Duchenne muscular dystrophy, or DMD, is a rare, progressive genetic disorder that affects the muscles, primarily in males. DMD is characterized by the weakening and degeneration of muscle tissue, leading to significant mobility issues and, in many cases, a shortened lifespan. While a cure for the condition is yet to be determined, ongoing research seeks to improve management and treatment options. Find below the signs of DMD and ways to diagnose the disease. Signs and symptoms DMD is a condition that typically presents early in childhood. The signs and symptoms of DMD may vary in severity but generally become more pronounced as the child grows older. Some common indicators include: Muscle weakness One of the earliest signs is weakness in the muscles of the pelvis and upper legs. Children with DMD may struggle to get up from the floor or climb stairs. Delayed motor milestones Affected children often experience delays in reaching motor milestones, like sitting up, crawling, and walking. Some may never achieve independent walking. Waddling gait As the disease progresses, the weakening of leg muscles causes a waddling gait that makes walking more challenging. Frequent falls Children with DMD may experience frequent falls due to muscle weakness, making activities that require balance and coordination difficult.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the motor neurons in the spinal cord and brain. This condition requires early diagnosis for effective management and treatment. Therefore, identifying the initial signs of ALS can make a substantial difference for one with ALS. Here are some of the early warning signs of ALS that individuals, along with their caregivers and healthcare providers, should remain vigilant about. Muscle twitches and cramps ALS often presents with persistent muscle twitches, which are medically termed fasciculations. These involuntary contractions manifest as visible or palpable ripples beneath the skin’s surface. Additionally, individuals may experience muscle cramps, which are sudden and painful contractions occurring even at rest. These twitches and cramps can be caused due to various reasons. However, if these are persistent and prolonged occurrences, one should immediately consult a health practitioner. Increased muscle stiffness and spasticity In some cases, an individual may experience muscle stiffness and spasticity. This can lead to a sensation of tightness or rigidity in the affected muscles. In addition, this may result in involuntary contractions or spasms, which can be uncomfortable or painful. This symptom can further contribute to mobility difficulties and may necessitate specialized care and interventions.

Blood clots can be a silent threat to one’s health, often going unnoticed until they cause serious complications. These clots can develop in the veins or arteries and may affect various parts of the body. They typically form after an injury or due to health conditions like liver or kidney disease. Recognizing the signs of blood clots is crucial for early detection and timely intervention. This article outlines some common signs of blood clots: Swelling Sudden and unexplained swelling in the arms, legs, or other body parts may indicate a blood clot obstructing blood flow, leading to fluid buildup. Swelling due to blood clots may indicate the onset of deep vein thrombosis, typically occurring in the legs, and should not be ignored. Pain and tenderness Blood clots often involve persistent discomfort in the affected area, accompanied by warmth and redness. Shortness of breath Blood clotting in the lungs, or pulmonary embolism, is characterized by difficulty breathing, chest pain, and a rapid heart rate, necessitating immediate attention. Neurological symptoms Symptoms like confusion, dizziness, and severe headaches may point to blood clots in the brain or cerebral thrombosis. Gastrointestinal issues When blood clots develop in the digestive system, they may manifest in the form of gastrointestinal issues, such as blood in stools and abdominal pain.

Overactive bladder or OAB is a condition that groups some urinary symptoms, pointing toward bladder problems. It is not a disease but a set of symptoms. For some people, the symptoms can get so severe that it affects their social and work life and sleep. The frequent bathroom breaks can also dent one’s confidence, making them feel isolated and lonely. Here are some signs to notice and management tips to follow. Signs and symptoms Some signs and symptoms, if mild, may seem like regular bowel movements. However, observing and recognizing irregularities is essential for early detection, treatment, and management. Here are some signs to notice: Urgency to urinate Having a frequent urge to urinate is the most common and major symptom of OAB. The individual cannot ignore the strong and sudden urge to urinate; in fact, some people are afraid that there will be a leak if they do not use the bathroom immediately. Leaking urine Urge incontinence is another symptom. Under this, the urine may leak when there is a sudden urge to go to the bathroom. However, it is not to be confused with stress urinary incontinence. In Stress urinary incontinence, the person may leak urine during sneezing, laughing, or other physically strenuous activities.

Direct and prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can increase one’s risk of sunburn, premature aging, wrinkles, fine lines, skin damage, or even cancer in extreme cases. When it comes to protecting one’s skin from sun rays, sunscreen is a crucial tool. However, many individuals make common sunscreen application mistakes that can do more harm than good. Here are some mistakes that should be avoided for optimal skin protection: 1. Not reapplying the product Sunscreen’s efficacy diminishes over time and needs to be reapplied regularly, especially if one is spending time outdoors. Failing to reapply every two hours or after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage. 2. Not using enough sunscreen Many people underestimate the amount of sunscreen needed to provide adequate protection. It’s recommended to coat the skin with at least an ounce of the product to shield the skin effectively, for instance, on a beach day. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying a nickel-sized portion to one’s face on regular days. 3. Neglecting sensitive areas It’s easy to forget those often neglected areas, such as the ears, lips, and the back of the neck. To avoid harm, one should use sunscreen generously on all exposed skin.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine. Along with the inner lining of the large intestine, it can also affect the rectum and the colon. The symptoms of ulcerative colitis can be discomforting and lead to severe complications if left untreated. Hence, it is crucial to recognize the signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis for timely diagnosis and management. Abdominal pain and cramping A common sign of this disease is abdominal pain and cramping. It can range from mild to severe and may come and go, but it is often exacerbated during flare-ups. If a person is experiencing pain in their left side, it may indicate left-sided colitis. Diarrhea Another telltale sign of ulcerative colitis is frequent diarrhea. Also, it is usually followed by an urgent inclination to pass stool. This symptom can be distressing and disruptive to daily life. The diarrhea may also be accompanied by mucus and can increase during a flare-up. Blood in stool The presence of blood in stool is a concerning symptom of ulcerative colitis. This symptom can result from inflammation and ulcers in the colon’s lining. Along with blood, pus and mucus can be present in stools.

