Category: Health

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Food Labels: How To Read Them Without Being Tricked

As a health-conscious consumer, you may rely on food labels to inform you of what you put into your body. While it’s good practice to always read food labels, it may discourage you to learn that labels aren’t always transparent. Many labels are purposely complex — and spare — so as to hide the true nutritional value (or lack thereof) of the products within the packaging. So that you don’t fall victim to misrepresentations, it may be worth your while to learn how to interpret food labels accurately. Below are a few tips to help you out.  

Always Check the Serving Size

If you rely on food labels to tell you how much of any given ingredient is in a certain product, it’s crucial that you don’t rely on the numbers alone. First, check out the serving size information.

Most packaged foods contain more than one serving. For instance, a can of soup typically contains two servings. A box of Cheez-Its contains 12 servings. You can generally find both the serving size and the number of servings per container at the top of the food label. The nutritional values listed next to each ingredient apply to each serving, not the entire container. So, if a serving size of soup is half a can and you eat the whole can, you consume twice the amount of calories, fat and nutrients listed on the label.

Double Check the Calorie Count

In addition to highlighting serving size, most food labels like to draw attention to calorie counts. Because calories provide a measure of energy you gain from a serving of food — and because they directly contribute to weight goals — many health-conscious consumers strive to control the number of calories they consume on a daily basis. If you’re one such consumer, compare the advertised calorie count with the serving size. If a package asserts that the contents within contain 120 calories but the container contains 4 servings, the actual calorie count is 480.

Calculate % Daily Value

The % daily value refers to the percentage of the daily value of nutrients that each serving contains. More specifically, these values tell you how much a food or beverage contributes to your daily diet. The DVs are merely recommendations for how much of a particular ingredient you should consume or not exceed each day and are based on a 2,000-calorie-per-day diet. For example, if a food contains 3% cholesterol, it provides 3% of the total amount of cholesterol a person who needs 2,000 calories a day should consume.

The DV percentages can help you assess just how nutritional or non-nutritional a food or beverage is. DVs of 5% or less are low in nutrients. DVs of 20% or more, on other hand, have a high nutrient count per serving. That said, whether a food is good for you depends on which ingredients have high DVs. Foods with high % daily values of vitamin D, iron, calcium, fiber and potassium are nutritious. Foods that are high in sodium, saturated fats and added sugars, however, are not.

Ignore Front-of-Box Labels

If you take anything away from this article, let it be this: Ignore all the claims and assertions on front-of-box labels. Front labels are not regulated and often use misleading — and sometimes downright false — health claims to lure health-conscious consumers into making impulse purchases. If you think you are above falling for these tactics, know that research indicates that front-of-box health claims convince an overwhelming majority of people to purchase a product.

Manufacturers are tricky with their food labels. If you are serious about building and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you need to outsmart them by learning how to read labels accurately.

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Should You Worry About RSV This Winter?

If you've heard about RSV on the news, you already know it's not an invitation to a party. These letters stand for respiratory syncytial virus, a type of viral infection. Should you be worried about catching RSV? This guide provides helpful tips for staying safe.

Is RSV a New Type of Coronavirus?

RSV isn’t a coronavirus. It’s not a new virus, either. Even though you may not have heard of it before, RSV has been around for a long time. It was discovered over 60 years ago.

This virus is extremely common. It pops up every year, usually in the fall.

Is RSV Dangerous?

For the majority of healthy people, RSV isn’t dangerous. It usually causes relatively mild respiratory symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose or low fever.

Unfortunately, some age groups are more vulnerable to RSV infections. These patients can experience life-threatening symptoms:

  • Lung inflammation
  • Pneumonia
  • Asthma attacks
  • Increased risk of complications for people with congestive heart failure

Every year, up to 120,000 seniors have to stay in the hospital because of RSV. A small percentage of these patients pass away. Even 120,000 isn’t a huge number of seniors — there are over 50 million older adults in the U.S. — but it’s enough to be cautious.


Are You at Risk for Severe RSV Symptoms?

