A holistic approach to pediatric care in Frisco and Plano, Texas

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How do you deal with farts and abdominal gas?

Experiencing occasional bloating and flatulence is part of normal human digestion. In fact, an average adult passes gas between 13 and 21 times a day.

woman suffering from a stomach pain
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

Problems begin when the abdominal gas produced in the gut becomes trapped, which sometimes feels like a sharp stabbing pain in your belly or chest. This pain can sometimes be so severe that people mistake it for appendicitis or even a heart attack.

Treating the problem as fast as possible can help relieve the pain before it becomes severe. The home remedies listed in this article can effectively relieve trapped gas pain.

Symptoms and Causes of Trapped Wind

People who experience trapped gas describe it as acute discomfort in the belly. Bloating and stomach cramps can be present too. Sometimes, trapped wind bubbles can cause a sudden sharp and stabbing pain in the abdomen and chest that can be confused with other serious health conditions, such as appendicitis, gallstones, or a heart attack. Trapped gas can occur for a vast variety of reasons.

Certain foods, such as beans, cabbage, and bran can also make your gut bacteria produce more carbon dioxide gases in the intestinal tract, which can lead to bloating excess gas.

People suffering from food intolerance, chronic constipation, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other digestive issues are more likely to experience the inability to pass gas too. But even healthy people can experience trapped wind if they happen to eat too fast, smoke, chew a lot of gum, or have a stuffy nose, which makes them swallow a lot of air.

Therefore, knowing how to address the issue rather than focusing only on prevention is key when it comes to trapped intestinal gas, bloating, and constipation.

Home Remedies For Trapped Gas

We list several effective home remedies for expelling trapped wind below. Do keep in mind that different remedies work best for different people, so trying a few of these or combining them is probably the best strategy to find quick relief.

1. Move Your Body and Bowels

Walking around the house, doing some light housework, playing, or taking a child or a pet for a walk all help tremendously to expel the trapped gas. Activity moves and engages the abdominal and intestinal muscles, which can help you release the gas and speed up a bowel movement, which can also encourage the gas to make its way out of the digestive system.

2. Give your belly a massage

If moving around is difficult and painful, a gentle self-massage can help stimulate the digestive system and promote peristalsis – wave-like muscle contractions that move food and abdominal gas through the GI tract. Gently massage the tender spot or massage the entire abdominal cavity by moving your palm in counter-clockwise circles.

3. Apply heat to the area

The sensation of warmth can be very soothing and relaxing, which can help relax you emotionally and ease the spasm of the muscles in your gut that cause the pain. You can take a warm bath, use a heating pad, or just a hot water bottle for that purpose. Make sure not to use excessive heat and wrap the heating pad or hot water bottle in a towel or blanket to protect the skin from a burn.

4. Drink herbal tea

Drinking warm herbal tea or any noncarbonated liquid can help relieve the pain for many people. The advantage of herbal teas is that they combine the warming action with medicinal properties.

Mint, ginger, anise, or chamomile tea all calm the gut from the inside out, relieving bloating and hydrating your body to promote digestion.

5. Explore your spice drawer

Certain spices have been used as a natural kitchen remedy for trapped gas for millennia. Here are a few of such herbs as: Coriander, Caraway, Fennel, Ginger, Turmeric.

Steeping these seeds in a glass of warm water and drinking the mixture can help you expel the trapped wind and reduce abdominal discomfort and pain. Fennel seeds, in particular, are an ancient solution for trapped gas. Simply chew on 1 teaspoon of the seeds to find relief. One traditional Persian remedy suggests that you mix 1 teaspoon ground fennel and cumin seeds each with ½ teaspoon of ground anise, and soaking them in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes.

6. Try the knee-to-chest yoga pose

Yoga stretches are an excellent option for helping the trapped gas be expelled from the intestines. There are several yoga poses that target this specific concern. We discuss 6 of such poses in this article – 6 Yoga Stretches to Relieve Bloating. But if you’re looking for just one simple option that you can even when you’re experiencing abdominal discomfort and pain, apanasana is probably the best choice. This yoga stretch is literally translated as “wind-relieving pose” from Sanskrit. Here’s how to do it:

1. Lie down on your back, legs and arms extended.

2. Bend the knees and place your hands on the knees.

3. Use the hands to guide your knees up and towards the chest. Your knees and chest don’t have to touch, but you should feel a gentle stretch in the back body.

4. Lift the head and neck off the ground and move towards your knees, engaging your core muscles. Breathe deeply and hold this pose for 20 seconds. Then return to the initial position. Repeat if necessary 2-3 times.
In summary, trapped wind can be extremely uncomfortable and painful. But the good news is that it’s highly treatable using home remedies and lifestyle tweaks. If the tips we mentioned didn’t help or you’re experiencing other symptoms, make sure to consult your doctor to rule out any serious health conditions and find a treatment that works for you.

Source: Internet, CDC, Medical News & Others

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.


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Another eye opener! Do you know what the #1 cause of death for U.S. children and teens in 2020?

For more than 60 years, motor vehicle crashes were the leading cause of injury-related death among young people.

Guns became the leading cause of death among children and teens in 2020, killing more people ages 1 to 19 in the U.S. than vehicle crashes, drugs overdoses or cancer. Between 2000 and 2020, the number of firearm-related deaths among children, adolescents, and young adults increased from 6998 (7.30 per 100,000 persons) to 10,186 (10.28 per 100,000 persons), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (Lee, Douglas and Hemenway, 4/21)

kids with guns - leading cause of death
Kids with firearm by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Gun killings, which disproportionately affect younger Americans, went up by 33 percent from 2019 to 2020. And the sad part is that even though the legal age to purchase guns is 18, most of the children killed by firearms in 2020 were 14 and older.

The number of car-related deaths has dropped dramatically in the U.S. over the last 20 years, due to vehicle safety improvements. Around 3,900 people ages 1 to 19 died from vehicle crashes in 2020.

According to experts, firearm violence will only get worse!
If you don’t like this trend take small actions to safeguard kids from firearms!

Further reading:
https://khn.org/morning-breakout/leading-cause-of-child-and-teen-deaths-guns/
https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/firearms-main-cause-of-death-children-united-states-guns-laws/134166/

Source: Internet, CDC, Medical News & Others

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.



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An eye-opener!

Look at this picture and see if you find anything unusual:

https://www.bushostelreykjavik.com/last-mcdonalds-in-iceland

In Iceland, there is no McDonald’s since October 31, 2009. They hate fast food culture. The last snack sold by the franchise has been on display in a museum since then.

The Kicker: Do you know of any food that doesn’t rot or grow fungus in 13 years? Well behold the preservative laden fast food! If it doesn’t rot, it is NOT food. Beware of what you feed your child!


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How to dispose expired medicines responsibly?

Expired medical products can be less effective or risky due to a change in chemical composition or a decrease in strength. Certain expired medications are at risk of bacterial growth and sub-potent antibiotics can fail to treat infections, leading to more serious illnesses and antibiotic resistance. Once the expiration date has passed there is no guarantee that the medicine will be safe and effective. If your medicine has expired, do not use it.

The CDC reports that 50,000 young children end up in emergency rooms each year because they got into medicines while an adult wasn’t looking.

If you notice your medicines have expired, you can dispose of them this weekend. On Saturday, April 30, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can dispose of your medicine in the following Plano locations:

  • Clark High School
  • Plano Senior High School
  • Plano East Senior High School
  • Plano West Senior High School

If you cannot drop it at a “responsible collection” place, follow this:

Disposing expired medicines responsibly

For more information:

Disposal of Unused Medicines: What You Should Know

Source: Internet, CDC, Medical News & Others

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.


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Have we fallen for the Protein scam?

Background:

Protein is one of the most important nutrient that a body needs. Proteins are needed to build muscles, hormones, bones and blood too. They help in repairing tissues present in the body. Hence, it is important to have diet rich in protein.

How much daily protein does a child really need growing up?

The Problem

The amount of protein needed is very easily achieved with a normal diet. But the meat and poultry industry has used a number of successful marketing campaigns to trick you into believing that

  • your child is not getting enough protein, and
  • that a child needs meat in his/her diet to grow up healthy.

Remember the commercials for the “incredible, edible egg”? or “Beef – It’s what for dinner?”, or “Chicken – a white meat?”

We are being systematically programmed to consume more meat for the benefit of the meat industry.

Furthermore, meat accounts for nearly 60% of all greenhouse gases from food production. If you care about climate change and Mother Earth and the future that we leave for our kids, think long and hard about the food that you consume.

The Reality

See, how easy it is to add 15 grams of plant based protein in your diet?

Plant based Protein

Tofu – Containing 8.08g of protein per 100g, tofu is a source of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and iron. 

Edamame beans are whole, bright green, immature soybeans. Grocery stores typically sell them frozen for people to steam and add to stir-fries, soups, or salads. One cup of edamame beans contains 18.4g of protein and all the essential amino acids. Additionally, they are a good source of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K.

Lentils are a popular protein choice for people eating a plant-based diet, with one cup of cooked lentils providing 17.9g of protein.

Chickpeas or garbanzo beans are a versatile and tasty source of plant-based protein. A 253g can of chickpeas contains 17.8g of protein. In addition, chickpeas are a low-fat, high-fiber food providing a good source of calcium and magnesium.

A 50g serving of rolled oats contains 7g of protein. Furthermore, someone can increase the protein content of breakfast oatmeal by adding chopped nuts and seeds.

Hemp seeds are rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Three tablespoons of hulled hemp seeds provide 9.48g of protein.

brown bread 7.9g

oatmeal 11.2g

brown wheat flour 12.6g

wholegrain rice 6.67g

buckwheat flour 6.67g

almonds 21.1g

walnuts 14.7g

hazelnuts 14.1g

One cup of cooked quinoa contains around 8g of protein and all the essential amino acids, classifying it as a complete protein. 

