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Role of genetic testing in determining future health risks

Role of genetic testing in determining future health risks
Our genes play a vital role in shaping our personalities, behaviors, thought processes, and appearance. However, they also act as contributing factors to the development of several health conditions. Genetic testing is an effective means of determining one’s genetic predisposition to a particular disease and preventing future risks of developing the condition. Here are some things to know about genetic testing, from the benefits of the process to the conditions one can test for. The benefits of genetic testing To take preventive measures Genetic testing is not the same as a diagnostic test — positive results do not imply that one has the disease. It only indicates the presence of the gene mutation causing the disease. Thus, testing for genetic vulnerability to a health condition allows one to take measures to prevent it if the result is positive. A sense of relief for families Family members are often worried about having passed on certain diseases to the future generations. Genetic testing can provide a sense of relief to family members in the case of negative results and reassurance in knowing that the disease can be prevented if the results are positive. A pathway to accurate diagnosis In many cases, genetic testing can be the first step to diagnosing a disease and starting the treatment course.

4 important vitamins that help in maintaing eye health

4 important vitamins that help in maintaing eye health
The eyes are one of the most important sensory organs, they play a massive role in the day-to-day life of a person and greatly help them carry out their life with ease. From the outside, they may look simple, but the reality is far away from that, they are immensely complex organs that require a lot of care and attention. In addition, the eyes also need various vitamins and nutrients that help them function properly. Eye health and Problems In the USA, more than 3.4 million people suffer from eye problems. In cases like these, a lot of people prefer to use lenses either in the form of contact lenses or eyeglasses to lessen their discomfort. There are many eye-related problems that plague the lives of people but, there are many ways to counter them as well. Some of the eye problems are: Blurred vision : Many people, suffer from blurred vision where they are either able to see the objects near them pretty clearly but struggle to see objects that are far away, or are able to see far away but can’t see what is near them clearly. These problems are caused because of the structure of the eye, making it difficult for the light to be refracted.

4 vitamins important for maintaining eye health

4 vitamins important for maintaining eye health
The eyes are one of the most important sensory organs, and they play a massive role in helping one carry out day-to-day tasks. They may seem like simple organs, however, eyes are complex organs that require a lot of care and attention. Additionally, the eyes also need various vitamins and nutrients that help them function properly and keep diseases at bay. In the country, more than 3.4 million people suffer from eye problems. Eye health and problems People affected by eye-related ailments and issues prefer using lenses either in the form of contact lenses or eyeglasses to lessen the discomfort. Many eye-related problems plague people around the world. Some of the common problems are: Blurred vision: Many people are affected by blurred vision, where they are either unable to see objects far away or face trouble seeing objects closer to them. In such cases, they may their ability to see clearly is limited to a particular distance. These problems arise because of the structure of the eye, making it difficult for the light to be refracted. These issues can be fixed with the help of eyeglasses, contact lenses, and even laser surgery. Astigmatism: One of the most common vision problems is astigmatism.

5 ways to use a smartwatch productively

5 ways to use a smartwatch productively
Smartwatches have slowly but steadily become an essential accessory for smartphones. They have an estimated market revenue of $43.4 billion with over 173 million shipments worldwide. But although a lot of hype surrounds the smart wearable device, not everyone is aware of its full potential. The traditional watch replacement can do much more than tell you the time. Here are five innovative ways to make the best of your smartwatch. Use it as a convenient fitness tracker Most smartwatches can track daily activity, including counting the number of steps and distances covered in a day. This is made possible with the help of an embedded GPS system. The GPS tracks the route taken for running or walking and displays the miles covered on the screen. If your smartwatch does not have a GPS built-in, you can use the signal from a smartphone to track distances during exercise. Some advanced watches also help monitor calorie consumption and sleeping patterns. Turn it into your task manager Remember how we moved on from using paper to write down grocery lists to typing them on our smartphones? Today, many have gone a step further, using watches instead of their iPhones or mobile devices for the same.

7 human foods that your cats can also relish

7 human foods that your cats can also relish
Do your feline friends act indifferent to what is happening at the table but creep up to nibble at the scraps later? The odds are that your kitty likes being around your food even though it is not fit for them. And the good news is that several human foods are safe for cats if cooked in specific ways! So, try serving your cat these human foods at the table alongside its regular cat food: Oily fish varieties Cats are fish eaters; however, raw fish contains bacteria, causing food poisoning, and a particular enzyme that depletes thiamine, an essential B vitamin, from your cat’s body. Nonetheless, fish contains omega-3 fatty acids and protein that cats require to retain their undying energy levels. Thus, the best bet is to serve your cat freshly boiled fish without adding salt, pepper, or other spices. Oily fish varieties like salmon, tuna, herring, sardines, and mackerel are ideal for your cat. Oatmeal Packed with fiber and iron, oatmeal is an excellent addition to your cat’s food routine. It can also be effective for skin ailments. However, it helps your cat steer clear of dairy as it can cause acute indigestion. You may serve your cat cooked rolled oats mixed with water for breakfast.

6 aspects to consider before purchasing earphones

6 aspects to consider before purchasing earphones
When the tangible world gets overwhelming, there’s nothing more comforting than plugging in your earphones and tuning into your favorite podcast or listening to your curated playlist. Well-designed earphones ensure noise cancellation and superior bass and sound quality. However, with the wide variety of earphones available today, shortlisting one pair can pose a challenge. We have a definitive guide on things to consider to choose the perfect pair of earphones and ensure an immersive experience: The type of earphones The market abounds with different types of earphones – on-ear, in-ear, wireless, and open-back earphones, to name a few. Purchase your earphones, considering what device you will typically connect them to. For example, if you use your earphones only at your desk, you may not require wired earphones. However, if you use them while doing household chores, exercising, or traveling, you might want to consider purchasing wireless ones. Frequency response Frequency response refers to the range of frequencies a device can cover. A higher frequency range indicates better sound quality and vice versa. It is a good idea to check your earphone’s frequency response prior to purchase. Subtract the maximum and minimum frequency values of your earphones to determine the frequency range.

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4 common myths about diabetes debunked

When the glucose levels in the body are high and insulin levels are not proportionate enough to convert this glucose into energy, the risk of diabetes increases. It is basically the inability of the body to convert food into energy using insulin. The glucose is broken down into energy for cells to absorb and when this conversion doesn’t take place, blood sugar levels rise. If left unchecked, it can lead to a number of complications. However, there are certain myths about diabetes that can create confusion among the masses. Here is what you must know and understand about the condition. Myth 1: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the same. The fact of the matter is that both type 1 and 2 are linked to insulin deficiency that causes diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce any insulin, and people suffering from this condition must rely on regular doses of insulin to supplement these requirements. Type 1 diabetes is also an autoimmune disorder that is mostly diagnosed in children. In type 2 diabetes, the body still manages to produce insulin but the cells are unable to absorb the compound necessary for converting food into energy. Depending on the severity of the condition, people suffering from type 2 diabetes may or may not need insulin shots. Myth 2: Insulin dependence Nothing can be further from the truth that insulin is a lifesaving medication and absolutely necessary for people suffering from severe diabetes. The body cannot convert food into energy without insulin. How the supply is replenished does not matter as there is a need for the deficiency to be managed better. People with type 2 diabetes can still manage a healthy lifestyle and reduce their dependence on insulin to a great extent. However, it is a mandatory medication for those who have type 1 diabetes.

The risk factors associated with dehydration

Dehydration is the loss of fluids from one’s body. It can be caused due to something as simple as not having an adequate water intake or perhaps a severe medical side effect. The symptoms of fluid loss caused due to this condition can affect people of all ages. From toddlers and infants to older adults, one can experience mild to severe dehydration depending on the primary cause of the same. Herein, we shall try and understand the severity and risk factors associated with dehydration in people of different ages. Children and infants At a very young age, infants and children are more susceptible to bacterial infections that cause vomiting and diarrhea. Both result in the rapid loss of fluids. Note that infants lose more fluids in comparison to adults. Young children, especially toddlers, unlike adults, may also not realize when they are thirsty. This increases the risk of staying dehydrated unknowingly until severe symptoms indicate the same. It is one of the main reasons why doctors prescribe electrolyte-rich fluids for children experiencing a high fever to help replenish the lost fluids. Seniors and older adults Adults after a certain age face more difficulties as the body gradually loses its ability to conserve water. One’s sense of thirst also becomes acute with old age, which further increases the risk. Individuals might not feel thirsty enough to have the recommended intake of water every day, further causing problems due to the loss of fluids. Furthermore, dehydration can be a direct result of certain prescription medications used for treating diabetes. The side effects can result in a fluid imbalance as medications increase the urine output, thus resulting in a higher loss of fluids from the body. Many medications also list vomiting and diarrhea as potential side effects and both can trigger a severe loss of fluids in the body.

Must-have nutrients and foods for optimal eye health

Our sensory organs are extremely essential in our daily life. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to stand straight, see things, taste, communicate, and live the way we do. But the power of sight is one of the most important of them all. Maintaining good eye health is necessary, and, unsurprisingly, making healthy lifestyle and dietary choices is crucial for this. So, here are a few nutrients you should add to your daily diet to keep your vision in top-notch condition: Vitamin A The deficiency of vitamin A is one of the most common causes of blindness across the globe. Why is this vitamin so important? Well, for starters, it helps manage and maintain the light-sensing cells in your eyes. A lack of vitamin A can cause dry eyes and other serious eye conditions. Best food with vitamin A content: To get the right amount of vitamin A in your diet and maintain optimal eye health, include foods like apricots, carrots, spinach, and yam in your diet in plenty. Vitamin C Vitamin C is present in high concentration in the aqueous humor (the liquid in the outermost part of the eye). The amount of this vitamin in the aqueous humor is proportional to the amount in your diet, and research has proved that people with cataracts tend to have low amounts of vitamin C in their bodies. Best dietary sources of vitamin C: Citrus fruits like oranges, kiwi, lime, and strawberries are all great sources of vitamin C. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts are also healthy sources of this vitamin. Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are essential to maintain good eye health. DHA aids eye function. It is present in the retina and is an integral part of brain and eye development in children. Evidence also proves the benefits of omega-3 supplements for people with dry eyes.

Understanding the different aspects of a flu outbreak

Flu or influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can result in mild to severe illness and health complications. A severe flu infection can result in hospitalization and can even prove to be fatal, especially in young children, older people aged above 65, and people with underlying health conditions. There are two main types of flu viruses: Type A and Type B virus. The illness can be periodical and result in seasonal flu epidemics each year. The cold, flu, and its symptoms such as cough is caused due to the type of the viruses mentioned above. Influenza may not always be considered by most people as a serious illness, its symptoms comprising a runny nose, headaches, cough, and muscle pain can be confused with those of a heavy cold. Yet reports suggest that seasonal influenza can claim up to 650,000 lives every year. That is why influenza vaccinations are important because they protect people, especially those in at-risk categories, such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with vulnerable immune systems or underlying health conditions. What most of us call “the flu” is essentially seasonal influenza because it comes around in the coldest season twice a year, once in the Northern hemisphere’s winter, and once in the Southern hemisphere’s winter in temperate zones of the world. The flu circulates year-round in the tropics and subtropics, which makes it more contagious. The worst part about the influenza virus is that it constantly mutates, enabling it to evade the mechanisms of our immune systems. The virus learns from the responses of the human body and creates a suitable defensive mechanism to survive the attack by the immune system. When a new virus emerges, it can easily infect people and spread due to its contagiousness. Very little to no immunity to a new strain can lead to a simple outbreak becoming an epidemic or a pandemic within no time.

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9 most common types of depression you should know about

9 most common types of depression you should know about

All of us feel low, upset, and unmotivated at some point in our life, but this isn’t classified as depression. Depression is a mood disorder that overshadows a person’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. Signs and symptoms of this grave disorder can range from feeling hopeless and tired to completely losing the will to live. There are several types of depression and they are listed below so you can understand depression and people suffering from it better. Major Depression (Clinical Depression) The hallmark trait of this type of depression is the constant feeling of sadness or loss of interest in social life or any outside stimuli. It often lasts for two weeks or more in which a person can experience symptoms such as hopelessness, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts. Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder) Dysthymia lasts for years and can disrupt daily life and interfere with personal and professional relationships. Individuals with dysthymia are often seen as dark, pessimistic, or complainers by others, and they have a hard time being happy in typically pleasant situations. Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder) People with manic depression experience high degrees of mood swings. Their train of thought can take them from feeling euphoric to feeling suicidal in just a few weeks. It is very common to get into a depressive state before or after the manic episode. Postpartum Depression (Peripartum Depression) This depression episode is characterized by dramatic hormonal changes in women after giving birth. They may tend to experience bouts of sadness and cry anytime. The symptoms usually alleviate after a week or two of giving birth. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) People with this type of depression start experiencing depressive symptoms with a change in seasons. For many, it happens during winter. The individual starts feeling worse as the season progresses and can even have suicidal thoughts.
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Simple and practical guide points for expecting parents

Simple and practical guide points for expecting parents

Pregnancy is a new experience in every couple’s life, and one should understand a few things to ensure that the nine months are smooth and stress-free. Simply being prepared for pregnancy and looking forward to the joy of parenthood is not all there’s to childbirth. As a couple, you must understand, review, and adjust your lifestyle. Expecting mothers become their child’s nurturers and supporters from day one, but the expecting fathers, close relatives, and friends must also understand the key roles they will play right up to the due date. Here are a few simple family and pregnancy guide points to help you and your folks get started: Staying healthy Physical and mental wellbeing is extremely crucial for the expecting mother to ensure both her and the baby’s health. Diet plays a crucial role in this process, as the mother is now providing nutrition for the developing fetus as well as herself. As a family, you can take turns to ensure that the to-be mother is staying physically active, eating healthy and regularly, and not cultivating any bad habits. More importantly, family and loved ones should be prepared for the changes to come in the upcoming trimesters. Coping with changes – what to expect Morning sickness in the first trimester is quite common and can put a woman’s body under tremendous stress. Nausea and vomiting may also cause headaches, but medications cannot always be taken, as they may affect the baby’s health. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause extreme mood swings, so everyone around must be prepared to deal with this. Maintaining a healthy relationship with one’s partner and responding to their needs is crucial to ensure a healthy pregnancy, especially after the first trimester, when the baby starts developing quickly. Counseling One of the more crucial aspects of family and pregnancy planning is prenatal counseling.
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