Top 9 hotspots for flu germs

Top 9 hotspots for flu germs

As cold and flu are highly contagious, it is only natural to want to take preventative measures against these infections. While it is not possible to avoid being exposed to all infection-causing microorganisms, one can take a few steps to lower the risk of contracting diseases. One of them is to avoid traditional hotspots and surfaces where these germs tend to accumulate. So, here are the top traditional hotspots for flu one should know: 1. Hand dryers With every flush, the toilet sprays bacteria-filled droplets into the air, called a toilet plume. These tend to get recycled by standard hand dryers in public washrooms, spreading the bacteria far and wide. Although most suppliers today claim that these machines are fitted with special filters to blow clean air, it may be safer to use regular paper towels. 2. Elevators Elevators, especially their buttons, can become hotspots for flu. As they are rarely wiped down, they keep collecting dust, dirt, and germs, which may cause infections. To stay safe, one can sanitize their hands after pressing the button or use their elbows to select the floor. 3. Gas pumps Gas pumps come in contact with too many users and are exposed to outdoor elements like dust and wind.
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8 foods to avoid for Huntington’s disease

8 foods to avoid for Huntington’s disease

Huntington’s disease is a genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and causes progressive degeneration of brain cells. One of the common symptoms of this disorder is difficulty in swallowing. Due to this, extra care needs to be taken about the food considerations for people with Huntington’s disease. This includes removing certain foods from their food regimen which can be difficult to swallow. The following are a few foods that people with Huntington’s disease must avoid. Granola Granola might be a convenient snacking option. However, it might not be ideal for people with Huntington’s disease. This is because granola can be difficult to swallow due to its dry texture and can increase the risk of choking. Crumbly and sharp foods Along with dry foods, people with Huntington’s disease should also avoid crumbly foods, as they can irritate the throat. These include chips, crackers, and crusty bread. Due to their texture, they can also exacerbate swallowing problems. Raw fruits and vegetables While raw fruits are nutritious, they must be avoided by people with Huntington’s disease since they are difficult to swallow. Along with that, individuals with the disorder must also avoid raw vegetables as they pose the same problem. Nuts Individuals with Huntington’s disease may also experience reduced or loss of motor control in their face, which makes chewing difficult.
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5 things not covered by Medicare

5 things not covered by Medicare

Medicare is invaluable for a large percentage of the country’s population for many reasons. People who are older than 65 can get the full range of cost coverage offered by Medicare Part A and Part B when they sign up for them. However, while Medicare does cover most healthcare expenses one might incur, certain costs are outside coverage boundaries, even for this scheme. Here are some of the things not covered by Medicare: Long-term care Long-term care is among the most expensive healthcare services one can use. According to some studies, the median cost of a private room in nursing homes is about $115,000 in 2023. Certain cost estimates state that using a room for a prolonged period with assisted-living facilities costs about $47,000 for 44 hours per week of care given by a home health aide. While Medicare covers certain skilled nursing services, it does not cover the things included in custodial care, such as dressing, bathing, feeding, and other similar activities involved in daily living. To ease things, people can purchase health insurance externally to cover any possible healthcare requirement that includes long-term care. Hearing aids While Medicare does cover the cost of major procedures and treatments done for ear-related health conditions, the cost of routine hearing tests or hearing aids is not a part of the original Medicare and Medigap package.
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5 clothes that may affect one’s health

5 clothes that may affect one’s health

Clothing choices are often influenced by fashion trends, personality traits, climate, and the occasion for which one has to dress up. However, very few people think about their health when putting together their outfits. There are certain clothes that may negatively affect one’s health, such as causing allergies, rashes, or, in worse scenarios, long-term health issues. Thus, it is best to eliminate these clothes from the wardrobe and avoid buying them in the future. Skinny jeans Skinny jeans are a popular fashion trend, but wearing them can adversely affect one’s health. This is because they are designed to be extremely tight-fitting, which can build up pressure on the nerves of the legs and groin. Over time, this can reduce blood flow to the lower parts of the leg, causing muscle damage, swelling, and numbness. Additionally, the denim used to make jeans is not a breathable fabric, and sweat can accumulate, affecting the skin’s barriers and leading to infections. Underwire bras Wearing underwire bras on a daily basis for longer hours can have a lot of potential health risks. These include skin problems, the risk of punctures and cuts from the wire, pain in the neck and head, and discomfort in the chest area.
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6 health benefits of fish oil supplements

6 health benefits of fish oil supplements

Fish oil comes from a variety of fish like salmon, tuna, herring, and mackerel. While these fishes are healthy in themselves, the oil extracted from these is also known to have a lot of omega-3 fatty acids. Since the human body doesn’t produce omega-3 fatty acids, it helps to add these extra nutrients to one’s routine through fish oil supplements. Some of the well-known health benefits of fish oil supplements include the following: Improve heart health It has been observed that people who include a lot of fish in their meals usually are at lower risk of heart disease. This may happen because fish has nutritional benefits that help lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and triglycerides and prevent plaque from forming in the arteries. Consequently, heart health improves, preventing cardiovascular problems. These same benefits can be obtained by having fish oil supplements, especially for those who don’t prefer to eat fish. Boost brain health The brain is known to have at least 20% polyunsaturated fatty acids, of which a huge part is omega-3 fatty acids. This means omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the brain to function well. Subsequently, when a person’s meals do not provide this nutrient, having fish oil supplements can be helpful.
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6 aspects of pain relief gummies for migraines

