Heart disease has become more common over the last few decades. With unhealthy eating habits and a predominantly sedentary lifestyle, there is extreme pressure on this vital organ. While heart disease may not always have noticeable symptoms, there are several early warning signs to watch out for. Learning about them can help individuals recognize them early, giving them a better chance at averting the risk by making lifestyle changes and seeking timely professional help. Here are a few early signs to look out for: 1. Chest pain Chest pain is one of the most common warning signs of an underlying heart condition. It generally happens because of poor blood flow when the heart does not receive enough blood or oxygen. This is referred to as angina, and it may cause pain that feels different for everyone. Some may experience debilitating pain, while others may only feel a slight discomfort. 2. Pain that spreads to the arm Pain that begins in the chest and spreads to the left side of the body, especially the arm, is noted to be a classic sign of a heart attack. 3. Shortness of breath A weakened heart cannot pump blood effectively into the body. This causes the blood to back up in the veins, which can be fatal. As this occurs, the fluid may also go into the lungs, causing shortness of breath, a symptom of heart failure. 4. Excess cough If fluid begins to collect in the lungs, it may also lead to coughing and wheezing. In some cases, the mucus may carry traces of blood. 5. Swelling in the lower half of the body As the heart loses the power to pump blood throughout the body, the blood flow may also slow down and collect in the veins that run through the legs.

When dealing with food, its packaging requires precision and careful handling to prevent food spoilage. Further, to get the packaging right, it is important to have the right equipment in place. The right food packaging machine is one that meets all the requirements at the right price. So, while getting food packaging machines, one should do some research to find the best option. Additionally, one should avoid the following mistakes: 1. Not setting a budget With so many options in the market, it is important to look up prices of food packaging machines and then set a budget. Such equipment can be expensive, so setting a reasonable budget and looking for machines that offer good value for money can help one avoid making a costly mistake. One can also consider buying used machines to save money. However, the used food packaging machine should be well-maintained, i.e., not require a lot of repairs. 2. Choosing the wrong type of machine Different types of machines package different types of food items. When dealing with dry, powdered food, an auger filling machine is a good choice. For packaging liquid, one should get liquid pumps. One may need more than one type of machine if dealing with multiple products. So, one should first evaluate their business requirements and product type and then choose a food packaging machine accordingly. 3. Skipping research One should look up reliable food packaging equipment manufacturers and top-rated packaging machines. One can also check online reviews for the brand and machine and even ask questions that other users or the company itself can answer. This can help one learn about the machines and make an informed decision. 4. Refusing after-sales service After making a purchase, one should make the most of the after-sales service and demo (if any). This is an important part of the purchase process that can help one avoid unwanted surprises.

For women trying to conceive or wondering if they may be pregnant, one of the first signs to watch out for is a missed menstrual cycle. Although several other symptoms can point to the possibility of a pregnancy, it’s always best to visit a doctor for confirmation. Read on to know the common symptoms of pregnancy: Missed period If a woman in childbearing years experiences a delay of over a week in her menstrual cycles, it may indicate pregnancy. That being said, missed or irregular cycles could also be a result of health issues like thyroid problems. So, women should also keep an eye out for the other symptoms mentioned here. Fatigue Being more tired than usual could be an early symptom of pregnancy. When a woman is pregnant, the progesterone levels in her body rise, which causes her to feel sleepy and tired. Frequent urination During pregnancy, the quantity of blood flowing in a woman’s body increases, causing the kidney to work overtime. This places extra pressure on the bladder and leads to more frequent urges to urinate. Nausea or morning sickness This may be accompanied with or without vomiting, and this pregnancy symptom is also known as morning sickness. Contrary to popular belief according to the name, it may occur at any time of the day. That being said, all women do not experience this symptom, so it should not be considered as the ultimate factor that indicates pregnancy. The cause of this symptom is unknown, but pregnancy hormones are considered to play a key role in its development. Swollen, tender breasts Pregnant women may experience sore and sensitive breasts. After a few weeks into the pregnancy, this discomfort reduces as the body gets accustomed to the hormonal changes, but this is a concrete sign of pregnancy. Nasal congestion This is a little-known sign of pregnancy and occurs due to soaring hormone levels and the production of blood that make the nose swell, dry out, and bleed.

