Neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood can challenge children’s intellectual growth and development. Timely diagnosis and intervention are essential to ensure the child’s steady progress. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among the most prevalent neurodevelopmental conditions, involving difficulty paying attention, severe restlessness, and impulsive behavior. Today, several types of therapies are being implemented to help children with ADHD perform better in the academic and personal spheres. Here’s everything to know about ADHD: What Causes ADHD? Genetic predisposition Adoption studies have shown that genetic factors play a significant role in the onset of ADHD. In most cases, individuals inherit this condition from their parents. About one-third to 50% of children with parents affected by ADHD inherit the disorder. Brain injury Children suffering from a severe head injury affecting the brain are likely to develop ADHD. In such scenarios wherein ADHD is caused by trauma, the condition is called secondary ADHD. Exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy Studies have shown that the chances of developing ADHD were higher among children whose mothers had been exposed to harmful substances like lead during pregnancy. Maternal stress and trauma during pregnancy Children whose mothers have undergone immense stress or trauma while pregnant are susceptible to being diagnosed with ADHD later in life. Premature birth Some studies have demonstrated that children born prematurely will likely develop ADHD symptoms during childhood. Symptoms of ADHD Fidgeting Individuals with ADHD may engage in constant fidgeting, including tapping their feet, drumming their fingers, and being unable to sit still for long periods. Anxiety ADHD involves restlessness and severe hyperactivity, which can trigger anxiety, particularly among adults grappling with the condition. Such anxiety is typically caused by distressing thoughts repeatedly playing on their minds and can worsen other ADHD symptoms. Extreme difficulty paying attention One of the most prominent symptoms of ADHD is the inability to pay attention to events around the person.

In a world where sugar-laden treats and beverages are readily available, the impact of excessive sugar consumption on our health cannot be ignored. Studies show that consuming too much sugar can lead to more than tooth decay, it can also increase the risk of heart disease. If left unattended, it may cause cardiovascular health complications. So identifying the early signs is important as it enables individuals to proactively address their eating habits and protect their hearts. What is the link between high sugar intake and cardiovascular health? Excessive sugar consumption can raise one’s blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. It also triggers the liver to release harmful fats into the bloodstream and can contribute to chronic inflammation linked to heart attacks and strokes. The slow digestion of sugary foods provides a steady energy supply to cells, further exacerbating these effects. On the other hand, consuming foods that are high in nutrients and fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, has proven to be effective in lowering the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. Besides this, excessive sugar intake can cause unhealthy fat accumulation in the abdomen, resulting in inflammation, insulin resistance, and an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. Early signs of heart disease due to excess sugar intake Chest pain Chest pain is a common symptom of diabetic heart disease. Individuals with diabetic heart disease may experience chest discomfort, pressure, tightness, or pain radiating to the arms, neck, jaw, or back. These symptoms typically occur during physical exertion or emotional stress, when the heart’s demand for oxygen-rich blood exceeds its supply due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. Shortness of breath Unexplained shortness of breath, even during mild physical activity or rest, can indicate diabetic heart disease. The impaired heart function may lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs, resulting in difficulty breathing.

The prostate is a gland found in males. When unhealthy cells start to grow and multiply abnormally in that area, it leads to prostate cancer. There are various types of cancers that develop in the prostate gland, like small cell carcinomas, transitional cell carcinomas, sarcomas, and neuroendocrine tumors. It is essential to learn the signs and symptoms for timely treatment. Here are some ways of managing the condition and preventive methods to reduce the risk: Treatment options There are several treatment options available to manage prostate cancer, and each of the options has its possible risks or side effects. After a careful diagnosis and discussion with a health professional, they may suggest one of these: DR-TEST Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) is a test in which the doctor inserts a lubricated and gloved finger inside the rectum to examine the prostate by touch. If they find any abnormalities in the prostate, the doctor can immediately suggest any more tests and make a treatment plan. Xofigo This is an invasive treatment option advised when other options like hormonal or surgical methods have not been successful in lowering the testosterone levels in the body. It is also used when cancer has specifically spread to the bone and no other parts of the body. Enzalutamide This product is known to be an androgen receptor inhibitor, which means that it helps in blocking the effects of androgen, a male reproductive hormone, and inhibits the growth of cancer cells. This is also used when a patient has tried other treatment options without any success. This is not used at the primary stage. Observation or active surveillance This means monitoring cancer closely to provide the right kind of treatment. It involves a doctor’s visit every six months for a prostate-specific antigen blood test and DRE. Surgery This method involves surgically removing the prostate gland, the surrounding tissue, and some lymph nodes to prevent any potential cancer cells from the nearby tissues.

Have you ever woken up feeling tired and lethargic despite sleeping for seven to eight hours at night? It could be due to poor sleep quality. Disturbed sleep influences the rest of your day: how you think, your performance at work, and other tasks. The causes of poor sleep are many, including a faulty mattress, distractions in your room, or a heavy dinner. Avoiding the following mistakes before bed can help you sleep better: Staring at a screen Using gadgets close to bedtime is probably the most common mistake in the digital age. The blue light emitted from screens affects the production of a specific hormone responsible for inducing sleep and regulating the circadian rhythm. Apart from the blue light emission, the television or mobile phone sound can be a distraction that keeps you awake. High noise levels create lots of mental stimulation and disturbance, preventing the brain from shutting down. Hence, it is advisable to avoid using phones, televisions, and laptops for at least an hour before bed. Exercising Exercise is among the best solutions for good health, but you must do it at the right time. Physical activity late in the evening or at night hampers sleep patterns by increasing stress and raising body temperature. The only exercise recommended before bedtime is light stretching and simple yoga. These help relieve muscle tension and relax the body and mind, preparing them to drift asleep. You can perform intense exercises in the morning or earlier in the evening. If you have some spare time before sleeping, use it for sitting down and reflecting on the happenings of the day instead of exercising. It will help you fall asleep faster. Making poor food choices A meal with lots of refined carbs and sugar is unsuitable for dinner as it can keep you awake at night.

Water is essential for the overall well-being of humans as it constitutes 75% of the body. It is crucial in managing all bodily functions. Staying hydrated also protects us from many harmful diseases. Therefore, drinking ample water daily is necessary to keep a person hydrated and healthy. However, do you know that the time one drinks water may impact the body’s overall functioning? Read on to learn about the best times of the day to drink water. Upon waking up in the morning When a person wakes up in the morning, the first essential thing to do is to hydrate the body. The body undergoes a long fasting period as we sleep, and a person is dehydrated for a longer hours of time. Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning is an easier way to maintain proper hydration habits and boost fluid intake throughout the day. Though there is not much evidence that drinking water when one wakes up in the morning is beneficial, some people believe it works for them. Despite these uncertainties, one thing everyone admits to is that it helps maintain a healthy hydration routine. Increasing the hydration level helps improve energy, improve one’s mood, and boost brain function. Before having a meal It is best to drink ample water 30 minutes before a meal. It will create a feeling of fullness and prevents overeating. Never drink water immediately before, after, or during a meal because this will dilute the digestive juice and impair digestion. It is constructive advice for older adults , as it helps to reduce the intake of more calories during the meal. Consuming water before meals is also an efficient way to promote hydration in the body. So, keeping a  1l filter water bottle  handy will help a person drink the usually recommended quantity of water.

Our teeth help us chew and digest foods, speak clearly, and give the face its shape. So, it is crucial to make food and lifestyle choices that keep the ectodermal organs safe and robust. One way to manage teeth health is by eating foods that serve as natural mouth cleansers. Conversely, individuals should also avoid some foods that may damage their teeth. Thus, here are nine foods to exclude from one’s meals for dental health. Bread Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, bread is usually a staple part of most meals. However, it is also one of the worst foods when it comes to maintaining teeth health. When one chews on bread, the saliva breaks down starches into sugar. Once the bread turns into a gummy paste-like substance in the mouth, it may stick to the crevices between teeth, which could lead to cavities. Therefore, if one wants to eat foods rich in carbs, one should look for less refined options like whole wheat. Whole wheat breads contain lower amounts of added sugars and do not break down quickly. Sour candies Most people enjoy munching on candies following a meal or at other times in the day. But this is one of the worst foods for an individual’s overall health, including teeth quality. Furthermore, sour candy contains varied types of acids that are tougher on the teeth than regular candy. Since they are chewed, the mixture may stick to the teeth for longer periods. Therefore, those who consume excessive amounts of sour candy are at a higher risk of experiencing tooth decay. Instead of sour candy, one could switch to a bar of chocolate, which is much easier to chew and wash away. However, the person should visit a dentist to determine if they should completely exclude sweets from their meal regime.

