6 foods that can contribute to cancer risk

6 foods that can contribute to cancer risk
The number of people being diagnosed with cancer appears to be steadily rising. As a result, it has become more important to take note of the factors that could be contributing to the disease, including the added amount of chemicals and pollutants surrounding us. Although more studies are needed to know for sure, certain foods can help decrease cancer risk. Similarly, some foods can increase the risk of developing different cancers. Refined sugar Excessive intake of refined sugar is a primary cause of many common lifestyle disorders. It is also associated with an increased possibility of cancer. Some foods with refined sugar that can increase cancer risk are breakfast cereals and processed and packaged foods. Processed meat Processed meats like sausages, pepperoni, and hot dogs are a source of harmful compounds. Research suggests the regular intake of these cured meats considerably increases cancer risk. A daily intake of one and a half ounces of processed meat can increase rectal cancer risk by as much as 18%. If complete elimination is not an option, adding nitrite and nitrate-free meats to meals is advisable. Chips Salt is a potential carcinogen, which means it can increase cancer risk, especially if added excessively to meals.

Top 10 tax deductions to claim in 2023

Top 10 tax deductions to claim in 2023
The IRS offers ways to save money on taxes each year in the form of tax deductions and credits. Tax deduction works by lowering the taxable income and reducing the tax liability. This deduction is subtracted from the income, lowering the taxable income and reducing the final tax bill. It can be claimed in two ways – standard or itemized deductions. While there are many deductions to choose from, here are the ten most popular options. Charitable donations deduction Individuals who donated in cash or kind to 501(c)3 organizations during the tax year may claim a deduction on their federal tax returns.  Gambling loss deduction This deduction requires itemized reporting of all winning as taxable income. The losses and expenses covered here are deductible only to the extent of gambling winnings. Student loan interest deduction Those who paid interest for a qualified student loan in 2022 (for themselves or dependents), or are legally required to pay interest, may claim up to $2500 in tax deductions for the financial year. Medical expenses deduction Qualified, unreimbursed medical expenses worth more than 7.5% of the adjusted gross income for the taxable year can be deducted. These must be reported as itemized deductions on IRS Schedule A.  Deduction for state and local taxes For a combination of property taxes and either state or local income and sales taxes, up to $10,000 may be deducted from the taxable income.  Mortgage interest deduction For qualifying homeowners, home mortgage interest on the first $750,000 may be claimed as a deduction.

4 mistakes to avoid before buying an SUV

4 mistakes to avoid before buying an SUV
Purchasing an SUV in a market flooded with options can be daunting. Buyers need to research extensively to find the right-sized car model that fulfills all their needs including their lifestyle, budget, and payment methods. Since research takes time, first-time buyers may end up overlooking a few factors. Here are some common mistakes one can avoid in order to not invest in a wrong car or affect their credit rating. Mistake 1: Not weighing all options One can find dozens of dealers and innumerable car options in the market. Instead of choosing the nearest dealer, it is advisable to approach multiple dealers and understand their best prices and offers. One can also check the dealer’s reputation, customer experience and reviews, financing choices, and upcoming discounts. A car is a long-term investment and taking the time to research thoroughly both online and offline can help one make a wise decision. Mistake 2: Assuming the latest model is the best Another common mistake is to assume that the newest SUV in town is the ideal one. While it may provide attractive features like more towing capacity or more space, not all updates are useful for everyone. So, paying extra for a feature one might never need is a waste of money.

How coffee helps lower the risk of diabetes

How coffee helps lower the risk of diabetes
Foods and beverages directly affect a person’s blood glucose levels. So, people with diabetes should carefully evaluate their food habits and choices and exercise caution before incorporating anything new into their meal plans. Many people start their day with a cup of coffee. While more research is required to know for sure, some studies suggest that the beverage may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes if had in moderation. Polyphenols in coffee may lower type 2 diabetes risk Caffeine and polyphenols are two of the many compounds in coffee that positively affect the body. Polyphenols have antioxidant properties that aid in treating various illnesses, including type 2 diabetes, heart problems, and cancer. Moreover, diabetes increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Since antioxidants like polyphenols benefit heart health, they can help mitigate this risk. Magnesium in coffee may reduce the condition’s occurrence Coffee also contains magnesium and chromium. A higher magnesium intake has been linked to a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes. However, coffee has a lower concentration of these ingredients than other foods. Hence, individuals must not rely entirely on this beverage as a source of magnesium and chromium. 3 to 4 cups daily may lower one’s risk A particular study found that people who increased their daily coffee intake by more than one cup over four years had an 11% lower risk of type 2 diabetes than those who did not.

