Eye checkups are incredibly important as they help diagnose common eye-related disorders such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataract in their early stages. Frequent visits to an ophthalmologist can keep eye-related diseases and infections at bay. However, it is normal to have questions before and after an eye exam. Sorting out one’s concerns helps in the preparation and better management of vision health. Here are a few important questions one must ask an ophthalmologist. Important questions to ask the ophthalmologist What tests will I be undergoing today? Typically, an eye test or an eye exam is a test of the patient’s vision. It usually includes the reading out of numbers and alphabets off a chart. However, this chart is often placed at a distance. So, when one struggles to read, the ophthalmologist detects refractive errors and suggests contact lenses or eyeglasses, according to the individual’s preference. But in rare cases, one can also be suggested to undergo further diagnostic tests, especially when risk factors such as high blood pressure and heart disease are involved. What are some easy ways I can care for my eyes? Generally, as a person age, they become more susceptible to eye problems. Hence, one must ask the ophthalmologist how to care for one’s eyes at home.

The human heart supplies oxygen to different parts of the body, maintains blood pressure, and expels carbon dioxide through exhalation. But with an increasing frequency of heart conditions, as per 2021 reports, heart disease costs the country a whopping $239.9 billion each year. Heart problems may have various underlying causes; however, diabetes is often responsible for triggering or worsening them. Some heart problems caused by excessive sugar intake and diabetes are as follows: Arrhythmia Arrhythmia refers to irregular heartbeats. Since diabetes disrupts the heart’s structure, the condition may be caused or worsened by diabetes. Individuals with this condition experience shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, fainting, etc. Stroke Diabetes pathologically alters the body’s blood vessels, which can trigger the onset of stroke. Studies have also shown that survival rates of individuals with stroke are lower among patients with diabetes. Heart attack Patients with type-2 diabetes are twice as susceptible to heart disease as those with regular blood-sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes may also develop silent heart attacks, which do not have any initial symptoms. Patients having suffered a heart attack may experience swelling in their legs or ankles, sweating, shortness of breath, chest pain, and nausea, among other symptoms. Atrial fibrillation According to research reports, diabetes significantly increases one’s risk of developing atrial fibrillation.

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.

Hyperkalemia is a condition characterized by excessive potassium levels in the blood, typically caused by kidney disease or over-consumption of potassium-rich foods. Although potassium is an essential nutrient, excessive potassium can lead to several negative consequences, including chest pain, weakened muscles, nausea, irregular heartbeat, and shortness of breath. Alongside proper therapy, a healthy lifestyle and carefully curated meals can help alleviate hyperkalemia effects. Look at some foods that are a no-no for individuals with hyperkalemia. Potassium-rich fruits Several fruits contain high potassium levels, with bananas containing the highest potassium content. An average banana has about 450 mg of potassium; thus, consuming one banana every day can contribute to hyperkalemia symptoms in individuals suffering from the condition. Other high-potassium fruits include avocados, papayas, apricots, oranges, cantaloupes, and mangoes. It helps to replace high-potassium fruits with those low in potassium, such as apples, raspberries, blueberries, red grapes, and pineapples. Potatoes Potatoes are rich sources of potassium, mainly when consumed with the skin. A medium baked potato contains 941 mg of potassium, which can be generally nutritious but unhealthy for individuals diagnosed with hyperkalemia. Sweet potatoes also contain almost equal potassium concentrations, with one sweet potato consisting of 700 mg of the nutrient.

Gout is a type of arthritis that can affect any person. Generally, it affects the big toe’s base joint and may appear as sudden and severe pain, redness and tenderness, and swelling. Symptoms may appear and disappear at the slightest trigger, but luckily, there are several ways to prevent flares and manage the symptoms. Symptoms Generally, the symptoms of this ailment occur in the middle of the night and include the following: Severe joint pain Although gout generally affects the big toe joint, it may affect any other joint too. Some other affected parts may be wrists, ankles, fingers, elbows, and knees. Individuals usually suffer from severe pain between the first four and 12 hours of its onset. Limited motion range As the disorder progresses, you may lose the normal motion in the affected joints. Lingering discomfort Even after the severest pain passes away, you may feel the discomfort for several days or even weeks. Over a period, the attacks may affect more joints and result in increased discomfort. Redness and inflammation The affected joints are often warm, swollen, red, and tender. Causes Initially, gout is the result of excessive uric acid in the blood, known as hyperuricemia. The higher levels result in the accumulation of urate crystals in the affected joints, which cause severe pain and inflammation.

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.

Arthritis is a group of diseases that can cause stiffness, swelling, and pain in the joints and can end up affecting people of all ethnic backgrounds, genders, and ages. Arthritis is of different types. One of the common types is rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease wherein the joints come under attack by the immune system. Another common type is osteoarthritis, which develops due to overuse of the joints. Fortunately, there are certain foods that can help manage the condition effectively by relieving joint pain and also by easing any inflammation caused. Listed below are some of the best foods that can help people suffering from arthritis manage the condition more effectively. 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 that people consuming fatty fish showed decreased levels of specific inflammation-related compounds, less morning stiffness, and joint pain intensity. Fatty fish are also rich in vitamin D, which can help prevent symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. According to the AHA (American Heart Association), including a minimum of around two servings of fatty fish in one’s diet helps fight against inflammation effectively. Garlic Garlic and its components are full of health benefits as they possess cancer-fighting properties and are also responsible for lowering the risks of dementia and heart disease.

Who would not love to have hair growth that is just not lustrous but healthy too? Our crowning glory, the quality of hair can be easily damaged due to the lifestyle that we lead today. From unhealthy diets to bad sleeping habits, many factors can have a negative impact on hair growth. Fortunately, there are several measures that you use to improve the natural sheen and growth of your hair. Here are five natural hair treatment ingredients that you use to protect your hair from further damage. They are extremely safe and naturally stimulate healthy growth for the most desirable results. Coconut oil A miracle therapy for maintaining quality hair growth, coconut oil massages revered since ages for its great effects. The oil is extremely high in fatty acid content that penetrates the hair shaft to reduce the loss of protein in the hair. Depending on the type of hair, the massage can be used before or after a hair wash. The oil must be gently massaged into the shaft or the hair and left until well absorbed. According to proven research, the oil can also improve the luster of your hair over time, making it a great treatment option.

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a skin condition that results in red and itchy skin. This skin condition is common in children, but it can occur at any age. Chronic eczema can flare periodically and can be accompanied by fever and asthma. It has a wide range of symptoms including dry, red, and itchy skin; small, raised bumps that leak fluid when scratched, and thickened and cracked skin. The symptoms usually appear before the age of 5 and can persist in adolescence and even adulthood. Apart from taking medications and treatments prescribed by dermatologists and doctors, there are home remedies that can be used to treat mild to moderate symptoms of eczema. Some of these are mentioned below: Bleach Bleach has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, which can help in improving eczema symptoms. It is known to kill S aureus, a type of bacteria that causes staph infection on the surface of the skin. It also helps in restoring microbiomes on the skin surface. Dermatologists recommend using half a cup of bleach in a tub full of water. You can soak yourself for up to 10 minutes, and then rinse it thoroughly with warm water. Gently pat the skin dry and apply moisturizer to avoid itchy skin.

There are many types of cancers. Researchers are still trying to find the exact causes behind this condition. However, a number of studies have indicated that a person’s food choices can increase or decrease their risk of developing cancer. Fortunately, certain foods are known to be full of nutrients that can lower the chances of cancer in most people. Below is a list of foods that can reduce the risk of cancer. Garlic Garlic contains an active compound known as allicin, which is known to have anti-cancer properties. One study indicated that people who ate allicin-containing vegetables had a lower risk of stomach cancer. Try to include two to five grams (or one clove) of garlic in your meals daily to reduce cancer risk. Broccoli Broccoli contains sulforaphane. This is a plant compound that may have strong anti-cancer properties. Some studies also show that consuming broccoli can lower the risk of certain cancers such as colorectal. Berries These tiny fruits are loaded with antioxidants that can prevent various types of cancer, including colorectal and esophageal. Some excellent berries to eat include goji berries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries.  Turmeric This yellow spice contains an active ingredient called curcumin. Curcumin may inhibit some kinds of cancer cells and even slow the spread of cancer or shrink tumors.  Green tea Green tea is brimful of potent antioxidants and also contains epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG).