Atrial fibrillation or AFib is the most common of all kinds of serious heart arrhythmia. The main cause behind it is abnormal electrical signals in the heart. These signals cause the upper chambers or the atria of your heart to quiver and fibrillate. This fibrillation results in irregular and fast heartbeat. People with AFib may never have any symptoms but suffer from serious complications. The irregular beating will cause the blood to pool in your atria. This will cause clots which will travel to your brain and result in stroke. People with this condition are at five times higher risk of getting a stroke than those without this condition. AFib worsens heart conditions as well as heart failure. However, there are several options available to treat this condition including surgery, medications and other procedures. Lifestyle changes can help in the betterment of this condition as well. Find out below the several ways to treat AFib: The Goals of the Treatment Your physician will plan a treatment strategy to manage your AFib. There would be three goals primarily to address the issue: Restoring normal heart rate. Preventing blood clots. Restoring normal heart rhythm. All these three goals can be achieved using medicines. However, if medicines fail to restore your heart rhythm, there are other options available for surgery or medical procedures. Drugs to Prevent Blood Clots One of the most common causes of premature death in patients suffering from AFib is a stroke. The increased stroke risk is a major concern. There are certain medications that your doctor would like to suggest to prevent the formation of clots that may cause a stroke. These drugs include: Rivaroxaban Warfarin Edoxaban Apixaban Dabigatran The doctor would run a check on your blood regularly to ensure that the medicines are working. Medicines to Restore Normal Heart Rate Another important step in treating AFib is to slow down the heart rate.

Spinal disc herniation is commonly referred to as a slipped disc. It is a physiological disorder that affects the spinal column. In this, a tear occurs outside the fibrous circle of a prolapsed disc. This allows the soft, central part to protrude at the further side of the damaged outer rings. A herniated disc occurs between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. This is at the lower back. The discs are pads which act as cushions between the vertebral components. This reduces the stress during movements of the spinal column. The discs look like jelly donuts. They have a central softener. Age or injury impairs the disc. The softer middle part penetrates through the surrounding outer part. The tear of the middle part of the disc exerts more pressure against one or more of the lumbar spine nerve root. This causes pain and discomfort. Risk factors for spinal disc herniation Risk factors for a herniated disc include wear and tear of the lumbar spine. The only way to prevent a slipped disc is to avoid lifting heavy objects or awkwardly twist your spine. If the back pain radiates down one of your arms or legs, you must seek immediate medical care. Moreover, medical attention is also needed if you are experiencing sciatica. Primary goal of treatment and ways to achieve it Medical tests, such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) help in detecting disc herniation. The primary goal of herniated disc treatment for each patient is to help reduce or eradicate pain. The other purpose of herniated disc treatment is to arrest other associated symptoms. These symptoms that the patient shows ensue from the herniated disc. To detect other symptoms, an individual treatment plan applies to each patient. The basis of herniated disc treatment is dependent on the starting place of the pain.

A form of inflammatory arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood, gout can be extremely painful and difficult to manage. It manifests when the uric acid forms sharp splinter like crystals within joints. There are numerous phases of gout. Some symptoms of this hard to manage disease include extreme pain in various parts of the body including the joints and ears, severe tenderness, excessive redness, and swelling. Gout is common and is associated with the lack of exercise, genetic disorders or an excessive consumption of protein. It can also be caused by extreme stress. Studies recently show gout can be considered a precursor to other illnesses like heart disease and kidney disorders. It is important to understand how it develops and what are the phases of gout. Hence, we present the stages of gout along with some easy gout remedies that can help with managing the pain with ease anywhere. Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia Asymptomatic hyperuricemia is the first phase of the initial stages of gout. There are no indications or symptoms during the manifestation of this stage. This stage is where uric acid predominantly begins to crystallize around the joints. The body has high levels of uric acid. This level of gout can be managed by implementing some easy gout remedies at home. Drink a couple of spoons of unfiltered apple cider vinegar with a teaspoon of honey and a wedge of lime mixed in water. Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic and helps relieve pain and balances out the high levels of uric acid. Adding a teaspoon of honey helps reduce inflammation as honey acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. Mix this combination in water and add a wedge of lime so your body recovers any electrolytes that it lost and stays hydrated. Spontaneous Gout Attack This is the second stage of gout.

