7 unhealthy habits that can damage the liver
health

7 unhealthy habits that can damage the liver

The liver is an organ in the body that sits under the rib cage on the right side of the abdomen. It helps filter food and remove toxic substances from the body. The liver might suffer from damage for several reasons, including genetics. There are also other unhealthy lifestyle habits that may trigger complications of the organ. So to maintain a healthy liver and avoid serious health issues, here are seven unhealthy habits one should break. Excess sugar intake It’s a fact that sugar is unhealthy for one’s overall health. And its negative effects could impair liver function. The organ utilizes fructose, derived from sugar, to make fat. But high intake of excessive refined sugars and high fructose corn syrup may cause fatty buildups that can damage the liver. Taking herbal supplements Most herbal products may contain the word “natural.” However, certain herbal products, such as those to curb menopause symptoms or help individuals relax, might be cause for concern. They might lead to health conditions like hepatitis and liver failure. Therefore, one should speak to their healthcare before taking any herbal supplements. Intake of soft drinks While soft drinks are delicious to have occasionally, regular intake may be harmful to the liver.
7 warning signs of blood clotting disorder
health

7 warning signs of blood clotting disorder

Blood clotting or coagulation is an important bodily process that helps prevent excessive bleeding after an injury. It is a natural and crucial function of the body. But sometimes, the blood clotting can be abnormal, leading to various health issues. These complications point to blood clotting disorders caused by many factors, such as an underlying health condition, genetics, or certain treatments. Some early warning signs of such disorders are listed below. Inflammation and pain A common sign of blood clotting disorder is pain and swelling in the affected area. It could be anywhere in the body – the legs, arms, or other parts like the chest and abdomen. The skin may be discolored or appear red in the affected area and feel warm to the touch. Shortness of breath Since blood clotting may easily affect blood flow, one might experience shortness of breath. Besides, if the clotting forms in the lungs, it can lead to a severe condition called pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated immediately. Therefore, one should always be careful of sudden breathing issues or even those that develop gradually. Pain in chest If shortness of breath is also accompanied by pain in the chest, it could be a sign of a blood clotting disorder.
6 common habits that affect bone health
health

6 common habits that affect bone health

The human body produces new bone cells faster when a person is young. But as one ages, especially after 30, the bone density begins to decline. For women, maintaining bone mass is crucial to avoid developing conditions like osteoporosis. While bone deterioration with age cannot be avoided, adopting good lifestyle choices allows one to maintain optimal health at each stage of life. Here are some everyday habits that impair bone health. Bad posture Poor posture for an extended period of time puts unnecessary pressure on one’s muscles and spine. In the long run, it can worsen one’s risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition that makes the bones fragile due to tissue loss. So, one is advised to work on keeping the spine erect and aligned. Not eating calcium-rich foods Calcium is an important component that keeps the bones healthy and strong. The human body cannot make calcium; it is often taken from the foods that one eats. Not eating calcium-rich foods can adversely impact one’s bone health and increase the risk of fractures. Milk, cheese, yogurt, and dairy products are rich sources of calcium. Those who are lactose intolerant can opt for non-dairy calcium-rich alternatives like tofu, almonds, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, chia seeds, spinach, kale, sardines, salmon, white beans, and collard greens.
6 unhealthy habits that can affect eyes and vision
health

6 unhealthy habits that can affect eyes and vision

Eye care is an integral aspect of one’s general health. However, unbeknownst to many, certain unhealthy nutritional and lifestyle habits can trigger damage to this vital organ. It can include staring at the screen for longer periods, constantly rubbing one’s eyes, and more. Such habits can lead to complications such as eye fatigue and damage to the cornea. Awareness of such unhealthy habits might help one manage them and keep such complications at bay. Excessive screen time Most health experts advise patients with vision problems to follow the 20-20-20 rule while using screens. This rule emphasizes that every 20 minutes of looking at a screen should be followed up by focusing on a spot 20 feet away from you for 20 seconds. Excessive screen time can trigger retinal damage and eye fatigue, and this activity helps reduce the strain on your eyes. Blinking is another way of ensuring your eyes are clean and lubricated. Make it a habit to blink when using screens. Rubbing your eyes Rubbing your eyes can lead to severe complications in the long run. For one, it is impossible to stop rubbing once you have started. Excessively rubbing your eyes can cause microvascular damage to the smaller blood vessels.
5 habits that can raise the risk of blood clots
health

5 habits that can raise the risk of blood clots

Blood clots are gel-like masses that can clog one’s blood vessels. They are made of platelets, proteins, and cells. They can restrict blood flow while moving through the bloodstream or stick to the walls of tiny blood vessels. Clots can affect any part of the body and be life-threatening if they block vitals like the lungs, heart, or brain. Here are some common habits and risk factors that can affect one’s blood circulation over time. Habits to avoid Here are some habits that cause blood clots: Sitting for a prolonged time The modern lifestyle may require one to sit at a desk in front of computers for a long time. Doctors warn that sitting for an extended period can pose a health risk and lead to many health concerns. When one does not move for hours, the blood gets pooled in one place. The flow is also restricted, especially in one’s legs, increasing the risk of blood clotting. Wearing tight clothing and shoes Tight clothes, including jeans or high heels, can make it difficult for blood to flow freely through the body, especially to the legs. Apart from this, tight clothing can also compress the intestines and affect abdominal health, leading to pain or heartburn.
6 mistakes one must avoid while showering
health

