4 must-know signs of schizophrenia
health

4 must-know signs of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a prevalent mental illness affecting around 24 million people worldwide. Those with the condition often have delusions, hallucinations, and reduced cognitive ability. Spotting these signs is relatively easy; however, one may also experience other symptoms which can be hard to link to schizophrenia. Here, we will focus on some common and uncommon signs. We will also understand how the condition can be treated and managed to improve the patient’s quality of life. Social withdrawal This sign is common in teenagers but uncommon in adults. People with schizophrenia withdraw from society. They try to avoid people, including their friends and family, and be alone in their room. Some also feel like staying in bed all day and show no interest in anything. This includes being disinterested in the activities they once loved, such as a sport or hobby. And any attempt to reach out to them makes them irritated. If this symptom is ignored, one can also fall into depression, making matters worse. Struggling with the basics Many people with this mental disorder struggle with basic tasks, like grooming and organizing things. As a result, they depend on their loved ones or caretakers for such activities. The condition also affects their performance at school or work, and they often get annoyed by little things.
5 skincare mistakes that may lead to premature aging
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5 skincare mistakes that may lead to premature aging

The skin is the body’s largest organ, requiring appropriate care and maintenance. Not following a healthy skincare routine can lead to signs of skin aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines, and other skin disorders. Unfortunately, many unknowingly make mistakes in their skincare routine and follow unhealthy lifestyle practices that worsen these issues and harm the skin. This post lists five common mistakes that can lead to premature skin aging. Excessive sun or heat exposure Constant exposure to the sun can lead to dark spots, wrinkles, skin roughness, and other conditions like solar elastosis. The best way to tackle these issues is to use sunscreen before leaving the house to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Sunscreen must be applied throughout the year, irrespective of the weather conditions. Winter is no exception. But individuals must choose a quality product, preferably a mineral sunscreen, as it is the most effective for sun protection. Zinc-based sun-blocking lotions are also helpful. Besides using sunscreen, it is advisable to avoid using hot tubs and saunas for long periods. Their extreme heat and humidity may hasten the aging process by inhibiting elastin and collagen formation. To prevent heat damage, one can shower with lukewarm water.
Types of foods to be avoided by Crohn’s disease patients
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Types of foods to be avoided by Crohn’s disease patients

Crohn’s is a type of inflammatory bowel disease believed to occur due to poor eating habits and stress. This disease causes uncomfortable symptoms such as pain in the lower abdomen, bowel obstruction, nausea, and inflammation. One of the main ways to manage the condition is by cultivating proper eating habits. One can aggravate its symptoms by having oily or fatty food. Thus, here is a list of things to avoid if you have Crohn’s disease. Foods to avoid by those with Crohn’s disease Whole grain Food items that contain higher amounts of fiber can cause irritation with Crohn’s. These items are more difficult to digest and further pressurize the gastrointestinal tract. So, avoid whole grain foods or switch to gluten-free. Specific fruits and vegetable Fruits and vegetables have huge health benefits. However, some of them can have a negative impact on Crohn’s. You should reduce the intake of or avoid including certain foods in your meals. Examples of foods to leave out of meal plans are gassy foods such as broccoli and cabbage and any vegetables and fruits with the skin and seeds intact. Nuts and seeds People tend to gravitate towards nuts and seeds for their beneficial nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
Avoid these 5 things to prevent skin diseases
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Avoid these 5 things to prevent skin diseases

Skin diseases are the fourth most common non-fatal diseases in the world. The skin is a sensitive organ that is exposed to all kinds of problems, from common issues like occasional acne to severe skin disorders like psoriasis. However, changes in lifestyle and eating habits can help manage overall health and keep skin diseases and problems at bay. Further, you should avoid or cut down on the following things to prevent skin issues. Dairy products Products using milk and dairy can lead to skin problems like acne, pimples, and whiteheads. The milk and dairy products that we use come with added adulterates. In addition, approximately 90% of the total production of dairy products contains added hormones. These hormones can cause skin outbreaks and lead to many other problems. To prevent skin diseases, dermatologists recommend avoiding milk and other dairy products. One can opt for healthier alternatives like nut milk or plant-based milk. Dehydration One should try to meet their daily water intake goal, as hydration is essential for healthier, glowing skin. One can also avoid dehydration by adding water-rich fruits and vegetables to their daily meals. Fruits like watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and muskmelon are the ideal additions to maintain optimal hydration and improve skin health.
Know about 5 health conditions that may lead to muscle pain
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Know about 5 health conditions that may lead to muscle pain

