8 Types of Aches One Should Not Ignore
health

8 Types of Aches One Should Not Ignore

Pain can be extremely relative. Even similar diseases or conditions can affect one in different ways in comparison to others. While some aches can be superficial and curable with a little rest or even just water at times, others may require immediate medical attention. Knowing how to distinguish between these different forms of pain is important. Based on causes and symptoms, one should never ignore the following types of pain: Sharp pain that decreases the range of motion or prevents one from moving Pain emanating from an area of a previous injury or surgery Any pain that is associated with a deformity and severe swelling Aches that do not go away despite several days of care Constant aches and pains that intensify in severity Any pain that involves bruising Severe pain that leads to nausea or vomiting Aches and pains that are accompanied by fever and chills Additionally, one should keep an eye out for specific pains that may develop in specific body parts and warrant a visit to the doctor. These include: Sudden chest pain A sudden feeling of pain, discomfort, or pressure in the center of the chest could be a result of a pulmonary embolism (obstruction of a blood vessel due to a clot), pneumothorax (increased gas or air in the chest cavity), angina (pain caused due inadequate blood flow), or even a heart attack.
Signs and Symptoms of Lesser-known Autoimmune Diseases
health

Signs and Symptoms of Lesser-known Autoimmune Diseases

The immune system prevents diseases and infections by fighting off germs that enter the body. In some people, however, the immune system attacks healthy cells, tissues, and organs by perceiving them as a threat. This condition is known as an autoimmune disease. Experts have recognized over 80 types of autoimmune diseases that can affect any part of the human body. Generally, autoimmune diseases are incurable, with symptoms showing up in flares and requiring lifelong management. Recognizing some lesser-known autoimmune diseases To begin treatment for an autoimmune disease, it is important to get the right diagnosis. Knowing the common and lesser-known symptoms of some autoimmune diseases can help in the process. Hemolytic anemia Hemolytic anemia is an autoimmune blood condition where the body’s red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced. It may be inherited from one’s parents or acquired due to an infection, tumor, cancer, or other autoimmune disorders. Symptoms of hemolytic anemia include loss of appetite, irritability, headaches, lack of color in the skin, jaundice, dark-colored urine, fever, weakness, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, enlarged spleen and liver, tachycardia, and heart murmur. Other symptoms may also include brittle nails, pica syndrome, sore or inflamed tongue, mouth ulcers, abnormal menstrual bleeding, loss of sexual desire, and numbness in the hands and feet.
9 Early Signs of Dementia Explained
health

9 Early Signs of Dementia Explained

Dementia is a neurological disorder that progressively impairs cognitive functions affecting one’s analytical, reasoning, and memory skills. There is no cure for the condition, and it is only possible to improve the quality of life with suggested treatments, changes in nutrition, and daily lifestyle. For this, one must be able to learn and identify early dementia signs for a thorough diagnosis. Here are 9 noticeable signs and symptoms of the neurological disorder to help promptly diagnose the condition. Trouble with memory Dementia primarily affects the brain’s ability to retain information, impacting short-term and long-term memory. Note that there is no consistent or recognizable pattern here. A person who develops dementia will struggle with memory loss and reduced cognitive, analytical, and reasoning skills, impacting daily routine. Memory lapses can start with isolated events where one struggles to recall important things or remember them later in the day. Confusion Lapses in retaining information will also create a lot of confusion. One might forget how to do a familiar task or swiftly adapt to a familiar situation. A person might even ask queries and repeat the question, forgetting it has already been answered. These are all early signs of cognitive decline, and the severity of these symptoms will vary from person to person.
7 Early Warning Signs of Ataxia One Should Not Ignore
health

7 Early Warning Signs of Ataxia One Should Not Ignore

Ataxia is a debilitating disorder associated with the nervous system. The cerebellum, a component of the brain, undergoes damage in this health condition. As this component is needed for movement coordination, individuals with Ataxia show symptoms such as stumbling, falling, speaking in a slurry manner, and not having control over eye movement. Ataxia can be detected and diagnosed at an early stage based on specific early symptoms, which are discussed below. Difficulty with balance and coordination Since Ataxia affects the cerebellum, it causes people with this condition to perpetually experience a feeling of unsteadiness while standing or walking. One may constantly feel that they may fall due to a lack of balance. Apart from that, individuals with this condition may also have difficulty with changing directions or turning, and may frequently stumble or fall while attempting to do so. Moreover, some patients may also face balance-related problems while standing on one leg. Ataxia also adversely affects motor coordination. So, people with this condition lose control of their arms and legs and some other vital muscles. This can cause involuntary movement in a person’s fingers, hands, arms, legs, and other muscles in the body. Slurred speech and swallowing difficulties Among the muscles affected by Ataxia are the ones that aid speaking.
Spotting Early Warning Signs of Autism in Children
health

