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Signs that can indicate a lung condition

Signs that can indicate a lung condition
Our lungs are constantly at work. They play an important role in critical tasks like inhaling oxygen from our surroundings. Additionally, they perform several indispensable bodily functions, such as supplying the body with oxygen, eliminating excess carbon dioxide, and facilitating speech and smell. Any lung issues can cause considerable discomfort and trigger related problems. Diagnosing lung conditions early can ensure timely intervention. Here are some common indicators of lung diseases. Chronic cough Cough lasting for two months or longer is classified as chronic cough. It can eventually lead to damage of the respiratory system and may indicate lung diseases like asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is also a common symptom of sinus issues and allergies. Excessive mucus Excessive mucus can be an early sign of respiratory conditions like COPD, cystic fibrosis, NTM lung disease, inflammation of the nasal passage, and bronchitis. One must consult a doctor in case of continuous mucus production over days or the presence of other symptoms like fever, cough, and sinus pain. Shortness of breath Shortness of breath that does not recede for long periods after physical exertion or workout is a cause of concern. This symptom is linked to several respiratory conditions, including asthma, pneumonia, emphysema, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension.

8 worst cities that persons prone to allergies must avoid

8 worst cities that persons prone to allergies must avoid
Reports suggest that over 50 million people in the country suffer from different allergies each year, causing allergies to emerge as the sixth leading cause of chronic illness. Allergies may have many underlying causes, including hay fever, dust mites, medicines, certain foods, and pollution. Further, unfavorable environmental conditions can adversely affect individuals prone to allergies. Have a look at our list of the worst cities in the country for persons with allergies: Scranton Scranton has emerged as the allergy capital of the country, being ranked the worst city for people suffering from or susceptible to allergies. One of the primary causes of allergies in Scranton is the city’s higher-than-average concentration of spring and fall pollen. Several individuals react negatively to pollen, developing infections and allergies. Thus, individuals with allergies must avoid moving into Scranton for work. Bakersfield Bakersfield, with annual particular matter (PM) levels of 2.5, is classified as among the most polluted cities in the country. Studies have demonstrated that outdoor air pollution can exacerbate one’s allergies. Consequently, living in a city like Bakersfield can affect one’s health, particularly if one is vulnerable to allergic reactions. New Haven New Haven, which houses the prestigious Yale University, is another no-no for individuals with allergies, primarily due to its poor air quality and high humidity.

7 household items that may cause cancer

7 household items that may cause cancer
Certain environmental factors are among the most common cancer-causing agents. However, when people discuss environment-based carcinogens, not many focus on the threats within the household. Several household items pose just as grave a danger as radiation exposure for vulnerable people. The risk is more significant as people spend more time indoors than away from home. That said, here are a few household items linked with cancer that one should vary of: Non-stick cookware Non-stick cookware is a staple commodity found in most, if not all, homes. Non-stick items are helpful to avoid soaking utensils in water overnight and scraping off stuck food from pans. However, non-stick cookware is created using a chemical compound named polytetrafluoroethylene. This chemical is the main component of such cookware’s “non-sticky” coating. Several research studies have found that polytetrafluoroethylene is a carcinogen and can cause other harmful health effects and allergies if consumed for long periods. While purchasing cookware, one can check the percentage of polytetrafluoroethylene and look for substitutes. Couches and sofas Now, couches and sofas are the default resting spots for most people. However, the health risk associated with couches and sofas goes much deeper than how they make people averse to daily exercise.

Common signs of child neglect and support measures

Common signs of child neglect and support measures
Neglect is a form of child abuse that results in repeated failure to meet a child’s basic needs. It can have long-term effects on a child’s physical and mental health. As it can manifest in many ways, neglect can be difficult to identify. But, recognizing warning signs can protect children from further harm. Here are some signs of child neglect and a look at support options to protect children from abuse: Signs of neglect Poor hygiene Poor hygiene can indicate that caregivers have neglected the child. Other signs include frequent and untreated diaper rash in newborns, inadequate food, dirty or ill-fitting clothes, and hunger. Poor health Consistent health concerns or illnesses such as anemia, physical problems such as weak muscles or swollen joints, dental issues, and missed doctor appointments or vaccinations can all be signs that a child has been neglected. Other indications are not receiving the proper treatment, poor linguistic or social skills, frequent infections or sicknesses, and repeated accidental injuries caused by a lack of supervision. Housing issues This form of neglect involves failing to provide adequate living conditions. It can also include an unsuitable home environment, such as inadequate heating, exposure to potentially harmful items like knives and scissors, or being left alone at home for an extended period.

7 unhealthy habits that make mattresses dirty

7 unhealthy habits that make mattresses dirty
A clean sleeping environment is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle. Mattresses, an essential component of a good night’s sleep, can harbor sweat, dead skin, dirt, and mold and become breeding grounds for allergens. Prolonged exposure to these elements increases one’s susceptibility to illnesses, skin rashes, and health issues like asthma. Here are some common unhealthy habits to avoid to ensure a clean, safe mattress that extends its lifespan and contributes to general well-being. Eating food in bed Eating in bed is one of the most common but problematic habits. Whether it’s a late-night snack or breakfast, this seemingly harmless practice can lead to crumbs, spills, and stains on the mattress. Such food particles create an environment conducive to pests, dust mites, bed bugs, fungi, and bacteria, leading to an unhealthy sleep environment. Even after clearing the crumbs, remnants will likely slip through the sheet. So, it’s best to avoid this seemingly harmless activity for the best upkeep of one’s mattress. Allowing pets on the bed without properly cleaning them Allowing pets to share one’s bed can contribute to a dirty mattress. Pet dander, fur, and the occasional accident can result in unpleasant odors and allergens in the mattress fabric.

6 health benefits of fish oil supplements

6 health benefits of fish oil supplements
Fish oil comes from a variety of fish like salmon, tuna, herring, and mackerel. While these fishes are healthy in themselves, the oil extracted from these is also known to have a lot of omega-3 fatty acids. Since the human body doesn’t produce omega-3 fatty acids, it helps to add these extra nutrients to one’s routine through fish oil supplements. Some of the well-known health benefits of fish oil supplements include the following: Improve heart health It has been observed that people who include a lot of fish in their meals usually are at lower risk of heart disease. This may happen because fish has nutritional benefits that help lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and triglycerides and prevent plaque from forming in the arteries. Consequently, heart health improves, preventing cardiovascular problems. These same benefits can be obtained by having fish oil supplements, especially for those who don’t prefer to eat fish. Boost brain health The brain is known to have at least 20% polyunsaturated fatty acids, of which a huge part is omega-3 fatty acids. This means omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the brain to function well. Subsequently, when a person’s meals do not provide this nutrient, having fish oil supplements can be helpful.

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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.
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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.
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