When the cells in the lungs begin to abnormally multiply and grow, it results in cancer. Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. And the risk of suffering from this life-threatening disease is even higher when one is a smoker. Herein, we discuss the various factors that come into play when it comes to lung cancer. Symptoms of lung cancer Usually, lung cancer does not present any symptoms or signs in the early stages. However, as the disease progresses, one may notice Headache Bone pain Loss in weight Hoarse voice Chest pain Shortness of breath Coughing of blood A new cough that persists One should consult a doctor if they notice these signs. If someone is unable to quit smoking, they should visit a medical practitioner for quitting techniques to help avoid this disease. Types of lung cancer There are two kinds of lung cancer: Non-small cell lung cancer This is a catchall term that includes many varieties of this disease, like large cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. Small cell lung cancer This happens mainly to people who are heavy smokers, and it’s rarer than non-small cell lung cancer. Risk factors of lung cancer Various factors put you at risk of getting this disease. While some of them can be controlled, others cannot. One should watch out for these top factors in their day-to-day life and environment: Family history If one’s family has a history of this disease, perhaps in a parent, child, or sibling, then they may get it as well. Exposure to radon gas It could be a part of the air or the risk could be in the natural breakdown of uranium in the water, rock, or soil. These can be found in any building or home. Exposure to carcinogens or asbestos Workplaces that are exposed to these substances are quite harmful.

Veterans and military families can opt for refinancing offers that give homeowners an option to reduce the ongoing interest rate. VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL), also known as VA Streamline, is the simplest refinance option, which involves minimal paperwork and overhead costs. However, despite the substantial benefits every scheme is different, and it must be thoroughly discussed with an expert. What are the benefits of IRRRL? The interest rates will be fixed, contrarily to how they usually fluctuate depending on the market rate. Additionally, there’s the benefit of monthly payment savings once a family signs up for VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan. While the VA borrowers are entitled to 0.5 percent funding fee, that too can be waived off under certain conditions. If the veteran develops a disability due to their service, and is not compensated nor given retirement, the family surviving them are entitled to this benefit. How does IRRRL affect the year term? With the help of this VA IRRRL the term year of a loan can be adjusted. If your term loan is of 30 years, one can bring down the term to 15 years. However, the monthly payments will be increased. So, it’s recommended that one must calculate the monthly payment and the interest cost over 20 years to understand what’s a better choice. Cash-out is an option with IRRRL VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) allows cash-out on certain terms and conditions and it must be applied before the window of 90 days closes. Additionally, a VA-backed loan can replace one’s current loan with another under new terms and conditions, and it holds an option of cash-out of home equity. Most people opt for cash-out of home equity to be able to pay for student loans, debts, make home improvements, medical needs, and other essential needs.

Earning a few quick bucks apart from your primary source of income is always helpful. Whether for selling used items or a side hustle, the internet is brimming with websites and apps that let you make money. However, many of these are not as legitimate as they appear. So, if you want to earn cash with apps, here are the best options. Swagbucks This app has an A rating with Better Business Bureau and more than 10 million active users worldwide. It is one of the best apps that lets you earn cash quickly. Swagbucks offers $10 to new users as a welcome bonus. Besides, it is easy to use; all you need to do is watch videos, play games, or take part in search surveys, and the company will deposit the amount in your PayPal account. Swagbucks also gives you the option to redeem the money and use it as a gift card on shopping websites. Dosh If you are an avid shopper and want to earn cash with apps, Dosh is one of the best options for you. Available on both Android and iOS, Dosh lets you make money every time you use your card for shopping online or at walk-in stores. The amount keeps getting deposited in your “Dosh Wallet.” Then once you have earned $25, the app lets you withdraw the money. In addition, the company has tie-ups with major brands and merchants that offer you cashback if you purchase stuff through Dosh. Plus, you get $5 by simply linking your card with the app. HealhyWage HealthyWage is a unique app that motivates you to earn cash by losing weight. It lets you set weight loss goals and rewards you with money accordingly. For instance, its 10% challenge requires you to shed 10% of your body weight in six months in exchange for around $300.

