Hyperglycemia or high blood sugar is one of the most common lifestyle-associated disorders. It is characterized by a high level of blood sugar level called hyperglycemia. In a healthy person, the normal range of blood sugar is 70-130 mg/dL between meals which can spike to 180 mg/dL 1–2 hours post meals. A chronic hyperglycemia can be detrimental to the blood vessels, nerve tissues, and several other body organs. According to a new study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the country alone, more than 100 million adults are suffering from high blood sugar. There are several ways in which the question of how to control blood sugar can be answered. However, before looking into that, let us know about the complications that high blood sugar can lead to. Complications caused due to high blood sugar Uncontrolled high sugar levels can lead to nerve and kidney damage, cardiovascular disorders, damage to eye lens, damage to retina which may cause complete blindness, higher chances of skin infections, infections in teeth and gums, and slow healing of an injury. Smart ways to control blood sugar The following tips can help one on how to control their blood sugar. However, an expert advice or consultation must be sought before starting any medication or natural treatment. Avoid huge meals : A diabetic patient is advised to keep his/her meal size small. This helps in effective regulation of blood sugar. However, one should not skip a meal. Add resistant starch to diet : The addition of resistant starch in the diet is one of the best ways to control blood sugar. Resistant starch bypasses the small intestine and subsequently gets digested by the “good bacteria” present in the large intestine. This helps in lowering the blood sugar effectively. This phenomenon is often referred to as the “second-meal” effect.

We all lay focus on hitting the gym and indulging in heavy workouts to keep the body in shape, but did you know that there are several other exercises that are equally important to keep some parts of the body, which are not visible otherwise, healthy and strong? One such area of the body is the pelvic floor, and Kegel exercises and the best Kegel exercisers are recommended for this. Kegel exercises involve exercises that make the pelvic area of the body stronger. Pelvic area is the one between the hips and has the reproductive organs of an individual. Strengthening of this area is usually done by stretching the muscles and then clenching the same to put pressure on the pelvic floor. So, why should we resort to the best Kegel exerciser to strengthen the pelvic area? Well, the answer is simple; a stronger pelvic area leads to a better ability to control the bladder or bowel. Kegel exercises are quite easy to undertake and carry out, and once you start these exercises, you will be able to perform them anywhere, anytime. Kegel exercises can be done by both men and women; however, it is recommended that before jumping into any particular exercise, you must consult with the doctor if you have any health issues. Poor health of the pelvic floor in men can lead to erectile dysfunction and incontinence associated with orgasm. To overcome these problems, men should work on making their pelvic stronger. Women tend to have a weakened pelvis floor owing to pregnancy, weight gain, and aging. A stronger pelvic area supports the womb, bowels, and bladder and hence such exercises are a must for women as well. Kegel exercises are also important to be practiced as several pelvic-related problems start surfacing with age, which can make the routine bodily activities cumbersome.

High cholesterol can lead to numerous cardiovascular conditions including heart attack and stroke. It is vital to lower the levels of bad cholesterol in the body. Along with a healthy diet and exercise, cholesterol-lowering supplements are a great way to keep high cholesterol in check. In turn, this will lead to a healthy heart. Many cholesterol-lowering supplements are available, and this guide will help you choose the right mix of supplements to lead a healthy life. The best cholesterol-lowering supplements Fish oil These cholesterol-lowering supplements are useful in reducing triglycerides in the body by 30% due to a high content of omega-3 fatty acids. Consumption of this supplement has the potential to reduce the risk of cardiovascular heart disease and sudden cardiac arrest. However, the increased mercury content in fil oil supplements has made people wary. These supplements also have side effects such as bad breath, feeling of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. They may also interfere with blood-thinning medication, and it is best to consult a doctor about the right dosage. Artichoke extracts These supplements may help reduce the total cholesterol levels, especially bad cholesterol, in the body. However, it may cause gas and trigger some allergic reactions. More studies are required to determine its long-term effectiveness. Niacin This B-vitamin helps to lower cholesterol and triglycerides, and aids with the increase of good cholesterol in the body. However, one should only use it under the supervision of a medical practitioner as its side effects can range from a headache, flushing, and nausea to liver damage in rare cases. Red yeast rice extract This is one of the most popular cholesterol-lowering supplements. One of its main ingredients, monacolin K, decreases cholesterol in the body. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that it could be harmful as many red yeast rice products contain a medication called lovastatin, and there is no way to regulate the amount of lovastatin in these supplements.

A bunion or hallux valgus is a bump that is formed at the joint of the big toe to the foot. As a result of the deformity, the big toe is pointed toward the small toes while the joint is inflamed and pushed outward. Causes of this condition are often cited as genetic, wearing tight shoes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Bunions may result in pain while walking, inflammation of the joint, and shift of the big toe toward the smaller toes. Although a complete cure may not be possible without surgery, there are treatments to bunion that can be availed in order to get rid of pain and reduce the overall growth. Types of treatment Surgical procedures are mainly aimed at the realignment of the bones of the big toe and the joint and the repair of the soft tissue around it. This will help correct the deformity of the foot and relieve the pain. Depending on the extent of the deformity, the surgical procedure may vary. Ligament and tendon repair Sometimes the ligaments and tendons may be too tight on one side or too loose on the other side, which ends up pulling the toe sideways. Surgery is the only bunion treatment in this case, which is advised to loosen the tight tendons and ligaments and shorten the long tendons and ligaments, thereby getting the big toe to its correct position again. Osteotomy In Osteotomy, as the name of the bunion treatment suggests, part of the bone in the toe is removed and fixed with metal pins and screws. At times, a wedge of the bones is removed to allow the big toe to be straightened. Osteotomy is accompanied by the repair of ligament and tendon as well to relieve the inflammation in the area. Arthrodesis This bunion treatment is mainly used for arthritic patients who have had previous bunion surgery.

Preterm Labor or premature labor is a condition where your body gets prepared to give birth before time. In case, you see the pain before three weeks before your due date; it is called Preterm Labor or premature labor. Preterm Labor or premature labor results in an early birth. There are different signs of preterm labor, and if you see any similar signs, you must consult your doctor immediately. Nowadays, doctors can delay early deliveries so that the child can avoid life-threatening health problems in near future. If you are wondering what the symptoms are of preterm labor; then this article is sure to help you to get an idea on the same. Symptoms of Preterm Labor You can identify the signs of preterm labor from different symptoms, and it depends from person to person. Usually, preterm labor begins 37 weeks prior to pregnancy; so if you feel any changing trends you should visit a doctor. You may also notice some additional signs like coughing and rashes on the skin. Some people also report a dizzy feeling or a sore throat too. If you notice similar signs, we recommend you to take the necessary actions. Some common signs of preterm labor include, You can feel a pressure in your lower belly or pelvis. It feels like the baby is pushing down and it causes pain You also notice increased vaginal discharge (watery, mucus or blood) than usual Many people report a dull backache during preterm labor. You are likely to feel low throughout this period You can notice contractions in your belly, but it won’t give you much pain Your water breaks during this period People also report belly cramps with or without diarrhea Vaginal bleeding is also another sign of preterm labor Vomiting or nausea can result in some cases.

Shingles is a troublesome infection that is caused by the same virus—varicella zoster (VZV) virus—that is responsible for causing chickenpox. It appears as a painful rash and persists for at least 2 weeks. While it goes away in a maximum of 4 weeks, it causes immense pain, itching, burning, and all-around discomfort. The symptoms can be tough to handle, but there are a number of ways one can make themselves feel more comfortable during its outbreak. There are a number of home remedies available for treating shingles pain. When one is affected by shingles, after a consultation with the doctor, they can look for the best cream for shingles pain. Ointments for treating shingles pain are readily available in the market and provide great relief. Some of the popular creams for treating shingles pain have been listed as follows. Calamine lotion Calamine lotion is a topical anti-itch lotion. It has astringent and skin protecting properties which can help one get relief from the itching sensation caused due to shingles. They also slow down the growth of bacteria and prevent the infection from getting even worse. Calamine lotion soothes the skin and can be considered as one of the best creams for shingles pain. Lidocaine Lidocaine is a numbing medicine that is used to control and alleviate pain. It comes in a variety of different forms which include the likes of sprays, powders, patches, and lotions. It is generally used in the lotion form and is quite effective. One can apply this lotion moderately on affected areas to get relief from the pain caused by shingles. Capsaicin cream Capsaicin is mainly found in chili peppers. It is the ingredient which makes the mouth burn when one has too many chili peppers. Capsaicin creams help relieve one of the pain experienced due to shingles.

Back pain is one of the biggest chronic conditions affecting a majority of people across the country. It is one of the toughest medical conditions to deal with. It is very difficult to treat and cure this condition. The National Institute of Health states that close to 80% of people in the country suffer from back pain in some form or the other. There are many causes of back pain. It includes sprains, accidents and spinal degeneration. Poor posture and lack of exercise also cause an increase in back pain. It is also more common in the case of people who work in the same sitting posture for a long time. How do mattresses help with managing back pain? One of the major causes of back pain is sleeping on surfaces which are hard and uneven. It is one of those common problems which may cause a disability in people. The efforts to prevent back pain focuses on a person’s habits and lifestyle changes. It is also important to consider reducing back pain while sleeping. There are a lot of implications on the back while a person is sleeping. The spine and the muscles rest while a person is asleep. Thus, proper support and alignment are necessary to reduce soreness during sleep. The mattress people choose to sleep on has a major role to play in this regard. According to studies, sleeping on the right kind of mattress helps in reducing the symptoms of back pain to a large extent. The best mattresses for back pain will ensure proper alignment of the spine to reduce back pain. There are different types of mattresses which are suitable for back pain. One has to look for various factors in choosing the right mattress. The main factors to consider are firmness and the material used in the mattress.

Sciatica is referred to as the pain or irritation of the sciatic nerve. It has been found that around 4 in 10 people experience sciatic nerve pain at one point in their lives. The nerve originates from the lower spine on either side of the legs. It then travels down along the upper leg before splitting at the knees to cover the feet. Before one seeks treatment for sciatic nerve pain, they must know the exact cause. Pain can result from anything that exerts pressure or irritates the nerves. This pain will be felt at the back of one thigh or buttock. The intensity of the pain might vary from one person to the other depending on the extent of pressure and the general health status. The pain may be mild, a burning sensation, sharp sting, or extreme discomfort. At its worst, one would feel numbness, a tingling feeling, and extreme weakness. It is worsened by long hours of sitting or standing, sneezing, coughing, straining, lifting, or twisting. Types of sciatic nerve pain Sciatic nerve pain may be divided into two types depending on the frequency of occurrence and the extent of pain experienced. Acute sciatica – The pain appears unannounced and may disappear within a short while. A common treatment option for this type of sciatic nerve pain could be using over-the-counter medicines. Exercises such as light walking and stretching could also help provide relief. Hot and cold treatment therapies are also recommended, with emphasis on the spot where one is experiencing the pain. One can only use self-medicating painkillers after identifying the cause of pain. Chronic sciatica – This pain is prolonged and will, therefore, require continued treatment or medication. One would need a medical diagnosis to ascertain that one is experiencing sciatic nerve pain and not anything else.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic disorder which affects the joints. Osteoarthritis of the knee occurs when the cushion or cartilage between knee joints breaks down, causing stiffness, pain, and swelling. Usually, doctors recommend different treatments to help with the swelling and pain. Treatment options depend on a variety of factors such as the level of pain, the impact of osteoarthritis in your daily life, and your medical history. In most cases, treatment consists of some healthy lifestyle changes and a combination of therapies. Let’s have a look at some of the treatment options for osteoarthritis of the knee: Healthy habits A change in lifestyle can be helpful if you have osteoarthritis of the knee. A doctor can recommend the incorporation of some changes in your treatment plan such as: Regular exercise Workout is necessary as it can help you cope with osteoarthritis. It helps with weight loss (to ease the strain on your joints), improves muscle strength, reduces joint swelling and pain, and preserves the range of movement in joints. Experts typically recommend low-impact aerobic workouts like walking, biking, or swimming. Another great option you can explore is water aerobics because it alleviates pressure on your joints and allows you to enjoy the benefits of an aerobic workout. In case your osteoarthritis is severe, avoid high impact exercises like step aerobics or running. Ensure to talk to a doctor about a suitable exercise regimen. Healthy weight For people who are overweight, losing weight can be beneficial because it reduces the strain on the joints, thus alleviating their symptoms. Other than exercising regularly, one should eat healthy foods. Below are essential tips for a balanced diet: Get at least two servings of fish each week Limit the intake of salt, saturated fats, and sugar Avoid fried foods Ensure your diet contains vegetables, proteins, fruits, fats, and carbohydrates Eat red meat only two times a week The key here is to maintain a healthy body weight according to your body type and needs.

The dry eye syndrome can be a progressive and chronic condition that needs to be treated as early as possible. Depending on the cause of the problem and severity, the condition might not be completely treatable. However, dry eyes are manageable in most cases and this result in fewer dry eye symptoms, greater eye comfort, and sharper vision. Since the dry eye disease has many causes, various treatment methods can be used. Some treatments focus on managing or reversing the condition while others improve the tear quality or hinder tears from draining away from the eyes quickly. Let’s have a look at the top five effective dry eye treatment options. Artificial tears If you’re experiencing a mild case of dry eyes which is caused by reading, computer use, school work or any other situation cause, the perfect dry eye treatment is using artificial tears or lubricating eye-drops. Usually, the artificial lubricating tears are the initial step in the treatment of dry eyes. You can get different artificial tears brands even without a prescription; this over-the-counter (OTC) lubricating eye drops come in a wide range of ingredients as well as viscosity. Those with a low viscosity offer quick relief with no or little blurring to your vision once applied. However, the relief is short-lived and must be used frequently. High viscosity artificial tears are gel-like and offer long-lasting lubrication. These tears blur your vision so they should only be reserved for bedtime use. Make sure you adhere to the directions on the brand you use and don’t substitute different brands from those the doctor has recommended. Steroid eye drops In recent years, doctors have realized the significance of inflammation in relation to dry eyes. The inflammation causes the burning and redness linked with the dry eye problem even though it may be present without symptoms or signs of dry eyes.