The common cold and flu are both viral infections that affect the respiratory tract. While the symptoms of the conditions are the same, the flu is more severe. Patients experience sore throats, congestion, coughing, chest pain, headaches, sneezing, and high fevers. Although the conditions are common, they can be fatal if not managed. Thankfully, there are many ways to control the symptoms of a cold and the flu. The top three ways are: Begin the treatment Once the symptoms start to show, you must consult with a certified health practitioner and start your treatment. Fever, aches, and chills are pretty common symptoms of the cold and flu. Two common treatments prescribed by the doctor, in this case, are XOFLUZA® and TAMIFLU®.    XOFLUZA® It is a prescription treatment that is advised for people aged over 12 years. It is advised for people exhibiting the symptoms for not more than 48 hours. It is also prescribed for people aged 12 years and older who have been in touch with someone suffering from a cold or flu since the virus is highly contagious. Doctors do not prescribe this treatment for children below 12 years of age as it is still unknown if it is effective for kids in this age group.   TAMIFLU® It is an antiviral treatment that fights the virus in the body, stopping it from multiplying. Though it is not a substitute for the flu vaccination, the treatment is effective for kids aged two weeks and older suffering from influenza. It is also advised for people aged one year and older to prevent cold and flu.  Foods to have to manage cold and flu Being down and under the weather with the cold and the flu can leave you feeling fatigued and uninterested in food. But, to recover fast and effectively, you must consume the right food.

Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects the central nervous system of the body. Here, the body’s immune system attacks the nerve fibers with the risk of causing permanent damage. As per a National MS Society study, about 1 million people in the country are affected by this condition. While there’s no permanent cure for the disease, it can be managed through the following treatment options, better food choices, and a few lifestyle changes:  Choosing the right treatment options People affected by multiple sclerosis (or MS) are usually capable of living a normal or near-normal life. With the right treatment, their condition can improve drastically. Ponvory, Kesimpta, and Ocrevus   are three different options prescribed by doctors for MS patients. Here is what one can expect: Ponvory:  This helps treat patients suffering from relapsing forms of MS. Adults with active secondary progression and relapsing-remitting MS can also benefit from this option. However, it has not been tested on kids. Ponvory is meant to be taken orally with or without food. KESIMPTA:  This is a prescription option for adults with relapsing forms of MS. The effectiveness of the option on children is yet to be proven. KESIMPTA is a liquid solution that is injected under the skin to target the B cells of the lymph nodes that play a role in relapsing multiple sclerosis. Ocrevus:  This prescription treatment provides relief to adults affected by primary progressive multiple sclerosis, MS relapse, relapse-remitting MS, and secondary progressive disease. It is not yet being tested on children in a clinical setting. Ocrevus is administered two times a year. Making better food choices There are no typical constraints or specific meals that can prevent the disease or relapse. However, an anti-inflammatory meal plan is usually recommended to patients so that they remain energetic and do not develop other conditions like cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure that can worsen their MS symptoms.

The refrigerator plays an integral part in the smooth functioning of the modern kitchen. It is not just a storage vessel. The refrigerator contributes to storing food, cooked and uncooked. It negates the need to produce shopping every other day. It plays a considerable part in meal planning and prepping for the upcoming week, making things easier for busy individuals. However, certain mistakes can contribute to the compromised functioning of the appliance and must be avoided. Overstuffing When one stuffs their refrigerator excessively, it can lead to spoiled food. The air circulation in the fridge is restricted when every inch of space is filled with groceries. This can cause uneven cooling and spoilage of food. To avoid this, adopting a “less is more” approach is important, allowing cool air to circulate freely and keeping all the items fresh. Disorganized interiors An untidy refrigerator can be compared to a disorganized wardrobe. Finding what one may need can be difficult, leading to items being overlooked and spoiling. To improve efficiency and make every ingredient easily accessible, it is important to introduce a system of organization. This can be achieved by grouping and labeling similar items, transforming the fridge into an orderly and convenient space. Temperature negligence The fridge’s thermostat is an essential component that affects the food’s freshness. If one ignores its setting, it can cause temperature imbalances affecting the lifespan of perishable food items. Therefore, it is important to take a moment to adjust the temperature settings and align them with recommended guidelines for optimal food preservation. Neglected cleaning routine Neglecting regular cleaning leads to unpleasant odors and provides a breeding ground for bacteria. Adopting a simple routine of clearing out expired items, wiping down surfaces, and addressing spills ensures a clean and hygienic fridge environment. Overlooking the freezer’s maintenance The freezer, often overlooked compared to the main fridge, has unique challenges.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in boosting immunity and maintaining overall health and well-being. Food is fuel for the body and an organic source of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that keep essential bodily functions up and running. Unfortunately, many people overlook the benefits of healthy meals, increasing their risk of developing diseases and infections. Here are ten popular superfoods for the immune system experts recommend including in the nutrition regimen. Blueberries Blueberries are the richest sources of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that boost immunity. A handful of blueberries pack essential polyphenols and anthocyanins that prevent free radicals from causing oxidative stress to healthy cells. This lowers the risk of chronic diseases that impact cell regeneration. In addition, blueberries are low in calories and high in nutrients like fiber, manganese, and vitamins C and K. These compounds significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, boost cognitive function, lower blood pressure, fight common urinary tract infections, and even boast anti-diabetic effects. So, one can add blueberries to their food plan and enjoy these health benefits in the long term. Broccoli Nutritionists recommend including as many cruciferous vegetables and dark leafy greens in the food plan as possible to boost immunity. Broccoli is a rich source of soluble fiber, iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamins C and K. Combined, these nutrients prevent imbalances in blood sugar levels, improve joint and bone health, lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, and boost overall immunity. Broccoli is also a rich organic source of sulforaphane, an active compound that blocks harmful enzymes in the body, preventing them from causing pain and inflammation of the joints. Spinach This green leafy veggie is full of active folates, magnesium, and vitamins A and C that actively boost immunity. A cupful of cooked spinach contains more anti-inflammatory compounds than a few other veggies combined.