RSV is mainly dangerous for people who have a weakened immune system. Several risk factors can cause problems:

  • Premature newborns
  • Babies under 12 months
  • Adults over age 65
  • People who have chronic lung disease or asthma
  • Seniors who have heart problems
  • Adults taking medications for autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, etc.)

Compared to younger people, seniors have to fight harder to maintain a healthy, strong immune system. That’s why RSV can be more dangerous for older adults


Are You Prepared for Cold Weather?

Many types of viral infections flourish during the fall and winter months, often because so many people spend time indoors. The good news is that healthy habits for avoiding RSV infections also help you avoid other respiratory infections:

  • Stay away from sick people: Even if friends or family members tell you they only have a “regular” cold, it’s best to skip get-togethers until they get better.
  • Wash your hands: Washing your hands only takes 20 seconds, and it’s one of the best ways to keep viruses out of your house. Wash your hands as soon as you get home or after handling money, shaking hands or touching surfaces in public.
  • Disinfect: You don’t need to go crazy disinfecting, but it’s a good idea to wipe off surfaces people touch frequently, such as doorknobs, tabletops, smartphones, keyboards, TV remotes, etc.
  • Don’t touch your face: If you can master the habit of not touching your eyes, nose or mouth in public, you can avoid one of the biggest causes of getting sick.

Chances are you don’t have to lose sleep over RSV, but a few easy steps can help you lower your risk in any case. Don’t forget to take good care of your immune system with nutritious foods such as yogurt, berries, turmeric, ginger, garlic and green tea!

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6 Sneaky Signs of Heart Disease

Many people are aware of the classic signs of a heart attack, but they are not as familiar with the symptoms of heart disease, often described as the silent killer. For anyone with a family history of heart disease, it pays to understand some of the less obvious indicators of the illness.

1. Horizontal Breathing

Can you breathe when lying on your back, or is it a struggle? If it is challenging, does your breathing improve when you sit up?

Struggling to breathe when lying flat can suggest fluid in the lungs, which is an indicator of heart failure. Essentially, trouble breathing results from blood redistribution. When the body is flat, the heart struggles to pump the extra blood volume, leading to increased fluid in the lungs and shortness of breath.

If you experience this symptom, contact your doctor immediately. The condition is known as orthopnea and requires medical attention.

2. Leg or Hip Pain

While leg and hip pain can stem from arthritis or physical fitness issues, it can also result from circulation issues, originating from peripheral artery disease. Blockages in the leg arteries cause pain in the legs. While blockages in the legs do not mean definitive clogged arteries in the heart, it is likely there are cardiac blockages.

3. Swollen Ankles

If the heart isn't pumping efficiently, fluid can build up in the legs causing swelling in the ankles. According to one study, adults with symptoms of fluid in the lower extremities, even with no history of heart disease, experienced future heart failure incidences.

Medical experts explain that swelling in both legs usually indicates a symptom of heart failure. Swelling in one leg can indicate a blood clot or infection. If you experience swelling and shortness of breath, contact your docto

4. Fatigue

Heart disease can cause extreme fatigue. If you experience tiredness when doing everyday activities, you might have an obstructed coronary artery. Women often cite chronic fatigue as the first symptom of heart disease. Fatigue can also stem from low blood flow. Call your doctor if you seem unusually tired, especially during routine activities.

5. Bad Breath

The mouth contains bacteria, but if the bacteria get out of control, they can cause bad breath. Chronic bad breath is a sign that the bacteria might be at a point where it can affect your overall health because it enters your bloodstream, which can affect your heart health.

6. Nighttime Urination

While nighttime urination usually increases with age, it can be a sign of heart issues. When your heart is weak, it can struggle to pump blood to the kidneys, resulting in fluid buildup in other areas of the body. At night, because you are lying down, gravity contributes to more fluid to the heart, causing the need for more fluid filtration and creating a need to urinate.

The above symptoms are not the only symptoms of heart disease. If you have a history of heart disease or have experienced any of the above symptoms, contact your doctor.

