Dementia is a syndrome usually progressive and chronic in nature. Global incidences of dementia is increasing at a rate of one new case every three seconds with associated medical social and health care costs far exceeding the capacity of most countries. Because of the degenerative nature of the disease sufferers lose their ability to perform routine tasks, experience poor quality of life and loss of autonomy. The role of vitamin D in the etiology of cognitive impairment and dementia is plausible and has been supported substantial mechanistic and epidemiological data. As people age, they tend to spend less and less time outdoors in the sun. It is of great importance as vitamin D deficiency is a worldwide pandemic and is seen most commonly in older adults residing in northerly latitudes, particularly during winter months. Further research needs to be done to see if increasing vitamin D level will improve cognitive health (Aspell, Lawlor, O'Sullivan, 2018).

This study found that a daily hydroxyurea pill may finally bring some relief for young children living with sickle cell anemia. This could be a big game changer for resource-challenged sub-Saharan Africa where the disease is prevalent and health care is suboptimal (Ware et al, 2018). Few studies had been done where the burden is greatest. The study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found treatment was feasible and safe in children living in the area of Africa most affected. It proved to reduce vaso-occlusive events, infections, malaria, transfusions, and death. These results illustrate a need for more access to treatments. In the US and Europe early identification of children with sickle cell by means of neonatal screening. This allows these children to be given simple effective, and lifesaving interventions (Tshilolo et al, 2018).

Influenza activity in the US began to increase in early November 2017 and rose sharply from December through February 3, 2018. From October 2017 to January 1, 2018, the weekly percentage of deaths from pneumonia and flu ranged from 5.8% to 10.1% and has exceeded the epidemic threshold for five consecutive weeks. During seasons with increased severity of influenza, antiviral medications are an important adjunct to vaccinations. Additional study is needed to see if this year's virus will mutate and develop resistance to the four antiviral medications available. In addition to seeing just how effective the current influenza vaccination will be in controlling influenza transmission (Budd et al, 2018).

In childhood, recurrent abdominal pain in children is a common complaint. The reason behind it is what needs further investigation as it affects approximately 10% of children. It is a descriptive umbrella term and accounts for many visits to primary, secondary, and emergency care facilities. It is now referred to as one of four functional abdominal pain disorders; dyspepsia, abdominal migraine, irritable, bowel syndrome and functional abdominal pain. One thing most parents need to keep in mind is when was the last time the child had a bowel movement. This author pointed out that there are many conditions of abdominal pain that require no intervention. Routine use of pharmacotherapy for functional abdominal pain is not well supported or suggested. In fact, in some cases, medications can mask the signs and symptoms needed to monitor for a more serious condition. It is felt some doctors will prescribe probiotics just so the parents will feel something is being done in a condition that needs no treatment at the time and will be sell limiting (Edwards, 2018).

Metastatic renal cell carcinomas still are the most lethal in the US. In 2015 alone there were 14,080 deaths attributed to it. Removal of the involved kidney continues to be the mainstay treatment for localized disease. Even with all our advancements in treatment, it continues to have a poor prognosis. Chemotherapy is considered a standard therapy for patients with some renal cell variants. The role in treating clear cell renal cell carcinoma is poorly defined. What exactly causes this resistance is currently undefined. Ideally, doctors should be able to characterize tumors according to DNA. In reality, this method has been largely limited by varying gene expression signatures. For years development of treatment has been largely unsuccessful. Better understanding disease biology and treatment resistance patterns have led to emerging therapies with a better understanding in pathogensis and mechanisms of treatment resistance there are hope treatments will continue to expand (Tsao et al, 2017).

It is estimated that there are over 338,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer worldwide. in 2012, 331,000 people died from pancreatic cancer. Because the therapies for other cancers have been showing more advancement the researchers feel that pancreatic cancer is liable to become the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, to survive more than a year is only slightly improved due to use of systemic chemotherapy and the combining use of other chemotherapies already available. This trial that adjuvant therapy using gemcitabine is the standard of care based on similar survival to and less toxicity than paired with 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid in patients with resected pancreatic cancer (meaning they have had all or part of the tumor removed surgically). In addition, other trials have shown better survival and tumor response with gemcitabine and capecitabine as opposed to gemcitabine used alone in advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer. The outcome of the study found promise with the use of gemcitabine and capecitabine resulting in an increase in survival times to between two and five years without relapse (Neoptolemos et al, 2017)

Artificial sweeteners were first introduced as a tactic to combat the shortage of sugar. Lately, it has been utilized as a way to help deal with obesity but research has been found that they actually may be making the issue worse. With all the issues noted in studies of the side effects of non-caloric artificial sweeteners, it may be better for a person to stick to a more natural diet (Brown, 2018). Artificial sweeteners are low cost and having a sweetness greater than that of normal table sugar they are commonly used in the baking industry. In spite of their beneficial effects, these sweeteners have documented health issues. In some cases, long-term exposure can lead to enforcer. A careful review of the literature by consumers and health professionals is necessary in an effort to make well-informed decisions about their health (Nisa et al, 2016).

Many women suffer from depression while going through menopause. antidepressants- SSRI or SNRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors) are commonly used as the first line response. Unfortunately the treatment has shown only small improvements with troublesome side effect.

Outdoor air pollution is a major contribution to air pollution. This study found high-efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA) used in the home significantly reduces fine particulate matter in the air compared to non-HEPA air filters. In this study, researchers monitored air quality for 12 weeks in homes enrolled patients who have respiratory issues. HEPA filters were found to reduce fine particulate matter by 55% and outside pollution coming inside reduced by 23%. Fine particulate matter is defined as small airborne particles often found in areas with heavy air pollution. When inhaled they can lead to respiratory difficulty, heart attacks, or exacerbate symptoms of COPD or asthma. The study was partially done in response to patients who had asked their doctor what they could do to protect their lungs during poor air quality days (Carlton, 2018).

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria of the genus Borrelia transmitted by the bite of a tick of the genus Ixodes. the is transmitted by ticks infected with various diseases in both Europe and North America. Both places are affected by a similar species of genus of bacteria. It is a spirochete belonging to B. burgdorferi sensu stricto are primarily found in America while in Europe it is Ixodes ricinus. the time needed to transmit the disease is usually within 12 hours of attachment. This is why it is so important to remove ticks as soon as found and to treat our pets with flea and tick preventative (Sertour, 2018).

Important factors that may contribute to both etiology and treatment and are increasingly being explored as targets for alternative treatment development. Diet and nutrition are important factors of disease. Many dietary compounds are transformed by the microbiome that can change the etiology of illness. Thus, the use of targeted probiotics has shown promise in the treatment of illnesses in humans.

Rabies is a virus that has a fatal outcome if it is not treated in humans. In the US, most states have laws that make it mandatory to have cats, dogs, and ferrets to be vaccinated for rabies each year. In some cases, they can use the three-year vaccine but the pet needs to receive a booster if they come in contact with a rabid animal.

Tuberculosis continues to be a major healthcare problem even in this modern day of multiple medications and treatments. With growing difficulty concerning drug resistance, new drugs and repurposing of old standbys are needed more than ever.

Genetically manipulated medicine or crops are not the evil substances many have been led to believe. Farmers and animal breeders have been manipulating their crops and stock for years, This is an aspect of medicine that is not just necessary but vital to the treatments of famine and pestilences

As Summer ramps up, here in the South we are inundated with creepy crawlers that bite, sting and just plain annoy us. But one really stands out as a serious danger. The dreaded TICK. Their favorite hiding places are behind ears, in skin folds and in hair just to name a few.