Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) affects about one million people in our country. It is a kind of arthritis that affects those with a skin disorder known as psoriasis. Usually, patients have psoriasis years before arthritis develops. However, the good news is that one can manage the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, such as stiffness, swelling, and joint pain. Here are a few treatment options, nutrition tips, lifestyle changes, and other remedies psoriatic arthritis patients must follow: Treatment options RINVOQ is a popular oral treatment for adults with active psoriatic arthritis. It is generally used when traditional options have not been effective. Note that RINVOQ may not be safe and effective for children below 12. Its side effects include allergic reactions and immune system problems. Otezla is another treatment option for active psoriatic arthritis that helps relieve inflammation caused due to the disease. It inhibits a particular enzyme, which helps control inflammation inside the cells. The common side effects of Otezla include diarrhea, nausea, and upper respiratory tract infection. A proper meal plan Patients must avoid fatty red meats, dairy products, refined sugar, and processed foods because these can trigger inflammation. Nightshade vegetables like potatoes, eggplants, and tomatoes also have the same effect.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder that causes the airways to become restricted due to inflammation, which then triggers excess mucous production. 1 in 13 people are affected by this condition every year. There is no cure for asthma, but individuals can manage it to the point where symptoms become negligible. Given below are some useful tips on nutrition habits, lifestyle changes, preventive care, and effective prescriptions for asthma management: Treatment for asthma Prescriptions are the first line of treatment for asthma. Xolair® prevents common allergens from triggering asthma symptoms in patients who don’t respond positively to inhaled corticosteroids. Nucala® and Fasenra® both belong to a class of biologics designed to inhibit certain internal responses that trigger inflammation. Tezelpelumab, marketed under the brand name Tezspire™, specifically targets alarmins released by the lungs that trigger inflammation and lead to an asthma attack. Zyrtec® is an antihistamine that provides relief from indoor and outdoor allergies, which may aggravate asthma symptoms. Suggested nutrition for asthma Studies indicate that vitamins A, C, D, and E help lower the risk of asthma flareups. Egg yolks and salmon are excellent sources of vitamin D. Also, an apple a day can certainly keep asthma symptoms at bay.

Cholesterol is a condition that is mostly seen among people over the age of 50. But with unhealthy food and lifestyle habits, younger people today are prone to it as well. High levels of cholesterol mean there’s a higher risk of premature heart attacks and complications. Moreover, stats claim that over 1 million adults have an inherited risk for cholesterol. This article highlights some lifestyle tips and ways that help manage cholesterol levels: Treatment There are medications to clear the cholesterol from the system. LIVALO (pitavastatin) is used to lower bad cholesterol in patients who have abnormally high levels of it. This oral prescription can be had daily, but the dosage can vary depending on the advancement of the disease. Repatha® is another prescription to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Food habits Foods play a huge role in the development of cholesterol. People should generally avoid greasy options like fries, deep-fried snacks, and frozen dinners. Moreover, foods like cheese and butter should be eaten in moderation. Packaged foods like chips, canned foods, and ready-to-make dinners should also be avoided, as they are high in sodium and preservatives, which also contribute to complications related to the heart. Instead, choose to cook fresh meals from scratch and include more vegetables and fruits in one’s meal plans.

Leukemia is a cancer that involves blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow as well as the lymphatic system. It is the sixth most common type of cancer diagnosed in the country. It primarily impacts the white blood cells that are responsible for the body’s ability to fight against microbial and parasitic infections. Listed below are a few treatment options, meal plans, and lifestyle changes to manage the symptoms of leukemia: Treatment BLINCYTO® BLINCYTO® is used in the treatment of some types of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). It works by directing T-cells to target and bind with a particular protein within lymphoma cells. TASIGNA® TASIGNA® contains nilotinib, a compound that is used in the treatment of certain types of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML). It works by slowing down the progression or stopping the growth of cancerous cells. Foods to eat and avoid Patients undergoing treatment have a compromised immune system that makes them more susceptible to food-borne illnesses. It is important for them to be more mindful of the food they consume. Whole grain Whole grains are rich in minerals and vitamins. Including whole grains like rice, buckwheat, oats, and quinoa will give leukemia patients the nutrients they need. Fruits and vegetables Cruciferous vegetables and legumes are highly recommended for patients.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are characterized by burning sensations, abdominal pain, and cloudy urine. These infections are significantly more common in women than in men and can affect any part of one’s urinary tract including the kidneys, bladder, and even the urethra. If left untreated, UTIs should not be left untreated as they can lead to severe pain and other serious complications. Read on to know about the ways to keep UTIs in check: Get the right treatment FETROJA® (cefiderocol), is a cephalosporin antibacterial treatment option used to tackle complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs). These include pyelonephritis caused due to susceptible Gram-negative microorganisms. This treatment is prescribed to individuals over 18 years of age. It is often a last resort for those who have limited or no alternative treatment options. Common side effects of FETROJA® include diarrhea, injection site reaction, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Individuals may also experience constipation, rash, cough, and low blood potassium levels. FETROJA® can interact with other ongoing treatments, so it is best to consult a doctor before going for this treatment option. Eat the right foods Foods can go a long way in managing UTIs. Berries such as cranberries, blueberries, and raspberries can help fight UTIs.

