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Avoid these 6 breathing mistakes for healthy lungs

Avoid these 6 breathing mistakes for healthy lungs
Breathing is an involuntary process that is often taken for granted. However, how one breathes can significantly impact one’s health, particularly lung health. Many people make common breathing mistakes that can affect their lung capacity and overall respiratory function. By understanding these mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, one can promote healthy lung function and improve mental health and clarity, reduce stress, and even strengthen immunity. Chest or shallow breathing Chest breathing involves taking short and shallow breaths, limiting the air that reaches one’s lungs, especially the lower part of the organ. Stress is another factor that leads to taking shallow breaths. So, breathing like this involuntarily can bring a false sense of stress in the body and cause other problems. To remedy this, one can practice deep, mindful breathing exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing for a few minutes daily to improve one’s lung capacity. Mouth breathing Nose breathing lets the body filter and humidifies the air from dust and allergens. Mouth breathing, on the other hand, may cause inflammation in the airways or make one more vulnerable to infections. Mouth breathing can also lead to various health problems, including sleep apnea, dry mouth, snoring, and bad breath. If one feels congested or has trouble breathing through the nose, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for potential causes and treatment options.

Common peeing mistakes to avoid for a healthy bladder

Common peeing mistakes to avoid for a healthy bladder
The urinary system is an integral part of the body that helps to eliminate waste and excess fluids. Many people, however, make certain common urination mistakes that can harm their bladder health. It is important to maintain bladder health by avoiding these errors and seeking expert attention if there is any discomfort while urinating. Besides bladder health, it also benefits one’s general well-being. Here are six peeing mistakes to avoid to keep your bladder healthy. Mistakes to avoid while peeing Holding it in for too long Holding urine for long periods can lead to urinary tract infections and other bladder-related issues. It can also cause bladder muscle stretching, which can impair bladder control. Therefore, it’s important to urinate as soon as the urge strikes and not to wait too long. Rushing while peeing Rushing through the urination process can also be bad for the bladder. Rushing through the process can result in incomplete bladder emptying, leaving behind leftover urine and causing infections and other bladder issues. Therefore, it is essential to wait and ensure the bladder is empty while peeing. Not drinking enough water Dehydration can cause concentrated urine which irritates the bladder lining and leads to infections and other bladder issues.

9 alarming symptoms of esophageal cancer

9 alarming symptoms of esophageal cancer
The esophagus is an elongated muscular tube that connects the throat and the stomach. The prevalence of esophageal cancer has been rapidly increasing, with approximately 22,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the country. Despite a growing awareness of it, the condition can prove to be difficult to detect in its early stages. Thus, it is crucial to be vigilant about some common and alarming signs that indicate the presence of the condition. Warning signs of esophageal cancer Chest pain Patients with esophageal cancer might experience chest pain or discomfort, which is especially noticeable when swallowing. It might even feel like a tightness or burning sensation in the chest. Some patients might feel the pain radiating to the neck and back. Chronic cough Chronic cough or hoarseness that does not go away might also result from esophageal cancer because the condition affects the vocal cords and irritates the throat. Regurgitation Regurgitation is the involuntary return of food and fluids from the stomach to the esophagus. Persistent regurgitation may occur as a sign of esophageal cancer as it can cause blockage in the esophagus, preventing food from moving further down the stomach. Vomiting blood Hematemesis, or throwing up blood, is one of the alarming signs of esophageal cancer to look out for.

6 early warning signs of headache that shouldn’t be ignored

6 early warning signs of headache that shouldn’t be ignored
If you have suffered from a debilitating headache that prevented you from going about with your day, you are not alone. Statistical data suggests that headaches affect 16.5% of the population each year. Headaches are often accompanied by symptoms affecting other body parts, including the eyes and the stomach. While headaches are often not severe and can be cured with proper care, some early warning signs of the condition should not be ignored. Nausea and vomiting Nausea, vomiting, and digestive problems are common indicators of migraine headaches. These signs and symptoms often develop before a migraine attack and are called “aura.” Therefore, it is important to understand the underlying cause of a migraine, which can help doctors prescribe a suitable treatment course. Hence, one must consult a doctor immediately in case of migraine signs and symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Fever and body stiffness Patients with meningitis or encephalitis typically develop fever, body stiffness, and blinding headaches. Encephalitis refers to an inflammation of the brain, whereas meningitis is characterized by inflammation of the membrane surrounding the brain. Such inflammation may trigger flu-like symptoms. Individuals experiencing headaches along with fever and body stiffness must seek a doctor’s guidance at the earliest.

