Tips to relieve sinus issues

Breathe humidified air. One of the best ways to relieve sinus problems is to keep a humidifier in your bedroom or other rooms where you spend a lot of time. Air that is dry can irritate your sinuses. By keeping the air moist, it can help to reduce congestion. It may also be helpful to simply inhale some of the steam about two to four times a day.

Breathe moist air from the shower. Another way to relieve sinus congestion is to breathe in the steam from a hot shower. Try sitting in the bathroom or shower with the door closed and the shower running. Make sure the water is hot so that a lot of steam is created. In just a few minutes, you should be able to breathe again.

Avoid areas where people smoke or where there are harsh chemicals. Things like harsh cleaning products, paints, hair spray, perfumes, and especially cigarette smoking can irritate your sinuses. Make sure to stay away from people, whether it be strangers, friends or family who smoke. Don’t allow smoking in your home either. When shopping, look for safe cleaning products that are unscented. These are less likely to contain the harsh chemicals that can create or further complicate a sinus problem.

Drink more water. If you have sinus problems, drink more water. You can also try juice and hot tea. Drinking more of these will help thin out mucus and encourage drainage. Be careful not to drink too much caffeine though. Drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol can be dehydrating. And alcohol can actually make sinus swelling worse. Aim for eight or more 8-ounce glasses of water or other drinks each day.

Try nasal irrigation. Nasal irrigation is also called nasal lavage or nasal wash. This can help keep your sinuses clear. It involves using a mild sterile saline solution to flush out the thickened mucus and allergens causing your sinus congestion.

Do you have back pain?

Back pain is one of the most common complaints. Fortunately, most back pain can be resolved. On the other hand, back pain can also be one of the most difficult and frustrating problems to treat. It is important to understand what causes back pain to get the proper treatment.

Causes of back pain

·       Lumbar muscle strain. Muscle strains are the most common cause of low back pain.

·       Ruptured disc. A ruptured intervertebral disc, also called a herniated disc, is another common cause of back pain.

·       Discogenic back pain. Cause of low back pain; result of damage to the intervertabral disc, but without having a disc herniation.

·       Spinal stenosis. Causes back pain in older people. As we age, the spinal canal can become constricted, due in part to arthritis and other conditions.

·       Lumbar spine arthritis. Arthritis of the spine can cause back pain with movement.

·       Spondylolisthesis. Causes back pain because adjacent vertebra become unstable. Caused by degenerative changes causing loss of the normal stabilizing structures of the spinal column.

·       Osteoporosis. Most commonly related to compression fractures of the vertebra.

See a doctor if:

• Your back pain persists beyond a few days
• Your back pain awakens you at night
• Your have difficulty controlling your bowels or bladder
• You have a fever, chills, sweats, or other signs of infection
• Any other unusual symptoms

Treatment for back pain

·       Nonsurgical treatment

·       Alternative treatment

·       Spine surgery

Heart attack: what it feels like

Heart disease includes coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. It occurs when the arteries become clogged. This happens where there is a buildup of plaque that narrows your heart's arteries, making it harder for blood to pass through. Most people don't even know they have heart disease until they have a heart attack. A common warning sign is frequent chest pain called angina.

What does a heart attack feel like?

• Weakness, anxiety, or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest
• Nausea, indigestion, or heartburn
• Fast or irregular heartbeats
• Discomfort spreading to the back, jaw, throat, or arm

 Heart disease key statistics

·       Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States.

·       In the United States, someone has a heart attack every 34 seconds. Every 60 seconds, someone in the United States dies from a heart disease-related event.

·       About 720,000 people in the U.S. suffer heart attacks each year. Of these, 515,000 are a first heart attack and 205,000 happen in people who have already had a heart attack.

·       It is the leading cause of death for people of most racial/ethnic groups in the United States, including African Americans, Hispanics and Whites. For Asian Americans or Pacific Islanders and American Indians or Alaska Natives, heart disease is second only to cancer.

·       Coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease, killing nearly 380,000 people annually.