Muscle pain is a health condition that can happen to almost everyone. Most cases of muscular discomfort may be traced back to overuse or tension. Muscle damage sustained during strenuous physical activity can lead to muscle pain. During exercise, specific muscles may start to hurt. The source of the discomfort is easy to identify. Listed below are some health conditions that may lead to muscle pain, which, when diagnosed, must be treated at the earliest. Causes Muscle pain may also be an indicator of systemic health issues. It can come from various conditions, including autoimmune diseases like lupus and flu. They can attack the body’s connective tissues, making it difficult to remain normal due to the pain. In such instances, it is necessary to go for a quick relief solution. You can go for a patch to relieve pain, which can help eliminate cramps in your muscles. Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes discomfort in the muscles and associated soft tissue and causes sleep problems, exhaustion, and headaches. You can feel pain almost anywhere on your body with muscular tissue. Aches and pains in the muscles might have a variety of causes. Muscle Strain Muscle discomfort is often the result of an injury.
5 kinds of foods that can trigger eosinophilic esophagitis
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5 kinds of foods that can trigger eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophils are white blood cells that circulate in the blood and help the immune system fight diseases. An abnormally high count of these cells can trigger inflammation and affect other organs in the body. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic reaction where the inflammation affects the esophagus, forcing the passage to become constricted and develop rings or abnormal abscesses. One way to counter this reaction is to eliminate certain foods from the nutrition regimen. Common discomforts of eosinophilic esophagitis Patients may experience abdominal pain, vomiting, chest pain, or heartburn. This reaction can also make it difficult to swallow food. Food can get stuck in the esophagus due to inflammation and constricted passages if the symptoms are left unchecked. Foods that trigger eosinophilic esophagitis This kind of allergic reaction is caused by one of these common trigger foods: Dairy products Dairy products and ingredients derived from them can trigger or worsen the symptoms. This includes milk, condensed milk, buttermilk, artificial cream, margarine, cheese, ice cream, sour cream, and even some forms of mayonnaise. Casein, lactose, lactoglobulin, lactalbumin, milk powders, milk sugars, milk solids, and whey proteins commonly used in recipes are also potential triggers to eliminate or consume in moderation as per the doctor’s advice.
Best foods to manage eosinophilic esophagitis
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Best foods to manage eosinophilic esophagitis

When eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, start building up in the esophagus, it leads to a condition called eosinophilic esophagitis. This can cause symptoms like soreness, pain, heartburn, and difficulty swallowing. The condition is triggered by immune system dysfunction and allergic reactions. It is a rare disease, so there is limited awareness regarding its symptoms and treatment options. However, food plays an important role in managing the symptoms and preventing flare-ups. Dairy-free milk Milk and other dairy products are common food allergens that can aggravate the body’s allergic response. It is safer to eliminate all dairy-based foods from one’s meals and replace them with safer alternatives that do not trigger eosinophilic esophagitis. This means avoiding foods that include any milk compound, including lactose, casein, tagatose, and whey. Dairy-free milk derived from coconut, hemp, or rice is a great alternative. You can also use dairy-free cheese and yogurt. Egg substitutes Be it mayonnaise or meringue, anything that comes with eggs is can trigger an allergic reaction when dealing with eosinophilic esophagitis. This also includes baked goods that usually contain eggs. Check ingredient labels for compounds like lecithin, albumin, and globulin, and avoid such foods. Alternatives like apple sauce, mashed banana, flax seed and water mixture, and other binding ingredients can be used.
5 foods to fight the symptoms of leukemia
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5 foods to fight the symptoms of leukemia

Leukemia refers to types of cancer that develop in the blood cells. A person is at a greater risk of developing the disorder if they are over 55. However, it isn’t uncommon for younger children to also suffer from similar complications. Moreover, a permanent cure for leukemia is still in the works. However, one can still follow simple methods to manage the condition, including eating specific foods to fight cancerous cells. Berries Berries have a long history of benefits in improving overall health. When it comes to leukemia, they are rich in antioxidants, which are known to protect the body from free radicals. Berries are specifically known to fight the effects of breast, bladder, and esophagus cancers. Tomatoes The antioxidant lycopene present in tomatoes may help those with leukemia manage the symptoms. The food is also rich in other properties like vitamins A, C, and E, known to fight free radicals that may trigger cancer formations in the body. Tomatoes are also known to benefit those with prostate cancer. Yogurt Yogurt contains healthy bacteria that can improve how a person handles the foods they eat. This bacteria is also known to regulate the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines in the body.
Avoid these 7 common teeth whitening mistakes
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Avoid these 7 common teeth whitening mistakes

