Hepatitis C (or hep C) is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation. It is caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is contracted through blood-to-blood contact with contaminated blood. Basically, transmission occurs when blood containing HCV enters the bloodstream of an uninfected person. The risk for developing hepatitis C increases if you have ever injected or inhaled illicit drugs. The risk is also high if you are born to a mother who has hepatitis C, work around blood or needles and have a partner who has it. Most people with hepatitis C don’t have noticeable symptoms early in the course of infection, which means that they might not know that they carry the virus. Many people at that stage report having fever, fatigue and nonspecific pains. However, in the chronic stage, i.e. between 2 weeks and 6 months after the virus enters the bloodstream, the symptoms become more noticeable. The most common symptoms of hep C at that stage include the following: 1. Abdominal pain One of the main functions of the liver is producing bile, which is a substance that breaks down fat. HCV, however, hinders the liver’s ability to produce bile, which can make it very difficult to digest fatty foods.

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (or IBD) that results in chronic inflammation along the digestive tract, specifically the large intestine and rectum. The inflammation will eventually cause damage and lead to ulcers. Doctors believe that the main cause of colitis can be from a malfunction of the immune system, which is heredity in nature. Medical professionals will often recommend several medical treatments to manage IBD, including lifestyle and dietary changes, and medications. Risk factors for this disease include age, race, ethnicity, and family history. There are a few telltale symptoms of ulcerative colitis that patients may experience: 1. Diarrhea Diarrhea is the most common symptom of this disease. When patients have diarrhea, they may spot blood or pus in it as well. If the disease becomes severe enough, the need to empty the colon can come at a quicker rate. Eating spicy foods and lots of fiber can make the symptom worse. Doctors may recommend anti-diarrhea medications, but it is up to the patient. 2. Rectal bleeding Another common symptom of ulcerative colitis can be bleeding from the rectum. The rectum is at the end of the large intestine, so blood from this area can be noticeable in the stool.

If you suffer from frequent migraines, oftentimes doctor-prescribed medications alone won’t give you adequate relief from the pulsating pain behind the eyes, flashing spots and reduced vision, vomiting and nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound that can impede you for days on end. According to the American Migraine Foundation, Botox is Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved for treating chronic migraines (in patients with 15 or more headache days per month). Here’s how Botox injections can help relieve and manage chronic migraine pain: 1. What is Botox? You might have heard of Botox used as a minor cosmetic procedure to plump areas of the face. The neurotoxin (known as Onabotulinum A) is injected as a means to banish crow’s feet, fine lines, and smooth out wrinkles. Yet, unknown to many, Botox can also be injected in the areas of the face, neck, and forehead to reduce migraine headache pain and frequency. Alternatively, Botox has also been used practically to treat several other health conditions such as hyperhidrosis (or heavy sweating), overactive bladder (OAB), dystonia (muscle spasms), and blepharospasm (or excessive blinking). 2. Botox reduces migraine frequency Studies from Migraine Canada indicate that roughly 2% of the population experiences chronic migraine (at least 15 migraine pain days per month).

The symptoms of asthma that comes from the environment vary from person to person. Typically, someone with environmental asthma flare ups have the usual shortness of breath, tightness or even pain in the chest, wheezing, coughing, and frequent respiratory infectious. Environmental asthma can prove to be worse or better depending on your zip code. Geographic location does not heal or change the fact that you have asthma, but symptoms can prove to be worse or improved based on the climate that you live in. Here are some of the worst cities to live in if you suffer from asthma: 1. Springfield, MA Springfield, Massachusetts is listed as the worst place to live in the U.S. if you have asthma, according to emergency room visits across the nation for those who suffer from asthmatic attacks or other illnesses related to their asthma. The reason for this is based on a very high pollen count in the city. The kinds of trees and the grass in the city contribute to the highest pollen count in America. 2. Dayton, OH Just like Springfield, Dayton, Ohio is a difficult place to live if you have asthma due to the high pollen content in the air.

There is nothing that you can do that will 100% prevent you from getting Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. However, you can reduce your risk of developing these conditions by taking brain supplements. You will also need to consume plenty of brain healthy foods. You can eat the following foods in order to promote cognitive health and keep your brain healthy: 1. Pumpkin seeds Pumpkin seeds have many nutrients that can protect your brain health. Zinc is one of the nutrients that can improve your brain health. Zinc helps your nerve cells communicate. Studies have shown that people who have low levels of zinc are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and depression. Magnesium is another one of the nutrients that are found in these seeds. If you are not getting enough magnesium, then you will be more likely to develop depression and migraines. Iron is also found in these seeds. Low levels of iron can cause brain fog. 2. Blueberries Blueberries make a nice snack. They can also be added to your smoothies. They are one of the best foods that you can eat if you are trying to protect your brain. Anthocyanins are antioxidants that are found in a blueberry.