A debilitating neurological disorder, Parkinson’s disease, affects the nervous system. It is generally observed among those above the age of 60 years. In some cases, people below 50 also develop an early onset of the disease. It is common among those with a family history of the condition. Over time, the effect on the nervous system becomes apparent through several symptoms. There are warning signs of Parkinson’s that should not be ignored, which can help seek diagnosis and treatment. Temors in the hands This is one of the most noticeable warning signs of Parkinson’s. It is also known as rhythmic shaking. The tremors or shaking start to occur in the limbs of the hands or fingers. Sometimes, there is a pill-rolling tremor that causes a person to rub their thumb and forefinger against each other. The handwriting grows smaller It is normal for handwriting to change with age. However, Parkinson’s causes a person’s handwriting to become smaller, making it illegible over time. The words appear crowded, or the lines are not straight. This condition caused by Parkinson’s is also known as micrographia. The movements become slow Parkinson’s progresses over time to cause a person’s movements to become slower. They start to walk slower than their regular speed. Also, their steps may get shorter than how it usually was. They start to drag or shuffle their feet while walking. Also, the patients struggle to get up after sitting down. Loss of smell With the onset of Parkinson’s, some people begin to lose their sense of smell. They are particularly unable to recognize the smells of certain foods. They also have trouble smelling licorice, bananas, or dill pickles. While this is a common symptom of a stuffy nose or cold, it can be a sign of Parkinson’s if it is experienced with other symptoms as well.

It can be difficult for pet parents to spot signs of illness in their dogs, as these animals are skilled at hiding them. By the time symptoms become noticeable, the illness may have already progressed significantly. Dogs tend to display discomfort when the symptoms worsen, which could mean they have been sick for a while. Therefore, it’s important to be observant of any signs that may indicate your dog is unwell. Increased or decreased urination It’s important to watch out for signs such as difficulty urinating, changes in urine output, or blood in urine to determine if your dog is unwell. This is especially important for senior dogs. Bloody urine could indicate health problems such as bladder stones, urinary tract infections, blood disorders, or cancer. Frequent urination could be a sign of kidney problems. Low energy levels It’s important to keep an eye on your dog’s energy levels. If you notice that they are more lethargic or lazy than usual, it could be a sign that they are feeling under the weather. They may seem unusually tired or sluggish and may not be as playful or responsive as they normally are. If you observe any of these symptoms, taking your dog to the vet for a checkup is a good idea to ensure they are in good health. Loss of appetite Most dogs will immediately gobble up whatever food you place before them, whether it is their meal or special treats. However, if your dog refuses to eat breakfast or dinner and even turns up their nose at their favorite treat, you need to pay attention. Several things like nausea, infections, tooth pain, hormonal imbalances, gut pain, and anxiety can affect a dog’s appetite and will to eat. If your dog’s appetite has reduced, consult a vet as soon as possible to understand the cause.

Dental implants are tooth-like structures that are inserted by certified dental surgeons into the patient’s jawbone. In most cases, these are custom-made according to the patient’s needs. Furthermore, implants are suggested when patients lose one or more teeth. It aids in improving their chewing function. However, it is important to avoid certain mistakes in order to ensure a successful outcome. Therefore, here are some common mistakes to avoid with dental implants. Choosing inexperienced dentists Dental procedures, especially implants, are complex. If a patient chooses an inexperienced dentist for the procedure, it can result in certain mistakes that can seriously affect the patient’s health. For instance, if the implant is placed in the wrong position, it may not bond with the jaw bone, leading to further discomfort and issues. Hence, patients are suggested to choose qualified and experienced dentists for the procedure. Not communicating about personal medical history One of the most significant mistakes to avoid when working with dentists for dental implants is not informing the medical personnel about one’s medical history. This is because some health conditions like cancer, uncontrolled diabetes, and gum disease can affect the outcome. So, patients must ensure that they communicate their complete medical history during the initial evaluation. Not reporting problems immediately Typically, post dental implant procedures, patients can expect pain, discomfort, bleeding, and swelling in the area. However, in most cases, these subside after a few days. When these issues are not resolved, one must reach out to the dentist for further instructions. While some causes can be minor, others, like allergic reactions, can be severe. Thus, it’s important to consult the dentist when experiencing such issues. Not maintaining oral hygiene Usually, good oral hygiene ensures that the teeth and gums remain healthy. However, in cases where there are food particles or bacteria buildup in the implant site, it can lead to failure of the procedure due to infections and gum irritation.

