Meninges are membranes that cover or envelope the brain and the spinal cord. There are three meninges—dura mater, arachnoid, and pia mater. The meninges protect the central nervous system. When bacteria affect these membranes, the condition is then called meningitis. Meningitis is of three types—bacterial, fungal, and viral. Bacterial meningitis is life-threatening and can also spread among people when they come in close contact with each other. Viral meningitis, however, is not as dangerous as bacterial meningitis and can be recovered without treatment. Fungal meningitis, on the other hand, is one of the rare forms of meningitis that occurs in those who have a weak immune system. Some of the causes of meningitis are: – Syphilis – Tuberculosis – Fungal infection – Autoimmune disorders – Cancer medications These are not the common causes but can trigger meningitis. Meningitis is more likely to attack people aged under 5, between 16–25, or over 55 years. If you do not know about this disease, then there is a good chance you will miss out on the symptoms and that is not good for a patient suffering from the same. The symptoms of meningitis can easily be confused with common cold, cough, and fever. Besides back ache, loss of appetite, and pale skin, here are some symptoms that should not be ignored when spotted: Light sensitivity If the eyes are suddenly sensitive to light or anything bright, it can then be a symptom of meningitis. If there has been a problem with bright light for a long time, then it does not necessarily have to be because of meningitis. However, if this is a new thing that you are seeing or something that suddenly started happening, then there could be a problem. Cold/common cold Common cold with other symptoms like fever, vomiting, or muscle pain can be a sign of meningitis and should be checked.

Many people think that Narcissism is just a phase, but that’s not the truth. Although it is human nature to be selfish and proud, a narcissist takes this to a whole new level. You can identify a narcissist by someone with an extremely high sense of importance and belief that they’re special, unique, or better than the others. About 6% of the entire population suffers from this disorder at least once in their lives and is more common in men than in women. If you think you or someone else has the characteristics of a narcissist, then read further to find out more about this personality disorder. An Overview The hallmark of a narcissist lies in their lack of understanding of someone else’s emotions or pain. They carry a highly inflated notion of themselves, but behind this, they have a relatively low self-esteem which can crack with the slightest bit of criticism. They find the need to be first in everyone’s life. This behavior can become incredibly annoying to people, often leading to the criticism of the narcissist. Symptoms Of Narcissistic Personality Disorder There are several symptoms of a narcissist, some of which are listed down below. A high sense of self-importance. They exaggerate their achievements, talents, and brilliance and expect praise for them even if they haven’t achieved anything that matches to their notion. Always preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited power, fame, success, beauty, etc. Believe that they are special or unique compared to others. Needs constant and excessive praise or admiration. Consider themselves to be entitled to significant privileges and special treatment. Exploits or takes advantages of others needs or beliefs. Most times, they have unreasonable expectations of people. Lacks the power of empathy or fails to understand the emotions or needs of others. Is envious of people.

Remember the time when we were bed-ridden and couldn’t walk around as we usually did? Well, imagine the plight of those people whose movement is restricted since they experience excruciating pain if they take a step or two. This is what happens when one suffers from plantar fasciitis. If you aren’t aware of what plantar fasciitis is and how it affects an individual’s life, keep reading. What is plantar fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis has been identified as one of the culprits of heel pain. The plantar fascia is the tissue that connects the heel to the toes. The plantar fascia is affected if one puts undue pressure on it while walking, running or exercising. If it goes unchecked for some time, then the plantar fascia becomes weak, swollen and there will be signs of inflammation as well. This is one of the major reasons for chronic heel pain, and if it is left untreated for a long time, can adversely affect a person’s ability to walk properly. What are the causes of plantar fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis occurs when one strains the ligament that connects the heel to the toes. This ligament is known to support the arch of our feet, and when it gets swollen, it affects the person’s ability to walk. The causes of plantar fasciitis are as follows- Excess weight If one stands or runs for a long time on hard surfaces. Excessive pronation Using worn out shoes Tight calf muscles or Achilles’ tendons When a person suffers from plantar fasciitis, their movement becomes restricted. Taking the first steps after getting out of bed becomes the most difficult task ever. Whatever the issues that arise out this ailment, the bottom line is that it affects a person’s mobility. However, this issue is resolved with the help of plantar fasciitis insoles, which are known to aid the process of getting back on one’s feet after being affected by plantar fasciitis.

