A serious sleep disorder like sleep apnea causes breathing issues during sleep. With sleep apnea, the breathing stops suddenly and starts back again while asleep. One of the biggest indicators of the condition is often snoring. Also, a person may feel tired even after a complete night’s sleep. This disorder can be caused due to several factors. Here are some of the leading causes of sleep apnea. 1. Being overweight One of the leading causes of sleep apnea is obesity. Being overweight can increase the risk of this sleep disorder. Due to excess body weight, there is a strain on the respiratory tract. This occurs due to the narrowing of the airways. Moreover, obesity can put pressure on the heart, making breathing difficult. This can lead to the onset of the sleeping disorder over time. 2. Hormonal imbalances Severe hormonal imbalances lead to several health issues. These conditions often cause major changes in the body. For instance, an imbalance of the thyroid hormone can cause hypothyroidism. This condition can lead to obesity which can cause sleep apnea. Other hormonal abnormalities such as the excess of growth hormone cause swelling of the tissues of the throat. This can also trigger sleep apnea symptoms.

Not many people may realize this, but the location of residence is important for skin health. The growing pollution and continuous exposure to harmful UV rays can lead to skin conditions like premature wrinkles, sun damage, leathery skin, liver spots, and even skin cancer. We have a list of US cities that are worst for your skin health. Continue reading to find out if your city made it to the list. 1. Las Vegas, Nevada Las Vegas is home to the largest percentage of smokers in the country. The smoke of cigarettes is harmful to skin health as it disrupts the blood flow that supplies nutrients to the skin tissue. The Sin City is also situated at 2030 feet above sea level. This combined with the desert-type climate promotes wrinkles, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, rashes, itchy skin, and psoriasis. 2. Phoenix, Arizona Phoenix comes second on the list since it has very low dermatologists per capita. This place also suffers a high number of ozone days and an arid climate. This can aggravate conditions like wrinkles, fine lines, and even melanoma. It is advisable to wear adequate sunscreen, lotions, or creams packed with dimethicone, shea butter, or hyaluronic acid that keeps the skin hydrated.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that is found in the melanin-producing cells (melanocytes). This is a serious and rapid form of the condition, which can develop due to prolonged exposure to UV rays. Thankfully, if diagnosed at an early stage, it can be cured completely. This article throws light on the diagnosis procedures for melanoma and methods of treatment for it. Diagnosis of melanoma While there are certain common diagnostic tests for cancer, the procedural details vary depending on where it has occurred. The umbrella term used is “screening.” This helps in the early detection of a tumor and consequently, better chances of recovery. Melanoma can be diagnosed in the following ways. 1. A physical examination This test involves an external body examination, where the doctor will look for signs of melanoma. This stage of diagnosis will also involve looking at family medical history, their well-being, and other symptoms, if any. 2. A biopsy This test follows a physical examination to confirm the type of cancer that is suspected, or to confirm that the signs and symptoms are a false alarm. In case of melanoma, the doctors will take a sample of the skin to get tested. The two types of biopsies that can be an option in this case include the punch biopsy and the excisional biopsy.

A viral infection, hepatitis C, causes inflammation of the liver. It can last for a lifetime, with often debilitating effects. However, medications and treatments are available to slow down the progress of the infection. Along with medications, certain home remedies for hepatitis C can also help make it easier to live with the infection. These remedies are not effective on their own but are mostly complementary to medical treatments. Always consult a doctor before following these tips. 1. Get decent sleep A proper sleep routine will ensure that the immune system is strong enough. This will help combat the effects of hepatitis C. For the treatment of hepatitis C, it is essential to take medications. However, some of these medications often disrupt sleep cycles and may cause insomnia. It is important to practice healthy sleeping habits. Setting fixed times for getting to bed and waking up, keeping the sleeping area cool and calm, and avoiding stimulants before bed, are some of the habits that can help in dealing with insomnia. 2. Follow a healthy diet There is no specific diet for hepatitis C. However, following a well-balanced diet can keep one healthy. This will evade the side effects of the medications and treatments.

Blood clots commonly appear when we injure an arm or leg. However, when a blood clot develops inside a deep vein, the condition is referred to as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In this case, a piece of the clot can break away and travel up to the lungs. The risk of such complications makes it essential to receive proper treatment from a specialist.  Here are some available treatment options for DVT: 1. Medicines to prevent extra clotting The doctor may prescribe some anticoagulants to prevent the blood from clotting up further. These essentially obstruct chemicals that make the blood accumulate in one spot. Anticoagulants will not make the clot disappear entirely, but they will prevent the condition from getting worse. Taking medications is a standard treatment option for DVT. Doctors may prescribe them along with other complementary treatment measures. 2. Compression stockings to apply external pressure Compression stockings function by exerting pressure on the veins from the outside, which aids in blood circulation. As a result, the pressure within the veins is reduced, and the blood does not seep into the surrounding tissues. This approach has been found to lower the risk of the condition as well as the chance of developing post-thrombotic syndrome.