Approximately one in three Americans suffer from high cholesterol, which is why it is considered a silent killer. The thing about cholesterol is that while it does not kill a person directly, it does increase the chance of one suffering from heart disease and stroke, both of which can be fatal. According to the CDC, these are the leading cause of deaths in the United States of America. So, before we understand how cholesterol leads to these dangerous diseases, let’s take a quick look at what it actually is. What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is an essential fat-like substance found in the cells of your body. It is required to make certain hormones, vitamin D, and other substances that help digestion. The human body or rather, the liver, makes all the cholesterol we need, which is known as blood cholesterol. The cholesterol that comes from food items is what is called dietary cholesterol. This form is found in animal meats, dairy products, seafood, and even poultry and eggs. Dietary cholesterol, when consumed in large quantities, can possibly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, which can be fatal. Good and bad cholesterol Cholesterol that is either consumed or produced in the liver needs to travel throughout the body.

Everyone wants to look young and have glowing skin that simply radiates inner beauty. But there are a number of factors that can damage the skin externally and internally without you even noticing something is wrong until it’s too late. Also, getting your skin treated by a professional can cost a lot of money and is not really a necessity unless the damage done is substantial. There are three simple ways to ensure flawless and healthy, glowing skin sitting right at home. Here is what you need to do. What type of skin are you working with? Your beauty and skin care routine will vary depending upon your skin type: too dry, oily, combination of both, or even too sensitive. Once you narrow down a specific type, you can choose products and take the next few steps. Cleanse daily It is the first essential step to your beauty and skin care routine. Cleansing your skin with harsh soaps or face washes won’t do you any good, which does not mean you’ll need to go to the store and splurge on expensive cosmetics. A mild cleanser, preferably a foam-based formula will help remove the oil, dirt, and pollutants from the pores.

Common cold and flu are both respiratory illnesses caused by viruses. It can be challenging to compare the two, as both cold and flu cause symptoms such as cough, which is caused by similar viruses. However, the flu (influenza) is worse than the common cold, and the symptoms are more intense. This article discusses the difference between the illnesses and how they can be treated to get relief from the symptoms. Following pointers can help differentiate between cold and flu: Symptom onset People suffering from cold will experience a gradual onset, which means the patient will suffer from unnoticeable symptoms in the beginning, which will worsen with every passing day. People suffering from the flu (influenza) will experience an abrupt onset of symptoms. Fever This is one of the most common differentiators between the cold and flu. A patient suffering from cold rarely develops a fever, but people suffering from influenza can develop a 102-degree-Fahrenheit fever. Aches Patients suffering from cold may experience slight muscle aches. However, this is yet another one of the most common symptoms of the flu. Since the flu decreases the body’s immunity, the person suffers such symptoms. Chills This symptom is accompanied by fever and is rarely seen in patients suffering from the common cold, whereas it is a common symptom in patients with the flu.

Diabetes is a condition wherein the blood sugar levels in one’s body are higher than the standard limit. Among the commonly known types of situations, type 2 diabetes affects millions of people each year. In type 2 diabetes, the body does not make insulin (a vital compound that breaks down glucose from food to convert into energy). In some cases, the body is unable to absorb the insulin, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. It is easy to prevent type 2 diabetes and delay any complications that might arise out of condition. Have a look at what medical professionals recommend for patients of varying ages. Weight loss and management Being obese or overweight increases the risk of diabetes significantly. It is one of the leading causes of type 2 diabetes and complications associated with the condition. Weight management effectively starts with shedding those excess pounds first and then planning an active lifestyle that prevents further weight gain. Even losing just 7-10% of current body weight can reduce the chances of type 2 diabetes by half. Limit smoking and alcohol consumption Research indicates that consuming moderate amounts of alcohol, the recommended limit for men and women, actually helps insulin to break down the glucose cells.

Dehydration is a familiar uneasiness that indicates the body does not have enough fluids to support normal functions. There are known medical conditions that can cause mild, moderate, or severe dehydration, depending on how much liquid the body has lost. The discomfort may also be caused because one doesn’t pay attention to the body’s needs and urges to replenish fluids. Whatever the case may be, there are simple ways to ensure proper fluid intake and stay hydrated during the day. Check for symptoms There are a few visible indicators that can help one avoid getting dehydrated in the first place. Dry or cold skin, muscle cramps, dry mouth, and even not urinating frequently or with difficulty indicate that the body is running low on fluids. It is understandable to lose track of how much water one has had during the day, which is why paying attention to the symptoms becomes that much more necessary. Respond to thirst When one feels thirsty, one should drink a glass of water. Often being wrapped up in one’s busy schedule managing work and deadlines, one tends to ignore urges of thirst to save a precious few seconds. Why? Because when one has a few glasses, soon after, they may have to use the restroom.

Eyes are the window to the soul, but they’re also a window to the world around us. So, undoubtedly, it is essential to keep them fit and fine. There’s a lot you can do to keep your eyes healthy, from getting regular checkups to getting the right amount of nutrition. Here are some tips that will help you keep your eyes healthy: Eat healthy Nutrition plays an important role in maintaining better eye health. Fish such as tuna, trout and salmon, among others, are provide high omega-3 fish oils, which also helps in reversing dry eye. Another beneficial food for eye health is seeds such as chia and flax seeds. These are packed with vitamin E and you can be add them to breakfast smoothies or cereals for maximum benefits. Some of the other foods that are rich source of vitamins and help better eye health include lemons, oranges, spinach, kale, carrots and sweet potatoes. Get those eyes checked We’re not talking about just a usual eye checkup because even if your eyes feel healthy, there could be a problem you may not know. Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam that will help diagnose any eye condition in its early stages.

Known to be one of the most common forms of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating ailment. Usually, it starts with slight memory loss and progresses through stages over a period. It affects the regions of the brain that control language, thought, and memory. In the final stages, Alzheimer’s disease causes loss of various abilities, including making conversation and moving independently. Read on to know a few important things about Alzheimer’s. Symptoms: One of the first warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease is cognitive impairment. It starts with memory loss, and a person may experience multiple symptoms over time. These include rapid changes in behavior, mood, or personality. A person may also develop poor judgment, along with misplacing things or having trouble retracing their steps to find them. Additionally, rapid memory loss disrupts daily life, so patients may find it difficult to complete routine tasks and manage money or bills. In some cases, patients may also face depression. Causes: There is no known definite cause of Alzheimer’s disease, but scientists say that multiple factors may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. One of the main factors is age, and a family history of Alzheimer’s may also elevate an individual’s risk of developing the disease.

Our blood mainly comprises three types of blood cells—white blood cells (WBC) to fend our body from diseases, platelets to help heal the wounds, and red blood cells (RBC) for carrying oxygen. The blood experiences a depletion in red blood cells due to a lack of nutrition or an underlying disease, which has a series of symptoms, ranging from fatigue to irregular heartbeats. This condition is called anemia. There can be as many as five types of anemia, all based on different causes and symptoms. Several health experts from around the globe suggest that, apart from timely treatment and diagnosis, proper diet and nutrition are vital to maintaining healthy RBC levels in the body. So, here are some power-packed foods to keep the symptoms of anemia at bay: Dark leafy greens The deficiency of iron in blood has been synonymous with anemia. So, next time you are out buying vegetables, do not forget to add green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale, into your basket. It is recommended to cook the vegetables to ensure proper so that they get adequately absorbed by the body. Lean red meats If you are looking for a more generous dose of iron and don’t mind meat on your plate, then grass-fed beef, lean cut meats are a perfect source.