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Fungal nail infection – Causes, signs, and management

Fungal nail infection – Causes, signs, and management

Onychomycosis is a condition that affects fingernails or toenails. Also known as nail fungal infection or fungal nail infection, the condition can cause pain, discoloration, and swelling. While fungi naturally may exist in the surroundings or inhabit the human body, sometimes, an overgrowth of fungi causes infections. The infection can spread within the body and from one person to another if left unchecked. So, it is important to seek timely treatment upon noticing common signs. Causes and risk factors The following factors may contribute to these infections: Humid or moist environments: Fungi thrive in warm and moist environments, making public swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers common breeding grounds. Inadequate hygiene: Poor foot hygiene, including not drying feet properly after washing, can create a conducive environment for fungal growth. Nail trauma: Injuries or nail trauma can damage the nail, making it more susceptible to infection. Profuse sweating: Those who are prone to heavy perspiration may be at a higher risk of developing fungal infections in their nails. Weakened immune system: Those with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of developing nail fungal infections. Age and genetics: Aging and genetic predisposition can make some more prone to nail fungal infections.

9 delectable and heart-healthy breakfast ideas

9 delectable and heart-healthy breakfast ideas

Breakfast helps restore the body’s energy and alertness levels after a good night’s rest. It is important to choose healthy foods to kickstart one’s morning, as they have a massive impact on overall health. Heart-healthy breakfast items such as oatmeal, avocados, citrus fruits, and eggs can provide a nutritional boost at the start of the day and help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Try these nine heart-healthy breakfast ideas to start the day right. Two-ingredient banana pancakes Two-ingredient pancakes are quick, simple, and made from basic kitchen ingredients. They do not contain any added sugar, making them a delicious yet healthy breakfast option. To prepare these pancakes, combine a ripe mashed banana with eggs and cook the batter as usual. For additional nutritional value, they can be served with berries, yogurt, or ricotta cheese. Avocado toast There’s a good reason for this breakfast item to be trending! Make an easy breakfast by chopping some avocado and placing it on whole wheat toast. This meal idea is full of healthy fats and whole grains. To make it more nutritious, serve it with some veggies or eggs and top with feta cheese. Steel-cut oatmeal Make a traditional bowl of oatmeal with steel-cut oats.

6 unusual triggers for cold sores

6 unusual triggers for cold sores

A cold sore is a condition in which individuals develop blisters on or around their lips. These fluid-filled blisters are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which jumps from person to person through close contact or sharing items like lipstick or utensils. The virus gets activated and flared up by specific triggers every so often, resulting in an outbreak of cold sores. Here are some unusual triggers for cold sores: Sunlight The sun triggers some aspects of the herpes simplex virus to cause rabid cold sore outbreaks. The sun’s UV rays inflame and irritate the skin if exposed for too long. People with cold sores will suffer the irritation and inflammation caused by UV rays in the form of blisters in and around their lips. UV rays tend to suppress an individual’s immune system and activate or awaken the dormant elements of cold sores in some people. Apart from UV rays, freezing temperatures can also trigger blistering by drying up one’s lips. All in all, if an individual has cold sores already, they must avoid being exposed to the sun constantly. Fatigue People with cold sores who are exhausted or rundown are more likely to experience flare-ups of the condition.

10 early signs of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

10 early signs of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig’s disease after the famous baseball player who succumbed to the disease, is a motor-neuron condition characterized by the breaking down of nerve cells in the body and leading to a degeneration of the brain and spinal cord. Approximately 5.2 per 1,00,000 individuals are affected by this neurodegenerative disease each year nationwide. Here are some early warning signs of ALS that can facilitate timely intervention: Early warning signs of ALS Difficulty walking This health condition begins with muscular weakness, which eventually poses difficulty standing and walking. Thus, ALS patients may require assistive devices like crutches or wheelchairs as the disease progresses. Problems with chewing and swallowing Since ALS involves the weakening of the masseter and temporalis muscles responsible for chewing and swallowing, individuals with ALS face difficulties carrying out these activities independently and may require assistance while having their meals. Muscle cramping Muscle cramping is a highly prevalent symptom among patients with ALS, reportedly affecting 95% of patients with this condition. Spasticity Muscle weakness due to ALS may progress to muscle tightness or spasticity, making it difficult for patients with this disease to move the different muscles in their bodies. Loss of control over emotional expression Some patients with ALS may experience a momentary loss of control over their emotional expressions, such as crying or laughing.

5 heart-healthy breakfast ideas to try today

5 heart-healthy breakfast ideas to try today

Eating nutritious foods is incredibly essential, especially for those with heart conditions. Certain ingredients can affect the organ and worsen existing issues, while others can help maintain heart health without compromising taste. When switching to a healthier food plan, experts recommend starting the day with the right breakfast. This first meal should support the heart and provide energy for the tasks ahead. Here are five heart-healthy breakfast ideas to try today. Whole wheat pancakes Adding whole grains to meals is a great way to keep heart health in check and potentially decrease the risk of developing cardiac diseases. Experts suggest whole grains can also help reduce cholesterol and the risk of a stroke. One of the best ways to consume whole wheat in the mornings is to make whole wheat pancakes for breakfast. Follow the usual pancake recipe, but use whole wheat flour over unhealthy varieties. Have them with seasonal fruits and a little blueberry syrup for extra deliciousness! Quinoa breakfast bowl Quinoa is another heart-healthy food that can easily be incorporated into breakfast. It contains a lot of fiber, which can help lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes and keep cholesterol and blood sugar in check. Since this ingredient is also rich in antioxidants, it may help prevent heart damage.

