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Top 4 cruise lines for seniors

Top 4 cruise lines for seniors
Going on a cruise is one of the best experiences one can have at any age—childhood or adulthood. However, not all cruises are ideal for everyone. Some cruise lines offer special packages that meet all the needs of seniors, ranging from arranging flights, finding restaurants, booking excursions, and even checking in and out of hotels. Keep reading to know more about some of the best senior-friendly cruises and their features. Viking cruises Popular companies like Viking offer ships that can cater to approximately 930+ passengers on the sea. However, these cruises do not allow anyone under 18 on board. Further, the ships are designed to serve passengers aged 50 and above. Viking cruises are ideal for seniors, as they offer informative lectures and destination-specific entertainment on board. Further, Viking cruises focus on getting seniors to key attractions and UNESCO world heritage sites all over the world. In most cases, everyday shore excursions are included in the cruise fare. These include voyages such as the Mediterranean odyssey and the Atlanta crossing, to name a few. AmaWaterways Among the top river cruise lines around the world, AmaWaterways has a total of 24 ships with extraordinary itineraries aimed at seniors. The cruise packages here usually offer exploring ports across Europe but just a few trips to Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

6 side effects of therapies for leukemia

6 side effects of therapies for leukemia
Leukemia is a kind of cancer that impacts blood cells, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. The goal of treatment is to eliminate the cancer cells that take over the normal function of the blood cells. However, treatment for leukemia may have several side effects that vary in type and intensity depending on the type of treatment. Here are a few of the side effects of leukemia treatment to know about. Effects on the bone marrow Chemotherapy reduces the ability of the bone marrow to produce enough blood cells. A low platelet count can result in easy bruising and bleeding. A platelet transfusion often reduces the risk of bleeding until the count improves. Nausea and vomiting Chemotherapy and some types of radiation therapy can cause nausea and vomiting. Before and for a few days following chemo, the doctor may prescribe anti-sickness remedies. Also, eating smaller meals throughout the day over a few large ones can help to prevent nausea and vomiting. Consuming soft, chilled foods like custard and jelly can also relieve such symptoms. After treatment, a patient can drink soda water, ginger ale, and have dry toast to feel full and light. Bowel changes Chemotherapy has the potential to cause some damage to the lining of the intestinal wall.

6 mistakes to avoid while cleaning bathrooms

6 mistakes to avoid while cleaning bathrooms
Cleaning bathrooms is a deceptively easy task but one that many put off. Due to the compact size, it may seem like a quick process; however, cleaning a bathroom can take as long as an entire room, as it gets dirty faster than other spaces in your home. Further, not knowing how to execute the process can pose a problem. Thoroughly cleaning and maintaining fixtures, surfaces, and tiles is essential for a truly clean bathroom. Common cleaning mistakes Wiping before dusting When you clean the bathroom without dusting the surfaces first, you will find a wet streak of dust smeared across the surface. So, first, remove the dust buildup with a vacuum cleaner or duster to avoid smearing the surfaces. Then you can clean the space with a fresh cloth or rag and cleaning solution. Leaving the brush wet Upon scrubbing the toilet clean, most people tend to place their toilet brush in its holder immediately. If you don’t let the brush dry first, drops escape the brush holder, creating a pool of dirty water. So, always let the brush dry before putting it back in its place. Combining vinegar and baking soda Baking soda and vinegar are great disinfectants and cleaning agents.

8 babysitter red flags every parent should know

8 babysitter red flags every parent should know
Taking care of a child is a full-time job. And when you are a working parent, it becomes more difficult to split time between work and home. It is one of the reasons why you hire professional help to take care of the child’s needs. But not all nannies and babysitters check across the board. So here are eight warning signs to look out for and catch any red flags that might impact the child’s routine. The child is afraid Often, young children develop a bond with the babysitter that is different from what they have with their parents. So, there are telltale signs for you to figure out how the babysitter is going about their routine. For instance, if the child seems afraid, anxious, or withdrawn or is very rigid in their behavior around the babysitter, the sitter may not have the right attitude or chemistry with the child. The sitter is secretive about their routine If the sitter is giving you vague answers about the child’s routine and cannot provide details, chances are they are following a routine that they don’t want you to figure out. This is a red flag that the sitter is not paying enough attention to the child.

Warning signs of deep vein thrombosis

Warning signs of deep vein thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot develops in deep veins, usually in the leg. It can lead to complications such as pulmonary embolism, where a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow, which can be fatal. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the warning signs of deep vein thrombosis so you can seek immediate help from professionals for treatment. Let’s discuss three warning signs of DVT. Swelling One of the most common warning signs of DVT is swelling in the affected area. This swelling is usually accompanied by pain, tenderness, and warmth in the affected leg. It can be localized (specific areas) or generalized (throughout the body), affecting the entire leg. In some cases, the affected leg may feel heavier than the unaffected leg, and you may notice that your clothes or shoes feel tighter than usual. It is essential to understand that swelling in the leg can have many causes, and not all cases of leg swelling are due to DVT. Redness and warmth Another warning sign of DVT is redness and warmth in the affected area. The redness may be patchy, spread, and more pronounced in the area around the clot.

