Taking care of the eyes is crucial as they are the primary sensory organ that helps interact with the world. To maintain good vision, consuming rich nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E is essential. One must also take preventive measures like wearing sunglasses, using safety glasses while working in certain industries, or reducing screen time. Given below are some other ways to maintain optimal eye health. 1. Avoid wearing contacts to sleep When one blinks, oxygen enters the eyes and keeps them moist even when awake. However, contact lenses significantly reduce the amount of oxygen and moisture the eyes can access as they fit over the eye’s surface. This problem is compounded when one sleeps. Without enough oxygen, the corneal cells, known as hypoxia, lose their ability to fight bacteria effectively. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 50% of contact lens wearers have reported sleeping with their lenses at least once. But even a single night of sleeping with contacts in can be dangerous. It is only recommended if the eye doctor has advised to wear contacts overnight. Studies have shown that sleeping with contact lenses increases the risk of developing an eye infection by six to eight times.

Kidneys play a pivotal role in maintaining the body’s internal environment. They filter toxins and excess substances from the blood and contribute to the production of vital hormones. Kidney disease is a condition that silently affects millions worldwide. These organs, responsible for filtering waste and maintaining fluid balance, can experience distress that often goes unnoticed. Understanding the subtle yet crucial indicators equips individuals with the knowledge to seek timely medical attention. 1. Changes in urination patterns Here are a few changes noticed in urination patterns: Increased urination (polyuria) This happens when the kidneys struggle to concentrate urine, leading to frequent urination, including during the night. Factors like diabetes or excessive fluid intake can influence it. Polyuria can be distressing, as it can disrupt daily routines and sleep patterns. Decreased urination (oliguria) In contrast, kidney disease can lead to reduced urine output. This occurs as the kidneys struggle to filter waste and regulate fluid balance. Oliguria can be a cause for concern, as it may indicate significant kidney impairment. It’s important to seek medical attention promptly if this symptom is observed. Presence of blood in urine (hematuria) Hematuria, or blood in the urine, can be a sign of kidney distress. It can indicate damage to the nephrons, the microscopic filtering units within the kidneys.

The liver is a vital organ that helps the body store fat-soluble vitamins and regulate cholesterol levels. Some of the other functions it performs are contributing to the synthesis of clotting factors and protein in the body and filtering the blood. Any damage to the organ can disrupt these key functions, resulting in various issues throughout the body that require immediate treatment. So, here are a few signs of liver damage one should not ignore: 1. Yellow skin and eyes The body produces a substance called bilirubin, which gives bile its yellow color. A healthy liver is able to get rid of excess bilirubin and keep its levels in check. However, with liver damage, the build-up of bilirubin in the blood can give the skin and eyes a yellow tint, which is also called jaundice. 2. Blood in vomit When dealing with a condition called liver cirrhosis, one may experience symptoms like vomiting blood. The condition initially causes loss of appetite, nausea, and itchy skin, gradually leading to vomiting of blood when left unchecked. This symptom can indicate a liver problem that requires medical intervention. 3. Dark urine The buildup of bilirubin in the body brought on by liver damage is responsible for another sign, i.e., changes in the color of urine.

Blood clots help stop bleeding and facilitate the repair of injured blood vessels. They usually dissolve once the healing process is complete. But sometimes, clots persist or form without visible injuries, potentially leading to health complications. Every year, almost 900,000 people are affected by this problem. Below are a few common early warning signs that can help people detect an abnormal blood clot and seek the guidance of a healthcare professional. Early warning signs of blood clots An intricate network of blood vessels extends throughout the human body, so clots can develop in various locations. The following early warning signs should prompt one to seek immediate expert attention: Swelling A blood clot may affect either veins or arteries. Both types of blood vessels are tasked with supplying blood and oxygen to and from the heart. If a clot appears abnormally in a vein, it can restrict blood flow to one’s heart and cause inflammation. The condition often causes localized swelling in an arm or leg. Pain and tenderness The area around the blood clot may become painful, tender, or sore. The discomfort can range from a dull ache to intense pain or leg cramps. Redness and warmth The skin over the clot may appear reddish or feel warm to the touch because of increased blood flow to the region.

Seizures occur when there is a malfunction in the communication process between the nerve cells in the brain. This interruption can have effects like loss of consciousness or impaired movements of the muscles in the body. While there are different types of seizures, if one has frequent episodes without any known cause, it is diagnosed as epilepsy. One can learn to recognize certain warning signs of seizures to help manage the condition. Stages of seizure There are four different stages of seizure in epilepsy attacks, and understanding each stage will help in better management of the condition. Prodrome stage This is the stage which is a warning sign before the seizure occurs. These symptoms often go unnoticed because they are very mild and can be difficult to recognize if one is not paying attention. Some of the common symptoms of this stage include confusion, irritability, anxiety, a “funny feeling,” headache, difficulty staying focused, mood changes, difficulty sleeping, and even behavioral changes. These signs can present themselves days or even hours before the seizures are about to occur. Aura This is the next stage of the warning sign, which is considered to be the early part of the seizure. There are cases where the aura stage itself is a seizure of sorts; it is also called a simple focal or partial seizure.

Generally, eight hours of sound sleep is all one needs to ensure a productive and energetic day. Unfortunately, several people are observed to be suffering from some kind of sleep disorder. Sleep problems are linked to various health conditions, including type-2 diabetes, cholesterol, and cardiovascular diseases. Following a healthy sleep cycle is essential to enhance one’s overall well-being. So, here are 13 tips to follow for a healthy sleep cycle. Set the environment for sleep A conducive sleep environment is a prerequisite for undisturbed sleep throughout the night. For example, studies have shown that the pineal gland present in the brain secretes melatonin when exposed to the dark. Melatonin is the sleep hormone that facilitates drowsiness and sound sleep. So, it is advisable to sleep in a dark, cozy room with dim lights and thick curtains. Avoid sleeping for long hours during the day While taking a quick nap in the afternoon helps one feel refreshed to continue with work, sleeping for long hours during the day can reduce one’s sleep duration at night, affecting one’s sleep cycle. Therefore, it is important to limit one’s siestas by setting an alarm before napping and avoiding snoozing it. Limit caffeine intake Studies have demonstrated that 400 grams of caffeine taken even six hours before bedtime can disrupt one’s sleep considerably.

Strong and healthy bones are essential for mobility, protecting vital organs, and maintaining a strong skeletal framework. While many factors can influence bone health, such as genetics, physical activity, and hormonal balance, food also plays a crucial role. Essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, and others, help in maintaining bone health, while certain foods, if consumed excessively, may weaken bones. Here are some of the best and worst foods for bone health. Foods that weaken bone health High-sodium foods Excessive sodium intake can lead to calcium loss and ultimately weaken the bones. Consuming about 2,300 milligrams of salt leads to a loss of about 40 milligrams of calcium from the bones. On average, however, an average adult person in the country consumes about 5,000 milligrams of salt each day. Some obvious salt-rich snacks include pretzels, potato chips, canned soups, and processed meats like bacon, sausages, and hot dogs. While one can control the amount of salt added to one’s cooking, several products contain hidden sodium. For example, pre-packaged and ready-to-cook frozen meals are usually high in sodium to extend their shelf life and improve taste. Even some condiments and sauces like soy sauce, ketchup, barbecue sauce, and salad dressings can have hidden sodium.

Liver cancer is a result of the development of a cancerous tumor in the liver. The condition has been classified as a leading cause of cancer deaths nationwide, with hepatocellular carcinoma being the most common type of liver cancer. Although the symptoms do not show up initially, diagnosing the condition as early as possible can help with timely treatment. So, here are some silent signs of liver cancer one shouldn’t ignore: Silent signs of liver cancer Unexplained loss of appetite Liver cancer may trigger the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, which can cause one to feel extremely full, even in the case of normal or lower food intake. Such a sensation of fullness can lead to loss of appetite, a possible sign of liver cancer. Yellowing of the eyes and skin Yellowing of the eyes and skin indicates the liver’s inability to digest a substance known as bilirubin and may be a sign of liver cancer or liver disease. Pale-colored stools The liver releases a substance called bile into the small intestine; this substance is responsible for the typical brownish color of stools. However, in case of liver cancer or damage, the liver is unable to produce or release bile, causing stools to turn light or white in color.