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5 things one should avoid before visiting a doctor
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5 things one should avoid before visiting a doctor

Whether starting with a new doctor or revisiting the old doctor, one must avoid doing certain things before visiting the doctor. For example, one must avoid wearing any kind of metal while going for a scan or eating before going for an ultrasound. Taking care of things like this can help a person get accurate results. It is best to make a note of the concerns one needs the doctor to address. 5 things to avoid before a doctor’s appointment Avoid drinking coffee before checking blood pressure A person must avoid drinking coffee before visiting a doctor to get accurate results during a check-up. Consuming coffee or any beverage that contains caffeine, including energy drinks or colas, can cause blood pressure to be incorrectly higher. The same holds for over-the-counter decongestants. Reduce salt intake before going to the doctor While some people seek comfort foods like chocolate and other sweets when worried, others choose comfort foods like potato chips. If one is visiting the doctor for managing hypertension, salty snacks is one thing a person must avoid before visiting the doctor. High blood pressure, often known as hypertension, has been related to severe health problems such as heart attacks and strokes.
7 tips for preventing digital eye strain and headaches
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7 tips for preventing digital eye strain and headaches

Today, you live in a fast-paced world where almost everything you do is associated with a digital screen. Here, electronics like smartphones, laptops, tablets, and televisions, help us work or enjoy some form of content. However, the constant use of such technology has its downsides, including health concerns like eye strain and headaches, which may affect the ability to carry out daily tasks. So, here are seven tips to prevent such discomfort: Take breaks Sitting in front of a screen for too long is one of the common causes of eye strain and headaches. So, whether you read, work, or watch something on a screen, you must take occasional breaks and look away. This will help you rest your eyes and avoid strain. Choose the right eyewear If you work on the computer for long periods, then you might need protective gear like computer glasses to avoid digital eye strain. You could get prescription or non-prescription eyewear with glasses that block blue light from computer and phone screens. Such glasses or contacts can shield your eyes from harmful light. Consider speaking to an optometrist to help you choose the right vision care products. Use eye drops Artificial tears or eye drops could help relieve dry eyes.
7 early signs of bone cancer
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7 early signs of bone cancer

Primary bone cancers (bone sarcomas) are rare conditions that can develop in any bone of the body. There are several types of bone cancers, including chondrosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma, and osteosarcoma. Given their rare occurrence, the symptoms may often be misdiagnosed as those of other health conditions. So, one should keep an eye out for the following early signs of bone cancer, as doing so could ensure that one receives prompt diagnosis and treatment. Pain Pain could be triggered by several health complications and injuries. However, in the case of bone cancer, initially, the pain may not be constant. However, it could worsen at night or when the affected area is being moved, such as when walking with a tumor in the leg bone. With time the pain could become constant and may worsen with physical activity. Breathing problems Cancer that develops in the bones may also spread to organs like the lungs. If the cancer has reached this region, one may experience breathing difficulties. They may also experience other early signs of bone cancer, like chest pain, wheezing, chronic cough, and coughing blood. One should consult an expert right away if they experience any such symptoms. Fractures Those with bone cancer are likely to experience sudden fractures, as the tumor could weaken the bone to the extent that it breaks even with the slightest pressure.
3 signs of liver damage to never ignore
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3 signs of liver damage to never ignore

The liver performs several crucial bodily functions. For instance, it eliminates toxins, supports digestion, and helps store essential nutrients. However, specific lifestyle habits and underlying health conditions can affect the organ, lowering its performance and increasing the risk of severe complications. When that happens, one may develop numerous symptoms. Here are a few such signs of liver damage individuals should not ignore and immediately get a diagnosis from a healthcare professional. Jaundice Jaundice, characterized by the yellowing of the eyes and skin, is also called yellow fever. The ailment develops when there is a buildup of toxic compounds and waste products in the body, which the liver cannot filter out. Bilirubin is an example of such a toxic compound, formed when the body breaks down old or damaged red blood cells. When the liver cannot appropriately filter out bilirubin from the body, its buildup gives the skin, eyes, and even the mouth a yellow tint. One’s urine may also turn dark and the stool pale when suffering from jaundice. These are potential signs of liver damage that should never be ignored. Fatty liver disease Fatty liver disease is a common term for numerous illnesses that affect the liver when too much fat accumulates in its cells.
6 mistakes to avoid while finding senior living apartments
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6 mistakes to avoid while finding senior living apartments

