Although made from skin cells, fingernails and toenails are hard due to the laminated layers of a protein called keratin. Regardless of their texture, nails are an essential body part as they help us pick up things and protect our toes and fingers. Hence it’s crucial to care for them and maintain their health and appearance. What follows are a few dos and don’ts when practicing a nail care routine. Dos for healthy nails Keep them dry and clean Fingernails and toenails shouldn’t be kept wet for too long as moisture is a hotbed of bacteria production. Soaking the nails in water for an extended period can also lead to a split in the fingernails, which can become painful and lead to infections. Always wear rubber gloves with a cotton inner lining when washing dishes and cleaning the house or bathroom. They will keep your hands and nails from getting wet and coming into contact with harsh chemicals. Cut them regularly An essential component of good personal hygiene is cutting the nails regularly. While you can get a manicure from a professional, using clean clippers at home will also do the job. Cut the tips across and then shape them from the sides for a gentle curve that doesn’t hurt or get stuck in clothes.

Gastroenterologists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating digestive tract disorders. This can include problems ranging from the passage of gas, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome to even colon cancer, and more. While asking them certain questions can be embarrassing, one must not shy away from them. Instead, one must enquire about the issues to receive more information. Keep reading to know more about these questions and why they must be asked. Is passing a lot of gas an issue? Usually, one may release gas in the form of burps or even farts, but most people do not know that this gas forms due to many reasons. While the passage of gas is completely natural, sometimes when it builds up, it can lead to bloating and abdominal pain. This often occurs when the patient regularly eats fatty foods, has an increased level of stress, eats too quickly, or has irritable bowel syndrome. In such cases, gastroenterologists may provide a diagnosis of the underlying issue and develop a treatment plan. How do I know if my stool is normal? Typically, stool can be of different colors, shapes, and sizes. It must be log-like and have cracks on its surface.

Migraine, marked by a severe headache and throbbing pain, is a common phenomenon that affects many people. There are several reasons for it, including sensory stimuli, stress, weather changes, hormonal changes, and other underlying health conditions. When the neural activity becomes overactive, it gets more sensitive and causes migraine. To avoid this, it is important to make changes to one’s food regime. Adding certain foods discussed below to one’s daily meals can help relieve migraines. Leafy greens like spinach and kale Spinach and kale are both leafy greens that contain magnesium, which has shown to prevent neurons from becoming hypersensitive. This, in turn, helps keep migraines at bay. Kale is also rich in fiber, but one may require some time to get used to its strong taste. These versatile foods can be blended into soups, salads, pastas, as well as chips. Scrambled eggs Eggs are a nutrient powerhouse that also provide migraine-fighting benefits of magnesium along with other additional nutrients including protein, essential vitamins, and zinc. They are also incredibly easy to make and an affordable option to include in one’s daily food regime. Almonds Almonds are one of the best foods for migraines as they contain magnesium and essential fats and fiber, which can also bring overall health benefits to individuals.

Hypertension occurs when one’s blood pressure rises to higher than normal levels. The pressure of blood fluctuates throughout the day based on the activities one indulges in. But when one develops hypertension, they risk suffering from severe health complications like a heart attack, stroke, and even heart disease. Therefore, it is important to learn about the symptoms of high blood pressure so that one may seek treatment at the earliest. Severe headaches A spike in blood pressure may trigger unbearable headaches. Severe headaches might also be accompanied by other symptoms like perspiration, anxiety, confusion, and palpitations. Atrial fibrillation Hypertension may cause the heart to push excessive blood to different organs of the body, including the brain. However, too much force may damage the arteries and cause them to weaken. A weakened artery may become blocked by a clot or plaque buildup, which could increase the risk of atrial fibrillation — an irregular heart rhythm that could lead to blood clots in the heart, and put one at risk of stroke. Breathing difficulties High blood pressure may result in the lack of oxygenated blood moving from the heart to the lungs through the pulmonary arteries. Therefore, an individual may develop pulmonary hypertension and suffer from symptoms like shortness of breath and pain in the chest.

Medical insurance is a crucial investment as it offers individuals and their families financial security and peace of mind. But sadly, many people do not research well and buy a policy in a hurry. As a result, they make several mistakes, which lead to inadequate coverage, denied claims, and unexpected expenses. This article highlights the common mistakes to avoid while buying medical insurance that could prevent you from enjoying its benefits. Failing to understand your healthcare needs A significant mistake people make is not fully understanding their healthcare needs before purchasing insurance. Experts recommend you take the time to assess each family member’s health situation, any ongoing therapies or treatments, frequency of doctor visits, and specialist consultations, and buy a suitable package that covers these costs. Not researching the available options The medical insurance market is vast, with hundreds of plans from different providers. Not researching your options can lead to missed opportunities for better coverage at lower costs. So, take the time to compare plans from different providers, review the coverage details, and evaluate the company’s network of healthcare providers, deductibles, copayments, and premiums. Buying insufficient coverage You may have to bear the burden of expensive medical bills if you neglect the policy’s coverage specifications.

Maintaining a healthy smile goes beyond just regular brushing and flossing. One may follow several habits without realizing the potential harm they can cause to one’s teeth. From seemingly harmless activities to daily routines, these habits can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. Here are some common but often overlooked habits that harm oral health. One must avoid them to extend the longevity of their pearly whites. Poor oral hygiene Neglecting proper oral hygiene practices, such as inconsistent brushing and skipping flossing, can pave the way for plaque buildup. This buildup contributes to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease, which can lead to more serious dental issues if left untreated. Using teeth as a tool Using one’s teeth to open bottles, tear packages, or crack nuts might seem convenient, but it’s a recipe for disaster. This habit can cause chips or cracks in one’s teeth or lead to gum bleeding. So it’s advisable to use one’s teeth only for chewing food and not as substitutes for scissors or bottle openers. Nail biting Nail biting affects one’s nails and takes a toll on one’s teeth. This habit exerts pressure on one’s teeth and jaw, potentially causing misalignment and damaging tooth enamel.