Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition that affects one’s central vision. The condition mainly affects the macula—a part of the retina at the back that regulates central vision. The condition is common among people over 50. People with macular degeneration are unable to perceive objects or people right in front of them, however, they don’t experience a complete loss of vision and can have good peripheral vision. Here are key facts about AMD: Types Dry (atrophic) : About 90% of macular degeneration patients are affected by the dry (atrophic) form of the condition. Dry AMD develops when drusen, tiny yellow protein deposits, accumulate under the macula. The deposits make the macula thin and dry. Here, one can experience gradual vision loss, however, most people do not lose their core vision completely. In rare cases, the dry type can give way to the wet form of age-related macular degeneration. Wet (exudative) : The development of abnormal blood vessels under the retina and macula leads to wet AMD. The vessels can leak blood and liquids, which is a condition called choroidal neovascularization. As a result of the buildup, the macula develops a bulge, leading to dark spots in the center of one’s vision. Wet AMD can quickly turn into a complete loss of vision. Causes The retina, located at the back of the eye, transforms light and images reaching the eye into nerve signals to be delivered to the brain. A part of the retina called the macula makes the vision sharper and more precise. The macula, a yellow spot in the middle of the retina, contains high amounts of two natural pigments, lutein and zeaxanthin. When the vessels that supply blood to the macula are damaged over time, it causes age-related macular degeneration. This development also harms the macula.

Most people experience anxiety and chronic stress at some point in life. It has been found that anxiety affects around 18% of grown-ups every year in the country. Anxiety may be considered the natural response of the body to stress. The symptoms are restlessness, rapid breathing, and increased heart rate. However, it presents itself differently for different people. There are various ways to treat the mental condition. Let us elaborate on five natural remedies for anxiety management. Regular exercise Exercise is considered one of the best ways to shed anxious energy, and thoughts and research have supported this. Regular exercise and staying active are not just about physical health, but it also helps in dealing with anxiety and stress. It is because staying active helps divert your attention from the thoughts that make you anxious. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), regular exercise is beneficial in treating mood disorders and anxiety in the same way as antidepressants. The experts have also depicted that regular exercise and staying active leads to the promotion of willpower and concentration in human beings and hence is helpful for treating specific anxiety symptoms. Various relaxation exercises may help to manage the condition. However, the type of exercises depend mainly on personal choice and healthcare advice. Also, it is best to consult the doctor depending on the type of physical activity you should undertake based on the overall health. Meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises Meditation helps deal with anxiety by reducing the racing thoughts that cause it. Various meditation styles are available, such as meditation during yoga, and mindfulness may help manage anxiety. Mindfulness-based mediation has been gaining popularity due to its effects in reducing disorders concerning anxiety and mood. Also, one of the best advantages of mindfulness meditation is that you can perform it anywhere and at any time.

Anxiety has become very common in today’s age. Almost everyone feels anxious from time to time. It is a normal response when faced with testing times or a significant life change. But, if you are often anxious without any reason, it might be a cause for concern. Chronic anxiety can affect relationships, work performance, and a person’s general nature. Some common anxiety disorders include panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder. What are the symptoms of anxiety disorder? The most common signs include irritability, restlessness, uncontrolled worry, unusual fatigue, muscle tension, and frequent sleep issues. Those who experience these symptoms frequently should visit a professional. Health experts recommend a combination of treatments and cognitive therapy sessions depending on the severity. How to manage anxiety? Besides visiting a professional for expert guidance, here are a few things you can do at a personal level to feel relaxed: Try deep breathing When anxious, stop for a moment and engage in deep breathing; sit up straight, take a long breath through your nose, and exhale slowly. This can help relax the muscles of your nose, shoulders, jaw, and abdominal area. It can also slow down the heart rate and lower blood pressure. Get enough sleep Sleep is incredibly essential for anyone to stay healthy and happy. Doctors say that a person should get around eight hours of sleep daily. If anxiety makes it hard for you to fall asleep, leave your screen behind when lying on your bed, follow a strict schedule, and ensure your sleep environment is comfortable. You may also maintain an optimum temperature in the bedroom to induce peaceful sleep. Avoid stressful conversations Try to ignore troublesome situations before bedtime. Do not address any difficulties. Just focus on relaxing so that your mind cools down. Indulging in meaningless conversations when overwhelmed, worked up, or tired can increase stress and deprive you of peace of mind.

The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that perform various critical functions inside the human body. They help filter blood, eradicate waste through urine, maintain fluid balance, balance minerals, and produce hormones. However, certain conditions may affect kidneys’ functioning, leading to more severe health risks. Certain risk factors are associated with kidney disorders, the prominent ones being high blood pressure and diabetes. Some common symptoms, causes, and management of kidney disease are detailed below. Common symptoms More than one in seven adults, or nearly 37 million people in the country, suffers from chronic kidney disease (CKD) – a type of kidney disorder. Initially, it is challenging to find out the symptoms. Some early indicators and symptoms of kidney disease are fatigue, sleeping troubles, dry and itchy skin, breathlessness, muscle cramps, vomiting and nausea, changes in urination patterns, loss of appetite, and swelling in the ankles and feet. As kidney disease progresses and leads to kidney failure, the symptoms that develop include rashes, fever, nosebleeds, severe abdominal and back pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Causes Multiple causes are associated with kidney disease, including high blood pressure, diabetes, vasculitis, cardiovascular diseases, genetics, age, and autoimmune diseases. High blood pressure High blood pressure is a prominent cause of kidney disease as it damages the blood vessels and reduces blood supply to the kidneys. Experts state that individuals with high blood pressure should be examined regularly for kidney disease. Diabetes Diabetes is another cause of kidney disease. Many internal organs may suffer damage due to high blood sugar levels, and the kidney is more susceptible to that. Strep infection If a strep infection is not properly managed and treated, it may lead to kidney inflammation and, in turn, failure of its functioning. Vasculitis The blood vessels get inflamed with this condition, and the kidneys are more prone to this inflammation or changes in the vascular system.

Dental implant surgery is an important procedure, so although one might be eager to resume normal eating habits, one might have to follow strict food plans during the recovery period. Further, for a quicker recovery, certain food items should be avoided, and only ones that are considered safe can be included in meals after the surgery. The restrictive regimen is usually recommended for the recovery period, as it can help ensure the procedure is successful. Best foods Here is what one can have after getting dental implants: Liquids and soups If feasible, one should consider limiting their nutritional intake to all-liquid meals during the first couple of days following dental implant surgery. This includes smooth soups (nothing too chunky), homemade broths and bouillon, meal-replacement beverages, protein beverages, fruit smoothies, and other juices. Consider choosing healthy beverages with a high calcium content for healthier teeth. Additionally, while making fruit smoothies, one should add citrus fruits, like oranges and grapefruits, in moderation. Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient for gum health, but they are also extremely acidic, which can erode tooth enamel. Additionally. soup is an incredibly nutritious food choice. It is advised to have warm soup rather than heated. Soup does not require chewing, and it can also be a rich source of protein if made using bone broth. Cereal Cooked cereals are fantastic ways to get nutritious, easy-to-chew sustenance. Further, one can opt for the Cream of Wheat breakfast mix, served with a touch of butter and cinnamon on top, grits with melted soft cheese, or oats with finely mashed blueberries on top. Muffins After surgery, muffins can be a little challenging for the first day or two, but for the most part, most people can have muffins with ease. They are a fantastic breakfast or snack after dental implant surgery because they are delectable, require little chewing, and can be filling.

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) occurs when the upper chambers of your heart beat out of sync with the lower chambers. Its symptoms include dizziness, breathing problems, fatigue, and palpitations. One of the most prevalent arrhythmias is Afib, and coronary heart disease, excess weight, and high blood pressure are some risk factors for the condition. When untreated, it can lead to a stroke. However, Afib can be managed via certain food choices. Fruits and vegetables You’ve certainly been told to eat your fruits and vegetables before, but those with Afib and other types of heart disease should remember this advice in particular. Numerous fruits and vegetables are rich in magnesium, which lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as vitamins C, K, and A, which can help prevent the accumulation of arterial plaque. Additionally, eating a lot of these low-fat, low-sodium, and low-calorie items can aid in weight management. Fruits rich in antioxidants and vitamins include blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and cranberries. Compared to most canned, dried, and fruit juices, fresh fruits have greater nutrients and less sugar. Look for frozen fruits if fresh fruits are out of season, too expensive, or too complicated to prepare. They are a terrific smoothie ingredient and might be a cheaper, healthier alternative. Lean protein To limit your intake of saturated fat, choose lean meats over fatty kinds, and eat less meat overall. Consuming fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, sardines, herring, tuna, and mackerel, is one approach to this. Some people opt to completely avoid meat in favor of legumes such as beans and lentils as a source of protein. Try nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts for heart-healthy plant-based snacks that are high in protein. Dairy is a significant source of protein. When looking for dairy products, pick low-salt, low-fat options such as yogurt or cottage cheese.