Per cup, green peas have an impressive 7.86g of protein. They also provide additional nutrients such as calcium, iron, and vitamin C.

The Meat Industry

Meat is not essential for life. One Himalayan tribe has practiced veganism for more than 5,000 years. Even Neanderthals might have eaten more plant-based foods than animal products, and since our guts are more closely aligned with apes and other monkeys.

To keep meat in your diet, the meat industry companies donated a total of $1.7 million to federal political candidates.

The meat industry is the enormous corporate system that commercializes animals as meat and other by-products. Animals like cows, chickens, pigs, and turkeys aren’t viewed as sentient creatures with lives to live, but as breasts, legs, thighs, flanks, and short loins.

From dairy cows to farmed chickens, these animals face cruel lives from birth and often die long before they would in their natural environments. If you’ve never visited a factory farm, you might be shocked at what the housing conditions for animals look like. Smaller animals are kept in tiny cages or grouped together in pens so tightly they can’t move. Many go lame and fall down because they’re fed too many calories, and the larger animals stand in stalls or pens where they can’t move around or even lie down comfortably.

Factory farmed animals have no say in their fate. They can’t fight for themselves or stop the cruel process. Learn more here.

Animals deserve Love and Respect. If dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs are deserving of our love and respect, then so too are hogs, bulls, buffalo, and other animals that die at the hands of humans. Numerous philosophers, humanists, and even economists have opined about the ability of money to distort our morals and corrupt our decisions. The meat industry is a prime example.

The Takeaway

We simply follow the lifestyles our parents and grandparents before them led and never questioning the validity of their choices. It is time to be a conscious consumer and do better for our child and the planet that they will inherit from us.

Experts advise that someone eating a plant-based diet can meet their protein requirements by ensuring they consume a variety of healthy foods.

  • Curtail and substitute meat with plant based protein.
  • Don’t buy products that have undergone animal testing
  • Become part of the animal rights movement and donate your money, time, or resources to these organizations. They need your help.

Source: Internet, CDC, Medical News & Others

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.


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Joint Pain

Reasons why our joints pain

Whether you overdid your workout session or just have been sitting for a long time in the same position, there are several unexplained reasons why your joints may hurt in a day. Joint pain caused by these everyday issues generally goes away on its own when you stretch yourself a little and flex your muscles.

But there are times when your joints may hurt incessantly without a cause, and pain starts getting intense. Chronic or prolonged joint pain is a symptom of some underlying health conditions that may turn more problematic in the future.

a man touching his knees
Photo by Kindel Media on Pexels.com

Apart from joint-related pain due to old age, here are some conditions that may hurt your joints.

​Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis that may lead to bone-related problems. The condition arises due to the breakdown of cartilage, which serves as a cushion between the joints. This bone-related issue is common with ageing and mostly affects the knees, hips, neck and lower back. Joint stiffness is a common characteristic of osteoarthritis. It is accompanied by other symptoms like sharp and intense aching that gets worse with movement.

​Previous injury
Having a previous injury can also increase the risk of joint problems later in life. Whether your injury is treated or untreated, in both cases you may develop bone-related issues later in life. The problem may be severe in the winter season. It happens due to the drop in barometric pressure causes the tissue and fluid around joints to expand, causing pain at the site of an old injury. If your old injury is causing a problem it is better to consult your doctor.

​Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is another joint-related issue, but it is not developed due to the wear and tear of joints like osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is rather an autoimmune disease, caused due to immune system malfunctions. The common symptoms of this condition include inflammation and stiffness in joints. One may also feel fatigued, feverish and witness unexplained weight loss when suffering from this condition. Being an autoimmune disease, Rheumatoid arthritis cannot be cured. Symptoms can only be managed with antibiotics or other prescription medicines.

​Hypothyroidism

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland present in the front of your neck. It is responsible for producing several types of hormones for the body that helps to regulate the body’s metabolic rate, muscle and digestive function, brain development and bone maintenance. Any disruption in the quantity of the hormones produced by the body can lead to varied symptoms including joints pain. An underactive or overactive thyroid gland can also make you more prone to injuries and fractures.

​Depression

Depression is a mental health condition, but the symptoms may manifest even on your physical health. Unexpected aches and pain in the joints that you may experience when suffering from chronic depression could be just a sign of the mental condition. Getting treatment for depression, be it medication or counseling can help to get ease the problem of joint pain. Other signs of depression may include a change in appetite, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of hopelessness.

Joint pain in children

Common cause

  • Trauma – 30%
  • Overuse – 28%
  • Structural -18%
  • Growing pains – 8%

Growing pains are a common cause of leg pain in children. These pains are muscle aches that can occur in the thighs, behind the knees, or the calves. Other possible causes of leg pain that may be more serious can include juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), lupus, Lyme disease, and leukemia. Arthralgia is extremely common in childhood. 5-30% of children have chronic pain complaints and it is more common in girls. It may may last years.

Solution for Growing pains in kids

  • A warm bath. Bathing in warm water, especially before bedtime, can help reduce aches and pains and promote sleep.
  • Massaging. Gently massaging or rubbing the affected area can make the child feel better. Merely holding or cuddling the child may also help.
  • Stretching. Gently stretching the calves and thighs during the day may ease or prevent symptoms. However, stretching exercises may be challenging for younger children. Ask a doctor what types of exercises are best.
  • Warmth. Try applying a heating pad or hot water bottle to the affected area. Make sure these are not too hot and take care to protect the child’s skin from burning. Do not use these items during sleep.
  • Painkillers. Over-the-counter (OTC) medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help relieve aches and pains on an occasional basis.

People should not give aspirin to children. Doctors do not recommend aspirin for children, as they have linked it with a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.

Source: Internet, CDC, Medical News & Others

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.


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Understanding Common Cold

Myths about colds you have to stop believing

people wearing diy masks
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1. Leaving the house with wet hair can cause a cold

Wet hair may make us feel cold, but it can’t cause a cold. We get sick by catching one of the 200 viruses that are in the air looking for their way into our upper respiratory tract; If our immune system isn’t strong enough to ward off the virus, we get infected. The viruses spread through tiny droplets that release when a person is sick, through sneezing, nose blowing, or touching the eyes, nose, or mouth after touching an object, such as a door handle or a keyboard that is contaminated with small bacteria.

2. Weather changes can cause a cold

the false belief that treading outside with wet hair can make us sick, even a temperature fluctuation or a transition from hot to cold weather can’t cause a cold. The only way to catch a virus is by just touching or staying close to sick people. However, there is some truth to the belief that colds occur more often in winter – this is because when the temperature drops, people tend to stay indoors in less ventilated areas, creating a density that prevents the circulation of air and facilitates the passage of viruses from one person to another.

3. Antibiotics help to overcome the common cold

It is important to know that antibiotics fight bacteria rather than viruses, so taking them unnecessarily may actually harm your health and weaken your immune system. In addition, taking unnecessary antibiotics may also cause stomach problems and fungal infections. Please note that colds don’t require antibiotics, instead, you can take natural painkillers or supplements that will relieve the symptoms and allow the body to recover on its own.

Strategies for preventing colds

1. Washing hands

The simplest and most well-known strategy for preventing colds and other illnesses is washing your hands with soap and water. This easy action can protect your children and prevent disease. One of the reasons why children get sick is contact with dirty eyes or hands full of viruses. To reinforce this claim, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that children in the study group who didn’t keep their hands clean were absent from school twice as often as children who were consistent hand washers. Therefore, it is important to make it clear to your children that all they have to do is wash their hands with soap and water for half a minute, and this can prevent them from catching a cold in the coming winter.

2. Cover your nose when sneezing and your mouth when coughing

Another strategy that should be obvious to every parent is covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. With every sneeze and coughing millions of bacteria are released into the open air at a very high speed, they may pass on to others and cause them to catch a cold; However, the bacteria that spread in the air are dangerous only if the sneezing/coughing is done in the face of another person, even though the bacteria can reach surfaces which people and children come in contact. Either way, this obvious and polite strategy can prevent your children from getting a cold this winter or infecting others if you only know how to sneeze and cough into your elbow or a handkerchief.

3. Disinfecting surfaces

In order to prevent your children from catching a cold this winter, you can use the simple but slightly pedantic strategy of disinfecting surfaces. Various bacteria that can cause colds can live on different surfaces for hours, so the simplest solution is to clean them with human-friendly cleaning materials. From the dining table to the remote control to toys – all these surfaces are covered in bacteria that can be killed through cleaning. However, always be reasonable and avoid over cleaning your home, because there is no way to keep your home so sterile that no harm will ever come to your children.

4. Don’t share

It’s very important to explain to your children that sharing is a wonderful thing, but if they or the children they’re playing with have a cold, it’s the last thing they should do. As noted above, many bacteria live on different surfaces, including toys, so it’s best to keep those toys from direct contact with the nose, eyes, and mouth of children and in general. It is recommended to clean those playing surfaces thoroughly before use, and if these toys or things are used on a daily basis, you should simply not share them with other children.

5. Correct and immunizing eating

There are two vitamins that can help prevent colds – vitamin C and vitamin D. A study conducted at the University of Helsinki in Finland found that a high intake of foods rich in vitamin C can prevent colds, especially among people who physically exert themselves in short time periods and those living in very cold environments.