5 things to do with the placenta after birth

5 things to do with the placenta after birth

The placenta is an organ that forms during a pregnancy. It is attached to the uterus lining and helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the fetus via the umbilical cord. In several cultures, there are different ways that the placenta is used and honored after a mother gives birth. Many individuals prefer using the placenta meaningfully rather than discarding it after the birthing process, so here are some things that can be done. Donate the placenta Some people choose to donate their placenta, which can be used in many procedures. Since this organ is a nutrient-dense tissue, it can help in reconstructive surgeries like healing wounds and burns, spinal surgeries, ocular procedures, and a lot more. Some dedicated organizations help with this donation for completely free, but it is important to have this conversation with one’s healthcare provider so they can help with making the right arrangements. There might be some formalities, like filling out a form and some paperwork ahead of time, so it is vital to get this done beforehand. Plant the placenta Many people choose to do this. Some people feel attached to the placenta and feel like it needs to be honored instead of donated. So, they choose to plant the placenta in the yard.

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Black Friday 2023 – Top 10 Smartphone Deals to Watch Out For

Black Friday 2023 – Top 10 Smartphone Deals to Watch Out For

Even during non-festive periods, smartphones sell like hotcakes in online and offline stores. Most tech enthusiasts routinely feel the need to get their hands on the latest models of their favorite smartphones. With Black Friday 2023 still several weeks away, shoppers can check out the features of their favorite smartphones. All the estimated deals listed in this article are based on the existing retail discounts, and buyers can expect similar bargains this Black Friday. High-range smartphones 1. Different variants of Apple’s iPhone make up the top 4 of the bestselling smartphones in the country. On many retail sites, devices such as the Apple iPhone SE 5G are being sold with discounts that range from about $200 to $250. This means that there is a high percentage chance that similar or better deals will likely emerge for such devices when Black Friday looms closer. The Apple iPhone SE 5G offers fantastic features such as lightning-fast processors, 5G connectivity, 4K video recording capability with 60 FPS, the unique Dynamic Island display, IP67 water resistance, and many more. 2. Samsung’s Galaxy devices come second in the sales pecking order after Apple’s iPhones when it comes to the smartphone market leadership. With the presence of Black Friday looming on the horizon, users can expect great deals on their favorite Galaxy smartphones. For instance, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is available on many retail sites with existing discounts ranging from 10% to 15%. Shoppers may possibly find such (or better) discounts during the upcoming sale period. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a one-of-a-kind foldable phone packed with incredible features such as a massive display, dual-app viewing, immersive gaming experience, super AMOLED screens, and many other niceties. 3. A device that is likely to offer massive discounts during Black Friday is the Google Pixel 7.

10 Incredible Black Friday Deals to Expect on Laptops in 2023

10 Incredible Black Friday Deals to Expect on Laptops in 2023

Laptops combine the power of desktops with the portability of smartphones, making them suitable for several tasks. But this is also why they tend to be pricey. Unsurprisingly, many wait for sales like Black Friday to buy the model of their choice. Below are ten types of laptops and the Black Friday 2023 deals one can expect on them in the coming months. The discounts listed are based on last year’s sale and current prices. 1. Dual-screen laptops Unlike older dual-screen models, newer ones are much more efficient and non-gimmicky. They have secondary displays with anti-glare capability that perfectly complement the primary screen. A great option is the ASUS Zenbook Pro Duo UX581. It comes with a 15.6-inch 4K UHD NanoEdge touchscreen glossy main display, a cutting-edge Intel Core i7-9750H Quad Core Processor, and a 14-inch 4K matte touchscreen for seamless scrolling and usability. Last year, Amazon sold specific variants of the Zenbook Pro Duo for a discount of 15% in the run-up to Black Friday. 2. Gaming laptops Gamers need laptops that are responsive, less prone to overheating, and armed with high-end graphics cards. In short, they seek devices that will not leave them high and dry in the middle of a high-octane, graphics-heavy game by being laggy and annoying. Thankfully, several gaming laptops tick these boxes, an example being Lenovo’s IdeaPad Gaming 3. The device has incredible features, such as the latest AMD Ryzen 6000 Series processors, GeForce RTX 30 Series GPUs, and Rapid Charge technology to boost battery by 40% in just 15 minutes. Amazon reduced the price of specific IdeaPad Gaming 3 models by $300 last Black Friday, so gamers can hope for similar savings in 2023. 3. Chromebooks Those who prefer the ultra-reliable Chrome OS can check out Acer’s Chromebook 315. It has a powerful Intel Celeron N4020 dual-core processor, a full HD IPS touchscreen, and over 12 hours of battery life!