Sleep is crucial for good health. It refreshes the body and mind and provides energy to carry out daily tasks. But unfortunately, many people find it hard to get quality sleep, which affects their overall health. Several factors, such as ongoing treatment or underlying health conditions, can affect a person’s sleep. But for some people, an unhealthy pre-sleep routine is the cause. Here are five things to avoid doing before bedtime for sound sleep: Staring at a screen If you stare at your mobile, TV, or laptop screens before bedtime, you might struggle to sleep well. LED screens of digital devices emit blue and white light that lower a particular hormone released by the brain called melatonin. This hormone is required to feel drowsy and fall asleep. When the release of melatonin is reduced, sleep quality is hampered, and you cannot fall asleep quickly. Research says that exposure to any light before bedtime is unhealthy, but blue light has the most harmful effects on sleep. So, avoid it as much as possible before bedtime. Exercising Heavy exercises just before bedtime can harm your sleep quality. When our body prepares for bedtime, the temperature starts to fall, heart rate reduces, and the brain slows down. But exercising interferes with these biological processes. It causes the heartbeat to increase, body temperature to rise, and the brain to become active. These conditions are not conducive to sleeping. If you wish to exercise, do so at least three hours before bedtime. A heavy meal This is another big mistake to be avoided before going to sleep. While light meals and healthy snacks before bedtime is okay, a big meal is a strict no-no. The digestive process slows down once you go to bed. And if your belly is full, it can lead to indigestion, causing problems that could disrupt sleep.

Certain foods that are healthy for us may be beneficial for your cat. As a responsible cat parent, it is essential to be aware of the foods and their sources before slipping a morsel from your plate into your pet’s bowl. Ingestion of toxic foods can adversely affect the cat’s digestive system. Hence, it is advised to consult a vet for recommendations. Here is a list of human foods that are perfectly safe for cats: Meat Cats are carnivores by nature. Most of the commercial cat food in the market contains different meats, an excellent protein source. So, feeding them bits of cooked meats like beef, turkey, or chicken from your lunch plate is entirely alright. Make sure you limit the quantity of the meats. Overeating may cause digestive issues in cats. Salmon Cats love fish, and most vets recommend feeding them fish-based foods. They are a good source of omega-3 and other nutrients. Oily fish like tuna, salmon, or mackerel prove beneficial for their eyesight and joints. However, do not feed your feline straight from the can as they might lick it too aggressively, leading to cuts and bruises on their tongues. It’s best to feed them cooked fish without bones. Cat food brands like Royal Canin, IAMS, and Greenies™ source their ingredients from salmon. Whole grains As grains are loaded with nutrients, they are healthy for humans and cats. Oats have lots of protein, but not many cats like it. Some cats prefer brown rice and coarsely grounded cornmeal too. If you’re not feeding your cat any meat or fish, whole grains can be a good substitute. Smaller grains like wheat berries and millets can also be cooked at home. Cat food brands like IAMS use whole grains like wheat in their products. Eggs Another food item that is safe for cats is eggs.

Life isn’t fun when one can’t breathe properly. Years of unhealthy lifestyle habits and other factors can seriously affect the functions of the lungs, resulting in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and other respiratory diseases that decrease quality of life. Fortunately, one can manage these diseases and even prevent them altogether by incorporating certain foods into their meal plans. Here are some foods that can boost lung health: Beetroots When it comes to the health of the vital organ, beetroot and even its leaves are among the best foods anyone can have. That’s mainly because both beetroot and beet greens are rich in nitrates, which help relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and optimize oxygen uptake. Beet greens are full of nutrients essential to lung functions, such as vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and carotenoid antioxidants. To benefit from beets, add them to salads or make beet juice. Turmeric This yellow spice has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. Curcumin, the main component in turmeric, is behind all the health benefits. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial characteristics can make turmeric extremely useful for improving lung function and aiding in conditions such as asthma, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis. Turmeric can be used in a powdered form and added to smoothies, salads, stir-fry recipes, and curries. Walnuts These nuts are beneficial for the lungs for two main reasons. First, they are an excellent source of magnesium, an important electrolyte that helps to support the lung muscles. Second, walnuts are the best plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are healthy fats with anti-inflammatory effects that can help decrease lung inflammation and make breathing easier. Munching on a handful of walnuts every day can help combat asthma, COPD, and other respiratory conditions. Tomatoes Tomatoes have copious amounts of lycopene.

Cardiovascular diseases are prevalent in our country. Statistics suggest that one in every five fatalities is associated with heart problems. Therefore, it is essential to adopt an active lifestyle and follow a meal plan that improves heart health. The foods listed below taste great by themselves, and you can also mix them with other ingredients to make them more palatable. But seek a nutritionist’s guidance to avoid the aggravation of underlying health conditions. Oatmeal Most people consider oatmeal a breakfast food, but it is more than just that. Oatmeal can be had any time of the day, especially in the form of granola bars, whenever hunger pangs are bothering. It is rich in soluble fiber, which causes the liver to produce more bile. Bile, in turn, helps lower LDL cholesterol. So a bowl of oatmeal mixed with your favorite foods can be a great step toward a healthy heart. Black bean salsa When the cravings are for something delicious yet healthy, have some black bean salsa. It is packed with soluble fiber that brings down bad cholesterol levels to a healthy range. Add some veggies, corn, and mango for a splash of color and to get all the essential nutrients and vitamins. Have this with baked chips made from whole grains to keep hunger at bay. Nuts and seeds trail mix Make a trail mix with nuts and seeds at home for instant snacking. Nuts and seeds are one of the best foods for a healthy heart. They have healthy fats that lower total cholesterol levels. Walnuts, in particular, are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that lower LDL or bad cholesterol levels and simultaneously increase HDL or good cholesterol levels. Seeds like sunflower, pumpkin, and flax contain B vitamins and vitamin E, which improve overall health. They are also a great source of fibers, nutrients, proteins, and antioxidants, making them a healthy snacking option.

No one can know what a painful affair a sudden onset of migraine pang is other than the person who goes through it. While the migraine triggers differ from person to person, a few culprits are there, which seem to attack everyone indiscriminately. When one can identify their triggers, they are a step closer to effectively managing migraine and avoiding future attacks. Here are six surprising migraine triggers which you may not have been previously aware of: Excessive stress Stress is the most common reason that tends to trigger migraine pangs. According to some studies, stress is a catalyst for 70 percent of migraine attacks in patients. Besides, such studies have revealed a close relationship between daily migraine activity and stress levels. Furthermore, there seems to be a continuous cycle in which the day-to-day stress levels are further loaded with the worry of upcoming migraine attacks. How to manage: One can begin by preparing an exhaustive list of things that seem to bug daily but are pretty mundane and can be dealt with quickly without any undue tension or stress. Once the list is prepared, work on those triggers to reduce their effects on your stress levels. Besides that, try relaxation therapy, yoga, meditation, exercise, biofeedback, and massage to calm your mind and maintain a consistent sleep schedule. These remedies will not completely resolve stress-related issues. However, they will modify the bodily response to stress, so that migraine pangs are not triggered. Lack of a regular sleep schedule The relationship between sleep and migraine is pretty intimate. While everyone needs a good night’s sleep for the renewal and repair of their body and mind, a regular sleep schedule is necessary for migraine patients. Any changes in the sleep pattern can trigger an attack. Yet, an interesting fact about migraine pangs is that most get activated between 4 am and 9 am when one is supposed to sleep but can’t because their miserable brain won’t let them.

Breast cancer develops in the breast cells. It may affect either or both breasts and can begin in any part of the organ, such as the lobules, ducts, or nipples. The condition can spread to other body parts when the cancerous cells enter the bloodstream or lymph system. This article lists a few early warning signs of breast cancer individuals should look out for to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. Beast itchiness Although itchiness of the breasts may not always imply breast cancer, persistent itching is one of the early signs of the disease. Some people may notice crust formation due to itching. In advanced stages, the itching may progress to the breast tissue, leading to the development of a lump. Lump on the breast Most breast lumps are benign and harmless; however, some may indicate cancer and must not be ignored. Breast lumps caused due to cancer are usually hard, painless, and uneven and differ in shape and texture from the surrounding skin. They are typically fixed to underlying tissue, like the chest wall. Changes in breast texture Another early sign of breast cancer is a marked change in the texture of the breasts. The affected breast may feel tender, warm, or hard to touch and swell up. Nipple inversion or retraction An inverted nipple (turning inward) or retracted nipple (lying flat against the breast) are potential signs of the disease. Such changes usually develop when cancer occurs in the skin around the nipple. Nipple retraction is particularly prominent when individuals raise their arms or lean forward. Dimpled appearance of the breasts Inflammatory breast cancer, a rare type of the condition, may cause the breasts to take on a dimpled appearance, with redness and inflammation occurring over the span of some days. One must undergo a breast examination in case of such signs and symptoms, as inflammatory breast cancer can spread rapidly.