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8 extraordinary facts you should know about kidneys
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8 extraordinary facts you should know about kidneys

Shaped like beans and located towards the back, kidneys are an essential organ responsible for the removal of waste products, among other functions. They are two in number, with the right kidney located slightly below the left one on the opposite side to accommodate the liver. Apart from other obvious information, there are many interesting facts about this organ that will blow your mind! The rise in chronic kidney disease could be related to climate change According to research, the heat brought about by global warming could adversely affect our kidneys, which are vulnerable to extreme conditions. Nephrons in kidneys measure up to five miles long Nephrons, the functional unit of kidneys, is the structure that produces urine during the process of waste removal. There are about 1.15 million nephrons in the body, which, when laid out, measure approximately 5 miles or 8 kilometers. Largest kidney stone recorded was longer than a rugby ball In July 2017, Guinness presented an official certificate to Ahmed Saeed Mohammed Omar, who had a kidney stone that weighed more than 4 kilograms and was longer than a rugby ball! Kidneys filter a whopping 45 gallons of blood per day The two bean-shaped organs, working through the clock every day, treat about 150 quarts or 600 cups’ worth of blood in a matter of 24 hours.
How to manage hot flashes associated with menopause
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How to manage hot flashes associated with menopause

Hot flashes are a sudden feeling of heat that may occur during menopause. While there is no certain cause associated with these sensations, medical professionals suggest changes in blood circulation may trigger these sudden flashes. Often these flashes are accompanied by flushing in the face followed by sweating. Some women also experience chills or rapid heart rate during an episode. The condition is not predominant, but only about 2 in 10 women don’t experience these episodes. It is quite a common symptom of menopause. There is no cure for the condition, and the best way to manage hot flashes associated with menopause is by taking preventive measures. There are simple lifestyle changes you can make to manage the symptoms of hot flashes. These include: Layered clothing When experiencing hot flashes, it is advisable to wear multiple layers so that they can be removed instantaneously. So, when the symptoms develop, you can adjust your layers accordingly and help bring down the body temperature. Do not let heat trap in the clothing, as it can worsen the symptoms. Portable fan Make room for a portable fan in your purse or handbag and always carry one while going outdoors. A portable fan will help cool your flushed face, especially when the temperature is beyond tolerable.
Here are some important things to keep in mind about multiple sclerosis
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Here are some important things to keep in mind about multiple sclerosis

There are approximately one million people over the age of 18 who suffer from multiple sclerosis in the country. A disease that can be benign to some and incapacitating to others, multiple sclerosis is highly unpredictable. This is why it is important to be fully aware of this debilitating disease. What is multiple sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain, nerves, and the spinal cord. When a person suffers from multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath that protects the nerve fibers. This disrupts the transmission of signals from the brain to the rest of the body. Types of MS There are four basic stages of the progression of multiple sclerosis. Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS): CIS is the first episode of neurological symptoms caused by MS. The symptoms will show up due to the inflammation and demyelination (destruction of the protective coating of the nerves) in the central nervous system. Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS): RRMS is the most common route taken by the disease. In this stage, there will be new or a greater scale of existing neurological symptoms. It is at this stage where one can go into complete remission if the disease will advance further.
4 simple pain-management techniques for prolonged relief
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4 simple pain-management techniques for prolonged relief