7 harmful baby product ingredients to avoid

7 harmful baby product ingredients to avoid
As a new parent, one may have to choose from several brands in each category of baby products, ranging from sunscreens, body lotion, and bath essentials to baby cribs and diapers. Parents would want the best products for their children, but not everything expensive or marketed as organic is good for a baby’s skin and health. Some of the ingredients found in common products can be harmful. Here are seven such ingredients to avoid: Synthetic fragrances Many baby care and cleaning products come with refreshing scents marked as “fragrance” on the label, as the FDA does not require companies to share ingredients used to make the scent. But most fragrances contain harmful synthetic musks or chemicals that may cause allergic reactions in babies. Even if there is no immediate reaction, the fragrance may be absorbed into the skin, posing reproductive or developmental health risks. One should also check products labeled as “unscented” to verify if they are entirely fragrance-free. Bleach Chlorine bleach is found in baby laundry detergents, washing powders, mildew removers, and toilet bowl cleaners. Bleach is linked to lung diseases and skin and eye irritation. Babies have sensitive skin, making them vulnerable to harsh chemicals. Long-term exposure to bleach and other reactive substances like ammonia can cause a burning sensation in the throat, eye irritation, or breathing issues in babies.

Tips for managing seizures at school and the workplace

Tips for managing seizures at school and the workplace
Epilepsy is a common brain disorder that can cause recurring seizures. It can affect people of all ages, but older adults and children are more susceptible. As per estimates, around 3.4 million people in our country live with epilepsy, including 3 million adults and 470,000 children. As children and adults spend most of their time outside, it is imperative to know how to manage epilepsy and seizures and prevent complications. Tips for managing seizures in schools If a child has epilepsy, parents must work with the school to ensure their kids are cared for during school hours. Here are some tips for managing epilepsy and seizures at school: Educate key school personnel Teachers, administrators, students, and nurses are a pivotal part of the school ecosystem. Parents should visit the school and meet such individuals to discuss the child’s needs. They must be educated about epilepsy, its treatment, and, of course, seizure first aid. It helps ensure the child’s safety during school hours. Avoid triggers While at school, the teachers and staff should take sufficient care to ensure students prone to seizures are not exposed to potential triggers, such as bright lights. Keeping a record of identified triggers is an important tip for managing seizures in kids.

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4 ways to overcome an overactive bladder

4 ways to overcome an overactive bladder

Overactive bladder or OAB is a health condition that causes frequent and sudden urge to urinate. Statistics suggest that close to 35 million people in the country suffer from overactive bladder. Some people also experience urinary incontinence or unintentional loss of urine. It can be embarrassing to deal with the condition, as it can limit one’s social and professional life. The following tips can be used to effectively manage an overactive bladder: Typical treatment options Before we discuss tips for managing an overactive bladder, it is important to be aware of some treatment options. GEMTESA (vibegron) is one such treatment option. It activates beta-3 receptors, thereby allowing the bladder to relax and provide relief from being overactive. Apart from this, Myrbetriq can also be used for treating an overactive bladder, as it smoothens the muscles around the urinary bladder, increasing its storage capacity. Other options include TOVIAZ and INVOKANA®. Add cranberries to your food regimen  Cranberries are widely used to treat problems associated with bladder control. Similarly, other berries like strawberries and blueberries are also abundant in vitamin C, which can neutralize bad bacteria and prevent urinary tract infections. Berries also have high water content, which maintains hydration levels and helps manage bladder control. Cranberries can be eaten alone or can be added to smoothies, salads, and other delicious recipes. Limit washing and wiping Sanitary hygiene is essential. However, it can be counterintuitive going overboard. Women with overactive bladder experiencing menstruation might feel the constant need to clean themselves. However, excessive cleaning with soap can make the area dry and itchy, and it can aggravate symptoms of an overactive bladder. Hence it is recommended to avoid going overboard on washing and wiping or use hydrating cleaning products to retain the moisture. Practice exercises for bladder control Changes in certain habits related to urination can ease the symptoms or help retain bladder strength in the long run.
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5 tips to manage migraine attacks

5 tips to manage migraine attacks

Migraine is characterized by throbbing, lingering pain on either side of the head. It is common among those between 30 and 40 and more prevalent among women than men. According to research, at least 39 million people in the country live with migraine. Many people with this condition are sensitive to light and sound. Fortunately, lifestyle changes can reduce the frequency of migraines. Here are some effective ways that can help cope with migraines: Treatments People with migraines need to keep medications handy. Some of the common medicines used by adults for migraine attacks are UBRELVY™, Excedrin, Nurtec® ODT, and QULIPTA™. They block pathways in the brain that are responsible for migraine attacks. A doctor might also recommend preventive medicines if one experiences frequent and severe headaches that don’t respond well to treatment. These medications might reduce how often one gets an attack and reduce its severity. Foods to eat Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are high in antioxidants and fat and are great for keeping overall health in check. Magnesium-rich foods like avocados, apricots, almonds, cashews, and brown rice help the blood vessels relax and prevent headaches. Other items that help prevent headaches include leafy greens, dairy, and calcium-rich foods. Those who experience frequent migraine attacks are also often recommended to reduce the intake of high-sodium foods. Lifestyle choices Having a healthy sleep cycle is very rewarding. It’s good for one’s physical and mental health. Getting quality sleep every night can significantly reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. Migraines usually occur when the body doesn’t get enough rest and is stressed. Hydration and cold compress It’s essential to be hydrated at all times to help reduce the frequency of migraines. The body requires a certain amount of electrolytes and fluids to work its best. When one doesn’t replace these fluids and electrolytes, it causes dehydration, triggering migraine.
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