Asthma and its triggers For people who suffer from asthma, one of their biggest nightmares is to come across asthma triggers. There are many common asthma triggers and each affects patients differently. Here are some triggers that may surprise you: Mold Breathing in mold can trigger an asthma episode. Inspect your house regularly for the growth of mold. Depending on the humidity and moisture in the air, mold can grow in various places. A dehumidifier or an air conditioner is one of the best ways to keep humidity under control. Additionally, you can also use a hygrometer so that the humidity levels don’t go higher than 50%. It is also recommended to fix the water leaks, which may lead to the growth of mold behind walls or under floors. Smoke exuded from burning plants The smoke that comes from plants or burning wood is made up of very small particles and harmful gases. When you breathe in too much of this smoke, you can get an asthma attack. It is one of the most common triggers that only a few know about. Avoid wood-burning entirely and if a wildfire causes poor quality of air in the area, keep a check on the news to avoid those areas. Physical infections Physical infections can also trigger asthma. These may be triggers associated with influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and even cold. Additionally, allergies, sinus infections, and acid reflux can result in an asthma attack as well. In some cases, external physical factors can be the main trigger for asthma. This may include bad weather, high humidity, or even thunderstorms. Medicines There are certain medicines which may trigger your asthma. It is recommended to avoid the use of over-the-counter medicines as much as possible. However, if you want to consume certain medications, consult your physician and take their opinion.

Menopause is a phase wherein a woman stops having her menstrual periods. Women can manage menopause by including the below-mentioned foods in their diet. The risk factors linked to menopause are inevitable to most women. Nutrition by managing your health with best foods to eat during menopause can help in many ways. The transition from a normal menstruation cycle to menopause can be difficult. Estrogen declines, and the balance between progesterone and estrogen declines as well. This affects metabolism and makes women gain more weight without even having to eat much. Other disorders include sleep apnea, nerve twitching, reduced bone density — these can be managed by consuming the following foods. Dairy products One of the major symptoms is reduced bone density and risk of fracture. Dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and milk have phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and Vitamins D and K. This is one of the best foods to eat during menopause because it helps induce sleep. During menopause, women should get deeper sleep. Nowadays, due to several reasons, women have been affected by menopause at a very early stage. Dairy products are beneficial as they help reduce premature menopause by around 17%. Whole grains Whole grains are high in fiber, vitamins, and nutrients. They are an ideal food to eat during menopause because it has been proven that a whole grain diet reduces heart disease, and has anti-cancer properties. Whole grains lower the risk of developing heart diseases by 20 to 30%. Intake of every 2000 calories per day with 4.7 grams of whole grain fiber reduced the risk of death by 17%. Food items such as brown rice, whole wheat bread, quinoa, rye, and barley can be consumed during menopause. Salmon Salmon is rich in Omega 3 fats and Vitamin D. It is known to reduce palpitation, breast cancer, and pain associated with menopause.

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular and rapid heart rhythm that causes blood clots in the heart. It can further lead to an increase in the risk of strokes, heart failure, and other cardiac conditions. And though there are treatments like medication, therapy, and catheter procedures for the condition, you must also consider including these foods in your regular meal plan for a healthy heart. Bananas Lack of nutrients, especially potassium in the body, can put you at a higher risk for AFib. So you must have nutrient-rich fruits like bananas. They are rich in potassium, which in turn help manage atrial fibrillation. But make sure to eat fresh fruits and not canned ones, as the latter contain excessive sugars that prove unsafe for the body. Blueberries Blueberries can also help manage the symptoms of AFib. Research suggests that berries contain antioxidants. So having just one cup of blueberries a day may help improve blood pressure and lower atrial stiffness for postmenopausal women in pre-and stage 1 hypertension. Nuts Nuts like almonds and walnuts are rich in protein, fibers, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, minerals, folate, and more. Therefore, consuming these nuts multiple times a week can help reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation and curb the possibility of heart failure. Greek yogurt Greek yogurt is a source of protein that is a crucial requirement to fight AFib. Proteins can prevent the loss of bone mass and lean muscle mass. Yogurt also has significant levels of magnesium, which also complement the rhythm of the heart. However, avoid flavored yogurts as they are high in sugar content and other unhealthy additives. Tomatoes Tomatoes are rich in potassium and help the muscles function to their highest potential. It is also a good source of antioxidants, beta-carotene, vitamin A and C, and folic acid, which are beneficial for a healthy lifestyle.

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.

4 natural remedies to treat hair loss in men Hair loss is an extremely common problem faced by people as they age. While it is normal to lose around 100 strands of hair a day, anything more than that signals a problem. It is difficult to know exactly how many strands are being shed, so noticing clumps of hair on your pillow or in your sink drain are warning signals. And waiting till you see a receding hairline is definitely not recommended. If you are facing hair loss, you need to seek urgent treatment in the preliminary stages to prevent baldness. Along with proper medical care, here are some easy natural remedies that have proven effective to treat hair loss in men. Take vitamin supplements Hair loss is often linked to some nutritional deficiency. If you suffer from hair loss, then get yourself checked for any kind of deficiency. For most people, a deficiency of vitamins A, B7, and E lead to hair loss. The best way to add vitamins to your diet is through food. But for added nutrition, you can ask your doctor for suggesting vitamin supplements. Vitamin B7 is also known as biotin and helps in hair growth. Vitamin A encourages sebum production and vitamin E promotes blood circulation in the scalp. Get an oil massage An oil massage is the best way to stimulate healthy blood circulation to the scalp. It also helps hair follicles remain active. You can add a few drops of essential oil to your regular massage oil. Essential oils that are good for hair growth include lavender, rosemary, thyme, and peppermint. Stay hydrated through the day Sometimes the key to healthy hair is really as simple as drinking enough water through the day. In fact, if you do not get as much water as your body needs, you might face many health problems including hair loss.

Melanoma is probably the most serious form of skin cancer wherein the pigment-producing cells called melanocytes mutate and become cancerous. Though melanoma only accounts for less than 2 percent of cases in the country, it is extremely dangerous because it has the ability to rapidly spread to other organs if not treated at an early stage. Aside from medication and therapy, certain strict dietary changes will also help one manage the condition and aid in speeding their recovery. It is essential to have a diet that’s packed with high fiber content for creating more diverse intestinal bacteria. This is believed to lead to a stronger response to immunotherapy while battling melanoma. It is always advisable to have a balanced diet of fiber, vitamins, proteins, and calcium ingrained foods, but a high fiber diet may help one’s gut battle melanoma better, especially if begun early on during the therapy. Given below are a few tips on how to ensure one’s diet is rich in fiber. To start with a high-fiber diet, one must include both soluble and insoluble forms of fiber that are natural and unprocessed. One must refrain from all kinds of white foods such as white rice, sugar, and flour as they have no fiber content. Whole grain cereals are perfect to start the day with and one can also opt for brands that focus specifically on the fiber content. Add wild rice, barley, whole-wheat pasta, and bulgur wheat to the overall diet for maximum fiber intake. Flaxseeds must be consumed on an everyday basis as they are high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. One must eat all possible forms of whole grains and refrain from the refined variety as the fiber content gets stripped off during the production process. It is important to add loads of fruits to the health chart basket such as berries, bananas, apples, and pears for maximum fiber intake.

Melanoma is a type of cancer that starts in cells that affect the pigment melanin; these cells are called melanocytes. The unusual growth of these cells results in this type of cancer. This condition is a highly common yet highly serious type of skin cancer. It is mostly recognized by an unusual growth or change in the existing mole on the skin. Types of melanoma There are typically four types of melanoma. Each of the types comes from a different way in which cancer has affected the melanocytes. Superficial spreading melanoma Nodular melanoma Lentigo malign melanoma Acral lentiginous melanoma A high-fiber diet may help your gut A healthy diet is said to trigger a better response from the body when the patient is undergoing treatment for melanoma. Some studies have shown that fibers lead to a more diverse type of bacteria called microbiome which is a thriving gut bacterium. The gut microbiome has shown to trigger a strong response to immunotherapy in patients that have aggressive skin cancer. On average, a high-fiber diet may help your gut battle melanoma five times more if you start a high fiber diet at the beginning of your immunotherapy. Since a high-fiber diet may help your gut battle melanoma, you must make it an essential part of your routine. Like any other form of cancer, the chances of contracting this type of cancer is high due to factors like obesity. Maintaining a healthy weight is vital to prevent deadly diseases like melanoma. A high-fiber meal essentially has plenty of fiber and antioxidants. They are present in retinol rich foods like milk, eggs, leafy vegetables, fish and fruits that are yellow or orange. Antioxidants have a 20% chance of reducing the development of melanoma. Along with your vital fibers, vitamin D levels also need to be in check as they are associated with a risk of developing cancer, especially melanoma.

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation. The symptoms of this condition are generally stiffness, pain, and swelling in the joint which can flare up or subside. It is common among those who suffer from this type of arthritis to wake up with morning stiffness. It is a condition that can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes but cannot be cured permanently. It is a chronic condition that can even last a lifetime. While doctors administer various treatments, lifestyle changes can help improve psoriatic arthritis to a large extent. Here are the lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis: Stress Stress plays a very important role in triggering arthritis flare-ups. Learning to manage your day-to-day stress can keep your symptoms away. You need to first identify the reasons for stress in your day-to-day life and then understand how you can deal with it. Stress management varies from person to person. Once you understand what works best for you, this would be one of the best lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis. Food The food you eat plays a vital role in psoriatic arthritis triggers and the healing process. Here are some of the food groups that you must consume while avoiding others regularly. Anti-inflammatory omega-3: Tuna Salmon Olive oil Flaxseeds Chia seeds Avocados Nuts Fruits and vegetables with high antioxidants: Nuts Dark berries Green leafy vegetables Dark chocolate Dried ground spices Coffee and tea High-fiber foods: Oats Quinoa Corn Wild and brown rice Here is a list of foods that you need to stay away from when you have psoriatic arthritis: Red meat Diary Processed foods Some of the best diets that can be followed when you have psoriatic arthritis are: Gluten-free diet Paleo diet Mediterranean diet Following the right diet along with physical activity will help you maintain a healthy weight and keep the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis at bay.

If you own a dog, you might know that they’re very prone to flea and tick infestations. And although there are many aggressive treatments for the problem, those can harm your pet’s fur, skin, and overall health. Therefore, flea and tick collars are the best bet to keep these parasites off your pup. If you’re confused about which brand to choose, here’s a list of the top five flea and tick collars for dogs. Sobaken Flea & Tick Collar This is a budget-friendly flea and tick collar that can keep your furry little friend itch-free. Once worn, the Sobaken flea collar offers almost instant protection against parasites. Moreover, being environment friendly, their products are safe for both pets and the environment. The collar protects for at least eight months and is suitable for dogs of any shape and size. However, it may not work well with extra-large dog breeds. Seresto Dog Collar Seresto dog collar by Bayer is one of the best flea and tick repellent collars on the market, specially designed for large dog breeds. It has a superior built quality and offers long-lasting protection that ensures blood-sucking parasites don’t menace your dog for at least eight months. The Seresto dog collar starts working within a day of application. Moreover, it’s adjustable, and you can rest assured that the collar will stay in its place even if you have an energetic pup. Primova Flea & Tick Collar If you’re looking for an all-natural flea and tick treatment that doesn’t harm your best friend’s soft coat, Primova flea collar is a suitable option. This dog collar doesn’t contain any harmful toxic chemicals. Instead, it’s laced with essential oils to ward off harmful parasites. Like the Seresto dog collar, Primova is also adjustable, and it fits mostly all shapes and sizes of dogs, including large breeds.

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) triggers STD (sexually transmitted diseases) infections that mostly spread through intimate contact. Studies indicate that at least 1 in 4 people have a chance of contracting the HPV infection. In most cases, the symptoms experienced are mild, and the infection tends to resolve on its own without the need for medical intervention. However, HPV is one of the leading triggers of 6 different types of cancer that affect men and women in the later stages of life. Statistics indicate that nearly 80 million people in the country may carry some form of the HPV virus. From these, roughly 14 million are infected each year. The vaccine for HPV is effective in preventing and reducing the risk of cancer and is administered early on in children. The ideal time to get an HPV vaccine By the age of 9 The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends administering two doses of the vaccine to children by the age of 9. Between the ages 11 and 12 The child may need more than two doses for it to be effective between the ages of 11 and 12. Timing is absolutely crucial when it comes to the HPV vaccine’s effectiveness. By the age of 15 If the child has not yet turned 15, CDC recommends only two doses. Otherwise, three doses are given to the child on or after the 15 th For teenagers and young adults In case the vaccination is not administered by the age of 15, teenagers and young adults may continue to receive the three recommended doses until the age of 26. Adults beyond the age of 26 The HPV vaccine is not necessary for adults above the age of 26. However, adults aged 27 to 45 may consult their doctor to check if a vaccine is required.

Breast cancer is a condition that develops in the breast cells. Changes that are known as mutations cause a division of the cancer cells that begin to multiply in an uncontrolled manner. Typically, the cells begin to grow in the ducts and lobules of the breast while spreading to the fatty tissues and connective tissues. Treatment of breast cancer solely depends upon the stage of cancer or the growth of the tumor. The most common forms of treatment employed include surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. Apart from medical treatment methods, one can explore some natural methods and therapies that have great supporting effects. Holistic therapies Holistic therapies are widely revered for their great effects in promoting a sense of peace and bringing about a desirable balance in an individual’s state of mind. Not only does it reduce the level of stress but it also aids the patient in feeling more relaxed. While this therapy does not have a direct effect on the control or treatment of breast cancer, holistic therapies are widely reported to bring a positive change in the mental health and the reduction of anxiety among patients. Some of the most popular forms of therapy include aromatherapy, journaling, art therapy, music therapy, dance therapy, and meditation among several others. These holistic therapies can be used in combination or singularly depending on likes and comfort. Special diet A healthy diet can have several desirable effects on the body. While a specially formulated diet does not aid in the cure of cancer or other diseases, it can have several positive effects in the promotion of better overall health. Eating the right food will help in supporting the medical treatments employed for breast cancer and reduce the ill effect of certain treatments. One should consider adding more vitamins and foods rich in minerals as part of the diet plan.

Breast cancer is known to affect about 1 in every 8 women in the country, which is approximately 12% of the entire female population. In fact, as of January 2019, there are more than 3.1 million women who have a history of breast cancer, and this includes women who are currently being treated and who have finished their treatment. Breast cancer can be cured completely only when it is diagnosed in its initial stages. Once cancer metastasizes to adjacent organs, the treatment methods aim to control the symptoms of the condition instead of trying to cure it completely. Breast cancer treatments involve radiation therapy and chemotherapy, which can wreak havoc on one’s body. People thus often opt for complementary natural therapies that promote overall health and help them stay proactive throughout their cancer treatment. Take a look at some of these alternative therapies that can help with the symptoms of breast cancer. Acupuncture Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese treatment method and the studies from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) suggest that this treatment can help women with breast cancer. It involves the use of thin needles that are inserted into the body, and it is believed that this process can stimulate the brain and nervous system to help reduce the pain. In fact, there are some clinical studies that suggest that acupuncture can actively relieve the nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy treatments. It is essential to consult with the doctor before opting for acupuncture. Tai chi and qi gong Tai chi and qi gong originated in China and these are movement-based exercises that aim to move and balance the natural energies within the body. These exercises lay emphasis on breathing and meditation. Moreover, they are instrumental in reducing stress and pain and improving mental health and mobility.