Home | Dog foods

Top Causes for Shortness of Breath

Top Causes for Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, occurs when one feels they cannot get enough air into their lungs to breathe normally. It may occur when walking, climbing stairs, engaging in other physical activities, or doing nothing. It may develop suddenly or over some time. Sudden or unexpected breathlessness generally occurs due to health conditions and requires immediate attention from a doctor, especially when accompanied by chest pain, fainting, or nausea. Top causes for shortness of breath Carbon monoxide poisoning When one breathes in carbon monoxide, the chemical replaces the oxygen content in the body. This results in the vital organs being starved of oxygen, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest pain, confusion, convulsions, dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue. Young children, senior adults, people with lung or heart disease, and people at higher altitudes are at a higher risk of suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. Heart conditions When the heart does not pump enough oxygen-rich blood through the body, the body responds by breathing faster to ensure an uninterrupted supply of oxygen to the vital organs, causing a sensation of shortness of breath. Heart conditions like angina, heart attacks, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and others are common causes behind the interruption of circulation of blood around the body, causing shortness of breath or breathlessness.

Achieving Healthy Skin – Top 10 Skincare Myths Debunked

Achieving Healthy Skin – Top 10 Skincare Myths Debunked
Many people wish for healthy and glowing skin. However, achieving this goal is easier said than done. It requires effort, time, and money. Furthermore, today one will find the Internet filled with skincare tips and a few myths that can cause more harm than good. These myths can unnecessarily complicate one’s beauty regimen and, in some cases, even cause harm to one’s health. Keep reading to know more about these skincare myths. Popular skincare myths debunked Here are a few common skincare myths: Tight skin after cleansing equals clean skin Most people believe that the tightness of their skin after cleansing their face means clean skin. However, this skincare myth is far from the truth. This sensation of dryness is a negative sign. It indicates that the skin has been stripped of the necessary moisture and nutrients that are needed to keep it healthy and glowing. Furthermore, using common soaps can disrupt the pH level of the skin, leading to disruption of the skin barrier and skin damage. Hence, as an alternative, experts recommend using oil-based cleansers to keep the skin supple. The order of skincare products does not matter Although most people use several skincare products, such as cleansers, moisturizers, and toners, every day, sometimes they use them in the wrong order.

Signs, causes, and risk factors of osteoporosis

Signs, causes, and risk factors of osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone condition that develops when bone mass and density decrease or when the structure and strength of the bone change. Although it can occur at any age, osteoporosis is a major cause of fractures in postmenopausal women and older men. These fractures most commonly occur in the hips, vertebrae, and the wrist. It is considered a “silent” disease because there are generally no signs or symptoms until a bone breaks. Signs of early-stage osteoporosis In the early stages of osteoporosis, one may notice the following signs: Receding gums If the jaw begins to lose bone density, it can cause the gums to recede. Bone density loss can also make the gums more susceptible to bacteria, increasing the risk for gum disease. Speak to a dentist about screening for bone loss in the jaw. Weaker grip strength Research conducted on postmenopausal women shows a clear link between low bone density and low hand grip strength. Lower grip strength also puts one at a higher risk for falls. Weak and brittle fingernails Nail strength is also a reflection of one’s bone health. Weak and brittle fingernails could signal low bone density or mass. However, nail strength is also influenced by a host of other factors, such as exposure to extremely hot or cold weather, regular use of nail polish or acrylic nails, and submersion in water for long periods.

8 common gardening mistakes to avoid

8 common gardening mistakes to avoid
Gardening is a leisurely activity and a beloved hobby for many. But as incredible as it is, one needs to consider several factors to ensure the survival of a garden, and especially for it to thrive. If you are building a kitchen garden, it will require a different kind of dedication and a different set of rules than an aesthetic, floral garden. In either case, there are some essential tips to follow. So, let’s explore some common gardening mistakes to avoid. Neglecting soil preparation This is the most crucial step of any gardening process. The soil is the base of the garden, and it is full of nutrients that are essential for the plants to thrive on. Neglecting soil preparation can cost you your beloved garden. Before starting any activity on the patch, assess your soil’s texture, pH balance, and nutrient content. Analyze this report to understand what kind of plants this soil can support. You can add organic matter, like compost and manure, to the soil to help improve its nutrient content and any additional requirements. Also, this cannot be a one-time process; you will have to do regular soil checking to ensure that the nutrients are not depleting.

