Blood pressure measurement is the most common test carried out at a physician’s office. However, sometimes, one may be asked to take the readings at home to allow them to continue with work and other commitments while recording the measurement in real time to keep an eye on drastic fluctuations. As this process is highly prone to errors, here are mistakes cardiologists want one to stop making while taking blood pressure readings at home: 1. Testing with a full bladder A full bladder may exert pressure on the kidneys, making them respond in a way that raises blood pressure by 10 to 15 points. So, going to the bathroom 20 to 30 minutes beforehand could help get more accurate readings. 2. Incorrect posture Keeping the legs crossed and slouching while taking a reading could compress the arteries in the legs and restrict blood flow, resulting in an irregularly high blood pressure reading. So, one should sit upright and place the machine on a flat surface like a kitchen or dining table before measuring blood pressure. Further, the feet should be on the floor, and the arm should rest at the heart level, i.e., on the table or the arm of the chair.

Most individuals who smoke know that it can pose a risk to their health. They are also aware that they should quit smoking, and if they do, their lungs will only get better. However, they might not know how to quit smoking for good or struggle to do so. Thankfully, there are quite a few ways that can help one quit for good. Some of these are mentioned below. 1. Start preparing The first step to quitting smoking is to find a strong enough reason that can motivate them to give up the habit. It can be anything; an individual may want to focus on their health. Once they have a solid reason and motivation to quit, they can pick a date to quit cold turkey or gradually reduce the number of cigarettes they smoke. This is a choice that should be made after talking to a doctor and factoring in one’s behavior patterns. Once the choice is made, individuals should get rid of smoke trays and any cigarettes lying around. Some people find it easier to distract themselves by eating something. 2. Seek support There are numerous offline and online support groups that people who are looking to quit smoking can benefit from.

Feet are often neglected when it comes to caring for the body, but if one faces issues with the limb, one will find it hard to move, run, or do any number of things. The constant strain on feet can increase tension and discomfort, affecting overall health. So, it’s a good idea to massage the feet on a routine basis and care for them. Here are four benefits of getting the feet massaged regularly: Helps with healthier feet Since a massage can help stimulate the feet, it may promote better foot health. A good massage helps relieve stiffness and tension and promotes better circulation and flexibility in one’s feet. The therapeutic measure could also help prevent foot-related complications like plantar fasciitis, bunions, and flat feet. Relieves nausea and pain Experts indicate that a foot massage could help relieve symptoms like nausea and pain, especially if the person experiences it because of emotional distress or sickness. Applying pressure to the top of the foot, below the area where the big toe meets the second toe, could stimulate organs, like the large intestines, heart, and stomach, which helps alleviate nausea and pain. Decreases blood pressure Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is usually triggered by lack of exercise, stress, and poor eating habits.

Fish oil supplements are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and offer a range of overall health benefits. While consuming fatty fish at least twice a week is one of the best ways to receive omega-3 fatty acids, for some people, it is not an option. In such cases, fish oil supplements are a great alternative to eating fish. Regular consumption of fish oil supplements can help in many ways, some of which are listed below. Cardiovascular health Omega fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), found in fish oil, may reduce the risk of heart disease by helping lower blood pressure, reducing triglyceride levels, and preventing arterial plaque from forming. Consistent intake of fish oil can also contribute to a decrease in the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Anti-inflammatory properties Fish oil supplements contain anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce inflammation. This can help manage illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, where the pain can be alleviated because of lower levels of inflammation. Cognitive function and health The omega-3 fatty acids, and DHA in particular, are important elements of the brain’s structure and are vital in helping to maintain the integrity of cell membranes and support brain health.

People in big cities and towns are often exposed to loud noises, especially those from outdoor speakers. These speakers are unavoidable at sports stadiums, movie screenings, and social gatherings, but the sound can severely damage the ears if it is too loud. Many say they cannot hear soft sounds easily after going to such events. There are quite a few ways in which outdoor speakers can potentially damage the ears. Damage to hair cells The ear’s cochlea has tiny hair strands that bend when one hears loud noises. They return to normal after some time, but some are damaged and destroyed. Many of these hair cells even die on repeated exposure to loud noises. Tinnitus It is okay to feel a ringing or buzzing noise in the ears after listening to noises from outdoor speakers. The ringing sound is called tinnitus. People exposed to loud noises for long may hear these sounds constantly, and that’s when it becomes a problem. Limiting exposure to outdoor speakers as much as possible is important to avoid this issue. Damage to auditory nerves The nerves in the ears carry auditory information to the brain. Continuous exposure to loud noises from speakers can damage the auditory nerves, but it may not become evident until much later.

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune health condition that inflames one’s eyes, causing bulging and affecting the connective tissues, fatty tissues, and eye muscles. This condition is often associated with Graves’ disease, which causes an overactive thyroid gland that triggers TED. If left untreated, this condition can aggravate and even cause blindness due to the pressure on one’s eye nerves. Here are some common symptoms and treatments associated with Thyroid eye disease. Symptoms of TED Some common symptoms to watch out for include- Double vision or blurry vision Eyes look misaligned Eyes seem to carry an abnormal bulge Eyelids may swell or become red Ulcers appear on the cornea or the front of the eye Baggy eyes Excessive watering or dry eyes Inability to stand under the sun or other bright lights for long Difficulty in making normal eye movements Experiencing pain behind the eyes or while making movements Inflammation on the upper eyelids Colors look less bright or vibrant than they did before A gritting sensation or a feeling that there’s sand in the eyes Treatment options for TED Those suffering from TED may experience an active or stable stage of the condition. In the former stage, the inflammation keeps growing and may last up to three years.

Antidepressants are often prescribed to individuals who are seeking relief from symptoms of depression. However, like a majority of other treatment options, these prescription treatments also come with some side effects. These side effects usually vary depending on the type of antidepressant. While some of these side effects can be managed, there are some that can be difficult to handle. Read to know about a few common side effects of antidepressants. Dizziness Dizziness is a common side effect of various kinds of antidepressants. It usually occurs due to the slight drop in blood pressure caused by the prescription treatments. If one experiences this side effect, it is advisable for them to use support when walking to avoid any accidents. Moreover, one must also avoid activities like driving or cooking as it could be highly dangerous. Reduced alertness Experiencing a decrease in alertness is another common side effect that is generally noticed during the initial phases of using antidepressants. As a part of this side effect, one may notice that their ability to concentrate and stay alert is reduced. Due to this, one may even find it hard to focus on their work or carry out daily activities, such as cooking, driving, etc.

Stomach acids and enzymes, as well as the enzymes present in the saliva, are responsible for the digestion of food. However, when a person is dealing with indigestion or heartburn, some of the acid from the stomach travels up the esophagus and might cause acid reflux and other symptoms. While this can be treated with some prescription treatments, there are some natural remedies that provide quick relief from these symptoms. Baking soda Baking soda is a natural, inexpensive, and easily available remedy for indigestion relief. All one needs to do is mix a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water. It helps neutralize the acid present in the stomach and relieve the symptoms quickly. However, patients who have been asked to restrict their sodium intake should consult their doctor before implementing this home remedy, as baking soda contains a substantial amount of sodium. Sugar-free gum Increased production of saliva is another natural remedy that can help relieve indigestion and its symptoms. Increased saliva production following a meal can be a great way of avoiding excessive stomach acid production. Chewing gum after a meal is one way to increase saliva production, diluting the stomach acid and keeping indigestion symptoms at bay.

Tap water, while safe, is not the recommended source of drinking water, according to studies. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the drinking water regulations in the country. According to the EPA, anything other than water molecules is considered a contaminant. However, some of these contaminants are safe at certain levels. This article discusses the safety of tap water for drinking, its side effects, and a few reasons why a water purifier is needed. Possible contaminants in tap water Some chemical compounds that could make their way into tap water include industrial runoff, pesticides, lead, mercury, and even arsenic. Other contaminants include bacteria, viruses, and parasites. There could also be contaminants from human-made nuclear waste and uranium or radium deposits in the ground. Side effects of drinking tap water Arsenic can cause partial paralysis, blindness, discoloration of the skin, vomiting, numbness in hands and feet, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Chlorine can cause chronic cough, chest tightness, airway irritation, sore throat, and breathing difficulties. Fluoride may cause severe skeletal problems and also fluorosis. Pesticides can develop extreme weakness, headaches, allergic sensitization, and also eye and skin irritation. Bacteria like E.coli can affect the stomach, causing diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, vomiting, and nausea.

Fever blisters, more commonly called cold sores, are a bunch of sores that form around the mouth and sometimes on the lips. The sores are painful and often start with a burning sensation or itching. As they progress, they can begin to redden and swell. Cold sores are caused by Herpes Simplex Virus or HSV, which spreads on close contact. Since there’s no cure, patients can use these five remedies to manage their condition better. Aloe vera gel Aloe vera gel is rich in anthraquinone, a strong anti-inflammatory compound. It is also antiviral and can help reduce the swelling present with cold sores. The gel can bring temporary relief from the pain and inflammation as well. One can dab some aloe vera gel over the areas impacted by the sores multiple times daily for healing. Apple cider vinegar Research tells us that apple cider vinegar can protect the body against harmful microbial activity. It can also help remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface faster, speeding up the healing process. However, one should try this cold sore remedy only after speaking to a doctor. Sunscreen Sun exposure can trigger cold sores and aggravate the discomfort and symptoms in those with the problem.