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8 tips to manage a runny nose
health

8 tips to manage a runny nose

Nothing is more discomforting than managing a runny nose while doing daily chores. A runny nose or rhinorrhea is a classic symptom of common cold, flu, or allergic reactions. The fluid released from the nose may be thin and transparent or thick and yellowish. Addressing a runny nose’s underlying cause can help deal with this symptom effectively. So, here are some practical, quick tips to prevent oneself from a runny nose: Have warm beverages A warm beverage to stop a runny nose may range from essential warm water to soothing herbal teas, warm milk with some honey drizzled, comforting tomato soup, or clear chicken broth. Warm beverages soothe the throat and clear congestion, helping one recover from a runny nose. Moreover, warm beverages like tomato soup and chicken broth contain electrolytes, which help regain energy more quickly and accelerate recovery. Apply a warm, wet compress Applying a warm, wet compress on the forehead can clear up mucus, relieving nasal congestion and helping manage runny nose and cold-induced headaches. Inhale steam Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of steam inhalation in loosening up mucus, relieving congestion, and managing a runny nose. One may inhale steam from a bowl of hot water or a vaporizer device for the best results.
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5 tips for managing flea and tick infestations in dogs
Pets

5 tips for managing flea and tick infestations in dogs

Flea and tick infestations are a common problem for dogs. Fleas and ticks can cause a lot of discomfort in the form of itching and lead to several health issues in dogs. So, those with pets should regularly examine the coats or fur of dogs to check for pests. Upon detecting an infestation, one can seek treatment and at-home remedies for getting rid of fleas and ticks. Here are a few tips to consider: 1. Give dogs regular baths One of the most effective ways to prevent and manage tick infestations in dogs is by ensuring proper pet hygiene, which includes giving them regular baths. Upon finding fleas and ticks at home or on the dog’s coat, one can use an anti-flea or anti-tick shampoo when bathing their pet. These shampoos kill the little pests while cleaning the dogs’ coats. Along with controlling infestations, regular baths also contribute to pets’ overall health and well-being. 2. Examine pet coats after outdoor visits Dog owners should regularly examine their pet’s coats, especially after outdoor visits. Fleas and ticks can be sneaky pets that choose specific spots on the dog’s coat that help them stay undetected. Key spots to examine include the area under the dog’s collar, behind its ears, under the front legs and elbows, between the toes, and the base of its tail.
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5 human foods that are toxic for dogs
Pets

5 human foods that are toxic for dogs

Dogs have a digestive system that is much different from that of humans. That is why what is delectable and nutritious for humans may not be suitable for canines. There are human foods that are deemed unsafe for dogs to consume, with some of them even being fatal. Therefore, pet owners must be cautious while feeding some foods to their canines. Here are some common human foods to avoid feeding your pet pooch: Mushrooms Mushrooms are a delicious and nutritious food, but they can be harmful to dogs due to the presence of certain fatal elements. Not all mushrooms contain these harmful elements, but identifying the “bad” mushrooms from the good ones can be tricky, even for experienced botanists. So, to ensure your dog’s safety, it’s best to avoid adding mushrooms to their daily meals. Chocolate It’s important to remember that chocolate can be harmful to dogs as it contains high doses of caffeine and theobromine. These elements are complex for dogs to digest and metabolize and can cause various issues such as diarrhea, dehydration, stomach pain, and vomiting. Dark chocolate is especially dangerous for dogs, and they should not be given any kind of chocolate as a treat. Repeated exposure to chocolate can lead to serious health complications such as internal bleeding, heart attacks, muscle tremors, and seizures, which can ultimately result in fatality.
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6 ways to improve the efficiency of an HVAC system
appliances

6 ways to improve the efficiency of an HVAC system

HVAC systems ensure a space stays cool or warm based on the user’s needs. However, its components do not run smoothly forever, which might become evident with poor performance and higher energy bills. Therefore, the appliance requires regular maintenance. Doing so helps improve its lifespan, cut down on power bills, and avoid any unforeseen damages that could cost a lot more to fix. Here are five ways to get more from an HVAC system: 1. Replace the filter as often as required Dirty air filters are among the top factors that may lead to higher bills. The excessive dirt clogs and restricts airflow, so the HVAC unit must work harder to achieve the same temperature. Dirty air filters also damage indoor air quality, which could affect one’s health. Users must change the filter as often as recommended to prevent such issues and avoid a breakdown. 2. Check for leaks in the heating and cooling ducts Often, one fails to repair leaks in the heating and cooling ducts. An individual usually does this in anticipation of the cost of replacing or fixing these sections. However, if there is a leak in these ducts, it might result in a waste of energy.
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6 unhealthy daily habits that make mattresses dirty
mattresses

