Opioids are prescribed by doctors to treat a number of adverse health conditions including chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, degenerative joint pain, severe back or knee pain, osteoarthritis, and post surgery. However, opioid usage often comes with several uncomfortable side effects including nausea, narcotic addiction, and constipation. Opioid-induced constipation is a little discussed side effect of opioid use, however, left untreated it may lead to more serious conditions such as rectal bleeding, rectal prolapse, perforation, hemorrhoids, severe abdonmial pain, anal fissures, and fecal impact.  If you are prescribed opioids, such as tramadol, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone, methadone, codeine, or buprenorphine for a pain condition, constipation can come on quite suddenly with little relief. Talk to your doctor immediately to get one of the following common treatments: 1. Movantik Movantik is an FDA-approved prescription medication prescribed to treat opioid-induced constipation and related symptoms (i.e., hard, dry, or difficulty passing stools, painful bowel movements, and stomach distension or bloating) in adults with moderate to very severe non-cancer related pain (i.e., osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, etc.). This drug works by impeding opioids from attaching to μ-receptors within the bowel. Movantik is typically prescribed in 25-milligram dosages daily (on an empty stomach) either 1 hour prior or 2 hours following a meal, and typically works within a 6 to 12 hour duration.

A common cough is easy to ignore. However, coughing is a natural reflex that occurs, often quite suddenly, to clear the airway of dust, smoke, chemicals, or mucus. As mentioned, mucus is a prime culprit of coughing. While a certain amount of mucus is essential to lubricate the intestines, lungs, and other essential bodily organs, if it builds up, mucus can become thick and sticky, and begin to block airways, impact breathing, and leave you open to severe infections.  Effective treatments for coughs and colds include the following: 1. Cough expectorants Expectorant medications are usually taken orally in tablet or cough syrup mode. These aim to first, loosen thick mucus so it can be expelled from the body, and then secondly, to suppress or calm a stubborn cough reflex. Expectorants come in many brand name formulas, such as Robitussin, and treat wet coughs, dry coughs, and even unproductive coughs (minus mucus). If you plan to treat a cough with a cough formula, like Robitussin, consult your doctor first to ensure you’re using the right cough medication. 2. Antihistamines Antihistamines are drugs often prescribed for a cough when allergies and chronic post-nasal drip are the main symptoms. If you do contract a common cold bug but also suffer from allergies or asthma, seek a cough medicine that contains a decongestant/antihistamine combination.

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is the persistent or recurrent lack of spontaneous desire to initiate or participate in sexual activity. This condition is marked by sexual distress (i.e., feelings of frustration, low confidence, sadness, grief, etc.). HSDD has subtypes: acquired (developed only after normal sexual function), lifelong (present at the start of sexual function) generalized (not limited to certain situations or partners), and situational (limited to specific circumstances or partners). Approximately 10% of premenopausal women in the United States have HSDD. HSDD must be present for at least 6-months for a formal diagnosis, but luckily there are a few treatment options: 1. Vyleesi (Bremelanotide) Vyleesi bremelanotide is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for premenopausal women with acquired, generalized Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder. Vyleesi comes with an easy to use auto injector that women use to self administer the drug in their stomach area or thigh. Patients can take it at any time of the day at least 45 minutes before sexual activity. It shouldn’t be used to treat menopausal women with HSDD, to improve sexual performance, or for men or youth. Patients with high blood pressure or known heart disease shouldn’t take Vyleesi. The side effects of Vyleesi may include darkening of the skin in certain parts of the body, such as the face, gums, and breast, as well as nausea, nasal congestion, headache, fatigue, and dizziness.

Do you twirl your hair, lost in thought, and hear it crunch? Dry hair leads to damage like breakage and split ends. When your hair gets sapped of moisture, you’ll experience flyaways, frizziness, otherwise an unmanageable mess. If you want is to stop looking like you’ve just rolled out of bed, you have to get those dried-up tresses to cooperate. If you’ve caught yourself daydreaming about dipping your head into a vat of olive oil, you need help. Here’s a few hydrating shampoos that can help repair dry hair: 1. Redken All Soft Mega Shampoo Using plant-sourced ingredients like cactus extract, aloe vera and Sacha Inchi Oil, Redken All Soft Mega Shampoo repairs damaged cuticles while moisturizing. Aloe vera, a well-known sunburn remedy, and cactus extract hydrate and provide protection. Sacha Inchi Oil has gotten lots of buzz lately as a food and beauty ingredient. It has a special property that allows it to be absorbed quickly into cuticles, locking in moisture. A natural emollient, it softens and repairs hair as well. 2. Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo Pureology Hydrate Sheer works in three ways to hydrate, strengthen, and soften hair. First, it’s sulfate-free. Sulfates are detergents that help your shampoo work up a big lather.

When it’s time to get that much-needed haircut, mustache or beard trim, or simply to remove the traces of two-day stubble, the options are not always convenient. Sometimes your barber may not have an opening. There is another, technologically advanced way to get exactly the trim or haircut that you desire. You can put these top ranked trimmers to work and become your own barber while saving yourself a great deal of time and money in the process: 1. Wahl Clipper Home Barber Kit This 30-piece kit is complete and can perform every detail that you’ll need. The PowerDrive motor is among the best and most powerful. This motor complements the self-sharpening carbon blades that increase the life of the clipper. If you need to taper, it’s easy with the Wahl Clipper, because it has an adjustable taper lever for blending and transitioning. Professional barbers have used this trimmer for over 100 years. 2. Remington HC4250 Shortcut Pro Self-Haircut Kit This kit has 13 pieces and is so compact that it fits into the palm of your hand. This is excellent for travel and small spaces. It’s size also allows you to reach your neckline, the back of your head and around your ears.

