Sleeping is one of the most important parts of one’s day, and it plays a vital role in rest and recovery of the body. A good night’s sleep is also linked to several other health benefits. However, in today’s stressful environment and lifestyle, getting enough sleep can be challenging. Luckily, one can use several techniques, including home remedies, to help relieve stress and improve sleep quality. Here are some natural remedies for the same. Valerian root This is a herb that is commonly used in Asia and Europe as part of traditional healing methods. The root is usually used as a remedy to help manage stress, anxiety, and even depression in individuals. While the studies remain inconclusive of its direct benefits on sleep, there are some studies that do point towards the positive effects of this herb. Various small group studies involving 30 to 40 people found that taking 530 grams of valerian root before bed helped in sleep quality, latency, anxiety, and depression in individuals. These notes were taken from the participants’ perception of sleep quality and did not measure any quantitative data. While this root is known to be safe for adults, there may be minor, non-serious side effects, if any, in some people.

Sickle cell anemia is a rare genetic disorder that affects the red blood cells. responsible for carrying oxygen. Here, anemia specifically distorts the shape of some of the red blood cells, which are sickle or crescent moon-shaped instead of the natural round and flexible shape. This affects the movement of these cells in the body, disrupting blood flow. Recognizing warning signs of the condition can facilitate an early diagnosis and treatment, helping prevent further complications. Early signs Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disorder. So, in most cases, the early signs of to condition can be observed in infants at around six months of age. The symptoms can vary and also change over time as one gets older. However, here are some of the common early signs of sickle cell anemia: 1. Fatigue The first clear indication of the condition is anemia, as sickle-shaped red blood cells (RBCs), being generally weaker than regularly shaped RBCs, tend to break down easily and deteriorate. Normal RBCs live for approximately 120 days before being replaced by newer cells. However, sickle cells stay in the body for about 10 to 20 days, leading to a shortage of RBCs. Without an adequate number of these cells, there is a drop in hemoglobin that carries oxygen around the body, leading to fatigue.

Although unpleasant, nasal congestion is a common, and perhaps the most pervasive, allergy symptom for millions of people worldwide. It is also a common symptom indicating a cold or flu. Congestion can interrupt daily routine, so one can try management options to relieve this symptom and breathe better. Here, anti-inflammatory foods may help reduce the discomfort. So here are six foods that help fight nasal congestion, prevent excess mucus buildup, and relieve a stuffy nose: Tea Breathing in the steam from hot liquids like tea or broth can help make mucus thinner and relieve congestion. Additionally, green tea is also known for its anti-inflammatory compounds called polyphenols, which can help with swollen sinuses. Honey According to preliminary studies, honey can help soothe a sore throat. It may also help fight upper respiratory tract infections. Honey is generally safe to eat for people over the age of 1. One can add it to tea, use it as a salad dressing, or just eat a spoonful to relieve inflammation. Citrus fruits Vitamin-C-rich fruits such as limes, lemons, grapefruit, and oranges help boost immunity. They also have antioxidant properties, which can help relieve the pain and inflammation associated with nasal congestion. The combination of vitamin C and antioxidants can help thin mucus and reduce allergy-related congestion.

Acute respiratory infections refer to a broad category of illnesses, like bronchiolitis and pneumonia, that affect the lower and upper respiratory tract. A significant number of these infections are caused by respiratory viruses, posing a health risk to individuals of all ages. Common respiratory viruses include influenza, rhinoviruses, common cold viruses, and adenovirus. These viruses can invade the respiratory tract, leading to inflammation and a cascade of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Early signs of respiratory infections Here are some of the early signs of severe respiratory infections caused by viruses: Fever If you experience a sudden onset of high fever, especially if it exceeds 103°F, could be a sign of viral infection. Fever is the body’s natural response to fight infections, indicating that the immune system is working to eliminate the virus. You may also experience chills along with fever. Congestion and sore throat Nasal congestion and a sore throat are among the initial symptoms of viral infection in the respiratory tract and can cause further discomfort. Cough A cough is often the body’s way of clearing the airways of mucus and foreign particles. Coughing may start as mild irritation and develop into a more severe, persistent cough over time as the infection worsens.

Medigap is additional insurance one can buy to cover costs that are not covered under Medicare. Also known as the Medicare Supplement Plan, Medigap helps one reduce out-of-pocket expenses, i.e., co-payments and deductibles. One can access these insurance services through private companies. However, one must already have a Medicare Part A and Part B plan to buy Medigap. To understand Medigap plans better, here are a few things to know: What is a Medigap plan? Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover all medical expenses. So, private companies can offer Medigap plans to help cover these costs. Nevertheless, Medigap plans generally do not offer long-term, vision, or dental coverage. They also do not cover the cost of hearing aids, eyeglasses, or private nursing. Medigap Plans are aimed at covering costs such as co-payments, deductibles, and coinsurance. Some specific costs that may be included in these plans are: About 20% of out-of-pocket expenses that are not covered by Medicare Part B Coinsurance for Part A Hospital coverage up to 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up Part A hospice or respite care copayment Some plans may also cover emergency medical care while traveling abroad. How much do Medigap plans cost?

Hemophilia is a rare medical condition, typically inherited, that develops if the body does not make enough protein (clotting factors) to form blood clots. This disorder can lead to spontaneous bleeding or excessive bleeding following an injury or surgery. The disorder is usually treated by regularly replacing the blood’s clotting factor. However, to receive timely treatment, it is important to keep an eye out for the following warning signs of hemophilia: 1. Excessive external or internal bleeding Bleeding may be of two kinds–internal or external. The severity of bleeding may differ from person to person; however, upon bleeding externally, one may observe the following signs here: – Bleeding in the mouth and gums or bleeding that is difficult to stop after losing a tooth – Bleeding after circumcision – Unexplained nosebleeds – Heavy bleeding, even from minor cuts – Bleeding from a cut that resumes after a short pause Internal bleeding can manifest as the following: – Blood in the urine, as a result of bleeding in the bladder – Blood in the stool due to stomach or intestinal bleeding – Bleeding into the skin, muscle, or soft tissue, leading to the formation of bruises due to blood build-up in the area (also called hematoma) 2.

A sugary treat after a sumptuous meal seems like the perfect conclusion to lunch or dinner. However, excessive sugar intake is linked to a host of health conditions that can eventually weaken the immune system and affect one’s overall well-being. Contrary to popular belief, it is essential to limit one’s food intake from the early years to prevent the onset of such health problems. Here are some common health issues associated with excessive sugar intake: Health issues caused by excessive sugar intake Diabetes Excessive sugar consumption is directly linked to the onset of hyperglycemia and type-2 diabetes, caused by high glucose levels in the body. Chronic hyperglycemia can trigger diabetes-related complications, such as diabetic retinopathy, kidney disease, and nerve damage. Sleep problems The body typically produces high insulin levels to manage elevated blood sugar levels. The consequent drop in blood sugar releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which affect not only sleep duration but also sleep quality. Studies have demonstrated the link between sugar intake before bedtime and hampered sleep quality. Cholesterol Elevated LDL cholesterol levels and reduced healthy cholesterol are common consequences of increased sugar consumption. Conversely, studies have demonstrated an association between low sugar intake and lowered LDL cholesterol in the body.

Water retention is a health problem where the body can’t flush out excess fluids, which begin to build up in the tissues. The ailment leads to swelling in the hands, legs, ankles, feet, and other body parts. Water retention can result from several factors, including underlying health conditions. However, nutrition also plays a significant role in its development. The following foods are known to cause water retention and should be avoided. Carbonated soda Carbonated beverages contain a lot of carbon dioxide and artificial sweeteners, which cause the body to retain excess water. When thirsty, individuals should avoid these and opt for natural fruit juices and healthy fluids. Sausages Deli meats like sausages, bacon, pepperoni, and salami have high sodium. Sodium helps preserve the meat and gives it a unique flavor. However, an excess can cause the body to retain more water. Hence, one should limit deli meat intake to maintain a healthy sodium-to-water ratio. Mozzarella sticks Appetizers like mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, potato boats, and chicken nuggets taste great and satiate cravings. However, these foods are likely to cause water retention owing to a higher amount of unhealthy fats and sodium. Salted nuts Seasoned flavored nuts like chili almonds and salted mixed nuts are often staples during snack time.