6 aspects of pain relief gummies for migraines

Migraines are a form of recurring headaches. They may trigger intense pain, vomiting, light sensitivity, and other symptoms that can interfere with one’s daily activities. Hence, experts recommend various methods to manage the symptoms, including taking pain relief gummies for migraines. However, considering that the chewables are fairly new to many, one might want to know more about them before consumption. Here are six aspects of pain relief gummies one should be mindful of. Functionality The benefits of gummies for pain relief are still being explored. So far, experts suggest that the composition of these chewable supplements interacts with the body’s endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) through receptors found throughout the body. The ECS is a neuromodulatory system that plays an important role in the development of the central nervous system and the body’s response to endogenous and environmental threats. Benefits Pain relief gummies contain well-known compounds derived from various plants. The properties may help reduce temporary and long-term pain in those affected by migraines. The chewable may also help reduce the other associated symptoms of migraines, such as nausea and inflammation, for a couple of days. The interaction of the chewable ingredients with the receptors propagates the cells to bring down inflammation.
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Top 4 reasons for unnatural hair loss patterns

Top 4 reasons for unnatural hair loss patterns

Hair loss is a natural process that automatically gets rid of old tissue and hair to promote new growth. So don’t be alarmed when you do find a few strands of hair tangled in your comb. However, a clearly visible scalp and a receding hairline are indicative of developing the problem of permanent hair loss. There are several internal and external factors that can accelerate hair fall, leading to pattern baldness in both men and women. Here are the top four reasons that trigger unnatural hair fall. Stress Stress ranks among the top risk factors associated with many medical conditions. In fact, one way or the other, taking physical or psychological stress harms the body more than you can imagine. For hair loss, especially, excessive shedding starts right after the body undergoes physical or psychological distress. A few examples include experiencing high fever, blood loss due to accident or injury, or even post-surgery recovery can result in stress that causes hair loss. Stress, coupled with anxiety, results in accelerated hair loss. To cope with this problem and reduce its effects, stress management is of crucial importance. Hormonal changes Men and women both experience hormonal changes throughout their lifetime. However, an imbalance associated with various conditions can trigger hair loss.
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Learn about these 3 types of hearing loss

Learn about these 3 types of hearing loss

Hearing loss, deafness, or impairment is the partial or total inability to hear sounds. People with low to moderate hearing impairment face challenges in understanding what the other person is saying in a noisy environment. Whereas, people with severe deafness cannot hear anything, and rely completely on lip-reading and sign language skills. There are three main types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive, and a combination of both. Let’s understand these types in detail and learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of each type. Sensorineural hearing loss It’s the most common type of hearing loss. Sensorineural is permanent hearing loss often caused by damage to the tiny hair cells that line the inner ear or the auditory nerve. The damage stops or weakens the transfers of nerve signals to the brain. These signals are essentially the intensity and clarity of sounds. Causes: Aging and exposure to loud noises for a long period of time are the most common cause of the damage. Certain medications and illnesses can also increase risks. It can even be genetic, and pass on to the child in the mother’s womb. Treatment: There is no medical or surgical treatment available to repair the tiny hair cells once they’re damaged.
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Simple lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of heart diseases

Simple lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of heart diseases

The heart is the most crucial organ in the body and as the system will cease to function if the heart stops or loses momentum pumping fresh oxygenated blood. This is why it is vital to not neglect your heart health at all and responsibly maintain a healthy, stress-free, and more importantly, a happy lifestyle. Here are a few simple lifestyle changes that will help support a healthy heart function. Switch to a healthy diet Avoid eating foods that are rich in trans and saturated fats. Most foods you find on the shelves of the supermarket contain large quantities of one or the other. Instead, switch to low-fat high fiber alternatives to help manage cholesterol. Maintaining a healthy cholesterol level in the body automatically reduces the risk of heart diseases. The simple reason for this is that fats that normally block major arteries and blood vessels are eliminated from these foods choices. It is also advisable to limit the salt (sodium) intake to control blood pressure and sugar to reduce the risk of diabetes simultaneously. Change certain lifestyle habits Reduce the number of alcoholic or carbonated drinks you have regularly. For men, it is advisable to have not more than two drinks and day and women must have only one.
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How to distinguish between heartburn and GERD

How to distinguish between heartburn and GERD

Heartburn is an unpleasant, burning sensation in the chest that is more common than a lot of individuals realize. Pregnant women, older men, and even young adults experience it frequently. Despite it being such a prevalent experience, not many know that heartburn has actually nothing to do with the heart and everything to do with the stomach and the esophagus. Unsurprisingly enough, heartburn is also used interchangeably with GERD. But, before we get to deciphering heartburn and GERD, let’s understand what acid reflux is. What is acid reflux or GER? Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter or LES becomes weak, allowing the contents of the stomach to travel in the wrong direction, back up the esophagus. Acid reflux is also called GER or gastroesophageal reflux as it involves the stomach and esophagus. This condition can usually be resolved with over-the-counter medication. What is heartburn? Heartburn is a burning or painful sensation that is experienced in the chest. Since the lining of the esophagus is not as strong as the lining of the stomach, the acid from the stomach can cause a burning sensation in the chest. This pain or burning sensation that is heartburn can often be misconstrued for a heart attack.
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