As for all other people, vitamin C has long been thought to be an ideal contraceptive for colds, and eating fruits and vegetables rich in it can prevent the next cold. Vitamin D is an important nutrient for the body’s overall health and studies have shown that people with low levels of vitamin D are more susceptible to infection and diseases, including colds. Everyone knows that the sun is an excellent source of vitamin D, but in its absence in the gray winter months, your child should be getting it from various food sources such as salmon, eggs, and mushrooms.

Symptoms of the common cold

You should know that when you talk about a cold, many parents think it’s an easy illness that passes after a few short days, but in fact, a cold can last between 6 and 14 days.

A sore throat – the first sign of a cold, lasts from 5 to 9 days.

A runny nose – starts to appear on the second or third day of the disease and lasts for 10-14 days.

A cough – appears on day 5-6 of the disease and may last up to three weeks.

Fever – In half of the children their temperature will climb to 100-102 degrees F by the second to third day of the disease. If it remains high even after that, consult a doctor.

Source: Internet, CDC & Others

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.


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FLU 2021

Latest News (from the CDC):

  • The percentage of outpatient visits due to respiratory illness is trending upwards and is above the national baseline. Influenza is contributing to levels of respiratory illness, but other respiratory viruses are also circulating. The relative contribution of influenza varies by location.
  • Hospitalizations for influenza are starting to increase.
  • The first two influenza-associated pediatric deaths this season were reported this week. Both cases were associated with influenza A virus infections.
  • The flu season is just getting started. There’s still time to get vaccinated. An annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect against flu and its potentially serious complications. CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine.
  • Influenza activity is increasing, with the eastern and central parts of the country seeing the largest increases and the western part of the country reporting lower levels of influenza virus circulation.
  • The majority of influenza viruses detected are A(H3N2). Most influenza A(H3N2) infections have occurred among children and young adults ages 5-24 years; however, the proportion of infections occurring among adults age 25 years and older has been increasing
  • Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions.
  • Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from influenza.
  • You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same time.

Growing flu

Source: Internet, CDC & Others

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.


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Emergency check list for your family

ambulance architecture building business
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  • 3-day water supply (at least a gallon per person per day)
  • 3-day supply of non-perishable food (dried fruit, canned tuna fish, peanut butter, etc.)
  • Manual can opener
  • Mess kits, paper plates, plastic cups, utensils
  • Paper towels
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlights with extra batteries
  • Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio with extra batteries
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Local maps
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for everyone in your family
  • Cell phone with charger, extra battery, and solar charger
  • Extra set of car keys and house keys
  • Change of clothes appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes – for each person in the house
  • Matches in a waterproof container or re-sealable plastic bag
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and hand sanitizer
  • Cash or traveler’s checks
  • Copies of important family documents (medical records, insurance policies, ID card, bank records) in waterproof, portable container
  • Family and emergency contact information
  • At least a two-week supply of prescription medicines for each family member, including medicine name, dose, pharmacy name and number, and doctor’s name and number
  • Books, games, puzzles, or other fun things to do
  • A favorite stuffed animal or blanket
  • Paper and pencil/markers/crayons
  • Identification to be carried by each child in case your family members become separated
  • well-stocked diaper bag (at least one pack of diapers, at least two packs of baby wipes, baby powder, diaper rash cream, baby wash and lotion, and re-sealable plastic bags (gallon size) for stashing dirty diapers and clothes)
  • Ready-to-feed infant formula in single serving cans or bottles (for formula-fed infants only)
  • Disposable cups
  • 1-2 boxes of nursing pads (if disposable, reusable will require laundry and bleach daily)
  • Burp rags or smaller blanket
  • Pacifiers (at least two)
  • Teething tablets or gel
  • Infant pain reliever with Acetaminophen
  • Bulb syringe
  • Toddler snacks
  • Extra clothes
  • Extra emergency blankets (at least two)
  • Receiving blankets (at least two)
  • Thermos (to keep formula cool or warm longer)
  • Small camp stove for boiling water for sanitizing
  • Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
  • Adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
  • Sterile gauze (both rolls and pads)
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Antiseptic wipes/spray
  • Instant cold compresses (I also like to have some reusable cold compresses in the freezer at all times)
  • First aid instruction booklet
  • Emergency contact numbers
  • Hydrocortisone ointment
  • Calamine lotion
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Hand sanitizing gel
  • Burn ointment
  • Eyewash solution (with eye cup)
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Saline solution (for help in suctioning out baby’s nose)
  • Sunscreen, at least SPF 15
  • Sunburn ointment
  • Cotton balls
  • Cotton swabs
  • Disposable gloves
  • Ace bandages
  • Plastic bags
  • Bulb syringe (for suctioning out baby’s nose)
  • Medicine syringes and teaspoons for measuring out doses of medicine
  • Tweezers
  • Fine needle (use this, along with tweezers for splinter removal)
  • Blanket
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Fever and pain reducers, for both adults and children*

* You need to have, at least for children, both infant and older children’s varieties of fever reducers, depending on the age of your children, and you should have both acetaminophen and ibuprofen for those especially bad fevers where you are instructed by your doctor to alternate medications, and you may also want to have these also in suppositories if your child vomits medications a lot when ill.

  • Antacids
  • Anti-diarrhea medication
  • Oral electrolyte solution (such as Pedialyte)
  • Mild laxatives
  • Antihistamines
  • Cold and/or flu medicines
  • Cough medicine
  • Prescription medications prescribed to family members

Tips

  • Keep canned or packaged food in a cool, dry place (check the expiration dates at least twice per year)
  • Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers
  • Replace water supply every six months
  • Review your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change (update medical and personal records at least once per year)
  • Prepare separate kits for your home, work, and your vehicle since you never know where you’ll be when an emergency happens
  • If you can’t contact your doctor or pharmacy in a disaster, ask for help from emergency responders or staff at emergency shelters or service centers
  • It is no longer recommended to keep syrup of ipecac in your home to induce vomiting, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics
  • In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend keeping activated-charcoal solution in your first aid kit.
  • Instead, call the Poison Control Center immediately! The Poison Help hotline number is 1-800-222-1222

Source: Internet, CDC & Others

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.


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First Aid Kit

When was the last time you updated your medicine cabinet and first aid kit?

person holding first aid kit
Photo by Roger Brown on Pexels.com

Most medicine cabinets are overflowing with expired decongestant sprays and old medicines while also missing many key items. This pretty much leaves you to your own devices in case of injury, illness, or any other medical emergency. Apart from stocking up on your prescriptions, you want to have a set of medicines and tools that will help you treat anything from minor cuts and burns to digestive upsets and the flu.

Here are medical supplies doctors recommend keeping at home for everyone.

Thermometer

When it comes to medical equipment everyone should keep at home, a thermometer is one tool you’ll surely use every flu season. Electronic or infrared thermometers give the fastest and most accurate reading, so they’re a good choice for most homes. Avoid glass mercury thermometer. If you want to get rid of a mercury thermometer, please recycle the device at the nearest recycling center or pharmacy.

Over-the-counter (OTC)

Apart from your prescription medications, there’s a range of over-the-counter drugs that will be useful for various medical emergencies and illnesses. Here’s a shortlist of such medications and why you’d want to stock up on them:-

  • Pain relievers can help relieve headaches, backaches, muscle pains, and reduce fevers.
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a good option in pill form, and topical creams like Icy Hot and Tiger Balm relieve muscle pains.
  • Rub-on oral painkillers like Orajel, Anbesol, or Zilactin may also be beneficial if you have gum pain, canker sores, or toothaches.
  • Antacids are beneficial for the occasional heartburn. Both products that contain calcium carbonate (brands like Tums) and magnesium (e.g. Mylanta) are effective and beneficial.
  • Antihistamines help relieve allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itching. Pill varieties that cause fewer side effects include cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin). A nasal steroid spray containing fluticasone, triamcinolone, or budesonide can help with a runny nose and eye drops with olopatadine or ketotifen can be more effective than pills if your main allergy complaint is itchy or watery eyes.

In addition to the basic list of medicines, you may want to add other items tailored to your needs. For example, you may need hydrating eye drops if you have dry eyes. If you’re prone to constipation, you may want to add a bulk-forming laxative with psyllium. The bottom line is, think of what extra OTC medications you and other family members may need.

Sunscreen

Keep a big bottle of sunscreen in your medicine cabinet at all times. Ideally, it should be between SPF 30 and SPF50 and should have the label “broad spectrum,” which means that it will protect you from both ultraviolet and infrared sun rays. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that you wear sunscreen on the face and body every day you go outside (going out in the garden or yard counts as outside too). Sunscreen will protect you from skin cancer and signs of skin aging, so it’s beneficial for everyone.

Bug repellent

If you’re prone to getting bug bites, having a bug repellent spray or cream is a must-have in the summer. But even if you only go outside occasionally, having a bottle of bug repellent is beneficial for keeping disease-causing ticks and mosquitos away. You can even make your own bug repellent out of natural ingredients if you’d like.

Bandages

Cuts, scrapes, minor burns, and just plain blisters are the reality of life. So it’s better to be prepared for such mishaps and keep an assortment of bandages and antiseptics in stock. According to The American Red Cross, a family of four should have a kit stocked with 25 adhesive bandages in various sizes, 1 roll of adhesive tape, 2 roller bandages, 10 sterile pieces of gauze, and two absorbent compress dressings. Hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean wounds, and an antibiotic cream like Neosporin can help heal and disinfect a minor wound or burn.

Remedies for itchy skin and sunburns

For the times that you do get an allergic reaction or bug bite on your skin, having a topical itch relief cream like an over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream is a real lifesaver. Plain old calamine lotion, aloe vera gel, or an antihistamine cream also help you soothe itching caused by sunburn, poison ivy, bug bites, and other itchy skin issues, but they may not be as effective as hydrocortisone.At the same time, note that hydrocortisone should not be used for more than 2 weeks, as it may lead to skin thinning. So, if you have an itchy spot that persists for over 2 weeks, you’ll need to seek professional help.