Senior living apartments are houses within communities designed specifically with the needs of the elderly in mind. Choosing one is a life-changing decision, as one must try to meet one’s health, happiness, and safety needs. With several senior apartments across the country, the pressure to choose the right one can feel overwhelming. To ease this journey, one must steer clear of these six common mistakes while finding senior living apartments. Not thinking about current and future support needs When choosing a senior living community or apartment, one must consider their current and future care needs. This involves speaking to a doctor about one’s overall health and the progress of diseases or ailments in the future. This can help one find a living situation that is better suited to their needs. It will also reduce the risk of moving to a new facility or apartment as these evolve. Ignoring the fine print While senior living apartment contracts are generally straightforward, one must always pay attention to the fine print, as it may contain some confusing jargon. Ignoring this may cause one to miss out on details regarding price hikes, services, and more, resulting in overhead expenses. Since every senior community is different, one must always check the terms, services, and prices closely before moving in.
4 tips for choosing the right water bottle
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4 tips for choosing the right water bottle

Water bottles are one of those essential products that continue to be used by people of all ages. Today, one can find a wide variety of types and designs of water bottles that cater to diverse needs. But, when choosing a bottle, one may overlook certain must-have features and instead opt for trendy options that don’t meet all requirements. To make an informed decision, here are a few tips for choosing the right water bottle: 1. Consider the usage The first thing to consider before purchasing a water bottle is individual usage. So, one needs to know if they are buying a bottle for their home, carrying it to work, or for traveling. Based on this, one can choose the right size and material for the water bottle. For instance, glass is a great, relatively safe material for storing water, but glass bottles work best for home as they can break with rough use. For portability, one should consider plastic, stainless steel, and silicone bottles, as they are sturdier options. 2. Prioritize health and safety Plastic is commonly used for single-use and reusable water bottles, as it is a lightweight, versatile, and affordable material. However, when choosing plastic bottles, one must make sure they pick BPA-free variants.
6 mistakes to avoid while drinking water from a bottle
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6 mistakes to avoid while drinking water from a bottle

Drinking water may seem like a simple task. While that is true, some unhealthy habits while drinking water from a bottle may affect one’s hydration levels and lead to health consequences. They may include adding artificial flavors, not cleaning the bottles after usage, and leaving the bottle in the sun for a long time. To stay on track with one’s hydration goals, look at some common mistakes to avoid while drinking water from a bottle. BPA bottles Many plastic water bottles are made using BPA or bisphenol – a chemical that is harmful to the human body. BPA can get into food and drinks, and too much exposure to this chemical can even lead to congenital disorders. Although no conclusive research supports this, researchers speculate that overexposure to BPA could potentially lead to the rise or development of diseases like hormonal imbalance, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and also some cardiovascular conditions. Bottles made of stainless steel or even glass are safer alternatives. One can also check for BPA-free water bottles. Keeping bottles clean When using water bottles, make sure they are cleaned after usage. Most water bottles have rings around the bottleneck and caps. These tiny spaces may need a thorough cleaning to ensure the water does not get affected and, in turn, cause some infection.
4 mistakes to avoid when choosing a medical alert system
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4 mistakes to avoid when choosing a medical alert system

A medical alert system helps people call someone for assistance during health emergencies. One has to press a button on it, after which the device connects to a loved one or emergency personnel. These systems are useful for seniors as they eliminate the need to hire a live-in caregiver for round-the-clock protection. But since different medical alert systems are available from several brands, one should research well and avoid mistakes when choosing. Choosing based on price alone Cost-cutting, or selecting the cheapest option available in the market, is a mistake to avoid when purchasing any healthcare device. Different medical alert systems offer different features. While some are basic, others provide better functions, like automatic detection of falls and Wi-Fi connectivity. That is why one must not choose based on the price alone. Instead, buyers must choose a system that has the features they require and perfectly suits their needs. One must also read reviews online and compare the various options before zeroing in on the medical alert system. Proper research before buying helps people avoid falling for the cheapest option out there. Selecting the wrong type There are two main kinds of medical alert systems: home-based and mobile. Home-based systems are stationary, while mobile ones can be taken anywhere.

