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9 common oil change mistakes car owners must avoid

9 common oil change mistakes car owners must avoid
Regular oil changes are essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of any vehicle’s engine. A well-maintained engine ensures smooth and efficient output and extends the life of the car. However, many car owners make mistakes when it comes to these routine maintenance tasks. Something as simple as an oil change can significantly impact the performance if done incorrectly. Here are some of the most common oil change mistakes that car owners must avoid. Neglecting the recommended oil change interval One of the most significant mistakes car owners make is ignoring the recommended oil change interval. Every vehicle has a manufacturer’s recommendation that suggests when the oil should be changed periodically. This interval is typically based on factors like the type of oil used, driving conditions, and the specific engine design. Ignoring or extending this interval can lead to significant engine damage and decreased fuel efficiency. Check the Dodge owner’s manual and adhere to the suggested oil change schedule to keep the engine running optimally. Using the wrong type of oil Choosing the wrong type of oil is another common mistake that can have serious consequences for the engine. Dodge engines are designed to operate with specific oil viscosities and formulations.

Huntington’s disease – Foods to avoid and eating habits to follow

Huntington’s disease – Foods to avoid and eating habits to follow
Huntington’s disease is a hereditary disease that causes the degeneration of brain cells. One of the main symptoms of this condition is uncontrollable jerky movements in the arms, legs, face, head, and upper body (called chorea). Other symptoms may also include a decline in thinking and reasoning skills, alterations in mood, and behavioral changes. This article explores how the condition impacts one’s eating and food management strategies to improve nutritional intake. How Huntington’s affects the body and food intake Chorea Huntington causes jerky, uncontrollable movements called chorea. This can use more energy, increasing one’s caloric needs. Difficulty in planning Huntington’s may cause short-term memory loss, making it difficult to plan meals in advance. This can also affect one’s food and nutrition. Clumsiness One may also experience stumbling and clumsiness. As a result, one may find it difficult to eat or drink, causing embarrassment among individuals with Huntington’s. Mood changes Cognitive changes with Huntington’s can cause depression and anxiety. This can cause changes in appetite, affecting one’s desire to eat. Muscular changes With Huntington’s, individuals may also have hand-eye coordination, eating, and posture issues. This can limit their ability to put food into their mouths, affecting their daily eating habits. Additionally, it can make it difficult to close the lips together, causing spillage.

17 fridge mistakes to avoid

17 fridge mistakes to avoid
The refrigerator plays an integral part in the smooth functioning of the modern kitchen. It is not just a storage vessel. The refrigerator contributes to storing food, cooked and uncooked. It negates the need to produce shopping every other day. It plays a considerable part in meal planning and prepping for the upcoming week, making things easier for busy individuals. However, certain mistakes can contribute to the compromised functioning of the appliance and must be avoided. Overstuffing When one stuffs their refrigerator excessively, it can lead to spoiled food. The air circulation in the fridge is restricted when every inch of space is filled with groceries. This can cause uneven cooling and spoilage of food. To avoid this, adopting a “less is more” approach is important, allowing cool air to circulate freely and keeping all the items fresh. Disorganized interiors An untidy refrigerator can be compared to a disorganized wardrobe. Finding what one may need can be difficult, leading to items being overlooked and spoiling. To improve efficiency and make every ingredient easily accessible, it is important to introduce a system of organization. This can be achieved by grouping and labeling similar items, transforming the fridge into an orderly and convenient space.

12 mistakes beginner golfers must avoid

12 mistakes beginner golfers must avoid
As golf gains popularity, many people, young and old, are picking up clubs and heading to the drive. Since golf is immensely technical, it can be difficult to master. It takes a lot of time, patience, and practice to become a pro. Like in any other sport, beginners are bound to make mistakes. Since some of these can prove costlier than others, it is also important to learn how to sidestep them. Here are 12 common golfing mistakes beginners make and how to avoid them: 1. Using the wrong clubs Golf happens to be one of those sports where one can share the blame with the equipment. One of the biggest mistakes beginners make when playing golf is choosing the wrong club. Ideally, it is best to opt for a custom-fitted club for one’s swing. Since novices aren’t likely to invest in custom clubs when they are just starting out, this can be a bit of a hassle. 2. Swinging too hard Swinging too hard does not always equate to a longer shot. Instead of focusing on strength, one should work on finding the right tempo and rhythm. 3. Using the wrong grip While golf may look simple, there is a lot of finesse to the sport.