Buying contact lenses online is an easy and convenient process. Additionally, online retailers often offer lower prices, making it a lucrative option. However, there are several ways in which the purchase can go wrong, like receiving the wrong product or the risk of eye infection. To ensure that one gets the best value for money and an authentic product, it is important to avoid these common mistakes when purchasing contact lenses online. Not providing prescriptions to the online supplier The only way to buy correct contact lenses is through an eye exam conducted by an ophthalmologist. They will then prescribe the type of contact lenses one can wear. This prescription needs to be checked by the online supplier before one places an order for the lenses. If the prescription is not provided, one will likely end up with the wrong pair of lenses. So, always buy from online suppliers and retailers that check the prescription before taking an order. One can provide the prescription by scanning it or taking a photograph and uploading it online or through the mail, whichever method has been specified by the retailer. Not researching the supplier properly This is a common mistake that many people make while buying contact lenses online.

Chronic bronchitis is caused by the long-term inflammation of the airways. This causes excess mucus production. In addition, there is a higher risk of lung infection. Those who have chronic bronchitis are also diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD, or chronic bronchitis, often occurs through periodic flare-ups. A chronic bronchitis flare-up or exacerbation is a sudden worsening of symptoms. These flare-ups are generally preceded by the following signs: Signs of chronic bronchitis flare-up The signs of a flare-up can last for two days. In some cases, it lasts for several days. The intensity of the symptoms is usually more severe than usual. A person may have to go to the emergency room if they experience a full-blown exacerbation during a flare-up. Some of the common signs that indicate an incomplete flare-up include the following: Wheezing and noisy breathing sounds Coughing accompanied by more mucus than usual Change in the color of mucus Trouble catching breath Discomfort in the chest Tiredness or fatigue Some other signs include the following: Unable to take deep breaths Trouble sleeping Headaches after waking up Stomach pain Frequent bouts of anxiousness Swollen ankles and legs Drowsiness Unable to think clearly Frequent mood changes Pale skin Changes in nail and lip color Difficulty talking Tips to manage signs of a chronic bronchitis flare-up Here are a few tips to manage chronic bronchitis symptoms:

Research has shown a correlation between nutritional choices and heart health. Out of all meals, breakfast plays an important role when it comes to reducing the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. A heart-friendly breakfast can set the tone for the rest of the day, providing essential nutrients and energy to keep one going. So, here are 7 heart-healthy breakfast ideas that are not only delicious and nutritious but also easy to make: 1. Overnight oatmeal Rolled oats soaked overnight in milk or dairy-free alternatives with a sprinkle of chia seeds, a touch of honey, and fresh berries can be a filling, heart-healthy breakfast. The fiber in oats helps lower bad cholesterol levels, promoting heart health. 2. Avocado toast Avocado is rich in monounsaturated fats, which have been linked to lower levels of bad cholesterol and a reduced risk of heart disease. Here, one can layer thin avocado slices on whole-grain toast and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs, lemon juice, or even a poached egg can also be added to the recipe. 3. Vegetable smoothies Smoothies with leafy greens like spinach or kale, along with cucumber or celery, can be nutritious, as these veggies are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that contribute to better heart health.

Loneliness is a common and deeply human experience that can affect anyone at various stages of life. It is also a complex emotion often arising from social isolation or the feeling of being disconnected from other people, among other factors. The good news is that there are practical ways to deal with such feelings while also fostering meaningful connections. So, here are a few ways that can help overcome loneliness: Engage in prayer Prayer can involve meditation, reflection, or quiet contemplation, all of which help by offering hope and faith in a better future. Additionally, engaging in this practice can help one find inner peace, possibly reducing feelings of loneliness. Spend time outdoors Connecting with nature can be a rejuvenating activity. Whether it is a leisurely stroll in the park, a hike through the woods, or enjoying the sun, stepping outside can help one experience a sense of peace and a connection to their surroundings. Volunteer for a cause Giving back to the community can be a fulfilling way to not just help but also connect with others. This way, volunteering provides a sense of purpose and belonging. Whether it is lending a hand at a local shelter or hospital, reading to children, or participating in neighborhood clean-up drives and other community initiatives, volunteering is a great way to make new connections.

The bones work with muscles and joints to hold the body together and support movement. They require continuous nutrition to perform this function efficiently. Ignoring this can weaken a person’s bones and significantly raise the risk of osteoporosis. The best way to improve bone strength and density is to get sufficient nutrients from food. But if that isn’t enough, experts may recommend supplements rich in specific elements like the following: Boron Boron is necessary to build and preserve bones. While one does not require much of it, the element is necessary because it helps the body effectively use calcium. Boron supplements may also support osteoporosis treatment as they activate the vitamins and minerals required for bone formation. Magnesium Magnesium works in combination with calcium to improve bone strength and support overall health. About 60% of the body’s magnesium is stored in the skeletal system, which makes it essential to get enough of this nutrient through meals. If that does not suffice, one could consider magnesium supplements for improved bone density after consulting a healthcare expert. Calcium A large amount of calcium is stored in the bones and teeth, which makes it a vital nutrient. Calcium makes the bones hard and strong.