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Treating and Managing Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia was once diagnosed using an 18-point pain test. Now that has been changed to a quicker diagnosis wherein a patient is believed to have fibromyalgia if they are suffering from full body pain for more than three months with no underlying condition.

In order to rule out other conditions doctors prescribe a few tests, which might be:

  • Complete blood count
  • Rheumatoid factor
  • Thyroid function tests
  • Cyclic citrullinated peptide test
  • Erythrocyte sedimentation test

Once the test results clear that there is nothing wrong with the body, the doctors start the treatment for fibromyalgia.

Treatment and management of fibromyalgia

Treatment of fibromyalgia is more about managing the symptoms it presents. The main focus of the doctors is on minimizing the symptoms and improving general health so that the patient can go back to his routine activities. Following are a few methods that alleviate pain and manage other symptoms effectively.

Medications

Medications are helpful to patients suffering from fibromyalgia. They help in treating and managing fibromyalgia symptoms like insomnia, pain, and anxiety. There are mainly three types of medicines:

  • Pain relievers

    Pain relievers are a must in the management of fibromyalgia given that whole body ache is one of the biggest problems of this disease. Most of the times over-the-counter medications help but sometimes the pain is so bad that the doctor has to prescribe a painkiller. Most doctors avoid narcotics because of their dependency causing tendencies.

  • Antidepressants

    Antidepressants and muscle relaxants come in handy for the management of fibromyalgia. These two medications together take care of almost all the problems associated with the disease. When a person with fibromyalgia sleeps properly, most of the other associated issues get settled themselves and muscle relaxants help in feeling normal in terms of body movements.

  • Anti-seizure medication

    For some cases, anti-seizure medications come in handy in pain and other symptom management. Gabapentin is commonly prescribed for fibromyalgia.

Therapy

A number of therapies prove to be very helpful in treating and managing fibromyalgia. These therapies reduce pain and discomfort and help a person achieve a normal lifestyle. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling are a few options that help in regaining physical as well as mental strength.

  • Lifestyle remedies

    Positive changes in lifestyle are well known to help people with fibromyalgia. Some of the changes that are vital are:

  • Stress reduction

    Stress is one of the biggest triggers of fibromyalgia. Hence, reduction of stress is imperative in the fibromyalgia management.

  • Proper sleep

    A proper sleep balances the chemicals in the brain, which is much-needed for a patient with fibromyalgia.

  • Regular exercise

    Appropriate exercises can magically heal the pain attached to this condition. Initial days feel like the pain is increasing, but it starts subsiding soon.

  • Healthy food

    Eating healthy is good for everyone and a person suffering from fibromyalgia benefits a lot from the intake of a balanced and healthy diet.

Fibromyalgia is crippling but it is manageable. A good doctor and some of the remedies mentioned above can make life easier and pain-free for a patient.

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When cells in the chest grow and multiply abnormally and spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body, it is identified as breast cancer. These cancerous cells, by multiplying, form a malignant tumor within the breast. Breast cancer goes unnoticed in the initial stage and is discovered at a later stage when a big lump or continuous tenderness is noticed.

Diagnosing breast cancer

People with breast cancer have more chances of survival if the disease is detected at an earlier stage. The first step for curing this condition, or preventing further damage, is to diagnose it as soon as possible. Before you take any treatment, it is necessary to understand how diagnosing and breast cancer staging works. Here is the complete process of diagnosing breast cancer.

Exam –

The first step is undergoing a complete checkup. The doctor checks for any lumps in both breasts and lymph nodes present the armpits.

Mammogram –

A mammogram is an X-ray procedure to screen the problematic area in the breast. This is most commonly used to detect any abnormality, which can help doctors decide upon the treatment after diagnosing breast cancer.

Ultrasound –

During the mammogram, if any abnormality is found, an ultrasound can help the doctor understand whether this abnormality is solid or fluid-filled.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) –

An MRI gives a detailed image of the affected body part through strong magnetic rays. An MRI does not use X-rays or any other radiation, but requires an injection of a contrast agent inserted into the veins.

Biopsy –

Biopsy is a way to sample or check the abnormal area for diagnosis. Based on reports from the X-ray, mammography, ultrasound, and MRI, the doctor uses a specialized needle to sample the affected area. This is often referred to as core needle biopsy.

Stages of breast cancer

Staging of breast cancer helps doctors determine the required treatment and understand the stage to which the cancer has progressed. The stages of breast cancer are determined on three factors, namely the size of the tumor, the number and location of lymph nodes affected, and whether cancer has spread to any other part of the body (also called metastases). Here are the four stages of breast cancer.

Stage 0 and 1 –

At this stage, the cancer cells are confined to a small or limited area. This is the earliest stage when breast cancer develops.

Stage 2 (II) and 2A (IIA) –

The second stage of cancer is still at an early stage with the difference being that the cancer cells have begun to grow and spread. Breast cancer treatment can be effective even at this stage.

Stage 3 (III) A, B, and C –

At this advanced stage, one cannot ignore the fact that the cancer cells have advanced and spread to surrounding tissues near the breast.

Stage 4 (IV) –

This is the last stage, where cancer has moved to other organs, including skin, bones, lungs, liver, distant lymph nodes, and even the brain. This stage is also called as metastatic breast cancer.

After proper diagnosing and breast cancer staging, the doctor determines further treatment such as chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation to treat the disease.

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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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