Every parent strives to foster their child’s physical and mental well-being. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a particular mental disorder parents should be aware of. It is a common developmental disability resulting in impaired cognitive, behavioral, affective, and social functioning. Thankfully, a timely diagnosis and expert intervention can help control its symptoms. In children, the early signs of autism appear between 12 to 18 months of age and sometimes prior. Repetitive movements Repetitive movements, including hand flapping, rocking, twirling, and turning switches on and off, can indicate the onset of autism. Some studies suggest that such repetitive behavior displayed by patients is associated with an imbalance of corticostriatal connectivity. Echolalia While repeating words and phrases is a natural part of child development, kids with autism often engage in excessive verbal repetitions, known as echolalia. Such repetitive speech tends to persist beyond three years of age and is particularly prominent among children with autism who are grappling with delayed speech development. Lack of eye contact Researchers believe that a lack of eye contact is one of the primary indicators of the disorder. Since this lack of eye contact stems from the child’s inability to communicate and interact with others, it is typically accompanied by the inability to partake in and sustain social interactions and engage in non-verbal communication.

Everyone knows that a sedentary lifestyle needs to be avoided to help maintain heart health. But that’s only part of what needs to be done. Maintaining a positive outlook and changing your approach to food and lifestyle habits go a long way in ensuring a healthy heart. So, for example, you must have nutrient-rich foods instead of just counting calories. In the meantime, you need to relearn that tasty food can be healthy too. Avocado Avocado is a fruit loaded with good fat or monounsaturated fatty acids. It minimizes the risk of blood clots and lowers blood cholesterol levels. Avocado smoothies and toasts are tasty treats that support a healthy heart. Coffee Some of you can’t imagine kicking the day off without your morning cuppa, Joe. This is one of those habits your heart will thank you for. Having coffee during the day is undoubtedly a tasty and healthy way to ensure the body gets its antioxidants and the inflammation levels are lowered. In addition, the high antioxidant levels in coffee or tea help significantly decrease heart disease risk. Dark chocolate Keeping your heart healthy does not have to mean giving up on your favorite chocolate or chocolate dessert. All you need to do is select the right kind of chocolate.

Prurigo nodularis is a skin disease characterized by itchiness, bumps, and rashes. People with this condition experience burning, temperature variations, and stinging on these skin bumps. While individuals may feel itchy on the bumps, they should refrain from scratching them and opt for available treatment for this condition. Similarly, eating certain foods can aggravate prurigo nodularis symptoms in individuals. Here are some avoidable foods and effective treatment avenues for prurigo nodularis: Avoidable foods Eating right has been scientifically proven to reduce the severity of prurigo nodularis symptoms. On the flip side, here are some foods that can worsen this condition in individuals: Pork and beef Red meat contains large amounts of arachidonic acid, which exacerbates inflammation in its consumers. Additionally, this chemical compound increases skin pain by exciting an individual’s peripheral somatosensory system. Pork and beef are some of the well-known and widely consumed varieties of red meat in the market. Hence, one must avoid consuming these to keep prurigo nodularis flare-ups at bay. White rice Refined carbohydrates, like red meat, increase inflammation in the body. As a result, foods containing such carbohydrates, including white rice and pasta, are among the foods to avoid for people with prurigo nodularis. Similarly, sweet baked foods such as cakes and beverages with artificial sweeteners, such as soft drinks and aerated sodas, must be avoided altogether.

In multiple sclerosis, the myelin sheath of the nerve cells gets damaged, affecting the central nervous system. It is, therefore, vital to seek timely treatment. While multiple sclerosis patients don’t always show the presence of the same signs and symptoms, some of these, such as numbness and tingling, can be considered early signs of the condition. So, noting them can help doctors diagnose the condition early, leading to better treatment and management. Fatigue Exhaustion or fatigue, even when performing daily activities, is one of the early signs of multiple sclerosis. Patients might experience increased fatigue following exposure to high temperatures and infections, but it might also have no obvious cause. The chronic tiredness tends to impact one’s quality of life and work significantly. Vision problems Experiencing pain and problems with vision is one of the most common and early signs of multiple sclerosis. As the condition affects the central nervous system, the optic nerve is affected in turn. Patients might experience temporary vision loss caused by optic neuritis. It can also lead to pain in the eye, double vision, and color blindness. Problems of the optic nerve are as considered to be more concrete signs of multiple sclerosis as opposed to other early signs like numbness and a tingling sensation.

Parkinson’s is a chronic disorder that affects the nervous system and the areas of the body controlled by the nervous system. It slows down body movements, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming. The condition also causes tremors, stiff muscles, poor balance, and speech changes. Everyone has a unique set of symptoms related to this illness. Even with professional assistance, it is vital to make specific lifestyle changes to manage Parkinson’s. Here are some effective strategies. Tips for dealing with Parkinson’s disease Exercise regularly Exercise benefits everyone, but it’s especially beneficial for those with this nervous system condition. Regular exercise improves physical strength, flexibility, and balance while reducing anxiety. Walking, swimming, gardening, stretching, and other forms of exercise are all beneficial. One should consult their doctor before beginning any new form of exercise to avoid complications. Learn to maintain your balance Incorrect posture and balance can lead to frequent falls and injuries. It is critical to move mindfully while exercising and walking. When taking a step, move slowly and always place your heel first. Keep your back straight while walking, avoid carrying objects, don’t walk backward, and use a device or a cane if your balance is severely impaired. Always look ahead while walking rather than down to avoid falling off balance.

Allergies are caused when the body comes in contact with a harmless substance and identifies it as a danger. In cases like these, the immune system responds to the alarm and prepares antibodies against the allergen. So, the next time one is exposed to a particular allergen, antibodies signal the release of chemicals in the bloodstream leading to allergic symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Sometimes, it can lead to asthma attacks. Common triggers/allergens that can affect breathing Allergens can be a part of either indoor or outdoor environments. When one is exposed to them, it can trigger symptoms and lead to discomfort. Hence it’s essential to know the possible triggers and steer clear of them. Dander Hair and skin flakes are among the most common allergens. In severe cases, prolonged exposure to these allergens can lead to asthma attacks. One can decrease the exposure to these triggers by using an air cleaner with a HEPA filter and allergen-proof pillow covers and mattresses. Pollen Pollens are tiny grains or seeds found in flowering plants, grass, and trees. These seeds are often carried by the wind, and those exposed to them can either show a range of symptoms or none at all.

Over 50 million people live with allergies every year and many of them have seasonal pollen allergies. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) studies over 100 cities every year to curate a list of the best and worst cities for people with spring or fall allergies. Factors such as seasonal pollen scores, over-the-counter treatment use, climatic conditions, and availability of board-certified health professionals or allergists are taken into consideration. Based on these reports, here are the 10 worst cities for people with allergies to live in: Scranton, PA Scranton is surrounded by forests and grasslands, which are pushed into the city by the fall winds, causing higher-than-average pollen levels, making it one of the worst cities for allergy sufferers. Wichita, KS The city of Wichita is windy and flat. With pollen flowing down the plains and virtually no trees to stop them, the city is one of the worst places to live for people with allergies. McAllen, TX McAllen faces hot weather in the summer with abundant pollen and flowering plants. Over the last few decades, the city has also seen a stable rise in ragweed pollen, worsening the situation for allergy sufferers. Richmond, VA Richmond is known for its subtropical climate and excessive humidity.

There are numerous types of allergies, each with a different impact on an individual. Respiratory allergies are caused by airborne proteins that irritate the airways. Fumes which can be found both indoors and outdoors, can worsen breathing problems brought on by allergies. Allergens like pollen, mold, or dust mites can worsen allergic asthma in people. It is advantageous to be aware of allergens to prevent issues. Here are some examples of common allergens that make breathing difficult: Common allergens that cause breathing problems Pollutants People with allergies exposed to airborne pollutants may experience respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. Pollutants can irritate and inflame the lungs as well as the airways. Some asthma triggers are ozone, chemicals, cleaning products, odors, and smog. If these contaminants are inhaled from the environment, they can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Indoor allergens Indoor allergens trigger asthma attacks in children and adults with allergies. These allergens include pet dander, mice, cockroaches, and dust mites. They are primarily found in homes, and can cause asthma flare-ups all year. Some solutions include using allergy-proof mattress covers and washing linens weekly in hot water to kill dust mites. A dehumidifier can also help prevent mold and mildew growth in the home.