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Spinal Muscle Atrophy: Causes and Types

Spinal muscular atrophy, or SMA, refers to a non-curable disease that causes the deterioration of nerve cells, impacting the brain to spinal cord signals required for muscle control, function, and overall movement. SMA is most often presents in newborn babies, infants, and young children. While SMA does not affect the brain as far as overall intelligence, it impacts movement with symptoms of uncoordinated movements (i.e., head and neck), swallowing difficulties, muscle weakness and wasting, and an inability to sit, crawl, or walk. SMA can’t be cured, however, with proper treatment, patients may live a full, more comfortable lives.

SMA is a genetic disease, meaning it’s caused by a broken gene passed on by both parents. So a child must inherit the gene mutation from both parents to develop SMA. However, if he or she only has one broken gene from a single parent, he or she can still be a carrier and pass the disease on to his or her child (if his or her partner has the same broken gene). The type of gene mutation determines the type of SMA present, for instance:

1. SMA type 1
SMA type 1 is the most devastating from of the disease. SMA. It often presents with early warning signs in newborns that may include—swallowing issues, uncontrolled or weak arms and legs, and the inability to support the head and neck to sit up without assistance. Small children with type 1 SMA often have severe respiratory difficulties that lead to early fatality (before 2-years old).

2. SMA type 2
Chronic infantile SMA, or SMA type 2, mostly impacts infants between the ages of 6- to 18- months of age. Early warning symptoms include:

  • Mild to severe respiratory (breathing) problems
  • Decreased muscle tone (hypotonia)
  • Abnormal muscle contractions (twitching or fasciculations)
  • Decreased reflexes, particularly in the legs
  • Unable to sit, walk, or stand without assistance

3. SMA type 3
Also known as juvenile SMA or Kugelberg-Welander disease, type 3 is the mildest form of SMA. This type typically strikes between the ages of 2- to 17-years of age with few symptoms early on. In fact, many patients with SMA type 3 are able to sit, stand, and walk without support. However, they often develop issues later on and eventually require wheelchair assistance.

4. SMA type 4
Develops in adulthood. This type of SMA can vary dramatically between patients. For instance, many only experience mild symptoms—including muscle twitches, shortness of breath, and muscle weakness, particularly in the upper arms and legs—throughout life. However, physical therapy and daily exercise can help significantly improve symptoms and overall quality of life so much so that patients may continue to work and lead relatively normal lives.

Liver cancer occurs when the cancerous cells start growing near the liver and affect its functioning gradually. This cancer is silent cancer, which does not show any sign till it has progressed to later stages. Hence, the prognosis for liver disease is very bad and there is no hope for it improving in the future.

Liver cancer has a lot of symptoms but the problem with these symptoms is that they are also associated with other liver-related diseases. Therefore, the patients tend to ignore them for a long time before a red flag is raised. Following are a few common symptoms seen in the liver cancer patients.

  • Unexplained weight loss

    A person suffering from liver cancer loses weight dramatically. This is more because complications inside the liver lead to loss of appetite resulting in the poor health of the patient.

  • Loss of appetite

    Liver cancer gives a constant feeling of being full. Even one bite of food can make the patient feel like they have eaten too much and might not be able to keep everything inside.

  • Nausea and vomiting

    Liver cancer causes extreme nausea and vomiting. It creates an aversion to food and the patient starves while having a feeling of overeating.

  • Enlarged liver and spleen

    The size of the spleen and liver increase and cause a lot of pain and discomfort.

  • Swelling of feet and belly

    Liver cancer leaves the liver unable to process its basic functions, which further complicates other bodily functions leading to swelling in feet and belly.

  • Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)

    Abnormal functioning of the liver causes an abnormal release of bilirubin, which is the cause behind the yellow color of the skin and the eyes.

All the signs and symptoms of liver cancer are related to one another. Due to the cancer cells affecting the liver, the liver fails to function properly and then one problem leads to another leaving the patient hapless with no respite.

Is liver cancer curable?

