For years, doctors have been telling us two things over and over again: eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Eating the right foods and getting in regular workouts were supposed to be the only way to maintain your physical health. While they are still the basis for any long-term health plan, there are many physical issues that cannot be solved with food or exercise. Thankfully, new technology and medical advancements allow us to take control of our health and physical well-being like never before.
So, what are the newest medical advancements that are changing lives for patients around the world? Keep reading to find out!
Stem Cell Research
Though stem cells initially caused some controversy, they have led to hundreds of important scientific discoveries and medical advancements. Stem cell research helps scientists and doctors learn how and why diseases occur. This research isn’t just limited to one discipline, either. Stem cell research has led to a wide range of treatments, from new ways to prevent heart disease to stem cell knee injections. While stem cell treatments are not always necessary, they allow many people to prevent or even overcome disease and chronic ailments with relative ease.
Immunotherapy
Technically, immunotherapy is nothing new. It is one of the main ways that medical professionals help treat cancer patients. Immunotherapy has allowed patients to fight off cancer, infections, and a variety of diseases for years. However, researchers are constantly finding new ways to put immunotherapy to good use. In the past few years, doctors have tested immunotherapy’s effects on various allergies (with great results). Since some people can even have fatal allergic reactions, this is a huge step toward improving the quality of life for those with severe food, drug, or skin allergies.
Advanced Spinal Cord Stimulation
For those with mobility issues or preexisting conditions, spinal cord stimulation provides a way to resume daily physical activities. Traditionally, spinal cord stimulation worked by sending electrical impulses through the spine via an implanted device. This helped reduce pain and improve the range of mobility. However, researchers couldn’t always customize the impulses to people’s individual movement patterns. Now, with the introduction of closed-loop spinal cord stimulation, patients with chronic spinal issues can get a treatment that is based on their individual bodies and needs.
Advanced Osteoporosis Drug
In the past, osteoporosis treatment focused on slowing the rate of bone loss. Drugs, dietary changes, and physical therapy could only do so much. Now, a drug called Romosozumab promises to provide much better results. This dual-acting drug not only slows bone loss, but it also increases bone growth. This way, seniors who are at greater risk of breaking a hip or a limb can move around with greater confidence.
As we age, we all worry about how to take care of our bodies. There are some actions we can take to reduce the risk of disease or illness, but there’s no cure-all for everything. Fortunately, medical advancements are paving the way for a brighter future with less pain and greater physical well-being.