Important questions to ask an oncologist after diagnosis

Important questions to ask an oncologist after diagnosis
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be a worrisome premise for many. This life-altering condition can make people feel overwhelmed, causing them to shut themselves off from any new information. However, taking an active part in treatment planning can help one achieve better outcomes and reduce side effects. Doctors with special training in diagnosing and treating tumors and cancers are known as oncologists. Here are some questions to ask your oncologist about cancer: About the diagnosis It is important to understand what tests are being conducted to diagnose cancer and how you can prepare for them. Here are some questions to ask at your initial appointment: What diagnostic tests or procedures do I need? How often do they need to be conducted? How can I prepare for these tests? What will these tests tell us? When will I get my results, and how will I receive them? Will I need to repeat any tests if I seek a second opinion? About cancer Upon diagnosis, it’s important to completely understand the type and stage of cancer, as this will help determine your treatment plan. Here are some questions you must ask: What type of cancer do I have? Where is the cancer located?

Types and early signs of lung cancer

Types and early signs of lung cancer
Lung cancer refers to cancerous growth beginning in one’s lungs and spreading to the other body parts. There are two major types of lung cancer – non-small cell lung cancer and small-cell lung cancer. As the condition progresses, cancer-causing cells may spread to other lymph nodes and body organs, including the brain, liver, adrenal glands, and bones. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for recovery. This article lists the types and early signs of lung cancer. Types of lung cancer Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) This is the most common type of lung cancer. Typically, this type of cancer develops under three conditions: Adenocarcinomas found in the lung’s outer region Squamous cell carcinomas found in the center of the lung Large-cell carcinomas found anywhere in the lung Exposure to harmful substances like uranium, coal products, gasoline, mustard gas, and diesel exhaust can increase one’s risk of NSCLC. Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) In this condition, malignant cells develop in one’s lung tissues. There are primarily two types of small-cell lung cancer – small-cell carcinoma (or oat cell cancer) and combined small-cell carcinoma. Chronic exposure to chromium, beryllium, soot, tar, etc., can increase one’s risk of SCLC. Radiation therapy performed in the breast to treat breast cancer can also increase one’s susceptibility to the condition.

Must
Reads.

6 mistakes to avoid while booking a hotel

Various online platforms have made booking accommodations a breeze. Whether you are traveling within the country or abroad, you need to make sure that you have chosen the right place to say and made the bookings correctly, so there’s no issue when checking in. However, certain common mistakes people tend to make when booking hotels can put a hitch in their trip. Here’s a list of six such booking mistakes that you should avoid: Not clarifying the different elements of the rate Many a time when making a booking, people just see the room rate. They forget to check out other additional components of the room rate. For example, many forget to find out about taxes. If you are booking online, there are resort fees that you may not see immediately and forget to check about. The resort fee is an amount charged for certain amenities at the property and is mostly not part of the basic room rate. You may realize the extra amount to be paid only when you arrive at the hotel, and at that time, it is too late to cancel your booking without paying a hefty fee. Therefore, it is best to gather all information before you make the booking. This way you will not end up being in a sorry state spending more than budgeted for the trip. Choosing non-refundable rates to book the room This could be another big blunder. Non-refundable rates usually are lower rates than the normal rates, that’s why these are so attractive. Sometimes, the non-refundable tag are prominently displayed but at times it can be mentioned in tiny fonts somewhere below that is easy to miss. Unfortunately, situations can change anytime and what was once a confirmed trip, you may need to cancel the booking eventually. There could be an emergency at the home, or office, or you may need to change the dates, etc.

7 things to avoid doing when staying in a hotel

Staying in a luxurious hotel can be exciting. You can enjoy several amenities, personalized services, and complimentary benefits. But you should be cautious. Experts and travel enthusiasts have devised several dos and don’ts to follow when in a hotel to avoid confusion and make the trip more memorable. Special focus should be on the don’ts as these can risk your safety in a new place. Here are seven things to avoid doing in hotels: Opening the door instantly Many instantly reach out for the doorknob on hearing the doorbell or a knock. This is a big mistake. While it is okay to assume that the person on the other side would be a housekeeping staff or an F&B person, it is best never to take a chance. This is especially applicable if you are in another country, traveling for the first time to a place, or staying at the location as a first-time guest. Verify the visitor’s identity before opening the door. You can do so by looking through the peephole or glancing outside through an adjacent window. Letting strangers inside can be costly if they turn out to be someone with the wrong intent. Packing the hotel’s bathrobes in your suitcase This is nothing short of stealing; you could be in big trouble if caught. Besides the legal hassles, pilfering the hotel’s properties speaks poorly about your manners. Taking a small bottle of shampoo, conditioner, or body lotion may be okay because these usually end up in the trash. But not bathrobes for sure. Similarly, do not just pick other linen pieces, small electronic items, or any artwork from the room. Hotels conduct a thorough inspection after you leave and could impose legal charges if the offense is serious. Using throw pillows In luxury hotels, you may see throw pillows lying on sofas, chairs, and other sitting areas.

