Nowadays, people depend on non-prescription pain relief medications for making their day tolerable. Whether it is a toothache, headache, arthritis, or period cramps, everyone depends on painkillers to get quick relief. It is essential that everyone knows how to choose a pain reliever that is appropriate for them as a significant number of people live with pain every day. Most consumers do not consider safety factors such as the current medicines they are taking, pre-existing medical conditions, and their age while choosing a pain reliever. People think that all the pain relievers are interchangeable and suitable for everyone. However, this is not true. How can you be sure that the pain relief medication you are taking is effective? How can you ensure that it is safe for you? Here are some things you should remember while choosing medications for pain relief: Carefully read the medicine’s label Reading the label on medications is the single most important thing that one must do while picking a painkiller. It is mandatory to list the active ingredients and their amounts present in medicines. The labels should also state the medication’s proposed use. Check the ingredients and the indications before picking an over-the-counter medication for pain relief. You should also check the inactive ingredients to ensure that you’re not allergic to any of its components. Avoid medicines that have a combination of ingredients Pick the medicine to mitigate the symptom rather than take one with a combination of ingredients. If you are not sure as to which medication to take for treating your symptoms, it is recommended to ask the pharmacist. Using a combination of ingredients can increase the risk of an accidental overdose. For example, if you only have diarrhea without gas, don’t take a medicine for gas and diarrhea. Read the warnings on the drug labels If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, or some other underlying health condition, make sure to read the warning label.

Nothing can refresh you as much as a good night’s rest. It rejuvenates your body and gets you ready for working hard the next day. Sleeping well is as important as your diet and exercise. However, many people all over the world face sleep deprivation. Inadequate sleep will result in weight gain and increase the risk of falling ill due to low immunity. At the same time, sleeping well will ensure that you have a hearty appetite, it will improve your health, and increase your stamina. It is crucial to remember the importance of adequate sleep. Let’s discuss five ways to help you sleep better. Get your smartphone out of the bedroom The first thing you have to do to sleep well is to make sure that you don’t use your smartphone in your bedroom. Remember that the bedroom is only for sleeping and resting. When you get to your bed after a long day, your body will want to sleep. However, when you browse the internet and use various apps on your phone, you’re making sure that your body does not get enough rest. The white light of your smartphone’s screen sends signals to your brain indicating that it’s not the time to sleep. In this way, your body doesn’t get the sleep it requires, and in turn, it increases the risk of diseases due to fatigue. If you want to prevent your body from becoming vulnerable, then you have to stop using your smartphone at least one hour before you need to go to sleep. Most smartphones have an option of a nightlight. Turn that on as it will give signals to your brain indicating that it is time to sleep. Thus, reducing your mobile usage is one the ways to help you sleep better. Avoid caffeine late in the day Caffeine has a lot of benefits, and almost 90% of the population consumes it to boost their energy, focus, and performance.

A hernia is a condition where an internal body part pushes into an area where it doesn’t belong. The hiatus is an opening in the muscular wall which separates the chest cavity from the abdomen called the diaphragm. It is through the hiatus that the esophagus (food pipe) attaches itself to the stomach. The stomach bulges up into the chest through that opening in a hiatal hernia (also called hiatus hernia). There are two types of a hiatal hernia, sliding hiatal hernias and fixed or paraesophageal hernias. When your stomach and esophagus slide into and out of your chest through the hiatus, it is known as a sliding hiatal hernia. This condition is relatively common, and usually, doesn’t cause any symptoms. This type of hernia may not even require treatment. In a fixed hiatal hernia, a part of your stomach pushes through your diaphragm and stays there. This condition is not dangerous in most cases. However, if the blood flow to your stomach is blocked, then it could cause damage. Following are some treatment options for a hiatal hernia: Lifestyle and dietary changes A hiatal hernia occurs most commonly in people who are overweight or obese. Losing weight relieves the abdominal pressure that promotes herniation. Even though this won’t necessarily reverse a hernia, it may prevent a mild hernia from developing into a grave paraesophageal hernia. Consuming a low-fat and high fiber diet helps normalize bowel function and relieves constipation that contributes to herniation. Eating high-fiber foods is the most effective treatment for a hiatal hernia. Proper hydration can further reduce the risk of constipation and dilute the concentration of acid in the stomach. So, one must ensure that they drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Whatever your age may be, you should avoid trigger foods like red meat, fried foods, spicy foods, whole-fat dairy products, tomato-based sauces, citric foods, carbonated drinks, caffeine, alcohol, and excessive salt.

