There are approximately one million people over the age of 18 who suffer from multiple sclerosis in the country. A disease that can be benign to some and incapacitating to others, multiple sclerosis is highly unpredictable. This is why it is important to be fully aware of this debilitating disease. What is multiple sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain, nerves, and the spinal cord. When a person suffers from multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath that protects the nerve fibers. This disrupts the transmission of signals from the brain to the rest of the body. Types of MS There are four basic stages of the progression of multiple sclerosis. Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS): CIS is the first episode of neurological symptoms caused by MS. The symptoms will show up due to the inflammation and demyelination (destruction of the protective coating of the nerves) in the central nervous system. Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS): RRMS is the most common route taken by the disease. In this stage, there will be new or a greater scale of existing neurological symptoms. It is at this stage where one can go into complete remission if the disease will advance further.

Pain is the body’s natural response to alert the mind that it is under physical duress. Without experiencing pain, it is not possible to know if something is wrong. However, persistent pain can cause endless suffering and hinder your way of life, affecting your daily routine. Injuries, medical conditions, and sometimes even genetics can cause temporary or chronic pain. To overcome such discomforts and provide better relief, medical professionals may suggest the following pain management techniques. Heat and cold therapy Medical professionals recommend heat or cold therapy for muscle and joint pain relief at home. For a more recent injury, cold therapy applied within 48 hours can help relieve the inflammation by reducing blood flow to the affected areas; it numbs the surrounding tissue and curbs the pain. Some of the commonly used products in cold treatment for pain are ice packs, cold compresses, and soothing gels. Alternatively, medical conditions like osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and even severe sprains and ligament tears can render the muscle joints stiff and out of action for months. For this, doctors recommend heat therapy done using hot packs, compresses, electrical heating pads, and even hot water bottles. Heat is good for chronic pain management. Exercise It is a given that mobility may become limited due to chronic pain.

Oral hygiene is one of the most significant activities of our daily routine. Not paying attention to your mouth and teeth health can result in several problems that cause pain, sensitivity, and persistent discomfort. It should also not come as a surprise that several processed foods and beverages are among the main triggers of dental problems. This is why you must pay attention to what you eat. Note that changes in your diet, coupled with medication and treatment, can overcome common dental problems. Sores Sores can appear anywhere inside the mouth, on the tongue, inner cheeks, lips, or even bottom of the mouth. Mouth sores, especially non-contagious canker sores, are extremely sensitive. Stress, a weak immune system, changes in hormones, and lack of essential vitamins in your daily diet can result in canker sores as an allergic reaction. Reduce and prevent the risk of canker sores by avoiding extremely hot foods and beverages to prevent a sore from forming over the tongue or mouth. Further, over-the-counter antiviral medications provide relief from any irritation and help prevent the infection from spreading. Tooth erosion The enamel in your tooth erodes over time until the teeth fall naturally. Certain foods and beverages rich in acids and harsh compounds can accelerate the erosion of a chemical reaction.

Mental health is one of those things where one would need to help themselves. Others can have very little to no influence on how one feels, leaving them to deal with their own thoughts. That being said, keeping a check on one’s mental health is not difficult. It’s all about realizing what matters most and giving it more time. There are no universal tips that work for everyone. To know what works best for an individual, one must give it a try. So, here are a few tips that can help wade through the difficulties in life with ease. Workout or practice yoga every morning Do not belittle the power of yoga or a heart-pumping physical workout. Some form of physical exercise should always be a part of one’s daily routine since it greatly helps relieve stress and helps one stay calm and balanced when faced with stressful and challenging situations during the day. Bring awareness Practicing meditation will help one become mindful. Bringing mindfulness into the activities performed daily will further help bring more peace and balance. Studies have shown that mindfulness can help cope with depression, substance abuse, anxiety, and eating disorders, among others. Improvement in any of these aspects of life naturally leads to better mental health.

