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6 healthy smoothies for managing arthritis symptoms

6 healthy smoothies for managing arthritis symptoms

Smoothies require just a few ingredients and can be whipped up fresh every time one craves a cool, nutritious beverage. The best part is that most ingredients, especially fruits and vegetables, used in popular smoothie recipes are excellent sources of nutrients that help improve overall health and manage existing conditions like arthritis. So, here are a few healthy smoothies that can help one manage pain and other symptoms associated with arthritis: Cherry smoothie Cherries are a rich source of antioxidants called anthocyanins that actively fight oxidative stress and prevent healthy cell degeneration. One can add a couple of almonds and blueberries to the smoothie to enhance the antioxidant properties. Finally, all one has to do is blend the ingredients with coconut water, which is naturally rich in potassium and helps lower inflammation by flushing out the excess sodium in the cells. Blueberry-ginger smoothie Blueberries are another great source of anthocyanins that help counter inflammation and prevent oxidative stress from damaging healthy cells. Ginger is a multipurpose root that also counters inflammation, helps in digestion, and relieves symptoms like nausea or vomiting. One can either use almond milk or any other drink for the base of the smoothie and add a few spinach leaves and half a banana to the ginger-blueberry mix to make the drink thicker. One can top it off with some aromatic cinnamon and add honey to give the smoothie natural sweetness. Pineapple-turmeric smoothie Bromelain, one of the key compounds found in freshly cut pineapples, helps counter inflammation. Turmeric also boasts anti-inflammatory properties due to its active enzyme that blocks pain triggers associated with arthritis. To make the smoothie, one can simply peel and cut the pineapple into small cubes before mixing it with turmeric and water. Then, one can add orange, some lemon zest, and fresh ginger to enhance the flavor of the smoothie and blend all the ingredients.
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6 early warning signs of bladder cancer

6 early warning signs of bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is a common mutation that begins in the urothelial cells that line the inside of the bladder. The cancerous cells are also found in the kidneys and the ureters. The condition is usually diagnosed at an early stage and is also treatable. However, bladder cancer may replase after it is eliminated or in remission. In either case, one should be mindful of its signs so that one can get on a treatment plan immediately. Pain in the lower back One may experience pain in the lower back or abdomen for multiple reasons, including an injury. But if the pain occurs with other symptoms, such as those associated with urination, they might need to speak to an expert to determine its cause, which could be bladder cancer. Those who develop this sign may experience pain, usually on only one side of the body. Unusual bladder changes The presence of cancerous cells in the bladder may result in multiple unusual bladder symptoms. One may start urinating more often than usual, wake up many times at night to urinate, or experience pain or a burning sensation during urination. The individual may also have trouble urinating or have a weak urine stream. Other symptoms include the urge to empty the bladder immediately, even if it isn’t full. Blood in the urine One of the early warning signs of bladder cancer is blood in the urine. There might be ample blood to make the waste liquid look pink, orange, or dark red. Sometimes, the color of urine might be normal, but a test may still find traces of blood during a diagnosis. The symptom isn’t always associated with cancer, but one should see an expert if one notices the symptom. Persistent bladder infections Another common symptom that one may have is a bladder infection.
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6 mistakes to avoid for better illumination at home

6 mistakes to avoid for better illumination at home

A lot goes into remodeling or enhancing the interiors of a home, one of which includes the installation of lights. These come in a range of shades and shapes, which could help define each area of your home. However, it’s important to be mindful of where you place your lights to avoid making your home look uninviting. If you have decided to spruce up the lighting inside your home, here are six mistakes you should avoid. Buying the wrong fixtures for a room While you might want to install fixtures like pendant lights and chandeliers to complement a particular space, it might be too big or too small for that region. For example, a hanging oversized light might be excessive for a small to medium space but perfect for a larger room. Before purchasing or installing a fixture, measure the ceiling height and square footage. Installing a bright overhead light Several people believe installing a bright overhead light is a great way to illuminate the space around it. But if the light is unnaturally too bright, the area could feel harsh or uninviting. If you prefer brighter lights, pick warmer tones. Furthermore, cover light bulbs with shades to diffuse the light across the room. Experts also recommend picking lumen ratings between 800 and 2,000 for a more relaxed lighting atmosphere. Neglecting the dimmer Installing a dimmer is one of the most practical elements people miss out on. The switch is an ideal way of controlling the brightness level in each room to suit the mood. This way, you could install a bright overhead light and reduce its intensity when you desire. Dimmer switches are also energy efficient since you can lower the voltage and consume less electricity. Using dimmers could also enhance the life of the lights at home. Not positioning lamps at the right height While lamps add charm and warmth to a space, they can do wonders when placed at the right height.
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Early warning signs of different types of eye cancer

