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6 things to check before you visit the dentist

6 things to check before you visit the dentist

You have your dentist appointment scheduled and are ready to visit the clinic soon. That’s exactly when you need to ask yourself, whether or not you have checked everything? Here is the checklist that can make your visit hassle-free and productive. Read on! Sort out your professional and personal schedules beforehand Dental appointments are often stressful owing to the time they take as well as the uncanny way in which they seem to crash with other scheduled appointments. The best way to make your visit to the dentist hassle-free is to plan your visit at least a week or two before the actual date. This allows you plenty of time to plan other important schedules around the appointment. You can set a reminder in the form of a mobile alert or a calendar notification about the appointment a day before the visit. Doing so, will help you arrange everything relating to work, home, kids, etc. in advance. Step up your oral hygiene No one, not even a dentist likes peering into a smelly mouth. So, make it a point to check your oral hygiene before visiting the dentist. Start brushing your teeth more diligently in the morning and at night and floss regularly.
7 home remedies for vaginal itching caused by menopause

7 home remedies for vaginal itching caused by menopause

When a woman is going through a menopause, her body starts to transition on a very significant level. These alterations in the feminine hormones often cause the estrogen levels in the body to drop. This leads to vaginal dryness, and subsequently vaginal itching. Vaginal itching during menopause can often be extremely irritating. It can affect a woman physically as well as mentally. Although you can’t stop the vaginal itching from occurring, there are certain measures that you can take to alleviate your discomfort during such challenging phase. Over the counter products There are several products in the market for women who are tackling with feminine itching during menopause. These are available in the form of topical creams and ointments which can offer you relief from vaginal itching. In cases of internal itching and burning, you can use suppositories which are designed to be placed inside the vagina, so that they can ease vaginal dryness. Personal hygiene When you are going through the phase of menopause, the vagina increasingly becomes susceptible to itching as well as numerous infections. So, ensure that you practice good hygiene habits, so that you don’t have to deal with any additional inconveniences. Loose clothes Wearing tight undergarments and clothes will only increase the intensity of itching.
Treating the early symptoms of scleroderma

Treating the early symptoms of scleroderma

Scleroderma is a type of chronic disease that affects the skin. This means it is a condition that does not go away. There are however measures and treatments that can control and manage the early symptoms of scleroderma. The biggest disadvantage of getting affected with scleroderma is that it is an auto immune disease. This means that the immune system prepares a mechanism and fights back one’s own body, thus making it difficult to treat the condition. In case of scleroderma, the immune system prepares a mechanism by producing too much of protein, which makes the skin thick and hard. This is one of the early symptoms of scleroderma. Almost everyone who experiences scleroderma experiences hardening and tightening patches of the skin. The patches may be oval in shape, straight lined and cover a wide area of trunks and limbs. One of the earliest symptoms of scleroderma is numbness in fingers due to cold temperatures and or emotional distress. In addition to this, due to acid reflux, it damages the section of esophagus. People suffering from scleroderma experience problem in absorbing nutrients. This happens because the intestinal muscles are not moving food properly through the intestines. Treating the symptoms of scleroderma In many cases, the early symptoms of scleroderma fade away on their own in three to five years.
The symptoms of Cushing’s disease

The symptoms of Cushing’s disease

Cushing’s disease is a rare condition that is caused when the body is exposed to high hormone cortisol for a long period. Also known as hypercortisolism, this disease is usually caused when the body produces too much cortisol hormone. Cortisol is a hormone that is essential for the smooth functioning of the body and is made by the adrenal glands. It largely affects body tissues and controls the body’s use of nutrition such as proteins and fats. It is necessary to help an individual deal with situations that include illnesses and stress. Cushing’s disease can cause several complications such as an increase in blood pressure, loss of bone density and in some cases Type 2 diabetes. The Cushing’s disease symptoms depend on the levels of cortisol produced in the body. Here are few typical Cushing’s disease symptoms that may be experienced by an individual who suffers from the condition: Gain in body weight – Increase in body weight is one of the most common Cushing’s disease symptoms. An individual begins to suddenly bloat, especially in the upper parts of the body. This includes the arms, chest, and abdomen. Back-hump – A lump begins to form in the upper portion of the back, between the shoulders.
How to treat seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp

How to treat seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp

A dermatological condition, seborrheic dermatitis is a form of eczema which typically leads to dryness and itchiness in areas like the face and scalp. It estimated that around six million individuals are affected by this skin disorder in the country. This condition has similar causes and symptoms like psoriasis, other kinds of eczema and allergic reactions, which makes it difficult to diagnose. However, unlike various skin diseases, it is not contagious. Seborrheic dermatitis for most patients can have a flare up episodes, i.e., they come for certain intervals and eventually go away. The probable triggers for seborrheic dermatitis are as follows. Mental problems such as chronic stress, depression, trauma, etc. Infections Specific types of medications Problems in the immunity Tiredness Sleeping problems Exposure to excessively dry or damp environments for prolonged periods Primarily, individuals suffering from seborrheic dermatitis will develop distinguishable yellowish or reddish patches which appear to be greasy as well. It is most likely to occur in areas which have high levels of sebaceous production, i.e., oil glands. Some of the most common parts where seborrheic dermatitis can appear are face, scalp, back, neck, collarbone, upper chest, ears, etc. Seborrheic dermatitis scalp treatments The scalp is one of the most common parts of the body that is affected by seborrheic dermatitis.
3 home remedies for seborrheic keratosis removal

3 home remedies for seborrheic keratosis removal

Seborrheic keratosis is a noncancerous skin growth mostly observed in older adults. Although the growths are noncancerous, they appear like skin cancer. The growths usually appear on back, shoulders, chest, or face. The growths are light tan, black, or brown. The growths are harmless but may cause irritation due to certain clothes or even for cosmetic purposes due to their unappealing appearance. Although they require no treatment, seborrheic keratosis removal can be done if the affected person finds it difficult to go through daily routines due to the growths. Seborrheic keratosis initially appears as small spots, which then progresses to develop a scaly surface that can be either a little elevated or flat. The growths are wart-like and have a waxy or pasted appearance. There might be a single growth or a cluster of growths. Seborrheic keratosis removal can be done at home with a few natural remedies. Here are a few natural methods for seborrheic keratosis removal: Aloe vera : This method of seborrheic keratosis removal is recommended for the areas where the growth is visible, for instance, on the face. Aloe vera has a lot of medicinal properties. It is widely used to treat a lot of skin disorders and allergies.
6 health-related conditions that trigger gout

6 health-related conditions that trigger gout

Any form of ailment can render us incapacitated for some time. However, it poses a problem when the condition is a chronic and painful. One such condition that has been increasingly affecting Americans is gout. A gout is a complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone irrespective of their age. Since it is a form of arthritis, needless to say, it primarily affects the joints. Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of swelling, pain, tenderness, in the joint, and it usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. Gout, like every other form of arthritis, affects the individual’s mobility and causes excruciating pain whenever a gout attack begins, and this happens suddenly. Even after the pain subsides, the discomfort lingers. Gout is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, and this is what triggers inflammation and pain. However, there are other factors that make an individual more vulnerable to gout, and they are as follows. Genetics In a majority of cases, our genes are the ones that give an impetus to ailments. If you have a family history of gout, there are high chances that you too will develop this painful condition.
A Few Things to Know about Normal Heart and Pulse Rate

A Few Things to Know about Normal Heart and Pulse Rate

Your pulse rate is equal to your heart rate. The total number of times the heart beats in one minute is the heart rate. This heart rate can vary from person to person. Usually, when you are at rest, the pulse is lower. Your pulse becomes higher when you work out or exercise. Here are a few things to know about normal heart and pulse rate chart that would help you to know when your pulse is high or low. Also, you will know how to measure your heart rate or pulse rate. What is the normal heart rate? When you are at rest, according to the normal heart rate chart, having 60 to 100 heartbeats per minute is normal. Generally, while being at rest, having a lower heart rate implies better cardiovascular fitness along with a more efficient heart function. For instance, as per the normal pulse rate chart, an athlete can have a pulse rate of around 40 heartbeats per minute while being at rest. Usually, children have a higher resting pulse rate compared to adults. Maintaining a normal heart rate is obviously the best for the health of your heart. However, according to healthcare professionals, keeping the pulse rate in the “target heart rate zone” while exercising is the best way to gain maximum benefits.
5 Popular Prebiotic Supplements to Choose From

5 Popular Prebiotic Supplements to Choose From

The human gut is colonized by several beneficial bacterial species and these microbes provide multiple benefits to us by synthesizing vitamins and fatty acids. A prebiotic substrate promotes the growth of beneficial gut microbes. A few prebiotic substrates are inulin, oligofructose, and fructooligosaccharides. Prebiotics are a mixture of natural fiber and other growth-promoting substances such as oligosaccharides. They selectively favor the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.Interestingly, human digestive enzymes cannot digest prebiotics and thus, the prebiotic substrates are available to gut microbes and help feed the good bacteria in the body. In fact, the fibers found in bananas, garlic, and leeks can also act as a prebiotic. Due to several health benefits of prebiotics, they are now increasingly being used by people. A list of some of the best prebiotic supplements available in the market is presented below: Dr. Formulated Organic Fiber This prebiotic supplement uses fiber from five different sources namely apple, orange, cranberry, acacia, and baobab to provide the best conditions for the growth of good bacteria. These ingredients also curb hunger and thus are a good option for people who want to lose some extra pounds. Hyperbiotics Prebiotic Hyperbiotics Prebiotic is available in a powder form and is a mixture of fiber extracted from Jerusalem artichoke, acacia, and green banana flour.
8 Effective Home Remedies for Toothache

8 Effective Home Remedies for Toothache

Toothache can be debilitating. Severe toothache due to decay or infection can throw your life out of gear, causing immense pain and inflammation. Those who have experienced toothache know how it feels. Toothache can occur to anyone at any age. The good news is that simple home remedies for toothache can provide relief from pain. There are several home remedies for toothache that can help to maintain good oral health and also prevent formation of cavities and infections. Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing regularly, tongue cleaning, and flossing helps to prevent new cavities and old ones from getting worse. The treatment for tooth pain involves some of basic steps that need to be followed in your everyday routine. Read on to know more about the causes, symptoms, and effective home remedies for toothache: Common causes and symptoms of toothache Some of the common causes of toothache are as follows: Untreated, unchecked cavities Infections in the gums Broken teeth Eruption of wisdom tooth In children, losing milk teeth can sometimes be painful and lead to toothache Other causes of toothache include damaged filling, tooth fracture, repetitive chewing, or injury to the teeth. Some of the symptoms of toothache include the following:
How to read a fever

How to read a fever

A person’s normal internal body temperature is usually 98.6 degrees but can range between 97 and 99 degrees. A spike in body temperature is known as a fever. This is usually a sign of infection but a fever on its own is not something to worry about. A thermometer helps measure a person’s body temperature and determines the extent of his or her fever. In case of children, this thermometer may be placed under the arm or in the ear while in the case of adults; a thermometer is placed under the tongue to measure temperature. When measuring temperature in these different ways, the results may not always be the same. Below is a fever temperature chart to help you correlate the temperatures taken. Orally taken temperature of 99.5 99.9 degrees Fahrenheit corresponds to 100.4-101 degrees Fahrenheit when taken through the ear. Other temperature comparisons in Fahrenheit are: 100-101.5(orally) = 101.1-102.4 (through the ear) 101.6-102.4 (orally) = 102.5-103.5 (through the ear) 102.5-103.5 (orally) = 103.6-104.6 (through the ear) 103.6-104.6 (orally) = 104.7-105.6 (through the ear) Similarly an oral temperature of 37.5-37.7 degrees Celsius corresponds to 38-38.3 degrees Celsius when taken through the ear. Other temperature comparisons in Celsius are: 37.8-38.5 (orally) = 38.4-39.1 (through the ear) 38.6-39.1 (orally) = 39.2-39.7 (through the ear) 39.2-39.7 (orally) = 39.8-40.3 (through the ear) 39.8-40.3 (orally) = 40.4-40.9 (through the ear) Given the difference in temperatures when measured in different ways, always remember to mention to your doctor how the temperature was taken along with the recorded temperature.