People moving to a new city consider various parameters to understand the living conditions. Safety, amenities, healthcare, and connectivity are the common parameters people look for. Another critical parameter to consider would be air quality, particularly if they suffer from asthma or allergies or other respiratory conditions (i.e., COPD). Air quality can be understood in terms of the short-term and long-term particle pollutants in the air as well as the ozone pollution levels. Listed below are some cities with the cleanest air. 1. Burlington, Vermont Vermont is known to be ideal for people with respiratory issues. Burlington city in particular has consistently been identified as a location with clean air. In the “State of the Air” 2019 report published by the American Lung Association, this city was one of the top 6 cities rated for cleanest air quality in terms of zero ozone pollution. 2. Bangor, Maine This is another city that made it to the top 6 list in the “State of the Air” 2019 report rating cities with the cleanest air all year-round. Though Maine does not have a very good reputation when it comes to air quality, this city stands out with its excellent forest cover and greenery.

Each cell in our body has DNA that contains genes. All cancers begin when mutations in genes on the DNA cause cells to grow uncontrollably. So all cancers are genetic, but they may not be hereditary. Hereditary cancer means the risk of developing cancer runs in the family. Roughly 10 percent of all cancers are hereditary. It means that one out of every ten persons with pancreatic cancer has inherited mutation, increasing their risk of developing cancer. Here are the genetics and hereditary risk factors of pancreatic cancer: 1. Age The risk of developing cancer increases with age and is higher in older people. As per the American Cancer Society, the average age at the time of diagnosis is 70. Genetic changes are more likely to happen as a person ages. 2. Gender Men have a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer as compared to women. This may be because of potential higher tobacco usage in men. Tobacco is one of the risk factors for pancreatic cancer as genetic changes can occur because of long-term exposure. 3. Race African-Americans are at a higher risk than Caucasians. While the exact cause is unknown, it may be related to a higher prevalence of smoking or higher rates of diabetes among these populations.

Atopic dermatitis is a condition that causes the skin to become itchy and red. Although it is diagnosed mostly in children, it can occur at any age. The symptoms of this condition can flare up or become severe when you are exposed to certain conditions or triggers. Listed below are some atopic dermatitis aggravators that are best avoided. 1. Chemicals Some products that you use regularly can contain many harsh chemicals that can be atopic dermatitis aggravators. This also includes smoke from cigarettes. Therefore, to avoid worsening or triggering symptoms of eczema, wearing gloves when using household cleaning products might be a good idea. Also, try to avoid using strong perfumes, air fresheners, or scented candles. You could also replace the products you use for personal hygiene such as shampoo and soaps with those made from natural ingredients or look for products that are suited for those with allergies and sensitive skin. Fragrance-free products and those that are pH neutral are a good option. Don’t forget to check and replace your detergent too. Look for brands that offer products especially for those with skin issues. You can also use detergents that are made for babies. 2. Sun and sweat These are common atopic dermatitis aggravators as they tend to inflame or burn the skin, resulting in redness and itchiness.

Multiple sclerosis is a neurological condition that leads to abnormalities in the brain and spine functionalities. Also referred to as MS, it leads to permanent disabilities and this chronic condition can only be managed with the right medications and treatment. Here are some of the early signs of MS that you should be aware of. 1. Numbness One of the early problems with MS is brain-body coordination. Sometimes, signals are not sent at all or sometimes they are sent late. When signals are not sent from the brain to the body, the result is numbness. Tingling sensations in the legs, hands, and face are also considered one of the early signs of MS. 2. Spasms Spasms are involuntary muscle contractions that can happen in different parts of the body. If you are experiencing involuntary painful jerking motion of the arms, legs, or on one side of the face, then do talk to your doctor right away about it. It could be an early sign of the condition. 3. Incontinence Incontinence is the inability of the bladder to hold urine. It is very common in the elderly. However, when you have MS, urine incontinence could be one of the early signs you should be aware of.

Cancer is the anomalous and uncontrollable growth of cells that can lead to a variety of complications. Sometimes it only affects the one organ where it originates and sometimes it progresses rapidly, affecting nearby organs also. The treatment plan and survival rate depend on the stage of the progression. Listed below are some of the most common types of cancer that occur in adults: 1. Lung cancer Small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer can occur with symptoms like chest pain, blood in mucus along with persistent cough, and even changes in the voice. Most symptoms in this condition only start appearing when the cancer has progressed. 2. Breast cancer Breast cancer is characterized by symptoms, such as sudden nipple discharge that is sometimes bloody. It is one of the most common forms of cancer diagnosed in women in the country. There might be prominent lumps in the breast that can lead to swelling and pain. 3. Prostate cancer This cancer occurs in the prostate, which is located below the bladder in men. As a cancer that is common in men, this one can be accompanied by symptoms, such as frequent urination and bloody urine. 4. Bladder cancer Several symptoms of bladder cancer might be similar to those of prostate cancer.

