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6 alarming signs of sickle cell crises
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6 alarming signs of sickle cell crises

Sickle cell crisis, also called vaso-occlusive crisis, is a painful and potentially life-threatening episode that occurs in individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD). This type of blood disorder is caused by an abnormal genetic mutation. The condition affects one’s hemoglobin and turns the shape of red blood cells into sickle-shaped cells, leading to restricted blood flow, anemia, and increased risk of infections. Understanding the warning signs of sickle cell crisis is important. Intense pain and headaches Sickle cell crisis brings excruciating pain, often accompanied by headache or dizziness. Individuals experiencing a crisis describe the pain as sharp, throbbing, and unbearable. This pain can occur anywhere in the body but is most commonly felt in the bones and joints. It can be so severe that it interferes with daily activities, making it impossible to ignore. Muscular weakness and swelling Muscular or general weakness can manifest in various parts of the body during sickle cell crisis, making it difficult to move some parts of one’s body or perform everyday tasks. It can also be due to swelling of hands and feet or localized swelling that can be tender or painful to the touch. These symptoms mainly occur because the sickle cells get stuck in the small vessels and block blood flow.
6 foods for relieving nasal congestion
health

6 foods for relieving nasal congestion

Although unpleasant, nasal congestion is a common, and perhaps the most pervasive, allergy symptom for millions of people worldwide. It is also a common symptom indicating a cold or flu. Congestion can interrupt daily routine, so one can try management options to relieve this symptom and breathe better. Here, anti-inflammatory foods may help reduce the discomfort. So here are six foods that help fight nasal congestion, prevent excess mucus buildup, and relieve a stuffy nose: Tea Breathing in the steam from hot liquids like tea or broth can help make mucus thinner and relieve congestion. Additionally, green tea is also known for its anti-inflammatory compounds called polyphenols, which can help with swollen sinuses. Honey According to preliminary studies, honey can help soothe a sore throat. It may also help fight upper respiratory tract infections. Honey is generally safe to eat for people over the age of 1. One can add it to tea, use it as a salad dressing, or just eat a spoonful to relieve inflammation. Citrus fruits Vitamin-C-rich fruits such as limes, lemons, grapefruit, and oranges help boost immunity. They also have antioxidant properties, which can help relieve the pain and inflammation associated with nasal congestion. The combination of vitamin C and antioxidants can help thin mucus and reduce allergy-related congestion.
7 early signs of acute respiratory viruses
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7 early signs of acute respiratory viruses

Acute respiratory infections refer to a broad category of illnesses, like bronchiolitis and pneumonia, that affect the lower and upper respiratory tract. A significant number of these infections are caused by respiratory viruses, posing a health risk to individuals of all ages. Common respiratory viruses include influenza, rhinoviruses, common cold viruses, and adenovirus. These viruses can invade the respiratory tract, leading to inflammation and a cascade of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Early signs of respiratory infections Here are some of the early signs of severe respiratory infections caused by viruses: Fever If you experience a sudden onset of high fever, especially if it exceeds 103°F, could be a sign of viral infection. Fever is the body’s natural response to fight infections, indicating that the immune system is working to eliminate the virus. You may also experience chills along with fever. Congestion and sore throat Nasal congestion and a sore throat are among the initial symptoms of viral infection in the respiratory tract and can cause further discomfort. Cough A cough is often the body’s way of clearing the airways of mucus and foreign particles. Coughing may start as mild irritation and develop into a more severe, persistent cough over time as the infection worsens.
Here’s what one should know about Medigap plans
health

Here’s what one should know about Medigap plans

Medigap is additional insurance one can buy to cover costs that are not covered under Medicare. Also known as the Medicare Supplement Plan, Medigap helps one reduce out-of-pocket expenses, i.e., co-payments and deductibles. One can access these insurance services through private companies. However, one must already have a Medicare Part A and Part B plan to buy Medigap. To understand Medigap plans better, here are a few things to know: What is a Medigap plan? Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover all medical expenses. So, private companies can offer Medigap plans to help cover these costs. Nevertheless, Medigap plans generally do not offer long-term, vision, or dental coverage. They also do not cover the cost of hearing aids, eyeglasses, or private nursing. Medigap Plans are aimed at covering costs such as co-payments, deductibles, and coinsurance. Some specific costs that may be included in these plans are: About 20% of out-of-pocket expenses that are not covered by Medicare Part B Coinsurance for Part A Hospital coverage up to 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up Part A hospice or respite care copayment Some plans may also cover emergency medical care while traveling abroad. How much do Medigap plans cost?
7 foods that can cause water retention
health