7 ways to prevent cybercrimes

7 ways to prevent cybercrimes
Cybercrime is an increasing concern for businesses and individuals alike. It has been on the rise in this digital age. From ransomware attacks to identity theft, cybercriminals are constantly on the hunt. They are prowling the online world to find new vulnerabilities and exploit the cracks of online security. Thankfully, there are quite a few ways to protect yourself against cybercrime. These measures decrease your risk of falling into the traps of cyber criminals, thus saving time and money. Opt for 2-factor authentication The two-factor authentication gives you an extra layer of online protection. The second form of verification acts as an additional key that only you can access at any given time. You can have this second-step code sent to your phone and add some security to your account even if you ever happen to use it on a public network. Use public Wi-Fi carefully Public Wi-Fi networks make a cybercriminal’s job easier. Avoid using any public network to access sensitive and personal information. If you have any work related to banks or credit cards, use your own network to get it done. And if public Wi-Fi is the only way, make sure you are using VPN to keep your connection encrypted.

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4 common myths about diabetes debunked

When the glucose levels in the body are high and insulin levels are not proportionate enough to convert this glucose into energy, the risk of diabetes increases. It is basically the inability of the body to convert food into energy using insulin. The glucose is broken down into energy for cells to absorb and when this conversion doesn’t take place, blood sugar levels rise. If left unchecked, it can lead to a number of complications. However, there are certain myths about diabetes that can create confusion among the masses. Here is what you must know and understand about the condition. Myth 1: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the same. The fact of the matter is that both type 1 and 2 are linked to insulin deficiency that causes diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce any insulin, and people suffering from this condition must rely on regular doses of insulin to supplement these requirements. Type 1 diabetes is also an autoimmune disorder that is mostly diagnosed in children. In type 2 diabetes, the body still manages to produce insulin but the cells are unable to absorb the compound necessary for converting food into energy. Depending on the severity of the condition, people suffering from type 2 diabetes may or may not need insulin shots. Myth 2: Insulin dependence Nothing can be further from the truth that insulin is a lifesaving medication and absolutely necessary for people suffering from severe diabetes. The body cannot convert food into energy without insulin. How the supply is replenished does not matter as there is a need for the deficiency to be managed better. People with type 2 diabetes can still manage a healthy lifestyle and reduce their dependence on insulin to a great extent. However, it is a mandatory medication for those who have type 1 diabetes.

The risk factors associated with dehydration

Dehydration is the loss of fluids from one’s body. It can be caused due to something as simple as not having an adequate water intake or perhaps a severe medical side effect. The symptoms of fluid loss caused due to this condition can affect people of all ages. From toddlers and infants to older adults, one can experience mild to severe dehydration depending on the primary cause of the same. Herein, we shall try and understand the severity and risk factors associated with dehydration in people of different ages. Children and infants At a very young age, infants and children are more susceptible to bacterial infections that cause vomiting and diarrhea. Both result in the rapid loss of fluids. Note that infants lose more fluids in comparison to adults. Young children, especially toddlers, unlike adults, may also not realize when they are thirsty. This increases the risk of staying dehydrated unknowingly until severe symptoms indicate the same. It is one of the main reasons why doctors prescribe electrolyte-rich fluids for children experiencing a high fever to help replenish the lost fluids. Seniors and older adults Adults after a certain age face more difficulties as the body gradually loses its ability to conserve water. One’s sense of thirst also becomes acute with old age, which further increases the risk. Individuals might not feel thirsty enough to have the recommended intake of water every day, further causing problems due to the loss of fluids. Furthermore, dehydration can be a direct result of certain prescription medications used for treating diabetes. The side effects can result in a fluid imbalance as medications increase the urine output, thus resulting in a higher loss of fluids from the body. Many medications also list vomiting and diarrhea as potential side effects and both can trigger a severe loss of fluids in the body.

Must-have nutrients and foods for optimal eye health

Our sensory organs are extremely essential in our daily life. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to stand straight, see things, taste, communicate, and live the way we do. But the power of sight is one of the most important of them all. Maintaining good eye health is necessary, and, unsurprisingly, making healthy lifestyle and dietary choices is crucial for this. So, here are a few nutrients you should add to your daily diet to keep your vision in top-notch condition: Vitamin A The deficiency of vitamin A is one of the most common causes of blindness across the globe. Why is this vitamin so important? Well, for starters, it helps manage and maintain the light-sensing cells in your eyes. A lack of vitamin A can cause dry eyes and other serious eye conditions. Best food with vitamin A content: To get the right amount of vitamin A in your diet and maintain optimal eye health, include foods like apricots, carrots, spinach, and yam in your diet in plenty. Vitamin C Vitamin C is present in high concentration in the aqueous humor (the liquid in the outermost part of the eye). The amount of this vitamin in the aqueous humor is proportional to the amount in your diet, and research has proved that people with cataracts tend to have low amounts of vitamin C in their bodies. Best dietary sources of vitamin C: Citrus fruits like oranges, kiwi, lime, and strawberries are all great sources of vitamin C. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts are also healthy sources of this vitamin. Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are essential to maintain good eye health. DHA aids eye function. It is present in the retina and is an integral part of brain and eye development in children. Evidence also proves the benefits of omega-3 supplements for people with dry eyes.

