Peyronie’s disease is a health condition affecting men, where scar tissues cause the penis to curve and lose girth or length. It is a rare case of erectile dysfunction (ED), and in severe cases, it might be painful enough for the patient to avoid intercourse. Unfortunately, the disorder remains undertreated due to its embarrassing nature, even though one in a hundred males over 18 in our country receive a diagnosis for the same. Symptoms The primary symptom of this condition is a curvature of the penis. The other signs to look for are painful erections, shortened penis, lumps in the penis, loss of girth, and discomfort during intercourse. Usually, these symptoms develop slowly but can sometimes be noticed overnight. Causes and risk factors The definite cause of Peyronie’s disease is yet to be understood, but it is most likely due to damage to small blood vessels during sports or an accident. Although every male does not develop it, a few factors can increase the risk: Family history Experts believe the disorder might be hereditary, causing it to pass on to the males in the family. So, if a father suffers from the condition, it may likely be passed on to his son.

Multiple myeloma is a rare health condition involving cancer of plasma cells. Plasma cells secrete immunoglobulin or antibodies responsible for fighting infections and boosting the immune system. Cancerous plasma cells begin developing in the bone marrow in patients with multiple myeloma. The exact causes of multiple myeloma are unknown; however, factors like benzene exposure, age, and specific ethnic backgrounds have been linked with it. This article analyzes various myeloma stages, prognosis, symptoms, and treatment options. Stages of Multiple Myeloma Multiple myeloma stages are typically classified using one of two distinct evaluation systems – the Durie-Salmon staging method and the International Staging System (ISS): Durie-Salmon staging This staging method classifies multiple myeloma into three stages based on factors such as the number of myeloma cells, hemoglobin and albumin counts, the amount of M-protein in one’s blood or urine, calcium levels in the blood, and the level of bone damage caused by myeloma cells. This method also classifies myeloma into Group A or Group B, wherein A indicates no damage to kidneys, whereas B implies kidney damage. A person could be classified as Stage IIB, for example. International Staging System (ISS) The following aspects are considered under ISS: Albumin levels The average albumin level is 3.5 to 5.5 mg/dL.

The GOLO diet, also known as the GOLO Metabolic Plan, was introduced in 2009. The company claims that many people struggle with mass loss due to a particular metabolic hormone called insulin. Such a meal plan has the potential to help its followers regulate insulin and lose body mass by using the program’s regime and daily supplements. Here, we discuss the essential aspects of this meal plan one should know before giving it a try. How the plan works According to Jennifer Brooks, a nutritionist, president, and co-founder of GOLO, the diet combines various proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and vegetables. A supplement known as Release is also part of the package. It contains plant-based ingredients and minerals like magnesium, zinc, and chromium. The product claims to help with healthy mass loss by improving metabolism, increasing energy, and balancing insulin levels. Cost The basic version of this nutritional regime is free for reference, but the founding company charges for the Release supplement capsules and a detailed version of the plan. Those following this program are advised to take one Release with each meal, and a bottle of 90 costs around $50 and lasts around four weeks. Foods to eat The GOLO diet suggests having three meals with 1300 to 1800 calories daily.

Metastatic breast cancer occurs when breast cancer begins spreading to other body organs. Typically, the cancer spreads to the brain, liver, bones, and lungs and is classified as the fourth stage. Every area where the cancer has spread is referred to as a “metastasis” (plural: metastases) and involves extensive interventions to slow the cancer’s progression. This article discusses the symptoms and diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer, together with survival rates and treatment options. Symptoms of metastatic breast cancer Nipple discharge One of the early symptoms of metastatic breast cancer is nipple discharge, which may be yellow and pus-like and sometimes appear blood-like. Fractures The cancer or tumor may spread to the bones or spinal cord, causing acute pain and fractures. Shortness of breath If breast cancer spreads to the lungs, it can cause lung cancer, with symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, and wheezing cough. Headache and blurred vision Sometimes, breast cancer may also spread to the central nervous system at the metastatic stage, causing symptoms like blurred or double vision, headache, and difficulties with movement. Nausea and swelling of body organs Metastatic breast cancer, having spread to the stomach and liver, can cause swelling of the hands and legs, nausea, yellowing of the skin, etc.

