“A thing of beauty is a joy forever,” it is rightly said. And the perception of beauty is made possible by the virtue of the eyes. From watching a movie and enjoying the beauty around us to reading an article online, every minute aspect of our lives is governed by our visual faculties. Hence, eye care should be a crucial part of caring for one’s well-being. Here are some common negative habits that affect one’s eyes: Eating unhealthy foods The eyes require vitamins, minerals, zinc, lutein, omega-3, and other essential nutrients. The body absorbs these nutrients through healthy foods. For example, carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and broccoli are rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A and is essential for good eye health. Similarly, omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in fatty fish, are required for good vision. Staring at electronic devices Exposure to white light for long periods is one of the biggest concerns prevalent today, with over 66% nationwide in the country admitting to sleeping with their phones by their side at night. This alarming pattern has several negative consequences, including dry eyes and severe eye strain. Thus, the National Sleep Foundation advises that one should put away electronic devices like mobile phones at least half an hour before going to bed.

Due to the pandemic, there has been a surge in diabetes cases around the world. This rise has been exacerbated by low-grade inflammation caused due to viral infections, which impact insulin resistance. According to research, these viruses can replicate within pancreatic beta-cells, where insulin is produced. This further affects the synthesis and secretion process of the hormone. This sudden increase has made it more critical to recognize the five alarming signs of high blood sugar. Excessive thirst Also known as polydipsia, excessive thirst is a common sign of high blood sugar caused by dehydration resulting from frequent urination. Patients with high blood sugar levels might constantly battle the urge to drink fluids to quench their insatiable thirst. Increased hunger People with high blood sugar are also prone to increased hunger as a sign of their condition. Polyphagia causes the body’s cells to miss out on receiving sufficient energy from glucose. In order to cope with it, the body breaks down stored fat and muscle tissue, which might cause unintentional loss of body mass. Frequent urination Polyuria is also one of the common signs of high blood sugar. The kidney’s primary function is to eliminate excessive sugar in the body. The urge to empty the bladder is more frequent at night, known as nocturia.

A debilitating neurological disorder, Parkinson’s disease, affects the nervous system. It is generally observed among those above the age of 60 years. In some cases, people below 50 also develop an early onset of the disease. It is common among those with a family history of the condition. Over time, the effect on the nervous system becomes apparent through several symptoms. There are warning signs of Parkinson’s that should not be ignored, which can help seek diagnosis and treatment. Temors in the hands This is one of the most noticeable warning signs of Parkinson’s. It is also known as rhythmic shaking. The tremors or shaking start to occur in the limbs of the hands or fingers. Sometimes, there is a pill-rolling tremor that causes a person to rub their thumb and forefinger against each other. The handwriting grows smaller It is normal for handwriting to change with age. However, Parkinson’s causes a person’s handwriting to become smaller, making it illegible over time. The words appear crowded, or the lines are not straight. This condition caused by Parkinson’s is also known as micrographia. The movements become slow Parkinson’s progresses over time to cause a person’s movements to become slower. They start to walk slower than their regular speed.

There is so much advice floating around us when it comes to skincare. From online trends to old lores, it is important to filter this information and create a skincare routine that will get you closer to achieving your skin goals. However, while searching for the right products and foods, several bad habits can wreak havoc on your skin and slow down your progress. Here are five skincare habits that can worsen skin health: Not wearing sunscreen around the year Many of us assume that the sun isn’t bright or visible enough to affect our skin during the winter months. But, the sun’s UV rays still percolate to the ground and can affect your skin. To prevent photodamage from this exposure, wearing sunscreen all year round is important. Not removing your makeup before bed Washing your face before going to bed is one of the most important steps in your skincare routine. Throughout the day, your skin is exposed to several things, such as makeup, dust, dirt, and grime. Washing your face at the end of the day will help you remove these from the surface of your skin so they do not clog your pores and lead to more breakouts.

Poor blood circulation can occur due to a number of health conditions. These include peripheral artery disease or PAD, diabetes, and Raynaud’s disease. While these require treatments prescribed by healthcare professionals, eating certain foods to improve blood count and blood circulation can also help. These foods also benefit athletes and those who indulge in physical activities to improve recovery and stamina. Here are some of these few foods to add to everyday meals. Broccoli One of the healthiest cruciferous vegetables is broccoli, which is packed with several nutrients. It is a rich source of vitamin B9 or folate. This nutrient is important to increase the count of red blood cells in the body. Adding broccoli to salads, stir-fried meals, and other food options can help the body produce red blood cells quicker, thus improving blood count and blood circulation. Bananas Adding bananas to cereal or having banana smoothies is not just filling but also extremely good for blood. This is because bananas are one of the richest sources of potassium. Potassium can lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. This is especially helpful if there is an excess of sodium in the body. High levels of sodium can lead to high blood pressure.

