Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a condition where a person feels an uncontrollable urge to move their legs. This is due to uncomfortable sensations that usually occur later in the evening and when sleeping, sitting, or even driving. The sensations ease temporarily with movement. The syndrome can begin at any age and worsen with increasing age. It interferes with daily activities due to the lack of sleep caused, and the main symptom is an uncontrollable urge to move the legs. Common characteristics of RLS The uncomfortable sensation that begins after lying down or sitting for a long time, especially during travel. Movements, like stretching, pacing, walking, and jiggling one’s feet, can lessen these uncomfortable sensations. The symptoms of RLS usually occur during the night, beginning in the evening and worsening with time. A more common condition called periodic limb movement causes twitching in the night, or even kicking all night, even while sleeping. Symptoms It is described that the typical symptoms of RLS are abnormal and unpleasant sensations, sometimes accompanied by pain. These sensations could occur in the arms as well, but the instances are rare. Even though it is difficult to explain the actual feeling of the symptom, it does not match the sensation of a muscle cramp or numbness.

Despite being one of the high-risk conditions, without any definite cause or symptom, hypertension is one of the most preventable, curable, and manageable conditions. Both prevention and management can help one avoid the complications that can arise from primary, secondary, and sometimes malignant hypertension. Regular monitoring of blood pressure Every one in 3 persons in the country has high blood pressure. Earlier, one had to visit the local doctor or a clinic to measure this. Today, however, there are many devices which help measure blood pressure at home. They can be worn in the upper arm or wrist. You can measure your blood pressure twice a day, record it in your mobile, and share it with your doctor during your next visit. Some of the popular blood pressure monitor devices are Qardioarm, Omron Evolv, Kinetik®, Blipcare, etc. Wearable devices also are becoming popular with a goal to monitor blood pressure, thereby preventing heart attack, heart failure, and stroke for those who are under high risk. ASUS Vivo Watches BP is one of the first wearable watches that can track your blood pressure. It uses embedded sensors. More such wearable watches from Apple and Samsung are awaiting approval from the FDA.

Ulcers occur when stomach acid damages the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. A peptic ulcer is generally developing a sore in the digestive tract, where the lining of the stomach or duodenum is damaged by the stomach acids and digestive juices. The treatment of ulcer is based on what’s causing the ulcer. The treatment options include antibiotics to kill the Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the body. Treatment also focuses on lowering stomach acid levels so that the ulcer can heal, and mainly focus on eradicating the H. pylori infection. The various treatment options are listed below: H. pylori infection treatment: The treatment of eradication of H. pylori requires a combination of several antibiotics combined with a proton-pump inhibitor, H2 blockers, or Pepto-Bismol in certain cases. The most commonly used antibiotics are tetracycline, amoxicillin, metronidazole (Flagyl), clarithromycin (Biaxin), and levofloxacin (Levaquin). The most common treatments for H. pylori infection include a proton pump inhibitor to reduce acid production, two antibiotics, and sometimes also bismuth subsalicylate (medication that is used to treat occasional upset stomach, heartburn, and nausea). Eradication of this bacterium also decreases the risk of developing gastric cancer in the future. Antacids: Antacids are medications that help in neutralizing stomach acids.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition caused by a hormonal imbalance in women. It is believed that 1 in 10 American women have PCOS and it can affect girls as young as 12. The term refers to the presence of tiny cysts or little sacs in the ovaries that are not necessarily harmful. It is imperative to note that not everyone with PCOS has these cysts. A blood test is usually done to determine whether you have PCOS or not. The hormone levels and the blood sugar levels will largely indicate the presence or absence of PCOS. In many cases, pelvic ultrasound is done to rule out cysts in ovaries and also to determine how thick the lining is in the uterus. Besides, the ovaries will also be 1.5 to 3 times larger than normal if you have PCOS. The doctors also conduct a pelvic exam (visual exam) by feeling the vaginal area, rectal area, and cervix to check for anything unusual. Body mass index is also largely taken as an indication for PCOS. However, even before doing any of the tests above, your doctors would want to understand the symptoms from you. It is only based on the symptom that the treatment plan will be fixed.

At least 1 in every 5000 persons is affected by sickle cell anemia, mostly among the American-African decedents, as claimed by the National Institutes of Health. It is estimated that at least 90,000 people are affected with sickle cell anemia. With most infants with the disorder born, it is now identified by routine neonatal screening. As of 2016, all 50 states have included screening for sickle cell anemia as part of their newborn screening. Sickle cell anemia can make life more difficult particularly among children who will need to deal with delayed sexual maturity and stunted growth. An infection would call for immediate medical attention when self-medications fail. Also, one would need to have a principal health care provider who should be preferably a hematologist for frequent appointments. To maintain a healthy quality of life, it is utmost necessary to keep the number of sickle cell crisis in check. People with the symptoms should avoid certain medications that restrict blood vessels, high altitudes, extreme temperatures, alcohol and smoking, and strenuous exercise. Ensure to have plenty of water or fluids and relax as much as possible. Treatments or management of sickle cell crisis involves a number of measures such as Penicillin; due to the immature immune system in children from the birth to 5 years of age, they are more prone to this childhood illness.

Most often the signs and symptoms for iron overload disorder referred to as hemochromatosis, is mild. These days it is quite unlikely for individuals affected by the disorder to exhibit the symptoms since diagnosis happens in the early stages even before the onset of the disorder. However, as the iron overload disorder progresses, the symptoms that could occur at different stages include Abdominal pain, Menstruation hindered in women, High levels of blood sugar, A low function of the thyroid, or hypothyroidism, Increased loss of sex drive or libido, and impotence in men, Size reduction of the testicles, Skin becoming a little bronzed in color, like a permanent suntan, Fatigue or persistent tiredness, Weakness, and Loss of weight. Some of the complications that can develop alongside the symptoms of iron overload disorder are Arthritis, Liver cirrhosis, Enlarged liver, Diabetes, Heart ailments or disease, and Pancreatitis. Close to 75% of the individuals who are diagnosed with iron overload disorder and start to exhibit the symptoms tend to have liver functioning that is abnormal. More than 75% of affected individuals tend to experience lethargy and tiredness, 44% exhibit joint pain, and 70% have discoloring of the skin to a bronze shade. How is iron overload disorder diagnosed?