Home | Uncategorized

10 warning signs of depression

10 warning signs of depression
According to data from the National Institute of Mental Health, 8.4% of adults in the country have experienced at least one depressive episode. Depression is a significant mental health issue that makes one feel uninterested in activities they previously enjoyed, and they can constantly feel sad and hopeless for no concrete reason. Understanding some warning signs of depression may enable one to seek timely help to heal from the condition: Loss of interest in previously-enjoyed activities The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) suggests that individuals with major depressive episodes experience loss of interest in their daily activities over a period of at least two weeks. For example, they may be withdrawn from their hobbies and pastimes or experience low sex drives. Depression typically affects one’s ability to experience pleasure. Changes in the sleep cycle Drastic changes in one’s sleep schedule are among the common symptoms of depression. Individuals with depression may either face extreme difficulties in falling asleep or may indulge in oversleeping. Research has demonstrated a strong association between depression and sleep disorders such as insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea. Social withdrawal Clinical depression often causes an individual to pull away or withdraw from social situations, even minimizing interactions with one’s close friends and family members.

5 best lotions for eczema

5 best lotions for eczema
People with eczema tend to suffer from issues such as itching, inflammation, and the presence of gray, scaly rashes. A lack of moisture is responsible for the discomfort and several other skin-related problems. Many eczema lotions are useful to alleviate these issues through moisture restoration in the skin and pain relief. Dermatologists and other healthcare experts tend to recommend such lotions for immediate results. Some of the best lotions to combat eczema symptoms are: Curél Itch Defense Lotion Curél’s eczema relief lotion is one of the best products for resolving eczema issues at a reasonable price. Like some other products on this list, this lotion is also recommended for usage on one’s hands. It has several active ingredients, including ceramides, that relieve itchiness and dry skin almost immediately after application. It is also one of the best hydrating agents, and it keeps the skin vibrant and moist for hours after one uses it. Buyers looking for a well-priced lotion to address eczema symptoms will not find many products better than Curél’s Itch Defense Lotion. Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion Hyaluronic acid is one of the prime components in lotions to keep the skin flexible, stretchy, and wrinkle-free. Therefore, considering that aspect, Cetaphil’s Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion is a winner as one of its key ingredients is this invaluable acid.

Avoid these 5 mistakes when buying a chainsaw

Avoid these 5 mistakes when buying a chainsaw
Chainsaw purchases are quite common when autumn sets in, as people like to keep their backyard and surrounding areas free of large trees that could fall and cause damage. However, felling a tree is not possible with random tools. A chainsaw lets you quickly cut down a tree and even get firewood. However, there are many things to consider when buying a chainsaw, so here are a few mistakes to avoid in the process. Mistakes to avoid when buying a chainsaw Choosing the wrong size The size of the chainsaw is a key consideration when choosing the right tool. The size will affect the tool’s usability and functionality. You should also pay attention to the bar length, which is the distance from the top of the chainsaw to the end of the bar. If the guide bar is longer, the chainsaw can cut larger pieces of wood, but it will become difficult to control. Beginners should use a guide bar that is 14 inches or less. Overlooking noise levels Chainsaws generally make a lot of noise when in use, so consider choosing a quieter model. The noise the equipment produces could harm users’ hearing, so you should wear safety equipment and hearing aids when using a chainsaw.

5 mistakes to avoid while installing rain gutters

5 mistakes to avoid while installing rain gutters
Gutter installation is essential, especially in locations that experience significant rainfall. One can hire a contractor for the job or take the DIY route. Gutter installation involves tasks like measuring areas, cutting, and sealing to ensure that rainwater does not accumulate near one’s home. Several things must be considered during the installation process, including the gutter pitch, placement, and hangers. Some of the avoidable mistakes during this process are discussed below. Cutting costs while buying installation materials Cost efficiency helps save expenses during rain gutter installation, but skimping on essential components as a part of the cost-cutting can lead to problems in the long run. For instance, gutters that bend or sag tend to have installation problems. This problem arises from not installing enough hangers – the connecting hardware component that anchors gutters to a residence, and saving costs. Besides hangers, one may be tempted to purchase subpar gutter systems to cut costs. However, the cheapest option might not be the best one. Therefore, while paying more during installation may hurt one’s pocket initially, it is an investment that will benefit by saving repair costs in the future. Not considering the gutter pitch Rain gutters are usually mounted at a slight pitch, raising their level compared to the surrounding areas on the roof.

Avoid these 5 phone mistakes to prevent online fraud

Avoid these 5 phone mistakes to prevent online fraud
Today, excessive reliance on digital devices to stay connected has made it easy for scammers and fraudsters to gain unauthorized access. Often you would have come across news on phone scams and online fraud affecting unsuspecting users. But you can control this risk and prevent falling for such scams by breaking certain habits. Here are a few common mistakes you must recognize and avoid when using your phone to keep scammers at bay: Entertaining random requests One of the longest-running phone scams is unknown numbers making calls to inform the receiver about a certain cash prize or once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make money. Scammers can exercise manipulation tactics on call by creating a sense of urgency and putting unnecessary pressure on you to make a quick decision. You might unknowingly agree to an action that exposes your banking or personal details on the call. So, avoid entertaining such calls where the caller pushes without a verifiable, legitimate cause to gain information. Not checking caller ID Caller ID serves an important purpose. Some companies and apps also provide access to detailed caller ID services, usually as part of a premium subscription. You also get dedicated filters to block spammers and scammers from targeting your number.

10 common hydration mistakes to avoid

10 common hydration mistakes to avoid
Drinking water is crucial for overall health and well-being, but it’s not just about the quantity. How we drink water can also have a substantial impact on our bodies. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes when hydrating, which can significantly disrupt their natural bodily functions. Several factors must be considered when drinking water, from timing and temperature to additives and sources. Here are a few common mistakes to steer clear of. Not drinking enough water The human body is made up of about 60% water, so one must drink enough to maintain proper hydration levels. The general recommendation is at least eight glasses daily, but this number can vary depending on age, gender, and activity level. Drinking too much water Drinking water excessively can lead to hyponatremia, a condition where the body’s sodium levels become diluted. This can cause symptoms like nausea, headaches, and confusion. So, finding a balance and drinking the correct amount is crucial. Mistaking thirst for hunger Sometimes, the human body sends similar signals for hunger and thirst, such as a feeling of emptiness in the stomach or a dry mouth. As a result, individuals may think they’re hungry when, in fact, they’re dehydrated. If a person has had a recent meal or a snack, they should drink water first to see if the feeling is alleviated.

Must
Reads.

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.

Our
Blog.

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.
Read More
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.
Read More