6 Ways Weather Can Trigger Breathing Problems
Health

6 Ways Weather Can Trigger Breathing Problems

A person’s breathing can easily be affected by changes in the weather. From the hot, dry climate of a desert to the moist, humid atmosphere of coastal regions, changes in weather bring about challenges for people with existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The type and quality of air we take in can significantly affect our breathing. For example, at high altitudes (over 8000 feet), lower air pressure causes our lungs to take in more air than usual, leading to an increased need for oxygen intake. Here are six ways the weather can impact our breathing and exacerbate breathing issues 1. Dry air and low humidity When the air is dry, the humidity is low. According to doctors, asthma symptoms, particularly asthma attacks, can be triggered by cold, dry air. This is because low humidity causes the fluid in the bronchial tubes to evaporate, often irritating the airways. Additionally, we are more prone to dehydration when the air is dry and low in humidity, so make sure to always drink enough water 2. Sudden changes in barometric pressure This is also referred to as astronomical wind. An increase in barometric pressure (lower than usual) causes air to be pulled into the lungs.
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A List of the 7 Worst Skincare Ingredients for Eczema
Health

A List of the 7 Worst Skincare Ingredients for Eczema

Eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition that causes the body’s immune system to overreact and attack the skin. It results in inflamed, itchy, and sometimes bleeding patches of skin. It is not contagious but can be tricky to deal with. The most common areas affected are areas of skin that rub against clothing or other surfaces. The most common triggers for eczema are soap and other personal hygiene products, harsh chemicals, stress, sweating, and tight clothing. To help, we’ve prepared a list of seven common skincare ingredients to avoid with eczema: 1. Ethanol It is a volatile liquid that is colorless, flammable and has a strong alcoholic odor with an overall intoxicating effect. Ethanol can cause allergic reactions that can result in severe allergies. Also, it can dry out the skin and cause irritation, which can lead to swelling and redness. 2. Retinoids There are concerns regarding whether topical retinoids can lead to permanent changes in skin pigmentation or cause other side effects when used over long periods. Your body sees them as foreign invaders and attacks them with an inflammatory response. The result is dry, irritated skin and redness. 3. Cocamidopropyl betaine Cocamidopropyl betaine is a type of surfactant that is used in skincare.
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The Most Effective Natural and Medicated Treatments for Dry Eyes
Health

The Most Effective Natural and Medicated Treatments for Dry Eyes

Battling the discomfort of dry eyes is a challenge that many people face globally. Many turn to prescription remedies such as Restasis and Xiidra for relief, or they seek comfort in high-quality contact lenses like Dailies Total 1, Acuvue OASYS, Bausch & Lomb ULTRA, or Alcon Air Optix Aqua Multifocal. However, these are not the only paths to relief from dry eyes. In fact, there are plenty of home remedies available. Here are 10 DIY remedies that can help bring you some much-needed comfort: 1. Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into your diet Omega-3 fatty acids are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help mitigate dry eye symptoms. Incorporate more fish, flaxseeds, or chia seeds into your diet. Supplements are also a viable option. 2. Do blink exercises The digital era has reduced our natural blinking rate, leading to dry eyes. Regular blink exercises can help to counteract this. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: for every 20 minutes you spend looking at a screen, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds and blink 20 times. 3. Use a humidifier The humidity level in your environment can have a significant impact on your eyes. Using a humidifier can help maintain moisture in the air, which can reduce eye dryness.
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5 Simple Techniques To Improve Shortness of Breath
Health

5 Simple Techniques To Improve Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath, medically termed as dyspnea, is an unsettling condition where one struggles to breathe fully or comfortably. This common symptom is associated with a myriad of health issues, ranging from mild anxiety to severe cardiac and respiratory diseases. Understanding the exact cause of shortness of breath can be a pivotal step towards finding an effective solution or remedy. Some common causes include cardiovascular disease, particularly heart failure and coronary artery disease, as these conditions limit the heart’s capacity to pump blood and lead to reduced oxygen supply to the body’s tissues. Additionally, and least surprisingly, respiratory disorders like asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and pulmonary fibrosis can lead to breathlessness as a result of impaired lung function and reduced air flow. As mentioned, anxiety, panic attacks, and other forms of emotional distress often lead to rapid breathing, creating a sense of breathlessness. Anemia, or low iron, caused by a deficiency in red blood cells can lead to inadequate oxygen transport, manifesting as shortness of breath. Lastly, obesity can exert pressure on the lungs and heart, making breathing more laborious and causing a shortness in breath. Be sure to consult a healthcare professional to understand the cause and identify the best course of action for you, but consider these 5 simple treatment techniques that may help improve shortness of breath or offer temporary relief:
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9 Warning Signs of Anemia
Health

9 Warning Signs of Anemia

Anemia is a condition where the body is not producing enough red blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells which carry oxygen to the organs from the lungs. This can cause many health issues, and because of the different variations of anemia, Anemia Symptoms can be mild or even fatal. Knowing Anemia Warning Signs can be extremely helpful in prevention and treatment options. Here are the most common signs you should look out for: 1. Shortness of breath One of the early indicators of anemia is a sudden and unexplained shortness of breath. When your body lacks sufficient red blood cells, oxygen delivery to tissues becomes compromised, causing you to feel breathless even with minimal exertion. If you find yourself gasping for air more often than usual, it’s time to consult with a healthcare professional. 2. Unusual tiredness Feeling constantly fatigued despite getting adequate sleep may be a red flag for anemia. When there’s a shortage of red blood cells, your body has to work harder to perform everyday tasks, leaving you feeling unusually tired and lacking energy. If that 8-hour sleep isn’t enough to recharge your batteries, anemia could be a culprit. 3.
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5 Common Causes of Tinnitus
Health

5 Common Causes of Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the perception of sound with no external source—meaning other people cannot hear it. It commonly is described as a ringing sound, but some others experience a roaring or buzzing. With the condition being so common, approximately 10-25% of adults have it, there are some treatment options and hearing solutions, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, and tinnitus therapy that each can help reduce symptoms and improve hearing. Here are 5 common causes of tinnitus: 1. Noise exposure Most individuals are diagnosed with tinnitus after exposure to loud noise, whether that’s in the workplace, a concert, a sporting event, and so on. This condition is the most common service-related disability among veterans, due to the loud noise experienced from gunfire, machinery, bomb blasts, or other relative noises. 2. Hearing loss Hearing loss is often attributed to aging or exposure to loud noise, and it is strongly associated with tinnitus. However, it is possible that individuals with hearing loss will never experience tinnitus. 3. Medications It’s important to always read the side effects of medications, as tinnitus can even be caused by certain medications—especially if they’re taken at high doses. Common medications that are associated with tinnitus include non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (e.g.
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Common Mistakes To Avoid When Buying Life Insurance
Health

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Buying Life Insurance

Personal life insurance is a way to secure the financial future of your loved ones in the event of your unexpected passing. It helps to cover any financial obligations you leave behind, such as mortgages and loans, and it also provides support for family members. There are many different types of life insurance protection out there, so you will want to do your due diligence when selecting a policy. Here are five common mistakes to watch out for when seeking life insurance. 1. Not shopping around for the best rates Premium costs for life insurance vary from provider to provider, even for plans with similar coverage. Check out several different plans and insurance companies (i.e., AARP Life Insurance, First Horizon, etc.) before making your decision. Otherwise, you may find yourself needlessly overpaying every month for coverage that may not be the best match for your specific health or medical needs. 2. Being unprepared for your medical exam Many insurance companies require you to undergo a physical exam before buying life insurance. Just as with a usual physical, the doctor will check your weight and your blood pressure. But you may also be asked personal questions about your family health history, prescription usage, your activity over the course of the week, lifestyle habits (i.e., smoking), and even your driving record.
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How To Get Affordable Dental Implants Using Government Grants
Health

How To Get Affordable Dental Implants Using Government Grants

Getting dental implants can be a costly affair, but the good news is that there are ways to make them more affordable. One such way is through government grants. If you’re looking for affordable dental implants, grants for dental implants can be a lifesaver. This article will guide you through the steps to get those much-needed funds to improve your smile without breaking the bank. 1. Understand the basics of dental implants : Before diving into the world of grants, it’s crucial to understand what dental implants are and why they can be expensive. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, usually made of titanium, that provide a permanent base for fixed or removable replacement teeth. They are an excellent option for those who have lost teeth due to injury, periodontal disease, or other reasons. However, the cost can range from $3,000 to $5,000 per tooth, making it a significant investment. 2. Research available government grants : The first step in securing affordable dental implants through grants is to research the available options. Various government programs offer financial assistance for dental care, including implants. For instance, Medicaid may cover dental implants in some states, especially if deemed medically necessary. Additionally, programs like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) provide grants to healthcare organizations that offer dental services to underserved populations.
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Medicare Myths: 5 Things Not Covered by Medicare
Health

Medicare Myths: 5 Things Not Covered by Medicare

When you think of Medicare, you probably think of medical coverage for seniors. And while that is a critical aspect of Medicare, there are several different parts to the program. Each part covers different services, and some parts have gaps in coverage that you may not be aware of. Below, we look at what isn’t covered by Medicare and dispel some common myths about the program: 1. Routine dental exams and treatment Medicare coverage doesn’t include routine dental exams, cleanings, fillings, or extractions. There are a few exceptions, however. If you need dental care to have surgery that Medicare covers, then Medicare will also cover the necessary dental care. For example, Medicare will cover the extraction if you need a tooth extraction before heart surgery. Medicare will also cover dental care related to an injury, such as a jaw fracture. But for routine dental care, you’ll have to pay out of pocket or purchase an individual dental insurance plan. 2. Long term care Medicare coverage does not include long-term care, such as nursing home care. Also, Medicare will not pay for custodial care, which is the kind of care you need when you can no longer take care of yourself.
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5 Common Symptoms of Narcolepsy
Health

5 Common Symptoms of Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is characterized as a type of neurological disorder that impacts the area of the brain responsible for wakefulness and sleep control. Narcolepsy occurs in intermittent, uncontrollable “sleep attacks”, which cause extreme fatigue and even cause the narcoleptic to suddenly fall asleep throughout a day, regardless of time or activity level. For instance, a narcoleptic could suffer a sleep attack during a morning work presentation or when driving home from work. Most narcoleptics remain undiagnosed and untreated. However, diagnosis almost always follows up with a prescription for Sunosi, Xyrem, or Provigil to help manage the production of wake and sleep chemicals (chemical hypocretin deficiency). REM sleep can be greatly disturbed and negatively impacted. To be diagnosed as narcoleptic, one of the following warning signs of narcolepsy, ranging from mild to severe, must be present. Only a small portion (less than a third of patients) of narcoleptics have all of the five following symptoms: 1. Cataplexy Cataplexy is described by medical professionals as muscle weakness experienced during wakeful periods. Cataplexy can strike the entire body or specific muscle areas, causing weakness in the knees, sudden loss of grasping so you drop whatever you’re holding, or even entire loss of muscle control that affects the entire body, causing the patient to fall down.
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