A type of fat, cholesterol is lipid is essential for the body to function properly. However, too much cholesterol is bad for the health and can have an impact on the most vital organ of human body, the heart. Bad cholesterol often causes heart stroke and other heart-related diseases. Medical terms used by doctors to signify bad cholesterol include lipid disorder, hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipidemia. Cholesterol level diagnosis is made with a simple blood test called lipoprotein profile or fasting lipid. Following are the four numbers that are taken into consideration while performing cholesterol level diagnosis. These are: Total Blood or Serum Cholesterol This takes into account the total sum of High-Density Lipoprotein and High-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol scores.It is also a good indicator of whether the patient has a risk for heart disease. Optimal – Less than 200 mg/dL Borderline high – 200-239 mg/dL High – 240 mg/dL or higher High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Known as good cholesterol, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) helps in keeping the arteries clear of blockage caused by low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. It is also known to protect people against heart disease. For this reason, higher HDL score is always good. But, if HDL falls below the marked range, it is considered that the patient is prone to suffer heart diseases. Low – Should be less than 40 mg/dL(men) and 50 mg/dL (women) Normal – 45 mg/dL + for men and 55 mg/dL + for women Optimal – 60 mg/dL and above lower danger of heart disease Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) High level of bad low-density lipoprotein cholesterol leads to blockage in arteries and increases chances of heart diseases. Thus, low level of bad LDL is always good to protect health. Optimal – Less than 100 mg/dL Normal/Near Optimal – 100-129 mg/dL Borderline High – 130-159 mg/dL High – 160-189 mg/dL Very High – 190 mg/dL and above People suffering from metabolic syndrome or heart diseases should ensure that their LDL is lower than the optimal number recommended.

Opioids (narcotics) are commonly found medicines to relieve pain. They can be really helpful if you are suffering from a short-term pain such as the pain you experience post-surgery for a broken bone. They also have the ability to ease off the excruciating pain one has to go through if they are suffering from cancer. Always keep in mind that unlike other medicines, opioids are strong drugs and are not recommended when treating long-term pains like frequent headaches, arthritis or lower back pain. Such long-term pains are known as “chronic” pain. If you are planning to take opioids to relieve long-term pain then you must consult with your doctor for his suggestions and also ask him whether there are other ways to treat the particular long-term pain. Let us check out why: Opioids are prescribed too often People generally visit doctors due to the chronic pain they suffer from and most of the time they have prescribed opioids as chronic pain medicine. In the past few years, the country has seen a tremendous increase in the opioid prescription for chronic pain which can have severe side effects. Opioids commonly include: Hydrocodone (generic and Vicodin) Oxycodone (generic, OxyContin and Percocet) Since opioids are not chronic pain medicines, they work well to treat short-term pains but whether they will work equally well in treating long-term pain is uncertain. Side effects and risks associated with opioids One of the most common issues related to opioids is that over the time the body gets addicted to this drug, as a result, the drug fails to function properly. Moreover, to get rid of the same, the body demands us to take more and more. Also, an increase in the dosage of such a strong drug may lead to some deadly side effects such as: Constipation Vomiting Nausea Itching Unable to pass enough urine Some serious breathing issues Mental instability and confusion As we know our body gets used to opioids so we must discontinue its usage in the long run.

To know if you’re experiencing gallbladder pain symptoms, it is important to first understand what a gallbladder is and what are its functions. The gallbladder is a tiny pouch-like structure underneath the liver which is considered to be a part of the biliary system of your body. This tiny pouch, when full like an inflated balloon around 4 inches, contains a yellowish-brown liquid called bile, which is an essential fluid in the human body that helps in the digestion and breaking up of fatty foods in your small intestine. The bile is transferred to the small intestine using a small tube-like structure known as ducts. However, some researchers have concluded that the gallbladder may not be an essential internal organ, as the bile is known to reach the small intestine through other means and the gallbladder merely acts as a storage unit for the bile. When you experience gallbladder pain symptoms, you may feel a tenderness under the rib cage on the right side, bloating, gas, stools that are light or chalky colored, burping or belching, fatty stools, pain between shoulder blades, indigestion—especially after eating fatty or greasy foods, constipation or need to use laxatives frequently, diarrhea, headache over eyes—especially on the right, feeling of fullness or difficulty in digesting food, bitter fluid comes up after having food, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, and the like. A low, severe, or radiating pain is one of the most common gallbladder pain symptoms occurring near the mid-upper right section of the abdomen. A radiating pain can go to other areas of the body, such as the back and chest. Other common gallbladder pain symptoms include nausea and vomiting; however, in some severe cases, it may even cause some digestive problems, such as acid reflux, gas, nausea, and vomiting. Chronic diarrhea, meaning more than four bowel movements per day, for a long duration of at least three months is one of the common gallbladder pain symptoms.

