5 high-risk public places for respiratory viruses

5 high-risk public places for respiratory viruses

People must be careful in public areas. Since respiratory illnesses easily spread via air and contact, there are certain public places where individuals might be at higher risk of catching these infections. By being aware of these common areas, one can be more careful and better equipped to protect themselves from catching any diseases. Here are a few such high-risk public places to be careful around: 1. Public transport Public transport, like buses and subways, can be quite crowded. When traveling in such crowds, one cannot help but be in close quarters with numerous people. This eventually increases their risk of catching infections. Hence, when traveling on public transportation, wearing a mask and using hand sanitizer after touching surfaces such as door knobs and handles is better to reduce the risk of infection. 2. Public pools Public pools can also be breeding grounds for respiratory infections due to shared water and close contact among swimmers. Hence, when using public pools, individuals must practice social distancing and, most importantly, avoid using the pool if feeling unwell. 3. Airports and airplanes Airports and airplanes are potential hotspots for respiratory infections since many travelers travel in enclosed spaces. Moreover, if there are crowded terminals and long queues at security, it only increases the chances of individuals coming into close contact.
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6 silent warning signs of skin cancer

6 silent warning signs of skin cancer

Skin cancer is classified as the most common type of cancer nationwide. Some of the prevalent types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. The survival rates of patients with skin cancer are typically higher if the cancer is detected before it spreads to the vital organs. Thus, it is essential to diagnose and treat the condition early. Here are some early silent signs of skin cancer: Itchy rashes Although rashes are not uncommon, raised, itchy rashes that persist over prolonged periods may be warning signs of skin cancer, specifically basal skin carcinoma. These patches are typically red and raised; however, in some cases, patients with skin cancer may develop flat, yellow, or pink patches with elevated edges. Dark spots underneath the fingernails and toenails Sometimes, patients with skin cancer may experience the development of dark spots under their fingernails and toenails. Although these symptoms may also indicate a fungal infection, one should consult a dermatologist promptly to detect the presence of skin cancer. Sudden changes in skin moles Sudden, unusual changes in one’s skin moles may be a sign of melanoma and should not be ignored. For example, one part of the mole may not resemble the other, or the mole may have inconsistent edges.
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3 mistakes new hearing aid users should avoid

3 mistakes new hearing aid users should avoid

Getting a hearing aid is a big moment for many, especially first-time users. People tend to be delighted to get their new hearing aid as it helps them live with hearing impairment while not compromising their quality of life. Using it is fairly easy, but even then, users can make certain mistakes that reduce the overall effectiveness of the device. Let’s analyze the common mistakes and find a way to avoid them. Not wearing the aids enough Initially, the hearing aids may be uncomfortable to wear, but that should not put users off using them anyway. Essentially, users will take some time getting used to a device that is supposed to stay in their ears all day and most of the night. A common mistake new users make is not wearing the hearing aids enough during this challenging phase. This is a mistake that can thwart their progress while they adapt to the new device. To form good habits, one can wear their hearing aids for eight hours a day, at the very least initially. Users can increase the number of hours progressively until the phase arrives in which wearing the aids will be comfortable. Not cleaning the hearing aids regularly The ears accumulate dirt and wax rapidly.
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5 low-sugar foods that are good for diabetes

5 low-sugar foods that are good for diabetes

Fructose is a type of sugar found in several foods, including natural fruit juices, honey, fruits, vegetables, and sweetened beverages. Though fructose-rich foods and drinks may increase the risk of diabetes, it is the latter that puts one at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The best thing to do if you have diabetes is to eat healthy foods low in sugars. Here are five such foods. Leafy greens Spinach and kale are leafy green vegetables. These vegetables are rich in minerals and vitamins, like vitamin C. There is evidence that suggests that people with diabetes require more vitamin C in their body. Leafy greens are also low in digestible carbs and do not impact blood sugar levels. Avocados Other than being a delicious fruit, avocados have several health benefits. The fruit contains less than a gram of sugar; it’s rich in fiber and healthy fats, and it has low carbohydrate levels. Avocados can help improve a person’s lifestyle and maintain a healthy body mass index. The fruit reduces the risk of an imbalanced BMI, a condition that is otherwise likely to increase the risk of diabetes. Fatty fish Fatty fish like sardines, salmon, anchovies, and herring are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
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Essential Vitamins for Preventing Hair Loss

Essential Vitamins for Preventing Hair Loss

Hair loss is a common condition that affects thousands of men and women across the country. A person can experience it on the scalp or other parts of the body. Frequent hair loss can affect a person’s self-esteem and can be an indicator of underlying health conditions. It is vital to know about the essential vitamins for preventing hair loss that can help in controlling the condition. Why does hair loss happen? First, let’s take a quick look at the causes and symptoms of hair loss. This condition is often a result of medication, hormonal imbalances, lifestyle or hereditary factors. Male pattern baldness or excessive loss of hair from the scalp, commonly known as alopecia, is mostly a result of genetic factors. Different people may experience different types of hair loss. Men and women lose their hair in different ways. Some people may experience symptoms such as thinning of hair or bald patches while others may find clumps of hair fall after brushing or washing their hair. People who have gone through radiation or chemotherapy experience hair loss all over the body, although this hair grows back once the treatment is complete. Other factors such as age, traumatic experiences or nutritional deficiency can also result in hair loss.
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7 Foods for Healthy Hair

