Breast cancer is a type of cancer in which malignant cancer cells multiply uncontrollably to form a tumor in the breast. It is the second most common form of cancer diagnosed in women in the country. According to doctors, about five to ten percent of breast cancers are linked to genetic alterations passed from parent to child. 1. Link between genetics and breast cancer A majority of the inherited cases of breast cancer is associated with mutations in two particular genes: BRCA1 and BRCA2. Every person has copies of these two genes, whose primary function is to repair cell damage and ensure the normal growth of all breast and ovarian cells. However, sometimes, these genes contain mutations that are passed down generations. In this case, the genes don’t function normally and carry a heavy risk of breast or ovarian cancer. But BRCA1 and BRCA2 only account for 10 percent of the total breast cancer cases. While understanding the relationship between genetics and breast cancer, it is important to note that having a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation doesn’t mean one will surely be diagnosed with breast cancer. Researchers have noted that other mutations in specific chromosomal tags, which are known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), are typically linked to higher breast cancer risk.

Each year, over one million Americans quit smoking, which is no small feat considering the grip of nicotine addiction combined with psychological dependence on cigarettes. The toxic chemicals in cigarettes cause cancer, lung disease, stroke, and heart disease, among other disorders. Quitting smoking is hard, but not impossible with a good plan in place. Try using these tips in your plan to stop smoking to help you kick the habit once and for all: 1. Use nicotine replacement products Nicotine replacement therapy takes the edge off of nicotine withdrawal. Nicotine infused products such as gum, patches, and lozenges provide an alternative delivery of the drug without the harmful effects of smoking. Lowering the nicotine dosage every three weeks can help you gradually wean off of nicotine, which may eliminate or reduce uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. 2. Avoid others who smoke Smelling cigarette smoke and seeing others smoke can be a strong trigger for nicotine cravings. It’s best to avoid situations where others are smoking. Fortunately, smoking is not permitted in most public and workplaces. However, if you live with people who smoke, or your friends smoke, you may have to ask them to smoke outside and out of sight. 3. Clean your clothes and car The smell of smoke and the residue it leaves behind on clothing and inside your car is a strong reminder of a smoking habit.

On a warm summer’s day, many of us like to enjoy an ice-cream cone or milkshake. In the winter, we might reach for a glass of eggnog or a hot chocolate. However, for those with lactose intolerance, these treats might not be a good idea. Lactose intolerance occurs when the body is unable to digest lactose, a type of milk sugar found in dairy products like butter, milk, and cream. The difference between lactose intolerance and a milk allergy (or casein allergy) is the immune response to ingesting dairy products. Patients with milk allergy are allergic to the protein (or casein and whey) found in milk and often suffer from hives, swelling, and even anaphylaxis after eating them. However, those who are lactose intolerant are unable to digest lactose, and suffer symptoms of bloating, diarrhea, and flatulence in response. The most common symptoms associated with lactose intolerance include the following: 1. Stomach pain and cramps Abdominal pain and cramping are a common symptom of lactose intolerance. The undigested lactose in the body causes fermentation, which then leads to cramps due to the buildup of excess gas in the colon. If you have consistent pain or cramping, it may be time to pay attention to what you are consuming and speak to your doctor.

Simply put, menopause is the time that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle. It’s typically diagnosed after you have gone a full 12 months without a cycle. Before actually going into menopause, a woman’s body goes through a transitional period called perimenopause. This process typically occurs in your 40s or 50s. However, if you undergo a surgical removal of your ovaries, menopause will be brought on more suddenly. Depending on the woman, there are a variety of signs that menopause is approaching. Here is a list of some of the most common symptoms to watch out for: 1. Insomnia Insomnia is a chronic difficulty in falling and staying asleep, and becomes problematic if it occurs more than four times a week. It’s a very common symptom that many women who are undergoing menopause experience. Sleep disturbances are caused by a menopausal decrease of the hormone estrogen. With lower levels of estrogen, women can experience other symptoms like depression and night sweats, making it even more challenging to sleep well. Progesterone is another hormone that decreases during menopause; this can also cause sleep disturbances, since progesterone has a sleep-inducing effect. 2. Hot Flashes Hot flashes are the most common sign of perimenopause and menopause.

Sleep problems are one of the more common medical issues in modern society. Our daily life tends to keep us sedentary for long periods of time. Combined with our screen times and high stress jobs, it’s no wonder that we suffer from insomnia. Our lack of sleep can cause symptoms ranging from simply feeling tired to more bothersome issues like back pain and headaches. Applying the following tips can help ensure a good night’s sleep: 1. Take magnesium Magnesium is a mineral that’s involved with several elements of human metabolism. In the context of sleep, it’s also an important component in maintaining a state of rest. Magnesium can even help relax our muscles to get the tension out after a rough day. It also works with melatonin to help regulate sleep. 2. Replace your mattress We’re often not even aware that our mattress is the cause of our sleep troubles. Although we might feel fine falling asleep on it, that doesn’t mean we’ll be comfortable all night. It’s quite common for people to wake up multiple times a night due to a mattress that isn’t quite right. Replacing our mattresses can do wonders for our quality of sleep. 3. Use natural sleep aids like melatonin and valerian Natural sleep aids like melatonin or valerian can help with falling asleep and getting a better quality of rest.