7 lesser-known signs of multiple myeloma

7 lesser-known signs of multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that primarily affects the plasma cells found in the bone marrow. Plasma cells typically produce antibodies to help the body fight infections. However, in multiple myeloma, certain plasma cells become cancerous and start to multiply uncontrollably, crowding out healthy blood-forming cells in the bone marrow. These cancerous plasma cells can produce abnormal proteins, which can accumulate in the blood and urine, leading to various health problems. Here are the lesser-known signs of multiple myeloma: Recurrent infections Multiple myeloma weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. However, this sign is often overlooked or attributed to other causes. Recurring or persistent infections, such as respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, or skin infections, can be an early indication of an underlying immune system dysfunction caused by multiple myeloma. The connection between multiple myeloma and infections lies in the disease’s impact on plasma cells’ production of antibodies. As the cancerous plasma cells multiply in the bone marrow, they crowd out healthy cells responsible for producing antibodies, impairing the body’s ability to fight infections effectively. Recognizing the link between recurring infections and multiple myeloma can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, which may improve the patient’s overall prognosis. Unexplained anemia Though anemia is a common complication for those suffering from multiple myeloma, it can manifest in subtle ways that are often overlooked. Anemia is caused by a shortage of healthy red blood cells and can manifest in symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and pale skin. In multiple myeloma, anemia may develop due to the cancerous cells infiltrating the bone marrow and displacing normal blood cell production. Anemia in multiple myeloma is less known because it can be mild and may not cause significant symptoms initially. Patients and healthcare providers may attribute fatigue and weakness to other factors, delaying the diagnosis of multiple myeloma.
6 Amazing Budget Tablets Under $100 to Buy in 2023

6 Amazing Budget Tablets Under $100 to Buy in 2023

Tablets are more portable than laptops and offer a bigger workspace than phones, making them perfect for those who are always on the move. With the shopping season approaching, now is the time to start shortlisting models! The market has several options, each with unique functions and features. Below, we have listed six fantastic tablets under $100 for those on a budget. We have also discussed a few premium models at the end. Lenovo 1. Lenovo Tab M8 ($99): The Lenovo Tab M8 is one of the best choices for the budget-conscious. It has a battery life of over 14 hours, an eight-inch display, a MediaTek Helio A22 Processor, and up to 32 GB of eMMC storage. 2. Lenovo Tab M7 ($79.99): The M7 by Lenovo has been ranked one of the best seven-inch tablets under $100. The device has a MediaTek CPU and 16 GB of storage. It offers decent color accuracy, smart visuals, and a battery life of up to ten hours. Samsung 3. Samsung Galaxy Tab E Lite ($75): This model is ideal for those looking for an affordable tab for children. For less than $100, users enjoy the benefits of Android 4.4 KitKat OS and a quad-core 1.4 GHz clock processor. It offers up to 32 GB of storage and a battery life of up to nine hours. Amazon 4. Amazon Fire HD 8 ($99.99): The Amazon Fire HD 8 is a budget best-seller. Its impressive display and Dolby stereo surround sound create a magical experience without breaking the bank. The tab also features wireless charging and a battery life of up to 12 hours. Winsing 5. Winsing Android Tablet ($59.98): This Winsing device is perfect for those looking for a big-screen tablet on a budget. It has a ten-inch display, decent speakers, and a battery life of up to ten hours.
6 smart ways to make the best use of your laptops

6 smart ways to make the best use of your laptops

In this digital era, laptops are considered alternatives to computers in most sectors. Today, laptops are widely used for official and personal purposes like gaming, entertainment, and maintaining confidential data. However, unbeknownst to many, there are some less-tried, innovative ways in which your laptop helps you complete routine tasks and enhance daily productivity. Check out a few features below so that you can make the best use of your laptop. Multiple desktops Setting up multiple desktops on one system enables users to multitask efficiently, particularly on busy workdays. Select the “New Desktop” option in Task View on the taskbar to enable multiple desktops. This feature activates several desktops and allows for performing multiple tasks simultaneously. Microsoft Wildcards If you use Microsoft Word often, Wildcards is your best bet to make your work processes incredibly efficient. Wildcards enable you to find and replace specific word instances and increase productivity to a great extent. You may activate Wildcards on MS Word by opening advanced find and replace and checking the box against “Use Wildcards.” You can create wildcard strings and search through even the lengthiest documents effortlessly. For example, the string “ba*” finds all words beginning with “ba,” such as “bat,” “bakery,” and “bassinet.” Keyboard shortcuts Keyboard shortcuts are your go-to solutions on those hectic days when you need to work at lightning speed to meet tight deadlines. Although you may be aware of keyboard shortcuts in general, there are always more advanced shortcuts to master — these shortcuts are engaging, fun to learn, and will most likely become your saviors over time! Game streaming If you are a game connoisseur, your best bet is to stream your games from your Sony or Microsoft console on the same network. For instance, Xbox One S and X owners must have the Xbox app installed, while PS4 and PS5 users can install PS Remote Play to facilitate game streaming.
Multiple sclerosis – Foods to avoid for better management

Multiple sclerosis – Foods to avoid for better management

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, the protective cover of the nerves. While scientists do not exactly know what causes this disorder, it is often attributed to genetic and environmental factors. Doctor-recommended treatments help control symptoms like vision loss, impaired coordination, and fatigue, but patients must also watch what they eat. Certain foods could trigger the condition or worsen symptoms and should be avoided. Saturated fats Foods with saturated fats are said to impact neurological health in the long run. They are often linked to inflammation and high levels of bad cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Since people with multiple sclerosis already have a higher risk of cardiovascular problems than others, they should avoid saturated fat as much as possible. This includes unhealthy fats like coconut oil, full-fat dairy, palm oil, and red meat. Instead, one should choose a low-fat nutrition plan to manage the symptoms. Sugar An excessive amount of sugar is linked to diabetes, kidney damage, rapid heartbeat, vision problems, and more. It may also contribute to nerve damage, which is already a problem in multiple sclerosis. Excess sugar may cause frequent blood sugar fluctuations, contributing to fatigue, especially in patients with this neurological condition. The fatigue may worsen when one does not exercise. So, patients must think twice before reaching for that bar of chocolate, sports drink, or even breakfast muesli. Cow’s milk Cow’s milk is one of the most important things to avoid with this disorder as it is high in saturated fats. It stimulates the body’s immune cells, which may lead to lesions or scars in the nervous system. Specific proteins in milk are said to trigger autoimmune reactions, especially in people with multiple sclerosis. It may also lead to inflammation and gastrointestinal problems, such as flatulence, gas, and bloating.
4 essential vitamins for optimum eye health

4 essential vitamins for optimum eye health

The eyes are complex organs and need a variety of nutrients to function optimally. Many common health conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and others can negatively affect our eyes, which may lead up to a complete loss of vision. While some conditions like moderate astigmatism can be corrected using contact lenses or eye lenses, others can be prevented by consuming a healthy dose of these 4 vitamins: Vitamin A Vitamin A deficiency is one of the most common causes of blindness globally. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining a clear cornea (outside the covering of the eye). A person with this vitamin deficiency may find their eyes not producing enough moisture to stay lubricated. It is also essential for maintaining the eyes’ light-sensing cells called photoreceptors. A deficiency of vitamin A can also lead to xerophthalmia, a progressive eye disease that begins with night blindness. Continued deficiency can lead to the drying up of the eyes and tear ducts, and softening of the cornea, resulting in irreversible blindness. To maintain eye health, it is recommended to eat vitamin-A-rich foods, like sweet potatoes, leafy greens, pumpkins, squash, bell peppers, carrots, dairy products, egg yolks, and liver. Vitamin E Eye conditions have also been related to oxidative stress – the imbalance between the antioxidants and free radicals in the body. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that helps protect the eye cells from damage by these harmful, unstable molecules called free radicals. Some studies have reported that vitamin E may help prevent age-related cataracts. A vitamin E deficiency can lead to retinal degeneration and blindness. Vitamin E rich foods include nuts, seeds, salmon, avocado, leafy green vegetables, and oils like flaxseed, soybean, corn, and safflower. Vitamin C Vitamin C is another powerful antioxidant that can protect our eyes against free radicals.
Signs and Symptoms of Lesser-known Autoimmune Diseases

Signs and Symptoms of Lesser-known Autoimmune Diseases

The immune system prevents diseases and infections by fighting off germs that enter the body. In some people, however, the immune system attacks healthy cells, tissues, and organs by perceiving them as a threat. This condition is known as an autoimmune disease. Experts have recognized over 80 types of autoimmune diseases that can affect any part of the human body. Generally, autoimmune diseases are incurable, with symptoms showing up in flares and requiring lifelong management. Recognizing some lesser-known autoimmune diseases To begin treatment for an autoimmune disease, it is important to get the right diagnosis. Knowing the common and lesser-known symptoms of some autoimmune diseases can help in the process. Hemolytic anemia Hemolytic anemia is an autoimmune blood condition where the body’s red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced. It may be inherited from one’s parents or acquired due to an infection, tumor, cancer, or other autoimmune disorders. Symptoms of hemolytic anemia include loss of appetite, irritability, headaches, lack of color in the skin, jaundice, dark-colored urine, fever, weakness, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, enlarged spleen and liver, tachycardia, and heart murmur. Other symptoms may also include brittle nails, pica syndrome, sore or inflamed tongue, mouth ulcers, abnormal menstrual bleeding, loss of sexual desire, and numbness in the hands and feet. Psoriasis Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes patches of itchy, inflamed skin. Although it is not a serious or life-altering condition, it can be uncomfortable to live with. Common symptoms of psoriasis include scaly skin, itching, pain, and thick inflamed patches of skin, usually around the head, elbows, and knees. Other lesser-known signs and symptoms also include bright red patches (inverse psoriasis) in areas where the skin rubs together, dandruff-like flakes, nail pitting, or other deformities and discoloration on the nail bed, inflamed joints, deep blisters on the hands and feet, peeling rashes, or even pus-filled blisters.
Signs indicating diabetic neuropathy caused by excess sugar

Signs indicating diabetic neuropathy caused by excess sugar

Excessive sugar intake has far-reaching effects on the body, including the development of diabetic neuropathy. Understanding and recognizing the signs and symptoms of this condition are crucial for early detection and effective management. Exploring the various signs of diabetic neuropathy helps empower one to address them proactively. From tingling and numbness in the extremities to digestive issues, sexual dysfunction, and even cognitive impairment, it is important to delve into each sign in detail. Tingling and numbness in extremities One of the earliest signs of diabetic neuropathy is the sensation of tingling and numbness in the extremities. High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves responsible for transmitting sensory signals, resulting in abnormal sensations in the hands, feet, legs, and arms. If one experiences a “pins and needles” feeling or a loss of sensation, monitoring these changes and promptly seeking professional advice is essential. Burning sensation and pain Diabetic neuropathy can also cause persistent burning sensations or pain in the affected areas. The damaged nerves may send faulty signals to the brain, leading to constant feelings of heat or aching discomfort. This pain can be particularly bothersome at night, disrupting sleep and affecting the overall quality of life. Recognizing and addressing these sensations early on is key to managing diabetic neuropathy effectively. Muscle weakness and lack of coordination As diabetic neuropathy progresses, it can impact motor nerves, resulting in muscle weakness and a decline in coordination. Tasks that require fine motor skills, like buttoning a shirt or gripping objects tightly, may become increasingly challenging. Muscle weakness and a loss of balance can hinder mobility. This makes regular physical assessments and targeted exercises to improve strength and coordination even more important. Digestive issues Diabetic neuropathy can affect the nerves that control the digestive system, leading to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms. Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and difficulty swallowing can arise due to disrupted nerve signals.
Check out these 10 Black Friday 2022 deals on smartwatches

Check out these 10 Black Friday 2022 deals on smartwatches

You can find a wide array of feature-rich smartwatches, but these gadgets can be expensive, especially ones that come with advanced functions. Smartwatches are fascinating gadgets that have become increasingly popular due to their cutting-edge sensors that can help you monitor your health. So, for this shopping season, here are the best smartwatch deals that you should check out during Black Friday sales. These offers might be rolled out soon based on past trends. Amazfit GTR 2 The Amazfit GTR 2 model is an incredibly powerful, capable, and functional smartwatch and could be available for $129.99. This makes it an affordable gift this holiday season. The watch comes with Amazon Alexa, blood oxygen monitoring, sleep tracking, music storage, and other features. Fitbit Versa 2 You can find the Fitbit Versa 2 at Best Buy for $119.95, i.e., you get $60 off on the purchase. With this gadget, you get a smartwatch that tracks your workouts, measures your sleep, has an always-on display, 24/7 heart rate monitoring, and is even water resistant up to 50 meters. Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Shoppers get to choose from two designs, two sizes, and two LTE options for the Samsung Galaxy Watch4. All versions could be offered at $50 less, with prices ranging from $199.99 for the Watch4 size 40 mm to $329.99 for the Watch4 Classic size 46mm. Garmin Forerunner 4 This is the perfect device if you enjoy running, hiking, or other outdoor activities. Information is always simple to access when you are on the go, thanks to Garmin Forerunner 4’s huge digital display. The watch can track your daily activity levels, including steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, stress levels during the day, and even how well you sleep. Apple Watch SE For most users, the Apple Watch SE is the best smartwatch model from the brand.
Black Friday 2023 – 10 TV Deals to Expect

Black Friday 2023 – 10 TV Deals to Expect

A good television purchase can be expensive, especially if anyone wants a big-screen smart TV. That is why many customers wait for the big Black Friday sale to make big purchases from their favorite stores and brands at a discounted price. Currently, there are no Black Friday announcements on TV sales. However, here are some popular deals from last year that can give an idea of what to expect in the 2023 sale. Amazon Fire TV The ecommerce giant came up with their own smart TVs, and they had a huge Black Friday sale last year on some of their products. 1. The Amazon Fire TV 55-inch 4 Series 4K UHD Smart TV was priced at $329 on the platform when the original price of the product was $519. Some of the features it lacks include voice control and two-way video calls compared to the Omni series. However, the product makes up for those limitations with its 4K Ultra HD feature, Dolby Digital Plus, and HDR 10. 2. Amazon Fire TV 55-inch Omni Series was also on sale for $449 when the original price was $559. This TV has key features like Alexa voice control, and the video and sound quality is similar to that of the 4 Series TV. It was noted that the product went to the lowest price of $308 in some previous sales, so shoppers could wait to see if it hits that sale price. However, nothing is guaranteed. Hisense Their product was on sale in various stores, including: 1. In Walmart, the Hisense 58-inch 4K Roku TV was sold at $298 when the original price was $338. This series includes HDR support, 4K resolution, and Roku OS, which is well-liked by customers. It also has Dolby Vision/HDR 10 support, low lag gaming mode, DTS studio sound, and a 120Hz refresh rate.
20 Delicious Allergy-Free Snacks for Kids

20 Delicious Allergy-Free Snacks for Kids

Children lead an active lifestyle. So naturally, they work up an appetite and crave foods to satiate these hunger pangs. But you wouldn’t want your children to eat too much of foods that are excessive in added sugar, vegetable oil, and preservatives and trigger their allergies. To avoid this, you can pack healthy lunches that include the following wholesome and allergy-free snacks that they will love to enjoy during breaks. Popcorn Kids can munch on this tasty, filling, and allergy-free snack all day long. Popcorn is low in calories and rich in nutrients that are easily absorbed by the body. It is a whole grain, so the corn kernels are filled with fiber that helps curb hunger pangs and keeps kids satiated throughout the day. Baked nachos Baked nachos are gluten-free and contain essential fibers, and are delicious snacks that kids can munch on. You can even make some homemade salsa dips with fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and lime. You can also whip up some fresh guacamole with avocados to pair it with nachos. Homemade fries Instead of potato fries, why not make sweet potato fries that are healthier and allergy-free? You can even use an air fryer or bake the chips in the oven to make them oil-free and retain nutrients. The best part is that these chips also have a good shelf life, so you can bake a big batch and hand out the snacks every other day. Pretzels Pretzels are absolutely popular among kids. You can make the baked kind, as a little indulgence never hurts anyone. You can even consider store-bought options for packing a school snack. Pita chips Kids who are not allergic to gluten can enjoy some delicious pita chips bought from the supermarket. You can even make some homemade dips and condiments that go well with these chips for a hassle-free snack option.
9 drinks that help manage constipation

9 drinks that help manage constipation

Most people who suffer from constipation, occasionally or regularly, may find the condition undeniably uncomfortable. Occasional constipation may occur when waste moves from the digestive system slower than usual, which causes it to build up, turn hard and dry, and make stool difficult to pass. There are multiple prescriptions that can help offer relief. A healthcare expert may also recommend these eight drinks to help relieve constipation in combination with treatments. Prune juice One of the most popular choices to relieve constipation is prune juice. An 8-ounce glass of fruit in liquid form contains close to 3 grams of fiber, which makes up about 10 percent of an individual’s Daily Value (DV). As for its benefits, the fiber content derived from prunes helps bulk up stools. Furthermore, the fruit is also rich in sorbitol, which assists in softening the waste matter, making it easier to pass. Since the juice is best enjoyed in its natural form, one should put about 5-6 pieces of the fruit in a bowl and soak it in a quarter cup of hot water for 30 minutes. After this, they need to blend the contents of the bowl, cool it down, and drink the juice. Apple juice Drinking apple juice may serve as a very gentle laxative for people with constipation. Healthcare experts often recommend the remedy for children because of its high ratio of fructose to glucose and sorbitol content. A medium-sized apple may offer about 5 grams of fiber, which is necessary to bulk up the stool. Apples are also significantly high in water content, which could help hydration. Staying hydrated is essential for better bowel movements. One could use locally sourced, organic apples to make the juice. They could also use juice apples and mix the contents in smoothies. Lemon juice A glass of lemon juice a day isn’t just refreshing but may also aid in relieving constipation.
5 versatile ways to use a smartwatch

5 versatile ways to use a smartwatch

Smartwatches have turned into one of the most popular wearable devices in the market. Interestingly, the global smartwatch market is expected to reach 230.30 million units by 2026. These devices come with many features that we can use in our daily lives. However, there are many people who buy and wear smartwatches without learning all of the wearable’s capabilities. To help you, here are five ways to make the best use of a smartwatch. As a fitness tracker Smartwatches have features that are useful for fitness enthusiasts. The watch combines software and hardware to help you track rains, hikes, swims, and more. The applications can track the distance covered, speed, intensity, elevations, and also the time it took to complete the activity. Furthermore, some smartwatches can automatically start tracking workouts based on your movement. Ultimately, a smartwatch may help you improve your overall health. To read important notifications If you’re on the move or running errands at a grocery store, you know how annoying pulling out your smartphone can be. By using a smartwatch, you can overcome this problem. Once connected to the smartphone, you can view all the essential notifications directly on the wearable. You can also check your grocery shopping lists and other quick notes effortlessly. For contactless payments Instead of paying for groceries and other utilities with printed money, we can make contactless payments with our smartphones. This helps keep a track of where and how the money is spent. If you have a capable smartwatch, you can make contactless payments using it with an appropriate payment application. The device can also be used as a tip calculator. For easy communication Communication features are another factors that make buying a smartwatch worth the investment. The wearable can track upcoming events in the office or at home. Furthermore, some smartwatches can also let you read a message and reply to it with a pre-programmed phrase.