Addiction is a compulsive activity, which translates to a sensation triggered by a substance. Some merely enjoy the feeling stimulated by an addiction, whereas others are dominated by their indispensable need to use a particular substance that stimulates the addiction. These substances can be harmful with prolonged use and often manifest in unusual ways. From among several weird addictions, such as the constant urge to work out, go shopping, use smartphones, drink coffee, and eat inedible substances, which one tames, explained below in detail are five unusual such addictions that are pretty common. Caffeine enema For most people, their daily cup of Joe is what gets them ready for the day. But for some, their addiction to coffee has motivated them to take it in from the bottom! Similar to an enema, caffeine enema can be done quite easily, and many do this multiple times simply because coffee can be absorbed faster. Doctors may recommend a caffeine enema, as it is an effective colon cleanse. It also acts as a laxative stimulant for healthy bile flow. However, many enjoy the activity so much that they now have a compulsive need to perform a coffee enema. Tanning Who would have thought that the pleasurable activity of basking in the sun at the beach can become an addiction?

The word aging is scary to some and existential to others. Some fear the gray hair and wrinkles, while others cannot comprehend the idea of being unable to do what they could when they’re young. But there’s no reason to be worried or afraid because aging is a part of life. The only way to approach it is by knowing what to expect from it and how to deal with it. What should you expect from aging? Aging is associated with biological, psychological, physiological, and behavioral aspects that will slowly begin to change over time. Some of these changes are of little to no effect, while others cause increased susceptibility to diseases and disability. So, here are some changes that you should expect: The cardiovascular system Aging causes stiffening of the cardiovascular muscles. Your heart then works harder to pump blood to the rest of the body and increases blood pressure and other such heart-related diseases and disorders. Bones and muscles As you age, your bones begin to shrink both in size and density, making them prone to fracture. Muscles tend to lose their flexibility, which then affects coordination and balance. Digestive system Your large intestine and the rest of the digestive tract undergoes a lot of age-related changes, which leads to constipation.

Owing to the dynamics of the human body, the elderly are especially susceptible to multiple ailments and conditions that restrict their movement in more ways than one. While an array of such illnesses exists in nature, arthritis is probably the most common among the said age-group, although youngsters and adults are just as likely to be diagnosed with it. Broadly, arthritis refers to the inflammation of the joints—the point where two bones are connected, similar to an overbridge which links two roads. The condition can affect multiple joints and has over 100 subclasses within it. Nonetheless, osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are more common than the others, with women and overweight individuals more vulnerable to it. What causes arthritis? Given the location of its existence, severe injury to the joint is usually the most common route to arthritis. Excessive pressure on the organ could damage the cartilage – a connective tissue in the joint that acts as a shock absorber in an automobile and allows for unrestricted movement of the bones. However, arthritis can take birth in many different ways: infections, genetics, and immune disorders being a few among others to cause the ailment. The disease sometimes occurs randomly, which adds a level of unpredictability to it.

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.

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.