Spotting Early Warning Signs of Autism in Children

Autism is a complex neurological and developmental disorder that can affect socialization and range in severity from person to person. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one in 44 children is on the autistic spectrum today. While there is no explained cause for autism yet, experts generally believe that it results from environmental and genetic factors, such as premature birth, low birth weight, delivery complications, geriatric pregnancies, etc. Developmental milestones in children To be able to recognize the early warning signs of autism in children, it is important to know the important developmental milestones they need to achieve by a certain age. According to the CDC, these are the milestones that most children between the age of six months to four years tend to achieve: By 6 months, children generally begin to respond to their own name, respond to people’s emotions, and often seem happy, copy sounds, and enjoy playing with others, especially their parents. By the time children are 12 months old, they are generally able to use simple gestures such as shaking their head “no” or waving at others, saying simple words like “mama” and “dada,” playing games like peek-a-boo, and responding to simple spoken requests.
20 Delicious Allergy-Free Snacks for Kids
health

20 Delicious Allergy-Free Snacks for Kids

Children lead an active lifestyle. So naturally, they work up an appetite and crave foods to satiate these hunger pangs. But you wouldn’t want your children to eat too much of foods that are excessive in added sugar, vegetable oil, and preservatives and trigger their allergies. To avoid this, you can pack healthy lunches that include the following wholesome and allergy-free snacks that they will love to enjoy during breaks. Popcorn Kids can munch on this tasty, filling, and allergy-free snack all day long. Popcorn is low in calories and rich in nutrients that are easily absorbed by the body. It is a whole grain, so the corn kernels are filled with fiber that helps curb hunger pangs and keeps kids satiated throughout the day. Baked nachos Baked nachos are gluten-free and contain essential fibers, and are delicious snacks that kids can munch on. You can even make some homemade salsa dips with fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and lime. You can also whip up some fresh guacamole with avocados to pair it with nachos. Homemade fries Instead of potato fries, why not make sweet potato fries that are healthier and allergy-free? You can even use an air fryer or bake the chips in the oven to make them oil-free and retain nutrients.
15 Fitness and Wellness Trends of 2023
health

15 Fitness and Wellness Trends of 2023

With increasing numbers of people prioritizing health and wellness, the fitness sector has been booming like never before. Several new as well as traditional fitness and wellness trends have been gaining traction across the globe. This is because there has been a seamless merger between the online and real-world as people pick up routines that use advanced technology while simultaneously taking them outdoors. Here are a few fitness and wellness trends to be explored. Wearable technology Wearable technologies have been trending for quite some time. Now, they are far more advanced and intuitive. From fitness trackers to smartwatches, these devices have become far more capable of storing personalized data to help keep track of fitness goals. Furthermore, these wearable techs can now be connected with several apps to have synchronized and fully connected workout experiences. Strength training using free weights Strength training has steadily become one of the leading fitness trends in recent years. Its popularity is because it is flexible enough to incorporate different routines. These include using weights, elastic bands, dumbbells, and weighted knuckles for full-body workouts to build resistance, strength, and core. Bodyweight training Bodyweight training involves using the body’s entire weight as resistance to perform different types of movements ranging from simple to complex.
Top 6 summer fashion trends to look out for in 2023
Fashion

Top 6 summer fashion trends to look out for in 2023

Summer is just around the corner, and it’s about time to amp up the wardrobe with easy-breezy clothing essentials. However, this process is not as easy as it seems. It requires a great amount of planning, shopping, and knowledge of summer fashion trends. However, one can style outfits according to comfort. So, one can opt for some skin show or opt for more modest pieces such as light jackets, blouses, and maxi dresses. Top summer fashion trends of 2023 Keeping up with fashion trends all through the year can prove to be incredibly beneficial. This way, one can easily style and plan the outfits well in advance and enjoy summers to the fullest. Some of the top summer fashion trends one can look forward to in the year 2023 are: Sheer fabrics all the way Summers is one of the best times of the year when one can explore fabrics. One can easily opt for see-through fabrics in the form of blouses, shirts, tops, and dresses that allow extra circulation to beat the heat. Furthermore, fabrics such as mesh can prove to be incredibly light on the skin and can easily counter any uneasiness throughout the day. One can even layer these over bikinis and spend some relaxing time on the beach.
9 ways to determine if a used car has been in an accident
auto

