People with an overactive bladder (or OAB) experience a sudden and frequent urge to urinate. About 40% of women and 30% of men in the country deal with this condition, which can be caused by weak pelvic muscles, nerve damage, and excessive caffeine consumption. Those affected may have to urinate more often than usual and can even experience leakage. Here are a few treatment options, foods to eat and avoid, and ways to manage OAB: Treatment options Persistent symptoms should be discussed with a doctor so that they can determine the right course of treatment for OAB. Here are popular options that can be considered based on the doctor’s recommendation: Gemtesa:  It is an FDA-approved prescription treatment for adults affected by OAB. It helps relieve urinary symptoms like urgency, frequency, and even incontinence. Gemtesa is an oral treatment, usually taken with water. Common side effects include diarrhea, headache, or nausea. Myrbetriq:  It can help treat bladder issues like neurogenic detrusor overactivity and overactive bladder. This treatment option relaxes the detrusor, a bladder muscle, making it easier for the bladder to accommodate more urine and reduce OAB symptoms. Doctors recommend oral consumption of  Myrbetriq once a day. Adults can have it with or without food, while children must take it with food. Toviaz:  It prevents frequent bladder contractions and calms the bladder muscles. Additionally, Toviaz reduces symptoms like frequent urination, persistent urge to pee, and incontinence. Doctors may not recommend this option for those who suffer from stomach-related issues and cannot empty the bladder. Allergic reactions are common side effects of this treatment option. Enablex:  It helps treat OAB by relaxing the bladder muscles, improving the ability to control urination, and reducing the likelihood of leakage, frequent bathroom trips, and sudden urge to urinate. Enablex can be taken with or without food once a day.

Skin conditions are the most challenging to deal with. Whether battling a sunburn or acne, you must have the right products or remedies to combat them. Considering the myriad of skin conditions and the lengthy treatments associated with them, it can often dig a hole in your pocket. So, instead of having a doctor on board, why not seek refuge in some ingredients lying in your pantry? Here are some natural remedies for skin care.  Use coconut oil If you have dry skin, there is no better remedy than coconut oil. It is both safe and effective. It works like petroleum jelly and treats dry skin. It also increases the amount of fats or lipids on the skin surface and improves hydration. The oil has emollient properties because of the presence of saturated fatty acids. An Emollient is an oil or fat that works like a moisturizer to fill the gaps in dry skin. Thus, it leaves the skin feeling smooth and supple. Include turmeric in your meals Turmeric lowers inflammation, which is prevalent in several skin conditions. Turmeric has curcumin that works like an antioxidant, shields the skin, and reduces the wound healing time. Ideally, you must add at least a spoonful of turmeric to your daily meals.  Use tea tree oil Melaleuca alternifoila or tea tree is an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic oil. It is a steam-distilled essential oil extracted from an Australian plant that works against protozoal, viral, and bacterial infections. The tea tree contains terpenes, which break down the bacteria’s cellular matter. Before applying the tea tree directly onto the skin, dilute it by mixing a few drops of olive, coconut oil, or cream. You can use it in an affected area post-shower. People with itchy feet or scalps should shop for commercial products like foot creams or shampoos with tea tree oil.  Baking soda for exfoliation Blackheads are pretty tricky to deal with.

A stuffy or congested nose develops when nasal and adjacent tissues and the blood vessels are swollen with excess fluid, resulting in one’s nose feeling plugged. It may be accompanied by a runny nose or nasal discharge and can be especially uncomfortable for children. Nasal congestion can be a common symptom of allergies, cold and sinus infections, or even environmental irritants. However, one can manage nasal congestion by the following treatment options, foods, and remedies: Treatment options Allegra: As an antihistamine, Allegra lowers the impact of the natural chemical histamine in the body. This chemical can trigger symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, itching, and sneezing. Allegra helps treat symptoms of seasonal allergies in both children and adults. This oral option can be taken on an empty stomach or 1–2 hours after a meal. It must not be consumed with fruit juices. One should consult a doctor for the dosage and check the label for instructions. Avoid using it for longer than recommended or in larger or small amounts than prescribed. Xyzal: This is also an antihistamine that can help with nasal congestion symptoms and can help overcome hives and skin itching. Like Allegra, Xyzal blocks histamine to relieve allergy symptoms. One should take it orally, with or without food. Doctors recommend one dose every 24 hours, preferably in the evening. However, the dosage depends on the patient’s response to the treatment, medical condition, and age, so it is important to consult a physician before opting for this option. Claritin: This antihistamine can provide relief from hives, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, skin rash, itching, hay fever, and other allergy or cold symptoms. People allergic to desloratadine or loratadine should avoid Claritin. Before consuming, one must read all the instructions on the packaging and label.  Better food choices Some foods can help relieve nasal congestion.

Bacteria are commonly perceived as harmful organisms to be avoided at all costs. However, very few know that many of them play a vital role in maintaining our gut health. Probiotics are good bacteria that our gut craves to eliminate the harmful bacteria from our body. Even though several sources of probiotics are available, like fermented foods and supplements, there is no tastier way to include good bacteria in meals than yogurts, as discussed below: What are the key probiotic benefits for the body? Your body, specifically your gut, is composed of trillions of microbes called the gut microbiome. When you eat or drink something, your gut microbiome balance is affected, which comprises both good bacteria and harmful bacteria. When an infection attacks your body, the number of harmful bacteria exceeds the number of good bacteria in your guts. To destroy these bad guys, your body requires good bacteria from external sources. When probiotics from external sources like supplements or fermented foods enter your body, they attack the harmful bacteria to restore the equilibrium of your gut microbiome, making your colon strong and helping your body to fight off infections. Some of the typical disease symptoms that probiotics help in managing include diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and lactose intolerance. This is because they help in disintegrating fibrous foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, and specific fruits. Among the various existing probiotic types, Lactobacillus acidophilus is the most commonly available as well as the most beneficial one. It maintains blood sugar levels, promotes overall digestion, and strengthens your body to fight off yeast infections. It is typically combined with two other probiotics called Lactobacillus casei and Bifidus regularis to make it more effective in enhancing intestinal health. You can also find L. acidophilus in miso, tempeh, cheese and sauerkraut.

Teeth staining can happen for several reasons, such as aging, poor eating habits, and an unhealthy lifestyle. To combat this, one could follow good oral hygiene, periodic dental cleaning, and professional tooth whitening to improve the color of the teeth. But apart from these measures, individuals could also make certain lifestyle choices, such as eating healthy foods. Below is a list of eleven foods that should be part of one’s meal regime for brighter teeth. Strawberries Eating strawberries could benefit one’s teeth, especially its color. The berry is rich in malic acid concentration, a property used in many toothpaste formulas. The acid works like a natural astringent and helps remove the tooth surface discoloration. One should note that strawberries are also abundant in citric acid, which may weaken the enamel. Therefore, each individual must wait at least 30 minutes to brush their teeth after consuming strawberries or other acidic foods. One could also rinse their mouth with water to negate the effects of citric acid after eating the berry. Onions Many are unaware of the health benefits associated with onions regarding oral hygiene. While the vegetable might cause bad breath, eating it in small amounts may benefit the teeth. The food contains antibacterial sulfur compounds that may prevent plaque from forming on the teeth. One could include onions on sandwiches and in salads when they can. Another food with similar sulfur compounds is garlic, which could prevent plaque and reduce the risk of yellowing teeth. Apples The fruit has several beneficial properties, including those associated with the teeth. Apples are crunchy. Therefore, its texture is a natural abrasive scrub, which helps clean the teeth when chewing on them. Furthermore, apples have a high malic acid concentration that could promote extra saliva and positively affect the teeth’ color. Pineapple The teeth are covered with a pellicle or a layer of salivary proteins.

Home renovations are a major task, especially if you own a big house with a complex design. A lot of deliberation must be done before the project can even begin. Right from coming up with ideas to drawing a plan on paper, you need to consider multiple factors before hiring professional contractors for the job. Further, you must avoid making the following mistakes in planning and executing the home renovation project. Miscalculating your budget Everything costs money. Whether simple repairs or a complete makeover, you must be prepared to spend your hard-earned bucks. But that doesn’t mean you can’t set a realistic budget. Typically, a home renovation is estimated to cost 10% to 15% of the home’s total value. Whatever the estimate, always keep an additional 10% to 20% buffer over the agreed amount. Experts suggest this as a general rule of thumb for calculating the final cost. Material and labor rates keep fluctuating, so you might end up underpaying or overpaying depending on the extent of the job. The bottom line is never underestimate the budget, or you may fall short of the actual costs. Neglecting the natural layout of your home Home renovation is a complex job. It involves making significant modifications to the entire space, including the living room, bedroom, and kitchen. A big mistake homeowners make is that they don’t consider the existing layout and plan an extravagant renovation that doesn’t suit the blueprint. You can avoid this error by paying attention to your home’s natural architecture and then considering modifications that are subtle yet impactful. You don’t have to go completely overboard with the redesign. It’s always the little things that make a big difference. Not paying attention to the home’s present condition Layout aside, you must also consider the home’s present condition. Are the foundation and support structures strong enough to handle a major renovation?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older. It is also meant for individuals with disabilities or end-stage renal disease. So registering for the program could help cover various healthcare costs if and when required. However, one could overlook key details when signing up for Medicare, and the amount they pay may exceed the benefits. So, here are a few common Medicare mistakes to avoid during enrollment: Not signing up on time Delaying signing up for Medicare can slow down the entire process. When approaching age 65, one should enroll during the initial enrollment period (IEP). The seven-month enrollment timeframe includes three months before one turns 65 and three months after. If one does not sign up during the IEP, they will get another opportunity to do so during Medicare’s annual general enrollment period (January 1 to March 31 each year). But given the late registration, the monthly premium for Medicare Part B, which covers doctor visits and other outpatient services, may cost more. So, those who sign up during the general enrollment period may incur a late fee. Not considering out-of-pocket costs Although Medicare usually covers a large portion of healthcare costs for those enrolled in the program, there are certain expenses that one might have to cover themselves. So, it is better to be prepared for these out-of-pocket costs to avoid surprises when healthcare expenses are due. A few elements of Medicare that one should consider include monthly premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Missing the special enrollment period Those aged 65 or older may lose their health insurance coverage when they stop working. The coverage may also lapse when the insurance one has through their spouse concludes. When one finds themselves in this situation, they usually need to sign up for Medicare under the Special Enrollment Period (SEP), which does not involve a penalty.

Decluttering your home can be challenging, especially if you have many items you wish to get rid of. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and make errors that obstruct or even make the decluttering process more difficult. Also, one of people’s biggest mistakes while decluttering is improperly using trash bags. Moreover, procrastinating on this chore can also create unnecessary stress and clutter. Here are the five most common decluttering mistakes you should steer clear of: Starting with irrational expectations and neglecting to have a suitable plan Starting with unrealistic expectations and failing to develop a plan while decluttering can be costly mistakes. Expecting to finish cleaning your entire house in a single day is a typical mistake that not only is unfeasible but may also lead to frustration and burnout. Setting realistic goals and planning is essential before starting your decluttering project. For example, creating a list of the items you wish to save, donate, or dispose of, setting deadlines for each room or group of items, and locating resources for donation or disposal are a few examples of how to accomplish this. Your ability to focus and avoid distractions can also be helped by having a plan in place. It’s easy to become sidetracked once you start sifting through your possessions. Setting realistic goals, creating a plan, and starting with the most specific items can speed up the process and accomplish your decluttering aims. Keeping things you don’t need One of the biggest challenges of decluttering is deciding what to keep and discard. Many people make the mistake of keeping things they don’t need just in case they do. It may become cluttered, making finding the items you need difficult. Solution: Be honest with yourself about your usage habits and needs. If you haven’t used something in a year, you likely don’t need it and can get rid of it.

Certain foods have a significant impact on teeth and gums. Some foods promote healthy gums, while others cause plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can cause tooth decay and enamel erosion and lead to the development of cavities. This causes several complications, such as pain, chewing problems, and tooth abscesses. Here are the top foods that can hamper oral health and must be avoided at all costs. Sour candies It’s no surprise that candies cause tooth damage. However, sour candies contain several different acids that adversely affect your teeth. They are also chewy and sticky, which means they stay around in your mouth for a longer period, causing more damage. If you are keen on having something sweet, opt for a softer piece of chocolate that you can chew and ingest quickly and wash off any remnants from your mouth. Bread Refined carbohydrates such as white bread and white rice can worsen oral health. When we chew on these starches, the saliva converts them into sugar, which can get stuck between the teeth and cause cavities. If you’re looking for carbohydrates, opt for whole wheat bread, as they typically contain fewer added sugars. Carbonated beverages Sugary, carbonated drinks like soda and sports beverages have several negative effects on one’s health, such as cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and more. They also negatively impact the health of the teeth in two distinct manners. Not only are these drinks acidic, but they also promote acid production in the mouth by fostering cavity-causing bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans. According to various studies, soda is considered one of the main lifestyle factors behind dental erosion. It is best to avoid drinking carbonated beverages as much as possible. Ice Chewing on hard substances like ice can cause chipped, cracked, or broken teeth or loosened crowns.

Sugar is an incredibly common ingredient; people enjoy its use in cakes, sodas, and more. However, it isn’t uncommon for the ingredient to adversely affect our overall health, especially if one is at risk of diabetes. Consuming excess amounts of sugar may lead to a range of problems, including those with the digestive system. Thus, here are eight early warning signs that may indicate complications with gastrointestinal health due to too much sugar intake. Bloating People may experience bloating for various reasons, including swallowing air when they chew on foods like gum, overeating, and even menstruation. However, one may also experience this symptom if they consume too much sugar. While absorbing water is the primary job of the large intestine, too much sugar may draw water from the intestine or prevent its absorption. As a result, one may feel bloating or heaviness in the gut. This symptom should be checked by an expert, especially if it persists. Gas Another common symptom that most individuals may experience is gas. When an individual consumes too many sugar-rich foods, the body might not be able to break down the excessive amount of sugar. As a result, the food may lie around in the large intestine, where it ferments. The sugar may also move slowly through the large intestine, feeding yeast and unhealthy bacteria along the way, which triggers a buildup of gas. People who have gas due to too much sugar intake may notice other symptoms like spasms, pain, and cramping around their stomach. Diarrhea Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms people experience because of poor gastrointestinal health. It results in stools turning loose and watery and may also compel one to visit the bathroom several times. Diarrhea may last for one or two days or weeks, based on what has caused it.

Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day. It kickstarts the body’s metabolism, supplies essential nutrients for organs, and provides energy for the tasks ahead. Individuals with cardiovascular health conditions are especially advised to be mindful of what they eat for breakfast and pick nutritious foods. This comprehensive guide explores a few heart-healthy breakfast ideas one can consider. It also explains the benefits of each recipe to help make informed choices. Oatmeal with berries Oatmeal is a heart-healthy breakfast superstar that is easy to prepare and digest. It is rich in fiber, which helps manage cholesterol levels in the bloodstream, lowering heart disease risk. Cook the oats with almond milk until creamy, add some fresh berries, and top it off with chia seeds. Oats contain beta-glucans, a soluble fiber that reduces LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol or “bad” cholesterol. Berries are loaded with rich antioxidants that actively combat oxidative stress and inflammation—risk factors linked to heart disease. Chia seeds additionally provide omega-3 fatty acids known to contain anti-inflammatory properties that support heart health. Avocado toast Avocado toast has gained popularity for good reasons. Avocado is a nutritious fruit with healthy fats that help lower bad cholesterol. This recipe needs the most basic ingredients, such as a couple of whole-grain bread slices, a fresh ripe avocado, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes to add some heat. Mash the avocado with lemon juice, spread it over a whole-grain toast, and sprinkle red pepper flakes. Voila! It is that easy to prepare. Avocado is full of monounsaturated fats, which can reduce LDL cholesterol levels. It is also a good source of potassium that helps regulate blood pressure. Whole-grain bread provides fiber that helps with digestion to control cholesterol levels further. Greek yogurt parfait Dessert for breakfast may sound odd. But this healthy dessert-ish recipe boasts some of the best nutrients and vitamins that, when combined, lower the risk of heart disease.

On the sale bonanza day of Black Friday, even internet service providers do not hold back from offering the discounts you wish for. From 5G internet to exciting gift cards, you can find what you want and more. In this write-up, you will be made aware of some of the best internet deals that you can expect on Black Friday this year. Like every year, this year, the deals will be rewarding, too. AT&T Internet Like every year, this internet service provider will be loaded with exciting offers on Black Friday. You can expect gift cards worth $100 or $50 when you make a purchase of a certain amount. These offers are for both new and current customers. If you are a new customer of AT&T Internet, then you could get a $10 discount on the home Wi-Fi and various internet plans. Spectrum Spectrum could be a good choice if you want to find a new internet service provider. You can sign up for Spectrum online this Black Friday and get a cheaper deal than usual. They are also known for providing free equipment and activation services. Xfinity Xfinity is an internet service provider known for offering the best deals to new customers on Black Friday. This year, a new customer that opts for an Xfinity internet plan and an Xfinity mobile connection could receive a gift card worth around $300. Verizon Fios If you love cool freebies, then Verizon Fios will have a ton of those for you this Black Friday. If you sign up for their home unlimited internet services, then you could win goodies such as a PlayStation. HughesNet HughesNet is an internet service provider available in almost all parts of the country. This service provider also offers various deals and discounts that could reduce internet charges.