5 signs that indicate the need to consult a dermatologist

5 signs that indicate the need to consult a dermatologist

Typically, people prefer to avoid visiting a healthcare expert since it is a stressful experience. However, a person’s skin, more often than not, provides an adequate picture of their health, so if the skin is showing signs of excess dullness, redness, changes color rapidly, or displays other symptoms, it is advisable to see a skincare expert at the earliest. Here are some of the signs that mean that one has to visit a dermatologist: Having dry, flaky skin patches Dryness and flaky skin patches are indicative of health conditions like psoriasis or eczema. In fact, these tend to be some of the early symptoms of such a condition, making it imperative for people to visit a dermatologist immediately. A dermatologist can correctly detect such conditions and provide the necessary treatment or prescription-based solutions to reduce the severity of the symptoms and improve one’s quality of life. One especially needs to consult a dermatologist if they experience flaky or overly dry skin on their scalp, chest, knees, elbows, or lower back. Having nail or skin infections Skin and nail infections mean that things like fungus, bacteria, viruses, or yeast have come into contact with a person’s skin. The most common indicator of this is swelling, inflammation, pus, warts, itching, or nail/skin discoloration.
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6 signs of bad dental practices

6 signs of bad dental practices

Maintaining good oral hygiene does not simply refer to brushing, flossing, and home remedies. Periodic planned visits to the dentist’s office also determine the scope of oral care in the long run. But one must also be aware of the possibility of dental negligence from the professional and unsafe practices that con unsuspecting patients. It’s necessary to assert extra vigilance and identify these common red flags that question the authenticity of dental care treatments. Providing inflated bills Often, people get overwhelmed with technical jargon used for explaining treatment packages. Some professionals take advantage of this situation to bill charges explicitly without one’s knowledge. Not paying attention to detail A comprehensive exam and a thorough review of past health complications can provide valuable insights for the dentist to plan a good treatment. However, if he or she is taking this step lightly, then it’s better to avoid fixing another appointment and find a better practitioner in the neighborhood. Lack of ethics Speaking rudely, not paying attention, or unnecessarily losing one’s calm because their patients are asking questions are all warning signs that should not be ignored or tolerated. Too many promotions and ads A dental clinic that spends too much time and money advertising on billboards and online may not be good enough, as there is such a thing called as overselling.
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5 side effects of sleep deprivation that shouldn’t be ignored

5 side effects of sleep deprivation that shouldn’t be ignored

Rest is necessary because it allows the body to repair and rejuvenate. Since sleep is the most effective form of rest, doctors recommend sleeping seven to nine hours every night. But unfortunately, as per research studies, one-third of adults in our country don’t meet this requirement. There may be several reasons for sleep deprivation. Regardless of the cause, a lack of sleep can lead to side effects that one shouldn’t ignore. Impaired cognitive function Sleep allows the brain to form new connections between nerve cells, remember and process information, and improve focus, productivity, and one’s ability to make logical decisions. A lack of sleep can severely exhaust the brain and impair cognitive function, leading to reduced coordination, delayed reactions, an unstable emotional state, and mood swings. These side effects take a toll on one’s life by increasing the risk of accidents and the probability of making errors at school and the workplace. If ignored, chronic sleep deprivation can worsen these symptoms and lead to hallucinations, anxiety, and mania. Weakened immune system The body heals and repairs itself during sleep. A lack of quality sleep can weaken a person’s immune system, making them susceptible to infections. It can also slow the recovery process from any illness.
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5 side effects of sleep deprivation that shouldn’t be ignored

5 side effects of sleep deprivation that shouldn’t be ignored

Rest is necessary because it allows the body to repair and rejuvenate. Since sleep is the most effective form of rest, doctors recommend sleeping seven to nine hours every night. But unfortunately, as per research studies, one-third of adults in our country don’t meet this requirement. There may be several reasons for sleep deprivation. Regardless of the cause, a lack of sleep can lead to side effects that one shouldn’t ignore. Impaired cognitive function Sleep allows the brain to form new connections between nerve cells, remember and process information, and improve focus, productivity, and one’s ability to make logical decisions. A lack of sleep can severely exhaust the brain and impair cognitive function, leading to reduced coordination, delayed reactions, an unstable emotional state, and mood swings. These side effects take a toll on one’s life by increasing the risk of accidents and the probability of making errors at school and the workplace. If ignored, chronic sleep deprivation can worsen these symptoms and lead to hallucinations, anxiety, and mania. Weakened immune system The body heals and repairs itself during sleep. A lack of quality sleep can weaken a person’s immune system, making them susceptible to infections. It can also slow the recovery process from any illness.
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6 questions to ask a gastroenterologist

6 questions to ask a gastroenterologist

Digestion is a necessary and continuous body process facilitating nutrient absorption and expulsion of waste from the body. Consequently, problems with the digestive system can lead to issues like diarrhea, constipation, and nausea and eventually trigger conditions like irritable bowel disease (IBD). A gastroenterologist understands such issues and suggests treatment courses or remedies to heal digestion problems. This article provides an insight into some uncomfortable questions one should ask a gastroenterologist: What is the underlying cause of my condition? While several effective treatment options exist for various digestive disorders, symptom control is only a part of healing from such problems. The other part is understanding their underlying causes and addressing the issues. For example, a person may be intolerant to gluten, which may trigger problems like celiac disease. For example, a meal plan high in inflammation-causing foods may have led to the developing of an IBD-related condition. Thus, understanding the root cause is the first step to finding a long-term solution to a digestion issue. Will I need to undergo a colonoscopy or endoscopy? Sometimes, a colonoscopy or endoscopy is required to examine the exact issue in the digestive tract. These tests give doctors a clearer idea of the condition and help with timely diagnosis and treatment.
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6 foods to avoid during ongoing treatment

