If you are one of those people who often times wonder what is it that you can do to prevent a stroke, then you must read on to find out. Mostly, elders are susceptible to getting strokes; sometimes hereditary issues can also cause stroke in a person. Time cannot be turned back and it is impossible for you to change the course of history, but then there are many stroke risk factors that you can actually control, provided you are aware of them. Let’s take a look at the different ways that you can protect yourself from getting a stroke: Lose weight : Obesity plays a huge factor in the odds of you getting a stroke. Losing as little as 10 pounds if you are overweight can actually have a really big impact on lowering your stroke risk. Talk to your doctor and establish some goals, as the ideal body mass index is 25 or less, may not be realistic for you to begin with. Exercising every day will definitely help you get into shape. You can choose from activities like walking, swimming, golfing, playing tennis or even running. But you need to make the activity a part and parcel of your everyday routine.

The upper respiratory tract consists of the nasal passage, sinus, larynx, and pharynx. Any infection of these parts is called as an upper respiratory tract infection. These structures direct the air we breathe in, from the outside of the trachea, eventually to the lungs to respire. Types of URTIs are: Common cold Sore throat – Pain or irritation of the throat Tonsilitis – Inflammation of the tonsils Pharyngitis- Inflammation of the pharynx Laryngitis – Inflammation of the larynx (voice box) Sinusitis – Inflammation of the sinuses Otitis media – An infection of the air-filled space behind the eardrum (the middle ear) Bronchitis – Inflammation of the bronchial tubes Epiglottitis – Inflammation of the upper part of the trachea Causes and risk factors leading to upper respiratory infections Most URTIs are caused by viruses and some by bacteria too. Though infections can happen at any time of the year they are most common in the months of September to March (fall and winter). This could be because most viruses thrive in the low humidity of winter and fall. Another reason could be that during these months more time is spent indoors in schools and offices due to the weather and thereby the infection spreads.

Psoriasis is an incurable disease. The disease and its symptoms can be managed with a suitable treatment plan that includes topical agents, medicines, and light therapy. In severe cases like psoriatic arthritis, surgery may be necessary to correct problems with the joints. Psoriasis affects the patient and their family members’ quality of life. It is essential to know about the triggers of this condition so that flare-ups can be avoided. Some of the probable triggers of psoriasis are: Obesity Stress Smoking Heavy alcohol consumption Skin or strep throat infections HIV Severe sunburn Bug bites Scrapes or cuts on the skin Vitamin D deficiency Some medications for high blood pressure, malaria, and bipolar disorder It is imperative for the patient to seek medical attention if they develop any form of psoriasis as not treating this condition can lead to the development of numerous complications: Abnormal cholesterol levels Type 2 diabetes High blood pressure Cardiovascular disease Kidney disease Ulcerative colitis Parkinson’s disease Other diseases that arise due to problems with the immune system like inflammatory bowel syndrome, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and sclerosis Liver and pancreatic cancer, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, and basal cell carcinoma Eye disorders like conjunctivitis, uveitis, and blepharitis Psoriatic arthritis Emotional problems that arise out of the stigma, a loss of self-esteem, and depression Lifestyle changes to manage psoriasis Patients should be active in changing their habits to maintain a good quality of life.

Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that line the nasal passage. It is painless and caused to factors like allergies, infection, asthma or immune disorders. The primary medication for nasal polyps may be topical steroids. The topical steroids may substantially reduce the enlargement and confirms to relieve the symptoms. The topical steroids are administered in the form of nasal sprays and found to be ineffective in the case of multiple polyps. It is crucial to consult a doctor as steroids are often associated with risk factors that need to be considered before use. The common side effects of steroid sprays are visible and occur within a few days of treatment. Some of the consequential symptoms include: Burning sensation Nose bleeds Crusting Nasal irritation Infection Itching Oral steroids may drastically control the growth, however, the side effects can discourage its intake. The polyps tend to recur once the steroids are discontinued and drawn and over consumption may cause health hazards. Osteoporosis is the most prominent risk of following steroid medication for long periods. The specialist would prescribe nasal spray that contains corticosteroids that diminish the polyps. Large polyps normally resist oral treatments and the surgical procedure is recommended. Surgery is the final plan in the treatment for nasal polyps.

Once the risk factors associated with kidney disease are understood, it is easy to chart a course of action that can help reduce the risk of this health condition. One out of every three persons in the country is at risk of developing kidney disease. Typical risk factors include being above 60 years of age, having diabetes and high blood pressure, and a family history of kidney disease. If one is suffering from diabetes or hypertension, consulting a doctor is imperative along with screening for signs of kidney disease. Maintaining a lifestyle that keeps hypertension and diabetes in check is the primary goal for prevention of kidney diseases. Some tips for preventing kidney disease include: Healthy diet – Eat a healthy and balanced diet. The diet should be low in saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, and dietary cholesterol. It should be high in unsaturated fats like oily fish, avocados, nuts, seeds, and dietary fiber, including green vegetables and whole grains. It is advised to have five servings of vegetables and fruits in a day. Reduce food portions gradually and aim for a three-quarter fill of the stomach instead of a full stomach. Avoid sugary drinks and sodas. Avoid alcohol – Alcohol increases blood pressure and cholesterol levels that can cause chronic kidney disease.