The eyes help one perceive different stimuli. Therefore, promptly diagnosing eye-related conditions is essential to ensure eye health. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye condition involving damage to the macula or a part of the retina situated at the back of the eye. Individuals aged 50 and above are particularly susceptible to this condition. This article discusses a few early warning signs of AMD that one shouldn’t ignore. Early warning signs of age-related macular degeneration In general, age-related macular degeneration is classified as dry and wet. Dry AMD involves gradual thinning of the retina caused by age and is characterized by symptoms like blurred vision and progressive vision loss. Wet AMD, considered a more serious condition than dry AMD, results from irregular growth of blood vessels in the retina, causing accumulation of fluid in the back of the eye. Dry AMD may gradually progress to wet AMD with time, particularly if left untreated. Some early warning signs of AMD are as follows: 1. Blurred vision Since AMD involves blood or fluid leakage from blood vessels into the macula, individuals with this disease may experience blurry vision. 2. Wavy appearance of straight lines Age-related macular degeneration significantly affects one’s central vision, which is indispensable in facilitating the recognition of shapes, lines, colors, etc.

Acupressure is an ancient alternative treatment. It involves applying pressure to specific points on the body that are believed to be connected to different internal organs, muscles, and nerves. These can help balance the body’s internal energy and give relief from various, often painful, conditions. It is recommended to talk to a doctor before opting for it. If one chooses an acupressure session, here are nine vital pressure points to know about. Forehead A vital acupressure point is located between the eyebrows. It is also traditionally referred to as the Yin Tang. Stimulating this point is said to help in better management of anxiety. In addition, the point can also help people who are dealing with sinus issues. Massaging this point can relieve any tension in the head, face, and eyes. This relief helps find improvement with sinusitis and its related symptoms, like headaches. Temples There is one pressure point present on each temple. These are denoted as the Tai Yang points. Massaging these points with a hint of pressure can help in relieving headaches. They are particularly beneficial for people who are dealing with migraine attacks. Massaging these points may help find some peace from an ongoing migraine. But when applying pressure to these points, be mindful of how they are being pressed.

Food prices are on the rise, and eating healthy may seem like a task given the hefty bills after a run to the grocery store or a dinner out with friends. That said, there are definitely ways to eat wholesome and satiating meals without dipping into one’s savings. For this, one needs to plan ahead and shop strategically. Here are a few other tips that can help one eat healthy food on a budget: 1. Buy whole foods Whole foods, or foods that aren’t processed to change their structure, can be surprisingly affordable. For instance, a pack of canned beans costs less than a pack of refried ones. Similarly, a block of cheese is much cheaper than shredded cheese. Consider buying whole fruits and vegetables instead of pre-chopped and packed salads. When considering per-serving costs, whole grains, oats, and brown rice are cheaper than most processed cereals. Additionally, buying fruits and vegetables that are in season is also a great way to incorporate soluble and insoluble fiber into one’s meals. Fruits and vegetables that are available all year tend to be a tad expensive. Also, picking seasonal produce means that it is packed with nutrients and flavors. Moreover, buying produce by bag is a budget option rather than buying per piece.

Most countries provide the public with easily available tap water drinking stations, and this water is usually considered safe for consumption. The government and health bodies have a testing and treatment process in place to ensure that tap water meets regulatory standards provided by them. However, water can have a certain potential to cause harmful side effects for people. Here are some reasons why one must avoid drinking tap water and switch to purified water. Microbial contamination Improper treatment of drinking water can lead to the water being contaminated with parasites like bacteria and viruses. And prolonged exposure to these microbes can lead to health issues like stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Fluoride exposure Fluoride is added to drinking water sources to prevent dental decay. However, if there is an excess amount of fluoride present in the water source, it can also cause dental fluorosis. The condition can cause defects in tooth enamel and lead to discoloration of the teeth. Increased intake of fluoride can also increase the risk of skeletal fluorosis, leading to symptoms like bone pain, stiffness, and fractures. Exposure to nitrates and nitrites Groundwater sources can turn septic because of system leakage. It can be caused because of the introduction of nitrates and nitrites in the water.

The connective tissue in the palm, generally flexible and loose, may begin to abnormally thicken or tighten. This is known as Dupuytren’s contracture. Here, the fingers can begin bending toward the palm and are unable to straighten completely. The condition most commonly affects fingers away from the thumb—the ring and pinky finger and can affect one or both hands. Here are a few signs of the condition one should not ignore: 1. Nodules in the palm The presence of lumps or nodules in the palm could be a warning sign of Dupuytren’s contracture. These nodules are generally observed at the base of the fingers, right where they meet the palm. One may be able to feel or even see a hard lump as an early sign. The appearance of nodules indicates that the condition is starting to spread through the connective tissue or the palmar fascia of the palm. The lumps could be painful or painless and may go away without any treatment. The lumps can also make the surrounding skin appear dimpled or puckered, leading to pits or grooves in the skin that are compressed by the contracted finger. These areas can become sore and lead to skin loss if they do not heal in time.

The esophagus or food pipe transfers food to the stomach. However, it can get inflamed due to conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE). In EOE, eosinophils release substances in surrounding tissues that lead to inflammation. This causes the organ to contract and abscesses or ring-like projections to form. EOE can be triggered by acid reflux or food allergies. To manage the condition, here are some signs and symptoms of EOE that one should not ignore: Symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE) The symptoms of EOE may vary among adults and children, although certain symptoms are common in both. So, here are the signs and symptoms of EOE among children and adults: Symptoms of EOE in adults Studies have shown that EOE in adults usually shows up in the form of strictures, rings, and narrowing of the esophagus. As a result, adults with EOE may have these symptoms: Difficulty swallowing One of the classic symptoms of EOE is difficulty swallowing. The technical term for this symptom is dysphagia. In usual circumstances, one may face dysphagia if they gulp down their food, but the symptom shows up for those with EOE even when they chew their food well. Acid reflux Acid reflux is usually a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a health condition closely related to EOE.

Lymphoma is a cancer that grows in the body when white blood cells multiply. It is more common in adults than children, but cases in the latter can be cured with proper treatment. The causes of cancer in children are not known; however, if left untreated, it can lead to health complications. Therefore, early detection and prompt treatment are paramount to improving one’s chances of recovery. Here’s what one must know about lymphoma in children. What happens in lymphoma? The body has a lymphoid system in place, which forms a part of the immune system that ensures no pathogens can grow and cause harm. The lymphoid system primarily has specialized white blood cells called lymphocytes. They are located in the lymph nodes spread across the body, including the digestive tract and bone marrow. The lymph nodes filter foreign particles such as bacteria, viruses, and abnormal cells and stop the growth of cancer or other diseases. In lymphoma, lymphocyte growth is abnormal, which forms tumors and affects the lymph nodes. Since lymph nodes are spread throughout, the lymphoma can develop in any part of the body. Common lymphoma in children There are two types of lymphoma cancers in kids. They vary based on their characteristics and appearance under a microscope.