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.

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.

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.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a health condition that affects about 30% of people affected by psoriasis, bringing the number of patients in the country to around 2 million. Just like psoriasis causes inflammation of the skin, Psoriatic arthritis results in inflammation of the joints. The best way to manage this condition is a combination of medical treatment and lifestyle changes. Here are some essential management tips necessary to manage psoriatic arthritis and reduce flare-ups: Treatment options Doctors might have to go through various treatment plans since finding one that suits the patient isn’t easy. That said, there are some options that show substantial results and are commonly prescribed. These include the following. OTEZLA® Approved by the FDA, OTEZLA® is a prescription treatment option for patients with psoriatic arthritis. It acts by inhibiting the phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) enzyme that is the cause of the increased inflammatory response of the body. Regular use of OTEZLA® has proven beneficial for patients and can be combined with phototherapy or topical treatments. RINVOQ® RINVOQ® is an oral treatment option for active psoriatic arthritis patients. Doctors usually prescribe this treatment option when patients fail to respond to one or more tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. It is an oral treatment option used for adult PsA patients only. Foods to eat and avoid Omega 3 helps lower inflammation in the body and improves bone health. Some foods that need to be included in regular meals are salmon, walnuts, and seeds. Fruits and vegetable portions also need to be increased as they provide the body with necessary nutrients and have anti-inflammatory properties. Similarly, foods with inflammatory properties can contribute to the worsening of symptoms in patients with PsA. These include foods like dairy and dairy products, sugar, processed meat, red meat, fried foods, and processed food products. Lowering the intake of these food groups can show improvement in the patient’s condition.

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.