Hemophilia is a chronic blood disorder affecting about 30,000 people in the country. In individuals with hemophilia, the blood does not clot or coagulate properly due to a lack of clotting factors. Patients experience severe bleeding even after a minor cut. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid activities or objects that can cause injury and take necessary precautions. Here are a few tips to follow for healthy living with hemophilia. Go for annual checkups Studies suggest that patients treated at hemophilia treatment centers (HTCs) lead a better quality of life. HTCs provide comprehensive annual checkups that help track the disease’s progression and identify possible red flags. Therefore, they are the right place to start treatment. HTCs have a team of specialized doctors, including hematologists. If one cannot find an HTC nearby, they must seek a doctor’s recommendation to choose the right clinic and treatment. Get vaccinated against hepatitis Getting vaccinated for hepatitis A and B is critical for healthy living with hemophilia. Since these vaccinations were introduced only two to three decades ago, those born before might not have been vaccinated. Hepatitis is a viral infection that affects the liver. Since the liver plays a crucial role in promoting blood coagulation, one must get vaccinated against the disease. Stay active An active lifestyle involving sport, training, or any physical activity promotes blood circulation, which has many health benefits. It helps maintain body weight and promotes bone strength, ensuring the joints do not face added pressure. It also helps lower the risk of spontaneous bleeds. Light exercises like yoga or stretches improve mental health, which is also necessary for healthy living with hemophilia. Practice oral hygiene Oral hygiene is essential for everyone but is more beneficial for those with hemophilia. Patients often suffer from bleeding gums, gingivitis, sore gums, or other oral concerns.

Hemophilia is a rare bleeding condition wherein the blood cannot clot properly at the site of the wound. People with this illness experience prolonged or spontaneous bleeding and bruising after an accident, surgery, or other injuries. Even minor wounds can cause continuous bleeding in hemophilia patients. As bleeding can occur at any time, it is important to manage the symptoms of hemophilia while traveling. Here are some tips to help hemophilia patients travel safely. See your doctor before traveling It is suggested to consult with a doctor before traveling. Ask them if you need to take any vaccinations like hepatitis A or B prior to traveling. Work out an action plan in case of emergencies. You can ask your doctor to provide a letter explaining the condition, prescriptions required, and devices needed in case of an emergency. Keep this letter with you at all times while traveling. If you’re traveling by flight, this letter will ensure that all your medical supplies are permitted on the plane. Invest in travel insurance Make sure to purchase travel insurance that covers conditions like hemophilia. Visiting a hospital in a foreign country can incur significant expenses. Some individuals get travel insurance through their schools or employer. It can also be availed through certain credit card companies. Pack your medical supplies and keep track of treatments Always pack extra medical supplies with you when traveling. This means packing enough syringes, bandages, and alcohol swabs. If you are traveling by flight, it’s advisable to keep medical supplies in your carry-on bag as luggage may sometimes be lost. Furthermore, make sure to track your infusions to understand how much you have taken. This will make it handy to discuss any concerns with your doctor once you get home. Learn about your destination Always check if your destination has medical facilities or hospitals close by.

A bleeding disorder is a condition where the blood doesn’t clot the way it should. Generally, the blood starts clotting to save losing a lot of blood from bruising. However, this is not the case for those with bleeding disorders. One can experience severe blood loss with every injury and surgery. The bleeding disorder can cause abnormal bleeding outside and inside the body. The following are ways to prevent problems that arise from this disorder. Avoid using blood thinners Patients with a bleeding disorder must avoid medication that thins the blood to a large extent. This should ideally be their last resort. Use substitutes recommended by the doctor.  Dodge activities that involve the risk of bleeding People with blood disorders must avoid activities that put them at risk of developing an injury. Avoid boxing, wrestling, football, hockey, and mountain climbing. These patients can indulge in sports activities, including swimming, golf, and cycling. However, when cycling, one must take safety measures.  Inform your doctor Be it surgery or a visit to a dentist, one must inform their doctor about the bleeding disorder. This helps doctors take steps to prevent excess bleeding through the procedure. Eat healthy Healthy food habits can keep blood pressure and overall health in check, preventing the onset of any illness. High blood pressure can put patients at a high risk of bleeding internally. And keeping a healthy weight can ensure that the blood vessels are not being compressed due to trans fats. Include heart-healthy foods in your meals to keep the arteries clean. Always wear a seatbelt Whenever traveling via road, train, or air, it’s advised to take all safety measures. Don’t ignore wearing a seatbelt if you’re just going to be driving a few blocks for groceries. A minor accident can have a huge impact on the passengers and driver.

Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed forms of cancer. It is estimated that one in eight men is at risk, and the number gets higher in those above the age of 65. Thankfully, modern treatments and prescriptions have made it easier. Also, certain lifestyle changes, healthy eating habits, and effective measures for prevention lower the risk. Here is how early diagnosis, treatments, and simple suggestions can improve the quality of life. Prescription treatments Xofigo contains a radioactive element called radium RA 223 dichloride. The injection works well in a short-range radius to counter the spread of prostate cancer in the bone. Enzalutamide, marketed under the brand name XTANDI, is an alternative treatment option. Those who don’t respond well to hormonal or surgical treatments can consider these injections to lower and manage testosterone levels. XTANDI works by actively inhibiting androgen receptors to prevent or reduce cancer cell growth. Prescriptions aside, doctors suggest cryotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy for those who respond to regular treatments. However, the treatments vary depending on the spread of cancer and the severity of the symptoms. Best foods for prevention Tomatoes and watermelon are rich in lycopene and beneficial for prostate cancer prevention. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, and cauliflower contain phytochemicals that help combat cancer-growing cells. Additionally, citrus-rich fruits, including oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes, help boost immunity. Tofu, chickpeas, lentils, sprouts, and peanuts contain isoflavones, which help lower the risk of prostate cancer. Note that daily foods must also supplement omega-3 fatty acids and folates sourced from fatty fish, leafy greens, and fortified whole foods. Overall, nutritionists recommend including more foods rich in antioxidants to fight oxidative damage. Effective lifestyle changes Exercise is one of the most significant changes to implement in daily routine. Any form of physical activity, including walking, running, jogging, and weight training, can help maintain a healthy body weight.

Overactive bladder or OAB is a health condition that causes frequent and sudden urge to urinate. Statistics suggest that close to 35 million people in the country suffer from overactive bladder. Some people also experience urinary incontinence or unintentional loss of urine. It can be embarrassing to deal with the condition, as it can limit one’s social and professional life. The following tips can be used to effectively manage an overactive bladder: Typical treatment options Before we discuss tips for managing an overactive bladder, it is important to be aware of some treatment options. GEMTESA (vibegron) is one such treatment option. It activates beta-3 receptors, thereby allowing the bladder to relax and provide relief from being overactive. Apart from this, Myrbetriq can also be used for treating an overactive bladder, as it smoothens the muscles around the urinary bladder, increasing its storage capacity. Other options include TOVIAZ and INVOKANA®. Add cranberries to your food regimen  Cranberries are widely used to treat problems associated with bladder control. Similarly, other berries like strawberries and blueberries are also abundant in vitamin C, which can neutralize bad bacteria and prevent urinary tract infections. Berries also have high water content, which maintains hydration levels and helps manage bladder control. Cranberries can be eaten alone or can be added to smoothies, salads, and other delicious recipes. Limit washing and wiping Sanitary hygiene is essential. However, it can be counterintuitive going overboard. Women with overactive bladder experiencing menstruation might feel the constant need to clean themselves. However, excessive cleaning with soap can make the area dry and itchy, and it can aggravate symptoms of an overactive bladder. Hence it is recommended to avoid going overboard on washing and wiping or use hydrating cleaning products to retain the moisture. Practice exercises for bladder control Changes in certain habits related to urination can ease the symptoms or help retain bladder strength in the long run.

Around 10 million people in our country aged 50 and above have osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a bone disorder that occurs when the body cannot create enough new bone to replace old bone in time. As a result, bone density and bone mass decrease, and the bones become brittle. People with the disease are more prone to fractures. Here are some treatments, foods, and lifestyle changes for managing osteoporosis and improving bone health: Treatment options Most treatments for osteoporosis aim to prevent further loss of bone density. Two popular options are Prolia ®  and EVENITY ® .  Prolia ®  is a treatment that helps increase bone mass, reducing the risk of fractures. It is mainly prescribed to women after menopause. However, one must not use Prolia ® if they have low blood calcium or are expecting. Common side effects include infections, bone and joint pain, and allergic reactions. Women may also experience back pain and the common cold. EVENITY® is another popular option for women with osteoporosis after menopause. It helps build new bone and reduce spine fracture risk within 12 months. EVENITY® can lead to serious side effects like an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The common side effects include allergic reactions, sore throats, burning eyes, infections, joint pain, and muscle spasms. Foods that help While treatments can go a long way in tackling osteoporosis, proper nutrition is also necessary. Dairy products like milk and cheese are high in calcium, an essential element that helps build strong bones. Fish like salmon are also great because they are rich in vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. These help keep inflammation at bay. Besides eating healthy foods, patients must avoid salt, caffeine, and red meat. Lifestyle changes Osteoporosis patients must follow an active lifestyle. Exercise keeps the bones healthy and lowers the risk of bone diseases like osteoporosis.

Migraine is characterized by throbbing, lingering pain on either side of the head. It is common among those between 30 and 40 and more prevalent among women than men. According to research, at least 39 million people in the country live with migraine. Many people with this condition are sensitive to light and sound. Fortunately, lifestyle changes can reduce the frequency of migraines. Here are some effective ways that can help cope with migraines: Treatments People with migraines need to keep medications handy. Some of the common medicines used by adults for migraine attacks are UBRELVY™, Excedrin, Nurtec® ODT, and QULIPTA™. They block pathways in the brain that are responsible for migraine attacks. A doctor might also recommend preventive medicines if one experiences frequent and severe headaches that don’t respond well to treatment. These medications might reduce how often one gets an attack and reduce its severity. Foods to eat Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are high in antioxidants and fat and are great for keeping overall health in check. Magnesium-rich foods like avocados, apricots, almonds, cashews, and brown rice help the blood vessels relax and prevent headaches. Other items that help prevent headaches include leafy greens, dairy, and calcium-rich foods. Those who experience frequent migraine attacks are also often recommended to reduce the intake of high-sodium foods. Lifestyle choices Having a healthy sleep cycle is very rewarding. It’s good for one’s physical and mental health. Getting quality sleep every night can significantly reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. Migraines usually occur when the body doesn’t get enough rest and is stressed. Hydration and cold compress It’s essential to be hydrated at all times to help reduce the frequency of migraines. The body requires a certain amount of electrolytes and fluids to work its best. When one doesn’t replace these fluids and electrolytes, it causes dehydration, triggering migraine.

Hemophilia is a rare hereditary disorder that affects the blood’s natural ability to clot. It becomes difficult to stop the bleeding caused by even the slightest injury without clotting factor VIII proteins. According to the CDC, an estimated 1 in 5000 newborn males develops hemophilia. There’s no cure for the condition. But it’s possible to restart the clotting factor function with prescriptions, healthy food habits, lifestyle changes, and preventive care. Read on to know more: Treatment options for hemophilia Replacing the missing clotting factor is one of the best ways to treat hemophilia. Prescriptions like Hemlibra® reintroduce coagulation factors in the blood to help lower the risk of bleeding. The FDA has also approved the use of recombinant factor concentrates that are genetically engineered using DNA to make the human clotting factor proteins. Kovaltry® is another alternative prescription antihemophilic factor suggested for people with hemophilia A. Nutritious foods to eat regularly with hemophilia Iron is crucial for maintaining proper hemoglobin levels in the blood. Also, one must replenish all the iron lost due to abnormal bleeding triggered by hemophilia. Lean red meats, seafood, liver, beans, peas, eggs, spinach, kale, broccoli, Bok choy, fortified snacks, and even dried fruits are rich in iron. Iron intake should also be supplemented with vitamin C for better nutrient absorption. It is also beneficial to include more lean protein sources like chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, beans, and tofu. Low-fat milk, cheese, Greek yogurt, and foods fortified with calcium also help supplement vital joints’ growth and development to better sustain injuries. Lifestyle changes that help manage the bleeding Regular low-intensity exercise and physical activity can help build muscles to protect the joints. Adults must also avoid using pain relievers for headaches or body pain, as they can trigger bleeding in some cases of hemophilia A. Doctors may suggest that patients stop using blood-thinning prescriptions that prevent the clotting factors from sealing the wound.