Daytime sleepiness is a condition characterized by a persistent and overwhelming urge to sleep during the daytime, even in situations where it is inappropriate or inconvenient. It often develops as a symptom of underlying sleep disorders or other chronic ailments. Daytime sleepiness can significantly interfere with a person’s ability to stay awake, alert, and attentive during the day, thus raising safety concerns that also impact quality of life. Here are the common causes and known triggers: Inadequate sleep The most common and obvious reason is not getting enough sleep at night. Adults typically need 7-9 hours of sleep for optimal rest, allowing the brain and body to recover. Many people develop insomnia, a condition that triggers difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, which can result in sleep deprivation and daytime sleepiness. Chronic sleep deprivation leads to the development of excessive daytime sleepiness. Sleep disorders Several sleep disorders can disrupt nighttime sleep and lead to daytime sleepiness. Sleep apnea, for example, is a condition that triggers intermittent breathing, causing oxygen deprivation during sleep, leading to fragmented sleep and daytime fatigue. Even Narcolepsy, a neurological disorder, is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden muscle weakness (cataplexy), and vivid hallucinations during sleep onset.

Although our country has a lot of dentists, people often struggle to evaluate them and choose a good one. Some clinics have long wait times, are often overbooked, and provide questionable services. These red flags indicate the service isn’t functioning in the best interest of the patient’s healthcare needs. Below are a few warning signs of bad dental practices one must learn to recognize and avoid while shortlisting their options. A lack of hygiene Reputable dental practices or clinics follow strict hygiene standards. Some red flags of poor hygiene and maintenance include dirty or unclean facilities, reused or improperly sterilized instruments, and unclean dental chairs. Be careful about such places that offer discounted treatments. Unqualified or unlicensed staff Any practice without a board certification is illegal. Dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants should have the necessary qualifications and licenses. These details can be verified with the board authority or online. Poor communication Effective communication between the dental staff and patients is essential. If the staff is dismissive, unresponsive to questions or concerns, or fails to explain procedures and treatment options clearly, it’s a sign of bad practice. High-pressure sales tactics Be wary of dental practices that push unnecessary treatments, products, or procedures.

In the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, individuals often focus on various aspects of well-being, but lung health is sometimes overlooked. Maintaining robust lung function is, however, crucial for overall vitality. Incorporating lung-friendly foods with antioxidant properties and omega-3 fatty acids into one’s routine can be a proactive step toward respiratory wellness. These nourishing foods not only add a burst of flavor to meals but also provide a wealth of benefits for lung health. Blueberries Berries, including blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, are celebrated for their high antioxidant content. They are brimming with anthocyanins, which give them their vibrant colors and contribute to their potent anti-inflammatory properties. The vitamin C in berries also plays a pivotal role in aiding recovery and fighting against lung diseases by neutralizing oxidative stress. Moreover, their fiber content supports a healthy cardiovascular system, indirectly benefiting lung function. Salmon Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and trout are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can particularly benefit individuals with respiratory conditions. Omega-3s may help reduce airway inflammation and improve lung function, potentially lowering the risk of chronic lung diseases. Apples Apples are a versatile and readily available fruit that offers numerous health benefits, including for the respiratory system.

Finding ways to relax in the fast-paced daily routines is a must today. Stress and sleep disturbances often get in the way of achieving that goal. Nevertheless, making a few changes to daily meals and lifestyle can improve the quality of sleep and also help in lowering stress. Additionally, certain herbal remedies can help induce sleep and promote relaxation. From the comfort of soothing teas to nourishing foods, here are a few remedies to consider: Magnesium-rich foods Magnesium is an essential mineral known for helping muscles relax and regulate sleep patterns. So, incorporating magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds into daily meals can help one sleep better. Warm milk before bed The classic remedy of warm milk before bed is rooted in tradition. Milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid that can promote sleep. Chamomile tea Sipping on a warm cup of chamomile tea before bedtime can have a calming effect, as chamomile exhibits natural sedative properties. Valerian root tea Valerian root supplements or teas have been used for centuries and are believed to ease anxiety and improve sleep quality. Regular exercise Regular physical activity can reduce stress hormones and improve sleep. Here, engaging in moderate exercise for at least 20 minutes per day can help.

