Neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood can challenge children’s intellectual growth and development. Timely diagnosis and intervention are essential to ensure the child’s steady progress. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among the most prevalent neurodevelopmental conditions, involving difficulty paying attention, severe restlessness, and impulsive behavior. Today, several types of therapies are being implemented to help children with ADHD perform better in the academic and personal spheres. Here’s everything to know about ADHD: What Causes ADHD? Genetic predisposition Adoption studies have shown that genetic factors play a significant role in the onset of ADHD. In most cases, individuals inherit this condition from their parents. About one-third to 50% of children with parents affected by ADHD inherit the disorder. Brain injury Children suffering from a severe head injury affecting the brain are likely to develop ADHD. In such scenarios wherein ADHD is caused by trauma, the condition is called secondary ADHD. Exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy Studies have shown that the chances of developing ADHD were higher among children whose mothers had been exposed to harmful substances like lead during pregnancy. Maternal stress and trauma during pregnancy Children whose mothers have undergone immense stress or trauma while pregnant are susceptible to being diagnosed with ADHD later in life.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in boosting immunity and maintaining overall health and well-being. Food is fuel for the body and an organic source of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that keep essential bodily functions up and running. Unfortunately, many people overlook the benefits of healthy meals, increasing their risk of developing diseases and infections. Here are ten popular superfoods for the immune system experts recommend including in the nutrition regimen. Blueberries Blueberries are the richest sources of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that boost immunity. A handful of blueberries pack essential polyphenols and anthocyanins that prevent free radicals from causing oxidative stress to healthy cells. This lowers the risk of chronic diseases that impact cell regeneration. In addition, blueberries are low in calories and high in nutrients like fiber, manganese, and vitamins C and K. These compounds significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, boost cognitive function, lower blood pressure, fight common urinary tract infections, and even boast anti-diabetic effects. So, one can add blueberries to their food plan and enjoy these health benefits in the long term. Broccoli Nutritionists recommend including as many cruciferous vegetables and dark leafy greens in the food plan as possible to boost immunity. Broccoli is a rich source of soluble fiber, iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamins C and K.

Medicare is a federal health insurance initiative that covers treatment expenses for eligible U.S. citizens. The program provides healthcare benefits to senior citizens aged 65 and above. However, younger people with disability and those approved for Social Security disability insurance can also benefit from the program. As part of this initiative, most people in the country earn the right to enroll as taxpayers contributing to the system. Keep reading to learn more about Medicare. 11 facts about Medicare Medicare is administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Usually, Medicare benefits can vary depending on the enrollment plan chosen by the beneficiary. It includes four enrollment plan options – Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. But there are many important facts one must know about the initiative before enrolling. Some key facts regarding the program are listed below. Employees and employers contribute money toward Medicare benefits In most cases, the bulk of the money to provide Medicare benefits comes from employees and employers. It includes 1.45% of a worker’s wages, which adds up to 2.9% of the total amount. In the case of self-employment, the workers contribute 2.9% of their income towards the Medicare program.

Leukemia is cancer that affects the blood cells and bone marrow. It is a condition that requires prompt medical attention. While some forms of leukemia can be cured, others may require lifelong treatment to manage symptoms and prolong survival. Some symptoms of leukemia are obvious, such as fatigue and frequent infections, but there are also silent signs that may go unnoticed. Here are some common symptoms, causes, and treatment options for leukemia. What is leukemia? Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells that affects the bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside the bones that produces blood cells. Leukemia occurs when the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells, which are known as leukemia cells. These leukemia cells do not function properly and can crowd out healthy blood cells in the bone marrow. This can lead to various health problems, including anemia, infections, and bleeding disorders. There are four main types of leukemia: chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Silent signs of leukemia Bruising and bleeding Leukemia cells can interfere with the body’s ability to produce platelets responsible for clotting the blood. As a result, people with leukemia may experience bruising and bleeding, even from minor injuries.

Cold sores appear in the form of blisters on the lips or the area around the mouth and are often a symptom of the herpes simplex virus. The blisters are filled with fluid and can break open and ooze. These usually crust over and go away in seven to ten days; however, the healing process may be painful. In such cases, the pain and discomfort can be alleviated using certain simple remedies for cold sores. Use aloe vera gel Aloe vera is known to have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, it has inhibitory characteristics. This is why applying aloe vera gel can give temporary relief from the pain and discomfort caused by cold sores. A little bit of pure aloe vera gel can be dabbed over the areas where cold sores have formed. This can be done three to four times a day until the cold sores heal. Wear sunscreen One of the main triggers of cold sores is sunburn. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause cold sores to flare up. To avoid this, the application of sunscreen is often recommended. A broad-spectrum sunscreen preferably with minimum SPF 30 should be applied daily. This should be done at least 20 minutes before heading into the sun.

Over 75% of the human body is made up of water. And every day, the body loses fluids that must be replenished by simply drinking water or fluids. Water is critical for maintaining electrolyte balance, promoting blood circulation, and even helping the body flush out toxins through urination. If the fluids are not replenished as and when required, it increases the risk of dehydration. Here are unusual signs of dehydration one must be aware of.  Dark urine Water helps flush out toxins from the body, where the kidneys purify the blood and evacuate fluids via the bladder. Regular urine is usually pale yellow or a lighter shade in color. But if one notices a darker shade of urine, it is indicative that the body requires more water to enable this process. Similarly, the frequency of urination can also indicate severe dehydration. If the person is not passing urine at all, it is a worrying sign of dehydration that should not be ignored. Dryness of the skin Drinking water helps the skin remain more supple. However, reduced water intake can affect this elasticity causing the skin to become dry and extremely rippled. Doctors advise taking a pinch test to see if the skin bounces back into its original texture after a quick pinch.

Pain is the brain’s signaling that something is wrong with an organ or function in the body. Everybody experiences some form of pain that can be mild or severe, depending on the underlying cause. No two people experience pain the same way as it develops, varying in intensity and frequency. However, certain types of pain develop as a precursor to known health complications. Here are the ones to never ignore. Intense headache pain Headaches may come and go, but if it persists longer than usual with sharp bouts of pain, check it. Any injury, stroke, or brain aneurysm can trigger intense pain that develops almost immediately and persists without relief. With headaches, one might also experience specific neurological symptoms like confusion, pain on one side, weakness, and even seizures that develop without warning. Chest pain Pain that develops abruptly in the chest without prior progression could indicate a blocked artery or become a precursor to major cardiovascular problems. This pain is accompanied by a pressure or squeezing sensation in the chest that affects breathing. One might also experience dizziness or develop fatigue as the pain worsens. Blood clots in the arteries trigger these symptoms that should not be ignored. Remember, heart attacks do not develop out of the blue.

Pain can be extremely relative. Even similar diseases or conditions can affect one in different ways in comparison to others. While some aches can be superficial and curable with a little rest or even just water at times, others may require immediate medical attention. Knowing how to distinguish between these different forms of pain is important. Based on causes and symptoms, one should never ignore the following types of pain: Sharp pain that decreases the range of motion or prevents one from moving Pain emanating from an area of a previous injury or surgery Any pain that is associated with a deformity and severe swelling Aches that do not go away despite several days of care Constant aches and pains that intensify in severity Any pain that involves bruising Severe pain that leads to nausea or vomiting Aches and pains that are accompanied by fever and chills Additionally, one should keep an eye out for specific pains that may develop in specific body parts and warrant a visit to the doctor. These include: Sudden chest pain A sudden feeling of pain, discomfort, or pressure in the center of the chest could be a result of a pulmonary embolism (obstruction of a blood vessel due to a clot), pneumothorax (increased gas or air in the chest cavity), angina (pain caused due inadequate blood flow), or even a heart attack.

The immune system prevents diseases and infections by fighting off germs that enter the body. In some people, however, the immune system attacks healthy cells, tissues, and organs by perceiving them as a threat. This condition is known as an autoimmune disease. Experts have recognized over 80 types of autoimmune diseases that can affect any part of the human body. Generally, autoimmune diseases are incurable, with symptoms showing up in flares and requiring lifelong management. Recognizing some lesser-known autoimmune diseases To begin treatment for an autoimmune disease, it is important to get the right diagnosis. Knowing the common and lesser-known symptoms of some autoimmune diseases can help in the process. Hemolytic anemia Hemolytic anemia is an autoimmune blood condition where the body’s red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced. It may be inherited from one’s parents or acquired due to an infection, tumor, cancer, or other autoimmune disorders. Symptoms of hemolytic anemia include loss of appetite, irritability, headaches, lack of color in the skin, jaundice, dark-colored urine, fever, weakness, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, enlarged spleen and liver, tachycardia, and heart murmur. Other symptoms may also include brittle nails, pica syndrome, sore or inflamed tongue, mouth ulcers, abnormal menstrual bleeding, loss of sexual desire, and numbness in the hands and feet.

Ataxia is a debilitating disorder associated with the nervous system. The cerebellum, a component of the brain, undergoes damage in this health condition. As this component is needed for movement coordination, individuals with Ataxia show symptoms such as stumbling, falling, speaking in a slurry manner, and not having control over eye movement. Ataxia can be detected and diagnosed at an early stage based on specific early symptoms, which are discussed below. Difficulty with balance and coordination Since Ataxia affects the cerebellum, it causes people with this condition to perpetually experience a feeling of unsteadiness while standing or walking. One may constantly feel that they may fall due to a lack of balance. Apart from that, individuals with this condition may also have difficulty with changing directions or turning, and may frequently stumble or fall while attempting to do so. Moreover, some patients may also face balance-related problems while standing on one leg. Ataxia also adversely affects motor coordination. So, people with this condition lose control of their arms and legs and some other vital muscles. This can cause involuntary movement in a person’s fingers, hands, arms, legs, and other muscles in the body. Slurred speech and swallowing difficulties Among the muscles affected by Ataxia are the ones that aid speaking.