Breakfast helps restore the body’s energy and alertness levels after a good night’s rest. It is important to choose healthy foods to kickstart one’s morning, as they have a massive impact on overall health. Heart-healthy breakfast items such as oatmeal, avocados, citrus fruits, and eggs can provide a nutritional boost at the start of the day and help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Try these nine heart-healthy breakfast ideas to start the day right. Two-ingredient banana pancakes Two-ingredient pancakes are quick, simple, and made from basic kitchen ingredients. They do not contain any added sugar, making them a delicious yet healthy breakfast option. To prepare these pancakes, combine a ripe mashed banana with eggs and cook the batter as usual. For additional nutritional value, they can be served with berries, yogurt, or ricotta cheese. Avocado toast There’s a good reason for this breakfast item to be trending! Make an easy breakfast by chopping some avocado and placing it on whole wheat toast. This meal idea is full of healthy fats and whole grains. To make it more nutritious, serve it with some veggies or eggs and top with feta cheese. Steel-cut oatmeal Make a traditional bowl of oatmeal with steel-cut oats.

A cold sore is a condition in which individuals develop blisters on or around their lips. These fluid-filled blisters are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which jumps from person to person through close contact or sharing items like lipstick or utensils. The virus gets activated and flared up by specific triggers every so often, resulting in an outbreak of cold sores. Here are some unusual triggers for cold sores: Sunlight The sun triggers some aspects of the herpes simplex virus to cause rabid cold sore outbreaks. The sun’s UV rays inflame and irritate the skin if exposed for too long. People with cold sores will suffer the irritation and inflammation caused by UV rays in the form of blisters in and around their lips. UV rays tend to suppress an individual’s immune system and activate or awaken the dormant elements of cold sores in some people. Apart from UV rays, freezing temperatures can also trigger blistering by drying up one’s lips. All in all, if an individual has cold sores already, they must avoid being exposed to the sun constantly. Fatigue People with cold sores who are exhausted or rundown are more likely to experience flare-ups of the condition.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig’s disease after the famous baseball player who succumbed to the disease, is a motor-neuron condition characterized by the breaking down of nerve cells in the body and leading to a degeneration of the brain and spinal cord. Approximately 5.2 per 1,00,000 individuals are affected by this neurodegenerative disease each year nationwide. Here are some early warning signs of ALS that can facilitate timely intervention: Early warning signs of ALS Difficulty walking This health condition begins with muscular weakness, which eventually poses difficulty standing and walking. Thus, ALS patients may require assistive devices like crutches or wheelchairs as the disease progresses. Problems with chewing and swallowing Since ALS involves the weakening of the masseter and temporalis muscles responsible for chewing and swallowing, individuals with ALS face difficulties carrying out these activities independently and may require assistance while having their meals. Muscle cramping Muscle cramping is a highly prevalent symptom among patients with ALS, reportedly affecting 95% of patients with this condition. Spasticity Muscle weakness due to ALS may progress to muscle tightness or spasticity, making it difficult for patients with this disease to move the different muscles in their bodies. Loss of control over emotional expression Some patients with ALS may experience a momentary loss of control over their emotional expressions, such as crying or laughing.

Eating nutritious foods is incredibly essential, especially for those with heart conditions. Certain ingredients can affect the organ and worsen existing issues, while others can help maintain heart health without compromising taste. When switching to a healthier food plan, experts recommend starting the day with the right breakfast. This first meal should support the heart and provide energy for the tasks ahead. Here are five heart-healthy breakfast ideas to try today. Whole wheat pancakes Adding whole grains to meals is a great way to keep heart health in check and potentially decrease the risk of developing cardiac diseases. Experts suggest whole grains can also help reduce cholesterol and the risk of a stroke. One of the best ways to consume whole wheat in the mornings is to make whole wheat pancakes for breakfast. Follow the usual pancake recipe, but use whole wheat flour over unhealthy varieties. Have them with seasonal fruits and a little blueberry syrup for extra deliciousness! Quinoa breakfast bowl Quinoa is another heart-healthy food that can easily be incorporated into breakfast. It contains a lot of fiber, which can help lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes and keep cholesterol and blood sugar in check. Since this ingredient is also rich in antioxidants, it may help prevent heart damage.

