“Allergy” is a word that we hear on a regular basis. We all know of at least one person who has some kind of allergy. But what are allergies? And how do we know if we are having an allergic reaction? Is it normal to have allergies? Should we be scrutinizing allergic reactions? Today, we will attempt to answer some of these basic queries for you. What is an allergy? The immune system adjusts to a person’s environment and it vigilantly fights off anything it considers harmful, by producing antibodies. This also includes foreign bodies or substances that are not typically considered dangerous. The causative agents of these reactions are called “allergens”, and the reaction the immune system produces upon their entry is known as “allergy”. Signs to look out for Allergies are of different kinds, with each presenting itself in a different way. It is possible that two people with the same allergy may not necessarily display similar symptoms. Depending on the allergen and degree of severity, the symptoms can affect a person’s nasal passages, sinuses, airways, skin, digestive system, and/or their lungs. In more acute circumstances, allergies can also give rise to a fatal reaction, which is known as anaphylaxis.

Chronic fatigue is also known as systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID) or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). It is a disorder that leads to extreme tiredness or fatigue. The fatigue does not go away despite taking rest. There is no underlying medical ailment that causes chronic fatigue. Although it can occur in anyone, it is generally observed in women. Here are some of the commonly asked questions about chronic fatigue syndrome. What are the common causes of chronic fatigue? The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS is not unknown. There can be multiple contributing causes, including a weak immune system, hormonal imbalances, extreme stress, and viral infections. CFS is usually an after-effect of viral infection. Although no single type of viral infection is the only cause of CFS, some infections have been closely studied in relation to chronic fatigue syndrome, including Epstein-Barr virus, Ross River virus, human herpesvirus 6, and rubella virus. Another cause of CFS might be a genetic predisposition. What are the symptoms of chronic fatigue? The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are different based on the severity of the ailment. The symptoms also vary from person to person. One of the most common symptoms is severe fatigue. The fatigue is so extreme that it prevents a person from going about their everyday routine.

Cancer – the mere mention of this word is capable of sending shivers down the spine of many, but what exactly is cancer? Is it possible to prevent its occurrence? Is it genetic in nature? What stages does it present itself in and how is it tackled at different stages? If you’re unsure about these things, we’re here to give you the answer! What is cancer? There are two types of abnormal growth of cells in the body – malignant and benign. Out of these two types, benign cells are not harmful, but the malignant cells are what we know as cancer. The malignant cells can form anywhere and then divide constantly and spread into the tissues around it. How many types of cancer are there? There are more than hundreds of types of cancer each affecting a different area and part of the body – and nearly all of them are life-threatening. The major types are – sarcoma, melanoma, carcinoma, lymphoma, and leukemia. Sarcoma: These are cancers that form in the bones, fats, cartilage, muscle, and other forms of connective tissue. Melanoma: These cancers occur in the cells that create the pigments of the skin. Carcinoma: These are the most common cancers and occur in the glands and organs.

A blood disorder is a condition that impacts one or more parts of the blood and prevents it from functioning correctly. These parts are red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets. All these cell types form in the bone marrow, a soft tissue located inside one’s bones. There are various types of blood disorders, and their symptoms depend on the type. However, unexplained fatigue and weight loss are the two most common symptoms. Here are all kinds of blood disorders that affect a person’s overall health: Red blood cell disorders As the name indicates, this type of disorder affects one’s body’s red blood cells. These cells are responsible for carrying oxygen from one’s lungs to the rest of one’s body. There are several types of red blood cell disorders; these include: Anemia Anemia is a prevalent blood disorder caused by the lack of mineral iron in the blood. The most common types of anemia include iron deficiency, pernicious, aplastic, autoimmune hemolytic, and sickle cell anemia. Thalassemia It’s a group of inherited blood disorders caused by a genetic mutation, resulting in the interference of the natural hemoglobin production. Without enough hemoglobin, oxygen is not transferred to all areas of the body, which leads to complications.

Approximately one in three Americans suffer from high cholesterol, which is why it is considered a silent killer. The thing about cholesterol is that while it does not kill a person directly, it does increase the chance of one suffering from heart disease and stroke, both of which can be fatal. According to the CDC, these are the leading cause of deaths in the United States of America. So, before we understand how cholesterol leads to these dangerous diseases, let’s take a quick look at what it actually is. What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is an essential fat-like substance found in the cells of your body. It is required to make certain hormones, vitamin D, and other substances that help digestion. The human body or rather, the liver, makes all the cholesterol we need, which is known as blood cholesterol. The cholesterol that comes from food items is what is called dietary cholesterol. This form is found in animal meats, dairy products, seafood, and even poultry and eggs. Dietary cholesterol, when consumed in large quantities, can possibly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, which can be fatal. Good and bad cholesterol Cholesterol that is either consumed or produced in the liver needs to travel throughout the body.

Everyone wants to look young and have glowing skin that simply radiates inner beauty. But there are a number of factors that can damage the skin externally and internally without you even noticing something is wrong until it’s too late. Also, getting your skin treated by a professional can cost a lot of money and is not really a necessity unless the damage done is substantial. There are three simple ways to ensure flawless and healthy, glowing skin sitting right at home. Here is what you need to do. What type of skin are you working with? Your beauty and skin care routine will vary depending upon your skin type: too dry, oily, combination of both, or even too sensitive. Once you narrow down a specific type, you can choose products and take the next few steps. Cleanse daily It is the first essential step to your beauty and skin care routine. Cleansing your skin with harsh soaps or face washes won’t do you any good, which does not mean you’ll need to go to the store and splurge on expensive cosmetics. A mild cleanser, preferably a foam-based formula will help remove the oil, dirt, and pollutants from the pores.

Common cold and flu are both respiratory illnesses caused by viruses. It can be challenging to compare the two, as both cold and flu cause symptoms such as cough, which is caused by similar viruses. However, the flu (influenza) is worse than the common cold, and the symptoms are more intense. This article discusses the difference between the illnesses and how they can be treated to get relief from the symptoms. Following pointers can help differentiate between cold and flu: Symptom onset People suffering from cold will experience a gradual onset, which means the patient will suffer from unnoticeable symptoms in the beginning, which will worsen with every passing day. People suffering from the flu (influenza) will experience an abrupt onset of symptoms. Fever This is one of the most common differentiators between the cold and flu. A patient suffering from cold rarely develops a fever, but people suffering from influenza can develop a 102-degree-Fahrenheit fever. Aches Patients suffering from cold may experience slight muscle aches. However, this is yet another one of the most common symptoms of the flu. Since the flu decreases the body’s immunity, the person suffers such symptoms. Chills This symptom is accompanied by fever and is rarely seen in patients suffering from the common cold, whereas it is a common symptom in patients with the flu.

Diabetes is a condition wherein the blood sugar levels in one’s body are higher than the standard limit. Among the commonly known types of situations, type 2 diabetes affects millions of people each year. In type 2 diabetes, the body does not make insulin (a vital compound that breaks down glucose from food to convert into energy). In some cases, the body is unable to absorb the insulin, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. It is easy to prevent type 2 diabetes and delay any complications that might arise out of condition. Have a look at what medical professionals recommend for patients of varying ages. Weight loss and management Being obese or overweight increases the risk of diabetes significantly. It is one of the leading causes of type 2 diabetes and complications associated with the condition. Weight management effectively starts with shedding those excess pounds first and then planning an active lifestyle that prevents further weight gain. Even losing just 7-10% of current body weight can reduce the chances of type 2 diabetes by half. Limit smoking and alcohol consumption Research indicates that consuming moderate amounts of alcohol, the recommended limit for men and women, actually helps insulin to break down the glucose cells.

Dehydration is a familiar uneasiness that indicates the body does not have enough fluids to support normal functions. There are known medical conditions that can cause mild, moderate, or severe dehydration, depending on how much liquid the body has lost. The discomfort may also be caused because one doesn’t pay attention to the body’s needs and urges to replenish fluids. Whatever the case may be, there are simple ways to ensure proper fluid intake and stay hydrated during the day. Check for symptoms There are a few visible indicators that can help one avoid getting dehydrated in the first place. Dry or cold skin, muscle cramps, dry mouth, and even not urinating frequently or with difficulty indicate that the body is running low on fluids. It is understandable to lose track of how much water one has had during the day, which is why paying attention to the symptoms becomes that much more necessary. Respond to thirst When one feels thirsty, one should drink a glass of water. Often being wrapped up in one’s busy schedule managing work and deadlines, one tends to ignore urges of thirst to save a precious few seconds. Why? Because when one has a few glasses, soon after, they may have to use the restroom.

Eyes are the window to the soul, but they’re also a window to the world around us. So, undoubtedly, it is essential to keep them fit and fine. There’s a lot you can do to keep your eyes healthy, from getting regular checkups to getting the right amount of nutrition. Here are some tips that will help you keep your eyes healthy: Get those eyes checked We’re not talking about just a usual eye checkup because even if your eyes feel healthy, there could be a problem you may not know. Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam that will help diagnose any eye condition in its early stages. Treating any condition is more manageable in its initial stages. Health is wealth Taking care of your health has long-term and all-round benefits. So, stay healthy by opting for some physical activity. Being physically fit will reduce the risk of other diseases and disorders that can ruin your eye health. Eye exercises can also be practiced to reduce the chances of eye conditions. Save them from the sun The sun emits UV rays that are harmful to your skin and, yes, eyes. In fact, they cause macular degeneration and even fast-track cataracts.