How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks for Men

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 21, 2019 Last Edited: February 21, 2019

Arch

Even though our skin is very elastic and flexible, it still has its limits. After a point, you might start suffering from stretch marks. Also known as striae distensae, stretch marks are one of the main skin issues that people find aesthetically unpleasing.

Many people mistakenly believe that this is a women’s issue, and that it’s only women who want to know how to get rid of stretch marks. For men, the question of stretch marks can be quite sensitive. But it’s important to know that men are also likely to suffer from stretch marks. The most common causes for male stretch marks are sudden weight gain, bodybuilding, or intense growth during puberty.

Whatever the cause behind your stretch marks, here are some effective techniques of making them less noticeable:

1. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera is one of the most powerful plants when it comes to skin care. Its healing properties are outstanding, which is why it’s used for a wide variety of purposes.

When it comes to stretch marks, the main reason why Aloe Vera is effective is collagen, which is present in abundance in this plant. Collagen is a protein that provides the skin with elasticity. When this protein gets broken down, the skin loses its flexibility and starts showing marks.

Being a severe case of broken skin, stretch marks require a lot of restored collagen before they become less noticeable. Even though they likely won’t disappear completely, they can become far smaller with time if Aloe Vera gel is used.

2. Tretinoins

Topical Retinoids are products based on Vitamin A derivatives. Tretinoin is one of the most potent variants, which can be used for the treatment of stretch marks.

The reason behind its effectiveness is that it promotes the production of collagen and elastin, both of which are necessary for skin elasticity. Depending on the severity of your stretch marks, it can either make them less noticeable, or get them to disappear altogether.

For example, if you’ve gained stretch marks around six weeks prior to the first use, it might be able to remove them completely. This is especially the case with smaller ones that can happen due to gym workouts that rely heavily on lifting.

3. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is one of the most versatile home remedies out there. Aside from vitamin C, it contains a variety of compounds beneficial to the human health. Moreover, those same compounds can be used to treat many skin issues, including stretch marks.

The main reason for this is the alpha-hydroxy acids found in it. These serve as a natural exfoliant, meaning that they help get rid of dead cells. Exfoliation is extremely important for removing stretch marks, as the formation of new cells is the way to make them disappear.

The easiest way to use lemon juice to treat stretch marks is to simply cut a lemon in half and rub it over the stretch marks while squeezing it a little to get the juice out. If you repeat this every day, you should notice some improvements fairly soon.

4. Lavender Oil

For centuries now, lavender oil has been praised for its calming properties. However, its abilities extend far beyond this. It’s widely used these days for treating all kinds of marks and wounds that can appear on the skin.

For example, a study confirmed that it promotes the production of collagen and helps create new connective tissue. This can result in is the formation of fresh, new skin that could make stretch marks appear less noticeable.

It should be mentioned that this study had rats as subjects, and that it will take more research to confirm the same effect in humans. Nevertheless, lavender oil treatment can definitely be beneficial to some degree.

You can also mix it with coconut oil and apply the mixture to your stretch marks. Massage them gently with the oil mixture for around 15 minutes every day, and you should see some progress.

5. Excimer Laser Treatment

If you have some old stretch marks that can’t be removed by using any home remedies, an excimer laser treatment might be a good idea. Excimer laser has been used for quite some time now to treat various skin conditions, including psoriasis, vitiligo, and alopecia.

It has also proven itself to be very effective at stretch mark removal. In essence, the laser beam stimulates the production of melanin in the affected area. Stretch marks then change their appearance and color, so that they match your skin tone. Depending on how big and deep your stretch marks are, you might have to undergo a number of treatments, but you are very likely to solve the problem for good.

6. Light Therapy

Your skin is the first organ to come into contact with light. But not all wavelengths are available in nature. Certain wavelengths, like red and near-infrared light, can be extremely beneficial to skin health.

Light therapy can help heal burns, hypertrophic scars, and other severe skin damages, even in cases where other therapies aren’t effective. In fact, it’s one of the best options for treating stretch marks. It might work even better when it’s used in conjunction with stretch mark removal creams and gels.

There’s a variety of treatment options based on specific light wavelengths. Even though there are some products you can use at home by yourself, it’s always a better idea to leave it to a specialist if you want to ensure effectiveness and minimize potential risks.

How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks for Men? A Word of Caution

Even though stretch marks can cause no damage to your health, many people go out of their way to get rid of them. By following some the above methods, you might be able to make yours less noticeable, and even remove them completely in some cases.

But if you decide to go with any kind of serious treatment, it’s essential that you talk to your doctor. Not every option might be suitable for you. Choosing the wrong one will not only fail to yield the desired results, but it can also make the problem even worse and potentially cause serious damage. If none of the home remedies work, talk to your dermatologist and see which treatment would suit you the best.

References:

https://www.myvmc.com/diseases/stretch-marks-striae-distensae/
https://www.healthguidance.org/entry/11649/1/what-is-collagen.html
https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/topical-retinoids/
https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/productsingredients/ingredients/ucm107940.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4880962/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4290518/
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Melanin
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4126803/

Health

How to Get Rid of Large Pores

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 21, 2019 Last Edited: February 21, 2019

Arch

Apart from your palms and feet, every part of your skin is covered in hair. In certain areas, the hairs are so small that they may not be visible at all. However, each follicle has a pore, as well as a sebaceous gland that produces oil.

Depending on various factors, such as the follicle volume, sebaceous gland activity, and skin elasticity, your pores can vary in size.

Are you wondering how to get rid of large pores? Even though changing the size of your pores isn’t possible, there are many ways to make them appear smaller, and so make your skin look much smoother.

1. Using Water-Based Skin Products

One of the main reasons why pores may appear larger is the buildup of sebum. Your skin gets too oily, which results in your pores getting clogged and appearing larger.

If you’re suffering from oily skin, oil-based products aren’t a good choice. They’re comedogenic, meaning that they tend to clog your pores and cause acne to appear. Even if the products’ aim is to clear the pores, they can only make things worse.

This is where water-based options can be a smart idea. They’ll help you get rid of excess oil and dirt from your pores without clogging them.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you should throw away all your oil-based masks and creams. If you’re gaining other benefits from these products, you can still use them, but keep the use to a minimum and combine them with water-based solutions.

2. Exfoliating Your Skin

Exfoliation shouldn’t be done more than twice a week, and it also needs to be done right if you want to reap all its benefits. It should help remove all the excess flakes that clog your pores and make your skin look rough.

To give your skin a deep cleanse and clear your pores in the best way, you should use alpha-hydroxy acids or beta-hydroxy acids, which are commonly referred to as salicylic acids. Both of these do a great job at penetrating your pores and cleaning them of all the impurities that can make them appear larger. BHAs are also very effective at removing acne.

There are many exfoliants out there that contain these acids, but make sure to avoid those with BHAs if you have aspirin allergies.

3. Maintaining a Healthy Diet

There’s pretty much no aspect of your health that isn’t impacted by your diet. Your skin might reflect your diet in many different ways, including your pores. Most of our diets rely heavily on inflammatory foods. If yours does as well, it might be one of the main reasons your pores appear large.

To make your skin appear smoother and more vibrant, try to avoid starch and processed sugar. Also, try to include foods rich in omega fatty acids, as well as foods rich in vitamin B2. These foods can help regulate sebum production and prevent clogging.

4. Protecting Your Skin from the Sun

UV rays have a myriad of negative effects on the skin. They can damage the skin cells’ DNA, causing all kinds of issues that impact the way the skin looks. One of the most common problems is dryness and the loss of elasticity.

When your skin is dry, your pores will become bigger. What adds to this is that the skin tends to flake, therefore clogging the pores and making your skin look even worse. Luckily, there are many things you can do to avoid this.

First of all, you’ll want to stay away from direct sunlight on hot days. Dry air in combination with UV rays can cause quite some damage to your skin. In addition, you can wear sunscreen with the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) that suits your skin type and sensitivity.

5. Keeping Your Skin Moisturized

Many people that have oily skin believe that moisturizing will only make things worse. This is a big mistake. Not only can moisturizing make your skin less oily, but can also provide a variety of benefits that will make it look much smoother and more vibrant.

Of course, you need to stick to water-based moisturizers for this to happen. These will help sebum go deeper into your skin instead of getting stuck at the top layer and clogging your pores.

6. Removing Makeup Before You Go to Sleep

Have you ever fallen asleep with makeup on because you were too tired to remove it? If this is something that happens to you frequently, you should make the conscious effort to change this habit.

If you leave it overnight, makeup gets combined with oil and dirt, therefore clogging your pores and making them appear very large. This can happen each time you sleep with makeup on, and it makes it pretty tough to get rid of large pores.

Invest in a high-quality makeup remover and make it a part of your evening ritual. Always wash your face before going to sleep, and as soon as you wake up.

7. Staying Hydrated

Proper hydration is essential for the health of your entire body, and skin is no exception. Plain water can help your skin look more youthful and healthy. It also helps remove toxins from your body, which translates to cleaner pores.

Around 8 glasses a day are enough to ensure proper hydration. If you make this a habit, you’ll likely notice positive changes to your complexion over time. For even more benefits, you can always add cucumber or lemon to your water. Not only does this make it taste better, it will also give your skin important nutrients that keep it healthy.

The Final Word

If you’re not satisfied with the way your skin looks, these tips might help you make it cleaner and smoother. Now that you have a better idea of how to get rid of large pores, go ahead and try them out.

Bear in mind that you’ll have to do this on a regular basis if you want to maintain the smoothness of your skin. This is especially true if your pores are large by nature. Luckily, by applying the above advice, you can make sure your pores aren’t an aesthetic concern anymore.

References:

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/19666.htm
https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/sebum/
https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/saving-face-101-how-to-customize-your-skin-care-routine-with-your-skin-type
https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/productsingredients/ingredients/ucm107940.htm
https://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductsIngredients/Ingredients/ucm107943.htm
https://www.who.int/uv/health/uv_health2/en/
https://www.verywellhealth.com/spf-sun-protection-factor-and-sunscreen-2634104
https://www.utmedicalcenter.org/healthy-tips/103/the-importance-of-moisturizing/
https://www.uwhealth.org/madison-plastic-surgery/the-benefits-of-drinking-water-for-your-skin/26334

Health

How to Get Rid of Chest Acne

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 21, 2019 Last Edited: February 21, 2019

Arch

According to research done by the American Academy of Dermatology, acne in the single most common skin issue that Americans encounter. Unfortunately, there’s no sure way to remove it for good.

Acne can appear pretty much anywhere on your body, and can be caused by various factors, such as hormonal imbalances and a diet that is rich in sugary foods. Even though they’re not as visible as the ones on your face, chest acne marks can still cause embarrassment.

So how to get rid of chest acne? Luckily, there are a few solutions that have proven themselves to be very effective.

1. Exfoliate Your Chest

For maintaining good skin health, a process known as cell turnover is essential. During this process, dead skin cells rise to the top of your skin, and they are replaced by fresh, new cells. Even though this is a completely natural and healthy process, it’s one of the main reasons for acne in people who are prone to it.

The reason for this is that the dead skin cells clog your pores, keeping oil and dirt inside. As a result, various types of acne may form, including blackheads and cysts.

This is where exfoliation can be your best choice. It removes all the flakes from your pores, along with all the impurities contained inside. The result are clean pores and smoother skin that’s less likely to support acne growth.

It’s important to remember that you shouldn’t do this more frequently than once a week. Exfoliants can irritate your skin if you overuse them, so the problem can get even worse.

2. Maintain Good Hygiene

Regular showers can have a remarkable positive effect on your skin health. This is especially true when it comes to reducing your chances of developing acne.

Showering every day lets you shed the dead skin cells that might cause acne to form. Moreover, also it helps remove dirt, bacteria, and excess sebum, which is the oil produced by your sebaceous glands. When you work out, you should take a shower immediately after you’re done, preferably with lukewarm water. Another good idea is to finish your shower with cold water, as it closes your pores.

3. Wear Breathable Clothes

Speaking of workouts, you might want to rethink your gym outfit if you’ve developed acne on your chest. Even though these clothes are designed to let you get the most out of your workouts, some of them may irritate your skin.

For example, tight clothes made out of material that holds sweat might not be the best idea. Not only does your skin get irritated after rubbing against it, tight clothing also makes all kinds of impurities stick to your skin. If this happens on a regular basis, acne is very likely to happen.

To avoid this, try wearing loose clothes made out of a breathable fabric. Make sure to switch clothes and shower immediately after your workout, or at least wipe your chest with a clean wet cloth.

4. Use Perfume-Free Detergents

Wearing clean clothes is essential for protecting your skin from contaminants, but you might face an acne breakout if you use the wrong cleaning product. If that is the case for you, reconsider the detergent you’re using.

Many detergents contain perfumes and dyes that should make your clothes more comfortable to wear and keep the colors from fading. However, some of the compounds in these products might irritate your skin, especially if you have allergies.

To prevent this from happening, go with acne-safe detergents that are free of chemicals that can cause a breakout.

5. Try Cinnamon and Honey Masks

This is one of the best home remedies for treating acne. Creating a mask out of honey and cinnamon can not only battle acne, but also significantly improve your overall skin health.

These foods have important healing properties. Cinnamon is well-known for its antimicrobial properties, while honey is one of the best natural antibiotics. Mixed together, these ingredients create a very potent solution for dealing with acne. They clean your skin of many contaminants, and feed it a variety of nutrients that support its overall health.

You can mix 1 teaspoon of cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of honey and make a paste out of it. Apply it on your chest and either hold it for 30 minutes or leave it overnight. Do this once a week, and you’ll notice the improvements fairly quickly.

6. Stay Hydrated

Like every other organ in your body, your skin needs to be properly hydrated in order to stay healthy. Cells are mainly made out of water, so failing to provide them with enough liquids can have negative repercussions, many of which are clearly visible.

Dry skin is the most common issue you have to deal with when you’re dehydrated. The lack of water in the cells means that your skin loses its elasticity and becomes prone to breaking. This results in more dead cells, which means more clogged pores. This is a perfect environment for acne to grow, so you want to make sure it doesn’t happen.

As a rule of thumb, 6-8 glasses of water a day are enough to protect your body from dehydration. Moreover, drinking plenty of water helps your skin get rid of the toxins that accumulate on it, so your pores will stay fresh and clean.

The Final Word

Battling acne isn’t easy. Sometimes, a breakout is so severe that you might have blemishes all over your chest. Luckily, some of these methods are effective at removing all traces of acne. Now that you have a better idea of how to get rid of chest acne, feel free to give them a try.

Of course, it is possible that these methods won’t work for everyone. If this becomes the case for you, and no lifestyle changes or home remedies seem to yield any results, consult your dermatologist to see what medical treatments are available. There’s a wide range of possibilities out there, so there’s a very high chance you’ll find the one that works for you.

References:

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/acne
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/313084.php
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/4.6.531
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15556719
https://facerealityacneclinic.com/2017/03/hangin-out-the-dirty-laundry-on-acne/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5615284/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609166/
https://www.uwhealth.org/madison-plastic-surgery/the-benefits-of-drinking-water-for-your-skin/26334

Health

How Many Times Per Day Does the Average Person Pee?

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 21, 2019 Last Edited: February 21, 2019

Arch

Here is a question that medical professionals hear regularly: “How many times per day does the average person pee?” It might sound like a strange thing to wonder, but this is no laughing matter for those who want to know.

If you think you’re peeing too often or not enough, you might be worried about your health. But the good news is that this doesn’t have to be linked to a medical condition. Factors like hydration levels, fluid consumption, gender, and age also play an important role in the frequency of your bathroom trips. So there are a few things you need to consider before you jump to conclusions.

Is Peeing 10 Times a Day Normal?

According to the Bladder and Bowel Community, urinating up to 10 times a day doesn’t signal any abnormality. In fact, the usual range is between 4 and 10 urinary outputs. Peeing about 7 times in 24 hours means your bladder and kidneys work just fine, and you’ve probably taken about 64 ounces of fluid in a day.

It is also normal for pregnant women to pee more than usual because they experience hormonal changes and a greater bladder pressure. The increased urinary frequency might persist for a couple of months after delivery.

Why Do Some People Pee More?

Those who drink a lot of fluids, especially caffeinated drinks, may realize they need urinate too often, and it is the same with increased alcohol intake. But when is the time to raise a red flag?

Any sudden and alarming changes in the frequency, such as peeing a few times every hour, might signal a medical condition. And according to the Cleveland Clinic, 80% of all bladder issues are linked to other aspects of your health. For example, bladder problems may be a sign of a cardiovascular disorder.

How can you tell if something’s wrong? The first signs are discolored or cloudy urine which often has a strong smell. Some people might experience difficulties or pain while peeing, and there also might be some blood in the urine. All of this is worrying and requires a urologist’s input.

The Most Common Medical Conditions Linked to Peeing

Frequent visits to the bathroom can be frustrating and discomforting. But most of the conditions are successfully treated if they get detected in time.

Here are some of the most common culprits for a disordered urinary frequency:

Pelvic Floor Weakness

This condition affects women more than men and it is usually the result of childbirth. The pelvic muscle is not as strong as it used to be, causing frequent peeing or incontinence.

Kegel exercises for women can help with incontinence. In rare cases, it becomes necessary to undergo surgery.

Hyper- or Hypocalcemia

Low or high calcium levels can disturb the kidney functions and cause people to pee too much or too little. There are different treatments, depending on the type of calcemia. This condition is not to be taken lightly. Hypercalcemia can weaken the bones, cause kidney stones, and some cardiovascular problems, such as a slow heart rate.

Diabetes

High blood sugar levels can be the result of undiagnosed or poorly treated diabetes, and they cause frequent peeing. The frequency usually goes down as soon as the blood sugar levels are under control.

Overactive Bladder

This problem doesn’t come alone. It is often the result of nerve damage, obesity, and a hormone imbalance. Once a doctor pinpoints the underlying causes, the condition is usually easy to treat.

UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)

UTIs are surprisingly common. Other than frequent peeing, the symptoms may include painful urination and back pain. Infected people can find it hard to hold back the urge to urinate. Combining antibiotics and diuretics (such as certain types of tea) helps flush the infection.

Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle cell anemia is the inherited low count of the red blood cells. It influences kidney functions and may cause frequent peeing.

Painful Bladder Syndrome

Interstitial cystitis, or painful bladder syndrome, comes with symptoms similar to UTI. But there is no infection in this case. The reasons behind this syndrome are still unknown but it might be connected to bladder inflammation.

Prostate Issues

Unlike most previous conditions, prostate problems cause infrequent urination. The gland becomes enlarged and obstructs the urinary tract. It is not uncommon to experience difficulty with the flow of urine.

There are some off-the-shelf medications and herbal remedies that can help in the less severe cases. However, prescribed medication is the best treatment if the condition gets out of hand, and surgery may be the answer in some cases.

How to Improve Your Control Over Your Bladder

Assuming that you are in perfect health, there are a few tips and tricks for optimizing your peeing schedule.

First, you need to minimize the intake of caffeine, alcohol, and soda. Ideally try to avoid them altogether. Eight glasses of water are enough to keep you well hydrated.

Peeing before and after intercourse also helps. And you shouldn’t forget to wipe from front to back. There is some science behind these seemingly odd tips. Namely, this all lessens the chance of contracting a mild urinary infection that can trigger constant peeing.

In addition, you should take probiotic foods and supplements. Kefir, yogurt, and kimchi are good examples. These foods also help maintain urinary and genital health. Fragrances and genital area deodorants can be damaging – go for common soap instead.

Loose clothes are beneficial as well because they thwart irritation and infection. Choose comfortable underwear, made from natural materials. You also need to keep an optimal weight to prevent the extra pressure on your bladder and pelvic muscles.

Some people even take up a bathroom schedule. It means you visit the toilet at regular intervals and slowly increase the time between bathroom breaks, until you reach the three-hour gap. But you should be careful with this approach. Holding it in can do you more harm than good.

The Last Drop

How many times per day does the average person pee? Well, the average person pees about seven times a day. But if you are a coffee or soda lover, it is not unusual to pee more than that. And as long as you stay within the 10-times-a-day limit, there is no reason for concern.

This article has also provided you with some of the most common symptoms and medical conditions that can change your peeing schedule. So if you think you have a serious problem going on, it’s time for a visit to the doctor.

References:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14597-hypercalcemia
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/kegel-exercises/art-20045283
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-your-bladder-is-trying-to-tell-you-about-your-health/
https://www.bladderandbowel.org/bladder/bladder-conditions-and-symptoms/frequency/

How Long Does Ovulation Last? – One of the Most Important Fertility Questions

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 20, 2019 Last Edited: February 20, 2019

Arch

It’s not surprising that many couples ask the question, “How long does ovulation last?” Determining the exact time and duration of ovulation is important to partners who wish to have a baby.

But the optimal time to have sex and conceive is not the same for each woman. For some, the fertile period might last for up to 10 days and there are various ways to pinpoint the best time for intimacy. Tracking the menstrual cycle helps gauge the exact time, but ovulation is often influenced by other factors.

The Ovulation Mechanism

Women who are in the childbearing age ovulate every month. Ovulation usually happens at the 14th day of a regular 28-day menstrual cycle.

In a nutshell, an ovary releases an egg that reaches the uterus via a fallopian tube, but the process doesn’t occur spontaneously. Ovarian follicles begin to reach maturity between six to fourteen days into the menstrual cycle. An egg develops between the 10th and 14th day, and then it is released.

There are women who release more than one egg within a 24-hour time frame. Once the egg is released, it is ready to be fertilized.

How Long Does Ovulation Last?

It takes between 12 and 24 hours for an unfertilized egg to dissolve or die, so it’s obvious that an ovulation cycle usually lasts one day. But you shouldn’t think that conception is only a 24-hour deal.

There is a six-day period during which an egg can be fertilized, starting five days prior to ovulation. The fertile period ends on the day of the ovulation. The sperm life cycle is responsible for the 6-day window of opportunity. Namely, sperm can survive up to 5 days in the female body.

The conception happens inside the fallopian tube and the fertilized egg travels down to the uterus. In about 10 days, the egg attaches to the uterus and a new life begins to develop.

The Telltale Signs

Some women find it hard to tell that they are ovulating, while others feel distinct signs that something is happening in their body. Either way, there are ways to help you know it’s a ripe time for babies.

Basal Temperature

When the ovulation occurs, the basal body temperature might increase slightly. But this isn’t a great predictive tool, as most women reach a higher temperature a few days after the fertility window. In other words, the ovulation could have already happened when you measure the temperature increase.

Even so, taking the basal temperature can help you determine the exact time of ovulation and prepare accordingly.

Cervical Fluid

Monitoring the changes in the cervical fluid (discharge) is another good way to tell if a woman is ovulating. The discharge can also show that ovulation is about to occur. During ovulation, the fluid might resemble egg whites, it is usually stretchy, clear, and wet.

Other Signs

Besides the higher temperature and cervical fluid changes, there are a few other symptoms that may signal ovulation. Some women experience bloating and sore breasts. It is not uncommon to have cramps and an increased sex drive.

What are the Things That Prevent Ovulation?

The lack of ovulation is usually linked to certain hormones in the female body.

For example, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition triggered by an imbalance of progesterone and estrogen. As a result, benign growths (cysts) appear on the ovaries of women who are afflicted by this condition. The syndrome is known to cause fertility issues, an impaired cardiac function, and problems with the menstrual cycle.

An abnormal thyroid function might prevent ovulation as well. Women with an underactive or overactive thyroid gland can experience untimely menopause. Thyroid works together with adrenal glands, so some women stop ovulating when they experience stress.

A period will occur every month, regardless of ovulation. The uterus still thickens and gets ready for an egg, even if the egg doesn’t arrive. But the menstrual cycle might look and feel different. Sometimes it’s shorter and lighter than usual, or it might last too long.

Women whose cycle is between 28 and 35 days are ovulating, so there is no need for concern. But a visit to a doctor becomes necessary if the cycle gets seriously disrupted.

What are the Odds?

Depending on the time you have sex, the chances of conception are different. The figures presented below are just a ballpark estimation and other factors may increase or decrease your odds.

The chance to conceive five days prior to ovulation is up to 7%. On the fourth day, the chances increase to between 8 and 17%. And the percentage grows as you get closer to the day of ovulation. When the ovulation occurs, there are up to 33% chances of conception.

A day after the ovulation, the odds drop to between 0.8 and 11%. The chances are in the region of 3 to 9% on the second day after the ovulation.

How to Improve Fertility

There are a few simple tips and tricks you can employ to boost fertility and increase the odds of getting pregnant.

The first thing to do is maintain optimal weight. A body mass index (BMI) between 19 and 24 is considered healthy. A score above that requires some consultation with your doctor.

A healthy diet goes hand in hand with a healthy weight. For example, nuts and cooked dry beans are a good protein source. High-fat dairy is a great choice as well.

Make sure you are well hydrated by cutting down on caffeine. If you find it hard to stop drinking coffee, try not to take more than a couple of 8oz cups per day.

Pay a visit to your dentist. You might not be aware of it, but gum disease can be associated with premature birth.

To Sum Up

How long does ovulation last? The process lasts 24 hours and you have a 6-day window to conceive a baby. But you take great care of your reproductive health at every point of your cycle.

Taking up a moderate gym routine is a great place to start. But you need to ditch some bad habits like drinking or smoking. But the best advice is to have tons of sex. The chances of getting pregnant become much higher if you hit the sack more than a few times a week.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3217279/
https://medlineplus.gov/polycysticovarysyndrome.html
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/fertility-awareness/whats-temperature-method-fams
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC27529/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/menstrual-cycle/art-20047186

How Long Does Lyme Disease Last?

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 20, 2019 Last Edited: February 19, 2019

Arch

Lyme disease is one of the most common infections transmitted by ticks. Black-legged ticks and deer ticks are the disease carriers, and the illness is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, which ticks commonly pick up from infected mice and deer.

Once it latches onto a human’s skin, a tick takes between 24 and 48 hours to pass the infection on. Transmission is done through the tick’s bite. Symptoms of the early Lyme disease take between 3 and 30 days to develop with the most common early symptom being the “bull’s eye” rash around the bite.

How long does Lyme disease last? If treated in time, it usually goes away after two to three weeks of therapy. However, some patients develop chronic Lyme disease even after treatment. Doctors and scientists still don’t know why this happens. Keep reading for more on Lyme’s disease, symptoms, and treatment options.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Lyme disease depend on the progression of the infection. There are three stages – early localized disease, early disseminated disease, and late disseminated disease. Here’s a brief overview of the symptoms characteristic of each of the stages.

Early localized Lyme disease. The first symptoms in this stage normally take one to two weeks to show up, though they can appear anywhere between 3 and 30 days after the bite. The “bull’s eye” rash around the place of the bite is the most common symptom. It is red in the center, with a clear spot around it and a red “halo” around the edges. In some patients it can be solid red. It doesn’t itch or hurt. Some bitten people don’t have it, making early diagnosis harder. If untreated, the rash goes away on its own after four weeks.
Early disseminated Lyme disease. This disease, if untreated, takes several weeks to advance to this stage. The infected person might experience fatigue, impaired vision, swollen lymph nodes, chills, muscle and joint pain, fever, and headaches. The bull’s eye may appear in areas other than around the bite. Additional symptoms may include tingling, numbness, and Bell’s palsy. Some patients may develop meningitis, as well as disturbances in cardiac conduction.
Late disseminated Lyme disease. This phase might take months or even years to develop. Common symptoms include an inability to focus, severe headaches, loss of short-term memory, numbness in the limbs, arthritis, brain fog, difficulties holding a conversation, arrhythmia, severe headaches, and various brain disorders.

Diagnosis

When you go to the doctor’s, you will first go through a physical exam. After that, you might be required to take one of several tests commonly used to diagnose the Lyme disease. These include:

Polymerase chain reaction. The PCR test is used to check for the presence of arthritis and other symptoms connected to the nervous system.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, also called ELISA, is a test used to find Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies.
Western blot is a test commonly used to confirm the results found in an ELISA test. It is used for a more detailed insight into the patient’s state.

Treatment

Like with any other disease, the earlier it is discovered and treated, the better. However, with Lyme’s, it can take a while to discover the illness, as not all patients have the characteristic rash in the initial phase. Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics, with courses typically lasting between 14 and 21 days. The most frequently prescribed medications are:

Amoxicillin and cefuroxime. These are commonly prescribed to little children, women who are breastfeeding or nursing, and adults.
This is prevalently used for children aged eight and over, and adults.

Chronic Lyme Disease

Some patients develop what is called chronic Lyme disease even after they’ve received the antibiotics treatment. This happens in approximately 10 to 20 percent of cases. It’s unknown why this happens or what exactly causes the symptoms.

How long does Lyme disease last if it develops into chronic Lyme disease? Usually, the condition subsides after 6 to 12 months. However, in some patients, it can linger on for years.

Symptoms

The symptoms linked to chronic Lyme’s are similar to the ones experienced in the earlier stages. That being said, they can be milder, the same, or more intense than they’ve been before the treatment. Also, they might manifest episodically. The most common ones include trouble sleeping, pain in muscles and joints, problems with short-term memory, problems with speech, decreased concentration, general pain, and fatigue.

Diagnosis and Treatment

While the ELISA, Western blot, and PCR tests are used to determine the presence of the Lyme disease, the chronic form of this disease require further tests. In order to determine what parts of your body are affected and the level of damage chronic Lyme’s has caused, you might need to undergo tests such as:

In case you’re experiencing neurological symptoms, you might have to take an MRI.
Spinal tap. This test is used to examine your cerebrospinal fluid and check for symptoms linked to the nervous system.
Echocardiogram and electrocardiogram. These tests are used to check heart health.

Complications

Persistent muscle and joint pains, as well as memory and conversation problems can seriously affect the lives of the patients suffering from chronic Lyme disease. Limited mobility and cognitive problems can also cause patients significant amounts of emotional stress.

Some patients with chronic Lyme’s turn to alternative medicine and experimental therapy methods. This route is risky and not recommended. There’s a chance these alternative treatments can worsen the existing problems or even cause new ones.

Risk Factors

While all patients diagnosed with Lyme’s are at risk, patients who have been bitten by a diseased tick run a higher risk of developing chronic Lyme disease. Patients who haven’t been treated with the recommended antibiotics are at a higher risk. That being said, there is no way to determine who will and who will not develop the chronic form of Lyme’s.

Prevention

While there is no way to prevent the onset of chronic Lyme’s, there are many ways to minimize the chances of contracting Lyme’s disease in the first place.

To prevent the bite, you should wear insect repellant on your exposed skin and clothes, avoid walking in tall grass, always change your clothes after hiking or walking, and make sure to thoroughly check yourself and your pet for ticks after being outdoors.

If you get bitten, go to the doctor’s as soon as possible. Learn the symptoms of stage one Lyme disease and call your doctor if you notice anything suspicious.

Final Thoughts

Lyme disease is usually not dangerous. Typically, it goes away, leaving no trace after a 14 to 21-day treatment with antibiotics. However, some 10 to 20 percent of patients develop chronic Lyme disease, a condition that may last six to twelve months or even more. Chronic Lyme’s can seriously worsen the quality of life of those suffering from it. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to seek help as soon as you detect the symptoms.

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/index.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5029759/
https://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-is-pcr-polymerase-chain-reaction
https://www.immunology.org/public-information/bitesized-immunology/experimental-techniques/enzyme-linked-immunosorbent-assay
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3456489/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4477530/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lumbar-puncture/about/pac-20394631

Health

Does Mold Have a Certain Smell?

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 20, 2019 Last Edited: February 20, 2019

Arch

Mold is a type of fungus that is characterized by its growth through hyphae – multicellular filaments. There are many species of molds, and they can be found on any wet or moist surface. Some species can be found on food, as well.

Mold grows as a single organism, a mycelium made up of a large number of hyphae. The hyphae are usually colorless and can contain one to several nuclei. The characteristic color of the mold comes from the overproduction of conidia – these are asexual reproduction spores grown within the hyphae.

Usually, mold is harmless to humans and animals, though some types can be dangerous and can even cause various diseases. Some species produce chemicals known as mycotoxins.

But, does mold have a certain smell? Yes, it does, and it is often described as unpleasant. Keep reading for more info on the smell of mold and how to deal with it.

Moldy, Musty, Pungent

Mold can have a wide variety of smells, depending on the species and the severity of the infestation. The smells of mold can be musty, earthy, and pungent. Some types of mold have been described to have a meaty odor, or they smell similar to the earth after the rain.

Once an odorous species of mold starts growing in a particular room or area of a house or apartment, it is there to stay until it is disposed of. No amount of aerosols or improved ventilation can help once mold sets in.

Apart from being unpleasant, the smell of mold is detrimental to human health in the long run. Breathing moldy air for extended periods of time can seriously damage the respiratory tract and compromise the immune system. Consequently, it is very important to find mold as soon as you smell it and deal with it promptly.

Finding Mold in Your House

The key to the successful disposal of mold is in the early discovery, for mold that’s been around for too long can damage the walls, furniture, and health of the occupants.

