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13 tasty foods for a healthy heart

13 tasty foods for a healthy heart
Cardiovascular diseases are prevalent in our country. Statistics suggest that one in every five fatalities is associated with heart problems. Therefore, it is essential to adopt an active lifestyle and follow a meal plan that improves heart health. The foods listed below taste great by themselves, and you can also mix them with other ingredients to make them more palatable. But seek a nutritionist’s guidance to avoid the aggravation of underlying health conditions. Oatmeal Most people consider oatmeal a breakfast food, but it is more than just that. Oatmeal can be had any time of the day, especially in the form of granola bars, whenever hunger pangs are bothering. It is rich in soluble fiber, which causes the liver to produce more bile. Bile, in turn, helps lower LDL cholesterol. So a bowl of oatmeal mixed with your favorite foods can be a great step toward a healthy heart. Black bean salsa When the cravings are for something delicious yet healthy, have some black bean salsa. It is packed with soluble fiber that brings down bad cholesterol levels to a healthy range. Add some veggies, corn, and mango for a splash of color and to get all the essential nutrients and vitamins.

7 snack ideas for lowering cholesterol levels

7 snack ideas for lowering cholesterol levels
The CDC suggests that about 38% of adults in the country have high cholesterol levels. This puts them at risk of heart diseases and serious complications. So, it is important to regulate ones bad cholesterol levels by getting an adequate amount of heart-healthy fats and fiber. Adding sources like fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, whole grains, and legumes can help one get the necessary nutrients. So, here are seven snack ideas to lower one’s cholesterol levels: Oatmeal The versatility of oats is unmatched, so one can add them to any recipe of choice. Additionally, oatmeal is the go-to snack when it comes to lowering cholesterol. It is rich in soluble fibers that bind to cholesterol and flush them out before they can reach the bloodstream. Besides fiber, one serving of oatmeal contains high levels of protein and heart-friendly antioxidants. Fresh or dried fruits and honey are recommended additions to oatmeal as they can help achieve better results. Fruit bowl Fruit bowls are another way of adding low-cholesterol snacks into one’s daily diet. Fruits are incredibly rich in fiber and can make people feel full for extended periods. Additionally, they are a rich source of essential minerals and vitamins. Some of the most effective foods include almonds and fruits like berries and apples.

3 effective tips for relieving nasal congestion

3 effective tips for relieving nasal congestion
A stuffy or congested nose develops when nasal and adjacent tissues and the blood vessels are swollen with excess fluid, resulting in one’s nose feeling plugged. It may be accompanied by a runny nose or nasal discharge and can be especially uncomfortable for children. Nasal congestion can be a common symptom of allergies, cold and sinus infections, or even environmental irritants. However, one can manage nasal congestion by the following treatment options, foods, and remedies: Treatment options Allegra: As an antihistamine, Allegra lowers the impact of the natural chemical histamine in the body. This chemical can trigger symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, itching, and sneezing. Allegra helps treat symptoms of seasonal allergies in both children and adults. This oral option can be taken on an empty stomach or 1–2 hours after a meal. It must not be consumed with fruit juices. One should consult a doctor for the dosage and check the label for instructions. Avoid using it for longer than recommended or in larger or small amounts than prescribed. Xyzal: This is also an antihistamine that can help with nasal congestion symptoms and can help overcome hives and skin itching. Like Allegra, Xyzal blocks histamine to relieve allergy symptoms.

8 mistakes to avoid when buying wearable medical devices

8 mistakes to avoid when buying wearable medical devices
These days, medical technology isn’t limited to a distant machine available only at the doctor’s clinic. Wearable medical devices have redefined monitoring of body parameters, making it incredibly easy to ensure physical well-being right at home or even when traveling. Wearable medical devices have brought general healthcare closer to people and help prevent and diagnose any health issues early. However, buying the right wearable medical devices involves research and avoiding certain mistakes. 1. Not checking battery life Battery life is an important feature when checking wearable medical devices because it increases their convenience, especially if one travels and cannot charge them repeatedly. Also, if a person uses wearable ECG monitors and other devices, charging them frequently can be difficult. So, one should always ensure that such devices have long battery lives. 2. Overlooking the device’s resilience to different conditions People often have their wearable devices on themselves for almost an entire day. So, they might even have it on when stepping into the shower or stepping out during rain. Such wearable devices must be resilient to extreme weather conditions, including waterproofing, to avoid such issues. The manufacturers should be transparent about the materials used to manufacture the product and specify that the device is water and weather-resistant.

11 Simple Remedies for Managing Cold Sores

11 Simple Remedies for Managing Cold Sores
Cold sores appear in the form of blisters on the lips or the area around the mouth and are often a symptom of the herpes simplex virus. The blisters are filled with fluid and can break open and ooze. These usually crust over and go away in seven to ten days; however, the healing process may be painful. In such cases, the pain and discomfort can be alleviated using certain simple remedies for cold sores. Use aloe vera gel Aloe vera is known to have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, it has inhibitory characteristics. This is why applying aloe vera gel can give temporary relief from the pain and discomfort caused by cold sores. A little bit of pure aloe vera gel can be dabbed over the areas where cold sores have formed. This can be done three to four times a day until the cold sores heal. Wear sunscreen One of the main triggers of cold sores is sunburn. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause cold sores to flare up. To avoid this, the application of sunscreen is often recommended. A broad-spectrum sunscreen preferably with minimum SPF 30 should be applied daily. This should be done at least 20 minutes before heading into the sun.

12 Pain Symptoms to Never Ignore

12 Pain Symptoms to Never Ignore
Pain is the brain’s signaling that something is wrong with an organ or function in the body. Everybody experiences some form of pain that can be mild or severe, depending on the underlying cause. No two people experience pain the same way as it develops, varying in intensity and frequency. However, certain types of pain develop as a precursor to known health complications. Here are the ones to never ignore. Intense headache pain Headaches may come and go, but if it persists longer than usual with sharp bouts of pain, check it. Any injury, stroke, or brain aneurysm can trigger intense pain that develops almost immediately and persists without relief. With headaches, one might also experience specific neurological symptoms like confusion, pain on one side, weakness, and even seizures that develop without warning. Chest pain Pain that develops abruptly in the chest without prior progression could indicate a blocked artery or become a precursor to major cardiovascular problems. This pain is accompanied by a pressure or squeezing sensation in the chest that affects breathing. One might also experience dizziness or develop fatigue as the pain worsens. Blood clots in the arteries trigger these symptoms that should not be ignored. Remember, heart attacks do not develop out of the blue.

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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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