Early warning signs of different types of ataxia

Early warning signs of different types of ataxia

Ataxia is a word used to describe the lack of coordination in the legs, hands, fingers, legs, body, speech, eye movements, and arms. Methods to manage the condition may include using adaptive devices to remain as independent as possible. Ataxia can occur in individuals of all ages, and the symptoms may differ based on the type an individual suffers from. So, here are the early warning signs associated with various types of conditions. Friedreich’s ataxia Friedreich’s ataxia is the most common type of hereditary ataxia that can be triggered by one’s inherited genes. While the symptoms may affect people at any age, it usually develops before age 25. If an individual has problems with balance and coordination or falls frequently, they might suffer from Friedreich’s ataxia. Other warning signs to look for include increasingly slurred, slow or unclear speech, difficulty swallowing, and increasing weakness in the legs. Ataxia-telangiectasia An individual affected by Ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) may notice symptoms during their early childhood. Some warning signs to watch out for include trouble walking, speech, and swallowing. One may also develop small spider-like clusters of red blood vessels in the corner of their eyes and their cheeks. The person may also notice slowed eye movements and may need to turn their head often to compensate for the phenomenon.
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6 habits that increase the risk of heart diseases

6 habits that increase the risk of heart diseases

The heart is the most vital organ. From pumping blood to different organs to supplying nutrients and oxygen to the body, the heart performs several functions. A healthy heart is important for the body to function optimally and for an individual to lead a normal life. Early detection of heart diseases can help escalate the treatment process and control symptoms. Furthermore, here are certain habits to avoid for good heart health: Leading a sedentary lifestyle Studies have estimated that 35% of cases pertaining to death by coronary heart disease in the country are due to inactive lifestyles. Lack of exercise can result in the accumulation of fats in the arteries, which can cause clogging of the heart and increase the risk of a heart attack. Therefore, it is imperative for individuals of all ages to exercise regularly, choosing from various workouts, such as weight training, strength training, pilates, yoga, walking and jogging, and swimming. Not having nutrition-dense foods A wholesome, nutrient-rich meal plan is imperative to facilitate a healthy heart. Fruits like bananas, apricots, berries, and oranges are packed with vitamins and essential nutrients, which can reduce cholesterol and blood pressure levels, promoting heart health. Whole grains, fatty fish, poultry, lentils, flaxseeds, etc., should also be incorporated into one’s meals.
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8 foods to fight bad breath

8 foods to fight bad breath

Bad breath or halitosis can be embarrassing, especially before an interview, date, or meeting. This is generally a result of bacterial growth in the mouth. Good dental hygiene can help people prevent bad breath, but the food one eats also plays a significant role. While foods like onion and garlic can worsen bad breath, several others can help fight halitosis. Here are six foods to help banish bad breath and have a healthy smile: Raw fruits and vegetables Raw fruits and vegetables contain a lot of fiber, which can help keep the mouth clean. Pick crunchy vegetables and fruits such as celery, apple, carrots, kale, etc., as these are slightly abrasive and help clean one’s mouth. They also increase saliva production, which helps fight bad bacteria in the mouth and accelerate digestion to help against halitosis. Melons and other citrus-rich fruits such as oranges and berries can also help improve gum health and fight infections such as gingivitis, which may cause bad breath. Yogurt According to studies by the American Association of Dental Research, consuming probiotic yogurt can help reduce hydrogen sulfide, which is notorious for causing bad breath. Additionally, yogurt aids digestion and is also a rich source of vitamin D, which can reduce the occurrence of bacteria in the body.
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6 warning signs of asthma

6 warning signs of asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects over 262 million people around the world. Learning about the early warning signs of asthma can help patients and their families better manage the condition. Early detection can also help in preventing asthma attacks from worsening. Further, as soon as one notices breathing difficulties, it is important to consult a doctor and work with them to develop a management plan when dealing with the condition. Persistent cough A persistent cough is one of the most common symptoms of asthma. Exposure to dust, dirt, or other irritants can easily trigger this issue, and exercising can also induce cough when dealing with asthma. While this issue could be a symptom of other conditions, if the cough develops in combination with wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness, it can be an early warning sign of asthma. Wheezing Respiratory trouble is often associated with inflammation and narrowing of the airway, causing wheezing, another common sign of asthma. Wheezing noises accompany the breathing process and worsen when one has been exposed to allergens or has been exercising. Not everyone with asthma will experience this symptom, but sometimes wheezing can indicate that asthma has worsened. Shortness of breath When dealing with asthma, the airways become inflamed and narrow.
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7 unhealthy habits that can damage the liver

7 unhealthy habits that can damage the liver

The liver is an organ in the body that sits under the rib cage on the right side of the abdomen. It helps filter food and remove toxic substances from the body. The liver might suffer from damage for several reasons, including genetics. There are also other unhealthy lifestyle habits that may trigger complications of the organ. So to maintain a healthy liver and avoid serious health issues, here are seven unhealthy habits one should break. Excess sugar intake It’s a fact that sugar is unhealthy for one’s overall health. And its negative effects could impair liver function. The organ utilizes fructose, derived from sugar, to make fat. But high intake of excessive refined sugars and high fructose corn syrup may cause fatty buildups that can damage the liver. Taking herbal supplements Most herbal products may contain the word “natural.” However, certain herbal products, such as those to curb menopause symptoms or help individuals relax, might be cause for concern. They might lead to health conditions like hepatitis and liver failure. Therefore, one should speak to their healthcare before taking any herbal supplements. Intake of soft drinks While soft drinks are delicious to have occasionally, regular intake may be harmful to the liver.
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7 warning signs of blood clotting disorder

7 warning signs of blood clotting disorder

Blood clotting or coagulation is an important bodily process that helps prevent excessive bleeding after an injury. It is a natural and crucial function of the body. But sometimes, the blood clotting can be abnormal, leading to various health issues. These complications point to blood clotting disorders caused by many factors, such as an underlying health condition, genetics, or certain treatments. Some early warning signs of such disorders are listed below. Inflammation and pain A common sign of blood clotting disorder is pain and swelling in the affected area. It could be anywhere in the body – the legs, arms, or other parts like the chest and abdomen. The skin may be discolored or appear red in the affected area and feel warm to the touch. Shortness of breath Since blood clotting may easily affect blood flow, one might experience shortness of breath. Besides, if the clotting forms in the lungs, it can lead to a severe condition called pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated immediately. Therefore, one should always be careful of sudden breathing issues or even those that develop gradually. Pain in chest If shortness of breath is also accompanied by pain in the chest, it could be a sign of a blood clotting disorder.
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Top 4 reasons for unnatural hair loss patterns

Top 4 reasons for unnatural hair loss patterns

Hair loss is a natural process that automatically gets rid of old tissue and hair to promote new growth. So don’t be alarmed when you do find a few strands of hair tangled in your comb. However, a clearly visible scalp and a receding hairline are indicative of developing the problem of permanent hair loss. There are several internal and external factors that can accelerate hair fall, leading to pattern baldness in both men and women. Here are the top four reasons that trigger unnatural hair fall. Stress Stress ranks among the top risk factors associated with many medical conditions. In fact, one way or the other, taking physical or psychological stress harms the body more than you can imagine. For hair loss, especially, excessive shedding starts right after the body undergoes physical or psychological distress. A few examples include experiencing high fever, blood loss due to accident or injury, or even post-surgery recovery can result in stress that causes hair loss. Stress, coupled with anxiety, results in accelerated hair loss. To cope with this problem and reduce its effects, stress management is of crucial importance. Hormonal changes Men and women both experience hormonal changes throughout their lifetime. However, an imbalance associated with various conditions can trigger hair loss.
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Learn about these 3 types of hearing loss

Learn about these 3 types of hearing loss

Hearing loss, deafness, or impairment is the partial or total inability to hear sounds. People with low to moderate hearing impairment face challenges in understanding what the other person is saying in a noisy environment. Whereas, people with severe deafness cannot hear anything, and rely completely on lip-reading and sign language skills. There are three main types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive, and a combination of both. Let’s understand these types in detail and learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of each type. Sensorineural hearing loss It’s the most common type of hearing loss. Sensorineural is permanent hearing loss often caused by damage to the tiny hair cells that line the inner ear or the auditory nerve. The damage stops or weakens the transfers of nerve signals to the brain. These signals are essentially the intensity and clarity of sounds. Causes: Aging and exposure to loud noises for a long period of time are the most common cause of the damage. Certain medications and illnesses can also increase risks. It can even be genetic, and pass on to the child in the mother’s womb. Treatment: There is no medical or surgical treatment available to repair the tiny hair cells once they’re damaged.
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Simple lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of heart diseases

Simple lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of heart diseases

The heart is the most crucial organ in the body and as the system will cease to function if the heart stops or loses momentum pumping fresh oxygenated blood. This is why it is vital to not neglect your heart health at all and responsibly maintain a healthy, stress-free, and more importantly, a happy lifestyle. Here are a few simple lifestyle changes that will help support a healthy heart function. Switch to a healthy diet Avoid eating foods that are rich in trans and saturated fats. Most foods you find on the shelves of the supermarket contain large quantities of one or the other. Instead, switch to low-fat high fiber alternatives to help manage cholesterol. Maintaining a healthy cholesterol level in the body automatically reduces the risk of heart diseases. The simple reason for this is that fats that normally block major arteries and blood vessels are eliminated from these foods choices. It is also advisable to limit the salt (sodium) intake to control blood pressure and sugar to reduce the risk of diabetes simultaneously. Change certain lifestyle habits Reduce the number of alcoholic or carbonated drinks you have regularly. For men, it is advisable to have not more than two drinks and day and women must have only one.
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How to distinguish between heartburn and GERD

How to distinguish between heartburn and GERD

Heartburn is an unpleasant, burning sensation in the chest that is more common than a lot of individuals realize. Pregnant women, older men, and even young adults experience it frequently. Despite it being such a prevalent experience, not many know that heartburn has actually nothing to do with the heart and everything to do with the stomach and the esophagus. Unsurprisingly enough, heartburn is also used interchangeably with GERD. But, before we get to deciphering heartburn and GERD, let’s understand what acid reflux is. What is acid reflux or GER? Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter or LES becomes weak, allowing the contents of the stomach to travel in the wrong direction, back up the esophagus. Acid reflux is also called GER or gastroesophageal reflux as it involves the stomach and esophagus. This condition can usually be resolved with over-the-counter medication. What is heartburn? Heartburn is a burning or painful sensation that is experienced in the chest. Since the lining of the esophagus is not as strong as the lining of the stomach, the acid from the stomach can cause a burning sensation in the chest. This pain or burning sensation that is heartburn can often be misconstrued for a heart attack.
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