5 aches and pains to never ignore

5 aches and pains to never ignore
It is common to experience pains and aches after cardiovascular activity or weight training. This type of pain is usually how our bodies are conditioned to enhance endurance and strength. However, there is a difference between the pain resulting from a healthy workout and the pain symptomatic of an underlying health condition. For example, if there is a frequent occurrence of a specific type of pain, it is essential to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Here are a few types of aches and pains one shouldn’t ignore. Eye pain It is common to experience eye pain due to vision changes or any related issues. However, sudden eye pain should not be ignored. If one frequently experiences acute or chronic eye pain with or without vision changes, it can indicate a severe health problem. Occasionally, eye pain occurs due to a detached retina, a blocked blood vessel, internal bleeding, or acute glaucoma. In other cases, it can be an early symptom of viral infections such as shingles. Chest pain In most cases, chest pain is caused by something as benign as heartburn. However, in older adults, chest pain can be a symptom of an underlying health condition and should not be ignored.

5 types of pain that may indicate underlying health problems

5 types of pain that may indicate underlying health problems
Pain is felt when nerve endings present in the affected body tissues transmit information to the brain about the damage caused to the body. Often, these nerve fibers send such signals to the brain in case of injuries, accidents, and any other damage caused by an external stimulus. However, sometimes, one may experience sudden pain, which may be a cause for concern. Here are some types of pain that should not be ignored. Debilitating headaches Headaches may have various underlying causes, including migraine, strokes, meningitis, and encephalitis. Based on the symptoms, a healthcare professional can diagnose the health condition and suggest a treatment course. So, one must consult a doctor immediately in case of blinding or persistent headaches. Chest pain Although chest pain may not always indicate a heart attack, it is one of the most prominent symptoms of a heart attack and should not be ignored. Often, a heart attack takes place gradually, starting with fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Thus, detecting it early can help cardiologists suggest the necessary steps to prevent its onset or alleviate its effects. Thigh or calf-muscle pain Pain in one of the thighs or calf muscles may be a sign of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), wherein a blood clot is formed in one or multiple deep veins in the body.

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5 things to avoid doing in hotels

One of the joys of traveling is getting comfortable hotel accommodation for your stay. Just as we expect great service from these hotels, they expect the guests to follow certain protocols to make the experience pleasurable. It is important to understand this tacit agreement. On that note, here are some vital tips to remind you of things that you should avoid doing when you are staying in a hotel. Keep the bathroom door shut Taking a hot shower at the end of the day and sliding into the comfy blanket is one of the perks of being in a hotel. However, make sure you keep the bathroom door shut. The steam from the shower can enter the room and trigger the fire alarm. Don’t cover the smoke alarms Almost all hotels always have a smoking room available for their guests, as they understand it is a requirement for some. However, some guests will take a room that comes with a smoke alarm and cover the smoke alarms whenever they wish to indulge in activities that may set off the alarm. Avoid using the throw pillows Some hotels have these delicate items in the room, like throw pillows to add some personality to the room. However, if you notice, a lot of these items do not have a sleeve cover, and many hotels do not clean these pillows after every guest’s departure. These items could be a hotbed of germs, so it is best to avoid these throw pillows altogether. Stealing bathrobes is a big no-no It is normal to pack the shampoo, conditioner, and tea sachets from hotels. Most people do it, and it is quite acceptable as the customers pay for them. However, some may try to grab other items like bathrobes or coat hangers. Make sure to keep these items in the room after using them.

