Eye health is as important as any other functioning organ in the body. However, with the current lifestyle of people that involves prolonged exposure to different gadgets, taking care of the eyes has become more crucial. Also, some diseases can impair vision and cause vision-related problems. To prevent any unforeseen situations, here are some effective ways one can follow to maintain optimal eye health and ensure a lifetime of clear and comfortable vision. 1. Protecting eye from sun rays Extended exposure to harsh sunlight and its ultraviolet (UV) rays elevates the risk of eye conditions such as cataracts. Therefore, it is crucial for one to protect their eyes from harsh sunlight when stepping out. One can either wear sunglasses or UV-blocking contact lenses. Sunglasses are often regarded as a fashion accessory, but their significance extends beyond that. They serve as a crucial shield, safeguarding the eyes from the detrimental impact of the sun’s UV rays. Sunglasses with polarized lenses offer an excellent choice for those seeking enhanced glare reduction. Alternatively, individuals requiring vision correction can explore the option of UV-blocking contact lenses designed to shield their eyes from harmful UV rays. 2. Taking breaks from screen time Staring at the screen for long periods, whether on a phone or a computer, can adversely affect the eyes, leading to dryness and strain.

A stuffy nose or nasal congestion is generally caused by inflamed blood vessels or mucus in the sinuses because of allergies, colds, or flu. It affects normal breathing, leads to appetite loss, and makes it difficult to perform routine activities. While a stuffy nose typically goes away in a couple of days, one may require some home remedies to manage the discomfort. Here are certain foods to have that give relief from a stuffy nose. Chicken soup Packed with nutrients and flavors, chicken soup is good for getting relief from discomfort caused by a stuffy nose. It contains lots of vitamins, minerals, calories, and protein, that are required by the body while recovering from an illness. Also, the chicken in the soup is a good source of amino acid cysteine, which has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. It breaks down the mucus in the nasal passage opening up the sinuses. Moreover, chicken soup is enriched with electrolytes, which keeps the body hydrated, quickening the process of recovery. Broths Similar to chicken soup, broths are also effective in relieving a stuffy nose. They are good sources of electrolytes and fluids that can help in soothing the inflamed nasal membranes. Drinking warm broth made from either vegetables or meat is often recommended to alleviate the discomfort caused by a stuffy nose.

The common signs of lung cancer are well known. Some of them include cough, fatigue, breathlessness, and chest pain. However, there are many symptoms of lung cancer that are not as well-known or documented in a host of content on the internet. Like other malignancies, detecting lung cancer in its early stages increases the chances of a successful treatment. Therefore, here are some of the uncommon signs of lung cancer that one should be aware of: 1. Clubbed fingers Arguably, the strangest of all lung cancer symptoms is the phenomenon called finger clubbing. In this symptom, the fingertips of an individual with lung cancer become fatter than usual. The fingers also tend to appear rounder, and the fingernails begin to appear more and more bent with time. This clubbing mainly happens because the tumor in the lung secretes a chemical that directs more fluid and blood to a person’s finger tissue. Healthcare research studies have found that about 8 out of every 10 cases of finger clubbing happen to people with lung cancer. 2. Puffiness in the face, arms, and neck In many instances, lung cancer tumors can often obstruct the superior vena cava, a significant vein that carries blood from the head and arms to the heart.

Blood cancer is a group of diseases that affect the production and function of blood cells in the body. The three primary types of blood cancer are leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. While many people are familiar with common symptoms of blood cancer, like frequent infections and unexplained loss of body mass, some uncommon signs can also be indicative of blood cancer. Let’s look at some signs that should prompt one to seek immediate medical help. What is blood cancer? There are three types of blood cells: red (RBCs), which carry oxygen to the body; white (WBCs), which fight off infections; and platelets, which help with blood clotting post injury. Any abnormal and excess production of these cells that affects their normal functioning is blood cancer. Leukemia often involves abnormal production of blood cells in the bone marrow, resulting in a low platelet count. Lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, which includes lymph nodes, spleen, and other lymphoid tissues. Multiple myeloma, on the other hand, affects a type of white blood cell called plasma, which is responsible for producing antibodies. Each cancer type is classified further based on several factors, including the part of the body where the cancer originates and the specific blood cells affected.

Leukemia, or blood cancer, is a type of cancer that develops in the white blood cells. It also starts with the lymphatic system and the bone marrow. The white blood cells are the body’s natural defense system against infections and allergies. Under normal circumstances, these cells grow and multiply whenever the body needs to fight off intruders. However, the white blood cells start to malform and multiply at a higher rate with the onset of the cancer. Uncommon signs of leukemia The symptoms of leukemia start to appear within a few days or weeks of tumor growth. Generally, the early indicators of this form of cancer are difficult to diagnose since they are similar to the signs of other health disorders such as influenza or GERD. As a result, diagnosis often happens later, when the severity of the symptoms increases. Therefore, if one is at a high risk of leukemia, it helps to be aware of some of the rare symptoms of the disease. Here are some of them: 1. Vomiting This symptom is generally observed in about 5% of leukemia patients. It is generally experienced before an accurate prognosis has been received. With a lot of physical and emotional changes occurring in the body, blood cancer can trigger nausea and vomiting.

