Foods and allergens to avoid for managing seizures

Foods and allergens to avoid for managing seizures

People with specific underlying health conditions experience seizures when there are disturbances in the electrical activity of their brains. Some indicators of a seizure are shaking, twitching, confusion, random pain, blank stares, changes in heart rate and breathing, stiffness throughout the body, repeated or automatic movements, abrupt changes in sensations, and persistent depression and anxiety. One can manage their seizures and even reduce their occurrence by avoiding some of the following foods and allergens: Coffee Caffeine is a common element in energy drinks, coffee, tea, and various beverages. People usually consume caffeine to keep themselves awake and going throughout the day. Caffeine is a stimulant, and it can also trigger seizures in some individuals. This is why doctors advise someone with epilepsy or other seizure-related health conditions to consume moderate to zero amounts of tea or coffee in a day. Salt Salt is made up of sodium, an element that is not healthy for one’s body. An accumulation of sodium in one’s blood causes the water in the cells to transfer into the blood. If this happens frequently, then a person’s blood gets diluted. A build-up of fluids within a person’s blood can trigger seizures. The fluid shift and build-up of water in a person’s blood can also lead to issues like lung disorders, coma, and even death.
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Huntington’s disease – 5 stages and their symptoms

Huntington’s disease – 5 stages and their symptoms

Huntington’s disease is a disorder in which the nerve cells of the brain progressively degenerate. Usually, individuals inherit this disorder. Huntington’s disease hampers individuals’ ability to think, move, and react to their environment. When one develops this disorder, its progress cannot be stopped. While there is no definitive cure for this disorder, knowing certain details, like its stages and symptoms, can help improve a patient’s quality of life. Here’s what one needs to know: Huntington’s disease stages and symptoms Here are the five stages and symptoms of Huntington’s disease: 1. Stage 1 (preclinical) In this stage, patients show mild symptoms that indicate that their mental state may be affected. Signs such as anxiety, poor coordination, unusual irritability, perpetual anxiety, difficulty learning new things, and decision-making challenges are common in this stage. Usually, these symptoms go unnoticed; however, those experiencing them must undergo screening or biological tests for an accurate diagnosis. 2. Stage 2 (early) The symptoms seen in the first stage become progressively more pronounced. Some of the additional symptoms of this stage are involuntary twitching in the toes, fingers, and face, extreme difficulty in concentrating, problems making complicated movements, severe depression, and loss of inhibition. It takes multiple years for people to pass from this stage to the next, but they will still be able to do things like driving, bathing, and eating on their own.
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5 things that are not included in Medicare coverage

5 things that are not included in Medicare coverage

Medicare, or federal health insurance, is one of the most essential aspects of healthcare for those who are 65 or older and for those who live with certain health complications. Those enrolled in Medicare A, B, or Medicare Advantage are eligible for certain health benefits that help them save and cover various expenses. However, some things might not fall under the scope of coverage. Here are five things that are not included in a Medicare plan: 1. Overseas care Medicare Advantage and original Medicare offer virtually no coverage for healthcare costs incurred outside the country. Some Medigap policies may cover specific overseas health-related costs. Someone who travels often should consider travel insurance policies for basic healthcare coverage. 2. Opticians and eye exams Original Medicare covers ophthalmologic expenses such as cataract surgery but does not cover routine eye exams, contact lenses, or glasses. Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover routine vision care and glasses. People could buy vision insurance policies for a few hundred dollars a year to help cover the cost of glasses or contact lenses. 3. Hearing aids While Medicare covers ear-related health conditions, the original Medicare and Medigap plans do not pay for routine hearing tests or hearing aids.
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5 high-risk public places for respiratory viruses

5 high-risk public places for respiratory viruses

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

6 silent warning signs of skin cancer

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

3 mistakes new hearing aid users should avoid

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

5 low-sugar foods that are good for diabetes

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

Essential Vitamins for Preventing Hair Loss

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

7 Foods for Healthy Hair

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

3 crucial tips for managing dementia

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