While we all encounter breathing problems during our lives (due to a common cold or allergies), some chronic conditions, such as severe asthma or COPD, can lead to dangerous symptoms. These symptoms are often triggered by environmental factors. For instance, they may also be seasonal (i.e., triggered by plants or pollen). However, certain foods may also trigger breathing issues. Here are five foods that can instigate trouble: 1. Acidic foods and drinks These products produce acid which should remain in the stomach. Sometimes they come back up and cause a condition known as acid reflux. It is also commonly called heartburn. Acid is not where it is supposed to be in the body. One of the symptoms is difficulty breathing. Basically the acid produces a burning feeling. It can produce a sensation that is described as taking away your breath. Avoid caffeine and any food that triggers the breathing problem. 2. Cold cuts Foods such as bacon and ham have nitrates as additives. Companies put these substances in their products for color or to extend the expiration date. Unfortunately, they have the side effect of producing problems with the lungs. Anyone suffering from asthma needs to limit their intake of cold cuts.

Fueling your body with healthy, fresh foods is vital for adequate energy, muscle repair, and also to support your immune system. A strong immune system is able to effectively protect you from virus, infections, bacteria, and also to prevent cold, flu and disease. While no one certain food can completely prevent a disease or illness from developing, the following foods (and vitamins and minerals within them) are considered potent immune system boosters: 1. Garlic Garlic has a rep as a powerful superfood for good reason. This potent bulb gives spaghetti sauces, soups, and roasted meats and vegetables a tangy flavor, but it’s also your number one ally in infection fighting. Garlic’s immuno-magic comes from allicin, a sulphur containing compound, which not only wards off disease, but also lowers hypertension and protects heart health. 2. Broccoli These little green trees are so chocked full of minerals, fiber, and vitamins E, C, and A that broccoli deserves far more credit than it’s reputed for. Plus, broccoli contains antioxidants, which help to support cells and prevent chronic diseases, like cancer. The key is to steam broccoli lightly, as keeping this veggie intact is the best way to consume all of its nutrients. 3.

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that leads to itchy, scaly, red patches forming on the skin’s surface. Some types of eczema can cause blisters on the surface of the skin. Based on statistics, at least 10% of Americans suffer from eczema. While there is no cure for eczema, patients need to be particularly careful of the products they use to clean and moisturize their skin. The following ingredients are common triggers for eczema and atopic dermatitis flare-ups: 1. Lanolin Lanolin is a common product in soaps and other topical moisturizers. While it can make your skin look glossy and healthy, it comes with a downside worth considering. For instance, many patients with sensitive skin and allergies to sheep’s wool, which lanolin is derived from, develop allergies to lanolin, and break out in red, inflamed patches of skin. 2. Cocamidopropyl Betaine While we’ve come to believe that any product made with coconut oil is natural and moisturizing for the skin, many eczema patients react negatively to Cocamidopropyl betaine. This is a common surfactant used in cleansing products, such as body washes, shampoo and facial cleaners. In fact, this product is known to cause redness and swelling, worsening the symptoms of eczema.

According to the National Cancer Institute, most people in this country are at least somewhat familiar with cancer. Yet, many people are still unsure of what is going on with their bodies and whether or not they should be getting tested for common types of cancer, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. There are a few different types of tests, some more comprehensive than others. Here are the types of genetic testing for cancer: 1. Germline testing Germline testing is used to check for different hereditary cancers. Germline tests are usually done to identify abnormalities that either lead to or protect against cancer. Most notably, the test looks for the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are tumor suppressor genes, and the genes that code for the protein p53, which controls cell division and cell death and which, when mutated, can cause cancer. In the case of hereditary cancer, a gene mutation can occur that can be passed down from generation to generation.  2. Molecular tests Molecular tests are often used to determine how aggressive a cancer is and how it should be treated. For example, p53 gene testing can determine what kind of cancer a person has and whether or not chemotherapy may be beneficial.

Menopause is a normal process of a female’s life, typically occurring around their mid-40s when estrogen levels begin to decline, hindering the body’s natural ability to ovulate. Menopause symptoms are different for everyone, but most often include irregular periods, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, chills, night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes, slowed metabolism, thinning hair, and so on. Luckily, menopause treatments can assist with menopause management, with things like hormone therapy, vaginal estrogen, low-dose antidepressants, and more. However, it is also possible that your diet may influence your menopausal experience—with that being said, here are 5 foods that help manage menopause symptoms: 1. Fish 8 ounces of fish is recommended per week, particularly fattier species like salmon and tuna, for a great source of omega-3 fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Those who consume more oily fish may potentially experience less severe hot flashes, and some research suggests that regular fish-eaters may experience less depression, which can be helpful for women beginning midlife. 2. Yogurt Active cultures in yogurt are probiotic and rich in protein and calcium, which are essential for women in menopause. Women experiencing menopause are more likely to develop osteoporosis, making the consumption of foods that support bone health crucial.