Tobacco consumption is associated with several health problems, including oral cancer, emphysema, heart disease, and stroke. Approximately 28.3 million adults nationwide smoke cigarettes, the most common form of tobacco use globally. With increasing awareness of its harmful effects, many individuals are taking active measures to quit tobacco. However, abstaining from it can pose several challenges, particularly during the initial phase. So, here are some ways to manage tobacco cravings after quitting it: Delay gratification The concept of “id, ego, and superego” by Sigmund Freud can help one understand this strategy better. According to Freud, the id is the primitive part of the mind that functions by the “pleasure principle,” driving one to fulfill primitive urges, including the urge to have tobacco-based products. On the other hand, the superego functions by the “morality principle,” seeking to restrain one from consuming tobacco. The ego balances these two aspects of the mind and is driven by the “reality principle.” Individuals trying to resist tobacco cravings should focus on the “ego” aspect of the mind, resisting the urge and telling themselves to wait for ten more minutes before giving in to the temptation. Within these 10 minutes, one should try finding other activities to distract themselves, delaying the urge further.

Huntington’s disease is a hereditary disease that causes the degeneration of brain cells. One of the main symptoms of this condition is uncontrollable jerky movements in the arms, legs, face, head, and upper body (called chorea). Other symptoms may also include a decline in thinking and reasoning skills, alterations in mood, and behavioral changes. This article explores how the condition impacts one’s eating and food management strategies to improve nutritional intake. How Huntington’s affects the body and food intake Chorea Huntington causes jerky, uncontrollable movements called chorea. This can use more energy, increasing one’s caloric needs. Difficulty in planning Huntington’s may cause short-term memory loss, making it difficult to plan meals in advance. This can also affect one’s food and nutrition. Clumsiness One may also experience stumbling and clumsiness. As a result, one may find it difficult to eat or drink, causing embarrassment among individuals with Huntington’s. Mood changes Cognitive changes with Huntington’s can cause depression and anxiety. This can cause changes in appetite, affecting one’s desire to eat. Muscular changes With Huntington’s, individuals may also have hand-eye coordination, eating, and posture issues. This can limit their ability to put food into their mouths, affecting their daily eating habits. Additionally, it can make it difficult to close the lips together, causing spillage.

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a rare neurological disorder that affects the brain’s nerve cells over time. A progressive decline in motor skills, cognitive function, and emotional well-being characterizes it. While the onset of symptoms can vary from person to person, recognizing the warning signs is crucial for early diagnosis and management. Here are some of the key indicators or early warning signs that may signal the presence of Huntington’s disease. What is Huntington’s disease? Huntington’s disease (HD) is a hereditary disorder caused by a mutation in the HTT gene, producing an abnormal form of the huntingtin protein. This mutated protein gradually damages certain areas of the brain, particularly the basal ganglia and cerebral cortex, which play crucial roles in regulating one’s emotions, memory, physical actions, and the ability to perform mental tasks, including thinking and decision-making. The condition has been closely linked to diabetes and abnormal changes in one’s glucose metabolism. A physical examination and a blood test often lead to its diagnosis. Warning signs of Huntington’s disease Involuntary and jerky movements Individuals may notice involuntary movements, known as chorea, which often begin subtly and gradually worsen over time. These movements can manifest as cramps, tremors, or other jerky motions that affect the body’s arms, legs, face, and other parts.

Teeth staining can happen for several reasons, such as aging, poor eating habits, and an unhealthy lifestyle. To combat this, one could follow good oral hygiene, periodic dental cleaning, and professional tooth whitening to improve the color of the teeth. But apart from these measures, individuals could also make certain lifestyle choices, such as eating healthy foods. Below is a list of eleven foods that should be part of one’s meal regime for brighter teeth. Strawberries Eating strawberries could benefit one’s teeth, especially its color. The berry is rich in malic acid concentration, a property used in many toothpaste formulas. The acid works like a natural astringent and helps remove the tooth surface discoloration. One should note that strawberries are also abundant in citric acid, which may weaken the enamel. Therefore, each individual must wait at least 30 minutes to brush their teeth after consuming strawberries or other acidic foods. One could also rinse their mouth with water to negate the effects of citric acid after eating the berry. Onions Many are unaware of the health benefits associated with onions regarding oral hygiene. While the vegetable might cause bad breath, eating it in small amounts may benefit the teeth. The food contains antibacterial sulfur compounds that may prevent plaque from forming on the teeth.

While hearing is an indispensable sense that connects one with the world around, hearing loss is a largely prevalent issue that can significantly impact one’s life. About 2-3 out of every 1,000 children are born with diagnosable levels of hearing loss in one or both ears. Today, technological advancements have facilitated several interventions, including hearing aids, to enhance hearing. Here are some common mistakes that new hearing aid owners should avoid: Not controlling volume effectively It is essential to regulate the volume of one’s hearing aid, as excessive use can worsen hearing difficulties with time. Thus, it is important to know where the volume controls are located in the hearing aid and how the volume should be changed or adjusted. Overlooking the adjustment phase For individuals grappling with hearing loss over long periods, all sounds may be excessively loud upon putting on hearing aids. Such loudness may initially cause fatigue among new hearing-aid users. This phenomenon, called hearing-related fatigue, is quite typical. Unfortunately, many individuals quit using their hearing aids at this stage to avoid this fatigue. However, it is important to persevere during the adjustment phase, opting for strategies like regulating the volumes of one’s TV, radio, etc., wearing hearing aids for shorter periods initially, and not adjusting the hearing aid volume too frequently.