When you cannot get an erection or cannot hold one for some time, it is known as erectile dysfunction (ED). This condition occurs in older men due to a decrease in blood flow to the penis or because the penis has narrowed. When it occurs to younger men, emotional issues and bad habits seem to be the root cause for it. One thing we should understand properly is that any medical condition that affects any one part of the body has long term effects on the other parts of the body. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart-related issues,  you can still have erectile dysfunction. A study shows that more than 50% of men who suffer from diabetes have this condition. Hormonal issues like low testosterone levels is also a valid reason. Habits like smoking and alcohol consumption play a vital role as well. What can you do? One can try to reduce their intake of alcohol and smoking. One can eventually stop the habit altogether, If you have irregular eating habits and also eat junk food, avoid that. Switch to a regular meal plan and bring in fresh vegetables and protein-rich meat. If you are a vegetarian, get enough fiber and protein from lentils and pulses in your daily meal.

A cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow is known as multiple myeloma. Plasma cells are a form of white blood cells that create antibodies to fight against infections and diseases by attacking the germs that cause the infections and diseases. A plasma cell that is malignant or cancerous is called a myeloma cell. The disease is called multiple myeloma or plasma cell myeloma. Multiple myeloma causes myeloma cells to accumulate abnormally and push out the healthy cells in the bone marrow. This accumulation has multiple effects in the bone marrow and surrounding areas, especially the bones. One function of the bone marrow is to produce red blood cells and hemoglobin. Myeloma cells disrupt this function that is reflected by an anemic condition. This may be accompanied by low white blood cell or platelet count. Furthermore, myeloma is involved in the invasion and destruction of the surrounding bone tissue. As in many cancer-related cases, the exact cause of multiple myeloma is unknown. What is known is that the disease starts with one abnormal plasma cell that multiplies faster than normal plasma cells. These abnormal or cancerous plasma cells do not have a natural life cycle like normal plasma cells do; they continue to multiply almost indefinitely, thus impairing the normal functions of the healthy plasma cells and surrounding bone and bone marrow tissue.

The most intriguing fact of rheumatoid arthritis is that the disease causes the body to attack healthy joints and erode them, leading to various health complications as well as permanent disability. Scientists are working to understand the causes but find it to be a complex disease with no definite mechanism which continues to baffle them. Scientists are focusing on the cellular and molecular levels to discover a cure. There is no specific bacterium that is believed to cause rheumatoid arthritis. But there can be factors that increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. It may be a genetic inheritance, though it is not a proven theory and is thought to play a small role in the condition. This disease is more predominant in women and estrogen has also been considered as a “culprit,” but it has not been proven. Women between the ages of 30 to 60 are at a risk and nearly 70% of those affected has been women. It is noteworthy to add that smokers are at an increased risk of contracting rheumatoid arthritis, and there has been significant evidence for the same. Obesity had been the most common risk factor associated with various chronic conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and about 2/3rd of obese or overweight people may be suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

Liver cancer is a form of cancer which begins in the cells of the liver. Cancer which begins in another area of the body and spreads to the liver is called metastatic cancer of the liver. Metastatic cancer of the liver is more common than liver cancer. The liver is one of the largest organs in the body. It is placed on the right side of the abdomen, just below the right lung and is protected by the rib cage. The liver’s main job is to filter the blood which comes from the digestive tract before it goes to the rest of the body. It metabolizes medicines and detoxifies chemicals. The liver secretes bile which helps to digest fat. The liver also helps in storing nutrients and releasing glucose as needed by the body. Liver cancer occurs when cells of the liver develop mutations in their DNA. The DNA is responsible for providing instructions for various chemical processes in the body. DNA mutations cause changes in these instructions, and this may result in the cells growing out of control and forming a tumor. Types of liver cancer Primary liver cancer: This condition is characterized by a malignant tumor which starts in the liver.

Did you know that April 24 th  is also celebrated as World Meningitis Day? This infection  affects 2.8 million people globally as per studies carried out. When the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord get inflamed, it is known as meningitis. Meningitis affects people of all ages but infants, young children, teens, and older people stand a greater risk of it than others. The cause of this inflammation could either be a bacterial or a viral infection. Meningitis can also be caused by other factors such as injury, cancer, infection, and specific drugs. Treatment is based on the specific type of meningitis. The key to preventing the infection is timely vaccinations. There are many vaccines that prevent meningitis. It is essential to discuss the type of vaccine needed with the physician to protect one from this disease. It is crucial to recognize the symptoms and act fast as meningitis can cause death within 24 hours. In cases of suspected meningitis, it is best to seek immediate medical attention. Meningitis can strike in a matter of hours but its effects can last for a lifetime. Some life-altering effects of this condition include: Deafness Loss of memory Loss of sight Loss of limbs Epilepsy Paralysis Organ damage Brain damage Types of meningitis Viral meningitis (aseptic meningitis):

A visit to the veterinarian can tend to be an expensive affair. Fortunately for pet owners, there are a few meds that you can buy over-the-counter without a prescription. There is over-the-counter medication available for pets that can provide short-term relief right from the treatment of fleas and ticks to supplements. A visit to the vet is definitely due when your pet gets seriously injured; however for minor injuries pet owners often wonder if a visit to the vet is really necessary. Some of the minor injuries, when treated at home, can save the pet owner hundreds of dollars. Pet meds without a prescription are often described as a range of meds used to treat various problems that may arise in pets. Most of the over-the-counter medication can be purchased either online or in any pet store. Over-the-counter pet medication is not as strong or potent as the ones that your vet might prescribe, which means that their effects will not help to solve the problem completely but they only work on subduing the symptoms temporarily. It is best to keep in mind that only licensed veterinarians can prescribe certain classes of drugs like antibiotics, sedatives, and powerful analgesics. These meds cannot be purchased in any online pharmacy or over-the-counter at any pet store.