7 foods that can cause water retention

Water retention is a health problem where the body can’t flush out excess fluids, which begin to build up in the tissues. The ailment leads to swelling in the hands, legs, ankles, feet, and other body parts. Water retention can result from several factors, including underlying health conditions. However, nutrition also plays a significant role in its development. The following foods are known to cause water retention and should be avoided. Carbonated soda Carbonated beverages contain a lot of carbon dioxide and artificial sweeteners, which cause the body to retain excess water. When thirsty, individuals should avoid these and opt for natural fruit juices and healthy fluids. Sausages Deli meats like sausages, bacon, pepperoni, and salami have high sodium. Sodium helps preserve the meat and gives it a unique flavor. However, an excess can cause the body to retain more water. Hence, one should limit deli meat intake to maintain a healthy sodium-to-water ratio. Mozzarella sticks Appetizers like mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, potato boats, and chicken nuggets taste great and satiate cravings. However, these foods are likely to cause water retention owing to a higher amount of unhealthy fats and sodium. Salted nuts Seasoned flavored nuts like chili almonds and salted mixed nuts are often staples during snack time.
5 foods to avoid for high blood pressure
health

5 foods to avoid for high blood pressure

High blood pressure is one of the most prevalent health problems globally. While it is a lifelong disorder with no cure, high blood pressure can be managed through treatments and lifestyle modifications. One of the crucial aspects of managing it is eating the right foods and avoiding others. Fresh fruits, green vegetables, and whole foods are often recommended to maintain safe blood pressure levels. Equally importantly, one must avoid fried and fatty foods, among others. 5 foods to avoid that increase blood pressure Cold cuts and cured meats Salami, sausages, pepperoni, bacon, prosciutto, and hot dogs contain a high amount of sodium. The high level of sodium is necessary to preserve the meat. It also gives the cold cuts and cured meats their flavor. However, for those with high blood pressure, eating these meats on a regular basis will worsen the symptoms. Packaged sandwiches Sandwiches can be healthy meal options. However, the nutritional value and whether they are safe for high blood pressure or hypertension greatly depends on the ingredients used. Most packaged sandwiches use white flour-based bread, deli meats, cheese, pickles, and other condiments. All of these make these sandwiches high in sodium, which is bad for managing high blood pressure.
5 early signs of kidney disease
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5 early signs of kidney disease

The kidneys play an important role in eliminating harmful toxins from the body. If the kidneys are impaired and do not function well, one can experience a series of symptoms. Chronic kidney disease can be caused due to several factors, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and abnormal kidney structure. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of any early signs of kidney disease or changes in the body. Frequent urination According to doctors, urinating 8 to 10 times a day is a normal bowel movement. However, if one finds themselves running to the bathroom frequently throughout the day, this may indicate kidney dysfunction. Also, one of the early signs of kidney disease is urinating in the middle of the night. When the filters of the kidneys are not able to function properly, the urge to urinate increases. Swollen ankles When the kidney function is compromised, there can be sodium retention in the body. This retention can cause the swelling of ankles and feet. Swelling in the lower extremities can also lead to other health issues like heart disease, chronic leg vein issues, and even liver problems. Muscle cramping As the kidneys shut down, the organ fails to filter and remove toxins and excess fluid from the body.
8 warning signs of MAC lung disease
health

8 warning signs of MAC lung disease

Our lungs are susceptible to various health complications, including mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease. MAC is a group of bacteria that usually triggers infections in people with weaker immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS and other underlying lung conditions. However, it is also seen in healthier individuals. Various symptoms of MAC lung disease could help diagnose it early and seek appropriate treatment. Here are eight warning signs of the condition. Pain in the chest Someone who develops pain in their chest should see an expert and determine the underlying cause. The pain could result from MAC lung disease and may require immediate treatment. The symptom’s intensity may range from mild to severe and worsen by deep breathing or coughing. Clubbing of the fingers Another warning sign of MAC lung disease is the clubbing of one’s fingers. The individual may find their fingers becoming enlarged and rounded at the tips. This symptom might be associated with the advanced stages of MAC lung disease and could indicate lower oxygen levels in the blood. Shortness of breath Among the first noticeable signs of MAC lung disease is shortness of breath, which worsens during physical activity. It is usually triggered by lung tissue damage.
5 foods that help manage acid reflux
health

5 foods that help manage acid reflux

Acid reflux is a condition that can cause a burning sensation in the chest, accompanied by other symptoms such as regurgitation of food or sour liquid, chest or stomach pain, and difficulty swallowing. Sometimes, it may also lead to the development of a lump in the throat. These symptoms occur when the esophageal sphincter fails to function correctly, causing digestive juices and stomach contents to rise through the food pipe. However, certain foods can help in providing relief. Bananas This fruit has low acid content and is highly alkaline, which can help neutralize the stomach acid that causes irritation of the esophageal lining during acid reflux. Moreover, bananas are a rich source of pectin, a type of soluble fiber. This slows down the movement of food through the digestive tract smoothly. Additionally, the fiber helps to keep the stomach feeling fuller for a longer period of time, which can prevent overeating, a major cause of acid reflux. Honey The viscosity or thickness of honey is relatively high. It neutralizes the stomach acids and forms a physical barrier between the esophagus and the stomach. Moreover, it can coat the mucus membrane of the esophagus to protect it against the irritating effects of the refluxed stomach acids.
5 foods to avoid for patients with short bowel syndrome
health

5 foods to avoid for patients with short bowel syndrome

Short bowel syndrome refers to a condition that occurs when a major portion of a person’s small intestine has been removed. The small intestine is responsible for absorbing nutrients and water from the food one eats. Therefore, the removal of a major portion of it can significantly impact this absorption process. Consequently, people with short bowel syndrome need to change their food regimen. This includes avoiding certain foods, such as the following: Foods with high sugar content Sugar-rich foods can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. This can cause one’s body to draw excess water into the bowels, leading to loose stools and frequent bowel movements. This further causes dehydration and loss of nutrients. Hence, patients with short bowel syndrome must avoid sugary foods such as candies, sweets, pastries, cakes, cookies, etc. They must also avoid sodas and sugary beverages, which often contain high fructose corn syrup. Foods with high fiber content Due to the reduction in the size of the small intestine, it gets harder for the body to absorb fibers, especially insoluble fiber. Hence, patients with short bowel syndrome must avoid foods with high amounts of fiber (particularly insoluble fiber). These include whole-grain products (like whole-wheat bread and bran products), legumes (like beans, lentils, and chickpeas), and certain vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts.

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5 smartphone habits to break right away
Tech

5 smartphone habits to break right away

Most of us can’t do without a smartphone. The gadget helps us communicate easily, find the information we’re looking for, shop for our favorite products, and so much more. On the downside, we spend hours glued to our screens. This can take a toll on our personal lives, affect physical and mental health, and even cut short the life of our devices. Here are some harmful smartphone habits to break immediately. Scrolling before bedtime Endless scrolling on social media before bedtime makes it hard to fall asleep at night, leading to restlessness and tiredness the next day. Screens emit a blue light that affects melatonin production in the brain, the hormone that controls a person’s circadian rhythm or sleep-wake cycle. Without melatonin, it can be difficult to fall or stay asleep. Experts advise keeping the phone away for at least an hour before bedtime. You can instead read a book or listen to a podcast to relax your mind.  Always keeping the phone with you If you keep your phone in your pocket, you’ll be constantly tempted to pull it out and browse. Not to mention, you’ll be on the alert for notifications. Therefore it’s best to carry it in your purse or backpack.
A look at some of the best free investment advisors
finance

A look at some of the best free investment advisors

As a beginner investor, investing too much money at the start can be quite difficult and overwhelming. However, if you choose the right brokerage account, you can earn a lot back from it in terms of investment knowledge. So if you are looking for the best cost-free investment advisors to provide you with long-term portfolio management services, then you have come to the right place. Here is our collated list: Interactive Brokers Investment Brokers has an entity known as IBKR Lite, which offers commission-free trading on various commodities. It mainly covers exchange-listed stocks as well as exchange-traded funds (ETFs). It also offers low-priced access to various global markets without any account minimum or inactivity fee. Additionally, it offers the best competitive interest rates, while its client portal, which offers trading and account management services, is highly preferred by users. One of the most notable points is that IBKR Lite has been around for over 40 years, having earned the trust of a vast client base. You Invest by JP Morgan Chase You Invest Trade, offered by JP Morgan Chase, is one of the best low-cost investment advisors. It is complete with a range of commission-free ETFs and stocks that can be traded online.
Things you should know about multiple sclerosis
health

Things you should know about multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system (CNS). Due to this disorder, your immune system attacks myelin, which is the protective sheath covering the nerve fibers. As a result, communication between your brain and body is hampered. Causes of multiple sclerosis The exact cause of multiple sclerosis is still uncertain. However, some factors that cause this disorder are as follows: Immune system If the immune system is compromised, it may attack the CNS. The myelin protective sheath is affected, thereby disrupting the functioning of your brain, resulting in multiple sclerosis. Infection Certain viruses and bacteria can cause multiple sclerosis. Some viruses cause inflammation that breaks down the myelin, triggering multiple sclerosis. It is possible that brain-cell-like bacteria and viruses can cause the immune system to erroneously identify normal cells as foreign cells, thereby destroying them. Some of the viruses and bacteria that can cause multiple sclerosis include Epstein-Barr virus, measles viruses, and human herpesvirus-6 causing disorders like roseola. Genetics One can be highly susceptible to multiple sclerosis if one has a family history of this disorder. The possibility of one developing this disorder in such instances increases by 2.5% to 5% in the country.
Top 4 cloud data integration providers
software

