Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative condition that affects the macula—the small central area of the retina responsible for central vision. The condition is the leading cause of vision loss in those over 50 and is a significant public health issue. Despite its prevalence, there are still many myths and misconceptions about the condition that prevent others from understanding the risks, symptoms, prevention, and management of age-related macular degeneration. Symptoms Early signs of AMD include a sudden change in vision, such as more blurriness or distortion than usual. One may also experience difficulty reading fine print or recognizing faces at a close distance. As the disease progresses, one may lose peripheral vision and eventually be unable to see anything beyond 20 feet (6 meters). Other symptoms include loss of eyesight in one or both eyes, change in color perception, and trouble driving or walking at night due to poor visibility at dusk and dawn. Common myths about AMD The condition is rare There are many myths about the disease, but one of the most prevalent one is that the condition is rare. However, millions of people experience some form of age-related macular degeneration, i.e., it affects nearly 1 in 10 people over the age of 50.

Excessive sugar intake has been linked to several health problems, including high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). If one is worried about their sugar intake, this is a common concern, and over time, there has been a growing emphasis on limiting sugar. This is possible by making minor changes to daily meals and lifestyle, helping one lower the risk of developing serious health problems. So, here are some practical ways to cut down on sugar: What is hyperglycemia? Hyperglycemia is a condition in which one’s blood sugar levels are abnormally high. There are two main types of hyperglycemia: fasting hyperglycemia and postprandial hyperglycemia. Fasting hyperglycemia is when the blood sugar level is higher than 125–130mg/dL after not eating for 8 hours or more. Postprandial hyperglycemia develops when the blood sugar level is higher than 180 mg/dL about 1–2 hours after a meal. People with high blood sugar might experience symptoms like headache, blurred vision, thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. Causes High blood sugar is a common problem that can lead to diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its cells, leading to insulin resistance and eventually diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is more commonly the result of lifestyle factors, such as poor eating habits and a lack of exercise.

Kidney disease is a severe health condition that can lead to kidney failure. The organ helps to refine and remove waste products from the blood. When kidney disease occurs, it can damage different organs of the body and lead to serious health problems. This condition causes toxins to accumulate in the blood, causing kidney damage and impairing their function, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. What are the causes of kidney disease? High blood pressure Elevated blood pressure can damage the kidneys over time by causing them to lose their ability to filter toxins and fluids from the bloodstream properly. Diabetes Diabetes increases your risk for kidney disease because it damages the blood vessels in your body, including those that supply blood to the kidneys. Pyelonephritis (a type of urinary tract infection) This can cause inflammation and scarring in the renal tissue, leading to kidney failure. Vesicoureteral reflux This is when urine backs up into the ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the bladder to the outside world. It often leads to renal failure if it’s not treated on time. Interstitial nephritis This is an inflammation of the kidney cells that results in decreased function or even loss of kidney function over time.

A healthy kidney function is pivotal for maintaining good health. Every thirty minutes, they filter the blood and remove excess fluids, poisons, and waste from the body. Kidneys also produce vital hormones and control blood pressure. Every one in seven adults in the country suffers from kidney disease, which impairs kidney function. Consequently, excess waste and fluid accumulate in the body. It might cause several health problems like stroke and heart disease. Read on to know more. Causes Acute kidney disease If the kidney suddenly stops functioning, the doctors refer to it as acute renal failure or kidney injury. Its primary causes are: Urine backing up in the kidneys Not enough blood flow to the kidneys Direct kidney damage These things may happen when: A woman experiences pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and eclampsia. One undergoes a traumatic injury involving blood loss, like a car accident. A person inhales toxins that cause damage to the kidney. One has kidney stones or an enlarged prostate that hinders urine flow. One gets into shock because of sepsis. Muscle tissue breaks down, or one is severely dehydrated, which sends excessive kidney-toxic protein into the bloodstream. One has an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body.