Gastric cancer, commonly referred to as stomach cancer, is a malignant health condition that develops in the stomach. It is a common form of cancer worldwide, common among older adults. Gastric cancer typically originates in the cells that line the inner surface of the stomach, and it can potentially spread to other body parts if left untreated. Here are the signs and symptoms that indicate the progression of this form of cancer. Indigestion or heartburn Persistent indigestion or heartburn may indicate gastric cancer. However, note that these are common symptoms that overlap with several known digestive disorders. So, look for heartburn that doesn’t subside with suggested treatments and remedies. Abdominal discomfort Any discomfort, pain, or a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen that is quite similar to that of a gnawing or burning sensation is a sign of progressing disorders. Loss of appetite A noticeable decline in appetite is a cause for concern, especially when there are no other underlying health conditions. An individual with this condition will also feel full after eating only a small meal. Nausea and vomiting Persistent nausea and vomiting is another symptom. However, vomiting blood can be a sign of advanced gastric cancer. Blood in stools Changes in the color or consistency of stools are noticeable symptoms that one shouldn’t ignore. Gastric cancer causes cells to degrade and deteriorate, causing bleeding in the stomach. As a result, patients will notice bloody or black, tarry stools (Melena). Fatigue One will also experience weakness and fatigue due to the cancer’s impact on overall health and nutrition. Swelling or fluid buildup Gastric cancer can cause fluid to accumulate in the abdomen, leading to abdominal swelling and discomfort. Difficulty swallowing As the cancer progresses, it may obstruct the passing of food from the esophagus into the stomach, causing difficulty or pain while swallowing.

Putting away the garbage accumulated in and around one’s house seems simple, but certain mistakes can make the task messy. For instance, imagine the trash bag slowly slipping into the can without anyone knowing or a swarm of insects festering at the mouth of the can and causing a lot of inconvenience. Using a trash can or bag will not be this hard if we employ the right tips and hacks. Creating an absorbent layer inside cans Many kinds of garbage are wet and perish quickly. Their moisture can occasionally seep from the garbage bag and damage the can and surrounding areas. To prevent this from happening, people can use newspapers or other absorbent materials to create a lining inside their garbage can. The absorbent material stops moisture from escaping the garbage can or bag and keeps the area clean and dry. Using bungee cords to keep trash bags from slipping into the cans The mouth of a garbage bag sometimes closes and drops into the can because it is slippery. This makes it hard for one to dump waste. To solve this problem, people can tie bungee cords around the mouth of their trash bags and securely tie them to the gaping hole of a garbage can. One should ensure the knots they tie are tight enough not to come off even when the can (and, by extension, the bag) is loaded. Using aromatic oils to mask smells Children tend to throw half-eaten cereals and other moist waste into garbage cans. These food items are rapidly perishable, so they decompose and give out a foul odor within no time. To keep the odor in check and prevent it from giving one’s entire house or basement an inherent stench, people can put a few drops of essential oil into the can.

Refrigerators are an important appliance in any household. From storing groceries and staples to leftovers, it is quite difficult to imagine life without this essential piece of tech. With varying needs in each home, they are also available in several different styles. At the same time, they can also be a pricey investment. That is why the holiday shopping season may be the best time to buy one. Based on last year’s deals and discounts, here are the ten refrigerator deals one can look forward to on Black Friday in 2023. French door refrigerator These fridges have two doors on top and a freezer door on the bottom. This allows customers to have ample refrigerator and freezer space for all their groceries, including full-sized pizzas, casseroles, and platters. These are ideal for homes that need more fridge space than freezer space. Additionally, the shelves and compartments in these refrigerators are adjustable, allowing users to customize the space based on their unique needs. Some units may also come with external water and ice dispensers. Some of the top deals on French-door refrigerators on Black Friday last year came from brands like: 1. Some Kenmore French-door refrigerators saw massive discounts last year. One of their 26.1 cu. unit (originally $1939), retailed for just $1099 on Black Friday. Watch out for similar deals on Kenmore fridges this year as well! 2. LG offers great options for Energy Star-certified French-door refrigerators. Their 26.2 cu. Smart unit hosted a $650 discount last year, bringing its retail price down to $1799.99. Side-by-side refrigerator These fridges have two doors that open from the center – one for the fridge, and the other for the freezer. In comparison to French door refrigerators, side-by-side fridges have a slightly better freezer capacity. With reduced door swing clearance, they are also ideal for narrow spaces.