Pearl-white teeth are every person’s dream come true. Clean teeth are not only visually appealing but also signify good health and oral hygiene. Besides brushing twice daily, following other hygiene measures, and eating healthy, several individuals opt for teeth whitening methods as a measure to facilitate clean, white teeth. While teeth whitening is an easy process and can be done at home, it is important to avoid certain mistakes to ensure its effectiveness. Not knowing what foods to avoid just after the process The teeth-whitening process does not end after one follows the process. In fact, the teeth-bleaching agents continue to penetrate the tooth enamel for 24 hours after the treatment. Consequently, the results may be compromised if, within this period, one eats certain foods and beverages that can stain the teeth. Some foods and beverages include beetroot, dark soups, soy sauce, tea, coffee, berries, and mustard. It is advisable to have light-colored foods like plain, boiled chicken and fish and white-sauce pasta after teeth whitening. Whitening one’s teeth more frequently than required One of the most common teeth-whitening mistakes is overdoing the procedure. Many people trying to whiten their teeth are often dissatisfied with the outcomes and end up using these products more than necessary.
3 kinds of soaps that can cause eczema flare-ups
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3 kinds of soaps that can cause eczema flare-ups

Atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as eczema, is a chronic skin disorder. While dermatitis develops at a young age, even adults can be affected by the condition. The condition makes the skin dry and triggers inflammation and swelling. Pain, irritation, blisters, bumps, and persistent itching are some symptoms of this skin disease. Certain products or ingredients can also worsen the symptoms. So, here are different types of soaps that can cause eczema flare-ups: Soaps with synthetic preservatives Most branded cosmetics contain a variety of artificial ingredients. Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT) are two commonly used chemical preservatives added to soaps to extend their shelf life. These preservatives prevent bacteria from growing on the soap and the formulation from becoming rancid with repeated use. Everyday shampoos, conditioners, body wash, lotions, shaving cream, hairspray, and even makeup removers contain these preservatives. These additives affect the skin’s pH balance resulting in dermal irritation. When these soaps come in contact with sensitive skin, they can trigger eczema symptoms. In most cases, cosmetic allergens have been identified as the primary reason for flare-ups. Soaps with Cocamidopropyl betaine Cocamidopropyl betaine ( CAPB) is a natural fatty extract derived from coconuts. It is synthesized by mixing raw coconut oil with dimethylaminopropylamine, making it a surfactant that removes dirt and creates a thicker, foamy formula required for a good lather.

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Important things to know about kidney and liver-related diseases
health

Important things to know about kidney and liver-related diseases

The kidney and liver are two important organs in your body. You must keep them healthy to maintain a happy and safe life. However, you should also be aware of some important facts about the liver and kidney-related diseases so that you can visit your doctor before any health-related issue becomes more serious. Kidney and liver diseases and stages Chronic kidney disease is a medical condition that affects your kidneys. However, it progresses in five different stages and usually does not affect both the kidneys at once. Before learning about the stages of this illness, you need to first understand what Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is. The age, gender, race, and serum creatinine are taken into account to calculate a person’s GFR, which determines the stage of chronic kidney disease. The serum creatinine is a type of waste product, which comes from the body’s muscle activity. As the condition of your kidney worsens, it filters less and less creatinine. The GFR calculation uses this to determine the kidney condition. Stage 1 : GFR > 90 ml/min Stage 2 : GFR = 60-89 ml/min Stage 3A : GFR = 45-59 ml/min Stage 3B : GFR = 30-44 ml/min Stage 4 :
Oral health issues and their diagnosis and prevention
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Oral health issues and their diagnosis and prevention

