Just like it is normal to see a doctor for physical distress and issues, seeking professional help for mental health issues should also be normalized. Fortunately, with the increase in mental health awareness, many people consider seeing mental health professionals when their minds need care. Many also wait long before reaching out, as they might not know when exactly to ask for help. So, here are some signs it’s time to see a mental health professional: 1. Severe anxiety or anxiety attack symptoms It’s normal to feel nervous or anxious to a certain extent when there is an obvious reason for it. But when one repeatedly has anxiety symptoms like constant worrisome thoughts, breathing problems, increased heart rate, and profuse sweating in stressful situations, it may dissuade one from carrying on with daily life. In such cases, it is essential to see a professional because one might be having an anxiety disorder. 2. Total withdrawal from social situations Everyone needs some space and alone time occasionally, but it can become a problem if one starts seeking comfort in solitude perpetually. As a result, one may begin avoiding any social situation, retreating into one’s shell, and bottling up emotions. Seeing a professional is critical at this time because one’s mental health condition may worsen without having someone to reach out to.

Technological advancements have enabled access to therapy from the comfort of home. So, psychiatrists can provide their services via virtual sessions. Online psychiatry services are especially beneficial for those who may not be able to visit a mental health professional in person or those who can not find suitable therapists nearby. Today, several online platforms facilitate psychiatric consultations. To make choosing a provider easier, here are some of the best platforms one can consider: 1. Teladoc Teladoc is among the most reputed online platforms for accessing therapy and psychiatric consultation. One of the platform’s key features is the option to choose a therapist or psychiatrist. One can see if they are comfortable with their choice and then continue to consult the same therapist for all sessions or choose a different one. This platform is accessible through both website and mobile application. So, users can attend therapy sessions via video chats on the electronic device of their choice. Another great feature of this platform is its pay-per-session model instead of a fixed subscription model. So, one can schedule and skip sessions if necessary. 2. Talkspace Talkspace is another great platform for online therapy and psychiatrist consultation. It offers a different approach when it comes to choosing a therapist.

A person’s lips are among the very first features people notice about them during an interaction. This underscores the importance of lip health. The secret behind an attractive smile is red and healthy lips. However, broken and chapped lips can cause pain, particularly during colder weather. Proper lip care contributes to a pleasing appearance and prevents discomfort and injuries to the lips. However, to meet those objectives, one must avoid some common mistakes. Not drinking enough water Drinking water regularly is good for one’s overall health, regardless of any health condition being discussed. Lack of proper hydration can trigger various health problems, including broken and dry lips. Hydration is just as important for lip health as it is for internal health. Dehydration makes lips vulnerable to chapping and causes other issues like bad breath. So, drinking fluids is a non-negotiable when it comes to keeping one’s lips healthy. One must drink as much as 2.2 litres of water (about 8 to 10 regular-sized cups) throughout the day to avoid naturally-induced lip drying and chapping. One can drink water while eating and before, during, and after a workout. One can arm themselves with a bottle to keep the water supply high at all times without leaving the desk.

Sinus congestion can have different causes, from cold or viral infections to seasonal or environmental allergies. Congestion inflames the nasal passage and leads to pain, pressure, and breathing difficulties. Usually, most people find relief from nasal congestion within a few days with proper treatment, but there are also several home remedies that have proven to relieve sinus congestion. These remedies can help ease the pain and clear out mucus, expediting recovery. Drink hot liquids Hot soups, teas, and broths can help relieve sinus congestion and ease breathing difficulty. The steam from these liquids can thin mucus and help in its drainage. One can have ginger tea and add lemon and turmeric to it; this remedy can even soothe sore throats, which are often a result of postnasal drip. Green tea is another good option since it is rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients that can help soothe swelling. Eat anti-inflammatory foods Many foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties can help ease sinus congestion. Here are some of them: Pumpkin seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium, which can reduce swelling and relax nasal blood vessels. Vitamin C-rich fruits like pineapple contain bromelain enzymes, which can break down mucus protein and help reduce its production.

Probiotic yogurt is a dairy product made by fermenting milk with bacterial cultures. Thanks to its health benefits, it has become a staple food in many countries worldwide. One of the most important reasons people reach for probiotic yogurt is its good bacteria content . Good bacteria increase the diversity of the gut microbiota and greatly improve digestion. Here are the top three ways probiotic yogurt helps promote a healthy gut. Regulates the digestive system Natural probiotic yogurt contains healthy bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus. These bacteria restore the balance in the gut and regulate the digestive system. In doing so, they reduce the risk of diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and other digestive problems that have become relatively common due to modern eating habits. The healthy bacteria in probiotic yogurt can also help treat or manage gastrointestinal conditions like IBS and colon cancer. Provides vitamins and minerals Besides good bacteria, probiotic yogurt is rich in vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin B12, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin, and selenium. These nutrients keep the gut strong and help with digestion. They also provide other benefits, like improving bone and cardiovascular health, reducing inflammation, and even helping improve the absorption of other vitamins and minerals in the body.

Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens bones, turning them brittle and porous. It is often characterized by the presence of painful muscles and joints. Losing bone mass can also make one more susceptible to fractures. Fortunately, proper symptom management can help provide the person with a healthy lifestyle. However, to do so, it is crucial to be aware of the common symptoms and early warning signs of the condition and seek a timely diagnosis. Postural changes Changes in posture are among the common signs of osteoporosis. Patients often have poor spinal curvature and stoop when sitting. The loss of bone density in the body is a substantial contributing factor and results in weakened bones in the spinal cord. It also impacts the patient’s breathing due to compressed lungs. Change in height Shrinking with age is common. However, that is a change of an inch or two in the individual’s height. Whereas, the shrinkage of height in case of osteoporosis spans several inches and occurs in a shorter time. The height change is a result of bone loss in the vertebrae. Therefore, it is a must to seek timely checkup if the height changes. Brittle fingernails It might not seem like a significant issue, but brittle fingernails susceptible to breakage are a warning sign of osteoporosis, as it provides a peek at the internal health of a patient.

It’s important to remember the phrase “a stitch in time saves nine” during health emergencies. Often, seniors or those with pre-existing health conditions are vulnerable to falls, accidents, heart problems, etc., wherein they need immediate hospitalization. In such cases, any delays can be fatal. Medical alert systems ensure that such emergencies are recognized immediately, even when one is alone at home. However, when installing a system, one should understand its mechanism and avoid some mistakes. Using a medical alert system as a cellular phone A common misconception is that those involved in a medical emergency can speed dial their loved ones. But a phone may not always be accessible to a person in such situations. Sometimes, it might be placed on an elevated surface, such as a table, and one might not be able to reach it. At other times, one may have placed their phone in a different room and might not be able to navigate to this room after an accident, heart attack, or a chronic health condition. On the contrary, a medical alert system is fastened to a person’s wrist or around their neck all the time. So, in case of an emergency, it immediately dials for help.

Having access to clean and safe drinking water is a necessity. However, water, in its natural form, is mixed with numerous contaminants that can lead to waterborne diseases. So, it is prudent to have a filtration system at home to avoid having contaminated water. It can be easy to maintain water quality and safety as long as people avoid making some filtration mistakes. Here are some common water filtration mistakes to avoid. Failing to monitor water quality Simply installing a water filtration system might not be enough to resolve all water quality concerns. It is important to monitor water quality periodically. Failing to do so, over time, can result in one of the biggest mistakes when using a water filtration system. Factors such as the water source, environment, and the appliance’s systematic degradation can impact the water’s purification level. To ensure the efficacy of the filtration system and that the water is safe for use, people must monitor the water quality regularly. Improper installation The improper installation of the water filtration system is a common mistake people make that can compromise the effectiveness of the system. When a water filtration system is improperly installed, it can result in leaks, improper removal of contaminants, and insufficient water flow.

An overactive bladder (OAB) is when one feels a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate. Individuals with this condition may feel the need to use the washroom multiple times during the day and night, which can hamper their daily functioning. For this reason, they may stay away from social situations to avoid discomfort and embarrassment. However, detecting the condition early on can help control its symptoms effectively. Doctors may suggest some treatment options in combination with lifestyle changes. Causes and possible triggers Here are a few causes and possible triggers of OAB: 1. Neurological disorders Many people with underlying neurological problems may find it difficult to control urination, mainly because of a spinal cord, brain, or nerve issue. So, those with neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis may grapple with nerve damage, triggering or worsening OAB. 2. Diabetes High blood sugar levels may cause damage to the nerves in the urinary tract, causing urinary tract problems. Consequently, those with diabetes are particularly vulnerable to OAB. 3. Bladder stones Bladder stones tend to affect the bladder’s functioning, so bladder stones can increase one’s risk of developing OAB. 4. Certain types of treatments Sometimes, an ongoing treatment course may trigger OAB as a possible side effect.

As the name suggests, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections that affect the urinary system. They can impact a part of the system or the whole of it. In most cases, a bacterium called Escherichia coli causes UTIs, leading to frequent urination, pain or burning sensation when urinating, pain in the lower back or side, and other symptoms. Most UTIs are easily treatable with simple home remedies and lifestyle changes. Causes The urinary tract is self-sufficient in preventing and fighting off infections. It kills most bacteria and prevents diseases from developing. However, the tract’s security system sometimes misses a microbe, causing an infection. The bacteria enters the system through the urethra, spreads into the bladder, and grows. UTIs are commonly seen in women and generally affect the urethra and the bladder. The urethra’s proximity to the anus makes it easier for bacteria to make its way into the urinary tract. While UTIs are most commonly caused by Escherichia coli or E. coli, they may result from other bacteria too. If left untreated, it can lead to other complications. Symptoms UTIs might not always show signs or symptoms, making diagnosis difficult during the early stages. However, the following signs may sometimes occur: