Nothing pumps up our energy levels better than a cup of warm tea or coffee on a busy workday. Reports by the FDA suggest that around 80% of people in the country have caffeine daily. But is this compound healthy? While many studies have been conducted on the effects of caffeine, the results have always been conflicting. This article analyzes the pros and cons of consuming caffeine while suffering from headaches. How does caffeine help during headaches? A cup of tea or coffee can provide the following benefits when suffering from a headache: Quick migraine relief If the pain is migraine-related, caffeinated beverages can help relieve the symptoms by reducing inflammation. Caffeine’s vasoconstrictive properties cause blood vessels around the brain to narrow and restrict blood flow, which helps reduce pain. Calming effect on the body Tension headaches are caused when the muscles in the scalp and neck contract in response to stress or depressive symptoms. Caffeine increases the levels of a specific compound in the body that has a calming effect, relieving tension headaches. Relief from hypnic headaches Hypnic headache (HH) is a rare headache that occurs only during sleep, particularly during the REM stage. Researchers say these headaches could be caused because the brain area responsible for pain processing is triggered during this stage of sleep.

Aging causes some changes in the body that can, at times, come with unpleasant outcomes, such as menopause and the hot flashes that accompany it. Another common and frustrating age-related issue is changes in blood count and circulation. These changes could cause people to develop further problems like anemia, poor wound-healing ability, and blood clots. However, one can maintain and improve blood circulation and count by making certain lifestyle changes. Here is what one can do: Hydrate well With aging, the body tends to be a little less capable of holding on to the water it is supplied with. This can be a bigger issue for those who already have a low water intake. Any compromise in the retention of water can result in dehydration, which in turn affects blood count and circulation. So stocking up on water and hydrating fluids is a great way of keeping one’s blood count and circulation in check. Eat balanced meals Eating balanced and wholesome meals ensures that the body gets all the required nutrients to function well. Plus, sticking to eating nutritious meals also means that one is not overfeeding the body with excess unhealthy fats, carbohydrates, and sodium. Including plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can help keep the blood count in check.

Today, you live in a fast-paced world where almost everything you do is associated with a digital screen. Here, electronics like smartphones, laptops, tablets, and televisions, help us work or enjoy some form of content. However, the constant use of such technology has its downsides, including health concerns like eye strain and headaches, which may affect the ability to carry out daily tasks. So, here are seven tips to prevent such discomfort: Take breaks Sitting in front of a screen for too long is one of the common causes of eye strain and headaches. So, whether you read, work, or watch something on a screen, you must take occasional breaks and look away. This will help you rest your eyes and avoid strain. Choose the right eyewear If you work on the computer for long periods, then you might need protective gear like computer glasses to avoid digital eye strain. You could get prescription or non-prescription eyewear with glasses that block blue light from computer and phone screens. Such glasses or contacts can shield your eyes from harmful light. Consider speaking to an optometrist to help you choose the right vision care products. Use eye drops Artificial tears or eye drops could help relieve dry eyes.

Overactive bladder, or OAB, is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to urinate more often than usual, even at night. It can play havoc with one’s sleep cycle, as patients wake up from their beds and rush to the bathroom multiple times. Determining the condition’s underlying cause helps doctors suggest a suitable treatment course to manage the issue. Besides following the recommended treatment, a few tips can help patients with an overactive bladder sleep better. Avoid drinking too many fluids at night Although fluids are necessary to avoid dehydration, excessive fluid intake at night can aggravate overactive bladder symptoms and disturb one’s sleep. Hence, patients must avoid having too many fluids after sunset and restrict water intake to a few sips after dinner. Limit caffeine intake Caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee have a diuretic effect, meaning they tend to increase one’s frequency of urination. Since the situation can worsen among individuals with this condition, they should limit their caffeine intake during the day and avoid it entirely in the evening for proper sleep. Avoid certain foods and beverages Certain foods and beverages like sweeteners, tomato-based products, carbonated beverages, and spicy foods can trigger or aggravate overactive bladder symptoms and affect sleep.

Disorders, such as asthma and COPD, that affect the airways and conditions, such as pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer, that affect the lung tissue are known as respiratory diseases. Many factors can lead to lung disease. These include air pollution, genetics, and certain existing medical conditions. The management of lung disease varies depending on the patient’s specific situation. This article sheds light on the signs, symptoms, types, and management of lung diseases. Types of lung disease Infections or chronic illnesses can significantly impact one’s quality of life. This also depends on the type of lung disease one has. A few common types of lung disease include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, tuberculosis, lung cancer, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and sarcoidosis. Signs that indicate a lung disease Lung disease can be detected by some common signs: Breathing problems: Breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, are a typical sign of many lung conditions, such as pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, and asthma. Chronic cough: A cough that lasts for a few weeks or longer is considered chronic and might indicate a lung condition. The cough may occasionally produce phlegm or mucus. Wheezing:  Wheezing, commonly linked to asthma and COPD, is a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing.

A period is the time of the menstrual cycle when the uterine lining sheds in the form of blood. A typical cycle lasts anywhere between 24 and 38 days. Some of the most common symptoms a woman feels during her period include cramps, mood changes, trouble sleeping, headaches, bloating, breast tenderness, and acne. Certain mistakes can add to the discomfort one feels during their period, and therefore, must be avoided. Using scented toilet paper, tampons, or pads Scented sanitary products may sound appealing but it can be quite irritating and may even cause burn-like symptoms. Ideally, one should stick to using fragrance-free hygiene products that are free of additives like aloe to maintain the pH levels around the vulva. Those with extremely sensitive skin may also benefit from using organic sanitary products that are free of chemicals such as pesticides. Douching the vagina and vulva The word “douche” is the French translation for “wash” or “soak.” Many women use this method to wash out the vagina during or after their period as they think it helps them feel cleaner. However, the vagina is a self-cleaning organ and douching can throw off the pH balance of one’s nether regions, making them more susceptible to yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.

Every so often, there are questions that even the most outspoken of us may feel uncomfortable or embarrassed to ask the gynecologist. If you have questions about your health, it is best to speak up and be frank with your healthcare provider. As trained professionals, they are used to answering all kinds of queries to improve your understanding of your body. Here are some of the most commonly asked “embarrassing” questions at the gynecologist’s office: Does my vulva look normal? It’s pretty normal to wonder if your vulva looks “normal” compared to other women. Just like people, vulvas come in various shapes, sizes, and characteristics and are all considered “normal.” However, if you have noticed abnormal changes in your vulva, it may be worth conversing with your gynecologist. Why am I not interested in having sex anymore? Several different factors could result in low libido in women. It can result from stress, birth control or other medical treatments, or menopause.  In fact, low libido is one of the common side effects of using birth control. While this is considered normal, it is advised to keep one’s gynecologist updated if one faces such issues.  Talking about it with your doctor can help you find a simple solution.

Early diagnosis and active planning is the only way to manage long-term outlook regarding cancer. So, it is necessary to have a conversation with the doctor and specialist to try and understand the next best course of action. It is during this discussion that one must not hesitate to have an open dialogue about cancer, regardless of probable embarrassment, as the key to proper treatment may just be the answer to one of these questions. 4 questions to ask the oncologist without embarrassment Asking if the cancer is rare or common There are many types of cancer and dozens of risk factors and underlying causes that impact its progression. So, it is necessary to ask the doctor if the cancer is rare or commonly diagnosed. Rare cancers have little to no treatment options since most studies and clinical trials are not concluded for them. There is no definitive guarantee for commonly diagnosed cancers either, but with early and prompt diagnosis, it is possible to treat it and improve quality of life successfully. So, it is imperative to determine the type, its progression, and its stage to help plan a treatment regime. Asking about the best course of action Different types of cancers, based on severity and progression, can be managed to a significant extent with a proper course of prescriptions, nutrition advice, and daily lifestyle changes.

A regular or moderately pain-free menstrual cycle indicates that one’s hormone levels and the optimal functioning of the reproductive system are in balance. However, many women experience an irregular menstrual cycle now and then throughout their reproductive period. When left unnoticed for a long time, it can manifest a wide array of potential health ailments, from infertility to cardiovascular diseases. Scroll down to discover how each element of one’s lifestyle can disrupt their menstrual cycle. Menstrual cycle and lifestyle – An overview The menstrual cycle usually lasts four to seven days and happens once every 28 days. If the cycle occurs in less than 21 days or more than 35 days, it signifies an irregular period. Moreover, missing three or more cycles in a row or heavy menstrual flow than usual are also signs of abnormal menstruation. Paying attention to lifestyle habits that can affect hormone levels and menstruation is extremely important. Lifestyle factors that disrupt the menstrual cycle An abnormal or irregular menstrual cycle is a complicated issue to fix since the related hormones are affected by various factors. Here, we have compiled some significant lifestyle factors that impact the menstrual cycle. Stress Stress is the most common lifestyle factor that causes an irregular menstrual cycle.

Water is an important element that keeps the human body functioning at its best. Doctors suggest drinking at least eight glasses of water per day, although this can change based on your gender, age, body weight, and amount of activity. A well-hydrated body can help one thrive throughout the day. However, there are several frequent mistakes people make when drinking water that can harm their overall health. Let’s look at them. Drinking excessive water quickly When drinking water, it’s crucial to pace yourself, particularly when thirsty. Your body might be unable to process all the water you consume at once. This can result in water intoxication, a highly serious condition. When the body’s electrolyte balance is upset, it results in water intoxication, causing headaches, vomiting, nausea, attacks, and even death. It’s best to drink water proportionately and pay attention to your body’s thirst cues to prevent adverse effects. Drinking water when thirsty Although thirst indicates that you need to hydrate yourself, it isn’t always the best indicator. When you begin to feel thirsty, you may already be dehydrated. Fatigue, dizziness, migraines, and other symptoms of dehydration are possible outcomes. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, you should continue to drink water throughout the day to prevent dehydration.

Poor blood circulation can have severe consequences for overall health, especially regarding the heart. The heart plays a vital role in pumping oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, and any disruption in blood flow can lead to heart failure. Recognizing the warning signs of poor circulation is crucial for early intervention and prevention. From persistent fatigue to swollen limbs, these symptoms can indicate underlying issues that require expert attention. Fatigue Chronic fatigue is a warning sign that determines something is wrong with the body. It can also be an indication of poor blood circulation. Fatigue can arise from the compromised supply of oxygen and nutrients to various muscles and organs. If someone is experiencing persistent fatigue even after getting sufficient rest, it can be a sign to get blood supply, and other basics checked out. Chest pain or discomfort In the healthcare industry, chest pain or discomfort is referred to as angina. It is one of the most commonly recognized symptoms of cardiac issues associated with poor blood supply. It may manifest as a squeezing, pressure, or tightness in the chest. This pain can occur during physical activity or emotional stress and may subside with rest. Shortness of breath Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing is yet another classic symptom of heart problems.