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7 Early Warning Signs of Dementia

Dementia does not refer to a specific disease but a general loss of memory, problem-solving, language and other critical thinking skills. For many people, losing memory is like losing identity because personality encompasses experience. While dementia can affect people to varying degrees, warning signs exist. If you detect the condition early enough, it is possible to slow its progression. According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, there are early warning signs of dementia.

1. Challenges Performing Routine Tasks

Everyone can experience a lapse in memory when performing routine tasks, like forgetting to plate a part of a meal when you're busy. The difference between normal forgetfulness and dementia is a person with dementia will experience habitual lapses. Also, their forgetfulness will involve tasks they have performed countless times throughout their lives; for example, they may forget how to make a meal or even play a favorite game.

2. Memory Loss Affecting Day-To-Day Activities

Forgetting appointments or names are relatively common. In a busy world, it is normal for the brain to have momentary lapses. People with dementia will forget things frequently; they may also forget things they recently learned. If someone you love is struggling to retain new information or forgetting the familiar, it might be time to get them to a doctor.

3. Disorientation With Time and Place

It is challenging to diagnose dementia early because it mimics regular lapses in judgment and memory. A healthy person can occasionally forget what day of the week it is or why they made a left turn when they should have turned right. A person with dementia experiences these common occurrences of forgetfulness with greater frequency and severity.

4. Language Problems

People with dementia often struggle to find the right word or phrase. They can also insert random words into their sentences, making it hard to decipher what they mean. Language problems can lead to frustration and anger because a person with dementia often understands what they want to say; they just can't communicate it.

5. Trouble With Abstract Thought

While you may not realize it, you likely use abstract thinking skills daily. Balancing a checkbook and making a purchase are simple but abstract activities because they revolve around the idea of numbers and applied meaning. People with dementia often forget how to work with numbers, and some may even forget what they are.

6. Impaired Judgment

Dementia can affect the reasoning part of the brain, meaning people with dementia will often make questionable decisions. While you may understand you shouldn't wear a winter coat on a hot day, someone with dementia may not see a problem with it. Also, people with dementia may not recognize when they need medical attention, which is potentially life-threatening.

7. Behavioral and Personality Changes

A person with dementia can experience extreme mood swings within a short period. Also, shifts in emotion can occur for no apparent reason. They can go from laughing one minute to crying the next and having an angry outburst the next.

Additionally, dementia can cause significant personality changes. A person experiencing symptoms may become increasingly suspicious, withdrawn or confused.

Dementia is scary for many people. If you believe you or a loved one is showing early signs of dementia, consult a medical professional.

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Best Ways to “Eat” Your Water

There’s a lot of conflicting information in the health and science communities about how much water we need to drink each day to maintain optimum health. Some experts recommend drinking at least eight glasses of water per day while others say you may need more or less than that depending on your size, age and activity level.

But no matter how often the current advice changes, there’s no denying the fact that drinking adequate water isn’t an easy task for many of us (myself included). I am not particularly fond of water and have always struggled to drink a decent amount for my body’s needs. Fortunately, I recently discovered that there are ways I can eat my water so I don’t have to drink as much!

I know, it sounds strange to eat your water, but it can be done! Many foods are chock-full of water that counts toward your overall fluid intake goal. Here are some of my favorite suggestions for “eating” your water.

Eat More Soup

Soup is a great food to consume if you struggle to drink enough water each day. Whether you’re eating water-based or broth-based soup, you’re giving your body plenty of added fluids to support your hydration needs.

I like to make big batches of soup and then freeze whatever I don’t want to eat right away. I’ve used muffin pans to freeze soup in single-serving sizes. When I’m feeling a little parched and know I need to boost my fluid intake for the day, I warm up a serving of soup and enjoy it with lunch or dinner.

Eat the Right Veggies

All vegetables contain water, but some types contain more water than others. If you’re feeling parched and want to quickly improve your hydration levels, choose from the following list of water-dense vegetables.

  • Cucumbers
  • Celery
  • Lettuce
  • Tomatoes (technically a fruit, but most people consider it to be a vegetable)
  • Summer squash
  • Jicama
  • Zucchini
  • Broccoli

These are all very hydrating vegetables that can contribute to your daily fluid intake. They’re also bursting with vitamins and minerals that can boost your overall health and help your body’s various systems function optimally.

Indulge in Fruit

If eating fruit feels like a guilty pleasure, it’s time to change your way of thinking. Different varieties of fruit have impressive nutrient profiles. Plus, many of them are composed of around 90% water! Here are some of the best fruit choices to indulge in if your primary goal is to boost your hydration.

  • Watermelon
  • Grapefruit
  • Honeydew melon or cantaloupe
  • Strawberries
  • Peaches
  • Raspberries
  • Oranges
  • Pineapple
  • Apricots

One of the best things about the above list of hydrating fruits is that they are all mouthwateringly delicious. You shouldn’t have any problem adding some of them to your daily routine—especially if you’re doing it for the sake of your health!

Try Hydrating Smoothies

Depending on how thick you like your smoothies, you may drink them instead of eating them. Personally, I like to load my smoothies up with ice so they’re nice and thick and must be eaten with a spoon. But regardless of how thick or thin your smoothies are, there is no doubt they’re extremely hydrating.

Pack your smoothies with raw veggies, fresh fruit, and water or plant-based milk for a guilt-free treat that will help you avoid dehydration throughout the day.

Avoid Dehydrating Foods

While you’re on your quest to achieve greater dehydration through the foods you eat, be sure to avoid dietary habits that can dehydrate you, such as:

  • Eating too much protein
  • Consuming too much alcohol
  • Indulging in sugary drinks
  • Eating a high-salt diet
  • Drinking caffeinated beverages such as sodas and coffee

These dietary habits can all lead to dehydration and have a negative impact on your overall health. Trade dehydrating foods for hydrating options and you’ll feel the difference!

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Strange Symptoms That Could Mean Your Hormones Are Off Balance

Have you ever had an unusual symptom pop up out of nowhere and you had no idea what caused it or how to treat it? I certainly have experienced this before. Symptoms are just your body’s way of trying to tell you something is wrong. Unfortunately, we don’t always know how to properly read our body’s signals and can make mistakes when it comes to their meaning.

What I have learned over the years is that hormone imbalances can cause a wide variety of unusual symptoms. These symptoms can mimic other conditions and make it difficult to figure out the true underlying cause. Whether you’re of childbearing age or you’ve recently gone through menopause, here are some strange symptoms that could mean your hormones are off balance.

Fatigue

Chronic fatigue is a common symptom associated with hormone imbalances. Often, fatigue can be traced back to insufficient thyroid hormone. However, other hormones can also play important roles in energy production, including progesterone and estrogen.

Mood Swings

Do you ever feel like you could burst out into tears or fits of rage at the drop of a hat? If so, you may be dealing with imbalanced hormones that are causing major fluctuations in your mood. Several hormones can impact the way you feel emotionally, including testosterone, epinephrine, oxytocin and norepinephrine. If any of these hormones become unbalanced, you may feel like you have little to no control over your emotions at any given time.

Weight Fluctuations

I know how it feels to get on the scale one week and be a pound lighter only to discover that I’m three pounds heavier the next week! It’s not a fun feeling to discover that your weight fluctuates significantly from week to week.

If you’re following a healthy diet and exercise regimen, you may be wondering why your weight still seems to be like a roller coaster with its constant ups and downs. It’s possible that hormone imbalances could be to blame for your weight fluctuations. Here are a few of the hormones that are directly responsible for how much weight your body hangs onto or releases:

  • Insulin
  • Ghrelin
  • Leptin
  • Cortisol
  • Thyroid hormone

If the delicate balance of these hormones is disrupted, you’re bound to experience problems with your weight control efforts.

Headaches

Frequent headaches are a common indication of low estrogen levels. If your cortisol and thyroid hormone levels are also out of balance, they can further contribute to your pounding headaches. If you seem to get headaches all the time and the most common treatment methods don’t seem to make them go away, it may be time to consider whether your hormones could be out of balance.

