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5 simple ways to improve air quality indoors

5 simple ways to improve air quality indoors
Indoor air pollution is a growing problem in American households. Excessive clutter, poor cleaning hygiene, and lack of ventilation are all factors that can affect air quality. Dust, microscopic spores released from the mold, pet dander, and even chemical gases are some of the major allergens that can compromise healthy living. But worry not as the following simple lifestyle changes and preventive maintenance ideas can quickly turn things around indoors to improve breathable air quality. Change filters and install air purifiers Air conditioners filter out most of the pollutants before cooling and recycling the air indoors. You must regularly change the filters and get the appliance serviced to enhance efficiency. It is also advisable to use a good quality air purifier with high-efficiency particulate absorbing or HEPA filters. HEPA eliminates nearly 99% of the pollutants in the air, including common VOCs, smoke, carbon dioxide, spores released by molds, and even pet dander, among common allergens. These appliances help improve air quality and make the environment more breathable for anybody suffering from respiratory disorders. Proper ventilation The air quality indoors cannot be improved without proper ventilation. Open the windows and doors in each bedroom at least once a day to allow fresh air to flow freely.

Eczema – Soaps to avoid

Eczema – Soaps to avoid
Eczema is an umbrella term that describes a group of skin disorders that can lead to dermatitis or inflammation of the skin. Individuals suffering from eczema often experience redness of the skin and itching. This is because eczema damages the protective skin barrier and makes the skin sensitive and more prone to infections and dryness. Read on to find out the effect of soap on the skin and how certain soaps can trigger eczema. The relationship between soap and eczema Soaps are a great cleaning tool, but if you do not use the right one, they can cause damage to the skin. This is because most soaps and detergents eliminate the natural oils of the skin. This can make the skin itchy, red, and more sensitive to external irritants. Many soaps also contain irritants that can worsen preexisting skin conditions like eczema. Here are some common soaps that could trigger eczema. Soaps that have surfactants Surfactants, also known as surface-active agents, are key ingredients in many soaps. But studies have shown that surfactants can actually have an adverse effect on the skin. In fact, it contributes to unhealthy skin by increasing oxidative stress and increasing redness and dryness. Soaps with strong cleaners Another type of soap that could trigger or worsen eczema is a soap that contains harsh cleansing agents.

Busting food myths related to arthritis

Busting food myths related to arthritis
Arthritis can affect people of all ages, including children. However, it is increasingly common in aged individuals. It causes stiffness and painful aches in the joints and muscles of the body. There is a lot of confusion about arthritis, from its causes to ways to manage the condition, but even more so related to what foods are good or bad for it. This article busts some common food-related myths surrounding arthritis. Top food myths concerning arthritis you should not believe Tomatoes can be harmful Tomatoes were previously believed to be poisonous and often associated with making arthritis worse. The myth originated because tomatoes contain solanine, a naturally produced toxin that is believed to cause inflammation, swelling, and joint pain. But there is no medical evidence of tomatoes proving to be harmful to arthritis patients. Vegetables in the same family, such as eggplants and potatoes, are also safe to eat. Citrus aggravates inflammation There is a lot of misinformation on the internet that warns arthritis patients to stay away from citrus fruits because they aggravate inflammation. This is not true. Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which helps manage arthritis pain and protects against free radicals, which could damage the cartilage, flaring inflammation.

7 things to avoid to manage rheumatoid arthritis

7 things to avoid to manage rheumatoid arthritis
This autoimmune disease is characterized as an inflammatory disease that attacks the lining of the joints in the body. The inflammation around the joints causes swelling, tenderness, and pain. This chronic disease may affect one or multiple joints at once. Over a period, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can lead to bone erosion and joint deformity. Given the seriousness of this long-term illness, we have enlisted things that can worsen rheumatoid arthritis. Too much rest is not a good idea Moving around with rheumatoid arthritis could get challenging, but adopting an active lifestyle is instead a smarter thing to do. Doing daily chores, going for a stroll, and picking hobbies like gardening keeps. An active lifestyle rewards the body in the long run. After all, working out is one of the most important ways to lessen the disability associated with this condition. Exercise regularly can improve strength and flexibility in those with rheumatoid arthritis. Stronger muscles can support the joints well; on the other hand, better flexibility can aid joint function. Skipping treatment It’s not wise to stop treatment or avoid taking the prescribed tablets for the condition. If a dose is missed, it’s advised to have it as soon as possible.

10 mistakes to avoid when buying smartphones

10 mistakes to avoid when buying smartphones
Buying a smartphone is a long-term investment. It is not a gadget that you want to replace or upgrade every few months, so you must consider factors like daily use, features, and the price point, among other variables. However, several advertisers attempt to prompt sales via attractive deals, and you might just buy something you hate or cannot use. Here are some common smartphone buying mistakes to note to prevent such errors. Things to avoid when buying smartphones Being loyal to one brand All basic smartphones have the same features with a few tweaks in the hardware and software components. So why should you be loyal to one brand when you can get a better deal with another brand? Always buying the newest variant Smartphone companies are not going to stop introducing new cellphones to the market. But, these new models are rarely extremely different from their predecessors. So don’t waste money buying a new model as soon as it releases; wait till you genuinely need one, or there is a significant difference Not knowing your daily use Smartphones have many extra features that you might not end up using. If you desire a phone with a powerful core processor that supports gaming and multimedia, don’t go for one that offers a high-end camera setup.