While your nose is your best tool for finding mold, it mustn’t be the only one, as some species of mold are odorless. That’s where mold test kits come in, and doing visual checks is efficient too.

But most of the time, the characteristic smell lets you know that there’s mold in a room. Even if there’s no strong odor, your nose might start to itch and you might sneeze.

If the smell is present, it will be unpleasant and easy to distinguish from other smells. Commonly, it is reminiscent of a wet cotton towel or a gym shirt that someone forgot to take out of the bag after coming home.

To make sure, follow the smell and find where the mold grows. Due to its tendency to grow in dark and moist places, you might be required to move the furniture or use a flashlight to find mold. If you suspect there’s mold in your house, make sure to check sinks, water pipes, valves, floor boards, carpets, corners, storage bags and boxes, attic, basement, and other rarely used and dark places.

Alternatively, you can buy mold testing kits. They come in two basic variants – air testers and surface testers. Both varieties are pretty accurate, though they yield the best results when used in combination.

How Mold Affects Your Health

Even though most species are harmless, long term exposure to mold can have significant effects on the health of your family and pets. Children, seniors, and individuals with compromised immune systems run a higher risk of allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

Depending on the species of mold and the person’s health, allergic reactions to mold can range from very mild to seriously severe. The symptoms of mold allergy can look very similar to those of a common cold, which means that mold might go unrecognized for a long time.

Dealing with Mold – DIY Approach

If there is mold in your home, it is important to deal with it as fast as possible. If you decide to take the matters into your own hands and dispose of it yourself, you’ll need the proper tools for the job. These include a face mask, gloves, ammonia, a bucket, an empty spray bottle, laundry detergent, a wet vacuum, an old white towel, cloths, and water.

First, you should remove any movable furniture from the room where you want to clean mold. After that, use the wet vacuum to pick up any water or moisture from the affected surfaces. Alternatively, you can use a towel or cleaning cloths.

Next, you should make a mixture of water and laundry detergent in a large bucket. After that, sprinkle some detergent directly onto the affected area. Take a cloth and dip it into the bucket. Then, use the cloth to scrub the mold off the wall, floor, carpet, or a piece of furniture. When you’re done cleaning, vacuum the excess water again.

Dealing with Mold – Professional Approach

As an alternative to the DIY method, you can hire professional mold cleaners to do it for you. Of course, this is the more expensive way to deal with the problem, but it is also the better one for home owners inexperienced in dealing with mold. If done improperly, DIY mold removal might help spread mold around the house.

On the other hand, a reputable professional testing and removal team will accurately assess the severity of the problem, pinpoint the exact locations of infestation, and determine any potential health hazards before the cleaning commences. It is worth mentioning that these professionals most likely use much stronger chemicals than what’s at your disposal.

If you’re worried about any unpleasant odors lingering on after the mold has been removed, you can rest easy. A professional team will seal off all affected areas, and then treat them one by one. They may even use deodorizers to kill any potential smells before you and your family return home.

Prevention

There are also steps you can take to prevent mold outbreaks in your home. You should avoid moisture, high humidity, and repeated condensation, as these can produce pungent, earthy smells. In turn, the dampness can facilitate the growth of mold.

When you notice a mold-like smell, make sure to check the drain lines, the plumbing and taps, the walls and roofs, the basement, corners, fridge door seals, indoor plants, wastebaskets, the flashing around windows, and any other place you find suspicious.

Final Thoughts

Though mostly harmless, mold can cause a wide range of health problems. These usually happen in the respiratory system. Allergic reactions to mold are similar to flu and can easily be mistaken for it.

Considering the variety of mold species, does mold have a certain smell? There are some odorless species but most mold does have a musty smell. The smell can’t be removed without the mold being removed as well. It is recommended to deal with mold as soon as you detect it, as it can harm your immune system if you postpone it for too long.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC164220/
https://www.cdc.gov/mold/dampness_facts.htm

Health

How to Make Yourself Sneeze? 11 Tricks That Can Help

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 19, 2019 Last Edited: February 20, 2019

Arch

At any moment, you can get stuck on the brink of sneezing. It’s extremely irritating to feel like you’re about to sneeze but you just can’t do it. Many describe it as a sort of an itch, and people with allergies are particularly prone to this feeling.

If you’re wondering how to make yourself sneeze, here’s a selection of tips that are backed up by science.

1. Press Your Tongue to the Roof of Your Mouth

The most important nerve that controls your face is called the trigeminal nerve and it runs along the top of your mouth. If you can stimulate the nerve, you may be able to induce a sneeze. So try to massage the roof of your mouth with your tongue.

Simply use the tip of your tongue and then press it against the top of your mouth. Try to do this far back in your throat, and poke around until you find the nerve.

2. Massage Your Nose

Here’s another way you can access this nerve. With your forefinger and thumb, massage the bridge of your nose until the itching sensation intensifies. Once you’ve found the right spot, apply some pressure.

Note that this method is especially useful if you have a cold or you’re suffering the symptoms of an allergy. The build-up of mucus in your nose might be why you need to sneeze.

3. Stimulate One of Your Nostrils

You can also affect the trigeminal nerve through the nostril.

One option is to use a tissue you rolled up into a tip. Very carefully, you can place it in the nostril and then wiggle it around. The trigeminal nerve will react by prompting a sneeze.

Another way you can do this is to pluck a nose hair. Nose hair serves an important function and removing it can be painful. Still, it is safe to pluck a single hair out of your nose and you could activate the nerve by doing so.

4. Pluck an Eyebrow Hair

Plucking your eyebrows is another way to access the trigeminal nerve. You might need to tweeze several hairs to achieve the desired results.

5. Tickle Under the Nose

Using a feather can help you sneeze. Just make sure to tickle the underside of your nose instead of putting the feather inside the nostril.

6. Use Strong Scents

Spices and perfume can also help you get rid of that pre-sneeze feeling. Extremely strong scents can irritate the nerves enough to activate a sneezing response. You can also sniff capsaicin or strongly scented essential oils.

7. Try a Spicy Snack

Eating spicy food can help your nose start running because it affects the mucous membrane. Going for spicy food is one of the best ways to clear your nose of irritants such as dust or pollen. Hot soup can help as well.

8. Take a Bite of Chocolate

You can also try some dark chocolate, especially if it has a cocoa content of over 70%. It’s not clear yet why chocolate has this effect on people, but it’s worth a try. People who don’t consume dark chocolate often are especially likely to react to this treat with a sneeze.

9. Grab a Drink

Carbonated drinks such as sodas can help you start sneezing if you’re feeling stuck. The carbon dioxide has an impact on a receptor in your tongue, specifically the TRPA1 receptor. Your body has a strong sensory reaction, and sneezing can be a part of that.

10. Look Into the Light

Stepping out into the sun could be the key to your problem, as long as you don’t look at it directly. Looking into a bright artificial light can be useful as well. For most people, looking into a flashlight should be safe.

Why does looking at light make you sneeze? The answer lies in something called Autosomal Dominant Compelling Helio-Ophthalmic Outburst Syndrome, or ACHOO syndrome for short.

As with chocolate, science hasn’t yet explained the connection entirely. Some people react to strong lights with sneezing. If one of your parents has ACHOO syndrome, there’s a 50% possibility that you have inherited it.

ACHOO syndrome isn’t dangerous at all, it’s just a minor quirk some people have. When you are nearly ready to sneeze, it’s a good idea to make use of it.

11. Go Out in the Cold Air

Another thing you can do is create a breeze or step outside for a moment. The change in temperature could lead to sneezing. Turning the A/C low is a good solution too.

How to Keep Yourself from Sneezing?

Now that you know how to make yourself sneeze, you might be wondering about the opposite. Sneezing can be inconvenient and it draws attention to you in public. Is there a way to stop a sneeze before it happens?

There are many scientifically-backed ways to avoid sneezing. Let’s look at the basics.

1. Learn the Triggers and Try to Remove Them

Sneezing can be a response to scents or particles that are irritating your nose. Once you’ve identified the source of the problem, you may be able to find a way to avoid the irritants going forward. If your sneezing is intense and unceasing, there might be an allergy that you need to take care of.

2. Close Your Eyes

If you have ACHOO syndrome, looking away from the light could keep you from sneezing.

3. Blow Your Nose

It’s not necessarily any less distracting to do this in public. But if you can do it quietly, blowing your nose could help you get rid of the sensation of being just about to sneeze.

One More Word

Is sneezing ever dangerous? Sneezing isn’t risky at all, but it can be uncomfortable. If you sneeze often, you might want to take some time to find out what is causing it. For example, it might be a benign symptom of a dangerous allergy. Remember that allergic medication is a useful option for many people.

What about stopping sneezes before they happen? Could that damage your health?

In the vast majority of cases, it’s perfectly safe to hold back a sneeze. However, there are certain health risks you should consider. There’s one famous case of a man who ripped a hole in his own throat by holding back a sneeze. Some people have also ruptured their eardrums or pulled their back in the process.

So if you’re trying to decide what to do when you feel like sneezing, it’s best to play it safe. Try one of our tricks and go right ahead and achoo.

References:

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1873373-overview
https://www.healthline.com/health/nose-hair-removal#risks
https://www.medicaldaily.com/spicy-food-runny-nose-mucous-membranes-feel-burn-372178
https://neurosciencenews.com/trpa1-gene-carbonated-drinks-pain-sensors/
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/ask-ophthalmologist-q/flashlight-effect-on-eyes
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK109193/
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-stop-sneezing#learn-triggers
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/dont-hold-it-halted-sneeze-rips-hole-mans-throat-180967847/

Health

Escaping the Sores – How to Get Rid of Herpes Symptoms

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 19, 2019 Last Edited: February 20, 2019

Arch

Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is a viral infection that typically occurs in one of two forms – herpes simplex 1 or herpes simplex 2. HSV-1 appears around and on lips, while HSV-2 appears around or on genitals.

Kissing is the most common way to transmit HSV-1, while sexual intercourse is the number one way to contract HSV-2. The most common symptoms for both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are sores. Fever, pain, itching, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, and swollen lymph nodes can accompany the sore outbreaks.

For now, there is no cure for either type of herpes, though there are numerous treatment options for both. The treatments can only ease the symptoms, make the sores heal faster, and prolong of the time between two outbreaks.

If you’re wondering how to get rid of herpes, read on. There are many OTC and home remedies, as well as dietary and lifestyle changes that can help treat the symptoms. Here’s a quick look at the basics.

OTC Medications

The first line of defense against herpes and related outbreaks are antiviral OTC medications. They can’t cure herpes or remove the virus from your body, but they can speed up the healing of the sores and make outbreaks less frequent.

Also, they can lower the risk of transmission in between the outbreaks. Commonly, they are available in pill or cream forms. In severe cases, antiviral medications can be administered in the form of injections. The most commonly prescribed OTC meds are acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famcyclovir.

Home Remedies

Along with over-the-counter medications, you can also use a wide range of home remedies to alleviate the discomfort associated with herpes outbreaks. Here’s a quick overview of some of the most popular options.

Cool Compress

Cool compress is one of the most common home remedies for herpes sores, both oral and genital. Take a washcloth and fill it with ice cubes, then apply it to the area affected by the sores. Also, you can use a standard ice pack. Apply every four hours until the sores are gone.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Along with countless other applications, apple cider vinegar is also widely used to treat herpes sores. It is used due to its strong antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. Mix it with water before use, as it may irritate your skin if used on its own. The mixture should be three parts water and one part vinegar.

Warm Compress

There’s some scientific evidence that heat might be able to help with nascent herpes sores. In the case of already existing sores, a warm compress might help the skin heal faster. Making a dry variant of the warm compress can be done by microwaving a sock filled with rice for around a minute.

Baking Soda

Baking soda can be used to treat the sores, as well. It will help you dry them out. Take a cotton cloth, dip it into pure baking soda and apply to the affected area. Repeat several times a day until the sores are gone.

Oils and Herbs

If you opt for home remedies prepared with topical oils and herbs, you should be careful not to burn your skin. Some oils can be too strong if used on their own, so you should always dilute essential oils with proper carrier oils. Make sure to test the mix on a small patch of unaffected skin.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is an essential oils that has to be mixed with a carrier oil before use. It has strong soothing and antiviral properties and is one of the most popular topical options for treating herpes sores.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a tested and proven remedy for herpes sores. It has strong antiviral properties, among other benefits. However, it has to be diluted before application. Olive and sunflower oil are most commonly used for dilution.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is known around the world for its wide range of health benefits. In case of lip or genital sores, aloe vera is one of your best allies, as it has a strong antiviral effect. You can use it without diluting on any part of the body.

Diet Adjustments

A healthy diet can help solve countless health issues and problems. While it won’t cure the herpes, a healthy diet will help boost your immune system and improve your overall health. Potentially, healthy food can help you postpone or even prevent outbreaks. Nevertheless, further research is needed on this topic.

Vitamin C

Experts have found that vitamin C is good at fighting off herpes sores. Also, it may be able to lower the number of outbreaks, as well as reduce their severity. You can find it in oranges, bell peppers, strawberries, and other fruits and veggies. Papaya and mango are also known for the high vitamin C content.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are there to revitalize and reenergize you. They boost the immune system by dealing with free radicals. Also, they have great anti-inflammatory properties. Look for them in spinach, tomatoes, kale, and cauliflower. These four are also rich in lysine, a very important substance for dealing with herpes outbreaks.

Protein

Protein boosts the body’s defenses, which helps you fight the herpes simplex virus. You will find it in the highest concentrations in meat and meat products. Along with the increased intake of proteins, make sure to lower the intake of saturated fats.

Supplements

A range of supplements can aid you in your fight against herpes outbreaks by boosting your immune system. Unlike OTC drugs, supplements are not regulated by FDA. Though freely available, it is highly recommended to consult your doctor before including supplements in your diet. Here’s a word or two on some of the most common supplements.

Lysine

While its effects on the herpes simplex virus are still being researched, lysine is proven to help with cell growth and digestion. Some studies suggest that a daily intake of between 500 and 3,000mg can help with suppressing herpes outbreaks.

Vitamin B Complex

Vitamin B complex is among the most universally beneficial nutrients. Improved metabolism and energy are only some of the proven benefits of vitamin B complex supplements. They can also help you in the combat against herpes outbreaks.

Probiotics

On the whole, probiotics boost the immune system, while some types can also be useful allies when fighting herpes infections. Supplements rich in Lactobacillus rhamnosus are among the most efficient immune system boosters of all probiotics. They can also help with herpes simplex type 1 sores.

Conclusion

How to get rid of herpes? There is no way to expel the virus from your body. Once contracted, it stays in the body forever. However, the symptoms can be treated and brought under control.

Your best bet is a combined approach. You should use prescription antiviral drugs as primary therapy. Along with that, you can try a combination of standard home remedies and supplements. Adjustments to your diet and the introduction of healthy lifestyle habits can significantly boost your chances of success, as well.

References:

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/contagious-skin-diseases/herpes-simplex
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/acyclovir-oral-route-intravenous-route/proper-use/drg-20068393
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/valacyclovir-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20066635
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a694038.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11338678
http://archive.foundationalmedicinereview.com/publications/11/2/93.pdf
http://archive.foundationalmedicinereview.com/publications/11/2/93.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22552453

Health

How to Boost Your Immune System

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 19, 2019 Last Edited: February 18, 2019

Arch

The immune system is your first line of defense against illnesses. The stronger your immune system is, the harder it will be for viruses and other pathogens to take you down.

With that being said, our immune system can evolve, but so can pathogens. That is exactly why you should know how to boost your immune system. This article will show you everything you need in order to do so.

Before we begin, the question arises: how does our immune system work?

What Makes Up You Immune?

The immune system consists of two subsystems: the adaptive and the innate immune system. The “older” one is the innate immune system which is also considered the dominant one because of its functions.

It recruits immune cells and sends them to the infected areas by creating chemical factors. It also represents a direct link to the other subtype of the immune system (the adaptive immune system), since it activates it through a process called antigen presentation.

The adaptive immune system, also known as the specific immune system, consists of systemic cells which prevent pathogens from growing further or eliminates them completely. The adaptive system is effective because of our immunological memory, which is also the basis of vaccination.

The main idea is that our body remembers how it reacted to a specific pathogen (that’s where the name comes from) and adapts so that it won’t have the same reaction again. Your adaptive immune system will make you immune to certain diseases for a lifetime (like measles), but it won’t have the same long-lasting effect when it comes to some other diseases (like chickenpox).

Now that you know what kind of a defensive shield you possess, let’s see how you can upgrade it.

Natural Ways of Boosting the Immune System

There are plenty of products on the market that “guarantee” to boost your immune system. Although some of them might actually work, there is always a potential risk factor. That is why this article will show you how to use natural home remedies and make your immune system even stronger.

The methods that you will learn about in this section are 100% natural, which means that there are little to no side effects that can damage your body. If there are risk factors, it will be mentioned.

1. Get Enough Sleep

This method might be difficult for some people because of their busy lifestyles, but there’s nothing that good organization cannot handle.

Sleep has one of the most important effects on brain functions and more. In essence, it refreshes the body, repairs our cells and makes us ready for the challenges that lie ahead.

Not getting enough hours of sleep has been linked to weight gain, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and even cancer.

The hormone that interferes with the immune system’s functions (cortisol) is increased because of sleep deprivation. This hormone is also known as the stress hormone, and if it’s produced normally, it can even boost your immune system. However, if the levels of cortisol aren’t controlled, your immune system will be the first one to suffer.

There was a study conducted on how much sleep people in different age groups should get, and it is shown that children between the age of 5 and 12 need 9 hours of sleep, while other age groups need 7 hours of sleep at a minimum.

Another study indicates just how dangerous it is to not getting enough sleep, as it found that getting less than 6 hours of sleep increases the chance of a heart attack, obesity, etc.

2. Manage Stress

Now that you know how cortisol affects the immune system, you should also know why avoiding stress is a good idea. Stress is a silent killer that can cause a huge number of diseases.

This research shows the impact of stress on the immune system. As you can see from the figure, there is a strong connection between stress, diseases, and the immune system.

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

So, how do you manage your stress naturally and boost your immune system?

There are many methods you can try. Some of the most effective are:

Yoga – there are poses (asanas) in yoga that are specifically created for stress relief. Mixing yoga’s breathing techniques with its poses can help you manage stress.
Reduce caffeine – drinking too much coffee or other beverages that contain caffeine increase your heart rate as well as stress levels. This is due to the fact that caffeine increases the production of cortisol.
Write your troubles down – this research shows just how effective writing down your thoughts can be on lowering your stress level.
Think of daily mantras – learn how to “pick” your thoughts. Throw away the negative ones as soon as you notice them and replace them with their opposites.

3. Eat Better

Eating better is not the same as eating more. But rather to eat healthy food that can actually boost your immune system. One of the best ways of learning how to boost your immune system is by knowing how to recognize which food helps and which doesn’t.

Fruits like lemons, grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, etc.
Red bell peppers
Garlic
Broccoli
Yogurt
Almonds
Papaya
Shellfish

What do all of these have in common? All of them contain vitamin A or D (or both), which are considered crucial when it comes to the immune system.

Another research study only proves that eating healthy is one of the best ways of boosting your immune system.

4. Soak Up Some Sun

Sunlight can help your skin produce more Vitamin D which, as mentioned, is extremely beneficial to your immune system. However, there are risk factors here that could lead to skin diseases.

In order to avoid them, limit your sun exposure. 10 to 15 minutes is just the right amount for you to increase Vitamin D levels.

The Final Verdict

Those are the most effective ways of improving your immune system naturally. Now that you know how to boost your immune system, it is time to test some of the methods.

If you aren’t satisfied with how these natural methods work, you can talk to your doctor and decide which products you can use for your immune system.

References:

Health

The Age of Change: How Long Does Menopause Last?

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 19, 2019 Last Edited: February 19, 2019

Arch

Menopause is one of the natural stages of aging that women go through. It usually happens between the mid-40s and mid-50s, though some women might experience it as early as their mid-30s. It officially marks the end of a woman’s reproductive period.

Menopause is preceded by perimenopause, a period many mistake for menopause, and it is succeeded by post-menopause.

The main symptoms of the perimenopause phase include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and night sweats. It is also common for women in perimenopause to have irregular periods which might be more painful or heavier than regular. This phase typically lasts around four years, though in rare cases it can start seven to ten years prior to menopause. Its symptoms often carry over to menopause and postmenopause.

So, how long does menopause last? Following the end of perimenopause, women enter menopause. This phase is defined as the absence of period for a full 12 months. Keep reading for more info on its duration, symptoms, possible complications, and treatment methods.

Perimenopause

Perimenopause, or the phase preceding menopause, usually happens in the mid-40s. However, it can start as early as the mid-30s. Hysterectomy, damage of the ovaries by chemotherapy, and PCOS are the most common reasons for early onset perimenopause.

The symptoms of the perimenopause phase usually continue throughout the menopause and into postmenopause phases. However, they tend to become milder and less frequent once the woman enters postmenopause. It is not uncommon for the hot flashes to go on for as much as 10 years after the end of perimenopause.

Changes in period intensity, dry skin, breast tenderness, dry mouth, and worse PMS may accompany perimenopause. Other symptoms include tachycardia, aching joints and muscles, weight gain, problems with memory, the inability to concentrate, headaches, and hair loss. If you experience any of the additional symptoms, make sure to contact your doctor, as these might come from other serious conditions.

Menopause

How long does menopause last? What are the symptoms and how to deal with them? Menopause happens right after perimenopause and lasts for one year. The symptoms that started in perimenopause carry over into menopause. During this phase, they can be milder, the same or even worse than in perimenopause. However, once the postmenopause phase kicks in, they tend to become less severe and frequent, until they completely cease.

Menopause Symptoms

The most frequently reported symptoms in the menopause phase include:

Hot flashes. Hot flashes manifest as abrupt rushes of warmth in the upper body and face. They have been reported to last anywhere between a couple of seconds to several minutes. Sometimes they may last longer. As for frequency, they can happen from several times a month to several times a day.
Night sweats or nocturnal hot flashes. They can cause sleeping problems and even lead to insomnia. Some women feel tired throughout the day after they had night sweats.
Mood swings. It is not uncommon for women in menopause to experience mood swings. These can be accompanied by depression and irritability. Also, the frequency and severity differ from woman to woman.
Vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness is one of the common symptoms of menopause. It can be accompanied by a decreased sex drive, discomfort during sex, or an urgent and unstoppable need to urinate. Together, these symptoms are called GSM – genitourinary syndrome of menopause.
Cold flashes. They usually follow hot flashes and manifest as cold feet, chills, or shivers.

Dealing with the Symptoms

Though unpleasant and irritating, the symptoms of the menopause can be dealt with. Here are some of the most common ways to manage them.

Emotional changes and insomnia. To battle emotional changes and troubles with sleep, try to avoid afternoon naps, and don’t sleep in noisy or too warm rooms. You shouldn’t drink alcohol or do heavy exercise in the evening. Also, make sure to avoid coffee in the afternoon and evening hours. Large meals should also be avoided after noon. Staying physically active can help you successfully deal with insomnia and mood swings.
Hot flashes. Alcohol and spicy food are known to cause hot flashes, so be careful with them. Always have a fan at hand, and wear layers that you can take off when the flashes start. Low-dose contraceptives can help with hot flashes if the periods haven’t completely stopped.
Vaginal dryness. OTC vaginal moisturizer can help you deal with this problem on a regular basis. On the other hand, it is recommended to use a water-based lubricant during sex.

Menopausal Hormone Therapy

In some cases, doctors may prescribe MHT – menopausal hormone therapy. This treatment was once known as hormone replacement therapy or HRT. It can be very helpful with the night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep disorders and problems, irritability, and hot flashes.

That being said, MHT comes with a set of unpleasant side effects. These might include bloating, mood swings, headaches, vaginal bleeding, tender or swollen breasts, and nausea.

Research results have shown that women taking MHT run a higher risk of stroke, heart attack, and blood clots. Other studies have found that women on MHT longer than five years are also at a higher risk of breast cancer.

Seeking Help

Irregular periods are normal during perimenopause. Usually, they are nothing to worry about.

However, this issue can be the result of cervical cancer or PCOS, and it’s important to diagnose those conditions early. Make sure to go to your doctor if you bleed or spot after sex or a period, or if your periods are unusually long, too frequent, or they are unusually heavy and include blood clots.

The drop in estrogen levels during menopause and postmenopause exposes women to a higher risk of both heart diseases and osteoporosis. Also, women in menopause and postmenopause can contract urinary infections more easily. This is because in this period the urethra and vagina become dryer and more sensitive.

Postmenopause

The symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause typically get milder and less frequent, eventually ceasing altogether. Around four years is the average time it takes the symptoms to stop, though in some women they can linger on for up to ten years into postmenopause.

Conclusion

Menopause is one of the most significant phases in a woman’s aging process, as it marks the end of the reproductive period. It is preceded by perimenopause and followed by postmenopause. Frequent symptoms include hot flashes, mood swings, cold flashes, sleep problems, and so on. Going through menopause can have a great impact on a woman’s everyday routine.

It is highly recommended to regularly see the doctor during perimenopause and menopause, as women become more susceptible to conditions and diseases at this time. The main dangers include osteoporosis, PCOS, heart disease, and cervical cancer.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/perimenopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20354666
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hysterectomy/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tachycardia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355127
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439
http://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/2014/gsm-paper.pdf
https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/hormone-therapy-benefits-risks
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4386625/
https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/the-experts-do-agree-about-hormone-therapy

Health

How to Get Rid of or Hide Hickeys

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 18, 2019 Last Edited: February 18, 2019

Arch

Private moments shared with your better half don’t generally get people talking. But in the heat of the moment, a little too much pressure and you’re left with a mark that’s bound to turn a few heads. Whilst hickeys or ‘love bites’ are often a rite of passage in our youth, as we age they can be seen as unsightly and even a little embarrassing.

If you need to know how to get rid of or hide hickeys, read on. This article will cover everything you’ve ever wanted to know about hickeys (but were too afraid to ask).

What Is a Hickey?

A hickey is a bruise-like mark caused by sucking or kissing on the skin. As the sucking pressure increases, tiny blood vessels called capillaries burst and leave a bruise-like mark on the affected skin. Often found on the neck, hickeys can occur at almost any point on the body.

Whilst generally harmless, complications can arise and there have even been deaths linked to hickeys. In 2016, a 17-year-old in Mexico City suffered a stroke that doctors believed was caused by a hickey. According to The Independent, the suction of the hickey resulted in a blood clot that traveled to the teen’s brain and caused the stroke.

Thankfully, most hickeys cause little more than a tender mark on the skin. As reported in Medscape, whilst it’s theoretically possible for a blood clot to be caused by a hickey, it is exceedingly rare.

How Long do Hickeys Last?

If you have a hickey, you’re probably wondering how long it will be there for. The good news is that hickeys are not permanent. Like most bruise injuries, hickeys will generally last a couple of days to two weeks.

The duration of a hickey is affected by a number of factors:

Severity: if you have a light hickey, the mark will likely disappear quickly. If a hickey is caused by extended strong pressure, more blood pools under the skin which results in a darker hickey. Basically, the more damage done to the blood vessels, the longer it will take to heal.
Location of the hickey: while it’s possible to get a hickey just about anywhere on your body, they are more often seen on the neck, arms, lips, and chest. As this skin has little supporting tissue, bruises are more easily made.
General health: some people bruise more easily than others. Some medications can also play a role in how long a hickey will take to fade.

How to Get Rid of a Hickey

Hickeys heal like other bruises, and over time the body will reabsorb the blood that created the mark. But if you just can’t stand having the mark on your body, there are a few things you can do to help speed up the process.

Cold Compress

Running for a cold pack in the middle of kissing someone may not be the best way to increase the romance, but it will help reduce the severity of your hickey. The cool temperature helps to slow blood flow and reduce inflammation, while the pressure applied may stop the blood from forming a bruise.

Grab a cold pack from the freezer and apply it to the hickey. Ice wrapped in cloth will also work, or another method you can try is to place a soup spoon in the freezer for 10 minutes. Whatever you use, apply to the hickey for 10 minutes multiple times a day for the first two days.

Hot Compress

Once you’ve iced the hickey for two days, the blood vessels should be almost healed, but a bruise may still be evident on the skin. Applying a hot compress at this point will help speed up the body’s reabsorption of blood and circulate new blood to the area.

To do this, place a hot water bottle, hot towel, or heat pack on the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes, multiple times a day. If you don’t have a heat pack, run a towel under some hot water and wring it out before applying. Reheat the towel as needed.

Apply Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is well known for its natural moisturizing and healing properties. While it may not help speed up the healing process of a hickey, aloe vera can be useful to help soothe inflamed skin.

Rub aloe extract onto your hickey two to three times a day and massage it. If you don’t have access to an aloe plant, pick up an aloe-rich cream from your local pharmacy.

How to Hide a Hickey

Hickeys can be hard to get rid of. Like any injury, sometimes they just need time to heal and completely disappear. If you’re stuck with a particularly stubborn love bite, the below tips might make it is easier to cover up.

Wear the Right Clothes & Accessories

Depending on its location and the weather, hiding a hickey can be as simple as picking the right wardrobe. If you have a hickey on your neck or arms, a long-sleeve shirt or turtle-neck should help cover it up. For men and women alike, a scarf can be another useful item for covering up a hickey. Both can be great when the weather is cold, but may not be the best thing on a hot summer day.

Another useful accessory that can help hide a hickey is headphones. Even in the middle of summer, a large pair of headphones around your neck won’t look out of place (or keep you warm). When worn with a tight neck t-shirt, your hickey will become virtually invisible.

Cover It Up

As hickeys can occur virtually anywhere on the body, sometimes it’s just not possible to cover them with clothing. In these cases, you might want to reach for the makeup bag. While applying makeup might be foreign for some, applying foundation, concealer, and powder can be one of the most effective ways of hiding a hickey.

Another useful item can be a band-aid. For small hickeys where a band-aid wouldn’t look out of place, this can be a quick method of covering up the mark.

Final Word

Most hickeys are completely harmless and will clear up by themselves in a couple weeks. While they can be unsightly, especially when we get older, knowing how to get rid of or hide hickeys will help keep the embarrassment to a minimum.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hickey
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/teen-dies-hickey-stroke_us_57c5f288e4b0e60d31dc03e7
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/teenager-dies-love-bite-from-girlfriend-causes-stroke-julio-macias-gonzalez-mexico-city-a7215171.html
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/868794
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/easy-bruising/art-20045762

Health

How to Get Rid of Keto Flu – Tips and Trick for Quick Results

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 18, 2019 Last Edited: February 18, 2019

Arch

The keto diet is probably one of the most popular ways to naturally lose weight and boost your health. You take reasonable amounts of protein, go high on fat, and keep the carbohydrates at a minimum.

But your body loves carbohydrates and restricting them can trigger some unpleasant side effects. These side effects are commonly known as the carb flu or the keto flu. They appear at the beginning of the diet and might even compel you to give up.

On the bright side, there is no reason to suffer or throw in the towel. The following article delivers tried-and-tested methods on how to get rid of keto flu. Plus, you’ll get a better understanding of the natural mechanism behind this flu-like condition.

What Are the Causes?

By reducing carbohydrates, you push your body to use ketones for energy. Ketones are a byproduct of the body breaking down fat. When you’re doing a keto diet, they become your primary energy source instead of glucose. Under normal circumstances, the body uses ketones only when there’s no glucose.

Those who fast, starve, or take up the ketogenic diet of fewer than 50 grams of carbs per day, put their body into a state of ketosis. During ketosis, insulin levels drop. And it takes the internal organs and the brain some time to adapt to the new circumstances.

Don’t be surprised by the increased urinating frequency. This happens because there is more sodium in your urine due to low insulin levels. Losing sodium and water is one of the main reasons behind all the unpleasant side effects and the keto flu.

Keto Flu Symptoms

People have different responses to the keto diet. There are those who don’t experience any side effects at all, or merely feel a bit tired for a couple of days. On the other hand, some might develop symptoms that seriously impair their daily lives.

Keto flu can start with irritability, a lack of focus, and overall weakness. Headaches and dizziness are also common. It is not unusual to vomit, feel nausea, and struggle with diarrhea or constipation. You might find it difficult to sleep and experience muscle soreness or cramps.

The hardships usually last for a week, but they are known to persist even longer than that. Nevertheless, there are ways to put a stop to the ordeal. You just need to learn how to get rid of keto flu.

How to Cure the Symptoms

As your body adapts, the symptoms are likely to disappear by themselves in a few days. But it’s also possible to speed up the process.

Check out some top tips to remedy keto flu.

Make Sure You Stay Hydrated

Remember, losing water and salt is one of the main reasons for the side effects. You need to replenish what’s lost to eliminate or, at least, ease some of the symptoms.

As soon as you feel dizziness, cramps, or fatigue, stir half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water and drink it. This quick remedy also helps with diarrhea, keto headaches, lethargy, etc. And it is perfectly safe to do it twice a day if necessary.

