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A Guide to Knowing Household Items That Have a Cancer Risk

A Guide to Knowing Household Items That Have a Cancer Risk

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.

8 early signs of schizophrenia

8 early signs of schizophrenia

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.

9 Foods to Avoid When Managing Atrial Fibrillation

9 Foods to Avoid When Managing Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a health disorder that causes a person’s heartbeats to become irregular. This happens because the regular rhythmic pumping of the atria or the upper chambers of the heart is disrupted. As a result, the heart’s function becomes less efficient. Although there is no permanent cure, treatments and lifestyle changes, such as the food one eats and avoids, can help. Here is a list of foods to avoid with atrial fibrillation and what to eat instead. Foods to avoid with atrial fibrillation High amounts of salt in foods Salt is an essential condiment for all meal preps since it enhances flavors. However, it should be had in moderation as too much salt increases the sodium level in the blood. This alleviates blood pressure and causes hypertension. As a result of this, the symptoms of AFib are triggered. Energy drinks One of the major ingredients of energy drinks is caffeine. In addition, these drinks contain an elevated amount of sugar or sugar substitutes. Over the long term, this combination is not only bad for overall health but also for AFib’s condition. While caffeine, as it is, has not been found to be bad for AFib symptoms, it drastically changes the heart’s rhythms when it is mixed with the other ingredients in energy drinks.

10 Foods to Avoid For Better Eye Health

10 Foods to Avoid For Better Eye Health

Maintaining good vision and overall well-being requires actively protecting the eyesight. While incorporating nutrient-rich foods into daily meals promotes eye health, it’s equally important to actively avoid certain foods that can have a negative impact. By understanding which foods to steer clear of, one can actively make informed choices to safeguard one’s precious eyesight. So, let’s learn more about nutrition and how to keep the eyes healthy by avoiding certain foods. Candies Candies are difficult to pass up. Who wouldn’t want to satiate their sweet tooth with a snack that can easily fit into the pocket and provide immense satisfaction immediately? However, this sugar rush could cost one eye health. Excessive intake of sugary foods and beverages has a negative impact on the eyes, teeth, skin, hair, digestion, kidneys, liver, and other vital organs. High sugar intake is linked to a higher risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. It is best to avoid sugary treats like candies, cookies, sodas, and sweetened juices to protect one’s vision and overall well-being. French fries Consuming fried and processed foods on a regular basis can lead to a decline in overall health, including eye health. Most packaged foods come with unhealthy quantities of trans fats and sodium.

Skin Cancer – Silent Signs, Causes, and Management Options

Skin Cancer – Silent Signs, Causes, and Management Options

Skin cancer affects millions of people, and while most are aware of its more apparent signs, such as moles or unusual growths, there are also silent signs that can often go unnoticed. Early detection of these signs is highly critical to treat the condition. By being vigilant and proactive, one can protect one’s skin health and potentially prevent the progression of skin cancer. Here are some signs, as well as common causes and treatment options available for the condition. Common signs of skin cancer Persistent itching or tenderness Skin cancer can cause persistent itching or tenderness in the affected area, so it’s important to get sudden itchiness or tenderness checked by a dermatologist. Scaly or crusty patches One may mistake scaly or itchy skin for normal skin rash, allergic reaction, psoriasis, or eczema. But if basic treatments and home remedies do not seem to heal these crusty skin patches, it may indicate a more serious and deeper problem of skin cancer. Pimple that won’t heal Pimples or zits forming during adolescence are a common occurrence. Still, persistent pimples that do not fade or heal and fail to respond to normal acne treatments could be a sign of an underlying issue, such as hormonal imbalances or skin cancer.

9 Snacks That May Raise Cholesterol Levels

9 Snacks That May Raise Cholesterol Levels

Snacks are the ultimate hunger busters; these are foods that are not as wholesome as full-blown meals but just filling enough to keep food cravings away for a while. Although snacking from time to time is not particularly unhealthy, certain snack options can increase one’s cholesterol levels. These snacks are surprisingly (and dangerously) common foods eaten by millions around the world. Here are some such snacks that spike cholesterol levels and should be avoided. Granola bars Granola bars are often marketed as the ultimate hunger quenchers. While they certainly live up to that tagline, granola bars are also massive enhancers of cholesterol. These crunchy, chewy foods are layered with a large dollop of saturated fats, which ensure one feels full after having these bars. In fact, even the granola bars tagged “low-fat” contain moderate proportions of saturated fats (much higher than some cereals). To stay on the healthy side, one must eat granola that is sweetened through dried fruit, maple syrup, or honey and opt for bars that have at least 20 percent of the fiber value recommended by healthcare experts. Flour tortillas This snack is known for its juicy, crunchy texture and great taste, but it is also a major cause of high cholesterol.

8 Warning Signs of Dementia That Should Not Be Ignored

8 Warning Signs of Dementia That Should Not Be Ignored

Dementia is a mental health condition characterized by a persistent decline in intellectual functioning as a person ages. It leads to difficulty remembering things, abstract thinking, poor logical reasoning, confusion, and trouble starting and carrying forward conversations. The ailment also changes people drastically in terms of personality. For instance, the individual may get upset, worried, or angry more quickly. Here are the common warning signs of dementia that one should not ignore. Inability to recall actions and experiences Dementia impacts the brain’s memory center right from the onset. As a result, people with the condition tend to forget past conversations or experiences as if they never happened. It is one reason they often ask the same question multiple times despite repeatedly receiving an answer. Some patients repeat the same story to the same person in the same way over and over again. Speaking of memory, people with dementia struggle with remembering the minute details of an event or place they had visited recently. For example, they may forget they have been to a foreign country for a holiday a few days after returning. That said, they may recall specific events from their earlier life pretty clearly. Forgetting familiar names and faces Actions and experiences are not the only things individuals with dementia forget.

8 early arthritis signs one should not ignore

8 early arthritis signs one should not ignore

Living with arthritis can be a deeply uncomfortable experience. This is due to its myriad list of symptoms. Although there is no permanent cure for arthritis, healthcare professionals can work on a treatment plan for people to reduce pain and inflammation and improve their quality of life. To achieve those objectives, such professionals need to detect the earliest signs and symptoms of the condition. Here are some of the most common early arthritis signs: Morning stiffness Most people feel stiff in the morning when they wake up. This tightness is caused due to the overnight changing of lubrication in the joints and fascia. Another cause for morning stiffness is that the body’s natural Ibuprofen has not kicked in yet. However, this stiffness tends to go away when one moves and stretches out a little. Morning exercises are a great way to release this morning stiffness. In the case of arthritis, this stiffness and tightness simply do not go away. This happens because of the inherently deep nature of arthritis symptoms. Therefore, if an individual experiences stiffness for 30 to 45 minutes after waking up, it may be a sign of arthritis and should be checked by a medical professional. In fact, the stiffness does not occur only in the morning but also after one rests for a long time and then gets up from a comfortable position.

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Factors to consider before buying a new mattress

Factors to consider before buying a new mattress

Picking out the perfect mattress is one of the most important home-makeover decisions you can make for a consistent good night’s sleep. With so many options available, from materials used and features offered to affordability and longevity, it may seem unnerving to navigate the market to find the right one for you. While buying a mattress is ultimately a matter of personal preference, here are some things to consider before choosing a new one: Type of mattress Memory foam and innerspring mattresses are the most popular choice among people. However, there are many other types of mattresses that you can opt for, depending on your requirements. Memory foam Memory foam mattresses offer the best pressure relief. They can conform to the body and take the weight off the pressure points for a comfortable night’s rest. These are ideal for side sleepers or those experiencing back pain because they promote proper spine alignment by reducing the pressure on the shoulders and hips. The only downside of conventional memory foam mattresses is that they can trap heat more easily and may be uncomfortable for hot sleepers. Latex Latex mattresses are more resilient than memory foam mattresses, which makes them firmer with less sinking in.

Atrial fibrillation – Causes, symptoms, and management tips

Atrial fibrillation – Causes, symptoms, and management tips

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.

Signs, diagnosis, and prevention of nasal polyps

Signs, diagnosis, and prevention of nasal polyps

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.

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