Are you facing the problem of dark circles under your eyes? Are you tired of using makeup and concealers to constantly hide these unsightly circles? Well, don’t worry, because you don’t have to live with them forever. Thankfully, there are some easy home remedies that can help you get rid of these unwanted dark circles naturally. Here, we have listed some effective ways to treat dark circles under the eyes at home. First, let us understand some potential causes of dark circles. Causes of Dark Circles Under the Eyes Lack of adequate water intake Reduced hemoglobin levels Genetic factors Lack of sleep or restlessness High stress levels Lack of proper diet Prolonged illness Long hours of working in front of the computer Home Remedies to Treat Dark Circles under Eyes Dark circles under the eyes not only make you look older than your age but also make you look unhealthy or ill. Using the following ingredients can help to treat these dark circles under the eyes. Cold Cucumber Slices Cucumbers are a rich source of antioxidants. They serve as a natural astringent and help to reduce the puffiness around the eye area. Also, they act as a coolant, making the skin tissues around the eye area contract, making dark circles under the eyes less visible. Place two cucumber slices on top of each eyelid and let it stay for 5 minutes and then rinse. Cold Tea Bags Tea bags contain caffeine that helps in shrinking the skin tissues around the eyes. Furthermore, they contract the blood vessels around the eyes and reduce fluid retention, making the area under the eyes appear radiant. Take two used teabags and put them in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. Finally, place them on your eyelids and allow them to stay for about 10 minutes.

Keratosis pilaris is a general, harmless skin ailment that causes small and hard bumps on the skin, making it feel like sandpaper. These light-colored bumps appear on the upper arms, thighs, and buttocks and are sometimes accompanied by redness or swelling. These bumps might show up on an individual’s face, but it is an infrequent phenomenon. Many children and teens are prone to keratosis pilaris and feel an itchy sensation. These bumps disappear over a period of time or as one gets old. A build-up of keratin in the system causes Keratosis pilaris. Keratin is a protein that shields your skin from infections and other harmful bacteria. The accumulation of the chemical leads to the formation of a plug that blocks the opening of a hair follicle. However, the exact reason for triggering the build-up is still unknown. People with dry skin are more prone to keratosis pilaris. The surface can get worse in winter when there is less moisture in the air. Here are a few things one can opt for keratosis pilaris treatment. Omega-3 Food rich in omega-3 help in keeping your skin moisturized and healthy. Walnuts, flaxseeds, salmon, tuna, sardines, and soybeans are rich sources of omega-3. For overall skin, health and function include leafy vegetables and greens to your daily diet. Certain foods are known to worsen the condition; dairy products can trigger inflammation, which can trigger conditions like keratosis pilaris. Fragrance-free Body Products Fragranced body products like lotions, creams, and perfume sprays, using scented soaps and body washes can exacerbate keratosis pilaris. Use products and follow a body-care regimen that is fragrance-free. Also, do not shower with hot water. Instead, use luke-warm water for bathing. Minimize skin dehydration by keeping bath time short, i.e, under seven minutes. Keratolytic Agents These agents help remove the scales that block the follicles and cause the formation of bumps.

Chemical waste known as creatinine is produced in the blood that passes through the kidneys to be separated and excreted in urine. A by-product of normal muscle function and the chemical waste, creatinine produce depends on the muscles in a person’s body. More muscles mean more creatinine produce. The level of creatinine in a person’s body reflects both amount of muscle and their kidney function. A healthy kidney function for most men has approximately 0.6 to 1.2 milligrams/deciliters (mg/dL) of creatinine. Women with normal kidney functions have 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL of creatinine. The reason levels of creatinine are low in women is because an average woman has lesser muscle mass than compared to a man. Other factors that may contribute to the low level of creatinine in the blood include body size, activity level, and medications. A higher level of creatinine can cause impaired kidney function, kidney dysfunction or kidney disease. Hence, it is essential to keep a check on your creatinine levels and take the necessary steps to maintain good health and well-being. Here are a few home remedies on how to reduce creatinine naturally: Reduce vigorous exercise Regular exercise is vital for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, if an individual does an excess amount of physical activities or tasks, it can spike the creatinine levels in the blood. As muscle metabolism initiates creatinine production, overusing muscles through strenuous exercise might raise levels. A recent study indicated that an individual who does intense workout had increased levels of creatinine and this was in response to increased muscle breakdown. Consult your doctor about types of exercise and the number of sets you can or should do. Walking instead of running and yoga instead of lifting weights are better ways of maintaining a healthy life and yet keeping the creatinine levels under control.

