Tap water, while safe, is not the recommended source of drinking water, according to studies. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the drinking water regulations in the country. According to the EPA, anything other than water molecules is considered a contaminant. However, some of these contaminants are safe at certain levels. This article discusses the safety of tap water for drinking, its side effects, and a few reasons why a water purifier is needed. Possible contaminants in tap water Some chemical compounds that could make their way into tap water include industrial runoff, pesticides, lead, mercury, and even arsenic. Other contaminants include bacteria, viruses, and parasites. There could also be contaminants from human-made nuclear waste and uranium or radium deposits in the ground. Side effects of drinking tap water Arsenic can cause partial paralysis, blindness, discoloration of the skin, vomiting, numbness in hands and feet, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Chlorine can cause chronic cough, chest tightness, airway irritation, sore throat, and breathing difficulties. Fluoride may cause severe skeletal problems and also fluorosis. Pesticides can develop extreme weakness, headaches, allergic sensitization, and also eye and skin irritation. Bacteria like E.coli can affect the stomach, causing diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, vomiting, and nausea.

Fever blisters, more commonly called cold sores, are a bunch of sores that form around the mouth and sometimes on the lips. The sores are painful and often start with a burning sensation or itching. As they progress, they can begin to redden and swell. Cold sores are caused by Herpes Simplex Virus or HSV, which spreads on close contact. Since there’s no cure, patients can use these five remedies to manage their condition better. Aloe vera gel Aloe vera gel is rich in anthraquinone, a strong anti-inflammatory compound. It is also antiviral and can help reduce the swelling present with cold sores. The gel can bring temporary relief from the pain and inflammation as well. One can dab some aloe vera gel over the areas impacted by the sores multiple times daily for healing. Apple cider vinegar Research tells us that apple cider vinegar can protect the body against harmful microbial activity. It can also help remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface faster, speeding up the healing process. However, one should try this cold sore remedy only after speaking to a doctor. Sunscreen Sun exposure can trigger cold sores and aggravate the discomfort and symptoms in those with the problem.

Myelodysplastic syndromes are a group of disorders caused by poorly formed blood cells or those that don’t function properly. This condition results from something missing in the spongy section inside the bones where the blood cells are formed (bone marrow). However, some signs and symptoms can help diagnose the condition, followed by a treatment or management plan that helps keep the body functioning well. Read more to discover the common signs and a management plan. Signs and symptoms These do not appear at the start and will start to show when the condition has started affecting other body parts. Shortness in breath Unusual paleness caused by a lack of red blood cells, also called anemia Unusual bleeding or bruising that happens often and easily. This is caused by a low blood platelet count called thrombocytopenia Tiny red spots appear right under the skin, and this is caused by bleeding underneath, also called petechiae Experiencing fatigue Frequent infections due to low white blood cells, also called leukopenia Treatment options There is no cure for this disease, but some management options may help slow the progression of the disease, such as: Blood transfusions One approach to alleviate the symptoms of this illness is by utilizing healthy blood cells obtained from a donor to replace the red blood cells and platelets in affected individuals.

Hemorrhoids refer to the swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus region of the body and are also known as piles. Depending on where they develop, they can be classified into internal and external. Various treatment options are available to help get rid of them, including home remedies, minimally invasive procedures, and lifestyle changes that can help manage the condition. Here are some of the treatment options that one can explore. Home remedies and lifestyle changes High-fiber food: Foods with high fiber content soften the stool and help increase its bulk. This means the bowel movement is easy and does not cause strain. Topical treatments: Some doctors recommend using a hemorrhoid cream, which has numbing properties. Soak in warm water: Soaking the anal area in warm water a couple of times a day is recommended. Soak for 10-15 minutes to help relieve discomfort, and repeat as necessary. A sitz bath that fits over the toilet is available. Minimally invasive procedures Rubber band ligation: In this procedure, the doctor may use a rubber band at the base of the internal hemorrhoid, which cuts off the blood flow to the area. After a couple of weeks, the hemorrhoid falls off by itself.

