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  • Tips to Treat and Manage Meniscus Tear

    Knee injuries are very common and meniscus tear is one of such common knee injuries. This is one of the commonly occurring cartilage injuries and can be very painful as well. Meniscus means a piece of the cartilage that provides support and cushioning between the shinbone and the thighbone. This is going to protect the knee bone from any kind of wear and tear. It is just a hard twist of the leg or knee area that takes to tear the meniscus.

    This kind of injury is very common in sports such as football, soccer or volleyball. It also happens with people who are not athletes. When you take a sudden turn at the time of running, it can cause the meniscus tear. This problem is very common with older athletes as the meniscus can get weaker with age. Meniscus tear treatment should start immediately as the injury can be extremely painful and cause a lot of swelling in the knee area.

    Tips to Treat and Manage Meniscus Tear:

    Meniscus tear treatment depends on the severity of the injury to the knee. You should get in touch with the doctor for better suggestions.

    1. RICE is one of the best ways to treat meniscus tear – Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation method. You should provide enough rest to the knee and avoid doing anything that can put some pressure on the knee. You should ice the affected knee for at least 30 minutes, for every 3 to 4 hours. Compress the knee with the help of a bandage or a knee band, which can reduce the inflammation. Elevate the leg in order to reduce swelling.
    2. As a part of the meniscus tear treatment, your doctor may prescribe you painkillers, which help in reducing swelling and pain as well.
    3. Physiotherapy is another best way to treat the meniscus tear. Your therapist will prepare a plan to strengthen the muscles around the knee area. Physiotherapy will also help in reducing pain, reducing stiffness, and also increases the movement of the knee.
    4. If none of the above-stated treatments work for you, then your doctor may suggest you arthroscopic surgery. Your doctor will help you with all the information that you need to know about the surgery.

    You can let the doctor know if you are having fever, open wounds, cold or infection of any kind before the surgery. With proper meniscus tear treatment and care, you can get back to the usual mobility of the knee.

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  • Reasons to Always Choose the Best Orthopedic Surgeon

    Joint replacement is a very big step and many people are usually worried when they have to get a joint replacement done. But with so many advancements in the technology, there is nothing that you should be worried about. It has become a simple and common surgery these days. But there is one important step you need to take and that is to find the best orthopedic surgeons. There are a number of orthopedic surgeons available, but it is important to choose the best. Whether it is knee, ankle, foot or leg, you should choose the best.

    Reasons to always choose the best orthopedic surgeon:

    1. When you choose the best orthopedic surgeons, you can stay assured that the surgery is going to go well. The medical condition with the joints, whether knee, ankle, leg or foot, it will be treated well.
    2. They are trained and specialized on performing the surgeries related to the joints and hence one can stay relaxed. They can understand the situation better and deal with it, in case any unforeseen complications arise during the surgery.
    3. Their experience speaks when the surgery is performed. When you choose the best orthopedic surgeons, their past experience is going to be an advantage for you. If a surgeon is able to perform at least 12 or more surgeries in a year, then the success rate is definitely going to be high.
    4. When you select the best orthopedic surgeons from the best hospitals, even your insurance company will cover the hospitals and hence you will not have to worry about the surgery amount that you need to pay for the surgery.
    5. You get better suggestions about the joint replacement surgeries for the best surgeons. Their words of wisdom and valuable advice will help you take the right decision for your joint injury or pain.
    6. Post-surgery care will also be provided by the experts. Post-surgery care is equally important and therefore should not be avoided. One needs to take extra care when it comes to tackling post-surgery medical complications.

    Overall, choosing the best orthopedic surgeon is always important for the success of the orthopedic surgery and for the overall recovery and treatment of the patient. Do not hesitate to spend a little extra for the best surgeon as you can always rely on medical insurance and take care of any extra expenses.

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  • Best Treatment Options for Atopic Dermatitis

    Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin condition and is also a common type of eczema. It is naturally characterized by dry skin with persistent itching, which when not treated, can lead to very serious skin infections. Therefore, finding a good prevention and treatment plan for atopic dermatitis is essential for managing skin-related symptoms and maintaining a higher quality of life.

    While there is no definite cure for atopic dermatitis but there are different treatment options, which we will discuss in the following context:

    Moisturizers
    The most effective yet simplest atopic dermatitis treatment is to relieve the dry skin with the help of moisturizers. The best way to apply moisturizers is after bathing when the skin is still damp. Lotions, creams, and ointment are three different types of moisturizers that can be a good long-term treatment solution for atopic dermatitis.