Top 4 cloud data integration providers

As technology gets more advanced, companies that specialize in information technology are taking steps to update their cloud data and data analytics processes. There are companies that provide cloud data integration for the smooth functioning of business operations. Here is a list of the top providers of cloud data integration. Amazon Web Services Amazon Web Services was the first company which provided cloud data integration. The popularity and the stature of the company has grown manifold and it has expanded into providing a wide array of different services to its customers. It made processors based on the Arm technology and soon enough, that became the norm in most companies that specialized in providing cloud data integration. It created a major shift in the cloud storage technology space when it brought out a second-generation Graviton processor. Every year, the company has registered a huge growth in its revenue stream. In the recent past, Amazon Web Services launched the AppFlow, which is aimed at designing SaaS workflows. Microsoft Azure Azure by Microsoft would probably be the most sought after provider of cloud data integration after Amazon Web Services. It is one of the best commercial cloud services offered by the company. Microsoft Azure pitches itself as a service provider of software that one needs to store information.
5 amazing Samsung phone accessories to own
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5 amazing Samsung phone accessories to own

On average, a person spends a minimum of three to four hours on their phone every day. But, when it comes to convenience, there can never be something like too much. So, if you add a few accessories to your already powerful Samsung phone, it will only simplify your life further, making it more organized and easy. Be it phone holders, selfie sticks, power banks, or data cables, here are a few amazing accessories that are a must for all. Power Banks While Samsung phones have numerous benefits and can help you multitask with ease, there are some cons you cannot escape. For example, if you use your phone more, the battery will drain faster, be it 4000mAh or 5000mAh capacities. Now, of course, if you are home, it is easy for you to put your phone on charge; but what do you do when you forget your charger at home, or you are out with your friends and your battery runs out? There may also be situations wherein you do have a charger, but there’s no charging port available. In such a scenario, a power bank comes handy. It is definitely a Samsung accessory everyone should familiarize themselves with.

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Top 8 employee evaluation software for your business
software

Top 8 employee evaluation software for your business

One of the toughest tasks for any organization is the process of evaluating its employees every year to determine their performance. This where an employee evaluation software can make the process simpler and more systematic for the Human Resources (HR) department. Here’s is a list of the best software providers for employee assessment. BambooHR It is a human resources information system that makes the role of the HR team more effective. This cloud-based software offers a great range of employee information management options, which will help to keep an eye on their performance. This is an affordable software and ideal for small and medium-sized businesses. Engagedly When it comes to employee evaluation, today’s business needs a modern approach, and that is exactly what this employee evaluation software offers. It engages employees in the process of performance evaluation, making it possible for the system to be more simplified and save a lot of time. UltiPro This Cloud-based software offers a range of amazing features that make employee evaluation more effective. UltiPro comes with features like feedback, compensation management, evaluation history, development plans for individual employees, rating scale with customization options, on-going tracking of performance, goal-setting, skill assessment, and peer appraisal. Workday This employee evaluation software helps with the growth of your business by offering more insight into the workforce.
Top 3 Android smartphones for business
smartphone

Top 3 Android smartphones for business

An ideal smartphone for business is one that pleases you, delivers phenomenal value for the money, and on-the-go processing capabilities. It might not be easy for you to judge the usability of the handset simply by browsing the Internet. So, to help you, we have come up with a list of some of the best android smartphones that you can invest in right away. A good business smartphone is one that is capable of running all the latest apps that can help you with your business. So, from helping you connect with your business phone service to privacy services and PDF apps, a good business smartphone is capable of doing it all. Blackberry Key 2 Blackberry might not be the number one in the smartphone market, but the company still develops some of the finest business smartphones. Blackberry Key 2 is an Android run smartphone that was marketed as “an icon reborn,” primarily because Blackberry retained its classic keyword but improved it by adding a speed key button and increasing the size of the keys by 20%. Features of Blackberry Key 2 Long battery life, lasting you two days Qualcomm 660 processor A newer larger and more intelligent keyboard BlackBerry DTEK app that makes it incredibly secure Photos and files can be secured with the BlackBerry Locker The option of storage space of 64 GB and 256 GB 6 GB RAM Samsung Galaxy S20 If you need the best android smartphone that’s great for your business and is affordable at the same time, this 5G phone from Samsung should be your preferred choice.
A quick look at the iPhone X series models
software

