6 health impacts of not drinking enough water

6 health impacts of not drinking enough water

Water is crucial for survival. Since 60% of the human body is made of this compound, many cognitive, cardiovascular, and metabolic activities depend on its intake for daily functioning. According to experts, adults must drink at least eight glasses of water daily to remain hydrated. This intake value will vary slightly depending on factors like a person’s body mass, age, and gender. However, not drinking enough water can lead to various side effects. Skin problems Drinking water has many skin benefits as the water molecules hydrate and moisturize the skin cells. Reducing intake causes the skin to dry out, lose its natural elasticity, and develop fine lines or wrinkles as collagen cracks due to dehydration. Cognitive impairment Water helps maintain the necessary sodium and glucose balance, among other essential electrolytes responsible for cognitive function. In fact, 73% of the brain is made up of water, so reducing its intake can result in confusion, brain fog, and memory problems. Increased food intake Sometimes, people mistake thirst for hunger and eat more foods to curb these hunger pangs. However, a glass of water can easily satiate such cravings. One can have a small snack if one still feels hungry after drinking water.
Read More
Implications of opting out of vaccination

Implications of opting out of vaccination

Immunization can be an important part of health, especially in our globalizing world, where one is exposed to many risks in the form of infections. Records for these risks are maintained by the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and according to them vaccinations can help protect one from many of these diseases. Delaying or not choosing to vaccinate or be vaccinated could have some health and social implications. Here are the most common ones: Pregnancy complications Unvaccinated pregnant women may be at a higher risk of contracting infections or diseases and passing them on to their child. For instance, a woman who contracts rubella during the first trimester of pregnancy is at risk of transmitting congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) to her baby. CRS can cause heart defects, developmental delays, and even deafness. Potential risk to others Those who choose not to get vaccinated or not vaccinate their children against vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) also pose a health risk to others, especially those with compromised immune systems from cancer or auto-immune diseases. Social isolation Skipping vaccinations, especially for children, can also result in social exclusion. If an unvaccinated child is sick or dealing with a disease, they may need to be isolated from others and sometimes even the family.
Read More
5 mistakes that can worsen chronic pain

5 mistakes that can worsen chronic pain

Aches and pains can be tough to manage. An individual can experience many kinds of pain, including burning sensations, dullness, and even phantom emotions. It makes you feel irritable and indifferent. Managing discomfort becomes difficult when we are oblivious to our mistakes. It gets even more challenging when we do not improve it or bring a change in our lifestyle. Here’s how some behaviors and actions can lead to the worsening of chronic pain. Not consulting a doctor Ignorance is one of the leading causes of persistent aches and pains. Many people in pain put off seeing a doctor for months, hoping it will disappear. However, if you have pain or discomfort that lasts more than four days, you should consult a doctor instead of opting for self-treatment methods. Not considering alternative therapies If you are hesitant or are experiencing adverse effects, you may want to try alternative approaches to pain treatment. For example, acupuncture has been known as a natural treatment for sciatica, lower chronic pain, and osteoarthritis pain. Yoga and herbal remedies have also helped millions of people who suffer from pain. Unwilling to exercise Exercise can alleviate all types of suffering. A few exercises can assist in lubricating and strengthening your joints.
Read More
6 health impacts of not drinking enough water

6 health impacts of not drinking enough water

Water is crucial for survival. Since 60% of the human body is made of this compound, many cognitive, cardiovascular, and metabolic activities depend on its intake for daily functioning. According to experts, adults must drink at least eight glasses of water daily to remain hydrated. This intake value will vary slightly depending on factors like a person’s body mass, age, and gender. However, not drinking enough water can lead to various side effects. Skin problems Drinking water has many skin benefits as the water molecules hydrate and moisturize the skin cells. Reducing intake causes the skin to dry out, lose its natural elasticity, and develop fine lines or wrinkles as collagen cracks due to dehydration. Cognitive impairment Water helps maintain the necessary sodium and glucose balance, among other essential electrolytes responsible for cognitive function. In fact, 73% of the brain is made up of water, so reducing its intake can result in confusion, brain fog, and memory problems. Increased food intake Sometimes, people mistake thirst for hunger and eat more foods to curb these hunger pangs. However, a glass of water can easily satiate such cravings. One can have a small snack if one still feels hungry after drinking water.
Read More
5 uncomfortable truths about eczema

5 uncomfortable truths about eczema

Eczema is a health condition in which the skin gets extremely dry, leading to itchy patches. A disciplined lifestyle can help manage the symptoms, but since this is a chronic disease, it can get increasingly uncomfortable and overwhelming. Therefore, loved ones should provide those with eczema a safe space to share their troubles and educate others on the subject. Here are some facts about eczema to create more awareness and empathy. Eczema is not “just a rash” Unlike what most people falsely assume, eczema is more than just a rash. It is a chronic condition that needs extreme care and attention to be managed on a daily basis. This involves staying away from environmental triggers, soaps, shampoos, and any product that may lead to unprecedented flare-ups. Even food choices need a lot of screening. Itchy skin can cause insomnia Eczema flare-ups can also occur during the night. When that happens, it gets incredibly uncomfortable for patients to sleep due to itchy skin. This sleep disruption affects anywhere between 33% to 87.1% of adults and close to 83% of children with the condition. A lack of sleep, in turn, causes other complications like stress and irritability. Poor hygiene is not the cause Eczema is an auto-immune disease and does not occur due to poor hygiene.
Read More
4 easy hacks to cope with a heavy flow