Cough remedies

Most coughs will go away on their own and don’t require any medical help. If you have a fever, treating it with acetaminophen can help. You can use a saline nasal spray to clear up a stuffy nose. Avoid combining cold medicines with pain and fever relievers because it can lead to an acetaminophen overdose. Around 30,000 Americans go to the emergency room every year as a result of combing acetaminophen and cold medicine with acetaminophen, like NyQuil.

Petroleum jelly

Petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) is an essential product. It has countless beneficial uses around the house. Crucially, it relieves dry skin and chipping nails, softens rough skin on the elbows and feet, prevents chafing, and works as an excellent moisturizer for dry skin. The American Academy of Dermatology states that petroleum jelly can be just as successful as antibiotic creams in healing minor cuts or scrapes. Just wash the area with soap and water, then cover it in a thin layer of petroleum jelly, and put a bandage on top. Change the bandage daily, and it should heal in a few days.Share these useful tips with family and friends!

Source: Internet & Others

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.


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Tips for a better sleep

If there is one gift one can give a newborn’s parent, it is a good night sleep. On World Sleep Day, we are listing guaranteed tips that will not only ensure that you relish a deep slumber at night but also make sure that you are more energetic and productive during your waking hours:

man wearing green printed crew neck shirt while sleeping
Photo by John-Mark Smith on Pexels.com

1. Right pillow – Choose a pillow that supports the natural curve of your neck and is not too fat or not too flat. This will help you wake up without being tired or with a stiff neck in the morning.

2. Sleeping position – To not twist your neck, avoid sleeping on your stomach. Instead, sleep on your side with your nose up with the center of your body.

3. Good mattress – A good mattress such as spring mattress, foam mattress, coir mattress, memory foam mattress, orthopedic mattress etc is crucial in achieving a sound sleep because it not only improves sleep quality but also reduces back pain, shoulder pain and back stiffness with the right support to the body that reinforces an uninterrupted sleep. On the other hand, you can also use air-tight, plastic, dust-proof covers to seal your mattress, box springs and pillows against mold, dust mite droppings, and other allergy triggers that can lead to lousy shut-eye.

4. Eat and drink fluids wisely – While it is advisable to finish eating dinner at least an hour before bed, it is also recommended to not overload your digestive system with heavy foods and big meals before sleeping. Instead, opt for a light evening snack as it will affect how well you sleep at night.

Although hydration is vital, it is wise to not drink any fluids 1–2 hours before going to bed. This is to reduce the chances of excessive urination during the night which affects sleep quality and daytime energy.

Don’t go to bed hungry or stuffed. In particular, avoid heavy or large meals within a couple of hours of bedtime. Your discomfort might keep you up.

Nicotine, caffeine and alcohol deserve caution, too. The stimulating effects of nicotine and caffeine take hours to wear off and can wreak havoc on quality sleep. And even though alcohol might make you feel sleepy, it can disrupt sleep later in the night.

5. Lower the lights – Optimize your bedroom environment by dimming the light levels around your home 2 to 3 hours before bedtime. Diminishing the noise and lights and making the bedroom a quiet, relaxing, clean and enjoyable place signals the brain to make melatonin which is the hormone that brings on sleep and results in improved sleep quality that ensures long-term health benefits.

6. Sick to a sleep schedule – Set aside no more than eight hours for sleep. The recommended amount of sleep for a healthy adult is at least seven hours. Most people don’t need more than eight hours in bed to achieve this goal.

Go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Try to limit the difference in your sleep schedule on weeknights and weekends to no more than one hour. Being consistent reinforces your body’s sleep-wake cycle.

If you don’t fall asleep within about 20 minutes, leave your bedroom and do something relaxing. Read or listen to soothing music. Go back to bed when you’re tired. Repeat as needed.

7. Physical exercise – Regular physical activity can promote better sleep. Avoid being active too close to bedtime, however.

Spending time outside every day might be helpful, too.

8. Manage your worries – Try to resolve your worries or concerns before bedtime. Jot down what’s on your mind and then set it aside for tomorrow.

Stress management might help. Start with the basics, such as getting organized, setting priorities and delegating tasks. Meditation also can ease anxiety.

Source: Internet & Others

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.




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SOME ANCIENT INDIAN HEALTH TIPS

* – quotes in Sanskrit

*1. Ajeerne Bhojanam Visham*
_If previously taken Lunch is not digested, taking Dinner will be equivalent to taking Poison. Hunger is one signal that the previous food is digested.

*2. Ardharogahari Nidhraa*
_Proper sleep cures half of the diseases.

*3. Mudhgadhaali Gadhavyaali*
_Of all the Pulses, Green grams are the best. It boosts Immunity. Other Pulses all have one or the other side effects.

*4. Bagnaasthi Sandhaanakaro Rasonaha*
_Garlic even joins broken Bones.

*5. Athi Sarvathra Varjayeth*
_Anything consumed in Excess, just because it tastes good, is not good for Health. Practice moderation.

*6. Naasthimoolam Anoushadham*
_There is No Vegetable that has no medicinal benefit to the body.

*7. Na Vaidhyaha Prabhuraayushaha*
_No Doctor is Lord of our Longevity. Doctors have limitations.

*8. Chinthaa Vyaadhi Prakaashaya*
_Worry aggravates ill health.

*9. Vyayaamascha Sanaihi Sanaihi*
_Do any Exercise slowly. Speedy exercise is not necessarily good._

*10. Ajavath charvanam Kuryaath*
_Chew your Food like a Goat.
_Never Swallow food in a hurry.
_Saliva aids first in digestion.

*11. Snaanam Naama Manahprasaadhanakaram Dhuswapna Vidhwasanam*
_Bath removes Depression. It drives away Bad Dreams.

*12. Na Snaanam Aachareth Bhukthvaa*
_Never take Bath immediately after taking Food Digestion is affected.

*13. Naasthi Meghasamam Thoyam*
_No water matches Rainwater in purity.

*14. Ajeerne Bheshajam Vaari*
_Indigestion can be addressed by taking plain water.

*15. Sarvathra Noothanam Sastham Sevakaanne Puraathanam*
_Always prefer things that are Fresh.

*16. Nithyam Sarvaa Rasaabhyaasaha*
_Take complete Food that has all tastes viz: Salt, Sweet, Bitter, Sour, Astringent and Pungent).

*17. Jataram Poorayedhardham Annahi*
_Fill your Stomach half with Solids, a quarter with Water and rest leave it empty.

*18. Bhukthvopa Visathasthandraa*
_Never sit idle after taking Food. Walk for at least half an hour.

*19. Kshuth Saadhuthaam Janayathi*
_Hunger increases the taste of food.
_In other words, eat only when hungry.

*20. Chinthaa Jaraanaam Manushyaanaam*
_Worrying speeds up ageing.

*21. Satham Vihaaya Bhokthavyam*
_When it is time for food, keep even 100 jobs aside. *22. Sarvaa Dharmeshu Madhyamaam*
_Choose always the middle path. Avoid going for extremes in anything.

Source: Internet & Others

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.


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Yoga for better back

Pregnancy can be brutal on women’s health. One common problem after delivery that women experience is chronic lower back pain. Although it is not limited to women, those of us who suffer from chronic back pain, which is the most common and disturbing pain, know how difficult it is sometimes to fall asleep at night. When you don’t sleep well at night, the pain only gets worse, kind of like a snowball effect. In turn, it harms the normal routine of our lives and makes it difficult for us to relax all day long. If this is the case for you, you can release and relieve that annoying back pain.

1. Wind-Relieving Pose
The Wind-Relieving Pose, or as it is called in yoga: “Pavanamuktasana,” is designed to release your spine, especially its lower part, within moments. In addition, this position allows the bowels to be accelerated and regulated, so we’d recommend trying it in the morning.

How to do it:

Lie on your back, relax your muscles and bend your knees up.
Take a deep breath of air, then hug your knees with both arms.
Release the breath, continue to hug your knees keeping them close to your chest.
Repeat the exercise several times: on each inhale move your legs away from your chest, and each time you exhale, bring them back. Be sure to take long breaths.
Perform about 8 to 10 reps – about 1 minute of exercise.

Pavanamukthasana


2. Legs Up the Wall Pose
The next position is to release tension from the back and legs, relax the chest, and allow the lungs to fill with air and oxygen before going to bed.

How to do it:

Place a folded pillow near the wall or on the edge of the bed.

Lie on your back with your buttocks against the pillow. Press your buttocks toward the wall and then straighten your legs up and place them against the wall.

Spread your arms to the sides, and try to stretch and widen your chest. Relax the rest of your body, and breathe calmly.

Stay in this position for 1-2 minutes, then lower your legs off the wall.

Wall Pose Yoga

3. Reclining butterfly pose

The Reclining butterfly pose will have a positive effect on your back and will allow you to release its most internal muscles, those located beneath the upper layers of the skin. There are two steps that are important to perform during this pose.

How to do it:

Step 1:

Lie on your back with two rolled towels underneath you, one under your waist and one under your neck.
Bend your legs to each side (like a butterfly’s wings flapping) and remain as loose as possible. At the same time, move your head from side to side, without straining your neck and back. The head and leg movement can be done on the same side or opposite sides, whichever is easier for you.

Try releasing and loosening your body as much as possible. Feel the waves of your movement penetrate your spine. Perform this step for one minute.

Step 2:

Turn around and lie on your stomach with your arms spread out, feet resting on the bed or mattress, and a pillow or rolled towel under your forehead.

Move your legs from side to side, and try to feel the vibrations pass through your entire relaxed body. Keep moving and perform this step for another minute.