7 Foods for Healthy Hair

The food you eat can have a major impact on the health and appearance of your hair. More often than not, a majority of hair problems like hair loss, hair thinning, and itchy scalp stem from nutritional deficiencies. If you suffer from iron or vitamin deficiency, there are chances that you are highly susceptible to hair problems. Your diet plays a crucial role in hair treatment, and here we have compiled a list of food items to consume for healthy hair and to boost hair growth: Fatty fish Fish and other seafood are enriched with Omega-3 fatty acids and a host of other nutrients that help control hair fall and aid hair growth. Increasing the consumption of fatty fish like salmon and mackerel is a great way to boost hair growth. Along with that, it helps combat a myriad of conditions like a dry and flaky scalp. Berries Berries like strawberries and blueberries are rich in antioxidants that safeguard your hair from free radicals, which damage it and hamper healthy growth. The high content of vitamin C in berries aids hair treatment by boosting the collagen production in hair and promotes hair health. It keeps premature aging signs like greying and thinning of hair at bay.
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3 crucial tips for managing dementia

3 crucial tips for managing dementia

The degeneration of brain cells can lead to the development of various health concerns. It can compromise the person’s cognitive and physical function and deteriorate their lifestyle. To avoid these complications, doctors often recommend adopting a healthy lifestyle. Eliminating unhealthy foods and adopting a healthy lifestyle can prevent the brain’s and other organs’ free radical damage. Here are three essential tips that help avoid the degeneration of brain cells due to dementia. Have these foods to prevent degeneration Proper nourishment is essential for brain functions, and providing the correct nutrients helps prevent this organ from rapid damage. Here are some foods to consider: Nuts Regular inclusion of nuts in meal plans can help develop better cognitive skills. It can also help keep other systems running smoothly. Nuts have also been linked to having a better memory. Green vegetables Two servings of green vegetables a week can help prevent the degeneration of brain cells. Those who include leafy vegetables in their daily meals are better protected against cognitive decline. Fatty fish Omega-3 fatty acids are abundant in fish like salmon, tuna, and herring. This nutrient also benefits people with low cognition and those at risk of developing degenerative brain disorders. Berries Berries are rich sources of anthocyanin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
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3 foods to avoid with ADHD

3 foods to avoid with ADHD

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a neurological disease that affects many people across the globe, children as well as adults. The common symptoms include daydreaming, forgetfulness, talking too much, making careless mistakes, hyperactivity, and trouble concentrating. ADHD is manageable with treatments. But, lifestyle changes can support ongoing treatment and improve the condition further. Doctors have identified some foods to avoid with ADHD that patients should be aware of. Candy When dealing with ADHD, one should avoid candy because it has a very high sugar content and artificial coloring. Both elements can worsen hyperactivity. While avoiding candy will not prevent hyperactivity altogether, it will help reduce the intensity and frequency of episodes. Too much sugar, in general, can also impact energy levels and lead to other health conditions like diabetes, so it is best to limit its quantity in foods. Coffee Coffee is also a no-go for people with ADHD. The caffeine in coffee can improve concentration levels, but it can worsen the symptoms of this health condition. It can also interfere with ongoing treatment. Besides coffee, beverages like tea and even cola are also counted among the foods to avoid with ADHD due to their caffeine content. Frozen fruits and veggies While fresh fruits and veggies are healthy, frozen ones may have artificial additives that worsen ADHD symptoms.
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Nine useful home remedies for treating cold and flu

Nine useful home remedies for treating cold and flu

Having a cold and flu at the same time can be an exasperating condition, especially if you are down with a range of symptoms such as fever, muscle ache, runny nose, sore throat, coughing, headaches, sneezing, chest congestion, nasal stuffiness, nausea, loss of energy, diarrhea, etc. Therefore, it can undoubtedly interfere with your everyday activities. However, the good part is that there is a range of cold and flu treatments which can assist you in alleviating the discomfort. The following cold and flu treatments comprise the use of home remedies as well as OTC (over-the-counter) medications. The best aspect is that most of the home remedies can be easily found in your kitchen. OTC medications – Based on the signs, you can use OTC drugs to ease the distress caused by cold and flu. You can get a variety of medicines such as decongestants, antihistamines, cough suppressants, antipyretics, pain relievers, expectorants, combination medications, etc. For instance, if you are particularly suffering from a stuffy nose and fever, you can use nasal sprays, nose drops, antipyretics, combination medicines, etc. to get rid of the congestion. Likewise, if you are suffering from body ache and fever, you should opt for pain relievers and antipyretics to gain quick relief.
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5 smartphone habits to stop today

5 smartphone habits to stop today

Smartphones are versatile devices that allow you to communicate with people even if they are across the globe. They can also be used to watch a movie on the go, read an e-book, take high-quality photos and videos, and even play games of your liking. But as important as they are, there are some things you should avoid doing when using a smartphone. Here are five smartphone habits to stop today: Using the phone while walking You may use your phone to perform multiple tasks. However, it is imperative to do so when you are not on the move. Using the device while walking can distract and endanger you or another individual. Relying only on GPS The GPS on a smartphone is exceptional but not always 100% accurate. There are days when your phone may guide you the wrong way or take you to the wrong destination. So sometimes, you should self-navigate by looking at the traffic signs or by seeking directions from a traffic officer. Scrolling through the smartphone before bed Most of us tend to scroll through social media or watch content like movies or a web series before sleeping. However, smartphones emit a blue light that suppresses melatonin, a chemical that regulates sleep.
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