Cord blood (that is left in the umbilical cord and placenta after birth) contains special cells that can be beneficial in treating more than 70 types of conditions, including some genetic disorders, neurologic disorders, and even some forms of cancer. This method of stem cell banking has grown leaps and bounds in technology and popularity today. However, there are many myths floating around about cord blood banking. Here are five of them debunked: Myth 1: Banked blood stem cells are only good for 18 years Most blood banks offer cord blood storage for 18–20 years. Due to this, many people believe that stem cells ‘expire’ post this point. However, if stored safely, cord blood cells can last indefinitely. Myth 2: Taking blood samples from the birth mother is unsafe for the baby When the mother arrives at the hospital for delivery, a tiny amount of blood is drawn from her (before fluids are given). This blood is sent to a laboratory to run an infectious disease panel to screen any potential risks or threats for the child. Some people believe that giving extra blood before delivery can be dangerous. However, since a very small amount is drawn, this poses no risk of an unsafe delivery for the mother or child.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a respiratory condition characterized by obstructed airflow, leading to breathing difficulties. Individuals with COPD often face symptoms like persistent coughing, increased mucus production, shortness of breath, and wheezing, which can significantly impact their quality of life. Managing COPD necessitates a comprehensive approach, with suitable food choices playing a crucial role. Proper nutrition can help optimize lung function, strengthen the immune system, and enhance overall well-being for individuals with COPD. 7 foods that worsen COPD symptoms Processed foods Processed foods, often convenient but nutritionally lacking, can pose challenges for individuals with COPD. These items are typically high in sodium, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives, which can have detrimental effects on respiratory health. Excessive sodium intake can lead to fluid retention, potentially placing extra strain on the heart and lungs. Trans fats, commonly found in processed foods, have been linked to inflammation, which can further compromise respiratory function. For those managing COPD, it is advisable to scrutinize food labels and opt for whole, unprocessed alternatives to support optimal lung health. Cauliflower While cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower offer a wealth of nutrients, they can sometimes lead to excess gas production in the digestive system.

Involuntary hand movements can translate to uncontrollable tremors or shaky hands. The tremors are usually side effects of underlying diseases, physical or mental stress, or injury. While the causes of these motions may differ, they can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and ability to perform everyday tasks. Figuring out the root cause can help diagnose and manage this condition effectively. Here are some common causes that lead to involuntary hand movements. Parkinson’s Disease Parkinson’s disease is a well-known condition associated with hand tremors. This progressive neurological disorder affects the brain’s ability to produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that controls movement and coordination. As dopamine levels decrease, individuals with Parkinson’s disease often experience tremors, which commonly start in one hand and progress over time to both hands. These tremors tend to occur at rest and may worsen with stress. Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) This neurological disorder is the result of being exposed to certain treatments for a prolonged duration. Its management mainly involves getting the person off the treatment. Hand tremors and facial tics are common symptoms of TD. If one experiences this symptom while undergoing any treatments, one is advised to seek immediate professional intervention. Tics Tics are sudden, rapid, repetitive muscle movements that can affect various parts of the body, including the hands.

Nutrition makes up for a considerable portion of a healthy lifestyle, where what kind of food one eats is paramount. Every disease, regardless of what it is, requires the patient to be wary of what they eat, and there are always foods that are either acceptable or avoidable. The same goes for lung health. Therefore, given below are some common foods that help reduce congestion, boost lung health, and should be included in daily meals. Peppers Peppers are rich in vitamin C and are known for their antioxidant properties. Studies suggest that eating a medium-sized sweet red pepper can give the body 169% of the recommended intake of vitamin C. This food is also known for decreasing inflammation in the body. Turmeric Turmeric is a well-known remedial herb used for traditional healing in Asian culture. It contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which help heal the body and other health conditions. The main active turmeric compound, curcumin, is primarily known for its beneficial role in lung health. A study with 2,478 participants included consuming turmeric for research purposes, and the conclusive result stated that curcumin intake improves lung function in individuals. Green tea This particular beverage is known for its healing properties due to its high concentration of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Respiratory illnesses are generally contracted through air. Social distancing is the best way to prevent the transmission of such illnesses, as the viruses that cause them tend to travel via airborne channels. In certain public zones, social distancing is harder than in other areas. In such zones, even if a single person is carrying a virus that causes respiratory illnesses, it can make many people sick. Some such high-risk public places are listed here: Public pools For many people, summer vacations simply translate into an endless array of pool parties and swimming lessons. This is why, public pools are generally full of kids and adults just having a refreshing and good time as they unwind during the summer. Unfortunately, such zones are also home to many types of bacteria and viruses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that the average swimmer contributes to about 0.14 grams of fecal matter in pools when they enter the water. Unsurprisingly, public pools also have people in close proximity and several commonly touched surfaces like pool steps, the water, door handles, and similar others. Therefore, public pools often become hotspots for respiratory viruses and disease outbreaks now and then. Beaches Like pools, beaches are also hot property during vacations for a legion of summer lovers.

Weak bones, which can indicate conditions such as osteoporosis, can be a concerning issue. If a person’s bones weaken, they become more prone to fractures, significantly disrupting their life and daily activities. Hence, it is essential to recognize the early signs of the weakening of bones so one can take the necessary steps to prevent more serious consequences. Here are 6 early signs of weak bones that one must look out for. Brittle fingernails If a person notices that their nails have become fragile and are breaking easily, it could be an indication that their bones are becoming weak. Besides weakening, if a person notices vertical ridges on their fingernails, it could also be a sign of calcium deficiency, which can further affect their bone health. However, it is important to take note of the fact that brittleness in fingernails can also be caused by various other factors. It is better to consult a healthcare provider about their concerns if one is in doubt. Reduced grip strength Weakening of bones can also affect a person’s grip strength. They may notice that tasks like twisting door knobs, holding onto objects, opening jars, etc., are becoming tougher. This could be a sign of decreasing bone density.