Most doctors will tell you that treating a liver cancer is very difficult at the later stages and unfortunately that is when it is detected in most of the cases. Most of the patients with liver cancer do not realize something is wrong with them till they have reached stage three or four, which is extremely late in the disease and has almost no chances of curing.

With liver cancer, doctors are left with just a few options to choose from based on how much cancer has spread and the general health of the liver. Some of the treatment options for liver cancer are as follows:

  • Surgery
  • Liver transplant
  • Ablation therapy
  • Embolization
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy

Liver cancer is dangerous and it is better if it is diagnosed early. The signs and symptoms of liver cancer are confusing but people should take them seriously and get it checked, when necessary.

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fashion

Fashion is such an individualized thing. Everyone is different and therefore everyone has personal preferences when it comes to different types of dresses. One thing is true though; it’s important to have at least one versatile and flattering dress in your wardrobe. When determining what type to choose, there are several styles to consider that can be appropriate for different types of events and different figures.

Women today attend many events that require dressing up for the occasion. These may include weddings, dates, parties, work events, and brunch. When looking to buy a dress to suit a wide range of occasions, here are some flattering options for all ages and body types:

1. Wrap dresses

Wrap dresses are exactly what they sound like. These dresses are pulled together with a front closure. One side of the dress is wrapped across the front and then either goes behind the back part of the waist to either be attached by buttons or tied. The construction of this dress creates a v-neck front. It also accentuates the curves of the wearer in the chest area.

2. Maxi dresses

Maxi dresses are a great option for many occasions. They are long and go to the floor. Generally, they are designed to fit the body on the top, and then be flowy and long on the bottom. The fun thing about them is they can feature many different necklines and come in various patterns and colors. This makes them very individualized to the person.

3. A-Line dresses 

A-line dresses are named after the shape they take on the body, which is an “A”. They fit to the top part of the body and begin to flare gradually out at the waist and hips, becoming wider as the hem progresses. A-line clothing can be found not just in dresses, but also in coats and skirts.

4. Little black dresses

Everyone has heard of the little black dress. This is such a versatile option that can be found in your closet. It can be dressed up or down for numerous types of events. As a general design, it is usually a simple dress that tends to be quite short. The elegance and simplicity create a fairly blank canvas that allows you to create the exact type of look that you want. Many designers provide limitless options for this much-needed wardrobe essential. Victoria Beckham cocktail dresses are one good brand to consider.

5. Mini dresses

A mini, or short dress that hangs just above the knees is a common style. This design became popular in the 1920’s. It was later revitalized in the 1960s, and has remained an integral part of many wardrobes ever since. A mini shift style dress is a loose-fitting dress that is very comfortable and does not fit tightly around the waist or any part of the body. It is loose at both the hips and the waist so the dress falls loosely down from the shoulders all the way down to the bottom of the dress. Darts are generally located in the bust area. It is a straight silhouette that can be flattering for those that have bodies that are shaped more like a column and it also elongates petite figures as it shows off the legs. 

When shopping for dresses, every designer has his or her own individual interpretation. It is fun, and a great idea to look at the individual designers and fashion forward celebrities to find the one that fits your aesthetic most closely. Also, remember that designers also have many other clothing options. As an example, when looking at what stars wear, like Kourtney Kardashian or Victoria Beckham (blouses, skirts, dresses and pants), you might find a designer that the star tends to wear a lot that you can draw inspiration from.

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The right handbag can really accentuate your outfit of the day. There are also many styles and functions for different handbags. You could have a handback that works as a daily driver – a bag that you take to run errands or to the store. You could also have a bag that’s perfect for traveling or for a night out. Whatever the case may be, these are five handbags that are sure to be everywhere this season:

1. Versace Chunky Chain Bag

This Versace bag features a chunky chain which really is the stand out feature on this bag. The chain provides a cool effect when you wear it, that really draws your eyes to it. In typical Versace fashion, the chunky chain bag is made of high quality materials and is a great value for the price.

2. Lanvin Puffy Cloud Bag

The Lanvin Puffy Cloud Bag is another bag you’ll be seeing a lot of in 2021. This bag is one of the top trends in handbags right now, and for good reason. The Lanvin quality is apparent and you can really wear this on any occasion, formal or casual.

3. Stella McCartney Hobo Bag

The Stella McCartney Hobo bag has a relaxed look about it. It appears slightly slouched in nature, which provides a really cool effect. This bag can be dressed up for a nice, formal event or dressed down for a nice casual day. This bag is incredibly versatile and provides enough room for all of your belongings. It has two slip pockets and an interior compartment for maximum storage. This is one bag that can really do it all.

4. Bottega Veneta Fisherman Shoulder Bag

The Bottega Veneta Fisherman Shoulder Bag is extremely trendy right now, and for good reason. The bag features a scale like pattern which is the standout feature. It also features a shoulder strap for great versatility and a super comfortable wear. The bag features high quality materials and enough room to keep all your belongings stored nicely. This bag leans a bit casual but is a great bag if you’re looking to make a statement throughout the day.

5. Fendi Fluffy Feathers Bag

The Fendi fluffy feathers bag is a bag that’s sure to make a statement. This bag is made of high quality materials, in typical Fendi fashion. The fluffy feathers bag is covered in ostrich feathers. This bag is incredibly unique and will turn all the heads. It’s also very versatile in that all of the straps are detachable so you could wear this as a shoulder bag or as a little handheld purse. When you pair this with a stunning dress, you will be sure to turn heads at any formal event or night out on the town.

These bags can be found at many of your favorite retailers and department stores. Make sure to shop Saks Fifth Avenue bags for the latest in deals and trends for the 2021 year.

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Jewelry is the one of the best accent pieces for any outfit you choose to wear. The right necklace, or the right bracelet, can really put the finishing touch on an amazing outfit. You may opt to wear a necklace on a night out, or a set of bangles to run some errands. Either way there are a few styling hacks to help maximize your jewelry. Here are six jewelry styling hacks to follow:

1. Use earrings for a pop of color
It can be a great idea to match a few pieces of jewelry, however, when they’re all very similar in style and color, they can really blend together. To solve this issue, try using earrings to create that pop of color. Earrings can really balance out an outfit

2. Know when it’s too much
Jewelry can provide a great accent to your favorite outfit but you need to be careful you don’t overdo it. By having too much, you’re really taking away from the effect your jewelry adds to your outfit

3. Personalize with statement jewelry
Something like customized wrist bracelets can be super personal. This can be a piece that no one has that truly stands out on its own. These are often hard to duplicate because they’re one of a kind and customized. Check Kay Jewelers clearance sale and see if there’s anything that you could customize and make truly unique

4. Minimal jewelry with patterned clothing
When your outfit is full of patterns, it’s already incredibly loud. Something like stripes or plaid can be a super powerful statement in itself so when picking out jewelry, make sure to keep it minimal. When it’s overdone it can have the opposite effect of what you’re looking for. One simple necklace or bracelet can be a nice, quick addition to a loud outfit with many patterns

5. Create layers with necklaces and bangles
Sometimes when we wear jewelry it can be hard to get the most out of it. Sometimes our jewelry is too thin and won’t really pop with our outfits. That’s where layering comes into play. By layering bangles you can create a super nice, textured set of bracelets that will surely stand out. With necklaces, you want to look at the style and length. By mixing and layering different necklace lengths, you can create the illusion of a much bigger piece and have them all flow together seamlessly. Either way, you really can’t go wrong with layering

6. Mix metals in jewelry
Most jewelry is made of various metals like gold, silver, and platinum. By combining different metals, you can really make them pop. When mixing and matching gold and silver you really create a palate with different colors and materials. It helps them stand out. When you wear all your jewellery in one material or one color, the pieces tend to blend in with each other. Mixing metals will help your pieces to really make a statement

When choosing jewelry, make sure to follow these 6 hacks for best results!

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