The human heart is susceptible to several health complications, including atrial fibrillation (AFib). The condition is the most common type of treated heart arrhythmia, which is a term describing when the heart beats unusually slowly, fast, or irregularly. AFib is estimated to affect between 2.7 million to 6.1 million individuals in the country. An individual with the complication experiences irregular beating in the heart’s upper chambers, affecting blood flow, leading to health complications. Causes Irregularities in the structure of the heart are the most common cause of atrial fibrillation. Sometimes people may develop the condition without any known heart damage or problems. Risk factors like age may also contribute to the development of atrial fibrillation. Other potential causes of the phenomenon include a heart attack, sick sinus syndrome – issues with the heart’s natural pacemaker, coronary artery disease, congenital heart defect – A heart defect that an individual might be born with, high blood pressure, lung diseases, heart valve problems, use of stimulants, including certain prescriptions and caffeine, physical stress caused due to pneumonia, other illnesses, and also surgery, sleep apnea, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), metabolic imbalances, viral infections, and complications due to earlier heart surgery. Symptoms A person who develops atrial fibrillation may not notice symptoms, and the condition is detected only after a physical examination.

If you have been facing difficulty while breathing or feel that your sense of smell or taste has decreased, chances are that you may have nasal polyps. Though it is a common health condition, knowing more about it is necessary, not just because it causes discomfort; one-sided nasal polyps growth may indicate a cancerous tumor. Read further to learn more about nasal polyps, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and lines of treatment. Nasal polyps They are soft, benign, and painless growths on the lining of sinuses or nasal passages. They are sac-like in appearance and vary in size and shape. Sinuses are located inside the facial bones and are air-filled spaces. They are connected to your nasal cavity and help you breathe. Nasal polyps, especially when they grow in size, act as obstructions, cause trouble breathing, and usually affect both sides of your nasal passages. According to the research, 4% of people worldwide suffer from this condition . Causes Although the exact cause of nasal polyps is unknown until now, it is attributed to long-term or recurrent inflammation of the mucus membranes of the sinuses or the nasal passages. It is often caused due to conditions such as asthma, long-term sinus infections, cystic fibrosis, sensitivity to aspirin, allergic fungal sinusitis (caused due to fungi in the air), vitamin D deficiency, abnormal inflammation of the blood vessels caused due to Churg-Strauss Syndrome, or a family history of nasal polyps.

Old age can lead to the development of various kinds of diseases, and age-related macular degeneration is one among them. This eye disease can occur in people above 50 years, leading to vision issues, especially the ability to look straight. There are multiple misconceptions associated with the problem that it causes complete blindness; however, the fact is only central vision is lost. Let’s have a look at the other myths associated with the condition. Macular degeneration is not very common Age-related macular degeneration is not a disease that is very rare and affects only a percentage of people. The disease is the most common reason that leads to loss of vision and is known to affect even people who are as young as 20 years old. There are specifically two types of AMD which are dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration causes the cells present in the macula, the central part of the retina, to die, leading to blurry central vision. In the case of wet macular degeneration, the fluid present in the blood vessel exudes into the macula and leads to blind spots. The majority of cases are those of dry AMD, while wet AMD is taken as a more advanced form of the disease since it leads to swift and chronic damage to vision.

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) occurs when the upper chambers of your heart beat out of sync with the lower chambers. Its symptoms include dizziness, breathing problems, fatigue, and palpitations. One of the most prevalent arrhythmias is Afib, and coronary heart disease, excess weight, and high blood pressure are some risk factors for the condition. When untreated, it can lead to a stroke. However, Afib can be managed via certain food choices. Fruits and vegetables You’ve certainly been told to eat your fruits and vegetables before, but those with Afib and other types of heart disease should remember this advice in particular. Numerous fruits and vegetables are rich in magnesium, which lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as vitamins C, K, and A, which can help prevent the accumulation of arterial plaque. Additionally, eating a lot of these low-fat, low-sodium, and low-calorie items can aid in weight management. Fruits rich in antioxidants and vitamins include blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and cranberries. Compared to most canned, dried, and fruit juices, fresh fruits have greater nutrients and less sugar. Look for frozen fruits if fresh fruits are out of season, too expensive, or too complicated to prepare. They are a terrific smoothie ingredient and might be a cheaper, healthier alternative.

