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8 warning signs of a seizure

8 warning signs of a seizure

The brain is the most complex organ in the human body and controls all movements, functions, and responses. It comprises a network of nerves that sends and receives vital signals to the body. However, any abnormal activity in this electrical impulse can trigger seizures. Some people only experience mild seizures, while others develop chronic seizure disorders like epilepsy. Here are the warning signs of a seizure to look out for prevention: Cognitive symptoms Minutes before the seizure, one might experience multiple discomforts that affect cognition, for example, confusion and anxiety, starting with a general feeling of uneasiness. Some people also experience headaches and become irritable before a seizure. Abrupt movements Uncontrolled movements, like sudden jerking of the arms or legs, are also warning signs of a seizure. A developing seizure will disrupt vital communication signals from the brain that control gross motor skills. One might even experience physical uneasiness that causes the body to become stiff. No balance Losing consciousness is also one of the precursors to developing seizures. A person may blackout moments before the seizure kicks in and fall suddenly, having no control over balance or gross motor skills. Falls are commonly associated with severe seizures, but a person might feel dizzy right before the seizure, which affects overall balance and consciousness. Reduced responses Not responding promptly to auditory or visual stimuli is also a sign of an imminent seizure. Losing all sense of awareness is a common symptom moments before a seizure occurs. Emotional changes Often, patients might experience hallucinations before the event. They may experience emotional changes like anger, sadness, joy, or fear. It is quite possible for someone to rapidly switch from extreme depression to unexplained euphoria right before the seizure happens. Incontinence Losing bladder control or control over bowel movements are also unexplained warning signs of a seizure.
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8 warning signs of a seizure

8 warning signs of a seizure

The brain is the most complex organ in the human body and controls all movements, functions, and responses. It comprises a network of nerves that sends and receives vital signals to the body. However, any abnormal activity in this electrical impulse can trigger seizures. Some people only experience mild seizures, while others develop chronic seizure disorders like epilepsy. Here are the warning signs of a seizure to look out for prevention: Cognitive symptoms Minutes before the seizure, one might experience multiple discomforts that affect cognition, for example, confusion and anxiety, starting with a general feeling of uneasiness. Some people also experience headaches and become irritable before a seizure. Abrupt movements Uncontrolled movements, like sudden jerking of the arms or legs, are also warning signs of a seizure. A developing seizure will disrupt vital communication signals from the brain that control gross motor skills. One might even experience physical uneasiness that causes the body to become stiff. No balance Losing consciousness is also one of the precursors to developing seizures. A person may blackout moments before the seizure kicks in and fall suddenly, having no control over balance or gross motor skills. Falls are commonly associated with severe seizures, but a person might feel dizzy right before the seizure, which affects overall balance and consciousness. Reduced responses Not responding promptly to auditory or visual stimuli is also a sign of an imminent seizure. Losing all sense of awareness is a common symptom moments before a seizure occurs. Emotional changes Often, patients might experience hallucinations before the event. They may experience emotional changes like anger, sadness, joy, or fear. It is quite possible for someone to rapidly switch from extreme depression to unexplained euphoria right before the seizure happens. Incontinence Losing bladder control or control over bowel movements are also unexplained warning signs of a seizure.
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5 harmful household products that can affect human eyes

5 harmful household products that can affect human eyes

There are probably several things in your house that have the potential to harm your eyes if you don’t take adequate precautions. You need to be extra careful, especially when you have kids around the house. While some of these products can be done away with, most are often considered essentials. So you’ll have to take action appropriately and store the essentials as required. Here’s a list of harmful household products that could hurt your eyes. Household cleaners Nearly all household cleaners you buy from the supermarket contain tons of chemicals, including bleach and ammonia. Both of these irritate the eyes. From floor cleaners to window cleaners, floor polishing waxes, furniture polish, drain cleaners, toilet cleaners, bathroom cleaners, multi-surface cleaners, and glass and mirror cleaners can contain these chemicals. This is why it is always important to read the labels and follow the usage and storage instructions. Use these products in a well-ventilated space with the spray nozzle pointed away from you. Vinegar Vinegar is one of the most versatile and useful household products. You not only use it while cooking but also for getting rid of stains and other purposes. However, you need to be careful while using it. If vinegar comes in contact with your eyes, it can cause irritation and redness. Also, avoid mixing it with other chemicals or substances that produce toxic gases. For example, if you mix vinegar with chlorine beach, it will release chlorine gas, which is hazardous. If your eyes get exposed to vinegar, splash copious amounts of water. Then head to the nearest emergency room or your eye doctor. Inks, paints, and dyes Many brands of inks, dyes, and paints contain acetic acid. Also, this chemical is found in pesticides, fungicides, pigments, and preservatives. Although it has certain useful properties, acetic acid is highly corrosive.
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5 household items that may cause cancer

5 household items that may cause cancer

While daily tasks have become easier with the invention of products that help keep homes safe and increase efficiency, it is important to know the risks of such seemingly harmless everyday items. While some household products can pose physical harm due to their design, many have been linked with an increased risk of diseases like cancer. One should also lower the risk of being exposed to carcinogens found in daily objects and find safer alternatives. Scented candles Many scented candles available today are made with products like petroleum, paraffin, and perfumes. Because of these ingredients, when the candle is lit and the burning process starts, the fragrance one can smell is just harmful chemicals and smoke. These chemicals have carcinogenic properties that are harmful to the body. So, one should check the ingredients in such products and avoid using them too often. One can always choose candles made using soy wax, which is a healthier alternative. Asbestos roofing and insulation Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals known to be resistant to heat and corrosion. Because of these unique properties, asbestos is used extensively, for example, in insulation, fireproofing materials, wallboards, and automotive brakes. The risk here rises when fibers break and can easily be breathed in and get lodged inside the lungs. The material is highly carcinogenic, according to studies. When using asbestos for construction projects, it is important to practice caution and always wear gloves and a face mask. Browned food One should avoid cooking foods on high flame, as they may get charred or too brown. Apart from the burnt taste, when cooking something to make it crispy and brown, the food releases a chemical called acrylamide, which is linked with a higher risk of cancer. So, instead of browning the foods completely, one can cook them till they are tan and not dark brown.
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4 common mistakes made while changing a flat tire

4 common mistakes made while changing a flat tire

Changing a flat tire is a deceptively complicated process. Sure, it does need some know-how, but it’s essentially about a few basic components and the effort required. Unsurprisingly, it is also a process in which many mistakes are frequently made. Unfortunately, installing a car tire incorrectly can affect the fuel efficiency and overall drivability of the vehicle. To avoid those outcomes, here are some common mistakes to avoid when changing a tire: Using incorrect jacking techniques One needs to know precisely how to use a jack to make lifting their vehicle safe for themselves. There’s nothing wrong with not knowing how to use it. However, any mistakes made while jacking up the car may lead to injuries or damage to the vehicle. Therefore, if one does not know how to use it, calling a 24-hour roadside assistance company is advisable. The professional sent by the company will demonstrate how to lift the vehicle safely and securely change the tire as perfectly as possible. Forgetting to tighten the nuts and bolts A car tire, its wheel, and the spare tire contain several nuts and bolts that help to fix or remove them from the vehicle’s frame. When one fastens a spare tire to the vehicle, they need to screw the nuts and bolts tightly so that the tire stays snugly fit inside the wheel well of the car. Leaving loose lugs can cause the tire to dislodge while the car is in motion. This costs more to the car owner in repair expenses than the original issue. On the other hand, one should be careful not to tighten the lugs too much as that also leads to wheel damage. Changing tires on an inclined road One needs to change their car tires on level ground exclusively. A common mistake thousands of vehicle owners make is to take the jack out and lift their vehicle on an inclined road.
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4 common mistakes made when measuring blood pressure

4 common mistakes made when measuring blood pressure

Blood pressure measures the force or pressure of the blood in the arteries. These readings are given in systolic and diastolic numbers. The systolic pressure (top number) is the maximum heartbeat pressure, and the diastolic pressure (bottom number) is the amount of pressure in the arteries between beats. A typical healthy average reading is less than 120/80 mm Hg. When measuring blood pressure, one must be careful and avoid making common mistakes, such as: Using the wrong-sized cuff One of the most frequently occurring mistakes is using the wrong cuff size. A large cuff will give falsely low readings, while a smaller cuff will give falsely high readings. According to the American Heart Association’s blood pressure measuring guidelines, the length and width of the cuff should be 80 and 40 percent of the arm circumference, respectively. Generally, doctors carry three cuff sizes – large adult, regular adult, and pediatric – that fit a majority of the population. However, doctors working with younger patients may require multiple smaller-sized cuffs. Incorrect patient positioning Getting accurate blood pressure measurement also requires the patient to be seated properly. For instance, a poorly supported back or feet may increase a reading by six to ten points, an unsupported arm may raise it by ten points or more, and sitting with one’s legs crossed may raise it by two to eight points. Lying on the side can also impact measurement. Ideally, it’s best to sit up in a chair, with one’s legs uncrossed and planted firmly on the ground or a footstool. Position the arm on a chair or a counter to level the BP cuff with the heart. Additionally, it is important to prepare the patient for the measurement. Ask the patient to empty their bladder before running a blood pressure check, as measuring blood pressure on a full bladder may increase the reading by 10 to 15 points.
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