5 high-risk public places for respiratory viruses

5 high-risk public places for respiratory viruses
Respiratory illnesses are generally contracted through air. Social distancing is the best way to prevent the transmission of such illnesses, as the viruses that cause them tend to travel via airborne channels. In certain public zones, social distancing is harder than in other areas. In such zones, even if a single person is carrying a virus that causes respiratory illnesses, it can make many people sick. Some such high-risk public places are listed here: Public pools For many people, summer vacations simply translate into an endless array of pool parties and swimming lessons. This is why, public pools are generally full of kids and adults just having a refreshing and good time as they unwind during the summer. Unfortunately, such zones are also home to many types of bacteria and viruses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that the average swimmer contributes to about 0.14 grams of fecal matter in pools when they enter the water. Unsurprisingly, public pools also have people in close proximity and several commonly touched surfaces like pool steps, the water, door handles, and similar others. Therefore, public pools often become hotspots for respiratory viruses and disease outbreaks now and then. Beaches Like pools, beaches are also hot property during vacations for a legion of summer lovers.

6 early signs of weak bones

6 early signs of weak bones
Weak bones, which can indicate conditions such as osteoporosis, can be a concerning issue. If a person’s bones weaken, they become more prone to fractures, significantly disrupting their life and daily activities. Hence, it is essential to recognize the early signs of the weakening of bones so one can take the necessary steps to prevent more serious consequences. Here are 6 early signs of weak bones that one must look out for. Brittle fingernails If a person notices that their nails have become fragile and are breaking easily, it could be an indication that their bones are becoming weak. Besides weakening, if a person notices vertical ridges on their fingernails, it could also be a sign of calcium deficiency, which can further affect their bone health. However, it is important to take note of the fact that brittleness in fingernails can also be caused by various other factors. It is better to consult a healthcare provider about their concerns if one is in doubt. Reduced grip strength Weakening of bones can also affect a person’s grip strength. They may notice that tasks like twisting door knobs, holding onto objects, opening jars, etc., are becoming tougher. This could be a sign of decreasing bone density.

6 mistakes to avoid while wearing contact lenses

6 mistakes to avoid while wearing contact lenses
Environmental pollutants, genetics, injuries, age, and other factors can affect one’s eyesight. Luckily, several visual aids are available in the market to help people see better, contact lenses being a popular choice. These lenses are placed over the eye’s cornea to correct refractive errors. Some people also wear them for cosmetic purposes. In either case, one should avoid the following mistakes while wearing contact lenses to ensure they work well and don’t cause complications. Sleeping with contact lenses When one sleeps, the body works to recover and rejuvenate organs, including the eyes, from the stressful situations that may have occurred during the day. Sleeping with contact lenses can interfere with this function. Moreover, when closed, the eyes don’t receive sufficient oxygen to fight germs, and wearing contact lenses may block the oxygen supply further. Not cleaning the lenses Some people don’t clean their contacts for days. This is a terrible mistake that can lead to bacteria settling on them. When such lenses are worn, they can increase the risk of infection and inflammation. They can also lead to keratitis, a painful eye infection of the cornea. One must clean their contact lenses regularly and ensure they are hygienic when placed on each eye.

5 mistakes to avoid with flexible spending accounts

5 mistakes to avoid with flexible spending accounts
A flexible spending account (FSA) can be categorized as a savings account. It helps the owner get certain tax benefits. Sometimes also referred to as flexible spending arrangements, FSAs are helpful for health and dental care reimbursements, childcare, or care expenses for a dependent adult. But to get the best out of these, it is essential to learn about potential pitfalls. Here are some of the common mistakes to avoid with FSA. Assuming one can take the FSA with them after quitting a job FSAs work this way: An employee contributes a part of their salary to the fund, and the employer contributes the rest. Therefore, the FSA money stays with the employer once an employee quits a job. Hence, it is usually recommended to use up any pending healthcare expenses when one is planning to leave an employer. For instance, one can fill a prescription or buy eligible OTC products that they may need in the future by using the remaining FSA funds before they quit the job. Not getting to know what the FSA will pay or not pay for Most people are not aware which services and products come under eligible expenses for an FSA. For example, some may assume that gym memberships or insurance premiums can be paid for with a flexible spending account.