Dry eye is a condition of itchy, unhealthy, and unclear vision of the eye. This mostly occurs when the tear gland produces low-quality tears or no tears depending on the severity and cause of the dry eye. Tears are very important for the eyes as they wash any dust present in them, keeping the eye clean and moisturized. Tear gland functions to keep the eyes healthy and moisturized every day. The following are certain causes of dry eye that needs to be understood to relieve dry eye: Decreased tear production : Decreased tear production by the tear gland is one of the basic cause of dry eye. Aging, certain medical conditions like laser eye surgery, and inflammation of the eye are some of the other reasons. Increased tear evaporation : There are certain causes of increased tear evaporation such as smoke and dry air, not blinking your eye for long, and certain eyelid issues. These strain your eye muscles, thereby, declining the functioning of tear gland. Imbalance of composition : Imbalance of proposition of water, oil, and mucus in tears can also cause dry eye. For example, when the proportion of oil in your eye is not adequate, the tears produced will be of low quality. Dry eye is a progressive disorder, and there are certain risk factors of dry eyes that mainly include aging as the function of tear gland declines with age, menopause or pregnancy is most of the time a risk factor for dry eye in women, and also wearing contact lenses can curb the natural working of the tear glands. Here are some suggestion to relieve dry eye that can help you keep your vision and eyes healthy and moisturized. Warm compresses Tears are made of mucus, oil, and water. Dry eye can be caused if there is oil clogged at the edge of your eye blocking the functioning of the tear gland.

The term ‘neuropathy’ itself speaks about what it essentially means. Neuro means related to nerves or the nervous system and pathy denotes disorder in a specific part of the body. Hence, neuropathy, popularly known as peripheral neuropathy, refers to the disorder of nerves. This disorder could be caused when certain injury or disease damages your nervous system. Originating from your brain and spinal cord, these peripheral nerves extend to your muscles and tissues. The peripheral nervous system is the primary source of all communication between the body and brain in the form of electrical impulses. There are three types of nerves: Motor nerves Sensory nerves Autonomic nerves Each nerve comprises of neurons, which transmit information throughout the body in the form of electrical and chemical impulses at very high speeds. Thus, damage to the nerve cells results in damage to the communication link. Neuropathy is a rapidly growing condition which is being researched extensively to understand the various causes and treatments for the same. Did you know? The leading cause of deaths among senior citizens is due to accidental falls. Some people fall because of the condition of neuropathy and hence are unable to feel their feet. They try to stand but because of the numbness, don’t get a proper standing posture, and as a result trip and fall over. Causes of neuropathy There are a number of causes that could lead to the development of this condition in an individual. The most common causes include: Trauma Metabolic system anomalies Out of range glucose levels Inflammation of specific body parts, e.g. hands, feet Diabetes Chemotherapy Treatment for neuropathy The most significant concept to remember here is; it is essential to diagnose the underlying cause and provide symptomatic relief by eradicating that cause itself. Based on the root cause of the nerve damage, the treatments for neuropathy can vary.

Gout is a form of arthritis that causes sudden and severe pain often in the joint at the base of the big toe. Men are more likely to get gout than women who become susceptible after their menopause. It is a common prevailing condition in the UK, and one can’t escape gout without easy gout treatments. Here are certain symptoms of gout which you can check for in case of doubt: Joint Pain Sudden pain and swelling usually affecting the joint of your big toe is one basic symptom of gout. The whole area becomes red, and there is an unbearable pain for the first 4-12 hours after it begins. Inflammation The skin around the joint swells and the color changes to red or purple. You will find that the area will be warm compared to the rest of your body. Limited Mobility Gout leads to severe pain in the affected joint area, causing discomfort and limited mobility, and lasts for more than a week or so depending on the severity of the swelling. Below are other causes of gout. Uric Acid The body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines, a substance found naturally in the body as well as in certain foods. The acid dissolved in blood passes through the kidneys to leave the body as urine. When the body produces too much or the kidneys excrete too little acid, it turns into small crystals that settle in the joint. These crystals cause major swelling in the big toe. High Blood Pressure If the blood pressure is too high, it causes strain on your body and kidneys. This results in lack of flow of blood to your joints that may cause severe swelling, and thus gout. Family History Research shows that if one or two members of the family suffer from gout, there are higher chances of you getting it.