    • Lotions are a mixture of water and oil that easily spreads on your skin and are considered to be the lightest moisturizers, which are extremely effective for the treatment. But for severe atopic dermatitis, the lotion is not a good choice as the water in the lotion evaporates quickly, leaving behind the skin dry.
    • While on the other hand, a cream is a semisolid mixture of oil and water with the oil content being more than that of lotion, thus making it more emollient than lotion. As creams hydrate the skin much more efficiently than lotion, it can be a great daily moisturizing option for dry skin.
    • Ointments are semisolid greases that have high oil content than that of creams and lotions. Moreover, ointments have few ingredients which make them a great treatment option for those with sensitive skin.

    Topical Steroids
    For short-term treatment, topical corticosteroids such as low-strength hydrocortisone creams are available at most medical or grocery stores. Applying hydrocortisone immediately after moisturizing your skin is one of the most effective atopic dermatitis treatment options.

    Oral Antihistamines
    Oral antihistamines can act as an effective treatment option to manage the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. However, oral antihistamines are not generally recommended as a standalone treatment but it can temporarily give you relief from your dry skin and itching caused by atopic dermatitis.

    Phototherapy
    Phototherapy refers to the treatment with light such as narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) light, which is the most common form of phototherapy for this treatment. It can be a good second-line option for treating atopic dermatitis if the standard treatments are not working for someone. One needs to receive this treatment two to three times per week to get better results.

    You can opt for any of the aforementioned atopic dermatitis treatment options. However, it is strongly recommended that you consult your medical professional before proceeding with any line of treatment. You can also check out the atopic dermatitis pictures online to know more about the disease and its symptoms.

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  • 4 Common Causes of High Cholesterol and How to Control Them

    Cholesterol is a wax-like substance that is found in the fats in your blood. Your body needs a regular supply of cholesterol in order to build healthy cells. However, a high level of cholesterol can lead to heart diseases. With high cholesterol, your body starts depositing more fats in your blood vessels which block the blood flow. As the cholesterol blocks the blood flow through your arteries, your heart will not get enough oxygen-rich blood. This increases the chance of heart attack. Furthermore, due to low blood flow to your brain, there is a risk of stroke. Here are a few common causes of high cholesterol.

    Causes of High Cholesterol

    Poor Diet
    One of the major causes of high cholesterol level is your diet. If your diet includes the following items which have saturated fat, then the risk of high cholesterol increases.

    • Dairy products such as butter, cream cheese, cheese, etc.
    • Fatty cuts of pork, beef, etc.
    • Processed meats such as sausages, salami, etc.
    • Commercially-baked crackers, cookies, etc.

    Obesity
    Obesity is another factor that affects the normal range of cholesterol levels. If your BMI is 30 or higher, then you have a high chance of getting affected by high cholesterol.

    Smoking
    Smoking reduces the good cholesterol in your body. It even harms the inner side of the arteries which makes the sticking of cholesterol and other fats easier in your arteries. Thus, smoking causes the normal range of cholesterol levels in your body to go completely off.

    Diabetes
    Diabetes is also one of the major causes of high cholesterol. It reduces the HDL cholesterol of your body which leads to the damaging of arteries, thereby increasing the chances of a heart attack.

    Controlling Cholesterol
    In order to reduce high cholesterol levels in your body, your doctor will recommend a change in lifestyle. If proper dieting and exercise fail to provide relief, then you will be prescribed certain medications to lower your LDL levels. Also, before your doctor prescribes any medicines, you should discuss your complete medical history. This will ensure that your current medications do not react with the newly prescribed medicines.

    Finally, if you have high cholesterol then you need to check your diet and start living an active lifestyle. In this way, you will not only lower high cholesterol but will also be able to keep other health problems away.

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  • Pros and Cons of Turmeric and Curcumin

    Turmeric is a yellow spice and is believed to have many health benefits. It belongs to the ginger family and is native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The ideal temperature condition for its growth is between 68°F and 86°F as well as considerable rainfall. The roots are boiled in water and dried in ovens and then ground into powder. The mustard-colored spice is used as a flavoring and coloring agent in Asian cuisine. Curcumin is a bright yellow component in turmeric and used as a herbal supplement and food flavoring and coloring. Chemically, curcumin is responsible for turmeric’s yellow color.

    Benefits of Turmeric
    Although the side effects of turmeric and curcumin are many, in many parts of Asia, they are used for treating various health conditions. Some of the benefits include are as follows:

    • Medicinal Benefits
      Due to the presence of curcumin, turmeric is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
    • Anti-inflammatory Component
      Chronic inflammation is responsible for many diseases in western countries. Curcumin can destroy many molecules that contribute to inflammation.
    • Antioxidant Capacity
      Free radicals in our body have an urge to react with important organic substances such as fatty acids and proteins. Curcumin boosts the activity of antioxidant enzymes that protect the body from free radicals. Owing to their chemical property, curcumin can neutralize free radicals.
    • Arthritis
      Arthritis is a common sickness associated with joint inflammation. Curcumin, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, helps treat symptoms of arthritis.
    • Skin Benefits
      Applying turmeric helps ace marks and blemishes to fade away.

    Side Effects of Turmeric and Curcumin
    Along with the health benefits, there are some side effects of turmeric and curcumin, which occur when they are consumed in large amounts. These can be as follows:

    • Kidney Stones
      Turmeric comprises around 2% oxalate. When consumed at high doses, these can increase the chances of getting kidney stones.
    • Adulteration
      Most of the commercial turmeric powders are adulterated with cheaper ingredients such as cassava starch, wheat, or rye flour. These are not tolerated by individuals with an intolerance to gluten or celiac diseases.
    • Lead Content
      Some turmeric powders contain an excess amount of lead, which may cause many health concerns in the long run.
    • Skin Coloration
      Long-term use of turmeric on the skin may contribute to a permanent yellow color on the skin. Excess turmeric in cuisines can also give a yellow color to the teeth.

    Since the adulterated powders are difficult to identify, it is recommended to buy from certified reputed agencies or grind turmeric at home. Similarly, curcumin supplements must also be purchased from certified dealers to avoid any kind of side effects of turmeric and curcumin.

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  • Home Remedies to Cure Constipation in Babies

    As a parent, you might look for signs such as laughs, hiccups, or crying to identify your baby’s well-being. However, many problems in an infant’s health are difficult to gauge from such signs. Constipation is one such problem. Constipation among babies is a widely prevalent problem in the country. This article explores different remedies to cure constipation among babies.

    Adjusting the diet
    If a baby is only breastfed and also suffers from constipation, then the mother can switch her diet. A definitive link exists between constipation among babies and a mother’s food plans. So, the mother should switch to a healthy diet as it can ease constipation among babies. A mother’s healthy food habits will reflect in a baby’s wellbeing.

    Foods that have a high fiber content
    If you have started to feed your baby solid food recently, then this could be the cause of your baby’s constipation. Solid foods can lead to constipation among babies. To ease defecation in babies who have solid foods, parents need to give them foods that are high in fiber content. Listed below are some food items that are high in fiber content. You can give your baby any of these foods.

    • Broccoli
    • Pears
    • Prunes
    • Peaches
    • Skinless apples

    Look after your baby’s hydration levels
    If your baby is having constipation issues, then it could be because of lack of hydration. Water and milk are the two of the best ways to keep your babies hydrated and away from constipation. However, if your child is older than six months, then you can give them fruit juices. You can avert the problem of constipation among babies by using prune or pear juice.

    Encourage exercise
    Some simple exercises can prevent the problem of constipation in babies. Studies have found a link between constipation in babies and a baby’s movements. So, if your baby has not reached the stage of walking or crawling, you can try some leg bicycles exercises. Hopefully, these may help cure any constipation issues.

    It is quite understandable that parents are concerned about their child’s health. Taking the right measures at the right time can keep your baby healthy and happy. A mix of the right diet for both the mother and baby as well as exercises for the infant can help prevent any constipation issues.

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  • Common Symptoms and Home Remedies for Flu

    Flu or influenza is a viral infection caused due to the influenza virus. It is a respiratory problem and can be contagious. When a person with flu coughs or sneezes, the infection can spread through respiratory droplets. One must be very careful if anyone in the family has flu. Taking since close contact makes it easier for the virus to spread. the right medication is the best way to treat any kind of flu. There are various flu symptoms and remedies that should be known to get the proper and right treatment. Read on to know more about flu symptoms and home remedies.

    Symptoms of flu
    Here are some of the most common symptoms of flu.