Reclining butterfly Pose

4. The Shavasana Pose

The Shavasana Pose, whose literal meaning is “the corpse pose” is used by yogis to relax their bodies at the end of a strained workout. Doing it before bedtime will help you relax and fall asleep quickly and easily, in addition to relieving back pain.

How to do it:

Lie on your back, gently spread your arms to your sides with your palms facing up.

Place a rolled towel or a pillow under your head and neck.

Slowly start relaxing your body from the bottom up: start with your toes and go up to your legs, hips, stomach, fingers, arms, and so on until you reach the top of your head.

Relax each part on an inhalation and exhalation.

Do 20 cycles of breathing: breathe in and breathe out slowly.

After 20 cycles, stop counting and breathe freely.

Let your thoughts float and avoid concentrating on a specific thought.

You’ll slowly feel your surroundings becoming blurred, and your whole body will be relaxed and loose.

This is the best time to cover up and fall into a nice deep sleep.

Shavasana


Source: Internet & Others

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.


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Solution for white tongue

White tongue is a symptom where your tongue grows a thick white coating on part or all of its top. You might also experience bad breath, a hairy tongue and irritation. White tongue can look unattractive but it’s usually harmless and temporary. A white tongue occurs when the bumps on your tongue swell and trap dead cells, bacteria, and debris. Though it looks pretty gross, it usually isn’t too serious and should go away with time.

Certain health issues, substances and habits can put you at higher risk to get white tongue or oral thrush (an infection causing a white patch on your tongue). These risk factors include:

  • Having diabetes.
  • Being very young or very old. Oral thrush is most common in infants and toddlers.
  • Using antibiotics (they can cause a yeast infection inside your mouth).
  • Eating a diet with a shortage of fruits and vegetables (iron or vitamin B12). Eating a diet of mostly soft foods can also cause it.
  • Having a fever or a weak immune system.
  • Wearing dentures or damaging your tongue with sharp objects.
  • Having poor oral hygiene.
  • Breathing through your mouth.
  • Being dehydrated, having a dry mouth caused by a medical condition or by using medications (like muscle relaxers).
  • Smoking or chewing tobacco.
  • Drinking more than one alcoholic drink a day.
  • Undergoing cancer treatments.
  • Having hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland causing poor metabolism).

However, there are a few simple methods that can be used to clear it up faster – below you’ll find some of them!

photo of woman showing her tongue
Photo by Oleg Magni on Pexels.com

1. Garlic

Garlic is often said to cause bad breath, but we need to disregard this as raw garlic will help to kill bacteria and cleanse the tongue.

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. To kill the germs that are causing your white tongue, place a tablespoon of aloe vera juice in your mouth, swish it around for a few minutes, spit it out, and then rinse your mouth with warm water. You can repeat this procedure several times a day.

3. Salt

This is one of the best helpers for cleansing the tongue. The abrasive salt particles will remove contamination and dead cells from your tongue. Simply sprinkle some salt on your tongue and lightly brush with a toothbrush for one minute, then rinse your mouth with water. Repeat this procedure twice a day.

4. Turmeric

Turmeric is an excellent alternative to antiseptic drugs for the mouth. Combine some turmeric with some citrus juice until you have a paste consistency, and then rub this paste on your tongue for 2 minutes. Once the 2 minutes have passed, rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water.

5. Toothbrush or Scrub

Gently brush your tongue with a toothbrush or a special brush from the base to the tip. Don’t press too hard and take your time.

6. Disinfectant Mouthwash with Herbs and Salt

Add a tablespoon of chamomile, a teaspoon of mint, a teaspoon of sage, a pinch of oak bark to a bowl and fill it with 4 cups of boiled water. Wait for the broth to cool and then strain it. Then pour a tablespoon of salt into the broth. Swish your mouth with this concoction twice a day after brushing your teeth.

When to see a doctor?

White tongue is generally harmless, and may be helped by gently brushing your tongue with a toothbrush or tongue scraper and drinking plenty of water.

Make an appointment with your doctor or dentist if:

  • You’re concerned about changes in your tongue
  • Your tongue hurts
  • Your white tongue persists for longer than a few weeks

Dos and Don’ts for a Healthy Tongue

1. Don’t Smoke or drink alcohol (obviously not for kids) 🙂

Smoking inflames the papillae of the tongue, meaning that dead cells will be able to accumulate on the tongue, which in turn creates a nice environment for bacteria to grow in. Furthermore, cigarette smoke contains chemicals that are unhealthy for mouth tissue.

Alcohol affects the tongue in 2 ways at once – it, like smoking, causes inflammation of the papillae in the tongue and dehydrates the body. Therefore, it’s better to refrain from it.

2. Drink More Water

Water helps the whole body, the tongue included. Being dehydrated is one of the main causes of a white tongue. Therefore, you should make sure that you’re drinking enough every day. Always carry a bottle of water with you so that you can replenish your water levels whenever you’re thirsty.

3. Improve Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene will help you reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth. Therefore, it’s necessary to clean your teeth and tongue after every meal, in the morning and before bedtime. Ideally, the ritual should look like this: clean your teeth and tongue, use dental floss, use an oil irrigator, and finish with disinfectant mouthwash.

Source: Internet & Others

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.


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Effect of Social Media on our mental health

mental health
Photo by Muhammadtaha Ibrahim Ma’aji on Pexels.com

1. Sleep

The more time you allocate to resting, the more efficient your performance will be when it comes to ticking items off your list. Getting between 7-9 hours of sleep each night is crucial to stay focused the next day. This will automatically also keep you motivated throughout the day.

2. Water consumption

Feeling irritable is a common consequence suffered due to dehydration. Drinking 1.5-2 liters of water is essential, especially if the majority of your day is spent staring at the computer and there is a lack of high-intensity physical activities. Drinking enough water relieves fatigue, promotes weight loss, flushes out toxins, boosts immune system, prevents cramps and sprains and improves skin complexion.

3. Exercise

Like sleep, many adults say they cannot find the time to exercise. But exercising is the best natural remedy for stress relief. Increased heart rate due to exercise pumps oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps improve your cardiovascular system. Not only will you feel better, your sculpted, toned and muscular body will also thank you for it.

4. Impact on diet

The popularity of take-away foods, sugars, high-energy, and snack foods has risen over the past few decades, correlating with the growth of depression and anxiety. The regularity of eating and portion control should also be taken into consideration when considering a dietary modification. Eating a large meal before bed is likely to make for a very dazed wake the next morning, which is a result of your blood sugar spiking and crashing before you even wake up, resulting in fatigue.

5. Feel positive

Improving confidence is a key component of a healthy mental state, and dressing well helps foster a more positive mental outlook. Everyone wants to be remembered when making that first impression. Being well-dressed is a small step investment that creates momentous benefits for your mental health.

6. Stay prepared

Time management is not only about ticking items off the list, but also having enough time left for things that are important to you. Each morning, try focusing on three priorities for the day. Keep bringing yourself back to them, by removing all distractions.

7. Volunteering

Previous research indicates that volunteering is linked to good mental health and emotional well-being. In many cases, volunteering gave people a sense of fulfillment and purpose which, in turn, positively impacted their motivation, commitment, and overall mental well-being.

8. Set goals

Setting goals that are specific, challenging, and achievable will improve your performance as you are less likely to be distracted. The ‘feel-good’ chemical released in your brain when you achieve something is dopamine. Each time you check something off your checklist, you get a shot of dopamine.

9. Talk it out

Take some time out for social interaction — whether it is a chat about the weekend, or offering assistance to a teammate or even a heart-to-heart with a friend. Voicing how you feel will assist in putting problems in perspective and also boost your morale.

Source: Internet & Others

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.


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The power of Green Leafy Veggies

Green leafy vegetables are possibly one of the most superior groups of food in terms of nutrition, and not many can overtake the dense nutritional composition of leafy greens. While other kinds of vegetables are also nutritious and excellent for health, none come close to leafy greens when it comes to the number of health benefits.

green leafy vegetables
Photo by Mark Stebnicki on Pexels.com

Here is a comprehensive list of Green leafy veggies

Let’s look at some in specific.


Kale

Don’t let its taste demotivate you, for its nutritional content surely compensates for it. The slightly bitter vegetable is so nutritious that some people even consider it to be the healthiest food on the planet. The dense nutrient profile includes vitamins A, D, and K, minerals like calcium and magnesium, and antioxidants like lutein and beta-carotene.

Beet greens

The root of the beet plant is a popular part of many peoples’ diets. The deep red veggie makes for a healthy and palatable food, but it is nowhere as nutritious as the leaves of the beet plant. The leaves are always ignored in favour of the root, mostly because people aren’t aware of its nutrient profile which includes minerals like potassium and calcium, vitamins like A, B2, and K, antioxidants like beta-carotene and lutein, and a whole lot of fiber.

Spinach

If there is one veggie that we have always been coaxed to eat, it is spinach. Just 30 grams of spinach has 30 mg of calcium, 24 mg of magnesium, 167 mg of potassium, and a whopping 810 mg of iron! Spinach is also loaded with vitamins A,B2, B6, B9, C, and K. antioxidants like lutein and beta-carotene are also present in abundance.

Collard greens

Collard greens may not be as omnipresent in India as other vegetables are, but it consumed nonetheless, and with good reason too. It is an excellent source of micronutrients and macronutrients, and with a dense profile of vitamins like A, B9, C, and K, and minerals like calcium, iron, and manganese, it is one of the healthiest leafy greens.

