disease. PONVORY® The FDA has approved PONVORY® (ponesimod) for treating relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, including relapsing-remitting disease, active secondary progressive disease, and clinically isolated syndrome. It can lower relapse episodes and the number of lesions and slow down disease progression. PONVORY® is thought to work by reducing the number of immune cells, called lymphocytes, in the blood. It’s an oral treatment usually taken once a day with or without food. Some common side effects include upper respiratory tract infections, elevated liver enzymes (abnormal liver tests), and high blood pressure. KESIMPTA® KESIMPTA® (ofatumumab) is an FDA-approved treatment for adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. It’s a monoclonal antibody that works by depleting some immune B cells, which have been thought to contribute to nervous system damage in the disease.

Tardive dyskinesia (TD), in most cases, develops as an uncommon side effect of specific existing neurological prescriptions. Patients develop visible facial symptoms, including lip smacking, rapid blinking, and tongue thrusting, among others. These symptoms are triggered due to basic involuntary muscle contractions as the brain releases excess dopamine when one has tardive dyskinesia. There is no cure, but read on to know the prescriptions, treatments, and suggested lifestyle changes for the condition: Prescriptions for tardive dyskinesia One of the primary treatment methods suggested by specialists is the prevention of the symptoms and minimizing the risk of progression. Several FDA-approved prescriptions have proven to be effective in managing symptoms. Ingrezza® Ingrezza® once-a-day capsules are approved for treating and managing motor control issues linked to tardive dyskinesia. Adults can take the daily dose as suggested by their healthcare providers to manage specific facial and body movements that are involuntarily triggered during the disease progression. It controls the brain’s release of dopamine, one of the primary hormones linked to motor control, to prevent uncoordinated movements. Several clinical trials conducted revealed that the symptoms were managed within a period of six to eight weeks with a daily prescription. Continued use further improved outlook and quality of life among those dealing with moderate to severe symptoms.