Understanding the different aspects of a flu outbreak

Flu or influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can result in mild to severe illness and health complications. A severe flu infection can result in hospitalization and can even prove to be fatal, especially in young children, older people aged above 65, and people with underlying health conditions. There are two main types of flu viruses: Type A and Type B virus. The illness can be periodical and result in seasonal flu epidemics each year. The cold, flu, and its symptoms such as cough is caused due to the type of the viruses mentioned above. Influenza may not always be considered by most people as a serious illness, its symptoms comprising a runny nose, headaches, cough, and muscle pain can be confused with those of a heavy cold. Yet reports suggest that seasonal influenza can claim up to 650,000 lives every year. That is why influenza vaccinations are important because they protect people, especially those in at-risk categories, such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with vulnerable immune systems or underlying health conditions. What most of us call “the flu” is essentially seasonal influenza because it comes around in the coldest season twice a year, once in the Northern hemisphere’s winter, and once in the Southern hemisphere’s winter in temperate zones of the world. The flu circulates year-round in the tropics and subtropics, which makes it more contagious. The worst part about the influenza virus is that it constantly mutates, enabling it to evade the mechanisms of our immune systems. The virus learns from the responses of the human body and creates a suitable defensive mechanism to survive the attack by the immune system. When a new virus emerges, it can easily infect people and spread due to its contagiousness. Very little to no immunity to a new strain can lead to a simple outbreak becoming an epidemic or a pandemic within no time.

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9 most common types of depression you should know about

9 most common types of depression you should know about

All of us feel low, upset, and unmotivated at some point in our life, but this isn’t classified as depression. Depression is a mood disorder that overshadows a person’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. Signs and symptoms of this grave disorder can range from feeling hopeless and tired to completely losing the will to live. There are several types of depression and they are listed below so you can understand depression and people suffering from it better. Major Depression (Clinical Depression) The hallmark trait of this type of depression is the constant feeling of sadness or loss of interest in social life or any outside stimuli. It often lasts for two weeks or more in which a person can experience symptoms such as hopelessness, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts. Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder) Dysthymia lasts for years and can disrupt daily life and interfere with personal and professional relationships. Individuals with dysthymia are often seen as dark, pessimistic, or complainers by others, and they have a hard time being happy in typically pleasant situations. Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder) People with manic depression experience high degrees of mood swings. Their train of thought can take them from feeling euphoric to feeling suicidal in just a few weeks. It is very common to get into a depressive state before or after the manic episode. Postpartum Depression (Peripartum Depression) This depression episode is characterized by dramatic hormonal changes in women after giving birth. They may tend to experience bouts of sadness and cry anytime. The symptoms usually alleviate after a week or two of giving birth. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) People with this type of depression start experiencing depressive symptoms with a change in seasons. For many, it happens during winter. The individual starts feeling worse as the season progresses and can even have suicidal thoughts.
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Simple and practical guide points for expecting parents

Simple and practical guide points for expecting parents

Pregnancy is a new experience in every couple’s life, and one should understand a few things to ensure that the nine months are smooth and stress-free. Simply being prepared for pregnancy and looking forward to the joy of parenthood is not all there’s to childbirth. As a couple, you must understand, review, and adjust your lifestyle. Expecting mothers become their child’s nurturers and supporters from day one, but the expecting fathers, close relatives, and friends must also understand the key roles they will play right up to the due date. Here are a few simple family and pregnancy guide points to help you and your folks get started: Staying healthy Physical and mental wellbeing is extremely crucial for the expecting mother to ensure both her and the baby’s health. Diet plays a crucial role in this process, as the mother is now providing nutrition for the developing fetus as well as herself. As a family, you can take turns to ensure that the to-be mother is staying physically active, eating healthy and regularly, and not cultivating any bad habits. More importantly, family and loved ones should be prepared for the changes to come in the upcoming trimesters. Coping with changes – what to expect Morning sickness in the first trimester is quite common and can put a woman’s body under tremendous stress. Nausea and vomiting may also cause headaches, but medications cannot always be taken, as they may affect the baby’s health. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause extreme mood swings, so everyone around must be prepared to deal with this. Maintaining a healthy relationship with one’s partner and responding to their needs is crucial to ensure a healthy pregnancy, especially after the first trimester, when the baby starts developing quickly. Counseling One of the more crucial aspects of family and pregnancy planning is prenatal counseling.
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