7 delicious and nutritional snacks for kids

7 delicious and nutritional snacks for kids

Feeling frequent bouts of hunger is not unusual for kids. In fact, it’s quite normal for children in their developing years to feel hungry frequently. However, extreme hunger can lead children to reach out for processed foods, most of which are filled with artificial ingredients, added sugars, and refined flour. These foods have empty calories and no nutritional value. Here are some nutrition-rich kid snacks you can make for your kid without any hassles: Celery with peanut butter and raisins Also known as “ants on a log,” celery with raisins and peanut butter can prove to be a fun way to make your child have a vegetable. Chop a twig of celery into three or four pieces. Take some peanut butter and spread it evenly inside the hollow part of the celery. After that, put some raisins on the peanut butter. The three foods combined in this recipe can offer an excellent balance of nutrients like protein, fat, and carbs. However, ensure that the peanut butter you use is not loaded with added sugars or vegetable oils. Nuts Nuts are notable for their high-fiber content, along with healthy fats and antioxidants. To support your child’s growth, it is essential to provide them with sufficient dietary fats. Earlier, health professionals used to withhold the prescription of nuts to prevent allergic reactions. However, they have now studied that introducing nuts at an early age has many benefits. Nevertheless, make sure that your child develops a habit of chewing properly before offering them nuts as a snack, as it is a choking hazard. Oatmeal Oatmeal is popularly considered a healthy breakfast. However, very few know it can also serve as an excellent snack. With a high-soluble fiber content, oats make great food for the digestive tract, as they increase the number of good bacteria and deliver other health benefits.
12 early warning signs indicating the onset of Parkinson’s disease

12 early warning signs indicating the onset of Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a disorder that gradually affects the nervous system, potentially impacting areas controlled by the nerves. The symptoms of the disease may occur gradually and may show themselves until a much later stage. But to get the most out of treatments for Parkinson’s disease, it is crucial to diagnose the condition when it just begins. Therefore, here are 12 early warning signs that could help identify the condition early and slow its progression. Tremors One may experience tremors for several reasons, including low blood sugar, stress, anxiety, and the side effects of ongoing prescriptions. However, the symptom might also be a warning sign of Parkinson’s disease. One may notice the first signs of tremors in the limbs, such as hands and fingers. A person with Parkinson’s may also rub the thumb and forefinger back and forth, known as a pill-rolling tremor. Furthermore, the symptom may stop while performing tasks but resume at rest. Bradykinesia As one ages, one’s physical abilities may decline, resulting in decreased mobility. However, individuals with Parkinson’s may also experience this condition, called bradykinesia. This may cause difficulty in performing even basic tasks and take longer than usual to complete them. Furthermore, one may notice that one’s steps become shorter while walking, and one may also drag or shuffle one’s feet while trying to walk. Parkinson’s disease may also make it difficult for the person to get out of a chair. Stiffness in the muscles An individual may develop stiff muscles due to trigger factors such as injuries, insect bites, and the after-effects of exercise. But if an individual is in perfect health and still starts to notice the muscles turning rigid, one must consult an expert immediately. It could occur due to multiple health complications, including Parkinson’s disease. The muscle pain can also be annoying and limit the individual’s range of motion.
Ear problems triggered by excessive sugar and their symptoms

Ear problems triggered by excessive sugar and their symptoms

Most people love eating sugary foods or beverages, but it often comes at a cost. Excessive intake of sugar-rich foods is known to cause various health concerns affecting the eyes, kidneys, liver, skin, and even the ears. It happens due to uncontrolled blood sugar levels in one’s body, paving the way for chronic conditions like diabetes. Keep reading to learn more about the various hearing issues caused by excessive sugar intake and their warning signs. Hearing problems and other ear issues caused by excessive sugar intake Decreased hearing Hearing loss is extremely common among older adults as it happens with age. However, other factors can play a pivotal role in developing this condition, including diabetes, prolonged exposure to loud noises, and excess ear wax. Usually, when it comes to diabetes, one of the main reasons patients can develop hearing loss or decreased hearing is the damage caused to the blood vessels in the inner ear. But diabetes can also cause other complications, including auditory nerve damage, where one may experience problems like sounds fading in and out. Loss of balance As mentioned previously, uncontrolled blood sugar levels in the body can cause damage to the small blood vessels in the ear. Sometimes, when damage occurs to the vestibular system, located in the inner ear, it can lead to loss of balance. In such cases, one can have an increased risk of dizziness and falls. Hence, patients experiencing this ear issue must consult a health expert immediately. Tinnitus Patients with diabetes have an increased risk of developing an ear problem known as tinnitus. Here, one may notice a constant ringing sensation in their ears. While the connection between diabetes and tinnitus requires more study, this ear issue can be caused due reduced functioning of the ear cells and auditory nerves. It means diabetes patients with insulin resistance can, over time, experience tinnitus as one of the hearing problems triggered by excessive sugar intake.
8 warning signs of atrial fibrillation

8 warning signs of atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation, usually abbreviated as AFib, is a heart rhythm disorder. It occurs when the heart’s upper chambers (called the atria) beat irregularly and out of sync with its lower chambers (the ventricles). While some with the condition may not experience symptoms, others may notice some warning signs. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial because untreated AFib can lead to numerous health complications, like stroke and heart failure. Here are some warning signs for AFib. Palpitations One of the most common symptoms of atrial fibrillation is palpitations. Palpitations are a sensation of rapid, irregular, or fluttering heartbeat. People with AFib often describe it as feeling like their heart is racing or pounding in their chest. Palpitations can be occasional or persistent and may last a few seconds or several hours. If one experiences them, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation because they can be signs of an underlying heart issue, including AFib. Fatigue and weakness Feeling excessively tired or weak is another warning sign of AFib. When the heart isn’t pumping blood effectively due to irregular atrial contractions, the body may not receive an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to persistent fatigue and weakness, making it hard to complete simple daily tasks. If someone finds themselves unusually tired despite getting enough rest, it’s essential to consider the possibility of AFib and seek expert advice. Shortness of breath Atrial fibrillation often causes shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or exertion. An irregular heartbeat can lead to inefficient blood circulation, which may result in insufficient oxygen delivery to the body’s tissues. Consequently, someone with these problems may struggle to catch their breath or feel breathless with minimal effort. If this symptom occurs frequently or becomes more pronounced, it should not be ignored, as it could point toward AFib.
15 bad habits that make mattresses dirty

15 bad habits that make mattresses dirty

The significance of a clean and hygienic mattress cannot be overstated. Beyond comfort lies a vital connection between mattress cleanliness and personal well-being. A dirty mattress not only compromises the quality of one’s sleep but can also pose potential health risks. This makes it imperative to understand the importance of a clean mattress. By doing so, individuals can enhance the quality of their sleep. Here are some practices that compromise mattress quality: 1. Skipping regular cleaning Regular cleaning is a key factor in preserving mattress hygiene. Over time, mattresses accumulate dust mites, dead skin cells, and other allergens that can affect sleep quality and respiratory health. By neglecting to vacuum the mattress every few months, individuals allow these unwanted guests to increase, potentially leading to discomfort and allergies. 2. Eating in bed The allure of a cozy breakfast or a late-night snack in bed is undeniable, but it comes at a cost. Crumbs, spills, and food particles can easily find their way into the mattress, providing a feast for dust mites and other unwelcome microorganisms. Apart from affecting mattress cleanliness, this habit can also lead to unpleasant odors and the formation of stains, compromising the overall sleep experience. 3. Ignoring stains Spills and stains are inevitable, but ignoring them can lead to more significant issues. Stains should be addressed promptly, whether it’s a coffee mishap or a bedtime snack gone wrong. Failing to do so not only jeopardizes the esthetic appeal of the mattress but can also create an environment conducive to the growth of mold and bacteria, potentially impacting health. 4. Failing to use a mattress protector A mattress protector is like a shield against spills, stains, and allergens. However, not using one is a common oversight. Investing in a quality mattress protector is a simple yet effective way to extend the life of the mattress and keep it in better condition.
Burial insurance – Types, coverage, and things to consider

Burial insurance – Types, coverage, and things to consider

Burial and funeral are sensitive things to speak about, but one must understand certain elements of it. One important part of the process is burial insurance (funeral or final expense insurance). The insurance option covers the deceased member’s funeral, burial, and other associated expenses. Moreover, it ensures that the member’s family does not have to worry about paying excessively out of pocket on the sensitive occasion. Here are some important things to know about burial insurance. Types of burial insurance Before one purchases a policy to cover burial and funeral costs, it is important to consider all the available insurance types. The most commonly available options include: Simplified issue life insurance Under this type of insurance, an applicant does not have to undergo a comprehensive healthcare examination to be eligible. But, one will have to answer a few questions associated with their health. If an applicant has any pre-existing health complications or if the person indulges in activities that may endanger their life, they might be denied this policy. One should also note that a simplified issue policy offers quicker approvals and could even provide higher coverage amounts in comparison to other types of insurance. Guaranteed issue life insurance This type of policy does not require any health questions or healthcare examinations. Those who apply for it are approved as long as they fall within the age range specified by the insurer (usually 50 to 85 years old). A guaranteed issue life insurance policy also has a waiting period, during which, if an individual passes away due to natural causes, the beneficiaries do not receive the entire sum assured. Since the policy may also put the insurer at a higher risk, the policyholder may need to pay a higher premium. Pre-need insurance A pre-need insurance policy is usually sold directly by funeral homes.
Multiple sclerosis – Foods to avoid to manage the condition

Multiple sclerosis – Foods to avoid to manage the condition

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an illness that impacts the central nervous system. Therefore, at first glance, your food may not appear to play a significant role in initiating your symptoms or exacerbating the illness. However, consuming certain foods and eliminating others may bring some benefits. While there is no specific food-related advice for MS patients, consuming whole foods is advised. And if you are wondering what not to consume for sclerosis, read on. How food helps manage multiple sclerosis It is believed that the condition is caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental variables and that food can play a role. Also, the fact that MS is more common in developed countries than in developing ones indicates that nutrition may play a role. As a result, nutritional recommendations for individuals with MS focus on symptom management to enhance the overall quality of life. However, before making any food changes, consult a physician or nutritionist. These are the foods to avoid to protect your health. Gluten Gluten is present in grains like wheat and rye. Individuals with celiac disease, characterized by gluten sensitivity, should avoid gluten altogether to prevent intestinal damage. Still, many other individuals, including those suffering from MS, can benefit by eliminating gluten from their meals. Sugar Limit foods heavy in simple sugars because they lead to blood glucose imbalances. A substantial increase or decrease in blood glucose is linked with the consumption of processed sugar. And this can lead to more severe symptoms in those with multiple sclerosis. Those who have MS and consume sugar-sweetened drinks are up to 5 times more likely to suffer a severe disability than those who consume the least sugar-sweetened beverages. Ultra-Processed foods Ultra-processed items have various additives to extend their shelf life and change their color and flavor. Widely used compounds in processed foods can harm intestinal mucosa, weakening our natural immune response.
7 Warning Signs and Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma

7 Warning Signs and Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a kind of cancer that forms in the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. Plasma cells allow one to fight against infections by producing antibodies that attack any foreign substance entering the body. Multiple myeloma happens when cancerous plasma cells outnumber healthy blood cells in the body. Keep reading to learn about the warning signs of multiple myeloma to remember for an early diagnosis and timely treatment. Causes When a person has cancer, plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and outnumber healthy blood cells. Instead of producing normal antibodies, these cancerous cells make abnormal proteins, which cause several health complications. In multiple myeloma cases, the body might or might not show symptoms. Since the disease often does not cause symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage, an early diagnosis is difficult. Sometimes, it gets accidentally detected during a routine blood test by showing an abnormal protein level. Signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma Some early warning signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma are listed below. Symptoms Nausea – When cancerous plasma cells cause bone damage, bones break down, and calcium enters the bloodstream. Excessive calcium levels can trigger nausea. Bone pain, mainly in the chest and spine, is a common symptom of MM, triggered by bone damage due to the myeloma cell growth in the bone marrow. Loss of appetite – The abnormal plasma cells cause many changes to one’s hormones and metabolism, making one lose appetite.  Fatigue Excessive body mass loss Excessive thirst Numbness in legs – Abnormal proteins produced by cancerous plasma cells can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness and sometimes a “pins and needles” sensation in the legs. Constipation Brain fogginess Warning signs of multiple myeloma Here are some signs of multiple myeloma, in detail , that one should look out for.
7 Medical Conditions That Can Trigger Hair Loss

7 Medical Conditions That Can Trigger Hair Loss

It is normal to lose fifty to one hundred hairs per day. This suggests that new hair is replacing the existing hair as the hair goes through its natural growth cycle. Alopecia, which is another name for hair loss, however, denotes a more serious health condition where a person loses more than a hundred strands every day. Here are several underlying diseases that may be the cause of the hair loss. What are the indications of severe hair loss? Hair loss caused by illnesses can appear in different ways. For some, the signs may appear suddenly, and for others, they may only be visible over a period. Some general signs include: Bald patches on the scalp Broken hair Redness or swelling on the scalp Sudden thinning of hair Loss of hair in the beard, eyebrows, or elsewhere in the body Which diseases trigger hair loss? Here are some health conditions that may trigger hair loss in some people: Lupus Lupus is an autoimmune condition in which one’s immune system cannot differentiate between the body’s healthy cells and the foreign bodies and begins attacking them. Hair loss is one of the most common signs of lupus and occurs when the inflammation affects the scalp. According to  Novel Insights from Clinical Practice,  it may either cause hair to fall out in bunches or cause gradual hair thinning at the front of the scalp, known as ‘lupus hair’ or non-scarring alopecia. When accompanied by thick red sores, lupus results in scarring alopecia. At times, treatments that control lupus symptoms also result in hair loss.  The best way to manage lupus-induced hair loss is to prevent frequent flare-ups. This can be done by: Avoiding going out in the sun Eating healthy meals and exercising Managing stress Getting sufficient amount of rest Hormonal problems According to the  International Journal of Molecular Sciences,  there is a close connection between various hormones and the hair cycle.
Foods and Beverages to Avoid Before Flying