6 hotel booking mistakes to avoid for the best deals

Planning your travel itinerary is one of the most critical tasks to pay attention to, especially while reserving bookings online. Holiday deals and bundled packages might be tempting at first glance. But there are certain rookie booking mistakes and not-so-obvious pitfalls to avoid losing money. It doesn’t matter if you are a veteran traveler or a first-timer. Pay attention to these 6 common booking mistakes and get the best deal on the first attempt. Not reading reviews When you have website reviews available for reference, use them before comparing cheap hotels in Orlando or other locations. Filter hotels by best reviews and read a few for the chosen place of stay. Learn about their service and quality of amenities, and see whether it is worth booking in the first place. Not booking a refundable room Travel plans can change, so you need to account for contingencies that affect your booking dates. Always book a refundable room even if your plans change on the spur of the moment. Not using the hotel’s website Booking through third-party websites may fetch you cheap hotels in Orlando. But booking a room through the hotel website that offers the same discount or price match can be more beneficial. Guests get assigned the best rooms with better views and even upgrades for using the hotel’s official website. Booking at the wrong time Hotels usually try to fill up as many rooms as possible with advance booking while reserving some rooms for last-minute travelers. Book rooms well in advance, especially if you make plans for the holiday season. Hotels can double or triple their room prices for tourists who fail to book in advance. Not signing up for hotel rewards Hotels offer loyalty programs and membership benefits to frequent travelers. Loyalty points can be redeemed at the hotel front desk or online to book free stays and travel on your next vacation.

4 tips to manage flea and tick infestations in dogs

Flea and ticks are common parasites that carry different types of diseases. These pests thrive in soft and warm environments, and the pet’s fur is a perfect home for them. If left unchecked, they can cause severe complications. But there are simple ways to control and prevent this problem. Here are some effective preventive treatments, plants that repel parasites, changes in daily foods, and DIY remedies to manage the infestation: Effective treatments Simparica TRIO oral chews are suitable for dogs eight weeks and older, weighing at least 2.8 lbs. The tablet should be given once a month.  K9 Advantix II, on the other hand, is another popular monthly flea protection treatment that is effective within the first 12 hours of consumption. K9 Advantix is suitable for dogs seven weeks or older, weighing at least 4.4 lbs.  Bravetco® is a more long-lasting alternative as one tablet can prevent flea and tick infestations for 12 weeks. Bravetco® is available in five dosing options, depending on the size and weight of the dog. Some heartworm prescriptions like Advantage Multi® topical solution and Trifexis® oral chews also help counter flea and tick infections. Immunity boosting meals and foods Consult with a vet to better understand what dogs should eat daily to develop more resilience and fight flea and tick infestations. For example, garlic can ward off parasites and is safe to include in small quantities for most breeds. But ensure the garlic is always freshly chopped. Honey pairs well with this garlic mixture and boosts immunity to combat common allergens that trigger flea infestations. Helpful plants that repel parasites Swapping out old plants for pet-friendly plants can actually help repel fleas and ticks. Basil, catnip, chamomile, chrysanthemum, eucalyptus, plantain, garlic, lavender, lemongrass, marigolds, mint, pennyroyal, rosemary, rue, sage, tansy, thyme, wormwood, and yarrow are all acceptable choices.

3 tips that may help prevent and manage prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed forms of cancer. It is estimated that one in eight men is at risk, and the number gets higher in those above the age of 65. Thankfully, modern treatments and prescriptions have made it easier. Also, certain lifestyle changes, healthy eating habits, and effective measures for prevention lower the risk. Here is how early diagnosis, treatments, and simple suggestions can improve the quality of life. Prescription treatments Xofigo contains a radioactive element called radium RA 223 dichloride. The injection works well in a short-range radius to counter the spread of prostate cancer in the bone. Enzalutamide, marketed under the brand name XTANDI, is an alternative treatment option. Those who don’t respond well to hormonal or surgical treatments can consider these injections to lower and manage testosterone levels. XTANDI works by actively inhibiting androgen receptors to prevent or reduce cancer cell growth. Prescriptions aside, doctors suggest cryotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy for those who respond to regular treatments. However, the treatments vary depending on the spread of cancer and the severity of the symptoms. Best foods for prevention Tomatoes and watermelon are rich in lycopene and beneficial for prostate cancer prevention. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, and cauliflower contain phytochemicals that help combat cancer-growing cells. Additionally, citrus-rich fruits, including oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes, help boost immunity. Tofu, chickpeas, lentils, sprouts, and peanuts contain isoflavones, which help lower the risk of prostate cancer. Note that daily foods must also supplement omega-3 fatty acids and folates sourced from fatty fish, leafy greens, and fortified whole foods. Overall, nutritionists recommend including more foods rich in antioxidants to fight oxidative damage. Effective lifestyle changes Exercise is one of the most significant changes to implement in daily routine. Any form of physical activity, including walking, running, jogging, and weight training, can help maintain a healthy body weight.

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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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