People often overlook their lung health, which can be a huge mistake. The lungs perform essential body functions, and not maintaining them can lead to chronic lower respiratory conditions in the long term, like emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). According to a research study, such diseases are the sixth leading cause of death in our country. Here are seven ways to keep your lungs healthy and functioning correctly. Eat healthy foods Certain foods have high amounts of nutrients that enhance lung health and boost lung function. A few examples are fresh fruits like berries, oranges, bananas, and apples; fresh vegetables like green/red peppers, avocados, tomatoes, and leafy greens; lean proteins like fish, shellfish, chicken, and legumes; fiber-rich foods like barley, grain bread, and baked potatoes; and healthy fats like canola oil and olive oil. Avoid indoor pollution Household items like scented candles and air fresheners can aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic bronchitis and cause runny noses or coughs frequently. So, avoid such products or use them in moderation. Dust is also a popular indoor pollutant. Experts recommend wiping off dust with a damp cloth or mop to prevent the tiny particles from moving around. Keeping the house well-ventilated is also effective.

Migraines are headaches that cause severe throbbing pain or pulsing sensation. In most cases, these headaches may appear on one side of the head and are accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Furthermore, the duration of migraine attacks may differ; some can last for a few hours, while others can last for days. However, the intensity of pain can be severe enough to hamper daily activities. Warning signs of migraine headaches According to research, nearly 39 million people in the country deal with this neurological condition. However, migraines aren’t simple headaches, and the episodes can often come with severe symptoms such as fatigue and loss of concentration. Some other common warning signs that indicate migraine are discussed below. Aura About 30% of migraine patients report experiencing an aura before or during the headache episode. Furthermore, most patients have also reported a few visual symptoms, such as zigzag lines, blind spots, and flickering lights. In some cases, people have also experienced hearing disturbances such as tinnitus ( ringing sensation in the ears) during a migraine headache. Migraine auras usually last between five minutes and an hour, and they may appear within an hour of the onset of the headache or along with it.

Cancer is the uncontrolled and rapid mutation of healthy cells in the body. Lung cancer is triggered when the mutation begins in the respiratory organ and progresses quickly, destroying healthy lung tissue. There is no cure for lung cancer. But it is possible to improve the outlook with prompt diagnosis and early treatment. For this, one must be able to identify the following common and alarming signs of lung cancer. A persistent cough A cough that develops and does not subside is one of the primary alarming signs of progressive respiratory failure. Any new cough lasting for eight weeks or more is a worrying sign that should be immediately assessed. In some cases, one might also cough up some blood-tinged mucus or rusty-colored phlegm, indicating cancer has begun to destroy healthy tissue resulting in lung cell damage. Chest pain A feeling of tightness in the chest that gets worse with each passing day is also indicative of progressive lung cancer. The cancer cells rapidly spread and infect healthy lung tissue responsible for absorbing and storing the inhaled oxygen. As a result, one will experience pain while breathing deeply or even coughing as the lung tissues expand and contract. As the cancer spreads, this feeling of tightness only worsens, so immediate specialist consultation is advisable.

Esophageal cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the esophagus, which is a long, hollow tube that connects the stomach to the throat. The esophagus is responsible for transporting food from the throat to the stomach to be digested. Esophageal cancer usually starts in the cells that line the esophagus. This cancer is the world’s sixth leading cause of death from cancer. Here are a few alarming signs of esophageal cancer. Swallowing food The most common sign of esophageal cancer is difficulty swallowing, specifically the feeling that food is stuck in the throat. Some patients also experience food choking. As the esophagus narrows due to cancer spreading, these symptoms worsen over time, with a rise in pain when swallowing. In such cases, it is best to avoid consuming large amounts of solid food and instead eat softer foods in smaller portions. Chest pain This cancer also causes pain in the center of the chest, like GERD. Some patients experience a burning sensation or chest pain after swallowing food or liquid that comes into contact with the location of cancer in the esophagus. These symptoms are frequently triggered by conditions other than cancer, such as heartburn. If the discomfort persists, it is critical to consult a doctor.

According to data from the National Institute of Mental Health, 8.4% of adults in the country have experienced at least one depressive episode. Depression is a significant mental health issue that makes one feel uninterested in activities they previously enjoyed, and they can constantly feel sad and hopeless for no concrete reason. Understanding some warning signs of depression may enable one to seek timely help to heal from the condition: Loss of interest in previously-enjoyed activities The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) suggests that individuals with major depressive episodes experience loss of interest in their daily activities over a period of at least two weeks. For example, they may be withdrawn from their hobbies and pastimes or experience low sex drives. Depression typically affects one’s ability to experience pleasure. Changes in the sleep cycle Drastic changes in one’s sleep schedule are among the common symptoms of depression. Individuals with depression may either face extreme difficulties in falling asleep or may indulge in oversleeping. Research has demonstrated a strong association between depression and sleep disorders such as insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea. Social withdrawal Clinical depression often causes an individual to pull away or withdraw from social situations, even minimizing interactions with one’s close friends and family members.

People with eczema tend to suffer from issues such as itching, inflammation, and the presence of gray, scaly rashes. A lack of moisture is responsible for the discomfort and several other skin-related problems. Many eczema lotions are useful to alleviate these issues through moisture restoration in the skin and pain relief. Dermatologists and other healthcare experts tend to recommend such lotions for immediate results. Some of the best lotions to combat eczema symptoms are: Curél Itch Defense Lotion Curél’s eczema relief lotion is one of the best products for resolving eczema issues at a reasonable price. Like some other products on this list, this lotion is also recommended for usage on one’s hands. It has several active ingredients, including ceramides, that relieve itchiness and dry skin almost immediately after application. It is also one of the best hydrating agents, and it keeps the skin vibrant and moist for hours after one uses it. Buyers looking for a well-priced lotion to address eczema symptoms will not find many products better than Curél’s Itch Defense Lotion. Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion Hyaluronic acid is one of the prime components in lotions to keep the skin flexible, stretchy, and wrinkle-free. Therefore, considering that aspect, Cetaphil’s Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion is a winner as one of its key ingredients is this invaluable acid.