A mix of water and salt is not exactly palatable but there are some tasty alternatives. You can make bone broths, beef or chicken stock soups, and you can add some salty butter to your taste. In fact, consider making these a staple of your diet, to stay one step ahead of the symptoms.

Get Enough Sleep

When you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, your body produces more cortisol – the stress hormone. This might actually make other keto flu symptoms worse.

The first step to ensure proper sleep is to cut down on your caffeine intake. You should only grab a quick coffee in the morning to avoid jeopardizing your sleeping pattern. Take a bath before you go to bed and add some lavender essential oil because it’s calming for your nerves.

Remove any distractions from your bedroom, including cellphones, tablets, and laptops. Don’t forget to keep the TV off. Getting up early also helps improve your sleep quality, so try to stick to the same early-bird routine every day.

Take Enough Proteins and Fat

It is not uncommon to feel a sudden craving for forbidden foods like pasta, bagels, and cookies. But you need to resist the urge and compensate with fat and proteins. Soon enough, your cravings will be gone.

A 2011 research provides evidence that a low-carb diet significantly reduces the desire for sweets and other carbohydrate-rich foods. Some people still find it hard to adjust, so it is best to take things slow. Start reducing your carb intake by eliminating processed foods and sweets. Make sure to give your body a few days to adapt.

From there on, you can slowly eliminate bread, pasta, and other carbs to reach less than 50 grams a day. This way, you can help your body transition more easily and reduce the risk of dramatic keto flu symptoms.

Take It Easy at the Gym

A sensible fitness routine is necessary to maintain optimal health and lose weight, but it can backfire during the first week of the keto diet.

If you feel muscle soreness, fatigue, cramps, or dizziness, it’s best to put the gym on hold and give your body time to rest. This tip applies to exercises like running, biking, and weight lifting. On the other hand, you can take walks and give yoga a try since it’s a good way to keep your mind off the side effects.

Go back to the gym once you get rid of the keto flu, and in a month or so you might realize that your performance is much better.

An Extra Tip

Nausea and headaches make you feel less hungry, especially at the start. A week into the diet and you’ll feel hungry a lot. It’s important not to consciously restrict your intake of the allowed foods. Some people make the mistake of focusing on the calories while their body is still adapting to the diet.

In fact, you can eat as much as feels good, as long as you stick to the allowed foods. Otherwise, you might suffer from some of the keto flu symptoms for a long time.

The Bottom Line

How to get rid of keto flu? Dealing with the symptoms is not as difficult as it might initially seem. Make sure to ease your body into ketosis and don’t rush to cut all the carbs at once. Drinking plenty of water helps as well.

The tips and tricks in this article should make your transitioning process a breeze. So, feel free to take up the keto diet, if you haven’t already started.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3139783/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612440/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2845864/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2633336/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4313585/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3826507/

Health

Understanding the Changes –Do You Put on Weight During Menopause?

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 18, 2019 Last Edited: February 18, 2019

Arch

The menopause starts after twelve consecutive months of being without a period. Before that, you may need to deal with hot flashes, fatigue, and changes in the menstrual cycle. The pre-menopause phase (perimenopause) lasts a few years, and it has a significant impact on women’s lives.

In the US, the average age for menopause is 51 years, but some women go through it as early as their 30s or as late as their 60s. In the case of a hysterectomy, all this can happen even earlier.

Menopausal women have to adapt to a few significant changes in the way that their body functions. Accordingly, lifestyle changes might be necessary. Now, let’s take a look at some of the ways that menopause impacts a woman’s health and fitness.

Basic Symptoms of the Menopause

Women who are going through perimenopause or early menopause can experience a number of unpleasant physical symptoms. Hot flashes may be the most frequent symptom of upcoming menopause, while many women also experience night sweats. Headaches, mood swings, and palpitations are frequent as well.

If you’re going through perimenopause or you’ve reached menopause, you might also notice some changes in your sexual life. Low libido is a frequent symptom, and many women have to deal with vaginal dryness. At the same time, urinary infections can become a frequent occurrence.

But how does menopause affect your bones and muscles? And do you put on weight during menopause?

Bone and Muscle Health During the Menopause

Before menopause, many women have to deal with stiff joints and muscle aches. These changes tend to be temporary and shouldn’t affect your life in the long run. Unfortunately, there are some other, more permanent menopause symptoms that affect your musculoskeletal system.

One of the most dangerous side effects of menopause is osteoporosis, a brittle bone condition that puts you at risk of breaks and fractures. Doctors say that many pre-menopausal or menopausal women ignore the risks of this condition. But by improving your diet and finding the right exercise regimen, you can reduce your chances of developing osteoporosis.

Since this bone condition has a strong genetic component, it’s not always possible to prevent it, but there are ways you can keep it from affecting your life too badly. There are many resources you can access that will help you combat the condition.

Note: While osteoporosis and menopause are heavily linked, the bone condition occasionally appears in men or in young women as well.

Menopause and Your Physique

For women and men alike, older middle age is a time of physical changes. It’s natural for your frame to change as your metabolism slows down, but how does menopause affect this process and do you put on weight during menopause?

When women become menopausal, they start gaining weight in a different way than before. Since menopause comes with significant hormone changes, it affects the way your body stores fat.

While they’re of childbearing age, women tend to store fat in the hips, thighs, and lower body. When menopause hits, weight distribution typically changes. When post-menopausal women gain weight, it usually accumulates around the midriff. Experts call this changing from a pear shape to an apple shape.

But this change doesn’t lead to a higher body weight. Instead, the changes in your weight come from the slower metabolism and the loss of muscle mass.

Other Factors That Influence Weight Gain During Menopause

For many women, menopause comes with lifestyle changes as well. For example, many switch to a more sedentary lifestyle as they get older, as former hobbies and workout routines fall to the wayside. Eating out more can also lead to weight gain, but there are a few other factors at work as well.

1. Number of Children

Women with more children are likelier to have a higher body mass index, and this change is still noticeable decades after the child was born. Interestingly, having children can impact your weight even if the children are adopted.

2. Genetic Factors

Some women have a considerably higher likelihood of weight gain than others. If your female relatives typically gained weight in their older middle age, you can expect the same change to occur in you.

3. Depression

In some cases, hormone changes can lead to mood disorders. These can make it more difficult to stick to a healthy diet, so it’s important to reach out and seek help.

What About Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?

In cases where the symptoms of perimenopause are intense, doctors may prescribe hormone replacement therapy. This treatment helps with the aches and hot flashes, and it also reduces the risks of osteoporosis.

It is widely believed that HRT leads to weight gain, which is part of why many women decide to avoid it. But doctors say that there’s no connection between this treatment and weight gain. While it doesn’t keep you thin, HRT won’t cause you to gain pounds.

What’s the Best Way to Avoid Weight Gain When You’re in Menopause?

Gaining a great deal of weight can have a negative impact on your health and self-image. As long as you’re mindful about your health, it isn’t too difficult to avoid this issue. It is important to do the following:

1. Eat Well

Choosing the right diet for menopause is absolutely crucial to your health. This means opting for low-calorie foods, seeds, and whole grains, as well as an increased intake of vegetables and fruit. It is also important to add more calcium to your diet, as your bones are at risk of osteoporosis. Vitamin D levels need to be high in order to aid the absorption of calcium.

It is also necessary to cut back on your sugar, alcohol, and caffeine consumption. Spicy foods can cause problems as well.

2. Choose the Best Workout Plan

Some workout routines might be too difficult to maintain, and very intense workouts could have a negative impact on your heart health. You want to go for something where falls are unlikely, especially if you have to deal with osteoporosis. Aerobic exercises are an excellent choice, and many women opt for yoga.

Conclusion

Why do you put on weight during menopause? Diminishing estrogen levels mean that you’re likelier to gain abdominal fat after you’ve reached menopause. But you also have to account for the changes in your metabolism and the way your body starts losing muscle mass. It’s not entirely possible to avoid changes in your body shape, but you can still stay hale and fit at this age.

References:

https://www.emedicinehealth.com/menopause/article_em.htm#what_causes_menopause_does_every_woman_go_through_menopause
https://www.everydayhealth.com/menopause/osteoporosis-and-menopause.aspx
https://www.livestrong.com/article/501141-what-age-does-your-metabolism-slow-down/
https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/changes-at-midlife/changes-in-weight-and-fat-distribution
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3809034/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/side-effects/
https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/guide-to-managing-menopause/the-optimal-menopause-diet/

Health

How long does a Knee Replacement Last

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 18, 2019 Last Edited: February 18, 2019

Arch

Knee replacement, otherwise known as arthroplasty, is a surgery that replaces the damaged bones of the knee with artificial parts. This is one of the most common surgeries in the US where over a million Americans live with knee implants.

Since this is a pretty common surgery, it is important that you know how long does a knee replacement last and what you can expect from it.

How Successful Is The Knee Replacement Surgery?

It is only logical to assume that knee replacement surgery has had incredible success over the years since it is so common. If you did so, you were right!

As research suggests, knee arthroplasty is one of the most successful surgeries in orthopedics. It is also reported that there are around 400,000 TKA (total knee arthroplasty) surgeries performed annually in the US.

Besides those astonishing numbers, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has also reported that over 90% of people who had undergone the surgery and currently live with implants actually experience a lot less knee pain and are able to do everyday activities.

Since numbers don’t lie, it is safe to say that knee replacement surgery is definitely safe and worth having.

Are There Any Risks?

Like with any surgery, there are risks. However, when it comes to knee replacement surgeries, the risk factor is expectedly low.

One of the most serious complications that might occur is knee joint infections. Only 2% of patients are estimated to have experienced this complication.

Other possible complications include:

Blood clots – this is actually one of the most common complications that can happen. The blood clots form in veins and could be deadly if they break free.
Infections – after the surgery, you may experience an infection. It’s possible for the patient to develop an infection a few hours after the surgery and up to even a couple of months. If the infection isn’t that bad, it is treated with antibiotics. If the infection is severe, further surgery is required.
Knee pain – people undergo knee surgery in order to eliminate knee pain, but there have been some cases where the pain didn’t stop.

It is important to know all of the risk factors, but keep in mind that they are, like previously mentioned, relatively rare.

The technology that is now used in this surgery has come a long way. As you can see from this study, customized knee replacement implants are becoming more and more popular, as they are meant to replicate the patient’s knee and also restore its functions better than generic implants.

All of this sounds great, but are knee implants permanent? It’s time that you learn how long does a knee replacement last.

The Durability of Knee Replacements

When it comes to how long knee replacements last, the answer isn’t always the same. It depends on the patient’s condition and on the implant itself. However, a detailed analysis has shown that over 95% of replacements lasted for at least 10 years and 85% of replacements made it past the 15^th year.

However, there was also a study that showed even better results, with over 85% of replacements still functioning at the 20 years mark.

So, depending on the quality of the implants and surgery, the knee replacements can last at least 10 to 20 years.

Are There Any Factors that Affect the Durability?

There are three main factors that affect the durability of knee replacements:

Patient’s age – It was found that knee replacements lasted longer when it came to younger patients.
Patient’s everyday activities – There are sports/activities (like calisthenics, cycling, hiking, etc.) that are actually recommended for people who have had a knee replacement surgery. Those activities represent a fantastic way of strengthening their knees. On the other hand, some activities should be avoided at all costs (basketball, baseball, football, etc.).
Patient’s weight – The heavier the patient, the more stress his or her joints will be under. This represents a risk to the knee implants as they won’t be as durable with the added pressure.

When is Knee Replacement Surgery Performed?

The main reason why people decide to go for a knee replacement surgery is to overcome knee arthritis (especially end-stage arthritis or advanced arthritis).

Once medications and knee arthritis exercises stop working, knee replacement might be the only thing that could save you from lifelong pain.

How to Know if You Should Undergo Knee Replacement Surgery?

As mentioned before, knee replacement surgery is recommended for people with severe cases of arthritis in the knee, but you should know what symptoms to expect. Here is a list of symptoms that ought to raise the red flag:

Swelling of the knee
Knee pain
Muscle weakness
Stiffness
Crepitus
Limited motion
Limping

Most of the patients experience incredible improvements just weeks after their surgeries.

Types of Knee Replacement Surgeries

There are different types of knee replacement surgeries and which one is the right one for you depends on the state of your knee. After careful examination of your knee, the doctor will decide the best surgery for you.

The types of knee replacement surgeries are the following:

Hinge
Rotating platform
PCL(posterior cruciate ligament) substituting
PCL retaining
Uni-compartmental

No matter the surgery, the replacement knee’s durability is the same as listed above.

These surgeries usually take 1 to 2 hours to complete. The surgeon will remove the damaged bone and put in the metal and plastic replacement parts.

The Final Verdict

Let’s revisit what you’ve learned so far. The knee replacement surgery is extremely common and quite safe nowadays. The relevant statistics show just how effective the surgery really is.

If you decide to get a knee replacement surgery, the implant will last no less than 10 to 20 years, if it performs according to stats.

After all is said and done, knee replacement surgery is definitely the way to go if you are experiencing severe knee problems.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499896/
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/total-knee-replacement
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5697132/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2584250
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/total-knee-replacement-surgery
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3635671/

Health

How Long Does Mono Last?

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 15, 2019 Last Edited: February 16, 2019

Arch

Infectious Mononucleosis, often referred to as Mono or Glandular Fever, is a contagious viral disease. Often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), mono is a common disease affecting adolescents and young adults. According to the CDC, at least 25% of young adults who get infected with EBV will contract contagious mononucleosis.

Causes and Symptoms

The most common cause of mono is through infection with the Epstein-Barr virus. Other viruses can also cause the mono. As EBV is transmitted through saliva, people are often infected through kissing, but you can also contract it through a cough or sneeze, or by sharing silverware with an infected person.

It’s estimated that 95% of adults worldwide carry the virus. With its global reach, there’s little you can do to avoid infection, but most adults have built up antibodies so won’t contract mononucleosis. While many people present no symptoms when infected with EBV, a study by the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital found that EBV infection can lead to an increased risk of developing seven other major diseases, including celiac disease and type I diabetes.

Symptoms of mono generally appear four to six weeks after becoming infected with EBV. Symptoms vary greatly by individual, and they may develop slowly and not all occur at the same time. Common symptoms include:

Fever
Extreme fatigue
Sore throat, often with swollen tonsils
Loss of appetite
Rashes
Head and body aches
Swollen lymph nodes, most often in the neck and armpits

Other less common symptoms include:

Swollen liver, spleen, or both
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Cough
Nosebleeds
Rapid heart rate
Sensitivity to light

Whilst enlarged spleen and swollen liver are the less common symptoms, they can pose a serious risk to your health. If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical advice.

How Long Is It Contagious?

How long does mono last and how long is it contagious are two common questions asked about this disease. Due to the long incubation period, you may not even realize you’re infected until well after the exposure. Researchers are still unsure how long you remain contagious, but some experts suggest there may be the potential for infection for up to 18 months.

Symptoms typically appear four to six weeks after infection and generally last two to four weeks. For some people, fatigue may linger for many more weeks and occasionally the symptoms of mononucleosis can last six months or more.

Who’s at Risk?

While anyone can become infected with the Epstein-Barr virus, the infection often causes mono in young people and those with weakened immune systems. Most people infected with mononucleosis will only have it once – rarely do the symptoms return months or years later.

What Can Go Wrong?

Serious complications can occasionally arise from mononucleosis. These include:

Enlargement of the spleen – the spleen can swell to two to three times its normal size in people with mono.
Liver issues, including hepatitis (inflammation) and jaundice.
Anemia – a decrease in hemoglobin and red blood cells.
Thrombocytopenia – abnormally low platelet count affecting blood clotting.
Heart problems, such as myocarditis, or an inflammation of the heart muscle
Nervous system complications – including meningitis and encephalitis
Swollen tonsils or tonsillitis, which can also restrict breathing.

These complications are most likely in people with impaired immune systems.

How Is Mono Diagnosed?

Although the symptoms of mono can be broad, it’s important to seek medical advice if you feel like you may have contracted the disease. To diagnose mononucleosis, your doctor will perform a physical exam to look for:

Swollen lymph nodes or tonsils
Swollen liver or spleen
Skin rash

They may then also perform some blood tests. These include:

Mononucleosis tests including the monospot test and EBV antibody test
White blood cell count
Antibody titer test to differentiate between current and past infections

Treatment

Usually, no treatment for mono is needed. There’s no specific therapy or vaccine available and antibiotics don’t work on viral infections like mononucleosis. Much like the common cold, many doctors recommend staying hydrated, eating nutritious food and get plenty of bed rest.

If you’re suffering through the symptoms of mono and need relief, try out the following treatments:

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and fever
Medicated lozenges and sprays can bring relief to a burning throat.
Make a salt gargle – add one teaspoon of salt to warm water (not boiling) and gargle. This helps remove pus from the tonsils and throat and makes swallowing easier.
Apply a heat bag to help reduce swelling to neck the glands.

Above all else, the best way to treat mono is with rest and hydration. Without adequate rest time and fluids, the body takes longer to recover. It’s also recommended to avoid contact sports for at least two weeks but up to six months depending on the severity of your illness. As mono can cause your spleen to swell, the danger of spleen rupture is higher for mono sufferers and care should be taken to avoid injury.

Prevention

As EBV is one of the most widespread viruses in the world, avoiding infection can be near impossible. But if you’ve never had mono before, there are steps you can take to minimize your chances of contracting the disease:

Avoid close contact with anyone who has the disease.
Avoid kissing anyone who’s been infected with EBV in the past.
Don’t share drinking glasses or cutlery.
Wash your hands regularly.

Final Word

While mononucleosis is a debilitating disease affecting a huge portion of the world’s population, the prognosis for most is good. Many people who contract the disease recover quickly and build up a life-long immunity.

If you start feeling symptoms of mono, ensure you take it easy and get plenty of rest. If your symptoms don’t improve within a few days, make an appointment with your health care professional. If left unchecked, mono could result in serious complications but can be ruled out with some simple blood tests.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infectious_mononucleosis
https://www.cdc.gov/epstein-barr/about-mono.html
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0315/p372.html
https://www.rchsd.org/health-articles/i-had-mono-5-years-ago-am-i-still-contagious/
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000591.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mononucleosis/expert-answers/mononucleosis/faq-20058564
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003454.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21853428

Health

Learning the Symptoms – How Long Does Food Poisoning Last?

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 15, 2019 Last Edited: February 14, 2019

Arch

Food poisoning is one of the most common diseases in the world. US Food and Drug Administration says that one in six Americans will contract food poisoning every year. Children and individuals with compromised immune systems are especially at risk.

There is around 250 identified causes of food poisoning. Infections of bacterial origin are the most common, but viruses and parasites can also cause food poisoning.

Though food poisoning tends to go away on its own and without treatment, in case of complications, it is highly recommended to see a doctor. You should learn all you can about the usual symptoms, so you can recognize when something goes wrong.

How long does food poisoning last? How is it treated? Read on for answers to these and many other questions.

What Causes Food Poisoning

There are many different causes of food poisoning. However, they can mostly be sorted to one of three big groups – viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Bacteria are the most common of the three. Various metals and chemicals can cause food poisoning as well.

Here’s a brief overview of some of the most common bacteria, viruses, and parasites associated with the disease:

Clostridium perfringens. It is mostly found in gravy, poultry, precooked food, beef, and dried foods.
Norovirus. This virus is commonly found in shellfish and raw produce.
coli. E. coli bacteria can be found in unpasteurized juice and milk, contaminated water, undercooked beef, and raw veggies.
Campylobacter. You can find it in contaminated water, undercooked poultry and meat, as well as unpasteurized milk and milk products.
Listeria. This one is commonly found in raw produce, poultry, processed meat, and unpasteurized dairy products.
Salmonella. Salmonella can infest a wide range of foods, including raw vegetables and fruit, poultry, unpasteurized dairy products, eggs, and undercooked and raw meat.

Symptoms

The first symptoms of food poisoning can take anywhere between one hour and 28 days to show. It largely depends on the cause of the poisoning. Most people have to deal with at least three symptoms from the following list: headaches, weakness, cramps and abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, mild fever, weakness, and diarrhea.

Serious cases of food poisoning might also be accompanied by the following symptoms: a fever of over 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit, blood in urine, problems with speaking and seeing, diarrhea that’s been going on for at least three days, and severe dehydration (dry mouth, low amounts of urine, difficulty keeping fluids down).

How Long Does It Last

How long does food poisoning last? Not long. Recovery time can vary from case to case, depending mostly on the cause. The ingested amount of poisoned food and the severity of the symptoms also impact the duration of food poisoning.

People who’ve been poisoned commonly recover on their own within a day or two. But if the symptoms persist longer than three or four days, it is highly advisable to go and see a doctor. If you notice any of the symptoms of a severe poisoning, you should go to the doctor as soon as possible.

Home Remedies

Most of the time, food poisoning passes in a day or two and doesn’t require a visit to the doctor. In such cases, common home remedies and plenty of rest should do the trick. Staying hydrated is the most important part of the recovery. While some people opt for sports drinks, it’s best to use rehydration solutions such as Ceralyte.

Foods you can eat to fill your stomach without causing any further trouble include bananas, toast, crackers, cereal, and rice. On the other hand, you should avoid alcohol, fat-rich foods, caffeine, sweets, dairy products, and sodas.

When to See Your Doctor

If the symptoms persist for several days or are particularly bad since the onset, you should go to the doctor. Some of the tell-tale signs that it is a time for a doctor to step in include following situations and symptoms:

There’s blood in your vomit
Your stool is black, bloody or contains pus.
Diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours
A fever of over 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit (or over 100.4 degrees in children)
Your vision is blurred and you have a hard time focusing
Your muscles feel weak
There’s tingling in your arms
General weakness
The feeling of dehydration, accompanied by extreme thirst, decreased urination, dry mouth

Treatment

If you’re not satisfied with home remedies, you can buy over-the-counter medications for diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Be cautious with these, as your body uses vomiting and diarrhea to expel the toxic substances.

In case of severe poisoning, hospitalization might be in order. Patients with severe food poisoning may require intravenous hydration. The length of the stay depends on the speed of recovery.

Risk Groups

A special attention should be paid to the following groups of patients:

Pregnant women
People with a compromised immune system
Toddlers and infants
Those with other chronic diseases, such as kidney disease or diabetes
People aged over 60 years.

Prevention

There are many things you can do to minimize the risk of food poisoning. Here’s a quick overview.

It is highly recommended to store away all perishable food into a fridge or freezer within two hours after a meal. Also, thaw the frozen food in the microwave or the fridge, not the counter. Another option is to thaw it under the tap, under cold water.
Separate foods that don’t go together. For example, uncooked meat shouldn’t be mixed with other types of food. The same goes for fish and poultry. When you’re making a dish that needs to be marinated, never re-use the marinade before boiling it. Eggs, seafood, poultry, and meat should, ideally, each have their own dedicated cutting boards.
It is recommended to use a meat thermometer when cooking. Fish, meat, and poultry have different minimum requirements when it comes to the cooking temperature. Use the guidelines provided by the FDA.
Even if you’re going to peel fruits and veggies, you should still thoroughly wash them. Use warm soapy water to clean counters, silverware, dinnerware, and cutting boards after each lunch or dinner. Wash your hands thoroughly if you’ve come into contact with ill people, handled raw meats, or used the toilet.

Final Thoughts

Though very unpleasant, food poisoning is usually not a dangerous condition. It can be caused by more than 250 types of bacteria, viruses, and parasites, with bacteria being the most common cause.

How long does food poisoning last? Typically, it lasts a day or two. However, in case of complications, it can go on for an extended period of time. In this case, it is highly recommended to visit a doctor.

Various home remedies in combination with rest are usually sufficient to treat common food poisoning. The best method of prevention is improved hygiene, especially during handling, preparation, and serving food.

References:

https://www.fda.gov/food/resourcesforyou/consumers/ucm103263.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/diseases/clostridium-perfringens.html
https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/campylobacter/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/index.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/salmonella/symptoms-causes/syc-20355329 https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/foodborne-germs.html
https://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/HealthEducators/ucm082294.htm

How Long Does the Flu Last

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 14, 2019 Last Edited: February 13, 2019

Arch

People usually confuse the flu with a cold. There are indeed some similar symptoms but these two illnesses need to be distinguished from one another because they aren’t treated quite the same.

The first difference is related to how quickly these two illnesses start taking action. The more common one, which is the cold, starts very slowly. On the other hand, the flu is usually caused by viruses which make it a pretty fast striker.

The flu can affect everyone (even the healthiest individuals) and cause intense symptoms. You see, the flu will make you feel sick very quickly, while the cold has a buildup period.

Also, colds are generally harmless and their symptoms usually last for a week or two. In contrast, the influenza virus is estimated to have caused millions of deaths, even though the last pandemic happened over a half century ago.

So, how long does the flu last? Let’s dig a little bit more into what exactly causes it and what are its true symptoms.

Symptoms of the Flu

The flu is known for attacking the whole body and not just the airways like the cold usually does. Some of the symptoms are quite hard to deal with, as the flu starts out quite seriously at the beginning. Those kinds of symptoms usually disappear within a week, but other symptoms may remain.

Here is a list of the common flu symptoms you need to know about:

Headache
Dry cough
Reduced or no appetite
Fever of between 38 to 40 degrees Celsius
Tiredness
Muscle pain

As you can see from this research study, when it comes to children, stomach ache is a pretty common symptom of the flu.

Please note that you should go to the doctor immediately if you suspect that you might be down with the flu. This especially applies to people who already suffer from other medical conditions as their condition can get worse rapidly.

The Causes

As mentioned, the flu is caused by viruses (germs smaller than bacteria). Once the virus found its way to your body, it will multiply quickly, creating conditions that are suitable for it. If you don’t react fast, the symptoms can increase in the blink of an eye.

Your first line of defense is antibodies that your immune system needs to produce.

Influenza A, B, C and D are the four types of influenza viruses that we know of today. People are safe from influenza D viruses as they only target cattle. Influenza A and B, on the other hand, cause seasonal epidemics, while influenza C is known for causing respiratory illnesses.

How Long Will the Symptoms Last?

How long the flu will last depends on the individual. However, there is a common duration for the flu.

Despite all the talk about how tough the flu can be, there is some good news. The flu doesn’t actually last that long!

If properly treated, it can go away even within the first week after experiencing the symptoms. If the situation is a little bit more complicated, the most severe symptoms are usually gone after one week, while other symptoms may last for an additional week.

People that don’t have strong immune systems, such as kids and seniors, may experience flu symptoms for a longer period of more than two weeks.

When Should You Be Alarmed?

It is worth mentioning again that visiting your doctor should be the first thing you do if you experience flu symptoms.

If the flu is persistent and simply won’t go away, you might start feeling additional symptoms like:

Difficulty breathing
Confusion
Dizziness
Chest pain
Fatigue
Loss of sense of smell

Those symptoms usually occur after the first two weeks of dealing with the flu. If you belong to the group of people who are still down with the flu after the two-week mark, visit the doctor again for more effective treatments.

A worse scenario is that you might have caught two viruses that work together, which studies proved was possible.

Does the Immunity Last Long?

Vaccination is an excellent way of dealing with some illnesses. Certain vaccines may be effective for more than 20 years or for life. But that isn’t the case for the flu vaccine, as the immunity doesn’t last long.

According to this study, flu immunity decreases by the month after the injection.

Although flu immunity won’t last forever, experts advise that you do get vaccinated every year as that will lower the chances of getting infected. The best time to get vaccinated is before the flu season.

Protecting Yourself from the Flu

When somebody who has the flu coughs, small droplets are released into the air. Those droplets contain the virus and now that they are released, they are looking for a new host. That’s how the flu is spread.

So, how can you save yourself from it, apart from vaccination?

Well, the best possible way of keeping the flu away is to take extreme measures when it comes to your hygiene. Wash your hands and face as frequently as you possibly can. Take frequent long baths. It is advised to mix hot and cold water while you are taking a shower in order to improve your circulation, which will turn out to be helpful in the long run.

Remember, you can still get the flu after you’ve recovered from it, so don’t stop worrying about your hygiene.

The Final Verdict

So, how long does the flu last? It can keep coming back if you don’t take the necessary action. Many people don’t take the flu quite seriously. If you take anything away from this article, it’s the fact that the flu can be a pretty ugly illness that can lead to pneumonia and other serious conditions if it isn’t dealt with.

We hope you won’t have to deal with the flu in the first place, but in case that you do, now you know what to expect.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5600439/
https://www.everydayhealth.com/flu/guide/how-long-does-the-flu-last/
https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/64/5/544/2758477
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279459/
https://vicks.com/en-us/treatments/how-to-treat-the-flu/how-long-does-the-flu-last

Health

Digging out the Truth: How to Get Rid of Ingrown Toenail

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 14, 2019 Last Edited: February 14, 2019

Arch

If you’ve ever had an ingrown toenail, you will know the excruciating pain it can cause. Everyday activities like walking become chores, and you can all but forget about hitting the gym. Without proper care, your nail can become infected, leading to further complications.

A toenail becomes ingrown when the side of the nail starts to curl or dig its way into the surrounding tissue. Whilst your big toe is most likely to be affected, the lesser toes can also become ingrown. One of the most common nail problems, ingrown nails affect men and women of all ages.

Causes

There are multiple reasons why ingrown toenails develop, but the most common causes are poorly trimmed nails and tight-fitting footwear. If you cut your nails too short, the sharp edges can burrow into the surrounding skin and cause the nail to become ingrown.

Experts recommend cutting your nail straight across so that the corners lie loosely against the skin at the sides. Avoid trimming your nails too short or into rounded, pointy or V-shapes as this can cause the nail to become ingrown. Always cut your nails with specialized tools like nail clippers, scissors, or a nail file.

Tight, ill-fitting shoes add pressure to the toes and nails, often resulting in longer nails curving or digging into the toe. Over time, this continued pressure forces the nail to curve further into the flesh, resulting in an ingrown nail.

Other common causes of ingrown toenails include:

Injury or trauma
Genetic reasons such as naturally curved or thick nails
Excessively sweaty feet
Diseases that cause poor blood flow to the feet such as diabetes
Certain medicines such as those used to treat cancer

Stages and Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails

According to the National Institutes of Health, ingrown toenails can go through three stages:

Stage 1 is when inflammation begins, with moderate pain, swelling, redness, and fluid accumulation visible at the site.
Stage 2 is characterized by worsening symptoms, increased pain and the discharge of pus from the wound.
Stage 3 is the most severe and often requires medical attention. New tissue can form over the wound, trapping and escalating the infection.

It’s generally not hard to identify if you have an ingrown toenail. Apart from the pain, you may notice some of the following symptoms:

Pain and tenderness in your toe along one or both sides of the nail
Redness around your toenail
Swelling of your toe around the nail
Infection of the tissue around your toenail

To lessen the severity of infection, it’s recommended to start treatment as soon as you notice any symptoms.

Treatment

How to get rid of ingrown toenail? Thankfully, it doesn’t often require medical attention. You can treat most ingrown toenails naturally at home, but if you have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, poor circulation or nerve problems, it’s best to consult your doctor.

Home Treatments

If the nail is not infected and you’ve caught the issue early, the Mayo Clinic recommends these home remedies to help alleviate the pain.

Try a Foot Soak

Soak your foot in warm water for at least 15 minutes for three to four times a day. Add soap or Epsom salt for added relief. This helps soften the skin, reduce swelling and keep the area free from bacteria. Ensure you dry your foot completely after each soak.

Place Cotton Under the Nail

After soaking your foot, gently lift the nail and place some small bits of cotton under the ingrown nail. This helps guide the nail to grow above the skin and prevents the nail from digging into the surrounding tissue.

Apply Antibiotic Cream

Applying a topical antibiotic ointment that contains polymyxin/neomycin (such as Neosporin) after each soak will help prevent infection. Once applied, bandage the toe.

Wear Open-Toed Shoes

Whilst you’re suffering from an ingrown nail, it’s wise to choose sensible footwear. Open-toed shoes or sandals keep your feet free and don’t force pressure on your toes as traditional shoes do.

Take Pain Relievers

Many over-the-counter painkillers can help relieve the pain associated with an ingrown nail. Ibuprofen, paracetamol, and naproxen will help ease pain and inflammation and are generally considered safe at recommended doses.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If the infection has spread or you’re having difficulty dealing with the problem at home, it might be time to speak to a doctor. They can check the nail for infection and recommend treatment options. In severe and recurring cases, health professionals often view surgery as the most effective treatment.

Partial Removal

In some cases, partial removal of the nail may solve the problem. Under local anesthesia, your doctor can remove the ingrown portion of the nail and bandage the wound. Your doctor may also prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to fend off infection.

Removing the Nail and Tissue

In recurrent and severe cases, doctors opt to remove a portion of the nail along with the underlying tissue. Known as the Vandenbos procedure, this prevents that portion of the nail from growing back. This is the most common procedure as studies have shown excellent cosmetic results, no recurrences and high rates of patient satisfaction.

Prevention

Preventing ingrown toenails is far easier than fixing them. Experts recommend these tips:

Trim nails straight across and avoid cutting them too short.
Always wear proper-fitting shoes and socks.
Avoid trauma to the toes and feet.
Wear protective footwear if your job increases the risk of injury.