Bones are the building blocks of the human body, providing it with a framework, supporting its movement, helping it store minerals, and protecting the organs. Here, bone density plays a key role in maintaining bone strength and preventing bone diseases. Low bone density indicates brittleness, which may eventually lead to health conditions like osteopenia and osteoporosis. Nevertheless, nutrition-based changes, like taking vitamin and mineral supplements, can help improve bone density and keep diseases at bay. 1. Calcium Calcium constitutes a major part of bone tissues and can help strengthen bones. While dairy products are major food sources of calcium, those with lactose intolerance may have to avoid dairy, which may reduce calcium intake and lower bone density. Today, several calcium supplements are available in the market. One can consult a nutritionist or doctor before opting for these products. 2. Vitamin D Vitamin D is an essential nutrient responsible for the absorption of calcium in the body. In fact, studies have shown that without adequate intake of vitamin D, the body absorbs only 10–15% of calcium derived from foods. Sunlight is a major source of vitamin D, so optimal exposure to sunlight is essential to increase vitamin D levels in the body. Vitamin D supplements can also help with calcium absorption, contributing to an increase in bone density. 3. Vitamin K Although research regarding the extent of vitamin K’s effectiveness in ensuring bone health is inconclusive, some studies suggest that vitamin K helps increase bone strength and reduces the susceptibility to fractures. Alongside choosing vitamin K-rich foods like leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, and soybeans, adding vitamin K supplements can also help increase the levels of this nutrient in the body. 4. Boron Although a trace element, boron is crucial for bone development and maintenance, as well as the absorption of other vital nutrients like calcium and magnesium in the body.

Nasal polyps are soft, usually painless lumps that grow in the sinuses or nose as a result of specific allergies, infection, or inflammation. More often than not, the polyps do not result in severe symptoms. However, people with nasal polyps may experience sneezing, itching, difficulty in breathing, and runny nose, among other symptoms. While doctors can prescribe sprays for nasal polyps relief, the following natural remedies can also help relieve the symptoms.  Cayenne pepper This hot and spicy food item contains capsaicin—a compound that is known for its ability to clear sinuses. Several studies have shown that this compound can help ease inflammation, open up nasal passages, and improve immunity. Consequently, one can reduce several nasal polyp symptoms by adding cayenne pepper to their food. Adding 1–2 teaspoons to the recipes should help with symptom relief. Alternatively, having a hot cayenne tea can also serve the purpose. Peppermint The key ingredient that makes peppermint one of the best natural remedies for nasal polyps is menthol. A study conducted in 2015 indicated that menthol possesses decongestant properties that not only help in clearing nasal passages but also treat common cold-like symptoms. Neti pot Using a neti pot is a form of nasal irrigation that can help reduce nasal polyp symptoms. It entails using a small pot filled with a warm salt water solution. The water is first sterilized or distilled, and then salt is added to make a solution. This solution is run through the sinuses and nasal passages to help dampen the mucus membranes. The process protects the mucus membranes from the invasion of irritants and allergens. Steam inhalation Steam can also help in easing nasal polyp symptoms. Several studies have demonstrated that steam inhalation along with nasal irrigation can help relieve symptoms like sinus inflammation-induced headaches. One can inhale the steam in several ways, like steam rooms, humidifiers, baths, and hot showers.

Arthritis is a condition that impacts about one out of four adults in the country. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. While in the initial days, one may feel mildly irritated due to stiffness in joints, in the advanced stage, it may turn downright crippling. Besides, what is common among the arthritis types is inflammation. Here are a few things that can worsen arthritis symptoms:  Not following a workout regime Skipping exercise during arthritis is perceived as the most logical thing to do. And why not? It will do nothing but intensify your already paining joints. Right? Well, not really! In actuality, it is the opposite. The more you engage in physical activities, the lesser stiffness and pain you will feel in the joints. Besides that, following a well-planned workout regime with the right exercises will make the muscles around your joints more potent, reducing the perils of arthritis symptoms. Consult your doctor about the types of physical exercises you should do. Ideally, activities like yoga, swimming, and biking are considered joint-friendly. Indulging in intense physical activities Neither too little nor too much should be the modus operandi while working out. This is specifically applicable when you have arthritis. While exercising too little can do nothing to relieve the stiffness and pain from your joints, over exercising can worsen your joint pain, so much so that you can even suffer joint damage. So, avoid pushing yourself beyond the limit and consult a health professional for a workout plan. Not paying attention to increasing BMI levels When you have arthritis, maintaining your Body Mass Index is highly essential. Otherwise, your sensitive joints are prone to feel the extra load. You must note that for every 10 pounds of extra mass added to your body, the force your knees experience is intensified by 30 or 40 pounds.

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Here, cancerous cells begin accumulating in the bone marrow and outnumber the healthy cells. This leads to huge amounts of unwanted proteins rather than helpful antibodies. About 34,000 adults in the country are estimated to be affected by this condition in 2022. However, the disease can be managed through the following treatment options, foods, and lifestyle changes: Treatment options Multiple myeloma does not have a permanent cure, but the disease and its symptoms can be managed with the right treatment. Doctors may recommend immunotherapy to treat this blood-related condition.  Immunotherapy This is a treatment method that empowers the patient’s immune system to fight cancerous cells. It is a biological therapy where certain substances derived from living beings are used for the treatment. Here are a few options: CAR T-cell therapy: This is a form of immunotherapy prescribed for multiple myeloma patients. This works on the T-cells (a white blood cell type), stimulating them to fight cancerous growth. The therapy involves drawing blood from the patient and adding chimeric antigen receptors (or CARs) to the blood, helping the T-cells target certain cancerous cell antigens. The CAR T-cells are then infused into the blood of the patient. Doctors can recommend BCMA-targeted immunotherapy for patients to enter remission. The B-cell maturation antigen or BCMA helps regulate the growth and survival of B cells, and it is heavily present in myeloma cells. Targeting BCMA to kill cancer cells can slow the progression of the disease. BCMA-targeted treatment is a form of CAR T-cell therapy. Monoclonal antibodies: These are synthetic or man-made antibodies that attack the proteins on the myeloma cell surface. The antibodies attach to the CD38 protein on the myeloma cells, killing them and strengthening the immune system to attack the cancerous cells.

Migraine is a type of headache that may result from a neurological condition. It causes severe pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head. If you regularly have migraine attacks, consult a neurologist who can treat your chronic migraine. The doctor will help you identify the factors that trigger your headaches and treat the pain accordingly. A person’s age, family history, sex, and hormones make them more prone to migraines. Migraine triggers Though the deep-rooted cause of migraines remains unknown, specific triggers can cause the onset of migraines. Some of them are: Food and food additives Particular food and chemical additives may set off migraine attacks. Fasting is another meal-related trigger that is responsible for this h ealth  condition. Caffeine, chocolate, cheese, pickled, fermented, and cured foods are associated with a migraine attack. Also, it has been found that food items containing more Tyramine may cause this condition. It has also been reported that Migraines may also be triggered by aspartame, an artificial sweetener, and Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), the flavor enhancer. Many people believe in this rational finding, while the experiments have led to conflicting results for aspartame. Hunger and dehydration Hunger or skipping meals is another factor that triggers this  health  condition. This results in lower glucose levels that can cause migraines. Dehydration is another factor that may contribute to this type of headache. Low hydration levels are the cause in forty percent of people. It also affects the overall body and leads to confusion and dizziness. Therefore, there is a need to stay properly hydrated. Strong and unusual smells Certain people have reported that migraine gets triggered by certain strong, unusual, and odd smells. Various smells, like the fragrance of perfumes, colognes, chemicals, and food odors, can cause the condition to set in. These triggers may lead to a migraine attack or worsen an existing one.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can develop into a serious condition as it tends to spread quickly. It accounts for about 1% of all skin cancers in the country. The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests that 197,700 melanoma cases will be detected in 2022. However, it is a highly curable disease when detected in the early stages. Further, the disease can be managed through the following treatment options, food choices, and remedies: Choosing the right treatment options The disease is also known as black tumor and is an invasive kind of cancer. When detected, one should get a proper diagnosis to initiate the treatment as quickly as possible, as early detection and treatment can help cure the disease. It is imperative to follow the healthcare expert’s advice in this regard. They may recommend the following option: Opdivo: This treatment is recommended for adults with advanced melanoma. It is prescribed to treat melanoma, cancer of the lungs, kidneys, lymphocytes, urinary tract and bladder cancer, head and neck, colon or rectum, esophagus, and stomach. This is recommended for patients affected by melanoma that has advanced or spread to other organs. Here, surgical methods would have been ruled out. The option is administered to patients intravenously. OPDIVO ® contains nivolumab, which attaches to the PD-1 receptors on the T cells found in the human immune system. In so doing, nivolumab prevents the cancer cells from deactivating the T cells, thereby strengthening the immune system strong to fight the cancerous cells.   Melanoma spreads fast and can reach other organs of the body. In such cases, the doctor might suggest other courses of treatment to target cancer cells in these organs. Making better food choices The next course of action in managing melanoma and its symptoms is to consume food that contains minerals like zinc and vitamins C, E, and A, along with other essential nutrients like polyphenols, selenium, beta carotene, and lycopene.

Grilling outdoors is a cherished pastime, an art form that transforms meals into flavorful masterpieces and gatherings into memorable experiences. The sizzle of marinated meats, the smoky aroma that wafts through the air, and the anticipation of that first delicious bite—it’s a culinary adventure like no other. Yet, amidst the thrill of creating culinary magic, there are certain pitfalls to avoid. This guide unveils the crucial knowledge every grill enthusiast should possess. Neglecting proper preheating One of the most frequently overlooked steps in grilling is preheating the grill adequately. Whether using a charcoal, gas, or electric grill, individuals must understand that this step is essential for achieving even cooking results. Failing to preheat can lead to unevenly cooked food and affect the overall flavor. To avoid this, individuals should allow their grill to heat up for at least 15-20 minutes before placing food on the grates. Proper preheating also has the added benefit of lowering the chances of food sticking to the grates. When the grill is at the right temperature, the metal expands, creating a smoother cooking surface. This simple step not only enhances the grilling experience but also ensures that the food is cooked to perfection. Ignoring grill maintenance Proper grill maintenance is paramount for ensuring its longevity and optimal performance. Neglecting regular cleaning can lead to the accumulation of grease, food residue, and even rust, which can affect the flavor of grilled dishes. It is advisable to clean the grates after each use and give the grill a thorough cleaning at least once a month. Additionally, individuals should check for any signs of wear and tear and replace parts if needed. Regular maintenance also includes inspecting hoses, valves, and connectors for any signs of wear or damage. A faulty component can lead to gas leaks or uneven heat distribution.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that affects one’s joints. In some cases, it can also damage several other body systems like blood vessels, the heart, lungs, eyes, and skin. It is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when your immune system starts mistakenly attacking your body’s tissues. The condition affects the joint’s lining, resulting in painful swelling, which can later cause joint deformity and bone erosion. Here are some treatment measures for rheumatoid arthritis: Treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis Actemra® It is a prescription, FDA-approved biological therapy for relief from rheumatoid arthritis. Actemra ® helps lower the inflammation in the body by directly blocking the action of a protein in your body called interleukin-6 (IL-6). Your doctor may administer it as a subcutaneous or intravenous injection. The former is administered at home or at a medical facility, but the latter is given solely at a medical facility. Plaquenil It is an FDA-approved prescription treatment that helps treat acute and chronic rheumatoid arthritis. It helps manage symptoms such as stiffness, inflammation, joint pain, and swelling. It is to be taken exactly as per the recommendation of one’s primary healthcare professional. Rinvoq® Rinvoq ® helps treat moderate to severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis in adults when tumor necrosis factor blockers were used but could not be tolerated or did not work well. This treatment option can affect your immune system adversely, making you susceptible to fatal or severe infections. So, get in touch with your doctor if you experience weight loss, diarrhea, skin sores, cough, tiredness, fever, aches, chills, or a burning sensation while urinating. Trexall It is a treatment measure for severe rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It is an antimetabolite treatment. Trexall not only helps manage swelling in the joints, but it can also help decrease damage to them and any long-term disability due to the condition.