Cancer is an aggressive growth of mass that destroys healthy tissue. The condition can develop in any organ or affect any function of the body due to an underlying genetic mutation. Eye cancer is one of the extremely rare forms of cancer that could develop in the eyeball, eyelids, or tear ducts. The condition is usually detected during a routine eye checkup or if one notices any of the following early signs of eye cancer: Changes in vision One of the first signs of eye cancer is changes in vision. As the cancer grows in the eye, it affects the optic nerves that process all visual information. So, one may experience light flashes, floaters, blurry, or even double vision when the field of view is affected. Cancer damages healthy cells in the eye, but the intensity of these symptoms can vary from person to person. Pigmentation or spots One may notice a small dark spot growing in their eyes. This type of pigmentation indicates a type of eye melanoma that starts around the iris. Dark spots may also develop in the conjunctiva and grow as cancer spreads. Upon noticing such changes, one should consult an ophthalmologist to determine the precise cause.

The quality of sleep at night sets one’s tone for the day. A good night’s sleep ensures alertness and enhances mood, facilitating better decision making, problem solving, and behavior control. Moreover, studies have demonstrated the association between poor sleep quality and cognitive decline. So, it is important to strike the right balance between sleep duration and quality to enhance one’s overall well-being. To do so, avoid these common mistakes that may affect one’s sleep quality. Using electronic devices just before bedtime Nearly 9 out of 10 individuals in a study admitted to using their phones or tablets just before bedtime. Research has shown that the blue light emitted from mobile phones affects the body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates one’s circadian rhythm. One’s sleep-wake cycle is severely disrupted due to the use of gadgets at night. It is advisable to put away all electronic devices at least half an hour before bedtime and relax one’s eyes by meditating. Sleeping immediately after a meal The body digests food most efficiently in the upright position. Therefore, when one lies down immediately after a meal, the food typically gets redirected to the esophagus, causing heartburn and indigestion and impacting sleep quality.

Everyone has a unique preference for doing certain things in life. However, some food and lifestyle choices might not be the best decisions when preserving a healthy mind and body. These bad habits can be the path that could lead you to poor kidney health and even failure. It’s not too late to make amends. Rectifying some small habits can go a long way in relieving the pressure on the kidneys. Not drinking enough water Drinking adequate water is essential to eliminate waste products from the body. It helps flush out the excess sodium, potassium, and other minerals and toxins from the body. It is one of the most effective ways of avoiding kidney stones and related kidney diseases. However, people with existing kidney conditions might need the doctor’s permission and assistance to limit and regulate their water intake. Going heavy on the salt Since high blood pressure is one of the conditions that can put the kidney at risk, it is essential to limit salt intake. Excessive use of salt in foods is one of the bad habits that need to be avoided since it could lead to kidney failure. It is responsible for uncontrolled blood pressure levels, which can further increase the risk of developing kidney-related problems.

The lungs are the central part of the respiratory system. Located in the chest or the thoracic cavity, they make oxygen available to the body and release carbon dioxide. For overall health, good lung function is vital. However, several daily household factors can contribute to lung damage. While some risk factors may be unavoidable, basic knowledge and prevention of these threats can help reduce the risk of lung diseases and promote better health. Mold Mold is a type of fungus that reproduces using spores. It releases spores into the air, which can cause severe lung damage for those with mold allergies, COPD, and a weak immune system. People sensitive to mold must fix leaks around their homes and avoid the buildup of leaves and compost piles to discourage mold growth. Carpet The little crevices in carpet fabric can trap mold, cockroach droppings, dust mites, and toxic gasses, making them a health hazard. If possible, switch to wood, marble, or tile floors. Alternatively, opt for rugs that can be cleaned outside the home. Vacuum the carpet three times a week, and have it steam cleaned annually. Gas appliances Gas appliances such as cooktops, space heaters, and ovens could also contribute to lung damage, as when gas, wood, oil, coal, and kerosene burn, they release nitrous oxide.

Studies have shown that almost 80% of menstruating individuals experience period pain at some point in their lives. Cramps, discomfort, and mood swings are just some of the many other symptoms accompanying period pain. Managing period pain involves several effective home remedies and strategies that can help reduce cramping and discomfort. Moreover, maintaining adequate cleanliness and hygiene during this time is essential to prevent infections. Here are some menstrual hygiene mistakes one should avoid: Changing pads or tampons infrequently Tampons and pads can cause bacteria to accumulate, triggering vaginal and urinary infections, causing rashes, and emitting unpleasant odors. Thus, if one has normal blood flow, changing one’s tampons or pads at least once every 3–4 hours is advisable. Individuals with heavier menstrual flow should change their pads or tampons more frequently. Using soaps made of strong chemicals While picking a soap, it helps to look for ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, sea salt, and oatmeal, which are milder on the skin and do not cause harm to intimate areas. Moreover, it is essential to ensure that the soap one is buying is non-comedogenic. Failing to wash the genital area daily When blood remains on the skin, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Eating healthy foods and getting the right nutrients are important for maintaining a healthy metabolism and supporting vital organ functions. Food is fuel for the body. However, the types of foods and beverages consumed lack essential nutrients and cause health conditions. For example, many foods can worsen symptoms of chronic conditions like neuropathy, which is why eating the right foods is essential. Here are the top foods to avoid for neuropathy: Sugary snacks like chocolates Excess sugar consumption can dangerously spike blood glucose levels and trigger complications like diabetes-related flare-ups linked to neuropathy. In fact, hyperglycemia is one of the main causes of neuropathy. This is why one must eliminate sugar or moderately consume sweets like chocolates and pastries, starchy foods like potatoes, and simple carbohydrates like fruit juice concentrate. These food groups lead to an insulin imbalance, causing blood glucose to spike. Even condiments like artificial sweeteners and beverages like fruit juices and flavored sodas should be eliminated to manage neuropathy better. Salty foods like potato chips High sodium levels in the bloodstream can restrict blood flow and trigger numbness in certain areas where neuropathy affects the limbs. Limiting salt consumption and avoiding processed foods that contain excess salt, including potato chips, fatty foods, fried foods, deli meats, and canned foods preserved in a salt base, is recommended.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory condition affecting millions worldwide. While COPD typically develops slowly over time and is often diagnosed in its later stages, recognizing its early signs is crucial for timely intervention and management. It is crucial to explore the subtle but vital indicators that can signal the onset of COPD, understand their underlying causes, and comprehend how they are linked to this chronic condition. Mentioned below are the warning signs of COPD: Persistent cough A chronic cough that lingers in patients for weeks or months can indicate COPD. In some patients, the cough might recur frequently for no specific reason. Prolonged exposure to respiratory irritants like chemicals, pollen, dust, and other compounds can also trigger COPD symptoms. The constant inflammation in the lungs and the rest of the airway is a major contributor to the disease. Over time, the increased inflammation damages the tissues of the respiratory system, leading to decreased lung function. Shortness of breath Shortness of breath in patients with COPD is a common early warning sign of the condition. The patient’s airways and sacs are compromised because of the constant cough and irritant exposure. The damaged tissues mean less lung capacity.

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is an irregular and abnormal heartbeat. Here, the upper chambers of the heart start beating out of sync, causing rapid contractions of the heart muscle up to 400 beats per minute. Contractions regulate the blood flow to and from the organ, so when dealing with AFib, blood can accumulate, causing various issues that require immediate treatment. So, one should keep an eye out for the following common signs of atrial fibrillation: Palpitations Atrial fibrillation primarily affects the regular heart rate, making the heartbeat race and pound against the rib cage. Those affected often experience a fluttering or pounding sensation in the heart and could describe the palpitations as the heart audibly skipping a beat. This sensation is extremely noticeable and is different from the normal palpitations one experiences due to anxiety or stress. The palpitations can develop erratically without any prior warning and can vary in intensity from person to person. Shortness of breath Breathlessness is a common symptom that overlaps with many known cardiovascular and respiratory issues. The heart is responsible for pumping freshly oxygenated blood from the lungs to other organs and extremities of the body. However, atrial fibrillation results in erratic circulation that could lead to shortness of breath.

Dental implants are an excellent solution for restoring teeth and enhancing cosmetic appearance. They not only replace missing teeth but also stabilize adjacent teeth and prevent jaw bone shrinkage caused by bone loss. In addition, dentists use implants to maintain the health of surrounding bone and gums. However, to ensure the success of the implant procedure, it is essential to avoid some common dental mistakes. So, let’s know some of them. Neglecting periodic dental visits The procedure for a successful dental implant requires about six months. To ensure that one gets the best and most positive outcome from this intensive dental procedure, visiting one’s dental health practitioner is essential. Skipping routine appointments and missing out on follow-up visits, as advised by one’s dentist, can lead to several complications. It can also cause implant failure. Eating hard foods post-dental implants It’s important to avoid eating hard and abrasive foods in the first few days after getting a dental implant. These foods can irritate your gums and potentially dislodge the blood clot that forms during the initial healing process. If the blood clot is disrupted, it can cause significant bleeding and pain. Sticking to soft and easy-to-chew foods during this period is best to ensure proper healing.

An estimated 2.7 to 6.1 million people in our country suffer from a heart complication called atrial fibrillation (Afib), where one’s heart beats at an abnormal pace, usually faster than it should. The condition is managed with the help of minimally invasive procedures, surgery, and other alternatives. According to experts, specific unhealthy habits may interfere with the treatment and trigger or worsen the symptoms. Here are six poor habits for Afib one should know about. Not sleeping enough Sleep is essential for reenergizing the body’s cells. Not getting sufficient rest can trigger various symptoms, including those linked to Afib. One may not sleep well for several reasons, such as stress, an unplanned work schedule, or underlying health conditions like sleep apnea. Even tiny interruptions in sleep quality and duration may put one at a greater risk of developing Afib. Drinking too much coffee While coffee can give people that added burst of energy, excessive consumption is a bad habit. Caffeine can trigger heart complications, so one should stop its consumption if at risk of Afib. Those who love the beverage can speak to a healthcare professional about the ideal daily intake. Overexercising Exercising is one of the most discussed ways of staying healthy and fit.