Summertime is here, and so are summer outings! Our pets love being outside, running around, playing fetch, or digging dirt. While the season is great for some outdoor activities, it is also the time when fleas and other parasites may attack your dogs and stick onto their coats. This flea infestation may become a bigger problem as it gets hotter and more humid. Here are some DIY flea sprays to get rid of these fleas. Apple cider vinegar This ingredient can be used in two ways. You can either spray the solution on your fur child’s coat or give it orally to your dog. If you would like to make a spray, just add around two to three tablespoons of it to a glass of water. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle, and spray it thoroughly on your pet’s fur. This remedy keeps the fleas at bay and your dog’s coat shiny and healthy. Here’s the recipe if you want to give it orally to your dog: For every 40 pounds of your dog’s weight, add one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to their water bowl. Repeat this process every time you refill their water bowl. Baking soda Take one-fourth cup of baking soda, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and five drops of peppermint oil before pouring two cups of warm water into this concoction. Mix this thoroughly and transfer it into a spray bottle. Use this mixture generously on your pet’s fur. Spraying enough mixture on the coat will ensure that it gets absorbed into the skin. You can simply leave the mixture on till it dries out. Make sure your dog doesn’t lick it off. Use this as many times as needed every week. Keeping some natural remedies at home is a big relief as these DIY recipes can be used to take preventive measures against flea infestation.

The prostate is a tiny gland in the body responsible for producing seminal fluids. Certain risk factors like old age, genetics, and race can affect the prostate and lead to health problems. These include the unnatural enlargement of the prostate, prostate inflammation, and prostate cancer. Fortunately, consuming certain foods and treatments, such as those listed below, can help control prostate-related issues. Foods to boost prostate health Fish Fish like herring, salmon, and lake trout are loaded with polyunsaturated fats like Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. They help reduce harmful cholesterol levels and manage high blood pressure, even reducing the chances of a heart attack. These health improvements are highly beneficial for better prostate health. Nuts Pecans, walnuts, and almonds are a few nuts rich in healthy fats. They are also known to significantly improve brain health. Another good source of vital nutrients is Brazil nuts, which are rich in vitamin E, calcium, and selenium. Together, these nutrients are known to lower the chances of developing prostate cancer. Berries Adding berries to your meals can significantly help improve prostate health. Blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. Antioxidants prevent any cell damage that may be caused by certain molecules, therefore avoiding the risk of cancer. Vitamin C can alleviate the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) through urination and reducing any swelling. Watermelon Watermelon is rich in vitamin A and C and is also sodium and fat-free. All these aspects make this an ideal fruit to boost overall well being. The fruit also contains lycopene – an antioxidant known to reduce any potential cancer risk. Medications to improve prostate health Alpha-blockers Prescription medications such as Alfuzosin (Uroxatral), Prazosin (Minipress), Silodosin (Rapaflo), Tamsulosin (Flomax), and Terazosin (Hytrin) can relax the muscles in the bladder and prostate, making it easy to urinate.

When someone looks at you, what they preferably look at first is your eyes, face or even smile. But your hair is the most distinguished part of your face and defines how you look. Hair is an essential part of your body that compliments your personality, and overall looks. More healthy the hair growth, more elegance it adds to your appearance. But sometimes due to stress, lack of vitamins, genetics, hormonal imbalance and other environmental factors, people suffer hair loss. Hair loss can take away your confidence and even add make you look dull. But as sayings go, there is a solution for everything. Nothing is impossible, and you just need to find the right remedies that can improve your situation. Vitamins—the best solution for treating hair loss, as it can fill in the deficiencies, that your body requires. Our lifestyle and eating habits are not good enough because of work pressure, hectic life and people adapting themselves to the unhealthy junk food. All of this leads to lack of vitamins that are necessary for proper functioning of the body. Vitamins not only help fill in the requirement of the body but also help in hair growth. There are certain vitamins that help in hair growth. You should consume these vitamins regularly before you go all in for other artificial methods for hair growth. They can sometimes lead to other unwanted side effects. Best Hair Growth Vitamins The best vitamins that would accelerate hair growth are: Vitamin A : Vitamin A is an essential vitamin that helps in increasing the cell count, which in turn helps in accelerating hair growth. Vitamin A generates sebum, which is natural oil in the scalp area, which provides the hair, the shining quality and keeps the hair from drying. Vitamin A should be included in your diet, but make sure that you consume it in limits because consuming an excess of the vitamin can lead to hair loss.