6 unhealthy daily habits that make mattresses dirty

People spend a third of their lives in bed – about 8 hours daily. As a result, maintaining a clean bed becomes an integral part of one’s hygiene routine. In this process, however, the mattress is often ignored. This leaves room for it to become a home for dirt, bacteria, dust mites, and fungal spores, leading to unprecedented health complications. This article enlists six unhealthy habits one must give up to avoid making mattresses dirty. Eating in bed Eating in bed or snacking while watching a movie may seem cozy, but it can lead to a dirty mattress. Spills and crumbs are common occurrences, and they can attract harmful pests that could ruin the mattress and disrupt a night of peaceful sleep. Therefore, it is best to avoid eating in bed to keep the mattress clean and safe. Working in bed With hybrid workspaces becoming a norm, working from home has become a common part of people’s routines. For some, this has also translated into working in bed. While the idea may sound like a comfortable solution for a hectic workday, it could make the mattress dirtier. According to sources, working in bed could double the amount of bacteria between the sheets, making them highly unhygienic.
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9 warning signs of PFIC liver disease
health

9 warning signs of PFIC liver disease

Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis (PFIC) is a rare and challenging liver disorder affecting individuals across the globe. This genetic condition disrupts the normal flow of bile from the liver, leading to many health complications. PFIC is primarily caused by mutations in genes responsible for bile transport proteins, which impair the liver’s ability to excrete bile properly. As a result, individuals with PFIC experience a variety of symptoms. Some of the warning signs to look out for include: Persistent jaundice Jaundice, characterized by a yellowing of the eyes and skin, is a key indicator of liver dysfunction. In PFIC, this discoloration persists due to the impaired bile flow from the liver. Bile contains bilirubin, a pigment formed during the breakdown of red blood cells. When the liver cannot effectively excrete bilirubin, it accumulates in the bloodstream, causing the distinctive yellow hue associated with jaundice. Pruritus The intense itching experienced by individuals with PFIC is a consequence of elevated bile acids in the skin. These acids accumulate due to impaired bile flow, triggering a maddening itch that can significantly impact daily life and sleep. The constant scratching may lead to skin damage, creating a challenging cycle for those grappling with this symptom.
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7 warning signs of an aortic aneurysm
health

7 warning signs of an aortic aneurysm

The aorta is the largest artery in the human body, responsible for carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to different parts of the body. If there is a weakness in the walls of the arteries, they can become enlarged, leading to a condition called an aneurysm. An enlargement or bulging of the aorta beyond 5cm is known as an aortic aneurysm. In the early stages, there are no noticeable signs of an aneurysm. As the condition worsens, the following signs and symptoms may emerge: Pain A large aortic aneurysm that dissects or leaks blood may result in severe pain in the jaw, neck, or upper back. This pain may further extend to the chest and back. Some people have also reported a pulsating sensation in the abdomen. In the case of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, one may feel a deep, throbbing pain in the back or the sides, along with pain in the buttocks, groins, or legs. Difficulty breathing An aneurysm could result in pressure on the trachea. If this occurs, one may experience symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Rapid heart rate Bulging of the aorta may cause the heart to function harder. This pressure could lead to a rapid heart rate, often accompanied by clammy hands.
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6 silent signs of liver cancer
health

6 silent signs of liver cancer

Medical experts often refer to liver cancer as a silent condition, as it causes very few symptoms in the early stages. Most symptoms start showing as the patient progresses and reaches an advanced stage. This generally leads to a late diagnosis when treatment options are administered only to manage the symptoms. A complete cure usually becomes difficult at this time. This is why paying attention to some of the silent signs of liver cancer is also important. Knowing these symptoms may help in seeking an early diagnosis and timely treatment: 1. Persistent pain in different areas Liver cancer can cause a constant ache in different areas of the body. This ache is generally experienced in the right shoulder, back, or upper right abdomen. The pain is rarely severe and is often a dull sensation that causes some discomfort. In most cases, persistent pain and some swelling in the abdomen occur. This symptom usually becomes evident during a physical examination, particularly when the doctor presses the painful areas a little harder. 2. Unexplained fullness in the abdomen with loss of appetite With the cancer cells growing in the liver, excess fluids might accumulate in the nearby organs, particularly in the abdomen.
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