The quality of sleep at night sets one’s tone for the day. A good night’s sleep ensures alertness and enhances mood, facilitating better decision making, problem solving, and behavior control. Moreover, studies have demonstrated the association between poor sleep quality and cognitive decline. So, it is important to strike the right balance between sleep duration and quality to enhance one’s overall well-being. To do so, avoid these common mistakes that may affect one’s sleep quality. Using electronic devices just before bedtime Nearly 9 out of 10 individuals in a study admitted to using their phones or tablets just before bedtime. Research has shown that the blue light emitted from mobile phones affects the body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates one’s circadian rhythm. One’s sleep-wake cycle is severely disrupted due to the use of gadgets at night. It is advisable to put away all electronic devices at least half an hour before bedtime and relax one’s eyes by meditating. Sleeping immediately after a meal The body digests food most efficiently in the upright position. Therefore, when one lies down immediately after a meal, the food typically gets redirected to the esophagus, causing heartburn and indigestion and impacting sleep quality.

Everyone has a unique preference for doing certain things in life. However, some food and lifestyle choices might not be the best decisions when preserving a healthy mind and body. These bad habits can be the path that could lead you to poor kidney health and even failure. It’s not too late to make amends. Rectifying some small habits can go a long way in relieving the pressure on the kidneys. Not drinking enough water Drinking adequate water is essential to eliminate waste products from the body. It helps flush out the excess sodium, potassium, and other minerals and toxins from the body. It is one of the most effective ways of avoiding kidney stones and related kidney diseases. However, people with existing kidney conditions might need the doctor’s permission and assistance to limit and regulate their water intake. Going heavy on the salt Since high blood pressure is one of the conditions that can put the kidney at risk, it is essential to limit salt intake. Excessive use of salt in foods is one of the bad habits that need to be avoided since it could lead to kidney failure. It is responsible for uncontrolled blood pressure levels, which can further increase the risk of developing kidney-related problems.

The lungs are the central part of the respiratory system. Located in the chest or the thoracic cavity, they make oxygen available to the body and release carbon dioxide. For overall health, good lung function is vital. However, several daily household factors can contribute to lung damage. While some risk factors may be unavoidable, basic knowledge and prevention of these threats can help reduce the risk of lung diseases and promote better health. Mold Mold is a type of fungus that reproduces using spores. It releases spores into the air, which can cause severe lung damage for those with mold allergies, COPD, and a weak immune system. People sensitive to mold must fix leaks around their homes and avoid the buildup of leaves and compost piles to discourage mold growth. Carpet The little crevices in carpet fabric can trap mold, cockroach droppings, dust mites, and toxic gasses, making them a health hazard. If possible, switch to wood, marble, or tile floors. Alternatively, opt for rugs that can be cleaned outside the home. Vacuum the carpet three times a week, and have it steam cleaned annually. Gas appliances Gas appliances such as cooktops, space heaters, and ovens could also contribute to lung damage, as when gas, wood, oil, coal, and kerosene burn, they release nitrous oxide.

Studies have shown that almost 80% of menstruating individuals experience period pain at some point in their lives. Cramps, discomfort, and mood swings are just some of the many other symptoms accompanying period pain. Managing period pain involves several effective home remedies and strategies that can help reduce cramping and discomfort. Moreover, maintaining adequate cleanliness and hygiene during this time is essential to prevent infections. Here are some menstrual hygiene mistakes one should avoid: Changing pads or tampons infrequently Tampons and pads can cause bacteria to accumulate, triggering vaginal and urinary infections, causing rashes, and emitting unpleasant odors. Thus, if one has normal blood flow, changing one’s tampons or pads at least once every 3–4 hours is advisable. Individuals with heavier menstrual flow should change their pads or tampons more frequently. Using soaps made of strong chemicals While picking a soap, it helps to look for ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, sea salt, and oatmeal, which are milder on the skin and do not cause harm to intimate areas. Moreover, it is essential to ensure that the soap one is buying is non-comedogenic. Failing to wash the genital area daily When blood remains on the skin, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Eating healthy foods and getting the right nutrients are important for maintaining a healthy metabolism and supporting vital organ functions. Food is fuel for the body. However, the types of foods and beverages consumed lack essential nutrients and cause health conditions. For example, many foods can worsen symptoms of chronic conditions like neuropathy, which is why eating the right foods is essential. Here are the top foods to avoid for neuropathy: Sugary snacks like chocolates Excess sugar consumption can dangerously spike blood glucose levels and trigger complications like diabetes-related flare-ups linked to neuropathy. In fact, hyperglycemia is one of the main causes of neuropathy. This is why one must eliminate sugar or moderately consume sweets like chocolates and pastries, starchy foods like potatoes, and simple carbohydrates like fruit juice concentrate. These food groups lead to an insulin imbalance, causing blood glucose to spike. Even condiments like artificial sweeteners and beverages like fruit juices and flavored sodas should be eliminated to manage neuropathy better. Salty foods like potato chips High sodium levels in the bloodstream can restrict blood flow and trigger numbness in certain areas where neuropathy affects the limbs. Limiting salt consumption and avoiding processed foods that contain excess salt, including potato chips, fatty foods, fried foods, deli meats, and canned foods preserved in a salt base, is recommended.

Dental implants are implanted into the jaw to restore one’s ability to chew. They offer support for bridges and other artificial (fake) teeth, such as crowns. Those who don’t want to wear dentures after losing multiple teeth and can afford to pay for a complete set of implants can consider this procedure, which promises a hassle-free long-term solution. Here is a guide to dental implant brands, types, materials, and procedures. Popular brands Although dentists recommend the best dental implant types, it doesn’t hurt to know more about the companies that manufacture premium ones. Buying from the right brand and company ensures patients don’t get cheap knockoffs or poor-quality implants since the market is flooded with hundreds of alternatives. Types – Titanium or zirconia Zirconia is a metal-free implant widely used due to its durability and affordability. While it may not be the cheapest, zirconia is still more favored as it does not corrode. The material is similar to ceramic and is non-conductive. Titanium implants are the alternative to zirconia; they are more expensive but durable and can last for decades. However, there is a risk of allergic reactions to the metal that some patients may develop owing to its properties.

Tardive dyskinesia causes involuntary movements in the body. It is usually a side effect of treatments used for schizophrenia and other mental health disorders. While this side effect does not manifest in everyone, when it does, the symptoms remain permanent. Tardive dyskinesia can affect one’s ability to perform simple everyday tasks and lower their quality of life. Patients should speak to a doctor, notify them about their symptoms, and learn how to manage them better. Symptoms of tardive dyskinesia While some get mild symptoms that may go unnoticed, others develop severe symptoms that influence their daily life. The intensity of impact can change over time. Some symptoms to look out for include: Involuntary facial movements Patients develop irregular facial movements that are not rhythmic. The problem is also called orofacial dyskinesia or oro-bucco-lingual dyskinesia. The involuntary facial movements may include: Smacking of the lips Moving the jaw, mouth, or tongue uncontrollably Puffing out of the cheeks Blinking the eyes more than usual Unusual facial expressions Jerky body movements The patient may also manifest involuntary, jerky body movements. A few examples include: Moving or tapping the hands or feet Flapping of the arms Writhing or squirming of fingers Irregular hip movements Thrusting out the pelvis Swaying from side to side Movement in the upper body When involuntary movements are noticed in the arms, legs, toes, or fingers, it is called dyskinesia of the limbs Muscle spasms Some people with the condition develop muscle spasms, where their muscles tighten.

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies or ANCAs are a type of autoantibodies in the body. When ANCAs attach to certain white blood cells called neutrophils, they can begin damaging small blood vessels, causing vasculitis—inflammation of the blood vessels. In most cases. ANCAs are detected through blood tests conducted to check for autoimmune disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, and vasculitis. Additionally, here are a few common symptoms of ANCA vasculitis  that can be observed: Blood in urine ANCAs that cause blood inflammation most commonly affect the kidneys. As a result, blood may be observed in the urine. Further, the urine may appear foamy and discolored, taking on a brownish hue. A sign of ANCAs is the presence of protein in the urine, usually detected during diagnostic testing. High blood pressure ANCAs may start to attack the small blood vessels, making them become inflamed and swollen. This results in high blood pressure. Fatigue The presence of ANCAs in the blood weakens the vessels. Further, they can become narrower, leading to a deficiency of oxygen and nutrients in various organs relying on blood for the supply. This results in extreme fatigue. Respiratory problems The ANCAs in the blood can also affect the lungs, causing several respiratory problems.