Lettuce

We can thank burger and sandwich joints for its popularity, but lettuce is well famed for being one of the healthiest leafy greens. A lot of popular salads include this leaf, for it is loaded with vitamins A, B9 and K, and minerals like iron, manganese, and phosphorus. It is also a rich source of the antioxidants lutein and beta-carotene. Lettuce has also shown to increase the level of blood lipids in the body.

Look at the benefits of the Green Leafy Veggies

Nutritional Comparison Of Leafy Vegetables

Source: Internet & Others

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.


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The truth about natural sweeteners

Type 2 diabetes is a health condition that can cause blood sugar levels to rise. When the body is unable to produce any insulin the hormone responsible for the breakdown of sugar, or the cells of the body are unable to use that insulin to break down glucose due to various reasons, it leads to a spike in blood sugar levels. If not managed well, high blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, can cause serious health complications, so much so that it can even damage vital organs such as the kidneys and heart.

People who develop type 2 diabetes have to be extra careful of what they eat and when they eat. They are recommended to steer clear of sweets, sugar, and any food products that may contain a lot of added sugar. They are also advised to consume small, frequent meals in order to keep their blood sugar levels stable.

A lot of people, irrespective of whether they have developed type 2 diabetes or not, are now turning to natural sweeteners in a bid to eat and be healthier. Some popular natural sweeteners include honey and jaggery and they are both commonly used as alternatives to processed sugar. They are believed to be healthier in the sense that they are not as processed as sugar and, therefore, may contain fewer chemicals, preservatives or undergo processing, and that is true to a great extent. When compared with processed white or brown sugar, jaggery or honey are considered better and healthier options.

Does that mean diabetics can eat jaggery without worrying?

Diabetics are recommended to avoid anything sweet as much as they can in order to manage their blood sugar levels. This is because the food we eat is generally rich in carbs and some form of sugar, which is enough to keep the blood sugar levels stable and prevent them from dropping too low. While the popular notion is that jaggery is healthier than sugar, for diabetics, they may in fact be the same. Therefore, diabetics should consume jaggery in moderation.

While jaggery is a natural sweetener and overall healthier than sugar, it is still pretty high in sugar content. Therefore, it can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels for diabetics. Jaggery has a high glycemic index of 84.4, which makes it unfit for consumption by diabetics.

Stevia

Extract Stevia is made up of dried roots and leaves of the plant Stevia rebaudiana , which is native to Paraguay and Brazil. It is commonly known as sweet leaf of Paraguay, honey leaf, candy leaf, etc. Stevia is a plant-based sweetener sold in powder or liquid form and is 300 times sweeter than sucrose. It is suited for diabetics and people suffering from obesity because Stevia is not metabolized but simply excreted from the body. Thus, it has no impact on the blood sugar—meaning, no spikes and crashes.

https://i0.wp.com/i.pinimg.com/originals/86/de/3d/86de3d4ba18382ef69d0339fa8feee44.png?w=611&ssl=1

Bottom line

Consuming natural sweeteners instead of sugar or other artificial sweeteners may be healthier, but it does not mean that one can consume them as much as they like, and expect to stay healthy. Remember that moderation is the key, whether you have diabetes or not. Consumption of natural sweeteners in excess, even when you do not have diabetes, can lead to unintended weight gain, and increase the risk of obesity and other chronic diseases.

Source: Internet & Others

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.


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Headache Remedies

woman holding her head
Headache!

Lavender Oil

Not only does lavender smell great — it’s also a useful home remedy for headaches and migraine pain. Lavender oil can be either inhaled or applied topically. Two to four drops for every two to three cups of boiling water are recommended when inhaling lavender-oil vapors as a headache treatment. Unlike many medicinal oils, this home remedy can also be safely applied externally without the need to dilute it. Lavender oil should not be taken orally.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint is a soothing home remedy that has been shown to benefit tension headaches. This fresh-smelling oil has vaso-constricting and vaso-dilating properties, which help control blood flow in the body. Headaches and migraine pain are often due to poor blood flow, and peppermint oil helps to open and close the vessels that promote flow. Peppermint home remedies also open up the sinuses so that more oxygen can get into the bloodstream.

Basil Oil

Basil, the strong-scented herb used as a topping for pizzas and pastas, certainly tastes and smells good. And for people in need of a natural headache treatment, the oil derived from basil plants can also be a useful home remedy. Basil works as a muscle relaxant, so it is especially helpful for headaches caused by tension and tight muscles.

DIY Scalp Massage

Do-it-yourself scalp massages can be an effective way to alleviate migraine pain, and they feel great. Researchers in Brazil showed that massaging the greater occipital nerve — the area in the back of the head, at the base of the skull — reduces migraine pain. Massage in general has been identified as a useful home remedy for headaches, especially reflexology (massaging reflex points on the hands and feet)

Feverfew

Feverfew, as its name suggests, is used to treat fever, but it’s most commonly known as an herbal headache treatment. This home remedy became popular in the 1980s, when a landmark study in Great Britain showed that 70 percent of participants had less migraine pain after taking feverfew daily. Since then, more studies have demonstrated feverfew’s benefit in preventing and treating migraine pain. One study showed improvement in migraine pain among people who took daily feverfew in combination with white willow, another herbal home remedy, which contains properties similar to aspirin.

Flaxseed

Some headaches are caused by inflammation, which can be reduced by consuming omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed can help provide headache relief because it’s rich in omega-3s. Flaxseed can be used as a home remedy in several forms, including as an oil and ground or whole seeds

Buckwheat

Buckwheat’s usefulness as a home remedy for headaches and migraine pain comes from a flavonoid known as rutin. Flavonoids are phytochemicals, which are found in plants, and have been shown to contain antioxidant properties, which counteract damage to cells. In addition, researchers in Taiwan have demonstrated the effects of flavonoids on inflammation, a common cause of headaches.

Photo by David Garrison on Pexels.com

Source: Internet & Others

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.


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Is it Flu or Cold or Covid?

Flu season is in beginning, and preparation is your key to staying healthy. Unfortunately, despite your best efforts, the flu can still strike. If it does, early detection and appropriate responses are essential to treating this draining bug. There’s just one problem: How do you know if you actually have the flu?

The only way to know for certain if your sickness is indeed the flu is with a flu test. But then there are also some identifiable signs that could mean you need to see a doctor, and other signs that you likely don’t have the flu.

Influenza (flu) and the common cold are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Flu is caused by influenza viruses only, whereas the common cold can be caused by a number of different viruses, including rhinoviruses, parainfluenza, and seasonal coronaviruses.

Why should we take this seriously?

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Source: FREOPP

Flu or Cold?

Cold or Flu?
Source: CDC
The Coronavirus conundrum: flu, common cold, seasonal ...
Comparing Flu, cold, allergy and covid

Similarities between Flu and Covid:

Both COVID-19 and flu can have varying degrees of signs and symptoms, ranging from no symptoms (asymptomatic) to severe symptoms. Common symptoms that COVID-19 and flu share include:

  • Fever or feeling feverish/having chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue (tiredness)
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle pain or body aches
  • Headache
  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Change in or loss of taste or smell, although this is more frequent with COVID-19.

Differences of Covid:

  • If a person has COVID-19, it could take them longer to experience symptoms than if they had flu.
  • Typically, a person experiences symptoms about 5 days after being infected, but symptoms can appear 2 to 14 days after infection.
  • It’s possible for people to spread the virus for about 2 days before experiencing signs or symptoms (or possibly earlier) and remain contagious for at least 10 days after signs or symptoms first appeared. If someone is asymptomatic or their symptoms go away, it’s possible to remain contagious for at least 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19. People who are hospitalized with severe disease and people with weakened immune systems can be contagious for 20 days or longer.
  • While the virus that causes COVID-19 and flu viruses are thought to spread in similar ways, the virus that causes COVID-19 is generally more contagious than flu viruses. Also, COVID-19 has been observed to have more superspreading events than flu. This means the virus that causes COVID-19 can quickly and easily spread to a lot of people and result in continual spreading among people as time progresses.
  • Overall, COVID-19 seems to cause more serious illnesses in some people. Serious COVID-19 illness resulting in hospitalization and death can occur even in healthy people. Some people that had COVID-19 can go on to develop post-COVD conditions or multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS)

Source: Internet & Others

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.


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Improve Blood Circulation

Your blood does a fantastic job of transporting nutrients and oxygen to every part of your body, so if you have a problem with your circulatory system, it can create a knock-on effect that impacts upon your general health. Poor circulation usually stems from other health factors, but it is important that you are aware of warning signs that indicate a problem, as well as the steps you can take to improve the condition should you need to do so.

Symptoms of Poor Circulation

1. Feelings of numbness

Most of us will have accidentally lay on one of our arms while sleeping at some point, and will be familiar with the numb feeling that tends to result. This sensation comes about because you have inadvertently limited your blood circulation. If you find that you often experience a similar sensation in your limbs without an obvious trigger, it could be a sign that your blood circulation is permanently restricted.

2. Loss of Appetite

If you don’t feel hungry, despite having skipped a meal, it could indicate a circulatory problem. Your liver sends signals to your brain to tell it you’re hungry, but it can only do this when it receives adequate blood flow. This symptom can also cause weight loss over time as you will eat less.

3. Cold Hands and Feet

Your blood flow is also responsible for ensuring your body stays at a healthy temperature, and rubbing cold hands together is a natural response we all use to try and encourage blood to flow more quickly. If your circulation is compromised, areas of the body with lots of nerve endings the hands and feet can feel unusually cold.

4. Skin Discoloring

Cyanosis is a condition characterized by a slight discoloration of the skin due to low oxygen levels just below the skin’s surface. If you have poor circulation, you may see signs of cyanosis, and your fingers and toes may appear slightly bruised or red.

