According to the American Cancer Society, cancer results from changes in the cell structure. Many products that people use daily have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Some of these products are also on trial in court due to lawsuits. For instance, hair relaxers and straighteners are supposedly linked with uterine cancer. Therefore, here are five other household items one can avoid since they may silently damage one’s health. Air fresheners Most air fresheners, even those claiming to be natural or unscented, contain a known carcinogen called formaldehyde. Excessive exposure to formaldehyde has been linked to myeloid leukemia and other rare cancers. Formaldehyde is also found in other household products such as glues, paints, soaps, and hair dyes. As an alternative, one may opt for natural essential oils. Cleaning products Cleaning products like dish soaps, glass cleaners, disinfectants, and others contain alkylphenols, triclosan, and tetrachloroethylene, all linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Always check the ingredient list when buying cleaning products and opt for those without carcinogens or other chemical irritants. Scented candles Frequent burning of scented candles in unventilated rooms could increase the risk of developing bladder cancer. Always opt for beeswax candles with a cotton wick, and ensure proper ventilation when lighting candles.

Medical alert systems offer round-the-clock protection without needing a live-in caregiver, making them a dependable and economical way to help people in medical emergencies. Since these devices help a person in a crisis, little research is needed before purchasing one. With the necessary information, a person may buy a medical alert system that is within their budget and meets their needs. So, here are some common errors to avoid when selecting a medical alert system. Mistakes to avoid when purchasing a medical alert system Choosing the wrong type of system Medical alert systems come in two main categories: mobile and home-based. One is intended for stationary use, while the other is portable. Some people buy two types of systems to maximize their coverage. However, many fall detection solutions include a home and a mobile device at a reduced cost. For example, a system with mobile alternatives and a GPS should be considered if a person spends much time outside. In this manner, a caregiver or neighbor can be informed of the user’s location when needed using the technology of this stature. Choosing the gadget based on price The most common mistake when purchasing this device is selecting the cheapest option.

The common cold and influenza are contagious respiratory illnesses triggered by various viruses. While one can recover from the infection in a week or two, some persistent symptoms can affect overall health. To control such health risks, one should try to maintain a robust immune system. Here, making better food choices is a great way to strengthen immunity. So, one can try these simple smoothies to beat flu and common cold symptoms. Apple smoothie This recipe calls for blending apple chunks and a cup of coconut milk. The smoothie will improve vitamin C levels in the body essential for boosting the immune system. Orange smoothie All one needs is a large orange, half a cup of dairy-free yogurt, a small carrot, some ground ginger, turmeric, and ice. This vitamin C-rich smoothie is a great option to deal with cold and flu symptoms. Green smoothie A green smoothie usually contains fresh fruits and vegetables, like kale, spinach, mangoes, and pineapples. All the ingredients should be blended with one-and-a-half cups of unsweetened almond milk until the mixture is smooth. The ingredients contain calcium, vitamin C, fiber, and folate, which boost immunity. Turmeric-infused smoothie Adding turmeric to smoothies is known to enhance antioxidant action.

Some people suffer from food allergies very often because they don’t know how to identify their trigger foods. Here’s where an elimination meal plan can help. A food elimination meal plan enables individuals to assess if they’re sensitive to one or more ingredients in their everyday meals. It usually requires the patient to stop eating suspicious foods and then reintroduce them gradually. Here are five food elimination plans that might help identify food allergies. Basic elimination This meal plan requires individuals to eliminate gluten-based foods and dairy products from their nutrition regimen. The healthcare expert may tell the patient to reintroduce one or both of these if there’s no change during the exclusion phase. However, people with celiac disease may need to avoid these food items permanently to manage their allergies. Full elimination A complete elimination plan excludes shellfish, eggs, corn, soy, soy products, and tree nuts from meals. The foods are systematically reintroduced to the body to narrow down potential allergies. Besides allergies, the method may help diagnose food intolerance. Nightshade elimination Nightshade elimination requires patients to exclude foods from the nightshade family, including white potatoes, tomatoes, goji berries, paprika, eggplant, chili peppers, and bell peppers. While most of these foods offer multiple health benefits, someone intolerant to nightshade fruits and vegetables may suffer from food allergies.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a disorder that develops when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more deep veins in the body, usually in the legs. People with the condition experience leg pain and swelling. Doctors may recommend prescription options, compression stockings, or surgery as treatment options. Although treatable, the disorder can lead to serious complications if it remains undetected. So, here are a few warning signs of DVT: Swelling Swelling, the most common warning sign of DVT, affects approximately 70% of patients. If the DVT develops in the thigh or calf, the swelling is limited to the area of the blood clot. However, if the clot develops in the pelvic region, both legs may have significant swelling. Leg pain About 50% of people with DVT experience leg pain. The pain can be moderate to severe and is independent of the size of the blood clot. The pain here, which may feel more like a cramp, is usually felt in the calf muscles or along the vein as it travels down the inner thigh. Changes in skin The skin around the affected area may appear red or discolored. Additionally, the region may feel warmer than the rest of the body.

Nasal polyps are characterized by multiple teardrop-like outgrowths appearing on the lining of the sinuses or nasal passages. Chronic inflammation, associated with health conditions such as asthma, recurring infection, and allergic reactions, is the leading cause of nasal polyps. It is a curable condition, with endoscopic sinus surgery a particularly effective treatment alternative. Certain foods can reduce the severity of this condition’s symptoms. Some safe foods that help fight nasal polyps are listed below. Flaxseeds Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids help fight nasal polyps. These fatty acids are effective antioxidants that can reduce inflammation in the nasal pathways. Foods rich in this nutrient are flaxseeds, salmon, soybeans, and walnuts. Pineapples Pineapple is loaded with bromelain, an inflammation-reducing enzyme that deters swelling inside a person’s sinuses and nasal passageway linings. Additionally, it is rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that lowers inflammation in the sinus. Moreover, pineapple is also a delicious and refreshing fruit that is incredible to eat or drink as a pulpy juice. Broccoli Like omega-3 fatty acids, flavonoids are also incredible antioxidants that can fight respiratory infections like asthma in people. Some of the best sources of flavonoids are apples, red grapes, onions, cherries, citrus fruits, and tea.