7 easy ways to accessorize any outfit

Accessories tend to not only enhance your attire but also make you appear vibrant. Be it a casual chic look or an utter formal attire, adding some flash and bling just infuses life into your overall appearance. However, your accessories can perform their assigned role correctly only if perfectly styled. Here are some easy techniques and tips you can apply to up your fashion game and bring the best out of your outfit: Do not pile up on accessories at a time Most people commit the mistake of donning all the available accessories at once with an outfit. It must be noted that as far as accessories are concerned, less is always more. The purpose of using accessories is to highlight your outfit. However, if you adorn your outfit with several accessories like a watch, scarf, jewelry, sunglasses, hat, etc., all at once, none of them will stand out, making your outfit look cluttered and even awful. Highlight neutral clothes with bold accessories While neutral-colored clothes can look dull and understated, they are also the most perfect ones to be used as a field for experiments. If your wardrobe is filled with neutral colors like olive, navy, beige, white, or black, now is the time to boost them by pairing them up with some bold-colored accessories. Here are a few methods to do that: Pair a navy or black dress with a thin hot pink or red belt. Highlight your dull olive or khaki clothes using a flashy yellow or orange scarf. Add some hue to your colorless white blouse by pairing it with big drop earrings or a multicolored statement necklace. Don’t be too matchy While it could be tempting to pair up the blue polka dots of your dress with some matching blue shoes, a blue necklace, and blue earrings, it would make the outfit too predictable, boring, and even childish.

8 must-have accessories for men

Accessories tend to constitute a crucial part of outfits. They are those magical wands that have the power to infuse life into the dullest of clothes. However, they can be equally intimidating if one is unaware of the basic rules of accessorizing and invests in the wrong pieces. So, here is a list of men’s accessories that never go out of style and, therefore, are a must-have in one’s wardrobe. Sunglasses When it comes to accessories, nothing comes close to a pair of sunglasses. They are practical, flattering, and the perfect solution for hiding the shadows under your eyes. Not to forget, they play a vital role in protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Besides that, they are here to stay for a long time unless broken due to a mishap. Make sure you keep the style classic and subtle with tortoiseshell or black frames and dark green, black, or brown lenses. Wallets While paying for your necessities is now as simple as swiping a card or transferring through a smartphone, the charm of billfold wallets doesn’t seem to subside. And why not? They are practical, strong, yet flexible enough to accommodate their contents effortlessly, and, most importantly, they are durable too. They come in various prints, colors, and designs to suit every personality. One can also get them customized with initials or personal charms. Stainless steel watches These are the practical, no-nonsense cousins of the gold watches with a long lifespan. Besides that, they are extremely versatile. A classy watch can instantly amp up any outfit – be it a formal suit or a casual T-shirt and jeans. One can never go wrong with this men’s accessory. Durable belts Belts are not merely for holding your trousers in place; they also add to your overall look.

Our
Blog.

5 styling ideas for women over 60

5 styling ideas for women over 60

Age is a number when setting a true style statement. Regardless of anyone’s perception, just because you are reaching the 60s doesn’t imply to stop working on your appearance and renounce your desires to look fabulous. Fashion is not just merely about trends; it is about how you express yourself through clothes as the myths of age must not limit your expression. So, here are a few best styling ideas for women over 60: Embrace your age One of the most typical fashion mistakes people make is choosing outfits that are supposed to make them appear younger than their actual age. The problem with such a choice is that you are paradoxically accentuating your age when you try to look younger by wearing an outfit that will be more appropriate for youngsters. For example, if you don high heels, short skirts, or flashy fashions that might be more appropriate for a person half your age, you are indirectly making yourself appear “older.” Instead, you can opt for clothes that are specially tailored for women your age. Sporting “age-appropriate” dresses will conceal your age and make others appreciate your other features like glowing skin or your build. And consequently, you will appear much younger than your actual age.
Read More
5 tips to prevent and manage ulcerative colitis

5 tips to prevent and manage ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a long-term inflammatory disease that triggers inflammation and ulcers in the digestive system. It impacts the colon and rectum’s innermost lining. The symptoms are typically produced over a period rather than unexpectedly. According to the latest studies, about 1 million people have ulcerative colitis, and if left untreated, it can be crippling and cause life-threatening conditions. So, here are 5 tips to prevent and manage ulcerative colitis: Get on with the treatment plan immediately Even though there is no concrete cure for ulcerative colitis, proper treatment can help ease the symptoms and signs of the condition and eventually provide long-term remission. If a patient feels that their bowel habits are consistently changing or if they experience any of the following symptoms and signs, they should immediately consult a doctor: Blood in stool Ongoing diarrhea that is not getting cured by any other types of treatments An unknown fever going on for more than a day or two Abdominal pain Diarrhea that wakes up the patient from sleep The treatments prescribed by the doctor will typically include a combination of oral therapy or surgery. As far as oral treatments are concerned, the doctor may prescribe any of the following types of therapies, depending on the patient’s existing condition:
Read More