Testosterone is an important hormone that affects many functions in the body. For instance, it triggers physical changes like muscle development, hair growth, and voice changes. The hormone is majorly produced in the testis and ovaries, but the adrenal glands also produce it in small amounts. An optimal level of testosterone is essential for the body to function well. Those with low levels can gradually boost testosterone in a few simple ways. Exercise There are several notable benefits to exercising, and an important one that makes it to the list is increased testosterone in the body. However, the extent of this benefit depends on what kind of exercise one performs and how intensely. Weight training is noted to boost the levels of this hormone in the body for the short term. Minimize stress When stressed, the body’s cortisol level shoots up, which reduces testosterone levels. This is because the two hormones share an inverse relationship with each other. If one goes up, the other comes down, and vice versa. Get more vitamin D Vitamin D is an essential micronutrient that helps one build strong bones and sleep well. Some studies also suggest low vitamin D may be linked to low testosterone.

The eyes are the windows to one’s world, helping one perceive and make sense of everything around. Any eye-related issues should be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Ophthalmologists suggest corrective eyeglasses for those who have problems with vision. But over time, eyeglasses have evolved from being mere aids to seeing better; they are now style statements in themselves and are easily available online. Here are some tips to buy the right eyeglasses online. Get an ophthalmologist’s prescription To qualify to buy eyeglasses online, one should get an ophthalmologist’s prescription. This helps professionals better identify one’s specific condition and lens requirements. It is advisable to avoid taking any risks when it comes to buying eyeglasses because not selecting the right ones can cause fatal accidents. The prescription needs to be submitted online during checkout when purchasing eyeglasses online. Choose the right frame Eyeglasses’ frames define one’s style statement. Choosing the right frame goes a long way in enhancing one’s overall look. The main aspects one needs to consider when choosing eyeglass frames are their size, color, shape, and size. Also, selecting frames of the right shape depends mainly on one’s face shape. For example, those with oval faces may do better with round, cat-eye, or rectangular frames, whereas rectangular or square frames may best suit those with round faces.

Multivitamins have become one of the most important nutritional necessities in today’s world. Even after eating healthy meals, one does not always get all the essential vitamins and minerals, which is especially true today because of busy lifestyles, processed foods, and environmental factors. So, in such cases, how can one determine which multivitamins are suitable for one’s health? Here are some tips to help one choose the right ones. Check for USP verification One should check for the USP-verified seal of a nonprofit organization called the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention. This seal ensures that the multivitamins are pure and contain the ingredients listed on the label. One can also check for other quality verifications, like NSF International, which ensures proper contents, and Consumerlab, which evaluates purity and contamination. Understand physical requirements Before taking multivitamins, one should get a health evaluation to determine one’s specific nutritional needs. Many women over 30, for example, or older adults may need calcium and vitamin D, while premenopausal women may need more iron. Nutrient requirements depend on age, gender, medical condition, and other environmental and lifestyle factors. Know about micronutrients Apart from the well-known nutrients like calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin C, and potassium, there are also other micronutrients to be aware of.

Many people take vitamin B12 supplements on their own or as prescribed by their doctors. This is because a substantial number of people do not get enough vitamin B12 from their food. Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that helps maintain the proper cell metabolism process and rate. However, its excessive intake can cause extra deposition of the vitamin in the body, resulting in associated side effects like the ones mentioned below. Digestive issues Overconsumption of vitamin B12 supplements can result in gastrointestinal problems. When the body has an excess amount of the supplement, it can lead to digestive distress. Symptoms can include mild diarrhea, nausea, and indigestion. Individuals who already have gastrointestinal problems or who are older are at a higher risk of developing this side effect. Insomnia Excessive consumption of vitamin B12 can worsen insomnia in individuals who already suffer from the condition. When the vitamin levels in the body cross the required amount, it can interfere with the person’s normal sleep cycle. Molecules of vitamin B12 act as an energy booster in the blood. A sudden rise in its level can adversely affect the body’s sleep and rest cycle, leading to insomnia. Skin rash Skin rashes are another common sign in patients who have taken too many vitamin B12 supplements.