Author: Ryan

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wellness

Surviving a Toxic Work Environment: Tips for a Healthier Career

Frustrated employee experiencing a toxic work environment at office desk

Since most of our waking hours are spent on the job, the quality of our work environment plays a significant role in our overall well-being. While a positive workplace can inspire creativity, productivity, and fulfillment, the opposite can lead to burnout, stress, and declining mental health. If you’ve ever found yourself dreading Monday morning or feeling emotionally drained after a day at work, you might be dealing with a toxic work environment.

What Does a Toxic Workplace Look Like?

A toxic work environment is characterized by a constant presence of negativity and unhealthy behavior. It may include poor leadership, lack of communication, favoritism, unrealistic expectations, or constant stress. The environment can leave you feeling unappreciated, ignored, or even intimidated.

Many people recognize these patterns only after months or years of discomfort. That’s why it’s helpful to be aware of early warning signs. If you’re wondering what to watch out for, here are a few toxic work culture examples:

  • Consistent negativity: Frequent complaining, blaming, or gossiping among team members
  • Micromanagement or complete neglect: Managers who either over-control or offer no support at all
  • Lack of recognition: Good work goes unnoticed, and efforts are rarely appreciated
  • Poor work-life balance: Long hours are normalized, and taking time off is discouraged
  • Unclear expectations: Job roles and goals constantly shift, leaving employees confused and anxious

The Impact of a Negative Work Environment

Working in a space filled with tension, fear, or chaos can deeply affect both your mental and physical health. A negative work environment increases stress levels, which can lead to symptoms like headaches, fatigue, trouble sleeping, and even high blood pressure. Over time, it can erode your self-esteem and sense of purpose.

When your job is toxic, it doesn’t just stay at the office. It follows you home, disrupts your personal life, and can impact relationships with family and friends. The emotional strain might show up as irritability, loss of motivation, or even depression.

Coping Strategies to Handle a Toxic Work Environment

If you’re feeling stuck in a harmful work environment, know that you’re not powerless. While you may not be able to change everything around you, you can take steps to protect yourself and regain control of your well-being.

  1. Set Clear Boundaries

When you’re in an unhealthy workplace, boundaries are essential. Don’t feel obligated to answer emails after work hours or take on responsibilities outside your job description. Safeguarding your time and energy is an important way to take care of yourself.

  1. Document Problematic Incidents

If you’re experiencing harassment, discrimination, or unethical behavior, keep a written record. Include dates, times, people involved, and what was said or done. Having this documentation will be valuable if you choose to report the issue to HR or seek legal advice.

  1. Find Support

You’re likely not the only one struggling. Find a few trusted coworkers to talk to. Sharing your experience can reduce feelings of isolation and may help you understand how widespread the issue is.

  1. Prioritize Self-Care

Being in a toxic environment takes a toll on your health, so prioritize activities that replenish your energy. Exercise, hobbies, therapy, journaling, or simply spending time with loved ones can help you stay grounded and resilient.

  1. Speak Up When Safe

If you feel safe doing so, consider addressing your concerns with your manager or HR. Focus on the impact of the issue rather than personal blame. For example, say: “I’ve noticed a drop in team morale, and I’m concerned it’s affecting productivity. Could we explore ways to enhance communication and provide better support?”

  1. Consider Your Exit Strategy

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, a workplace just won’t improve. If you’ve made multiple efforts to address the issues and nothing has changed, it may be time to move on. Begin updating your resume, building your network, and applying for jobs that align with your values and needs.

Finding a Healthier Environment

Once you’ve decided to leave, be intentional in your job search. Avoid landing in another stressful situation by researching companies thoroughly. Read reviews, ask interviewers about work culture, and observe how employees interact during your visit.

A positive workplace fosters teamwork, honest communication, and shared respect among colleagues. It also supports growth, balances expectations, and promotes employee well-being. By being selective, you can avoid falling into another toxic cycle.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with a toxic work environment isn’t easy—but recognizing the problem is the first step toward change. Whether you choose to set stronger boundaries, seek support, or make a career move, remember that your health and happiness matter. Life’s too valuable to waste in an environment that exhausts you and takes away your happiness.

