People often overlook their lung health, which can be a huge mistake. The lungs perform essential body functions, and not maintaining them can lead to chronic lower respiratory conditions in the long term, like emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). According to a research study, such diseases are the sixth leading cause of death in our country. Here are seven ways to keep your lungs healthy and functioning correctly. Eat healthy foods Certain foods have high amounts of nutrients that enhance lung health and boost lung function. A few examples are fresh fruits like berries, oranges, bananas, and apples; fresh vegetables like green/red peppers, avocados, tomatoes, and leafy greens; lean proteins like fish, shellfish, chicken, and legumes; fiber-rich foods like barley, grain bread, and baked potatoes; and healthy fats like canola oil and olive oil. Avoid indoor pollution Household items like scented candles and air fresheners can aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic bronchitis and cause runny noses or coughs frequently. So, avoid such products or use them in moderation. Dust is also a popular indoor pollutant. Experts recommend wiping off dust with a damp cloth or mop to prevent the tiny particles from moving around. Keeping the house well-ventilated is also effective.

Migraines are headaches that cause severe throbbing pain or pulsing sensation. In most cases, these headaches may appear on one side of the head and are accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Furthermore, the duration of migraine attacks may differ; some can last for a few hours, while others can last for days. However, the intensity of pain can be severe enough to hamper daily activities. Warning signs of migraine headaches According to research, nearly 39 million people in the country deal with this neurological condition. However, migraines aren’t simple headaches, and the episodes can often come with severe symptoms such as fatigue and loss of concentration. Some other common warning signs that indicate migraine are discussed below. Aura About 30% of migraine patients report experiencing an aura before or during the headache episode. Furthermore, most patients have also reported a few visual symptoms, such as zigzag lines, blind spots, and flickering lights. In some cases, people have also experienced hearing disturbances such as tinnitus ( ringing sensation in the ears) during a migraine headache. Migraine auras usually last between five minutes and an hour, and they may appear within an hour of the onset of the headache or along with it.

Cancer is the uncontrolled and rapid mutation of healthy cells in the body. Lung cancer is triggered when the mutation begins in the respiratory organ and progresses quickly, destroying healthy lung tissue. There is no cure for lung cancer. But it is possible to improve the outlook with prompt diagnosis and early treatment. For this, one must be able to identify the following common and alarming signs of lung cancer. A persistent cough A cough that develops and does not subside is one of the primary alarming signs of progressive respiratory failure. Any new cough lasting for eight weeks or more is a worrying sign that should be immediately assessed. In some cases, one might also cough up some blood-tinged mucus or rusty-colored phlegm, indicating cancer has begun to destroy healthy tissue resulting in lung cell damage. Chest pain A feeling of tightness in the chest that gets worse with each passing day is also indicative of progressive lung cancer. The cancer cells rapidly spread and infect healthy lung tissue responsible for absorbing and storing the inhaled oxygen. As a result, one will experience pain while breathing deeply or even coughing as the lung tissues expand and contract. As the cancer spreads, this feeling of tightness only worsens, so immediate specialist consultation is advisable.

Esophageal cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the esophagus, which is a long, hollow tube that connects the stomach to the throat. The esophagus is responsible for transporting food from the throat to the stomach to be digested. Esophageal cancer usually starts in the cells that line the esophagus. This cancer is the world’s sixth leading cause of death from cancer. Here are a few alarming signs of esophageal cancer. Swallowing food The most common sign of esophageal cancer is difficulty swallowing, specifically the feeling that food is stuck in the throat. Some patients also experience food choking. As the esophagus narrows due to cancer spreading, these symptoms worsen over time, with a rise in pain when swallowing. In such cases, it is best to avoid consuming large amounts of solid food and instead eat softer foods in smaller portions. Chest pain This cancer also causes pain in the center of the chest, like GERD. Some patients experience a burning sensation or chest pain after swallowing food or liquid that comes into contact with the location of cancer in the esophagus. These symptoms are frequently triggered by conditions other than cancer, such as heartburn. If the discomfort persists, it is critical to consult a doctor.

According to data from the National Institute of Mental Health, 8.4% of adults in the country have experienced at least one depressive episode. Depression is a significant mental health issue that makes one feel uninterested in activities they previously enjoyed, and they can constantly feel sad and hopeless for no concrete reason. Understanding some warning signs of depression may enable one to seek timely help to heal from the condition: Loss of interest in previously-enjoyed activities The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) suggests that individuals with major depressive episodes experience loss of interest in their daily activities over a period of at least two weeks. For example, they may be withdrawn from their hobbies and pastimes or experience low sex drives. Depression typically affects one’s ability to experience pleasure. Changes in the sleep cycle Drastic changes in one’s sleep schedule are among the common symptoms of depression. Individuals with depression may either face extreme difficulties in falling asleep or may indulge in oversleeping. Research has demonstrated a strong association between depression and sleep disorders such as insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea. Social withdrawal Clinical depression often causes an individual to pull away or withdraw from social situations, even minimizing interactions with one’s close friends and family members.

People with eczema tend to suffer from issues such as itching, inflammation, and the presence of gray, scaly rashes. A lack of moisture is responsible for the discomfort and several other skin-related problems. Many eczema lotions are useful to alleviate these issues through moisture restoration in the skin and pain relief. Dermatologists and other healthcare experts tend to recommend such lotions for immediate results. Some of the best lotions to combat eczema symptoms are: Curél Itch Defense Lotion Curél’s eczema relief lotion is one of the best products for resolving eczema issues at a reasonable price. Like some other products on this list, this lotion is also recommended for usage on one’s hands. It has several active ingredients, including ceramides, that relieve itchiness and dry skin almost immediately after application. It is also one of the best hydrating agents, and it keeps the skin vibrant and moist for hours after one uses it. Buyers looking for a well-priced lotion to address eczema symptoms will not find many products better than Curél’s Itch Defense Lotion. Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion Hyaluronic acid is one of the prime components in lotions to keep the skin flexible, stretchy, and wrinkle-free. Therefore, considering that aspect, Cetaphil’s Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion is a winner as one of its key ingredients is this invaluable acid.

Drinking water is crucial for overall health and well-being, but it’s not just about the quantity. How we drink water can also have a substantial impact on our bodies. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes when hydrating, which can significantly disrupt their natural bodily functions. Several factors must be considered when drinking water, from timing and temperature to additives and sources. Here are a few common mistakes to steer clear of. Not drinking enough water The human body is made up of about 60% water, so one must drink enough to maintain proper hydration levels. The general recommendation is at least eight glasses daily, but this number can vary depending on age, gender, and activity level. Drinking too much water Drinking water excessively can lead to hyponatremia, a condition where the body’s sodium levels become diluted. This can cause symptoms like nausea, headaches, and confusion. So, finding a balance and drinking the correct amount is crucial. Mistaking thirst for hunger Sometimes, the human body sends similar signals for hunger and thirst, such as a feeling of emptiness in the stomach or a dry mouth. As a result, individuals may think they’re hungry when, in fact, they’re dehydrated. If a person has had a recent meal or a snack, they should drink water first to see if the feeling is alleviated.

The menstrual cycle is a complex natural process controlled by female hormones and causes regular bleeding (periods). However, this cycle could be interrupted due to several factors, including pregnancy, menopause, or underlying health complications. As a result, the period may occur early or late, along with a difference in the blood flow. But apart from natural factors, one might also make these six lifestyle errors that may affect their menstrual cycle. Stressing out Stress caused by factors, including work, personal issues, or other reasons, could be unhealthy for one’s overall well-being. When an individual is stressed, it may cause problems with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which helps regulate ovulation and menstruation. So the period may stop or change from its normal pattern. While this may not cause long-term problems, it is recommended to look for ways to reduce stress. For example, one could indulge in yoga, tai-chi, breathing exercises, and other techniques to improve mental well-being. Exercising excessively Regular exercise is one of the best ways to maintain physical and mental health. However, intense routines may apply more stress on the body, which might tamper with the hormones responsible for the period. Therefore, it is important to avoid high-intensity exercises if one’s menstrual cycle is affected.

Taking care of the body and maintaining proper hygiene during the menstrual period is incredibly important. This also includes using safe and hygienic menstrual products, which are extremely affordable. However, one can make a few mistakes while on their period, which can cause issues in the long run. Read this article to learn more about menstrual products and tips on how to avoid some common mistakes while on a period. Common mistakes made during the menstrual period Using scented tampons or pads In most cases, usage of scented menstrual products can lead to skin irritation and even cause burn-like symptoms. Hence, healthcare professionals recommend using fragrance-free products without any additives, such as aloe vera. Furthermore, one can also use organic products that contain no chemicals. Not keeping track of the period The menstrual cycle is often one of the markers of overall health. In fact, for some health conditions such as diabetes, celiac disease, and thyroid dysfunction, the menstrual cycle can be an indicator of the condition. Furthermore, irregular periods in women can also indicate certain forms of cancer. Hence, one can use period and ovulation tracking apps to ease the process of period tracking and maintain overall health. Additionally, seeking medical advice is suggested in case of a missed period.

The human body comprises of eighty percent water and twenty percent other elements. Water is an essential component of the body for the proper functioning of each cell. Moreover, drinking seven to eight glasses of water a day is recommended. Not drinking enough water makes one dehydrated, causing several problems like fatigue, dizziness, skin problems, and many more, but these are all external factors. So let’s look at the signs that may indicate dehydration. One of the major signs to be aware of is bloating. Usually, when one does not drink sufficient water, it can lead to constipation. This, in turn, promotes bloating. One must drink at least eight to ten glasses of water throughout the day to prevent bloating. Low water intake can sometimes be dangerous and can directly affect one’s health condition. In addition, overall health is perfectly balanced when each organ of the body functions properly. The body needs water to digest food particles and remove toxins. Skin-related problems When you do not drink adequate water, it automatically gets reflected through the skin. Common skin problems due to dehydration are red, dry, and dull skin. These issues cannot be solved completely with moisturizers, sunscreen, and oil-rich products alone.

Chronic pain can result from many health conditions. Here, one may not adequately prepare themselves for the constant discomfort, especially when it worsens unexpectedly. However, one can find many treatment options to relieve pain and address the underlying causes. But, exerting or unintentionally doing things that aggravate the pain can make it difficult to manage over time. So here are a few mistakes to avoid when dealing with chronic pain: Taking up excessive work Trying to take up a lot of chores or work tasks can make pain management difficult. Many chores squeezed into a small amount of time might lead to unnecessary stress—both mental and physical. So, one should avoid adding too many tasks to their to-do list to avoid feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. One should schedule their activities in a manageable way for the body to get enough rest. Making poor food choices While junk food can be a convenient meal choice, fried and ultra-processed foods lack the necessary nutrients one needs to recover from chronic pain and build energy. Further, nutrient deficiency can worsen the pain. Further, foods with excessive sugar and salt can worsen inflammation, aggravating chronic pain. So, nutrient-rich foods should make up most of the daily meals to lower pain and prevent health issues brought on by bad food habits and discomfort.