The swelling or narrowing of one’s throat or the airways to the lungs may lead to wheezing. It may further result in shortness of breath as the lugs cannot hold the necessary air when affected by swelling or mucus buildup. While such symptoms are commonly associated with asthma and chronic pulmonary disease, they may also be triggered by reactions to allergens. Therefore, one should be aware of the common allergens that affect breathing. Pollen Pollen from certain trees, grasses, and ragweed is a common trigger of asthma. The fine yellowish powder may also trigger hay fever (allergic rhinitis). But the type of pollen that causes the problem may differ from person to person and from place to place. Bee sting Someone with an allergic reaction to bee stings may suffer from anaphylaxis. It is a severe life-threatening allergic reaction, which may lead to trouble breathing and swallowing. Mold Many people suffer from mold allergies. They have a sensitive immune system that identifies minute, airborne mold spores as foreign invaders and develops allergy-causing antibodies to fight them. This results in symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath. Dust mites Dust mites are difficult to see without a microscope. They thrive in warm, humid environments, such as in bedding, carpeting, and upholstered furniture at home. These mites may trigger an asthma episode or cause an allergic reaction characterized by breathing problems and wheezing. Pet dander Individuals with pet allergies may develop symptoms like sneezing, shortness of breath, and a runny nose when they breathe in pet dander. Cockroaches The feces, saliva, and shedding body parts of cockroaches may trigger asthma and allergies when carried into the air. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, nasal congestion, and also sinus infection. Peanuts Legumes like peanuts may lead to severe reactions like anaphylaxis. Apart from breathing difficulties, one may suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, repetitive cough, and hives.

Diabetes, a health condition that affects blood sugar levels often has kidney disease as one of its complications. Research suggests that one in three adults in the country with diabetes also develops chronic kidney disease over time. Foods rich in nutritional value can play a major role in controlling both these conditions. One must limit certain foods and add others to ensure they get the right nutrition. Furthermore, one may follow a nutritionist-recommended food plan. Top six foods to eat for managing diabetes and CKD Apples Fresh fruits such as apples are incredibly beneficial for kidney health and chronic kidney disease (CKD). They contain vitamin C, which is good for the immune system and healthy tissues. Furthermore, they are rich in antioxidants and low in calories. Moreover, they do not cause any spikes in blood sugar levels. Onions This vegetable does not only add flavor to the food but also provides immense nutritional value. Onions contain fewer amounts of potassium and are rich in flavonoids – a powerful antioxidant. Additionally, onions are beneficial foods for diabetes and CKD as they help lower blood glucose levels and even improve glucose tolerance in type-2 diabetes patients. Pasta Typically, pasta is low in potassium and phosphorus. As most kidney-friendly food plans limit their intake, pasta becomes a good source of energy and nutrition. Diabetes patients can benefit from choosing their grain type and limiting their portion size to gain optimum nutritional value. Eggplant Also known as aubergine, this vegetable is a great addition to the kidney-friendly food plan. It contains low amounts of potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. Furthermore, eggplants are high in polyphenols and fiber, which can help reduce blood sugar levels. Plums Black plums contain higher levels of antioxidants compared to red plums. Hence, one must pick fairly firm black plums while buying.

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that results in blistered, dry, and scaly patches on the skin. Eczema is a group of skin disorders. Each type results in a mix of symptoms that are similar and distinct. It is most frequently characterized by itchy skin. This skin condition can appear in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood, with severity ranging from mild to severe. Here are a few of the early signs of various types of eczema. Early signs of eczema There are several types of eczema, and each has its own set of symptoms. Among the types are: Atopic dermatitis This is the most common type of eczema. In this case, it starts as a severe itch. Severely irritated skin may crack and bleed or drip clear liquid. Other symptoms vary according to age and the severity of the illness. Symptoms in babies include dry, itchy skin, fussiness, and difficulty sleeping. Adults typically exhibit symptoms on their hands, eyelids, and beneath their eyes. It causes thick, dry, cracked skin that itches or burns. Eczema most commonly appears behind the knees and inside the elbows. It can also appear on the neck, wrists, ankles, and the tops of the thighs. The skin may swell, darken, and thicken over time. Contact dermatitis This type of eczema is caused by an allergic reaction to something that comes into contact with the skin, most commonly the hands or face. It causes severe itching, which is followed by a rash and tender, uncomfortable skin. Further symptoms include blisters and thick, leathery skin after repeated contact with the triggers. Dyshidrotic eczema This eczema is caused by abnormal sweating. Signs only appear on the palms of the hands, the sides of the fingers, and, on rare occasions, the soles of the feet. This condition causes severe irritation and even discomfort or tingling, followed by tiny, irritating blisters, sweat on blistered areas, and peeling skin after the blisters have healed.

