Chemotherapy, commonly called “chemo”, is a systemic treatment that involves the use of chemicals (medication) to treat a disease. Although it can be used to treat a variety of diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, chemotherapy is usually used to treat cancer.
Your doctor may use chemotherapy in conjunction with radiation or certain surgical procedures to treat cancer, two treatments that target only specific areas of the body. Chemotherapy, however, affects the entire body, which makes it a good treatment option for cancers that spread, or metastasize. Goals of ChemotherapyThere are three goals of chemotherapy treatment:
There are several different kinds of chemotherapy medications, and you’ll consult with your doctor about which one (or combination) is right for you. Your doctor will look at different factors to make this decision:
Method of DeliveryWhere you receive chemo treatment depends on the medications you’re taking, hospital policies, your insurance and the doctor’s recommendation (your own preference is also considered). Possible locations include:
Side EffectsBecause chemotherapy is a systemic treatment, it may also affect healthy cells in the body, causing side effects. Not everyone experiences side effects with the same severity or frequency, and your doctor can help prescribe medications to manage many of them. The list of potential side effects can be daunting, but many of these can be reduced or prevented with the right medications and healthy habits. Speak to your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms during or after chemo treatment:
*Note: No two cancer cases are alike. None of the statements herein are designed to suggest a “one size fits all” approach, and each case will be evaluated individually. We provide the latest in cancer treatment and technologies, and our staff keeps up on the latest treatment methods. Each patient has different needs and treatment goals, and there isn’t just one way to treat cancer. We will work with you to determine the best treatment options and continue to adjust and monitor your dosage or care throughout your treatment.
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We cannot connect sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction. These two health conditions are too different that it is hard to understand how they are interconnected. So, if a person has sleep apnea, they stop breathing suddenly at night. As much as it affects the overall health of the person, it also impacts the testosterone and oxygen level of the body. It leads to certain sexual disorders like erectile dysfunction.
Before digging in any more information, let’s understand what sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction are. What is Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that leads to loud snoring, waking up with a sore throat, feeling irritable, lack of concentration, headaches in the morning, and sudden stops in breathing. Now, sleep apnea also causes sleep deprivation in people. It can dip the man’s testosterone level. For a healthy and prolonged erection, oxygen and testosterone are essential. This way, sleep apnea can cause erectile dysfunction. What is Erectile Dysfunction? Erectile Dysfunction is a sexual disorder in which the person cannot hold the erection for the required time. This issue causes friction between the partners and even ruins their relationships. Although some safe medications can treat erectile dysfunction, only a few know its existence. Sexual disorders in men have always been a hush-hush topic due to limited awareness of effective medicines. Erectile dysfunction can be caused due to multiple reasons. Since an erection can be firm only when the blood and oxygen flow to the penile area is as needed. However, issues like sleep apnea or other underlying health conditions can impact the duration and firmness of a man’s erection. Can It Be Treated? When you realize you have any of these issues, you should directly contact the best sleep specialist doctor near you. They have enough knowledge and experience to connect the dots and reach the perfect solution. Since we know sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction are interconnected, you can always look for the renowned sleep apnea treatment in Utah. Men usually take certain famous medications to increase the duration and firmness of their erection. But is it safe? Unless you talk to a professional, it is suggested to steer clear of any medication. Get in touch with Revere Health in Utah to learn about the treatment. We are always here to help you. The Blog “Sleep Apnea and Erectile Dysfunction: What is the Connection?” was initially posted Here When cerumen, also known as earwax, accumulates in the ear or becomes too stubborn to be removed by washing, a blockage can result.
Earwax is an essential and necessary defensive substance. It removes ear canal debris and prevents bacteria buildup by coating and sealing the area. If a buildup of earwax becomes problematic, your ear doctor can safely and painlessly remove it. Symptoms Some possible symptoms of earwax buildup are: ● Earache ● A stuffed-out sensation in the ear. ● Otic disturbances, such as ringing or noises (tinnitus) ● Troubles with hearing ● Dizziness ● Cough ● Problems with ear itching ● Discharge from the ear or a foul odor ● Discomfort or infection in the ear Causes Glands produce your ears' natural wax in the skin of your external auditory canal. Ear wax and little hairs in these passages filter out debris that could otherwise penetrate further into the ear and cause damage to the eardrum. In most people, earwax occasionally emerges through the ear canal. It gets washed out or falls out of the top as fresh wax is poured in. Too much earwax production or ineffective earwax removal can lead to an obstructed ear canal. When people try to remove earwax on their own, often with cotton swabs or other objects, they block their ear canals. Instead of removing wax, this method usually pushes it further into the ear. If you're not feeling well, it's time to see a doctor. In cases where there are no outward signs of an earwax blockage, the buildup may dissolve. However, if you experience any of the symptoms above, you should visit your doctor for ear infection treatment. There may be an underlying medical cause for the symptoms. Too much earwax can only be diagnosed by having someone else, typically a doctor, look in your ears. Not everyone who experiences symptoms like an earache or diminished hearing has wax buildup. You may have some other medical issue that needs to be treated. A medical professional is the best choice for safe wax removal. The ear canal and the eardrum are sensitive parts of your body. If you have had ear surgery, have a perforation in your eardrum, or are experiencing pain or drainage in your ear, you should not attempt to remove earwax on your own by inserting anything, such as a cotton swab, into your ear canal. Ear examinations are a standard part of pediatric checkups. The Ear Doctor in Utah can clean your kid's ear if there's too much earw The Blog “Ear Wax Blockage: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment” was initially posted Here Understanding A1c TestsAn A1c test helps doctors see the amount of glucose in a person’s blood (blood sugar) over a three-month period. When glucose builds up in your blood, it binds to a protein called hemoglobin—this molecule is responsible for the red color of your blood and carrying oxygen throughout your body. A1c tests measure what percentage of hemoglobin is coated by glucose. The higher your percentage, the higher your risk of diabetes and diabetes complications. Doctors use A1c tests to diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes and monitor patients who are already diagnosed with diabetes. If you have diabetes, you should get an A1c test regularly to evaluate how well you are managing your blood sugar. What is a Healthy A1c Level?The normal A1c range for a non-diabetic person of average health is below 5.7 percent, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). If your levels are between 5.7 to 6.4 percent, you may be prediabetic. A level of 6.5 percent or higher indicates diabetes. Patients with diabetes should aim for an A1c level below 7 percent. It may seem like a lofty goal, especially if your levels are high, but it’s important to remember that lowering your A1c levels reduces your risk of developing diabetes complications like kidney and nerve damage, cardiovascular disease, cataracts, etc. How Often Should I Get Tested?If you are at risk for diabetes or prediabetes and have not been diagnosed, an A1c test can help you determine whether you have the condition or are likely to develop diabetes. Because prediabetes usually does not present any signs or symptoms, it’s important to identify your risk factors and notify your doctor. How often you get tested depends on your diagnosis and your treatment plan. Here are some general recommendations:
1: ExerciseIncreasing your activity level can have a positive effect on your A1c levels. Aim for 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Exercise can be overwhelming for someone who is not used to being active—starting with something as simple as taking your dog for a walk can help ease you into an exercise routine. Discuss your routine with your doctor before increasing your activity level. 2: Follow your treatment planSuccessful management of chronic conditions is all about making a plan and sticking to it. Work with your doctor to set goals for your health and create a plan that will work for you. It you have a hard time following your plan, you may want to write it down or post your goals in a place where you will see them frequently. The NIDDK offers a diabetes planning worksheet to help you get started. 3: Eat a diabetes-friendly dietSome eating habits can worsen symptoms of diabetes. Create a diet plan that emphasizes healthy carbs—like whole grains, low-fat dairy, fruits and vegetables—and foods high in fiber. Be sure to watch your portion sizes to prevent overeating, and beware of sugary drinks, processed foods, and foods high in cholesterol and sodium. Try using an online tool to document your goals, recipes and shopping lists, and track your progress over time. 4: Take medications as directedMedications for diabetes can assist you in your efforts to lower your A1c levels, and you should take them as directed in order to get the most benefit out of them. Because your needs may change over time, it’s good to visit your doctor if you notice your levels changing. A simple schedule change or tweak in dosage may be all you need to get back on track. 5: Get organizedBeing organized can help you feel less overwhelmed as you try to manage your diabetes and lower your A1c levels. Practice writing down your schedule for the week on Sundays; include your doctors appointments, medication reminders, exercise plan, to do lists and anything else that will help you get into a routine and focus on your health. You may want to organize all of your supplies in one place or keep glucose tablets in your purse or car to help you prepare for unexpected lows. 6: Take advantage of techThere are lots of apps out there to help patients manage their diabetes. What may work for one person may not work for another—try out a few to find a good fit. You may want to talk to your doctor about getting a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to help you track your progress. These tiny sensors, which are inserted under the skin, are a great way to see your glucose levels in real time—some can even send your results to your tablet or smartphone. 7: Take a deep breathStress hormones can cause blood sugar levels to spike. Whether your stress is mental, emotional or physical, finding ways to reduce your stress can help you better control your A1c levels. Practicing mindfulness or breathing exercises, for example, can be a great way to manage your stress and A1c levels. Complications of diabetes can dramatically increase your out-of-pocket medical costs. Regularly consult your doctor about your condition and which management methods are best for you. Our Utah County Endocrinologist helps diagnose and treat endocrine system disorders—including complex cases. As trained specialists, our providers know the latest treatments and technologies to treat a variety of disorders. We provide the best Type 1 Diabetes Treatment in Utah Most people know that melanoma is a dangerous skin cancer, but they usually don’t view basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common type of skin cancer, in the same light. BCC is rarely life-threatening and, coupled with the cost of treatment or the potential for scarring, patients sometimes think it’s not important to remove.
But the truth is BCC is just like any other cancer in the sense that early treatment is key to preventing complications. So do you really need surgery to remove BCC? Absolutely. Basal cell carcinoma: the facts BCC usually develops on skin that sees the sun most frequently, such as the head, neck and hands, but it can occur in any part of the body. Signs of BCC include:
If you see spots or growths with these features, it’s important to contact your doctor. What happens to untreated nonmelanoma skin cancer? Basal cell carcinomas rarely metastasize (spread), but they can still cause significant deformity, especially when located on the face. BCCs continue to grow slowly, and even though they may look small on the surface, it’s possible that the tumor is penetrating deeper into the skin. When left untreated long enough, BCCs can:
It’s important to remember that even with successful treatment, BCC can recur and your risk of developing another BCC increases. In fact, about 60 percent of people who have had one skin cancer will develop another within 10 years. A BCC diagnosis is also a risk factor for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Practice these prevention techniques now to protect yourself from melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers.
BCC, although not as deadly as melanoma, is still a serious condition that should not be left untreated. If you have concerns about the removal process or what you can expect, consult your doctor. He or she will be able to help you find the best treatment for your situation. Our experienced physicians share a collaborative approach that puts our patients’ needs first. Our focus includes surgical dermatology, skin cancer, pediatric dermatology and general dermatological issues and conditions. We provide cutting-edge diagnostics and treatments to help you maintain good health and great skin. Visit our Dermatology Clinic in Utah. The blog "Do I Really Need Surgery to Remove My Skin Cancer?" was initially posted Here |
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