A quick look at the iPhone X series models

The iPhone brand has been the father of smartphones since its inception. The first iPhone was introduced by Steve Jobs in 2007, which changed the game for smartphones with its multi-touch and camera capabilities. Since then, there’s no stopping Apple. In 2017, on its 10th Anniversary, Apple revamped the game again with the introduction of the iPhone X. This revolutionary iPhone paved the way for subsequent future iPhones as well, let’s have a look.   iPhone X This was the first iPhone in which the Home Button was replaced by clever software gestures. It had a 5.8-inch edge-to-edge high-resolution OLED display panel a better notch-superior than the previous generation’s LCD panel. The advantage of OLED is that color reproduction is way better, and it is certainly more power-efficient than the past models. As for the security, Apple ditched Touch ID and replaced it with the new biometric, Face ID. The front selfie camera, that was embedded in the notch of the iPhone X, was an added style plus. It created a 3D model of the user and worked in low-light with an infrared camera. In this model, there were two camera sensors on the rear with one telephoto lens and one wide lens.
Top destination travel options in Asia
travel

Top destination travel options in Asia

Asia is a beautiful continent and is home to some of the most exciting destination travel options. With so many exquisite countries to visit, the task of picking the best once can be a bit overwhelming. Well, fret not! Given the availability of affordable flights in-between prime hubs of Asia, you can certainly visit a couple of top destinations in Asia on a single trip. You can pick any one of the listed destinations below for your next destination travel trip. Chiang Mai, Thailand A lot of travelers visiting Thailand prefer its northern capital over Bangkok. The Old City of Chiang Mai is bustling with tourist activity all year round. The most beautiful thing that you’ll witness here is the welcoming and calming smile of monks. Happening night markets, a multitude of cultural festivals, beautiful temples, and sprawling mountains for trekking– Chiang Mai has something for every type of traveler. Every year the city gets a footfall of more than a million travelers that leave the destination enriched with hope and satisfaction. When in Chiang Mia, make sure that you take a tour of the magnificent riverside village, Pai, which is located only a few hours north of the city. Penang, Malaysia If you are looking for a destination travel trip where you can relax, unwind, and experience mouth-watering cuisine, then Penang in Malaysia is the right destination for you.
Top payroll software for small businesses
software

Top payroll software for small businesses

If you run a small business, payroll software can help you manage all the particulars and activities regarding your employee workforce. If you have 50 to 100 employees, it can get a little difficult to keep track of all the payslips, tax files, and other important employee details. That’s where payroll software for small businesses come in. Let’s look at the top software options you can choose from: Gusto Hailed as one of the best payroll software for small businesses, Gusto offers a comprehensive system with intuitive software that can help you handle a variety of employee-related matters. These include employee pay stubs and tax forms, benefits and payroll reports, health insurance, state and federal unemployment insurance, PTO tracking, direct deposit facilities, wage garnishments, automated tax filings, and unlimited payroll runs in all 50 states. The interface is easy-to-use, and the brand offers a free demo as well. Unlike other software, Gusto does not charge extra for features like automated billing, health benefits, online estimates, and workers’ compensation. ADP This software can take HR and payroll off your hands, easing your burden if you’re managing a small business. It handles all the time-consuming tasks for you, ranging from managing employees’ 401(k) accounts to filing payroll taxes, and it also takes over tasks like onboarding, hiring, and recruiting.
Business class flights and its features
travel

Business class flights and its features

All of us have daydreamed about traveling business class when we make a steady shuffle from business class to economy. Yes, it lures us with its spacious cabins, and luxe and cushy comforts. So, is it worth flying in a first-class or business class flight? Let’s discuss some of the best business class flight features that will prove that it is worth every penny. Priority check-in For travelers traveling business class, the check-in process is a lot more convenient and easier. You don’t need to stand in the long queue to finish your check-in procedure. Go ahead and sit down at the waiting room seat while the staff handles the check-in for you. Extra baggage allowed Now, this completely depends on the policy of the airline. However, irrespective of the airline you are traveling with, the permissible baggage allowance for a business class is certainly more than economy class travelers. So, if you are a shopaholic, it could be a huge plus. Access to the special lounge Ahead of the boarding time, business class travelers can wait in the exclusive lounge dedicated to them. Again, it might vary from airline to airline and airport to airport, but in most lounges across the globe, you’ll get scrumptious snacks and food.