When a person is down with the flu, they may not feel like eating much. However, healthy food is essential to keep the bug down. Fevers, body aches, colds, and cough take a toll on the body, leading to added weakness. Foods that are high in nutrients add to the body’s defense and make the immune system stronger to fight the illness. Here’s a list of foods and home remedies for flu relief. Foods for Relief from Flu Chicken soup Chicken soup contains vitamins, minerals, calories, and proteins, which are required when you’re down with flu. It is packed with amino acid cysteine, which is known to have antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, chicken soup is a complete meal that boosts immunity and opens up blocked nasal passages. Broths Any kind of broth is a rich source of fluids, nutrients, and electrolytes. It is easy to digest, rich in collagen, and reduces dehydration, promoting faster recovery from the flu. Most broths also contain amino acids, which are an essential source of protein. Consider making or buying a low-salt broth if you are watching your sodium intake. Hot tea After chicken soup, hot tea is a popular remedy for cold and flu. Be it green, oolong, or black, hot teas help relieve nasal congestion. But make sure your tea does not contain caffeine as it can cause dehydration. Teas are also rich in cancer-fighting antioxidants and polyphenols. Home Remedies for Relief from Flu Saltwater gargles Gargling with lukewarm salt water can treat upper respiratory infections by loosening the phlegm and mucus virus. The salt in the water also helps with throat pain and nasal congestion. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a glass of water and swish it around your mouth and then spit. Warm baths Taking a warm water bath may reduce the symptoms of a cold and flu.

The thought of attending a concert or a festival is an exciting one. You can watch your favorite artist perform live, sing and dance to their music, and enjoy assorted food and drinks. However, whether this is a one-day or weekend-long event, there are several factors that one may overlook, including safety concerns. So if you have considered attending any such event, here are five tips for ensuring you’re safe throughout it. Attend with a group Thousands of people may attend a concert or a festival on any given day. So, it is quite easy to get lost in such a big crowd, even if you look away for just a minute. Therefore, it is advisable to attend the event with friends and stick together. If you must separate, then always let them know where you are in case of emergencies. Moreover, you should share your smartphone’s location with them (and vice versa) so that they can find you easily. Identify an exit route Despite the level of security at a festival or concert, several factors may trigger panic among the crowd. Therefore, you must identify more than one exit route in the block assigned to you. In case one is blocked, you can always use the other. You should also look for marked exits and occasionally check if those routes are available. Hydrate constantly Many events begin during the day when the sun is overhead. So while you might enjoy dancing to the tunes from a favorite band, the heat might lead to dehydration and possible collapse. To avoid such symptoms or accidents, you should drink plenty of water throughout the concert. Other ways to stay shielded from the sun include wearing sunglasses and a hat. You should also look for shaded areas where you can relax in between sets.

Ataxia is a condition that generally results from damage to the cerebellum or its connections, the part of the brain controlling muscle coordination. It can be a result or a symptom of various conditions like stroke, tumor, brain degeneration, multiple sclerosis, or genetic disorders. Ataxia can affect a person’s coordination, speech, and balance and make it difficult to swallow or walk. Keep reading to learn more about the warning signs of this condition. Symptoms of ataxia Some early warning signs of ataxia to watch out for include- Problems with coordination and balance, such as clumsiness or frequent falling Facing trouble with fine motor skills such as picking up small objects, writing, or buttoning up clothes Slurred or unclear speech Tremors or muscle spasms Difficulties with eating or swallowing Unusual eye movements, such as blinking slower than usual or suffering from nystagmus (a form of involuntary eye movement) Cardiovascular issues The severity of the symptoms of this condition depends on the type of ataxia one is dealing with. Genetic failures, other health conditions, vitamin deficiencies, injuries, or immunological problems can cause ataxia. Depending on the causes, ataxia may be categorized into three types. Inherited ataxia Inherited ataxia occurs when a parent (or both parents) passes on a congenital disability to their child. It may worsen from one generation to the next. The most common types of inherited ataxia are spinocerebellar ataxia, episodic ataxia, Friedreich’s ataxia, and ataxia telangiectasia. Acquired ataxia Many external events can also cause ataxia. These include brain surgery, tumors, head injuries, infections such as meningitis and chickenpox, exposure to toxic chemicals such as mercury or lead, neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy, stroke, an underactive thyroid, vitamin B12 deficiency, chemotherapy, etc. Idiopathic ataxia When no underlying cause is found for the condition, it is known as idiopathic ataxia.