5 foods diabetic patients should avoid

5 foods diabetic patients should avoid
Blood sugar levels of diabetic patients can dip or peak depending on the food they consume. Hence, it is extremely important to eat right. A nutritious meal should include a balance of carbs, protein, starches, and sugar. But it can be tricky to get proper nutrition, especially with foods that sound healthy but, in reality, cause damage to overall health. Let’s take a look at some of the bad foods for diabetic patients. Sugar-sweetened beverages Avoid drinking cola, sweetened ice tea, or lemonade as they contain an excessively high amount of added sugar and carbs. Additionally, these drinks contain fructose, which can lead to insulin resistance, belly fat, and unhealthy metabolic changes. According to studies, people who consume too many sugar-sweetened beverages have a higher risk of developing diabetes-related conditions like fatty liver disease. A surprising beverage to avoid is fruit juice. Although they contain more vitamins and minerals than sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit juices have concentrated amounts of fruit sugar that can spike your blood sugar. Opt for cucumber and mint-infused water or naturally flavored seltzer with a dash of lime for a refreshing taste. White bread, rice, and pasta All these processed foods contain a high amount of carbs that can significantly raise blood sugar levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

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4 common myths about diabetes debunked

When the glucose levels in the body are high and insulin levels are not proportionate enough to convert this glucose into energy, the risk of diabetes increases. It is basically the inability of the body to convert food into energy using insulin. The glucose is broken down into energy for cells to absorb and when this conversion doesn’t take place, blood sugar levels rise. If left unchecked, it can lead to a number of complications. However, there are certain myths about diabetes that can create confusion among the masses. Here is what you must know and understand about the condition. Myth 1: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the same. The fact of the matter is that both type 1 and 2 are linked to insulin deficiency that causes diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce any insulin, and people suffering from this condition must rely on regular doses of insulin to supplement these requirements. Type 1 diabetes is also an autoimmune disorder that is mostly diagnosed in children. In type 2 diabetes, the body still manages to produce insulin but the cells are unable to absorb the compound necessary for converting food into energy. Depending on the severity of the condition, people suffering from type 2 diabetes may or may not need insulin shots. Myth 2: Insulin dependence Nothing can be further from the truth that insulin is a lifesaving medication and absolutely necessary for people suffering from severe diabetes. The body cannot convert food into energy without insulin. How the supply is replenished does not matter as there is a need for the deficiency to be managed better. People with type 2 diabetes can still manage a healthy lifestyle and reduce their dependence on insulin to a great extent. However, it is a mandatory medication for those who have type 1 diabetes.

The risk factors associated with dehydration

Dehydration is the loss of fluids from one’s body. It can be caused due to something as simple as not having an adequate water intake or perhaps a severe medical side effect. The symptoms of fluid loss caused due to this condition can affect people of all ages. From toddlers and infants to older adults, one can experience mild to severe dehydration depending on the primary cause of the same. Herein, we shall try and understand the severity and risk factors associated with dehydration in people of different ages. Children and infants At a very young age, infants and children are more susceptible to bacterial infections that cause vomiting and diarrhea. Both result in the rapid loss of fluids. Note that infants lose more fluids in comparison to adults. Young children, especially toddlers, unlike adults, may also not realize when they are thirsty. This increases the risk of staying dehydrated unknowingly until severe symptoms indicate the same. It is one of the main reasons why doctors prescribe electrolyte-rich fluids for children experiencing a high fever to help replenish the lost fluids. Seniors and older adults Adults after a certain age face more difficulties as the body gradually loses its ability to conserve water. One’s sense of thirst also becomes acute with old age, which further increases the risk. Individuals might not feel thirsty enough to have the recommended intake of water every day, further causing problems due to the loss of fluids. Furthermore, dehydration can be a direct result of certain prescription medications used for treating diabetes. The side effects can result in a fluid imbalance as medications increase the urine output, thus resulting in a higher loss of fluids from the body. Many medications also list vomiting and diarrhea as potential side effects and both can trigger a severe loss of fluids in the body.

Must-have nutrients and foods for optimal eye health

Our sensory organs are extremely essential in our daily life. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to stand straight, see things, taste, communicate, and live the way we do. But the power of sight is one of the most important of them all. Maintaining good eye health is necessary, and, unsurprisingly, making healthy lifestyle and dietary choices is crucial for this. So, here are a few nutrients you should add to your daily diet to keep your vision in top-notch condition: Vitamin A The deficiency of vitamin A is one of the most common causes of blindness across the globe. Why is this vitamin so important? Well, for starters, it helps manage and maintain the light-sensing cells in your eyes. A lack of vitamin A can cause dry eyes and other serious eye conditions. Best food with vitamin A content: To get the right amount of vitamin A in your diet and maintain optimal eye health, include foods like apricots, carrots, spinach, and yam in your diet in plenty. Vitamin C Vitamin C is present in high concentration in the aqueous humor (the liquid in the outermost part of the eye). The amount of this vitamin in the aqueous humor is proportional to the amount in your diet, and research has proved that people with cataracts tend to have low amounts of vitamin C in their bodies. Best dietary sources of vitamin C: Citrus fruits like oranges, kiwi, lime, and strawberries are all great sources of vitamin C. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts are also healthy sources of this vitamin. Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are essential to maintain good eye health. DHA aids eye function. It is present in the retina and is an integral part of brain and eye development in children. Evidence also proves the benefits of omega-3 supplements for people with dry eyes.