Hemorrhoids, or piles, is a medical condition where the blood vessels in the anus inflame and cause pain and discomfort to the individual. With time, these blood vessels swell up and enlarge in size, causing further inconvenience. Mostly, people around the age of 50 years tend to face this problem. Hemorrhoids might occur due to strain during excretion or pressure sustained by the veins due to obesity or pregnancy. The pain can either be internal or external. Although there are medical treatments to cure this condition, one can try various home remedies if they don’t wish to opt for medical treatment immediately. This article provides some home remedies that can help patients deal with the problem of hemorrhoids as well as its symptoms like itching. How to get rid of hemorrhoids using home remedies? The home-based treatments mentioned below have helped innumerable people and will help you as well if you follow them correctly: Essential oils: Essential oils play a significant role in reducing the size of the blood vessels, and it stops itching too. These oils have anti-inflammatory properties which are vital for getting relief from the burning sensation created around the affected area. One can use several types of essential oils for treating hemorrhoids such as chamomile oil, tea tree oil, geranium oil, lavender oil, peppermint oil, juniper oil, and so on. These oils have several nutrients and vitamins which enhance a patient’s overall health. However, you must consult a doctor before using any of these oils. Sitz shower or bath: If you want to know how to get rid of hemorrhoids using home remedies, then you must give this method a try. The affected person should sit in lukewarm water to get relief from the itching and pain caused in the lower regions of the body. Several doctors and medical professionals recommend sitz baths to get rid of hemorrhoids.

The loss of bladder control leads to unintentional leakage of urine, also termed as urinary incontinence. Most people are under the impression that urinary problems are common only in old people. However, research suggests that almost one-third of men and women in the country experience urinary incontinence, out of which 80% of patients are women. There are twice as many cases of urinary incontinence in women than in men because both the genders have unique reproductive systems. Pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause affect the urinary tract which tends to damage and weaken the bladder, urethra, and muscles surrounding the urinary tract. People are often embarrassed to talk about bladder leakage problems, because of which they may not get the right treatment. They open up to the doctor only when the problem becomes too severe to handle. One need not feel depressed or ashamed as men and women of all ages face urinary incontinence. Luckily, many treatment options are available for it. Cause of bladder leakage Bladder leakage can occur because of a variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common causes of this problem: Stress on the urinary system: Urine may leak when more pressure is applied to the bladder while coughing, laughing or sneezing. Urge: If one feels a sudden urge to empty the bladder, it usually leads to an involuntary leakage of urine. Overactive bladder: In this situation, a person feels the urge to urinate all the time, sometimes more than eight times a day. Different types of treatments for bladder leakage problems If you have urinary incontinence, then it’s best to consult a urologist who treats urinary problems in both men and women. Women can also talk to a urogynecologist who specializes in the female urinary system. One’s choice of treatment for bladder leakage problems will depend on many factors such as the patient’s age, cause, and severity of urinary incontinence.

Premature ejaculation is a common issue that men face these days, and it is treatable with medications. However, it is essential to consult a doctor before taking medicines for this condition. Read on to find out about premature ejaculation, its causes, and treatment options available. What is premature ejaculation? It is a condition that occurs during sex when a man climaxes pretty quickly. When this happens, the said individual can no longer continue having sex. Thus, it may leave both partners unsatisfied. Moreover, many men may find it embarrassing and frustrating to talk about this problem. In some cases, even the relationship can be affected due to this. However, one does not have to deal with this problem for the rest of their lives. By taking medication for premature ejaculation, one can prevent such incidents from happening. On an average, about 35-40% of men experience it at some point in their life. If it is a rare occurrence, then one does not need to worry about it. What are the causes of premature ejaculation? Before one starts taking medications, it is essential to know about the causes of premature ejaculation. While the exact reason for this problem is not known, there are speculations on what can lead to it. If the level of a chemical called serotonin in the brain is low, then it may lead to quick ejaculation. Emotional factors are also known to play a role in causing premature ejaculation. Here are some emotions which can cause it: Relationship problems Depression Stress Guilt Performance anxiety Men who have erectile dysfunction may also experience this problem. Treating this condition may provide a solution to premature ejaculation. Several medications are used to treat erectile dysfunction. The options include tadalafil, vardenafil, and sildenafil. These can treat erectile dysfunction and also help avoid premature ejaculation.

Bulging disc is a condition where the discs between your vertebrae tend to bulge outwards. When the outer fibrous region of your disc weakens, it causes a bulging disc. If a bulging disc is left untreated for a long time, it can lead to the problem of disc tears, which is known as a herniated disc. Causes for a bulging disc The primary reason behind the problem of a bulging disc is that of disc degeneration. Degeneration refers to the gradual wear and tear of your body’s discs. With age, the water content in your spinal discs tends to go down. As a result, your spinal discs start to lose flexibility. At such times, even a minor strain or small twist can make you prone to ruptures or tears. Lifting heavy objects can lead to the problem of a bulging disc as well. It occurs when you are not using your leg and thigh muscles, but the muscles of your back while lifting heavy objects. Risk factors Age is one of the risk factors behind the problem of bulging discs. With age, the water content in your discs tends to go down, and because of this, your discs become inflexible and brittle. As a result of gravity, the weakened cartilage tends to bulge towards your spinal cavity. Smoking cigarettes also put you at risk. Smoking leads to a weakening of your cartilage, thus causing your discs to bulge. In such instances, you will need the right treatment for a bulging disc. People who have a family history of spinal problems are at a higher risk of developing this condition. Injuries caused by accidents during physical exercises and workouts, weightlifting, car accidents, slipping on the pavement or poor movements can also lead to a bulging disc. Poor lifestyle choices also contribute to a bulging disc.

An overactive bladder (OAB) is a bladder disorder that causes an abnormal urge to urinate. The urge may be difficult to stop and sometimes leads to involuntary loss of urine which is referred to as urinary incontinence. This syndrome affects many elderly people in the country and is equally prevalent in both, men and women. An overactive bladder majorly impacts the quality of life of the sufferer, forcing people to avoid social gatherings and outings. However, fortunately, there are several treatment options for overactive bladder. With medications or behavioral changes, or sometimes, a combination of both can help in treating the condition. If any symptoms are noticed, one should visit the doctor for a thorough examination and obtain a suitable line of treatment. Natural treatments for overactive bladder Pelvic floor exercises and bladder training are great non-medicinal remedies that prove to be largely beneficial for a lot of people. There are many other treatments used to manage an overactive bladder and even urine incontinence. Read on to know more. Bladder training: This is the most common overactive bladder treatment that seeks to alter the way one uses the bathroom. This means instead of going whenever one gets the urge, they urinate at fixed times during the day. This is also known as scheduled voiding. In this process, one can learn to control their urge to urinate, by waiting for a couple of minutes initially to gradually increasing the interval to up to a few hours. Pelvic floor exercises: Also known as Kegel exercises, these pelvic floor exercises are a special set of exercises that help one strengthen the muscles that control urination. With the help of a special training, known as biofeedback, one can learn to tighten, hold, and relax the muscles that are vital to starting and stopping urination.

Have you been experiencing pain in your leg muscles? Pain in the legs may occur due to different conditions that affect the joints, bones, muscles, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels, tendons or skin. You may experience leg pain in the ankle, behind the knee, foot, thigh, at the back of the leg or any other part. It may occur while lying down at night or when you are exercising or running. Leg pain can also affect one or both legs depending on the cause. Usually, pain in the leg muscles occurs due to tissue inflammation caused by a disease or injury. Because a leg contains numerous structures and types of tissues, there are many muscle injuries and conditions that can lead to leg pain. When to see a doctor about pain in the leg muscles? Sometimes it becomes difficult to know when you should see a doctor about the muscle pain in your leg. However, you should consider scheduling an appointment if you start experiencing the following symptoms: Muscle cramps: Muscle cramps are one of the reasons behind leg pain, and several factors could trigger this type of pain. The cause can be dehydration, muscle fatigue, vigorous exercise, poor circulation of blood in your leg, sitting or standing too much, and not stretching enough among other reasons. These muscle cramps lead to intense leg pain. Swelling in both legs: If any of your leg muscles have been injured or fractured, you will experience pain and swelling. Pain while walking: You may find it hard to walk due to the pain in your leg muscles. It usually occurs when some tissues in your leg muscles overstretch. A tingling sensation: This sensation is not necessarily painful, and it can occur when you are resting or walking around. However, you should see a doctor as its cause may be nerve damage in the leg.