5 Types of Effective Contraception
Health

5 Types of Effective Contraception

Multiple birth control methods are available to prevent unwanted pregnancy, like physical barriers, pills, devices, and procedures. That said, one method does not suit every woman, and several factors influence the choice of the most effective mode of birth control. This article lists some easily available contraceptives, but seeking professional advice is recommended before making a choice. 1. Emergency contraception As the name suggests, this mode of contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy when taken at the earliest after intercourse. It is suitable for use in case of unprotected sexual activity or when the primary contraceptive method fails. It is popularly available in the form of pills that work by temporarily keeping the eggs from being released from the ovaries. Ideally, the pill should be taken within 3-5 days of having participated in sexual activity. 2. Barrier methods These are the most popularly used modes of birth control, and almost all barrier contraceptives are designed to act as physical barriers to prevent the sperm from meeting the egg. Barrier methods include devices like male and female condoms, cervical caps, diaphragms, sponges, and spermicides. All of these contraceptives are safe to use and effective. In fact, condoms prevent unwanted pregnancy and also offer protection against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
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5 Natural Ways to Treat Sleep Apnea
Health

5 Natural Ways to Treat Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition that disrupts the breathing process due to a blocked upper airway. The patient has a difficult time getting an adequate supply of oxygen, causing breathlessness and a choking-like sensation while asleep. Other symptoms that accompany sleep apnea include fatigue, sleepiness during the day, loud snoring, headaches, sore throat, and dry mouth.  Prolonged and untreated sleep apnea can also lead to mental illnesses, cardiac diseases, and even memory loss. There are various medical treatment options available for sleep apnea. This article, however, talks about the popular natural methods that can be used to treat the sleep disorder. 1. Weight management Obesity is one of those conditions that put people at a higher risk of developing other health complications. One such problem that can arise because of excessive weight is sleep apnea. The extra weight adds pressure on the nasal passages obstructing the airflow, resulting in sleep apnea. This can lead to breathlessness or choking of the patient while they are sleeping. In this case, the popular treatment option for sleep apnea can be discussed with the doctor while the patient can simultaneously start with measures to manage their weight. 2. Adjusting positions Although sleeping on the back is common, it also worsens some problems, including sleep apnea.
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4 Tips for Managing Breathing Issues
Health

4 Tips for Managing Breathing Issues

Those who live in cities with high air pollution are often at risk of respiratory disorders. They rarely leave the house without checking the outdoor air quality index. This is because after the pollutant levels reach the critical concentration, it may not be safe to breathe outdoors. While the outdoor air quality cannot be controlled, it is definitely easier to follow certain tips for breathing easily in polluted cities. 1. Get an air purifier For those living in polluted cities, air purifiers are one of the most useful appliances to have at home. There are several options when picking an air purifier. Depending on the type of particulate matter that needs to be filtered from the indoor air, one can find a wide range of air purifiers. Make sure to buy one that has an efficient filter and can run for longer hours. In addition, keep the purifier clean by airing it out in regular intervals. It is best to clean out the purifier whenever the pollution levels are low. 2. Purchase wearable tech Wearable tech has gone beyond counting steps and heartbeats. Now there are wearable pollution sensors. These let a person monitor their personal level of exposure to pollutants.
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6 Early Warning Signs of Anemia
Health

6 Early Warning Signs of Anemia

Anemia is a condition that lowers healthy red blood cells in the body, causing a deficiency of hemoglobin in the blood. Due to this, there is not enough oxygen transported to the tissues and muscles of the body. As a result, a person starts experiencing several symptoms. Early diagnosis is the key to curing or efficiently managing anemia symptoms. Read on to know the six early warning signs of anemia. 1. Feeling tired all the time Constant fatigue is one of the tell-tale symptoms of anemia. The feeling of tiredness mainly arises due to iron deficiency anemia. Due to the lack of iron in the body, enough hemoglobin is not produced. As a result, tissues and muscles do not receive an adequate amount of oxygen. This brings about a constant feeling of being drained all the time. Moreover, the heart needs to work harder than usual due to the lack of oxygen. This additional effort also leads to fatigue. 2. Paleness of skin The blood gets its red color from hemoglobin. This is what makes the skin look healthy, giving the skin its natural glow. However, due to anemia, the level of hemoglobin in the blood lowers steadily, affecting circulation and making the skin look pale.
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6 Favorable U.S. Cities for Healthy Skin
Health

6 Favorable U.S. Cities for Healthy Skin

Finding the best city that suits your overall health, especially your skin, is not a difficult task. From weather to pollution and UV levels, there are several factors to be considered before you make a move. While most people wouldn’t prefer to move just for the health of their skin, the odds against premature aging and skin cancer reduces significantly in certain places. To determine which city has people with glowing complexions, experts often analyze factors such as the number of dermatologists, the rate of skin cancer, and several lifestyle indicators. 1. Portland, Oregon This is one of the best cities for skin health. This is primarily because of the extended rainy season. So, there is very little time spent in the sun, lowering the risk of tanning and sunburns. Moreover, the city has overall less environmental pollution. In addition, there is a lesser proportion of smokers in Oregon, making the air less toxic for the skin. 2. San Francisco, California This city has several factors working for it to give better skin health to its residents. Firstly. San Francisco has a relatively lower rate of skin cancer-related deaths. Secondly, there is a higher density of dermatologists and skin experts per capita of the population.
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5 Tips for Managing Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
Health

