Our genes play a vital role in shaping our personalities, behaviors, thought processes, and appearance. However, they also act as contributing factors to the development of several health conditions. Genetic testing is an effective means of determining one’s genetic predisposition to a particular disease and preventing future risks of developing the condition. Here are some things to know about genetic testing, from the benefits of the process to the conditions one can test for. The benefits of genetic testing To take preventive measures Genetic testing is not the same as a diagnostic test — positive results do not imply that one has the disease. It only indicates the presence of the gene mutation causing the disease. Thus, testing for genetic vulnerability to a health condition allows one to take measures to prevent it if the result is positive. A sense of relief for families Family members are often worried about having passed on certain diseases to the future generations. Genetic testing can provide a sense of relief to family members in the case of negative results and reassurance in knowing that the disease can be prevented if the results are positive. A pathway to accurate diagnosis In many cases, genetic testing can be the first step to diagnosing a disease and starting the treatment course.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a health condition generally seen in children. The brain of an ADHD child develops differently, where the condition affects the child’s posture, focus, and attention span, and capacity for self-control. This condition is characterized by hyperactivity, excessive movement when not required, and impulsive behavior. Parents with ADHD child can opt for different ways to deal with them. This article highlights simple parenting tips for ADHD. Raising a child with ADHD comes with its own challenges, but they can be managed by giving attention, encouragement, and following various approaches. Engage in challenging activities Children with ADHD are easily distracted, but not many know they only focus when they find a challenging task. When the child responds positively to a particular task, encourage them to do more of it. This will keep them active, improving their physical and mental health. Encourage physical exercise Indulging in different exercises can help the child focus better, improve sleep patterns, reduce depression or anxiety, and stimulate brain function. Follow a routine Creating a routine in daily tasks and activities can reduce the chances of distractions. Also, when the child encounters an activity or event they expect, they are prepared to complete them.

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused due to an autoimmune reaction where the immune system attacks the healthy cells in the body, mainly impacting the skin and the joints. The common symptoms include swelling in fingers and toes, backaches, fatigue, and stiffness. This condition affects a large population and is observed in roughly 30% of individuals having psoriasis. Below is a list of foods to have for individuals with psoriatic arthritis. Salmon Salmon and other fatty fish can help manage psoriatic arthritis because most fatty fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight joint pain and tackle the swelling. The omega-3 fatty acids can help with heart conditions and prevent heart disease and strokes. The American Heart Association suggests eating salmon, tuna, and mackerel at least twice a week. Whole grains Psoriatic arthritis increases the risk of heart diseases since it can lead to the development of inflammation in the blood vessels. This inflammation can lead to secondary conditions that can further aggravate by cholesterol. Whole grain foods such as brown rice, wild rice, barley, oatmeal, and whole wheat can tackle this condition. These foods are fiber-rich, help maintain cholesterol, and even improve bowel health.

A person is said to experience shortness of breath when they have difficulty breathing normally. In most cases, the discomfort is mild and easily managed with simple steam inhalation to unblock nasal passages. Alternatively, it could be a complication that arises out of underlying conditions that needs timely intervention with prescription and lifestyle changes. Here are five effective suggestions to manage mild to severe shortness of breath at home and under professional care. Mindful breathing techniques Deep breathing exercises are largely effective and help manage shortness of breath in the short term. This is because deep breathing involves the use of the abdominal diaphragm muscles to expand more and allow the lungs to fill up with more oxygen. However, it is necessary to learn the correct technique to avoid the risk of hyperinflation due to excessive breathing. Another common technique is pursed lip breathing. Experts suggest keeping only a small gap between both lips while keeping them pursed to regulate the airflow. Adjusting sitting or standing posture Any sudden shortness of breath caused due to anxiety or overexertion can be managed by simply correcting your posture. For example, lying down with the knees and head supported by multiple pillows can help relieve airway pressure.

Most individuals experience headaches at some point in their lives. The condition can result in a pain that could be dull, sharp, constant, or throbbing. Also, there are different types of headaches that have multiple symptoms. While a permanent cure for headaches is yet to be determined, there are ways to help manage the condition. One can also combine these relaxation techniques with treatments to relieve headaches. Given below are a few that might help: Indulge in yoga Yoga is an ancient technique that combines calming meditation and breathing with body poses. Together, these aspects help individuals stretch and strengthen their tendons and muscles. Yoga can also reduce the frequency and pain of certain headaches. However, we recommend working with a professional yoga instructor to avoid unwanted muscle strains. Use a cold pack People suffering from migraines should apply a cold pack to their forehead. They can wrap a bag of frozen vegetables or ice cubes in a towel or have a cold shower to ease pains caused by migraines. They should keep the compress on their head for about 15 minutes, followed by an interval of 15 minutes before re-applying the pack. Be open to biofeedback The biofeedback technique utilizes electronic devices to measure an individual’s heart rate, breathing rate, skin perspiration, muscle tension, and other physical responses.

ADHD, also called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is one of the most common neurodevelopment disorders in children. Most ADHD cases are diagnosed between the ages of three and seven. Albeit rare, the condition may also be diagnosed in adulthood. Its symptoms usually improve with age, but individuals may continue to face sleep and anxiety issues for a prolonged period. Read on to learn some of the uncommon symptoms of ADHD that are seen in children. 5 lesser-known ADHD symptoms observed in children Hyper-focus Individuals with ADHD, irrespective of age, are believed to have trouble focusing on tasks. But, what many do not know is that ADHD patients tend to hyper-focus. This means that they can focus only on a single task for periods of time. In such states of razor focus and concentration, it can be hard for the child to move from one task to the other. They may also lose track of time and forget about other important tasks. Mood swings Mood swings are commonly seen in children and adolescents. Massive and disruptive changes in mood (mania and depression) are often associated with bipolar disorder, but mood changes in ADHD are different. Essentially, ADHD patients have a trigger that causes a shift in moods, such as a reaction to their work or interests, whereas, for bipolar disorder, a mood shift occurs without a trigger.

A stay at the hospital is stressful regardless of the duration of the stay or its reason. While most hospitals strive to provide patients and guardians with adequate comfort, it is difficult to feel at ease away from home. Therefore, putting thought into what to pack is important. One must pack all the essentials and things that can make the stay more comfortable. To get started, here is a quick checklist that can help. Toiletries Always pack these basic necessities first: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, hairbrush, moisturizer, contact lenses, and their solution or eyeglasses. Preferred blankets and pillows from home Hospitals provide pillows, blankets, and bedding to all their patients. Yet one might not always find these comfortable. The blanket might be prickly, or the pillows might be too lumpy. Also, these are often plain in color and pattern, which may seem drab, particularly to young children, teenagers, or the elderly. So always pack in the comfiest pillows, blankets, and bedsheets from home according to the need. Favorite pairs of socks and sweaters Hospitals are usually quite cold due to the air conditioning turned down really low. Bringing along one’s favorite pair of songs and sweaters is, therefore, a good idea.

Fish oil comes from a variety of fish like salmon, tuna, herring, and mackerel. While these fishes are healthy in themselves, the oil extracted from these is also known to have a lot of omega-3 fatty acids. Since the human body doesn’t produce omega-3 fatty acids, it helps to add these extra nutrients to one’s routine through fish oil supplements. Some of the well-known health benefits of fish oil supplements include the following: Improve heart health It has been observed that people who include a lot of fish in their meals usually are at lower risk of heart disease. This may happen because fish has nutritional benefits that help lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and triglycerides and prevent plaque from forming in the arteries. Consequently, heart health improves, preventing cardiovascular problems. These same benefits can be obtained by having fish oil supplements, especially for those who don’t prefer to eat fish. Boost brain health The brain is known to have at least 20% polyunsaturated fatty acids, of which a huge part is omega-3 fatty acids. This means omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the brain to function well. Subsequently, when a person’s meals do not provide this nutrient, having fish oil supplements can be helpful.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that support the proper functioning of the human body – from babies to seniors. These healthy fats help support brain development and reduce cognitive decline. While fatty fish is one of the best sources to avail of the benefits of this nutrient, those who don’t eat fish can opt for fish oil supplements. Fish oil supplements offer multiple health benefits; below are a few important ones. Heart health Excessive triglyceride levels can cause an increased risk of heart disease, and Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil supplements can help lower levels of this type of fat. Fish oil can also help bring down cholesterol and blood pressure levels and prevent the formation of arterial plaque. Eye health Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is found in fish oil, is very important for eye health. Developing fetuses and children both need DHA for the development and maintenance of the retina, and those who consume fish or fish oil as a supplement can reap the benefits of healthier eyesight than those who do not. The omega-3 fatty acid content in fish oil can also help reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration and glaucoma. Skin health The skin is the largest organ of the body, and fish oil can help maintain the skin’s natural barrier and keep it hydrated.

Migraines are a form of recurring headaches. They may trigger intense pain, vomiting, light sensitivity, and other symptoms that can interfere with one’s daily activities. Hence, experts recommend various methods to manage the symptoms, including taking pain relief gummies for migraines. However, considering that the chewables are fairly new to many, one might want to know more about them before consumption. Here are six aspects of pain relief gummies one should be mindful of. Functionality The benefits of gummies for pain relief are still being explored. So far, experts suggest that the composition of these chewable supplements interacts with the body’s endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) through receptors found throughout the body. The ECS is a neuromodulatory system that plays an important role in the development of the central nervous system and the body’s response to endogenous and environmental threats. Benefits Pain relief gummies contain well-known compounds derived from various plants. The properties may help reduce temporary and long-term pain in those affected by migraines. The chewable may also help reduce the other associated symptoms of migraines, such as nausea and inflammation, for a couple of days. The interaction of the chewable ingredients with the receptors propagates the cells to bring down inflammation.