6 mistakes one must avoid while showering

A shower can help to drive any tiredness and other morning blues away. However, there are certain bathing mistakes that can reduce the effectiveness of a shower. When one makes these mistakes, they prevent themselves from enjoying the whole range of health benefits bathing brings with it. Additionally, some of these can cause health issues as well. Having said that, here are six such mistakes to avoid while showering that one must be aware of. Showering for too long Spending hours on end in the shower may seem like a luxury, but long showers are a prime reason for skin dehydration. Dermatologists advise people against indulging in long showers as they can gradually peel away skin layers such as epidermal barriers and lipids. This exposes the skin to health conditions such as eczema. Ideally, one must shower for no longer than 10 to 15 minutes. At most, that time can be extended by a couple of minutes. However, if one spends any longer than that in the shower, they are actively causing harm to their skin. Using products that are harsh on the skin Products that have abrasive components can strip essential oils, moisture, elasticity, and other sensitive and vital components of the skin.
Constipation signs and causes that should not be ignored
health

Constipation signs and causes that should not be ignored

Constipation is a gastrointestinal problem characterized by infrequent bowel movements, which can be less than three times a week. The stool consistency may be hard and dry, and one may find it difficult or painful to pass it. Moreover, chronic constipation may last several weeks and usually affects a person’s quality of life. Constipation is a curable condition and the cause and severity of the condition may vary from person to person. Constipation signs Inability to pass stool The obvious sign of constipation is hard stool that may be painful to pass. Those who are constipated may feel the urge to go to the bathroom but may find it difficult to pass stool. Dry stool consistency The usual stool consistency of a constipated person is hard and dry, and it may require strain to empty the bowel. Additionally, bowel movement is also hampered. Inability to pass gas and bloating An inability to pass gas is a common sign of constipation and this can cause bloating or abdominal discomfort. These symptoms may lead one to feel full quicker than usual after eating regular meals. One may also experience cramping or stomach aches. Sluggishness and loss of appetite Since the waste matter is not pushed out of the system, it may lead one to feel sluggish.
9 common side effects of periods
health

9 common side effects of periods

Periods are a part of the monthly menstrual cycle for people with a uterus. It is the shedding of the uterine lining in the form of blood and other fluids and tissue that may last for 3-7 days. Approximately 5 days to 2 weeks before its arrival, 90% of people who menstruate may feel certain symptoms. This is collectively known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Some of the most common side effects or symptoms of periods include: Abdominal cramps Menstrual cramps, also known as primary dysmenorrhea, cause an achy or cramping feeling in the lower abdomen, lower back, and upper thighs. Their severity may range from dull or mild discomfort to severe pain that interferes with one’s daily activities. People with conditions like endometriosis, cervical stenosis, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and fibroids may experience worse cramps during their menstrual cycle. Gas and bloating Some people also experience a sensation of heaviness in the stomach or may struggle to zip up their pants. This is also known as bloating and is caused due to changing hormone levels which lead to higher retention of water in the body. For most people, the worst bloating occurs on the day their period begins. The body’s hormonal changes also impact bowel functioning and can lead to gas, diarrhea, constipation, or nausea.
5 signs of poor blood circulation to look out for
health

5 signs of poor blood circulation to look out for

Poor blood circulation usually occurs when something interferes with the circulatory system, causing specific body parts to be deprived of blood, nutrients, and oxygen. Some problems that can lead to poor circulation include blockages in the blood vessels and a leaky heart valve that causes the blood to flow backward. In most cases, poor circulation affects people with diabetes, those aged 40 and above, and individuals with minimal physical activity. Warning signs of poor blood circulation If circulation problems are left untreated, it can lead to complications like nerve damage, strokes, heart attacks, and peripheral artery disease. Hence, individuals should identify issues in time and use the right treatment as recommended by a healthcare professional. Here are some warning signs of poor blood circulation to look out for: Cracked or dry skin Those experiencing problems with blood flow may develop cracked or dry skin. In most cases, the skin in the legs and feet is affected, as the lower body suffers the most from circulation issues and receives less blood, oxygen, and nutrients. Furthermore, when there is a lack of proper blood supply in the body, the skin cannot easily create new cells. This may lead to not only dry skin but also slower healing of wounds.
7 common warning signs of hearing loss
health

7 common warning signs of hearing loss

Hearing loss is a common problem that is caused by aging, prolonged exposure to loud noises, certain diseases, and genetic variations. More than half the people in the country over the age of 75 live with age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis. Depending on the part of the ear it affects, presbycusis may be of three types – conductive, sensorineural, or mixed. Here are some of the most common warning signs of hearing loss. Difficulty in hearing consonant sounds Those living with presbycusis may lose their ability to hear high-frequency sounds. These normally include consonant sounds like S, F, Th, Sh, K, V, and P. This means one may easily confuse terms like “show” and “throw” or “peep” and “keep”, which can lead to misunderstandings or miscommunication. One may also think that others are mumbling or talking in muffled tones. Straining to listen Hearing is a brain activity and those who suffer from hearing loss need to strain to listen to what others are saying, which takes a lot of effort for the brain to process the sounds and make sense of them. This can cause listening fatigue. Doctors or audiologists may prescribe professional hearing aids to reduce the strain on one’s ears.

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How SBA’s guaranteed loans are beneficial for small businesses
finance

How SBA’s guaranteed loans are beneficial for small businesses

Running a small business during financially turbulent times can be extremely trying. But, monetary aid, specifically small business loans, can definitely make things easier for both the business and its employees. Funded and guaranteed by the federal government, 7(a) loan programs have been designed by keeping business-owners’ best interests in mind. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions regarding small business loans: What is an SBA loan? Loans by the Small Business Administration (SBA) are guaranteed business loans that are given to small businesses by participating lenders. Since these loans are guaranteed by the federal agency, they are much more manageable than those provided by private agencies. SBA loans also have the added advantage of lower interest rates. These loans are available in a broad range in order to suit specific business needs. You can get a loan that ranges anywhere from $500 to $5.5 million to fund your entrepreneurial adventure. Further, the loan can be accessed in the form of fixed assets or working funds. Types of SBA loans SBA loans are available in many types. Some of them include—SBA flagship loans, microloans, SBA disaster loans, and 504 loans, among others. Each of these loans comes with different funding criteria.
Benefits of investing in NNN properties for sale
finance

Benefits of investing in NNN properties for sale

Long-term investments do not necessarily mean that your money becomes inflexible. Instead, you should invest in such a way that you can generate a steady income. To ensure this, you need to invest intelligently by aligning your portfolio to your investment goals. Furthermore, you need to ensure that your returns outweigh your risks. One of the surest ways to ensure this is by investing in NNN properties that are for sale. Continue reading to know more about NNN properties and benefits of buying them. What are triple net(NNN) properties? NNN properties are pieces of real estate that can be leased to commercial franchises or corporations. Here, the tenants undertake all operational and management responsibilities of the property apart from paying rent to the owner. No investment is risk-free; however, investing in NNN properties has proven to be a highly profitable venture for investors. To invest in NNN properties, you must have an accredited net worth of at least $1 million. This value is excluding the value of their residential real estate or $200,000 in income. Other investors who have lower net worths can invest in NNN properties for sale by investing in REITs or Real Estate Investment Trusts. Benefits of buying NNN properties for sale:
Four reasons why a reverse mortgage is not a sound idea
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Four reasons why a reverse mortgage is not a sound idea

A reverse mortgage is a loan taken against the value of the home (equity) to meet certain expenses, debt obligations, and even supplement income during a financial crisis. It allows homeowners to convert a part of their home value into cash for expenses and retain the ownership of the property simultaneously. However, reverse mortgage eligibility and feasibility are quite complicated and there are times when it is not a good option, especially for seniors (common applicants for a reverse mortgage) above the age of 60. Here are a few reasons why. Home eligible for inheritance Senior homeowners can benefit from reverse mortgage eligibility only if they can take a loan against their home and repay the same in a timely manner. However, in case the homeowner passes away and the property is inherited by their children, who might not be in a financially sound position to repay the impending mortgage. The inability to do so can result in selling the property to repay the outstanding debt and in the process lose complete ownership. So before taking a reverse mortgage, homeowners must account for the financial status of the people who will inherit the home in the future. Sharing owned property People living on the property are forced to vacate it in case the owner is unable to repay the reverse mortgage.
10 debt settlement companies you can consider in times of crisis
finance

10 debt settlement companies you can consider in times of crisis

Though debt such as student loans, car loans, and mortgage on the house is part of life, it does become a hindrance that affects your savings and future financial goals. As per the Federal Reserve, Americans owe more than $4 trillion in consumer debt, and this number does not account for mortgages. So, if you’re facing crushing debt and want to avoid bankruptcy, you can always engage the help of debt settlement companies. Here is a list of top 10 debt settlement companies that can help you in a financial crisis. National Debt Relief The National Debt relief offers a debt settlement service that lasts for around two to four years and charges a 15% fee. They cover all kinds of debts, including unsecured debts. Freedom Debt Relief With average fees and AFCC accreditation, Freedom Debt Relief is one of the oldest debt settlement companies in the country. They are present in 37 states and have been in operation for over 17 years. Guardian Debt Relief Guardian Debt Relief specializes in working with customers who have a debt of more than $10,000. They usually charge a 20% fee and a monetary fee of $200, which goes into the settlement account.