    • Sore throat, blocked or runny nose, and cough
    • High body temperature
    • Shivers and sweat
    • Joint pain
    • Headache
    • Fatigue

    Home remedies and treatments for flu
    When the symptoms have been identified, it becomes easier to start an effective treatment. When one is infected by the influenza virus, it takes at least two days for the symptoms to show up. So, early diagnosis can be quite difficult. Here are some of the common ways to treat flu.

    • Rest is one of the most important things to do when one has flu. It is important to keep oneself warm and take some rest. This helps to relax the body. It is also important to minimise social contact as flu is contagious.
    • IDrink plenty of water especially when flu is accompanied by diarrhea and vomit. In such cases, the body becomes easily dehydrated; so it is necessary to remain hydrated. Along with this, it is also helpful in flushing out all the viral toxins from the body.
    • It is useful to have to a liquid diet when one has flu. Chicken soup is the best choice as it helps in keeping the warm and also speed up the recovery process.
    • Consult a doctor to get started on with antiviral medication, which will help in getting faster relief and alleviating the various symptoms of the flu.
    • Make sure that the doctor prescribes medications to treat aches and high fever as well.

    Now, that you know the various common symptoms of flu and how to treat it with home remedies and doctor-prescribed treatments, remedies, it is going to be easier to manage the illness. Ensure to remain covered during the flu season.

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  • What are the Side Effects of Magnesium

    Magnesium is an essential macro-element which is naturally present in many foods. It helps the human body in protein synthesis, healthy bone development, maintaining a healthy heart, regulating blood pressure, controlling nerve impulses, regulating glucose levels in the blood, and energy production.

    The Office of Dietary Supplements in National Institutes of Health recommends that adult men should consume 400 to 420 milligrams (mg), and women should consume 310 to 320 mg of magnesium daily. Foods like almonds, cashew, peanuts, spinach, and black beans are excellent sources of magnesium. However, some people suffer from hypermagnesemia which is a condition where the level of magnesium in the human body exceeds the standard range. Continue reading to know more about the side effects of magnesium in detail.

    • Gastrointestinal effects
      Gastrointestinal problems are a common effect of magnesium toxicity. It is a known fact that magnesium acts as a laxative, and this is the reason why it is a component of medicines for heartburn or acidity. However, if the level of magnesium rises beyond the tolerable value, the person suffers from diarrhea. Here, the individual discharges watery stools and suffers from abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, as well as fatigue. The U.S. Institute of Medicine advises patients against consuming magnesium supplements that contain more than 350 milligrams of this element.
    • Cardiovascular effect
      Irregularity in the cardiovascular system is one of the more common side effects of magnesium. Many individuals have reported a drop in blood pressure after consuming high doses of magnesium supplements. This condition is known as hypotension, and it may lead to lightheadedness, dizziness, blurry vision, and even loss of consciousness. Hypermagnesemia may also cause slow heart rate and arrhythmia (erratic heart rhythms). In rare cases, it may even induce a cardiac arrest.
    • Kidney damage
      Under normal circumstances, kidneys perform the function of removing excess magnesium from the blood vessels. However, kidney functions get impaired due to certain medical conditions like long-term diabetes, alcoholism, and drug abuse. Hence, it cannot remove excess magnesium from the system, which results in magnesium toxicity. In such cases, doctors prohibit the consumption of additional magnesium supplements as it leads to side effects like poorly controlled diabetes and slow blood clotting.
    • Respiratory problems
      Excess magnesium in the body may also lead to the impairment of a person’s pulmonary functions. Here, the individual suffers from breathing difficulties, decreased reflexes, and sleepiness. Discontinuing the magnesium supplement helps to improve the condition.

    If you’ve been experiencing any of these side effects for a prolonged duration, then you must book an appointment with a doctor for a diagnosis.

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  • Common Causes of Blood Vessel Burst in the Eye

    We all know that the human eye is one of the most sensitive organs in the human body, and one of the most important parts of the eye is the conjunctiva, which is a transparent tissue that covers the eye. Numerous tiny blood vessels are located in the conjunctiva and in the space between the conjunctiva and the underlying white part of the eye, known as the sclera. Apart from covering the sclera, blood vessels also line the inside of the eyelids. These vessels contain tiny glands that are responsible for secreting different fluids to protect and lubricate the eye. Bleeding in eyes can happen because a few blood vessels have burst. There are various causes of blood vessel burst in eyes. However, it is useful to know the reasons behind the phenomenon called blood in the eye.

    A subconjunctival haemorrhage, commonly known as ‘blood in the eye’ occurs when the tiny blood vessels break just underneath the conjunctiva. The blood gets trapped giving the white part of the eye a red color. This happens because the conjunctiva cannot absorb blood quickly. Moreover, you won’t realize that you are affected by subconjunctival hemorrhage until and unless you look in the mirror and notice the white part of the eye turning red.

    As the conjunctiva covers only the white part of the eye, the central part i.e. the cornea is unaffected by subconjunctival hemorrhage. Therefore, any bleeding in the eye due to subconjunctival hemorrhage does not affect your vision as the cornea is responsible for your eyesight. Moreover, a subconjunctival hemorrhage often occurs without causing any obvious harm to your eye. It generally disappears within two weeks or so.

    Risk Factors for Subconjunctival Haemorrhage
    There are several risk factors that cause blood vessels to burst in the eye. These include:

    • Persons affected with diabetes.
    • Persons with hypertension or high blood pressure.
    • Consumption of certain blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or warfarin.
    • Persons having blood-clotting disorders.

    Causes of Blood Vessel Burst in Eye
    The causes of blood vessel burst in eyes aren’t always known, but the following conditions are sometimes responsible for causing small blood vessels to rupture in your eye:

    • Persons with accidental injury, especially in the face can suffer from subconjunctival hemorrhage.
    • Eyestrain is considered to be one of the common causes of blood vessel burst in eyes.
    • Violent coughing and forceful sneezing can lead to blood vessels in the eye to get ruptured leading to subconjunctival hemorrhage.
    • Lifting heavy objects and doing high-intensity workouts can also be one of the causes of blood vessel burst in eyes.
    • Certain eye infections can also be responsible for subconjunctival hemorrhage.
    • Deficiency in certain vitamins such as Vitamin C can cause subconjunctival hemorrhage.

    Immediate medical consultation is strongly recommended in such cases. This is because if not treated on time and properly, blood vessel burst in the eyes can lead to severe health problems and can affect the eyesight.

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  • Effective Options for Treating Chronic Bronchitis

    Chronic bronchitis is the infection of the main airways of your lungs, i.e., bronchi, causing them to become inflamed and irritated. Coughing is the main symptom. Also, phlegm is produced as a result of this long-lasting cough and you may experience wheezing and a sore throat. It is not contagious when it is caused due to air pollution, smoking or some other inhaled irritants. If any bacterial or viral infection is the reason for your chronic bronchitis, then it is contagious. For the best treatment for chronic bronchitis, consulting a healthcare professional is the best thing to do. However, it can get better in some natural ways and using some home remedies as well. The following treatment options are quite effective against chronic bronchitis.

    • Fluid Intake
      When you are suffering from chronic bronchitis, try to consume adequate fluid. Usually, due to fever, the body loses the fluid faster. If the patient stays well hydrated, the lung secretions will become thinner and can be released easily.
    • Healthy Diet
      Another natural treatment for chronic bronchitis is maintaining a healthy diet that includes foods having the properties of reducing the bronchitis symptoms. Foods that are helpful to deal with it are ginger, lemon, honey, almonds, and bay leaf.
    • Use a Mist Vaporizer
      To reduce the bronchial irritation, a humidifier or a warm mist vaporizer can be a great help.
    • Pulmonary Rehabilitation
      This is an effective treatment for chronic bronchitis as it includes nutrition counseling, education, learning different breathing techniques, doing regular exercise along with getting help to quit smoking. These activities will not only improve the patient’s health but will also help to stay fit and healthy.
    • Oxygen Therapy
      Chronic bronchitis affected patients may face trouble in breathing with the progress of the disease. When it becomes difficult to breathe naturally, some supplemental oxygen is needed to offer relief to the patient.
    • Proper Rest
      As a patient of chronic bronchitis faces breathing issues, the affected person might feel tired and dizziness. Proper rest including sitting in a steamy bathroom or sleeping near any humidifier will help to deal with chronic bronchitis.

    Other than all the aforementioned ways, many medications, vaccines, steroids, antibiotics etc. are available that offer an effective treatment for chronic bronchitis. However, it is advised not to take any medication, supplements, or anything without consulting a medical expert. This medical guidance will not only help you to deal with the symptoms but will also help in getting the fastest recovery from this chronic bronchitis.

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