Your lungs play a crucial role in delivering oxygen to the rest of your body. Therefore, poor lung function can lead to several health problems, including respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular diseases. The good news is that health experts have compiled a list of seven activities that help strengthen the lungs. These don’t require a lot of time, energy, or money. So, read on to know the secret to healthy lungs! Exercise regularly Regular exercise is one of the best activities that help strengthen the lungs, for example; aerobics increase lung capacity and improve lung function. Staying active can be as simple as going for a walk or a bike ride. Eat healthily A healthy meal plan is essential for overall health, including lung health. A balanced meal rich in lean protein, fruits, and vegetables, provides essential nutrients that help improve lung function. Practice deep breathing Deep breathing exercises increase lung function and capacity by increasing oxygen intake. They also help to reduce strain and anxiety. Try breathing deeply from the diaphragm instead of shallow breathing from the chest. Keep the air inside your home clean Poor air quality inside your home can cause or worsen lung problems such as asthma and allergies.

One of the first things people notice in individuals is their smiles. However, the quality of one’s teeth can deteriorate due to multiple reasons. But, innovation in oral healthcare has helped one find solutions to almost every issue. For example, dental implants serve as a root for missing teeth, onto which orthodontists implant fixed or removable artificial teeth. Here are ten times dental implants become necessary and help one regain lost teeth function. Broken teeth One of the most obvious signs is broken teeth or chipping, which can ruin the overall appearance of one’s teeth and also affect confidence levels. Since teeth stop growing after a certain age, the broken tooth can be replaced only with artificial veneer. Tooth infection A bad infection can degrade the roots and gums, causing the tooth to fall out prematurely. Dental implants can be used to fill in this gap. Speech impairment Misaligned teeth cause speech impairment as it becomes difficult to enunciate certain words. Implants can fix this problem easily to overcome slurring, whistling, and improper pronunciation. Trouble chewing The upper and lower set of teeth work together to bite down on foods. However, misaligned and damaged teeth can affect this action. Here, dental implants can help align the teeth properly.

Psoriasis is one of the most commonly diagnosed skin disorders among adults. It is long-term with no cure and mainly causes rashes, scaly patches, and dry skin that cracks, causing a burning sensation. The skin condition causes inflammation, and these symptoms develop due to the persistent inflammatory responses that destroy healthy skin cells. People diagnosed with this skin disorder also develop one or more of the following conditions linked to psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) PsA is one of the primary conditions linked to psoriasis in many cases. The higher the severity of psoriasis, the greater the chances of developing psoriatic arthritis. According to many studies, PsA goes undiagnosed among 1 in 10 people until the later stages. Type 2 diabetes and hypertension Psoriasis triggers an imbalance in both blood glucose and blood pressure levels. Inflammation, one of the primary symptoms of the skin disorder, has been cited as a reason why comorbidities like diabetes and high blood pressure can develop simultaneously with severe psoriasis. Metabolic disorders Abnormal blood pressure, high blood glucose, and an imbalance in good cholesterol, bad cholesterol, and triglyceride levels increase the prevalence of metabolic syndromes with psoriasis. Cardiovascular diseases Prolonged severe psoriasis can trigger bouts of chronic inflammation.

If you have experienced debilitating headaches that have disrupted your plans for the day, you are not alone. Studies suggest that approximately 45 million people in the country deal with headaches every year. Usually, headaches are symptoms of some underlying health conditions; as a result, treating these conditions can help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. Keep reading to learn more about the underlying conditions causing or worsening headaches. Meningitis Meningitis is a health condition resulting from inflammation of the fluids and membranes around the brain and spinal cord, known as meninges. Such inflammation triggers headaches and symptoms like fever, muscle and joint pain, and neck stiffness. Headaches associated with meningitis spread rapidly across the head. Hypertensive crisis Headaches are relatively prominent among cases of hypertensive crisis, a condition characterized by a sudden, considerable elevation of blood pressure levels. Here, the BP reading is 180/120 mm Hg or higher. A hypertensive crisis is classified as a health emergency and requires immediate hospitalization. During a hypertensive crisis, patients often suffer from pulsing headaches felt throughout the head. Brain tumor A brain tumor is the growth and accumulation of abnormal cells in or around the brain. Among the common symptoms of brain tumors is brain swelling, which increases pressure in the head and culminates in severe headaches.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung condition affecting millions worldwide. It is the third most significant cause of death in patients, claiming more than 3 million lives in 2019. However, it often remains undiagnosed until it reaches advanced stages, making early detection crucial for better management and improved quality of life. To do so, exploring the early signs of COPD and taking the necessary actions to mitigate them is essential. Chronic cough Chronic cough is among the earliest indicators of COPD. The persistent cough is commonly dismissed as a symptom of a minor infection or inhalation of allergens. It is typical for the cough to linger around for months. The primary cause for this persistent cough is the prolonged exposure of the respiratory system to chronic inflammation or irritation. Long-term exposure to environmental irritants like chemicals, dust, and other air pollutants can trigger it. Increased mucus COPD patients experience increased mucus production, often accompanied by persistent coughing. The mucus produced in such patients is thicker and stickier than in minor infections. Usually, the lungs produce mucus to protect the airway against irritants. The mucus traps pollutants that enter the respiratory system and eliminates them. When exposed to high levels of irritants, the body produces more mucus to fight off the invaders.