Final Word

Ingrown toenails are a stubborn ailment affecting many people. The overwhelming pain can be hard to control, but with the right treatment, your toe will heal in no time. Foot soaks and over-the-counter painkillers can help relieve the pain, and antibiotic ointments help stave off infection.

If you’re constantly suffering from ingrown toenails, speak to your doctor about a treatment plan. In many cases, they will recommend surgery as it’s seen as the most effective way to get rid of an ingrown toenail.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7604762
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513131/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513138/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ingrown-toenails/symptoms-causes/syc-20355903
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1472971/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ingrown-toenails/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355908
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0215/p303.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neomycin/polymyxin_B/bacitracin
https://www.mayoclinic.org/self-care-approaches-to-treating-pain/art-20208634
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10796808
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2912022/
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-you-can-prevent-and-treat-painful-ingrown-toenails/

Health

Rejuvenate Your Face: How to Get Rid of Jowls

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 13, 2019 Last Edited: February 12, 2019

Arch

Jowls are a common problem that can affect literally anyone. To be exact, jowls are the saggy or excess skin that develops on the neck, just below your chin.

At some point in life, almost everyone develops jowls, at least the minimal form. This especially applies to older people because the skin loses elasticity as we age.

This article will show you how to get rid of jowls and help you learn more about the problem itself.

First of all, we need to start from the cause behind this problem, as it isn’t the same for everyone. Several factors are at play here.

What Causes Jowls?

The number one reason why people get jowls is aging. Why is that?

It’s simply because the body loses more and more of its “building blocks” as we age. When it comes to skin, its building blocks are elastin and collagen.

You see, elastin and collagen are the two proteins responsible for the elasticity and overall freshness of the skin. As we age, the body produces less of these two proteins, therefore leading to vulnerable, damaged skin and jowls.

With less collagen and elastin, your skin will also become drier. Once that happens, gravity will have an easier task of pulling your skin down, which results in the development of jowls.

Other factors that may cause jowls include:

Genetics – Like everything else, even the quality of our skin and how long it will last is “written” down in our DNA. Whether or not jowls will appear sooner or not at all can depend on genetics alone. For example, if both of your parents have jowls, it is very likely that you will have them as well. Some people even notice jowls in their teens as they have a limited supply of collagen due to genetics.
Weight Loss – Once you start gaining more and more weight, your skin starts to stretch. If you lose that weight quickly, you will experience bruises and even cuts on your skin as it couldn’t recover as fast. This might even lead to sagging skin below your chin.
Smoking – Nicotine lowers collagen and elastin levels, leading to vulnerabilities in the smoker’s skin. Smoking narrows your blood vessels and limits your circulation and your skin’s ability to absorb valuable nutrients.
Frowning – People whose main facial expression is frowning tend to get saggy necks way before others.
UV Light – Sun damage is collagen’s kryptonite. Exposures to strong UV lights can lower your collagen levels, which may result in jowls later in life.
Looking Down – This one might seem funny to some people, but it’s true. We live in a time when cell phones are constantly in our hands. If you spend most of your time looking down while using your phone, you could damage your neck skin and develop jowls.
Stress – Being under stress for a long period of time not only affects your collagen and elastin levels but your entire body. Stress is a notorious silent killer that can lead to almost any disease that we know of.
Poor Hygiene – Bacteria can damage the skin, making it easier for jowls to appear.

How to Prevent Jowls from Happening in the First Place?

It doesn’t matter if you don’t have jowls or if you just got rid of them, you need to maintain healthy habits in order to keep them away. Here is what you can do to prevent or delay developing jowls:

Quit smoking
Don’t spend too much time on your PC or phone
Use sun protection
Eat a lot of fruit

Getting Rid of Jowls

Now that you are done with the basics, it is time that you learn how to get rid of jowls.

Let’s start with the healthier, more natural options first.

1. Jaw Exercises

Most people forget about the neck muscles when they exercise. The truth is that strong neck muscles lead to a more defined jawline and also decrease the possibility of neck pain.

Professional bodybuilders even lift weights just by using their heads in order to strengthen the neck muscles. Don’t worry, you won’t need to go to such extremes.

What is advised by doctors are the following exercises: neck curl-up and collarbone backup.

The neck curl-up is performed by lying down on the ground (on your back) and then bringing your chin to your chest. You should lift your head off the ground for about two inches. Remember that in order to properly perform this exercise, your other body parts need to stay still. Your head does all the movement.

Doing about 3 or 4 sets of 10 reps would be fantastic for beginners.

The collarbone backup is slightly easier to do. You should sit on the floor and make sure that your head isn’t leaned to the side. You need to look straight throughout this exercise.

At the proper starting position, simply lean your head back several inches, contract the muscles and then relax and get back to the starting position. You can also perform 10 reps of this exercise for a total of 3 or 4 sets if you are a beginner.

2. Hyaluronic Acid Gel Fillers

HA, short for hyaluronic acid, is one of the most popular methods for treating aging skin. The acid is injectable and impermanent.

There has been quite a bit of research on hyaluronic acid and how it affects the skin. The general conclusion is that hyaluronic acid can rejuvenate the skin if properly used.

3. Yawning and Humming

You can eliminate jowls by yawning or simply opening your mouth as far as you can more frequently. After doing that for a couple of times, you can start humming with your tongue pressed to the top of your mouth. This is an excellent way to combat jowls.

Now we are moving onto the surgical methods.

4. Neck Lift

Neck lift is more expensive than other treatments of the kind, but it is a solid solution to the problem.

In this procedure, the surgeon makes a cut into the side of the face and under the chin. After that is done, he repositions the tissue and sculpts the fat.

5. Ultherapy

Ultherapy uses ultrasound to stimulate more collagen production. Only one session of ultherapy is required. However, the improvements aren’t noticed right away.

You will begin noticing changes in the months following the treatment.

6. Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy tightens the skin, and thus eliminating the jowls. It works by radiating heat which stimulates collagen and elastin. You will need to undergo this treatment several times before you can experience the positive changes.

Other treatments worth mentioning:

Face Yoga
Acupuncture
Laser Treatment
Facial Massage

The Final Verdict

Now you finally have the answer to the question – how to get rid of jowls. Decide what the best option for you is and be persistent. Of course, you should always start with the natural methods first. May luck be with you.

References:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320809.php
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7216901
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19083596
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2825122/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2544360/
https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/jawline-exercises#vowel-sounds
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/jowls#surgery
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22348557

Health

How Long Does Elderberry Syrup Last in the Fridge? Elderberry Q&A

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 13, 2019 Last Edited: February 12, 2019

Arch

A great number of people still look to traditional medicine for a solution to colds, stomachaches, and other ailments. According to a study done in 2007, around 38% of US adults use some form of herbal or traditional medicine. This percentage is much higher in Asian countries, and every culture around the world has its own collection of natural remedies.

We’ve lost sight of many traditional recipes over time. Some were proven to be ineffective or harmful. But there are still herbal remedies that are worth learning about. Sometimes, the answer to a medical issue is as simple as eating a piece of fruit or preparing a tisane.

Elderberry – What Is It Good For?

Elderberry is a particularly popular medicinal plant. Its medicinal use has a long tradition, and the plant’s beneficial effects have been backed up by science.

Here are a few of the conditions that could be helped by elderberry:

Hay fever
Digestion issues and constipation
Heart problems
Urinary problems
Nerve pain
Sinus pain or toothaches
Immune system issues
Cancer

Researchers have also discovered that taking elderberry extract might be helpful to diabetes patients. Due to the plant’s antiviral properties, elderberries are most commonly used to treat the symptoms of the cold and the flu.

However, elderberry can be dangerous if you consume the berries or the leaves raw. It’s important to learn all you can about the risks and rewards of this natural remedy before you start using it.

6 Things You Need to Know About Elderberry

In this section, we will look at the ways people prepare and consume elderberry. We’ll take a closer look at elderberry syrup and discuss safe storage. For example, how long does elderberry syrup last in the fridge? How can you be sure it’s safe to drink? Finally, we’ll discuss the benefits of introducing this plant to your diet.

1. What’s the best way to consume elderberry?

Eating elderberry berries raw is dangerous, and you also shouldn’t consume the bark and leaf uncooked. It is fine to eat the flowers fresh, and many people also put elderberry flowers into their salads.

You can also consume the flowers by creating elderberry syrup. To make this syrup, you simply boil the flowers with a great deal of sugar. Some people also add ginger, cinnamon, cloves, or other spices.

Creating a homemade tea with elderberry flowers is another option. Simply pour boiling water over dried elderberry flowers and let it steep for at least ten minutes.

You can also turn the berries edible by cooking them and juicing them. If you’re on the hunt for a refreshing beverage, consider elderberry juice or elderberry wine. Pies, jams, and chutneys are safe and delicious options as well.

To make syrup out of dried berries, use water, spices, and raw honey. You then distill it before use.

2. How much elderberry syrup, tea, and juice should you drink?

If you’ve prepared these drinks correctly, there’s no reason to worry about taking too much of them. But here are the right dosages for treating ailments, based on laboratory experimentation:

For Constipation

You can take 150 ml of elderberry tea three times a day over a period of five days.

For Flu

Adults should take 15 ml of elderberry berry juice four times a day for 3-5 days at a time. For children, it is better to only take it twice daily.

Note that the dosages vary depending on the concentration and additional ingredients. If you’re using a store-bought elderberry product, follow the instructions.

According to the American Botanical Council, it is better not to consume elderberry for more than five days in a row, as the effects of constant use haven’t been clinically tested.

3. How long does elderberry syrup last in the fridge?

If you have syrup made from elderberry flowers or elderberry berries, it’s crucial to store it in the fridge. Homemade and fridge-stored elderberry syrup is safe to use for six months. In the case of store-brought elderberry products, consider the instructions.

To make sure nothing’s gone wrong with the syrup, always check for mold. If you’ve been keeping it for a few months, it helps to do a quick scent and taste test before consuming it. In situations when you’re uncertain, it helps to re-boil the syrup.

4. Can you drink elderberry juice when you’re pregnant?

For now, there is no research done on using elderberry products during pregnancy. Some experts recommend avoiding it, but it’s best to ask your physician for advice about this. Some pregnant women choose to consume elderberry juice to treat the flu, and it might be safer to use than over-the-counter drugs.

If you do opt for using elderberries while you’re pregnant, be extra careful to avoid raw berries or leaves.

5. What are the side effects of elderberry products?

Properly prepared elderberry juice, syrup, and pie shouldn’t have any negative effects on your health. But if the berries are undercooked, you may experience nausea, dizziness, weakness, or vomiting. If you experience any of these issues while consuming elderberry products, stop taking them immediately.

6. What makes elderberry so useful?

Elderberry can improve your overall health in a few different ways.

Antioxidant Effects

Since this plant has a powerful antioxidant effect, it protects your cells from aging and improves your immune system.

Antiviral Effect

While they can’t prevent the symptoms altogether, elderberry products can help you heal from the flu or a cold. They may also help with other viral infections, so they’re often recommended to immunocompromised people.

It Improves Your Skin Health

Considering that elderberry is rich in vitamin A, consuming it can soothe the skin and protect it from the effects of aging. Some use elderberries to treat acne. Additionally, it can help with gum swelling and lesions.

It Also Supports Digestion

Because it’s high in dietary fiber, consuming the berries of this plant helps digestion.

Conclusion

Elderberry is an important staple of traditional medicine, and it continues to have a number of uses. Adding it to your diet can help you keep in top shape, and it helps treat flu and cold symptoms. If you’re looking for a way to improve your diet, don’t miss out on this plant.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92773/
https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/ncnu07/pdfs/charlebois284-292.pdf
http://cms.herbalgram.org/press/files/elderberry-scr.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5297648/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/elderberry
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-434/elderberry
https://www.livestrong.com/article/128286-side-effects-black-elderberry/

Health

How to Get Rid of Neck Fat

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 12, 2019 Last Edited: February 12, 2019

Arch

Excess neck fat or “turkey neck” is the accumulation of fat and skin under the chin and on the neck. Medically referred to as submental fullness, neck fat can have detrimental effects on self-esteem and can be a notoriously difficult area to tone.

Causes

While there isn’t generally one main cause of neck fat, aging and genetics play a large role. As we age, our skin loses its natural elasticity and muscles weaken. But these are just two contributing factors. Excess weight, poor diet and a lack of exercise can all lead to the promotion of additional fat around the neck.

Not just unsightly, excess neck fat can also be an early indication of obesity. Many parts of our bodies can be covered easily, but as our necks are exposed, it can be difficult to hide.

Thankfully, there are actions you can take to tackle the problem.

Make Dietary Changes

One of the best ways you can improve your overall health and attack neck fat at the same time is to look at your diet. While any new meal plan aimed at weight loss must include lowering your calorie intake, that doesn’t mean going hungry!

Switching up your diet and changing portion sizes can have a dramatic effect on your health. To lose weight, look to healthier, plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and avoid added sugars and processed oils.

There’s no need to avoid meat (unless you want to), but switching to lean proteins is essential for weight loss. Try low-fat dairy, lean beef, seafood, poultry, and eggs. Legumes and tofu are also packed with protein and virtually cholesterol-free.

How to get rid of neck fat? Some other dietary changes that may help include:

Drink more water: Replace high-sugar sodas and fruit juices with water to keep hydrated. Well-hydrated skin typically sags less, while drinking more water helps control your appetite. Aim to consume at least eight 8oz glasses (around 2L total) daily.
Change your snacks: we all like to snack, but those high sugar and salty treats aren’t doing one’s neck fat any favors. Opt for nuts, fruit, or vegetables instead of store-bought processed snacks. This has the added benefit of saving you money.
Look for healthy fats like avocado, nuts, seeds, and fish. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats help the body function, lower cholesterol and help protect against heart disease.

Changing your eating habits doesn’t need to be a pain. Small changes will yield big results, making for a happier, healthier you.

Get Moving

Diet and exercise go hand in hand. While you can lose weight without exercise, the more you move, the more weight you’ll burn. And one of the best exercises to burn calories and shed weight is cardio.

Cardiovascular exercises such as running, swimming, biking, and even walking require high energy output and will help you burn fat quickly. If you want to turbocharge your exercises to lose weight faster, check out High-Intensity Intermittent Exercises (HIIE). Studies showed HIIE, such as an 8-second sprint followed by a 12-second low-intensity cycle resulted in significantly higher fat loss than steady aerobic cycling.

There are also a number of yoga poses and neck exercises that can help reduce neck fat. Performing these routines can help tone neck muscles, reduce neck fat accumulation, and regulate thyroid function.

As you inhale, gently lower your head to your left shoulder. Lift your head back to the center as your exhale. Repeat on the other side.
Tilt your head backward as you inhale. Go back as far as you can without moving your shoulders, keeping your eyes focused on the ceiling. As you exhale, bring your head back towards your throat, tucking your chin into your neck before inhaling and returning to the center.
Inhale as you drop your head to your right side, then slowly rotate your head to the opposite side to reach your left shoulder. Return to an upright position while exhaling, ensuring to keep your body straight throughout the exercise.

The world’s oldest yoga center, the Yoga Institute in India, also recommends the following yoga poses to encourage fat loss in your neck:

Skincare

Incorporating a good skincare regime is another way you can help fight neck fat. Wearing sunscreen daily will not only protect your skin from the suns UV rays but can assist in firming and toning. Always go for a broad-spectrum cream with at least SPF30+ rating.

The cosmetic market is also filled with products promising exceptional skin firming and tightening qualities. Creams containing retinol help fight wrinkles and sagging skin by boosting collagen production. Some products are only available by prescription, so ask your doctor or dermatologist for advice.

Medical Treatments

For some, exercise and diet changes just don’t make a difference to their neck fat. Even with retinol-rich creams, this can be a stubborn area of the body to tone. Thankfully, there are medical treatments that might help. Speak to your doctor about these surgical and non-surgical solutions to neck fat:

Non-surgical

Botox – injections which firm up skin
Laser Treatment – lasers heat up and destroy fat cells which are then naturally eliminated from the body in three to six weeks.
Deoxycholic Acid – injected into the skin, this acid aids with the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat.

Surgical

Neck Liposuction – refines the jawline by removing fat and resculpting the chin and neck contour.
Neck Lift Surgery – aims to remove excess skin and tighten neck muscles to improve neck and chin contours.
Combined Procedures – neck contouring and facial procedures are often combined to achieve the patient’s goals. Facelifts, chin argumentation and rhinoplasty are among the most common.

Cosmetic surgical procedures are not covered by most health insurance plans and can be prohibitively expensive. Unless advised by your doctor, you should only consider them after exhausting all other options.

Final Word

The healthiest way to get rid of neck fat is to eat a well-balanced diet and get regular exercise. If your neck fat has become bothersome, some simple lifestyle changes may be the answer, but be patient. Unless you go down the surgical route, neck fat will not melt away overnight.

Regular exercise has the added benefit of staving off diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. But remember, if you’re new to exercise or it’s just been a while, speak with your doctor about your exercise goals before getting started. They can address any health concerns up front and assist with diet and lifestyle recommendations.

References

https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/data-statistics/plain-water-the-healthier-choice.html
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-truth-about-fats-bad-and-good
http://theyogainstitute.org/reduce-neck-fat-recommended-yoga-asanas-effective-yogic-tips/
https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/procedure-learning-center/face/neck-contouring-guide/
http://theyogainstitute.org/reduce-neck-fat-recommended-yoga-asanas-effective-yogic-tips/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2991639/
https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/6092/cobra-pose
https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/7399/lion-pose
https://medlineplus.gov/botox.html
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a615026.html
https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/procedure-learning-center/non-surgical/fat-reduction/
https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/procedure-learning-center/body/liposuction-guide/
http://columbiasurgery.org/conditions-and-treatments/neck-lift
https://www.aafprs.org/patient/fps_today/vol14_1/pg2.html

Health

How to Get Rid of Inflammation in the Body

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 12, 2019 Last Edited: February 11, 2019

Arch

Inflammation is the body’s natural system of fighting infection or injury. The immune system activates when it recognizes a foreign body, such as plant pollen or a chemical, which then triggers the process known as inflammation.

There are two types of inflammation, acute and chronic. Acute inflammation is induced rapidly and generally short-term, lasting only a few days.

But sometimes the immune system goes into overdrive and activates without an infection to fight. With nothing to heal, immune system cells start to destroy healthy organs and joints. This is when inflammation can become a problem.

Chronic or long-term inflammation often occurs when causes of acute inflammation are left untreated. Often lasting for months or even years, chronic inflammation damages DNA and has been linked to many major diseases, including arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

Symptoms of Chronic Inflammation

Whilst pain and swelling are common symptoms of acute inflammation, many people often ignore the more subtle signs associated with chronic inflammation. Some of the most common symptoms that develop with chronic inflammation include:

Fatigue and insomnia
Abdominal pain
Anxiety, depression and mood disorders
Gastrointestinal problems like acid reflux
Weight gain
Frequent infections

Although blood tests are often the first step, there are no effective laboratory tests to assess patients for chronic inflammation. Instead, the diagnosis is often made in association with another medical condition.

Causes of Chronic Inflammation

Rarely is one cause of chronic inflammation identified. As inflammation is our body’s natural response, identifying a specific cause can be difficult but is generally due to:

Untreated causes of acute inflammation such as tissue damage or infection
Exposure to irritants or chemicals
Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Many other risk factors have also shown to cause some amount of inflammation. These include:

Obesity
Poor Diet
Smoking
Low Sex Hormones
Stress and Sleep Disorders

Treatment and Management of Inflammation

As the root cause for many diseases, chronic inflammation can be devastating if left untreated. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to reduce your risks and treat the condition.

Foods that Fight Inflammation

As many foods cause inflammation, one of the most powerful tools in combating the condition is to start with your diet. The below foods all feature anti-inflammatory properties:

Fruits: berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, cherries, apples, and oranges.
Vegetables: leafy greens like kale and spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes, artichokes, and avocados
Fish: especially those that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, cod, and tuna.
Beans: red beans, black beans, and pinto beans.
Nuts: walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and almonds.
Healthy fats from olive oil and flaxseed.
Herbs and spices such as turmeric, garlic, and ginger.

An anti-inflammatory diet is widely considered healthy, and studies have even shown it to be beneficial in fighting conditions such as Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD), arthritis, psoriasis, and even chronic pain. Many people follow a Mediterranean Diet when trying to avoid inflammatory foods.

Inflammatory Foods to Avoid

If you’ve ever eaten a big greasy meal, you’ll know that sluggish feeling you get afterward. Certain foods help accelerate the inflammatory process so are best avoided. Steer clear of the following inflammatory foods:

Refined carbohydrates: white bread, rice, and many kinds of cereals fuel the production of advanced glycation end (AGE) products that stimulate inflammation.
Omega-6 fatty acids: often found in vegetable oils like corn and sunflower oil, excess consumption of omega-6 acids trigger the body to produce pro-inflammatory chemicals.
Red and processed meat: studies show processed meat can increase your risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Sugar: processed sugars found in soft drinks, juice, candies, and snacks can trigger the production of inflammatory messengers called cytokines.
Alcohol: excess alcohol consumption can cause intestinal inflammation, as well as damage to the gastrointestinal tract and liver.

Many foods identified as inflammatory are also considered unhealthy, contributing to weight gain which itself is a major risk factor for inflammation.

Treating Inflammation Medically

An anti-inflammatory diet is a great way to stay healthy, but sometimes a change in diet alone isn’t enough to get rid of inflammation from the body. When inflammation becomes chronic, it can have a long-term impact on your health. If you’re suffering from chronic inflammation, discuss the following treatment options with your doctor:

Metformin: commonly used to treat type II diabetes, Metformin has been shown to lower inflammation and promote insulin production
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): often available over the counter, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and aspirin inhibit enzymes that contribute to inflammation.
Supplements: ginger, fish oil, and curcumin all have natural anti-inflammatory properties and may help regulate your condition.
Statins: multiple studies exist showing the high anti-inflammatory properties of statins, which effectively interrupt the way inflammation cells communicate.
Corticosteroids decrease inflammation and suppress the immune system, which is especially important when it’s attacking healthy cells. Be aware that the long-term use of corticosteroids has been linked to serious side effects such as high blood pressure and osteoporosis, among other conditions.

It’s highly recommended to speak with your doctor to weigh up the possible side effects associated with any new medicines.

Final Word

Inflammation can be the body’s response to many external triggers. It’s been linked to many serious health conditions and if left unchecked, could have dire consequences.

The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks chronic inflammatory diseases as the greatest threat to human health. Now that you know how to get rid of inflammation in the body, follow an anti-inflammatory diet and limit foods known to cause inflammation.

If you suffer from any chronic inflammation symptoms, speak to your doctor about a blood test and treatment options. With the right diet, lifestyle changes and medical advice, you can live an inflammation-free life.

References

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/chronic-inflammation
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493173/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24428901
https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/arthritis-diet/anti-inflammatory/the-arthritis-diet.php
https://www.psoriasis.org/treating-psoriasis/complementary-and-alternative/diet-and-nutrition/anti-inflammatory-diet
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/transcripts/2748_the-anti-inflammatory-diet-a-way-to-manage-chronic-pain
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/mediterranean-diet
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2885952/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5986486/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5513683/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273639892_Metformin_and_Inflammation_Its_Potential_Beyond_Glucose-lowering_Effect
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3011108/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3394171/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/steroids/art-20045692

Health

How to Get Rid of Knee Fat

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 11, 2019 Last Edited: February 8, 2019

Arch

Many people don’t fully understand the extent of problems that knee fat can cause. The truth is that it can potentially ruin your life, if you let it. How is that, you may ask?

Well, having knee fat can literally control some people’s lives. They become ashamed of their bodies and try to hide their imperfections (knee fat in this case). That means that they will only wear long pants or dresses so that no one would notice. Others take even more extreme measures.

This might not seem like that big of a problem, but it definitely is, since the problem is now fiddling with their psyche, making them uncomfortable in their own skin. That usually leads to other, more serious diseases that weren’t there in the first place.

With that being said, it is time that you learn how to get rid of knee fat.

Understanding the Process of Fat Loss

We all agree that cutting down weight for those who are obese is the way to go. However, there are plenty of myths that people believe to be true which can actually hurt the process and create even more difficulties.

So, let’s first learn the basics of fat loss.

How Do You Get Fat?

Our bodies store triglycerides in fat cells. These fat cells are located in multiple areas of the body, such as arms, thighs, abdomen, and you’ve guessed it, knees.

When we need to burn energy, our body senses it and converts triglycerides into fatty acids. Our body also converts glycerol in the process in order to give us the energy that we need. To actually produce energy, the body needs some “fuel” that it will use for the process.

Of course, this “fuel” is food, and what we need from food is calories. So, if you give your body more fuel than it actually needs to supply the energy, it will store more and more extra calories as fat.

How Do You Lose Fat?

Strict diets and extreme workout routines are usually the first two things that people think of. But it doesn’t really work like that.

As this research study suggests, we can lose a significant amount of fat just by having a good diet plan. However, there is a bit of science in creating a good diet plan as well. The general rule is that you should eat a specific number of calories per day (calculated just for you based on your height, weight, daily routines, and activities).

First, you should find out just how many calories you need in order to maintain your weight, and then subtract 200 calories from that number. So, if you are trying to lose weight, subtract 200 calories, and if you are trying to gain weight, then simply add 200 calories to that number.

There are plenty of decent online calorie calculators that you can use for this.

The second part is figuring out what you should eat, when and how much. Of course, you can do this all by yourself if you research the topic, but you may want to enlist the help of a professional dietitian.

Can You Lose Fat in Specific Places?

Some people are fine with how their arms look and just want to get rid of the fat on their stomachs. Therefore, they are doing a lot of crunches and sit-ups all day long because those exercises target the areas that bother them.

This method does NOT work!

As a matter of fact, a study published in 1971 in the Annals of Internal Medicine illustrated that. The subjects were tennis players. The conclusion was that there was no difference in fat layers in the tennis player’s left and right arm (since players use one of their arms more frequently, it means that they are working on that arm more than the other one).

Among other studies that also proved this point, this one specifically tested the myth about abdominal exercises. The results showed that, although these exercises do strengthen the muscles in that region, they do not impact the fat levels there alone.

What does this mean? Cutting down weight is only successful if you focus on your entire body.

Getting Rid of Knee Fat

Now that we got some of the basics out of the way, let’s focus on this specific problem.

1. Exercise

It was previously mentioned that you do not need to exercise in order to lose fat. Although that is true, if you want to see the changes faster and if you want to lose fat the proper way, exercising isn’t something you should avoid.

Hitting the gym three times a week could be all that you need. If you can’t afford to go to the local gym, there is a solution for you as well. Simply do exercises with your own weight. They are as efficient as lifting weights and more natural to the body.

You should focus on cardio exercises more as they burn the most calories. However, do not forget the strength exercises.

Remember, the best way of losing calories is if your whole body goes to work. However, there are some exercises that you should do more than others. Those are:

Front and back lunges
Stair climbing
Jogging
Squats
Sprints
Jumping jacks
Pushups/Bench press

2. Control Energy Levels

This is where our whole calorie intake story fits into place. This part is difficult for most people, but it is absolutely necessary. You can do all the exercises in the world each and every day, but if your diet is bad, you won’t get any results.

So, use the previously mentioned calculator and come up with your daily calorie intake target that matches your goals. Your next step is to research the food that you should eat.

You can use sites like this one that provides you with a list of calories that you can use for your further calculations.

Substances like: caffeine, forskolin, and citrus can help to reduce your appetite and speed up your metabolism. Be cautious with these substances! They shouldn’t be taken lightly.

3. No Stress

Stress can actually lead to more unwanted weight. There is a connection between stress and food cravings. That is actually one of the ways that our body responds to stress.

So, it is advised that you learn how to calm your mind and body down in order to get rid of extra weight faster. You can try breathing techniques, meditation or simply a calming activity like yoga.

The Final Verdict

Who would have thought that answering the question of how to get rid of knee fat can bring so many other valuable lessons? All that is left now is for you to make a decision and change your lifestyle. Combine what you know now with willpower and you will accomplish your goal in no time!

References:

https://askmaryrd.com/weight-loss/get-rid-knee-fat/
https://www.livestrong.com/article/521386-lose-fat-sides-knees/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3444812/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22884229
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1070773/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5639963/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18025815
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21804427

Health

How to Cure Bad Breath Naturally

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 11, 2019 Last Edited: February 8, 2019

Arch

Bad breath is a pretty embarrassing problem to have, as some people may not even realize that the problem exists despite brushing the teeth and taking care of general hygiene. Well, you may not have to worry about it any longer because this article will show you how to cure bad breath.

Before diving into the solution, it is important that we understand what causes bad breath in the first place. It’s the best way to avoid it in the future.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis, is caused by volatile molecules in the mouth. Those molecules can be pathological as well as non-pathological and the origin can be both non-oral and oral. Halitosis can lower self-confidence and have an impact on a patient’s psyche.

As much as 50% of the entire population has had to deal with this problem and can be said to have halitosis at least once.

The truth is that the problem most likely originates from poor oral hygiene. Although you might be taking care of your oral hygiene now, you only have to slip up for half a day to run into the problem. Multiple studies showed that 90% of halitosis cases were caused by poor oral hygiene, throat infections, tongue coat, uncleaned dentures, etc. Other causes vary from case to case.

With that said, if you don’t have an issue with halitosis, maintaining good hygiene is what you must do in order to prevent it.

Now, let’s continue to the interesting part and find out how to cure bad breath.

How to Eliminate Bad Breath

There are plenty of natural remedies that are proven very helpful with the bad breath problem. They are quite easy to use and have no side effects whatsoever.

1. Warm Salt Water

Since bacteria are our number one enemy here, we must make sure that they don’t make the insides of the mouth their home.

A saline solution (salt water rinse) might be all that it takes. Salt water is slightly acidic, which can prevent bacteria from building up in your mouth and take care of bad breath by neutralizing the environment’s alkalinity. This is efficient because bacteria thrive in higher pH or alkaline surroundings.

2. Zinc

Zinc is one of the most important elements that our bodies use in everyday functions.

Besides from the effect that zinc has on the DNA, gut and mouth flora, it is also found that zinc prevents the buildup of VSCs, short for volatile sulfur compounds. It’s the bacteria that produce VSCs, the source of bad breath, and zinc is a good home remedy for rectifying the problem.

What you can try is something like a zinc chewing gum or a zinc mouthwash.

Zinc can improve the overall immune system restore balance.

As for “balance”, there is a limit to how much you can take.

You can safely take anywhere from 4 to 25 milligrams of zinc every 2 to 3 hours. Do not go over that without talking to your doctor.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a plant extract that has powerful antibacterial properties. For example, Aloe Vera is an excellent tool for plaque reduction. It will improve your mouth’s healing ability due to its effect on collagen.

What you can do here is mix Aloe Vera gel in boiling water, and then wait for it to cool and use as a mouthwash.

4. Digestive Enzymes

As mentioned, 90% of bad breath cases are caused by poor oral hygiene; but what if you belong to the other 10%?

The most common cause of halitosis in the 10% group is the digestive system. If that’s the case, then digestive enzymes could do the trick.

You can take animal and plant-based enzymes that include betaine, bromelain, papain, HCL, etc.

5. Powerful Mix

Did you know that some crunchy food can actually clean your teeth and make them stronger? This new trick for dealing with bad breath is a tasty one.

Apples are fantastic for controlling food odors as it is rich in pectin. Research shows just how important apples are for the teeth.

Besides from apples, cinnamon is excellent for its antimicrobial properties. Our third ingredient is yogurt. Yogurt helps with the odor caused by bacteria in the mouth. These are our three main ingredients (though there are more).

What you should do is mix all of these ingredients together. Here is how.

You will need 1 cup of apple chunks, 1 cup of diced celery, 5 tablespoons of yogurt, ground cinnamon, ½ cup of dried cranberries and ½ cup of crushed walnuts.

Mix all of these ingredients together in a large bowl, add yogurt and voila! You have a tasty and healthy new meal.

This is a pretty simple yet very powerful bad breath removal trick.

6. Green Tea

It has been found that green tea reduces malodor. Although temporary, there are those who successfully treated halitosis with green tea alone. Green tea is rich in antioxidants, so it has a powerful antibacterial effect.

You can drink up to 5 cups of green tea per day, but don’t go overboard.

Other helpful strategies against bad breath include:

Drinking a lot of water throughout the day. This is especially good for morning breath problems.
Brushing your teeth after each and every meal.
Removing dentures at night and cleaning them regularly.
Getting a new toothbrush every 3 months.

In case the problem still persists, you might try one of the products tested in this research study.

The Final Verdict

Now that you know how to cure bad breath, it is time to take action. Try some of these methods out and be persistent. The problem won’t go away just like that, so you need to be patient.

