Ataxia is a debilitating disorder associated with the nervous system. The cerebellum, a component of the brain, undergoes damage in this health condition. As this component is needed for movement coordination, individuals with Ataxia show symptoms such as stumbling, falling, speaking in a slurry manner, and not having control over eye movement. Ataxia can be detected and diagnosed at an early stage based on specific early symptoms, which are discussed below. Difficulty with balance and coordination Since Ataxia affects the cerebellum, it causes people with this condition to perpetually experience a feeling of unsteadiness while standing or walking. One may constantly feel that they may fall due to a lack of balance. Apart from that, individuals with this condition may also have difficulty with changing directions or turning, and may frequently stumble or fall while attempting to do so. Moreover, some patients may also face balance-related problems while standing on one leg. Ataxia also adversely affects motor coordination. So, people with this condition lose control of their arms and legs and some other vital muscles. This can cause involuntary movement in a person’s fingers, hands, arms, legs, and other muscles in the body. Slurred speech and swallowing difficulties Among the muscles affected by Ataxia are the ones that aid speaking. Therefore, people with this condition may speak in a slurry and incomprehensible manner. This early indicator of Ataxia negatively impacts one’s ability to communicate with people around them. Unfortunately, communication issues brought about by this health condition directly result in misunderstandings and difficulties in social gatherings and situations. The tongue is a muscle that is vital for swallowing food as well. Therefore, if a person loses control over their tongue, they will find it difficult to ingest food. This holds true for solid as well as liquid foods. All in all, if one faces issues such as difficulties in speaking and swallowing food, they need to consult their healthcare provider immediately.

Most people love to start their day with a hot, refreshing cup of coffee. Coffee, as everyone knows, is a major source of caffeine in the lives of millions worldwide every day. While caffeine has its positives, one of which is helping people stay awake and refreshed for long hours, daily consumption can be problematic. Healthcare professionals generally discourage people from consuming excessive amounts of caffeine for a whole host of reasons. Anxiety Perhaps the most well-known benefit of caffeine is how it eases exhaustion. This is possible as caffeine inhibits the effectiveness of adenosine, a brain chemical that creates the sensation of exhaustion in individuals. Simultaneously, caffeine also causes the release of a hormone named adrenaline, which brings about increased energy and vigor in caffeine consumers. Unfortunately, when one consumes too much caffeine, these effects are magnified excessively and cause anxiety, rapid breathing, jitteriness, and stress. If an individual consumes caffeine despite developing anxiety, their condition can go from bad to worse. Frequent urges to urinate Consuming too much of any liquid can overwork the bladder and make one visit the restroom more often to urinate, and coffee is no different in that regard. However, caffeine contains chemicals that raise the risk of increased urination. It can stimulate the bladder excessively. In fact, this can cause one of the worst caffeine side effects in the long run: incontinence. Insomnia People mainly use caffeine to stay awake during work or study; however, as with the other side effects on this list, excessive caffeine intake can make it a tall task for people to get enough sleep in a day. Caffeine increases the amount of time one needs to fall asleep. Therefore, people with existing cases of insomnia need to avoid coffee or have as little of it as possible. Caffeine’s effects on a person’s sleep also take a long time to wear off.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition in which the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and rests between beats is higher than the normal range (120 over 80). This changes according to the activities one does throughout the day. Hypertension is known as a silent killer because its symptoms usually go unnoticed until it gets to an advanced stage. Here are some signs and symptoms one should watch out for before it gets too late. Headaches It is normal to get headaches, but if you have persistent and throbbing pain, it may be a sign of hypertension. This is especially noticed when you wake up in the morning. Dizziness One could feel dizzy for several reasons, and hypertension should not be ruled out as the illness causing this symptom. Some people may even experience fainting due to high blood pressure. So be aware of any changes in your body’s normal functions. Blurred vision The eyes contain many tiny blood vessels, which, when subjected to high blood pressure, may lead to rupture of these vessels. It could lead to retinopathy or blood vessel damage. This lack of blood flow to the retina can lead to blurred vision or even loss of sight. Chest pain When one experiences high blood pressure, it can damage the arteries. The condition makes the arteries less elastic, leading to decreased blood and oxygen flow to the heart. This can increase the risk of developing heart diseases like angina, which causes chest pain. Shortness of breath The arteries carry oxygen to the lungs through the heart. When one experiences hypertension, the arteries do not contain enough oxygen to carry to the lungs. This can lead to shortness of breath even in regular everyday tasks. Fatigue and weakness Generally, a lack of energy is a warning sign of hypertension.