Gum disease is common and results in painful, inflamed, and swollen gums. The early stages of gum disease are called gingivitis. If gum disease isn’t tackled in early stages, then it progresses to periodontitis. The most common gum diseases are called by bacterial infections, that can spread and destroy the gums, and the tissue surrounding the teeth. The bacteria forms plaques around the teeth and gums. If this plaque isn’t removed, it can harden and form tartar. Most early cases of plaque buildup and gingivitis can be treated on your own. Natural treatment for gum disease is a great way to save yourself time, money, and pain of seeing a dentist. Natural treatment for gum disease includes maintaining good oral hygiene and overall health. Symptoms of gum disease Healthy gums are pink, fit securely around the teeth, do not bleed when you touch or brush them, and are not painful or inflamed. In some cases, the initial stages of gum disease are not painful, and there may be no recognizable symptoms. Eventually, as the disease progresses, the symptoms can worsen. The early stage of gum disease or gingivitis has fewer symptoms, and these tend to be nonspecific and vague. The most common early symptoms of gum disease are: Redness or purple discoloration of the gums Swelling Bleeding gums while brushing, eating, or on touching the gums. Painful gums Bad breath ( halitosis ) Natural treatment for gum disease is best initiated during early stages, to halt the progression into a more severe form of gum disease, i.e, periodontitis . The symptoms of advanced gum disease or periodontitis are: An unpleasant taste in the mouth Bad breath (halitosis) Loose teeth Difficulty chewing food Gum abscesses (collection of pus) Receding gums, which make the teeth appear longer. Deep pockets between the gums and teeth.

Healthy eating is easier said than done. The difficulty multiplies when you are living with a chronic disorder. Likewise, depending on the type of hemophilia someone has been detected with, the patient may or may not need to switch to an alternative diet. For hemophilia A patients, it might not be that big a deal. But that does not discount them from choosing healthy. Since making changes to the diet is difficult yet crucial to one’s health, it helps to start small. Here are some food groups, the absence of which in the diet can benefit hemophilia patients Saturated fats Common knowledge suggests that everyone should steer clear of saturated fats to maintain their health. It stands truer for patients with severe illnesses, including hemophilia. Saturated fats consumption can affect the patient’s heart, kidney, digestive system, and liver. Not to mention that obesity only adds to the potential risks associated with all these illnesses. Therefore, hemophilia patients should swap saturated fats with mono or poly unsaturated fats. Full-fat dairy Thanks to the calorie-conscious folks out there, everyone has access to low-fat foods. This has proven beneficial for more than just the weight-watchers. Substituting full-fat dairy products with low-fat goodness will have the added perks of multiple vitamins, minerals, and probiotics that they come with. It also saves people from the unrequired extra fat consumption. Goodbye to the loaded goods What we are talking about here is the foods that add to the calorie count. At the top of this list are fried foods that we all so dearly love. But, what we fail to realize is that the crispy fried wings and chicken popcorns we readily consume provide nothing more than empty calories. Apart from fried foods, you must steer clear from rich and creamy gravies and dressings. Sugar is nice or not?

Glowing skin is an indication of perfect health condition and also the fact that your health is not declining with the passing phase of time. Yet, the efforts that are usually being made to retain the suppleness of the skin are more with an eye on appearance, rather than health reasons. Interestingly to win over the inevitable process of aging, most of us believe and rely on various types of cosmetics. In fact, there is bountiful of beauty products in the market that claims to contain various antioxidants that can help you reverse the cycle of aging. Investigations and researchers in the beauty space have however claimed that such products rarely provide any effective result! Hence, are anti-aging vitamins a myth? Simply no! However, they act better when consumed as dietary nutrients, rather than creams that are to be applied to the skin! Three anti-aging vitamins can do wonders for your skin and can help you fight the process of aging. In this article, we will examine their benefits. Selenium One of the prime anti-aging vitamins that we talk about here, is selenium. This is one of the elemental nutritive intakes that can help a person prevent the dreaded disease of skin cancer. This element enters the body and prevents the adverse effects that can be caused due to being exposed to the sun’s ray for a long time. Selenium is also great for providing extra elasticity of the tissues. This is an aspect that reduces the rate of aging that occurs in the body. It also prevents the process of hardening of the tissues. One can get excellent quality of selenium through regular intakes of eggs, garlic, seafood, and cereals. Research has revealed that selenium is better absorbed by the body when it is consumed through dietary intake, rather than through application on the skin.