Cleaning the house is not as easy as it appears. Before starting, you must know precisely how, when, and what to clean because trial and error might not help. Sometimes, you could be making cleaning mistakes without realizing it, which do not allow you to get the desired results. To prevent that and help you keep your home clean and tidy, we have listed the top five cleaning mistakes to avoid. But before we get there, if you have a cat at home, Fresh Step® regular cat litter is an easy and convenient way to keep your indoors clean and odor-free. It contains activated charcoal and highly porous clay that quickly neutralizes odor and carries no additional fragrances. The company also provides options like non-clumping litter. Moreover, if you’re looking for cleaners, Clorox Disinfecting cleaners are a great way of ensuring your laundry and furniture are squeaky clean without any unwanted odors. Clorox cleaners can effectively rid your home of common harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. These cleaners do not compromise their quality of fabric or leave behind a slimy layer on your furniture. Read on to know the top five cleaning mistakes to avoid. Starting at the wrong spot in the room Nobody wants to spend more time than necessary cleaning. You will have to backtrack and redo if you commence at the wrong spot while deep cleaning. So, start by decluttering the things you do not want in the room. Put them back in their original spot or discard them. Now, as you start cleaning, begin from the top, and go all the way down. If you start from the bottom and move to the top, the dirt and dust from the top will travel downwards, and you may have to clean it again. People often use cheaper garbage bags to collect dirt and debris.

Hepatitis – types and contributing factors Hepatitis is described as an inflammation in the liver. Inflammation is essentially any tissue’s natural response to injury or irritation, and the general effects of inflammation are swelling, redness, and pain. There is a wide range of causes of the condition, but they differ based on the type of hepatitis that one is affected with. For example, various types of viral hepatitis involve viral infections rather than any other disorder in the body. Hepatitis can be acute or chronic depending on the severity, and there are various types: Types Hepatitis A This type of hepatitis does not result in chronic infections and typically involves no complications. It is one of the most common food-borne infections, and the liver takes approximately two months to properly heal from hepatitis A. In rare cases, hepatitis A can lead to liver failure, which can be fatal. The most common prevention method for hepatitis A is vaccination. Hepatitis B Above 70% of all diagnosed occurrences of hepatitis B have been found in young people from the age of 15 to 39. It usually takes people 6 months to completely recover from the illness, but some may suffer from a life-long, chronic infection, which leads to ongoing liver damage. If an individual contracts hepatitis B at an early age, it has a higher chance of becoming chronic. Hepatitis C Hepatitis C is among the most common causes of liver disease in the country and also the biggest reason for people to get a liver transplant. Around 80% of patients suffering from hepatitis C develop a chronic liver infection as it is difficult to diagnose hepatitis C because it comes with no noticeable symptoms. Unlike the other types, there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C. Contributing factors to the development of hepatitis Contributing factors are simple incidents, habits, or occurrences that can increase one’s chances of contracting hepatitis.

With advancing age, most organs start to lose their functional effectiveness. The eyes are prime examples of this statement as vision loss is common in older adults. While some cases can be treated with medications and surgery, some may lead to complete blindness. Even simple changes in your daily food routine can help prevent major eye-health problems to a significant extent. Here are three food types that have proven eye benefits in the long run. Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E The lack of vitamin A in daily nutrition is known to cause blindness. Vitamin A mainly helps the retina convert incident light into perceived images to complete your vision. Carrots and sweet potatoes can help replenish this vitamin requirement for better eye health. Moreover, fruits that are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, like blueberries, help repair damaged tissue. Orange, grapefruits, tangerines, and lemons are excellent citrus-rich options that can delay the effect of certain age-related eye diseases. Nuts and seeds rich in vitamin E can further help keep the cells in the eyes healthy and promote better vision. Foods rich in carotenoid antioxidants Lutein and zeaxanthin are examples of carotenoid antioxidants that help protect the eyes from harmful UV and blue-light emissions. Foods that are rich in such carotenoids can help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Several leafy green vegetables can naturally provide this nutrient. Popular picks include Kale, spinach, Swiss chard, parsley, romaine lettuce, collard greens, turnip greens, broccoli, and peas. Avocados, sweet corn, and even eggs can supplement this requirement to promote better eye health. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3s are the essential good fats that the body must process to maintain proper eye function. The retina contains a compound called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and any deficiency linked to this DHA can increase the risk of getting macular diseases.