Dodge is a famous automobile manufacturer with an excellent lineup of trucks and SUVs. While its vehicles are known for performance and durability, they must be maintained well. A fundamental aspect of car upkeep is changing the oil and filters regularly. Whether one owns a robust Dodge truck or a versatile SUV, understanding the nuances of oil and filter changes can help the automobile run smoothly and extend its lifespan. The function of oil and filters in a vehicle Engine oil is a lubricating fluid that circulates throughout the engine to reduce friction between moving parts, dissipate heat, and protect against wear and tear. The oil filter is responsible for removing impurities and contaminants from the engine oil. The filter is replaced during routine oil changes to maintain its filtration capabilities. Tips for changing oil and filters in vehicles Oil and filters play crucial roles in the vehicle’s engine, ensuring it operates efficiently and remains in good condition. If one follows these tips, it will not only ensure engine longevity but also contribute to better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions: Use the right tools and materials Before starting, it’s important to gather all the right tools. One will need an oil filter wrench to remove the old filter, a container to catch the old oil (like an oil drain pan), a set of sockets or wrenches, a funnel to pour in new oil, a new oil filter, and the right type and sufficient amount of oil. Using the right tools and materials not only simplifies the process but also ensures one performs the oil change accurately and safely. Have safety gear handy One should always work in a place where there’s fresh air and put on safety gear like gloves and safety glasses for protection. Gloves defend one’s hands from contact with hot oil, sharp tools, and potentially harmful chemicals, preventing burns and cuts.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues strict guidelines each year to ensure each individual can file their taxes on time and with ease. However, most people who have never filed taxes before may find the task daunting. And this could lead to them making several mistakes. Moreover, those who have filed taxes in the past may also make certain filing mistakes. Therefore, here are eight errors one should avoid when filing tax returns. Calculation errors Tax filing is a process that people often rush through, which could result in one making calculation mistakes. Any error that includes basic subtractions, additions, or complex calculations could affect the tax filing process. Moreover, calculation mistakes could also affect an individual’s deductions and credits. So, it is important to carefully inspect each calculation before filing the return. One could always use dedicated online tools to evaluate credits and deductions properly. Failing to verify returns One may check all the boxes when it comes to filing returns but fail to verify the document when they file it online. This mistake could affect their entire filing process. The lack of a digital signature upon uploading the tax documentation would result in the IRS rejecting the claim. Therefore, one should ensure the documents are uploaded to the respective servers and e-signed on time. Some might prefer submitting their documents physically instead of electronically. In such cases, one should see to it that they sign and verify the documents by a financial expert before handing the paperwork over to the Internal Revenue Service. Filing early Getting things done before time is a good habit. However, it might not always work when it comes to filing taxes. While the rules and regulations for tax filing are usually the same, sometimes the IRS might make amendments and update forms. These updates might take some time to make it to employees via an organization.