Approximately 60% to 75% of the body is water. It is essential to every bodily function, from blood circulation to digestion. This is why drinking the optimal amount of water is vital for overall health. Most experts recommend drinking about eight glasses of water daily; drinking too little increases the risk of dehydration. On the flip side, drinking too much water is also unhealthy. Here are a few health issues caused by drinking excessive water. Hyponatremia This condition is caused by a drop in the sodium levels in the body. Sodium is one of the essential electrolytes in the body that balances the fluid levels inside and outside the body’s cells—overhydration or drinking too much water cause sodium levels to go down. Headache Drinking too much water may disrupt brain function. The excess water enters the cells, including the brain cells, resulting in their swelling. This exerts pressure on the brain, leading to headaches and dizziness. Some people also experience confusion because of this. Nausea Sometimes the health issues because of drinking excessive water are similar to that of dehydration. While a lack of water puts a strain on the kidneys, so does excess water content in the body. This strain occurs because the kidneys cannot expel the additional water.

As the flu season approaches, it is important to keep yourself healthy and free of infections. There is an increased risk of diseases like respiratory syncytial virus (RSVI), human metapneumovirus (HPMV), adenovirus, parainfluenza, and others, especially when you are regularly out and about. While stepping out is unavoidable, there are several hotspots to be wary of. Here are some traditional hotspots for respiratory illnesses that everyone is likely to encounter. Doorknobs and drawer handles Handles and knobs on doors and drawers happen to be the most frequently touched surfaces around the home. Due to this reason, they have become hotspots for the transmission of diseases. To avoid these, it is vital to regularly wash your hands and wipe these spots with a disinfectant a few times a day. Keyboards and electronic keypads Keyboards and electronic keypads are also touched often but are seldom cleaned. This makes them another hotspot for the transfer of disease and infections. Be sure to wipe down the keyboard/keypad with a disinfectant after each use. Shared cutlery and tableware It is common for people to share their utensils and drinkware at home and in the office. However, this could lead to the transmission of infections from one person to the other.

A person’s daily meals are vital for their overall cardiovascular health. Regularly consuming healthy and nutrient-rich foods can help one’s heart and circulatory system function efficiently, providing oxygen and nutrients to all body parts. However, certain foods can worsen symptoms of conditions like atrial fibrillation, where the heart beats too quickly. This article discusses 4 foods to avoid to prevent the development or worsening of such conditions. Read on to learn more. Salted chips Salt is a major cause of heart issues in individuals, so healthcare experts advise people with existing heart conditions to consume it in moderation (only 1,200 milligrams of sodium daily). Salt contains sodium, which increases the blood volume and makes it harder for the heart to pump it. This leads to atrial fibrillation or a worsening of the condition’s symptoms. Salted potato chips contain massive amounts of salt, making them one of the worst foods for those with atrial fibrillation. High sodium levels in the blood can also cause potassium levels to decrease. Potassium is essential for the heart to work properly and efficiently. Therefore, a potassium deficiency can lessen the effectiveness of one’s cardiovascular system. White bread Gluten is just as bad as salt for people with heart conditions.

High blood sugar can lead to several diabetic eye diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and diabetic macular edema. Several signs of poor eye health usually precede these conditions. If not treated on time, these can lead to permanent eye damage, including blindness. Thus, it is recommended to undergo eye exams regularly when a person has high blood sugar, but before that, here are some warning signs to be aware of. Poor eye health signs to look out for Blurry vision One of the most common signs of poor eye health due to high sugar levels is blurry vision. If the level of sugar in the blood exceeds a certain limit, it can cause the eye lenses to swell. This affects the vision, making things appear blurry and unclear. Many people often mistake this sign for a change in the power of their prescription glasses. However, if someone has high blood sugar, it is best to get the sugar levels checked and consult a doctor. Experiencing a glare in vision High sugar levels can make the lens of the eyes cloudy. The internal lens of the eyes work similarly to a camera. So whenever the lens gets cloudy, the eyes cannot focus on objects and cannot see properly.

Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin, can have a significant impact on the quality of life. However, seemingly tiny changes to the daily routine can help one find relief from symptoms. A few daily habits can help people with psoriasis manage their condition and improve overall well-being. From skincare routines to a healthy lifestyle, better choices can help reduce inflammation, soothe the skin, and improve skin health. Identify and avoid triggers One should identify and avoid psoriasis triggers like skincare products, fragrances, harsh weather conditions, stress, and certain foods. Maintaining a journal can help one identify potential triggers. Choose balanced meals Another daily habit to better manage psoriasis symptoms is following a well-balanced meal plan rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. One should also choose foods with anti-inflammatory properties, like fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Exercise regularly Regular physical activity is not only beneficial for physical and mental health but can also help manage psoriasis. Exercise promotes better blood circulation, reduces inflammation, and boosts mood. Use a gentle cleanser A mild, fragrance-free cleanser is the best option for gently cleansing the skin. Harsh soaps and cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils and exacerbate psoriasis symptoms.