High rates of air pollution are a fact of city life that people have grown accustomed to living with. But they harm the health of city dwellers in many different ways. Research shows that there are higher rates of allergies and asthma in city dwellers and those that live close to highways. Air pollutants are proven to be hazardous to overall health and are known triggers of respiratory allergies. However, research has proven that they also trigger eczema and allergies. This is not surprising when we consider that eczema is caused by the inability of the skin to protect itself from irritants. When such compromised skin is exposed to city pollutants that trigger eczema and allergies, it is bound to make the condition worse. The main mechanism by which city pollutants that trigger eczema and allergies harm the skin is by causing oxidative stress. In addition, they also cause a host of problems such as premature aging, acne, psoriasis, and cancer. These pollutants also have an immunomodulatory effect that makes the body more susceptible to allergies. Scientists have proven a correlation between city pollutants that trigger eczema and allergies and elevated levels of total serum IgE, which is an allergy antibody that is produced as part of an allergic reaction in the people exposed to them.

Does your arthritis pain keep you awake at night and stop you from enjoying a normal life? If so, you need to follow some key dietary tips for arthritis that’ll help ease your symptoms. A combination of smart dieting, cutting down on calorie-rich foods, and exercises can help you sail through your life even if you’ve been diagnosed with this condition. You will also be able to avoid obesity. While there may be no special diet for people who have arthritis, you can keep your weight in check by following some simple dietary guidelines. 1. More veggies and fruits First, you must add more and more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to your diet to up your intake of complex carbs. Citrus fruits, for instance, like grapefruits, lime, or orange, are loaded with vitamin C, and this helps to prevent inflammatory arthritis, boosting healthy joints in the process. 2. Omega-3 fatty acids Foods that are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids help fight inflammation related to arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis. Besides, these are also heart-healthy foods and have no known side-effects. Examples of omega-3 rich foods are oily fish like salmon or sardine, canola, walnuts, linseed and flaxseed oil, and fish oil supplements.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a condition where the immune system attacks the central nervous system. It results in nerves losing the ability to send signals, causing symptoms like weakness, trembling, and other symptoms. It is believed that elements like lack of good gut bacteria, deficiencies of vitamins, and lack of nutrients are some of the reasons behind this disease. A good diet can help in managing the symptoms of MS better. There are certain foods that help improve immunity that should be a part of the diet. Other foods that worsen the symptoms of MS should be avoided. Read on to know more. Foods To eat One of the key dietary tips for multiple sclerosis is to include healthy and nutritious foods. Some of the foods to eat for MS are mentioned below. 1. Probiotics and prebiotics Probiotics are foods containing good bacteria that promote digestion. Healthy digestion is beneficial for good health. Good bacteria ensure that pathogens are kept under control, preventing infections. Good bacteria also boosts immunity. Probiotics that contain good bacteria like yogurt, tempeh, kefir, and sauerkraut must be a part of the diet. Prebiotics help nourish gut bacteria. Foods containing prebiotics like asparagus, leeks, artichokes, garlic, and onions must be a part of the diet.

Loud and regular snoring can indicate that your breathing pauses when you sleep; this may be because of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is nothing but a sleep disorder marked by repeated disturbances in breathing while a person is sleeping. These interruptions are termed apneas, and they happen because the soft tissue inside the airways collapse and stop the oxygen from entering the lungs. Usually, sleep apnea develops in people who are significantly overweight. The fat that grows around the neck starts to create breathing issues, and this is why following dietary tips for sleep apnea may help. For instance, it becomes easier to fight sleep apnea when you can keep yourself away from processed foods, red meats, alcohol, sugar, etc., and stick to a plant-based diet. 1. Melatonin-rich foods Foods that are rich in melatonin have been recommended for patients with sleep apnea problems. Melatonin is the hormone telling our bodies that it must sleep now. But melatonin levels tend to come down when you grow older, and this is why older adults are prescribed melatonin supplements. So, one of the vital dietary tips for sleep apnea is including fruits like grapes, pomegranates, and cherries, vegetables like tomatoes, olives, asparagus, broccoli, cucumber, and grains like oats, barley, and rice, and nuts and seeds like peanuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, flaxseed, and mustard seeds in meals.

Knowing the early warning signs of spinal muscular atrophy or SMA can help you get treatment in time for your child. This condition primarily affects children and infants when they find it hard to move their muscles. If your child has been diagnosed with SMA, it implies that the nerve cells in his spinal cord and brain have broken down and this causes the brain to stop sending messages to muscles to make movements. As a result, muscles become weak and shrink and kids have difficulty sitting without assistance, moving their heads, or walking. Early warning signs of different types of SMA You will see that SMA can be of different types and the extent of its severity will depend on the type. While there is no known cure for this condition, identifying the early warning signs of spinal muscular atrophy will help you get proper treatment on time so that your child’s lifespan can be extended. Every child or grownup with this condition is likely to have a distinct experience and no patient with SMA has limited intelligence. So, even with the condition, they can socialize and make friends. The most commonly seen symptoms are: Limited mobility Muscle weakness Breathing difficulty Problems while eating or swallowing food Delayed motor skills Spinal curvature Spontaneous tongue movements Symptoms according to the types of SMA 1.

