Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of rare disorders often categorized as cancer. They occur when the bone marrow does not work properly and produces unhealthy blood cells. Myelodysplastic syndromes are usually observed in people who are 65 years or older, but a younger person may also be diagnosed with it in rare cases. Here are some of the most common warning signs and causes of the condition one should know. Warning signs of myelodysplastic syndromes The disorder usually does not trigger any symptoms in the early stages, so most people are diagnosed much later. Besides, myelodysplastic syndromes typically cause low counts of blood cells. As a result, some people find out only after a routine blood test. However, having a low blood count or anemia does not necessarily mean a person has the disorder, so one should show the reports to a doctor. Almost all warning signs of myelodysplastic syndromes are similar to those of other less severe health disorders. Therefore, seeking expert advice is important for correct diagnosis whenever any of the signs are observed. Dyspnea A person may start to experience dyspnea or breathlessness, even without doing any physically straining activity or work. Fatigue A low blood cell count may cause oxygen levels to drop, leading to a persistent feeling of tiredness.

Conditions like the flu and common cold are not easy to dodge. Almost everyone gets the flu at least twice or thrice a year, and those with seasonal allergies face flare-ups as soon as the weather changes. While the symptoms typically persist for 3-5 days, sometimes, they last longer. This can be exacerbated by mistakes a person may commit while recovering from the flu. So, here are some common mistakes that need to be avoided. Keeping up with usual routine When one is down with the flu, their immune system works harder than usual to combat the germs. Therefore, the body requires all the energy possible to fight the flu. Resting, napping, and sleeping as much as possible are ways to help the system recover. But instead, if one continues to power through their usual routine, such as going to work or school, it will take longer for the flu symptoms to get better. Ignoring the flu symptoms for too long The flu takes about a couple of days to a week to subside. But for proper symptom management, one must pay attention to the signs and take necessary precautions. Taking enough rest, making healthy nutrition choices, and taking flu prescriptions are some ways to get better.

It’s important to remember the phrase “a stitch in time saves nine” during health emergencies. Often, seniors or those with pre-existing health conditions are vulnerable to falls, accidents, heart problems, etc., wherein they need immediate hospitalization. In such cases, any delays can be fatal. Medical alert systems ensure that such emergencies are recognized immediately, even when one is alone at home. However, when installing a system, one should understand its mechanism and avoid some mistakes. Using a medical alert system as a cellular phone A common misconception is that those involved in a medical emergency can speed dial their loved ones. But a phone may not always be accessible to a person in such situations. Sometimes, it might be placed on an elevated surface, such as a table, and one might not be able to reach it. At other times, one may have placed their phone in a different room and might not be able to navigate to this room after an accident, heart attack, or a chronic health condition. On the contrary, a medical alert system is fastened to a person’s wrist or around their neck all the time. So, in case of an emergency, it immediately dials for help.

Hearing loss is a more prevalent issue than many people realize. According to the NIDCD, approximately 30 million individuals in the country experience hearing loss. Fortunately, those affected can benefit from using hearing aids, which they can acquire with the help of a specialist. By wearing hearing aids, they can significantly improve their ability to hear and their quality of life, provided they avoid making common mistakes when using the devices. Not checking the settings Right before using the new hearing aids, make sure to take a moment to familiarize yourself with the manual. Getting acquainted with the settings and features of the aids can help users enhance their hearing experiences and significantly improve their quality of life. Rushing into using the aids without proper setup may make one miss out on some important features, resulting in an adverse impact. So, one should ensure that the settings are configured correctly to make the most of the new hearing aids. Improper settings can result in dissatisfaction with the expected improvements in hearing, potentially leading to decreased usage of the aids. If one’s unsure of how to configure the settings, visit the hearing specialist or connect with the customer support team of the device manufacturer to learn about its features and settings for optimal results.