The lymphatic system is part of the body’s germ-fighting network, comprising lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland, and bone marrow. When cancer begins in the lymphatic system, it is called lymphoma. Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin are the two main types of lymphoma, the latter being the most common. Both types are often treatable, especially if detected in the initial stages. Here are some treatment options, foods to eat and avoid, and other ways that help manage lymphoma: Treatments Treatment options for all types of lymphoma usually include a combination of therapies. One of the most common therapies is an oral therapy, such as IMBRUVICA® (ibrutinib). IMBRUVICA® is used to treat mantle cell lymphoma, small lymphocytic lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, and other types of cancers. The active substance in IMBRUVICA®, ibrutinib, inhibits the enzyme Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK), which is linked to lymphoma. IMBRUVICA® is typically taken once a day and can work alone or together with other treatments. Common side effects include diarrhea, tiredness, rash, bruising, muscle pain, and bone pain. Other treatment options for lymphoma include chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation. Foods to eat and avoid Although no specific food or meal plan can cure lymphoma, eating and avoiding certain foods can help ease symptoms and reduce the side effects of treatments.

Lung cancer occurs when cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably. There are two main types of lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) makes up about 80% to 85% of all lung cancer cases and is slow-growing with a better prognosis. Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) makes up for around 10% to 15% of lung cancer cases and spread rapidly. Some treatment options, foods, and lifestyle changes that can help manage lung cancer are discussed below: Know the treatment options One of the most important aspects of cancer treatment is choosing the right treatment options. When it comes to lung cancer, individuals usually opt for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or targeted therapy. GAVRETO (pralsetinib) is a prescription treatment option for certain cancers including NSCLC. It is mainly prescribed for the treatment of cancers that are caused due to the abnormal rearranged during transfection (RET) gene. These include NSCLC in adults and medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) in adults and children over the age of 12 years. GAVRETO is also a treatment option for cancer that has spread to other parts of the body beyond the lungs. However, GAVRETO has a range of side effects that can be mild or severe. Some common side effects include constipation, fatigue, diarrhea, and musculoskeletal pain while more severe side effects include lung disease, hypertension, tumor lysis syndrome, and lowered wound healing abilities.

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast mutate and grow out of control. They grow to form a mass of cancerous cells called a tumor. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers. Estimates suggest at least 13% women in the country face an increased risk of breast cancer. This is why it is important to be aware of its management. Such tips are listed below along with treatment options and food choices: Treatment options Before discussing management tips, it is important to know some treatment options for breast cancer. AFINITOR® (everolimus) is one such option. It is an mTOR inhibitor. mTOR is a type of protein that provides energy to cells to grow. AFINITOR® stops cancer cells from getting energy since it is an mTOR inhibitor. It is used to treat postmenopausal women that have HER2-negative and advanced hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Another treatment option is CAR-T cell therapy. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a process that helps T-cells specifically recognize and attack malignant or cancerous cells. It is a less toxic treatment method than conventional options like chemotherapy. Eating healthy Consuming healthy foods is an effective cancer management technique. The nutrients and minerals in our food improve the efficacy of medications.

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer associated with white blood cells. In this condition, the white blood cells fail to perform their usual function of fighting infections. These unhealthy white blood cells crowd out the healthy cells. Multiple myeloma is a rare type of cancer in the country, with a lifetime risk of 1 out of 132 (0.76 percent). This article highlights some treatment options, food choices, and tips to manage the condition: Treatment options Two major treatment options for multiple myeloma are BCMA therapy and the use of monoclonal antibodies. BCMA (B-cell maturation antigen) can be seen in almost all multiple myeloma cells. Many studies indicate that targeting BCMA can significantly help in multiple myeloma treatments. BCMA is a part of signaling pathways that lead to the survival and growth of cancerous plasma cells. Many new BCMA-targeted therapies are being developed, which could help in the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. The use of monoclonal antibodies is another treatment method. Monoclonal antibodies can help in restoring, modifying, or improving the immune system’s attack on unwanted cells, like cancer cells. Some monoclonal antibodies prevent cancer cells from connecting with proteins that promote cell growth. Thus, they can block the growth of cancer cells.

When the immune system misidentifies and targets good gut bacteria, the cells that line the colon, and food, it can lead to ulcerative colitis. The condition drives the white blood cells to attack the colon lining and trigger symptoms like irritation, inflammation, and ulcers in the large intestine. While ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition, adding certain foods to one’s meals and following some treatment options may help manage the condition. Foods for ulcerative colitis Nut butters A good source of proteins and healthy fats, nut butters like peanut butter, cashew butter, and almond butter may help manage any flare-up that may result from ulcerative colitis. Peeled and cooked veggies Peeled and cooked vegetables are soft and contain less insoluble fiber, making them less irritating to the gut. A few foods to consider are carrots, spinach, parsnips, turnips, and potatoes. The vegetables are abundant in nutrients like vitamins A and K, which can help reduce the effects of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a type of ulcerative colitis. Yogurt Fermented foods like yogurt are rich in probiotics that contain healthy bacteria. Such bacteria aid the digestive system and reduce ulcerative colitis symptoms and flare-ups. But one must steer clear of flavored yogurt as its sugar content may worsen symptoms.

A cancer patient goes through extensive treatment procedures. These procedures can lower their energy levels and affect their mental health. They become physically weak too. Such patients need a lot of emotional support. Supporting them in the form of donations is one way to help cancer patients. One can also help by raising awareness about the condition in the locality. Here are four ways through which you can donate to cancer patients. Fundraise This is a great way to not just donate your money but also inspire others to do so. There are several charities and NGOs that run a fundraising campaign whenever required. More importantly, there are several websites that can facilitate the process of fundraising. In fact, you can even start your own small fundraiser campaign locally. You can then donate the proceeds to a cancer awareness society, cancer hospitals, NGOs, or charities. Blood donations Many cancer patients rely on blood transfusions for their treatment and recovery. This is one of the most effective ways of helping out. Find a donor bank in your locality and register yourself. If you are a healthy, 16-year-old that weighs a minimum of 110 pounds, and have proper identification, you are eligible to donate.