If you’re currently navigating a tough situation at work, take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. Many people have faced similar challenges and gone on to thrive in new, more positive environments. With the right tools and support, so can you.

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Health

Tips to Reduce Screen Time and Reclaiming Your Day

In today’s connected world, screens are a regular part of daily life—ranging from smartphones and laptops to televisions and tablets. Although technology provides many advantages, spending too much time in front of screens can harm your physical health, mental state, and overall efficiency. From eye strain and poor posture to reduced attention span and disrupted sleep, the effects of prolonged screen exposure are increasingly evident. Fortunately, with a few intentional changes, you can significantly reduce screen time and improve your overall quality of life.

  1. Track Your Usage

Becoming aware of how much time you spend on screens is the initial step toward cutting back. Use built-in screen time tracking features on your devices to see how much time you’re spending on apps, social media, or games. Many smartphones provide daily and weekly reports. Seeing the numbers can be a wake-up call and help you identify which habits need adjusting.

  1. Set Time Limits

Establish daily time limits for non-essential screen activities. You can use app limit features to restrict your use of social media or streaming platforms. Setting boundaries not only keeps you accountable but also encourages you to spend time on more meaningful activities.

  1. Create Tech-Free Zones

Designate specific areas of your home as screen-free, such as the bedroom, dining table, or bathroom. This serves as a reminder that screens aren’t essential every moment of the day. Keeping phones out of the bedroom, for example, can greatly improve sleep quality and reduce late-night scrolling.

  1. Schedule Screen Breaks

If you spend extended hours on a computer, try following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, pause for 20 seconds and focus on something at least 20 feet away. This helps reduce eye strain and encourages short, healthy breaks throughout the day. Use alarms or reminders to ensure you follow through.

  1. Engage in Offline Activities

Make time for hobbies and activities that don’t require a screen—reading a book, drawing, cooking, exercising, or spending time outdoors. When you find joy in offline pursuits, you’re less likely to feel drawn to your phone or computer out of boredom.

  1. Unplug Before Bedtime

Reduce screen exposure at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light from digital devices can disrupt melatonin levels, which may make it more difficult to fall asleep. Replace screen time with relaxing activities like reading a physical book, meditating, or taking a warm bath.

  1. Enable features like “Do Not Disturb” and “Focus Mode” to minimize interruptions.

Leverage features like “Do Not Disturb” or “Focus Mode” on your phone to reduce distractions during work or downtime. These settings can temporarily block notifications and limit your access to apps during certain hours.

  1. Be Intentional With Technology Use

Ask yourself why you’re reaching for your phone—is it for a specific purpose or just a habit? Practicing mindfulness around tech use can help you break the automatic reflex to check your device.

Conclusion

Decreasing screen time doesn’t mean eliminating it entirely—it’s about creating balance. By making small, consistent changes, you can take control of your digital habits, improve your focus and energy, and make more room for real-world experiences and connections.

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Health

High Cortisol Levels: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Cortisol, commonly known as the “stress hormone,” is a chemical produced by the adrenal glands that plays a key role in maintaining several important body functions. It helps control how the body uses energy, regulates blood sugar and pressure, and supports the immune system. Although cortisol levels are necessary for overall health, consistently high levels over time can contribute to a range of health problems.

 

What Causes High Cortisol Levels?

High cortisol levels, a condition known as hypercortisolism, can result from both internal and external factors. The most common causes include:

  1. Chronic Stress: Prolonged psychological stress triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, keeping cortisol elevated.
  2. Cushing’s Syndrome: A rare condition caused by tumors in the adrenal glands or pituitary gland, leading to excessive cortisol production.
  3. Medications: Long-term use of corticosteroids, such as prednisone, can artificially raise cortisol.
  4. Sleep Deprivation: Poor sleep quality or sleep disorders disrupt the natural cortisol rhythm.
  5. Poor Diet and Lack of Exercise: High sugar intake, caffeine, and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to elevated cortisol.