Early warning signs of different types of eye cancer

Cancer that begins in the eyeball, or nearby parts, such as eyelids or tear ducts, is known as eye cancer. All forms of eye cancer are extremely rare. Of these, some common types of eye cancer include uveal melanomas and retinoblastoma. Most people do not have symptoms of eye cancer unless it grows in certain parts of the eye or becomes more advanced. As the condition develops, one may experience the following symptoms: Symptoms of choroidal melanoma Choroidal melanoma affects the tissue that covers the middle layer of the eye. Symptoms of this condition include: Detached retina if the tumor grows large enough A dark growth in the eye that may only be visible as a shadow at the back of the eye Vision changes, such as blurred vision or lights flashing Eye floaters, or specks that move around in someone’s field of vision Pressure in the eye Pain in the eye or the surrounding areas Symptoms of conjunctival melanoma When cancer begins in the outer tissue that covers the eye (conjunctiva), it is called conjunctival melanoma. Some warning signs of this type of eye cancer include: Elevated, dark growths in the eye that may look like small moles or freckles Vision changes, such as blurred vision, vision loss, or lights flashing A spot in the eye that grows or changes Symptoms of retinoblastoma This is the most common form of eye cancer that begins in one’s childhood. Some common signs and symptoms include: A pupil that looks white when light shines into it (instead of red or pink) White flashes in the eye in photos Strabismus, or lazy eye Eye pain Vision issues A bulging eye Differences in color between the two irises Symptoms of conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma The growths of squamous cell carcinoma are light, making it difficult to notice.
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7 eye makeup mistakes to avoid

7 eye makeup mistakes to avoid

Eye makeup allows you to create various looks, from natural and subtle to bold and dramatic. It can also be a significant tool to accentuate the eyes and overall facial features. For beginners, however, it can be overwhelming to understand the myriad of shades and eye makeup tools and put together a look that suits their attire. To help navigate this challenge, here are a few common eye makeup and grooming mistakes to avoid. Over-plucking the eyebrows Eyebrows frame the eyes, and overplucking them can lead to thin and unnatural-looking brows, negatively impacting the eye makeup. Instead, you can groom the eyebrows to maintain their natural shape. Using an eyebrow pencil or powder to gently fill in any sparse areas and create a well-defined arch can complement your eye shape. Using the wrong brush Using the wrong brush can lead to an uneven distribution of eyeshadow. Additionally, it won’t help you blend your eyeshadow properly. For instance, fluffy blending brushes are ideal for softening harsh lines and blending colors seamlessly, while flat shader brushes are better for packing on eyeshadow and intensifying pigmentation. You can invest in a set of quality eye brushes and learn their specific uses to enhance the precision of the eye makeup. Applying dark eyeshadow after doing the base makeup Applying eyeshadow after foundation and concealer can lead to fallout from eyeshadow particles, ruining your base. This is mainly for dark shades or powdery formulas of eyeshadow. After you apply your eyeshadow, you can clean up any fallout and create a clean canvas for the foundation and concealer applications. Neglecting the lower lash line Skipping the lower lash line in eye makeup routines can make the eyes appear top-heavy and incomplete. Conversely, applying a hint of eyeshadow or eyeliner along the lower lash line can add depth and dimension.
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5 evident signs of a weakened immunity system

5 evident signs of a weakened immunity system

The immune system helps protect the body from all diseases and health complications. Without this, the body is vulnerable to diseases and chronic ailments developing and affecting daily routine. Fortunately, the body can show certain signs through flare-ups, as a weakened immune system can result in one or a combination of these known symptoms. Pay attention to these signs of weak immunity to diagnose and identify the best course of treatment. Frequent cold, fever, infections The immune system is the first and only barrier of defense for the body to protect against viruses and bacteria that trigger illnesses. So, if one develops the common cold, experiences frequent bouts of fever, and develops recurrent infections, these are all signs of a compromised immune system. The body is not able to produce white blood cells that counter and prevent these illnesses. A weakened immune system also makes it difficult for the body to recover from these diseases. Wounds don’t heal properly The immune system also provides the necessary nutrients and ensures a steady circulation of red blood cells for wounds to heal. However, decreased immunity affects these functions, so it takes longer than usual for the smallest of cuts, scrapes, bruises, and wounds to heal. If the wounds don’t heal at all, getting tested for underlying illnesses that affect immunity is necessary. Persistent fatigue The primary function of the red blood cells is to circulate freshly oxygenated blood to all vital organs and extremities of the body. However, a compromised immune system affects this blood circulation and leads to fatigue setting in unexpectedly. Feeling tired despite not picking up any activities that lead to exertion is a sign of weak immunity. Further, when the body fights off infections with a compromised immune system, it will lead to fatigue setting in rapidly. This is a clear indicator that one is unable to cope with the changes in immunity.
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