5 Tips for Managing Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

Multiple sclerosis or MS affects the central nervous system. As a result, the symptoms of this disorder can occur throughout the body. Common symptoms such as fatigue, balance issues, and numbness can occur in any part of the body. Although MS is not curable, there are treatment plans that help to deal with the symptoms. Additionally, a few lifestyle habits can be useful for managing multiple sclerosis symptoms. Read on to know more. 1. Make daily routine convenient Aim to make small changes in everyday routine. Such changes can make a huge difference between being exhausted and conserving energy. This is really important since constant fatigue is one of the major symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Small changes can include using voice-to-text software instead of typing on the phone or computer. Using occupational therapy tools to help with small tasks like opening jars or wearing socks can also be helpful. Another useful way of managing MS symptoms is to place regularly used items in easily reachable locations. 2. Keep the day as comfortable as possible In many cases of MS, people are highly sensitive to changes in temperature. MS symptoms can aggravate as the temperatures increases. Adopting a few cooling habits are often recommended to manage multiple sclerosis symptoms.
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Ovarian Cancer – Diagnosis and Treatment
Health

Ovarian Cancer – Diagnosis and Treatment

Ovarian cancer is a form of cancer that starts in the ovaries. This cancer affects a large population across the globe. It often goes undetected in the early stages. In this article, we discuss the various modes of diagnosis and treatment for ovarian cancer. 1. Diagnosis Much like other forms of cancer, ovarian cancer is best treated when it is diagnosed in the early stages. However, detecting this form of cancer is not simple. To confirm a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, doctors typically suggest a wide range of tests and procedures. Here are a few of them: Pelvic examination One of the most common ways to diagnose ovarian cancer is a pelvic exam. During this procedure, the doctor will insert gloved fingers into the vagina and press their other hand over the abdomen. This allows them to feel the pelvic organs and check for any abnormalities. During this examination doctors also examine the genitalia externally. Transvaginal ultrasound A transvaginal ultrasound is an imaging procedure that detects tumors in the reproductive system with the help of sound waves. This procedure does not determine the type of tumor, but helps determine the existence of one. Other common imaging tests used to diagnose ovarian cancer include computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
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5 Top Hobbies to Help Manage Depression
Health

5 Top Hobbies to Help Manage Depression

The cases of anxiety and depression are surging around the world. Perhaps there is no better way to combat mental disorders than to take up hobbies. A hobby shows that life is about more than just paying bills; it’s about experiencing your inner stillness and expressing yourself through activities. Even scientific studies show that certain activities help calm the mind and promote positive mental health. So, let’s look at the best hobbies to beat depression. 1. Gardening Gardening is an excellent way to get in touch with nature. And it can be a perfect hobby for those who admire flowers, plants, or greenery. The smell of soil and flowers, the sound of rustling leaves, and the gentle wind can make even the most restless minds quiet, alleviating stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, scientists say that the bacteria found in the soil helps activate the brain cells that produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps improve mood. 2. Yoga Yoga has been practiced in certain parts of the world since ages to keep both the body and mind stable. Studies have recently concluded that yoga helps with depression by lowering stress, reducing muscle tension, and calming the nervous system. A great way to start is to learn a few simple asanas or poses.
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How Genetic Factors Influence Prostate Cancer
Health

How Genetic Factors Influence Prostate Cancer

There are several causes of prostate cancer happens. It could be age, certain lifestyle habits, or even certain exposures. Moreover, doctors believe that genetics play a vital role in influencing the development of prostate cancer. But how are the two related? What can one do to prevent this? In this article, we will be discussing how genes influence prostate cancer. 1. What is prostate cancer? Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that takes place in the prostate – a gland that produces the fluid from the semen. When cells in the prostate gland begin multiplying abnormally, cancer happens. Sometimes, a man may not experience any symptoms, whereas sometimes, there are symptoms such as difficulty urinating, pain while sitting, and blood in the urine. Several factors, including genetics, age, and eating habits, may cause this condition. 2. How do genetics play a role in prostate cancer? Certain gene transformations tend to increase one’s risk of developing prostate cancer. Mutations in genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 have been observed in women with breast and ovarian cancer. However, it can also cause prostate cancer in men. Moreover, when a person develops hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, they undergo a few genetic mutations. This, too, can increase one’s risk of developing prostate cancer.
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5 Helpful Tips to Treat UTIs
Health

5 Helpful Tips to Treat UTIs

A urinary tract infection can negatively impact the kidneys, urethra, urinary tract, and the bladder. Most UTIs are caused by bacterial growth. However, fungal and viral growth cause some others. UTIs can cause severe burning and itching sensation that can be very harrowing to handle. It is advisable to consult with a professional health care provider instead of wasting time. The following at home treatment options for UTI are to be put to use along with antibiotics and other medicines that the doctor prescribes 1. Stay well-hydrated One of the best and most effective home treatment options for urinary tract infections is drinking adequate amounts of water. It assists the kidneys in maintaining the body’s electrolyte balance while also kicking out toxins. Additionally, the right amount of fluids in the body means the urine will be rightly diluted making it less susceptible to bacterial or other infections. 2. Go pee when you have to We prioritize things according to their urgency. Things that are more emergent have to be finished off first. So why is it that we find it so easy to ignore the urge to pee in favor of completing the task at hand. Holding off urinating can give bacteria added time to cause an infection leading to UTIs.
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