Symptoms of High Cortisol

Persistently high cortisol levels can cause a range of physical and psychological symptoms. These may include:

  • Increased Body Fat: Particularly noticeable in the belly area, face, and upper back.
  • Elevated Blood Pressure and Glucose Levels: Heightened chances of developing high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
  • Fatigue and Muscle Weakness: The body starts breaking down muscle tissue for energy.
  • Mood Changes: Anxiety, irritability, and depression are common.
  • Sleep Problems: Trouble falling or staying asleep due to hormonal imbalances.
  • Poor Immunity: Increased susceptibility to infections and slower wound healing.
  • Disrupted Menstrual Patterns or Difficulty Conceiving in Women.

Long-Term Effects

If high cortisol levels persist untreated, they can increase the risk of serious health issues such as heart disease, osteoporosis, cognitive decline, and metabolic disorders. In children, it can hinder growth and development.

How to Reduce Cortisol Levels Naturally

Managing cortisol involves addressing the root causes and making lifestyle adjustments:

  • Managing Stress: Use calming practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or mindfulness to help reduce stress levels.
  • Regular Exercise: Moderate physical activity helps regulate hormone levels, though excessive exercise can have the opposite effect.
  • Balanced Diet: Eat whole foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Avoid excess caffeine, sugar, and processed foods.
  • Sufficient Rest: Try to get 7 to 9 hours of good-quality sleep each night to support balanced cortisol levels.
  • Social Support: Spending time with loved ones and talking about stressors can have a calming effect.
  • Reduce Alcohol and Nicotine Intake: These substances can disrupt cortisol regulation and negatively impact hormonal balance.

When to see a doctor

If you suspect high cortisol levels, especially if you experience unexplained weight gain, chronic fatigue, or mood disturbances, consult a healthcare provider. They may recommend blood, urine, or saliva tests to measure cortisol levels and determine the underlying cause.

Conclusion

While cortisol is crucial for the body’s response to stress and daily functioning, sustained high levels can lead to significant health problems. By adopting healthy habits and managing stress, most people can keep their cortisol levels within a healthy range and improve their overall well-being.

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Health

Treatment for Lyme disease has been found!

The number of cases reported for Lyme disease has increased as the tick season has started this spring. The environmental changes is enabling ticks growth and producing Lyme bacterium called borrelia bacteria. This tick disease is most commonly found in the United States, upper Midwest, northeastern and mid-Atlantic states, Europe, and south-central and southeastern Canada. People who spend their time in woody, grassy, or brushy areas are likely to suffer from Lyme illness as the ticks usually live there. Therefore, it is important to take safety measures to lower the risk of suffering from the disease. In this article, we can learn the symptoms, causes, and treatment of Lyme illness.

Symptoms of Lyme disease

A tick bite is similar to a mosquito bite. It looks like a tiny, itchy bump on your skin. However, not everyone who has this bump has Lyme illness. The tick that carries the bacteria only can cause Lyme illness and usually, most of the symptoms appear stage by stage.

Stage 1

The early symptoms of this disease usually appear within 3 to 30 days after a tick bite.

Although a rash is considered to be a common sign, it doesn’t usually happen for everyone. A rash looks clear in the center and resembles a target or bull’s-eye. They often feel warm to the touch but not painful or itchy. In stage 1, other possible symptoms include:

  • Extreme tiredness
  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Joint stiffness
  • Swollen lymph nodes

If not treated at the right time, stage 2 of the illness begins.

Stage 2

If the treatment is delayed, then the other serious symptoms begin to appear within 3 to 10 weeks after a tick bite. This stage 2 is often considered serious and spread across the body. That’s why it is called early disseminated disease.

Stage 2 symptoms are as follows:

  • Muscle weakness on both sides of the face
  • Irregular heartbeats
  • Neck pain or stiffness
  • Rashes spread to other parts of the body
  • Pain, weakness, or numbness in the hands and feet
  • Pain in the eye nerves or vision loss

Stage 3

Stage 3 is called late disseminated disease which begins usually from 2 to 12 months after a tick bite. In this stage, the affected person suffers from arthritis, and a few studies reported that in Europe, the tick bite has caused a skin condition called acrodermatitis chronic atrophicans. There will be discoloration and swelling on the backs of the hands and tops of the feet. In serious cases, tissue or joint damage will appear.