5. Varicose Veins

If your blood is not pumping as it should, pressure can build and cause veins to twist and swell. The resulting varicose veins tend to appear on the lower legs, and cause pain or itchiness. Varicose veins can be both a symptom and cause of poor circulation.

6. Brittle Nails and Hair Loss

Your nails and hair can provide some of the clearest signs that your blood is not distributing the required amount of nutrients around your body. Hair can become thin, dry and even start to fall out, whether you are male or female. Your nails will become weaker and more prone to breaking.

7. Swelling and Leg Ulcers

In extreme cases, poor circulation can cause swelling in extremities. If your hands or feet begin to swell it could be a result of slow blood flow, which causes fluid to gather. Leg ulcers are sore inflamed parts of the skin characterized by a rash that refuses to go away. If you notice red patches or swelling gathering around your ankles or lower legs, you may have problems with circulation.

8. Exhaustion

Restricted blood flow means less oxygen and nutrients reach the muscles, so you will become fatigued much more easily. Lack of breath, sore muscles, and the inability to complete physical tasks that you should find easy, are all indicators of poor circulation.

9. A Tight Chest

Your heart might pump your blood around your body, but it also needs to be supplied with plenty of blood flow as well. If it isn’t, then you may develop angina, characterized by feelings of tightness in the chest. If pain recurs in fits and spurts, it can be a common indicator of poor circulation.

10. Poor Libido or Erectile Dysfunction

Poor circulation can cause associated problems with both the female and male libido because reproductive organs require a sizeable supply of blood in order to function properly. The obvious issue that can effect men is erectile dysfunction, while women may suffer from irregular menstrual cycles and a loss of energy in the bedroom.

11. Forgetfulness and Concentration Issues

The brain is another organ that needs to be fed a regular supply of oxygen, and it only gets the stocks it needs if your blood is flowing as it should. Poor circulation will affect your ability to focus and concentrate when going about your daily business, and can have a negative impact on both short term and long term memory.

12. Digestive Issues

If your blood flow slows down, it will have an impact on a number of bodily processes and digestion is one of them. This can reduce the frequency of bowel movements and even contribute to constipation.

Source: Internet & Others

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.


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Did you about these benefits of Camphor?

If you regularly suffer from a cough, a stuffy nose, warts and insect bites, and you’ve never heard of camphor, it’s certainly time you got to know this useful material. Camphor is an organic compound produced from an Asian tree of the same name, and can be found in health and nature stores and is sold as an oil or solid wax-like tablets.

Camphor tablets

Its smell is strong, and its medical abilities will help you effectively and naturally deal with a variety of health problems.

What is camphor?

Camphor is an organic compound produced mainly from the Asian camphor tree and is found in several other plants as well. The white-transparent compound has a strong odor and a texture similar to wax that becomes solid at room temperature and is known for its wide range of uses. Camphor can be obtained as an essential oil or in the form of solid wax tablets. Camphor is commonly used in Vix Vapor Rub that some of you may be familiar with.

Its uses range from perfume and preservation needs, but beyond that, camphor has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic, and anti-congestive properties, making it a “star” with many advantages in natural medicine. Camphor is intended for external use only and may be used for internal use following consultation with a physician. Also, be sure to mix the camphor oil with another oil before applying it, because camphor is a strong compound that can irritate the skin.

1. Relieves coughing

Camphor has the power to relieve a variety of symptoms of respiratory diseases such as irritable coughing and congestion in the chest, and therefore various decongestant salves that are applied to the throat and chest contain this effective substance. Some of camphor’s benefits derive from its strong smell, which is a bit reminiscent of mint, and its ability to open the airways.

How to use:

Mix 4-5 drops of essential camphor oil with a tablespoon of almond oil and gently massage the chest. Another possibility of relieving a bothersome cough: put several drops of camphor into a bowl of hot water and breathe in its steam.

2. Treats acne

The anti-inflammatory properties of the camphor help it to help us with the treatment and relief of swelling, redness, and inflammation of the skin, as in the case of acne, which is actually inflammation of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles.

How to use:

Pour a cup of olive oil into a jar with a lid, add one teaspoon of camphor essential oil, seal the jar with the lid and mix well. After cleansing your face, and drying it with a towel, apply a little of the oil mixture that you prepared on the acne sores and massage the face for 5 minutes. Leave the oil on your face for the night, and wash it off in the morning with lukewarm water and a mild facial soap. Repeat once a day.

3. Relieves a stuffy nose

Camphor has medicinal properties that help relieve congestion in the respiratory tract and therefore is effective in treating a stuffy and runny nose and unblocking the airways.

How to use:

To get a quick relief, mix a few drops of essential camphor oil with a teaspoon of lightly heated mustard oil and apply the mixture on your chest, back and throat with circular massage movements before you go to bed at night.

4. Treatment of cold sores

Cold sores on the lips are common, irritating, painful and non-aesthetic, resulting from the contagious herpes virus. The use of camphor oil on cold sores will at least temporarily relieve pain and irritation of the lips due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

How to use:

Mix 2-3 drops of essential camphor oil with one tablespoon of cold pressed coconut oil (if the coconut oil has solidified, put the oil jar in a bowl of hot water). Use a cotton pad to rub the mixture on the lips and repeat 3-4 times a day.

5. Treats lice

The camphor compound, combined with coconut oil, also comes to the rescue in parents’ endless battle against head lice. Coconut oil suffocates the lice and the camphor joins in to finish them off due to its antifungal properties. If that’s not enough, using both of these oils will soften and add shine to your children’s hair.

How to use:

Mix a tablespoon of crushed camphor tables with two melted tablespoons (as explained in the previous section) of cold pressed coconut oil, and apply it to the lice-infested hair. Gather the hair in a shower cap and leave the mixture on the head for the night. Wash the hair the next day and repeat 2-3 times a week for a month to completely get rid of the lice.

6. Relieves muscle pain

The anti-inflammatory properties of camphor are very effective in treating and healing muscle pain. In addition, the use of camphor oil to massage the painful muscles encourages blood flow to areas that are cramped and also reduces the feeling of stiffness.

How to use:

Mix 5-6 drops of essential camphor oil with 1-2 tablespoons of lightly heated olive oil, and massage the painful muscles in your body once or twice a day.

7. Treats cracked heels

Cracked and dry heels can be a bothersome problem that is primarily aesthetic but can also be exacerbated by pain and irritation. Camphor not only reduces the pain but also accelerates the healing process by increasing blood flow to the injured area.

How to use:

Mix a small camphor tablet in a tub of hot water and place your feet in it for 10 minutes. Rub your feet with a pumice stone to remove hard skin, wash your feet with clean water and dry with a towel.

8. Treats warts

Warts are caused by a viral infection that causes small growths on the surface of the feet and pain while standing or walking. Camphor, with its disinfection properties, is used as an effective and quick treatment against warts.

How to use:

Mix ¼ cup of melted coconut oil (place the jar of coconut oil in a bowl of hot water to melt), together with one tablespoon of pine oil and 2 teaspoons of camphor essential oil and pour into a large tub. Soak your feet in the mixture for 5 minutes every day, and rinse your feet with clean water at the end. In addition, apply the oil mixture directly to the wart 2-3 times a day.

9. Insect and mosquito repellent

The strong smell of camphor is an excellent insect and mosquito repellent that acts as a natural and safe substitute for products loaded with chemicals and dangerous substances that we usually use.

How to use:

Mix ½ cup hot water with 20 drops of essential camphor oil, let the mixture cool down slightly and pour it into the spray bottle. Spray the areas where you notice the presence of insects or mosquitoes. For another treatment, add 2 drops of essential camphor oil to a humidifier and turn it on in a room with mosquitoes.

10. Treats restless leg syndrome (RLS)

RLS is a neurological sensory disorder that is expressed by a strong and involuntary need to move the legs and interferes with the sleep of those who suffer from it. The active ingredients in camphor oil help reduce the appearance of the irritating syndrome and relieve the difficulties of falling asleep.

How to use:

Mix several drops of essential camphor oil with lightly heated olive oil, and massage all parts of the affected leg for 5-10 minutes. Repeat every night before going to bed.

Source: Internet & Others

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.


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Sinus Infection!

The sinuses are such a complex part of our bodies that not many people are fully aware of where they are or how they work. Sinusitis, is inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the sinuses resulting in symptoms that may include thick nasal mucus, a plugged nose, and facial pain. Other signs and symptoms may include fever, headaches, a poor sense of smell, sore throat, and a cough. It is defined as acute sinusitis if it lasts less than 4 weeks, and as chronic sinusitis if it lasts for more than 12 weeks.

Sinusitis can be caused by infection, allergies, air pollution, or structural problems in the nose. Most cases are caused by a viral infection. Recurrent episodes are more likely in persons with asthma, cystic fibrosis, and poor immune function.

An infected sinus can be a very frustrating thing, which is why we’ve gathered a list of five of the most common symptoms below:

1. Your face hurts

Soreness is usually an indication that you really gave your muscles a challenge. But if it’s your face that’s sore, you might have a problem. Facial pain may be a sign that your sinuses are infected and blocked.

2. Your teeth ache

A toothache may not be due to problems with your teeth at all. In fact, “dental pain is probably the most overlooked sinus infection symptom. This is usually related to a maxillary (or cheek) sinusitis as the upper tooth roots will often extend close to the sinus.

3. You can’t get rid of your headache

Many different issues can cause a headache: too much movement, dehydration or even just being tired. However, if you’ve had a chronic headache for a number of days, then pressure may be a sign that you have a sinus infection. If you think this may be the case, visit your doctor since most sinus infections are viral and won’t respond to antibiotics.

4. You can’t smell

If you’re having trouble smelling both sweet scents and nasty odors, then you may have a sinus infection. Loss of sense of smell can occur with sinusitis from the inflammation around the olfactory, or smell, organ. That’s why such symptoms indicate that you’re beginning to come down with a potential sinus infection.

5. You feel far too much pressure If you wake up and find that your head feels cloudy, heavy, and generally uncomfortable, then your sinuses may be to blame. Before your sinuses get infected, they first start off being blocked. This uncomfortable blockage is what leads all of that tension to build up and feel intense, potentially signposting that more sinus infections symptoms will be coming your way shortly.

Solutions to Sinusitis

Antibiotics are not needed for many sinus infections. Your child’s doctor may give an antibiotic prescription but suggest that you wait 2–3 days to see if your child is still sick before filling it.

  • Clean your hands.
  • Receive recommended vaccines, such as the flu vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine.
  • Avoid close contact with people who have colds or other upper respiratory infections.
  • Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.
  • Use a clean humidifier to moisten the air at home.
  • Put a warm compress over the nose and forehead to help relieve sinus pressure.
  • Use a decongestant or saline nasal spray.
  • Breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water or shower.

Source: Internet & Others

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.


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Beauty of Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar is a popular condiment that is often used in salad dressings, marinades and many other foods. Its flavor is distinct and is often described as tart and complex. Some studies suggest that balsamic vinegar has several health benefits that range from improving a person’s complexion to lowering cholesterol and aiding weight loss. Let’s take a look at the potential health benefits of balsamic vinegar:

  • yellow and black smiley face on white ceramic bowl

1. Improves skin health

Balsamic vinegar contains antimicrobial compounds, acetic acids and antioxidants – components that may help improve a person’s complexion over time. If using this method opt for clear vinegar to help clear up acne as balsamic can cause stains and should not be applied directly to the skin.

2. Reduces blood sugar

Studies suggest that this popular salad dressing ingredient offers a number of health benefits, including in helping to regulate blood sugar. In one review which examined the scientific effects of vinegar found that balsamic vinegar has an anti-glycemic impact when consumed. This means that a person’s blood sugar will spike less drastically after a meal. According to the paper, it indicated that vinegar could help create a blood sugar plateau for a period of up to 5 hours following a meal.

3. Promotes healthy digestion

One of the active compounds found in balsamic vinegar is acetic acid. This acid contains strains of probiotics that aid digestion. The probiotics found in acetic acid help promote good gut health and digestion while supporting overall immune function.

4. It lowers cholesterol

It has been found that balsamic vinegar may help lower cholesterol. The antioxidants in balsamic vinegar help block toxic cells in the body that raise cholesterol levels. In one study which involved rabbits with high cholesterol, it is possible that consuming balsamic vinegar can help lower or maintain already low cholesterol levels.

5. It helps you lose weight

The probiotics contained in balsamic vinegar can help you feel full for longer. Studies show that people may consume fewer calories throughout the day when they add vinegar to their morning meal.

6. It treats wounds

For many years, balsamic vinegar has been used to treat wounds. It has been suggested that balsamic vinegar has antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. However, it is important to note that these claims have not been well studied.

7. It reduces hypertension

In one study which involved rats, it was determined that balsamic vinegar may help lower blood pressure. This research suggested that regularly adding balsamic vinegar to foods may help reduce high blood pressure over time. It may be true if a person replaces fatty foods, such as butter and oil, with vinegar, which lowers the total amount of fats they consume.

8. It relieves congestion

While this is not popularly known, some people use balsamic vinegar to help treat congestion. To do this, add a few drops of vinegar to steaming water and breathe in the vapor.

9. It reduces acid reflux

Balsamic vinegar can be used to help reduce acid reflux or heartburn. While this remedy may not work for everyone, you may want to give it a try. Do so in small amounts and wait several hours to see whether it improves your symptoms, or worsens them.

10. It promotes blood circulation

Balsamic vinegar is derived from grapes. Studies have shown that grapes help prevent cardiac disease by preventing platelets from building up in blood vessels. It also contains polyphenols which aid in blood circulation. However, the evidence is inconclusive so far.

Risks of taking balsamic vinegar

While the risks are few, it has been discovered that taking too much balsamic vinegar may cause an upset stomach. Generally speaking, however, it is safe for people to consume unless you suffer from an allergy. Other possible risks include:

1. Inflammation of the throat

2. Damage to the food pipe from drinking too much.

Limit your intake to about two tablespoons or less, as drinking too much can cause an upset stomach and other issues. Furthermore, be careful of what brands you buy. Genuine balsamic may be expensive but it does not contain added sugars.

Source: Internet & Others

Photo by Eva Elijas on Pexels.com

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.


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Your Personality effect on your Health

Are you calm or hostile? Stressed or social? Optimistic or pessimistic? Recent studies have found that our personality determines and affects our health. Our personality can kill us or prolong our lives, it can give us heart disease or strengthen our immune system.

Personalities Types

  • collage photo of woman
    Personality types

The hostile type

The main characteristics of Type A personality are impatience and hostility. These may increase the risk of heart disease. Hostile people tend to overeat, smoke excessively, and lack physical activity much more than other types. Hostility increases the chance of being overweight in middle age, blood pressure, and high cholesterol. A recent study on the subject found that hostile types tend to develop irregular heartbeat and die before the age of 50. Most of these problems can be related to high levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), as well as inflammation of the coronary artery walls (which supply blood to the heart), increasing the risk of a heart attack.

The key is to learn how to communicate clearly and how to control anger and negative emotions. When you get angry, try asking yourself four questions: Is this really important to me? Does what I feel match reality? Do I have the power to change the situation in a positive way? Is taking such action worth the effort?

Meditation, deep breathing and yoga can also help.

The impulsive type

While hostile type A’s are often characterized by competitiveness, a desire to succeed, a sense of urgency and stress, and a tendency towards uncalculated risks, even non-hostile types can suffer from a similar impulsivity that isn’t good for health. The impulsive type is one that does not base decisions on rationality; they may identify an opportunity as being exclusively fun without weighing the pros and cons. The impulsive type may ignore health risks or not take them into account, thereby harming themselves. This personality type can lead to all kinds of harmful activities such as alcohol and drug abuse as well as compulsive gambling.

The calm type

If you’re a Type B, it means that you are calm, take life easy and face stress without losing it. This indicates a high quality of life, and a low probability of having panic attacks, heart disease and infections caused by a low immune system. The more relaxed a person is, the better their health since the ability to cope with stress is a sure recipe for longevity. Researchers say relaxation helps the heart, digestive system, and blood function properly.

The extroverted type

Extroverts who are involved in community life and have strong social connections, reap health benefits. An examination of 148 studies published in the online journal PLoS Medicine found that adults who live rich social lives improve their chances of survival by about 50 percent. A study published in 2009 on behavioral science perspectives found that widespread social support improves individual coping skills, promotes healthy behavior and observance of a medical schedule. It was found that the connection to people reduces stress and improves the function of the immune system. One of the most prominent explanations for this influence stems from elements of involvement in the lives of others and acceptance of a position. For example: How can I feel bad for myself when this ‘so and so’ is going through this.

The people pleaser type

Those who are eager to please are type C and are characterized mainly by conformity and passivity. It can be good when they are required to demonstrate high discipline, but most times they do not initiate treatment or help. People pleasers tend to accept their fate as unavoidable and fall easily into despair and helplessness. It means that others must motivate them and make sure they take care of themselves; otherwise, they simply will not keep their health. If they have a medical problem they may complain, hoping someone else will offer them a solution, or they will remain so passive that they won’t admit they’re hurting, even if the situation is severe.

The depressive and stressed type

People who are stuck on negative emotions are afraid to express themselves in social situations, and compared to optimistic people, they have a threefold increased risk of heart problems, according to a recent study in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

Type D personality was defined in the 1990s as characterized by negative feelings of depression, anxiety, stress, anger, and loneliness. These types of people will often expect the worst, have difficulty acquiring friends and often suffer from low self-esteem and over-judgment. They are tense, chronically angry, and overactive in stressful situations. They tend to hide their feelings, because of fear of rejection. The depressive type is highly to suffer from obesity and compulsive eating, as well as drug use.

Because they have no outlet for stress and stress, they suffer from high levels of cortisol, which increases blood pressure and can cause chronic inflammation of the circulatory system, heart failure, and even death. The problem is that they often prefer not to discuss worrying symptoms with their doctor.

The optimistic type

A study published in 2010 in Clinical Practice & Epidemiology in Mental Health concluded 15 years of tracking the health of 500 men; according to it, the chances of optimistic people dying from heart-related health events are 50 percent lower than that of pessimists.

In principle, optimists enjoy a high quality of life and may be considered “more resilient” in coping with stress and life challenges. If they encounter a problem, they are able to cope with it better and therefore suffer less from symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. In contrast, the “glass half empty” types tend to be depressed and anxious.

The researchers note, of course, that optimism should also be proportionate, as optimists can sometimes think of themselves as invincible.

The self-healer type

The self-healing personality as Howard Friedman, a professor of psychology at the University of California, calls it, is expressed by people who are curious, strong, attentive, and conscientious. These characteristics are expressed in the joy of life, emotional balance, and strong social ties. These positive emotions prevent hormonal responses of stress and encourage the adoption of healthy behavior patterns, such as adherence to consistent physical activity, proper nutrition, and avoidance of cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol.

To conclude

Even if you can’t unequivocally identify your personality type, you can probably identify a tendency. Ask yourself how your temperament affects your health condition – if it contributes to it, or on the contrary if it detracts from it. If you find that your health is suffering because of your personality it’s time to take matters into your hands and take care of yourself!

Source: Internet & Others

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.