The food one eats plays an important role in their overall well-being. Options such as green leafy vegetables, fruits, and nuts can significantly help curb or reduce the risk of developing untoward health conditions. However, when it comes to chronic conditions like cancer, food options become more limited, and while eating healthy may not cure the disease, it helps boost the immune system. This then aids in a faster recovery. 7 foods that helps fight cancer Berries Berries are nutritious and contain vitamin C, potassium, manganese, and folate, which help the immune system fight the cancer cells. A few examples of cancer-fighting berries are mulberries, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. The fruits also contain antioxidants like gallic acid and chlorogenic acid, which promote anti-cancer agents. Garlic Apart from being a delicious addition to any meal, garlic also has health benefits. The vegetable is an anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial food with natural antioxidants that may benefit your overall health. Garlic also contains allicin, which is an active compound known to reduce potential stomach cancer. Tomato Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, vitamin A, C, E and possess other health benefits too. These properties help ward off any potential cancer risks. Additionally, lycopene is an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of heart diseases. Grapes Grapes contain an abundance of resveratrol, which is a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties known to prevent damage caused by cancer. Similarly, fruits like limes, lemons, and oranges can also help fight the effects of cancer. Broccoli Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable known for its anti-cancerous properties. It contains glucosinolates; a substance that produces protective enzymes as it moves through the digestive system. Further, these enzymes can negate harmful chemicals in the system and lower the risk of cancer. Apples Apples are rich in potassium, vitamins C, and calcium, making them superfoods for the human body.

The American Cancer Society estimates that over 13,240 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer and of these 4,170 women have died. Eating various vegetables and fruits will protect you from cervical cancer. This cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). A diet that is high in folate, flavonoids, carotenoids, and antioxidants helps fight the HPV infection and also prevents this infection from turning the cells into lesions that are cancerous. Research has proved that a plant-based diet, which is a mix of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and beans, is the best to fight cervical cancer. To prevent the onset of cervical cancer, you’ll have to find ways to include all these food types in your diet. You can follow this basic pattern for your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast: You can eat granola, yogurt, cantaloupe, and orange juice. Lunch: You can add zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, and red peppers in your vegetable cheese toast sandwich. Dinner: Diced tomatoes, chicken, black beans, spinach, whole wheat pasta, and grapefruit can be added in your tossed romaine salad. Flavonoids are chemical compounds that are found in fruits and vegetables. One can add foods rich in flavonoids to their diets. These include lettuce, garlic, spinach, soy, onions, lima beans, cranberries, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, black beans, asparagus, and apples. Folate is a B vitamin that is soluble in water. Foods that have folate are strawberries, romaine lettuce, orange juice, lentils, cereals and breads, chickpeas, and avocados. Apart from folate, carotenoids are also highly beneficial in managing symptoms of cervical cancer. Carotenoids are a source of Vitamin A and are found in winter squash, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots, and beans. Diet is just part of the solution for avoiding risk of cervical cancer. A healthy lifestyle helps to reduce the risk of cervical cancer and requires getting vaccinated for HPV, getting pap smears, not smoking, and being monogamous.

Arthritis is a medical condition where the musculoskeletal system, especially the joints where two or more bones meet, causing inflammation in the joints accompanied by pain, swelling, stiffness. There are various forms of arthritis- like bacterial, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, to name a few. Family history, obesity, immune system disorder, injury in the joints are some of the causes of developing arthritis. Treatment of arthritis depends on the type of arthritis one is suffering from. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating healthy foods can help in preventing or easing the symptoms of arthritis. The following food items will help manage the symptoms of arthritis. Foods rich in Omega 3 Fatty fish like mackerel, salmon, and sardines contain anti-inflammatory properties which help in easing the symptoms of arthritis. Consuming foods rich in omega-3 helps in keeping the bones and muscles strong and is also good for a healthy heart and brain. It also helps in reducing the discomfort caused in the joints, especially weight-bearing joints like hips, knees, and feet. Intake of omega-3 also helps in improving flexibility and quick recovery from arthritis. Omega-3 supplements in the form of capsules are also available. Garlic Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, garlic is a great source to ease the symptoms of arthritis. Garlic not only adds taste to the food but also helps in lowering the pain caused due to arthritis because of the properties present in garlic. Not only does garlic helps in easing the symptoms of arthritis but it also contains properties which help in fighting cancer cells, strengthening the immune system and lowering the risk of heart diseases. Garlic can be consumed raw or can be added to food while cooking. Broccoli An important source of carotenoids, fiber and vitamin C, present in broccoli helps in easing the symptoms of arthritis.