With so many aging products and wrinkle free creams being advertised every second in ads, people have become more conscious about aging than they were a decade back. That is when the Botox surgery comes into the picture. A lot of women these days are getting injected to get rid of the wrinkles on the face, and frown lines between their brows. Are you too considering going under the knife? If yes, then it is crucial first to step back and give serious thought to it. Is Botox your best option? Can you afford the surgery? Do you need it? This guide will give you a complete overview of Botox procedure, inject cost and the risks. How Botox works • Botox is a toxin that blocks sending of signals from the nerves to the muscle. This means that the muscles no longer contract, and the wrinkles can now relax and ease out. • Many people have a misconception that Botox is used only for cosmetic purposes. But the truth is that it has many non-cosmetic uses. • One of the most surprising yet common areas where Botox is injected is the armpit. The sweat glands are introduced to Botox to make the sweat and odor halt entirely for months. This is a blessing for people who suffer from an extreme case of sweating and body odor. • Other than this, Botox is used to seek relief in cases of a chronic migraine, overactive bladder, and muscle spasms. Botox procedure • When you decide to go for Botox, the first thing to do is sit for a consultation, where the surgeon will tell you everything you need to know about the Botox procedure. • Your doctor will advise you to the stay clear of alcohol at least one week before your appointment.

Pneumonia refers to the infection of the lungs in which one or both the air sacs get inflamed with pus or fluid. It is a common condition affecting people in the US and affects anyone from infants to adults. If reports are to be true then more than one million people need hospitalization to treat pneumonia every year. While eight to ten million people get affected with this infection. Breathing difficulty, chills, fever, or a cough with pus are some of the most common signs of pneumonia. Patients who get the condition diagnosed at an initial stage generally experience mild complication while delaying treatment can be life-threatening. Pneumonia prognosis – Pneumonia, being one of the most common respiratory infections in patients, is also responsible for claiming multiple lives every year. However, a proper pneumonia prognosis of the disease can help in curing the condition at the very onset and reduce threats to life. Pneumonia prognosis is generally made by advising a few medical examinations to the patient based on the symptoms of infection. Blood examinations – This is one of the most common ways of diagnosing any disease and pneumonia is also not an exception. Blood tests are recommended for confirming the infection by identifying the organism leading to the infection. Pulse oximetry – While a blood test is a primary measure required for predicting and determining the pneumonia prognosis, it is not the single measure that can help in identifying the condition completely. That is the reason, many doctors advise patients to get pulse oximetry done. It helps in identifying the oxygen level in blood and determines if there is any hindrance in the normal functioning. X-ray of the chest – If there is any indication of pneumonia in blood tests, doctors suggests chest X-rays to visualize the extent of the infection.

Treatment for diabetes aims to bring blood sugar level as close to normal range as possible. It is important to know what are normal blood sugar levels and if and how normal ranges of blood sugar can be attained by yourself. The information regarding the difference between “glucose” and “sugar” must be given first. Sugar is the general term used for sweet carbohydrates that can dissolve in water. Carbohydrate is characterized by the type of food that is made of oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen only. There are several types of sugars. Living beings use the sugar called “glucose.” Other sugars are fructose from fruit or lactose from milk, which we eat. These get converted in our bodies into glucose. Then the same is used for energy. Human bodies also break down starches into glucose. Starches are sugars fused together. When people ask what are normal blood sugar levels or what is blood glucose, they mean the same. In the US, blood sugar is usually reported in milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood (mg/dl). Whereas in the UK and Canada, blood sugar is measured in millimoles/liter (mmol/L). What are normal blood sugar levels? Blood sugar levels vary throughout the day. Thus, the normal levels also vary accordingly. For those who do not have diabetes, they must have a fasting blood sugar level below 100 mg/dl, when they wake up in the morning. Normal sugars range from 70–99 mg/dl before meal time. Postprandial sugars, measured after two hours of lunch, should normally be less than 140 mg/dl. If you’re wondering what are normal blood sugar levels, these ranges are for those who do not have diabetes. For people who have diabetes, should keep their blood-sugar levels before meals between 80–130 mg/dl and after meals, the levels should be under 180 mg/dl as per the advice of the American Diabetes Association.

For most people, health is one of the major areas of expense. This is why buying health insurance plans is one of the most prudent decision anyone can make to have a stable financial life. After all, nothing is more precious than our health. However, buying health insurance coverage is not an easy task. With a plethora of insurance providers and coverage options available out there, it can be quite a confusing and often daunting process. How can one sift through the multitude of pricing plans, policy offerings, and coverage benefits offered by each health insurance provider? Moreover, every person has different requirements and budget. Thus, there can be no cookie-cutter solution to finding the right health insurance plan. To make the process easy, here is a list of some of the popular and top health insurance companies you should know about. 1. Blue Cross Blue Shield Known to be one of the largest health insurance provider networks in the nation, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) was founded in 1929. It comprises of 36 independent and locally operated companies. Based on location, consumers can look for individual and family coverage as well as employer health insurance programs provided by a local BCBS provider. Additionally, BCBS also offers helpful resources to pick the right Medicare coverage. Along with this, individuals also have access to global coverage. Whether they permanently reside outside the country or are on short-term or long-term travel, individuals can purchase a Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Insurance plan. Moreover, individuals or groups can enroll as BCBS members and get access to special member services and exclusive discounts on health and wellness services and products. Members receive a member ID card that can be used across all the 50 states to get the best insurance coverage benefits. 2. HealthCare.com An aggregator website, HealthCare.com helps consumers shop for and compare health insurance coverage.

Drop foot is a condition in which the forefoot drops involuntarily due to irritation, weakness, or damage in the sciatic nerve or paralysis of the muscles in the anterior part of the leg. This leads to an abnormality in walking due to the inability to raise the foot or the toes. There are various orthotics to help a person suffering from drop foot disorder to walk normally by providing support to the foot. Though there are various commercial brands of drop foot braces that available in the market, their main functioning is similar. Drop foot braces work to hold the foot at a 90° angle, supporting it and reducing any discomfort while walking. When to wear them? People suffering from the drop foot disorder need to wear the braces throughout the day. They can be worn with or without shoes. The braces need not be worn only while walking; they can be kept on while sitting as well. There are foot supports that can be worn at night time to support the foot so that the blood supply is not disturbed while sleeping. What are the braces made of? The braces are made of breathable foam laminated material that is latex-free. The center release buckle on the braces is made of plastic. It has nylon straps to hold the brace in place. The Velcro used is of medically approved material. Who are they made for? The braces are available in different sizes, making it easy to find the perfect fit for any foot and ankle size. They are available for children of all ages as well. What sizes are they available in? These braces are available in sizes S, M, L, and XL size. S and M can fit an ankle up to 10″, and size L and XL can fit an ankle of up to 12.5″.

Everyone wants thick and lustrous hair, and this holds true for men and women alike. However, not everyone has the good fortune of having the desired kind of hair naturally. If you are not so lucky to have a thick and bouncy hair, or you are amongst those who are worried about excess hair fall, don’t lose heart. Nowadays, you can find different products for hair regrowth. All you need to do is to select the best hair regrowth products for yourself and apply it according to the directions. While selecting the best hair regrowth product can certainly ensure desired hair growth, you should not expect to get any overnight results. Dedicate some time to feel the difference. Availability of a wide range of hair growth products in the market leaves you confused at times. That is why a few tips for selecting the best hair regrowth products are listed below: Hair oil – Like every other part of the human body, hairs need proper nourishment to maintain its length and volume as well. When it comes to a healthy hair growth, there is certainly no alternative for hair oil. You need to apply oil to your scalp regularly for holding the hair roots firmly. Also, you need to apply oil to the entire length of your hair. It is always better to go for natural oils like coconut oil or olive oil. Castor oil can also be helpful, but that is not for everyday use. Whatever be the type of oil you select, it should not be any synthetic oil or artificial oil with perfumes, as these do not offer many benefits. Hot oil treatment- An oil massage or applying oil to scalp every day is not enough for ensuring hair regrowth. You need to massage hot oil into your scalp once in every ten to fifteen days, depending on the condition of your hair.