Food Cravings

Do you feel like you’re constantly craving foods that you know are bad for your body? If so, you may be able to get rid of those cravings by bringing imbalanced hormones back into proper balance. Stress hormones (especially cortisol) are responsible for governing your hunger cravings and helping you cope with stress. If it is out of balance, you may feel an increased desire to eat foods you shouldn’t as an attempt to help soothe your anxiety.

What To Do About Imbalanced Hormones

Now that you’re aware of some of the most common symptoms associated with hormone imbalances, you’re probably wondering what steps you should take to bring your hormones back into proper balance. There are supplements available (including Camellira™) that can help bring your hormones back into healthy alignment.

In combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise, Camellira™ and other supplements can help you get a handle on your out-of-control hormones so you can get rid of your unwanted symptoms and experience a higher quality of life.

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Diagnosing Arthritis: Do You Already Have It?

Arthritis is a chronic condition resulting from the wearing away of cartilage or inflammation in the joints. According to the Arthritis Foundation, one in every five Americans over 18 has arthritis in a minimum of one joint.

The condition causes an impairment of the natural cushion in the joint, which can cause pain and swelling. Both symptoms of arthritis make it difficult to walk or handle simple everyday tasks, such as opening jars.

Not all joint pain and swelling point to arthritis. Sometimes, injuries can result in similar symptoms. However, along with stiffness and difficulty moving a joint, swelling and pain are common warning signs of the condition.

Learning More About the 4 Primary Arthritis Warning Signs

Arthritis pain is hard to define. The condition can cause constant pain or bouts of discomfort that come and go. The pain also doesn't discriminate between resting or moving, and it may occur in one place or in multiple joints throughout the body.

Swelling resulting from arthritis typically affects the skin over a joint. The skin often becomes red and warm to the touch. Depending on the severity of the condition, swollen skin might be tender to the touch. Medical experts warn that people experiencing localized swelling for three days or more should see their doctor.

Stiffness is a classic arthritis symptom that typically occurs after sitting or resting for extended periods. For example, someone's knees or hips might become stiff after riding in a car for more than an hour. It is common for people with arthritis to experience stiffness; some experiences last about an hour.

People without arthritis can easily lift themselves out of a chair while those people with arthritis of the knees, hips, hands, feet, etc., will often struggle with such seemingly simple tasks because they have difficulty moving their joints.

Dealing With a Suspected Diagnosis

Experiencing arthritis symptoms is not a definitive diagnosis. For an official diagnosis, you will need to go to a doctor. However, before you make an appointment, many experts suggest recording your symptoms for several weeks to help your doctor determine the type of arthritis you may have.

In your journal, record when and where you experience swelling and stiffness. Also, please note how long symptoms last and what eases them. You should also note symptoms that don't seem related, like a rash, fatigue, or fever. If you experience a fever, you should seek medical attention immediately.

If your physician suspects arthritis, they may perform different range of motion tests. Any pain you experience during these tests is another sign of arthritis.

A family history of arthritis can also indicate a diagnosis. Your primary doctor may refer you to a specialist for an official diagnosis.

Arthritis is a common condition. Four main symptoms are associated with a diagnosis: pain, swelling, stiffness and difficulty moving a joint. While the combination of the symptoms provides a safe assumption of a diagnosis, you will need to seek a medical opinion for an official diagnosis, especially if you need help with pain management.

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Vertigo: What You Need To Know If You Live With This Dizzying Condition

Vertigo is the sensation that the environment around you is spinning. Though many people refer to it as a condition, the truth is that it is a symptom of another underlying condition. Vertigo can be disconcerting, as it can make you feel dizzy and off balance. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, vertigo may make it difficult for you to complete daily tasks.

If you live with vertigo, you may wish to learn more about the condition. Here you can find out everything from why it occurs to how long it lasts to what you can do to achieve relief both on your own and with medical help.

Common Causes of Vertigo

One thing that many people who live with vertigo want to know is, why does it happen? Is it hereditary?

