The kidneys perform many critical functions; besides expelling toxins from the body, the kidneys can help maintain the electrolyte and fluid balance in the body. However, the kidneys can get damaged as a result of health conditions and may not be able to perform these essential functions. When left untreated, kidney disease may lead to serious complications. So, it is important to recognize early signs, get regularly examined, and prevent such diseases. What is kidney disease? Just like any other organ, kidneys are also susceptible to damage. The term kidney disease is used to define any abnormality in the functioning of one or both kidneys. According to the Kidney International Supplements Journal, a peer-reviewed journal, more than 800 million people around the world are affected by kidney disease. As the kidneys lose their ability to function, it may lead to the accumulation of waste, and dangerous levels of toxins in the body can result in further complications. Signs In its initial stages, kidney disease may not present any apparent symptoms. The signs usually appear once the condition has advanced and fluids start building up in the system. However, some signs that one must look out for are: Muscle cramps Feeling fatigued without exertion Loss of appetite Swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs Urinating less than normal Trouble sleeping Tingling in the toes or fingers Dry and itchy skin Puffiness around the eyes, usually after waking up in the morning Frequent urge to urinate at night Causes Here are some major risk factors for developing kidney-related issues:

Eczema is a prevalent skin disease that causes the skin to become dry, flaky, itchy, and bumpy. It mainly weakens the skin barrier, which is responsible for keeping the skin moisturized and protecting the body from external elements. When this barrier does not function efficiently, it can lead to inflammation and trigger various signs and symptoms. Read on to learn about eczema, its types, symptoms, causes, treatments, and helpful natural remedies. Types There are different types of this skin disease, each with unique triggers that can affect the functioning of the skin barrier. Some common examples are: Atopic dermatitis This disorder is characterized by skin discoloration and the formation of itchy patches on the skin. Many people develop atopic dermatitis in childhood and face flare-ups through adulthood. While it has no cure, one can manage the symptoms with treatment. Contact dermatitis Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction caused due an allergen or irritant. It is not contagious and can be prevented. Dyshidrotic eczema It is a condition that leads to blisters on the skin. Individuals may also experience itching and discomfort. Several things can trigger dyshidrotic eczema, including allergies and stress, but the most common trigger is sweaty palms and feet.

Getting a dental implant might be a good option if you have tooth problems or need to replace missing or unhealthy teeth. Implants have been gaining recognition since the 1970s, and around six percent of our country’s population has them. They help improve a person’s quality of life and can be a valuable investment in the long term. This post details the critical aspects of dental implants you must know before opting for the procedure. What are dental implants? Dental implants are tiny devices surgically implanted into the jaw that helps restore the capability to chew in people with missing teeth. They look like natural teeth, making it hard to tell the difference. Typically, an implant consists of three parts: an abutment, the dental implant body, and the abutment screw. The implant body is inserted into the jawbone in place of the tooth’s root. Then, the abutment is connected to the body with the help of the dental abutment screw. The abutment supports the attached artificial teeth by extending through the gums in the mouth. What are the types of dental implants? Implants can be of different types, so individuals must consider their dental problems when choosing a particular option.

Breast cancer begins in the cells of the breasts, and it is the second most common type of cancer affecting women, the first being skin cancer. While the condition can affect both men and women, it is more prevalent in the latter. There are several types of breast cancer, and each case develops differently. Early detection and proper treatments can highly increase the chances of survival. Let’s look at this condition in detail. Causes and symptoms When the breast cells begin to grow abnormally in the tissue, it leads to forming a lump or a mass. This can spread through the breast to other lymph nodes and the rest of the body. Some of the symptoms to look out for are: A breast lump or mass surrounding the tissue that feels abnormal. Change in the size and appearance of the breast. Change in the skin texture on the breast. Pitting of the skin over the breast or a constant redness. Any peeling, flaking, scaling or crusting of the skin around the pigmented area of the skin that surrounds the nipple region. A noticeable inverted nipple Types of breast cancer There are several types of breast cancer, and treatment for these types differs according to the diagnosis by the health professional.

