by admin | May 19, 2023 | Health Awareness, PRP
Corticosteroids are a popular treatment for a number of common conditions. Cortisone, prednisone, and hydrocortisone are the most popular corticosteroids used in the medical field. These steroids can be used to treat the following conditions and more:
These medications are available as tablets, injectables, inhalants, and topical creams, making them a viable solution for a multitude of health concerns. While corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and target certain sources of discomfort, they do not come without risks. Weigh the benefits and risks of corticosteroids here.
Benefits
Treatment with corticosteroids can provide a large array of medical benefits, depending on how they are used, and the condition being treated.
Corticosteroid tablets can be taken to reduce inflammation inside the body, while topical steroids can relieve itching and swelling of the skin. Injectable corticosteroids are an effective option for joint and muscle pain, while inhalant steroids ease the severity of asthma symptoms.
Along with the wide variety of uses for corticosteroids, another benefit is the speed with which they work. Corticosteroids take effect almost immediately, relieving your symptoms and helping you feel better in a matter of minutes.
Risks
While corticosteroids are effective, they do come with certain risks and precautions. The following are just a few of the side effects you may experience with corticosteroid use:
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- Vision changes
- Swelling around the face (moon face)
- Skin lesions and bruising
- Fluid accumulation in the legs
- Slower wound healing
- Bone fractures
- Weight gain
- Mood swings
- Increased risk of infections
Before starting a treatment plan that involves corticosteroids, you should always review the risks and benefits with your medical team. Your doctors can help you determine whether steroids are the best course of action for your unique medical needs.
Regenerative Medicine vs. Corticosteroids
Regenerative medicine is a rapidly evolving field that aims to develop new therapies to treat a wide range of medical conditions, and many patients are exploring this option as an alternative option.
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and corticosteroids are both commonly used in the treatment of various musculoskeletal conditions, but they work in different ways and are often used for different types of injuries.
PRP involves injecting a concentrated solution of a patient’s own blood platelets into the injured area. These platelets contain growth factors that can help to promote healing and tissue repair. PRP is commonly used for conditions such as tendonitis, ligament sprains, and muscle strains.
Corticosteroids, on the other hand, are a type of medication that is often used to reduce inflammation and pain in the body. They work by reducing the activity of the immune system and can be administered either orally, topically, or through injection. Corticosteroids are commonly used for conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, and other inflammatory conditions.
Both PRP and corticosteroids have their advantages and disadvantages. PRP can be more effective at promoting long-term healing and tissue repair, while corticosteroids can provide more immediate pain relief. However, corticosteroids can also have side effects such as weakening of the bones and tendons, while PRP is a relatively safe and natural treatment option.
The choice between PRP and corticosteroids ultimately depends on the specific injury or condition being treated, as well as the patient’s individual needs and preferences. Your healthcare provider can help you determine which treatment option is best for you.
by admin | May 12, 2023 | Health Awareness, Parkinson's Disease
Exercise and a healthy diet are two of the most potent treatments for Parkinson’s disease. Many people who live with Parkinson’s find that positive lifestyle changes slow the condition’s progression and give them better control over their symptoms.
Exercise and Parkinson’s Disease
Exercise is universally beneficial and can improve anyone’s overall health. However, those with Parkinson’s might discover these specific benefits:
- Preventing or slowing the disease’s progression
- Improving brain health
- Reducing symptoms like loss of balance or constipation
- Avoiding isolation
Nobody should have to slog through a workout they hate. Fortunately, all forms of exercise can benefit those with Parkinson’s. The best physical activities are the ones you enjoy — as long as your healthcare provider approves.
Diet and Parkinson’s Disease
Patients can manage some symptoms of Parkinson’s through targeted nutrition. In general, consuming a plant-based diet that includes whole foods offers significant benefits in reducing some of the challenges of the disease.
Although there isn’t a specific diet for Parkinson’s disease, patients should prioritize eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables, protein, and healthy fats to boost their overall health.
Water and Fiber for Constipation
Parkinson’s can lead to digestive concerns, including constipation. However, drinking six to eight glasses of water daily and eating high-fiber foods can support regular digestion.
Limit Sugar and Caffeine for Better Sleep
Researchers estimate that two-thirds of Parkinson’s patients struggle to get adequate sleep. Limiting your intake of sugar, caffeine, and alcohol can promote better sleep quality.
Eat Nuts and Berries for Brain Health
Healthy fats found in nuts and beneficial antioxidants from berries can promote brain health and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Other foods to fortify your brain include fish like salmon and green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale.
More Water for Medication Absorption
Many Parkinson’s medications can cause dehydration. Over time, dehydration can exacerbate symptoms like confusion, kidney problems, and balance issues. Get into the habit of drinking a full glass of water with your medications so that your body breaks them down more efficiently.
Changing your diet and exercise routine can be difficult. Ask your physician for advice, and start with small changes instead of a complete overhaul of your habits for lasting results.
by admin | May 5, 2023 | Health Awareness, Multiple Sclerosis
The fatigue, mobility and balance issues, and muscle spasms that commonly occur with multiple sclerosis (MS) can make exercising seem impossible. However, staying active is critical to managing MS symptoms, avoiding injuries, and maintaining independence.
Choosing the Right Exercises for You
Even patients with very advanced cases of MS can find a form of exercise that reduces fatigue and inflammation and improves strength and balance.
The most beneficial exercises for those with MS center on four primary focuses: aerobics, strength, flexibility, and balance.
Aerobic Exercises for MS
Aerobic exercise can improve cardiovascular health, fatigue, and mood. Low-impact aerobic exercises include walking, biking, swimming, and using an elliptical machine.
In addition, patients with muscle spasticity in their legs may benefit from using a stationary bike where they can clip in, allowing them to keep their feet on the pedals without extra effort.
Strength Exercises for MS
Resistance training, bodyweight workouts, and progressive strength training using dumbbells or barbells can increase stamina, build muscles, and improve bone density.
Depending on symptoms and mobility, bodyweight workouts, such as pushups or squats, can strengthen muscles without worrying about dropping weights or holding onto resistance bands.
Progressive strength exercises allow you to gradually increase your resistance or weights to build muscle mass and improve physical function. For example, bicep curls, deadlifts, shoulder presses, and rows build upper body strength and allow for progressive muscle building.
Flexibility Exercises for MS
Daily stretching, either from a yoga class or just a few minutes of working on touching toes and moving the spine, can increase the range of motion and decrease muscle spasticity.
Focus on spastic muscles, and aim to hold your stretches for 30 seconds to a minute to fully reap the muscle-lengthening benefits.
Balance Exercises for MS
Balance training focuses on posture, shifting body weight, and creating stability, so patients with MS can reduce their risk of falls and maintain independence. While yoga and Pilates are both beneficial for balance training, even standing on one leg while brushing your teeth or doing the dishes can significantly improve overall balance.
If balancing exercises are challenging, try them next to a wall or while holding onto a chair to maintain stability as your balance improves.
By including daily exercises that allow for long-term benefits, MS patients can regain some control over their condition and symptoms.
by admin | Apr 28, 2023 | Diabetes, Health Awareness, Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell Therapy
Diabetes is one of the most common conditions in the world, affecting more than 37 million people in the United States alone.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects your body’s ability to process glucose, resulting in high blood sugar levels. An estimated 96 million people have prediabetes, meaning they could soon be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
To avoid a diabetes diagnosis, it is important that you can recognize early indicators of the disease. The following are some signs that may mean you have diabetes:
Excessive Urination
One of the earliest signs of diabetes is excessive and unusual urination. When you have diabetes, your body does not use sugar properly. The sugar collects in your blood, and your kidneys go into overdrive to remove it from the body. Your overworking kidneys lead to the constant urge to urinate.
Increased Thirst
With increased urination, you will start to experience increased thirst. Constant urination can cause your body to become dehydrated, and you will feel parched, even if you drink an adequate amount for your body weight.
Weight Loss
Another early indicator of diabetes is extreme and unintentional weight loss. If you’ve noticed that you are losing a lot of weight without really trying to, you may have diabetes. For some people, this can be as much as 10 pounds in one month.
This weight loss occurs because your body is not processing glucose as it should be. Your cells become starved for glucose or energy and begin to find it elsewhere, causing you to burn fat at a rapid pace.
Diabetes Treatments
If you are experiencing these symptoms or other concerns, you may have diabetes or prediabetes. To get a proper diagnosis, speak to your regular physician. There are many treatment options for diabetes.
Some are exploring regenerative medicine, also known as stem cell therapy. Stem cell therapy for diabetes is a potential treatment approach that involves the use of stem cells to generate new insulin-producing cells that can help regulate blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Stem cells are cells that have the ability to differentiate into different cell types and can also self-renew and studies have shown that stem cells can differentiate into insulin-producing cells.
by admin | Apr 24, 2023 | Health Awareness, Stroke
Gait refers to a person’s manner of walking or moving on foot. After a stroke, gait can be significantly impacted due to the damage caused to the brain and nervous system. Stroke can affect gait in several ways, including:
Muscle weakness: A stroke can cause weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, which can affect the ability to lift and move the leg and foot during walking.
Spasticity: Spasticity is a condition that causes muscle stiffness and spasms, which can make it difficult to move the leg and foot smoothly during walking.
Balance and coordination: Stroke can affect the brain’s ability to control balance and coordination, making it harder to maintain a steady gait.
Foot drop: Foot drop is a condition where the foot drops down when walking, due to weakness or paralysis of the muscles that lift the foot. This can cause stumbling or tripping while walking.
Cognitive and perceptual changes: Stroke can also affect cognitive and perceptual functions, such as perception of depth and distance, which can affect a person’s ability to walk safely and confidently.
Gait training exercises can help stroke patients improve their gait by addressing these issues through strength training, coordination exercises, balance training, and other targeted interventions. Working with a physical therapist can also help stroke patients to customize their exercise program to their specific needs and abilities.
To regain your strength and improve your ability to walk after a stroke, you can practice gait training exercises like the ones below.
Flamingo Stands
Flamingo stands are one of the easiest gait training exercises to perform. You can stand freely in the middle of the room or with one hand against a wall for added support. Bend one leg up and backward into a flamingo position and remain standing on the other leg. Do this for about 30 seconds and then switch legs. Repeat ten times for each leg.
Seated Marching
Seated marching is a basic gait training exercise that can be performed from any seated position. You start by sitting with both feet placed on the floor in front of you and then lifting one leg up into your chest and placing it back down onto the floor. Repeat this with the other leg and then alternate between legs for ten repetitions.
Side Leg Raises
To perform a side leg raise, begin in a standing position. You can hold on to a chair for increased stability. Lift one leg outward to your side about 45 degrees. Hold this pose for several seconds before bringing your foot back down to the floor. Do 15 repetitions and then repeat with the other leg.
Knee Extension
For a knee extension gait exercise, you will start in a seated position. Extend one leg out in front of you and hold it parallel to the floor. Make sure to contract your thigh muscles and then slowly lower your foot back down toward the floor. Alternate back and forth between each leg for ten repetitions while maintaining a straight posture with your back.
It’s important to note that stroke patients should always consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program. Additionally, exercises should be tailored to the individual’s specific needs and abilities.
by admin | Apr 19, 2023 | Health Awareness
Exercise is important for good health because it offers a wide range of benefits for both physical and mental well-being. Here are some of the key reasons why exercise is crucial for good health:
Strengthens the Muscles and Bones
Exercise helps to build and maintain strong muscles and bones, which is important for overall physical health, especially as we age. When we exercise, our muscles are put under stress, which causes them to break down and rebuild stronger than before. This process is known as muscle hypertrophy, and it is how our muscles become stronger and more resilient over time.
Reduces the Risk of Chronic Diseases
Chronic diseases are long-term health conditions that often develop over time and are often caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Regular exercise can help to reduce the risk of many chronic diseases that may impact your heart health, immune system, mental health, weight, and cognitive function.
Improves Heart Health
Yes, exercise is great for heart health. Regular physical activity helps to strengthen the heart and cardiovascular system, reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. Exercise helps to make the heart pump stronger, lowers blood pressure, reduces inflammation, improves cholesterol levels, and improves circulation. Overall, regular exercise is a critical component of heart health, and it can help to reduce the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.
Boosts the Immune System
The immune system is the body’s defense against infections and diseases, and it plays a crucial role in keeping us healthy. Exercise can boost the immune system by helping to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, increase antibody production, increase white blood cell counts, and reduce stress.
Improves Mental Health
Exercise has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost overall well-being. Some ways that exercise can improve mental health is by releasing endorphins which are natural chemicals in the body that can improve mood and reduce pain. It can reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can have a positive impact on mental health. It also helps improve sleep which is crucial for maintaining good mental health.
Further, it can boost self-esteem which can have a positive impact on overall well-being. And finally, it can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is important to note that exercise is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, but it can be an effective complement to therapy or medication.
Helps with Weight Management
Regular physical activity can help to burn calories, increase metabolism, and maintain a healthy weight. With exercise, you can burn calories, increase metabolism, preserve muscle mass, reduce appetite, and improve insulin sensitivity.
Enhances Brain Function
Regular physical activity has been shown to have numerous benefits for brain health, including improved cognitive function, memory, and mood. It can increase blood flow to the brain, delivering more oxygen and nutrients that are necessary for optimal brain function. It helps to boost neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt and change in response to new experiences and information.
Cognitive functions can be improved, including attention, memory, and processing speed. And exercise has been shown to increase the production of BDNF, which is a protein that promotes the growth and survival of neurons in the brain.
Overall, exercise is a critical component of a healthy lifestyle, and the benefits of physical activity extend far beyond just physical health, but it is important to find a balance and engage in moderate exercise that is appropriate for your fitness level and health status. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine the exercise plan best for you.
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