Contributing factors for hepatitis in children The liver is the body’s largest organ. It is a vital help in digesting food, storing energy, and eliminating toxins. Hepatitis is described as a condition where the liver experiences inflammation, which is, essentially, a tissue’s reaction to injury or irritation. Most cases of hepatitis are a result of being infected with viruses, and the types of hepatitis are named after the virus that is responsible for it. In some cases, the patient’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy liver cells, which leads to liver damage, among many other liver issues. Any of the types of hepatitis can affect people of all ages. Here are some contributing factors that lead to hepatitis in children. Understanding these can help in preventing the transmission and in maintaining hygiene: Hepatitis A The virus that causes hepatitis A is usually present in fecal matter. It can infect children in the following ways: Eating food cooked by an infected person who failed to properly wash their hands after going to the bathroom Drinking water that has been contaminated by infected feces Coming into direct or indirect contact with an infected person’s feces Traveling to areas with a common occurrence of hepatitis A Infections during blood transfusions Hepatitis B Hepatitis B is usually transmitted through blood and the most common way in which people contract this type is when an infected person’s blood is introduced into another person’s bloodstream. Getting injured through needle sticks and sharp instruments can also lead to hepatitis B. Another common way through which people contract hepatitis B is by sharing items of personal use like toothbrushes and razors with an infected person. If an expecting mother has hepatitis B, her baby may develop the illness. Children can contract this disease through cuts, scrapes, and different types of contact.

Arthritis is an inflammation of one or many joints, which can cause pain and stiffness. There are multiple types of arthritis and each has its own symptoms. Characterized by swelling, fatigue, loss of appetite, and redness of the skin around the joints, arthritis can also cause a decreased range of motion. Moreover, wear and tear of the tissues around your joints is a major cause for arthritis. Although no food can completely cure arthritis, it can make a difference. Eating healthy foods can decrease the severity significantly. Some of the food that you should consume regularly when suffering from arthritis are: Fish Omega-3 fatty acids are components in food that greatly reduce the effects of arthritis by decreasing the inflammation around the joints. Fish are packed with high amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids, especially salmon, mackerel, and tuna. These fish are great for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Soy Serving as an alternative for fish, this vegan product is also packed with Omega-3 fatty acids. Soy also contains high fiber and is wholesome. Some items containing soy that you can incorporate into your daily diet include tofu, soy milk, etc. Oils As bad as corn oil is for people with arthritis, other types of oils such as olive, avocado, safflower, and walnut prove to be extremely helpful to reduce the effects of arthritis. These oils have great anti-inflammatory properties. Walnut oil has more Omega-3 content than olive oil. Avocado and safflower oils also reduce cholesterol. These oils are especially helpful for osteoarthritis. Cherry Cherries are known to reduce the recurrence of gout attacks. Anthocyanins present in cherries have an anti-inflammatory effect on your joints. This substance is also found in other red and purple fruits, such as raspberries and blueberries. Dairy Low-fat dairy products show results that are exactly the opposite of high-fat dairy products.

Top 15 foods to help fight cervical cancer There has been innumerable research on ways to prevent and fight cervical cancer, and much of this emphasises on following a plant-based diet as a method to fight it. Researchers are of the view that regular consumption of some specific types of foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole-grains can protect against this cancer. Cervical cancer is caused by an HPV or Human Papillomavirus infection and any diet that is rich in carotenoids, antioxidants, folate, and flavonoids can help the body to fight this. Superfoods to fight cervical cancer Avocados: One can include avocados in their diet because these are excellent sources of healthy fats, rich in folate and are tasty and nutritious too. Broccoli: This has extraordinary compounds that can get rid of carcinogenic toxins, induce apoptosis inside cancer cells, stop DNA mutation, and prevent benign tumors from growing into malignant ones. Citrus fruits: Adding more citrus fruits in the diet to get vitamin C can be very beneficial for cervix health. Oranges and lemons are excellent choices of citrus fruits; for those who do not like fruits, they can get their daily dose of vitamin C from Brussels sprouts and broccoli. Tomatoes: Tomatoes can help prevent this type of cancer. Incidentally, foods rich in lycopene like tomatoes help to promote cervical health. Leafy greens: Spinach, collard greens, and kale are perfect choices for dark, green, leafy veggies as these have a high folate content and can promote cervix health. Papaya: This fruit is a nutritional powerhouse and one of the best sources of vitamin C, zeaxanthin, and beta-cryptoxanthin. This combination is found to be highly effective for reducing the risks of cervical cancer. Raspberries: These are loaded with nutrients and low in calories. Daily consumption of this fruit can prevent cells from getting infected with HPV.

There are a bunch of portable ultrasound machines developed by renowned brands that one can select from. Each brand offers different types of portable devices, including cart-based ultrasound systems, laptop-based ultrasound machines, even tablet-based systems. That said, one should consider the machines’ capabilities and the required functionality for their healthcare practice as the prices and features vary across these types. Read on to know what features to expect in a portable ultrasound machine. High-end portable ultrasound machines High-end portable ultrasound machines pack all the bells and whistles. That said, when it comes to availability, the high-end segment is a niche as compared to the more cost-effective options in the market. A few popular portable ultrasound machines in this segment are the Mindray M8 Elite, Philips CX50, and GE Vivid iq. These devices combine ease of usage with top-notch features like advanced computing capabilities, premium imaging, and an enhanced signal-to-noise ratio. Mid-range portable ultrasound machines One can find a wide variety of mid-range portable ultrasound machines to pick from. And while they are not as good as the high-end systems, even the mid-range systems offer exceptional image quality, quick diagnoses, and simplified workflows in various common scanning applications. These mid-range devices are suitable for hospital departments like radiology and physicians in small practices who need to move the portable machine from one room to another. As for the popular devices in this segment, one can consider taking a look at the Sonosite Edge II, GE Versana Active™, and Mindray M6. Budget-friendly portable ultrasound machines Budget-friendly portable ultrasound machines are for those who want to spend less. One can save big bucks by purchasing a refurbished model, given that the device gets the job done. These are great secondary or alternative solutions for practices with more than two offices. These economical devices are also suitable for practices testing the technology and for those using ultrasound scanning occasionally.

Fiber refers to plant-based carbohydrates (not sugar or starch) that are digested uniquely in the large intestine. They are essential for people who consume more meat than vegetables. Fiber is an invaluable aid to the digestive system and helps in smooth bowel movements. Fiber is responsible for bulking up the stools, thereby making it softer and more pliable within the rectal cavity. Considering that constipation is the most common digestive problem in the country, eating a lot of fiber is not only a healthy option but also a necessary one, especially for people who suffer from chronic constipation. Given below is a list of high fiber foods that you can incorporate in your diet. Dark chocolate: Let’s start with something that everyone likes! Dark chocolates contain as much as 10.9% fiber. While chocolate is often called unhealthy, the trick is to go for dark chocolates with a cocoa content of over 90%. Make sure to pick the ones with very little sugar in them. Moreover, they are rich in nutrients and have a ton of antioxidants in them as well. Almonds: With around 12.5% fiber, almonds are full of many nutrients, healthy fats, vitamin E, manganese, and magnesium. These nuts are tasty as well as a healthy alternative to chips and other junk food. Legumes: Consider consuming this food item as a part of at least one meal in a day. Legumes are a rich source of fiber and quite nutritious too. In many countries, legumes are the primary source of nutrition. Be it black beans (8.7%), edamame (5.2%), lima beans (5.3%) or baked beans (5.5%), you cannot go wrong if you pick legumes to add fiber to your diet. To achieve the best balance of nutrition and taste, opt for chickpeas as they have 7.6% fiber. Lentils: Lentils are perhaps the most balanced item on this list of high fiber foods.

According to various medical study reports, by the age of 50, almost 75% of people experience changes in their eyesight. Common conditions like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataract, and age-related muscular degeneration can leave an impact on your eyes. A variety of different factors influence these eye conditions. According to eye specialists, nutrition is definitely one of these major factors. Hence, before it is out of your hand, you should take care of your eye health. Here is a list of some of the best eye vitamins and some nutrients to keep your eyes in good health. Vitamin E When the balance between the free radicals and the antioxidants in your body is not maintained properly, oxidative stress may occur, which is one of the major causes of a bad eye condition. Vitamin E is an efficient antioxidant that helps protect the eye cells from the damage caused by the free radicals that are unstable molecules and harmful for your eyes. Also, some medical research studies have reflected the fact that diet and foods that are rich in vitamin E help in preventing cataract caused by aging. Avocado, Salmon, leafy green vegetables, seeds, nuts, and cooking oils are good sources of vitamin E. Vitamin A Vitamin A deficiency can cause Xerophthalmia, a progressive eye disease that begins with night blindness. In the absence of vitamin A, one of the best eye vitamins, your tear duct as well as the eyes can dry out. With time, the cornea softens and may result in irreversible blindness. To see properly in low-light conditions, rhodopsin protein is necessary, and vitamin A is a major component of this protein. Moreover, it helps in protecting the eyes against other types of eye afflictions. Some studies mention that it can reduce the risks of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataract.