Common Household Products That Can Damage Lungs

Common Household Products That Can Damage Lungs
Long-term exposure to daily-use cleaners, dishwashing soaps, air fresheners, and other aerosol products harms lung health, mainly because these products contain irritants and volatile organic compounds that cause allergies in the lungs. There is a potential risk of lung disease, asthma, MAC disease, and common chronic obstructive pulmonary disease developing due to long-term exposure. So, it’s crucial to check the label of the following household items before buying them and practice caution while using them. Air fresheners Room and air fresheners are not just used in homes but also in offices, malls, and many other public places, which means one can be continually exposed to the product in and outside their living space. While the purpose of air fresheners is to keep odor at bay, several ingredients in the air freshener can cause harm to health. Fresheners are known to have volatile organic compounds and release harmful gasses in the air that are eventually inhaled by people in the room, increasing their risk of developing respiratory issues. Some of the known chemicals in such products include formaldehyde, benzene, and phthalates which can cause issues like coughing, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing when inhaled. Here is a list of ingredients that one will usually find in air fresheners and a look at how they can potentially harm the lungs:

11 best foods for managing anemia

11 best foods for managing anemia
Anemia is a prevalent health condition that develops when the body does not have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry sufficient oxygen to the tissues. A common cause of this condition is a deficiency of iron, which can cause issues such as weakness, fatigue, paleness, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Here, in addition to seeking treatment for these symptoms, making better food choices can help in managing anemia. Nutrition and anemia When dealing with anemia, it is crucial to choose foods rich in iron, as iron helps in the production of hemoglobin in red blood cells, thereby helping manage the condition. In addition to iron sources, one should opt for foods that help in the absorption of iron to maximize the benefits of this vital nutrient. Here, it is important for one to understand the difference between the two types of food-derived iron—heme iron and non-heme iron. Heme iron is commonly found in animal products, while non-heme iron is present in plant-based foods. Although both types contribute to increasing overall iron levels, optimizing each type’s absorption through a well-balanced meal plan is key to combating anemia and managing overall health. Best foods The following are a few common foods that one must consider adding to daily meals when dealing with anemia:

9 VA benefits that seniors may not know about

9 VA benefits that seniors may not know about
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides various benefits for senior veterans for their bravery and dedicated service to the nation. Referred to as VA benefits, some popular ones include disability compensation, pension, and healthcare. Older veterans struggle to return to their daily lives after leaving the military. These perks assist them in meeting their personal needs. However, a lot of these benefits are underutilized mostly because senior veterans are unaware of them. Aid and attendance (A&A) The Aid and Attendance program offers additional monthly payments to eligible veterans and their spouses who need help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating. This extra income makes daily help more accessible for veterans. To receive this benefit, the veteran must receive a pension, require assistance with daily activities, or be bedridden. One must go through their local VA office and provide all necessary documentation to apply for this benefit. Home-based primary care (HBPC) Some veterans may find it difficult to visit their doctors. In such cases, the VA also offers home-based primary care services, where the healthcare provider visits the patient at the convenience of their home. To be eligible for this benefit , senior veterans must be enrolled in the VA healthcare system and have a referral from their primary care physician.

Best Foods to Improve Blood Count and Circulation

Best Foods to Improve Blood Count and Circulation
For the body to function optimally, it is vital to have a stable blood count and good blood circulation. Blood count refers to the total amount of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets in the blood. Of these, the count of the RBCs and platelets should not drop below the normal range. A low RBC count can cause anemia, while a low platelet count can result in internal bleeding. Foods that help improve blood count A natural way to boost blood count is to include certain beneficial foods in the meal plan. The following foods help in raising and maintaining RBC and platelet numbers and preventing complications: Red meat Red meats like beef, poultry, and liver are rich in iron, an essential element for producing RBCs. These foods also boost hemoglobin levels in the blood, which are crucial in supplying oxygen throughout the body. Spinach This green leafy vegetable is a good source of folic acid (vitamin B9) and iron, which are vital for maintaining RBC levels. Spinach also helps increase platelet count to some extent. Dairy products Dairy products, such as milk and cheese, can help stabilize blood count. They contain vitamin B12, which is critical for creating RBCs and platelets in the blood.