Pain is the body’s natural response to alert the mind that it is under physical duress. Without experiencing pain, it is not possible to know if something is wrong. However, persistent pain can cause endless suffering and hinder your way of life, affecting your daily routine. Injuries, medical conditions, and sometimes even genetics can cause temporary or chronic pain. To overcome such discomforts and provide better relief, medical professionals may suggest the following pain management techniques. Heat and cold therapy Medical professionals recommend heat or cold therapy for muscle and joint pain relief at home. For a more recent injury, cold therapy applied within 48 hours can help relieve the inflammation by reducing blood flow to the affected areas; it numbs the surrounding tissue and curbs the pain. Some of the commonly used products in cold treatment for pain are ice packs, cold compresses, and soothing gels. Alternatively, medical conditions like osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and even severe sprains and ligament tears can render the muscle joints stiff and out of action for months. For this, doctors recommend heat therapy done using hot packs, compresses, electrical heating pads, and even hot water bottles. Heat is good for chronic pain management. Exercise It is a given that mobility may become limited due to chronic pain.
Lesser-known types of of parkinson’s disease
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Lesser-known types of of parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that is more commonly seen in the elderly. It occurs when the motor never cells in the brain become impaired. Nerve cells or neurons release dopamine, which helps in movement. As the neurons die, the dopamine levels in the body deplete, as a result of which the person may experience symptoms like stiffness, shaking, difficulty walking, and other cognitive dysfunctions. Both men and women can suffer from this condition. However, statistics suggest that Parkinson’s disease affects men more than women. Of all the forms, idiopathic Parkinson’s disease is the most common form of Parkinsonism. Other lesser-known types of Parkinson’s disease include: Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) This form of Parkinson’s disease has the mid-60s as the average age of onset, and it is known as the most common type of atypical Parkinsonism. People suffering from PSP may have a weak motor function and fall very frequently and also face limitations in eye movements. Treatment of PSP mainly focusses on alleviating symptoms. Some people may also from speech impairment and experience difficulty swallowing. Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) This form of Parkinsonism is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. DLB causes abnormal deposits of proteins called alpha-synuclein in multiple parts of the brain.
How to prevent and manage dental problems
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How to prevent and manage dental problems

Oral hygiene is one of the most significant activities of our daily routine. Not paying attention to your mouth and teeth health can result in several problems that cause pain, sensitivity, and persistent discomfort. It should also not come as a surprise that several processed foods and beverages are among the main triggers of dental problems. This is why you must pay attention to what you eat. Note that changes in your diet, coupled with medication and treatment, can overcome common dental problems. Sores Sores can appear anywhere inside the mouth, on the tongue, inner cheeks, lips, or even bottom of the mouth. Mouth sores, especially non-contagious canker sores, are extremely sensitive. Stress, a weak immune system, changes in hormones, and lack of essential vitamins in your daily diet can result in canker sores as an allergic reaction. Reduce and prevent the risk of canker sores by avoiding extremely hot foods and beverages to prevent a sore from forming over the tongue or mouth. Further, over-the-counter antiviral medications provide relief from any irritation and help prevent the infection from spreading. Tooth erosion The enamel in your tooth erodes over time until the teeth fall naturally. Certain foods and beverages rich in acids and harsh compounds can accelerate the erosion of a chemical reaction.
6 tips to always have good mental health
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6 tips to always have good mental health

Mental health is one of those things where one would need to help themselves. Others can have very little to no influence on how one feels, leaving them to deal with their own thoughts. That being said, keeping a check on one’s mental health is not difficult. It’s all about realizing what matters most and giving it more time. There are no universal tips that work for everyone. To know what works best for an individual, one must give it a try. So, here are a few tips that can help wade through the difficulties in life with ease. Workout or practice yoga every morning Do not belittle the power of yoga or a heart-pumping physical workout. Some form of physical exercise should always be a part of one’s daily routine since it greatly helps relieve stress and helps one stay calm and balanced when faced with stressful and challenging situations during the day. Bring awareness Practicing meditation will help one become mindful. Bringing mindfulness into the activities performed daily will further help bring more peace and balance. Studies have shown that mindfulness can help cope with depression, substance abuse, anxiety, and eating disorders, among others. Improvement in any of these aspects of life naturally leads to better mental health.
7 common early symptoms of pregnancy
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7 common early symptoms of pregnancy

The surest way of knowing whether you are pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. That being said, there are a few early signs and symptoms that work as near-conclusive indicators of pregnancy. Although they may vary ever-so-slightly from one woman to another, most of the symptoms are consistent and have been noted for decades. Here are some common early symptoms of pregnancy: 1. Missed period The biggest hint of pregnancy for women with a regular monthly menstrual cycle is a missed period. This is also the first sign of pregnancy and a common first-trimester symptom. However, this can be misleading in case of an irregular menstrual cycle, and a pregnancy test would be advised for confirmation. 2. Cramping and spotting Nearly 10 to 14 days after conception, implantation bleeding begins. This happens due to the blastocyst, the embryo in its early stages of its development, sticks to the lining of the uterus. It is marked by bleeding, usually similar to menstrual bleeding, but relatively lesser. Abdominal cramping may also be associated with implantation bleeding, which mostly lasts for less than three days. 3. Nausea Again, this differs from woman to woman but is another classic sign of pregnancy. It usually happens one month into the pregnancy and can strike almost at any time of the day.

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