Everyone wants to look their best. Being appreciated for your looks and beauty is something everyone enjoys. Beautiful, healthy skin is something that you’re often born with. But that said, with the right care you can alter your skin’s texture, look, and attractiveness. A skin care regime is of the utmost importance to improve and maintain your skin’s health. Skin is the largest organ of the body. It’s vital to take good care of your skin to ensure it stays healthy and timeless. Taking care of your skin- The skin being the outermost protective layer of tissue of the body is of great importance to the well being of the human body. It serves the following functions: It helps regulate your body temperature It protects your body from external elements and microbes It acts as a waterproof barrier for your internal tissues It provides a natural complexion to the person It is generally your skin that faces the brunt of harsh environmental elements like heat, cold, pollutants, and dirt. If you neglect proper skin care or other factors that are harmful, your skin can face several problems. Some commonly faced skin problems include: Rashes Disease Skin peeling or eczema Boils Pigmentation Acne or breakouts Blemishes Chronic skin problems To avoid this, it’s essential that you keep your skin clean and get rid of the of dirt and other pollutants you’re exposed to daily. Know the 3-step care for a good skincare regime- Taking care of your skin involves keeping it clean and maintaining its balance. Skin care experts stress that a basic 3-step skincare regime, that you should follow every day, can ensure supple, healthy skin for longer. The 3 essential steps are: Cleansing This mainly involves washing and cleaning the skin with a cleanser that rids the skin of pollutants, dirt, and makeup.

Most people with eye problems prefer contact lenses over glasses as they’re convenient. But one of the most common issues that people with contact lenses face is the drying up of their eyes. This is the result of dry eye syndrome. While this problem is prevalent amongst both users and non-users of contacts, wearing contacts aggravates the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. However, there are effective ways with which you can combat this issue. Read further to find out more. Dry eye syndrome Sometimes, your tear glands are not able to produce a right amount of tears to lubricate your eyes efficiently. This leads to dryness and irritation and sometimes even inflammation. Severe cases can even lead to scarring of the frontal surface of the eyes. This is a widespread condition which affects about 48% of the population of 18 and above. Causes of dry eye syndrome Some causes include Damage to the tear glands Damage to the eyes and skin around it Hormonal changes Wearing contacts for extended periods Treatment options for dry eyes The best and the most common solution prescribed by doctors for dry eye syndrome is the usage of eye drops that help lubricate your eyes. Some behavioral changes can also help reduce your symptoms of dry eyes. If a specific type of medication is affecting your eyes and causing them to dry up as a side effect, then consider changing your medication. There is also a procedure to block the tear drainage system of your eyes, but this is only recommended in severe cases of dry eye syndrome. The best contact lenses for dry eyes most times comes from a combination of several measures. You could change the material of your contacts, or replace their solution, or even try some other remedies that help control the symptoms of dry eyes.

Joint pain and swelling, whether caused by arthritis or vigorous athletic activities, can affect your lifestyle. In addition to the medicines, you can deal with your joint pain condition by taking joint health supplements that can also help provide further relief. Joint supplements The most effective joint supplements have naturally occurring ingredients found in the body, in the joint regions. These can help replenish depleted chemicals and nutrients and help the body repair and strengthen damaged joints and reduce pain and swelling. Glucosamine Sulfate Glucosamine sulfate occurs naturally in the form of a chemical present in the human body. It is particularly present in the fluids that surround the joints. This chemical provides the base for the body to produce glycosaminoglycan which helps maintain the health of cartilages and also helps in repairing damaged cartilage. Glucosamine supplements are mainly extracted from the shells of shellfish. It helps lubricate the joints and can provide joint pain relief. Chondroitin Sulfate This is another chemical found in the body. It helps the cartilage retain water and keeps the joints lubricated and functioning well. Chondroitin supplements are made from cow trachea and from pork. Chondroitin supplements can provide relief from joint inflammation and pain. Many top joint supplements contain both Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfates to maximize the benefits. Other ingredients could include Vitamin D3, and Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Top 10 Joint Supplements Get the advice of your doctor before buying joint supplements. You can also check out reviews in health magazines, and customer reviews for the various products available. Here are some of the best joint supplements available in the market. Flexoplex This supplement is made from natural ingredients that have been clinically proven to be beneficial in reducing joint pain. It contains Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM. It also contains other ingredients like rutin.

Epilepsy is a condition that results in seizures, triggered by a multitude of reasons, but they all start in the very same manner – in the brain. Epilepsy is caused due to a sudden change in the pattern that your brain cells send and receive electrical signals. The fact that the nature of the problem is the same in every case, doesn’t mean that every type of epilepsy or epileptic seizure can be treated in the same manner. Epilepsy can also be passed down through your genes and inherited. Epilepsy can be caused by sudden head trauma, other physical trauma or pre-existing brain conditions. In order to treat epilepsy correctly, the doctor must first diagnose the actual cause and nature of epilepsy on a case-to-case basis. Based on this, your doctor could offer a solution that would be the best course of treatment for you in particular. Drugs and Medication A large number of cases of epilepsy can be treated over time with medication. While there’s no cure for epilepsy, there is treatment. The right medication and care can be effective in handling seizures and their intensity. Medication is effective in treating at least 80% of the cases epilepsy. This, unfortunately, means that, for the remaining 20% of cases, medication doesn’t offer much relief. In some instances, people taking medication share that the drugs don’t make a significant enough difference in preventing seizures. So, while effective in over 80% of cases of epilepsy, whether medication on its own is the best treatment for epilepsy is still debatable. Often, in case the prescribed medication fails to treat the seizures, doctors can change the medication for improved results. There are at least twenty different types of medication that could be prescribed for epilepsy. Know your options to ensure you get the best treatment for epilepsy.

Bronchitis is an acute condition in the respiratory system and over millions of people across the world suffer from it. Every year, health practitioners note an alarming increase in the number of patients who visit chronic bronchitis treatment centers. Bronchitis can be of two types, acute and chronic. Chronic bronchitis is also said to be a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is a long-term disorder which can be managed efficiently with changes in lifestyle, medication, and therapy. The doctors at the chronic bronchitis treatment centers aim at providing relief to patients by treating the symptoms and slowing down the progression of the disease. Chronic bronchitis and its causes The bronchial tubes are the main lifeline of the lungs. These tubes carry air that is breathed into the lungs. Inthe case of a patient suffering from chronic bronchitis, the bronchial tubes get blocked or inflamed and develop secretions of mucus, that narrows the passage in the tubes. This disrupts the flow of air to the lungs. This shortage of air can lead to frequent coughing, which often brings up mucus. A patient is said to be suffering from chronic bronchitis if he or she has a cough several times a day with sputum production that has lasted for more than three months. The experts at leading chronic bronchitis treatment centers suggest that cigarette smoking as the main reason that causes chronic bronchitis in people. Other reasons may be the inhalation of bronchial irritants along with the air. This could include passive smoking, airborne chemicals, industrial pollutants, smog, and dust. Certain infrequent causes may be viral or bacterial infections, several bouts of acute bronchitis or pneumonia, diseases like heart failure, asthma, immunodeficiency and others. Signs of the disease Usually, people above the age of 45, are commonly found to suffer from chronic bronchitis.

Are you experiencing neck or back pain? If you experience tingling, burning, numbness, or weakness along this pain, you may have a pinched nerve. A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissues such as bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons, apply pressure on a nerve. The most commonly affected areas are the back and neck, but it can affect any nerve. The medical term for a pinched nerve is radiculopathy. A radiculopathy is caused when one or more nerves are compressed, and this causes loss or disruption of nerve function. In radiculopathy, the compression occurs at the nerve root, just as it exits the spinal cord. The compression of the nerve interferes with its ability to transmit signals. A pinched nerve commonly occurs in the back, neck, elbows, and wrists. The symptoms of a pinched nerve depend on the nerve that is compressed. The symptoms can be seen along the distribution of the nerve and can affect the muscles that are supplied by that nerve. With proper pinched nerve treatment, most people can recover within a few weeks. In some people, despite adequate pinched nerve treatment, the condition can develop a chronic condition. Symptoms of pinched nerve- The symptoms of a pinched nerve can be varied since it depends on the distribution and functions of the affected nerve. However, there are a few common symptoms that hint at a pinched nerve. The symptoms are- Numbness Radiating pain that can be shooting, stabbing, prickling, burning, etc. Paresthesias (abnormal sensations such as tingling) Localized muscle weakness Pinched nerve treatment aims to reduce the compression of the nerve. Thereby alleviate the associated symptoms. Commonly affected nerves are- Median nerve at the wrist, which is called carpal tunnel syndrome. Ulnar nerve at the elbow Common peroneal nerve compression at the knee Sciatica (pinched nerve in the lower back) Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve in the neck) Causes of pinched nerves- Pressure on a nerve causes damage to the protective covering of the nerve, called the myelin sheath.

A heel spur is a condition that is caused by calcification in the heel region, which in turn causes a bony protrusion, on the underside of the heel bone. This condition is common in athletes, who are used to a lot of running and jumping. The constant stretching of the plantar fascia is one of the causes of heel spurs. If the band of tissues that cover the heel bone get injured, more calcium is sent by the body, to heal the injured tissues. This calcification process leads to a calcium deposit over a period of time, causing the growth of a bony protrusion. Know the causes of heel spur- When calcium deposits pile up on the underside of the heel, over a period of months/years, heel spurs occur. The strain on the ligaments and foot muscles repeated tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone(due to injuries), and stretching of the plantar fascia are some of the common causes. Some conditions which trigger the occurrence of heel spur includes— being overweight and obese, abnormalities in walking gait, which causes strain and stress on the heel bone, nerves, and ligaments near the heel. Wrong fitting shoes, especially those that don’t offer adequate heel support can sometimes be one of the attributable causes. Symptoms Of heel spur- Generally, heel spurs do not display any symptoms. But heel spurs can cause intermittent or chronic pain when you walk, jog or run. While heel spur itself does not cause pain, the soft tissue injury that often occurs alongside the heel spur is the cause of the pain. Those who suffer from heel spur, experience a piercing or a jabbing pain in the morning, when they get out of bed. The pain then reduces to a dull ache. Types of heel spur- There are two types of heel spurs—the most common one is the posterior inferior spurs which occur under the heel and the posterior superior spurs, which occurs at the back of the heel, close to where the Achilles tendon is attached.