Dealing with eczema can be extremely frustrating due to its erratic flare-ups and symptoms. The skin inflammation is painful and irritating. Using harsh soaps is one of the biggest triggers of eczema flare-ups. Therefore, make sure you read the label carefully to avoid all the trigger ingredients mentioned below. These ingredients can cause an allergic reaction and should be avoided at all costs. Read to know more about them. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate SLS is commonly used in soaps and even shampoos for its quality of breaking up oil and grease, which makes it a great cleaning agent. While cleaning excess oil and dirt is important to stay hygienic, SLS is known to break down the natural oil barrier on the skin. Although it doesn’t directly cause any irritation on the skin, due to no oil, the skin becomes dry and flaky and allows for other allergens to cause a reaction. Fragrance ingredients Any soap with fragrance should be avoided to prevent eczema flare-ups. Fragrances are a mix of esters, aldehydes, amines and ketones, and other ingredients. Unfortunately, due to the secrecy followed by most cosmetic companies, we never really know the ingredients that bring out the fragrance in soaps. Coconut Diethanolamide Another ingredient that helps break down oil and grease from the skin is coconut diethanolamide. However, coconut diethanolamide can develop an allergic reaction after some continuous use. Check the label for this ingredient and its aliases like coconut oil acid, ninol, witcamide, calamide, and cocamide DEA. You may not be allergic to eating coconut, but this compound made out of coconut extract can cause irritation on the skin for those dealing with eczema. Paraben Paraben is a naturally occurring and industrially produced ester, often used as a preservative in soaps, shampoos, deodorants, and toothpastes. Several studies have researched the ill effects of this ingredient, and while every study is not conclusive, the use of paraben has been decreased and banned in some products.

Our lungs help us breathe in oxygen and filter out harmful pollutants from the air. Therefore, it is essential to care for the lungs and keep them healthy. Poor lung health can increase the risk of several respiratory conditions that impact a person’s quality of life and lead to other complications. Keeping this in mind, we have put together a few simple tips to ensure your lungs remain healthy and functioning properly. Reduce exposure to air pollution A great way to maintain healthy lungs is to reduce exposure to environmental pollutants. Stay indoors as far as possible on high air pollution days and wear a face mask before leaving the house. While we cannot always control our environment, these steps will help prevent you from inhaling tiny particles that can harm the lungs. Regular exercise Another way to keep your lungs healthy is to exercise and indulge in physical activity regularly. Taking long walks amidst nature or practicing yoga can improve lung function and reduce the risk of respiratory diseases. Managing stress Research suggests stress can impact respiratory health by causing rapid breathing and inflammation. Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing and pursuing a hobby are two ways to cope with stress and thus support the lungs. Proper nutrition and hydration Nutrition plays a vital role in improving the function of many organs in the body, including the lungs. So, follow a balanced meal plan and drink sufficient water throughout the day. A few healthy foods are beet greens, peppers, apples, blueberries, and turmeric. Regular check-ups Going for regular check-ups can help keep the lungs healthy. A healthcare expert can use different diagnostic tests to detect any problem in the organ early and ensure you receive the care you need for a speedy recovery. Vaccination Staying updated on vaccinations can defend the lungs against respiratory conditions and prevent their spread.

Arthritis is one of the most prevalent disorders in the country, with approximately 1 in 4 adults diagnosed with some form of the condition. There are over 100 different subtypes of arthritis, with each condition characterized by different symptoms. The most common indicators are joint pain and stiffness, which worsen with age. However, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can help patients manage symptoms. Some early warning signs that indicate arthritis are discussed below. Joint pain Arthritis mainly affects the joints with inflammation, leading to pain and tenderness in major bone and muscle groups. It is often coupled with stiffness that is prevalent in the morning and worsens with prolonged periods of inactivity. These flare-ups mainly trigger pain in the membranes connecting two joints. Skin nodules and lumps Arthritis patients often experience skin nodules or excess tissue growth under the epidermis. Inflammation is one of the main triggers of such growths on the knuckles, fingers, forearms, elbows, knees, and even behind the heels. In the case of osteoarthritis, one of the common subtypes, these lumps or nodules first appear on the big toe. Mobility issues Inflammation and pain affect vital muscle and joint groups, leading to mobility problems. The range of motion for the arms and legs becomes restricted as swelling and stiffness develop in the region. A limited range of motion will affect the most basic tasks like walking, sitting, standing up, or lifting objects. Fever Being an autoimmune condition, arthritis forces the immune system to attack healthy cells. It causes the core body temperature to shoot up and, as a result, triggers a fever. Fever can be mild that comes and goes with the flare-ups or may even persist with frequent inflammatory flare-ups. With a fever, the affected person might also develop a general feeling of being unwell or sick.

