Heart disease refers to various health conditions that affect one’s cardiovascular health. Heart diseases can lead to life-threatening complications; therefore, timely treatment is important in managing them. Various factors ranging from age, gender, and family history can contribute to developing heart diseases. However, one can take several measures to prevent the risk of developing heart disease and remain healthy. Here are some lifestyle changes that help protect one’s heart health. 1- Know your risk  Before incorporating any significant changes to one’s lifestyle, it is important to determine one’s risk of developing heart disease. Knowing your risk levels can help you and your healthcare provider decide the best prevention and treatment plan. Some factors contributing to heart disease include- Age-  Men above 45 and women above 55 are at a higher risk of developing heart conditions. Gender-  Heart disease affects men and women differently. While estrogen can help protect women against heart disease, diabetes raises its risk more in women than men. Family history-  People with an immediate family history of cardiovascular diseases are at an increased risk of getting the condition. 2- Control blood pressure  High blood pressure levels are a significant risk factor for heart disease among many adults.

Cancer is the uncontrolled mutation of cells in the body. It can develop in most of the organs that govern metabolic, reproductive, digestive, and cognitive functions of the body. Most types of this progressive disorder cannot be cured. But early diagnosis, changes in daily nutrition, treatment, and lifestyle factors can positively help improve one’s outlook. It therefore becomes important to identify and avoid the following risk factors associated with common types of cancer. Aging and family history Increasing age is one of the risk factors for chronic complications. As adults get older, the body’s ability to defend and ward off diseases declines. Research indicates that most new cases of cancer have been prevalent in age groups of 65 and above. Breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer are among the major risks at this age. Furthermore, family members who are directly related can pass on certain genetic mutations that trigger cancer during old age. Exposure to toxins Exposure, be it direct or second hand, to toxins in the atmosphere and environment is also one of the major risk factors. Toxins and pollutants force the genetic composition of a person to change and trigger an unexpected mutation. These pollutants are often referred to as carcinogens, and are commonly found in the air, water, and even certain foods.

The circulatory system is responsible for transporting nutrients, blood, and oxygen to different body parts. This system majorly comprises the arteries, nerves, and the lymphatic system. Sometimes, plaque build-up, blood clots, and narrowed blood vessels affect the circulatory system’s functioning. In such cases, blood flow is affected, which can prove fatal. The following are the top ten warning signs of poor blood circulation that demand a timely visit to a healthcare professional. Numbness and tingling in the extremities Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet are among the most common signs of poor circulation. As a result of the restricted or inadequate blood flow, people often feel like they are losing sensation in their hands and legs or develop a prickling feeling. These discomforts may also result from a vitamin B12 deficiency or pernicious anemia, which can cause nerve damage and impair the supply of oxygen in the body. If ignored, these symptoms can lead to peripheral neuropathy over time. Cold hands and feet Improper circulation can result in temperature fluctuations in the nerve endings in the hands and feet, making them feel cold to the touch. Cold hands and feet may also be a warning sign of Raynaud’s syndrome, which causes the smaller arteries to become narrower and restricts blood flow.

For individuals aged 65 and above and for those living with certain debilitative health conditions, Medicare is the ultimate lifesaver for health-related expense coverage. While Medicare Parts A, B, or Medicare Advantage cover several expenses, there are certain elements that fall out of their scope. Therefore, if seniors spend their money on the healthcare operations mentioned below, they will need alternative providers to cover them. Here are some things Medicare does not include in the plans: Hearing aids Original Medicare, the first half of the federal healthcare scheme, does not cover hearing exams or hearing aids. While Medicare Advantage, the other half, generally offers partial coverage for the same, buying additional insurance from a private provider is beneficial to offset the complete costs of a hearing examination, treatment, or the purchase of hearing aids from one’s local dispensary. This applies even to treating auditory issues such as tinnitus, a disorder in which individuals feel a constant ringing sensation in their ears, which is not covered by either Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage. Overseas healthcare A common and truly wallet-shattering mistake that people with Medicare coverage make is assuming that their card covers the healthcare costs incurred in foreign lands. Here’s the key fact:

Most people know about cancer, but only a few understand the condition. Today, there are various types of cancers and their associated causes. While genetics can play a huge role in the development of the disease, about 80% to 90% of the cases have been related to external factors. This can include lifestyle factors such as food. Keep reading this article to know more about the foods that can contribute to cancer risk. Top 10 foods that can contribute to cancer risk On the one hand, some foods can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, which has long been associated with cancer. While others can contain carcinogens – harmful substances that can cause cancer. Chips Typically chips made from potatoes have high starch content. Further, when these thin potato slices are cooked at high temperatures, it forms a compound known as acrylamide. This means baking, roasting, frying, or even toasting such starchy foods can increase the risk of cancer. Besides that, according to a study done in 2020, acrylamide can potentially damage DNA and stimulate cell death. Hence healthcare professionals suggest staying clear of these foods and opting for snack alternatives like freshly picked grapefruits. Breakfast cereals Generally, most breakfast cereals contain high amounts of added sugar.