Dental implant surgery is an important procedure, so although one might be eager to resume normal eating habits, one might have to follow strict food plans during the recovery period. Further, for a quicker recovery, certain food items should be avoided, and only ones that are considered safe can be included in meals after the surgery. The restrictive regimen is usually recommended for the recovery period, as it can help ensure the procedure is successful. Best foods Here is what one can have after getting dental implants: Liquids and soups If feasible, one should consider limiting their nutritional intake to all-liquid meals during the first couple of days following dental implant surgery. This includes smooth soups (nothing too chunky), homemade broths and bouillon, meal-replacement beverages, protein beverages, fruit smoothies, and other juices. Consider choosing healthy beverages with a high calcium content for healthier teeth. Additionally, while making fruit smoothies, one should add citrus fruits, like oranges and grapefruits, in moderation. Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient for gum health, but they are also extremely acidic, which can erode tooth enamel. Additionally. soup is an incredibly nutritious food choice. It is advised to have warm soup rather than heated.

As one ages, the choice of products also changes. This is especially true for products that come into contact with your skin, and one such product is laundry detergent. Older people need laundry detergents that are gentler on their skin. But, with so many products in the market, each with its own USPs, how do you find the best senior-friendly liquid detergents for daily use? This article lists six of the best liquid detergents that make your life easy. Why do seniors need special detergents? Most products are treated with harmful chemicals during the manufacturing process. While these chemicals are harmful to everyone, they are especially toxic for seniors. Here are some reasons why seniors should pay attention to the laundry detergents that they use: Due to age, the outer layer of the skin thins out. Because of this, the chemicals are absorbed more quickly and can enter the bloodstream. The older you get, the slower these harmful chemicals are expelled from your body. This may lead to several problems, such as heart conditions, nervous system disorders, and problems with the liver and kidneys in the long run. Best liquid detergents for seniors Laundry detergents are a staple in everyone’s daily lives.

Anxiety has become very common in today’s age. Almost everyone feels anxious from time to time. It is a normal response when faced with testing times or a significant life change. But, if you are often anxious without any reason, it might be a cause for concern. Chronic anxiety can affect relationships, work performance, and a person’s general nature. Some common anxiety disorders include panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder. What are the symptoms of anxiety disorder? The most common signs include irritability, restlessness, uncontrolled worry, unusual fatigue, muscle tension, and frequent sleep issues. Those who experience these symptoms frequently should visit a professional. Health experts recommend a combination of treatments and cognitive therapy sessions depending on the severity. How to manage anxiety? Besides visiting a professional for expert guidance, here are a few things you can do at a personal level to feel relaxed: Try deep breathing When anxious, stop for a moment and engage in deep breathing; sit up straight, take a long breath through your nose, and exhale slowly. This can help relax the muscles of your nose, shoulders, jaw, and abdominal area. It can also slow down the heart rate and lower blood pressure. Get enough sleep Sleep is incredibly essential for anyone to stay healthy and happy.

The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that perform various critical functions inside the human body. They help filter blood, eradicate waste through urine, maintain fluid balance, balance minerals, and produce hormones. However, certain conditions may affect kidneys’ functioning, leading to more severe health risks. Certain risk factors are associated with kidney disorders, the prominent ones being high blood pressure and diabetes. Some common symptoms, causes, and management of kidney disease are detailed below. Common symptoms More than one in seven adults, or nearly 37 million people in the country, suffers from chronic kidney disease (CKD) – a type of kidney disorder. Initially, it is challenging to find out the symptoms. Some early indicators and symptoms of kidney disease are fatigue, sleeping troubles, dry and itchy skin, breathlessness, muscle cramps, vomiting and nausea, changes in urination patterns, loss of appetite, and swelling in the ankles and feet. As kidney disease progresses and leads to kidney failure, the symptoms that develop include rashes, fever, nosebleeds, severe abdominal and back pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.  Causes Multiple causes are associated with kidney disease, including high blood pressure, diabetes, vasculitis, cardiovascular diseases, genetics, age, and autoimmune diseases. High blood pressure High blood pressure is a prominent cause of kidney disease as it damages the blood vessels and reduces blood supply to the kidneys.

