Lactose and gluten are the new buzzwords in the health market. Despite their popularity, many people still need clarification on what the terminologies mean and their ramifications on specific health conditions. Also, since digestive problems are rising, there has been significant research and development in food alternatives. This article explores one of the most popular alternatives, i.e., lactose-free milk – and why it may be a sound choice for many. What is lactose-free milk? Many people experience abdominal issues such as bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain after consuming regular milk. This health condition is known as lactose intolerance. It occurs due to the sugar ‘lactose’ found in dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice cream, which can be difficult to digest. It may be caused due to genetic factors or due to illness or injury to the small intestine. As a solution to this, companies began producing lactose-free milk, that is, regular milk without lactose. Most lactose-free milk contains 0.1% or less of lactose. This is achieved by processing milk to remove most of its lactose content and adding lactase to cow’s milk. Lactase helps break down lactose content in the body, making it easier for people to consume and digest milk. Although slightly sweeter, its nutrients (calcium, protein, and vitamin B) and texture profile are the same as regular milk. Why switch to lactose-free milk? Although most people are born with the ability to digest lactose, most (around 75%) tend to lose it over time, leading to lactose intolerance. It occurs due to the decreased activity of lactase in their bodies. Since lactose-free milk contains lactase, it’s often perceived as a good alternative to milk. Is it suitable for everyone? Although lactose-free milk may be ideal for those with lactose intolerance, it is still a dairy product. It can cause allergic reactions of varying intensities (such as hives, vomiting, etc.) among people allergic to dairy.

Leading a dignified life and having access to basic necessities and comforts is every senior citizen’s absolute right. Assisted living facilities provide extensive senior care catering to one’s specific requirements, including assistance with daily activities like bathing and eating, as well as emergency help and healthcare services. The size of assisted living facilities may range from 20-25 residents to as many as 120. This article delves into the benefits of availing assisted living services: Personalized assistance One of the greatest benefits of assisted living for senior care is that these facilities provide personalized assistance following a close evaluation of a senior citizen’s needs and preferences. For example, while some seniors may require help with all daily activities, others may only require overall supervision and may be able to carry out most of these tasks independently. Assisted living facilities consider every such requirement and provide the necessary services accordingly. Assured safety for seniors A safe and secure environment is essential for peaceful living. Assisted living facilities offer safe environments for seniors to lead comfortable lives without worrying about taking safety measures. Background checks of staff members are performed thoroughly before they are employed to ensure that only reliable and trustworthy individuals provide services to seniors. Companionship Assisted living facilities provide the opportunity for seniors to closely interact and co-exist with individuals of their age groups who can understand and empathize with their challenges and needs. Availability of all facilities within the premises Seniors may often find it challenging to commute to other areas in search of utilities and services. Assisted living facilities offer all the required facilities, including healthcare needs within their premises, making it easy for seniors to fulfill all their requirements without having to navigate far. Access to a host of activities Many assisted living facilities offer physically and mentally stimulating activities for seniors, including yoga and meditation, reading clubs, board games, and hobby groups, which aid in overall health and well-being.

Today, there are several provisions for people with physical disabilities to lead comfortable and dignified lives in every way – physically, mentally, and financially. Insurance is an integral part of financial security for those with disabilities. Once the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) qualifies a person as suffering from a disability, individuals can apply for financial benefits for themselves and their families. So, here are some insurance benefits that people with disabilities can avail of: 1. Medicare benefits Medicare offers many benefits to those with disabilities, and these benefits are usually classified into three parts: Medicare A: Medicare A covers inpatient hospital costs, hospice care, and a part of home health care. However, it doesn’t cover custodial care, wherein one seeks help with daily activities at home. Medicare B: This part of Medicare financially reimburses outpatient care and services availed from doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, etc. It also includes coverage for ambulance services and any equipment bought to aid in everyday tasks. Medicare D: Medicare D is available to all individuals – even those who do not have a disability – and covers prescription treatments. 2. Social Security Disability Insurance The SSA offers Social Security Disability Insurance, which provides monthly financial help to those incapacitated by a disability. To qualify, a person should be diagnosed with a long-term disability that prevents them from continuing with their work. The insurance also provides benefits to the person’s immediate family members in the event of the person’s death due to the disability. 3. Ticket to Work Program The Ticket to Work Program is another initiative by the SSA, which ensures that those with a disability can get back to work and become financially independent while continuing to receive all the disability benefits. 4. Medicaid Unlike Medicare, Medicaid only provides health insurance coverage to those below 65 years of age and who have certain disabilities.

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the patient’s bones become brittle and porous. This increases the chances of getting bone fractures and experiencing joint pain. Sometimes bones become so brittle that coughing or bending over causes a fracture. Although osteoporosis does not have a permanent cure, there are ways to manage its symptoms and strengthen weakened bones. Listed in this article are some of the steps that can be taken to promote bone health naturally. Opt for calcium-rich foods Calcium plays an integral part in the maintenance of bone density for osteoporosis patients, which is why it needs to be incorporated in every meal. Dairy products are an ideal source of calcium. However, calcium-fortified food options like cereals, yogurt, juices, and more can be equally resourceful. Include physical activity In our fast-paced lives, physical activity often takes a backseat. This lack of daily physical activity can prove to be a concern, especially for patients with osteoporosis. Strength training or weight-bearing exercises like swimming, walking, running, hiking, and more are recommended by health care professionals. Eat vitamin-rich foods While vitamin D helps the body improve calcium absorption, vitamin K2 ensures that the absorbed calcium is not lost. Both these crucial components can be obtained from food. However, in some cases, osteoporosis patients might need to be prescribed supplements to overcome vitamin D deficiency. Avoid carbonated drinks One of the negative outcomes of sodas and other fizzy beverages is the loss of bone strength. It is believed that the phosphoric acid present in these drinks hinders the body’s absorption of calcium and results in weaker bones and decreased bone density. Limit sugar intake Unchecked sugar consumption can lead to weight gain, decreased bone density, and increased risk of osteoporosis, all of which needs to be avoided in order to promote good bone health.

Immunization can be an important part of health, especially in our globalizing world, where one is exposed to many risks in the form of infections. Records for these risks are maintained by the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and according to them vaccinations can help protect one from many of these diseases. Delaying or not choosing to vaccinate or be vaccinated could have some health and social implications. Here are the most common ones: Pregnancy complications Unvaccinated pregnant women may be at a higher risk of contracting infections or diseases and passing them on to their child. For instance, a woman who contracts rubella during the first trimester of pregnancy is at risk of transmitting congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) to her baby. CRS can cause heart defects, developmental delays, and even deafness. Potential risk to others Those who choose not to get vaccinated or not vaccinate their children against vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) also pose a health risk to others, especially those with compromised immune systems from cancer or auto-immune diseases. Social isolation Skipping vaccinations, especially for children, can also result in social exclusion. If an unvaccinated child is sick or dealing with a disease, they may need to be isolated from others and sometimes even the family. A disease or infection outbreak in the community may also require one to keep their unvaccinated child at home, further isolating or excluding them from social engagements and activities. Risk to life Skipping or delaying vaccinations could have lifelong consequences. Those who are unvaccinated may require treatment that is more expensive or different when ill. There is also always the risk of healthcare professionals being unfamiliar with the care needed, posing a further health risk to those in need of medical attention. For children who haven’t been vaccinated, even basic infections such as the flu can be a risk.

Respiration is a vital function for survival, but certain breathing habits can significantly affect lung health. The body has a natural defense system to prevent dirt, germs, and bacteria from entering the lungs, and the right practices can help you maintain optimal function. Further, you can take a few important steps to lower the risk of respiratory issues. So, here are common breathing mistakes to avoid for maintaining lung health: Shallow breathing Shallow breathing, or chest breathing, is a common error that involves taking quick, short breaths that only fill the top portion of the lungs. As a result, the lungs do not get enough oxygen, which can cause fatigue, dizziness, and even anxiety. To avoid shallow breathing, practice diaphragmatic breathing, i.e., taking deep breaths that fill your belly with air. First, inhale slowly through the nose, with one hand on the belly and the other on your chest, and feel your belly rise with each breath. Then, exhale slowly through the mouth and repeat for several minutes. Holding your breath Another common mistake you can make, especially when exercising, is holding your breath. This can lead to a lack of oxygen in the lungs, increasing the risk of fatigue, dizziness, and even fainting. So, you should exhale slowly during the most difficult part of the exercise or physical activity. This will help you maintain a steady oxygen flow to your lungs and muscles, allowing you to work out better and avoid injury. Mouth breathing When you breathe through the mouth, you inhale dry, unfiltered, and unmoisturized air. This can irritate the throat, cause dry mouth, and even increase the risk of respiratory infections. So, you should try to breathe through your nose as much as possible. The nose filters and warms the air, lowering the risk of respiratory infections and protecting your lungs.

Pain is a natural response of the body that alerts one of potential harm or injury. While some types of pain are normal and can be easily treated with natural or holistic home remedies, there are certain types of pain that may be severe or persistent. These pains may be signs or causes of underlying health conditions that require immediate medical attention. Certain types of pain that one should never ignore are listed below. Chest pain Chest pain can indicate a heart attack or angina- a form of chest pain triggered by reduced blood flow to the heart. Chest pain can also indicate other severe conditions, such as a pulmonary embolism or aortic dissection. Severe headache Common causes of headaches include dehydration, lack of sleep, eye strain, or sinus infection. But when one experiences a severe or sudden headache or headaches accompanied by other symptoms like a stiff neck, vision changes, dizziness, or tingling on one side of the body, it may be a warning sign of underlying health concerns. Usually, severe headaches may result from a head injury, the onset of stroke, meningitis, low blood sugar, or more. Abdominal pain Abdominal pain can indicate various health conditions like appendicitis, ulcerative colitis, or a kidney stone. Therefore, consulting a healthcare professional is advised if one experiences severe or persistent abdominal pain. Back pain Severe or persistent lower back pain can indicate an underlying disease such as kidney stones or kidney infection. The pain can either be dull or sharp and can be accompanied by other symptoms like nausea and painful urination. Unusually painful periods Women who experience severe or abnormally painful periods may feel cramping, sharp pain, or a constant ache in their lower abdomen or back. The pain may accompany heavy bleeding or irregular periods and interfere with daily activities.

These days, receiving a Botox treatment is easy due to its widespread popularity. It is a quick and pain-free treatment that a dermatologist can administer. Moreover, Botox has several skin and health benefits, such as reducing wrinkles, treating chronic migraines, reducing excessive sweating, and addressing neck spasms. However, one must avoid certain common mistakes before, during, or after the procedure to utilize this treatment’s benefits fully. Some common Botox mistakes to avoid are listed below. Getting a massage after the procedure Getting a massage after undergoing Botox treatment can be harmful. A massage causes the components of Botox to spread to other areas of the skin and unintentionally affects those muscles and tissues. Therefore, undergoing a massage right after Botox can have several undesirable results, such as unwanted stretching or loosening of skin in specific areas. To avoid such issues, it is advised to get a massage at least a week to 10 days after receiving Botox treatment. Exercising on the day of treatment The skin retains an element of sensitivity after Botox. Therefore, health experts advise people undergoing this procedure to avoid exercising for at least three to four hours after the treatment. Exercising involves wear and tear of the skin tissues and muscles. So, working out after Botox can cause long-standing damage to the skin. Health experts also suggest exercising the next day after the skin treatment. Exposure to the sun Another major Botox mistake people make is exposing themselves to the sun or visiting saunas right after the treatment. Sunlight can bring about pigmentation issues in the skin. Similarly, saunas can negatively affect the skin and create long-term skin complications in people. To avoid these issues, dermatologists usually advise people to stay away from the sun or saunas for up to 4 hours after a Botox procedure.

Good overall health indicates the presence of a proper lifestyle and the right food choices. Among other things, it also points to proper blood circulation. Poor blood circulation can lead to improper functioning of the organs and body systems. The condition can be caused by damaged or restricted blood vessels and plagued arteries, among other factors. Thus, it is crucial for one to be aware of the various symptoms of poor blood circulation. Cramping The painful cramping of muscles, even after minimal or a regular amount of activity, can be a sign of poor blood supply. The symptom is generally resolved after getting some rest. Numbness and tingling The feeling of numbness or tingling generally occurs in the body’s extremities. This is a sign and a result of poor blood flow to the limbs. If the sensation is chronic, it may also be caused by some underlying condition. Exhaustion and feeling cold A proper blood supply gives the body the energy to carry out organ functions, system activities, etc. It also fuels the maintenance of optimum temperature levels along with energy. If the blood supply to the body is compromised, it may lead to one feeling cold, lethargic, and fatigued. Poor cognitive function The proper functioning of the brain is based on the speed and quality of blood flowing to the organ. People that deal with poor blood circulation will also experience challenges focusing or concentrating on things and have a compromised memory, both short and long-term. Weak immunity With poor blood supply, the infection-fighting antibodies and cells become sluggish, resulting in a weak immune system. If you observe increased healing time for cuts and bruises or seem to fall ill frequently, you may want to consult a doctor. Constipation A slower blood flow can result in slowing down various body processes.

Research has shown a correlation between nutritional choices and heart health. Out of all meals, breakfast plays an important role when it comes to reducing the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. A heart-friendly breakfast can set the tone for the rest of the day, providing essential nutrients and energy to keep one going. So, here are 7 heart-healthy breakfast ideas that are not only delicious and nutritious but also easy to make: 1. Overnight oatmeal Rolled oats soaked overnight in milk or dairy-free alternatives with a sprinkle of chia seeds, a touch of honey, and fresh berries can be a filling, heart-healthy breakfast. The fiber in oats helps lower bad cholesterol levels, promoting heart health. 2. Avocado toast Avocado is rich in monounsaturated fats, which have been linked to lower levels of bad cholesterol and a reduced risk of heart disease. Here, one can layer thin avocado slices on whole-grain toast and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs, lemon juice, or even a poached egg can also be added to the recipe. 3. Vegetable smoothies Smoothies with leafy greens like spinach or kale, along with cucumber or celery, can be nutritious, as these veggies are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that contribute to better heart health. One can add strawberry, pineapple, mango, or peanut butter to the smoothie for natural sweetness. 4. Smoothie bowls This recipe calls for a thick smoothie base made of fruits or veggies, cereals, yogurt or milk, and nut butter blended together. Avocados, carrots, leafy greens, papaya, bananas, frozen berries, peaches, and low-fat yogurt are usually added to smoothie bowls. These ingredients contain antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, which support heart health. One can top the bowl with nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit for added texture and flavor. 5. Cottage cheese with fruit Cottage cheese provides protein, calcium, B vitamins, and phosphorus, making it a filling and nutritious breakfast option.

The pandemic has led to an increase in the number of diabetes cases. This has happened because the virus disrupts the production of insulin. Moreover, the inflammation caused by the virus can worsen the symptoms of pre-existing diabetes. According to research, the virus spreads to the pancreatic beta-cells responsible and interferes with the synthesis and secretion of insulin. All of these factors have made it critical to understand the various signs of excessive sugar intake. Increase in appetite Sugary foods are rich in calories. But they do not have the nutritional value that the body otherwise gains from proteins, fiber, and antioxidants found in healthy foods. Empty calories cannot satiate a full-grown adult. So, to fill this void, many people turn to compulsive snacking throughout the day. Excess fatigue People who eat sugary foods and beverages regularly might experience frequent bouts of fatigue. Excess sugar triggers abnormal changes in insulin levels, and energy levels drop rapidly as the body tries to process the extra calories. Acne and skin problems One of the most noticeable signs of excess sugar intake is adult acne and skin problems. This is mainly because of blood glucose imbalance since the body’s glycemic levels influence skin health. Digestive problems Sugar is an underlying irritant that can result in many digestive problems. People may experience stomach pain and cramping. Diarrhea is also a significant risk factor for those with gastrointestinal issues. Dental problems Having sugary foods and beverages every day increases the risk of cavities. The bacteria in the mouth thrive off particles left behind in the molars, leading to cavities and other dental problems. Joint pain Sugar is also an inflammatory trigger, so those suffering from joint problems will experience more pain with increased inflammation. Trouble sleeping Glycemic levels in the body also influence sleep cycles.

Drinking water daily is essential for optimum health, but excessive water intake can lead to diarrhea, frequent urination, and other conditions. Therefore, one must understand how much water intake is safe for them. Daily water intake depends on multiple factors. Experts suggest drinking eight glasses of water daily, but not everyone needs to follow this. Keep reading to learn how much water one should drink daily to maintain optimum health. Advantages of drinking water Almost 60% of the human body is made up of water. Your body needs water to function correctly. Going without water for over a few days can lead to life-threatening complications. There are many advantages to drinking water daily, some of which are listed below. Control your body’s temperature. Maintain a healthy mouth. Lubricate your joints and safeguard your delicate tissues Eliminate hazardous wastes through urine, sweat, and stool Positive effects on skin health Maintains the bloodstream liquid enough to travel through blood vessels How much water should a person drink daily? There is no clear-cut suggestion on how much water a person should drink daily. It is because each body is different and requires different amounts of water daily. However, some experts believe that- Adequately hydrated men should drink 3.7 liters (125 ounces) of water daily. Adequately hydrated women consume about 2.7 liters (91 ounces) of water daily. Factors affecting drinking habits Body mass People with high body mass may require more fluids because the average adult body contains more than two-thirds of water. Therefore, to estimate how much water one should drink daily, calculate one’s body mass in pounds and divide it in half to get an approximate figure. Location People in tropical or arid climates must drink more water to replenish fluids lost through sweat. One must drink more water at the hottest times of the year, as dehydration will be a significant concern.