Neck pain can be quite a nerve-racking experience. It can throw your life out of gear and cause considerable pain even with the slightest neck movement. Stiff neck or neck pain limits one’s overall mobility. People experience a sharp pain while driving or sleeping or simply turning their head. Causes of neck pain could be many, ranging from injury to the wrong posture. Irrespective of the cause of neck pain, one needs to get rid of the pain at the earliest in order to restore normalcy in daily activities. The neck is supported by bones, ligaments, and muscles. An inflammation, abnormality or injury to this support system causes neck pain. Neck pain or strain occurs when one or more fibers in a neck muscle strain or tear. This is also referred to as a pulled muscle. The pain varies based on the extent and location of the damage to the neck muscle. Mild neck pain usually subsides on its own with rest, but sharp or severe pain may require treatment. Before knowing how to cure neck pain, it is important to know what causes it. Causes of stiff neck Neck pain is usually caused by a strain or injury to the ligament, tendon or muscles supporting the neck. The neck vertebrae extend from the base of the skull all the way up to the upper torso. The neck area is made up of a network of tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Neck pain results from a damage or strain or stretching of any of these parts. Here are the common causes of neck pain: Muscle tension or strain : Neck muscles can get stretched or strained due to a wear and tear, bad posture, wrong sleeping position or jerky movement during exercise. Injury : The neck is prone to injury. Accidental fall or sports injury or sudden jerky movements cause injury to the neck muscles.

The muscles that push the stool through colon might not be performing at times, and it results in irregular bowel movements. This condition wherein the stool becomes hard, dry, and almost impossible to pass is called constipation. It generally happens because too much water is absorbed from the food. It is an incredibly common problem affecting around 20% of the people in the country. Gradually, people have started considering it as a routine problem. The food one eats, the lifestyle one follows, and the medications one takes can cause constipation. Age is also an important factor when it comes to constipation. The symptoms include abdominal bloating, discomfort when going through bathroom, pain, and difficulty while passing stools, stomach cramps, and losing appetite. Read on to know more about how to relieve constipation. How to Relieve Constipation the Natural Way Breathing Exercises To relieve constipation in about a minute, exhale and pinch your nose. A normal person can hold breath up to 20 seconds, but one should try to hold it a little longer (about 30 or more seconds). Release your nose and inhale but make sure to inhale less air than before. Repeat this cycle each time, making breathing slower and with less air. Through this breathing technique, one can get a quick constipation relief within a minute. Drinking a Cup of Coffee Another method to get immediate constipation relief is through drinking coffee. Other hot drinks like herbal tea or hot water with lemon juice or honey also stimulate the colon. It might not work for everyone. However, for some people, it helps in getting the digestive system moving. Light Physical Exercise Moving the body stimulates the movement of the internal muscles. Many people who are looking for information on how to relieve constipation find this as one of the best solutions for constipation.

Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood flowing in the blood vessels. Blood vessels carry blood pumped by the heart to all parts of the body. Proper supply of blood requires an optimum level of blood pressure and anything above or below this level is a cause of concern. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, where 120 is systolic pressure and 80 is diastolic. Blood pressure measuring 130-139/80-89 mmHg is considered as the first stage of hypertension, and pressures above 140/90 mmHg are considered as the second stage of hypertension. Pressure above 180/120 warrants immediate medical treatment. Prolonged hypertension results in thickening of the blood vessel walls (atherosclerosis). Other health complications caused by hypertension are a stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure. How to lower your blood pressure? This is an important question faced by those affected by hypertension. Read on to understand the causes of high blood pressure and ways to control high blood pressure. Causes of High Blood Pressure Hypertension is classified as primary and secondary hypertension. Primary or essential hypertension develops over time with no particular cause, whereas secondary hypertension occurs rapidly and becomes more severe than primary hypertension. Although the exact pressure cause of high blood pressure is not known, several risk factors are attributed to hypertension. When looking for information on how to lower your blood pressure, the common causes of hypertension should be understood first: Being Overweight Being overweight is a predisposition to developing high blood pressure. Excess body fat overloads the heart, which results in increased blood pressure. Smoking High blood pressure is among other health disorders caused by smoking. Lethargic Lifestyle Those leading a lethargic lifestyle without any physical workout are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. Unhealthy eating habits combined with a lethargic lifestyle result in fat deposits in blood vessels, which in turn narrow blood vessels.