9 ways to determine if a used car has been in an accident

You may find several options when shopping for a used car. But be cautious because dealers sometimes modify the vehicle and fix or replace parts damaged in an accident without telling you. If you don’t know where and what to look for, it can be hard to spot these discrepancies. With this in mind, we’ve listed nine ways to tell if a pre-owned car has been involved in a crash or a serious accident. Look for a new paint job Aftermarket paintwork is among the most common signs of potential damage to a used car. Before buying the vehicle, walk around and see if any panel appears in a different shade than the others. The change may not be visible at first glance, so you might have to look closer. Since bumpers are made of plastic, the fresh paint coat might be more challenging to identify. Remember that the aftermarket paint process differs from the factory’s process, and new paint on a panel may be slightly faded. Run your finger over the panels After you’re through with the visual inspection, move on to the finger test. Run your finger along the edges of the car’s panels, including the edges of the doors, windows, and the back edge of the hood.
Top Causes for Shortness of Breath
health

Top Causes for Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, occurs when one feels they cannot get enough air into their lungs to breathe normally. It may occur when walking, climbing stairs, engaging in other physical activities, or doing nothing. It may develop suddenly or over some time. Sudden or unexpected breathlessness generally occurs due to health conditions and requires immediate attention from a doctor, especially when accompanied by chest pain, fainting, or nausea. Top causes for shortness of breath Carbon monoxide poisoning When one breathes in carbon monoxide, the chemical replaces the oxygen content in the body. This results in the vital organs being starved of oxygen, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest pain, confusion, convulsions, dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue. Young children, senior adults, people with lung or heart disease, and people at higher altitudes are at a higher risk of suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. Heart conditions When the heart does not pump enough oxygen-rich blood through the body, the body responds by breathing faster to ensure an uninterrupted supply of oxygen to the vital organs, causing a sensation of shortness of breath. Heart conditions like angina, heart attacks, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and others are common causes behind the interruption of circulation of blood around the body, causing shortness of breath or breathlessness.

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4 tips for dealing with asthma
health

4 tips for dealing with asthma

Asthma is a respiratory condition wherein the airways in the lungs swell up, become narrow, and produce extra mucus, making it difficult to breathe. People affected can experience breathlessness, coughing, and wheezing. The disease could be a minor issue for some, while others may have to deal with serious long-term symptoms. Although there is no permanent cure for asthma, here are treatment options, foods to have and avoid, and alternative therapies to manage the symptoms: Treatment options Doctors can recommend the right course of treatment based on the severity of asthma symptoms. Here are a few popular options: Tezepelumab:  It is a popular treatment option, approved by the FDA as a supplementary maintenance remedy for pediatric patients over 12 and adults with asthma. Tezepelumab is an injectable option and the first and only biologic to significantly and consistently reduce severe asthma symptoms in clinical trials. Fasenra:  This is a monoclonal antibody that works on the immune system activity in the body. Fasenra helps control the elevated eosinophil count responsible for severe asthma symptoms. This injection is suitable for children over 12 and adults and can be used with other treatment plans to keep flare-ups in check. Nucala:  This is a monoclonal antibody that also reduces the eosinophils in the body.
4 useful tips for managing migraines
health

4 useful tips for managing migraines

Migraine is a prevalent health condition in which a person experiences severe headaches, usually on one side of the head. There may also be other symptoms like sensitivity to light, tiredness, and nausea, which can last a few hours to two days. The ailment is triggered due to stress, certain foods, and other factors. While there is no cure for migraines, the following tips can help manage the symptoms effectively: Use the correct treatment options There are several treatments for migraines, but it is essential to choose the correct one after consulting a doctor. The popular options include: Nurtec ODT Nurtec ODT is an oral treatment that can help alleviate symptoms like headaches, pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light in adults. One can use Nurtec ODT on alternate days or as the doctor recommends. Its side effects include allergic reactions, trouble breathing, and rash. UBRELVY It is a fast-acting treatment option that blocks a specific protein in the body known to induce migraine attacks. One can consult a doctor to determine the dosage according to their condition. The most common side effects of UBRELVY are nausea and sleepiness. Excedrin Excedrin is suitable for temporary relief from migraine headaches. It can also treat aches caused by other factors, such as arthritis and toothaches.
Foods to be avoided by diabetes patients
health

Foods to be avoided by diabetes patients

Food gets broken down into glucose by the body to release energy for its functioning. Most meal plans combine fats, proteins, sugars, and other essential carbohydrates vital for healthy growth and organ function. However, people with diabetes should be careful about seemingly healthy foods as it can trigger a spike in their blood glucose levels. Here are different foods that are bad for diabetes and should not be eaten regularly: Various foods that are bad for diabetes patients Fruit juices and other drinks Sugar consumption via beverages can spike insulin levels drastically. Did you know that lots of seemingly healthy store-bought fruit smoothies, sports drinks, bottled juices, and sodas can spike blood sugar levels too? Also, natural fruit juices are not necessarily a healthy option as they are high in fructose. Aside from this, cola, iced tea, lemonade, and other flavored beverages are excessively high in carbs, sugar, and fructose. Their regular consumption can trigger insulin resistance, forcing healthy cells to reject insulin and extract glucose for energy.  Another crucial thing to remember is to avoid any type of spirit if you have diabetes. These contain empty calories and can worsen the condition significantly. Cereals, yogurt, and dried fruits Daily breakfast cereals are fortified with essential vitamins and nutrients that make up for a wholesome meal.
6 human foods that cats can enjoy
Pets

6 human foods that cats can enjoy

Certain foods that are healthy for us may be beneficial for your cat. As a responsible cat parent, it is essential to be aware of the foods and their sources before slipping a morsel from your plate into your pet’s bowl. Ingestion of toxic foods can adversely affect the cat’s digestive system. Hence, it is advised to consult a vet for recommendations. Here is a list of human foods that are perfectly safe for cats: Meat Cats are carnivores by nature. Most of the commercial cat food in the market contains different meats, an excellent protein source. So, feeding them bits of cooked meats like beef, turkey, or chicken from your lunch plate is entirely alright. Make sure you limit the quantity of the meats. Overeating may cause digestive issues in cats. Salmon Cats love fish, and most vets recommend feeding them fish-based foods. They are a good source of omega-3 and other nutrients. Oily fish like tuna, salmon, or mackerel prove beneficial for their eyesight and joints. However, do not feed your feline straight from the can as they might lick it too aggressively, leading to cuts and bruises on their tongues. It’s best to feed them cooked fish without bones.
Top 9 foods for healthy lungs
Diets & Meal Plans

Top 9 foods for healthy lungs

Life isn’t fun when one can’t breathe properly. Years of unhealthy lifestyle habits and other factors can seriously affect the functions of the lungs, resulting in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and other respiratory diseases that decrease quality of life. Fortunately, one can manage these diseases and even prevent them altogether by incorporating certain foods into their meal plans. Here are some foods that can boost lung health: Beetroots When it comes to the health of the vital organ, beetroot and even its leaves are among the best foods anyone can have. That’s mainly because both beetroot and beet greens are rich in nitrates, which help relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and optimize oxygen uptake. Beet greens are full of nutrients essential to lung functions, such as vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and carotenoid antioxidants. To benefit from beets, add them to salads or make beet juice. Turmeric This yellow spice has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. Curcumin, the main component in turmeric, is behind all the health benefits. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial characteristics can make turmeric extremely useful for improving lung function and aiding in conditions such as asthma, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis.
3 foods to avoid for better lung health
health

3 foods to avoid for better lung health

Strengthening the lungs can help one avoid respiratory issues and diseases. Even when diagnosed with a lung-related illness, making significant changes to the lifestyle and food regimen can help people manage the symptoms and restore lung function. However, it is equally important to avoid the food items that damage these organs and cause issues like inflammation, sneezing, and wheezing. Here are a few foods to avoid to improve lung health: Salty food Foods with excessive salt should be avoided as their long-term consumption can have severe consequences on the overall health. Excess sodium in such food items can enlarge the muscles of the heart, cause headaches, increase blood pressure, and lead to a wide range of kidney-related issues like stones. Such foods can also have a negative effect on the health of the lungs and have been linked to an increased risk of bronchitis. Additionally, too much salt in meals can also worsen the symptoms of respiratory issues like asthma. This is because sodium can cause fluid retention, leading to shortness of breath in those with lung diseases. To reduce its intake, one should start by limiting salt in their meals and instead add more herbs and spices as seasoning.