Treatment of Lyme disease

Based on several studies, scientists have found that tick-borne diseases rely on the enzyme called lactate dehydrogenase (BbLDH) to convert pyruvate to lactate which is important for maintaining its NADH/NAD+ balance. This adaptation process plays a crucial role in the bacterium’s survival. The researchers have identified BbLDH’s role in infecting the host and spreading the disease across the body. So, to target this BbLDH can be potential to treat Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases.

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Health

Brain Death – a Nightmare!

Brain death also known as brain stem death is a medical condition that happens when your brain stops working. Brain death causes permanent damage to your entire brainstem because of injury or chronic illness in the brain. The brainstem manages the whole breathing system and heart rate. The brain is also responsible for managing the senses like sound, vision, and touch, as well as our other abilities to move our bodies. So when these essential functions are not working properly then they are said to have brain death. There are certain criteria and tests to diagnose the malfunction of our brain. In this article, we can discuss the diagnosis methods and causes of brain death.

The main cause of brain death

There are various reasons for the brain death. Some include the irregular supply of blood and oxygen to your brain, damage in the blood vessels and causing internal bleeding, etc. We all know that a continuous supply of blood and oxygen to the various parts of our body is essential for a healthy life. In case, if a person met with a severe accident or injury in the brain, there is a high chance of getting damage in the blood vessel causing bleeding. If this occurs, then the person is expected to be brain-dead.

Other potential causes include:

  • Intracerebral hemorrhage
  • Ischemic stroke
  • Heart attack
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Hypoxic ischemic brain injury (HIBI)
  • Intracranial infections like encephalitis and meningitis.

Tests conducted to determine brain death

Neurologists who specialize in treating the disorders in the brain and nervous system may do tests more than once before confirming the brain death. Imaging tests like a brain MRI, an apnea test, and an extensive neurological examination are conducted to diagnose brain dead.

Neurological examination

In the case of brain death, you don’t react to lights, touch, or noise as you would before your brain injury. To diagnose the brain death, your neurologist would do the following:

  • Touches the back of your throat to check your choking reflex or gag.
  • Check your pupils’ response to light.
  • Touching your eye with a cotton swab to check if you blink, close your eye, flinch, or move your head.

Apnea test

A catastrophic brain injury can’t let you breathe on your own and you have to rely on mechanical ventilation (ventilators). In an apnea test, the healthcare providers briefly stop ventilator support to check if you can breathe on your own.

Difference between being in a coma and being brain dead

In the case of a coma, a patient might blink or show a response when someone shines a bright light in their eyes. Also, most people emerge from comas. On the other hand, brain dead is irreversible. In the medical history so far, no patients have regained consciousness after the permanent loss of brain function.

Is it possible to prevent brain death?

The answer is NO. Once the function of the brain stops, there are no ways to prevent brain death from happening. There is a legal document called advance directive that could state if you want to donate your organs after death including brain death.

Categories
wellness

Fear of Heights – Acrophobia – Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

It’s okay to feel the fear. It is a very natural emotion for all living beings. Fear can be healthy when it gives you the survival instincts to keep yourself protected from danger. Fear can be unhealthy when it controls or prevents you from doing things you normally enjoy. This extreme condition is called phobia. A lasting or uncontrollable fear of any situation, certain object, or activity that even leads to a panic attack. There are various types of phobias. Here I have discussed the fear of heights phobia called acrophobia. If a person feels fear or discomfort when reaching heights or even when thinking about it, then it is called acrophobia.

What is acrophobia?

As said, acrophobia is the fear of heights. This is one of the most common fears; a recent study says that 1 in 20 people experience acrophobia in their life. This irrational, intense feeling of fear of heights may raise anxiety to an extreme level. If continued, the person may trigger a panic attack also.

How do they behave?

An acrophobic person will try to avoid situations like thinking about heights, climbing a ladder, traveling in a plane, walking on a bridge or even standing on a balcony. If you find any of these signs from your partner or friend, take early measures to protect them from any profound effects on their life. Anyone with this condition may restrict themselves from moving anywhere or choosing to do anything that involves the feeling of fear.

