Beginning a new career, especially one that involves driving across the country, can be exciting. Truck drivers transport everyday essentials, whether it’s phones, clothes, or construction materials, making their job crucial for the functioning of businesses and households. However, many rookie drivers can make mistakes in their first few days on the job. Some such mistakes can cause significant damage to life and property. So, here are common lapses that rookie truck drivers should avoid: A common issue most truck drivers face is fatigue. High levels of fatigue are common considering the long work hours on the road. However, there are unions and organizations that ensure these drivers are not exploited to avoid vehicle crashes when drivers fall asleep at the wheel. Going too fast Truck driving regulations in the country allow up to 20,000 pounds per single axle and up to 34,000 pounds per tandem axle, meaning the load can exert a lot of pressure on the wheels. Driving too fast may result in a loss of control and subsequent overturning of the vehicle or an accident. This is why it is best to practice caution while driving the truck, and remember that an accident can slow you down way more than driving at reduced speeds. Rookie drivers should be even more careful when going downhill, as downshifting and slowing down may become tougher in that stretch of road. Ignoring road signs One of the most common rookie truck driver mistakes is not paying attention to road signs. While navigation systems can be helpful, they may not be 100% accurate all the time. Look out for signs indicating speed limits, clearance markers, and one-way streets, among others, to ensure a smooth driving experience. Overlooking the trailer length While it may seem impossible to forget about the long trailer attached to the truck, it can be a common hurdle for rookies.

Frozen shoulder is a painful condition that affects your shoulder joint. It causes excruciating pain and causes stiffness in the shoulder. Anatomically, your shoulder is made up of three bones: upper arm, shoulder blade, and collarbone. These bones collectively form the ball-and-socket joint that is held together with connective tissues. These tissues are known as the shoulder capsule. In a frozen shoulder, the shoulder capsule becomes excessively thick, thus restricting movement. The condition of a frozen shoulder may take anywhere between 1 and 3 years to cure. Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder The first and most prominent symptom of a frozen shoulder is pain and stiffness. You will persistently feel a dull pain in one shoulder, making it very difficult to move it. Gradually, the pain will spread to the upper arm as well. In most cases, the pain worsens at night. Typically, in a frozen shoulder, the symptoms experienced can be categorized into the following 3 stages as shown below: Initial or Freezing stage You experience a pain in your shoulder every time you try to move it. Gradually, the pain starts getting more intense, especially at night. The movement of your arm and shoulder gets restricted to a certain extent. T his stage generally lasts from 6 to 9 months. Frozen Stage The shoulder stiffness increases at this stage. The movement of the shoulder gets completely restricted and the pain interferes with your everyday activities. This stage lasts from 3 to 12 months. Recovery or Thawing stage At this stage, the symptoms begin to go away, and the range of motion starts to go back to normal. This may take between 6 months and 2 years. Frozen Shoulder Treatment The most effective treatment for frozen shoulder involves controlling pain and stiffness and preserving the range of motion in the best possible way.

Are you unable to lift your hand above your head without feeling any discomfort? Well, this can be a symptom of a frozen shoulder or a rotator cuff injury or a dislocated shoulder. As per an estimate, about 67% of people in the country suffer from shoulder pain at some point over the course of their lives. The shoulder is made up of bones secured in place by muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is one of the most mobile joints. The well-combined joints and muscles help you perform all activities like allowing the shoulder to move freely in different directions, raising your arms over your head, throwing a baseball, or scratching your back. Joints are used in almost every day-to-day activity, and their regular wear and tear can create a lot of problems and pain. Here are a few reasons for shoulder pain symptoms. Rotator cuff tendonitis There are several reasons for shoulder pain, and the most common of these is the rotator cuff. A recent study showcased two-thirds of people having shoulder pain had a rotator cuff problem. The rotator cuff is a tough sheath of tendons and ligaments that support the arm at the shoulder joint, keeping the ball of your upper arm bone centered in your shoulder socket, making it easy to raise and rotate your arm. Performing some motions regularly can lead to inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons, also known as tendonitis, which can cause shoulder pain. With tendonitis, shoulder pain symptoms and weakness are often mild at first and barely noticeable when you move the joint; after a while, they can grow more severe and occur all the time. Change in activities to avoid provoking the pain can help heal the tendons. The good news is that rotator cuff tendonitis can improve with time.

For some people, when they have a bloated stomach, their belly looks swollen or they might encounter intense abdominal pain. The reason may be abdominal bloating caused by something as mild as indigestion or too much gas forming up in the stomach and bowels. Fluid retention, irritable bowel syndrome, or infection are the possible causes of abdominal bloating. The cause of bloating is mostly harmless, and it can be treated at home by most people. However, abdominal bloating can be disturbing, especially when it is extremely painful. Let us have a look at some of the causes and treatments to get stomach relief from bloating: Causes of bloating Digestive disorders People who have various functional gastrointestinal disorders like IBS, ulcerative colitis and celiac disease have a bloating stomach. Studies show that stomach bloating is experienced by almost 23 percent to 96 percent of people with IBS. Fluid retention Excess bloating and temporary weight gain can be caused by bodily fluids that are deposited around the body, including near the abdomen or pelvis area. Fluid retention in the abdomen is called the ascites and it can be a symptom of a more serious health condition. It can be due to an abdominal infection, liver disease or, evendue to cancer. Dehydration Dehydration pauses digestion. The more water you drink, the more you get bloated. Constipation Another main reason for having a bloated stomach is constipation. Constipation causes the stool to settle in the intestines, thus leaving you with a hard-feeling stomach which causes pain, discomfort, and gas. The prominent reasons for constipation are the limited amount of fiber intake, not drinking enough water, or avoiding physical activity. Food allergies Food allergies, sensitives or lactose intolerance are other common causes of gas and bloating. The foods that trigger gas include dairy products, gluten-containing foods (most bread, pasta, rolls, cereals, etc.) and certain kinds of carbohydrates.

What are shingles? Also known as herpes zoster, shingles is a condition that is triggered by the varicella zoster virus. It is the virus that is responsible for causing chickenpox. After chickenpox is treated, it remains in a dormant state inside the nervous system. Usually, shingles is characterized by a blistering rash on the skin. It is mostly a common condition in elderly individuals, who have a fragile immune system. However, any person can contract shingles. In most cases, after patients have recovered from shingles they will not get affected by it again. Although, it is possible for it to occur more than once. Shingles is not a contagious condition, but there is a small possibility of the virus spreading to someone who has never had chickenpox and isn’t vaccinated either. Symptoms of shingles The most common symptom that is witnessed is a persistent form of pain that can be dull, sharp or might even burn. However, for some patients, the discomfort could be intermittent. The other signs indicating the onset of shingles are – A rash that instantly progresses into blisters containing secretions. Apart from being painful, these can be immensely itchy, although they might not spread to the other parts of the body. They usually appear on the face and upper body, but on rare occasions, these can affect the lower areas of the body too. Severe inflammation might be noticed around the area affected by shingles. In some cases, the shingles might target the eyes, damaging the ophthalmic nerve which can lead to pain, swelling and in extreme circumstances temporary or irreversible loss of vision. Patients may also experience heightened sensitivity, i.e., even the slightest touch can cause distress. At times, blisters can form a band which may come across as a skin damage resulting from severe burns.

Under normal circumstances, diarrhea disappears on its own within a few days. You do not have to take any serious treatment as some lifestyle changes and certain home remedies make up the diarrhea treatments. It is only when you do not get relief from these methods that doctors may recommend other types of medications and treatments. Methods for increasing fluids intake It is a good option to take small sips of water frequently, and small bites of salty crackers. The fluid intake must be increased to at least 1 liter per hour for a period of one or two hours and you can extend it for more if the problem does not subside quickly. If you are a person already suffering from heart, liver or kidney disease and have some limitations in increasing the fluid intake, you must consult with your doctor before increasing the quantity of fluids. Your doctor is most likely to advise you to replace the fluids and salts intake with getting fluids through a vein. Another aspect you must be aware of is that although water is a good source for replacing fluids, it does not contain the slats and electrolytes including minerals like potassium and sodium. The human body has to sustain the electric currents that help your heart beat normally. For keeping electrolyte levels at optimal levels, you have to take fruit juices and soups. Fruit juices offer potassium, and the soups provide sodium. At the same time, you have to remember that some fruit juices like apple juice can create a negative impact on diarrhea. When it comes to children, you can ask your doctor about taking an oral rehydration solution like Pedialyte for addressing dehydration or substituting lost fluids. Control your diet and choose the diet carefully It is a good choice to start eating mild foods immediately or in the next day based on how you feel.