Treatment for sinus infection

A sinus infection is also known as sinusitis. The sinuses are responsible for filtering and humidifying the air we inhale. When we are healthy, our sinus secretions are always moving and draining into the nasal cavity. However, when the movement of those secretions is blocked or mucus is thickened, sinusitis can occur. Sinusitis is a painful inflammation of the sinuses. It is estimated that sinusitis affects up to 20 percent of people at some point. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or other factors.

Symptoms include drainage of a thick, yellow or greenish discharge from the nose or down the back of the throat, nasal obstruction or congestion, causing difficulty breathing through your nose, pain, tenderness and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead, or a reduced sense of smell and taste, ear pain, aching in your upper jaw and teeth, cough, which may be worse at night, sore throat, bad breath (aka halitosis), fatigue or irritability, or nausea.

Treatment options

·       Medications. Medications used to treat sinusitis and sinus infections include analgesics for pain, decongestants, saline nasal irrigation, and intranasal corticosteroids.

·       Neti pots. Nasal irrigation with saline solutions or salt water offer a safe and inexpensive treatment option for sinusitis symptom relief in both adults and children, especially in chronic or frequent sinusitis. Rinsing the nose with a solution of salt water can soften nasal secretions and clear out mucus.

·       Decongestants. Many people find decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) helpful in reducing pressure and pain. Decongestants reduce sinus swelling and encourage mucus to drain into the nose. The best option is usually a nasal spray decongestant. Topical decongestants should not be used for longer than three days because they can cause rebound congestion.

·       Antibiotics. Not used to treat sinusitis as much anymore. This is cecause most cases of viral sinusitis resolve without treatment, and bacterial infection occurs in only a very small number of cases. They are only often recommended for adults or children who suffer from acute bacterial sinusitis.

·       Surgery. Surgery is sometimes used to treat chronic sinusitis that persists, recurrent acute sinusitis, or when acute bacterial sinusitis does not respond to antibiotic treatment. The goals of surgery are to improve drainage and the passage of air through the sinuses, and to remove unwanted debris. Types of surgery include:

o   Functional endoscopic sinus surgery: the main type of sinusitis surgery.

o   Facial ultrasound: can also be effective for relieving pain and congestion associated with acute bacterial sinusitis.

o   Adenoidectomy (removal of the adenoids) or adeno-tonsillectomy (removal of the adenoids and the tonsils): sometimes used in children to improve symptoms of chronic sinusitis.

Odd symptoms you should know about

Dry white patches on your tongue. If you have dry white patches which appear in odd shapes on your tongue, this could be a sign of celiac disease. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes your body to attack itself when you ingest gluten. You may also have celiac disease if you have diarrhea, fatigue, vomiting, or weight loss.

Frequent urination. Frequent urination is a common early symptom of type 2 diabetes. When your kidneys have a hard time managing blood sugar, they try excrete it in your urine. Frequent urination is also causes dehydration which is another early symptom of diabetes.

Chronic hiccups. Chronic hiccupping is when you can't stop hiccupping for 48 hours or longer. If this is the case, it could be a sign of lung or esophageal cancers or stroke. Your central nervous system controls hiccupping, and brain issues and some types of cancer affect that system.

Frequent chills. We often feel chilly during the winter, however if you often feel cold even during the summer, that may be a sign of an underactive thyroid gland. An underactive thyroid can limit your body's energy burning and heat-producing functions.

Lumps under your skin. Lumps that appear firm under your skin may be the first symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. These lumps are composed of tissue and can grow quite large, but usually don’t hurt. They usually appear near your joints, especially in your hands and near your elbows.

A craving for ice. Craving ice may indicate you are anemic, which is due to an iron deficiency. This may be associated with the tongue pain or swelling that can occur when you are anemic.

Iron-deficiency anemia – what it is, how to treat it

The most common nutritional deficiency in the world is iron deficiency anemia.  The number of people with this condition is estimated at 2 billion – over 30% of the world’s population – primarily affecting women and children.  If it occurs, it can be treated reducing any long-term health effects.

What is iron-deficiency anemia?