Once you’ve gotten rid of this annoying problem, remember to maintain your hygiene as bad breath can easily find its way back.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4006208/
https://www.drstevenlin.com/14-ways-to-get-rid-of-bad-breath-naturally/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4006208/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4415245/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11878757
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3633265/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3917206/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1570844/
https://www.everydayhealth.com/columns/white-seeber-grogan-the-remedy-chicks/ways-fight-bad-breath-naturally/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6051571/

Health

How to Get Rid of Cold Sores

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 8, 2019 Last Edited: January 31, 2019

Arch

Cold sores. Fever blisters. Herpes. Whatever you call them, cold sores can be painful and embarrassing for the sufferers. Identifiable by small, fluid-filled red blisters around the mouth, cold sores can also appear on the chin, cheeks, and nose.

Caused by an infection of the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1), cold sores are very prevalent in modern society, with an estimated 50% of Americans being infected by their 20s. Symptoms typically last 14 days or longer. There’s currently no cure for HSV and once infected, the virus remains with the host for life.

Causes and Triggers for Cold Sores

Highly contagious, the herpes virus spreads through close contact such as kissing or sharing lip balm, with many people being exposed in the first five years of life. Once infected, the virus can remain dormant for many years but often reappears as another cold sore.

Recurrence can be triggered by:

A cold, infection or virus
Stress
Fever
Hormonal changes related to menstruation
Exposure to sunlight
Certain foods

While not everyone will experience recurrences, identifying the signs that it’s coming can help speed up recovery.

Signs and Lifecycle

The lifecycle of a cold sore typically goes through 5 stages:

Tingling: Typically the first sign of a cold sore, if treated early enough you may be able to reduce the duration and severity of the outbreak.
Blisters: After a few days, one or more blisters will appear and the skin surrounding the area becomes red and tender to the touch.
Weeping: Once the cold sore has developed, it will break open and start to weep.
Crusting: After the sore has dried out, a crust will form over the sore.
Healing: Much like a cut, once the crusted sore has scabbed over, it will start to heal.

Treating Cold Sores

Thankfully, it’s not all doom and gloom for the carriers! Cold sores can generally be treated at home without a trip to the doctor. And while most cold sores will clear up on their own, knowing how to get rid of cold sores will help reduce the severity of infection and associated pain.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications

As HSV is one of the most common infections, there are many OTC medications available to help combat an outbreak. Ask your pharmacist for an ointment or cream containing docosanol or benzyl alcohol, as both help dry up the sore to speed up healing.

Many OTC medications also include an antibacterial to help sterilize the sore and kill off any nasty bugs. To ease the dried lips often associated with an outbreak, medicated lip balm containing sunscreen can also provide some relief, while a pain reliever such as Ibuprofen may help control pain.

Prescription Medications

Many antiviral medications are also available by prescription from your doctor. These include:

Acyclovir (Xerese, Zovirax)
Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
Famciclovir (Famvir)
Penciclovir (Denavir)

Some of these are in pill forms, while others come as an ointment to be applied directly to the sore. For severe outbreaks, an injection may be necessary.

It’s recommended to start medication within 24 hours of the first symptoms. As the virus spreads out to the nerve fibers, the drugs become less effective and may not help.

Your doctor may also prescribe antiviral meds if you experience frequent or prolonged outbreaks.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes

There are many things you can do at home to help reduce the severity of symptoms:

Apply ice or a cooling wrap. While it won’t reduce the duration of an outbreak, cold compresses can help alleviate pain and reduce swelling.
Watch what you eat. Acidic foods like citrus fruit and spicy food can aggravate and open a cold sore. As HSV requires arginine, an amino acid, to replicate, avoid arginine-rich foods like seeds, nuts, and chocolate to reduce the duration and severity of an outbreak.
Take lysine supplements or apply ointment. While the studies are limited, this essential amino acid blocks the activities of arginine which HSV needs to thrive.
Apply aloe vera. The commonly found houseplant has anti-inflammatory properties which can help soothe the skin.
Reduce stress. A common trigger for cold sore outbreaks, stress reduction can be as easy as a few minutes of deep breathing.
Avoid extended sun exposure. Studies have shown that more than 10% of outbreaks are sun-induced. If you can’t avoid going into the sun, apply a sunscreen with at least SPF30 protection.
Apply rhubarb and sage cream. A 2001 study found that a topical cream made from rhubarb and sage to be as effective as topical aciclovir cream.

When to see a Doctor

If you only experience the occasional cold sore, home treatment should be enough to keep it under control. While an outbreak can affect your quality of life, avoiding the usual triggers and taking steps to soothe the sore and keep it from getting infected may be all you need.

However, if your outbreaks get worse or the blisters become infected, you should seek medical attention. People with weakened immune systems as well as eczema sufferers run a greater risk of severe outbreaks, so speak to a doctor as they may be able to prescribe a drug to help minimize the impact cold sores have on your life.

Final word

Most cold sore sufferers will have recurrences throughout their lifetime, which can greatly affect their quality of life. By knowing how to get rid of cold sores, they can speed up the healing process and reduce the severity of the outbreak.

As is often the case, there are different treatments for those with cold sores. Home remedies can be great in reducing the severity of your symptoms, but won’t speed up the healing process. On the other hand, antiviral meds have been shown to be more effective in the prevention and treatment of cold sores.

To help reduce the severity and frequency of your cold sore outbreaks, make minor lifestyle changes and speak with your doctor to identify possible triggers to come up with a treatment plan.

References

https://medlineplus.gov/coldsores.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/symptoms-causes/syc-20371017
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/learning-how-cold-sore-viruses-hide
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/cold-sores
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525789/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15603217

Health

How Long Does Botox Last

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 8, 2019 Last Edited: January 31, 2019

Arch

Botox is derived from the bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. This species of bacteria is found in forests, lakes, and soil. It can also found in fish, crabs, and mammals.

Does that mean that Botox is actually natural and totally safe? Well, not exactly. There are some risks involved.

While Clostridium botulinum is natural and harmless, the Botox used in today’s cosmetic procedures is something different.

If you’re looking at getting Botox treatment, you probably have some questions that you’d like the answer to. Chief among them is: How long does Botox last?

Let’s start with the basics.

What Is Botox Used for and How Does It Work?

Botox, also known as botulinum toxin, is a neuromuscular blocking agent. It is injected directly into muscles or hyperactive corrugator superciliaris. Doctors target muscles that control frowning so that Botox can cause a form of muscle weakness for a period of time.

That will lead to the elimination of wrinkles and facial creases.

As we can see from this research study, the results were clear after day 30 of this treatment, but you can generally notice the effects after just 7 days.

So, Botox is mostly applied to the face for eliminating all kinds of lines, but it has also been discovered that Botox helps with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) as well, which means that it can be applied to your hands, feet, and armpits.

Besides those two common treatments, Botox is also being used for:

Chronic migraine
Strabismus (crossed eyes)
Overactive bladder
Hemifacial spasm
Eyelids spasm
Overactive detrusor

Although Botox is becoming more and more popular as there are nearly 3 million injections per year, it is still quite risky and even deadly.

You see, botulinum toxin is one of the most poisonous substances known today. It can cause severe diseases and problems, such as paralysis, and it can even affect the nervous system. This research study shows just how deadly Botox can be if it isn’t used properly.

With that being said, if you have made up your mind about getting Botox treatment, make sure that you choose the right doctor for the procedure.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s see how long does Botox last.

How Long Can Botox Keep on Doing its Magic?

There have been countless research studies on how long Botox lasts. It is a fact that Botox doesn’t last forever and that after a certain period of time your cured “symptoms” will return.

You may have suspected this, but the effects of Botox actually don’t last that long. The usual amount of time for your muscles to shake off the effects of Botox and reactivate is 3 to 6 months, and that’s exactly how long Botox lasts.

How long will Botox last for you depends on factors like:

Age
The depth of your wrinkles
The elasticity of your skin

How much Botox the doctors will use in your treatment also depends on those factors and many others, so have in mind that the treatment isn’t exactly the same for everyone.

When it comes to the treatment of hyperhidrosis, the answer is the same. The patients will usually have to return after 6 months for another injection.

So, during that time, are there any side effects, you may ask? Well, let’s find out.

Side-Effects of Botox Injections

There have been cases where headaches were reported right after Botox had been injected. They normally last anywhere from 24 hours to 48 hours, but they aren’t that common.

Some patients may experience eyelid drooping. That side effect usually ends within three weeks. The drooping occurs due to the spread of Botox away from the targeted site, so it is advised that you don’t rub the injected area for at least 12 to 14 hours.

Besides the above side effects, there are other more unpleasant ones:

Numbness
Mild nausea
Neck weakness
Blurred vision
Swelling
Rashes
Trouble swallowing

How’s the Procedure Like?

Don’t worry. Botox treatment isn’t painful. To be exact, the whole Botox treatment lasts only a couple of seconds. It doesn’t even require local anesthesia.

Doctors inject Botox into muscles with special needles. All that you may feel is a slight discomfort.

It is advised that you avoid alcohol for about a week after your first injection. Besides alcohol, aspirins shouldn’t be used for about 2 weeks after the treatment.

Are There People Who Shouldn’t Receive Botox?

Short answer – YES.

As previously mentioned, Botox is still quite risky. Generally, it isn’t advised unless absolutely necessary. It has become a very common procedure nowadays for cosmetic purposes, where for some people Botox is a way of life. However, there are those who should avoid it at all costs!

The risk groups that should refrain from using Botox including:

Pregnant women
Breastfeeding women
People with neurological diseases

Of course, you might want to consult your doctor before getting Botox. Yes, even if you don’t belong in these three categories. One doesn’t even have to be a doctor to inject Botox into others these days; nurses and other medical professionals can do it.

Also, keep in mind that there are wrinkles that Botox cannot “cure”, such as wrinkles caused by sun damage or simply gravity.

Final Verdict

That would be everything that you need to know before going through your first Botox treatment. If you are wondering how you can prevent new wrinkles from occurring, nature gives you the solution.

Try natural remedies such as olive oil, honey, sugar scrubs, etc. You can also buy cosmetic creams and lotions and see if they do the trick for you.

You’ll have to wait at least 3 months for your next Botox injection, but there are doctors who recommend 6 months.

Of course, Botox isn’t covered by most insurance plans if it’s used for cosmetic purposes.

Now that you know how long does Botox last and the associated risks, the decision is all yours.

References:

https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-botox
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14507232
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2840902/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4658210/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3722467/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158647.php
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1128745/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4218921/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15506051
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-botox-last#frequency

Health

How to Get Rid of Puffy Eyes – The Methods That Do the Trick

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 7, 2019 Last Edited: February 8, 2019

Arch

The problem of puffy eyes can happen to anybody, regardless of age or gender. It can be the result of stress, allergy, and fatigue. Some people even have a set of facial features that make them inherently more susceptible to this condition.

But how to get rid of puffy eyes? There are many home remedies to choose from, such as covering your eyes with cucumber circles. Anti-hemorrhoid ointments can also deliver a quick, albeit temporary, relief. But to find a more permanent solution, it’s important to look at the reasons behind the puffy eyes.

What Causes Puffy Eyes?

The skin is quite thin around the eyes and it easily swells as fluids accumulate in the area. Edema is the medical name for this fluid accumulation, and it is usually followed by marked skin discoloration.

Besides fatigue, stress, and allergies, there are some less-known factors that cause puffy eyes. Excessive salt consumption makes the body retain fluids and induces a swelling around the eyes. In addition, puffy eyes are also a good indicator of sinus problems.

Crying and a lack of proper hydration can lead to this issue too. Insufficient sleep doesn’t help. Even if you have a regular sleep schedule, you may wake up with puffy eyes because there is no blinking while you sleep. But in this case, the puffiness disappears soon after the blinking is restored.

As people age, their eyes tend to become more swollen. The membrane that holds the fat behind lower and upper eyelids becomes thinner, causing bulges to appear.

Unusually puffy eyes can be an indicator of an underlying medical condition like kidney failure.

Remedies That Help

Assuming that you are in perfect health, there are more than a few methods that aid the reduction of puffy eyes.

Cold Compress

The first line of defense is applying a cold compress to the swollen area. Take a cold wet washcloth and press it gently under your eyes. Keep it on for a few minutes and you should get some immediate results.

Tea Bags

In addition to cucumber circles, tea bags have been quite an effective home remedy for decades. The caffeine found in most black tea varieties is the active ingredient that helps. It gets under your skin, improves circulation, and reduces swelling.

Get a couple of wet tea bags and put them in a fridge for a few minutes. Place them over the eyes once the bags get comfortably cold. Between 15 and 30 minutes is usually enough to significantly reduce the puffiness.

Witch Hazel

This folk remedy is a common sight in many medicine cabinets. It can do wonders for redness and inflammation, which makes it an excellent option for puffy eyes treatment.

Put witch hazel on a couple of cotton pads and keep them on your eyes for about 10 minutes. If you are new to this remedy, it is advisable to go with famous alcohol-free brands like Quinn’s, Thayers, etc.

Face Creams and Serums

Like the chilled tea bags, a comfortably cold face cream of your choice can help get rid of the puffy eyes. Keep the cream or serum in the fridge a few minutes before the application. In addition, most creams contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera that can also expedite the removal of the swelling.

Massage

There are a few massage routines that stimulate the blood flow in the area and quickly reduce the puffiness. What’s more, they can be applied together with a cream or serum.

Start at brow pressure points and move your fingers gently to the outer corners of your eyes. The action delivers some drainage of the swollen area. Massage the sinuses on either side of your nose and slowly work your way outwards. Some people may even feel the fluid move inside.

A gentle downward massage of the neck lymph nodes helps as well, but be careful not to apply too much pressure. If need be, you can repeat each of the massage routines for better results.

Eye Rollers

When it comes to products for removing puffy eyes, the effectiveness of eye-rollers is almost unprecedented. They utilize metal balls and soothing gels to deliver optimal results and there are a lot of different brands to choose from.

Some are caffeine-based and work much like tea bags. More expensive options usually have additional active ingredients to promote hydration and deliver more cooling.

Sleeping Position

There has been some mention of the importance of sufficient sleep. But the way you sleep can also help minimize or remove puffiness in the eyes.

Adding extra pillows positions your head at an angle that prevents the fluid from accumulating around the eyes. If you find it hard to sleep with more than one pillow, try raising the head of your bed.

There are bed risers you can get online. Or you can try placing some sort of a wedge under the bed for a DIY solution.

Stay Hydrated

The lack of proper hydration is one of the major causes of puffy eyes. Increase your water intake to reduce and ultimately prevent puffiness. In general, 8 eight-ounce glasses a day are enough to keep your skin well hydrated.

Those who struggle with this routine can set reminders and use special water bottles designed to make hydration more convenient.

Boost Potassium Intake

Potassium is one of the key macrominerals that keep the fluid levels at an optimum. This is why it can help if you struggle with puffy eyes. Potassium-rich foods include beans, leafy greens, bananas, and yogurt.

Those who have a diet full of potassium should consult with a physician to determine if it’s safe to increase the intake of this mineral with supplements.

Surgery

Blepharoplasty is a procedure that removes the excess skin, fat, and muscle around the eyes. This method should only be considered as a last resort when all the home remedies fail.

In addition, there are also less invasive chemical and laser treatments that effectively remove puffy eyes. So there is no reason to be eager to go under the knife.

Charming Dark Circles

At this point, you should have a perfect understanding of the tried-and-tested methods on how to get rid of puffy eyes. Dealing with this problem is quite easy even when puffiness of the eyes runs in the family. Don’t hesitate to try out different things to determine which one works best for you.

Once again, staying away from salty foods is paramount. And the same advice goes to alcohol intake. A combination of a healthy lifestyle and some hacks to reduce the swelling ensure you will look as fresh as a daisy at any time of the day.

References:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287212.php
https://www.thayers.com/natural-complex-brighten-eyes/?v=893f26889d1e
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/witch-hazel-benefits-uses
https://www.karger.com/article/Abstract/343174

Health

How to Get Rid of Freckles

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 7, 2019 Last Edited: January 31, 2019

Arch

Freckles are tiny brown spots that can appear on the skin due to many factors. The most common places where freckles usually appear are the arms, shoulders and facial skin due to sun exposure.

As you can see from this research study, there are two types of freckles: ephelides and solar lentigines. Despite the popular belief, it’s interesting that nobody is born with freckles. However, they can be genetic and appear later in life.

The gene that’s responsible for your early childhood freckles is caller MC1R, and that is for ephelides. The gene is also partly responsible for and associated with red hair and pale skin.

If your freckles appeared later in life, they belong to the solar lentigo type, which appears due to photodamage.

Either way, if you aren’t proud of them, you should learn how to get rid of freckles. Please note that freckles aren’t harmful, though in some cases they could be a sign of skin cancer.

Why Do Freckles Appear?

The first type of freckles was explained above, but what causes the second one? This information is valuable in order to save your skin from developing brown spots in the first place.

You see, freckles consist of clusters of skin cells. They are full of a pigment called melanin. The pigment that we are talking about is directly responsible for the formation of freckles.

If your skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation for a long period of time and without any type of protection, then the melanocytes will increase the production of melanin, therefore leading to the appearance of freckles.

So, what can prevent freckles from appearing? The AAD (American Academy of Dermatology) suggests sunscreens that have an SPF value of 30 or even higher. You should apply sunscreen before you go outside (at least 15 minutes before).

Getting Your Skin Cleaned

The effective freckle removal treatment isn’t the same for everyone. Also, not everyone will respond to it the same way.

Keeping in mind that natural treatments are always the best possible options, here is how to get rid of freckles at home, and hopefully with ease:

1. Use Apple Cider Vinegar

The ingredients that you will need for this method are honey (1 tablespoon) and apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon).

The treatment is quite simple. Just mix the apple cider vinegar with honey and apply the mix on the freckles. You should leave it like that for about 15 to 20 minutes and then wash the area with warm water.

Apple cider vinegar is effective because it contains malic acid which reveals the lighter skin underneath the freckles.

You should be applying this mixture every single day. If you are trying to get rid of freckles from your facial skin, then apply the mixture every other day.

2. Use Aloe Vera

All that you will need here is a good commercially available aloe vera gel (or extract your own). Apply the gel directly on the freckles and massage the area for about 3 to 4 minutes. After that, leave the gel on for an additional 10 minutes. The last step is to rinse the area with warm water.

It is recommended that you apply the gel right before bedtime and leave it on until you wake up. Aloe vera is safe and there are no side effects. You should repeat this process every single day.

Aloe vera works because it contains aloesin which prevents pigmentation.

3. Use Baking Soda

Just a pinch of baking soda and 2 drops of castor oil are needed for this treatment. Again, the procedure is quite simple. Mix these two ingredients and apply to your freckles. Leave the mixture on for about 30 minutes and then rinse the area with warm water.

You can do this treatment 2 times per day. Baking soda is excellent against freckles as it removes the darkened skin cells and clears your skin.

4. Use Kiwi and Strawberries

Kiwi is a fruit full of antioxidants that protect and nurture the skin. On the other hand, strawberries are full of Vitamin C and enzymes that can lighten the skin under your freckles.

For this treatment, you will need 1 kiwi and 2 strawberries. Make a pulp out of these two fruits and apply it to your freckles. Leave the mixture on for 20 minutes and then rinse it off.

You can perform this treatment 2 times per day.

5. Use Avocado Oil

This treatment requires you to apply 2 or 3 drops of avocado oil on your freckles. Leave it like that for about 2 hours. You should repeat the avocado oil treatment once every day.

Avocado oil is a very good skin conditioner. It contains lots of antioxidants, such as vitamin A, D, E that directly impact the spots caused by UV light.

6. Use Banana Peel

Just a small piece of banana peel is enough for this delicious treatment. You should rub the banana peel (the inside of it) directly on your freckles and leave your skin like that for a few minutes. After that, simply rinse your face with warm water.

This treatment works well with others from this list.

Besides the anti-freckles function, banana peel also has an anti-aging effect because of the gluconolactone that is found in it.

Doctors May Suggest: Laser Therapy

As the last possible solution to the question of how to get rid of freckles – there is laser therapy.

Laser treatment works by exposing the affected skin area with intense light. There are different types of lasers today and they are being used quite routinely, but are they safe? Are they even effective?

To be honest, some of them are more effective than others.

According to this research study, YAG laser is proven to be effective, reliable and safe. After a month of treatment, all five patients got rid of their freckles.

YAG laser is so popular that there was another study with the same positive results.

Also, Q-Switched Alexandrite laser is known for its effectiveness against freckles as proven here.

Although these lasers are proven effective, some side effects might occur:

Swelling
Infection
Redness

The Final Verdict

Now you know how to get rid of freckles the natural way. Remember that all good things take time, so be patient with your treatment. If you don’t notice any change after a while, visit your doctor and explain the situation, and perhaps ask about laser treatment.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-to-get-rid-of-freckles#cryosurgery
https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/the-effect-of-3-sessions-of-q-switched-neodymium-yttriumaluminumgarnet-laser-in-the-treatment-of-freckles-2376-0427-1000193.php?aid=54114
https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/13-simple-ways-to-get-rid-of-freckles/
https://books.google.co.in/books?id=EhSSzT2SP2wC&pg=PA116&dq=apple+cider+vinegar+exfoliant&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi2g5aAranNAhWKuI8KHcJ3AGYQ6AEIKTAA#v=onepage&q=apple%20cider%20vinegar%20exfoliant&f=false
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5605211/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10759799
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11487574
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22372516

Health

How to Get Rid of Lower Back Fat and Get Your Body Beach-Ready

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 6, 2019 Last Edited: January 31, 2019

Arch

Lower back fat is notoriously hard to remove. No matter what you do and how hard you exercise, the fat just seems to stay there. Some go for liposuction as a last resort after they’ve exhausted all other methods. But there is no need to go under the knife.

A few tweaks to your gym routine usually does the trick. Proper diet and hydration also play a major role in the quest to get rid of the love handles that make you self-conscious. The following write-up gives you some tips and trick on how to get rid of lower back fat without visiting a surgeon.

But first, you should take a closer look at the likely causes of this frustrating problem.

Why Do Love Handles Appear?

The process of accumulating fat is well known. Excessive body fat means you’re burning fewer calories than you take in. Fat accumulation is not limited only to the lower back but there are certain reasons why some people are more likely to have it in this area.

Hormone levels are an important factor for retaining fat in the lower back and other parts of your body. For example, accumulating a lot of fat around the hips may signal low levels of progesterone. In addition, high levels of cortisol can contribute since they often induce overeating.

A well-though-out diet helps keep your hormone levels in check, but there are other factors you should keep in mind. With age, the body struggles to shed the excess fat. Add a sedentary lifestyle into the mix and fat is likely to pop up in all the wrong places.

Insufficient sleep doesn’t help either. Some studies found that sleep deprivation increases the chances of obesity for adults by staggering 55%. Luckily, there are things you can do to help.

It Starts With a Balanced Diet

Despite what some weight loss gurus say, there is no single diet which specifically targets lower back fat.

When you get started with a weight loss regimen, visceral fat is usually the first to go. This type of fat has an increased metabolic activity which makes it somewhat easier to burn. You should be patient and stick with your plan to lose weight. Lower back fat and love handles will follow soon after this.

It is advisable to steer clear from diets that significantly reduce calorie intake. The same goes for diets that entirely forbid certain types of food. These fat burning plans are hard to stick to and they might result in muscle mass reduction – surely the thing you want to avoid.

A sensible diet plan means you need to focus on whole foods but not be limited by them. Focus on low-fat dairy, lean protein, and an all-you-can-eat selection of fruit and vegetables. Certain types of fish have a lot of unsaturated fat, which is another key element for a successful fat-burning diet.

People often worry about choosing the right weight loss program but there is no need to overthink it. A study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that some of the most common diets are equally effective for fat loss.

But if you want a general principle to stick to, this is the food ratio you should aim for: half of your plate should contain vegetables, a quarter lean protein, and the final quarter whole grains.

Don’t Forget to Exercise

Combine the aforementioned diet with a good workout plan and your lower back fat should be gone in no time. This means you need to focus on certain types of exercise that target otherwise difficult to reach areas.

Boost Cardio

An intensive cardio exercise is one of the best ways to get rid of lower back fat. Cardio routines need to be done between three and five times a week for at least half an hour.

Activities like swimming, boxing, and rowing are particularly good to remove excess fat from the lower back. For the best results, feel free to combine these activities with jogging, running or biking.

Keep in mind that there’s more to cardio than just getting your back in shape. It improves your cardiovascular system as a whole and keeps the triglyceride and cholesterol levels in check. What’s more, regular cardio is known to minimize the risk of osteoporosis as well.

Give Interval Training a Try

Interval training can speed up your fat loss efforts. It targets the lower back and any other problematic area to trim you down in no time.

A 20-minute run that includes a combination of moderate and vigorous intervals is a good exercise to start with. But taking up High-Intensity Interval Traning (HIIT) is a must for the best possible results. HIIT involves pushing yourself as hard as you can for a few minutes or more.

In other words, HIIT should leave you breathless and perspiring. This type of workout can be combined with regular cardio to amplify its effects but some prefer to do it separately. On its own, a HIIT routine usually doesn’t take more than 30 minutes. Five minutes to warm up followed by twenty minutes of intensive training, then take another five minutes to cool down.

Bodyweight Workouts

There are a few specific bodyweight exercises that can do wonders for lower back fat. You can do any of these at home.

The Bridge

Lie on your back with your feet on the floor and your knees bent at 90°. Lift up the buttocks to make a bridge and hold the position for a few seconds. Move the body slowly to and from the floor and do about twenty repetitions.

Lower Back Extension

Lie on your stomach with hands behind your head, then lift your legs and chest as far as you can. Doing a few sets of ten should be enough to start with.

The Plank

Hold your body straight with your forearms on the floor. The buttocks mustn’t be higher than the rest of the body. Stay in this position as long as possible and repeat the exercise a few times.

Note: Bodyweight workouts can be great for warming up, regardless of your usual routine.

The Final Push

Now is the time to take action since you know how to get rid of lower back fat. Remember, it takes stamina and perseverance to get your body beach ready.

Nevertheless, a healthy combination of balanced dietary habits and regular exercise can give you the desired results. And once your fat loss routine becomes a habit, don’t hesitate to push even harder to get a six pack that matches your lean physique.

References:

https://health.gov/paguidelines/second-edition/pdf/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf#page=55
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3278241/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2398753/
https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/stress-weight-gain#1
https://www.naturalhealthmag.com.au/content/what-your-body-fat-trying-tell-you
https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/cosmetic-medicine/how-to-choose-between-liposuction-and-noninvasive-fat-reduction-procedures/

Health

How Long Does Hair Grow – The Facts and Figures You Should Know

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 6, 2019 Last Edited: January 31, 2019

Arch

For centuries, long thick hair has been one of the ultimate signs of beauty. Other trends have changed over the years, but relatively long well-styled hair is considered attractive to this day. In most cultures, this view applies to both women and men.

Though hair is an important part of the way we see ourselves, we don’t tend to think about the biology of hair growth. Exactly how long does hair grow? And what can you do if you want better hair?

The Quick Answer

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, human hair grows about half an inch per month. But it grows in different stages and there are various factors that can influence the growth.

Hair Growth Factors

Each person has a specific type of hair with a distinct texture, look, and feel. At first glance, hair can be curly, wavy, or straight. Regardless of the form, the strands are either thick or thin. Some people have fine hair, which is usually described as skinny, and others have fat or coarse hair.

Your genes control the look and feel of your hair. But other factors also come into the equation when it comes to hair growth. Your overall health and diet play a major role in the health of your hair. Hence, excessive hair loss and poor growth can be indicators of certain medical conditions or poor nutrition. And then there’s the question of age.

The first signs of change usually come as you enter your 30s. The hair follicles start producing less melanin, the pigment responsible for color, causing your hair to go grey. This is also determined by your genes and other than trying to dye the hair, there is little you can do to stop it.

With age, your hair also becomes thinner and grows at a much slower rate. Some of the follicles you’re born with stop growing new hair altogether. Men might spot the first signs of baldness around the age of 30. Male pattern baldness is a widespread experience, and it’s related to testosterone fluctuations as men grow older.

On the other hand, some seniors might experience increased hair growth in odd places. Men usually get more hair in the eyebrows, nose, and ears as they age. Older women might be bothered by stubborn hair around the lips and chin.

Hair Growth Stages

Hair follows three distinct growth stages:

1. Anagen

This is the stage during which your hair grows actively. It usually lasts between two and eight years, growing at the average rate of half an inch a month.

2. Catagen

The hair stops growing in the catagen phase. But it still stays in place for up to six weeks.

3. Telogen

This is the fall out stage and telogen spans over the period of about three months.

On average, up to 95% of the hair on your head is in the anagen phase. The remaining percentage goes to the telogen phase, and it’s normal to lose up to 150 hairs a day.

Is There a Way to Achieve Better Hair Growth?

Luckily, there is. The anagen phase is influenced by hair length and by the follicle’s ability to multiply and produce new hair. Research into the exact mechanism behind this process is still ongoing and you shouldn’t expect miraculous hair growth. Nevertheless, there are things you can do to keep the hair healthy and promote follicle productivity.

Nutrients and Vitamins Galore

You might not be aware of the fact that your body demands a lot of energy to efficiently grow hair. Consequently, a balanced diet is one of the main ways to maintain desirable hair growth. In addition, some supplements may help.

A 2015 study has shown that omega 3 and 6 supplements minimize hair loss for women. In addition, the women who took part also had better hair thickness. Lack of zinc can be one of the major factors that expedite hair loss. But supplementation works only if there is a zinc deficiency in the first place. Research confirms that some protein supplements help as well.

It also doesn’t hurt to keep vitamin C levels high. This vitamin has antioxidant properties that may prevent the thinning and graying of hair.

Essential Oils

Men who struggle with hair loss might find pumpkin seed oil to be a lifesaver. In fact, it is known to increase the amount of hair by an amazing 40%. Mineral, castor, and coconut essential oils also help because they prevent the damage that impairs hair growth.

It’s worth pointing out that these oils shouldn’t be applied directly onto the skin.

Caffeine

The studies are still new and limited but there is some evidence that caffeine promotes hair growth. This is why hair-growth shampoos have it as an active ingredient.

Topical Ointments

Besides preventing hair loss, some topical ointments can actually help with hair growth. Topical products that contain melatonin increase hair density. Those who wish to slow down their hair loss may also consider topical minoxidil and ketoconazole shampoos.

Keratin

Products that contain keratin are the way to go for many people who want to improve their hair growth. And a study confirms its beneficial properties, as the participants had a 12.5% hair loss reduction and a 5.9% better strength. What’s more, their hair had more luster and brightness as an added benefit.

Protein

Protein hair treatments are especially important for those who apply heat and frequently style their hair. In addition to promoting growth, proteins keep the hair safe from environmental and chemical damage.

Applying common coconut oil is one of the best ways to replenish the lost proteins. It is advisable to do it before and after you wash the hair. But too much protein puts your kidneys at risk, so it’s best to be careful with supplements.

Ample amounts of protein are found in yogurt, vegetables, and nuts. This basically brings you back to a well-balanced diet which can be regarded as one of the best ways to improve the health of your hair.

The Bottom Line

How long does hair grow? It doesn’t grow at the same speed throughout your life. As you age, your hair growth will slow down. This article has provided you with enough tips and tricks to improve the health and growth of your hair. If all fails, hair transplants are a painful but effective way to solve the problem of hair loss.

References:

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/tswj/2014/641723/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24836650
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12715094
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4017725/
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/drp/2015/841570/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24371385
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25573272
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4606321/
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001177.htm
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002256.htm
https://www.aad.org/public/kids/hair/how-hair-grows

Health

How to Get Rid of Neck Wrinkles with Natural Methods

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 5, 2019 Last Edited: February 8, 2019

Arch

For better or worse, stopping the aging process is impossible. Wrinkles are a completely natural part of this process, and they’re unavoidable. Still, many people will go out of their way to prevent their age from showing.

If you’re bothered by the way your skin looks, you might want to know how to get rid of neck wrinkles. Luckily, there are several ways of doing this. But before we get to them, it’s important to understand why these wrinkles occur in the first place.

What Causes Neck Wrinkles?

The neck area is among the first parts of the body to get affected by wrinkles. There are many factors that contribute to this, such as your genetics, environment, and your skin phototype. Your phototype and genetics are outside of your control, but you can eliminate or reduce some other risk factors.

UV exposure is the best example. UV rays destroy collagen and elastin fibers, which form the connective tissue in your skin. Once they’re broken down, the skin gets less flexible, weak, and wrinkles start showing up.

Other factors that accelerate this process are regular smoking, stress, poor diet, and many other lifestyle factors. These are all things you have control over, so you can prevent wrinkles to some extent.

But if prevention is no longer an option, and you’re looking for a remedy for your neck wrinkles, take a look at the following methods:

1. Apply Coconut Oil to Your Skin

Coconut oil is considered a superfood for a wide variety of reasons. But applying it to your skin has just as many benefits as consuming it.