7 mistakes to avoid while using buy now, pay later

7 mistakes to avoid while using buy now, pay later
Buy now, pay later is one of the latest financing trends, often considered a way of making purchases easier for customers. Here, using a third-party provider, one can make payments on those purchases later. While this may seem quite convenient, the offer comes with its own risks that can result in an unnecessary debt burden. To avoid this, it helps to be wary of the following common buy now, pay later mistakes: 1. Ignoring the fine print This is one of the most common buy now, pay later people tend to make. Here, they may be tempted to skip reviewing the jargon-heavy and complex terms and conditions. However, this can cause more harm than one expects, as the fine print contains all the important guidelines, such as late payment fees, number of installments, payment methods, and other crucial buying information. Checking the terms thoroughly can help one avoid a lot of trouble while using the buy now, pay later (BNPL) payment method. 2. Making too many purchases It is common to develop a false sense of security when accessing the buy now, pay later offer for a purchase. One can end up assuming that they will always have enough funds to pay off dues later.

9 common annuity mistakes and how to avoid them

9 common annuity mistakes and how to avoid them
An annuity is a contract that binds the insurer to make a series of payments at regular intervals. They can be a valuable investment tool, especially for one’s retirement. However, people may make many mistakes when signing up for these, causing them to pay big sums in interest or deal with losses. Read on to find out more about nine common annuity mistakes people make and how to avoid them. Choosing the wrong insurance provider/annuity Investors can choose between five basic annuities – fixed dollar amount, inflation-adjusted, variable, guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit, and guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefits. Each of these has its own pros and cons, and choosing the right type is important to meet one’s financial or investment goals. Additionally, investors also need to pay close attention to the insurance company. These policies must only be purchased from highly reputable companies with a solid financial strength rating. Overlooking the costs Annuities are an expensive investment; failing to pay attention to the fine print when signing up could result in major losses. Just like other retirement tools, annuities too have associated fees, charges, and commissions. Most commonly, these include mortality and expense fees, administrative fees, surrender charges, investment management fees, and charges for optional riders.

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3 ways to deal with an overactive bladder

People with an overactive bladder (or OAB) experience a sudden and frequent urge to urinate. About 40% of women and 30% of men in the country deal with this condition, which can be caused by weak pelvic muscles, nerve damage, and excessive caffeine consumption. Those affected may have to urinate more often than usual and can even experience leakage. Here are a few treatment options, foods to eat and avoid, and ways to manage OAB: Treatment options Persistent symptoms should be discussed with a doctor so that they can determine the right course of treatment for OAB. Here are popular options that can be considered based on the doctor’s recommendation: Gemtesa: It is an FDA-approved prescription treatment for adults affected by OAB. It helps relieve urinary symptoms like urgency, frequency, and even incontinence. Gemtesa is an oral treatment, usually taken with water. Common side effects include diarrhea, headache, or nausea. Myrbetriq: It can help treat bladder issues like neurogenic detrusor overactivity and overactive bladder. This treatment option relaxes the detrusor, a bladder muscle, making it easier for the bladder to accommodate more urine and reduce OAB symptoms. Doctors recommend oral consumption of Myrbetriq once a day. Adults can have it with or without food, while children must take it with food. Toviaz: It prevents frequent bladder contractions and calms the bladder muscles. Additionally, Toviaz reduces symptoms like frequent urination, persistent urge to pee, and incontinence. Doctors may not recommend this option for those who suffer from stomach-related issues and cannot empty the bladder. Allergic reactions are common side effects of this treatment option. Enablex: It helps treat OAB by relaxing the bladder muscles, improving the ability to control urination, and reducing the likelihood of leakage, frequent bathroom trips, and sudden urge to urinate. Enablex can be taken with or without food once a day.

Top tips for managing rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that affects one’s joints. In some cases, it can also damage several other body systems like blood vessels, the heart, lungs, eyes, and skin. It is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when your immune system starts mistakenly attacking your body’s tissues. The condition affects the joint’s lining, resulting in painful swelling, which can later cause joint deformity and bone erosion. Here are some treatment measures for rheumatoid arthritis: Treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis Actemra® It is a prescription, FDA-approved biological therapy for relief from rheumatoid arthritis. Actemra ® helps lower the inflammation in the body by directly blocking the action of a protein in your body called interleukin-6 (IL-6). Your doctor may administer it as a subcutaneous or intravenous injection. The former is administered at home or at a medical facility, but the latter is given solely at a medical facility. Plaquenil It is an FDA-approved prescription treatment that helps treat acute and chronic rheumatoid arthritis. It helps manage symptoms such as stiffness, inflammation, joint pain, and swelling. It is to be taken exactly as per the recommendation of one’s primary healthcare professional. Rinvoq® Rinvoq ® helps treat moderate to severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis in adults when tumor necrosis factor blockers were used but could not be tolerated or did not work well. This treatment option can affect your immune system adversely, making you susceptible to fatal or severe infections. So, get in touch with your doctor if you experience weight loss, diarrhea, skin sores, cough, tiredness, fever, aches, chills, or a burning sensation while urinating. Trexall It is a treatment measure for severe rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It is an antimetabolite treatment. Trexall not only helps manage swelling in the joints, but it can also help decrease damage to them and any long-term disability due to the condition.

4 practical ways to deal with psoriatic arthritis

Arthritis commonly affects people with psoriasis, a disease that results in red patches on the skin with silvery scales. Typically, people experience psoriasis years before they get diagnosed with this arthritis. It affects thirty percent of people with psoriasis. However, in some people, joint problems start before psoriasis or during the same time. Swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the key signs of psoriatic arthritis. Here are the prevalent treatment options for psoriatic arthritis: Treatment options These prescriptions are known to work well against the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis: Otezla Otezla is an oral treatment plan that can be taken with or without food, or as the healthcare professional recommends. You should not chew, split, or crush the tablet before consumption. The recommended dosage depends on your response to treatment and condition. To keep side effects at bay, the doctor may start with a low Otezla dosage and gradually increase it. Rinvoq Rinvoq should be consumed by mouth with or without food, typically once daily or as the doctor recommends. Do not split, chew, or crush the tablet. It can release the entire dosage in one go and heighten the susceptibility to side effects. To get maximum benefit, you must use Rinvoq regularly. The dosage depends on age and response to the treatment. Adalimumab A biological therapy, Adalimumab helps treat psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis, wherein the body produces excessive TNF. Adalimumab blocks TNF, and lowers inflammation. It is not a painkiller but helps with the condition and starts showing results in two to twelve weeks. Doctors do not prescribe it if you have an infection, your arthritis is not active, or you have not tried other treatment options first. Leflunomide Leflunomide helps treat psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis. It takes about four to six weeks for leflunomide to ease the symptoms.

How to manage osteoporosis and improve bone health

Osteoporosis is a condition that makes the bone brittle and weak. When severe, even slight pressure caused by coughing, bending over, or falling can cause a fracture. Such fractures are predominant in the spine, wrist, or hip. Osteoporosis occurs if the new bone fails to keep up with the loss of the old bone. It affects men and women, but post-menopausal women are more susceptible. Let’s discuss the correct osteoporosis treatment and management plan: Treatment plan Prolia It is a prescription treatment plan for relieving osteoporosis in women post-menopause who cannot use other options or have not responded well to prior treatment and are susceptible to fractures. Doctors will prescribe it for at least six months. Prolia helps treat both men and women. However, professionals do not recommend it for pregnant women, women trying to get pregnant anytime soon, or people with low blood calcium. Further, those allergic to denosumab or any other Prolia ingredient must avoid it. Evenity Evenity helps with osteoporosis in two ways: it slows down bone loss and helps build new bone simultaneously. It is an FDA-approved treatment for osteoporosis that comes as a prefilled, single-use syringe with solution. But Evenity may have severe side effects. It aggravates the risk of developing a stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular problems. So, before receiving Evenity, discuss your history, like a stroke or heart attack, especially if it occurred in the last year. Boniva It helps treat and prevent bone loss and maintain stronger bones. Boniva also lowers the risk of fractures or broken bones. Use this treatment option as directed by the doctor. Usually, orthopedics recommend using it once orally on the same day of every month. Ingest it at least an hour before your first meal of the day. Avoid taking it while you are still in bed or at bedtime.

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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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