Such a controlled life would affect the growth in their social life and career life. Therefore, it is better to consult a doctor whenever you aren’t able to control the emotions of fear.

Acrophobia causes

Acrophobia causes are many. Some children develop this phobia right from their childhood days. It couldn’t be noticed until they grow up or open up their mind to their parents.

Researchers have made several theories for the cause of acrophobia:

Evolutionary theories of acrophobia suggest that while parenting, some children are made susceptible to certain activities, behaviors, or attitudes. In our case, falling from a height threatened their survival.

A child who observes their parents or guardian experiencing fear of heights is likely to develop the same fear.

People who have trauma or witnessed someone else falling from a height are likely to develop acrophobia.

Certain bad experiences like falling from a tree or falling from hills while trekking may also develop a phobia for some people.

Abnormal signs to notice from acrophobic people

The following symptoms are seen in many acrophobic people. These are usually similar to anxiety disorders.

  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Sweating
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea
  • Dry mouth

How to handle such people?

Follow these tips to protect your partner or friend from panic attacks:

  • Do not force them to go to heights.
  • Do not talk about heights with them.
  • Do not make them worry about encountering heights in the future.

These could be simple help we can do to make their life happy.

Treatment for acrophobia

When diagnosed with acrophobia, your doctor may suggest the following acrophobia treatments.

The therapists may help you confront the fear by gradually exposing you to the situation, activity, or other factors that cause the fear. After several sessions, the patient should feel better and adapt to those situations that fear them the most.

Another well-known treatment method is called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In this case, your psychologist will identify the irrational thoughts relating to the fear and use techniques to replace those thoughts with more accurate ones.

In a few cases, hypnotism helped patients to recover from their phobic state. Hypnotherapy means the therapist will help you enter a relaxed state and use techniques to unlearn the fear response to the heights.

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Health Uncategorized

Hepatitis C – What You Should Know?

Out of many diseases, around 1.8% of US adults have liver diseases. It causes 2 million deaths per year all around the globe, which equals 4% of adults. So it is better to understand the liver functions and how the loss could significantly affect the other body parts and so on. The liver is one of the important organs in the human body. It secretes bile juice that aids in the digestion of food. Liver disease is otherwise called hepatic disease. There are several types of liver diseases like hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis c, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, hemochromatosis, cystic fibrosis, jaundice, Wilson disease, liver cancer, hepatic encephalopathy and more. I will try my best to get a detailed article on every disease that affects the liver. Here, I have discussed hepatitis c, its signs and symptoms. How to diagnose and what is the treatment?

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes inflammation in the liver. The virus is called Hepatitis C (HCV) which spreads through an infected person’s blood or body fluids. Antiviral medicines are the treatment methods given to treat this hep c infection.

There are different types of hepatitis virus and they affect the human body stage by stage.

How does HCV affect the human body?

As said earlier, HCV spreads through infected blood or body fluids. Usually, there are no symptoms at all. Some patients had HCV for almost a decade too. It is important to know the time base of the virus to grow in the body.

Initial Stage or Incubation period 

This stage is the first exposure to the virus. It lasts from 14 to 80 days.

Acute hepatitis c

This is a short-term illness that lasts for 6 months after infection. When the patient has been diagnosed earlier, then he or she can get rid of the virus through antiviral medicines prescribed by the doctor.

Chronic hepatitis C

Almost 85% of acute conditions move into this stage which lasts longer than 6 months. This stage can lead to serious health illnesses like cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Cirrhosis

This stage happens over time and usually takes from 20 to 30 years. In this stage, all the healthy liver cells will become scar tissue and cause inflammation in the liver. However, for HIV-positive and alcohol consumers, the infection could be faster and cause serious illness.

Liver cancer

The condition of cirrhosis often leads to lung cancer. Only regular monitoring of liver condition by your doctor can help diagnose the disease, otherwise, there will not be any symptoms at all in the early stages.

