Herpes is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Oral and genital herpes are its common types. The disease spreads by skin-to-skin contact during intercourse. It has no cure, meaning once a person contracts the virus, it stays in their body for life. Some patients with herpes may show mild or no symptoms, while others may develop the following noticeable and bothersome warning signs. Fluid-filled blisters Painful, fluid-filled blisters or sores are among the most characteristic signs of herpes. A person may develop one or more of these after two to 20 days of infection. The blisters may last for seven to ten days. Their location may vary depending on the type of herpes: Oral herpes (HSV-1): In most cases of oral herpes, the blisters appear on one’s lips or the region around the mouth. Sometimes, they may even form on the face or the tongue. Also called cold sores, they tend to go away on their own after a few weeks. While they can make one uncomfortable, they are generally harmless among adults. Genital herpes (HSV-2): Those with HSV-2 may develop blisters anywhere on the genital region. Women may even experience sores inside the vaginal canal.

Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis are best managed by addressing and tackling symptoms that are often the result of the immune system’s response to triggers. Bad weather, stress, and some foods are common triggers that can cause inflammation, and one of the best ways to manage it is by including anti-inflammatory foods in one’s meal plans. Check out these six foods that could reduce eczema and psoriasis flare-ups. Salmon Omega-3 fatty acids are found in high amounts in salmon. They are essential in helping to reduce the effect of free radicals in the body and curb inflammation. Some preliminary research suggests that omega-3s could reduce rashes, spots, and itching that are typical psoriasis symptoms. Other fish rich in omega-3 are sardines, trout, and cod, which could be the next best choice. Olive oil Just like fatty fish, olive oil also contains heart-healthy nutrients. These can be really effective in reducing inflammation caused by eczema and psoriasis. For those who aren’t fond of olive oil, coconut oil, flaxseed oil, and safflower oil may be good alternatives. Broccoli A compound called sulforaphane, which is a potent anti-inflammatory that reduces oxidative stress, is present in brocolli. Since many eczema and psoriasis symptoms are a result of inflammation, making broccoli a regular part of one’s meals can be advantageous.

Today, individuals have various options to straighten their teeth. One of the options that experts often recommend is using invisible dental aligners. Using advanced technology, dentists can non-invasively scan and create aligners that gradually adjust teeth to the optimal position. For maximum effects, one typically has to wear the aligners for about 22 hours a day, with treatments lasting between 12 and 18 months. Here are a few benefits of using invisible dental aligners. Invisible appearance The most common benefit of these dental aligners is that the trays are crafted from a transparent material. Therefore, they do not detract from the face or smile. It is an ideal option for individuals of all ages who want to carry out daily tasks without the brackets and wires that come with traditional braces. Safe for most ages Invisible dental aligners are safe for children, adolescents, and adults. However, one should speak to a dental health expert about the ideal time for a child to use the dental tool. A professional will typically monitor a child between 8 and 12 for dental issues and the potential use of straightening teeth. The expert may also suggest waiting until the child is 13 or 14 to get invisible dental aligners.

Nasal congestion is mainly caused by certain allergies, colds, sinus, or viral infections. It leads to swelling of the nasal tissues, blocks the passage, and makes it difficult to breathe. Mostly, nasal congestion clears up within a few days. There are several home remedies that help expedite the process. Moreover, certain foods are known to clear congestion. Here are eight such foods that can be especially beneficial as they are known to provide quick results. Pumpkin seeds Pumpkin seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium, which help reduce swelling, drain the mucus, and relax blood vessels. One can easily add these seeds to salads, smoothies, or even roast and snack on them throughout the day. Pineapple Pineapple is a rich source of vitamin C and a powerful enzyme called bromelain, which not only helps break down excess mucus but also reduces its production, especially in case of allergies. Pineapple as a fruit is also quite versatile and can be used in a number of smoothies, juices, and salads or can be eaten raw. Grapefruit This power-packed citrus fruit has anti-inflammatory properties and salicylic acid, which also helps reduce swelling. Its pH levels break down the mucus proteins and fight congestion related to allergies.

Drinking water may seem like a simple task. While that is true, some unhealthy habits while drinking water from a bottle may affect one’s hydration levels and lead to health consequences. They may include adding artificial flavors, not cleaning the bottles after usage, and leaving the bottle in the sun for a long time. To stay on track with one’s hydration goals, look at some common mistakes to avoid while drinking water from a bottle. BPA bottles Many plastic water bottles are made using BPA or bisphenol – a chemical that is harmful to the human body. BPA can get into food and drinks, and too much exposure to this chemical can even lead to congenital disorders. Although no conclusive research supports this, researchers speculate that overexposure to BPA could potentially lead to the rise or development of diseases like hormonal imbalance, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and also some cardiovascular conditions. Bottles made of stainless steel or even glass are safer alternatives. One can also check for BPA-free water bottles. Keeping bottles clean When using water bottles, make sure they are cleaned after usage. Most water bottles have rings around the bottleneck and caps. These tiny spaces may need a thorough cleaning to ensure the water does not get affected and, in turn, cause some infection.

Myelodysplastic syndromes are a group of disorders that directly affect the bone marrow and stem cells. As a result, the body’s ability to make healthy red blood cells gets impacted, resulting in several complications. It is also important to note that myelodysplastic syndromes are a type of cancer but are very rare in nature. To better understand the condition, here are a few details about the symptoms and treatment options for myelodysplastic syndromes. Symptoms Fatigue Feeling weak and extremely tired is a common symptom of myelodysplastic syndromes. It happens because of anemia, which is a result of the body’s reduced ability to produce red blood cells. One may also notice that this fatigue or weakness does not seem to reduce or go away even after adequate rest. Paleness The skin becoming unusually pale is another symptom that occurs due to anemia when the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. A doctor may also notice signs of paleness in the inner part of an individual’s eyelids or the inside of their mouth and nose. Easy bruising One of the types of myelodysplastic syndromes can also reduce the body’s ability to produce platelets. Since platelets are responsible for blood clotting, their low count can lead to easy and unusual bruising.

Dental care can be expensive. Whether it is a routine procedure or an emergency, the bills can go higher than expected. A dental plan can be useful in such situations. Since most dental plans cover the cost of nearly every routine care, like fillings, cleanings, and exams, one can save substantially. However, the insurance benefits can make a difference only when one picks the right plan and avoids these mistakes when choosing a dental plan. Selecting plans with lower rates Rates do play a crucial role when choosing a dental plan. But it is equally important to check what all is covered at that rate. A dental plan with a low premium rate may cost relatively less in terms of how much one ends up paying to buy the coverage. But, the coverage may not include complex dental procedures such as braces, implants, and bridges, which are often quite expensive. So, one may end up footing the bill out-of-pocket. Moreover, despite the low rate, the dental plan may not be of much use. So, avoid the mistake of only looking into plans that have low premiums. Not knowing how dental plan discounts are calculated Many dental insurance providers often show a dental discount rate in their plans.

One typically has several activities on a regular day, from mundane household chores to mentally challenging work tasks. In such cases, physical and mental well-being should be non-negotiable to ensure one can efficiently carry out all these activities. Although healthy food contains the most essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, one can sometimes need a boost, which multivitamins offer. So, here are some ways to choose the right ones to boost overall well-being: Check the multivitamin’s DV Daily Values (DV) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume or not exceed daily. The first thing one should check when selecting multivitamins is the percentage of the specific nutrient’s daily requirement it fulfills. Typically, it should have nearly 100% of the DV of its ingredients. At the same time, if it’s more than 100% of the DV, it can harm the body, so one should avoid such. Read the ingredients list carefully Taking the right nutrients can do a world of good to one’s body and mind. Consequently, one should carefully check the ingredients mentioned in the packaging. Essential vitamins (such as Vitamins A, B, C, E, and K), Calcium, Potassium, Zinc, and Magnesium are essential nutrients that should be included in the right amounts to be optimally effective.