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6 signs indicating it’s time to consult a gynecologist

6 signs indicating it’s time to consult a gynecologist
It is highly recommended that young women start consulting a gynecologist around the age of 15, particularly if their menstrual cycle starts early. Those aged 21 years or older are advised to have annual check-ups with a gynecologist for overall health. If one experiences any disturbing symptoms, it is imperative to schedule an appointment with the doctor without any delay. This article discusses 6 signs that indicate one needs to consult a gynecologist. Menstruation The menstruation cycle is a monthly indicator of reproductive health. If one experiences excessive bleeding or excruciating periods, it is recommended to seek medical attention as these symptoms may indicate an underlying issue. Most women experience symptoms like headaches, abdominal pain, and sore breasts during their menstrual cycles. However, when these symptoms get too painful and persist for a long time, they could point toward endometriosis. This is a condition in which extra tissue that builds up outside of the uterus causes swelling and bleeding. There could also be growth of cells or tissues inside the uterus called fibroid growth. When the symptoms are too severe, the doctor may suggest various tests to diagnose the issue, which may also point toward ovarian cancer. Vaginal infection The vagina has a natural odor, but sometimes an infection can develop an unpleasant odor.

7 ways to keep the lungs healthy

7 ways to keep the lungs healthy
People often overlook their lung health, which can be a huge mistake. The lungs perform essential body functions, and not maintaining them can lead to chronic lower respiratory conditions in the long term, like emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). According to a research study, such diseases are the sixth leading cause of death in our country. Here are seven ways to keep your lungs healthy and functioning correctly. Eat healthy foods Certain foods have high amounts of nutrients that enhance lung health and boost lung function. A few examples are fresh fruits like berries, oranges, bananas, and apples; fresh vegetables like green/red peppers, avocados, tomatoes, and leafy greens; lean proteins like fish, shellfish, chicken, and legumes; fiber-rich foods like barley, grain bread, and baked potatoes; and healthy fats like canola oil and olive oil. Avoid indoor pollution Household items like scented candles and air fresheners can aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic bronchitis and cause runny noses or coughs frequently. So, avoid such products or use them in moderation. Dust is also a popular indoor pollutant. Experts recommend wiping off dust with a damp cloth or mop to prevent the tiny particles from moving around. Keeping the house well-ventilated is also effective.

6 unhealthy habits that can trigger or worsen headaches

6 unhealthy habits that can trigger or worsen headaches
Headaches can range from mild to severe throbbing sensations that disrupt your daily routine. Though headaches are considered normal, chronic headaches can be a cause of concern. If the headache persists even after taking many measures to manage it, it is advisable to consult a health expert. Furthermore, chronic headaches might also necessitate lifestyle changes as certain unhealthy habits can worsen the conditions. A few such bad habits to avoid are listed below. You have poor posture Your shoulders and neck can feel strained if your posture is not correct. The way a person sits, stands, and even sleep can put pressure on their back and neck. It can lead to stiffness, tightness, and tension in and around the shoulders, neck, and jaw. Unhealthy habits such as slouching while using the desk or hunching your shoulders while sitting are some examples of bad posture that can cause and worsen headaches. You are experiencing muscle tension Another common cause of headaches is muscle tension. Tensions in the back, shoulders, scalp, neck, forehead, chest, and jaw can trigger mild to severe headaches. Muscle tension can arise due to excessive stress and not taking breaks while doing tasks that demand repetitive muscle movements, including exercises, lifting, carrying heavy items, and typing.

8 lesser-known facts about Medicare

8 lesser-known facts about Medicare
Medicare, the popular government health insurance program, is a safety net that provides essential healthcare coverage for millions of people in the country. Medicare beneficiaries are undoubtedly familiar with its foundational benefits. The breadth of Medicare’s offerings, rules, options, and other hidden characteristics are extensive. Understanding these will ensure that one is well informed about it before opting for one. Here are some of the lesser-known facts about Medicare coverage. Preventive screenings and services Medicare not only emphasizes treatment but also prioritizes prevention. One can find options to get a regular checkup for one’s overall health with a primary care healthcare professional. These visits will help one to understand one’s existing health concerns and professional recommendations for any new treatment plans based on one’s needs. Telehealth services With the advancements in technology and the increasing demand for remote healthcare, Medicare now covers telehealth services. This means patients can now consult with healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes through virtual appointments using either phone or video technology. It’s a convenient and accessible way to receive treatment without physically visiting a healthcare facility. Lung cancer screening Medicare covers annual screenings for beneficiaries at high risk of developing lung cancer. These screenings aid in the early detection of lung cancer, potentially leading to more effective treatment outcomes.

5 common signs of psoriatic arthritis

5 common signs of psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a health condition in which an individual’s skin and nails are chronically affected. Often, people living with psoriasis also develop this arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis mainly causes inflammation in the skin, joints, nails, and some other areas. While many symptoms of the condition are similar to those found in rheumatoid arthritis, there are certain differences between the conditions. To help people identify psoriatic arthritis, here are some of its main signs and symptoms: Lower back pain A major sign of psoriatic arthritis is acute pain in the lower areas of one’s back. This is caused due to a condition known as spondylitis, another health condition that stems from psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Spondylitis involves the inflammation of the joints between one’s spine and sacroiliitis (pelvic area). Additionally, this condition also involves acute inflammation of one’s spine in general. Lower back pain is one of the most common symptoms of many other health conditions too. Therefore, one needs to consult their healthcare expert before jumping to conclusions. Once the professional diagnoses psoriatic arthritis, they can advise patients about the kinds of foods and prescription-based solutions to reduce the severity of this health condition. Foot pain Psoriatic arthritis causes pain, tenderness, and swelling in the feet.

6 foods that worsen atrial fibrillation

6 foods that worsen atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is a health condition that causes irregular heartbeats. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems such as blood clots, heart failure, stroke, and other heart-related complications. What one eats plays a huge role in regulating their heart health. While leafy greens and nuts are beneficial for the heart, some foods can cause or worsen atrial fibrillation. This article discusses 6 foods that can worsen atrial fibrillation. Read on to learn more. Beef and lamb Healthcare experts unanimously advise clients to avoid red meat to keep their hearts healthy. Beef and lamb top the list when one talks about red meat-based foods. Beef and lamb, like other red meats, tend to contain higher amounts of saturated fats than most other meat-based foods. Saturated fats raise a person’s cholesterol levels, negatively affecting their blood circulation and increasing the risk of atrial fibrillation and other heart diseases. Instead of consuming beef or lamb, one can eat plant-based protein foods to keep one’s cholesterol levels in check. Coffee Caffeine is another food that is bad for cardiovascular health. Caffeine-filled foods such as coffee and tea stimulate the body but are equally capable of triggering atrial fibrillation. Caffeine tends to increase a person’s heart rate.

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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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