4 easy hacks to cope with a heavy flow

Heavy periods are called menorrhagia in medical terms. Many menstruators often experience heavy periods in certain months of their menstruation cycle. It is quite normal to have heavy flow once in a while. Despite being infrequent, heavy flow can cause discomfort and inconvenience. It can disrupt carrying on routine everyday activities. However, there are ways to deal with heavy periods. Here are a few simple hacks to cope with a heavy flow. Keep sanitary products everywhere One of the ways to make it easier to cope with a heavy flow is stocking up on sanitary products. Ensure to buy the bigger sizes so that there is never any chance of running out. From sanitary napkins to tampons and menstrual cups, make sure there is enough backup for everything. Keep these in all the handbags that are used on a regular and not-so-regular basis. Ensure to keep extra supplies in the drawers at home and work, the bathroom, the bedroom, and every single bag. Wear period underwear Period underwears are an essential element that many are not aware of when it comes to dealing with a heavy flow of the menstruation cycle. Period underwear can come in handy for those struggling to wear extra-large menstruation pads.
Read More
Causes and warning signs of prolonged headaches

Causes and warning signs of prolonged headaches

Headaches are common and unavoidable. Many people might have experienced this painful sensation at some point in life. Headaches can vary in intensity; sometimes, they are more severe than usual, and otherwise, they will be mild. There are times when headaches last longer than the usual bouts of pain. If it happens, it indicates an underlying health concern necessitating treatment. Read further to learn about the common trigger factors of such long-lasting headaches. Migraine Migraines are headaches lasting anywhere from a few hours to a few days. People can experience migraine due to various trigger factors, including stress, lack of quality sleep, unhealthy nutritional habits, and hormonal changes. Common symptoms of migraines include light and sound sensitivity, visual disturbances, and nausea. Tension headaches Tension headaches are one of the most common types of headaches. These are usually caused by poor posture, tension in the shoulders and neck, and stress. Tension headaches can last for a few hours or sometimes even for days. Cluster headaches Custer headache is characterized by severe pain experienced on one side of the head. A rare form of headache, it is usually accompanied by symptoms such as watery eyes and nasal congestion and can last for a few weeks or even up to a few months.
Read More
8 alternatives to using tampons

8 alternatives to using tampons

For decades, tampons have been the go-to solution for menstrual hygiene for women all over the world. But traditional tampons and pads create a significant amount of waste and can be uncomfortable for many women. With increasing concerns about the environmental impact of disposable menstrual products and health issues associated with tampon usage, many women are now looking for sustainable, eco-friendly, and easier alternatives. Here are 8 best alternatives to tampons that one can consider. Menstrual cups Menstrual cups are a popular alternative to tampons. They are small, flexible, and made of medical-grade silicone or latex. Menstrual cups can be worn for up to 12 hours and can be reused for up to ten years, making them a cost-effective and eco-friendly option. Period underwear Period underwear or pants is designed to absorb menstrual blood and can be worn alone or as a backup to other menstrual products. These underwear come in a variety of styles and absorbency levels, making them a versatile option for women. Reusable pads Reusable pads are a soft, comfortable, and an environmentally-friendly alternative to the traditional disposable pads. They can be washed and reused multiple times. Made from a variety of materials like cotton fleece, polyester, micro-fiber bamboo and other absorbent fabrics, reusable pads come in a variety of sizes.
Read More
6 questions to ask your doctor during a routine check-up

6 questions to ask your doctor during a routine check-up

You could look on the internet for a range of content on healthy foods, remedies, exercises, and other lifestyle tips. However, the human body is susceptible to several complications, irrespective of an individual’s health status. Therefore, going for health checks on regular occasions is essential in detecting and preventing any unforeseen diseases. During the routine check, you could also ask for clarification about these six factors to better understand your health. Genetic complications One of the first things to ask your doctors is if you are susceptible to genetic complications, including cancer. Such developments may require a more detailed diagnosis followed by the respective treatment. Future appointment You could ask the healthcare expert about the next appointment during a routine check. Usually, a doctor will consider multiple factors, such as the patient’s general health, health history, and lab results, before scheduling the next visit. So you might need to return in a few months or maybe even after a year. However, you should also set up a checkup in between if you notice any unusual health developments. Costs Each test and its respective treatment will cost a certain amount of money. Therefore, it is advisable to be mindful of the cost of these healthcare services before starting them.
Read More
6 early signs of autism in children

6 early signs of autism in children

Autism spectrum disorder is a progressive condition that affects a child’s communication and interaction skills at a young age. Several of its known signs appear in the first 12 to 18 months of age, affecting skills required to develop a keen sense of interest. Over time, autism impacts the child’s communication, behavior, and daily routine. Parents should consult a health professional if they notice the following early signs of autism in their children. Speech-related issues One of the early signs of autism is trouble with speech. A child with autism may develop unusual speech patterns, respond in a monotonous voice, or even stop responding to conversation. Repetition of words or phrases is also indicative of such speech impairment. Changes in behavior Developing an unusual temper, throwing tantrums, and even being unable to adapt to the smallest of changes in daily routine are early signs of autism in children. Some kids dealing with autism may even resort to self-harm by banging their heads, arms, or legs on surfaces to indicate distress. Unusual movements Autism also affects cognitive functioning, which controls motor skills. Those affected might start going around in circles, rock back and forth rapidly, or flap their hands and feet.
Read More