Foods and Beverages to Avoid Before Flying

Dealing with an upset stomach is one of the common concerns most travelers have while boarding a long-haul flight. Whether a person is traveling domestically or internationally, it is common to have an upset stomach, and sometimes, the symptoms may flare up, making it embarrassing for travelers to explain. To avoid such challenging scenarios and prevent health complications, here are some common foods and beverages to avoid having before boarding flights. Dairy products Long-haul flights, lasting more than 6 hours, can negatively affect one’s digestive system. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are some common issues people experience with an upset stomach. It happens because the stomach contents get churned up with changes in altitude and cabin pressure. Furthermore, people who are lactose intolerant won’t be able to digest the sugars found in dairy entirely. This indigestion will lead to gas and bloating. Therefore, avoiding consuming dairy products on or before boarding a long-haul flight is best. Travelers must avoid fatty milk, cheese, milk curds, baked goods, and processed snacks made with milk or yogurt as the main ingredients before taking a flight. Cruciferous vegetables Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage may be nutrient-dense. However, avoiding these items before boarding a flight is advised, mainly because these vegetables can cause gas. Even at cruising altitude, the plane will adjust course and height. These adjustments trigger changes in the cabin air pressure, and the body will find it hard to process these foods. As a result, one might develop bloating and nausea. During long-haul flights, it might be hard to hold in the gas for hours, which could very well turn into an embarrassing situation. Beans Beans are notoriously known for causing bloating in mid-air. Like cruciferous vegetables, beans, when digested beans release gases that expand in the stomach. Also, altitude adjustments can churn up the stomach’s contents, which further causes abdominal discomfort.
10 Hidden Facts About Long Haul Flights

10 Hidden Facts About Long Haul Flights

Long haul flights usually last beyond 6 hours and cover over 3,500 miles. These flights can be exhausting since they cross multiple time zones, and passengers not used to it may feel jet-lagged. But some fascinating things can happen on these lengthy journeys. In this article, we’ll discover 15 surprising facts about long haul flights, the changes one’s body goes through, and share tips for surviving these long journeys. Secret sleeping area Crew members on long haul flights need some rest like the rest of the passengers and are provided with a secret bedroom. The bedroom allows them to nap or take time off serving and attending to passengers. This room by the cockpit contains a bunk and, at times, a private bathroom and can be accessed only by the cabin crew. Recycled air The air in a long haul flight cabin is passed through efficient filters and recycled with fresh air. The filters remove the bacteria and viruses and circulate back into the cabin after being mixed with fresh air. This process is done every few minutes, approximately 15 times an hour. A plane engine takes in massive amounts of air and compresses it to burn with the fuel and produce energy that moves the plane. Some of this air is cooled down and provides oxygen for the passengers to breathe onboard. Different planes for different routes Long-haul commercial flights usually use wide-body aircraft for flying. The route-planning experts decide which aircraft to use. This aircraft type also changes amenities like more legroom or smaller seats. Losing water from the body The air at a higher altitude is dry, and the human body tends to lose 8 ounces of water every hour while in flight. A long-haul flight of ten hours may lead to one losing approximately two liters of water.
Avoid these 7 peeing mistakes for a healthy bladder

Avoid these 7 peeing mistakes for a healthy bladder

Urinating is a routine body function that helps get rid of the waste fluids in the body. Urine generally contains water, urea, creatinine, uric acid, chloride, sodium, potassium, sulfate, ammonium, phosphate, and other ions. Most people urinate around 6–7 times per day. One may not think about it, but there are wrong and right ways to pee, which can help ensure optimal bladder health. Here are seven of the most common peeing mistakes to avoid: Holding it in for too long Holding urine in can sometimes be unavoidable, such as at a concert or on a long drive. However, making a habit out of it can stretch the bladder, causing loss of bladder function and leading to urinary infections. Contrary to popular belief, urine is not sterile. It contains a microbial system. Holding pee in for too long can make one more susceptible to infections as the bacteria multiply. To protect the bladder, it is important to keep drinking enough water and urinating when one feels the urge. Not fully emptying the bladder when peeing Sometimes, when one is in a rush, they may not fully empty their bladder. This stretches the bladder and also increases the risk of infections. Incomplete urination may not always be intentional. This is known as urinary retention and may be caused by other health conditions like an enlarged prostate, bladder outlet obstructions like urethral strictures, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary tract stones, constipation, tumors, fibroids, and polyps. Further, tight pelvic floor muscles, urinary tract infections, prostatitis, sexually transmitted infections, or trauma to the pelvis, urethra, or penis can lead to urinary retention. If one notices that their bladder does not empty fully after urination, they speak with a general physician or urologist. Some of the common symptoms of urinary retention include pain or swelling in the lower abdomen, frequent urinating in small amounts, having an urgent need to urinate, and having a slow stream.