Understanding the different aspects of a flu outbreak

Flu or influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can result in mild to severe illness and health complications. A severe flu infection can result in hospitalization and can even prove to be fatal, especially in young children, older people aged above 65, and people with underlying health conditions. There are two main types of flu viruses: Type A and Type B virus. The illness can be periodical and result in seasonal flu epidemics each year. The cold, flu, and its symptoms such as cough is caused due to the type of the viruses mentioned above. Influenza may not always be considered by most people as a serious illness, its symptoms comprising a runny nose, headaches, cough, and muscle pain can be confused with those of a heavy cold. Yet reports suggest that seasonal influenza can claim up to 650,000 lives every year. That is why influenza vaccinations are important because they protect people, especially those in at-risk categories, such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with vulnerable immune systems or underlying health conditions. What most of us call “the flu” is essentially seasonal influenza because it comes around in the coldest season twice a year, once in the Northern hemisphere’s winter, and once in the Southern hemisphere’s winter in temperate zones of the world. The flu circulates year-round in the tropics and subtropics, which makes it more contagious. The worst part about the influenza virus is that it constantly mutates, enabling it to evade the mechanisms of our immune systems. The virus learns from the responses of the human body and creates a suitable defensive mechanism to survive the attack by the immune system. When a new virus emerges, it can easily infect people and spread due to its contagiousness. Very little to no immunity to a new strain can lead to a simple outbreak becoming an epidemic or a pandemic within no time.

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9 most common types of depression you should know about

9 most common types of depression you should know about

All of us feel low, upset, and unmotivated at some point in our life, but this isn’t classified as depression. Depression is a mood disorder that overshadows a person’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. Signs and symptoms of this grave disorder can range from feeling hopeless and tired to completely losing the will to live. There are several types of depression and they are listed below so you can understand depression and people suffering from it better. Major Depression (Clinical Depression) The hallmark trait of this type of depression is the constant feeling of sadness or loss of interest in social life or any outside stimuli. It often lasts for two weeks or more in which a person can experience symptoms such as hopelessness, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts. Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder) Dysthymia lasts for years and can disrupt daily life and interfere with personal and professional relationships. Individuals with dysthymia are often seen as dark, pessimistic, or complainers by others, and they have a hard time being happy in typically pleasant situations. Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder) People with manic depression experience high degrees of mood swings. Their train of thought can take them from feeling euphoric to feeling suicidal in just a few weeks. It is very common to get into a depressive state before or after the manic episode. Postpartum Depression (Peripartum Depression) This depression episode is characterized by dramatic hormonal changes in women after giving birth. They may tend to experience bouts of sadness and cry anytime. The symptoms usually alleviate after a week or two of giving birth. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) People with this type of depression start experiencing depressive symptoms with a change in seasons. For many, it happens during winter. The individual starts feeling worse as the season progresses and can even have suicidal thoughts.
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Simple and practical guide points for expecting parents

Simple and practical guide points for expecting parents

Pregnancy is a new experience in every couple’s life, and one should understand a few things to ensure that the nine months are smooth and stress-free. Simply being prepared for pregnancy and looking forward to the joy of parenthood is not all there’s to childbirth. As a couple, you must understand, review, and adjust your lifestyle. Expecting mothers become their child’s nurturers and supporters from day one, but the expecting fathers, close relatives, and friends must also understand the key roles they will play right up to the due date. Here are a few simple family and pregnancy guide points to help you and your folks get started: Staying healthy Physical and mental wellbeing is extremely crucial for the expecting mother to ensure both her and the baby’s health. Diet plays a crucial role in this process, as the mother is now providing nutrition for the developing fetus as well as herself. As a family, you can take turns to ensure that the to-be mother is staying physically active, eating healthy and regularly, and not cultivating any bad habits. More importantly, family and loved ones should be prepared for the changes to come in the upcoming trimesters. Coping with changes – what to expect Morning sickness in the first trimester is quite common and can put a woman’s body under tremendous stress. Nausea and vomiting may also cause headaches, but medications cannot always be taken, as they may affect the baby’s health. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause extreme mood swings, so everyone around must be prepared to deal with this. Maintaining a healthy relationship with one’s partner and responding to their needs is crucial to ensure a healthy pregnancy, especially after the first trimester, when the baby starts developing quickly. Counseling One of the more crucial aspects of family and pregnancy planning is prenatal counseling.
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