Common early warning signs of lymphoma

Common early warning signs of lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of cancer affecting the body’s lymph system. This system comprises organs and tissues that help maintain good health and fight infections. Lymph nodes are essential organs of the lymph system affected by the condition. These nodes hold special white blood cells, which keep immunity strong. There are two types of lymphoma, and the symptoms vary according to the type. Here are some early signs and symptoms to never ignore. Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes Both types of lymphoma, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin, trigger a common symptom: swollen or enlarged lymph nodes. Lymph nodes circulate lymph fluid to the entire body. This fluid contains immune cells crucial in keeping one healthy and performing other vital functions. There are around 600 lymph nodes in the body, which can get swollen or enlarged with lymphoma. However, the lymph nodes in the underarm area, above the collarbone, in the groin region, and at the side of the neck are often affected when someone develops the condition. Although lymph node swelling is an essential sign of lymphoma, it may sometimes be associated with another non-cancerous infection. Hence, individuals must consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis before jumping to conclusions. The other symptoms of lymphoma can vary depending on the type and location of the cancer.

Avoid these 8 foods to manage cold sores

Avoid these 8 foods to manage cold sores
The herpes simplex virus causes fever blisters or cold sores. They generally appear on the lips and the skin around them. Blisters may appear individually or in groups of ten. They may be a painful infection, leaving patients ill for many days. And since they are open sores, they are susceptible to inflammation caused by the food one eats, affecting healing time. This article enlists eight foods people must avoid when dealing with such sores. Citrus fruits While citrus fruits are an excellent vitamin C source, essential to boost immunity, they are also highly acidic. As a result, they may cause a burning sensation when they come in contact with a blister. Opt for red bell peppers or strawberries instead of oranges, grapefruits, and lemons to maintain healthy vitamin C intake. Processed foods Processed foods may also be detrimental to one’s health during a cold-sore outbreak. This is because processed foods may weaken the immune response, reducing the body’s ability to fight the virus. One must avoid ultra-processed foods like frozen meals, processed pasta dishes, high-calorie snacks, pizzas, and sugary breakfast cereals. Refined sugar The excessive intake of high amounts of refined sugar may also negatively impact gut and immune health, prolonging recovery time.

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8 factors to consider before buying oxygen concentrators

8 factors to consider before buying oxygen concentrators

Oxygen concentrators are healthcare devices that assist those with respiratory insufficiency (hypoxemia). They are designed to concentrate oxygen in the air by removing nitrogen, helping those who require oxygen therapy to improve and stabilize blood oxygen saturation levels. While these devices are designed to help maintain oxygen levels, not all models work in the same way. So, it is important to consider all options and assess specific needs to choose the right device. Oxygen concentration While oxygen is compressed and filtered in the concentrator, the amount then delivered contains a specific percentage of pure oxygen. This value is known as the oxygen concentration. Before buying the device, one must check if the oxygen flow rate is about 2 L/min. This rate is usually sufficient for home oxygen concentrators. Some may require a higher flow rate, in which case they can choose devices with up to 10 L/min. Noise levels An oxygen concentrator generally produces some noise, which can be bothersome for many. So, when looking for a device, choose a model with noise levels between 31 dB and 60 dB. This range is equivalent to the sound of a quiet conversation or a voice in a calm environment. Additionally, some manufacturers offer models with quieter operation. Portability Having a portable oxygen concentrator can be beneficial for those who travel extensively. When choosing one, it’s important to take into account its size and weight. Some units are heavier and larger, offering higher flow rates. Those who do not require high oxygen flow rates must look for options between 5 and 10 pounds that come with lower flow rates. These lighter units are easy to carry and use on the move. FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) approval In addition to the portability of an oxygen concentrator, one should also look for an FAA-approved device.
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5 Cyber Monday Mistakes To Avoid This Holiday Season

5 Cyber Monday Mistakes To Avoid This Holiday Season

5 Cyber Monday Mistakes To Avoid This Holiday Season Cyber Monday is when many sales are happening all over the country, and most purchases occur in the electronic market. Every store that sells anything with an electronic gadget or even its accessory is up a sale. Such a time also becomes a time when many buyers end up at a loss for various other reasons. It is a great time of the year for consumers to make the best of the deals offered. Here are tips to help you make the best of the Cyber Monday sales this year: Getting Scammed Cyber Monday is undoubtedly a great time to shop; unfortunately, it is also when many cyber criminals put out their bait. So in these times, paying attention to the websites you visit before placing an order is essential. Make sure that when you click any URL links, any links you click on are from reputable sites, and don’t ask for personal information via email or phone call. If something seems way too good to be true, it probably is! It can be easy to get fooled by images that look like they came from Google or Amazon. Sending funds through the internet can be risky if you don’t know what kind of company or individual you are sending to. Checking out the company’s or individual’s profile on social media and other related websites can prove to be a money saver. Sometimes, this can mean accepting an offer without doing your research, which could lead to fraud. Shopping for the sake of Cyber Monday Cyber Monday is a also a perfect time to get deals on products you know you will love. But before you make any purchases, consider whether or not the item is something that will benefit your life and make it easier for you to accomplish what matters most.
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