Alcohol abuse refers to the excessive drinking habit of a person, to the point of addiction. Another similar, and sometimes related, problem is substance abuse where a person is addicted to drugs. Both these issues can severely affect one’s interpersonal relationships, work life, and health. This article explores the various treatment options for alcohol and substance abuse. Go for a detox One of the treatment options for alcohol and substance abuse is undergoing detox or detoxification. This usually happens in a detox center, which is a facility where qualified and trained professionals help those who are suffering from addictions. It is also known as withdrawal therapy, as stopping the consumption of alcohol and drugs can lead to severe symptoms. The process of detox involves gradually reducing the usage of alcohol and drugs. Once this is completely stopped, the professionals enable the individual to turn to healthy coping habits and relearn behavior patterns. This is done until the patient is clean and does not feel the need to consume alcohol and drugs. Detox can be even done at home with regular outpatient visits to a hospital or detox center. Those suffering from severe symptoms may need to be admitted to a detox center.

It is common for all dogs to itch. But when the itching is continuous and restless, then your pooch definitely needs to be tested for food allergies. Food allergies are not common in dogs, and it takes a long time for allergies to develop and does not happen suddenly, or with the consumption of one stray meal with an allergen. While it is important to get diagnosed by a qualified veterinarian, you could watch out for one or more of the chronic symptoms of food allergies in your dog. Here is an extensive list of symptoms of food allergies in dogs: Gastrointestinal issues Constipation or straining to pass stool Vomiting Abdominal Pain Flatulence Diarrhea (sometimes with blood and/or mucus) Skin Constant, restless itching and scratching on your leg, or furniture Excessive loss of hair Scaly, sore, leathery, or pigmented skin Redness, inflammation, or rashes on the skin Environmental factors like pollen dust, ticks and fleas, and dirt could also cause itching. So if a thorough bath with tick shampoo and rinsing well does not make the skin and coat healthy, then check for food allergy. Remember, that in the case of food allergies, more than mere itchiness, the skin is affected severely over time.

Prostate cancer is the second-most common form of cancer in the country and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Survival and future prevention of the disease depend on early diagnosis and timely treatment with medications such as inlyta, zepzelca, relugolix, imfinzi, and erleada. What is meant by the risk factors of cancer? Risk factors include all the conditions that could increase one’s chances of developing cancer. Though these conditions may not directly cause the disease, they play an important role in creating the environment for the disease to develop and grow. These factors differ from person to person and increase the chances of the development of cancer. When the risk factors are known, greater vigilance and early diagnosis also increase the chances of healthy living and successful treatment of the disease. That is why it’s important for men to understand the top risk factors for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer risk factors Hereditary factors:  Nearly 20% of prostate cancer cases are known as “familial,” which means they occur in families and can be attributed to shared genes and common elements in the environment and lifestyle of the family. Men whose father/brothers have been diagnosed with prostate cancer are at a higher risk, and if multiple family members have been diagnosed, there are greater chances of one being affected by it.

Spinal muscular atrophy is a condition in which the muscles waste away, and it occurs due to a lack of exercise and physical activity. In most cases, muscle wasting can be a result of the lack of mobility after an injury or disease that makes it difficult for patients to move a limb. Over time, that particular limb appears smaller than the other. Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic condition that affects the skeletal muscles, the central nervous system, and peripheral nervous system. The condition can be treated by a proper diet, exercise, and physical therapy. Treatment options for spinal muscular atrophy The treatment administered for spinal muscular atrophy is a form of gene therapy that alters the genetic makeup involved in the condition. FDA-approved medications for the condition are: Nusinersen (Spinraza) Onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi (Zolgensma) Nusinersen: This medicine alters the SMN2 gene and makes it produce more protein. It is injected into the fluid around the spinal cord; the procedure extends over 2 hours and has to be done multiple times. This procedure is followed by periodic doses every four months, and about 40% of the patients who have used it have benefited. Both children and adults can use this medication.

The Arthritis Foundation estimates that one in every five adults in the country are affected by the joint condition. The chronic pain that arthritis patients experience ranges from a burning sensation to a dull, nagging ache. The condition is often accompanied by soreness and stiffness of the joint on waking up in the mornings. A progressive condition, arthritis can result in restricted mobility and severe pain if not managed. Food is a crucial element in managing arthritis pain. Though over-the-counter medication, exercise, massage, and alternative therapies help reduce inflammation and pain, managing pain through diet is a long-term, reliable, and effective approach. Here’s a selection of the top foods to manage arthritis pain: Fatty fish: Salmon and tuna contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids that significantly reduce swelling and pain. Other fish like cod, herring, mackerel, and sardines also contain these healthy fats with anti-inflammatory properties. If one doesn’t enjoy the taste or odor of fish, they can also take omega-3 supplements after consulting a doctor. Berry blast: Dark-hued berries like blackberries, blueberries, and cherries contain anthocyanins that relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and have antioxidant properties that boost immunity and promote cell regeneration. One can pop them into their morning cereal or munch a handful to deal with mid-meal hunger pangs.