Iron-deficiency anemia is a condition in which the body doesn’t have enough iron to produce a protein called hemoglobin.  Hemoglobin is the part of red blood cells giving blood its red color and allows blood to carry oxygenated blood to the cells of the body which is necessary for muscles and tissue to perform effectively. 

Causes of iron-deficiency anemia

There are numerous reason why a person may develop iron deficiency anemia.  Many people may have it without knowing it or have symptoms but not realize what is causing them.  Causes include:

·      Blood loss during menstruation or pregnancy

Women with heavy menstrual cycles each month or excessive blood loss during childbirth can be a common cause for women in the child-bearing years.

·      Infants and children

Babies born prematurely or with a low birth weight (less than 5.5 lbs) or who don’t get enough iron from breastmilk or formula can be at an increased risk.  Older children who are picky eaters or are not eating a varied diet will be at a greater risk particularly during growth spurts where extra iron is needed.

·      Diet lacking sufficient iron intake

Not eating enough iron over a long time can bring about a shortage in the body.  Vegetarians who don’t eat any meat or other iron-rich foods can have a greater risk. Elderly people who have poor appetites are also at risk.

·      Internal bleeding

Excessive or prolonged internal bleeding from an ulcer or using a pain reliever such as aspirin causing bleeding in the stomach can be a cause of iron deficiency anemia.

·      Reduced ability to absorb iron

      There can be many situations where a person may not be absorbing enough iron –    

      intestinal surgeries, celiac disease, gastric bypass surgery, all can lower the amount of

      iron absorbed.                 

·      Donating blood frequently

Giving blood can deplete iron stores if it’s done on a routine basis.  Hemoglobin levels are always checked before a blood donation and you are only allowed to give blood if the stores are adequate. 

·      Hookworm infection

In other parts of the developing world, hookworms can be a problem when people walk barefoot on soil infested with the larvae of hookworms.  Hookworms live in the lumen of the small intestine where they attach to the intestinal wall resulting in chronic blood loss leading to anemia and malnutrition. 

Symptoms

Often the symptoms can be very mild as to go unnoticed but once the body stores of iron become more depleted, symptoms will begin to become more apparent:

·      Extreme fatigue

·      Pale skin

·      Weakness

·      Shortness of breath

·      Headache

·      Dizziness or lightheadedness

·      Cold hands and feet

·      Brittle nails

·      Fast heartbeat

·      Unusual craving for nonfood substances also known as pica – may include cravings for ice, dirt, laundry starch or other nonfood items.

·      Poor appetite

·      Frequent infections

·      Restless leg syndrome

Complications from iron deficiency anemia

Several health problems can occur if anemia is left untreated:

·      Pregnant women are at risk of delivering a premature or low birth weight baby.

·      Infants and children can have delayed growth and brain development along with an increased risk of infections.

·      Can affect the heart by leading to a rapid or irregular heartbeat which can lead to an enlarged heart or heart failure since the heart has to pump more blood to make up for the lack of oxygen in the blood. 

Treating iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is easily treated but treatment needs to begin as soon as possible once it is discovered.  Here’s how it is treated:

·      Iron supplements.  These are usually over-the-counter and may need to be taken for several months.  Infants and small children will be given a liquid form.  Absorption of iron pills is increased if taken on an empty stomach unless it causes an upset stomach which then it can be taken with a meal.  Avoid taking an antacid with an iron supplement as it will interfere with the absorption.  Iron pills should be taken with a good source of vitamin C as vitamin C helps improve the absorption of iron. Drinking a small glass of orange juice when you take the iron pill is advised. 

 ·      Iron supplements may cause side effects such as constipation, dark stools, stomach irritation and heartburn.  A stool softener may need to be taken to help with constipation.

·      Eat more iron rich foods.  The best source of iron is heme iron which is found in animal foods.  Our body absorbs iron better (20-30%) from animal sources as opposed to plant sources or iron. 

Animal sources of iron that are better absorbed include:

*red meat especially beef and liver

*chicken and turkey

*fish and shellfish

*pork

Plant sources of iron contain nonheme iron which is not as well absorbed (1-10%).  Plant sources include:

*Iron-fortified breakfast cereals and bread

*Peas, lentils, beans such as red, kidney, pinto and soybeans

*Dried fruit such as prunes, raisins, and apricots

*Spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables

*Tofu

*Prune juice

·      Include a vitamin C rich food at each meal.  Vitamin C not only helps absorb iron from an iron supplement but also food sources of iron.  Vitamin C rich foods include citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, also kiwi fruit, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage, potatoes, peppers, spinach and other leafy green vegetables. 

.      Compounds called phytates and tannins can interfere with the absorption of iron.  Phytates are found in whole grains, bran and soy products and will bind with iron carrying it on out the body.  Tannins are found in black tea and some grains and also reduce absorption of iron.  It is advised to not drink tea with a meal.

Treatment for sinus infection

A sinus infection is also known as sinusitis. The sinuses are responsible for filtering and humidifying the air we inhale. When we are healthy, our sinus secretions are always moving and draining into the nasal cavity. However, when the movement of those secretions is blocked or mucus is thickened, sinusitis can occur. Sinusitis is a painful inflammation of the sinuses. It is estimated that sinusitis affects up to 20 percent of people at some point. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or other factors.

Symptoms include drainage of a thick, yellow or greenish discharge from the nose or down the back of the throat, nasal obstruction or congestion, causing difficulty breathing through your nose, pain, tenderness and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead, or a reduced sense of smell and taste, ear pain, aching in your upper jaw and teeth, cough, which may be worse at night, sore throat, bad breath (aka halitosis), fatigue or irritability, or nausea.

Treatment options

·       Medications. Medications used to treat sinusitis and sinus infections include analgesics for pain, decongestants, saline nasal irrigation, and intranasal corticosteroids.

·       Neti pots. Nasal irrigation with saline solutions or salt water offer a safe and inexpensive treatment option for sinusitis symptom relief in both adults and children, especially in chronic or frequent sinusitis. Rinsing the nose with a solution of salt water can soften nasal secretions and clear out mucus.

·       Decongestants. Many people find decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) helpful in reducing pressure and pain. Decongestants reduce sinus swelling and encourage mucus to drain into the nose. The best option is usually a nasal spray decongestant. Topical decongestants should not be used for longer than three days because they can cause rebound congestion.

·       Antibiotics. Not used to treat sinusitis as much anymore. This is cecause most cases of viral sinusitis resolve without treatment, and bacterial infection occurs in only a very small number of cases. They are only often recommended for adults or children who suffer from acute bacterial sinusitis.

·       Surgery. Surgery is sometimes used to treat chronic sinusitis that persists, recurrent acute sinusitis, or when acute bacterial sinusitis does not respond to antibiotic treatment. The goals of surgery are to improve drainage and the passage of air through the sinuses, and to remove unwanted debris. Types of surgery include:

o   Functional endoscopic sinus surgery: the main type of sinusitis surgery.

o   Facial ultrasound: can also be effective for relieving pain and congestion associated with acute bacterial sinusitis.

o   Adenoidectomy (removal of the adenoids) or adeno-tonsillectomy (removal of the adenoids and the tonsils): sometimes used in children to improve symptoms of chronic sinusitis.

What Drugs Can Affect Your Kidneys

Our kidneys function by removing wastes and extra water from the body.  They are a pair of organs at the back of the abdomen, and each kidney roughly the size of a fist.  You can think of your kidneys as your own personal filtration system, where the blood in our bodies filters through the multiple times per day.  Aside from filtering your blood, the kidneys remove waste, control the body's fluid balance, and regulate the balance of electrolytes. They help regulate blood pressure and direct red blood cell production.  As the kidneys filter blood, they create urine, which collects in the kidneys and drain down funnel-like tubes called ureters to the bladder.

When the kidneys to be unable to function or remove waste properly from the blood then this control of fluid balance in the body is compromised.  One of the ways to damage your kidneys or keep them from performing their job is by adding high levels of toxins into your body.  This can be through the things you eat and drink, but can also be through the use of drugs and alcohol.  This can cause abnormal levels of waste build up in the blood, and lead to swelling of the kidneys. Putting your kidneys under this continued stress can cause scarring and permanent damage to the kidneys. It can also potentially cause end-stage renal disease. People with end-stage renal disease need to be treated with dialysis, which is regular filtering of the body’s waste. They may also need a kidney transplant so that at least one kidney is working properly.

Drugs that cause kidney damage:

1.     Heroin:  Additives in heroin do not readily dissolve and can clog blood vessels leading to vital organs like the kidneys.  This can cause infection or damage to patches of cells within the kidney and even cause kidney failure.  

2.     Inhalants: Inhalants are highly toxic, and can cause cell death and significant damage to the kidneys.

3.     MDMA (Ecstasy): Can cause hyperthermia, which can lead to muscle breakdown and kidney failure

4.     PCP: PCP, or angel dust, is highly toxic and can induce kidney failure in just one large dose.  An overdose can cause problems with muscle breakdown, and lead to kidney blockages from the accumulation of this metabolic waste.

Quick Tips to keep your kidneys healthy:

·       Drink more water

·       Eat less processed foods

·       Exercise regularly

·       Avoid overuse of prescription and over the counter drugs

·       Avoid toxins like drugs and alcohol where you can

·       If you think you are experiencing a kidney problem, get tested

o   Tests include: urinalysis, glomerular filtration rate blood test, albumin-to-creatinine ratio urine test

Decreasing Risk of Osteoporosis in Men

Osteoporosis – the brittle bone disease – is often regarded as more of a “woman’s disease.”  We seldom hear of the toll this “silent disease” has on men, yet worldwide, approximately one in five men aged 50 years or older will break a bone due to osteoporosis.  Each year, October 20th is designated as World Osteoporosis Day launching a year-long campaign dedicated to raising global awareness of the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this disease.  This year the focus is on men and their risk of developing osteoporosis.  With an ever-aging population, the rate of osteoporosis will continue to rise.  Education is the key to prevent this disease before it ever has a chance to start.

What is Osteoporosis?

The word osteoporosis literally means “porous bone” and is a disease in which the bones become weak, brittle and more likely to break.  The breaks often occur in the hip, spine and wrist.  It’s nicknamed the “silent disease” as it generally has few if any symptoms.  The loss of bone occurs gradually over the years until the bone is so thin and weak that even a minor injury can result in a fracture. 

How does Osteoporosis affect men?

Even though more women are affected by osteoporosis – more than 80 percent affected are women – men are still at risk of developing this disease.  Men should be aware and take preventative action early in life to avoid the debilitating affects it can have on the body.  Here are some facts from the International Osteoporosis Foundation on how it affects men:

·      One-third of all hip fractures worldwide occur in men.

·      Men over the age of 50 are more likely to break a bone due to osteoporosis than to develop prostate cancer.

·      In the United States in 2005, almost 595,000 fractures occurred in men aged 50 years or older of which 74,000 were hip fractures.  Osteoporosis affects more than two million men in the United States. 

·      Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer and glucocorticoid treatment, used for many other conditions, are two of the most common causes of secondary osteoporosis in men

·      Men are twice as likely to die when compared to women of a hip fracture, with a mortality rate as high as 37% in the first year following a fracture.

·      Due to an aging population, the prevalence of osteoporosis and low bone mass is expected to increase.  By 2020, one in two Americans over age 50 is expected to have or be at risk of developing osteoporosis of the hip.

Why do men develop osteoporosis?

We all know women are naturally at a higher risk of osteoporosis due to their gender, ethnicity, their smaller body size and hormonal influences.  Regardless of gender, nearly half of all people over the age of 75 are affected by osteoporosis.  Men have certain risk factors that also place them at risk of thinning bones:

·      Poor lifestyle habits – low levels of vitamin D and calcium intake as well as increasingly sedentary lifestyles all have an impact on reaching peak bone mass.

·      Calcium intakes in adolescent boys reported levels of only 60% of country-specific requirements.