Oral health is essential, but despite that, most often easily neglected by individuals. While it is recommended to visit a dentist regularly, there are some tips and tricks that we can use at home to make sure our teeth are healthy, clean, and white! Here are some ways on how you can keep your teeth shiny and white through safe and tested methods. Do speak to your dentist before using these tips regularly at home. Easy at-home teeth whitening tips Whitening trays and strips You can easily find reputed whitening strips and trays which contain a bleaching agent called hydrogen peroxide. These strips are applied directly to the enamel to see desirable results. Activated charcoal whitener Charcoal whiteners have three very effective ingredients, namely activated charcoal, bentonite, and an oil like orange seed oil. These whiten the teeth by getting absorbed into them. Teeth whitening pastes These pastes contain ingredients such as sodium bicarbonate, hydrated silica, and calcium carbonate that remove stains from the teeth and polish them. Whitening packs These whitening packs are to be applied directly onto your teeth. You can do so at night after brushing your teeth. The pack is to be used as per instructions. Teeth whitening light In this, a whitening agent is directly applied to your enamel, and a blue LED light is held above to let the enamel absorb the ingredient in a slow and effective manner. Coconut oil pulling Another popular teeth whitening tip at home is to take 1tbsp of coconut oil and swirl it around your mouth for 10-15 minutes. Spit it out after and just do a quick rinse. Smart whitening brush A mix of whitening toothpaste and gel is the trick to get bright, clean teeth. It is advised to use this combination daily till the desired results are achieved.

The 2024 Ram 1500 Limited is one of the most popular full-size pickup trucks one can find today. The pickup is the perfect blend of luxury and performance because of its powerful engine, stellar design, and modern features. Nevertheless, it is important to know what makes the truck stand out from other pickups in the segment before making a purchase decision. So, here are some of the key features of the RAM 1500 Limited: 1. Good performance The 2024 RAM Limited 1500 comes with a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, which is capable of generating about 395 horsepower and about 410 lb-ft of torque. Moreover, an eTorque system adds up to 130 lb-ft of supplemental launch torque. 2. Top-notch infotainment The pickup comes with a 12-inch touchscreen to display music information and climate controls. It also offers AM/FM radio and navigation via TomTom—a system that delivers accurate ETAs and instant reroutes based on real-time traffic. One also has the option of adding a head-up display to the 2024 RAM 1500 Limited. 3. Smooth ride The vehicle comes with a four-corner air suspension with an automatic load-leveling feature. The system ensures the 2024 RAM 1500 Limited is balanced and maintains optimal ride height levels on most terrains. 4. Comfortable interior The RAM 1500 is known for its practical interiors, and the Limited trim takes it up a notch. With about 45 inches of legroom, 63 inches of hip room, 65 inches of shoulder room, and 40 inches of headroom, even tall passengers get ample space in the back. The vehicle also comes with heated and ventilated seats as standard features. One can add a dual-pane panoramic sunroof to the pickup. 5. Reliable safety features Safety is a key priority when choosing an automobile, and the 2024 RAM Limited 1500 does not disappoint here.

An allergy is a hypersensitive reaction of the immune system to a foreign substance. The immune system is responsible for producing substances referred to as antibodies. When an individual suffers from allergies, their immune system generates antibodies that help in identifying the harmful allergens affecting the body. The symptoms of allergies are dependent on the substance one has been affected with. The reactions can be mild, moderate or severe in nature. Hay fever Hay fever, which is also called allergic rhinitis, can result in sneezing, runny nose, itching in the eyes or the nose, and watery or swollen eyes. Food allergy An allergy, which has resulted from consuming a particular food item, can lead to a tingling sensation in the mouth, lips or face swelling up or anaphylaxis, which could pose a threat to one’s life. Insect sting allergy A sting from an insect can cause the affected portion to swell up considerably, cause an itching sensation across the body, and lead to shortness of breath. Medication allergy An allergy, caused by the consumption of some medication, results in an itchy skin, rash, hives, swelling on the face, wheezing, and anaphylaxis. Atopic dermatitis This is a skin condition, which also goes by the name of eczema. Apart from causing an itching sensation in the skin, it can also result in it peeling off. Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis is a severe form of reaction that could pose a serious threat to the patient’s life if not controlled in the early stages. Some of the commonly observed symptoms of anaphylaxis are losing consciousness, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, light-headedness, skin rash, weak pulse, and nausea. Causes of allergies A person suffers from an allergy when their immune system considers a harmless material to be a threat. The immune system then proceeds to generate antibodies that keep a close watch on the substance that has been identified as an allergen.