Birth control, also known as contraception, refers to pregnancy prevention. There are different methods. Hormonal birth control methods prevent ovaries from releasing ova or preventing sperms from reaching the ovum. They include the pill, shot, IUD, Nexplanon, vaginal ring, and patch. Barrier methods prevent sperms from reaching the egg, and they are condoms, spermicide, diaphragms, and cervical caps. The rhythm method involves tracking the menstrual cycles, and injectables include progestin shots. Here are the safest and most effective contraceptive methods 1. Birth control implants Birth control implants, such as Nexplanon (an etonogestrel birth control implant), is placed in the arm. It is small, thin, flexible, and it is plastic and about a matchstick’s size. Healthcare providers insert the implant under the skin of the arm. It releases progestin hormone in the body, responsible for pregnancy prevention. Inserting an implant takes only a few minutes, after which you are bandaged. This bandage is removed after one day. Rare side effects include bleeding. 2. IUDs The intrauterine device is a t shaped device that allows fertilization, but prevents implantation of the fertilized ovum in the uterine wall. The device creates an unfavorable environment for implantation in the womb’s lining tissues. It lasts from three to five years.

The term osteoporosis means porous or weak bones. Osteoporosis affects bones making the spaces inside them larger resulting from strength and density loss. As such, the outer part of bones also gradually becomes thinner and weaker. Although this bone disease can strike people of all ages, patients are most commonly women of advanced aged with slim builds. Possible causes of osteoporosis may include: Low calcium levels An underlying medical condition such as hyperthyroidism Use of medications such as cortisone 1. Receding gums It is one of the osteoporosis symptoms, and it refers to the process by which margins of gum tissues surrounding the teeth wear out. When this wearing takes place, gaps form between the gum line and teeth, the roots of the teeth are exposed, and it is easy for bacteria to accumulate. The receding gums may lead to teeth loss and damage of the bones around the teeth if not treated. Dental x-rays and dentists can help detect this through bone density screenings. The symptom is an early sign of osteoporosis. Patients with osteoporosis showing this symptom may end up losing their jawbones. 2. Back pain caused by collapsed vertebra Osteoporosis makes bones weaker, therefore increasing the probability of spine bones breaking or cracking.

Those that have asthma need to be more aware of environmental factors that can negatively impact their quality of life. Some states have low air quality that can impact those with asthma symptoms. Every state has a different climate, as a result, pollen levels can dramatically vary. States with higher pollen levels can have a negative impact on the quality of life for those with asthma. Here are the six worst states for those with asthma: 1. Virginia Residents of the state experience more symptoms of asthma than in other parts of the nation. A contributing factor is the pollen level, which remains higher than the national average. The quality of air is much lower than in other states and is a significant factor. Poverty in the state is widespread, often many don’t seek out healthcare due to the inability to afford such services. The numbers of uninsured residents continues to remain higher than the national average. 2. Pennsylvania The state of Pennsylvania has many large industrial sectors that give off higher levels of pollution. Many children in these areas experience three times the national average of asthma symptoms. The state also has a rich history of depending on coal-powered plants for the state’s electricity.

A diagnosis of lung cancer and just what your doctor will do in the way of lung cancer treatments are among the most devastating, life-impacting news a patient may experience. According to the American Lung Association, lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in the United States. And cancer specialists say that while up to 56% of patients live five years or more if the disease is caught at an early stage, but that only around 16% of patients are diagnosed early. And of those patients where the cancer has spread, less than 5% survive. There are fundamentally two types of lung cancer small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the two cancers can have similar symptoms, for example: Loss of appetite Blood in coughed up mucus Chest pain Persistent cough Difficulty in swallowing Continuous and persistent tiredness Shortness of breath Swelling, particularly on the face and neck Only a cancer specialist can diagnose whether you have either small cell or large cell lung cancer. Your doctor will usually: A thorough physical exam Have X-rays taken of your lungs Order laboratory tests Test your mucus Perform a biopsy It is only after completing all these tests, that your doctor can give you a thorough treatment plan that may include:

Men’s cancer can develop in one of the most important glands in men’s reproductive system, the prostate gland. The prostate gland produces the seminal fluid responsible for sperm nourishment and transportation of sperms. The disease has become quite common making it essential for every man to be well informed about the prostate cancer treatment. This enables them to take the necessary precautions to prevent and control men’s cancer. Various factors increase men`s susceptibility to the condition, which are listed and explained below: 1. Age Advanced age has been found to increase the chances of men suffering from diseases. A series of scientific and medical research projects have been carried out, and it has been confirmed that about 80% of men diagnosed with the disease are more than 65 years older. It is, therefore, important for men to go for a regular andrological checkup. 2. Genetics Genes also play a role in the occurrence of the disease. Family history is important as the disease runs in the family in about 20% of the cases because of the existence of shared genes, environment and lifestyle factors combination. 3. Hormones Hormonal imbalance and constant inflammation of the prostate gland possibly from infections are also possible risks for the occurrence of carcinogenic cells in the prostate gland which may lead to prostate cancer.