The number of people being diagnosed with cancer appears to be steadily rising. As a result, it has become more important to take note of the factors that could be contributing to the disease, including the added amount of chemicals and pollutants surrounding us. Although more studies are needed to know for sure, certain foods can help decrease cancer risk. Similarly, some foods can increase the risk of developing different cancers. Refined sugar Excessive intake of refined sugar is a primary cause of many common lifestyle disorders. It is also associated with an increased possibility of cancer. Some foods with refined sugar that can increase cancer risk are breakfast cereals and processed and packaged foods. Processed meat Processed meats like sausages, pepperoni, and hot dogs are a source of harmful compounds. Research suggests the regular intake of these cured meats considerably increases cancer risk. A daily intake of one and a half ounces of processed meat can increase rectal cancer risk by as much as 18%. If complete elimination is not an option, adding nitrite and nitrate-free meats to meals is advisable. Chips Salt is a potential carcinogen, which means it can increase cancer risk, especially if added excessively to meals. Chips, potato fries, and packaged foods are a few salty items to avoid. Besides increasing cancer risk, these contribute to inflammation in the body owing to a high quantity of salt. Hydrogenated oil Hydrogenated oil is a food associated with multiple health concerns. It can contribute to heart conditions, increase blood cholesterol levels, and even aggravate inflammation. Further, hydrogenated oils are associated with cell damage and increased inflammatory levels, both of which contribute to cancer risk. Red meat Despite being a healthy protein source, red meat is a food that can increase cancer risk. It releases carcinogenic chemicals, mainly because of the preparation method used.

Foods and beverages directly affect a person’s blood glucose levels. So, people with diabetes should carefully evaluate their food habits and choices and exercise caution before incorporating anything new into their meal plans. Many people start their day with a cup of coffee. While more research is required to know for sure, some studies suggest that the beverage may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes if had in moderation. Polyphenols in coffee may lower type 2 diabetes risk Caffeine and polyphenols are two of the many compounds in coffee that positively affect the body. Polyphenols have antioxidant properties that aid in treating various illnesses, including type 2 diabetes, heart problems, and cancer. Moreover, diabetes increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Since antioxidants like polyphenols benefit heart health, they can help mitigate this risk. Magnesium in coffee may reduce the condition’s occurrence Coffee also contains magnesium and chromium. A higher magnesium intake has been linked to a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes. However, coffee has a lower concentration of these ingredients than other foods. Hence, individuals must not rely entirely on this beverage as a source of magnesium and chromium. 3 to 4 cups daily may lower one’s risk A particular study found that people who increased their daily coffee intake by more than one cup over four years had an 11% lower risk of type 2 diabetes than those who did not. Additionally, the study found that cutting back on coffee by more than one cup per day was associated with a 17% increased risk of type 2 diabetes.  400 mg of caffeine per day may not affect diabetics Besides coffee, caffeine can be found in coffee beans and green tea. The compound stimulates the central nervous system, improving mental alertness, fatigue, and focus. However, it should be consumed in moderation.

As a new parent, one may have to choose from several brands in each category of baby products, ranging from sunscreens, body lotion, and bath essentials to baby cribs and diapers. Parents would want the best products for their children, but not everything expensive or marketed as organic is good for a baby’s skin and health. Some of the ingredients found in common products can be harmful. Here are seven such ingredients to avoid: Synthetic fragrances Many baby care and cleaning products come with refreshing scents marked as “fragrance” on the label, as the FDA does not require companies to share ingredients used to make the scent. But most fragrances contain harmful synthetic musks or chemicals that may cause allergic reactions in babies. Even if there is no immediate reaction, the fragrance may be absorbed into the skin, posing reproductive or developmental health risks. One should also check products labeled as “unscented” to verify if they are entirely fragrance-free. Bleach Chlorine bleach is found in baby laundry detergents, washing powders, mildew removers, and toilet bowl cleaners. Bleach is linked to lung diseases and skin and eye irritation. Babies have sensitive skin, making them vulnerable to harsh chemicals. Long-term exposure to bleach and other reactive substances like ammonia can cause a burning sensation in the throat, eye irritation, or breathing issues in babies. Baby clothes should be washed using mild, bleach-free detergents. Parabens Paraben is a preservative added to baby products to increase their shelf life. But studies suggest the ingredient causes skin irritation and fertility issues. Infants exposed to parabens may develop health concerns later on. Sulfates Sulfates are used in bath and cleaning products, like bath bombs and body washes, to create foam. The ingredient, however, is harsh on sensitive skin and can cause respiratory dysfunction, eczema, and eye irritation.

Epilepsy is a common brain disorder that can cause recurring seizures. It can affect people of all ages, but older adults and children are more susceptible. As per estimates, around 3.4 million people in our country live with epilepsy, including 3 million adults and 470,000 children. As children and adults spend most of their time outside, it is imperative to know how to manage epilepsy and seizures and prevent complications. Tips for managing seizures in schools If a child has epilepsy, parents must work with the school to ensure their kids are cared for during school hours. Here are some tips for managing epilepsy and seizures at school: Educate key school personnel Teachers, administrators, students, and nurses are a pivotal part of the school ecosystem. Parents should visit the school and meet such individuals to discuss the child’s needs. They must be educated about epilepsy, its treatment, and, of course, seizure first aid. It helps ensure the child’s safety during school hours. Avoid triggers While at school, the teachers and staff should take sufficient care to ensure students prone to seizures are not exposed to potential triggers, such as bright lights. Keeping a record of identified triggers is an important tip for managing seizures in kids. Parents can also take other steps to manage their child’s condition and ensure their well-being. Two methods include providing the student with a helmet for protection during seizures and buying a medical alert bracelet. Tips for managing seizures at the workplace Some work environments can possess potential hazards for people with epilepsy, so employers should ensure patients do not face challenges. Some tips that can be employed are: Understanding the person’s condition To manage the condition well, fellow employees must know the type, frequency, and duration of the patient’s seizures and if they have any musculoskeletal issues.

The prime cause of cancer is unknown, but studies associate constant exposure to certain chemical components with an increased risk of developing the condition. Statistics indicate that cancer is the second leading cause of death in the country, next to heart disease. Some risk factors are more prominent, like inherited flawed genes, radiation exposure, and unhealthy lifestyle habits. But here are some unsuspecting things surrounding us that may add to the problem . Hair straightener Chemical hair straighteners and relaxers contain harmful chemicals like parabens, bisphenol A, metals, or formaldehyde. According to experts, these chemicals may increase the risk of developing uterine cancer. These chemicals get more easily absorbed into the scalp. According to research, using straighteners has been linked to an increased risk of hormone-related cancers in women. Talcum powder Talc, a mineral mainly used in making talcum powder, is mined from the earth. In its natural form, the substance contains asbestos, a carcinogen strongly linked to different cancers. Talc miners, for instance, who are exposed to it for a long time may be at risk of lung cancer. Alternatively, women using talc near the private parts may be at risk of developing ovarian cancer. Asbestos-free talc can be a relatively safer option. Grill smoke Grill smoke from summer barbecues may pose a risk. Studies indicate that people hanging around the grill for a long time might absorb polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) via their skin. These chemicals are released upon burning charcoal or wood and are recognized carcinogens. An individual tends to absorb PAHs through their skin rather than inhalation. A mask and proper covering may lower the risk of developing cancer because of grill smoke. Air fresheners Air fresheners may claim to get rid of bad scents and toxic gas, but studies indicate that, more often than not, the air fresheners contain Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.