Autism is a progressive cognitive disorder that primarily impacts a child’s ability to communicate and interact daily. The condition develops and progresses early on with symptoms affecting behavior and communication, impacting a child’s normal growth. Children also develop limits and deficits in the necessary social skills for bonding and emotional development. The condition has no cure, but identifying the symptoms early and planning prompt treatment can improve the long-term outlook. Slow responses and reactions Autism affects the child’s emotional development. So, what comes naturally to other children may not be the same for children who are in the early stages of this disorder. Autistic children are slow to react, hesitate to smile or laugh slowly, resist hugging or cuddling, and neglect any interest in everyday routine. The condition is imminent if babies don’t babble naturally, develop facial expressions that don’t match reactions, and avoid eye contact within the first 12 months. Social isolation After the first 12 months, toddlers and preschoolers struggle with any activity that requires an emotional connection, be it with an object or even a person. Parents must take note of their child’s preferences and interests to check if they are showing signs of distancing. Key signs include playing on their own and avoiding social contact even if another child approaches them.

An appointment with a gynecologist can be unnerving for many. Irrespective of whether you’re visiting your OB/GYN for the first or the tenth time, you’ll always find it hard to discuss issues related to the most private and intimate parts of your body. However, since health is a priority, one must keep the uneasiness aside and raise concerns. Here are a few questions one might feel embarrassed to ask a gynecologist. Is the vagina’s structure normal? Not all vaginas look the same. It is because there are several aspects that differ from one to the next. For instance, the length of the labia varies. In addition, there are variations in skin coloration and clitoral prominence. But if you are still concerned about the appearance of your vagina, you should consult your gynecologist and undergo a physical examination. Is vaginal discharge normal? You may have noticed discharge in your underwear that varies in color, thickness, and amount. It is quite normal. A healthy vaginal discharges fluids as a natural cleansing mechanism. This happens regularly, especially during the ovulation cycle right before menstruation starts. However, it is cause for concern if the discharge is excessive and smelly. It might be a sign of infection, and you need to ask your gynecologist for a diagnosis.

Bone cancer is a health condition that involves aggressive cell growth in one’s bones. It is a rare type of cancer. Most cases of stage 1 and a few stage 2 bone cancers are curable, while stage 3 is almost impossible to cure though treatments can relieve symptoms and delay the spread. Therefore, early diagnosis is important in managing the condition. A few common warning signs of bone cancer are discussed below. Swelling and redness of joints Like other kinds of cancer, bone cancer also advances through the uncontrollable multiplying of cells. When the cells aggressively create more copies of themselves, they tend to form a lump in the joints. In many cases, such lumps are clearly visible from the outside. The redness is caused by inflammation and irritation triggered by the rapid cell growth. A lump or swelling emerges after the affected area becomes painful. An example of swelling is when bone cancers form in the neck area. In such cases, a lump is formed in the back of an individual’s throat. It causes trouble in breathing and swallowing food. Movement difficulties When bone cancer metastasizes, it restricts a person’s movement in multiple ways. For example, if the tumor is present in a bone or joint, it weakens that area and makes it prone to injuries and fractures.

Nobody likes talking openly about bodily functions, especially when it comes to digestion and excretion. This is why, most people struggle to discuss issues like constipation and excessive flatulence, even with close relatives. Fortunately, a gastroenterologist’s cabin is a safe space where the healthcare expert can resolve all potentially embarrassing queries without a hint of judgment. Here are some of the most so-called embarrassing questions one can freely ask their gastroenterologist without holding back. Do I have constipation? Constipation is a very specific health issue involving hard and lumpy stools that are incredibly challenging to eject from the body. Also, someone with constipation will constantly feel that they have not evacuated their feces completely, which leads to a perpetual urge to visit the restroom for a quick pooping session. A gastroenterologist can differentiate between this and other common conditions like gas, bloating, cramps, and others in which people have less-than-smooth bowel movements or do not feel like defecating even after multiple days without doing so. Do I need a colonoscopy? Constipation is a common issue across the country. People with issues such as chronic idiopathic constipation often believe that colonoscopy is the only solution to resolve it. An experienced gastroenterologist decides whether someone needs a colonoscopy based on 4 factors:

Bone health is a crucial part of maintaining the overall health and quality of the body. It helps keep the body upright, provides support and structure, and protects all the organs inside. There are some ways to keep bones healthy and prevent damage. This includes various tips like exercising, eating the right foods, following a healthy lifestyle, and more. Let’s explore these points to understand how to improve bone health. Eat more calcium 99% of the calcium in the body is found in the bones and teeth, and every day there is a loss of calcium through processes like sweating, urine, feces, hair, nail growth, and skin. Since the body cannot produce calcium, it must be consumed outside. Always include calcium-rich foods such as milk, yogurt, and cheese in your meals daily. Powdered milk is available, which can be added to your morning cup of coffee or tea. If you are deficient in calcium, doctors may suggest taking calcium supplements which can help you improve bone health. More Vitamin D This is an essential vitamin in the body concerning calcium because if you are deficient in vitamin D, no amount of external calcium consumption will be helpful. Vitamin D helps the body to absorb the calcium eaten by you.

Leukemia is a form of cancer affecting the lymphatic system and the bone marrow – the tissue responsible for producing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets that support and promote immunity. Leukemia starts in the bone marrow and can quickly spread to other organs. Cancer compromises immunity, making it hard for the body to fight infections. Here’s a brief overview of leukemia, its causes, warning signs, and how to manage it. Risk factors and causes Leukemia develops slowly and progresses gradually, triggered by several risk factors. Repeated exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation during radiation therapy for treating other underlying health conditions Chemotherapy Exposure to strong petrochemical fumes The risk is higher for people who have immediate relatives with leukemia. Down syndrome is also a significant factor that increases the chances of leukemia. Many unhealthy lifestyle choices and habits also increase the risk of blood cancers. Signs and symptoms There are five primary types of leukemia, so the signs and symptoms will vary depending on the type, severity, and stage of the condition. Common overlapping symptoms, however, include the following- Nosebleeds Nosebleeds happen when the blood vessels in the nasal cavity burst and result in an overflow.

Lupus is a health condition that develops when the body’s immune system attacks the tissues and organs. The disease is often difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms are similar to the ones triggered by other diseases. But like most health conditions, the symptoms of autoimmune diseases like lupus can be managed with treatments. Moreover, one should also be mindful of these five factors that trigger the ailment and avoid them to manage lupus. Exposure to sunlight for long periods Sunlight is known to cause rashes and flares, which are common symptoms of lupus. Therefore, one should avoid spending too much time exposed to direct sunlight. One can also take precautions if they must stay outdoors by applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 70. The product should also contain Helioplex, an ingredient that blocks UV-A and UV-B rays, both of which are harmful to people with lupus. Carrying a hat, sunglasses and wearing clothes that cover most areas of the body outdoors may also help reduce exposure to the harmful rays of the sun. Eating garlic Garlic is used in traditional remedies, including to suppress or manage the development of cancer. However, the herb is not too safe for people who suffer from lupus.

The digestive system is made up of vital organs that support functions allowing the body to absorb nutrition from daily foods. The major organs in this system are the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, bile ducts, gallbladder, pancreas, colon, rectum, and liver. And only specialist doctors treat conditions and complications that develop in the digestive system. Here are 5 uncomfortable yet important questions to ask a gastroenterologist before, during, and after treatment. What conditions do they treat? A general physician recommends checking up with a gastroenterologist for severe constipation and diarrhea. But gastroenterologists also advise on the best course of treatment for diseases that affect major abdominal organs. One consults to understand complications like cirrhosis, colon cancer, Crohn’s disease, gallbladder disease, gastrointestinal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, and even colitis. These doctors also specialize in endoscopy and colonoscopy procedures to confirm the development of chronic conditions. What invasive diagnostic tests are necessary? Problems in the abdomen, GI tract, and colon can be diagnosed by performing an endoscopy or colonoscopy. Both tests are invasive and can be a concern for many patients who are unsure about the procedure. So, the only way to overcome the fear of invasive diagnostic tests is by discussing the steps involved and understanding if these procedures are the only way to confirm the existence of a problem.