Possible symptoms of Hep C

No symptoms are noted in the early stages of HCV infection. However, between 2 weeks and 6 months after the virus enters the bloodstream, you can notice the following signs:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Jaundice ( eyes and skin become yellow and dark urine)
  • Dark urine
  • Clay-colored poop
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Joint pain
  • Vomiting

If you are in the end stage, then the following symptoms arise;

  • Fluid buildup in the legs (edema) or abdominal cavity
  • Encephalopathy (poor working of the brain)
  • Muscle loss
  • Problems with memory and concentration
  • Itching
  • Easy bleeding
  • Blood vomit
  • Weight loss

Hepatitis treatment procedure

Blood testing

Doctors will check your blood for antibodies (anti-HCV antibodies) and, the type of proteins your body makes when it finds hep C virus infection in your blood.

Possible results may include

Non-reactive or negative – which means either you don’t have hep c or you should get retested in a few weeks.

Reactive or positive – Your blood contains hep c antibodies and it requires another test to confirm the disease.

HCV RNA test

In this analysis, number of viral RNA particles in your blood is measured. This test has to be taken after 1 or 2 weeks from the infected day.

If the result is positive then you have HCV in your blood.

If the result is negative then you don’t have HCV in your blood.

Liver function test

Here, your doctor measures proteins and enzyme levels in your blood, which usually shows after 7 or 8 weeks. Liver damage can cause enzymes to leak into your bloodstream. Still, there are chances that you may have normal enzyme levels and still have hep C.

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wellness

Is It Good To Double Shampoo For Healthy Hair?

There are a lot of beauty tips every woman follows. My hair care routine is, that I double shampoo my hair for a much cleaner and oil-free scalp. Though my hair is not oily and I don’t have dandruff either. I apply coconut oil and sesame oil, one hour before the hair wash routine. I follow this hair care routine two times a week. Shampooing your hair twice is a technique helpful for keeping the scalp and hair clean. However, is it necessary to shampoo your hair twice? Some dermatologists recommend double shampoo yields better results for healthier hair.

Should you shampoo twice for better results?

Nowadays, many tiktokers praise the benefits of shampooing twice your hair for better results. They say the double shampoo method removes the buildup and dirt effectively and while on the second wash it does a deeper cleanse on your scalp. In addition to this, the scalp gets a thorough massage while washing, which improves blood circulation and leads to healthier hair.

But what do dermatologists say and who should wash their hair twice?

Well, dermatologists say that deciding factors depend on hair type and the activity level of the person. One might think shampooing twice your hair removes any buildup of dirt, oil sweat, and product residue on the scalp and hair. It can also clear the odor formed by microorganisms caused by pollution in the environment or by dead skin cells. Dermatologists advise this deeper cleansing method or shampooing twice method is useful for people with curly or coarse hair or for people who wash their hair only after several days.

Those who do not shampoo frequently will notice that this twice-shampoo technique makes their hair feel cleaner. It is more effective in clearing residues and removing excess oils than shampooing once.

Those who have an oilier scalp can blindly choose double shampooing as it can help remove excess sebum and oil effectively. The same results are experienced by people who work under direct sunlight for many hours as they get a sweatier scalp which produces a bad odor.

People who use medicated shampoos to treat certain conditions like psoriasis can shampoo twice to break up the buildup formed by the chemicals.

Swimmers are also advised to follow the double hair washing method to clear the pool chemicals effectively from the hair and scalp.

Who should not do double shampoo?

Despite having so many benefits, twice-shampooing your hair might do more harm than good for some people. So who should avoid?

  • People who wash their hair daily or every other day – should avoid this method as it may strip off excessive oil which dries out your scalp and damages your hair.
  • People who apply too much heat to their hair – using several heating tools like curling irons, flat irons, and hair dryers often and applying for a long time can weaken the hair roots and lead to damage and breakage.

It is always good to consult with your dermatologist to know the condition of your scalp and hair, and how frequently can you shampoo your hair for optimal health.

Can we use conditioner twice?

Shampooing twice leads to better results for some people but conditioning twice your hair is not necessary. It is okay to follow the “leave on time” (usually between 2 to 5 minutes), as mentioned on the label of your conditioner. If the effects aren’t as good as they promise, better try switching to a conditioner with a more hydrating formula.

Practice these for the optimal health of your hair

Beyond shampooing and conditioning your hair regularly or as advised by your dermatologists, there are other things one must do to have healthy hair.