Macular degeneration is a condition that affects a person’s vision and develops as people age. This progressive eye disorder involves the deterioration of the macula, which is a part of the eye’s retina. It is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults and may develop in one or both eyes. This condition is of two main types – dry and wet. Read further to learn about the disorder, its causes, and its types. Dry macular degeneration People are more likely to have dry macular degeneration than wet form. It is also less severe and develops when tiny yellow protein deposits under the macula. These deposits dry and thin the macula, causing gradual central vision loss while the peripheral vision remains intact. In the advanced stages, the dry form can progress to the wet form. People with dry macular degeneration need to test their eyes daily at home using an Amsler grid. One must consult a health expert immediately if any vision changes are observed. Wet macular degeneration In this condition, the blood vessels grow beneath the retina and macula and cause blood and fluid to leak into the retina. This build-up of fluid results in scarring, leading to permanent loss of central vision.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition that affects one’s central vision. The condition mainly affects the macula—a part of the retina at the back that regulates central vision. The condition is common among people over 50. People with macular degeneration are unable to perceive objects or people right in front of them, however, they don’t experience a complete loss of vision and can have good peripheral vision. Here are key facts about AMD: Types Dry (atrophic) : About 90% of macular degeneration patients are affected by the dry (atrophic) form of the condition. Dry AMD develops when drusen, tiny yellow protein deposits, accumulate under the macula. The deposits make the macula thin and dry. Here, one can experience gradual vision loss, however, most people do not lose their core vision completely. In rare cases, the dry type can give way to the wet form of age-related macular degeneration. Wet (exudative) : The development of abnormal blood vessels under the retina and macula leads to wet AMD. The vessels can leak blood and liquids, which is a condition called choroidal neovascularization. As a result of the buildup, the macula develops a bulge, leading to dark spots in the center of one’s vision.

Most people experience anxiety and chronic stress at some point in life. It has been found that anxiety affects around 18% of grown-ups every year in the country. Anxiety may be considered the natural response of the body to stress. The symptoms are restlessness, rapid breathing, and increased heart rate. However, it presents itself differently for different people. There are various ways to treat the mental condition. Let us elaborate on five natural remedies for anxiety management. Regular exercise Exercise is considered one of the best ways to shed anxious energy, and thoughts and research have supported this. Regular exercise and staying active are not just about physical health, but it also helps in dealing with anxiety and stress. It is because staying active helps divert your attention from the thoughts that make you anxious. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), regular exercise is beneficial in treating mood disorders and anxiety in the same way as antidepressants. The experts have also depicted that regular exercise and staying active leads to the promotion of willpower and concentration in human beings and hence is helpful for treating specific anxiety symptoms. Various relaxation exercises may help to manage the condition. However, the type of exercises depend mainly on personal choice and healthcare advice.

Ulcerative colitis is an unpredictable and highly inflammatory bowel disease. People with this condition frequently experience ulcers in their colon, a part of the large intestine. Additionally, diarrhea, bloody stools, abdominal cramps, and constipation are common indicators of this disorder. Such symptoms may worsen once in a while, known as flare-ups, while on other occasions, one may experience none. Here are some simple and effective ways to manage ulcerative colitis symptoms: Reducing fiber intake Surprisingly, fiber-rich foods can trigger ulcerative colitis flare-ups in people with the condition. Fiber is a good option for people looking to improve their bowel health and regularity. However, too much fiber has been found to aggravate ulcerative colitis flare-ups. To offset this, patients can consume low-fiber foods such as butter, tofu, eggs, fish, refined carbohydrates (white bread, white rice, white pasta), fish, juice with no pulp, and a few cooked fruits with no seeds or skin. Exercising regularly Following a regular exercise routine is always advisable due to the range of health benefits it brings into a person’s life. Daily workouts also help reduce the symptoms and complications associated with ulcerative colitis. When a person living with this disorder exercises regularly, they can counter some of the more extreme symptoms, such as a weakened immune system, decreased bone density, stress and pain, and the emotional turmoil that all these bring.