Oral health indicates overall health, so regular oral hygiene is important to prevent cavities, bad breath, gum diseases, and other mouth and teeth issues. Also, oral health is important at every stage of life, and it should not be taken lightly as oral diseases can also spread to the rest of the body. Let’s take a look at the basics of oral health issues and how to prevent them. Common oral health problems Oral health problems can affect people at different stages of lives: Infants A routine to help children maintain oral hygiene. When a child starts getting their first teeth, parents should wipe their gums with a clean, moist washcloth. Gradually, they can change this washcloth to a toothbrush for kids. Also, a child must be taken for their first dental visit within 6 months of the first tooth erupting, which should be not later than a kid’s first birthday. Additionally, parents should always stop children from sucking their thumbs as it can affect their tooth alignment. Also, never let them sleep with a bottle in their mouth as this can cause tooth decay. Children and teenagers Many who have crooked teeth start showing signs between the ages of 6 and 12.
Essential factors of mental health issues
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Essential factors of mental health issues

There are a lot of misconceptions that people have about mental health. With the little information on mental health, people are often narrow-minded when it comes to treating mental illnesses and often this causes a big problem for those who have mental health problems. To help you understand better, we are here to provide you with the details of mental health problems, which include its stages, diagnosis, and treatment. Stages of mental health issues The following stages are generally experienced by patients: Stage 1: Preconception When the patient is in this stage, they may mostly be in denial. It is possible that they point out that something seems off but they are fully capable of going about with their usual routine. Stage 2: Contemplation At this stage, it is clear that the patient needs medical help. The symptoms have started to set in, and it has now started to affect the day-to-day routine of the patient. Stage 2: Crisis If stages 1 and 2 are dealt with in the right way, this stage can be avoided. If not, the patient may face a nervous breakdown. Stage 4: Getting Help This stage should ideally come before the crisis for the problem to be averted.
Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of multiple sclerosis
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Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the spinal cord and the brain. Some of the common symptoms of multiple sclerosis are weakening and numbing in the body, blurring of vision, headaches, loss of hearing, speech issues, seizures, and bladder issues. The main treatment of multiple sclerosis focuses on managing symptoms of the disease. Let us take a look at the stages that the person goes through in case of multiple sclerosis. Stages of multiple sclerosis There are four stages of multiple sclerosis. These include: Clinically isolated syndrome A clinically isolated syndrome is usually the first attack of multiple sclerosis experienced by patients. It is marked by an inflamed myelin sheath. At this stage, a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test is used to make a proper diagnosis. Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis is the most common stage. Most patients experience symptoms of this stage before the age of 30. Patients may experience episodes of symptoms. Relapse in this stage can lead to brain lesions. If patients go into remission, this phase can continue for a few weeks or even several years. Primary progressive multiple sclerosis Primary progressive multiple sclerosis usually begins in patients after they cross the age of 40.
Important things that you must know about pain management
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Important things that you must know about pain management

The techniques of pain management are devised based on the cause of pain. Pain management also depends on the severity and duration of pain. It focuses on the identification of the source of pain and selecting the best course of treatment. Let us take a closer look at some of the aspects of pain management. Types of pain The most common types of pain are: Neuropathic pain It’s a type of pain, which impacts the nervous system. In this form of pain, there is damage to the nervous system. A typical example is a diabetic neuropathy. Neuropathic pain can also include fibromyalgia, sympathetically maintained pain and irritable bowel syndrome. Nociceptive pain It is a pain that results from a bone that is broken in the body. This pain is determined by the transfer of signals from the peripheral nerves to the brain through the spinal cord. Somatic pain This pain is a type that affects the thighs and back of the patient. Every time a patient goes to the doctor with back pain, their doctor checks their medical history and conducts a physical exercise test and imaging test. After an accurate diagnosis, the pain can be adequately treated. Cancer pain Cancer or the treatment of cancer can cause this type of pain.
Understanding the essentials about menopause
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Understanding the essentials about menopause

Menopause is a stage at which the woman stops going through menstrual cycles. It is only considered menopause if you have not had your period for at least 12 months. In the US, the average age for it to occur is 51, but it can start as early as your 40s. It is a biological process that occurs naturally but, due to certain symptoms it causes, it can lead to disruptions in your daily schedule and life. Stages of menopause Menopause has three different stages, as given below. Perimenopause Before the actual menopause starts, the women’s body goes into the process of shifting from natural menstruation and ovulation cycle to permanent infertility. This stage is known as perimenopause. It generally starts in your 40s, but some women may experience it in their 30s too. The symptoms include irregular periods, sleep problems, and hot flashes. Menopause If you have not had your period in one year, then the perimenopause is over, and the actual menopause stage begins. You cannot get pregnant once you enter this stage. Postmenopause The years that follow are the postmenopause stage. The physical and emotional symptoms of menopause start to subside in most cases. You start to regain your energy levels and feel more emotionally stable.