People work hard for years on end to put together whatever savings they have. Losing this small safety net to scammers can put a dent in the person’s current quality of life and change their goals and plans. Therefore, staying updated about how fraudsters manipulate and scam people is vital. This information will help individuals stay safe from scammers and make informed choices regarding their banking habits. Here are a few banking scams to know about: 1. Phishing attacks Phishing experts impersonate people to extract money. They use emails and texts to pretend to be someone from an organization their target is aware of. This includes the bank, merchants, or some other service provider trying to verify the existing account. This is just an attempt to get the individual to share their bank details, social security number, or other personal details. Adhere to caution when dealing with links and one-time passwords. Avoid opening any unsolicited links or other communication. Try to verify the email address or phone number before proceeding with any dealings or information-sharing process. If none of that works, try to contact the bank from which the text has been received. 2. Check fraud Scammers can call or email individuals to tell them they have accidentally sent them a huge amount of money. These scammers then ask these individuals to request that their money be returned. One needs to be vigilant about who they are sharing sensitive data with. Letting go of this information can prove to be harmful to one’s financial state. Returning the money that hasn’t been received can cause the person to suffer financial loss. Aside from this, it can also mean sharing personal bank account details with a stranger, who may or may not be able to wipe out this account. For starters, individuals should not be sending back any money without checking with their banks first.

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

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers globally. The tumor begins in the prostate gland and can be detected through screening, after which the treatment procedure is determined. While standard treatments exist, clinical trials on and for prostate cancer   determine how effective new therapies can be. However, aside from therapies, it is essential to eat the right foods to reduce the growth rate of cancer cells and improve the effects of treatment. Early signs of prostate cancer Though early stages of the condition are symptomatic, the signs usually start appearing as the disease progresses. Here are some of the early warning signs that should not be ignored. Frequent urination One of the early warning signs of prostate cancer is the need to urinate frequently, especially at night. As the tumor grows, the pressure on the urethra or bladder results in more need to pass urine than usual. You might also have bleeding when you are urinating. Problems urinating There might be a weak urinary stream or a need to strain to empty the bladder. Some men may even feel pain or burning during urination. Loss of bladder control Another symptom of prostate cancer is leaking urine when you laugh or cough. Discomfort or pain in the back, hips, or pelvis One might also experience pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that does not go away with rest. It usually starts in the pelvic area. Over time, men also experience pain in those areas where prostate cancer has spread. Painful ejaculation Men with prostate cancer often experience sexual problems as the release of semen from the penis during orgasm is painful. Some may also notice bloody discharge in the semen on ejaculation or experience erectile dysfunction caused by prostate cancer. Foods to manage prostate cancer Consuming specific foods can help you recover from the side effects of treatment and also improve the outcome of prostate cancer treatment.

Smartphones are the technology that breaks all communication barriers and helps people connect better. With its plethora of features, this device has simplified people’s lives. However, due to the various models in the market, zeroing in on the best smartphone can take time and effort. Many brands offering lucrative deals make choosing the best one more difficult. However, it is also essential to steer clear of certain common mistakes while purchasing smartphones. Not analyzing your needs Smartphone buyers often tend to purchase mobile devices without considering their requirements. However, listing the features you want will help you achieve better clarity about the phone that will fulfill all your needs. Rather than spoiling the device’s overall experience, it helps you single out the best possible pick for your daily use. Rather than going by your friends or family’s opinion, it is also advised to research the specific smartphone model you intend to purchase carefully. Going for design and not functionality While buying smartphones, many people fall for marketing gimmicks where brands highlight more about the beauty of the device rather than its functionality. Furthermore, brands tend to exaggerate their products rather than discuss its shortcoming. So, the overall purpose of using a phone gets completely dissolved. Therefore, it is significant to get into the device’s details and check its performance, quality, battery, and more before making the purchase decision. Overlooking the smartphone’s dimension Along with the design and functions, customers are also required to anticipate the size and weight of the phone as it will ensure complete comfort for the user while using or carrying it. For example, people with small hands might struggle to handle large smartphones. Similarly, buying a heavy phone may prove uncomfortable for the user while traveling. Ignoring the price The smartphone market is diverse and comprises multiple brands that offer phones at different price ranges to match the different needs of users.