When the body fails to replace older bone tissues with newer ones, it leads to osteoporosis. It is a condition that results in weak and brittle bones. Osteoporosis increases the risk of bone fractures and is often diagnosed late due to limited symptoms. So, it is important to look after your nutritional requirements to maintain bone health to avoid any health complications. To help you, here are the top five foods for managing osteoporosis. Nuts Nuts are a convenient and tasty remedy that also enhances the effect of bone density supplements for osteoporosis. You should include an assortment of almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pine nuts in your daily snacks. Nuts are replete with minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese, ensuring bone health. Milk Milk and milk products are superfoods that strengthen bone density. The recommended intake of dairy products is three servings a day. However, low-fat or skimmed milk is better as they contain less fat. Alternatively, soy milk and products are also good sources of calcium. Fatty fish Fatty fish include options like tuna, mackerel, salmon, and more. They are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins A, C, D, and E and are high in protein content. This makes them a great addition to the plates of osteoporosis patients. The vitamin D found in these fish helps improve the body’s calcium absorption, resulting in improved bone health. Fortified foods For people that avoid dairy and dairy products, it can get tricky to get the required amount of calcium and vitamin D from food. In such instances, patients are advised to include fortified foods in their meals. This can include having a bowl of fortified cereal at breakfast with plant milk. Alternatives include fortified juices, vitamin D-rich pasta, and bread. Protein-rich foods Protein is crucial for the body to perform basic functions as well as help in the repair of damaged cells.

Colds, flu, and allergic reactions are common causes of nasal congestion seen in infants, toddlers, and young children. Unfortunately, most of these conditions cannot be treated with the help of antibiotics alone. Instead, they need to be tackled with supportive treatment methods that help soothe symptoms and boost the immune system to fight the virus. Following are a few natural treatments and home remedies to ease nasal congestion and stuffiness in children. Clear out the mucus Nasal congestion is mainly caused due to the inflammation of the blood vessels that lie in the lining of the nose. In some cases, nasal stuffiness can also be attributed to increased mucus secretions. So, one way to tackle a stuffy nose is to clear out the mucus. If you are dealing with an infant, you may want to try out a nasal bulb. Nasal bulbs provide suction and gently clear up the build of mucus in the nasal passage. Try steam inhalation Steam inhalation is a popular and effective home remedy to tackle nasal congestion. The warm steam can help loosen thick mucus in the nasal passage and give the child much-needed relief. You can try giving the child a warm bath before bedtime. You can also get a steam machine. Use a humidifier Humidifiers are used to add moisture to the air. This helps prevent dryness that can lead to irritation. To tackle nasal congestion, you can try a cool-mist humidifier. This helps keep the air moist and reduces symptoms such as dry cough and stuffiness. Use humidifiers, especially at night, and try to keep them out of the child’s reach. Don’t forget to clean out the humidifier often, as mold can grow in wet and moist spaces. Chicken soup can help Another great home remedy for nasal congestion and stuffiness is chicken soup.

Lupus is a chronic disease that causes inflammation and pain across the body. It occurs when the immune system erroneously attacks healthy tissues and organs, which means it is an autoimmune condition. Unfortunately, there is no specific meal plan for lupus. That said, eating and avoiding certain foods can help manage the symptoms and prevent complications. So, let’s look at what foods to eat to prevent lupus flare-ups. Flaxseeds It is considered a superfood by many nutritionists. Adding flaxseeds to your daily meals can avoid or reduce lupus flare-ups to a large extent. The alpha-linolenic acid present in it has atherogenic properties that can reduce inflammation associated with lupus. The lignans present in flaxseeds are platelet-activating factor (PAF) – receptor antagonists that can also be beneficial in treating lupus nephritis. Fatty fish Fatty fish such as mackerel, salmon, trout, and herring are rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and HUFA (highly unsaturated fatty acid), which are a type of omega-3 fatty acid. These nutrients are associated with decreasing inflammation due to autoimmune diseases like lupus. Other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce or avoid lupus flare-ups include Brussels sprouts, algal oil, chia seeds, walnuts, among others. Whole grains Metabolism plays an essential role in any disease management. In this case, a poor metabolism may lead to developing lupus. Refined grains reduce the body’s metabolism, which can increase the risk of lupus inflammation as they take longer to process. Nutritionists recommend eating whole grains like rye, barley, cracked wheat (bulgur), quinoa, and oatmeal as they are lighter on the digestive system and contain healthy fiber that aids in digestion, decreasing the risk of inflammation. Fresh fruits and vegetables Researchers believe that one of the reasons for autoimmune diseases like lupus is the lack of nutrients in daily meals. As the body processes the food we eat, it leaves behind free radicals.