Coconut oil helps your skin a few different ways. A study has shown it has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. It’s also effective at reducing oxidative stress, which plays a major role in the aging of your skin. Because it’s not harsh on the skin, coconut oil is perfect for areas where the skin is sensitive, such as your neck.

Try making coconut oil a part of your evening skincare routine. Even though you won’t notice immediate benefits, you can expect positive changes to occur in the long run.

2. Try a Retinol Cream

Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative that has been proven to be effective against natural wrinkles. It helps your skin make up for the lost collagen, which gives it more elasticity and helps remove wrinkles to some extent.

There are many over-the-counter options to try out. Bear in mind that, due to other compounds contained in these creams, not every product will be suitable for your skin type. You can consult your pharmacists to find the best one. But generally speaking, over-the-counter retinol creams shouldn’t come with any side effects.

Prescription retinol creams should only be considered if OTC solutions don’t work. Retinoid is very potent, and can damage the delicate skin of your neck if you use it in high concentrations. It’s extremely important that you discuss the use of these drugs with your dermatologist, and apply them in moderation without deviating from the prescribed dose.

3. Try Neck Exercises

Collagen loss makes your skin turn loose, and too much of it can cause visible lines that can be very hard to remove with creams. Thankfully, there are a few exercises you can try to get rid of this excess skin and tighten it.

The “kissing the sky” exercise is among the most effective ones. Sure, it might look a bit silly and you might feel awkward while doing it, but it will have a significant positive impact on your neck lines. Here are the basic steps of this exercise:

Sit comfortably in a chair and maintain good posture.
Tilt your head backwards and look up.
Pucker your lips as hard as you can.
Hold for around five seconds, then tilt your head back forward.

If you do this exercise a few times each day, this skin on your neck will become smoother over time.

4. Exfoliate Your Neck Skin

Exfoliation is among the most effective treatments for rejuvenating the skin. If you’ve ever tried it, there’s a high chance you’ve noticed at least some improvements. With the right methods, you might be able to significantly reduce your neck wrinkles. New wrinkles can even be fully removed with exfoliation.

The moisturizers and nutrients found in the best exfoliation formulas provide your skin with compounds that have an anti-aging effect. Exfoliation removes dead cells from your skin and promotes the growth of new, healthy cells.

There are two ways you can approach this: physical and mechanical exfoliation. Whichever option you choose, it’s important to keep your skin sensitivity in mind and make sure you don’t use any solutions that might be too rough on it.

5. Stay Hydrated

You already know the importance of staying properly hydrated. Dehydration is a very serious issue, the effects of which can be detrimental to your health, and even life-threatening in severe cases.

But did you know that simply drinking water regularly can go a long way in terms of battling wrinkles and keeping your skin vibrant?

A study has shown a clear difference between the skin of those that were well-hydrated and those that weren’t. Regular water intake is associated with better biomechanical behavior in skin cells, which results in healthy and youthful-looking skin.

Make sure you’re properly hydrated on a day-to-day basis, especially during hot days. Your skin is among the first body parts to suffer from heat exposure, so keeping it hydrated will help rejuvenate it.

The Takeaway

Now that you have more information on how to get rid of neck wrinkles, go ahead and try some of them out. Combining them is likely to produce better results, so don’t be afraid to experiment with various options.

We left out surgical procedures on purpose, as there are many natural ways of keeping your skin strong and vibrant. Of course, this can only take you so far, so when it comes to a point at which home remedies and lifestyle changes don’t work, you can always resort to surgery.

References:

https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/facial-lines-and-wrinkles/
https://www.arpansa.gov.au/sites/default/files/legacy/pubs/RadiationProtection/FitzpatrickSkinType.pdf
https://www.healthguidance.org/entry/11649/1/what-is-collagen.html
https://www.iquitmonday.org/face-facts-smoking-causes-wrinkles/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/
https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/3/3/28
https://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/557377
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/ac9f/1f8a23b3b64f83173bafce942d307afba3ea.pdf
https://labtestsonline.org/conditions/dehydration
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4529263/

Fibromyalgia

10 Effective Tips For Fighting Fibromyalgia Pain

Written By: Fibromyalgia Treating

Published Date: February 5, 2019 Last Edited: February 11, 2019

admin

Fibromyalgia discomfort is a very common ailment that affects millions of people on planet each year. It is generally known as a wide spread fatigue, muscular pain, and multiple tender points. Even though this pain is very common, Fibromyalgia syndrome is usually misunderstood and under diagnosed ailment in health market. Medical professionals and research workers are still working hard to know about the actual causes of the disorder, identify and deal with its signs or symptoms.

On the other hand, it does not mean that people affected by this health disorder are hopeless of a life with ongoing and unending exhaustion and regular pain. You will find a number of effective natural ways for fighting Fibromyalgia and get back to your natural life.

1. Talk to Your Doctor

You always need regular visits to a highly qualified professional and skilled medical doctor with the years of experience in the field of Fibromyalgia to get a new and effective fitness or health plan every month.

A highly skilled medical professional with the years of experience in the field is the best person to recommend you the best exercises for fighting Fibromyalgia effectively.

He will also be able to tell you the most efficient every day diet plan that will help you to fight this disorder effectively. A good mixture of healthy diet and every day workouts is the most ideal way to fight this disorder successfully.

2. Keep Moving

Regular daily workouts and effective physical exercises play a very important role to regulate the growth hormone that can help you to maintain powerful muscles, soft tissue health which will result in a healthy and deep sleep at night.

In most cases, people who have difficulties with this disorder often get in touch with this pain by reducing their daily movement which causes pain in their joint body parts and muscular tissues.

Reducing your everyday movements and workouts can invite stiffness and pain in the body and increase the possibilities for injuries that can cause more pain. Daily workouts and efficient exercises is a key element in fighting this pain. These workouts will also help you to reduce a great amount of

Stress
Anxiety
Sleeping disorders
Irritable bowel syndrome
Imbalanced blood circulation

So, always make sure to take exercises regularly to deal with this health condition effectively.

3. Make Sure You Remember to Stretch

Never ever forget to stretch. Mild stretching workouts will help you to improve the stiffness of ligaments and muscular tissues.

These stretching exercises also help you to improve the range of motions. Always make sure you are including stretching workouts at the beginning and end of each exercising session.

4. Choose Exercises That You Enjoy

Make your daily workouts and physical exercises a fun thing. Your exercises should not be uninteresting, boring or painful in order to be effective.

Include things that you enjoy to make your exercising session interesting and fun. This can amazingly help you to reduce a great amount of depression and stress effectively.

5. Set Your Goals and Targets

Setting the goals and targets in an effort to fight this syndrome effectively is the finest way to get success. Set your goals and targets and stay positive during the process of fighting the disorder.

A great mind with a great attitude can deal with this health condition effectively. Always make sure you are listening to the voice of your body and do not take heavy exercises that cause further pain in your muscles or joint body parts.

6. Determination

Determined people are successful in this world. No matter what you do in your life, your determination always plays a big role in reaching your target. One of the best tips for fighting Fibromyalgia is how you take the job, seriously or lightly.

Your determination plays a key role in dealing with this disorder effectively. Always be positive and determined in an effort to treat your condition in an appropriate way.

7. Always Sleep on Time

Sleeping on time should be your top priority. As a matter of fact, all those men and women who have difficulties with this condition often report sleeping disorders like feelings of overwhelming exhaustion.

This health condition may disturb the daily sleeping routines and leave its sufferers in more fatigue and anxiety in the morning hours than before going to bed at night time. A healthy and timely sleeping is really an important and essential factor to treat this disorder effectively.

8. Set a Schedule

It is really important for you to set a good schedule of every day diet plan, healthy foods, good exercises and most importantly, timely sleeping. Set your exercising schedule for at least 30-45 minutes a day because it is really important for you take these exercises regularly to deal with this health syndrome.

As mentioned earlier, healthy and balanced diet is also an important factor that must not be ignored. Set a schedule for your daily healthy meals to live healthy. Sleeping at night is vital. Set a schedule of at least 8 hours of timely sleeping. You can write all these notes in your diary or use your Smartphone to set your schedule with alarm.

9. Reduce Stress

Stress is an emotional feeling. However, it can harm your body in a very bad manner and leave you in a miserable health condition. It can introduce tension and anxiety in different body parts including muscular tissues, increases a great amount of discomfort in joint body parts, upset your digestive system, and disrupts sleeping routines.

All those people who suffer Fibromyalgia report that they feel huge amount of stress without adding an extra burden with the body. In an effort to heal your body from this disorder, you will need to reduce the stress by any means to live like a normal human.

10 . Deep Breath

Stress management techniques like deep breath, meditation, yoga, and tai chi are great ways to calm the body and reduce stress.

Tips for fightingFibromyalgia pain are really easy to follow. You just need determination, optimistic approach and dedication to treat the disorder effectively.

Does Avril Lavigne Have Lyme Disease

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 5, 2019 Last Edited: January 31, 2019

Arch

Every once in a while, a celebrity opens up about their struggle with a certain condition. As much as hearing about it saddens the public, such stories do good by demystifying illnesses and raising awareness about diseases that people should know about.

‘Does Avril Lavigne have Lyme disease?’ was Googled many times since the singer announced her diagnosis in 2015. Many people were shocked by the announcement, and Lavigne states that battling the condition has caused some of the worst years in her life.

But why is this the case?

Before we get into the details of Lavigne’s story, we need to explain what Lyme disease actually does to your body.

What Is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted through the bites of the blacklegged tick. It’s the single most common tick-borne disease in the US and Europe, with around 300,000 Americans being diagnosed each year.

If left untreated, the infection can cause many severe complications, which will be discussed in detail later. Before we get into that, let’s see how Lavigne noticed she had it in the first place.

Lyme Disease Symptoms

The first thing that Lavigne realized was that she was extremely fatigued. She states she couldn’t get out of bed. This is one of the most common symptoms that is usually felt within the first 30 days of infection. Others include:

Swollen lymph nodes
Fever
Headache
Chills
Muscle aches

Fatigue occurs in 70-80% of the infected. Another widespread symptom is the Erythema migrans, a type of rash that begins at the site where the person was bitten, and then starts spreading with the ability to reach up to 12 inches in no more than a few days.

If she had been diagnosed earlier, Lavigne’s struggle might not have been as hard as it was. Unfortunately, testing for Lyme disease isn’t a particularly straightforward process.

First of all, the aim of the tests is to identify the antibodies that form in the blood, which might take weeks after exposure to the infection. Consequently, it can take weeks to get a diagnosis, and the bacteria might already spread by then. Until the antibodies have formed, the tests will come back negative, allowing the bacteria to multiply before the disease is diagnosed.

Being left undiagnosed for quite some time, Lavigne finally received a diagnosis in 2015, after feeling the first symptoms during her tour in 2014. What did she have to go through after she was diagnosed?

Lyme Disease Treatment

After getting the diagnosis, Lavigne was put on antibiotics and antimalarials, which are the most common treatment options for this condition. However, due to the late diagnosis, her recovery wasn’t easy.

In her own words: “It’s a smart bug: It morphs into a cystic form, so you have to take other antibiotics at the same time”. Killing the bacteria isn’t easy, and can sometimes be impossible. On the upside, appropriate treatment can stop the disease from progressing further, even if it doesn’t cure it.

What happens is that some of the symptoms, such as joint and muscle pain or cognitive dysfunction, keep lingering after treatment, and it might take a long time before they feel better. This is referred to as the post-treatment Lyme syndrome, and affects around 10% of all sufferers.

But even if it doesn’t erase all the symptoms, treatment can ensure that Lyme doesn’t cause other serious health issues.

Lyme Disease Complications

If Lyme is left untreated, it keeps progressing into Early, and then Late Disseminated Lyme. The symptoms get much worse, and they can include vision changes, chest pain, facial paralysis, and Lyme carditis.

Without an effective treatment method, the disease keeps damaging certain organs, causing further severe health issues such as eye inflammation, meningitis, or hepatitis.

Fortunately, this hasn’t happened to Lavigne. Even though it would have been much better if she had received the diagnosis earlier, there have been no serious complications.

This doesn’t mean that the battle against Lyme has been easy. Lavigne spent two years in her home, and says that she felt as if she were dying. At one point she even accepted death, but fortunately, things started looking up.

Lavigne’s Recovery

Lavigne still isn’t cured of the disease, but she does feel better. The main issue is that there’s no strict protocol towards battling it, so some trial and error is necessary. A patient might have to go through several round of different antibiotics before the bug has been killed.

This is exactly the path that Lavigne is currently on. She has fewer symptoms to deal with, but her battle is far from over.

She states that the silver lining to all that has happened is that she was inspired to write new songs, “Head Above Water” being the first song on the album she released while recovering.

There is another important way that Lavigne turned her struggle into something good.

Raising Awareness

After realizing how serious Lyme is, and how complex the diagnosis and recovery can be, Lavigne decided to help out those that are struggling through the Avril Lavigne Foundation.

Her mission is to shine the light on the disease, and make sure that everyone suffering from it can find all the help they need. The foundation is raising money to help those that can’t afford treatment, offering resources on how to battle the disease, and it also helps in a variety of other ways.

The foundation aims to help accelerate research on the disease through raising funds and partnering up with scientists. Lavigne is passionate about making sure that her condition affects as few people as possible, and is taking steps towards making that happen.

The Takeaway

So does Avril Lavigne have Lyme disease? Yes, and she learned how to make the best out of her situation. As you can see, Lyme is a serious disease that should never be taken lightly. Even though most people get cured without too many issues, complications happen more often than they should.

If you wish to learn more about the disease, Lavigne’s foundation is a great place to start. You’ll have a deeper understanding of how the disease works, and you can help raise awareness even further.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5029759/
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2013/p0819-lyme-disease.html
https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/signs_symptoms/index.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3153519/
https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/lyme-disease-tests/
http://lymewarrior.us/combination-oral-antibiotics/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4847307/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4395762/
https://www.lymedisease.org/lyme-hepatitis-2/
https://theavrillavignefoundation.org/lyme-resources/

Health

How Long Does Hep B Vaccine Last and Who Should Take It?

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 4, 2019 Last Edited: February 8, 2019

Arch

Hepatitis B (Hep B) vaccine is one of the most common vaccines today. It is used to develop immunity to Hepatitis B, a heavily contagious disease caused by the virus of the same name.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hepatitis B is in decline in recent years. The figures have dropped from around 200,000 new infections a year in the 1980s to an average of 20,000 in 2016.

Contracting the virus doesn’t necessarily put you at risk of a chronic infection. For individuals above the age of five, the chances of that happening are between 5 and 10%. Younger children are at a much higher risk. Under the age of five, the estimation is 25-50%. Infants run a 90% chance of developing a chronic infection if they contract the Hepatitis B virus.

The Hep B vaccine is the most common prevention methods for Hepatitis B, with the first vaccine being approved in the United States in 1981. In 1986, the first recombinant version became available. But how long does Hep B vaccine last? This article will explore the question. The possible side effects, risk factors and risk groups will also be considered.

What Is Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a highly infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. It affects the liver and exists in two forms – acute and chronic. The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with infected blood and other bodily fluids, as well as via sexual intercourse. It can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth.

Other ways to contract the virus include intravenous drug use, working in healthcare (it is especially likely to affect healthcare professionals who perform dialysis and blood transfusion), tattooing, acupuncture, unprotected sex (especially among homosexual men), and living with an infected individual. People with compromised immune systems and other chronic diseases are also at a higher risk of contracting the virus.

It is important to note that Hepatitis B can’t be transmitted via holding hands, kissing, breastfeeding, or eating with the same utensils.

Commonly, the chronic variation of the disease shows no obvious symptoms, though people suffering from it may eventually develop liver cancer and cirrhosis. On the other hand, acute Hepatitis B takes between 30 and 180 days to show the first signs. The most common symptoms include a loss of appetite, fever, weakness, the yellowing of eye whites and skin, dark urine, fatigue, pain in muscles and joints, and abdominal discomfort.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

The vaccine was introduced in the 1980s and has quickly become one of the most common and most recommended vaccines for infants. It is used around the world and has led to significant drops in Hepatitis B and liver cancer rates.

The vaccine contains small amounts of the Hepatitis B virus which a healthy human organism can fight off and develop immunity on its own. Once vaccinated, the immune system creates antibodies which can be activated in case the individual comes into contact with the virus.

In the UK, the Hep B vaccine is commonly offered to men who engage in sex with other men, as a part of routine sexual health checks. Also, many countries require medical staff (including doctors, nurses, and laboratory staff) to be vaccinated against Hepatitis B.

The vaccine is commonly taken in three rounds, ideally within the period recommended by CDC. Different schedules exist for children aged 0 to 18 and for adults.

Exactly How Long Does Hep Vaccine Last?

Years ago, the standard 3-round Hepatitis B vaccine provided protection for up to seven years. However, today’s vaccines provide you with more than 20 years of protection.

This means that booster doses are largely unneeded these days. However, it is recommended for certain groups to take subsequent booster doses. At-risk groups include hemodialysis patients and other individuals with seriously compromised immune systems, such as people infected with HIV, chemotherapy patients, and recipients of hematopoietic stem-cell transplants.

Side Effects

Hepatitis B vaccines are considered safe for babies, children, teenagers, and adults. Also, they are considered to be safe for pregnant women and mothers who breastfeed. It is estimated that around 70 million adults and adolescents and around 50 million babies in the US have received the vaccine since 1982.

Common side effects include pain, tenderness, and redness at the place the shot was taken. That being said, serious side-effects happen very rarely.

Some 1990s studies linked the Hepatitis B vaccine to multiple sclerosis in adult patients. This research caused controversy and lowered the percentage of vaccinated infants in several countries. However, more comprehensive studies concluded that there was no connection between the vaccine and MS.

Who Should Get the Vaccine?

The Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants and children aged between 0 and 18. In the case of infants, it is recommended to take the vaccine at birth, while still in hospital. In cases where the vaccine was omitted at birth, it’s important to complete the 3-shot series as soon as possible. Adolescents and adults who haven’t received the vaccine on time are also recommended to complete the vaccination as soon as they can.

Members of the following at-risk groups should take special care to get vaccinated: healthcare workers, people in treatment for another STD, the partners and household members of individuals with HIV/AIDS, prison inmates, intravenous drug users (both current and former), sexually active people who are not in exclusive relationships, men who engage in sex with other men, residents and staff of homes and facilities that care for the developmentally challenged, and people with serious kidney diseases (including hemodialysis, pre-dialysis, home dialysis, and peritoneal dialysis patients).

Some US populations have a substantially higher rate of HBV infections. This includes Pacific Islanders, Alaska Natives, as well as immigrants and refugees from endangered territories and countries. People who belong to these endangered groups are highly advised to take the vaccine.

Who Shouldn’t Get the Vaccine

It is worth noting that individuals who had serious allergic reactions to the first dose of the vaccine should not proceed with the second and third. Also, those hypersensitive to yeast shouldn’t take the vaccine. People suffering from severe acute illnesses should wait until their condition is improved.

Conclusion

Hepatitis B is a highly contagious disease and there is no cure for it yet, though there are efficient treatments that help people manage the symptoms. Hep B can be transmitted in a wide variety of ways and it can affect even the healthiest individuals.

Hepatitis B vaccine is one of the most affordable and safest ways to prevent this vicious disease. It is recommended to everyone from newborns to adults who haven’t been vaccinated. It has almost no significant side effects, and it offers effective protection lasting well over 20 years.

References:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hepatitis-b/
https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/hbvfaq.htm
http://www.hepb.org/prevention-and-diagnosis/vaccination/history-of-hepatitis-b-vaccine/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2809016/
http://www.hepb.org/what-is-hepatitis-b/what-is-hepb/acute-vs-chronic/
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/liver-cancer/about/what-is-liver-cancer.html
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cirrhosis/
https://epi.publichealth.nc.gov/cd/lhds/manuals/hepB/docs/hbv_vaccination.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/child-adolescent.html
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/adult.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350269
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00415-012-6716-y
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jmv.20524
https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/about-hiv-and-aids/what-are-hiv-and-aids

Health

Are You in a Sticky Situation? Learn How to Get Super Glue Off Fast

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 4, 2019 Last Edited: January 31, 2019

Arch

Super glue can attach to the skin very easily as it dries out rather quickly. The most annoying thing is that it won’t come off the way you would want it to. Although this problem isn’t that hazardous, it can lead to serious complications in the form of skin diseases or worse.

That’s why you need to learn how to get super glue off as soon as you find yourself in that sticky situation. This article will show you a couple of easy ways that everyone can try out for themselves in order to remove superglue from their skin.

Getting Super Glue Off Your Skin

How hard it is to get this sticky matter off varies from case to case. However, this list will provide everyone with a solution, no matter the situation.

1. Peel It Off

The first thing that you should do once you find yourself in this situation is to try and peel the glue off. If your skin is rather sensitive then you should avoid peeling as it may damage your skin.

Although this step seems like a pretty logical thing to do, it comes with a catch. You shouldn’t try to take off the super glue if it hasn’t dried out yet. Doing that would only spread the glue even more.

Simply wait for it to dry and then use your fingernails (or tweezers), grab the layer by the edge and try to peel the whole thing off.

If you feel pain of any intensity, stop immediately.

2. Use Warm Water

Soaking the skin in warm soapy water is usually the second step when you are trying to remove super glue from your skin. It is even applicable in the most severe cases of sticky accidents, as we can see in this report where the poor man’s hands were glued together.

Although it didn’t manage to get rid of the super glue in the case above, warm water mixed with soap is known for softening the glue and leading to its easy removal.

The procedure doesn’t take much time to do. Fill a bowl with warm water and add one tablespoon of mild soap. Now, simply soak the glued area and leave it in the bowl for one to two minutes. After that, try to peel the glue off. If it won’t come off yet, try it again.

This solution might be all that you need to get the super glue off, and even if it didn’t work, it will help the other methods.

3. Use Acetone

There was an interesting research study conducted on twenty healthy individuals. All of them put glue on themselves, mainly on their arms. The purpose of this research was to find out what solution works faster: waiting for the glue to dry or using solvents.

It turned out that acetone is one of the fastest tools for getting rid of super glue.

What’s important to know here is that this method works best on people who have harder, tougher skins. People with sensitive skin might find acetone painful as it can dry out their skin and irritate it. Also, acetone should never be applied to open wounds.

Here is the recommended procedure:

Soften the super glue by using the previous method (method number two) exactly as it is explained. As an extra step, you can add a dash of vinegar. After finishing this step, dry out your skin and continue to the next one.
Get a nail polish remover that contains acetone. Apply the acetone/nail polish remover to a cotton ball and go over the glue. After a couple of minutes, the super glue should start peeling off as acetone is a solvent for most brands of super glue.

4. Use Lemon Juice

The acid in lemon juice has a similar effect on super glue as acetone. However, lemon juice works best for smaller sticky incidents. Little patches of glue can be softened by lemon juice after a couple of minutes, but when it comes to bigger ones, it might be challenging.

What you can do here is pour the lemon juice into a bowl. Then soak your skin for about 10 minutes. In this case, you can use a cotton swab or even a toothbrush for applying the lemon juice onto the sticky area.

After this is done, use a dry towel and wipe the glue from your skin. It is advised to use a moisturizer after this procedure.

5. Use Margarine

This method is excellent for people with soft and sensitive skin. It is also very simple.

Rub margarine to the glue until it is softened enough for you to peel it off. That’s literally all that there is to it. If you’ve just run out of margarine, olive oil can be an excellent substitute. The procedure with olive oil is exactly the same.

As shown in this medical report, margarine has proven to be quite useful even in some severe cases. In the report, margarine was used to get rid of super glue from a 2-year-old’s mouth.

What if Super Glue Gets in Contact with Your Eyes?

If the super glue got on your eyes, here is something that might help you.

In this case, you should try the second method on our list. Grab a soft piece of cloth and dip it in warm water. After that, rub the glued area very softly. Once you’ve done that, apply a gaze and leave it on for a while. You need to be patient and calm.

What’s important here is not to force your eyes to open. Just wait until you’re able to open them naturally.

Because of irritation, tears might start to flow. You shouldn’t wipe them away as they can help speed up the process by clearing out the glue.

What if You Swallowed Glue?

Swallowing glue represents the most dangerous type of “sticky incidents”. If that’s the case, quickly rinse your mouth with warm water and head out to the emergency room.

Super glue can also cause allergic reactions in some people. Those who are allergic should also immediately go to the emergency room.

The Final Verdict

Getting super glue on your skin is more annoying than it is dangerous. However, if it is left untreated it can cause serious problems and complications.

This article showed you how to get super glue off quickly at home. All of these methods are safe and easy to use.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15620783
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323532.php
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11779306
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5057053/
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Super-Glue
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12964347
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4904143/

How Long Does Ritalin Last

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 1, 2019 Last Edited: January 31, 2019

Arch

ADHD is a widespread neurodevelopmental disorder. It is usually diagnosed in young children, and it first manifests before the age of twelve. This disorder is characterized by hyperactivity and the inability to pay attention. However, some patients might exhibit an exceptional ability to focus on the things they find interesting.

Ritalin is one of the most widely prescribed drugs for ADHD. It is efficient in treating the disorder but it can be very dangerous if misused. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to know what it is and how it works.

Here is one of the most important questions: how long does Ritalin last? The answer to this and many other questions about Ritalin can be found in the remainder of the text.

What Is Ritalin

Ritalin is a brand name of methylphenidate, a strong stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It is one of many prescription drugs used to treat the symptoms of ADHD.

The drug is used to overwhelm the patient’s regular timing systems and speed them up. This, in turn, grants the patients the ability to focus better, as the sped-up nerve cells in the brain don’t have time to fire out of sync or at random. Experts believe that this asynchronous and random firing of nerves is the root cause of ADHD.

Ritalin comes in three basic forms – immediate release, extended-release, and sustained release. The immediate release variety is available in the form of oral tablets. The extended-release version can be obtained in the form of oral capsules, while the sustained release version exists in the form of tablets.

Factors to Consider

Before getting to the dosages, it is important to give a brief overview of the surrounding factors that influence how the body processes Ritalin. Here’s a word or two on the most important factors.

Body Weight

The patient’s weight has a tremendous effect on the speed at which Ritalin gets metabolized. Heavier patients and those with a higher percentage of fat will process the drug faster than the patients of average or under-average build. Likewise, the effects will wear out faster in a large person than in a small one.

Liver and Kidneys

The state of your liver and kidneys impacts how fast Ritalin is processed in your body. If an individual taking Ritalin has a healthy liver and kidneys, they will process the drug much faster than a person with damaged kidneys or liver. Similarly, the effects will last for a shorter period of time in healthy patients.

Age and metabolism

Generally, younger patients tend to process Ritalin much faster than the older ones. Patients with faster metabolisms process the drug faster than the ones with slower metabolisms. Doing sports or engaging in physical activity can significantly speed up a person’s metabolic rate and, in turn, make the body process Ritalin faster. This means that Ritalin will last shorter in young and physically active patients than in older ones leading sedentary lifestyles.

In Combination with Other Drugs

It is highly recommended to talk to your doctor if you’re already taking drugs for other conditions and health problems, as these might shorten or lengthen the effects of Ritalin. You should inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: psychosis, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, glaucoma, coronary artery disease, anxiety, irregular heart rate, or heart disease.

For example, the drugs that boost metabolism will shorten the effects of Ritalin, while the ones that slow the metabolism down will lengthen the time your body takes to metabolize Ritalin. Also, some stimulants and drugs can directly react with Ritalin in your blood stream, potentially altering its effects.

How Long Does It Last

So, how long does Ritalin last? The effects of Ritalin and their duration differ from patient to patient and depend heavily on previously explained factors. However, there are general duration guidelines for the immediate release and extended release variants. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.

Immediate Release

Immediate release Ritalin exists in the form of tablets, with the available concentrations being 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg. The first effects can be felt shortly after ingestion.

The levels of immediate release Ritalin tablets in the patient’s blood usually peak around 2 hours after ingestion. The half-life is between one and three hours. Accordingly, the patient will feel the strongest effect about two hours after taking the drug, with the effects slowly wearing off over the course of the next hour or so.

It is not uncommon for patients to feel the effects of a dose of immediate release Ritalin for a full four hours. Usually, this happens with patients that metabolize the drug at a slower rate than average. On the other hand, the same dose might last for three hours or less in patients with a high metabolic rate.

Extended Release

The extended release variety, also known as Ritalin SR, comes in the form of oral capsules. The available concentrations are 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, and 60mg. Like their immediate release counterparts, the extended release capsules are taken orally. However, they take a longer time to kick in and reach peak concentration.

A capsule of extended release Ritalin usually lasts for full eight hours, with the half-life being around three and a half hours. The peak level commonly happens between the second and the fourth hour. While it takes the body more time to process Ritalin RS, the effects are milder and the peak levels are lower than with the immediate release Ritalin.

Side Effects

As potent and effective as it is, Ritalin comes with its own set of risks and possible side effects. Some of the most common ones include irritability, loss of appetite, an upset stomach, an increased heart rate, anxiety, dry mouth, headache, nausea, insomnia, dizziness, and vomiting.

In severe cases, additional side effects might also include fainting, addiction, increased propensity towards violence, auditory hallucinations, short breath, chest pain, numbness and coldness in the fingers and toes, and painful erections that can last for several hours. Children might experience slowed growth.

Conclusion

Ritalin is one of the most common drugs used to treat ADHD. It comes in immediate, extended and sustained release forms, with the former two being the most prevalent. Different concentrations of all three are available.

On average, immediate release Ritalin levels peak at around two hours, while the effects might last for up to four hours. The effects of the extended release variety can last for up to eight hours. The actual duration depends on each individual, and it’s greatly dependent on age, sex, metabolic rate, overall health, and the use of other drugs.

Ritalin can cause serious side effects that can potentially decrease a patient’s quality of life. Therefore, one shouldn’t self-administer the drug without consulting a doctor.

References:

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhd
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682188.html
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia/raise/what-is-psychosis.shtml
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperthyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20373659
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373410
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-glaucoma
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronary-artery-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350613
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/arrhythmia
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/hearttruth/lower-risk/what-is-heart-disease.htm
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/archives/fdaDrugInfo.cfm?archiveid=4447
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10628897
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21904089
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2821235/

Health

How Long Does E. Coli Last

Written By: Arch

Published Date: February 1, 2019 Last Edited: January 31, 2019

Arch

E. coli is a type of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of animals and humans. Most strains are harmless and actually help your stomach stay healthy. On the other hand, some strains, such as E. coli O157:H7, can cause intestinal infection. These strains are also known as STEC – Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.

The most common symptoms of an E. coli infection include a low fever, pain in the abdomen, and diarrhea. E. coli patients can also experience kidney failure, seizures, dehydration, confusion, and bloody diarrhea.

E. coli infection usually comes from poor hygiene, forgetting to wash one’s hands after using the toilet, or from contact with contaminated water or food. It tends to go away on its own, without leaving any consequences.

On the other hand, if it gets out of hand, an E. coli infection can cause a wide range of complications. Some of them can have long-lasting consequences or even cause death. Hence, it is highly recommended to see a doctor if you notice the symptoms of the infection in you or in a family member.

Read on to learn more about this disease. How long does E. coli last? How do you properly treat the infection? This article also covers the best ways to prevent it from happening.

Symptoms of E. Coli

First, how long does E. coli last? It usually takes one to ten days for an infected person to start showing the first signs of an E. coli infection. Once the symptoms kick in, the infection lasts between five and ten days on average. In the case of complications, it can last much longer.

Here is a list of the symptoms commonly associated with E. coli:

Fever (usually low)
Nausea
Gasses
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Severe diarrhea, usually watery, less commonly bloody
Abdominal pains and cramps
Vomiting

Severe E. coli infections can have a range of additional symptoms, such as pale skin, dehydration, decreased urine output, bruising, and blood in urine. Between five and ten percent of infected people develop HUS (hemolytic uremic syndrome), according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

HUS is a serious condition that causes damage to the red blood cells. It usually starts some five to ten days after the diarrhea. Sometimes, HUS can cause kidney failure, which makes this a potentially lethal condition, especially for the elderly and for children.

Causes of E. Coli

An E. coli infection can be contracted in a range of ways, the most common being improper hygiene and direct contact with the source of infection. Common ways to get infected include person-to-person contact, contact with infected animals, contact with contaminated water, and a lack of proper hygiene during food processing or food handling. Here’s a word or two on each of the leading causes.

From Person to Person

Direct contact with an infected person is one of the easiest ways to contract an E. coli infection. If you come into contact with someone you know or suspect is infected, make sure to thoroughly wash your hands afterwards.

The disease spreads easily if an infected person forgets to wash his or her hands after using the toilet. This spreads the bacteria around, making it easy for a healthy person to contract the infection. This is a common scenario in child care facilities, schools, and nursing homes, where many people share the same toilet and dining area.

Infected Animals

Humans can also contract an E. coli infection through contact with animals. It is of utmost importance for those who work with animals to wash their hands often and thoroughly. People who work with sheep, cows, and goats are at an especially high risk of getting the infection.

