Whenever you are considering  birth control options, it is important to know that there’s an array of alternatives available. Before choosing one, you need to consider your safety, effectiveness, price or budget, side-effects of the alternative, and its related pros and cons. Here are the most common birth control alternatives that will help you make an informed choice.  Male condoms The most commonly used alternative for birth control pills is the male condom. It is a slim tube made of latex material or any other similar material. To avoid any unwanted pregnancy during a sexual engagement, men should consider wearing a condom. It is unrolled onto the penis and blocks the sperms from making their way into the vagina. How effective is it? The success rate of a male condom is about 82%. Price A condom is a highly affordable birth-control measure, which can be availed at anything less than $1. Availability You can easily find the condoms at convenience stores, pharmacies, grocery stores, or health clinics. Advantages It is the most effective method to stay protected against STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections). However, it doesn’t yet offer complete protection. Disadvantages You might be sensitive to latex, and it might cause a skin allergy.

Genetic factors greatly influence attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the environment also has a significant role to play when it comes to mental disorders. Through positive changes in lifestyle, you can manage the symptoms of ADHD so that it does not affect your daily life. There are also many medications to treat ADHD such as Concerta, Dyanavel XR, Ritalin, Adderall, Vyvanase. Here are a few lifestyle tips for managing ADHD: Optimize the environment An optimal environment often helps to control the symptoms of ADHD, especially in children. Here are a few ways in which you can ensure a healthy environment for your child. Decorate and organize your child’s room in a simple manner so that it does not contain too many distractions Establish strict routines for all daily activities, such as meals, exercise, and bedtime. Set a consistent pattern for discipline and ensure that all other caregivers follow the same pattern. Divide the child’s time equally among indoor and outdoor activities. Praise positive behavior and reinforce it with a reward. Join a support group with other children who have ADHD or similar conditions. Make changes in the diet Studies show that Omega-3 fatty acids have several positive effects on your brain functioning, along with other nutrients like vitamin D, iron, and zinc, which improve concentration, increase attention span, and help in impulse control.

Anemia is a condition identified with low hemoglobin level in the red blood cells. Hemoglobin – a protein found in the blood cells – is important for supplying oxygen to the body’s tissues. The treatment options for anemia can vary greatly. Therefore, it is essential to know what’s best for you. Here’s a look. Treatment options for anemia caused by iron deficiency The treatment plan for this type of anemia usually revolves around the change in diet and taking supplements for iron. If anemia is caused due to anything that causes loss of blood in the body, except for menstruation, the reason needs to be identified and treated. Sometimes treating this cause of blood loss can also involve surgery. Treatment options for anemia caused due to vitamin deficiency If there is a deficiency of vitamin C and folic acid in the body, the treatment will mostly include switching to a diet that is rich in these nutrients. In case a person’s digestive system is not able to absorb vitamin B12 from the diet, shots of vitamin B12 can also be given. Initially, these shots might be required every alternate day. But with time, these will be provided once per month.

Colon cancer is the type of cancer that starts in the colon, which is the last part of the digestive tract. Although colon cancer is known to affect older individuals, it can occur at all ages. Polyps, small noncancerous clumps of cells, are formed on the inside of the colon, which later becomes colon cancer. This is how this disease forms. Let us have a look at the signs and stages of colon cancer. Signs Typically, colon cancer does not give a lot of signs and symptoms in the early stages, and, thus, identifying the signs and stages of colon cancer is a little tricky. Following screening recommendation is very important and extremely beneficial. Like any other kind of cancer, the chances of treatment being simple and successful increase if colon cancer is detected in the earlier stages. Even if there are not many symptoms at the very early stage, symptoms might show that the cancer increases in size. Although some deformities can be observed, one cannot say that there are indications of colon cancer. Some of the most common forms of colon cancer include the following: A definite change in bowel habits Pencil-thin or narrow stools Regular diarrhea or constipation Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, which may appear either as bright red or dark red Cramps, bloating, and reports of other abdominal pain or discomfort A constant feeling that bowel is not being emptied properly Weight loss without any reason Weakness and tiredness While the symptoms are common for most people, the frequency and intensity of the symptoms may vary depending on the stage of colon cancer.

Breast cancer among teenagers is rare. Changes in breasts while teens undergo puberty is common. But many teens might be worried about the changes being caused by breast cancer. So, to eliminate the possibility, you should know the early symptoms of breast cancer in teens and regularly talk to your doctor. Here’s what all you should know. Early symptoms of breast cancer in teens According to the existing guidelines, it is recommended that women around 40 years of age or above get a screening done regularly to check on the disease. But in case teens experience any abnormal symptoms or any unusual changes in the breast, they must consult a doctor. Almost 90% of lumps in the breast are not cancerous. When a lump is cancerous, it will be hard, have irregular borders, and not move. The symptoms of breast cancer that teens should be vigilant about include the following: A lump or lumps in the breast Lymph nodes that are swollen and present in the neck or under the armpits Any unexplained and abnormal changes in the shape or size of the breasts Any changes on nipple or breast skin Any unexplained discharge from the nipples which is not associated with pregnancy, menstruation, or breastfeeding Redness or swelling on the breast Development of a rash or an itch anywhere on the breast Some symptoms might be common in adult women, but might not be usually found in teens.