Staying hydrated is a daily necessity for your body. Health experts say that drinking between a half and a full ounce of water per pound of body weight maximizes physical performance if consumed regularly. This amount of daily water delivery will increase your energy levels and brain function and keep you full before and after meals. If you are someone who prefers carbonation, a SodaStream will quench your thirst with a glass of sparkling water! When is it ideal to drink water throughout the day: 1. Before each meal Consuming water prior to each meal will help you maintain your weight. Experts say that drinking one glass of water before you eat will result in you eating fewer calories due to your stomach already being full. 2. Before and during exercise Drinking water before and during a workout will keep your body’s core temperature cool. When you exercise, your internal temperature rises and can reduce your endurance and strength training optimization. It can also help you feel less sore after an intense training session. 3. After your workout If you are someone who exercises, drinking water after a session is important to make up for the fluids you lose from sweating while working out.

Tinnitus is a problem that is common in older adults that results in a ringing noise in one or both of your ears. The ringing sound isn’t caused by any external source and is instead an internal sound that others can’t hear. Tinnitus affects around 15% to 20% of people so it is a relatively common issue. If you suspect you have tinnitus you should get a hearing test to determine if hearing aids could benefit you. Here are the six causes of tinnitus: 1. Ear infection or ear canal blockage When you have an ear infection there is a buildup of fluid in the ear causing a blockage. Other types of blockage can occur when earwax, dirt, or other foreign materials buildup in your ear. Blockages can affect the pressure in your ear which is known to cause tinnitus. Typically, once the infection is cleared or the blockage is removed the pressure in your ear will return to normal and the tinnitus will go away. 2. Head or neck injuries The most common type of head or neck injury to cause tinnitus is whiplash. Whiplash is an injury that is caused by the rapid jerking of the head you experience whenever you’re thrown forwards, backwards, or sideways such as in a crash, a fall, or a jolt to the head by a heavy object that results in an injury that damages your nerves, intervertebral cartilage, and ligaments.

Medicare can be great for hospital insurance and medical insurance for many people over the age of 65 and under the age of 65 depending on their disabilities. There are different medicare coverage benefits plans, including medicare supplemental options, some of which can be found on their health plan website. If you are interested in looking into medicare health insurance and want to know what isn’t covered, here is a list to help you: 1. Medical care for international travel If you or your family frequently travel internationally, it’s advisable to explore Medigap plans, which serve as supplements to Medicare. Some Medigap plans can cover expenses that Medicare does not, often up to 80%. Additionally, Medicare Advantage plans provide coverage for emergency medical expenses incurred abroad. 2. Preventive dental checkups Original Medicare does not include routine dental exam coverage, dental procedures, or dentures. Nonetheless, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer annual limits, such as the common dental limit of $1,500 per year. 3. Routine eye care, hearing exams, and hearing aids Original Medicare does not extend coverage to hearing exams or hearing aids. However, certain Medicare Advantage plans can provide assistance in this regard. Vision care, including eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses, is not covered by Medicare.

In a world where attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), charity donations, nanny care, mental health, and addiction rehab are prevalent topics, it’s crucial to shed light on a much darker issue that often hides in the shadows: child abuse. This pressing concern affects children across all walks of life, and it is essential for us to recognize the signs and take action. With the help of this article, we’ll explore ten telltale signs that may indicate a child is experiencing abuse. Understanding these indicators can make a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable children. 1. Behavioral changes One of the first signs to look out for is a sudden and drastic change in a child’s behavior. Children who are abused may become withdrawn, anxious, or overly aggressive. These behavioral changes are often linked to underlying emotional turmoil, and it’s important to be attentive and supportive. 2. Frequent unexplained injuries Unexplained injuries or repeated accidents can be a red flag. While children are naturally prone to bumps and scrapes, frequent and suspicious injuries should not be ignored. These may indicate physical abuse, and a closer look is necessary. 3. Regression in development Abused children might show signs of regression in their development.

Abuse can happen to anyone at any age. For elders, it may be by a loved one, a caregiver, or a stranger, and it may occur in the home, at a relative’s home, or in an assisted living facility. There are several types of abuse, including physical, emotional, neglect, financial, sexual,and abandonment. You may have ensured your elderly loved one has the best Medicare insurance, living arrangement, and so on, but it is not enough to protect from abuse—make sure you know who is in their life and that you can trust them. It can be challenging to recognize when an elder is being abused, especially if they suffer from dementia, so it’s especially important to be aware of the signs of elder abuse, which we outline below: 1. They seem depressed, confused, or withdrawn If an elderly individual has a significant change in mood or is demonstrating strange behavior, such as seeming depressed, confused, withdrawn, acting agitated or violent, or displaying signs of trauma like rocking back and forth, this can be a sign that abuse is occuring. Unfortunately, perpetrators often take advantage of the vulnerability of an older individual and these changes in mood can be a sign of any kind of abuse.