Our lungs help us breathe in oxygen and filter out harmful pollutants from the air. Therefore, it is essential to care for the lungs and keep them healthy. Poor lung health can increase the risk of several respiratory conditions that impact a person’s quality of life and lead to other complications. Keeping this in mind, we have put together a few simple tips to ensure your lungs remain healthy and functioning properly. Reduce exposure to air pollution A great way to maintain healthy lungs is to reduce exposure to environmental pollutants. Stay indoors as far as possible on high air pollution days and wear a face mask before leaving the house. While we cannot always control our environment, these steps will help prevent you from inhaling tiny particles that can harm the lungs. Regular exercise Another way to keep your lungs healthy is to exercise and indulge in physical activity regularly. Taking long walks amidst nature or practicing yoga can improve lung function and reduce the risk of respiratory diseases. Managing stress Research suggests stress can impact respiratory health by causing rapid breathing and inflammation. Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing and pursuing a hobby are two ways to cope with stress and thus support the lungs.

Psoriasis is one of the most commonly diagnosed skin disorders among adults. It is long-term with no cure and mainly causes rashes, scaly patches, and dry skin that cracks, causing a burning sensation. The skin condition causes inflammation, and these symptoms develop due to the persistent inflammatory responses that destroy healthy skin cells. People diagnosed with this skin disorder also develop one or more of the following conditions linked to psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) PsA is one of the primary conditions linked to psoriasis in many cases. The higher the severity of psoriasis, the greater the chances of developing psoriatic arthritis. According to many studies, PsA goes undiagnosed among 1 in 10 people until the later stages. Type 2 diabetes and hypertension Psoriasis triggers an imbalance in both blood glucose and blood pressure levels. Inflammation, one of the primary symptoms of the skin disorder, has been cited as a reason why comorbidities like diabetes and high blood pressure can develop simultaneously with severe psoriasis. Metabolic disorders Abnormal blood pressure, high blood glucose, and an imbalance in good cholesterol, bad cholesterol, and triglyceride levels increase the prevalence of metabolic syndromes with psoriasis. Cardiovascular diseases Prolonged severe psoriasis can trigger bouts of chronic inflammation.

If you have experienced debilitating headaches that have disrupted your plans for the day, you are not alone. Studies suggest that approximately 45 million people in the country deal with headaches every year. Usually, headaches are symptoms of some underlying health conditions; as a result, treating these conditions can help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. Keep reading to learn more about the underlying conditions causing or worsening headaches. Meningitis Meningitis is a health condition resulting from inflammation of the fluids and membranes around the brain and spinal cord, known as meninges. Such inflammation triggers headaches and symptoms like fever, muscle and joint pain, and neck stiffness. Headaches associated with meningitis spread rapidly across the head. Hypertensive crisis Headaches are relatively prominent among cases of hypertensive crisis, a condition characterized by a sudden, considerable elevation of blood pressure levels. Here, the BP reading is 180/120 mm Hg or higher. A hypertensive crisis is classified as a health emergency and requires immediate hospitalization. During a hypertensive crisis, patients often suffer from pulsing headaches felt throughout the head. Brain tumor A brain tumor is the growth and accumulation of abnormal cells in or around the brain. Among the common symptoms of brain tumors is brain swelling, which increases pressure in the head and culminates in severe headaches.

Knee pain is a common complaint among many people. It is usually caused due to the general wear and tear of the knee from everyday activities. The problem is far more prevalent among athletes who undergo severe and extreme physical strain and older people due to aging. Knee pain could also be a symptom of other health conditions and issues. Identifying the underlying cause can help manage the pain better and prevent it from reoccurring. Iliotibial band syndrome The iliotibial band is a strong band of tissue that starts from the hips and ends toward the knees. When this band of tissue becomes too tight, it rubs against the thighbone, leading to knee pain. Distance runners and cyclists generally suffer from this problem. Dislocated kneecap This is among the most common conditions linked to knee pain. A dislocated kneecap occurs when the patella, or the triangular bone at the front of the knee, moves from its usual location. It leads to severe pain in the affected knee during any movement. ACL injury The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, connects the shinbone to the thighbone. A sudden jerking movement can sometimes lead to a tear in this ligament. The knee pain-causing injury is generally observed among those who play sports like soccer and basketball.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune health condition with symptoms that are easily visible such as dryness, redness, and peeling of the skin. It is generally known that these symptoms are the result of chronic inflammation. However, not many people are aware that psoriasis causes systemic inflammation, which means the inflammation affects not only the skin but also the internal organs of the body. This can eventually lead to other health complications. Psoriatic arthritis Psoriatic arthritis is one of the most common conditions linked to psoriasis. The symptoms include swollen and stiff joints with severe pain. Early onset of psoriatic arthritis is usually indicated by symptoms such as red or swollen joints along the spine, fingers, and elbows. Metabolic syndrome The metabolic syndrome results from elevated blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, and high levels of body fat and cholesterol. This syndrome further increases the risk of health conditions related to the heart and type 2 diabetes. Cardiovascular disease Cardiovascular disease or heart-related conditions include heart stroke, arrhythmia, heart failure, and problems related to the valves of the heart. It is estimated that those with psoriasis have twice the risk of developing cardiovascular complications. However, the risk increases for those who have been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome in the past as a result of psoriasis.

For several women, excruciating pain and cramps are synonymous with periods. Research suggests that approximately 80% of individuals who menstruate experience period pain at some point. Adequate care and rest are essential to overcome period pain and avoid nutritional deficiencies during this time. Alongside maintaining a proper meal plan, avoiding certain types of foods, and staying as physically active as possible, avoiding these few common mistakes can help women manage better during their period. Using scented tampons or pads Besides causing irritation and discomfort, scented tampons and pads also alter the vagina’s pH balance, leading to problems like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. Scented tampons and pads can also contribute to vaginal itching and odor. Thus, it is important to use unscented menstrual products at all times to avoid compromising menstrual health. Staying dehydrated The body loses more fluids during periods than on regular days. Consequently, it requires more water to perform daily functions like lubricating joints, controlling body temperature, regulating bowel movements, and providing nutrients and oxygen to the cells. Dehydration can slow down these processes significantly, aggravating one’s discomfort and weakening their immunity. It helps to set water reminders on one’s phone or smartwatch to stay hydrated during the menstrual cycle.

The menstrual cycle duration varies between women, but the average is 28 days. Though a slight change in this average is considered normal, if one experiences an irregular menstrual cycle for several months, it might signify an underlying health condition that must be diagnosed and promptly treated. In such scenarios, it is advised to seek the help of an ob-gyn and watch out for some unhealthy lifestyle habits that must be changed. Sudden rigorous exercise routine Regular and moderate exercise can improve heart health, mood regulation, and a steady sleep cycle. Moreover, changing your exercise routine and trying a new regime won’t impact your menstrual cycle much. However, problems will arise when one suddenly switches to an extreme exercise/training routine, which can affect one’s menstrual cycle. It is commonly observed in women who start training for marathons or triathlons. Excessive stress Dealing with excessive stress levels for longer periods is another aspect that can impact one’s menstrual cycle. It is because stress leads to the higher production of cortisol, which can interfere with many crucial bodily functions. As a result, there is lower production of estrogen and progesterone. All these factors combined will hamper one’s menstrual cycle. Unhealthy sleeping habits Not maintaining a healthy sleep cycle is a major lifestyle mistake many people commit.

Like every other body part, it is important to keep one’s bladder health in check. Unbeknownst to many, various urological conditions originate from the inability to maintain optimum urinary tract health. Accurate urination is crucial for safeguarding one’s bladder from health conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs) and urinary incontinence. To protect one’s bladder from long-term or short-term urinary issues, here are some common mistakes and habits one should avoid. Holding urine in While holding your pee becomes necessary sometimes, making it a habit can lead to long-term health complications. A full bladder becomes susceptible to the build-up of bacteria which triggers infections in the urinary tract. Therefore, following healthy drinking and urination habits should be prioritized. Incomplete urination Just like holding urine in, not completely emptying the bladder can aggravate one’s risk of urinary infections. Regardless of one’s tight schedule, spare time for nature’s call. Not observing urination patterns Frequent urination is a condition often overlooked by people. However, if a person is urinating more than usual in a day, it can indicate severe conditions like kidney stones, UTIs, or even diabetes. Not getting bladder examined Unexplained changes to urine color are another condition that necessitates healthcare intervention. For example, if one notices their urine appearing red, it might indicate severe conditions like cancer or kidney stones, which must be treated.