·      Excessive alcohol consumption (more than two drinks a day) is associated with a 38% increased risk of having a fracture and a 68% increased risk of a hip fracture.

·      Smoking is associated with a significantly increased risk of broken bones: 29% increased risk of any fragility fracture; 68% increased risk of a hip fracture.

·      Low levels of testosterone. 

Steps men can take to prevent osteoporosis

Men can begin early in life to prevent or at least lessen the likelihood of ever developing osteoporosis.  Listed below are the areas men should pay attention to throughout their life:

·      Diet

Your diet plays a prominent role in the prevention and progression of the rate of bone loss over the years.  Maintaining a lifelong, well-balanced diet that includes foods rich in many pivotal nutrients is one of the best protective factors against osteoporosis. 

Our skeleton is an active organ, made up of tissue and cells in a constant state of activity throughout our lives.  There are three phases of bone development that coincide with age: growth, modeling and remodeling.  During the majority of adulthood, we are in the remodeling phase with bone resorption and formation constantly occurring. 

 Consuming a diet rich in nutrients throughout our adult lives will have an essential role in bone health.  Here are the nutrients along with food sources to eat daily:

 Nutrient

 Food Sources

 Amount needed by men daily

Why they’re important for bone health

Calcium

Milk, yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, broccoli, bok choy, collard greens

 Age 19-50 – 1000 mg

Age 51 and up – 1200 mg

Helps build and maintain bone health.  Bones contain 99.5% if total calcium in the body

Vitamin D

Vitamin-D fortified milk, egg yolks, fatty fish, sunlight

Age 19-70 – 600 IU or 15 mcg

Age 70 and up – 800 IU or 20 mcg

Helps the body absorb calcium depositing it into the bone

Vitamin K

Kale, spinach, mustard greens, broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, okra

 120 mcg

Necessary for calcium to build bone, leading to greater bone density and less fractures

Magnesium

Nuts, seeds, fish, beans, whole grains, avocados, yogurt, bananas, dark chocolate

19-30 – 400 mg

31 and up – 420 mg

Involved in bone formation and affects hormonal concentrations that regulate bone homeostasis

Zinc

Wheat germ, beef, liver, pork, pumpkin seeds, lentils, tofu, oysters

11 mg

Co-factor in the stimulation of bone-building osteoblasts and mineralization

The mineral calcium has often taken center stage as being a star nutrient in helping decrease the risk of osteoporosis.  Dairy foods such as milk contain the bone building nutrients of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus.  Visit the National Milk Life campaign for additional information on how to incorporate dairy foods into your diet.

·      Smoking

The damage smoking does to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems is well-known.  But what isn’t as common knowledge is how cigarettes can be harmful to the bones.  Smoking cigarettes interferes with calcium absorption and can lead to thinning of the bones.  If a man smokes and does not obtain adequate calcium through his food choices, this will set him up for developing osteoporosis.

·      Excessive alcohol

Drinking alcohol can affect the amount of calcium absorbed and stored in the bones.  Anyone regularly consuming 2-3 ounces of alcohol each day will be increasing their risk of osteoporosis.  If a man is an alcoholic, his damaged liver will not produce the enzyme needed to convert vitamin D to its active form in order to absorb calcium.  Alcoholics also do not absorb fat as well which is necessary to absorb calcium and vitamin D.  When calcium levels are reduced, parathyroid levels increase inhibiting the production of osteoblasts which are bone-producing cells.  Another hormone that increases in alcoholics is cortisol which can decrease bone formation and increase the breakdown of bone.  On top of these changes, alcohol’s effect on the central nervous system puts them at a greater risk of fracture-causing falls and accidents.

·      Certain medications

A prolonged use of certain medications can lead to loss of bone mass.  Such medications include glucocorticoids, used to treat arthritis, lupus, asthma, Crohn’s disease and other conditions; certain anti-seizure drugs; some cancer treatments, antacids that contain aluminum, and excessive thyroid hormone.  Always consult with your physician about the risks and benefits of medications you are taking. 