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.

Body odor is not a very pleasant phenomenon as it disturbs and irritates the person suffering from it and everyone around. It is more common during the summer season when the humidity and temperature are higher and cause the sweat glands to produce more sweat. No matter how hard one might attempt to fight body odor, there still remain a number of ways that can make it return. Reasons such as choosing the wrong fabric or one that wasn’t washed and even hormones could be a causing factor for body odor. This can be embarrassing as well. So, if one is wondering on how to stop or get rid of body odor and make sure it never comes back again, the following tips can prove to be beneficial. All one needs to do is make a few, simple changes to their daily routine. Wear fast drying and sweat-absorbing outfits One of the most significant causes of body odor is perspiration and the bacteria present that cause the odor to be foul-smelling. Therefore, if one wants to know how to stop body odor, they should ensure to wear the right clothing for the right weather. The ones who experience body odor would want something that minimizes sweat in the first place or that makes sure it does not stay on their body. Nylon/polyester – When working out, go for nylon since it dissipates the sweat, dries quickly, breathes easily, i.e., it allows air to pass through and resists mildew. Though it is true that polyester has many of the same qualities as nylon, one must be sure to wash it immediately because polyester is more prone to the accumulation of bacteria. Cotton – For everyday wear, cotton should be anyone’s first and foremost choice. Lightweight cotton, among all the other types, is the most breathable of them all and allows ample airflow to help dry out dampness and sweat.

Tennis elbow is a painful condition in which the exterior of the elbow becomes painful and tender. Medically known as lateral epicondylitis, this condition happens when tendons in the elbow are overburdened by repetitive action of the arms and wrists. In such circumstances, the movement of the arms and wrists becomes difficult and there is a persistent pain in the elbows. However, elbow braces can go a long way to help you manage this condition. Read on to know more about the symptoms and treatment options for tennis elbow and how elbow braces can help the sufferer. Symptoms and treatment options for tennis elbow The usual symptoms include pain while extending the arms fully, pain on the outer part of the elbow which may become worse over a period if not treated, and pain while gripping things and movements of the wrist. A popular treatment method is going for physiotherapy, which involves progressive arm exercises. Rest, cold therapy, and medication are other ways to manage the condition. Wearing tennis elbow braces can be especially helpful. What is a tennis elbow brace and how does it help? Elbow braces are considered to be the most effective way of treating tennis elbow. It helps protect the damaged tendon during the healing process. The elbow brace is gentle and works on injured elbows by firmly compressing the upper forearm. It absorbs the forces spread through the soft tissues, thereby changing the force exerted on the tendon attachment, allowing the injury to heal better. Choose a well-fitting brace and wrap it on your arms properly to resume daily activities soon. How to choose the right braces for tennis elbow Choosing an elbow brace can be confusing as there are a plethora of options available. You can consider the following tips when choosing an elbow brace:

To find a doctor, you need to understand what option is the most convenient for you. The credibility of the doctor as well as whether they are covered by your health plan or not are important considerations. Here are some ways to find a doctor: Doctors in the network The starting point to find a doctor would be your health plan. Depending on your area of residence, your health plan will have competitive rates for specific doctors as well as hospitals. These doctors are called in-network doctors according to insurance companies. The advantage of seeing an in-network doctor over an out-of-network doctor is the fees and consultation charges. If you pick an out-of-network doctor, you will have to bear all the expenses by yourself as these doctors do not recognize your insurance plan’s coverage. You can go the website of your insurance service provider or call their toll free number to find out if the hospital you intend to visit is covered under their plan or not. Area of expertise Now that you have identified the in-network doctors, it is essential to find out the area of expertise you require. You will have to choose your primary care physician from the different categories of doctors such as Family Practice, General Practice or Internal Medicine. As far as children are concerned, the primary care physician will be known as a pediatrician, a doctor who specializes in the treatment of children. Family practice: As far as expertise is concerned, family practice physicians are generalists. They can provide solutions for various types of health problems that specialists deal in, like injuries related to sports as well as issues relating to the health of women. Patients from any age bracket, be it children or senior citizens, can avail of their services. Internal medicine: These doctors restrict their treatment to adults.

