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Atrial fibrillation – Causes, symptoms, and management tips
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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.
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Chronic kidney disease management – Things to know

Chronic kidney disease management – Things to know

The kidneys in the human body filter all the blood in about 30 minutes to remove wastes, excess fluid, and toxins. The organ also helps control blood pressure, boost red blood cell production, and keep the bones healthy. But an individual may develop chronic kidney disease (chronic kidney failure) – the gradual loss of kidney function. It will hamper the overall functionality of the organ and lead to severe health complications. Symptoms The indicators of chronic kidney disease develop over time if the damage occurs gradually. Losing kidney function may result in an alarming build-up of fluid, body waste, or electrolytes. The signs and symptoms of the condition may also be caused by other health conditions, making kidney disease difficult to diagnose. Moreover, since kidneys cannot recover from lost function, the individual may not develop symptoms until the disease reaches advanced stages. Based on the severity of the disease, a person who suffers from loss of kidney function may experience vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, chest pain (if there is fluid build-up around the lining of the heart), weakness, fatigue, excessive or poor urination, sleeping difficulties, muscle cramps, itchy or dry skin, hypertension (high blood pressure) that is difficult to manage, shortness of breath (if there is a build-up of fluids in the lungs), swollen feet or ankles, and declined mental sharpness.
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Top 9 foods for managing macular degeneration

Top 9 foods for managing macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is a condition in which the retina’s central portion (macula) deteriorates. The macula is responsible for recording images one sees before they are sent to the brain. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss, usually affecting people over 65. However, the condition can also develop in younger individuals due to genetic factors. One could make better food choices to manage the symptoms of this condition and improve eye health. Salmon Adding fish like salmon to one’s meal plan may significantly help improve eye health. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and proteins—essential nutrients that encompass each cell in the body. Moreover, salmon is rich in a type of omega-3 fatty acid called DHA, which is commonly found in the retina and the brain. Other fish varieties that may help maintain eye health include sardines, anchovies, and mackerel. Broccoli Multiple types of leafy green vegetables, including broccoli, can provide the necessary nutrients to maintain eye health. One can also choose other healthy veggies, like bell peppers and Brussels sprouts, that are rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which help the body fight and prevent cellular damage. Carrots One of the carrot’s primary benefits for people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is its antioxidant called beta-carotene.
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Tips to prevent age-related macular degeneration

Tips to prevent age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration is a degenerative condition that primarily affects people over 50. This disorder thins and deteriorates the macula, the area of the eye that produces the clearest, most detailed vision. Early detection and treatment can lower the chances of permanent vision loss. Simple lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier and exercising regularly, can significantly reduce the risk of AMD. Here are a few simple lifestyle modifications that can help prevent the condition. Lifestyle modification tips to prevent age-related macular degeneration Maintain a normal blood pressure level Hypertension promotes AMD by decreasing blood flow to the vascular layer of the eye, known as the choroid. The lack of oxygen in the eye accelerates the deterioration and increases the risk of wet AMD and central vision loss. It is preferable to keep blood pressure under control to avoid this situation. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding fried foods, eating well, and exercising regularly can all help keep blood pressure under control. Although this condition has nothing to do with weight, a body mass index of 30 can make it worse, so it is preferable to keep a low BMI. Consume more antioxidant-rich foods Antioxidants are chemicals that prevent or reduce free radical damage to cells.
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Top laundry detergent brands and tips to consider

Top laundry detergent brands and tips to consider

Every household uses laundry detergent regularly to take care of various cleaning tasks and to keep clothes clean, fresh, and odor-free after each wash. However, every detergent is unique and has multiple benefits and drawbacks. Some detergents can also cause allergies, so finding a detergent that meets all your needs while leaving your clothes soft and fluffy is essential. Here are a few highly efficient laundry detergents and their features to consider. Top laundry detergent brands  Hygienic Clean Heavy 10x Duty Power PODS These pods are designed to effectively penetrate the fibers and the spaces between them. It dissolves and removes body oils and other unwanted substances that are invisible to the naked eye. In terms of cleaning effectiveness, it outperforms all other detergents. Even without using bleach, it makes white t-shirts and bedding whiter. These large Power Pods, which contain more cleaning agents than two regular pods, are an excellent choice for families who wash a lot of clothes on a regular basis. The only disadvantage is that the pods may be too large for light loads. ProClean + Stain Fighter Liquid Laundry Detergent When it comes to liquid detergents, Persil ProClean is an excellent choice. It works well to remove stains when used with cold water, and switching to a cold washing method can help save electricity.
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Managing kidney health – Best and worst foods

Managing kidney health – Best and worst foods

The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that are responsible for important bodily functions, like producing hormones, removing waste through urine, filtering blood, balancing minerals, and maintaining fluid balance. But, according to the American Kidney Fund, more than 1 in 7 adults in the country are affected by chronic kidney diseases. So, it is important to maintain kidney health by making better lifestyle choices and opting for foods that support kidney health. Food and kidney health The kidneys have multiple tiny blood vessels that help filter and eliminate excess water and waste from the body. If one is affected by chronic kidney diseases, the kidneys cannot filter blood, leading to the accumulation of waste in the body. Hypertension and diabetes are some of the leading causes of kidney disease. So, a healthy food plan can help prevent and manage these conditions by removing excess sodium, phosphorus, or potassium. Additionally, some foods should be limited or avoided to prevent further kidney damage. Best foods for kidney health Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are similar to white potatoes but have excess fiber, which the body can take longer to break down, resulting in less of a spike in insulin levels in the body. Additionally, sweet potatoes contain various nutrients and minerals that may help balance the sodium and reduce its effect on the kidneys.
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11 useful tips for anxiety management

11 useful tips for anxiety management

Nearly 84% of participants in a particular mental health survey were said to have some form of anxiety. The severity of symptoms did vary from person to person, but the fact remains that we live in a world where almost everything is a potential trigger for anxiety. And living in denial about having a psychological trigger only worsens the problem. Luckily, it is possible to manage anxiety by following the suggestions recommended by experts. Identify the triggers Anxiety is mainly triggered due to an event or episode where one finds themselves in a difficult position. It could be something that puts a person out of their comfort zone. Doctors advise people to identify these triggers and avoid them. Any comment, action, or situation that did not work out in favor triggers anxiety. So, make a list of such events and instances and ignore them the next time something happens related to that event. At the same time, try to remain positive as it can help strengthen the mind to manage anxiety better. Keep busy Distraction is one of the simplest ways to prevent a panic or anxiety attack. You can perform simple chores or indulge in a favorite task to stay physically and mentally occupied for a few hours.
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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.
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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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Decoding the top 10 myths of AMD

Decoding the top 10 myths of AMD

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.
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