When it comes to dealing with the seasonal or allergic flu, also known as influenza, understanding the things to avoid is as crucial as knowing the appropriate measures to take. The general characteristics of this condition include runny nose, fever, chills, and cough. Managing the flu can be a challenging and uncomfortable experience, and to promote easier and faster recovery, here are some things one should avoid doing when infected with the virus. Not drinking enough water Fever and sweating can cause dehydration, which can further delay the recovery and take a toll on one’s body. Therefore, it is advised to drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and electrolyte-rich fluids to help the body recover more effectively. It’s also important to avoid drinking coffee or tea as it can contribute to dehydration. Not resting enough Avoiding rest and trying to power through the illness can prolong its duration and increase the risk of complications. When dealing with the flu, it’s important to listen to the body and allow the time it needs to heal. Bed rest, along with sleep and relaxation, can help the immune system fight off the virus more efficiently. Experts suggest waiting for at least 24 hours before going out after the fever has subsided.

Exposure to toxic fumes, pollution, and particulate matter can quickly deteriorate lung health. While one must take precautions to lower the exposure or avoid it altogether, several other ways, like making good nutrition choices, can help improve lung health and prevent common lung diseases. One must follow meal plans that consist of foods that can help prevent such conditions. Here are some of the options one can include in their meal plans. Beets The root and greens of the beetroot plant add vibrancy to meals. In addition, these contain essential compounds that can optimize the function of the lungs. Beet greens and beetroot contain high amounts of nitrates. Also, beets are rich in magnesium, vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. All of these help the blood vessels relax while lowering blood pressure and optimizing oxygen. This improves lung health. Apples While eating apples can improve overall health, this fruit is particularly good for the lungs. It lowers the risk of developing common lung diseases. The high percentage of antioxidants such as flavonoids and vitamin C in apples also helps in slowing down the decline of lung health in those with pre-existing lung problems. Walnuts These nuts are quite popular as healthy foods for the heart.

Dental care insurance serves as a crucial safeguard that helps people save on out-of-pocket treatment costs and makes painful procedures easier to deal with. However, one should note that not everything falls under its scope. While dental insurance is designed to cover a range of services, certain aspects of dental care may go beyond its capacity. Understanding these will help individuals make informed decisions about their oral health and financial planning. Cosmetic dentistry Dental insurance focuses on procedures essential for maintaining oral health, relegating cosmetic dentistry to elective services. Aesthetic improvements like teeth whitening, veneers, or cosmetic bonding are often excluded, requiring individuals to explore alternative payment options. Orthodontic treatments for adults While orthodontic coverage is a common inclusion for children, adults seeking orthodontic treatments, such as braces or aligners, may encounter limitations. Insurance companies often consider orthodontic procedures for adults from a cosmetic standpoint, offering limited coverage. Therefore, reviewing one’s insurance policy to understand the extent of coverage for orthodontic treatments is important. Elective procedures Dental insurance commonly overlooks elective procedures performed for non-essential reasons. Services like gum contouring or aesthetic gum surgeries, chosen for cosmetic purposes rather than need, may necessitate separate financing. Pre-existing conditions Similar to health insurance, dental coverage may not extend to pre-existing conditions.

Liver cancer is a health condition characterized by the aggressive and uncontrolled growth of malignant cells in the liver. Like other cancers, this type exhibits certain typical symptoms throughout its various stages of progression. However, many of these symptoms are also common to liver damage, making it difficult to determine whether an individual is suffering from liver damage or liver cancer. Here are some of the most common symptoms shared by both of these conditions: Abdominal swelling When an individual is diagnosed with liver cancer, their liver is subjected to an excessive amount of pressure, which leads to the obstruction of blood flow in veins and other vessels. As a result, the various liver fluids are forced into the person’s abdomen. Over a period of time, this condition inevitably causes abdominal swelling. Nausea or vomiting Liver tumors can produce hormones that affect the functioning of other organs in the body. The hormones can lead to problems like spiked calcium levels in the blood. This condition, known as hypercalcemia, can lead to a range of health issues, such as nausea, muscle weakness, constipation, fatigue, and confusion. It is important to note that nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that can be associated with various health conditions.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a rare condition mainly affecting the food pipe or esophagus—a muscular tube connecting the mouth and stomach. When affected by EoE, certain white blood cells called eosinophils grow exponentially in the esophageal lining, causing inflammation. While the precise cause of the condition is unknown, it is believed to be a reaction to allergens like foods and environmental irritants or a result of allergic diseases like hay fever, eczema, and asthma. Common signs 1. Trouble swallowing food EoE makes it hard to swallow food due to inflammation in the muscular tube. This symptom is called dysphagia. So, those with EoE may get the sensation that the food, solids, in particular, is stuck in the throat. This can make one avoid eating. If the condition worsens, it can actually result in food impaction (food stuck in the throat) or choking, where medical intervention may be required. 2. Chest pain and acid reflux Another common sign of eosinophilic esophagitis is acid reflux, which causes symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, and regurgitation. The chest pain, which can feel sharp or intense, is often localized behind the breastbone. A condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) also causes similar symptoms, making one often mistake EoE for GERD.