The surest way of knowing whether you are pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. That being said, there are a few early signs and symptoms that work as near-conclusive indicators of pregnancy. Although they may vary ever-so-slightly from one woman to another, most of the symptoms are consistent and have been noted for decades. Here are some common early symptoms of pregnancy: 1. Missed period The biggest hint of pregnancy for women with a regular monthly menstrual cycle is a missed period. This is also the first sign of pregnancy and a common first-trimester symptom. However, this can be misleading in case of an irregular menstrual cycle, and a pregnancy test would be advised for confirmation. 2. Cramping and spotting Nearly 10 to 14 days after conception, implantation bleeding begins. This happens due to the blastocyst, the embryo in its early stages of its development, sticks to the lining of the uterus. It is marked by bleeding, usually similar to menstrual bleeding, but relatively lesser. Abdominal cramping may also be associated with implantation bleeding, which mostly lasts for less than three days. 3. Nausea Again, this differs from woman to woman but is another classic sign of pregnancy. It usually happens one month into the pregnancy and can strike almost at any time of the day.

Sexual health is a significant part of a healthy lifestyle. Getting regular check-ups, having safe sex, protecting yourself from STDs and conditions by staying educated about sexual conditions, infections, and diseases are all essential to leading and maintaining a healthy sexual life. So, here is a list of the most common sexual conditions prevalent in most people: Sexual performance anxiety Sex is pleasurable, or at least it is supposed to be. But, people who suffer from sexual performance anxiety often find it very hard to be intimate with their partner. This is because sex is not just a physical activity; it requires emotional and mental stimulation as well. If your mind is too stressed or anxious, it gets difficult to get excited or to focus. Inability to orgasm Studies and research show that around 10% of women have never been able to have an orgasm irrespective of whether they’re with a partner or alone. But why? This inability comes by not being able to achieve a balance in tension and relaxation. It is quite tricky, but with the help of therapy, many have been able to overcome this condition. Paraphilia Paraphilia is a condition where a person has an issue controlling their sexual impulses.

Almost all of us face skin problems at some point in our lives which can make us feel uncomfortable. Skin problems can be either permanent or temporary, but fortunately, most of them can be treated. It is recommended that you consult your doctor before you think about treating them yourself. That said, let’s check out some common skin conditions in men and women and how they can be treated. Acne Acne is the most prevalent skin disorder among adolescents and one of the major causes of anxiety and frustration. However, acne can affect adults too. It commonly appears on the face, neck, shoulders, chest and back. It occurs as a result of the blockage of hair follicles with oil, dead skin cells, dirt and bacteria. There are several creams and medications to treat acne. These medications usually contain ingredients that remove excess oil from your skin and kill bacteria. However, it’s best to visit a dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. If left untreated, acne can leave permanent scars and dark spots on your skin. Sunburn Sunburns are painful. They occur if you’ve exposed yourself to ultraviolet rays from sun or sunlamps for a long time. How much time should one limit their exposure to the sun is hard to say, even with sunscreen protection.

Having a sensitive stomach or other stomach conditions can make life quite difficult and painful. One needs to understand the condition and its symptoms to recognize it and seek the right medical assistance at the right time. Here are a few common stomach conditions that affect people across the globe. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) A chronic and long-lasting stomach condition, GERD affects the person’s entire digestive system. It can cause severe throat and mouth swelling, vomiting, and even heartburn. If one is having acid reflux for more than twice a week, there is a chance that they could be suffering from GERD. There are a lot of over-the-counter medications to treat GERD, but it’s best to consult a doctor in case of severe symptoms. If left untreated, GERD can cause various other severe complications. Gastritis Gastritis is another stomach condition where the lining of the stomach is inflamed due to stress, anxiety, or reflux of bile from the small intestine. There are two types of gastritis, acute and chronic. Acute may occur unexpectedly, whereas chronic develops slowly over a period of time. Common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, indigestion, bloating, and in worse cases, excreting black stool caused by the bleeding in the stomach.