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.

Nasal polyps are painless sac-like growths that develop inside the inner lining of the nose. Sometimes, these also form on the hollow areas known as sinuses within the bones of the face. Polyps may even develop in areas close to the cheekbones and the eyes. Usually, these growths are benign and differ in size. The smaller ones do not cause any symptoms, while the larger ones may block the nasal airways and sinuses. Symptoms of nasal polyps In most cases, nasal polyps occur due to irritation and swelling inside the nose and the sinuses. This inflammation can last over 12 weeks and is generally called chronic sinusitis. However, it is not necessary that chronic sinusitis always causes nasal polyps. In fact, those with quite small polyps might not even know they have the condition. It is only when the polyps are large or too many that symptoms start to show up. Some common symptoms of nasal polyps are as follows: Blocked nose Runny and stuffy nose Mucus running down the throat, also known as postnasal drip Not being able to smell Facial pain or headache Pain in the teeth Inability to taste A sense of pressure over the forehead and face Snoring Nose bleeds Itching around the eyes When to consult a healthcare practitioner Most symptoms of nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis are similar to other respiratory health problems such as common cold and flu.

As individuals age, they may require additional care and support in their daily lives, including getting to doctor appointments, running errands, and cooking meals. In such cases, family members may take on the responsibility of providing the necessary care for their elders when required. However, if one is new to senior care, one may make a few mistakes when handling the needs of an elder. Here are 8 mistakes one should avoid when caring for seniors. Assuming one can do it all One of the most common caregiving mistakes family members make is assuming they can do it all. However, it is important to note that caring for seniors involves various responsibilities, such as preparing meals, scheduling healthcare appointments, ensuring timely prescriptions, and maintaining good hygiene. This might also be a 24-hour schedule, which might be difficult for family members to handle by themselves. One should speak to the senior members and understand their needs. For instance, some seniors might want to do some daily tasks by themselves and leave the rest to a professional caregiver. It is always a good idea to outsource senior care, especially if family members have other responsibilities, such as work. Lack of rest When providing care to seniors, one must ensure that one gets ample rest.