Millions of people in our country suffer from eye disorders, one of the most prevalent being age-related macular degeneration. The condition affects a part of the retina called the macula, resulting in loss of central vision. Besides using treatments, those with macular degeneration or any other eye disorder must modify their homes to make them safer and minimize the risk of accidents. Redesigning the living space allows you to be comfortable and independent. Change the bulbs Macular degeneration makes it hard to read in dim lighting conditions. But while bright lighting is beneficial, you cannot stuff your home with high-voltage lamps, as they cast shadows and may confuse you. So, experiment with cool fluorescent or warm incandescent bulbs. They have a cooler and softer light that helps you navigate your way better. And ensure the lamps are focused on objects away from people’s faces. Re-arrange the furniture A cluttered house with furniture may increase the risk of falls and injuries. To prevent this problem, choose furniture with textured surfaces. It will help you know where you are in the house. Secondly, placing brightly-colored vases near bigger pieces of furniture will help you locate furniture easily. Maximize natural light in the house There is nothing like soft natural light or sunshine.

A visit to the dentist can be quite scary. In fact, just the word dentist conjures images of whirring drills and sharp scalpels too close for comfort. That said, dental procedures are vital for the mouth and overall health; ignoring them will lead to discomfort and complications. Dental implants are one treatment people avoid because of ignorance about the procedure and the required preparation. Thus, here are tips to prepare for a dental implant. What are dental implants? Two questions you will certainly ask are – what are implants, and why do you need them? Dental implants are artificial teeth that are typically inserted when you have missing teeth. They are inserted into the jawbone; thus, bone health is an essential consideration for this procedure. Dentists ensure the implant is custom-made to fit your mouth, and care is taken so it does not stand out among your natural teeth. Dental implants are ideal when you have not lost enough teeth to warrant dentures since they are natural and lower both the risk of cavities and the sensitivity of neighboring teeth. However, as mentioned before, bone health is an important factor that decides if you are eligible for the procedure. Tips to prepare for dental implants Have a comprehensive dental exam done The first step in all dental procedures is to get a comprehensive examination from a qualified dentist.

We have four pairs of sinuses, hollow spaces in our head right behind our eyes and nose. Their role is to make thin mucus which drains out and keeps the bacteria away from our nose. If the sinuses get blocked or inflamed, bacteria can start growing there, or fluids may fill the hollow space. A runny or stuffy nose, yellow or green discharge, sinus pressure, or facial pain are typical symptoms of sinus congestion. Medical management of sinus congestion A runny nose and yellow or green discharge characterize a sinus infection that may last about ten days. It can also accompany a fever, pain in our teeth and ears, bad breath, and headache. Very severe infections could last up to 12 weeks, and you may need continuous treatment to prevent further worsening of the symptoms. In the beginning, you can increase your fluid intake and use over-the-counter nasal sprays to relieve the infection. Since it is a viral or bacterial infection, it may go away in about two weeks without the need for antibiotics, as they may be ineffective in treating viral infections. But once you are infected, if you notice that the symptoms are severe and your fever or headache does not reduce, visit a doctor and get a diagnosis.

People diagnosed with diabetes may consistently take their prescription treatment on time but could still see their blood sugar levels rise. It is normal for blood levels to fluctuate throughout the day. If one is stressed out, has not been exercising properly, or is recovering from an infection or cold, their sugar levels could rise. Additionally, food is one of the key contributors to high blood sugar and plays a crucial role in managing diabetes. Foods to avoid The goal of a diabetes-friendly meal plan is to keep one’s blood sugar levels within a normal range and help maintain one’s cholesterol and blood pressure too. Recognizing the foods that can spike blood sugar levels is a prerequisite in planning a diabetes-friendly menu. As a part of treatment, doctors and nutritionists guide people with high blood sugar regarding foods to have and avoid. Until one gets familiar with ideal foods, one can put up a list in the kitchen and pantry to refer to it while meal-prepping and making grocery lists. Though some foods may be difficult to let go of, one can start by choosing healthier alternatives to satisfy cravings. So, here are the food items that one should avoid when dealing with type 1, type 2, gestational, and prediabetes: