10 symptoms that indicate pregnancy

10 symptoms that indicate pregnancy

For women trying to conceive or wondering if they may be pregnant, one of the first signs to watch out for is a missed menstrual cycle. Although several other symptoms can point to the possibility of a pregnancy, it’s always best to visit a doctor for confirmation. Read on to know the common symptoms of pregnancy: Missed period If a woman in childbearing years experiences a delay of over a week in her menstrual cycles, it may indicate pregnancy. That being said, missed or irregular cycles could also be a result of health issues like thyroid problems. So, women should also keep an eye out for the other symptoms mentioned here. Fatigue Being more tired than usual could be an early symptom of pregnancy. When a woman is pregnant, the progesterone levels in her body rise, which causes her to feel sleepy and tired. Frequent urination During pregnancy, the quantity of blood flowing in a woman’s body increases, causing the kidney to work overtime. This places extra pressure on the bladder and leads to more frequent urges to urinate. Nausea or morning sickness This may be accompanied with or without vomiting, and this pregnancy symptom is also known as morning sickness. Contrary to popular belief according to the name, it may occur at any time of the day. That being said, all women do not experience this symptom, so it should not be considered as the ultimate factor that indicates pregnancy. The cause of this symptom is unknown, but pregnancy hormones are considered to play a key role in its development. Swollen, tender breasts Pregnant women may experience sore and sensitive breasts. After a few weeks into the pregnancy, this discomfort reduces as the body gets accustomed to the hormonal changes, but this is a concrete sign of pregnancy. Nasal congestion This is a little-known sign of pregnancy and occurs due to soaring hormone levels and the production of blood that make the nose swell, dry out, and bleed.
Lung cancer – Types, symptoms, and causes

Lung cancer – Types, symptoms, and causes

When the cells in the lungs begin to abnormally multiply and grow, it results in cancer. Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. And the risk of suffering from this life-threatening disease is even higher when one is a smoker. Herein, we discuss the various factors that come into play when it comes to lung cancer. Symptoms of lung cancer Usually, lung cancer does not present any symptoms or signs in the early stages. However, as the disease progresses, one may notice Headache Bone pain Loss in weight Hoarse voice Chest pain Shortness of breath Coughing of blood A new cough that persists One should consult a doctor if they notice these signs. If someone is unable to quit smoking, they should visit a medical practitioner for quitting techniques to help avoid this disease. Types of lung cancer There are two kinds of lung cancer: Non-small cell lung cancer This is a catchall term that includes many varieties of this disease, like large cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. Small cell lung cancer This happens mainly to people who are heavy smokers, and it’s rarer than non-small cell lung cancer. Risk factors of lung cancer Various factors put you at risk of getting this disease. While some of them can be controlled, others cannot. One should watch out for these top factors in their day-to-day life and environment: Family history If one’s family has a history of this disease, perhaps in a parent, child, or sibling, then they may get it as well. Exposure to radon gas It could be a part of the air or the risk could be in the natural breakdown of uranium in the water, rock, or soil. These can be found in any building or home. Exposure to carcinogens or asbestos Workplaces that are exposed to these substances are quite harmful.
Know the basics of VA streamline refinancing

Know the basics of VA streamline refinancing

Veterans and military families can opt for refinancing offers that give homeowners an option to reduce the ongoing interest rate. VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL), also known as VA Streamline, is the simplest refinance option, which involves minimal paperwork and overhead costs. However, despite the substantial benefits every scheme is different, and it must be thoroughly discussed with an expert. What are the benefits of IRRRL? The interest rates will be fixed, contrarily to how they usually fluctuate depending on the market rate. Additionally, there’s the benefit of monthly payment savings once a family signs up for VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan. While the VA borrowers are entitled to 0.5 percent funding fee, that too can be waived off under certain conditions. If the veteran develops a disability due to their service, and is not compensated nor given retirement, the family surviving them are entitled to this benefit. How does IRRRL affect the year term? With the help of this VA IRRRL the term year of a loan can be adjusted. If your term loan is of 30 years, one can bring down the term to 15 years. However, the monthly payments will be increased. So, it’s recommended that one must calculate the monthly payment and the interest cost over 20 years to understand what’s a better choice. Cash-out is an option with IRRRL VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) allows cash-out on certain terms and conditions and it must be applied before the window of 90 days closes. Additionally, a VA-backed loan can replace one’s current loan with another under new terms and conditions, and it holds an option of cash-out of home equity. Most people opt for cash-out of home equity to be able to pay for student loans, debts, make home improvements, medical needs, and other essential needs.
4 apps you can use as a side hustle to earn quick cash

4 apps you can use as a side hustle to earn quick cash

Earning a few quick bucks apart from your primary source of income is always helpful. Whether for selling used items or a side hustle, the internet is brimming with websites and apps that let you make money. However, many of these are not as legitimate as they appear. So, if you want to earn cash with apps, here are the best options. Swagbucks This app has an A rating with Better Business Bureau and more than 10 million active users worldwide. It is one of the best apps that lets you earn cash quickly. Swagbucks offers $10 to new users as a welcome bonus. Besides, it is easy to use; all you need to do is watch videos, play games, or take part in search surveys, and the company will deposit the amount in your PayPal account. Swagbucks also gives you the option to redeem the money and use it as a gift card on shopping websites. Dosh If you are an avid shopper and want to earn cash with apps, Dosh is one of the best options for you. Available on both Android and iOS, Dosh lets you make money every time you use your card for shopping online or at walk-in stores. The amount keeps getting deposited in your “Dosh Wallet.” Then once you have earned $25, the app lets you withdraw the money. In addition, the company has tie-ups with major brands and merchants that offer you cashback if you purchase stuff through Dosh. Plus, you get $5 by simply linking your card with the app. HealhyWage HealthyWage is a unique app that motivates you to earn cash by losing weight. It lets you set weight loss goals and rewards you with money accordingly. For instance, its 10% challenge requires you to shed 10% of your body weight in six months in exchange for around $300.
Foods and home remedies to manage flu

Foods and home remedies to manage flu

When a person is down with the flu, they may not feel like eating much. However, healthy food is essential to keep the bug down. Fevers, body aches, colds, and cough take a toll on the body, leading to added weakness. Foods that are high in nutrients add to the body’s defense and make the immune system stronger to fight the illness. Here’s a list of foods and home remedies for flu relief. Foods for Relief from Flu Chicken soup Chicken soup contains vitamins, minerals, calories, and proteins, which are required when you’re down with flu. It is packed with amino acid cysteine, which is known to have antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, chicken soup is a complete meal that boosts immunity and opens up blocked nasal passages. Broths Any kind of broth is a rich source of fluids, nutrients, and electrolytes. It is easy to digest, rich in collagen, and reduces dehydration, promoting faster recovery from the flu. Most broths also contain amino acids, which are an essential source of protein. Consider making or buying a low-salt broth if you are watching your sodium intake. Hot tea After chicken soup, hot tea is a popular remedy for cold and flu. Be it green, oolong, or black, hot teas help relieve nasal congestion. But make sure your tea does not contain caffeine as it can cause dehydration. Teas are also rich in cancer-fighting antioxidants and polyphenols. Home Remedies for Relief from Flu Saltwater gargles Gargling with lukewarm salt water can treat upper respiratory infections by loosening the phlegm and mucus virus. The salt in the water also helps with throat pain and nasal congestion. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a glass of water and swish it around your mouth and then spit. Warm baths Taking a warm water bath may reduce the symptoms of a cold and flu.
5 safety tips for concert and festival goers

5 safety tips for concert and festival goers

The thought of attending a concert or a festival is an exciting one. You can watch your favorite artist perform live, sing and dance to their music, and enjoy assorted food and drinks. However, whether this is a one-day or weekend-long event, there are several factors that one may overlook, including safety concerns. So if you have considered attending any such event, here are five tips for ensuring you’re safe throughout it. Attend with a group Thousands of people may attend a concert or a festival on any given day. So, it is quite easy to get lost in such a big crowd, even if you look away for just a minute. Therefore, it is advisable to attend the event with friends and stick together. If you must separate, then always let them know where you are in case of emergencies. Moreover, you should share your smartphone’s location with them (and vice versa) so that they can find you easily. Identify an exit route Despite the level of security at a festival or concert, several factors may trigger panic among the crowd. Therefore, you must identify more than one exit route in the block assigned to you. In case one is blocked, you can always use the other. You should also look for marked exits and occasionally check if those routes are available. Hydrate constantly Many events begin during the day when the sun is overhead. So while you might enjoy dancing to the tunes from a favorite band, the heat might lead to dehydration and possible collapse. To avoid such symptoms or accidents, you should drink plenty of water throughout the concert. Other ways to stay shielded from the sun include wearing sunglasses and a hat. You should also look for shaded areas where you can relax in between sets.
Ataxia – Warning signs, causes, and types

Ataxia – Warning signs, causes, and types

Ataxia is a condition that generally results from damage to the cerebellum or its connections, the part of the brain controlling muscle coordination. It can be a result or a symptom of various conditions like stroke, tumor, brain degeneration, multiple sclerosis, or genetic disorders. Ataxia can affect a person’s coordination, speech, and balance and make it difficult to swallow or walk. Keep reading to learn more about the warning signs of this condition. Symptoms of ataxia Some early warning signs of ataxia to watch out for include- Problems with coordination and balance, such as clumsiness or frequent falling Facing trouble with fine motor skills such as picking up small objects, writing, or buttoning up clothes Slurred or unclear speech Tremors or muscle spasms Difficulties with eating or swallowing Unusual eye movements, such as blinking slower than usual or suffering from nystagmus (a form of involuntary eye movement) Cardiovascular issues The severity of the symptoms of this condition depends on the type of ataxia one is dealing with. Genetic failures, other health conditions, vitamin deficiencies, injuries, or immunological problems can cause ataxia. Depending on the causes, ataxia may be categorized into three types. Inherited ataxia Inherited ataxia occurs when a parent (or both parents) passes on a congenital disability to their child. It may worsen from one generation to the next. The most common types of inherited ataxia are spinocerebellar ataxia, episodic ataxia, Friedreich’s ataxia, and ataxia telangiectasia. Acquired ataxia Many external events can also cause ataxia. These include brain surgery, tumors, head injuries, infections such as meningitis and chickenpox, exposure to toxic chemicals such as mercury or lead, neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy, stroke, an underactive thyroid, vitamin B12 deficiency, chemotherapy, etc. Idiopathic ataxia When no underlying cause is found for the condition, it is known as idiopathic ataxia.
4 gadgets that are not worth the money

4 gadgets that are not worth the money

It’s easy to fall into a cycle of buying new products, especially gadgets, that promise to make certain tasks a tad easier. However, more often than not, they don’t live up to their hype, and customers end up with products that are quite useless and a waste of money. While many brands claim their gadgets to be must-haves, customers don’t necessarily need to invest in them. Here are some gadgets that aren’t worth the money: 1. Disposable power banks Power banks are excellent for emergencies. They can help charge a phone, tablet, headphones, and smart wearables. However, investing in a disposable power bank is not worth the money. Most of them come with lithium batteries, just without charging circuits. They are incredibly wasteful and end up in landfills because most people don’t properly dispose of electronic waste as they should. A normal power bank does the job and can be used more than a hundred times. It is environmentally friendly and easy to carry around. 2. VR headsets Virtual reality (VR) headsets are a big hit among users. However, this immersive experience comes at a cost, and a huge one at that. This is because most kinds of content are not made keeping in mind the usability of a VR headset. With limited VR-compatible content, people are left with just a few options to enjoy the experience. This means paying more than is necessary for a limited-time experience. Investing this money in another gadget that can offer better use is better. Also, those who want to view VR-compatible content can always rent a VR headset. 3. Trendy wearables Fitness bands and rings are great for keeping track of one’s health, especially one’s pulse rate, resting heart rate, sleep cycle, and more. That said, with rapid technological advancement, new wearables with advanced interfaces are being launched multiple times a year.
5 mistakes to avoid when selling or investing in cryptocurrency

5 mistakes to avoid when selling or investing in cryptocurrency

Being new to crypto trading does not necessarily mean one must make all the mistakes to experience and learn. Why not start smart as a beginner? For this, it is essential to be thorough with the common mistakes to avoid when selling or investing in cryptocurrency. Knowing what they are can help potential crypto traders begin their crypto journey on an informed and solid footing without incurring unnecessary losses. 1. Buying because the price is low Low prices may not always hint at a bargain. Sometimes, the prices are low for a reason. So, being wary of the coins with falling user rates is crucial. Many developers formulate a project and leave it after a few years. Consequently, the coin has not been updated, a common reason for its low price. So, one of the mistakes to avoid when selling or investing in cryptocurrency is buying without research, merely because the price is low. 2. Failing to pick the right crypto exchange platform Before one starts trading, one must research and choose a reliable cryptocurrency exchange. Sadly, many beginners rush into this step, which later proves to be a costly mistake. So, when selecting an exchange, look for the following features: User-friendliness and simplicity Low fees Vast selection of coins Good asset prices Useful trading features Regular review of security terms Personalized and reliable support Good educational content Secure and authentic 3. Diving in without much study One cannot learn trading by watching a few tutorials online or reading eBooks. To be well-versed in the skill, one must acquire in-depth knowledge before investing. So, it is vital to spend time learning the basics. One must know the following: What it entails Its types Risks involved How it works One can find several resources and courses online to equip oneself before taking the plunge.
Top 50 Black Friday Deals to Expect in 2023

Top 50 Black Friday Deals to Expect in 2023

With the holiday season right around the corner, it is time to gear up for one of the most anticipated shopping events of the year—Black Friday. The day after Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday shopping season that sees massive sales in both online and physical stores. This annual retail extravaganza, known for unbelievable discounts and deals, is a shopper’s paradise. So, here are 50 Black Friday deals to expect in 2023 across categories: Gadgets The sale season usually comes with exciting discounts on gadgets. Here’s what one can expect this season: Smartphones : Apple does not typically offer discounts on iPhones directly, but retailers and carriers often offer gift cards or trade-in deals on the purchase of the latest iPhone models. Meanwhile, Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and AT&T frequently offer great deals on Android smartphones. For example, last year, shoppers got a $400 reduction on the price of the Google Pixel 7 Pro, making it one of the standout deals. Televisions : Previous years’ trends indicate significant price drops on a variety of TV models. Brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony are known to offer impressive deals here. Shoppers can expect to find smart TVs, 4K displays, Fire TV Stick, OLED panels, streaming devices, and remote controls on sale. Laptops and tablets : Brands like Dell, Acer, HP, ASUS, and Microsoft Surface are likely to provide discounts on laptops, desktops, ultrabooks, and tablets, making it a perfect time to upgrade one’s tech. Speakers : Last year’s deals included an impressive discount of up to 45% on Bluetooth speakers, soundbars, and Echo speakers from brands like Sonos, Roku, Sony, and Amazon. Headphones : Bose, JBL, HyperX, and Sony often offer deals on noise-canceling headphones, gaming headsets, and earbuds during the shopping season. Smartwatches and wearables : Brands like Fitbit and Garmin may present deals on fitness trackers and smartwatches, helping one stay healthy and connected.
Popular meal kit delivery options for wholesome meals

Popular meal kit delivery options for wholesome meals

Buying delicious hot meals without leaving the comfort of the couch is a luxury everyone wants. Hence, the use of online food delivery services has seen a substantial rise in the past few years. Online delivery has become an extremely accessible and convenient option for everyone. To help you choose the best one, here are some of the best online delivery options in terms of delivery fees, reach, and seamless user interface. Grubhub Grubhub is one of the best online delivery options since it has an extensive reach and a wide variety of restaurant tie-ups. It is present in over 4000 cities across the country, and the app offers a simple user interface. Grubhub allows individuals to filter options based on fastest delivery, ratings, cuisine, and location. They also allow users to place advance orders up to four days prior. Restaurants decide their own fee and minimum order requirements. One can pay on Grubhub through cash, credit cards, Apple Pay, Andriod Pay, PayPal, and eGift vouchers. They also have special deals that are available exclusively on their mobile app. Uber Eats Uber Eats is serviceable in 24 countries across the globe. It is an extension of their ride-sharing app that facilitates users to order food on the go or make scheduled delivery. It charges a minimum fee of $2-3 on orders less than $10-15. They also charge a 15% service fee. However, a Marketwatch study found that Uber Eats was the cheapest in comparison with identical orders from other food delivery apps. Their $9.99 monthly plan offers free delivery with additional discounts. This service allows users to pay through credit cards or credit earned via the app. Individuals can track their orders in real-time and have the option to tip delivery agents. DoorDash DoorDash is one of the best options for ordering food online due to its easy interface.
What to eat and avoid for schizophrenia

What to eat and avoid for schizophrenia

It has been observed that those who have schizophrenia, a chronic psychological illness, usually have diets that are unhealthy, low in fiber and fruit, and high in saturated fats. Unhealthy eating habits typically lead to other health problems which can also put people with schizophrenia at high risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and more. According to research, dietary changes do really help manage schizophrenia. Here are some best and worst foods for schizophrenia. Foods to eat Fruits Many studies show that people with schizophrenia usually do not get enough fiber, and thus, need to eat fruits. Some of the best sources of fiber are apples, pears, and raspberries. Fiber not only helps reduce bad cholesterol but also helps in digestion, thereby reducing the chances of certain health problems associated with schizophrenia such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Vegetables Vegetables don’t have heart-heavy cholesterol, are packed with essential vitamins and fiber, and are low in calories and fat. Veggies like sweet potatoes, kidney beans, and lima beans contain potassium that could help in keeping blood sugar in check. The best food for schizophrenia is spinach as it is high in folate, which could help in easing symptoms of schizophrenia. Apart from spinach, folate can also be found in asparagus and black-eyed peas. Fatty fish Since omega-3 fatty acids cannot be produced by the body, one needs to get them through food such as fatty fish like salmon and mackerel. Omega-3 fatty acids not only ease but also prevent the symptoms of schizophrenia and even slow down the progress of the disease. Vegetarians can intake walnuts and ask their doctor to prescribe omega-3 supplements. Crab and oysters According to research, there could exist a relationship between schizophrenia and low levels of zinc, which can be found in lobsters, crab, and oysters, as well as fortified cereals and beef.