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a skin disease that causes significant discomfort. The dry and itchy skin can make life difficult for those who suffer from the condition. Hence, this article will discuss everything one needs to know about atopic dermatitis. It will discuss AD’s symptoms, triggers, and management. Therefore, this information is vital to help manage the condition if you or anyone you know has atopic dermatitis. What is atopic dermatitis? Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that can cause intense itching and inflammation. It is most prevalent in children but can arise at any age. It often runs in families and may be aggravated by environmental factors such as stress, cold weather, and harsh chemicals. It can also be debilitating, causing immense physical discomfort and psychological distress. Flares (episodes of intense symptoms) are common with atopic dermatitis. However, remission (when the symptoms are milder than usual) usually lasts for several months but can last for years in some cases. Symptoms If you’re experiencing the following symptoms, you likely have atopic dermatitis (AD). AD is a chronic skin condition that can be highly frustrating, as it often involves recurring episodes of eczema or dermatitis involving both dry and wet phases.

Eczema is a condition where one’s skin develops rashes and rough, dry patches that are often itchy. Eczema is triggered by an immune system response to certain irritants. However, genes and environmental factors can also increase the risk of developing this skin disease. While the condition is not contagious, it does not have a permanent cure. Nevertheless, eczema symptoms can be managed by making a few lifestyle changes and using remedies and treatment options.  Tips for managing eczema The main reason for an eczema flare-up is being exposed to certain allergens or irritants. So, recognizing and avoiding the triggers can help one manage their condition. Here are a few tips for managing skin disease:  Consider switching laundry detergents Laundry detergents are usually loaded with strong chemicals that help clean the clothes and remove stains. However, these chemicals can be left behind on clothes, damaging the skin. So, if one is dealing with stubborn eczema symptoms that are not easily managed, they should consider changing the detergent and opting for milder alternatives. One should also consider rinsing the clothes with plain water after washing them with detergent to get rid of soap residue. This can help reduce the risk of skin irritation.

Skin diseases such as eczema can affect people of any age. Dermatitis is another name for this inflammatory skin condition. There are many types, some of which can turn out bad. In a mild condition, the skin becomes hot, itchy, and dry; however, in a severe condition, the skin may get patchy, rough, and even bleed. The skin’s dryness is its primary issue. It is not contagious but can sometimes make you feel under-confident. How widespread is eczema? More than 31 million people in the country have an eczema skin disease. Eczema is more common in infants, affecting 10% to 20%. However, nearly half of all infants diagnosed with eczema improve significantly or outgrow the condition. Eczema – Fact check Eczema does not spread. It is a genetic skin disease. Eczema affects baby girls more than boys. Winter is when eczema gets worse. Ninety percent of people with eczema are under the age of five. What triggers the onset of eczema? Constant itching, dry skin, and rashes are the first symptoms of eczema. These symptoms suggest that you were exposed to a trigger in your environment that started or exacerbated your symptoms. Identifying and avoiding environmental triggers can lower your risk of eczema flare-ups in the future.

Dental implants are false teeth or artificial tooth roots that restore a missing tooth or teeth. They are made of titanium or a titanium alloy, which is biocompatible, meaning they are safe for the body. The implant is positioned into the jawbone and allowed to fuse with the bone over several months. People get dental implants for a variety of reasons. Read on to learn about dental implants, their types, and their costs. Benefits of dental implants Once the implant integrates with the bone, it can support the restoration of a missing tooth, attached to a small metal post called an abutment placed on top of the implant. Dental implants are a popular option for patients who have lost one or more teeth due to injury, disease, or other causes because they provide a strong and stable foundation for restoration and can help to preserve the health and functioning of the surrounding teeth. Cost of dental implants Dental implant costs can vary widely depending on multiple factors, including the type of implant, the number of implants being placed, the location, and the complexity of the case. Generally, a single dental implant can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000, although prices may be higher or lower depending on the severity of the case.