Although stocks and bonds are convenient investment avenues, they’re risky. Hence, many diversify their portfolio by also investing in precious metals like gold and silver. You don’t need to own these metals physically to invest in them because there are other secure and more liquid ways to do so. Here, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of investing in gold and silver. But first, let’s understand the differences between these metals and how to invest. Differentiating features of gold and silver A study by the World Silver Survey showed that almost half of the world’s silver supply is utilized in heavy industries and advanced technology like cell phones and solar panel cells. Because of a higher demand across major industries, silver is more likely to be impacted by the ups and downs of global economic fluctuations. This also makes it more volatile in price changes than gold. Gold has lesser uses than silver in industries and, hence, isn’t as impacted by economic fluctuations as other metals. This means its price remains relatively stable. Silver typically has a lower price per ounce than gold, making it more affordable for retail investors interested in owning precious metals as physical assets. How to invest in gold and silver? You can invest in gold and silver in various ways. Here are three popular options: Physical form You can buy these metals physically as bullion or rare coins. However, you may have to pay extra for storage and insurance in this case. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) An alternative way to own gold and silver is to buy ETFs. In this method, the precious metals are traded electronically, so you cannot access them. While you save on storage and insurance, you may have to pay handling costs to an ETF operator responsible for holding the physical supply of gold and silver.

The term “bad credit score” can be quantified in many ways. For example, as per FICO ratings, a score of below 670 is considered poor. Likewise, VantageScore has its threshold at 661. A bad credit score greatly reduces an individual’s chances of getting loans from banks and other financial institutions. Nevertheless, there are certain borrowing avenues and ways to get personal loans with bad credit scores. Some of those useful options include: Make soft-credit inquiries This avenue is known as seeking prequalified loans from banks. Several lenders allow customers to submit prequalification online to let them see their estimated loan offers without affecting their credit scores. Soft-credit inquiries are effective for receiving a pre-approved loan from banks and other financial institutions that lend money to individuals. This process involves discussions with several potential lenders to assess one’s loan options. One must avoid making hard credit inquiries (loan inquiries in which lenders request to review the loan seeker’s credit report, as opposed to soft-credit inquiries that only involve talks), as that can further lower one’s credit score. Keeping personal identification handy Before agreeing to sanction loans for individuals, banks need them to reproduce their personal documents, including their social security number ID, driver’s license, W-2 forms from the previous two years, two most recent bank statements from all accounts, recent utility bills, mortgage statements, pay stubs, federal tax returns of the last two years, and other documents that verify one’s residential address, personal loan information, and overall contact details. Keeping such documents on hand makes the process of KYC (know your customer) much quicker, and so does the process of getting a loan. Negotiating an agreement with one’s bank This option only works for long-time customers of a bank. Essentially, if a person has had a good credit record with a given bank (except for some recent repayment issues), they can negotiate an agreement in which the bank provides a bad credit loan to them on a short-term basis.

Credit cards offer an innovative payment solution where you can purchase products and book services in real time while paying for them later. A total balance of all expenditures accrues at the end of the billing cycle, where you can pay a minimum balance for the times when you are short on cash. But you need to use credit cards wisely as they can rack up significant bills that become too expensive to pay off.  Here are some common pitfalls you must avoid using credit cards. Making payment mistakes Having a credit card is tempting because you might not even notice the amount of debt that racks up with just a few swipes. But the bigger problem is not paying these debts on time. Yes, you do have the option of only paying the minimum balance so that the card doesn’t get canceled. But carrying over debt to the next payment cycle will only make it more difficult to ultimately pay the total dues. On top of it, you’ll end up paying interest on the unpaid portion. Even if there is a cash crunch, try paying off most of the bill so that no dues are pending. Also, missing your payment dates can greatly impact your credit score.  The bottom line, avoid paying only the minimum due and never miss a payment due date to stay clear of interest, late fees, and penalties. Not having clarity about the charges Credit cards carry fees for certain types of transactions. So, you need to know what the bank can charge. Typically, your credit card carries an annual fee that is chargeable in a single payment for account maintenance. Some banks waive off this fee as an exclusive perk for maintaining excellent credit scores. If you carry a balance month to month, be it for late or missed payments, banks will also charge an APR on purchases and payments.