ED or erectile dysfunction is generally a more common ailment in older males but that is not the case every time. Even younger males can encounter this issue for reasons more than one. Causes of ED in young adults can be physical or psychological or even both in some cases. Erectile dysfunction occurs when males are not able to get an erection or sustain one long enough to perform sexual intercourse. Physical causes: 1. Heart issues Clogged arteries or atherosclerosis can be one of the causes of ED in young adults. For an erection to occur, it is essential to have healthy circulation, and the aforementioned condition can hamper that effectively. Blood pressure on the higher side is yet another cause. 2. Hormonal problems Low or high thyroid levels, or low levels of testosterone can also contribute towards ED. Also, increased levels of prolactin in the body can also result in erectile dysfunction. Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. 3. Obesity Excess weight in younger adults is yet another factor that can contribute towards ED. Obesity further plays a role in instigating hypertension and diabetes, which are also among the causes of ED in young adults. 4.

Cervical cancer develops in the cells of the cervix and can lead to unusual bleeding after intercourse, between menstrual cycles, or after menopause; bloody and foul-smelling vaginal discharge; pelvic pain; or painful intercourse. Several traditional treatment options for cervical cancer help shrink a tumor or stop disease progression, but treatment varies based on the symptoms and severity. This article discusses some of the common treatment options for cervical cancer. 1. Surgery Surgery is one of the traditional treatment options for cervical cancer and is performed to remove the cancerous tumor from the cervix. The surgical procedures used to treat the disease include the following: Conization In the case of an early diagnosis, the tumor is removed using cone biopsy. The procedure derives its name from the cone-shaped piece of cervical tissue removed during surgery, leaving the rest of the cervix as it is. Cone biopsy can be used to remove microinvasive cancer. Radical trachelectomy This surgical procedure is used to treat cervical cancer in the early stages. This procedure involves the removal of the cervix, but the uterus is left intact. It is used for patients who want to preserve their fertility. Hysterectomy This surgical procedure is performed in advanced cases of cervical cancer, and it can be simple or radical.

Osteoporosis causes the bones to become weak and brittle. Minor falls or mild stress on the bones can cause a fracture, and even coughing and bending can lead to a fracture in severe cases. These fractures are typically seen in the hip area, spine, or wrist. While it affects both men and women, women are at a higher risk of developing the condition after menopause. This article lists some of the main causes of osteoporosis: 1. Lack of estrogen This is the main cause of osteoporosis among a majority of women. Bone loss speeds up after menopause as women experience a drop in estrogen levels. This increases their risk of developing the condition as the body loses more bone than it replaces. Women who have had both ovaries surgically removed are also at risk of developing osteoporosis. 2. Long-term usage of steroids Steroids or corticosteroids are prescribed for treating several conditions, including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and colitis. While they are helpful anti-inflammatory medicines, excessive use of steroids can increase one’s risk of developing osteoporosis as they may cause bone loss and lead to an increase in bone fractures. While they may not always be the reason, long-term usage of these medicines one of the main causes of osteoporosis.

The urinary system in the human body consists of the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. And if there is an infection in any of the aforementioned parts, then it is termed as a urinary tract infection (UTI). Women are known to be at a higher risk for this condition. Knowing about the symptoms of UTI can help you chart out a proper treatment plan for the condition. 1. Symptoms Here are a few symptoms of UTI that you must know about: Urgent need to urinate When you experience the need to urinate at small intervals and with extreme urgency, then there is a chance that you have a urinary infection. You may also experience incontinence. Pain while urinating If you feel pain while passing urine, then you need to consult a doctor and seek their advice. Along with pain, you may also notice blood in your urine. You may also experience pressure in your pelvic area. Cloudy urine The color of your urine can say a lot about your health. If it appears to be cloudy, then it may be a sign that you should visit a doctor. A strong smell in the urine is yet another entry on the list of symptoms of UTI.

Dry eye syndrome is a common ailment wherein the eyes cannot produce enough tears for adequate lubrication, or the tears evaporate quickly, leading to dry and inflamed eyes. The severity of the symptoms can vary from one person to another, but the condition can aggravate and cause other issues if left untreated. This article discusses a few common complications of dry eyes. 1. Complications of dry eyes Ulceration of cornea This complication of untreated or severe dry eyes causes an ulcer on the cornea. Dirt and debris can enter the eyes, and the tear glands usually produce tears that wash away the dirt. That said, in people with dry eyes, the glands cannot produce enough tears to wash away the particles. So, the debris tend to scratch the cornea’s surface, which can cause infections and bacteria and lead to ulcers. Medical intervention is required to treat these ulcers effectively. Conjunctivitis Inflammation of the conjunctiva (the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid) is termed conjunctivitis, and untreated dry eyes can lead to this complication. Most cases of conjunctivitis that occur due to dry eyes are not on the severe side, but some people may experience severe symptoms. So, it is advisable to consult a specialist to get it treated in time.