Pneumococcal pneumonia can be considered as a type of pneumonia which infects upper respiratory tract and spreads to lungs, middle ear and nervous system, if not checked in time. This disease causes pneumonia in children who are less than five years of age or adults who are 65 years or older. Elder people are at more risk of pneumococcal pneumonia and can even die in rare cases. People who suffer from some medical conditions including chronic heart ailment, liver diseases, and sickle cell anemia are also at a risk of being infected with pneumococcal pneumonia. Causal Agents Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by a range of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Streptococcus pneumoniae is also known to cause Pneumococcal Pneumonia. Transmission Pneumococcal pneumonia is spread when a contact with people who are at risk is established. Also, this bacterium is also carried in the throat. The respiratory droplets of the infected person are also known to initiate the spread of Pneumococcal Pneumonia. Children, in particular, carry this bacteria in the throat even when they are not sick. Symptoms of Pneumococcal Pneumonia This infection begins suddenly in a person, and the person might suffer from severe chill symptoms which are followed by high fever, cough, shortness of breath, rapid breathing and chest pain. Nausea, vomiting, and headache are other symptoms of Pneumococcal pneumonia. Diagnosis Pneumococcal Pneumonia is diagnosed by the medical health provider based on symptoms, physical examination of the patient and lab tests including some chest x-rays if required. Pneumonia is also caused by other bacteria and germs. If a person suffers from signs of Pneumococcal Pneumonia, the best course of action would be to take immediate medical treatment. Healthcare providers also diagnose Pneumococcal Pneumonia based on the presence of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria in the blood, saliva or the lung fluid. Treatment of Pneumococcal Pneumonia Antibiotics are usually prescribed the doctor for treating complications related to Pneumococcal Pneumonia.

A hiatal hernia is a condition when a small part of the stomach slides up through a weak spot in the diaphragm. The stomach acid is pushed into the esophagus causing heartburn and other associated issues. A gastroesophageal reflux disease is one of the most common symptoms of a hiatal hernia. Other symptoms include difficulty in swallowing, chest pain, and congestion. Most people don’t show any sign of a hiatal hernia and others who do, experience heartburn. Surgery is not required to treat this condition. Instead, doctors recommend patients to lead a healthy lifestyle by maintaining weight and eating small meals at a time. There are a few foods that must be included in the hiatal hernia diet and a few that should be avoided. The symptoms are sure to subside if you eat healthy food on a daily basis. Foods to include in your hiatal hernia diet Here is a list of foods that you must include in your diet. These foods are sure to help you find relief from the heartburn. Lean meats Lean meats must be preferred over fatty acids if you have a hiatal hernia. Meats that have high-fat content can aggravate the conditions. These include red meats and cold cuts. Go for lean protein sources like codfish and chicken breasts. Bake your meat instead of frying it and use less spice in your foods. Fruits and vegetables Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a balanced diet. You get all the necessary vitamins and minerals from them. Fruits that have antioxidants that can help reduce and prevent heartburns. Go for healthy options like raspberries, cherries, and apricots. Acidic and citrus fruits like oranges, tomatoes, and grapes must be avoided. Consume more vegetables to increase your immunity and increase your metabolism. Green leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli have plenty of vitamin B and calcium.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), also known as cystitis, are fairly common, especially among women. In fact, half of all women in the world suffer from a UTI at some point in their lifetimes. UTIs occur when bacteria, that are usually found in your gastrointestinal tract and pelvic region, enter into your urinary system. The bacteria don’t have much to travel to infect the woman’s bladder. As a result, it causes the inflammation of the bladder. Although UTIs are mostly caused by bacterial infections, they can also be caused by several other factors, such as chemical irritants, fungal infections, foreign bodies (e.g., kidney stones), and trauma. Symptoms of urinary tract infections Typically, UTI symptoms include the following: – Suprabic pain, which is the pain in lower abdomen – Dysuria, which is pain or a burning sensation upon urination – Needing to urinate urgently and frequently – Sometimes, the urine could be bloody or even cloudy Having said that, the symptoms can differ by age. Infants suffering from a UTI usually develop a fever, become fussy or feed poorly. Moreover, the elderly might experience fatigue, become incontinent or may even develop dementia. Urinary tract infection treatment options Step 1: Diagnosis The first and foremost step for the treatment of a UTI is a positive diagnosis. According to the diagnosis, the appropriate cure is suggested. There are a few tests for diagnosis of a UTI: Urine analysis You might need to have a urine culture taken to be evaluated for a possible infection of your kidneys. Once you get a urinalysis done, there might be signs of Pyuria—the presence of white blood cells in the urine, which can make the urine appear cloudy. Having a couple of WBCs in the urine can be normal, however, if there are more than 5 WBCs per high powered field is considered abnormally high.

Dry eye is a chronic ailment that can happen to anyone, at any point in life. It is a syndrome commonly found in both men and women. It is a progressive condition where the eye loses the required amount of lubrication that is necessary for a healthy vision. This disease may or may not be completely cured, depending on the severity of the condition in a person. However, ophthalmologists state that in milder situations, patients are able to overcome many disturbing symptoms of dry eye and experience clearer vision and greater eye comfort with proper dry eye treatment. Dry eye can cause discomforts such as redness, irritation, itchiness, inflammation, and even blemish formation of the front surface of the eye. Dry eyes are common complaints among most people nowadays. No one usually ignores any issues with the eyes. Hence, dry eye treatment is a common phenomenon at a doctor’s clinic. Medically, dry eye syndrome is also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS. Troubleshooter for dry eyes Eyes are a highly sensitive organ in the human body. Any disturbance in your eye can result in serious disruptions in your daily activities and overall lifestyle. Tears are the important aspects of the eye. Tears are a mix of water, oils, mucus, and antibodies that help in maintaining the perfect functioning of the eyes, keeping infections at bay, and maintaining a healthy vision. Dry eyes often happen when the tear glands fail to develop enough tears. It might also happen that the tears evaporate leaving the eyes parched and dried up. Some common symptoms that signify dry eyes include the following: Itchy eyes Burning sensation Redness Dryness Sore eyes Blurred vision Heavy eyes Pain Eye fatigue Photophobia Watery eyes Inflamed eye The symptoms and severity vary ranging from mild to severe conditions in patients.

Ticks are found in the outdoors, living in grass, leaf piles and shrubs. They have a strong affinity for humans and their pets and easily migrate from one to the other. While these bugs may seem tiny and harmless, in reality, they literally suck your blood for sustenance. Ticks attach themselves to the victim and bite, drawing blood till their appetite is sated, growing in size, sometimes as big as a marble. Tick bites are mostly harmless, but some tick bites can cause allergic reactions and even more serious diseases, both in humans and their pets. A rash from tick bites is a major symptom of a more serious reaction. While a rash from tick bites can cause irritation, itching and a burning sensation on the affected skin, it’s often an indicator of a more serious, harmful disease’s onset. Below, we’ve mentioned some of the other consequences and diseases that a tick bite can leave you with. If you experience a rash from tick bites, keep an eye out for these diseases. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) RMSF is the most serious of all tick-borne diseases. It’s more common in the south-eastern parts of the United States. It is not contagious, but it can pass through ticks bites, from humans to their pets, and vice-versa. The symptoms appear between 2 to 14 days after the bite, and include: High fever persisting for 2 to 3 weeks Chills Fatigue Abdominal pain Nausea Muscle aches A headache The characteristic feature of Rocky Mountain spotted fever is the rash from the tick bite. The rash comprises of small red spots on the palms, ankles, wrists, and soles. The rash starts 2 to 5 days after the bite and spreads across the torso. This is usually coupled with a high fever. After a week of the infection, a second rash can develop from the tick bite.

Many people love the change of seasons, whether it’s spring or autumn. However, if you experience the changing seasons as days of sneezing and watery eyes, you may have seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies are also called hay fever or allergic rhinitis. It is an immune response that primarily affects the nasal cavity and the eyes. The symptoms of seasonal allergies are a runny nose, increased mucus production, sneezing, and coughing. Redness around the face, swelling of the nose and watery eyes are also noticed in some people. Allergy-causing allergens Seasonal allergies are inflammatory. The immune system reacts to particles present in the air and triggers an inflammatory process. These particles that cause an allergic reaction are called allergens. The allergen in seasonal allergies depends on the geographical area, local flora, and the season. The common allergens involved in seasonal allergies are flower pollen, wood pollen, and grass pollen. Most of the allergens that trigger seasonal allergies are light pollen from trees, weeds, and grass. Heavier pollen from insect-pollinated plants won’t stay airborne for very long. Hence, seasonal allergies are more common in spring, summer, and autumn and less common in winter. Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies Seasonal allergies are also called allergic rhinitis; it affects the nose and nasal passage. Characteristic symptoms of seasonal allergies are: Rhinorrhea (excessive nasal discharge) Itching Sneezing fits Swelling of the nose Nasal congestion and obstruction Redness of the eyes and conjunctiva Ear congestion Rarer symptoms of allergic rhinitis are coughing, headache, Shortness of breath, and wheezing. In some very persistent cases of seasonal allergies, there may be secondary infections of the sinuses and throat. The best seasonal allergy medicine will aim to relieve these symptoms. Causes of Seasonal Allergies Seasonal allergies occur when your immune system identifies an outside substance as harmful. It immediately triggers a response to it.