Probiotic yogurt is a dairy product made by fermenting milk with bacterial cultures. Thanks to its health benefits, it has become a staple food in many countries worldwide. One of the most important reasons people reach for probiotic yogurt is its good bacteria content . Good bacteria increase the diversity of the gut microbiota and greatly improve digestion. Here are the top three ways probiotic yogurt helps promote a healthy gut. Regulates the digestive system Natural probiotic yogurt contains healthy bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus. These bacteria restore the balance in the gut and regulate the digestive system. In doing so, they reduce the risk of diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and other digestive problems that have become relatively common due to modern eating habits. The healthy bacteria in probiotic yogurt can also help treat or manage gastrointestinal conditions like IBS and colon cancer. Provides vitamins and minerals Besides good bacteria, probiotic yogurt is rich in vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin B12, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin, and selenium. These nutrients keep the gut strong and help with digestion. They also provide other benefits, like improving bone and cardiovascular health, reducing inflammation, and even helping improve the absorption of other vitamins and minerals in the body. Aids digestion of lactose Over 70% of the global population is lactose intolerant. When these individuals eat dairy products, they develop issues like diarrhea, nausea, or constipation. Luckily, probiotic yogurt contains meager amounts of lactose. During fermentation, much of the lactose is converted to lactase, an enzyme that helps digest lactose. Given its consistency, yogurt also slows the movement of lactose through the digestive tract, giving the body a better chance to process it. Besides promoting a healthy gut, probiotic yogurt has other benefits. For example, it boosts the immune system and helps fight infection. Some studies have shown that yogurt can reduce the incidence, duration, and intensity of the common cold.

Headaches are quite common, even among children. But the degree of headache may be different during different events. If you’re prone to getting headaches often, it is advised to note the frequency and the degree of pain and symptoms. We emphasize paying close attention to these details as some signs of headaches can indicate an underlying medical condition. This article highlights signs of headaches that could pose a serious problem. Thunderclap This type of headache is characterized by a sudden onset of pain that peaks within 60 seconds. This symptom can have serious underlying issues, such as internal bleeding in the brain. This could easily lead to brain hemorrhage, leading to a stroke or aneurysm. Painkillers and sleep are not the only solutions to this issue. One should call 911 or head straight to the hospital if one experiences this symptom. High fever High fever accompanied by headache is an alarming sign that one needs to watch out for. It usually indicates an infection, run-of-the-mill sinusitis, among other conditions. The doctor would look for more signs before concluding the problem. If one experiences a stiff neck with headache and fever, it is quite possible that it could be meningitis. This complication may also cause confusion and difficulty talking, which needs to be treated immediately. Pain behind or around the eye Headache with pain in or around the eye that compromises your vision may have an underlying medical condition. This symptom is a sign of acute glaucoma or a build-up of pressure in the eyes that cuts off its blood flow leading to blindness. Any signs related to these characteristics need to be shown to an eye specialist. Temple tenderness If people above 50 experience headaches that are concentrated around the temple area, they may be suffering from giant cell arteritis or temporal arteritis.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) affects about one million people in our country. It is a kind of arthritis that affects those with a skin disorder known as psoriasis. Usually, patients have psoriasis years before arthritis develops. However, the good news is that one can manage the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, such as stiffness, swelling, and joint pain. Here are a few treatment options, nutrition tips, lifestyle changes, and other remedies psoriatic arthritis patients must follow: Treatment options RINVOQ is a popular oral treatment for adults with active psoriatic arthritis. It is generally used when traditional options have not been effective. Note that RINVOQ may not be safe and effective for children below 12. Its side effects include allergic reactions and immune system problems. Otezla is another treatment option for active psoriatic arthritis that helps relieve inflammation caused due to the disease. It inhibits a particular enzyme, which helps control inflammation inside the cells. The common side effects of Otezla include diarrhea, nausea, and upper respiratory tract infection. A proper meal plan Patients must avoid fatty red meats, dairy products, refined sugar, and processed foods because these can trigger inflammation. Nightshade vegetables like potatoes, eggplants, and tomatoes also have the same effect. Instead, one should eat fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, mackerel, and tuna, which help relieve inflammation. Blueberries, sweet potatoes, carrots, and green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach are also suitable. Lifestyle changes Patients must incorporate light physical activity into the daily routine that does not put too much pressure on the joints. Gentle and low-impact exercises like swimming, yoga, and walking are good starting points. Exercises that help strengthen the muscles are crucial so that the joints do not have too much pressure. Hydrotherapy Hydrotherapy is a popular remedy for arthritis. Soaking in warm water eases joint stiffness and strengthens the muscles.