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer that affects the blood-forming cells in an individual’s bone marrow. It may adversely affect the white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. The actual cause of the disease is unknown, but genetic or blood disorders, previous cancer treatments, or prolonged radiation exposure are considered to be some of the risk factors. Recognizing these early warning signs of AML is crucial for timely intervention and treatment. Warning signs of AML Like many cancers, AML often starts with subtle symptoms that may be mistaken for other, less severe conditions. Here are some of these warning signs that should prompt one to seek medical help. Bone and joint pain Some individuals with AML experience bone and joint pain, which may be mistaken for arthritis. This pain typically occurs in the long bones of the arms and legs. Swelling of the abdomen Enlargement of the spleen or liver, which can occur in AML, may cause abdominal discomfort or a feeling of fullness. Fatigue and loss of appetite Unexplained and persistent fatigue or weakness is a common early sign of AML. It occurs because the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells, reducing oxygen supply to tissues and muscles.

Dry eye is a condition that causes the eyes to sting and burn, feel gritty, and also start to look red. This happens when the small glands in and around the eyelids fail to make enough tears to help keep the eyes hydrated and the vision clear. Aside from prescriptions, some natural remedies can help with this condition. This article discusses these remedies and other management tips that help relieve dry eye symptoms. Have foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids According to research, if individuals suffering from dry eyes include omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods in their meals, it can help make the glands secrete more oil. The healthy fats in foods like salmon, tuna, trout, sardines, and mackerel help the oil-making glands function, which can help ease the irritation caused in the eyes. Some other foods can also be tried, like canola and soybean oil, walnuts, and flaxseeds. Additionally, omega-3 supplements available in the market may also help ease the irritation associated with dry eyes. However, one must always speak to a health professional before incorporating supplements into one’s lifestyle. Ensure there are vitamin A-rich foods in meals Among the other nutrients that can help with dry eye symptoms is vitamin A.

Respiratory viruses, including the common cold, influenza, and especially the recent pandemic, have had the potential to spread rapidly in various environments. Understanding where these viruses are most likely to thrive can help individuals take proactive measures to protect themselves and others. Here are the eight common places most likely to breed respiratory viruses, and some tips on minimizing exposure to them and lowering the risk of infection are given. Public transportation Public transportation, such as buses, subways, and trains, can be breeding grounds for respiratory viruses. Crowded spaces, limited ventilation, and proximity to potentially infected individuals create an ideal environment for virus transmission. To stay safe, one is advised to wear a mask, maintain physical distance when possible, and use hand sanitizers. Healthcare facilities Hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices are essential for medical care but can harbor respiratory viruses. Visitors and patients should follow hygiene guidelines, including frequent handwashing and following isolation and quarantine protocols to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Offices and workplaces Workplaces, where employees often spend long hours near each other, can facilitate the spread of respiratory viruses. Employers should promote remote work, enforce mask mandates, improve ventilation, and encourage sick employees to stay home to reduce outbreak risks.

