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Guidelines to buy the right fitness tracker for your needs

Guidelines to buy the right fitness tracker for your needs

The market is flooded with options and models for those of us looking to buy a fitness tracker. While the earlier trackers tracked only steps and sleeping patterns, the newer versions come with features like GPS, heart rate monitors, sensors, and smartphone notifications to keep track of your fitness on a constant basis. So, if you are looking for the right fitness tracker to suit your needs, check out a few pointers that can help you in your search. Wearable design The earlier versions of fitness and activity trackers had to be wrapped around the wrist. If you prefer an alternate option, you will find the newer versions of these devices, which come in sleeker designs, including dongles, or clips that can be worn on your clothing or pendants that can be worn around your neck. You can also choose from a wide variety of colors and features like waterproofing, with some fitness trackers taking the appearance of an ordinary watch as well. Display Opt for a fitness tracker that comes with a built-in display to show the time as well as your fitness goals, without necessarily opening an app. This is an added plus in case you opt for a tracker that gives you notifications on when, where, and how to work out.
Smart tips to follow to become an athlete

Smart tips to follow to become an athlete

Any kind of a sport not only gets your adrenaline up and running, but also makes you sweat and feel energized. It lets you release your passion, strength, ambition and drive in a very healthy manner. But becoming a good athlete is not just about knowing how to play a game. It is a combination of smart training, proper diet, the right sportswear and the right shoes like Nike Shocks. So let’s take a look at each factor one by one. Proper sports shoes Brands like Nike, Adidas and Under Armour have always been popular when it comes to sports shoes. So feel free to pick a style or model that suits your exact needs. For instance, available in different models for men, women and kids, Nike Shocks offers ample support, cushioning and protect you from impact-related injuries. You can choose from different materials as well and Nike also allows you to customize these shoes with player names, numbers, exciting colors and special laces. The right sportswear Just like shoes, your sportswear must be comfortable, smart and ideal for free movement. Pick light breathable fabrics which wick away sweat easily, and outfits which are wrinkle-free and easy to maintain. Again, well-known sports brands like Nike, Adidas, Reebok, ESPN and more can help you out.
Low Platelet Count – Ways to Manage the Condition

Low Platelet Count – Ways to Manage the Condition

If a person has low blood platelet levels, they suffer from a condition known as thrombocytopenia. Platelets are essential since they help the blood clot and stop excess bleeding. If a person’s platelet counts are low, they can bleed heavily and bruise easily. Thrombocytopenia can occur as a symptom of specific cancers or autoimmune diseases, or they can occur due to cancer treatments. This article sheds light on the condition, its diagnosis, and treatment options. What is thrombocytopenia? Thrombocytopenia occurs when a person’s blood platelet counts fall to an extremely low level. The name is derived from thrombocytes, which is another name for platelets. To help prevent excess bleeding at the site of a cut or wound, platelets come together to form blood clots. The soft, spongy tissue inside bones called bone marrow is where all blood cells, including platelets, are created. A blood clot cannot form in people with thrombocytopenia because they lack sufficient platelets. If a thrombocytopenia patient suffers a cut or another injury, they could bleed excessively and be unable to stop it. Thrombocytopenia can be classified into these three types: Destruction of platelets This is caused by an auto-antibody that combines with the platelet surface. Platelet sequestration This can occur in people with liver illness or a big spleen.
Different Ways to Diagnose Fibromyalgia

Different Ways to Diagnose Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes chronic musculoskeletal pain throughout the body. It is often accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue, sleep problems, mood swings, and cognitive impairment. Many people misdiagnose it as arthritis or some other form of joint inflammation. Women are more likely to develop this condition than men. Timely diagnosis and effective treatment options like relaxation techniques, and physical and mental exercises can help one manage this health disease effectively. Fibromyalgia symptoms While the causes of the disease remain unknown, the symptoms can easily be tracked, observed, and managed. The symptoms of this condition include widespread pain throughout the body, stiffness in joints and muscles, irregular sleep patterns, headaches, restless leg syndrome, sensitivity to heat and cold, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, fibro fog or difficulty focusing or jogging memories, nausea, vision problems, breathing issues, dizziness, pelvic and urinary issues, skin problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety, cold or flu symptoms, tingling and numbness in hands and feet. These symptoms are usually observed between the ages of 30 and 50, however, they can appear at any life stage. It is common for some to develop this condition after surgery, infection or a traumatic injury. Fibromyalgia diagnosis Blood tests for fibromyalgia Since the symptoms of this condition overlap with that of other illnesses, the doctor may suggest some blood tests to rule out the other possibilities.
Understanding Nerve Damage – Symptoms, Causes, and More

Understanding Nerve Damage – Symptoms, Causes, and More

The nervous system is responsible for the optimal functioning of all body parts. Nerves carry messages from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, performing functions like controlling movements and sensing heat and cold. An injury or pain in the nerves can affect the brain’s ability to communicate with muscles and organs. Understanding the condition and its early symptoms can help one receive early treatment to repair the nerve damage. Types of nerves There are three types of nerves in our body that are each responsible for different functions. Harm or injury to any of these nerves can result in varying degrees of pain and dysfunction. Motor nerves: These are connected to the muscles and carry signals from the brain to perform functions like walking, talking, and holding objects. Injury or dysfunction in motor nerves can affect the way one carries out their day-to-day chores. People could face painful cramps, muscle weakness, and twitching if motor nerves are hurt. Sensory nerves: These carry messages from the skin and muscles to the brain and spinal cord. Sensory nerves are responsible for passing information related to sensations like touch, temperature, pain, numbness, and tingling. People experiencing sensory nerve damage may not be able to detect pain or changes in temperature accurately using their touch.
Natural Remedies That Boost Sleep Quality

Natural Remedies That Boost Sleep Quality

Sleep is a very important aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Going without sleep can make it difficult to concentrate, affect your mood, lead to headaches and other physical ailments, and harm the body’s overall health. If you are having trouble falling asleep at night or staying asleep, you can try sleep treatments prescribed by your healthcare professional. There are also tons of natural lifestyle changes and remedies that can help boost sleep. Tea or Milk One of the best treatments for sleep troubles is trying night-time drinks like a warm cup of milk, chamomile tea, and even tart cherry juice. Understanding the effects of night-time drinks on the body’s circadian rhythm needs more research, but they’re also quite beneficial to our health. Sleep experts believe that warm milk has chemicals that can affect the sleep-wake transition of the brain. Chamomile tea can also help as it contains flavonoids that interact with receptors involved in the brain’s sleep-wake transition. Some may find it odd that tea is being suggested for better sleep. But, chamomile tea does not contain any caffeine. Tart cherry juice can also work as a sleep treatment as it helps improve melatonin production in the brain and improves the sleep cycle.
8 Ways to Lower Cholesterol Levels Naturally

8 Ways to Lower Cholesterol Levels Naturally

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance mainly produced by the liver. It often gets a bad rap, but we need cholesterol to function. There are two types of cholesterol: LDL (or bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol). The former causes plaque in the arteries, increasing heart disease risk, while the latter helps remove bad cholesterol from the bloodstream. Besides treatment, there are several natural ways to lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol levels. Follow a plant-based meal plan One of the best ways to lower cholesterol levels naturally is to follow a plant-based meal plan. This means only choosing foods sourced from plants, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. The most nutritious options from these categories are apples, avocados, kale, broccoli, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, brown rice, and quinoa. Studies have shown that plant-based meal plans can effectively reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Those concerned about plant-based meals lacking sufficient protein can add more beans, legumes, and spinach to their meals. Exercise regularly Being physically active is vital for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Regular workouts help reduce harmful LDL and increase beneficial HDL while boosting overall health. But one must include both aerobic and resistance exercises in the workout routine for the best benefits.
Psoriasis – Its Types and Symptoms

Psoriasis – Its Types and Symptoms

Psoriasis is a skin disease that affects people of all ages in many forms. It is associated with symptoms like rashes, red patches, and a whitish buildup of dead skin cells that look like scales. These usually occur around the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. Psoriasis affects around 8 million people throughout the country. Let us takes a look at the types, symptoms, causes, and common triggers of psoriasis. Types of psoriasis Plaque psoriasis This type of psoriasis is the most common and affects about 80-90% of people suffering from psoriasis. It can appear on the scalp, knees, elbows, and torso. Plaque psoriasis is also often accompanied by nail psoriasis. This condition is caused by genetics or skin injury, sunburn, stress, or infection. Some of its associated symptoms include:   Raised and inflamed rashes These may vary from person to person and may appear as small spots like dandruff on the scalp or major eruptions on the skin. These may flare up for weeks or a month and subside eventually. Itchy skin and red patches The color of the patches may vary from person to person, and it could range from dark brown and purple patches to pink, red, or whitish scaly skin.
Here’s Everything One Should Know About Tinnitus

Here’s Everything One Should Know About Tinnitus

Tinnitus is an uncomfortable condition that entails a continuous ringing sound in the ears.  Nearly  50 million people in the country suffer from tinnitus, and severe cases have an adverse effect on one’s daily life. Such a condition  can also be the symptom of  a more serious underlying condition. So, before knowing how to cure ringing in the ears, it’s important to understand the causes behind tinnitus as well as its diagnosis and treatment options. Risk Factors Although the exact cause of tinnitus can be difficult to assess, these factors can increase the risk of ringing in the ears or worsen it: Canal Blockage A blockage in the ears due to an infection can result in the accumulation of fluid or wax, thereby changing the pressure and causing a ringing sound. Excess accumulation of earwax can also be a cause.  Hearing Loss The inner ear, i.e., the cochlea, contains minutely delicate hair cells that move on receiving sound waves and trigger electrical signals along the nerve from the ear to the brain. Damage to these cells might leak random electrical impulses. Injuries Injuries or accidents affecting the inner ear can cause ringing sounds in either or both ears. Loud explosions and high-pitched sirens are known to injure the eardrum.  Ongoing Treatments A highly overlooked cause of  tinnitus is a treatment that one is undergoing.
Types of Facelifts and Things to Expect During the Procedure

Types of Facelifts and Things to Expect During the Procedure

A facelift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that gives a person a younger appearance. It involves the tightening of loose skin and fat around the neck and face areas. During the procedure, excess skin is removed and the wound is stitched shut. There are many types of procedures. A plastic surgeon will discuss a person’s goals before the surgery. This article focuses on the type of lifts and other important things. Why is it done? It is important to remember that while a facelift can hide certain signs of aging, it cannot reverse the process. Your face’s appearance and shape vary as you age due to typical aging-related changes. A person’s skin becomes looser and less elastic, and the amount of fat in different parts of the face changes. The following age-related changes can be improved when a person undergoes a facelift: saggy cheeks; additional skin around the jawline; a thickening of the skin fold that runs from the corners of the mouth to the sides of the nose; and skin that is sagging below the neck. Listed below are some of the common types of facelifts. Lower facelifts The operation will depend purely on the individual’s needs. A variety of surgical procedures are offered to treat various aesthetic concerns.
DNA Testing – Definition, Types, and Procedure

DNA Testing – Definition, Types, and Procedure

Your body receives DNA from your parents. DNA is made up of genes, chromosomes, and proteins. Even though DNA or Deoxyribonucleic Acid is very little, you will be surprised to know how much information it can hold. Getting a DNA test to determine if someone is a child’s father is one of the most common reasons for getting the test done. However, the scope of DNA testing is much beyond establishing paternity. DNA testing or genetic testing Also known as genetic testing, it is used by doctors to identify changes in genes, chromosomes, and proteins, if any. The results of this test can be used to identify any genetic condition that might be suspected or the chances of developing a genetic disorder in a person. Also, if the results are normal, they can rule out the possibility of any genetic defect or problems. There are certain benefits, limitations, and risks that come along with DNA testing. Therefore, this test is entirely voluntary, wherein the concerned person is well aware of all the potential risks before approval. This test is also conducted by some psychiatrists or genetic counselors to identify an individual’s social and emotional condition to deal with their mental issues.