  • Avoid pulling your hair – this is for women who often try different hairstyles such as ponytails or tightly pulled-back buns. Avoid pulling hard as that causes tension on the hair which leads to breakage for sure. So be gentle with your hair.
  • Avoid applying too much heat – Long-time usage of heating tools like flat irons, curl irons, and hair dryers can weaken the hair which leads to damage. So it is better to follow 50% hair dry and 50% air dry for healthy hair.
  • De-tangle gently before washing – Brush your hair gently before washing to minimize the tangles while washing. Likewise, do not tug your hair which can lead to hair loss.
  • Massage your scalp – Scalp massage in the shower or while oiling stimulates blood circulation to the scalp skin and hair follicles.
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Health

Dengue Prevention and Cure – A Burden in this Changing Climate

There are varieties of diseases that are transmitted through mosquito bites. Internationally, mosquito-borne disease is still a very hot topic and has had many discussions to keep it under control. We are familiar with some of the diseases like yellow, malaria, dengue fever, and West Nile virus. In this article, we are going to discuss dengue, dengue fever temperature, how to prevent it, available treatments, and so on. Firstly, dengue fever is carried by a mosquito called Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes (a small black mosquito with white stripes). These primary carriers and transmitters of this virus are typically active during the day. They hide out mostly in water-filled stagnant flower pots, unused water-filled tires, and water storage containers.

Symptoms of dengue fever

                                                         

Symptoms of this fever depend on the severity of the illness and vary from person to person. Most of the patients with dengue never showed any symptoms. However, mild symptoms of this fever include

  • Dengue fever temperature is around 104°F (40°C)
  • Sudden pain in muscles and joints
  • Pain in the backside of the eyes
  • Rashes
  • Redness on face
  • Redness in eyes
  • Sore throat
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headache

These symptoms last for 2-7 days and most patients recovered automatically after a week. Then, a person may get a spike in his fever, then go away for 24 hours, and then spike again.

When can dengue fever temperature get severe?

The answer is YES. Between 0.5% and 5% of dengue fever cases become severe and turn into life-threatening. Severity occurs after 3-7 days, initially, the fever falls between 99.5 to 100.4°F and the following symptoms occur;

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Vomiting more than thrice in 24 hours
  • Blood in the stool
  • Blood vomit
  • Frequent changes in body temperature
  • Rapid changes in pulse
  • Rapid changes in blood pressure

Patients with such symptoms require immediate medical support.

Dengue fever treatment

Mostly the treatment involves managing the fever symptoms. Treatment for mild cases include

  • Keeping your body hydrated, i.e. drinking plenty of water
  • Taking good rest
  • Common medications like paracetamol or Tylenol to reduce fever can be taken.

In worst cases, the patient may require

  • Hospitalization
  • Platelet transfusion
  • Blood transfusion
  • IV fluid supply to the patient

Fortunately, recent advancements in the medical industry have reduced the number of severe cases, if treated initially.

How to diagnose dengue?

As the symptoms are similar to other viral illnesses like malaria and influenza, your doctor will recommend blood tests and the person’s travel and medical history.

Who are vulnerable?

Dengue fever is more common in various countries:

  • Africa
  • North and South America
  • Australia
  • South-East Asia

Around 70% of cases occur in Asian countries. Among U.S. people, a large number of cases were found in the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Puerto Rico.

Dengue prevention and cure

Prevention is better than cure, first and foremost, the dengue vaccine approved by the FDA help prevent the illness. It is recommended for people who are 9-16 years.

Those who had this fever in the past can also take this vaccine as suggested by your doctor.

People who live in the dengue-prone zone as mentioned previously in this article should also take vaccines to prevent the illness.

Tips to avoid mosquito bites

  • Use mosquito repellents on your skin
  • Try to cover your body completely by wearing clothes
  • Use door and window screens to block mosquitoes from entering the home
  • Avoid going out in the early evening or dawn
  • Completely drain water-stagnant regions around your home.

Summarizing

Dengue fever is caused by mosquitoes. Only mild symptoms like fever, rash, body pain, etc. are seen in many cases. The severity of this fever is when persistent vomiting or blood vomiting occurs. This condition requires immediate medical attention or it could be life-threatening.