Vertigo is not hereditary, but several conditions that are hereditary can trigger it, such as the following:

  • Labyrinthitis
  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
  • Vestibular neuronitis
  • Cholesteatoma
  • Meniere’s disease

Vertigo can have numerous other causes. Among others, those include migraines, stroke, diabetes, head injuries, shingles near or on the ear, ear surgery, arrhythmia, prolonged bed rest, hyperventilation, ataxia, low blood pressure and syphilis. Certain medications can also trigger vertigo.

The Two Types of Vertigo

There are two types of vertigo: central vertigo and peripheral vertigo. Knowing the differences between the types and which you have can inform you as to the severity of the underlying condition. For instance, peripheral vertigo is the result of a problem within the ear. Central vertigo, however, may be indicative of a brain tumor, infection, traumatic brain injury or impending stroke.

The Length of Vertigo Attacks

In most cases, vertigo attacks last for just a few seconds to a few minutes. However, some people experience vertigo for days, weeks or even months. The length of an attack is often indicative of the severity of the underlying cause.

Signs You Have Vertigo

Many people experience vertigo but chalk it up to bouts of dizziness. If you ever feel dizzy or off-center, you may want to familiarize yourself with the signs of vertigo, as you may be living with an untreated medical condition:

  • Feelings of being motion sick
  • Rocking feeling
  • Tilting feeling
  • Spinning
  • Unbalance

If you experience any of these sensations — particularly when you walk or change positions — there is a strong likelihood that what you are experiencing is vertigo.

Vertigo Is Not a Fear of Heights

It is a long-standing myth that vertigo occurs at heightened elevations and in people who live with a fear of heights. The scientific term for a fear of heights is “acrophobia.” Acrophobia is characterized by dizziness, but said dizziness is triggered when a person looks down from a high place.

How To Get Relief From Vertigo

Depending on the underlying cause, you may be able to achieve relief with a bit of self-care. Some steps you can take are as follows:

  • Sit or stand slowly
  • Engage in simple exercises
  • Avoid bending to pick up items
  • Avoid extending your neck
  • Sleep with your head in a raised position
  • Avoid exercises that trigger your symptoms
  • Avoid moving your head quickly

If these simple self-care tricks don’t work, try herbal remedies, such as cayenne, ginger, turmeric and Ginkgo biloba. If the condition still does not resolve, talk to your doctor, who may prescribe an antibiotic to treat an infection or a medication to treat an underlying condition. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to relieve the symptoms of motion sickness.

Vertigo can be a disconcerting feeling. If you live with it, consult with your doctor about ruling out any underlying conditions.

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5 Tips for Healthier Nails

Healthy fingernails are a sign of wellness and beauty. There are several ways to get healthier fingernails.

1. Try a Biotin Supplement

Most people who eat a varied, healthy, and balanced diet do not need dietary supplements to ensure healthy nails. However, some people naturally have weak nails, or they lack proper nutrition, which contributes to fragility.

Vitamin B7, biotin, is an essential nutrient in milk, eggs, bananas, and other foods. The vitamin is crucial to hair and nail health. If a person has a deficiency, their hair may thin, and their nails might become brittle and weak.

A biotin supplement can help people with a deficiency, but it may also help those with naturally weak nails. Some studies suggest biotin helps promote nail growth and health.

2. Take a Break From Manicures and Polish

Many people enjoy manicures and dressing their nails up with polish. While healthy nails can often handle the abuse and coverage, it is still a good idea to let them breathe every so often.

Overworking your nails can cause damage, and it may weaken their integrity. There is nothing wrong with having an occasional manicure, but when a manicurist shapes and works your nails too much, you can open yourself up to greater infection risks.

Also, choose an acetone-free nail polish remover, and avoid acrylic nails. Using harsh chemicals or applying false nails can weaken the nail's structure and lead to infections.

3. Moisturize Your Cuticles

People often underestimate the importance of nail cuticles. Cuticles work like caulk around a shower; they keep damaging bacteria and other elements away from the nail bed.

Many people trim their cuticles or push them down. Being too aggressive with your cuticles can damage them. Damaging a cuticle can open your nails and fingers up to infection. Signs of infection include:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Pus

Also, do not believe that visiting a professional manicurist to have your cuticles trimmed eliminates the risk of infection. Even professionals can make mistakes.

4. Practice Good Nail Hygiene

If you want healthy and strong nails, it is best to maintain good nail hygiene. Keep nails trimmed and clean.

In the past, long nails were fashionable. Unfortunately, long nails are also more prone to breakage and infection than shorter nails.

Today, shorter, more natural nails are in fashion, which is better for your health. Keeping your nails trimmed reduces the risks of snagging or breaking. It also helps keep the underside of the nail cleaner.

A nail brush allows you to clean between the nail and nail bed without aggressively opening or widening the gap. You do not need to scrub vigorously. Gently scrubbing back and forth with the brush will clean your nails without an increased risk of injury or infection.

5. Wear Gloves and Take Infections Seriously

Whenever you are working with your hands, wear gloves. Gloves protect against the elements and guard against dirt, grime, and accompanying bacteria. However, even the most diligent individual might experience an infection.

If you get a nail infection, seek treatment. Nail infections can spread if not corrected. Also, some people are at a greater risk of severe infections because of medications or health conditions.

Nail hygiene matters to overall well-being. For more advice on healthy nails, contact a local dermatologist.

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BRCA Genes Affect More Than Your Breast Cancer Risk

BRCA gene tests have been prominent on the news lately. Do you need to get tested? This helpful guide can answer all of your questions about BRCA genes, including what they do and why they matter.

What Are BRCA Genes?

BRCA genes are an important part of your DNA. Everyone should have two healthy copies of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Both of these genes are designed to prevent cancer from appearing or growing. That’s why BRCA genes are sometimes called tumor suppressor genes.

The name BRCA (for BReast CAncer) is kind of misleading because these genes are connected to much more than breast cancer. They also help prevent ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, melanomas and some rarer forms of leukemia.

What Is DNA?

DNA is the blueprint for your body. It gives your cells instructions on how to work properly. It helps your body build everything from strong muscles to smooth skin.

What Does This Have To Do With You?

Cancer is something both women and men should take seriously. Over 10% of women experience problems with breast cancer. In 2022, over 3.8 million women had been treated for breast cancer in the United States.

One of the biggest cancer risks for men is prostate cancer. Experts predict almost 270,000 new cases of prostate cancer in 2022. About 12.5% of men will develop prostate cancer at some point.

Why Are BRCA Genes Important?

BRCA genes protect your health in several ways:

  • Creating tumor suppressor proteins
  • Repairing DNA damage
  • Controlling cell multiplication
  • Keeping cell growth within healthy levels

BRCA genes are like factory managers making sure production equipment operates smoothly. Without supervision and maintenance, the machinery could go crazy. Similarly, cancer happens when cell growth goes out of control. That’s what tumors are.

What Things Trigger DNA Damage?

Many everyday things put your DNA in harm’s way, especially with today’s world so filled with environmental problems:

  • UV rays: Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause deep DNA damage. Health experts recommend wearing sunblock and sunglasses every time you go outside.
  • Toxic chemicals: From microplastics in the water to industrial chemicals in city air, many types of contamination can negatively affect your health. These dangers specifically hurt DNA.
  • Genetic malfunctions: Some people inherit defective copies of BRCA genes from their parents. These genetic errors can lead to mistakes with cell growth and healing.

What Are the Risks of BRCA Gene Mutations?

People who have defective BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are at a much higher risk for certain types of cancers. It’s like having a defective security alarm for your home. It makes your body much more vulnerable to DNA damage.

Anywhere from 45%–72% of women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations get breast cancer, compared to 13% in general. BRCA1 increases the risk of ovarian cancer from 1.2% to a whopping 39%. Men with defective BRCA2 genes have a 20% risk of prostate cancer.

Who Should Test for BRCA Gene Problems?

Before you rush out and get tested for BRCA malfunctions, you should know that the chance you have a problem is pretty small. Most people only have a 1 in 400 chance, or 0.2%. Your doctor may recommend a test if you have a family history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer or similar cancers.