Shortness of breath occurs when the lungs are not able to absorb oxygen to support vital organs and functions that rely on fresh air. It is one of the most commonly observed discomforts of known health complications that affect respiration. The intensity of breathlessness varies depending on the underlying cause and severity of the triggers. Here are the most common causes of shortness of breath that can affect young children, men, and women. Existing diseases and disorders Shortness of breath is one of the primary noticeable discomforts triggered by health complications that affect respiration. These could range from a panic attack to pneumonia, and even serious asthma flareups. In addition, seasonal allergies causing inflammation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and even chronic respiratory failure can worsen breathlessness. The severity of the symptom will vary depending on the underlying disease. Pollution Exposure to polluted air can also trigger shortness of breath due to the particulate matter irritating the respiratory tract. Carbon monoxide is one of the more dangerous gases that affects breathing and impairs respiratory function. It’s a common pollutant in the atmosphere released during forest fires, volcanic eruptions, and even lightning strikes. Carbon monoxide is also an industrial pollutant that is released due to burning of fossil fuels for powering vehicles and machinery.

Sugar has become an integral part of our food choices – from sweet treats to hidden sugars in processed foods, its consumption has skyrocketed. While a moderate amount of sugar is generally safe, high sugar intake can lead to various health problems, particularly when it becomes a chronic habit. Its overconsumption can lead to health problems like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, fatty liver disease, blindness, dental issues, and impotence.  There are some ways that the effect of high sugar intake can be curbed. Choose wisely Reducing sugar intake is a fundamental step in managing sugar-related health problems. Adopting a balanced meal pattern that limits added sugars, focuses on whole foods, and includes plenty of natural foods like fruits and vegetables can significantly improve health outcomes. Read Food Labels Start by reading food labels when shopping for groceries. Look for the total sugar content in packaged foods and beverages. Be aware that sugar can hide under different names, such as sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, agave nectar, and more. Choose products with lower sugar content or opt for sugar-free alternatives when possible. Reduce Sugary Drinks Sugary beverages like soda, fruit juices, and energy drinks could contribute to a lot of sugar consumed in a day.

Flame-resistant clothing is designed to protect people from flames and thermal exposure. They are not fireproof but substantially reduce the risk of burns as they are designed to self-extinguish upon ignition. The NFPA has established a Hazard Risk Category that specifies the level of protection a material offers, and flame-resistant clothing is labeled with this. The higher the rating, the more effective its protection. Here are some of the top flame-resistant clothing options for individuals working in hazardous industries: Ariat FR Jeans Non-FR denim was a popular choice in the utilities industry and was believed to provide the necessary protection from arc flashes. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) updated the norms in 2015. This meant that denim could be used in the utilities industry only if it met OSHA’s protective requirements. You can rely on manufacturers like Ariat FR jeans to combine protection with appearance and functionality. Their jeans are NFPA 70E and NFPA 2112 compliant and are made from ultra-soft cotton denim. They are equipped with durable belt loops and extra deep front pockets and are available in straight leg and boot cut options. NSA Hi-Vis Hybrid Henley Shirt Workers in some industries need to work in poor visibility, so employers need to provide high-visibility clothing for their worker’s safety.

Sleep disorder is a medical condition that adversely affects your regular sleeping pattern. It has a direct impact on your health and the quality of sleep. This, in turn, paves the way for several other health problems and makes it difficult for you to go about your day-to-day activities. Types of sleep disorders Insomnia This is a condition in which a person finds it difficult to fall asleep at night or during other hours. Sleep apnea It is a condition in which a person suffers from irregular breathing patterns when they are sleeping. There are different types of sleep apnea. Restless legs syndrome It is a form of sleep disorder that is also referred to as Willis-Ekbom disease. It causes an unnatural and discomforting sensation in the legs. You also feel an uncontrollable urge to move your legs when you are trying to sleep. Narcolepsy This is a condition in which a person feels tired and sleepy throughout the day. Symptoms of sleep disorder Finding it difficult to sleep A sense of fatigue during the day Feeling a strong urge to sleep during the day even after sleeping for a good number of hours in the night Feeling irritated Suffering from anxiety Not being able to concentrate Suffering from depression Causes of sleep disorder Allergies Different kinds of allergic reactions, like cold and sneezing, make a person uncomfortable while sleeping.

Millions of people live with different types of mental illnesses and health problems. These include obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety, and personality disorders. All of these come under the umbrella of mental health. In this article, we will cover the symptoms, causes, and risk factors of some common mental health disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and clinical depression to help you understand them better. Symptoms The common symptoms of mental health disorders include: Obsessive-compulsive disorder People with OCD may present the following symptoms: Constant fear of contamination and extra emphasis on cleanliness Signs of hoarding and counting belongings continuously Signs of excessive concern toward personal safety Post-traumatic stress disorder Somebody suffering from PTSD may show the following symptoms: Constantly suffering through intrusive memories Negative patterns in mood and mindset Trying to avoid thinking of the traumatic event Feeling changes in emotional and physical reactions Clinical depression The symptoms of clinical depression include: Being moody and experiencing different emotions, such as aggressiveness, anxiousness, and restlessness Adverse effect on sexual life A decline of cognitive abilities Poor sleep patterns If you notice any of these symptoms, we recommend consulting with a mental health doctor immediately. Causes The common causes of any mental health disorder include the following:

Doctors recommend a decent 8 hours of sleep every night for adults because sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. From managing hormone levels and relieving fatigue to affecting mood, a decent sleep cycle helps regulate various body processes. While there’s nothing one would love more than a good night’s sleep after a tiring day, sleep disorders often disrupt sleep cycles and reduce the quality of sleep. Here are some common sleep disorders and their symptoms that you should know about: Sleep apnea Characterized by repeated interrupted breathing, sleep apnea is a serious disorder. People with this condition experience repeated episodes of breathing difficulties while they’re asleep and often wake up gasping for air. There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) RLS is a sleep disorder that leads to an irresistible urge to move one’s legs. This condition is so uncomfortable that people find it difficult to sleep and pace around at night, hoping to achieve some relief. Insomnia Insomnia is a common condition that makes it difficult for an individual to fall or stay asleep. While many adults suffer from insomnia, only a few experience chronic insomnia. Narcolepsy This is a neurological disorder that affects sleep control and causes uncontrollable episodes of sleepiness during the day.

Ulcerative colitis, commonly known as UC, is a chronic disease that affects almost 1 million citizens of the country. It is a disease of the colon (large intestine) that inflames the colon lining and the rectum. According to an epidemiological research report, people following a diet consisting of high-fat foods are at a higher risk of suffering from this disease. Also, the Ashkenazi Jews and the Caucasians have the most number of sufferers. Although the exact reason behind ulcerative colitis flares is still unknown, according to many healthcare professionals, this is a result of environmental, genetic and lifestyle factors. Treatments for ulcerative colitis flares Fortunately, a wide range of ulcerative colitis treatment options is available that can help to control UC. Achieving remission and getting UC under control are the main goals of these treatment processes. Immune system suppressors, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, inflammation and other UC symptoms controlling steroids etc. are some commonly used medications to deal with ulcerative colitis flares. Removing the rectum and the colon by undergoing surgery is also another process of treatment for UC. However, it is advisable to undergo a surgery only if your doctor suggests and when the medications are not being effective. Other than the medications, many medical research reports have reflected the fact that plenty of natural treatments are available to deal with UC.

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects vital bone joints. There are no known causes of the condition, but doctors attribute the risk of psoriatic arthritis to several genetic predispositions, immunity, and environmental triggers. There is no cure for the condition yet, but healthy changes in food and lifestyle combined with certain treatment options can improve quality of life. Here are six foods that can help manage psoriatic arthritis in the long term. Fatty fish Fatty fish such as trout, sardines, mackerel, and salmon are high in omega-3 fatty acids that possess potent anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have shown people consuming fatty fish showed decreased levels of specific inflammation-related markers, reduced morning stiffness, and joint pain intensity. Fatty fish are also rich in vitamin D, a nutrient that can help prevent symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. According to the AHA (American Heart Association), including a minimum of around two servings of fatty fish in one’s food helps fight against inflammation effectively. Garlic Garlic is loaded with inflammation fighting phytonutrients has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that go a long way in helping reduce the symptoms of arthritis and help strengthen the immune system. In addition, the potent herb can be helpful in lowering the risks of complications linked to psoriatic arthritis.

Blood disorders are conditions that cause problems in your blood or bone marrow. Bone marrow is a spongy tissue inside your bones that is responsible for the production of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. When anything goes wrong with either of these cells or with clotting factors in the plasma, an individual is diagnosed with a blood disease or disorder. Having said this, let’s take a look at symptoms of these disorders, their various types, and how they are treated. Symptoms Blood disorders generally reduce the number of cells, platelets, or nutrients in the blood, or interfere with the normal functioning. The symptoms of these disorders differ widely based on which component of the blood is affected. For instance: Disorders that affect red blood cells in your body cause fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle weakness, headache, or dizziness because of the lack of oxygenated blood in the brain, or rapid heartbeat. Disorders that affect white blood cells in your body often gives rise to chronic infections, and unexplained weight loss, and exhaustion. If people with this disorder are injured, their wounds take an unusually long time to heal. Platelets and clotting disorders cause difficulties in forming blood clots at wound sites or controlling bleeding, lead to injuries that are slow to heal or keep re-opening, cause sensitive skin that bruises easily, and also unexplained nosebleeds or bleeding from the gums.

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects one’s large intestine. It can inflame or cause ulcers in one’s rectum and colon, which is the inner lining of the large intestine. The disease has no known cure, but there are certain treatments as well as lifestyle and food habits that can reduce its flare-ups. Below are some signs of ulcerative colitis that should prompt one to consult a doctor immediately. Warning signs of ulcerative colitis development Abdominal discomforts like cramps, nausea, and bloating If abdominal discomfort like excessive gas, nausea, cramping, or bloating occurs frequently and persists for days without any significant lifestyle changes, it may be an early sign of ulcerative colitis. Diarrhea which may contain blood, mucus, pus Diarrhea that contains blood, mucus, or pus is another common sign of ulcerative colitis. Fever and loss of appetite An inexplicable high temperature that lasts more than a day or two can be a sign of a more serious health issue. Additionally, patients with ulcerative colitis might also find it difficult to build up an appetite on a daily basis. Rectal bleeding If one finds spotting or blood in one’s stool while defecating, it’s an alarming sign of ulcerative colitis.