Categories
Health

Can Type 2 Diabetes Drug Semaglutide Helps Improving Heart Health?

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body regulates sugar levels in the blood. High blood sugar levels can lead to several health issues like circulatory disorders and weaken the immune systems and nervous systems. There are two primary reasons for type 2 diabetes – one is the pancreas does not secrete enough insulin (a hormone to regulate the movement of sugar into the cells) and poor response to insulin by cells which affects blood sugar cells. There’s no cure for type 2 diabetes. However, maintaining proper weight according to BMI, eating well and regular exercise can help manage the disease. In a few cases where these weight loss and exercise aren’t enough to control blood sugar levels, diabetes medications like semaglutide or insulin therapy are recommended.

What does semaglutide do to your blood sugar levels?

Semaglutide injection commonly known by its brand name Ozempic or Wegovy is recommended by your doctor along with a diet and exercise to control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. This drug is not for patients with type 1 diabetes. This semaglutide injection works by helping the pancreas to secrete an adequate amount of insulin when blood sugar levels are high. Insulin is the most important hormone that helps in moving the blood sugar to the other parts of the body tissues where it is used for energy. Semaglutide injection also works by decreasing appetite; it slows the movement of food through the stomach and thereby helping weight loss.

Semaglutide for heart health

In recent years, heart failure has become the most common cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. There are various clinical research has been done to come over this issue. One among which is the Ozempic or Wegovy helps improve heart health in diabetic patients. Semaglutide decreases the rate of heart-related problems in patients with type 2 diabetes. The chronic patients who were treated with once-weekly semaglutide improved their heart health status, thereby improving their quality of life. Secondarily, in emergency cases visits to hospitalizations due to heart failure and all-cause hospitalizations were also monitored. Through these, researchers have got more evidence on the efficacy and safety of semaglutide in patients with heart failure.

Maintaining a healthy long-term diet along with semaglutide

Weight loss is considered to be an efficient way to keep the blood sugar under control. By adopting a calorie-controlled and balanced diet that incorporates plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats. This drug is the hope for many people with obesity. Other researches support that the drug carries the added benefit of reducing cancer.

How to use this medicine?

This Ozempic injection comes as a solution in a prefilled pen to inject under the skin. It is usually taken once a week without considering meals. It is recommended to take the injection on the same day each week at any time of day. Follow the directions given in your prescription carefully and ask your physician to explain any part in case you do not understand. Use exactly only as directed. Do not use more or less or use it more often than recommended.

In general, the medication usually starts with a low dose and gradually increased after 4 weeks based on your body’s response. This injection helps in controlling blood sugar levels and weight loss and improves heart health.

Always check the solution before injecting, it should be clear, colorless, and free from particles. It is not safe to use the solution if it contains solid particles or cloudy or if the date of expiry is passed.

Do not reuse or share the needles or pens with anyone. Disposing of the needle with a puncture-resistant container right after your dose is a must. Ask your doctor about how to dispose properly.

Things to follow before taking semaglutide

The following things have to be discussed with your doctor before injecting into your skin.

  • Tell your doctor if you are allergic to this medicine, and ask for a complete list of ingredients to know or confirm if you are allergic to any.
  • Tell your doctor if you have or ever had diabetic retinopathy, pancreatitis, kidney disease, or gall bladder disease. Even if you have recently had vomiting or nausea, diarrhea, or if you cannot drink liquids by mouth, which may cause dehydration.
  • Tell if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, this is because your doctor may advise you to stop using injections for 2 months before a planned pregnancy.
  • Tell if you are breastfeeding.
  • Tell your doctor if experienced any unusual stress or fever or develop an infection, if you are sick, or if there is a large change in your diet plan or exercise. This is because the above-said conditions can affect your blood sugar and the amount of semaglutide injection you may need.

Summarizing

The drug well known by its brand name Ozempic or Wegovy, is found to improve heart health in patients with type 2 diabetes. This helps in improving the quality of life in many patients with cardiovascular risks. Once-weekly is the dosage recommended by the physician based on several clinical trials. With the advances in the medical industry, there is hope for betterment in diabetics’ life.

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