Contaminated Water

Contaminated water is another significant source of danger. This kind of infection mostly happens in areas with poor sanitation where the water pipes contain bacteria from animal and human waste. You can get it by bathing in or drinking contaminated water. Also, if an infected person goes to a public swimming pool, they can spread the infection.

Food Processing and Handling

Getting E. coli through improper food handling another common cause of E. coli. Always thoroughly wash your hands before preparing or serving food. Also, make sure that all the utensils and dishes you use are clean.

Raw seafood, raw produce, and unpasteurized milk can contain E. coli. You can also get infected by mayonnaise and dairy products that have been open for too long. Foods that haven’t been properly cooked or stored at recommended temperature are another potential danger.

Who’s at Risk

Anyone can contract E. coli, from infants to seniors. However, there are certain groups that are at a higher risk of getting infected than the others. These groups include children with underdeveloped immune systems, elderly people, people who eat risky foods, individuals with compromised immune systems, and people with insufficient levels of stomach acid.

It’s also worth remembering that E. coli infections are more prevalent in summer. June, July, August, and September are the months when the majority of infections occur.

Treatment Methods

It goes without saying that you should contact a doctor as soon as you detect the symptoms in you or a family member. Diarrhea that lasts for more than four days is a major red flag, especially if it contains blood. Aside from that, if vomiting lasts for more than twelve hours, and if the abdominal cramps don’t get better after a bowel movement, you should go to the doctor right away.

What happens after you’ve been diagnosed with this disease? Home care is the most prevalent treatment for this infection. This means plenty of rest, proper hydration, and low-fiber food. In the case of diarrhea, you might need to take anti-diarrheal meds. E. coli patients with severe dehydration get hospitalized and treated with intravenous fluids.

Prevention

There are several things you can do to minimize the chances of an E. coli outbreak in your home. Here are the basics:

Always wash your hands before preparing, serving, or eating food.
Always wash your hands after you’ve been to the toilet.
Make sure all the food is prepared and stored at the right temperatures.
Don’t eat risky food.
Always wash fruit and vegetables before consuming them.
Defrost meat in the microwave or refrigerator, not on the counter.
Leftovers should go directly in the fridge.
Refrain from cooking when you have diarrhea.

The Final Word

E. coli infections are mostly harmless, but they can cause serious damage if they get out of hand. The complications of this disease can lead to serious health problems and even death. It is, therefore, of utmost importance to go to the doctor’s if you notice the symptoms.

The standard OTC medicines are prescribed only for certain symptoms, while hospitalization might be in order in case of dehydration. Proper hygiene, avoiding risky foods, and washing your hands when you’ve been in contact with animals, can tremendously lower your chances of getting E. coli.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4270005/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3645889/
https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/general/index.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4523989/
http://www.kidneyfund.org/kidney-disease/kidney-failure/

Health

How to Get Rid of Acne Fast: The 7 Best Home Remedies

Written By: Arch

Published Date: January 31, 2019 Last Edited: January 23, 2019

Arch

Acne is by far one of the most prevalent skin conditions in the world today. At any given moment, almost 10% of the world population is dealing with acne and pimples. It is estimated that anywhere between 85% and 100% of people aged 12-25 will experience acne at least once in their young adult life.

There are many conventional treatments that can help you get rid of pimples and acne. However, the most effective of them are also the most expensive and thus unaffordable to many. What’s more, some of them can cause side effects including skin irritation, dry skin, and scarring. To avoid these risks, more and more people are turning their attention toward natural acne and pimple remedies.

Read on to learn how to get rid of acne fast and safely at home.

Why Popping Pimples Isn’t the Way to Go

Although your first instinct may be to pop pimples yourself, it might be best left to your dermatologist.

You see, pimples form when there’s too much sebum, bacteria, dead skin, and pus in the hair follicles (also known as clogged pores). The pores are under a lot of pressure as is, but when you start squeezing the pimple, you’ll only add to that pressure. Instead of pushing all the debris out, you may inadvertently force it even further down the follicle, potentially resulting in a ruptured follicle wall and loss of tissue.

In addition, popping pimples or merely picking at them can lead to the formation of scabs and blemishes on the surface of the skin. If you have cystic acne, popping them could cause a serious skin infection that can only be treated by your doctor. That’s not to mention some of the most common long-term effects of acne, including acne scarring and the formation of dark spots (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation).

How to Get Rid of Acne Fast: 7 Home Remedies to Try

To avoid the potential risks involved with popping pimples on your own, you should have your acne looked at and treated by a dermatologist. Alternatively, you can try one of the following home remedies.

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has a very soothing effect on the skin, which is why it’s an essential ingredient in many popular skin care products on the market. The leaves of this tropical plant produce a clear gel that cools your skin, removes excess oils, and reduces inflammation. You can buy aloe vera gel at your local drugstore or make it yourself by cutting the leaves into small chunks and scraping the gel out using a spoon. Store the gel in your fridge and apply it daily, either on its own or in combination with other acne treatments.

2. Green Tea

Green tea is rich with tannins and flavonoids, two substances that have a strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. Thanks to these two powerful groups of antioxidants, green tea is also effective against acne. Steep some green tea in boiling water for a few minutes, let it cool for a bit, and apply it to your face. You can either use a cotton ball or squirt it onto your face using a spray bottle.

3. Tea Tree Oil

Used for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil is known to be effective against bacteria that cause acne and pimples. What’s more, a 1999 study found that a gel containing 5% tea tree oil was as effective as a 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion, which is commonly used to treat acne. Due to its strength, tea tree oil should be diluted before use. Mix one part oil with nine parts water and use a cotton swab to apply the mixture to the pimples on the face. Do this 1-2 times a day, as needed.

4. Essential Oils

Tea tree oil is not the only essential oil that can help treat pimples and acne. Rosemary, clove, cinnamon, rose, and lavender essential oils are all effective against P. acnes and S. epidermis, the two bacteria that cause acne. The same is true of sweet basil and orange essential oils in combination with acetic acid. All these oils are very concentrated, so you should dilute them before use with an oil-to-water ratio of 1:9.

5. Aspirin

You probably already have some aspirin in your home, so you can use it to create an anti-acne mask. Crush a few tablets and combine them with water in a ratio of 3:1 to create a paste. If you want to, you can also add yogurt or honey to the mix. Mix the paste until it thickens a bit and then use a cotton swab to apply it to the area of your face affected by acne. Leave the mask on for about half an hour before wiping it off with a wet cloth or tissue. Repeat this 1-2 times a day until the acne clears up.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

Thanks to the combination of succinic, lactic, acetic, and citric acid, apple cider vinegar can kill the acne-causing P. acnes bacterium. Not only that but it can also reduce the discoloration of the skin and improve its texture, thus helping reduce the effects of acne scarring. To use it on your face, combine one part vinegar with three parts water and use a cotton ball to apply the mix to the affected area. Leave it on for about half a minute before rinsing it with water. Repeat this 1-2 times a day, as needed.

7. Honey and Cinnamon

Honey and cinnamon both have strong antimicrobial properties, which is why they’re often used together to help treat acne and pimples. To create a honey and cinnamon mask, you’ll need raw manuka honey and true cinnamon (also known as Ceylon cinnamon). Mix one tablespoon of cinnamon with three tablespoons of honey, microwave the mixture for half a minute, and use a soft pastry brush to “paint” it on your face. Leave it on for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off with water and drying your face.

The Final Word

If you’re looking for ways how to get rid of acne fast and safely at home, you can give these natural remedies a try. They are all backed by science and won’t cause redness, irritation, or any other unwanted side effect. If you start experiencing recurring acne outbreaks, you should visit your dermatologist.

References:

Health

Swimmer’s Ear Prevention: How to Get Water Out of Your Ear

Written By: Arch

Published Date: January 31, 2019 Last Edited: January 22, 2019

Arch

You don’t have to go swimming to end up with water trapped in your ear. Taking a shower or sweating a lot on a hot day, especially while wearing earbuds, is all it takes for a few drops of liquid to get stuck inside your ear canal. When that happens, you’ll feel a tickling sensation, the affected ear will feel clogged, and the sounds you hear will appear muffled.

In most cases, the water that gets stuck in your ear drains out on its own. Sometimes, however, it can stay stuck in there for days. It is thus important to know how to get water out of your ear safely.

What Are the Complications of Having Water in Your Ear?

Having water stuck in your ear for too long could lead to a serious infection. Otitis externa, also known as swimmer’s ear, occurs when bacteria invade your ear canal. Bacteria typically thrive in wet conditions, so they will start multiplying inside your ear, resulting in a potentially serious infection. Although swimmers and people with chronic skin conditions like psoriasis are more at risk, anyone can get swimmer’s ear.

The infection usually starts with slight redness, pain, and itching inside the ear, as well as some clear drainage from it. As swimmer’s ear progresses, the symptoms will intensify, eventually causing complete blockage of your ear canal and possibly resulting in temporary hearing loss. In most cases, the infection is successfully treated with eardrops. If you fail to do so or start treatment at an advanced stage of the condition, you could develop a chronic infection and risk damage to the cartilage and skull bones.

How to Get Water Out of Your Ear: 5 Things to Do

If water or sweat gets trapped in your ear, there are several tried and tested ways to get it out, thus reducing the risk of an outer ear infection. Here are five things that you can try for instant relief.

1. Tug Your Earlobe

While leaning your head down toward your shoulder hold your earlobe and gently tug it. If you have water stuck in your right ear, tilt your head toward the right shoulder. Tilt in the opposite direction if you have water in your left ear. In many cases, this should be enough to get the water out of the affected ear.

If this doesn’t work, lie on the affected side of the body, put a towel underneath your head, and let gravity do its magic. Over the next few minutes, the trapped water might gradually drain out of your ear.

2. Create a Vacuum

Sometimes you may need to create a vacuum to get water out of your ear. To do this, cup your palm over the affected ear and tilt your head to the side. After that, start pushing your hand back and forth rapidly until you feel relief and then tilt your head down for the trapped water to drain.

3. Move Your Jaw

When your ears get clogged, whether due to differences in air pressure or water getting stuck in the ear canal, moving your mouth can provide instant relief. You can try yawning, chewing gum, eating, or drinking – anything that will get your mouth moving and initiate the swallowing reflex. This should help relieve tension in the eustachian tubes and open them up to release the water that’s stuck in your ear.

4. Try the Valsalva Maneuver

Another way to unclog your eustachian tubes is to perform the Valsalva maneuver. Chances are that you have already tried this at least once, but didn’t know it had a name. It’s simple – take a deep breath, close your mouth, pinch your nose shut with your fingers, and slowly start blowing the air out through your nose. When you hear a popping sound, tilt your head for the water to drain out of your ear.

5. Use a Blow Dryer

If the previous four methods fail, you can use a blow dryer to try and evaporate the water from inside your ear. Set the blow dryer to the lowest setting, point it at the affected ear, and gently tug your earlobe. While doing this, make sure that the blow dryer is about a foot away from your ear at all times.

How to Get Water Out of Your Ear: 3 Home Remedies to Try

The five methods above should be enough to help you get water out of your ear. If they don’t, here are three natural remedies that you can try.

1. Olive Oil

Thanks to its strong antibacterial effect, olive oil can help you remove water from your ear while also preventing infection. Take some olive oil, warm it, and pour it into a medical dropper. Place 3-4 drops into the affected ear and lie on the side for 10 minutes. After that, sit up straight and tilt your head to the side to let both the oil and the trapped water drain out of your ear.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is another effective way to clean your ear not only of trapped moisture but also of wax, debris, and even bacteria. Pour some hydrogen peroxide into a medical dropper, place 3-4 drops into your ear, and wait for a few minutes before tilting your head down toward your shoulder.

3. Alcohol and Vinegar

According to experts, a combination of rubbing alcohol and vinegar can help remove water from your ear and prevent infection. Mix the two ingredients in equal parts and use a medical dropper to apply 3-4 drops into your ear. Wait for 30 seconds and then tilt your head sideways to let the liquid drain out.

A Word of Warning

If there’s water trapped in your ear, you should never try to get it out using cotton swabs or your fingers. Otherwise, you could push the water even deeper into your ear, get the earwax and dirt from the outer ear stuck inside the ear canal, and introduce more bacteria. In addition, you might accidentally scratch or injure the skin of the ear canal with your finger or puncture your eardrum with a cotton swab.

While all the home remedies described in this article have proven to be effective at helping drain water out of the ear, you shouldn’t place hydrogen peroxide or any oils into your ear if you have ear tubes, a perforated eardrum, or an active outer ear infection.

If there’s still water in your ear after a few days, you should go to your doctor.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/swimmers-ear/symptoms-causes/syc-20351682
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/1201/p1055.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23147298
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001064.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19234678
https://uihc.org/health-topics/otitis-externa-get-rid-swimmers-ear

Health

How to Get Rid of a Wart Fast with Natural Remedies

Written By: Arch

Published Date: January 30, 2019 Last Edited: January 21, 2019

Arch

Warts are fairly common skin growths that affect people of all ages. Bumpy, hard, and rough, they are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, even if the person in question isn’t currently showing any symptoms. Once contracted, HPV can remain dormant in your body for years before being activated.

Non-genital HPV warts typically appear on your fingers, hands, feet, and face. Although usually harmless, warts can be very unseemly and even cause pain while walking if they pop up on your feet. While most warts tend to disappear on their own, the process can take a while to complete. At the same time, they can act like “mother warts” and give birth to multiple smaller warts in the surrounding area of the skin.

To prevent these complications, it is important to know how to get rid of a wart fast and safely.

What Types of Warts Are There?

Based on their location and appearance, there are seven types of non-genital HPV warts. To remove them safely while avoiding any complications, you need to be able to identify them.

1. Common Warts

Common warts are by far the most prevalent. They are typically found on the back of your hands as well as your fingers. Scaly and hard to the touch, they vary in size and color. Common warts are often characterized by a pattern of tiny black dots on its surface, which represents tiny, clotted blood vessels.

2. Butchers’ Warts

Butcher’s warts are very similar to common warts. Historically, they were most commonly found in butchers and other professionals who handled meat and/or fish at work, which is how they got their name. Today, butcher’s warts affect anywhere between 8.5% and 24% of meat-handling professionals.

3. Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are also similar to common warts, with the only difference being that they appear on the bottom of the feet. These warts manifest themselves as flat, circular surfaces with a small dent in the middle. They are typically crusted with a black dot in the middle. Also known as veruccae warts, they cause severe pain, especially when you’re walking or putting pressure on the affected foot.

4. Palmar Warts

Most warts are contagious, but they can also spread to other parts of your body if you pick at them. Palmar warts are an example of this, as they often appear when you constantly pick at the plantar warts on your feet. Commonly affecting the palm of your hand, they are normally flesh-colored and pea-sized.

5. Flat Warts

Flat warts most commonly appear on the face, but they can also appear on the back of your hands, as well as the lower part of your arms. Very small and smooth to the touch, these warts usually appear in thick clusters. They are most often flesh-colored, though they also often appear as pink and light brown.

6. Filiform Warts

Filiform warts are unlike any other type of wart. They resemble a tiny spike that extends from your skin. You will most often find filiform warts on your face, especially around the eyes, nose, or mouth. When they affect the eyes, filiform warts typically “hang” from the eyelid, which can cause some discomfort.

7. Periungual/Subungual Warts

Periungual and subungual warts affect the skin around the fingernails – the former appear around the fingernails, while the latter occur underneath them. Like most other warts, periungual and subungual warts start small, only to increase in size over time. They can affect anyone but are more common in people who bite their nails. If they progress, these warts can cause fungal infections.

How to Get Rid of a Wart Fast: The 5 Best Natural Remedies

Most warts don’t require medical attention and can be safely treated at home. If you’re looking for tips on how to get rid of a wart fast and safely at home, one of the following five natural remedies may be just what you need.

1. Salicylic Acid

Not only is salicylic acid the most commonly used home remedy for warts but it’s also the most effective. According to a 2011 study, home treatment with salicylic acid is as effective as cryotherapy. Salicylic acid is fairly cheap and doesn’t cause any major side effects. You just have to determine the right strength of salicylic acid to use, but your doctor or your pharmacist can help you with that.

To remove a wart with salicylic acid, soak your wart in warm water for about 10 minutes and then use a nail file to gently remove the dead skin on top of the wart. After that, simply apply the acid according to the instructions on the package. Keep in mind that it may take weeks to get rid of the wart.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can also be used to treat non-genital HPV warts. Combine apple cider vinegar and water in a 2:1 ratio, soak a cotton ball in the mixture, and apply it directly to the wart. Secure the cotton ball with bandage or tape and leave it overnight. Repeat this every night until you see the desired results.

3. Garlic Extract

Garlic is known for its strong antiviral properties, which is why it is often used to assist in the removal of warts. Simply crush one clove of garlic, apply it to the wart, and secure it with a bandage. Leave it for no more than 24 hours before removing the old clove and applying a new one. To speed up the results, you can also use a pumice stone between two applications to remove dead skin from the wart.

4. Lemon Juice

A 2007 study conducted in India found that lemon juice is as effective at treating warts as some popular topical creams. To reduce the acidity of lemon juice, you should always dilute it with water before application. For optimal results, mix two parts lemon juice with one part water, apply it to the water using a cotton ball, and leave it overnight. Repeat every night until the wart falls off.

5. Tea Tree Oil

Although scientists are yet to test the effectiveness of tea tree oil against HPV, this potent home remedy is known for its strong antiviral properties. You can apply tea tree oil directly to the wart without diluting it first. Simply soak a cotton ball with a few drops, apply it to the wart, and hold it there for about 10 minutes. Repeat this process twice a day until the wart has fallen off completely.

The Duct Tape Method

If you’d rather not use any acids, oils, or juices to remove your wart, you can try to get rid of it using duct tape. Just take a piece of duct tape, cover the wart with it, and wait for six days before removing it. As soon as you remove the tape, soak the wart in water for 20 minutes, and then use a pumice stone to scrape off dead skin. Leave the wart uncovered for 24 hours and then repeat the process.

If you opt to remove your wart using duct tape, you need to be patient. It can take between a few weeks and two months to achieve the desired results. Track your progress every time you remove the tape. If you notice anything unusual or if the wart seems to be getting worse, you should talk to your doctor.

Final Thoughts

These home remedies are suitable for warts that affect your hands, fingers, and feet. Some of them, like salicylic acid, should never be used on your face as the skin that covers the area is very sensitive and more prone to chemical burns. Even if you opt for some other home remedy that’s better suited for facial warts, you should have the wart examined by your doctor beforehand to avoid complications.

If the wart you want to remove is close to your eye or your nose, you shouldn’t try to get rid of it at home. Instead, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist to have it safely removed.

References:

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/features/viruses-cause-skin-warts
https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/278232
https://www.livescience.com/45946-are-warts-contagious.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2840890/
https://www.bmj.com/content/342/bmj.d3271
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319740.php
http://www.e-ijd.org/text.asp?2007/52/2/96/33287
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23966077
https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/getting-rid-of-common-warts

Health

How to Treat a Burn: The Best and Worst Home Remedies

Written By: Arch

Published Date: January 30, 2019 Last Edited: January 21, 2019

Arch

Burns are among the most common household injuries in the United States. Every year, almost 500,000 people seek medical attention for burns with about 10 percent of them ending up in hospital. While some burns are so severe that they require hospitalization, many can be safely treated at home. These include first-degree burns, which only affect the external layer of the skin and cause minor redness and pain, as well as blister-causing second-degree burns up to three inches in diameter.

There are many home remedies for burns, but not all of them are as safe as they’re made out to be. In this article, you’ll find tips on how to treat a burn safely in your own home. You will also learn which burn remedies you should steer clear from.

What Types of Burns Can You Treat at Home?

Based on their severity, there are three main types of burns:

First-degree burns are superficial and affect only the top layer of the skin. The burn site will typically be red and painful, with some minor swelling and peeling as the burn starts to heal.
Second-degree burns are deeper and affect the first two layers of the skin. In addition to redness, swelling, and pain, they also cause blisters that ooze clear or yellow-colored fluid.
Third-degree burns affect not just the first two layers of the skin but also the tissue underneath. The burn site appears charred and isn’t usually painful because the burn has destroyed the nerve endings. However, the pain in the surrounding areas can be very severe. In some cases, third-degree burns can be so deep that they may damage the muscle or bone underneath the tissue.

Only first-degree and second-degree burns can be treated at home. Because they’re not so deep, they typically don’t cause any complications and will heal in normal time. For first-degree burns, the average healing time is between 7 and 10 days, while second-degree burns may take up to three weeks to heal.

As a rule, all third-degree burns are considered medical emergencies and require immediate attention. They should not be treated at home because improper treatment can result in permanent damage to the skin. What’s more, people with third-degree burns are more at risk of sepsis and infection.

How to Treat a Burn: The 9 Best Home Remedies

If you’re looking for ways how to treat a burn at home, the following 9 home remedies may help.

1. Cool Water

As soon as you burn your skin, you should cool it down by running cool water over it. Depending on the severity of the burn you should keep the water running for approximately 20 minutes. This will help relieve the pain from the burn and stop it from progressing to deeper layers of the skin.

2. Cold Compress

Whether you’ve sustained a sunburn or burnt your skin with hot water, a cool compress can provide immediate pain relief and prevent the affected area of the skin from swelling. Take a ready-made cold compress or make one yourself and apply it to the burn site for between 5 and 15 minutes and then let your skin breathe a little before repeating the process. Make sure that the compress you’re using is cool rather than excessively cold. Otherwise, it may irritate the burn and create unnecessary complications.

3. Antibacterial Soap

After you have cooled down the burn – whether by running cool water over it or by using a cold compress – you need to wash the burn thoroughly to prevent infections from occurring. Use a mild antibacterial soap and rinse it off with cool water. Don’t use hand scrubs, as they can irritate the skin.

4. Petroleum Jelly

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying petroleum jelly to the burn site two to three times a day until the burn has healed. Although petroleum jelly can cause some redness and swelling, it will seal the burn and prevent bacteria and other harmful agents from causing infections.

5. Antibiotic Ointment

If the burn has left you with open blisters, the best way to protect your skin from infection and speed up the healing process is to use antibiotic ointments. Some of the popular choices include Neosporin and Bacitracin. Apply the ointment to your skin and cover with a sterile dressing or cling film.

6. Bandages

While most first-degree and second-degree burns don’t require you to wear bandages, you should still consider it. If the burn is in such a position that allows dirt to get in easily or if it is likely to cause chafing, you should cover it with bandages to allow it to heal faster and more safely. Similarly, if you have oozing blisters, wearing a bandage over them will prevent dirt and bacteria from affecting the burn site.

7. Honey

Honey is a superfood known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Research shows that topically applied honey can help sterilize the burn, relieve pain, and prevent infection.

8. Aloe Vera

Often referred to as the “burn plant”, aloe vera stimulates circulation, stops the growth of bacteria, and has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. It also helps heal first-degree and second-degree burns when applied directly to the affected area of the skin.

9. Black Tea Bags

Black tea is rich in tannic acid, a substance that draws heat from first-degree burns and helps relieve pain. Take two black tea bags, soak them in cool water, and apply them wet to the burn site. Use gauze, cling film, or a sterile dressing to hold them in place.

How Not to Treat a Burn: 5 Remedies to Avoid

Not all home remedies for burns are as effective as you may think. In fact, some of them may cause an adverse effect and make your burn worse instead of providing relief. Here are the five home remedies for burns that you should avoid.

1. Ice

Although your first instinct might be to apply ice to the burn site, you shouldn’t do that. Due to the large difference in temperature, ice can irritate your burned skin and cause even more pain and redness. The same applies to very cold water. In some cases, ice can give you a cold burn and damage your skin.

2. Oils

Despite what you may have heard, you shouldn’t apply oils – essential or cooking – to burned skin. Not only is there no evidence that they can help treat burns but they also tend to trap heat inside the skin, which could potentially make your problems a lot worse.

3. Butter

Rubbing butter over a burn is also unlikely to bring any positive results. Like oil, butter also retains heat, which could make your burn more severe. What’s more, butter contains bacteria that could infect your skin and cause additional complications.

4. Toothpaste

Some people believe that applying toothpaste to a burn can help relieve pain and speed up the healing process, but there’s no evidence to back up the claim. In fact, the minty properties of toothpaste may irritate the burn even further. Toothpaste is also unsterile and doesn’t protect your skin from bacteria.

5. Egg Whites

Applying uncooked egg whites to your skin won’t do anything to treat your burn. On the contrary, raw egg whites may contain potentially harmful bacteria that can make your burn a lot worse than it already is. Worse yet, egg whites can trigger an allergic reaction on the skin.

The Final Word

The tried and proven home remedies described in this article will only help you with superficial and second-degree burns up to three inches in diameter. If your burn covers a larger area of the skin, if it’s affecting your face or your intimate region, or if it’s accompanied by a fever, you should seek help from your doctor. The same applies if you haven’t received a tetanus shot within the past five years.

If you believe you may have sustained a third-degree burn, it is important to have it examined by a certified medical professional. Call 911 as soon as possible and don’t use any remedies without consulting with your doctor first.

References:

https://ameriburn.org/who-we-are/media/burn-incidence-fact-sheet/
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/burns-and-scalds
https://www.sepsis.org/sepsis-and/sepsis-and-burns/
https://burnstrauma.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41038-016-0063-7
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321950.php
https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/injured-skin/burns
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3263128/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0305417906007029
https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/qa/what-are-cold-burns
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16807876

Health

How Do You Know When Menopause Is Over?

Written By: Arch

Published Date: January 29, 2019 Last Edited: January 22, 2019

Arch

Going through menopause is anything but easy. All the hormonal changes your body will go through are likely to put you on a physical and emotional roller-coaster.

In the US, women typically enter menopause at the age of 52, but this can vary according to a variety of factors. There’s a chance you’ll notice that you’re entering it, but how do you know when menopause is over?

Well, simply put, you’ll know that the menopause is over once the symptoms start subsiding or even disappear. So to realize that the symptoms are disappearing, it’s important to know what those symptoms are in the first place.

Symptoms of Menopause

The age of 52 is just a number based on statistics. Women can enter menopause much earlier, and some of them can enter it far later. This mostly depends on the genetic factors, but there are many other determinants, such as your health and a variety of environmental factors.

By definition, menopause happens when you lose your period for good. Prior to this, you’ll likely notice some irregularities.

Once menopause officially begins, one of the first things that will happen is a significant decline in estrogen. This will cause some changes to your body, so you might experience the following symptoms:

Sleep issues
Hot flashes
Mood changes
Night sweats
Slowed metabolism followed by weight gain

There are several ways of coping with menopause symptoms. The duration of the symptoms can vary greatly, with some women experiencing them for years.

Once you haven’t had your period for an entire year, you’re considered postmenopausal. So does that mean it’s officially over? Well, not necessarily.

How to Know When Menopause Is Over?

If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to recognize the end of menopause by the decline in the symptoms mentioned above. You should start sleeping better, feeling like your old self, and your overall mood should improve.

Unfortunately, many women won’t experience this right away. Your estrogen levels remain low after menopause, so some of the symptoms, such as vaginal dryness and hot flashes, might last for a long time. So how do you know when menopause is over?

Well, aside from the subjective feeling of wellness, there are many tests you can undergo to see whether you’re postmenopausal. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) test has proven itself to be very reliable. It has been confirmed that high FSH levels indicate the end of menopause. For example, a study was able to make a clear distinction between menopausal women, whose median FSH level was 21 mIU/mL, and postmenopausal women, whose value was 57.2 ± 1.4 mIU/mL.

So to sum up: if you haven’t had a period in 12 months and have high FSH levels, you’re very likely done with menopause. Other signs are primarily subjective, but you should notice the symptoms of menopause start to subside.

If this doesn’t happen, you should check with your physician to see whether everything is going the way it should.

Even if you’re feeling good and assume that the symptoms are subsiding, you should always pay your doctor a visit. There are many changes you might have to make once the menopause is over, so you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for them.

Life After Menopause

First of all, once menopause is over, you can no longer get pregnant, nor will you have periods. It’s essential that any vaginal bleeding that occurs after menopause is examined by a professional, seeing as it’s not normal and can thus indicate a serious health issue.

As mentioned, your ovaries will produce very little estrogen, and the same thing will happen to progesterone. In this period, women might be exposed to several health risks.

To minimize the risks, and relieve some of the lingering menopause symptoms that persist after it’s over, many women decide to go with hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Even though this seems to be an effective solution, coming off HRT can be quite tough. Once your body has gotten used to an external source of the hormones you’re deficient in, their levels will fall rather quickly. When this happens, you might start experiencing symptoms of menopause all over again.

The good news is that your body should restore the balance after some time. The bad news is that this time can vary, and you might have to go through the symptoms for a while before you start feeling good again.

There’s really no way to know for certain how you might react to HRT and how long it will take for the hormonal balance to be restored. For some women, this might be a smooth experience, while others might not be as lucky.

Another important thing to remember is that you might have to make some positive lifestyle changes after you’ve gone through menopause. One of the most important is a change in your eating habits.

Due to the hormonal changes that occur during and after menopause, many women tend to put on some weight. A good diet will ensure you get rid of any excess weight and should make you feel better overall.

Furthermore, having a balanced diet when you’re postmenopausal can greatly reduce the health risks we mentioned here.

Relaxation is also important as your body will need time not only to restore the hormonal balance but also to adapt to other changes it has gone through. By adopting healthy lifestyle habits, you ensure that your postmenopausal life is much more enjoyable.

The Takeaway

Realizing that menopause is over isn’t always easy. The symptoms can sometimes linger after the process is done, so the best thing to do is to visit your doctor regularly after you’ve stopped having periods for one whole year.

The good news about the postmenopausal life is that you will have a lot of control over the way you feel. You’ll have to work on yourself and adopt a variety of habits you may have never considered before. If you manage to do this, you’ll likely feel like your old self and will have successfully dealt with all the changes your body has gone through as a result of menopause.

References:

http://menopause.northwestern.edu/content/how-hormone-depletion-affects-you
https://www.womenshealth.gov/menopause/menopause-basics
https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/16/9/2014/2915909
https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/changes-at-midlife/changes-in-hormone-levels
https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/dealing-with-the-symptoms-of-menopause
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/408096_4
https://labtestsonline.org/tests/follicle-stimulating-hormone-fsh
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/gyn.2017.0040
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4245250/
https://www.everydayhealth.com/menopause/health-risks-women-face-after-menopause/
https://www.livestrong.com/article/232549-the-best-diet-for-post-menopausal-women/

Health

A Trigger in Your Household: Does Mold Cause Headaches?

Written By: Arch

Published Date: January 29, 2019 Last Edited: January 21, 2019

Arch

One in two people worldwide will experience a headache in any given year. Most of these are acute, which means that they normally last for a few hours and don’t reoccur once gone. However, when they start recurring daily for more than 15 days in a given month, we can talk about chronic headaches.

Chronic headaches are usually caused by an underlying medical condition. Celiac disease, high blood pressure, and thyroid disorders can all cause severe headaches and migraines. The same is true of nutritional deficiencies, particularly a chronic lack of magnesium in the body.

Not all chronic headaches occur due to an existing medical condition, though. They can also be caused by environmental factors, unpleasant odors, as well as prolonged exposure to toxic materials.

Does Mold Cause Headaches?

If you’ve ever had a brush with household mold, you probably know that it can cause many health complications. Black mold – as it’s called due to its dark color – is closely linked to respiratory problems like throat irritation, nasal stuffiness, coughing, and wheezing. Mold can also affect the eyes, cause serious lung infections, and trigger asthma attacks. But does mold cause headaches, too?

According to a 2009 study, it might.

The authors of the study observed more than 800 office workers in the United States and tried to determine if certain environmental factors impact the occurrence of headaches. According to the results, mold was high on the list of culprits. Namely, the participants who worked in offices with higher levels of mold in the air were more prone to work-related headaches and migraines.

How Does Mold Cause Headaches?

Although scientists agree that there is a correlation between mold and headaches, there is still some controversy regarding the exact mechanism by which that correlation works. To understand how mold achieves its negative health effects, it is important to know exactly what it is.

As you may know, mold is a species of fungus that can be found everywhere around us. It thrives in moist and warm environments, so you’ll often notice it in your bathroom, kitchen, or basement.

Mold usually grows on open surfaces, including walls, wood, and wallpaper. When it gets in direct contact with water, it spreads and reproduces by creating the so-called mold spores. These spores are sometimes released into the air, making them very easy to inhale. While they are fairly harmless in small amounts, exposure to large amounts of mold spores can trigger a strong allergic reaction.

The symptoms resemble those of other allergies, including coughing, sneezing, mucus, runny nose, itching, and dry skin. Because they affect your respiratory tract – including the sinuses – most allergies can also cause headaches that can last for days on end. For this reason, most scientists believe that mold-related headaches are a symptom of mold allergies.

A 2014 study provides evidence for this claim. Its authors asked more than 10,000 people with a history of severe headaches and migraines if they had any allergies. The results showed that almost 67% of them had rhinitis, an allergic inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose. What’s more, mold was cited as the contributing factor in most of the cases.

