Dementia is a general term used for impaired thinking, memory loss, or inability to make decisions that can impact one’s ability to perform daily activities. One of the most common types of this phenomenon is Alzheimer’s disease. A person affected by dementia may require treatment to cope with the condition. However, since dementia affects the brain, one should eat these six foods to prevent or delay the onset of age-related cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease. Salmon Salmon and other fatty fish like mackerel and tuna are other foods one should eat regularly. These fish varieties are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids with DHA to help prevent dementia. Broccoli Rich in vitamin B and carotenoids, broccoli can reduce homocysteine levels. The compound is an amino acid that may result in brain atrophy, cognitive decline, and dementia. So moderating its levels could benefit one’s overall cognition. Eggs Eggs offer several health benefits, including ones vital for cognitive function. For example, it is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, which can fight and prevent dementia and maintain overall brain health. Spinach The leafy green is rich in essential B vitamins like folate and B9, which help boost cognitive function. So adding spinach to one’s meals may help prevent or fight the effects of mental health conditions. Raspberries Eating raspberries during meals nourishes the body with anthocyanin, a flavonoid known to reduce or halt the progression of brain damage caused by free radicals. Furthermore, the berry is rich in antioxidants and vitamins that help curb inflammation and maintain overall brain health. Flax seeds When one adds flax seeds to their meals, they can benefit from their antioxidants, zinc, omega-3s, and vitamin E composition. The nutrition received from these seeds may help reduce cognitive decline, subsequently complementing brain health. Almonds Munching a handful of almonds during the day can nourish the body with vital nutrients like magnesium, healthy fats, and vitamins E and B.

Atrial fibrillation of AFib is a condition that causes rapid or irregular beating in the upper chambers of the heart. This is a type of arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat that can result in a stroke and other heart-related issues if left untreated. The condition can be managed by making several lifestyle changes, including better nutrition. Food is a key component of health and can help avoid a variety of illnesses.  Foods to avoid with atrial fibrillation Caffeine Excessive intake of caffeine can quicken the heartbeat and induce premature heartbeats. Caffeine intake should be reduced to avoid triggering AFib. To avoid accidentally choosing caffeinated foods and drinks, one should read the labels, especially for beverages like sodas, tea, and herbal supplements, to check for caffeine. One can limit the amount of coffee they have in the day if it cannot be eliminated entirely. Salt Excessive salt intake raises blood pressure and increases the risk of AFib. So, people with hypertension, AFib, or sleep apnea should monitor and limit their sodium intake. Although salt is a common ingredient in foods, switching to less processed foods and using sodium-free seasoning can help reduce the daily salt intake. One should also avoid foods with high salt content, such as pizza, soups, burritos, and tacos. Gluten Gluten can trigger an episode of AFib in those with gluten sensitivity or allergy, as observed in celiac disease. Here, gluten can cause inflammation that damages the vagus nerve, thereby increasing the risk of serious heart problems and AFib. Wheat, pies, cakes, candies, cereals, cookies, and crackers are a few gluten-rich foods. Grapefruit Certain citrus fruits should be avoided when undergoing treatment to correct cardiac rhythm. Citrus fruits, particularly grapefruits, and their juices, contain substances that may alter how some treatment options are absorbed by the body and cause undesirable side effects.

Skin cancer develops when there is an abnormal growth of cells on the skin which is overexposed to the sun. However, that is not the only area where skin cancer can develop, so always look for symptoms in areas not exposed to the sun. Reducing the risk of skin cancer is possible by limiting sun exposure and opting for healthy food choices. Keep reading to learn about foods that keep skin cancer at bay. Carrots They have an abundance of beta-carotene, which helps by converting to vitamin A. Studies suggest that foods rich in beta-carotene have proven to reduce the risk of some cancers, including skin cancer. Some good sources of this compound include orange-colored vegetables like squash and sweet potatoes and fruits like cantaloupe, apricots, and even mangoes. This compound is also known for keeping the immune system strong, which helps fend off diseases. Guava Guavas are a great source of lycopene, a fantastic example of a preventive measure against skin cancer. This red-pigmented compound is found in other food sources like watermelon, tomatoes, papaya, blood oranges, apricots, and even pink grapefruit. Research suggests that people who ate tomato paste regularly, as opposed to those who didn’t, were less likely to be sunburned. Studies also indicated that those who regularly ate this compound had a lower risk of developing skin cancer. Salmon These fish are known for their high omega-3 fatty acid content and the benefits it provides for the body, which include a reduced risk of developing skin cancer. Studies indicate that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, and some cancers, including skin cancer. Besides salmon, other rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids include sardines, herring, mackerel, and albacore tuna. Orange Orange is an abundant source of vitamin C, and older research suggests that this vitamin is toxic to cancer cells.

Skin cancer usually occurs because of abnormal cell growth in the body. While the disease is common in areas exposed to the sun, it can develop across other regions of the body. Unfortunately, it is easy to misdiagnose signs of skin cancer for other skin diseases. But statistically, about 1 in 5 people in the country develop the condition by age 70. So, it is imperative to be mindful of these skin cancer warning signs. Lesions Sometimes people develop slightly raised, flat, large lesions on the legs or face. But in the beginning, these may appear as painless spots on the skin, which may not be any cause for alarm. However, if these lesions turn red, purple, or brown, it might be a sign of Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) and should be diagnosed at the earliest. Mole irregularities Unusual changes in the moles present on one’s skin may indicate the presence of melanoma. A few indicators to watch for include when one half of the mole does not look like the other or the mole has irregular borders. The color of a mole may also differ from one area to the other. One should also check if the mole changes in shape, color, and size. Red, itchy patches Everyone develops rashes on the skin occasionally. Sometimes, one may unexpectedly develop raised, reddish patches. Moreover, the condition might be persistent and not go away, which is a possible indicator of basal cell carcinoma. Furthermore, one may experience flat, yellow patches, open sores that do not heal, and pink growths with raised edges. Colored bumps Firm red, purple, or pink bumps or lump-like developments on the skin are often linked to signs of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). While the bumps usually do not hurt, they grow fast and may turn into sores or ulcers.

Tracking ovulation or the fertility window is an integral part of making pregnancy decisions, whether to prevent pregnancy or to go ahead with it. There are many available methods in the market to track the ovulation cycle. Let’s discuss some of the easy and natural ways of detecting the ovulation cycle in the comfort of your home. Always speak to your gynecologist regarding any complications and proceed with care. Basal body temperature method This basal body temperature refers to the internal body temperature, which is noted when you first wake up in the morning. This body temperature typically changes throughout the menstrual cycle, where it is usually at around 96-98 degrees Fahrenheit, while during the ovulation period, the temperature usually changes to 97-99 degrees Fahrenheit. This is due to the increased levels of progesterone levels in the body. So it is usually recommended that you detect your ovulation cycle by taking your body temperature and noting it down every morning for a few days. Menstrual tracking This is a very straightforward method of tracking your ovulation cycle. You can either use an app to track your cycle or even do a calculation on your own. Every female with a uterus has a 28-day menstrual cycle which involves the ovulation period as well. This period usually lasts for about 8-9 days and differs from person to person according to the period date. Using an app can be more reliable than struggling to get the calculation right, as it is possible to make mistakes.  Cervical mucus Another natural way to detect the ovulation cycle is to notice the vaginal discharge throughout the month. Vaginal discharge is extremely normal, and every female experiences it. However, during the ovulation cycle, the discharge is usually more distinct than the rest of the days. The consistency and texture change, becoming more like egg white, and that is when it is usually understood that the female is on her ovulation cycle.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that is caused by differences in the brain. Those with ASD often have problems with social interaction and communication and display restricted or repetitive behaviors. ASD may also cause differences in learning, moving, or paying attention. These differences can make it challenging for autistic people to navigate through life, making it important to diagnose it early. Thus, here are some early warning signs of autism. Among younger children: Some common early signs of autism in young children include: Not responding to their name Avoiding eye contact Not smiling when someone smiles at them Getting upset if they do not like a particular taste, smell, or sound Engaging in repetitive movements such as flapping their hands, flicking their fingers, or rocking their body Not talking as much as other children Not engaging in as much pretend play Repeating the same phrases without understanding the meaning It is important to note that one child with ASD may not necessarily have the same symptoms as another. The symptoms and their severity differ with each individual. Among older children: In older children, early signs of autism may include: The inability to understand what others are thinking or feeling (lack of empathy) Unusual speech, such as repeating phrases or talking ‘at’ others Liking a strict daily routine and getting very upset if it changes Having a very keen interest in certain subjects and activities Getting very upset if someone asks them to do something Difficulty in making friends Taking things very literally, or a lack of understanding of common idioms and phrases Finding it difficult to verbalize feelings Autism may also manifest differently based on a child’s gender. For instance, autistic girls may hide some signs of autism by copying how other children behave, withdraw in situations they find difficult, appear to cope better in social situations, and show fewer signs of repetitive behaviors.

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the central nervous system. It is an immune-mediated condition that forces the body’s immune system to attack the protective covering of nerve cells. The resulting damage affects the nerve’s ability to communicate and, as a result, compromises organ function. While the disorder cannot be cured, prompt treatment helps improve the patient’s quality of life. Here are some early signs of multiple sclerosis that help with a timely diagnosis. Fatigue Around 80% of people with this health disorder experience fatigue. There is a high chance of a multiple sclerosis diagnosis if no underlying health complications or infections can explain this tiredness. Fatigue is one of the first signs as the physical limitations start affecting the patient’s daily routine. MS fatigue triggers an overwhelming sense of tiredness despite having a relaxing day. Numbness and tingling Numbness and tingling in the limbs is another early sign of multiple sclerosis. These sensations are usually observed around the extremities of the arms and feet and may persist simultaneously in one or more limbs. Specific movements can also trigger shock responses that travel across joints. Gait and vision problems Feeling off-balance or lightheaded or experiencing problems with gait and posture are advancing symptoms. A person may have difficulty walking properly due to frequent muscle spasms and stiffness, loss of balance, lack of coordination, and even due to weakness. The condition can also trigger partial loss of vision and prolonged double and blurry vision in one or both eyes. Cognitive and emotional changes Multiple sclerosis affects analytical and critical thinking and triggers other cognitive problems. As the condition progresses, one may have trouble with memory, concentration, organization, and attention. Major depressive episodes are also common. The stressful condition can trigger mood swings, cause irritability, and even cause uncontrolled bouts of crying or laughter for no reason.

Allergies can be tough to live with. Studies indicate that environmental factors such as tree and grass pollen, dust mites, and mold trigger this condition. Some common allergic reactions include sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, runny or stuffy nose, or even swollen mucous membranes. Due to their climatic or geographical features, some cities may be bad for allergy sufferers. Keep reading to learn about cities that are best avoided if you are battling allergies. Scranton, PA According to a survey by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA ), Scranton recorded below-average scores for spring and pollen allergies. Additionally, the allergy care program is not appropriate due to the lack of availability of allergy specialists, especially during the spring and fall allergy seasons. One of the reasons behind the pollen count upsurge is the birch tree growth surrounding the city’s coal banks that trigger a reaction.   Wichita, KS Wichita is another city that scores below-average points in allergy management. Due to the rising temperatures during spring, tree growth increases, leading to more pollen production. This pattern also leads to a general increase in over-the-counter (OTC) treatment options to manage allergy symptoms.  McAllen, TX The cedar pollen carried into the city by the mountain breeze is a significant trigger of allergy symptoms. Besides this, the low rainfall in the city is also responsible for allergy flare-ups as the pollen count in the air keeps growing. Richmond, VA The pollen count increases during the spring due to a high growth spurt in trees. Also, since there are few allergy specialists in the city, the population is not well-equipped to battle the symptoms with the help of a proper treatment plan. Furthermore, it causes overuse of OTC treatment plans, which may not be as effective as a prescribed treatment plan.  Springfield, MA Springfield is known for its poor air quality, mainly due to its valley landscape, which allows the air to gather low, including carbon dioxide.