Healthy breathing is a sign of a healthy heart and lungs. Conversely, troubles with breathing, including shortness of breath, chest tightness, and noisy breathing, often signify underlying respiratory and lung problems like asthma, lung infection, and pulmonary edema. Proper breathing from an early age can help reduce the risk of developing such conditions and promote overall physical and mental well-being. Here’s an insight into some common breathing mistakes one must avoid to ensure respiratory health. Breathing through the mouth One of the most common breathing mistakes is to breathe from one’s mouth. According to research, 30-50% of adults breathe through their mouth, particularly during early morning. The nostrils are more adept in filtering out allergens and toxins compared to the mouth. So, breathing through the mouth may cause toxins to accumulate in the lungs and eventually lead to lung diseases. Moreover, breathing through the mouth may lead to drying of the mouth, which can increase one’s risk of developing asthma. Thus, one must consciously try to breathe through one’s nose to avoid such consequences. Not practicing deep breathing Deep breathing entails a wide range of benefits, including better immunity, lowered blood pressure, better posture, and body detoxification. It also helps increase oxygen levels and enhance the functioning of the diaphragm.

As unassumingly simple as it may seem, there is a wrong way to pee! Making common peeing mistakes can impact bladder health and make one more susceptible to microbial infections, loss of bladder control, or urinary incontinence. That is why it is important to be aware and make certain lifestyle changes to improve one’s health. Here are six of the most common peeing mistakes one should avoid for a healthy bladder: Holding the pee in for too long Sometimes, one may need to hold their pee for too long at concerts or on long drives. However, making it a habit can cause urinary infections. Since urine isn’t sterile, holding it in for too long gives the bacteria a chance to grow and multiply, increasing the chances of infection. It can also cause a lack of bladder control over time. Not fully emptying the bladder when peeing Not fully emptying the bladder can also increase the risk of infections and loss of bladder control. This is also known as urinary retention. Blockages, infections, swelling, and neurological conditions may cause urinary retention and may warrant expert intervention. Increasing intake of caffeine Caffeine is a bladder irritant that increases the urge to pee.

Breathing is an essential function that occurs naturally and effortlessly. It is automatically monitored and regulated by the body and does not require constant intervention. However, many significant circulatory and metabolic functions depend on respiration. So, one must occasionally analyze how they breathe and look for irregularities. Experts have identified a few mistakes people make that affect their breathing and respiratory function. Individuals should avoid these breathing mistakes as far as possible. Breathing through the mouth It is common for people to inhale from their mouths without even realizing it. However, experts suggest breathing using the nasal passage. This passage has filters that clear out debris and allergens and humidify the air before it enters the lungs. Getting anxious about breathing Some people closely monitor every breath they take. Respiration is a process closely regulated by the body and requires no major intervention. Therefore, breathing should be monitored only when one experiences respiratory problems like shortness of breath or chest pain. Not using the diaphragm The best way to absorb oxygen is by using the diaphragm muscle located above the stomach. The American Lung Association recommends this technique as it creates negative pressure in the chest and enhances airflow. With training, it is possible to use the diaphragm for regular breathing.

Esophageal cancer is a severe type of cancer that occurs in the esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Esophageal cancer is frequently not discovered until it has progressed significantly, making treatment challenging. On the other hand, knowing the early warning signs of esophageal cancer can help improve the chances of diagnosis. Listed below are some symptoms and treatment options for esophageal cancer to be aware of. Warning signs of esophageal cancer Difficulty swallowing Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is one of the first symptoms of esophageal cancer. It can cause the sensation that food is stuck in the throat or not passing easily. If this symptom frequently occurs, especially when eating solid foods, it is best to consult a health expert immediately. Chest pain Chest pain can be caused by esophageal cancer, especially when swallowing food or liquid. This pain, which may feel like a burning sensation in the chest, may worsen over time. Therefore, it is important to distinguish this type of pain from other types of chest pain, such as heartburn, to receive appropriate treatment. Change in body mass Another common symptom of esophageal cancer is an unexplained change in body mass. As cancer spreads, it can make swallowing difficult, resulting in decreased food intake and body mass loss.

Headaches are a common health complaint worldwide. The general causes of headaches include lack of sleep, dehydration, eye strain, and sinus infection. While most headaches are not a cause for concern, some persistent ones may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. It is important to recognize the alarming signs of headaches to ensure that appropriate care is sought in a timely manner. Here are seven alarming signs of headaches one shouldn’t ignore. Sudden onset of severe pain If one experiences a sudden onset of severe pain, it could be a thunderclap headache. A thunderclap headache is a severe and sudden onset headache that reaches its maximum intensity within 60 seconds. This type of headache can be a sign of a ruptured blood vessel or bleeding in the brain. It’s best to seek medical attention immediately. Oftentimes, the condition can be accompanied even by seizures or fever. Headaches after a head injury Headaches that occur after a head injury could be a sign of a concussion or other traumatic brain injury. These types of injuries can be serious and may cause dizziness, issues with focus and memory, and ringing in the ear along with a headache. Headaches with fever, stiff neck, and confusion If one experiences a severe headache, which is accompanied by fever, stiff neck, nausea or confusion, it could be a sign of meningitis.

Owning a vehicle brings a lot of responsibilities, the primary one being maintaining the automobile. Regular car maintenance can prevent breakdowns and extend the life of your vehicle. However, most people tend to make many common car maintenance mistakes, which can cost them a lot of money in the long run. Read on to learn some common car maintenance mistakes that can be easily avoided, saving you a lot of hassle later on. Skipping regular maintenance One of the biggest mistakes individuals make is skipping regular maintenance since the process can help you catch small issues before they become big and expensive problems. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle. Not checking tire pressure Many people overlook tire pressure, but keeping your tires inflated is important. Underinflated tires can lead to poor gas mileage, uneven tire wear, and even a blowout while driving. Check your tire pressure regularly and keep them inflated properly. Neglecting fluid changes Fluids like oil, coolant, and transmission fluid are essential to keep your car running smoothly. Neglecting to change them can damage your engine, transmission, and other parts. Check the fluid levels regularly and change them as your car’s manufacturer recommends.

Headaches can be a common problem and a sign of health conditions. The pain can be triggered by stress, anxiety, or a lack of quality sleep. However, certain headache symptoms can indicate bigger, more serious health conditions such as migraine or diabetes. Such symptoms must be taken seriously as, if left unchecked, they could pose health risks. Here are a few headache signs that could be a result of underlying health conditions: Pain behind or around the eye Headaches are closely linked to vision problems. If a person experiencing headaches also senses sharp pain in and around their eye, they may be affected by acute glaucoma. In this condition, there is a pressure buildup in the eye, and eventually, the blood flow gets cut off. This is a serious condition that can lead to blindness. So, if one experiences any pain in and around their eyes accompanying a headache, they must consult a local healthcare expert immediately. Neck stiffness Another notable sign of a headache is stiffness and pain in the neck. The stiffness here can be a symptom of meningitis—a bacterial or viral infection that directly affects the membrane surrounding the spinal cord and brain. The subsequent enlargement of these membranes results in neck stiffness, neck pain, and, eventually, headache.

Pain is a sensation that everyone has either already experienced or will experience at some point in life. Most pains are harmless and, more often than not, resolve on their own. However, some aches and pains might not go away quickly and would require expert intervention. To be able to identify when the pain is a cause of concern, it is important to learn the body’s cues. Pelvic pain Painful conditions, such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), can give rise to pelvic pain. Therefore, it is crucial not to ignore severe and persistent pelvic pain, especially when it is accompanied by vaginal bleeding or fever. Neck pain Poor posture, injury, cervical spondylitis, and meningitis are all possible reasons for neck pain. Because of the varying range of severity of these conditions, neck pain is one of the aches and pains that should never be ignored. The condition can get crucial if it is present with headache, fever, or stiffness. Tooth pain Gum disease, cavities, and abscesses can cause tooth pain. If someone experiences persistent tooth pain, it is advisable to seek a dental consult, especially if the pain is in combination with fever, swelling, and difficulty swallowing.