3 useful tips to help manage breast cancer

3 useful tips to help manage breast cancer

Like most cancers, the precise cause of breast cancer is unknown. Sadly, there is no definite cure for the disease at its advanced stage, nor can it be prevented. Yet, it is one of the most common cancers affecting over 260,000 women every year. Even though men also develop breast cancer, they make up only 1% of the total number of cases each year. Here are three useful tips for managing breast cancer: Start treatment without any delay There is no concrete biological answer for why an individual would develop breast cancer. Nor are there any definite symptoms to be cautious of beforehand and adopt the required preventive measures. A combination of genetic and environmental causes come into play to contribute to such a condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognize the following as the primary symptoms of breast cancer: Swelling in the breast or armpit A thickening or bulging of the breast Development of dimples in the breast or skin irritation Reddish or flaky skin around the nipple area Other discharges from the nipple apart from breast milk However, it is crucial to note that all these symptoms do not necessarily imply the presence of a malignancy. Even cysts and infections fall under the category of diagnosis for such symptoms.  Nevertheless, once breast cancer is diagnosed through screening methods like mammograms, X-rays of the breast, and biopsies, the health professional conducts further tests. The objective of such tests is to grasp the current condition of cancer, whether it is limited to the breast area or has dispersed to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Depending on the nature of the breast cancer, a patient may undergo one or a combination of the following treatments: Chemotherapy This treatment uses particular remedial agents to reduce or eliminate cancer cells.
5 things to avoid doing before bedtime for quality sleep

5 things to avoid doing before bedtime for quality sleep

Sleep is crucial for good health. It refreshes the body and mind and provides energy to carry out daily tasks. But unfortunately, many people find it hard to get quality sleep, which affects their overall health. Several factors, such as ongoing treatment or underlying health conditions, can affect a person’s sleep. But for some people, an unhealthy pre-sleep routine is the cause. Here are five things to avoid doing before bedtime for sound sleep: Staring at a screen If you stare at your mobile, TV, or laptop screens before bedtime, you might struggle to sleep well. LED screens of digital devices emit blue and white light that lower a particular hormone released by the brain called melatonin. This hormone is required to feel drowsy and fall asleep. When the release of melatonin is reduced, sleep quality is hampered, and you cannot fall asleep quickly. Research says that exposure to any light before bedtime is unhealthy, but blue light has the most harmful effects on sleep. So, avoid it as much as possible before bedtime. Exercising Heavy exercises just before bedtime can harm your sleep quality. When our body prepares for bedtime, the temperature starts to fall, heart rate reduces, and the brain slows down. But exercising interferes with these biological processes. It causes the heartbeat to increase, body temperature to rise, and the brain to become active. These conditions are not conducive to sleeping. If you wish to exercise, do so at least three hours before bedtime. A heavy meal This is another big mistake to be avoided before going to sleep. While light meals and healthy snacks before bedtime is okay, a big meal is a strict no-no. The digestive process slows down once you go to bed. And if your belly is full, it can lead to indigestion, causing problems that could disrupt sleep.
Warning signs of Crohn’s disease

Warning signs of Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is a type of IBD, or inflammatory bowel disease, that causes digestive tract inflammation. The inflammation may involve various areas of the digestive tract in people and progresses to deeper bowel layers. It can be debilitating and painful and might result in life-threatening complications. Even though there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, the knowledge of earning warning signs can help with better management. Here are the most prevalent Crohn’s signs: Rectal bleeding Since you have inflamed bowels, it might result in ulcer development. These ulcers may be large enough to bleed when you have a bowel movement. Hemorrhoids are also associated with IBD and are a top source of rectal bleeding. Anytime you experience blood in the stool, you must get it evaluated at the earliest and not ignore it. Anal fissure A tear in the anal canal or the anus lining is known as the anal fissure. It is usually painful and may also bleed. Unfortunately, it may develop at any age, but the risk of developing anal fissures lowers as you grow older. Moreover, people who have experienced anal fissures in the past are more susceptible to experiencing them again. Diarrhea It is another one of the top signs associated with Crohn’s disease. In IBD, the diarrhea is persistent and often bloody. People with Crohn-induced diarrhea have an irritated and swollen digestive tract. Consequently, the food’s transit time is fast, making it challenging for the colon to reabsorb water. In extreme cases, the patient may experience about ten diarrhea episodes a day. Stomach pain People with Crohn’s disease often experience stomach cramps. Typically, the pain is in the lower right abdomen, but it may occur anywhere along the digestive tract, depending on where the inflammatory process occurs. Abdominal pain is prevalent in people with Crohn’s disease and interferes with the quality of life.
8 flight hacks that boost travel experiences

8 flight hacks that boost travel experiences

Flying is one of the best ways to travel. Considering that airline companies take care to offer the best rates, premium upgrades, comfortable ambiance, luxurious seating, etc., inside the flight, flying makes journeys easier too. But there are a host of rules you should follow when traveling or booking tickets. The average traveler can find all this a bit too complicated. So, here are eight airplane hacks that can make flying a hassle-free experience: Setup price alerts on your phone  Being aware of the best price deals every time is a good idea if you’re a regular traveler. Moreover, you can get interesting price alerts on your phone. Price fluctuations are a constant feature in the airline industry. But how can you keep a tab on the changes to make the most of it? You can use certain travel apps and install them on your mobile, like Google Flights, to stay updated. With one or two of these apps, you will certainly never miss getting the best price deals and cheap price alerts. Stay flexible You must stay flexible with the destination and the dates of your journey. Use apps or sites like Skyscanner that do most of your legwork showing destinations with the best deals over a period. So, it makes it easier for you to choose from different travel destinations at the most cost-effective rates. For many people, being flexible with dates can be a big limitation. So, in a set period, look at different choices of destination. This way, you can cover more places on the planet and fill up your bucket list. Book on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays  This top hack is shared by regular travelers. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are typically less busy. No points for guessing – the prices on these days are typically lower than the other days.
8 must-have accessories for men

8 must-have accessories for men

Accessories tend to constitute a crucial part of outfits. They are those magical wands that have the power to infuse life into the dullest of clothes. However, they can be equally intimidating if one is unaware of the basic rules of accessorizing and invests in the wrong pieces. So, here is a list of men’s accessories that never go out of style and, therefore, are a must-have in one’s wardrobe. Sunglasses When it comes to accessories, nothing comes close to a pair of sunglasses. They are practical, flattering, and the perfect solution for hiding the shadows under your eyes. Not to forget, they play a vital role in protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Besides that, they are here to stay for a long time unless broken due to a mishap. Make sure you keep the style classic and subtle with tortoiseshell or black frames and dark green, black, or brown lenses. Wallets While paying for your necessities is now as simple as swiping a card or transferring through a smartphone, the charm of billfold wallets doesn’t seem to subside. And why not? They are practical, strong, yet flexible enough to accommodate their contents effortlessly, and, most importantly, they are durable too. They come in various prints, colors, and designs to suit every personality. One can also get them customized with initials or personal charms. Stainless steel watches These are the practical, no-nonsense cousins of the gold watches with a long lifespan. Besides that, they are extremely versatile. A classy watch can instantly amp up any outfit – be it a formal suit or a casual T-shirt and jeans. One can never go wrong with this men’s accessory.  Durable belts Belts are not merely for holding your trousers in place; they also add to your overall look.
4 Shopping Mistakes to Avoid During Black Friday 2023

4 Shopping Mistakes to Avoid During Black Friday 2023

With Black Friday around the corner, it is time that shoppers start preparing their shopping lists and learn about some tips and tricks to get the best out of the shopping season this year. Since this is one of the biggest sale seasons that all shoppers await, it can be overwhelming if one is not prepared for it. To begin with, here are some rookie mistakes that one should avoid in Black Friday 2023. Don’t wait for the Black Friday week Yes, there are a ton of discounts to explore during the Black Friday week, but what customers may be missing is that there are several pre-Black Friday offers that they can take advantage of. Various stores and brands give discounts on the weeks leading up to the big event, and sometimes, these offers are just as good as the Black Friday week. So, one gets the opportunity to start shopping way before the rush season and they can also easily avoid the crowd during this time. Both physical stores and online stores have exclusive discounts to start the excitement for the shopping season early on. If a customer has something on their list that they would like to quickly purchase, then they must browse through those items online, make a wish list, and then come back to those pages to explore any pre-Black Friday offers. Stick with the plan It is very easy and enticing to go overboard with the shopping when there are huge discounts. But this is the time when customers can go way overboard with their budget and then regret their impulse retail therapy. That is why, it is usually recommended to always plan the Black Friday shopping beforehand. This means one must make shopping lists and set a budget. Moreover, if a customer has a gifts list, they should make sure that it contains everyone’s names and items to be gifted.
10 Shopping Hacks to Make the Most Out of Cyber Monday

10 Shopping Hacks to Make the Most Out of Cyber Monday

Following the fervor of Black Friday, the Cyber Monday shopping fest takes center stage with its unbeatable deals on the retail playground. From gadgets to clothing, online and offline stores compete to offer shoppers the best deals across categories. So, for shoppers to enjoy a hassle-free experience during the sale frenzy, it is best to prepare and strategize ahead of the sale time. Thus, here are ten hacks that one can use to make the most of the shopping season. Plan and prioritize the budget One of the most important tips one should follow before looking out for Cyber Monday (or any sale for that matter) deals is setting a budget. In all the excitement during the sale season, one can quickly lose track of things and overspend. Hence, to avoid such sticky financial situations, it is best for shoppers to make a list of things they wish to buy according to their needs. This way, they can prioritize the budget and prevent financial downfall. Don’t stick to one store or location The Cyber Monday sale madness will be seen everywhere. So, instead of sticking to just one website or store, it is better to diversify the search and keep checking different websites. To be even more efficient, shoppers can make use of price comparison apps like BuyVia, and ShopSavvy to know where they are getting the best deals for their favorite products. Check out the pre-sale prices Many retailers share their pre-sale prices ahead of the sale day. They even lower their prices 24 hours before the sale starts. Once the products are listed, check the prices for a particular product across different brands and marketplaces. So once the Cyber Monday sale begins, it will be easier to find out which store and brand is offering a better deal on those products.
10 Black Friday Washer and Dryer Deals to Look Forward To In 2023

10 Black Friday Washer and Dryer Deals to Look Forward To In 2023

Owning a washer and dryer helps one better control over their laundry cycle. These machines, however, can be rather expensive. That said, with Black Friday around the corner, many brands are gearing up to host exciting deals on their appliances. Now may be the perfect time to invest in a laundry solution to upgrade the home. Inspired by last year’s sales, here are 10 deals on washers and dryers to expect on Black Friday 2023. Front-load washing machines Front-load washing machines have a door at the front of the unit, and a horizontal drum. In case of restricted space, it can easily be stacked on top of a front-load drying unit. Top deals on front-load washing machines on Black Friday 2022 included: 1. Samsung’s high-efficiency stackable steam cycle front-load washer hosted a whopping 35% discount, bringing its price down to $648. It can easily clean a 15-pound load and is equipped with an allergen cycle to kill germs and dust mites. 2. LG also offered a 33% discount on its stackable smart washer. Originally $1199, customers could get it for just $798 on Black Friday. The model has 10 different wash cycles, with one that is equipped to clean clothes in just 15 minutes. Top-load washing machines As the name suggests, top-load washing machines have a door on top of the unit that can be used to load or unload the machine. It has a vertical drum that is capable of deep water washing and soaking. They tend to be cheaper in comparison to front-load washing machines. However, they cannot be stacked on top of a dryer. Last year, these brands offered significant discounts on their top-load washing machines: 3. GE’s high-efficiency Impeller Top-load washer was offered at a 35% discount, bringing its price down to $848. The appliance has a luxurious finish and is equipped with a unique automatic detergent dispenser that can hold up to 50 lbs of detergent.
14 silent signs of leukemia to note

14 silent signs of leukemia to note

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects one’s blood cells, bone marrow and lymphatic system. The condition is commonly affects children below the age of 15 and older adults above the age of 55. While leukemia is a complex condition and there’s no cure for the same, timely intervention and certain strategies can help ease the symptoms and help in its effective management. Here are some silent signs and symptoms and available treatments for leukemia. Silent signs of leukemia Here are some of the silent signs of leukemia that should prompt one to seek professional help immediately: Petechiae Petechiae are small reddish spots that appear on the skin and are often a silent sign of leukemia. These spots are the result of bleeding under the skin’s surface. In leukemia, the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells, which can interfere with normal blood clotting. This can lead to the development of petechiae, as the tiny blood vessels under the skin become more fragile and can break more easily. These spots can appear on various parts of the body, such as the arms and legs, and may be painless. Fatigue and weakness Individuals with leukemia may experience persistent fatigue and weakness, even after a full night’s sleep of about 7 to 8 hours. This is often due to a deficiency of red blood cells, which are essential for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Shortness of breath Leukemia can lead to unusual breathlessness during daily activities like walking a short distance or climbing a few stairs. This occurs because of a reduced capacity of red blood cells to effectively deliver oxygen to the body’s tissues. As leukemia impairs the bone marrow’s ability to produce healthy red blood cells, individuals may find even simple activities becoming challenging. Unexplained bruising Leukemia can cause unexplained bruising characterized by purple marks on the skin.
8 thoughtful gifts for someone who is hard to buy for

8 thoughtful gifts for someone who is hard to buy for

Arguably, the most challenging thing to do is guess what a hard-to-gift person would think about a present one is planning to give them. Will this person love a leather handbag? Or will they be reviled because it is leather? Will they like this perfume? Or will they find its overpowering scent obnoxious? Such questions are tricky. With that in mind, we listed eight thoughtful gift ideas for people who are hard to buy for: Belt bags Belt bags are among the most convenient bags for those who travel a lot. One does not have to carry these bags as they can neatly be attached to their belt. More than anything, belt bags are a highly versatile and convenient solution to pack daily essentials like smartphones, keys, wallets, hand sanitizers, writing pads, pens, and markers. They eliminate students’ need to carry a bulky backpack to store and move all their essentials. For these reasons and many more, belt bags are almost guaranteed to click with someone hard to gift. Stove bonfire If the person receiving the present is a camper or travel enthusiast, they will love the idea of a stove bonfire as a holiday gift. Unlike traditional bonfires, stove bonfires are portable and do not emit fumes. Campers need a bonfire to settle down, eat food, have fun outdoor bonding sessions, and take in its heat. People cannot carry logs and flintstones everywhere, so a portable bonfire is a brilliant gift idea for anyone. Bamboo sheet set Homeowners will appreciate the idea of receiving bamboo sheet sets as a gift. Bamboo bedsheets are ultra-soft and breathable. They are perfect for people who like their sheets thread-less and silk-like. Bamboo sheets also do not contain or trap dust particles easily, making them useful for those with particle allergies and asthma.
9 subtle signs that a partner might be cheating

9 subtle signs that a partner might be cheating

Infidelity, or even a suspicion that a partner is being unfaithful, can lead to confusion and distance in a relationship. Obvious changes in behavior can often accompany cheating. However, sometimes, infidelity may be accompanied by subtle signs. Recognizing these signs can help one initiate communication with their partner in order to address the issues in the relationship. So, here are a few surprising signs that may indicate a partner is cheating: 1. Sudden changes in routine While days can get busier at times, this may be a cause for concern if there is no valid explanation for such deviation. Unless the partner has clearly communicated the reasons (like work commitments) for the shift well in advance, a sudden change in daily routine may be a sign that they are secretly spending time with someone else. Here, they may suddenly start working late frequently or head out more often without a seemingly valid reason. 2. Becoming overprotective of the phone When engaged in an affair, phones can hold proof of infidelity. So, a sign to avoid ignoring is heightened secrecy around phone use. Here, a partner may also change the way they use the phone, leading to the following signs that may become more evident over time: – The partner is suddenly not reachable on their phone at specific times of the day. – They have changed their phone passcode and refuse to share it. – They are always texting or sneaking off to make or answer calls. – They suddenly stop using shared devices. – Their social media usage suddenly changes. – They start clearing the browser history on their phone and the home computer. 3. Becoming emotionally distant Emotional affection is a crucial aspect of any healthy relationship. If a partner suddenly starts becoming distant, it can be a sign of a problem in the relationship.
9 mistakes to avoid when caring for expensive shoes

9 mistakes to avoid when caring for expensive shoes

It’s not uncommon for people to be drawn towards expensive shoes, especially branded ones. However, owning a pair of pricey shoes comes with a responsibility to take proper care of them. Unfortunately, many individuals who invest in such footwear often make mistakes when it comes to wearing or maintaining them, which can lead to the shoes wearing out quickly. To help, here are nine things one must avoid while caring for expensive shoes. Not preparing shoes for storage When someone is done wearing the shoes, they may put them away without preparing them for storage. The individual needs to account for a few things, especially if they are storing it long term, including sorting the shoes into similar groupings. They must follow this by thoroughly cleaning the surface of the shoes and removing the laces. One should condition and polish leather shoes to prevent them from getting brittle and cracking during storage. Neglecting the proper storage container Another error is neglecting the use of an ideal storage container. Various options might work for each unique situation. An original shoe box is the cheapest option and may also stack uniformly. Even labeling makes it easy to find the shoes at a later time. Another option is stackable plastic boxes that are sturdy and could stack high. The clear material also lets one see the shoes in each box. One could also try inexpensive shoe organizers that can be purchased and fit as per the individual’s needs for size and space. The organizer makes shoes easily accessible if placed in the bedroom or closet. Wearing the same shoes daily One may love wearing the same pair of shoes every day. However, they should note that some textures, like leather, are neutral, living materials. Therefore, moisture due to heat may compromise its quality if the shoe is always worn.