When people talk about skin issues, they often forget to consider scars. Most people are preoccupied with breakouts and zits, or they worry about superficial damage to the skin. However, acne can leave behind scars and dull spots. Several people start feeling conscious of the way they look because of these scars. If you have facial scars, you need to make sure that you get the right treatment for it. It all starts with picking a scar cream that addresses the issues which lead to the formation of these marks in the first place. The best scar cream is one that works slowly but provides a permanent solution. Here is a brief guide to the different types of scars, and some tips to help you pick the best scar cream for yourself. What are scars and how do they form? Scars are a signature of an injury or damage caused to the dermis, which is the skin’s second deepest layer. This damage can be self-inflicted if you pick your skin, or it could be a leftover mark from surgery. Scars form due to your skin’s ability to heal fast. Whenever you get a wound, your skin immediately goes to work by fixing that wound. It starts with clotting the blood in the area of injury to prevent bleeding, and it forms a barrier on the cut to protect it from the external world. We see this as a scab. Scabs are fragile and easily broken. However, as soon as the scab forms, the dermal layer starts producing fibroblasts. It helps to fix the collagen on the skin to form a smooth, pink layer that we see on the surface. The problem starts at this point. The fibroblast is produced at a fast rate, and the collagen isn’t laid out evenly.

The human skin, especially the one on our face, is repeatedly exposed to environmental factors like stress, pollution and climate change, among other irritants. This has led to increased aging patterns and skin problems. Coupled with poor lifestyle choices and lack of exercise, the skin in today’s time is set to suffer. One way to fight this problem is to use skin care products suited to the skin type. One needs to be educated regarding which brand or skin care product to use for maximum benefits as well as value for money. Since there are thousands of brands available in the market, it can be a confusing choice. In terms of ingredients, visibility, availability, budget and skin type, plus the added worry of fake or counterfeit brands. It is important to be educated regarding skin care products. Any skin care line backed by research and a dermatologist’s seal of approval can be picked off the shelves. Dermatologists have a deep understanding of the different skin types and skin conditions and the products and chemicals that would work for these. They are therefore equipped with the knowledge that can help an individual care for their skin in the best possible way and manage any challenges that the environment or daily living might throw. It is therefore imperative to understand one’s skin type and choose a skin care product that is suitable to solve the individual problems that a person faces. It is also important to not fall for the myths that surround skin care products. Let us discuss some of these myths and bust them. For oily and acne-prone skin Myth: Washing face frequently with an exfoliating facial cleanser is important. Fact: Washing the skin excessively with products not suited for the skin type can aggravate the problem. If a too-drying formula or a very abrasive formula is used on oily skin, it worsens the condition by making the skin produce even more oil to counteract the drying effect of the skin care products.

Eczema is a fairly common dermatological condition that is not contagious. There are multiple factors to trigger an outbreak of eczema over different areas of the skin. These factors vary from environmental factors to food allergies. Treatment for eczema focuses mainly on healing damaged skin and managing the symptoms. There are two types of eczema. The first is a skin condition that manifests through rashes; the other is known as atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis usually manifests at infancy and continues to show during childhood. Often people start developing atopic dermatitis at the age of 5 or below. The majority of those who suffer from this type of eczema continue to experience the symptoms into adulthood. Cures for eczema are not known; however, it can be managed using various techniques and eczema moisturizing creams. Types of eczema Both types of eczema can be further divided into further categories. Allergic contact dermatitis: This type of dermatitis or eczema manifests when the body’s immune system reacts to what it considers a foreign substance allergen. This type of dermatitis can be treated and managed by eczema moisturizing creams within a few minutes of bathing in lukewarm water. Air-dry instead of rubbing the skin to avoid irritating the rash. Investigate the allergen and avoid it as much as possible. Neurodermatitis: This type of eczema manifests through scaly patches on the head, lower legs, forearms, and wrists. The usual cause of this varies but is most commonly due to an insect bite. Treat it with various eczema moisturizing creams. Use gentle soaps while bathing in warm or lukewarm water. Do not scratch. Nummular eczema: This type of eczema is seen with circular patches of irritated skin that are crusted with scaling and are itchy. Seborrheic eczema: The skin breaks out in oily, scaly yellowish patches around the scalp and face.

As a responsible pet parent, you do your best to ensure healthy nutrition and a happy environment for your cats. But it can be hard to resist feeding them a few tidbits off your own plate. However, there are certain human foods that should not be given to cats under any circumstances as they can prove to be life-threatening. Here are five foods that are an absolute no-no for kittens and cats. 5 human foods that are toxic for cats Chocolate Milk chocolate and dark chocolate, even in small quantities, can trigger vomiting and diarrhea among cats. Some felines may even experience a rapid increase in breathing rate and body temperature, in addition to the risk of seizures. Garlic and onions Both garlic and onions contain compounds that break down the red blood cells. These vegetables are harmful to cats in every form, be it raw, cooked, powdered, or dehydrated. If you notice shortness of breath and sudden weakness in your cats, it could be an anemic reaction. Raw eggs Raw eggs are loaded with millions of bacteria such as E. Coli and salmonella. Even mild exposure to these pathogens causes vomiting, diarrhea, and increased fatigue. Eggs also contain an enzyme that destroys essential B vitamins and increases the risk of convulsions. Grapes and raisins It is unclear why grapes and raisins trigger severe kidney problems. However, veterinarians advise against feeding any type of grapes and raisins as they are highly toxic to cats, even in the smallest quantities. Raw dough Raw dough used for baking contains yeast, a type of bacteria that causes gas buildup upon ingestion. It may trigger bloating, stomach pains, and could also cause the stomach to twist. Immediate medical attention is advisable at this stage. Best cat food brands Royal Canin® It is one of the popular pet food manufacturers featuring a variety of ingredients, proteins, vitamins, and essential nutrients in most of their wet and dry foods for cats.

The eyes are your window to the world. Not only do your eyes tell a tale during your times of happiness, but also in your times of sadness. You may cry out of joy or in pain, the only thing common to the two situations is the secretion of tears. They help provide lubrication and moisture which help you see properly and ensure that your eyes are comfortable. Tears are a mixture of several substances which include water for moisture, oils for lubrication, mucus to ensure that they spread evenly and antibodies and special proteins which ensure that infections are kept at bay. All in all, tears have quite a few more uses than you would imagine. These ingredients come from glands present around the eye. Dry eyes is a condition commonly characterized by the tear system being out of order. Symptoms and causes of dry eyes There are several symptoms of dry eyes which include itching, redness, blurry vision, light sensitivity, a gritty feeling, and a feeling like there is something in your eye when there is actually nothing. The condition may sometimes lead to the secretion of excess tears as well. This condition is referred to as reflex tearing. This occurs as there is a lack of moisture in the eye that causes irritation. A distress signal is then sent which leads to the production of excessive tears in order to provide lubrication. The problem is that these tears do no good as they are mostly made of water and cannot coat the eye and provide it with moisture. Here are a few of the most common causes of dry eyes: One of the most common causes of dry eyes is a lack of balance in the system that creates tears. Another common cause of chronic dry eyes includes the air conditioner or heater, which could dry out the tear film.

Pneumonia is an airborne disease that needs medical treatment to ensure complete recovery. It is a communicable disease that can be passed on from the diagnosed patient to other healthy people. Because of its lethal nature, one needs to deal with it carefully to ensure that it does not cause any further harm. The common symptoms of pneumonia include coughing, chest pain, chills, fever, shortness of breath, and muscle aches. Here are some home remedies that you can use to ease the symptoms of pneumonia. The body develops a cough while trying to expel the fluids to get rid of the infection. It is advisable to avoid using cough suppressants, and instead, you can use the following remedies to treat coughing caused by pneumonia. Eucalyptus and fenugreek tea If you are suffering from an itchy throat, then you can have warm herbal tea that can soothe the irritation. Herbal teas made from eucalyptus and fenugreek are immensely helpful in getting rid of respiratory tract infections. These herbs are known to break down the mucus and reduce the inflammation caused by pneumonia. According to recent studies, fenugreek seeds are found to be very effective in easing a persistent cough. Saltwater gargles You must have heard of the classic saltwater gargle remedy for a persistent cough. And as a matter of fact, it works quite well. A saltwater gargle helps in eliminating the germs in your throat. It prevents the mucus in the chest from causing more cough over time. This method can provide a lot of relief and is great for treating a cough caused by pneumonia. Chest pain is one of the most prominent signs of pneumonia. Here is a home remedy to reduce the pain. Turmeric or ginger tea Drinking a cup of hot turmeric or ginger tea can provide relief from a congested chest.