6 foods to avoid during ongoing treatment

Individuals develop various health problems during their lifetime. While some are minor, others are severe and require many days of treatment and therapy to resolve. Irrespective of the condition’s type and severity, doctors ask patients to make specific lifestyle changes to speed up recovery. One of these changes involves avoiding foods that may interfere with ongoing treatments. From milk to chocolate and soft-cooked eggs, here are six foods patients should exclude from their meals. Grapefruit While grapefruit is delicious, some may need to avoid it when on a treatment plan. This citric fruit may interfere with how the body metabolizes the treatment’s ingredients. For instance, it may increase the absorption of specific chemical elements into the bloodstream, damaging the liver and causing the muscles to break down. Grapefruit must especially be avoided by those undergoing treatments for high cholesterol and thyroid disease. Milk Another food one should avoid when following a treatment plan is milk. Dairy products are rich in calcium, which could interfere with iron-rich treatments. They could lead to the improper absorption of treatment components into the bloodstream. Besides milk, one should stay away from dairy products like cheese and yogurt. Processed meats Processed meats are high in sodium and other preservatives.
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6 foods to eat for skin, nail, and hair health

6 foods to eat for skin, nail, and hair health

The nails, hair, and skin perform more vital functions than we can imagine. While the nails contribute to sensations and protect the digits, the hair helps regulate the body’s temperature. The skin forms the body’s outermost layer and protects it against harmful substances and injuries. Thus, healthy hair, skin, and nails are essential for overall physical well-being. Here are some foods one should incorporate into one’s meal plan for hair, skin, and nail health: Fatty fish Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are high in omega-3 fatty acids, significantly boosting skin, hair, and nail health. They protect the body from sun damage and ensure good scalp health. Eggs Besides being excellent protein sources, eggs are rich in essential nutrients like vitamins A, E, and B7, zinc, and biotin. Consequently, they are highly recommended for hair, skin, and nail growth and strength. For example, one can have eggs for breakfast in the form of popular breakfast meals like scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, and omelets. Oatmeal Oatmeal is packed with fiber, zinc, copper, and essential vitamins. Zinc is particularly effective in reducing acne and facilitating strong nails. When eaten with milk, oatmeal can act as a complete breakfast meal and replenish the body with the required protein intake.
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3 dos and don’ts for healthy nails

3 dos and don’ts for healthy nails

Although made from skin cells, fingernails and toenails are hard due to the laminated layers of a protein called keratin. Regardless of their texture, nails are an essential body part as they help us pick up things and protect our toes and fingers. Hence it’s crucial to care for them and maintain their health and appearance. What follows are a few dos and don’ts when practicing a nail care routine. Dos for healthy nails Keep them dry and clean Fingernails and toenails shouldn’t be kept wet for too long as moisture is a hotbed of bacteria production. Soaking the nails in water for an extended period can also lead to a split in the fingernails, which can become painful and lead to infections. Always wear rubber gloves with a cotton inner lining when washing dishes and cleaning the house or bathroom. They will keep your hands and nails from getting wet and coming into contact with harsh chemicals. Cut them regularly An essential component of good personal hygiene is cutting the nails regularly. While you can get a manicure from a professional, using clean clippers at home will also do the job. Cut the tips across and then shape them from the sides for a gentle curve that doesn’t hurt or get stuck in clothes.
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4 questions one should ask a gastroenterologist

4 questions one should ask a gastroenterologist

Gastroenterologists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating digestive tract disorders. This can include problems ranging from the passage of gas, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome to even colon cancer, and more. While asking them certain questions can be embarrassing, one must not shy away from them. Instead, one must enquire about the issues to receive more information. Keep reading to know more about these questions and why they must be asked. Is passing a lot of gas an issue? Usually, one may release gas in the form of burps or even farts, but most people do not know that this gas forms due to many reasons. While the passage of gas is completely natural, sometimes when it builds up, it can lead to bloating and abdominal pain. This often occurs when the patient regularly eats fatty foods, has an increased level of stress, eats too quickly, or has irritable bowel syndrome. In such cases, gastroenterologists may provide a diagnosis of the underlying issue and develop a treatment plan. How do I know if my stool is normal? Typically, stool can be of different colors, shapes, and sizes. It must be log-like and have cracks on its surface.
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Top 7 foods that help relieve migraines

Top 7 foods that help relieve migraines

Migraine, marked by a severe headache and throbbing pain, is a common phenomenon that affects many people. There are several reasons for it, including sensory stimuli, stress, weather changes, hormonal changes, and other underlying health conditions. When the neural activity becomes overactive, it gets more sensitive and causes migraine. To avoid this, it is important to make changes to one’s food regime. Adding certain foods discussed below to one’s daily meals can help relieve migraines. Leafy greens like spinach and kale Spinach and kale are both leafy greens that contain magnesium, which has shown to prevent neurons from becoming hypersensitive. This, in turn, helps keep migraines at bay. Kale is also rich in fiber, but one may require some time to get used to its strong taste. These versatile foods can be blended into soups, salads, pastas, as well as chips. Scrambled eggs Eggs are a nutrient powerhouse that also provide migraine-fighting benefits of magnesium along with other additional nutrients including protein, essential vitamins, and zinc. They are also incredibly easy to make and an affordable option to include in one’s daily food regime. Almonds Almonds are one of the best foods for migraines as they contain magnesium and essential fats and fiber, which can also bring overall health benefits to individuals.
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