Sinuses always come in pairs of two and are found in four main areas of the face namely the frontal (in your forehead), ethmoid (between your eyes and across your nose), maxillary (in your cheeks), and sphenoid (behind your eyes and along the back of your head). If you feel a sharp sensation in the head and pressure around your eyes, forehead or even cheeks, a sinus infection could be one of the reasons. Sinus pressure mainly occurs due to seasonal allergies or a common cold. Pain due to sinus pressure is the outcome of blocked nasal passages. When your sinus cannot drain, it becomes hard, leading to swelling in the lining of the nose and sinus. In turn, this leads to inflammation and pain in your head, nose, and face. Home remedies to relieve sinus pressure Steam Pain due to sinus pressure could be a result of dry air which causes your sinuses to become drier. Steam adds moisture to the air and helps to soften your sinus passages and mucus that may have thickened over time. Sometimes, a hot shower can provide temporary relief from sinus pain. Breathe in the hot steam to reduce the pressure caused by a hard mucus layer inside your sinuses. You can also use a humidifier to relieve sinus pressure. To speed up your recovery, you can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil in your bathing water, as this oil contains cineole which is one of the main ingredients for healing acute sinusitis. Saline flush One treatment method for getting relief from pain due to sinus pressure and congestion is to cleanse your nose and sinuses with saline water. Saline water contains salt that helps to moisten your nasal linings and sinus pathways, and hence, it will reduce the sinus pressure. To make a saline spray at home, you will need an 8-ounce glass filled with distilled or sterilized lukewarm water.

Health is a primary concern for a lot of people and with a rise in health issues like obesity and arthritis, the biggest concern is weight loss. However, weight loss is not an easy task and cannot be achieved in a few days. A winner amongst quick, yet healthy weight loss methods is a liquid diet. A diet consisting only of liquids instead of solid food is called a liquid diet. A liquid diet comprises water, broth and plain gelatin that are easy to digest and leaves no undigested residue in your intestinal tract. In a liquid diet, most of your carbs and other minerals necessary for your body are obtained by fruit and vegetable juices or broth that contains no pulp. It is often prescribed to patients with digestive problems, recovering from injuries or who are about to undergo surgery. When a person follows a liquid diet, it helps detox and kick-starts your body‘s mechanisms with weight loss procedure. There are various liquid diet plans that one can follow to reduce weight. However, choose the best liquid diet plan by consulting a dietician and understanding the needs of your body and your stamina. Detox/cleansing liquid diet plan In a busy and hectic schedule, our body tends to suffer the most. An unhealthy lifestyle and constant pollution can take a massive toll on your body making it prone to diseases. Detoxing and cleansing have to be a priority for all to maintain its well-being. In a detox/cleansing liquid diet, you can see the effects almost immediately. One can always opt for a lemonade diet, also referred to as a master cleanse diet. One needs to drink only one drink of lemonade for a week. Blend 50 ounces of water with10 tablespoons of organic B grade maple syrup, ten tablespoons of fresh lemon juice along with half a spoon of cayenne pepper.

Living with epilepsy can be challenging, and it is essential to know about ways to help manage it in a better way. People suffering from this condition might look for effective ways to stay seizure-free; however, with conflicting information available on the internet, it can be difficult to know what can help ease the condition and what cannot. It has been found that a balanced diet that has the right amount of nutrients from various food groups can ensure that the brain and body function efficiently. Therefore, after consulting with a doctor, one can follow a diet plan as it can help control seizures and live with epilepsy. How does diet affect epilepsy? While no food has been found to trigger an epileptic seizure, a well-planned diet can reduce the risks of seizures by helping one maintain good health. A balanced diet can help provide one with the energy and important nutrients, better sleep, and better stamina for engaging in activities. By following a healthy diet, one can live better, be more positive, and develop a stronger focus, all of which can help control and manage the condition effectively. Top nutrition tips for living well with epilepsy When the body metabolizes fats, it produces ketones. So, following a Ketogenic diet forces the body to utilize more fats for energy production instead of glucose or sugar through a diet that increases fat intake and lowers carbohydrate intake. This diet plan can work in reducing seizures among people, both kids and adults, suffering from epilepsy. But, for this diet to work effectively, one will have to follow it without any breaks. So, the types of food and the respective amounts must be precisely measured. Preparing meals may be a time-consuming affair. However, the Keto diet may not work for kids. The MCT diet or medium-chain triglyceride diet is one where people use an oil supplement for their dietary fat intake instead of getting oil from foods.

If you have diabetes, food plays an important part in managing your symptoms. Here’s how you can put together diets for diabetes patients. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it means that you have high levels of glucose (blood sugar), which can cause further health problems. There are different types of the disease—chronic diabetes includes type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, while prediabetes (high blood sugar levels, but does not qualify as diabetes) and gestational diabetes (occurs when a woman is pregnant but can dissipate after delivery) are the types of potentially reversible diabetic conditions. Noticing any diabetes symptoms and reporting them to a medical professional at the earliest is vital, as early detection means you can start your treatment early, and thus achieve optimum results from the treatment. In addition to conventional diabetes treatments, there are certain natural remedies and lifestyle changes that can ease the symptoms and provide significant relief to people suffering from the disease. Diets and diabetes go hand in hand, as what you eat and don’t eat plays a major role in your diabetes treatment. The medical term for a diabetes diet is medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for diabetes, which entails eating different foods that are high in nutrition, moderate quantities of food, and sticking to mealtimes. There are many myths about diets for diabetes patients, such as—you cannot eat sugar at all, you cannot eat any carbohydrates, and that you need to eat only special diabetic meals. But the truth is that if you carefully plan diets for diabetes management, you can enjoy your favorite foods and keep your diabetes symptoms in control at the same time. There are certain approaches to creating diets for diabetes patients, and these diets are aimed at lowering the glucose level in your blood and keeping it within a normal level.

Battling with scalp psoriasis can be a frustrating and even embarrassing affair. Here are some dos and don’ts that may be helpful in dealing with the disorder. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder of the skin, which is marked by red, flaky, and thickened patches of skin on a person’s body. In several cases, these symptoms occur on the scalp, a condition referred to as scalp psoriasis. This usually causes dry, scaly, red patches of skin on your scalp, and causes it to be covered in silvery scales. It may also cause thick, crusted areas on the scalp, with the plaque peeling off in clumps. Removing this crust can cause bleeding on your scalp too. Symptoms of scalp psoriasis such as itching, redness, and flaky areas can range from mild to severe, and either manifest themselves in small areas or spread all over your scalp. If you are suffering from scalp psoriasis, you know how frustrating it can get. Although not a life-threatening disease, this skin disorder can take a toll on your mental health and social life as it not only causes considerable discomfort, but can be an embarrassing condition as well. There are various treatment options for scalp psoriasis, which include prescription treatments and over-the-counter medications. In addition to these treatments, you can make some lifestyle changes that will help you battle this annoying condition. Here are some simple tips that can go a long way in reducing your scalp psoriasis symptoms and flare-ups. Refrain from using anti-dandruff shampoos Most of the time, people who have scalp psoriasis are advised to use shampoos that contain salicylic acid frequently. While this may work for some people, you may not realize that this acid works by chemically burning the flakes off your scalp. The surfactants used in the shampoo are compounds that are targeted towards removing the oils from your hair.