According to this study, not only does mold cause headaches but it can also trigger an allergic reaction in your body’s upper respiratory system. However, some experts believe that mold doesn’t have to be inhaled in order to cause headaches and other potentially serious conditions.

The Mycotoxin Connection

In recent years, some authors have expressed the belief that mycotoxins can also cause headaches. These toxic substances are produced by certain species of mold commonly found in the household. However, rather than being inhaled, they are mostly ingested. That’s because mycotoxins are typically found on food items. What’s more, they are so stable that they can easily survive food processing.

Due to their toxicity, mycotoxins are associated with a variety of chronic illnesses, as well as chronic fatigue syndrome. Until recently, the claim that mycotoxins can cause headaches was considered controversial due to a lack of research to back it up. However, a study published in 2018 identified a link between mycotoxin exposure and problems like asthma, fatigue, anxiety, depression – and headaches.

How Are Mold-Related Headaches Treated?

The research into the effects of mycotoxins on our bodies is still in its early stages. Until scientists come up with ways to diagnose and treat toxic mold exposure, all mold-related headaches are treated just like any other headache – with medication, hot/cold compresses, massages, and plenty of rest.

If in addition to the headache you’re experiencing other symptoms of mold allergies, your doctor will likely recommend other standard treatments. These include nasal corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation of the respiratory tract, antihistamines to relieve sneezing and itching, and montelukast to fight excess mucus. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may also have to take allergy shots (immunotherapy) or rinse your nose every day with salt water (nasal lavage).

How to Remove Mold from Your Home

The best way to relieve your symptoms and/or prevent mold allergies is to remove mold from your home. You should first look for black growths in your household, especially in warm rooms with high levels of moisture. Even if you can’t see any mold, if you start coughing or wheezing the moment you enter a room, chances are that it may contain mold buildups.

If you find mold on your walls, tables, or other surfaces, you need to remove it promptly. More importantly, you also need to identify and remove the causes of mold growth in your home. These can range from leaky roofs and improper ventilation to old, deteriorating wallpaper and wood.

As explained, mold and mycotoxins can also be ingested through food. It is thus important to ensure that all food items in your home are stored safely. Rather than stocking up on food, try to buy it shortly before you plan on consuming it. This is especially important with fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains, which can all go bad if you don’t eat them shortly after buying them. Make sure to throw away any items that are past their expiration date.

The Final Word

There is strong evidence that not only does mold cause headaches but it can also cause allergies and other respiratory symptoms. To avoid the problems, you should identify and remove mold from your home. This is especially important if you have respiratory problems like asthma and chronic allergies.

If you believe your headache and/or other allergy symptoms are the result of exposure to household mold, you should consult with your doctor.

References:

https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/headache-disorders
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23126519
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3829292/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23426813
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22426836
https://www.cdc.gov/mold/dampness_facts.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19545255
https://www.aafa.org/mold-allergy/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24275145
https://www.who.int/bulletin/archives/77(9)754.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3920250/
https://www.clinicaltherapeutics.com/article/S0149-2918(18)30229-7/pdf
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mold-allergy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351525

Health

How to Get Rid of a Stye at Home

Written By: Arch

Published Date: January 28, 2019 Last Edited: January 21, 2019

Arch

A stye, which is also known as hordeolum, is a problem that affects the skin around the eyes. To be more exact, it usually manifests itself as a red bump, pimple, or dot on your eyelid. This problem is quite irritating as it makes it difficult to keep your infected eye open from time to time.

For most people, styes are merely an esthetic problem. Although they can cause pain, they are usually harmless, with complications occurring in very rare cases. Still, because it affects their appearance, many people look for ways how to get rid of a stye.

What Causes a Stye?

Before you learn how to get rid of a stye, you have to know what’s causing it. This information will not only help you with the treatment but it might also help you with its prevention in the first place.

Styes are usually caused by bacteria on the eyelash follicle or by inflammation of the same area. You see, there are plenty of oil glands located around the eyelash that use ducts to drain themselves. If a duct is blocked by something, the oil has no other option but to return into the gland.

The gland now becomes swollen and changes its color to sharp red, slowly taking the form of a stye. There are two types of styes based on where they are located. If the stye is located at the base of the eyelash, we call it external. If it’s located inside the eyelash, we call it internal. The treatment, however, is same for both of them.

Getting Rid of a Stye

So, how do you get rid of this problem without visiting the doctor? For one, you should never squeeze a stye. If you pop a stye, it may lead to other problems. Worse yet, it may spread the infection. Here is what you can do at home instead:

1. Wash Your Hands

Hygiene! Having poor hygiene is one of the most common reasons why bacteria “attack” your eyelashes in the first place. Washing your hands thoroughly will increase your chances of getting rid of a stye and also help prevent one.

Remember that most bacteria are located on your hands, so before touching other body parts and transferring the bacteria there as well, wash your hands with a bar of soap.

2. Use Something Warm for Compression

The most popular treatment that you can easily do is warm compression. Simply take a clean towel soaked in warm water. After, put the towel on the infected area, slightly press it down, and leave it like that for about 15 minutes.

As advised by experts, this should be done at least four times a day, every single day until the stye is gone. If your stye hurts for a long period of time, that means that it is sore. You can use pain relievers in order to help yourself withstand the warm compression treatment.

3. Clean Your Eyelid

It is advised to clean your eyelid regularly. However, you shouldn’t be using regular soaps for this procedure as some of them may irritate the skin even more.

In order to clean your eyelid, your first choice should be a baby shampoo (tear-free). Mix the shampoo with warm water and apply to the infected area. Then use a cotton swab or a towel to gently remove the shampoo from your eyelids.

4. Use Tea Bags

You can use a warm tea bag for compression as well. So, should you use just any type of tea that you may find? Well, if you don’t have anything else, you can try them out, sure. However, some herbs are more helpful than others.

For example, if you can find black tea, that would be the best possible solution as it reduces swelling and kills bacteria.

Simply boil water and then put the tea bag inside. In other words, make tea!

Then wait for the tea bag to cool off a bit so that you can put it on the infected area without problems.

Besides black tea, you can use green and white tea as all of them contain caffeine. According to research, caffeine helps with eye treatments.

5. No Makeup

Think of this as a rule. If you want to get rid of that stye as soon as possible, forget about your makeup habits for a while. Makeup can slow down the healing process and irritate the skin even more.

On top of that, there is a risk of spreading even more bacteria by using makeup brushes and pencils.

6. Antibiotics

If your symptoms last for a long period of time, you should definitely visit the doctor. After explaining the situation, the next step would probably be to take antibiotics for your stye. Keep in mind that this is the last solution that you should think of as antibiotics could be dangerous if misused. That’s why you should avoid them while you can and try to get rid of your stye with one of the natural home remedies mentioned above.

NOTE: Individuals who are using contact lenses need to be extra careful. Your hands always need to be clean when taking your lenses off or putting them on. Also, proper contact lens hygiene must be maintained.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to get rid of a stye you also know how to prevent it from happening in the future. Note that you can use these remedies anytime you want, even when your eyelids aren’t infected. That will help you with your overall hygiene.

As you can see, stye treatment isn’t that hard at all and this problem isn’t serious. However, as we’ve mentioned before, if you fail to maintain proper hygiene and treat the stye correctly, it might grow into a more serious problem.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4261920/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459349/
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/best-stye-remedies#tea-bag-compress
https://www.healthline.com/health/know-your-teas-black-tea#overview1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25625116
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stye

Health

Ask the Doctor: How Long Do Ear Infections Last?

Written By: Arch

Published Date: January 28, 2019 Last Edited: January 21, 2019

Arch

It is important to know how long do ear infections last, especially when you develop one yourself. Knowing how your body reacts to a certain disease and how long it takes for it to recover can give you the necessary confidence to keep pushing forward.

There is no room for fear once you are fighting to get better. Sometimes the only thing you can and should do is be patient, trust your treatment, and endure the time that it takes for you to finally prevail.

In this article, you will find out exactly how long do ear infections last and how they are usually treated.

Ear Infections: Valuable Info

If you hear the term “otitis media”, don’t let it frighten you as that is just another name for an ear infection.

Ear infection is a very common disease among children. According to research, this condition mostly targets children between 6 months and 3 years of age. However, that doesn’t mean that adults are safe. It just means that adults are, well, safer.

You see, we are able to hear because different parts of our auditory system work together in a perfect balance.

It is important to know that the ear consists of three main parts:

Outer ear
Middle ear
Inner ear

For each of these three main ear parts, the answer to the question “how long do ear infections last” is different. That’s why we will explore them a little bit further. However, despite these differences, it is interesting to note that the source of the problem is always the same.

Ear Infections: Cause

Bacteria and viruses are the number one cause of ear infections. Since the throat is connected with the middle ear by the eustachian tube, the bacteria can travel both ways. So, if you end up with a sore throat for a longer period of time, you might also develop an ear infection and vice versa.

Since children’s eustachian tubes are shorter than adult’s, they are at a much higher risk of this disease.

Ear Infections: How Long Do They Last?

Like we’ve mentioned before, the duration of an ear infection depends on the part of the ear that affected, so we will divide the answer into three parts.

The Middle Ear Infection:

Also known as auris media, the middle ear represents an area filled with air, located behind the eardrum. This part of the ear contains plenty of ossicles, which are small bones.

Extensive research shows that the middle ear is where most ear infections occur. Each year, around 30% of children under the age of 3 are diagnosed with a middle ear infection. The truth is that something as simple as the common flu can be the reason why your ear suddenly started to hurt.

Although it is always recommended that you visit your doctor, here is how you can diagnose a middle ear infection yourself.

Symptoms:

Ear pain
Nausea
Hearing problems

And when it comes to children, the symptoms also include:

Vomiting
Headaches
Loss of hearing

The good thing here is that the most painful symptoms last for about one to two days if treated correctly. If your symptoms last longer than two days, it is definitely time to talk to your doctor. The symptoms that are left untreated may lead to other, even worse, complications.

If the middle ear infection isn’t gone after the two-day mark, antibiotics will usually become part of the treatment. Before them, many people try home remedies, such as wet towels for lowering the temperature. However, those methods are still scientifically unproven.

The Outer Ear Infection:

It is pretty easy to know when your outer ear is infected because it is quite visible. Once you notice a swollen, red ear, that is most likely a sign of otitis externia – an outer ear infection.

Outer ear infections are common as well. Research shows that 1 out of 10 people will have an otitis externia at some point in their life.

Symptoms:

Hard, sharp pain while touching the infected area
Swollen ears
Reduced hearing
Fever
Pain while chewing

If you are taking the correct treatment, the outer ear infection should be gone within 7 to 10 days. If you are using ear drops, the treatment may last up to 14 days.

This problem is usually treated by debridement, which represents a way of extracting the material from your ear. Also, pH alteration of the ear could be suggested.

The Inner Ear Infection:

The inner ear, also known as the labyrinth, has plenty of important functions. Not only does it play a vital role in hearing but it also helps your body maintain balance. With that being said, infections that target this area may cause problems with balance.

Symptoms:

Vertigo
Falling
Problems with maintaining balance
Headache
Nausea

Compared to other infections, an inner ear infection lasts quite long. The worst symptoms may take up to 7 days to go away, while a complete recovery might even take up to 2 or 3 months! Older adults may experience balance problems for even longer and they need to take special treatments.

Antibiotics, balance therapy, resting, and avoiding television are usually the first line of defense here.

Conclusion

Besides learning the answer to the main question “how long do ear infections last”, you now also know a few key things about the disease itself that might help you avoid the whole trouble in the first place.

To prevent ear infections, you need to keep your ears clean and dry, especially after swimming or taking a shower. Keep your allergies under control and avoid contact with people who have upper respiratory problems that may be contagious. Wash your hands before touching your skin, nose, or ears, and avoid potential irritants like cigarettes and secondhand smoke.

If you notice some of these symptoms you should head to your doctor as soon as possible. Some of these diseases may lead to other, more dangerous conditions rather quickly, so early treatment is recommended.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2786955/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279380/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279381/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279353/
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/ear-infections-children
https://www.plushcare.com/blog/how-long-does-an-ear-infection-last/

Health

The Musty Truth: Does Mold Have a Taste?

Written By: Arch

Published Date: January 25, 2019 Last Edited: January 28, 2019

Arch

For the vast majority of people, seeing a blue, green, and white film in the middle of a sandwich and smelling the not-so-charming scent of the mold is enough to completely kill the appetite. However, for the gut-strong minority, it is just a minor nuisance that needs to be taken care of before continuing with the meal.

The two sides tend to show equal levels of bewilderment and lack of understanding for the behavior of the other, with no improvement in sight. Aside from the obvious health concerns, the former side also cites the funky taste and smell of mold as being enough to make them gag. On the other hand, the latter group often reports the lack of any smell or taste.

What’s the truth, then, and who is right? Does mold have a taste? Read on for the answer and a closer look at one of the most unwelcome guests in dining rooms worldwide.

What Is Mold?

Mold is, in a nutshell, a type of fungus. It differs from yeasts in that it grows in the form of hyphae, multicellular filaments, whereas yeasts can grow in single-cell form. When multiple hyphae come together, they form what’s known as mycelium. Mycelium is considered a single organism.

Molds generally have colorless hyphae that make mycelium look like fluffy white threads on the surface. The dusty appearance of mold stems from the overproduction of conidia (asexual reproductive spores). The conidia form as a result of differentiation on each hypha’s end. The species of the mold is determined by the shape of conidia and the way they form.

There are many types and species of mold. Some are beneficial to human health, such as penicillin. The vast majority are neither dangerous nor beneficial, with a very small minority being dangerous to human health. In this article, we will focus on mold that grows on food.

Does Mold Have a Taste?

A short answer to the question “does mold have a taste” is yes. Most commonly, mold has an earthy taste, accompanied by a musty smell. While many people find them more or less unbearable, others are okay with them.

Although the mold that commonly develops on food is generally regarded as unwanted and bad for health, there are special types that are used in food production to facilitate the process of fermentation. Aside from fermentation, mold also modifies the taste of food. In fact, some exclusive delicacies, such as blue cheese, partly owe their characteristic taste to mold.

Molds and Food Production

Aside from blue cheese, many other types of food and some alcoholic beverages rely on the help of molds. Koji molds are among the most popular molds in food production, having a wide and varied application.

Koji molds – a group of Aspergillus molds – play a large role in the production of soy sauce and soybean paste. They are also used in the production of shochu, sake, and other spirits native to East Asia. Koji molds are used for saccharification, a process of breaking down the starch in barley and rice.

Staying in Asia, Monascus purpureus is a type of mold that gives red yeast rice its characteristic color and taste. Red yeast rice is a staple in many Asian diets and is also used in the Chinese traditional medicine. The experts at Mayo Clinic claim that red yeast rice, when combined with healthy lifestyle, can be very effective at reducing the “bad” cholesterol“.

Geotrichum candidum is commonly used in cheese production, while Penicillinum is used in the production of the blue cheese and brie. Rhizomur miehei has a significant role in the production of vegetarian cheeses. Rhizopus oligosporus is used to make tempeh, a popular soy product originating from Indonesia. Quorn, a type of meat substitute, is also made with the help of molds.

Aside from various types of cheese, soy products, and alcoholic beverages, certain species of mold can also be found in sausages and other meat products. Penicillinum naigiovense is the most prominent among them.

What Foods Can Grow Mold?

In addition to foods and beverages that use mold for fermentation and taste, many other types of food can grow it on their own. Some are more prone to it, while others less. Typically, foods that contain a large percentage of water are most vulnerable to mold. On the other hand, dry products and foods that contain preservatives are less likely to develop mold.

Here’s a list of foods that are most likely to grow mold:

Due to the high milk content, cheese is very likely to grow mold. Both the hard and soft varieties can be affected.
While all types of bread can grow mold, the ones made without preservatives are most vulnerable.
Vegetables and fruits. Carrots, tomatoes, strawberries, apples, grapes, and many others are prone to mold.
Other foods that can grow mold include nuts, meat and meat products, processed food, and milk.

What to Save and What to Discard?

While one might think that all food becomes completely inedible when mold appears, it is not always so. Though some foods are best thrown away, others can be salvaged. Here’s a quick guide on what to throw and what not to throw when you see mold.

Foods to Throw Away

If mold appears on any of the following items, your safest bet is to discard them right away. The list includes:

Cooked Food. Stews, pastas, casseroles, foods containing grains, and other cooked foods should be discarded when mold appears.
It is not uncommon for moldy jellies and jams to also contain mycotoxins.
Peanut butter. If it doesn’t have preservatives, it has more chance to grow mold.
Soft cheese. All types of soft cheese should be thrown away at the sight of mold.
Soft veggies and fruits. Throw away all soft vegetables and fruits if they grow mold.
Bread that has mold on the surface is likely to have it on the inside, as well.
Milk and milk products.

Foods to Not Throw Away

Here’s a list of foods that can be saved:

Dry-cured hams and hard salami. Mold has a hard time spreading through dry food.
Hard cheese. Mold is used in the production of some cheeses.
Firm veggies and fruits. This includes carrots, apples, and bell peppers.

When you see mold on these items, just cut off the portion that contains mold.

Conclusion

Although frowned upon by many, mold is actually not completely bad. Certain species are indispensible in the production of some world-renowned delicacies and alcoholic beverages.

If you were wondering does mold have a taste, the answer is yes. It is earthy and not very pleasant to most people. However, some foods like blue cheese owe their popular taste to mold.

That being said, you should be wary of mold that appears on the food in your fridge. While some food items can be saved when they grow mold, most of them are best disposed of.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-red-yeast-rice/art-20363074
https://www.cdc.gov/mold/dampness_facts.htm
https://www.anbg.gov.au/fungi/what-is-fungus.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2575883/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/monascus-purpureus
https://mycology.adelaide.edu.au/descriptions/hyphomycetes/geotrichum/

Top 5 Most Effective Fibromyalgia Medications

Written By: Holly Case

Published Date: January 25, 2019 Last Edited: January 25, 2019

John

Fibromyalgia is an incredibly difficult condition to treat. Most people with fibromyalgia go through a great ordeal trying to get both diagnosis and treatment. Finding the right medication can be a challenge as well because there are so many possible options. Here’s a list of some of the most commonly prescribed medications for fibromyalgia and which are most often effective.

Fibromyalgia Medication List

Lyrica

Lyrica is the brand name of the drug pregabalin. It was the first drug ever approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating fibromyalgia. Lyrica works by blocking calcium channels in the body. This means it is also sometimes useful in treating epilepsy. When Lyrica is effective in treating fibromyalgia, it reduces pain, alleviates anxiety, and can make you feel calm and relaxed.

However, like most medications, it also has potential negative side effects. The most common side effects of Lyrica include the following:

Dizziness
Drowsiness
Increased hunger and weight gain
Confusion
Vision changes

As the first medication specifically approved for treating fibromyalgia, this is often the first treatment that may be prescribed for you.

Savella

Savella is the brand name of the drug milnacipran. It is an FDA-approved fibromyalgia medication. Savella is in the class of drugs called selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, or SNRI. This class of medication is often prescribed as an antidepressant, but that does not imply that fibromyalgia and depression have similar causes. When Savella is working well to treat fibromyalgia, it reduces body aches and pain and decreases muscle tension.

The potential negative side effects of Savella include the following:

Nausea
Headaches
Irritability
Increased sweating
Higher blood pressure

Many of these side effects will go away or decrease after a few weeks as your body gets adjusted to the medication.

Cymbalta

Cymbalta is the brand name of the drug duloxetine. It is also approved for treating fibromyalgia and is in the SNRI class of medications. It is supposed to be very effective in reducing nerve pain and overall physical body aches. As an antidepressant, it may also provide a boost to your mood and improve depression which is common in fibromyalgia.

Negative side effects of Cymbalta can include the following:

Nausea
Dizziness
Decreased libido
Increased sweating

These side effects may go away or become less as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, for both Cymbalta and Savella, like other SNRI medications, it’s very important to take the drug at approximately the same time every day. These medications can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, such as “brain zaps,” even an hour or two after a missed dose.

Neurontin

Neurontin, the brand name of the drug gabapentin, is often prescribed for fibromyalgia. However, this particular usage of the medication is not FDA-approved and is therefore considered “off label.” Neurontin is actually in the anticonvulsant class of drugs more commonly prescribed for treating epilepsy.

Neurontin is being subject to restricted access in some states, as it has come under scrutiny because of the possibility of dependence. If it is still accessible in your state, expect that your doctor may use closer monitoring if prescribing the drug. Neurontin can cause lightheaded feelings or even a mild “high” feeling. However, it is known to reduce neuropathic pain and physical body aches.

Negative side effects of Neurontin may include the following:

Weight gain
Dizziness
Nausea
Confusion

Many people with fibromyalgia also suffer from frequent headaches, and they may find that Neurontin is beneficial for that purpose. This drug is often prescribed off label for treating frequent migraines.

Ultram

Ultram is the brand name of the drug tramadol. This is another drug commonly prescribed for fibromyalgia. Like Neurontin, Ultram is prescribed off label and is not FDA-approved for treating fibromyalgia. Although it is not approved for treating fibromyalgia, studies did find that it may be effective as a second-line treatment.

Ultram is an atypical pain reliever. It is believed to have similar effects to an opioid medication, although seems to have less potential for addiction. It is also an SNRI medication, but it binds to the opioid receptors in the body and provides relief of moderate to severe pain.

Side effects of Ultram can include nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness.

These are the five most commonly prescribed medications for treating fibromyalgia. However, talk to your doctor about all of your options. If these medications don’t work for you, other drugs may be prescribed off label and may be effective.

Health

How Long Does LASIK Last and What Can You Expect?

Written By: Arch

Published Date: January 25, 2019 Last Edited: January 21, 2019

Arch

Like other organs and parts of the body, eyes age and weaken over time. Myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism are among the most frequent vision disorders humans face as they age. Glaucoma, cataracts, and many others can plague one’s vision in various periods of life.

Glasses, contact lenses, and eye drops are most commonly used to treat the problem and make life easier for people suffering from vision loss or impairment. These century-old methods remain the most prevalent well into the 21st century.

There are also laser treatments, LASIK being among the most prominent, which can offer actual improvement and long-lasting effects. However, they are still far more expensive than the traditional methods, making them unavailable to some patients.

If you are considering a laser intervention, continue reading to find out how long does LASIK last and what are the possible complications down the road.

What Is LASIK Surgery?

LASIK, short for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is one of several types of refractive surgery. It is a process of reshaping the eye’s cornea with a microkeratome or a laser. LASIK is performed by an ophthalmologist and is used to improve visual acuity.

The procedure is similar to PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) and LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis) in that all three are used to reshape the cornea. PRK and LASEK use laser ablation to permanently reshape the anterior central cornea and repair serious damage. On the other hand, LASIK is used in less severe cases and on patients with thinner corneas.

There are two main types of LASIK surgery – wave-front and topography-assisted. The former has been in use longer and is still more prevalent. It utilizes a wave-front sensor to measure the cornea and assist the computer-controlled excimer laser. The success of the operation depends heavily on the precision of the sensor and the doctor’s ability to predict the changes that might take place during the recovery period.

On the other hand, topography-assisted LASIK procedure is aimed at the reduction of side effects, especially night vision side effects. The FDA approved the first topography-assisted lasers in September 2013.

What Is LASIK Surgery Used For?

LASIK is used to correct the effects of some of the most common vision disorders. The list includes:

Also known as far-sightedness, hyperopia is one of the most prevalent vision problems. The light is not focused on the retina like in a healthy eye, but behind it. This causes objects near the eye to appear blurry. Eye strain and headaches are common side effects.
In case of short-sightedness (common name for myopia), the light is focused in front of the retina instead of on it. Consequently, far objects appear blurry. Headaches and eye strain might accompany the disorder.
An eye affected with astigmatism can’t focus light on the retina as evenly as a healthy eye does, causing blurry vision at both short and long ranges. Like the previous two disorders, astigmatism can be accompanied by eye strain and headaches.

How Long Does LASIK Last?

In most cases, LASIK provides a permanent effect. That being said, complications can happen over time and some patients might need an enhancement (a second LASIK intervention). Luckily, the percentage of patients needing additional interventions is small enough to safely say that LASIK permanently improves vision.

Though it has a permanent effect, LASIK can’t stop the aging of the eyes, as well as the onset of presbyopia and its effects after the age of 40. Presbyopia is the weakening of the lens of the eye. As a result, the eye loses the ability to focus on nearby objects.

However, the age at which you undergo a LASIK intervention can have a significant effect on further development of your eyesight. Roughly, patients can be divided into two age groups – 18 to mid/late-30s and 40+. Here’s a quick overview of what both groups can expect from a LASIK treatment.

18 to mid-30. Due to their young age, patients in this group tend to have healthier eyes and overall better vision. Their eyes have accumulated less damage and can recover faster. In turn, LASIK can have a stronger and longer-lasting positive effect. Likewise, patients in their 20s and 30s have a lesser chance of needing a corrective intervention or going back to using glasses and lenses before presbyopia kicks in. On the flipside, younger patients are less likely to undergo the treatment due to it being expensive.
40+. Patients over the age of 40 can hope to experience the same level of improvement as their younger counterparts. Older patients might still require glasses for reading and driving at night in months following the surgery. Also, the effects of presbyopia will kick in faster and hit harder the older the patient is. It should be noted that the LASIK treatment doesn’t protect from glaucoma and cataracts. These conditions affect other parts of the eye, the lens and the eye nerve, respectively.

Possible Complications and Risks

LASIK interventions are generally safe and patients rarely experience long-lasting or severe side-effects and complications. However, among the recorded cases, dry eye syndrome and seeing starbursts and halos at night account for the vast majority of complications.

Dry Eyes

It is very common to experience dry eyes in days and weeks following a LASIK intervention. However, the symptoms tend to go away as the eye heals, leaving no permanent damage. While usually temporary in nature, symptoms can develop into a full-blown, chronic dry eye syndrome. This condition can significantly affect the patient’s quality of life.

Patients who develop dry eye syndrome after LASIK are usually prescribed artificial tears or punctual occlusion. In the case of punctual occlusion, a plug made of silicone or collagen is placed in the tear duct to prevent it from draining.

Starbursts and Halos

A certain percentage of patients might see starbursts and halos at night. Usually, the symptoms happen around sources of bright light. This is commonly contributed to the expansion of the pupil during the night. In some patients, the pupil might grow larger than the flap and cause stromal changes which, in turn, cause visual distortion.

Other Complications

Aside from dry eye syndrome and light distortions at night, LASIK patients can experience a wide range of other complications. Some of the most prominent include diffuse lamellar keratitis, post-LASIK corneal ectasia, Uveitis, retinal detachment, eye floaters, slipped flaps, choroidal neovascularization, and more.

Final Word

With the effects of LASIK considered permanent, patients shouldn’t expect their vision to remain 20/20 forever. Like other parts of the body, the eyes age and weaken with years of use. While the cornea usually remains strong and healthy, the eye nerve, lens, and other parts of the eye might buckle under the pressure of time.

Patients also shouldn’t expect LASIK to solve problems and conditions that are not related to the cornea. Likewise, the procedure can’t prevent these problems from happening in the future.

References:

https://nei.nih.gov/health/errors/myopia
https://nei.nih.gov/health/errors/hyperopia
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-astigmatism
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-glaucoma
https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/productsandmedicalprocedures/surgeryandlifesupport/lasik/ucm061358.htm
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/what-is-refractive-surgery
https://www.aao.org/bcscsnippetdetail.aspx?id=7e465c5f-fbbe-44e4-8dff-673bc488928f
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/photorefractive-keratectomy-prk
https://discoveryeye.org/lasik-lasek-prk-and-ptk/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5221655/
https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/understanding-facts-lasik-enhancement/
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-presbyopia
https://lookafteryoureyes.org/how-your-eyes-work/parts-of-the-eye/
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-dry-eye
http://eyewiki.aao.org/Diffuse_lamellar_Keratitis
http://eyewiki.aao.org/Ectasia_After_LASIK
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-uveitis
https://nei.nih.gov/health/retinaldetach/retinaldetach
https://nei.nih.gov/health/floaters/floaters
https://www.aaojournal.org/article/S0161-6420(86)33609-1/abstract

Does Mold Cause Cancer and Should You Worry?

Written By: Arch

Published Date: January 24, 2019 Last Edited: January 18, 2019

Arch

Simply hearing the term mold is enough to make most people uncomfortable. And unfortunately, hearing about it can often be the least of your problems as it is not at all uncommon to see mold in your home. Mold can grow indoors, it can grow outdoors, and it is essentially everywhere. The fact is, you are exposed to mold on a regular basis.

You’ve also certainly heard that mold can cause health problems. Because it is so widespread, it is perfectly normal to wonder what those problems are as they may be a very real issue for you. And as you are thinking about this, the question, “does mold cause cancer?” will undoubtedly cross your mind at some point.

We are here to answer that question, and our response is a mixture of good news and bad. The bad news is that certain types of mold can cause cancer (specifically, liver cancer). But the good news is that this is not likely.

However, this is a complex question and to answer it fully, we need to explain what mold actually is. And more importantly, we need to explain how it can affect you.

What Is Mold?

A mold is a fungus. There are many species of molds out there, thousands in fact. That is why they can differ so widely in terms of appearance and color (you have black mold, green mold, etc.). In order to thrive, molds require a damp environment. That is why if you do have mold in your home, you’re most likely to find it in places such as your bathroom or basement.

Molds reproduce using spores. These tiny particles travel through the air, and you will frequently come into contact with them. When the amounts are small, these spores tend to be harmless to humans. Although, there are always people who are especially sensitive to them.

The problem arises when the spores get to a damp spot somewhere in your home. If the environment is suitable, they will begin to grow and spread. This mold will release even more spores into the air, and this is where it becomes easy to inhale larger amounts of them.

In theory, it is also possible to ingest the mold from your home orally. But, that would require actually eating it. Since this is not a likely scenario, inhalation is how mold usually affects humans. And because of this, when people think about mold and cancer, lung cancer is usually the first association.

Mold and Lung Cancer

We’ve explained why lung cancer is the primary concern in this context. And this connection seems very logical.

We know that harmful airborne substances can cause lung cancer. Tobacco smoke is the biggest culprit here but you also have asbestos fibers, coal dust, etc. We also know that mold spores can be a harmful airborne substance. It is thus not a big leap to connect the two.

Fortunately for us, there is no definitive evidence proving this link. Research simply hasn’t been able to directly tie mold to lung cancer. Even indirect links don’t seem all that probable. Long-term exposure to mold can cause several lung diseases, some of which are very serious, but it is those diseases that should be your primary concern. These are conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, etc. As far as lung cancer is concerned, mold simply does not appear to be a relevant risk factor.

Mold and Liver Cancer

Lung cancer may be out of the equation, but that does not mean molds are completely in the clear. We’ve already mentioned that liver cancer is associated with some molds. Specifically, this has to do with substances known as aflatoxins and the two types of molds that produce them: Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus.

You can primarily find these molds on various agricultural crops (corn, rice, different nuts, etc.). The molds can contaminate the crops before the harvest, during it, or at a later date (due to improper storage). If people are exposed to increased doses of the aflatoxins they produce, many medical problems can occur as a result. This exposure can happen it two ways.

One is through inhalation. When crops need to be handled and processed, that creates a lot of dust. If molds are present in the crops, there is a risk that agricultural workers may end up breathing them in. However, this is not the typical way for people to be exposed to this family of toxins. That would be through diet.

Once again, there are two possibilities here. One is direct exposure by eating plant products which have been contaminated. The other is to consume dairy products or meat coming from animals that had been given contaminated feed.

Fortunately, governments are well aware of this risk and have safeguards in place. Many countries rigorously test their food for aflatoxins while food manufacturers will also treat their products before they reach the consumers. As a result, the risk of exposure isn’t high, particularly in developed countries. For example, there has never been a reported outbreak of a human sickness caused by aflatoxins in the United States.

How to Deal with Mold

As you can see, the mold in your home isn’t likely to cause cancer. However, that does not mean you shouldn’t immediately remove any traces of it you can find. To achieve this, you have two objectives.

The first is to get rid of existing mold growths. For this, you can use various commercial products, a bleach solution, or just soap and water. If something like a carpet has been soaked and you think it may be moldy, you’ll have to remove it.

The other goal is to prevent future growth. This means resolving any moisture problems you might have. You should attempt to reduce the humidity levels – a dehumidifier will help you here. You should also ensure your home has proper ventilation, particularly in the areas where you shower, cook, and do your laundry.

Furthermore, you need to fix any leaks you have whether it’s the roof, windows, or pipes. And if you do fall victim to flooding, make sure to thoroughly clean and dry the affected areas as soon as possible.

Final Word

So, does mold cause cancer? In theory, yes. Certain types of mold are associated with liver cancer. But in practice, this risk is not big enough to cause a panic. You should be careful with foods that may contain aflatoxins, but this is something that governments already regulate.

Still, you do not want to see mold anywhere in your home and should do everything in your power to remove it. Regardless of cancer, a mold-free home is much healthier to live in.