Most people do not think much about urination, a common bodily function. However, maintaining good bladder health is essential for overall well-being. Issues like restricted flow or infections in the urinary tract often lead to other health conditions that are hard to manage. From controlling the urge to not emptying the bladder fully, here are some common peeing mistakes to avoid to achieve good bladder health and avert potential health complications. Holding the urge to pee The bladder can stretch to accommodate more urine, but putting off the urge to pee repeatedly for prolonged periods may cause bladder damage, leakage, foul-smelling urine, and a loss of control. To avoid this, one should take regular bathroom breaks at work, school, or anywhere else. Peeing too often Peeing too often or each time one leaves the house, even when there is no urge, is a mistake that can lead to an overactive bladder. This condition reduces the bladder’s capacity to hold urine and leads to leakage, disrupting one’s daily life. Straining while urinating Sometimes, people strain their muscles to increase the pressure on the bladder and speed up the urination process. This habit can lead to prostate swelling, weakened pelvic muscles, weak urine flow, or bladder outlet obstruction. Peeing should happen effortlessly, and a healthy bladder works best when one’s muscles are relaxed. Not staying hydrated The appearance and smell of a person’s urine can speak a lot about their hydration levels. A well-hydrated body produces clear, water-like urine, while dehydration can cause urine to appear dark yellow and emit a strong odor. Dehydration can also cause kidney stones, urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and other health concerns. Not emptying the bladder fully When one does not pee fully during a bathroom break, the urine gathers in the bladder, increasing the risk of infections and other health problems.

Meal kit services have something for every taste palette, with options for vegans, pasta junkies, and gourmet lovers. Although many services cater to a mix of categories, we found a few that stand out because they tend to certain niches. If you’re looking for a meal kit service that fits specific food preferences, whether refined, earthy, or vegan, take a look at these delicious choices. Sakara Life for luxurious vegan meals Sakara Life offers fresh and refreshing plant-based food on their weekly menus. When you subscribe to the service, you’ll receive premium-quality meals inspired by different cultures around the world. The luxury element comes from the careful selection of flavorful ingredients and extraordinary fruits and veggies. Think of the meals from Sakara Life as the food you would normally be served at a lavish wellness retreat. Some of their meals include watermelon-rose salad, Phuket bowl with Thai sticky rice, and matcha udon bowl. Eattiamo for Italian cuisine All pesto, lasagna, and Focaccia lovers assemble because Eattiamo is the go-to meal kit service for some fine Italian cuisine. The subscription model allows you to enjoy six or seven different meals from different regions every month, from Tuscany to Naples to Sicily. Each box has seven products, including everything from seasoning and sauces to the pasta itself, to prepare a dinner for the whole family. Follow the given recipe, and you might be able to recreate a true-blue tasty Italian feast. They have monthly, three-month, and six-month payment plans. Hungryroot for produce lovers Hungryroot is another unique meal kit service that lets you take a quiz on their food preferences. Based on that, they send groceries plus recipes to your doorstep. Their boxes celebrate produce and balanced flavors. For instance, if you pick the “Super Zucchini’d Falafel Bowl,” you will receive amazing zucchini falafel and organic zucchini along with flavorful coconut curry and jasmine rice.

Be it cats or dogs, pet owners love to treat their pets with treats. If you are a cat owner, you would love to treat your cats for various reasons to showcase your love and appreciation to them. Unfortunately, this can lead to a lot of health problems of your feline friend, which include a shortened lifespan, obesity, and other conditions. Overeating can also cause harmful effects on the cat’s health. Here are some tips on using food for showing love towards your feline pet without spoiling or harming them: Mix foods If your cat is refusing to eat something new (read: healthy), but still enjoys its old food, then try to mix the two foods for a few days. This will trick it into eating the new healthy food by masking it with the old food that it already likes. This is a good way to transition cats on to a new diet every time you make changes to their diet. Use chicken broth Chicken broth for cats is like tomato ketchup for humans – it makes everything taste better. If your cat is being particularly persnickety about its food, you could add some low-sodium chicken broth in its food for lending it some zing. Hopefully, that will prod your pet cat to eat the new food you put out in their bowl. Cut the scraps In some cases, your cat’s reluctance to eat its food, old or new, could be your fault, especially if it is used to being fed table scraps from your dinner table. In such cases, its palate is likely to prefer food with a little more flavor than what you’re putting out for it. So, you need to stop feeding your cat leftovers from the table. Cut back on the treats Your cat might not be eating its new food because it thinks that it’ll just get its fill of treats across the day.