 Osteoporosis can be prevented or at least slowed down.  The more men practice the suggestions in this article, the more he can enjoy an active lifestyle without the debilitating consequences of a fracture or thinning bones. 

How to prevent hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are actually more common than people think. Did you know that millions of Americans suffer from hemorrhoids every year? They are most common among people over the age of 50. By this age, about half of adults experience symptoms of hemorrhoids such as itching, bleeding, and discomfort which often indicates they are present. With the proper treatment, most hemorrhoid symptoms clear up within a few days.

Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins that appear on the anus and lower rectum. They often develop when a person strains during bowel movements or is constipated, or when women experiences increased pressure on the veins during pregnancy. Hemorrhoids can be internal or external. They may appear inside the rectum (internal) or under the skin around the anus (external). Both types of hemorrhoids can cause anal pain, bleeding, itching, or a hard lump near the anus.

The signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids depends on where they occur. Because internal hemorrhoids lie inside the rectum, you usually won’t feel or see these types of hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids occur under the skin around the anus and with these types of hemorrhoids a person is much more likely to experience discomfort from symptoms. When external hemorrhoids become irritated either by straining or when passing a stool, they can bleed and itch. In some cases, a blood clot can form as a result of blood building up around the external hemorrhoids which can cause inflammation, swelling, and pain.

Signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids may include painless bleeding during bowel movements, itching or irritation in your anal region, pain or discomfort, swelling around your anus, a lump near your anus which may be sensitive or painful, or leakage of feces.

Hemorrhoids can be treated either with medications, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery.

How to prevent hemorrhoids:

• Keep stool soft
• Eat foods high in fiber
• Drink lots of water
• Consider fiber supplements
• Try not to strain when trying to pass stool
• Use the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge to go
• Get physical exercise
• Try not to sit for long periods of time

What you need to know about Vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin deficiency anemia occurs where there is a lack of healthy red blood cells which is caused by lower than normal amounts of certain vitamins. Vitamins that are linked to vitamin deficiency anemia include folate, vitamin B-12 and vitamin C. Vitamin deficiency anemia can also occur if your body has trouble absorbing or processing these vitamins. Almost fifteen percent of the U.S. population has vitamin B12 deficiency. 

B vitamins are important because they maintain our nerves and brain cells and are used up in converting food into energy in the body. Salmon, among other fish, is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids and B vitamins. It's important that your diet has a heavy amount of B12. It's especially important if one suffers from anxiety and can have trouble sleeping. Serotonin is vital in the regulation of mood, appetite and sleep. 

Vitamin B12 generates DNA and red blood cells. A vitamin B12 deficiency may start as fatigue, weight loss, constipation, and loss of appetite. If not treated, lack of vitamin B12 can lead to nerve damage, tingling and weakness in hands and feet, problems with balance, confusion, and depression. This type of deficiency causes anemia in the body, which means the body doesn't have enough red blood cells. People over 65 and vegans are more likely to develop vitamin B12 deficiency, since animal products are where most of the vitamin comes from. 

Certain conditions include Crohn's disease, celiac disease, pernicious anemia, alcoholism and make it hard for the body to absorb enough of the vitamin. Lack of this essential vitamin can cause fatigue, and even in some severe cases paralysis and nerve damage.  Treatment with a balanced diet or B12 supplements or shots brings levels back to normal.

What causes a vitamin B12 deficiency? There are a number of things that may cause a vitamin B12 deficiency including: atrophic gastritis, in which your stomach lining has thinned, pernicious anemia, which makes it hard for your body to absorb vitamin B12, surgery that removed part of your stomach or small intestine, including weight loss surgery, conditions affecting the small intestine, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, bacterial growth, or a parasite, heavy drinking, immune system disorders, such as Graves' disease or lupus, and long-term use of acid-reducing drugs. Stomach acids help break down animal proteins that have vitamin B12.

Depending on what causes low levels of vitamin B12, treatment may include eating a more balanced diet, vitamin B12 supplements, vitamin B12 injections, and avoiding alcohol.