Pneumonia is a prevalent illness that infects the air sacs in one or both lungs, leading to inflammation. Depending on the severity of the infection, the air sacs may get filled with pus or fluid. This, in turn, can cause coughing with phlegm or pus and difficulty breathing in patients. Here, we look at the common causes, symptoms, types, and treatment options for pneumonia to help manage the ailment better. Causes The condition mainly results from viruses or bacteria: Viral pneumonia The disorder can be caused due to viruses like the rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and other viruses that cause the flu or influenza. Viruses are responsible for one third of cases. Bacterial pneumonia The condition can be caused by various bacteria, but the most common trigger is Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacteria usually attack an immune system that is already weak, maybe due to a fever, cold, or another illness. While it can affect anyone, people with unhealthy habits are at higher risk of contracting this bacteria. Mycoplasma pneumonia Often called atypical pneumonia, this is a mild but wildly spread pneumonia caused by the Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria. It can affect people of all age groups. Symptoms The signs include chest pain while breathing or coughing, fatigue, fever with sweats and shaking chills, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, cough with phlegm, and shortness of breath.

Blood donation is an important part of healthcare, as it enables blood transfusion—a treatment option that can sustain and save lives. Data suggests that there are 11 million donors in the country, and over 11.5 million units of blood are collected in a year. Before the process begins, each donor is asked questions to assess the risk of bloodborne infections. Blood can be donated every 56 days and up to six times a year. Eligibility criteria One must meet the following criteria to be eligible to donate blood: One must be fit and healthy on the day of the blood donation. Depending on state law, one should be at least 16 or 17 years old. Some states enable legal minors to donate with parental approval. Although there is no legal maximum age, donor facilities may have different policies. You must weigh a minimum of 110 pounds. You must be able to pass the health history and physical exams. Benefits Blood donation can benefit both the recipients and the donors. Some of the key benefits of blood donation are: Contributing to society: The only way to supplement blood loss is through donated human blood. Donating blood is seen as a noble cause, as it can help in the treatment of cancer, bleeding disorders, sickle cell anemia, and genetic blood abnormalities.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that causes certain bones in the spines to fuse. So, people with the condition experience decline in flexibility, a hunched posture, and even chronic lower back pain. Sometimes, if the ribs are affected, it may also become difficult to breathe. The onset is usually observed in one’s mid-20s and may also result in the overproduction of calcium, resulting in increased stiffness. Here is everything to know about the condition: Understanding spondylitis and its types Spondylitis is a broad term for chronic arthritis-type diseases affecting joints and bones. It involves the inflammation of tendons, joints, and ligaments. Based on symptoms and affected areas, spondylitis can also be broadly divided into two types: Axial spondylitis, which covers pain in the hips and spine, and peripheral spondylitis, which covers pain in peripheral joints and tendons, excluding the spine. The common types of spondylitis are ankylosing spondylitis, enteropathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, juvenile spondylitis, and undifferentiated spondylitis. Ankylosing spondylitis (or AS) is one of the most common types of spondylitis, with inflammation as the primary symptom. It usually develops in the spine but can also affect the eyes. Symptoms of AS The symptoms of the inflammatory disease can differ from one person to the other.

Non-small cell lung cancer, also referred to as NSCLC, is the most common type of lung cancer. The condition occurs due to an abnormal genetic mutation when a typically healthy cell turns cancerous, then multiples and infects nearby tissues. It can also be triggered due to exposure to air pollution and asbestos, a natural mineral fiber. Learning about its types, early signs, stages, and treatments can help manage the disorder better. Symptoms Coughing up blood, mucus, or phlegm is a common early sign of this health condition. In addition, patients may experience chronic fatigue, breathing issues, loss of appetite, and hoarseness of voice. If the tumor has spread to the lungs’ lining, one can also experience chest pain. Those who experience these symptoms must consult a doctor immediately. Types The three most common types of NSCLC are: Adenocarcinoma It develops in the outer layers of one’s lungs in the mucus-secreting cells. Adenocarcinoma more commonly affects women than men. Squamous cell carcinoma This condition typically affects the central part of the lungs. It impacts the flat cells lining the major airways, such as the left or right bronchus. Large cell lung carcinoma This type of NSCLC can start in any region of the lungs.