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11 foods that may worsen COPD symptoms

11 foods that may worsen COPD symptoms
COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a group of conditions that affect the lungs. Emphysema or chronic bronchitis are two of the most common forms of COPD. While it has no absolute cure, certain treatment options can help relieve the symptoms. One of the ways to manage and improve respiratory health is to monitor what one eats and recognize foods that can worsen COPD symptoms. So, here are a few foods to avoid: Sugary foods Foods rich in refined sugar, like baked goods, cookies, candies, sweet rolls, pies, and cobblers, can increase blood sugar levels and bloating. Furthermore, these foods can cause frequent energy crashes, making one feel fatigued. All of these factors can worsen COPD symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and breathlessness. Salty foods Frozen foods, salted nuts, and takeout meals may have a high amount of salt (sodium). Excessive sodium can make the body retain fluids. For those with COPD, this means an elevated risk of pulmonary hypertension or high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. These issues can lead to other COPD complications as well. So, it is important to monitor daily salt intake by checking food labels and choosing foods with low sodium. Processed meat Cured or processed meat has been associated with several health issues, including the worsening of COPD symptoms.

12 common mistakes that can damage one’s smartphone

12 common mistakes that can damage one’s smartphone
In today’s fast-paced world, smartphones have become indispensable. These devices are one’s communication hub, entertainment source, and personal assistant. With an increasing dependence on these devices, it becomes crucial to use them correctly for prolonged longevity. However, many people inadvertently make common mistakes while handling smartphones that can affect their health and performance. So, here are some mistakes that can harm one’s smartphone and tips on how to avoid them. Not unplugging the phone When a smartphone stays plugged in even after the charging is complete, it experiences a continuous flow of electricity to maintain that charge, resulting in added strain on the battery. This can lead to excess heat, which ultimately contributes to potential damage. To preserve the battery’s health and longevity, it’s advisable to unplug the phone as soon as it reaches its charging potential rather than letting it remain plugged in unnecessarily. Charging the smartphone overnight Leaving a smartphone plugged in overnight might seem convenient, but it’s a mistake that strains the phone’s battery. This continuous charging, often called “trickle charging,” can lead to the battery slowly losing its capacity over time. It eventually leads to an overall diminished battery life and reduced performance. Letting the battery drain fully Many smartphone users may have the habit of using their device until the battery drains completely to 0%.

9 uncommon signs of lung cancer

9 uncommon signs of lung cancer
The common signs of lung cancer are well known. Some of them include cough, fatigue, breathlessness, and chest pain. However, there are many symptoms of lung cancer that are not as well-known or documented in a host of content on the internet. Like other malignancies, detecting lung cancer in its early stages increases the chances of a successful treatment. Therefore, here are some of the uncommon signs of lung cancer that one should be aware of: 1. Clubbed fingers Arguably, the strangest of all lung cancer symptoms is the phenomenon called finger clubbing. In this symptom, the fingertips of an individual with lung cancer become fatter than usual. The fingers also tend to appear rounder, and the fingernails begin to appear more and more bent with time. This clubbing mainly happens because the tumor in the lung secretes a chemical that directs more fluid and blood to a person’s finger tissue. Healthcare research studies have found that about 8 out of every 10 cases of finger clubbing happen to people with lung cancer. 2. Puffiness in the face, arms, and neck In many instances, lung cancer tumors can often obstruct the superior vena cava, a significant vein that carries blood from the head and arms to the heart.

13 warning signs of Huntington’s disease

13 warning signs of Huntington’s disease
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a rare neurological disorder that affects the brain’s nerve cells over time. A progressive decline in motor skills, cognitive function, and emotional well-being characterizes it. While the onset of symptoms can vary from person to person, recognizing the warning signs is crucial for early diagnosis and management. Here are some of the key indicators or early warning signs that may signal the presence of Huntington’s disease. What is Huntington’s disease? Huntington’s disease (HD) is a hereditary disorder caused by a mutation in the HTT gene, producing an abnormal form of the huntingtin protein. This mutated protein gradually damages certain areas of the brain, particularly the basal ganglia and cerebral cortex, which play crucial roles in regulating one’s emotions, memory, physical actions, and the ability to perform mental tasks, including thinking and decision-making. The condition has been closely linked to diabetes and abnormal changes in one’s glucose metabolism. A physical examination and a blood test often lead to its diagnosis. Warning signs of Huntington’s disease Involuntary and jerky movements Individuals may notice involuntary movements, known as chorea, which often begin subtly and gradually worsen over time. These movements can manifest as cramps, tremors, or other jerky motions that affect the body’s arms, legs, face, and other parts.

5 foods that help manage heartburn

5 foods that help manage heartburn
Heartburn is a condition in which your esophagus is irritated and causes discomfort to the body. This discomfort is caused due to stomach acid that is pushed up through the esophagus. Causes can include spicy food, alcohol, overeating, or even tight clothing that presses down your stomach and chest. There could be other underlying causes, and a doctor can confirm those. Here are some foods that are safe to consume if you experience heartburn frequently. Ginger This medicinal herb is known for its tremendous home remedy qualities. It is known to absorb stomach acid and improve digestive health. Ginger helps regulate the uninterrupted flow of juices in the gastrointestinal tract, making the digestive process smooth and easy. This also helps in keeping digestion fast. Oatmeal Rich in fiber, oatmeal is a great choice for those dealing with heartburn. Due to its rich fiber content, it prevents you from overeating and has the ability to absorb stomach acid, which can prevent any episodes of burning ache. Oatmeal also helps in healthy bacterial growth in the stomach and is known to reduce inflammation which can help manage symptoms of heartburn. Aloe vera Aloe vera juice is easily available in the market and stores now.

11 Foods That Can Surprisingly Raise Blood Sugar

11 Foods That Can Surprisingly Raise Blood Sugar
Maintaining steady blood sugar levels is critical for people with diabetes, but it can often be challenging. Patients are required to track what they eat, as certain foods can spike blood sugar, leading to health complications. To reduce the potential blood sugar swings, doctors recommended foods with a low glycemic index and foods high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. This post discusses 12 foods that surprisingly spike blood sugar levels and should be avoided. Bananas Fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals, but specific options like bananas are best avoided. Bananas adversely affect blood sugar levels as they contain simple carbs and have a high glycemic index. To ensure blood glucose readings do not rise drastically, one should consider the ripeness of the fruit before eating. Green or unripe bananas usually have less sugar than yellow or ripe bananas. Oatmeal If one cannot do without oatmeal for breakfast, they should consider varieties that take a while to digest. Instant or processed oats often contain added sugars and are digested quickly, raising blood sugar levels. On the other hand, minimally processed oats metabolize slowly. Rolled or steel-cut oats are suitable for people with diabetes. Grapes Grapes are a great source of antioxidants but can be problematic for those with diabetes.

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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.

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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.
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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:
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