Meningitis is a disease characterized by the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. The second most common type of meningitis is bacterial meningitis. Acute bacterial meningitis is caused by several strains of bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus), Haemophilus influenzae (Haemophilus), and Listeria monocytogenes (listeria). What is strep meningitis? Strep Meningitis, also known as streptococcus meningitis or pneumococcal meningitis, is a disease caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae. The Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria spread and multiply in the ‘meninges’ in the brain, hence, the name meningitis. The meninges are the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord, filled with cerebrospinal fluid, to protect the brain tissues from damage. When the meninges are infected by any kind of bacteria, toxic substances are produced in the cerebrospinal fluid, which results in inflamed and swollen brain tissue. Types of Strep Meningitis Strep Meningitis can be of two kinds. The two types of bacteria responsible for strep meningitis are Group A Streptococcal, also known as GAS, and Group B Streptococcal, known as GBS. A Group A streptococcal infection is caused by GAS bacteria, found on the inside of the throat and the skin’s surface. GAS bacteria are less harmful than GBS bacteria and cause issues like a sore throat, skin, ear and sinus infections. When the bacteria penetrate the body, the threat becomes more serious as they can cause septicemia, or blood poisoning, or lung infection AKA pneumonia. Meningitis caused by gas is rare but is still a possibility. GBS bacteria are also called Streptococcus agalactiae. These bacteria are found in the vagina, intestines, and sometimes in the throat. There is a very slight chance of these bacteria being transferred from the mother to the child during childbirth. In newborn babies, this condition is called neonatal meningitis. Many of us are the carriers of bacteria responsible for strep meningitis.

Do you feel like the meal you just ate is making its way back? Or maybe you feel like your chest and throat is on fire. What you’re experiencing is heartburn. Heartburns are caused when there is acid reflux and the food you’ve consumed is thrown back into the esophagus along with the stomach acid and enzymes. Heartburns are unpleasant but with the right treatment and simple home remedies, you can deal with it and help prevent it from occurring in the long run as well. Heartburn Symptoms Heartburn is a relatively common condition that most of us experience, especially after a heavy meal. The most common heartburn symptoms have been listed below. Chest Pain: Pain in your chest is a common symptom of heartburn. Chest pain is experienced especially when you lie down or bend over. Dizziness and lightheadedness : A burning sensation in your chest, especially at the back of your throat. Acid reflux sends back food and acids that make the end of your throat sour, hot, salty or acidic. You might also feel like you have food stuck in your throat. Hoarseness, sore throat, and coughing. Rapid breathing and shortness of breath. The pain in your chest might extend to your neck, shoulders, and even arms. While these are the symptoms of heartburn, it is easy to confuse them with a heart attack which can prove to be fatal. Here’s how you differentiate heartburn symptoms from the symptoms of heart attack. With heartburn, pain radiates to the neck, shoulders, and arms, but the radiation is very slow, and it happens gradually. A heart attack, on the other hand, starts with a feeling of dull pressure or pain in the center of your chest, and fullness or tightness in the rest of your body. Heartburns occur after a meal, especially a heavy meal or if you sleep or indulge in excess physical activity after a meal.

The disease meningitis is an ailment where the membrane around the brain and the spinal cord swell due to parasites, fungi or some kind of injury. Meningitis due to viral infections happens to be the most common of all. Bacterial meningitis is an ailment that happens to be more common in young children. Some of the common symptoms of meningitis are fever and headache along with skin rashes. There are different types of meningitis out of which some can be life-threatening as well. The answer to the question “is Meningitis Contagious?” is just that as different agents cause different types of meningitis, all of them are not contagious. Different types of meningitis- We now will look at the different types of meningitis cases and will also evaluate on their ratio of being contagious, and then answer the question- is meningitis contagious? Fungal Meningitis As the name suggests, this is a form of meningitis that occurs due to the presence of a fungus called Cryptococcus. This is one of the most uncommon types of meningitis that can strike people with very weak immune systems. This type is not contagious. Parasitic Meningitis This is a type of meningitis that can be highly dangerous and even fatal. It is caused due to microscopic amoeba–the Naegleria Fowleri. This is a parasite that enters the body through the nose. It is found in contaminated lakes and rivers. This type of meningitis is not contagious in its nature. Non-Infectious Meningitis This is a form of meningitis that could happen due to injuries and brain surgeries. This type of meningitis can yet again happen due to certain types of medication or due to cancer and lupus. As the name suggests, this is a type of meningitis that is not contagious. Viral Meningitis It is the most common form of meningitis that is caused by enteroviruses and is contagious in nature.