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Here’s how you can get your allergies detected
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Here’s how you can get your allergies detected

How many times have allergies caused you to sneeze every time you take a ride in the open air? Or rashes on coming in contact with a plant? Or swelling as a result of a peanut allergy? Sneezing, running noses, watery eyes, rashes, swelling all these reactions due to allergies can be quite distressing. Allergies are more common and can be caused by various things. The cause of allergies is still unknown, it could be genetic or just a singular development. However, they can be easily detected by just visiting your doctor and undergoing some tests. Read on to know more about what are allergies and how to detect them. What are allergies? The immune system is designed to fight any entrant in the body that it recognizes as foreign. However, at times, the immune system becomes over vigilant and starts fighting foreign entrants that are not harmful. Substances that cause the immune system to react this way are called “allergens”, and when you display symptoms of these interactions, you are diagnosed “allergic” to the substance. Allergens can include plants, grass, pollen, dust, food, animal dander among others. While symptoms like running nose, sneezing, watery eyes, rashes, itching, and others, are all attributed to allergic reactions.
5 frequently asked questions about Alzheimer’s disease
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5 frequently asked questions about Alzheimer’s disease

A common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating and progressive disease that affects the brain and motor functions of the body. The disease progresses through stages. It begins to affect the regions of the brain that control language, thought, and memory. In most of the cases, it begins with a slight memory loss. In the final stages, Alzheimer’s disease leads to the loss of various abilities including motor skills, speech, and independent movement. Here are a few frequently asked questions about Alzheimer’s. What are the causes? Alzheimer’s disease does not have any definite cause. Research has been unable to conclude whether Alzheimer’s is developed by one cause or multiple ones. The exact cause of the ailment is not yet known. However, there are multiple factors that may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. One of the major causes is ageism. Also, a family history of Alzheimer’s is another major risk. This may lead to the inheritance of genes that cause this disease. Some other possible risk factors that can cause Alzheimer’s include high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and high cholesterol. What are the symptoms? In most cases, the first warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease is a loss of cognitive ability.
Four important steps in anemia management
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Four important steps in anemia management

Hemoglobin is a protein molecule in the red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Its richness in iron gives blood its red color. Anemia is a condition where a person has low hemoglobin or red blood cell count. From an underlying disease to nutrient deficiencies, there are a lot of factors that contribute to the onset of this condition. There are many forms of anemia. Some of them include: Iron deficiency anemia -This is caused due to low iron levels in the blood. Most common causes of this type of anemia are heavy menstruation or internal bleeding. Vitamin deficiency anemia – This type of anemia is caused by the deficiency of vitamin C, B-12 or folate Aplastic anemia – Damaged stem cells in the bone marrow fail to produce enough red blood cells, leading to aplastic anemia. Sickle cell anemia – This is a condition characterized by the development of abnormal crescent-shaped red blood cells. Hemolytic anemia – This is a blood disorder caused due to premature death of red blood cells. Thalassemia – This is caused due to low amounts of hemoglobin in the blood. The blood disorders vary in duration and severity. Prompt diagnosis, and treatment are important because anemia could also be due to an underlying condition.
7 foods that can help fight against arthritis
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7 foods that can help fight against arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes tenderness and swelling of joints due to inflammation. There are many types of arthritis, but joint pain and stiffness are common symptoms noticed in older adults. The symptoms worsen with increasing age. Although arthritis has no cure yet, its symptoms can be managed. Various remedies can be used to alleviate the symptoms. Some foods can even help in easing inflammation. Listed below are seven such foods. Garlic Foods from the allium family like ginger and onions have proven more than effective for arthritis patients. Garlic, especially, is well-known in the fight against multiple diseases. The compound diallyl disulphide present in it limits the count of cartilage-damaging enzymes. Additionally, garlic enhances certain immune cells that help strengthen the immune system. Fish Known for their high protein content, fish have also proved useful in greatly reducing inflammation due to arthritis. Fishes like salmon, mackerel, and trout are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which, according to experts, is a lethal weapon against arthritis and its related symptoms. Experts recommend three or four ounces of fish twice every week. Apples Apples should be an imperative part of your diet especially if you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. They are packed with nutrients and vitamins of multiple forms.

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Key features of the 2019 Toyota Highlander

Key features of the 2019 Toyota Highlander

Despite the launch of its 2020 variant, the 2019 Toyota Highlander remains one of the most popular midsize three-row SUVs in the market. Complete with a sturdy exterior, high-end interior, and the masterful Toyota craftsmanship that is present throughout, the SUV is among the first choices for everything from family adventures to running an errand. If you’re planning to buy the 2019 Toyota Highlander, then here are some important features and specifications that you should know about: Performance features The 2019 Toyota Highlander is a classic blend of spacious comfort and stylized innovation that most buyers look for in an SUV. With 44.2 inches of legroom in the front row and 38.4 inches of legroom in the second row, the interior is comfortable, luxurious, and makes riding in style a reality. All trim variants of the Highlander are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, except the base model LE, which is equipped with a 2.7-liter, four-cylinder engine. It features tie-down hooks and cargo lights to help you easily load and unload stuff. The SUV is also packed with many useful features such as high-beam headlights and radar cruise control to ensure the safety of passengers. Safety features Talking about safety, the 2019 Toyota Highlander is loaded with standard and innovative safety features.
The 4 outstanding trim levels of the 2020 Honda CR-V

The 4 outstanding trim levels of the 2020 Honda CR-V

Honda simply does it better. The automaker’s new 2020 CR-V model is even more efficient and capable than its predecessor. It’s fresh-faced and comes in four trim levels with varying features, performance specifications, interior comfort, and driver-assistance technologies that deliver a safe and delightful driving experience. That said, you’re sure to get the authentic Honda experience despite the trim level you choose. So, let’s take a look at the four different trim levels of the 2020 Honda CR-V: LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring. LX The CR-V LX is the base model of the 2020 Honda CR-V. The LX model received the most amount of upgrades compared to the other trim levels. It is now powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder, 1.5-liter engine that produces 190 horsepower, which was not even an option in the previous LX trim of CR-V. It now features the exclusive Honda Sensing® system that consists of several advanced driver-assistance technologies that allow the driver to feel safe and comfortable on the road. It’s equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels for better design and excellent power, and the interior comes with a foldable rear seat to accommodate more space for cargo. More features of the LX include: Available Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™ Automatic Climate Control System 160-Watt Audio System with 4 Speakers Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® Remote Entry System Power Side Mirrors Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure EX The CR-V EX is the next trim level and the most popular of all.
Five reasons to buy the 2020 Toyota Tacoma

Five reasons to buy the 2020 Toyota Tacoma

As far as midsize pickup trucks go, it has become increasingly hard to look beyond Toyota’s Tacoma. The revolutionary truck has been a segment leader for more than a decade now. The 2020 Toyota Tacoma, which was released in September last year, is all set to continue the legacy. Replete with top-notch and cutting-edge upgrades and features the 2020 Toyota Tacoma still rules the roost. Continue reading to know why you should buy the 2020 Toyota Tacoma. Powerful off-road experience A common reason behind buying trucks is to add adventure to your travel. Off-roading brings great thrill and trucks are ideal for such challenging terrains. For years, the Tacoma has pioneered the art of off-roading and the 2020 model is no exception. The TRD Off-Road trim is specially designed for such environments and is equipped with Blistein shocks that have valves tuned for off-roading. Additionally, there’s a multi-terrain select feature replete with modes that aid the driver in crossing different types of surfaces by adjusting traction control and engine throttle. Crawl control is another sensor system that enables the 2020 Toyota Tacoma to crawl over rocks or sand. Tough and dependable truck For 13 years Tacoma has been America’s first-choice midsize pickup, and for good reasons!