Uncontrolled Asthma – Causes, and Worst Cities to Live In

Uncontrolled Asthma – Causes, and Worst Cities to Live In
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes swelling and inflammation of the airways. It is estimated that more than 339 million people worldwide suffer from this disease. It affects people of all age groups, and genders. However, it is more common in adult women than in men. Asthma has no specific underlying cause, but various allergens like pollen, dust, mold and even perfume can trigger asthma. Read on to learn more about the condition. What is uncontrolled asthma? Uncontrolled asthma is when affected individuals have persistent symptoms that interfere with daily life, even when they are on regular medication. It is estimated that over 60% of adults who are asthmatic suffer from uncontrolled asthma. Causes of uncontrolled asthma Stress People may experience asthma attacks due to excessive stress and strong unpleasant emotions like unhappiness or crying. One must try to reduce one’s anxiety and stress. Underlying health condition Some respiratory health conditions like sleep apnea that block the upper airway while sleeping can lead to an asthma flare-up. Environmental allergies could also worsen asthma attacks. Weather change Moving from drier to humid air or warmer to colder air might cause asthma attacks. This condition can be brought on by minor weather changes or leaving a controlled environment.

10 Surprising Foods for Improved Sleep Quality

10 Surprising Foods for Improved Sleep Quality
Quality sleep is important for maintaining one’s overall health. Good sleep can reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses and boost immunity. The general recommendation for healthy adults is between 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep. However, many people may struggle to achieve this. This can result from several lifestyle factors impacting sleep, and food is one of them. Check out these ten surprising foods that can enhance one’s sleep quality. Almonds Almonds are a healthy source of phosphorus, riboflavin, magnesium, and manganese. Regular consumption of almonds has been associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases such as type-2 diabetes and heart conditions due to their fiber, antioxidant, and monounsaturated (healthy) fat content. Almonds are also a source of melatonin, which helps regulate the internal body clock and signals the body to prepare for sleep. Although there aren’t detailed studies available linking almonds with sleep, their melatonin and magnesium content is generally attributed to improved sleep quality. Turkey Lean white meats such as chicken and turkey contain tryptophan, an amino acid that is found in certain proteins. Tryptophan helps the body produce serotonin, which can help stabilize one’s mood and sleep cycle. Serotonin is also vital for producing melatonin, an important hormone for regulating one’s sleep.

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3 tips for diabetes management

3 tips for diabetes management

High blood sugar or hyperglycemia is associated with prediabetes and diabetes. The body generates insulin to manage blood sugar levels. But when the liver produces excessive glucose, and the body makes little insulin or fails to use insulin, it leads to high blood sugar levels. The condition can leave one tired and thirsty, cause blurry vision, and result in the frequent urge to pee. Read on to know some treatment plans for diabetes management: Treatment options for diabetes management Invokana® It is an excellent treatment plan that works in tandem with the proper meal plans and exercise to lower high blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes. Invokana ® also reduces the risk of death from stroke or heart attack. Plus, it helps decrease the risk of end-stage kidney disease and worsening of kidney function. GlucoTrust GlucoTrust promises to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, reduce one’s craving for sugar and unhealthy foods, and support deep sleep. It also claims to have a formula of all-natural ingredients. However, it is strongly advisable to consult your doctor before opting for supplements like GlucoTrust since it may not bring the desired results in all cases. Kerendia® It is an FDA-approved prescription treatment that aids in lowering the risk of complications in people with Type 2 diabetes.
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4 tips for dealing with asthma

4 tips for dealing with asthma

Asthma is a respiratory condition wherein the airways in the lungs swell up, become narrow, and produce extra mucus, making it difficult to breathe. People affected can experience breathlessness, coughing, and wheezing. The disease could be a minor issue for some, while others may have to deal with serious long-term symptoms. Although there is no permanent cure for asthma, here are treatment options, foods to have and avoid, and alternative therapies to manage the symptoms: Treatment options Doctors can recommend the right course of treatment based on the severity of asthma symptoms. Here are a few popular options: Tezepelumab: It is a popular treatment option, approved by the FDA as a supplementary maintenance remedy for pediatric patients over 12 and adults with asthma. Tezepelumab is an injectable option and the first and only biologic to significantly and consistently reduce severe asthma symptoms in clinical trials. Fasenra: This is a monoclonal antibody that works on the immune system activity in the body. Fasenra helps control the elevated eosinophil count responsible for severe asthma symptoms. This injection is suitable for children over 12 and adults and can be used with other treatment plans to keep flare-ups in check. Nucala: This is a monoclonal antibody that also reduces the eosinophils in the body.
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