Many scientific reports have found that diabetes is on the rise as a result of the pandemic. This is apparently possible due to the virus worsening pre-existing diabetes in people through increased insulin resistance. Studies have found that the virus can multiply within insulin-producing pancreatic beta-cells and debilitate insulin synthesis and secretion. Due to these developments, it is imperative for everyone to know the noticeable signs of excessive sugar intake and blood sugar composition. Signs that you’re consuming excess sugar: Constant craving for sugary things The reward center in your brain activates when you ingest some food or drink containing sugar. When sugar enters your body, your brain responds to dopamine, also known as feel-good chemicals. To put it simply, the brain informs your body that it feels good and wants more of that sweet-tasting thing. The issue with such a feeling is that your brain gets addicted to it over time and starts craving more. This is similar to how you develop an alcohol tolerance and need more of it to feel the buzz. Feeling lethargic throughout the day The pleasure of the sweet taste spikes your insulin, which makes the brain happy. But after this initial high, it is inevitable for your brain to come down and feel low. It must be noted that your energy levels directly correlate with your glucose intake. If your glucose intake levels are stable, your energy levels will also remain stable. However, if you ingest too much glucose, your energy levels will go up suddenly and then have an abrupt landing, making you feel sluggish all day. To maintain your energy levels, it is vital to complement your sugar intake with lots of fiber and protein. Developing skin problems Excessive sugar intake leads to sudden insulin spikes. This sets off a gush of hormones which starts showing in the form of acne or rosacea.

A stuffy or congested nose develops when nasal and adjacent tissues and the blood vessels are swollen with excess fluid, resulting in one’s nose feeling plugged. It may be accompanied by a runny nose or nasal discharge and can be especially uncomfortable for children. Nasal congestion can be a common symptom of allergies, cold and sinus infections, or even environmental irritants. However, one can manage nasal congestion by the following treatment options, foods, and remedies: Treatment options Allegra: As an antihistamine, Allegra lowers the impact of the natural chemical histamine in the body. This chemical can trigger symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, itching, and sneezing. Allegra helps treat symptoms of seasonal allergies in both children and adults. This oral option can be taken on an empty stomach or 1–2 hours after a meal. It must not be consumed with fruit juices. One should consult a doctor for the dosage and check the label for instructions. Avoid using it for longer than recommended or in larger or small amounts than prescribed. Xyzal: This is also an antihistamine that can help with nasal congestion symptoms and can help overcome hives and skin itching. Like Allegra, Xyzal blocks histamine to relieve allergy symptoms. One should take it orally, with or without food. Doctors recommend one dose every 24 hours, preferably in the evening. However, the dosage depends on the patient’s response to the treatment, medical condition, and age, so it is important to consult a physician before opting for this option. Claritin: This antihistamine can provide relief from hives, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, skin rash, itching, hay fever, and other allergy or cold symptoms. People allergic to desloratadine or loratadine should avoid Claritin. Before consuming, one must read all the instructions on the packaging and label.  Better food choices Some foods can help relieve nasal congestion.

As per estimates, around 500,000 people in the country are affected by tardive dyskinesia. It is a condition where patients display repetitive, involuntary movements, such as tongue thrusting, lip-smacking, and rapid blinking. The disorder could be due to several factors, but it is often the side effect of specific treatments. So, the symptoms may reduce once the treatment plan is revised. Here are the treatments, foods, and lifestyle changes to manage tardive dyskinesia: Treatment options The first thing to do after experiencing the symptoms is to visit a doctor. The health expert may recommend a few treatments to manage tardive dyskinesia, such as those discussed below. Patients must keep the professional informed about the disorder’s progression after starting these treatments: INGREZZA This treatment is recommended for adults with tardive dyskinesia. Its effectiveness is not proven for children. INGREZZA must be used orally once a day or as advised by the doctor to control movements in the tongue, face, or other body regions. It reduces the effects of a specific brain chemical responsible for involuntary movements. INGREZZA may have side effects like sleepiness and heart rhythm problems. Deutetrabenazine It is another effective treatment to control involuntary movements in tardive dyskinesia patients and help them get on with their day-to-day routine work. Deutetrabenazine prevents the absorption of specific chemicals into the central nervous system, helping the nerves and muscles work naturally.  Some side effects include body pain, chills, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. Foods choices Choosing the right foods when dealing with tardive dyskinesia is crucial for two reasons. One, patients have difficulty swallowing, and two, the right foods help keep the gut healthy and avoid issues like constipation, which can be detrimental for those with this condition. Here are the foods to eat: Fruit juices Juices of fruits like grapes and pomegranates are best for people with this disorder as they are easy to swallow.

Our tresses, in many ways, define us and reflect our personalities. Most of us pay a lot of attention to our hair and treat it as our best accessory. From going minimalistic by tying a knot to experimenting with different styles, there’s a lot that can be done with our hair. Thankfully, technological advancement has given us innumerable hair styling tools. Here are four such must-have tools that will help achieve that perfect look: Airwrap Dyson The Airwrap is one styling tool that should be a part of your accessories kit, thanks to the salon-like hairstyle you achieve every time you use it. This tool works on damp or semi-dry hair, which is in contrast to traditional hair styling tools. The dryer comes as an attachment with the Airwrap; hence, you do not have to use any other styling tool here.   The base styler has six interchangeable attachments. These include the pre-styling dryer, a round brush to give volume to your tresses, two curling barrels, and two smoothing brushes, one has softer bristles, and the other has firmer bristles. The advanced tool has four curling barrels.  Not just that, the Dyson Airwrap Styler comes in a trendy storage tan case, making it quite easy to store all the attachments and the main tool safely for next time. Best features:    The Airwrap is a smart tool wherein the heat is intelligently controlled.   It is also easy to handle with user-friendly and easy-to-understand features.   The styler uses anti-static negative ions, which means it is kind to your mane. The power-driven airflow sucks the hair strands and styles them accordingly without exposing them to high heat conditions.   It can be used with ease on short and long hair.   This one-in-all device supports simultaneous straightening and curling. So, if you have frizzy hair, you can use this tool to straighten them.

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Here, cancerous cells begin accumulating in the bone marrow and outnumber the healthy cells. This leads to huge amounts of unwanted proteins rather than helpful antibodies. About 34,000 adults in the country are estimated to be affected by this condition in 2022. However, the disease can be managed through the following treatment options, foods, and lifestyle changes: Treatment options Multiple myeloma does not have a permanent cure, but the disease and its symptoms can be managed with the right treatment. Doctors may recommend immunotherapy to treat this blood-related condition.  Immunotherapy This is a treatment method that empowers the patient’s immune system to fight cancerous cells. It is a biological therapy where certain substances derived from living beings are used for the treatment. Here are a few options: CAR T-cell therapy: This is a form of immunotherapy prescribed for multiple myeloma patients. This works on the T-cells (a white blood cell type), stimulating them to fight cancerous growth. The therapy involves drawing blood from the patient and adding chimeric antigen receptors (or CARs) to the blood, helping the T-cells target certain cancerous cell antigens. The CAR T-cells are then infused into the blood of the patient. Doctors can recommend BCMA-targeted immunotherapy for patients to enter remission. The B-cell maturation antigen or BCMA helps regulate the growth and survival of B cells, and it is heavily present in myeloma cells. Targeting BCMA to kill cancer cells can slow the progression of the disease. BCMA-targeted treatment is a form of CAR T-cell therapy. Monoclonal antibodies: These are synthetic or man-made antibodies that attack the proteins on the myeloma cell surface. The antibodies attach to the CD38 protein on the myeloma cells, killing them and strengthening the immune system to attack the cancerous cells.

Headaches are a common type of body discomfort resulting from nervous system disorders. It is a pain in any part of your head that gives a pulsating sensation. The magnitude of the pain can vary from mild to sharp and can either be a throbbing sensation or a constant feeling. There are several kinds of headaches, including tension headaches, migraine, cluster headaches, and more. Of these, migraine symptoms vary from the other headache types. Warning signs of headaches Though it may appear normal, frequent head pains may also indicate any underlying health condition, so it is necessary to keep a check on them. Keep reading to learn more about warning signs of headaches that must be addressed soon. Pain and high fever A headache accompanied by pain may indicate an infection. If there is a stiff neck, a high fever, and various neurological signs, doctors may diagnose it as Meningitis, a severe health condition. When a person experiences these symptoms, it is advised to consult a physician at the earliest for prompt treatment. Also, self-diagnosis is not safe and advised if you are experiencing headaches for a very long time or suffering from severe pain. Sudden severe headache It is also recognized as the thunderclap headache, appearing suddenly and turning severe soon. Sometimes, the pain is triggered by physical or mental exertion, and there will be an indication of the brain’s ruptured blood vessel, known as an aneurysm. The other signs may include stiffness of the neck. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider as it may indicate an underlying health condition. Sometimes, it may also be considered a stroke symptom if combined with other symptoms like confusion, weakness on one side, and speaking problems.  Mood changes and intense headache An intense headache on one side of the head is called a migraine.

Breast cancer develops in the breast cells. It may affect either or both breasts and can begin in any part of the organ, such as the lobules, ducts, or nipples. The condition can spread to other body parts when the cancerous cells enter the bloodstream or lymph system. This article lists a few early warning signs of breast cancer individuals should look out for to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. Beast itchiness Although itchiness of the breasts may not always imply breast cancer, persistent itching is one of the early signs of the disease. Some people may notice crust formation due to itching. In advanced stages, the itching may progress to the breast tissue, leading to the development of a lump. Lump on the breast Most breast lumps are benign and harmless; however, some may indicate cancer and must not be ignored. Breast lumps caused due to cancer are usually hard, painless, and uneven and differ in shape and texture from the surrounding skin. They are typically fixed to underlying tissue, like the chest wall. Changes in breast texture Another early sign of breast cancer is a marked change in the texture of the breasts. The affected breast may feel tender, warm, or hard to touch and swell up. Nipple inversion or retraction An inverted nipple (turning inward) or retracted nipple (lying flat against the breast) are potential signs of the disease. Such changes usually develop when cancer occurs in the skin around the nipple. Nipple retraction is particularly prominent when individuals raise their arms or lean forward. Dimpled appearance of the breasts Inflammatory breast cancer, a rare type of the condition, may cause the breasts to take on a dimpled appearance, with redness and inflammation occurring over the span of some days. One must undergo a breast examination in case of such signs and symptoms, as inflammatory breast cancer can spread rapidly.

Cold sores appear in the form of blisters on the lips or the area around the mouth and are often a symptom of the herpes simplex virus. The blisters are filled with fluid and can break open and ooze. These usually crust over and go away in seven to ten days; however, the healing process may be painful. In such cases, the pain and discomfort can be alleviated using certain simple remedies for cold sores. Use aloe vera gel Aloe vera is known to have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, it has inhibitory characteristics. This is why applying aloe vera gel can give temporary relief from the pain and discomfort caused by cold sores. A little bit of pure aloe vera gel can be dabbed over the areas where cold sores have formed. This can be done three to four times a day until the cold sores heal. Wear sunscreen One of the main triggers of cold sores is sunburn. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause cold sores to flare up. To avoid this, the application of sunscreen is often recommended. A broad-spectrum sunscreen preferably with minimum SPF 30 should be applied daily. This should be done at least 20 minutes before heading into the sun. Protection from the sun can be also attained by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and avoiding going out in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Also, whenever possible, it is best to stick to shaded areas. Use lemon balm Lemon balm is known to boost cognitive function and mood. Moreover, it has antiviral properties that can help in the healing of cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. Essential oil containing lemon balm can be used as a simple remedy for cold sores. In addition, lip balm that contains about 1% lemon balm can also helpful.

Pain is the brain’s signaling that something is wrong with an organ or function in the body. Everybody experiences some form of pain that can be mild or severe, depending on the underlying cause. No two people experience pain the same way as it develops, varying in intensity and frequency. However, certain types of pain develop as a precursor to known health complications. Here are the ones to never ignore. Intense headache pain Headaches may come and go, but if it persists longer than usual with sharp bouts of pain, check it. Any injury, stroke, or brain aneurysm can trigger intense pain that develops almost immediately and persists without relief. With headaches, one might also experience specific neurological symptoms like confusion, pain on one side, weakness, and even seizures that develop without warning. Chest pain Pain that develops abruptly in the chest without prior progression could indicate a blocked artery or become a precursor to major cardiovascular problems. This pain is accompanied by a pressure or squeezing sensation in the chest that affects breathing. One might also experience dizziness or develop fatigue as the pain worsens. Blood clots in the arteries trigger these symptoms that should not be ignored. Remember, heart attacks do not develop out of the blue. Instead, the symptoms build up unnoticed and overwhelm the body suddenly. Pain that develops as a side effect It is common for many people to experience pain that develops as a side effect of specific prescriptions or vaccinations. The body reacts with the compounds to build up immunity and prevent any subsequent complications from developing later. However, this pain should not persist after a couple of hours and should not be so intense that it affects a person’s daily routine. Immediate consultation is advisable if this reaction does not subside. Pain from injuries or wound Even minor injuries can cause pain that feels normal during the initial progression.

Traveling by road to a destination requires a lot of planning to ensure the trip is worth it. It isn’t about simply getting to the destination but also about how convenient and comfortable the journey is. Here’s when purchasing a recreational vehicle (RV) equipped with accommodation facilities, such as a living room and cooking space, comes in handy. But since investing in an RV is a significant decision, here are eight purchasing mistakes to avoid. Buying the wrong size The common belief is that buying a bigger RV is always the best choice. But there’s a lot more to it. Before purchasing an RV, selecting an appropriate size to suit your needs is essential. Remember, larger spaces will require more upkeep and towing power and are usually challenging regarding maneuverability. One of the best ways to avoid buying the wrong size is by consulting with friends and family who have rented or used RVs and asking them to share their experiences. Consulting with an authorized dealer is another way to avoid buying an RV that does not suit your needs. Overlooking pre-owned models While the smell of a brand-new vehicle is something that most people love, there are better options than buying a new automobile. Buying a brand-new RV and driving it out of the lot loses its market value. On the flip side, a preowned RV might help you save a lot of money because they are usually available at a much lower price. Furthermore, several preexisting RV owners take good care of the vehicle, so you might even get one requiring fewer repairs and maintenance. Moreover, instead of buying a new or preowned RV, you could also look for companies that rent it out. This way, you do worry about storing the vehicle and only pay for the time you need it.

The skin is the largest organ in the body, covering two square meters for a grown adult, and weighs about 16% of the total body mass. It also means the large area is susceptible to exposure and infections that can cause a number of skin problems. Sometimes, the discomfort can be managed with simple preventive measures and home remedies. But some signs and symptoms should never be ignored, and immediate professional consultation is advisable. Unusual spots or new spots Moles are common discolorations of the skin that develop as small spots across random locations in the body. In most cases, these are benign and are not a major cause for concern if there is no change in the existing number or shape of moles. But if one notices multiple new moles developing without warning or notices changes in the size and shape of the existing moles, immediately consult with a dermatologist. These changes in size and shape could indicate melanoma, one of the deadliest types of skin cancer. It is also advisable to get a skin examination done regularly to identify mole clusters and unusual spots on the skin. Skin cancer is manageable to a great extent when diagnosed and treated early. A bad acne problem Mild to moderate acne problems can be managed with topical creams and lotions that work their way into the skin to soothe from the outside. However, some types of acne are triggered as a side effect due to underlying health complications and persist longer. Inflammation is one of the primary triggers of acne. These breakouts develop a painful red and itchy center that forces one also to scratch away at the blemishes. However, popping such blemishes releases more bacteria and causes acne to spread. Popping acne can also cause scarring that only a specialist doctor, like a dermatologist, will be able to heal and cure.

Hiring psychiatrists is a personal and private choice that one may not want to discuss with family or friends. However, even with so many professionals, finding one that the individual feels comfortable speaking to is essential. One way to do this is to interview a list of psychiatrists and ask them questions about their practice. So, here are nine questions that could help you pick a professional to help deal with mental health. Do they fall under the insurance network? One of the most important questions to ask the professional is whether they fall under the desired insurance network. Knowing if the psychiatrist accepts the insurance may help bring peace of mind when calculating finances. The individual could also check their insurance provider’s website for the network of psychiatrists that accept the individual insurance plan. Some providers may also allow users to filter options for healthcare professionals, such as by language, gender, and location. Where can users find patient reviews? Remember that all questions are important when hiring a professional, such as a psychiatrist. For example, asking about where to find their patient reviews could significantly help one select a professional that they are comfortable with. The individual could usually find these reviews on third-party websites or through search engines. The reviews will help an individual assess whether past patients were satisfied with the care. Reading the feedback from earlier clients could also help learn about the environment of the provider’s office or place of practice. Are credentials available? A psychiatrist must possess board certification to practice in their field. The credential helps identify if the professional has the necessary skills, training, and experience to offer healthcare in psychiatry. Patients who require an expert for children should look for one certified in child and adolescent psychiatry. Aging parents should look for professionals who specialize in geriatric psychiatry.