You go to the washroom several times a day, be it for just relieving yourself or taking a shower. It’s a habit that subconsciously forms so often that you neglect to pay attention to what you do inside while using the facilities. Even something as simple as not properly washing your hands increases the risk of health complications. And this is just one example of the many bad bathroom habits that affect overall health. Here are ten such instances to change for good. Skipping washing your hands Washing your hands is one of the most basic etiquette rules after going to the bathroom. Know that the door handles and toilet surfaces get covered with invisible bacteria and germs with repeated use of the facilities. Touching anything inside the washroom transfers millions of these bacteria onto the hands. And not properly washing your hands causes these microbes to transfer onto other surfaces, thus spreading the infection. Therefore, it is necessary to use liquid soap to cleanse thoroughly before exiting. Using dirty linen It is also important to practice good linen hygiene. Hand towels, face napkins, and even bath towels should be washed and replaced regularly, as these daily-use linens collect debris from the skin.

Everyone wants to achieve flawless, glowing skin. With so much information on skincare floating around in magazines, old lore, and online, it can be difficult to determine what’s genuine. While some tips may help you improve your skin texture and reduce signs of aging, others may end up causing damage and making you appear older than you are. So, avoid making these 11 skincare mistakes as they can lead to premature aging. Over-cleansing your face Although washing the face is an important part of your daily routine, doing it too often can strip your face of essential oils and dehydrate it. Further, this could rupture the lipid barrier and make the skin more susceptible to infections. For optimal results, it is advisable to wash your face two times a day using a gentle cleanser and following this up with a quality moisturizer. Not drinking enough water Staying hydrated is an important aspect of making your skin appear soft, supple, and healthy. Dehydration can cause the skin to lose its elasticity, making wrinkles appear sooner. So, aim to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water daily to maintain skin as well as overall health. Not using sunscreen The sun rays are one of the most powerful sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Taking care of one’s overall health can ensure a wholesome life. However, various factors, such as age and genetics, can possibly trigger health complications, affecting one’s quality of life. Psoriasis is one such skin condition that causes a rash with scaly, itchy patches commonly noticed on the elbows, knees, trunk, and scalp. While there are treatments to manage psoriasis, one can also try these daily habits to reduce flare-ups. Shower daily One of the leading causes of psoriasis flare-ups is the lack of proper daily hygiene. Therefore, one needs to follow habits such as taking daily baths to keep the symptoms of the skin condition at bay. In the shower, they must gently wash rather than scrub their skin. One must also use lukewarm water and mild soaps with added oils or fats to ensure skin nourishment. Other ways to manage psoriasis during a bath include soaking the skin in bathwater enriched with Epsom salts or oatmeal. Moisturize the skin Psoriasis can flare up when the skin is dry. So an individual with the condition should apply moisturizer regularly to keep their skin moist. They must do this, especially after bathing, by gently pat drying the skin and applying the product while the skin is still moist.

With a significant rise in cancer cases globally, it helps to take essential preventive measures. Many individuals might be unaware of this fact, but harmful chemicals can be present in common household products, such as cleaning products, makeup products, and so on. Knowing which ones can help you make conscious choices and select safer alternatives to carcinogenic items. Thus, here’s what you need to know to make your home environment healthier and safer for everyone. Know what are carcinogens A carcinogen can be a substance, an organism, or even a chemical agent that has the potential to cause cancer. These can be naturally occurring, such as the sun’s ultraviolet light and some types of viruses. Also, carcinogens are mostly human-generated, such as exhaust fumes, chemicals, and radiation. Some of these carcinogenic substances are often present in your everyday household items like air fresheners, cleaning agents, pesticides, and cosmetics too. Long-term exposure to these carcinogens can increase the risk of cancer. This happens because the carcinogenic substances may interact with the DNA of cells in your body. They damage the DNA through mutations and cause disruption in the normal growth of the cells, leading to the formation of cancerous cells and tumors.

Schizophrenia is a progressive psychiatric disorder that has no cure. It affects a person’s ability to process information, manage thoughts, and influence behavior. As a result, one struggles with many symptoms that affect the quality of life, ranging from physical discomfort to emotional distress. The disorder affects children and adults of all ages and progresses rapidly. Therefore, it is important to understand the first signs of schizophrenia and seek professional assistance from a specialist for treatment. Signs and symptoms Schizophrenia can develop either early in childhood or later in life. Here are some of the earliest signs that are indicative of the disorder: Delay in development Children develop motor skills, speech or language skills, and emotional skills in early childhood. However, children showing signs of schizophrenia will struggle with these developmental problems and withdraw themselves from social confrontations. The inability to learn these basic social skills also impacts their mental well-being and triggers anxiety or depression at an early age. Neglect in personal hygiene Schizophrenia causes behavioral changes that affect one’s personality. These changes are evident if the person has already experienced a psychotic episode or might have one in the future. In the initial stages, patients with schizophrenia stop caring about their appearance or personal hygiene.