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a neurological condition involving involuntary, uncontrollable facial and jaw movements. The disease is typically caused by specific long-term treatments prescribed to patients with psychiatric conditions. Specifically, these interventions block the brain’s dopamine receptors, triggering the onset of TD symptoms. Although the condition is chronic in many patients, modern interventions have increased its reversibility rate. Identifying the early signs of TD can help one seek timely diagnosis and treatment for this condition: Jerky arm and leg movements Sudden stiff and jerky movements of the arms and legs characterize this condition. These movements cannot be controlled and may be accompanied by other body movements like rocking and thrusting of the hips and trunk. Facial tics Tics refer to specific repetitive movements that one cannot control. Patients with TD often experience facial tics like lip smacking, rapid blinking, sucking, and fish-like mouth movements. These tics are caused by a patient’s inability to control their lip, tongue, and jaw movements. Constant fidgeting and pacing Fidgeting is a common symptom of TD, involving tapping one’s feet or flapping one’s hand repetitively. One may also pace constantly and experience restlessness. Breathing problems In some cases, TD might affect the muscles involved in breathing, causing one to experience shortness of breath or gasping for air.

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic disease. It is known to be diagnosed in about 1 in 10,000 to 50,000 people globally. The condition affects the immune system’s ability to manage inflammation in the body. This results in several symptoms that affect the skin, airway, and gastrointestinal system. Most of these symptoms are similar to allergic reactions. Therefore, it is important to recognize the early signs of HAE to enable timely diagnosis and treatment. Early signs Before the onset of the symptoms, one can experience several of these early signs of HAE: Extreme fatigue Painless and non-itchy rash Muscle ache Skin tightness Tingling skin Headache Anxiety Abdomen pain Hoarseness of voice Mood changes or irritability Common symptoms The early signs are often followed by an HAE attack. During this, a person experiences swelling in different areas of the body. This leads to the start of the following symptoms: Swelling of the skin This is one of the most common symptoms of HAE. Its early signs are tingling and tightness of skin, which progress to painful and extreme swelling of the skin. If not treated on time, the swelling may subside in a couple of days. It is always recommended to seek medical care to avoid other severe symptoms from occurring.

Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic disorder that affects roughly 1 in 50,000 people worldwide. This condition is characterized by recurrent episodes of swelling anywhere in the body, including the face, throat, feet, genitals, and abdomen. While HAE attacks can be triggered by various factors, including stress and trauma, certain foods have been identified as potential triggers for some individuals with HAE. Knowing the foods that may exacerbate its symptoms is essential to managing the condition. What it is HAE is primarily caused by a genetic mutation that leads to inadequate levels or malfunctioning of the C1 inhibitor protein in the body. This causes fluid retention and leakage outside blood vessels, leading to inflammation, itching, breathing issues, and discomfort. If left untreated, the condition can potentially be life-threatening. Foods to avoid for hereditary angioedema While not all individuals with HAE experience symptom exacerbations due to food triggers, some patients have reported that certain foods increase their susceptibility to attacks. Here are some foods that have been known to worsen HAE: Spicy foods Spices like chili peppers and hot sauces can cause blood vessels to dilate and potentially contribute to swelling in individuals with HAE. The capsaicin found in these foods may trigger the release of a component that may cause swelling and lead to angioedema.

Food is fuel for the body. However, not all daily foods and beverages are considered good for health. Also, there has to be a balance between fresh and packaged foods that form part of daily nutrition. Overconsumption only increases the risk of diseases and immune responses that affect one’s overall health. Here are 10 types of foods, beverages, and condiments nutritionists suggest avoiding or consuming in moderation to prevent flare-ups linked to MAC lung disease. Excessively salty foods Salt contains sodium, which causes the excess retention of fluids in the lungs and worsens inflammation or bloating symptoms. The extra pressure on the organ can cause breathing difficulties. Most packaged food items bought off the shelves in the supermarket contain excess sodium and should be avoided. Sugary foods and beverages Artificial sugar is empty calories and does not add any nutritional value. Adding too much sugar to daily nutrition increases the risk of diabetes complications associated with MAC lung disease. One must avoid sodas, fruit juices, and sugary confectionery. Processed meats Processed meats are laced with preservatives and additives. Further, cooking these meats on high heat releases nitrates that are bad for lung health and can worsen symptoms. Seafood Some types of seafood, like crab, shrimp, and lobster, contain high amounts of purine that are broken down by the body upon consumption.