Blood pressure measurement is the most common test carried out at a physician’s office. However, sometimes, one may be asked to take the readings at home to allow them to continue with work and other commitments while recording the measurement in real time to keep an eye on drastic fluctuations. As this process is highly prone to errors, here are mistakes cardiologists want one to stop making while taking blood pressure readings at home: 1. Testing with a full bladder A full bladder may exert pressure on the kidneys, making them respond in a way that raises blood pressure by 10 to 15 points. So, going to the bathroom 20 to 30 minutes beforehand could help get more accurate readings. 2. Incorrect posture Keeping the legs crossed and slouching while taking a reading could compress the arteries in the legs and restrict blood flow, resulting in an irregularly high blood pressure reading. So, one should sit upright and place the machine on a flat surface like a kitchen or dining table before measuring blood pressure. Further, the feet should be on the floor, and the arm should rest at the heart level, i.e., on the table or the arm of the chair.

Most individuals who smoke know that it can pose a risk to their health. They are also aware that they should quit smoking, and if they do, their lungs will only get better. However, they might not know how to quit smoking for good or struggle to do so. Thankfully, there are quite a few ways that can help one quit for good. Some of these are mentioned below. 1. Start preparing The first step to quitting smoking is to find a strong enough reason that can motivate them to give up the habit. It can be anything; an individual may want to focus on their health. Once they have a solid reason and motivation to quit, they can pick a date to quit cold turkey or gradually reduce the number of cigarettes they smoke. This is a choice that should be made after talking to a doctor and factoring in one’s behavior patterns. Once the choice is made, individuals should get rid of smoke trays and any cigarettes lying around. Some people find it easier to distract themselves by eating something. 2. Seek support There are numerous offline and online support groups that people who are looking to quit smoking can benefit from.

Feet are often neglected when it comes to caring for the body, but if one faces issues with the limb, one will find it hard to move, run, or do any number of things. The constant strain on feet can increase tension and discomfort, affecting overall health. So, it’s a good idea to massage the feet on a routine basis and care for them. Here are four benefits of getting the feet massaged regularly: Helps with healthier feet Since a massage can help stimulate the feet, it may promote better foot health. A good massage helps relieve stiffness and tension and promotes better circulation and flexibility in one’s feet. The therapeutic measure could also help prevent foot-related complications like plantar fasciitis, bunions, and flat feet. Relieves nausea and pain Experts indicate that a foot massage could help relieve symptoms like nausea and pain, especially if the person experiences it because of emotional distress or sickness. Applying pressure to the top of the foot, below the area where the big toe meets the second toe, could stimulate organs, like the large intestines, heart, and stomach, which helps alleviate nausea and pain. Decreases blood pressure Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is usually triggered by lack of exercise, stress, and poor eating habits.

Fish oil supplements are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and offer a range of overall health benefits. While consuming fatty fish at least twice a week is one of the best ways to receive omega-3 fatty acids, for some people, it is not an option. In such cases, fish oil supplements are a great alternative to eating fish. Regular consumption of fish oil supplements can help in many ways, some of which are listed below. Cardiovascular health Omega fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), found in fish oil, may reduce the risk of heart disease by helping lower blood pressure, reducing triglyceride levels, and preventing arterial plaque from forming. Consistent intake of fish oil can also contribute to a decrease in the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Anti-inflammatory properties Fish oil supplements contain anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce inflammation. This can help manage illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, where the pain can be alleviated because of lower levels of inflammation. Cognitive function and health The omega-3 fatty acids, and DHA in particular, are important elements of the brain’s structure and are vital in helping to maintain the integrity of cell membranes and support brain health.

People in big cities and towns are often exposed to loud noises, especially those from outdoor speakers. These speakers are unavoidable at sports stadiums, movie screenings, and social gatherings, but the sound can severely damage the ears if it is too loud. Many say they cannot hear soft sounds easily after going to such events. There are quite a few ways in which outdoor speakers can potentially damage the ears. Damage to hair cells The ear’s cochlea has tiny hair strands that bend when one hears loud noises. They return to normal after some time, but some are damaged and destroyed. Many of these hair cells even die on repeated exposure to loud noises. Tinnitus It is okay to feel a ringing or buzzing noise in the ears after listening to noises from outdoor speakers. The ringing sound is called tinnitus. People exposed to loud noises for long may hear these sounds constantly, and that’s when it becomes a problem. Limiting exposure to outdoor speakers as much as possible is important to avoid this issue. Damage to auditory nerves The nerves in the ears carry auditory information to the brain. Continuous exposure to loud noises from speakers can damage the auditory nerves, but it may not become evident until much later.