Blood pressure measures the force or pressure of the blood in the arteries. These readings are given in systolic and diastolic numbers. The systolic pressure (top number) is the maximum heartbeat pressure, and the diastolic pressure (bottom number) is the amount of pressure in the arteries between beats. A typical healthy average reading is less than 120/80 mm Hg. When measuring blood pressure, one must be careful and avoid making common mistakes, such as: Using the wrong-sized cuff One of the most frequently occurring mistakes is using the wrong cuff size. A large cuff will give falsely low readings, while a smaller cuff will give falsely high readings. According to the American Heart Association’s blood pressure measuring guidelines, the length and width of the cuff should be 80 and 40 percent of the arm circumference, respectively. Generally, doctors carry three cuff sizes – large adult, regular adult, and pediatric – that fit a majority of the population. However, doctors working with younger patients may require multiple smaller-sized cuffs. Incorrect patient positioning Getting accurate blood pressure measurement also requires the patient to be seated properly. For instance, a poorly supported back or feet may increase a reading by six to ten points, an unsupported arm may raise it by ten points or more, and sitting with one’s legs crossed may raise it by two to eight points.

The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining the body’s equilibrium by filtering waste, regulating fluid balance and electrolyte levels, and producing hormones essential for various bodily functions. Any impairment in kidney function due to various reasons can lead to a range of symptoms. Some early indicators may suggest compromised kidney function. Understanding these signs can enable individuals to take proactive steps, seek medical assistance promptly, and minimize the risk of further complications. Signs of poor kidney function Changes in urine color, smell, and consistency If one notices any changes in the color, frequency, or smell of one’s urine, it is usually considered an early sign of kidney disorder. One may experience an increased need to urinate, especially at night, which can disrupt normal sleep patterns. Conversely, one may see a significant decrease in one’s urges to urinate, which leads to a buildup of waste products and fluid retention in the body. Similarly, if one’s urine smells foul or has changed color to dark, foamy, or bloody, it may be a cause for concern. Changes in appetite and taste Poor kidney function can impact the digestive system, and individuals may experience a persistent metallic taste in the mouth or a significant loss of appetite.

The liver performs several crucial bodily functions. For instance, it eliminates toxins, supports digestion, and helps store essential nutrients. However, specific lifestyle habits and underlying health conditions can affect the organ, lowering its performance and increasing the risk of severe complications. When that happens, one may develop numerous symptoms. Here are a few such signs of liver damage individuals should not ignore and immediately get a diagnosis from a healthcare professional. Jaundice Jaundice, characterized by the yellowing of the eyes and skin, is also called yellow fever. The ailment develops when there is a buildup of toxic compounds and waste products in the body, which the liver cannot filter out. Bilirubin is an example of such a toxic compound, formed when the body breaks down old or damaged red blood cells. When the liver cannot appropriately filter out bilirubin from the body, its buildup gives the skin, eyes, and even the mouth a yellow tint. One’s urine may also turn dark and the stool pale when suffering from jaundice. These are potential signs of liver damage that should never be ignored. Fatty liver disease Fatty liver disease is a common term for numerous illnesses that affect the liver when too much fat accumulates in its cells.

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that leads to the inflammation of the colon and the rectum in the body. There is no cure for this disease and it can get challenging to deal with the symptoms; however, there are some management techniques that can help relieve them. It is important to be observant of these signs that may indicate the development of ulcerative colitis to start the management plan immediately. Diarrhea This is a common symptom of ulcerative colitis, which is often also followed with pus or blood in the stool. This diarrhea is caused due to the inflammation in the digestive tract. It becomes difficult for the colon to process the food and the waste due to its inability to absorb the water from it properly. Due to this, the stool is loose and watery in nature. Some other signs to be careful of include abdominal cramps, urgency to use the bathroom, increased bowel movements both at night and day, and also the feeling of incomplete bowel movement simultaneously. Fatigue This is another common symptom experienced by people with ulcerative colitis. Due to the inflammation in the colon, the body is constantly responding to fix this, causing the energy to drain.

The market has many products to clean the house and keep it smelling fresh. However, not all of them may be as safe as you think. Some cleaners have harsh chemicals and ingredients that can harm you, the other members of your house, and even your pets. So, it is crucial to research well before choosing items to use at home. Here are some common household products that harm lung health and must be avoided. Cleaning solutions Most cleaning solutions, including floor, window, countertop, rug, and oven cleaners, have volatile organic compounds that potentially threaten the lungs. When used, volatile organic compounds release harmful gasses into the air, which can worsen COPD symptoms. COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a term used to describe a group of diseases that block the airflow to the lungs and create breathing-related issues. What is more worrying is that the gasses from volatile organic compounds can have effects that last for years. Besides volatile organic compounds, household cleaners have ammonia and bleach, ingredients that can be harmful when their quantity is not regulated. Research studies suggest that women who used cleaning products more frequently or worked as professional cleaners and used these products noticed a rapid decline in their lung health as opposed to those women who did not use these cleaning products regularly.

A heartbeat is the contraction of the heart to pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body. One’s heart beats irregularly or quickly when affected by atrial fibrillation (AFib). The condition affects millions in our country and is often caused by changes to the heart’s tissue or electrical signaling. Eating the following unhealthy foods may trigger or worsen the symptoms and suppress the effects of AFib treatments. Sausages Processed foods like sausages are easy to prepare and can be found in most supermarkets. However, they are unhealthy for people diagnosed with AFib and must be excluded from the meal plan. These foods are high in calories, preservatives, and salts, which may negatively impact the heart. Poor heart health can, in turn, trigger or worsen the condition’s symptoms. Besides sausages, other processed foods one should exclude from their meal regime include bacon, ham, and frozen foods like burgers and pizzas. Coffee Coffee is a go-to beverage for those who want a quick energy boost during long hours at work. Studies have shown that controlled amounts of the drink could improve one’s health in specific instances. However, too much could lead to excessive caffeine in the body. Since caffeine stimulates the cardiac system, it could trigger episodes of AFib.

Heartburn and acid reflux are related conditions that involve the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus. It may cause discomfort and a burning sensation in the chest and can be triggered by various factors, including bad lifestyle and eating habits. By examining these habits, one can find the underlying triggers and learn how to minimize their impact. Here are eight such bad habits and ways to incorporate healthier alternatives to find relief. Lying down after meals When one lies flat, gravity cannot keep stomach acid down, which allows the acid to flow back into the esophagus more easily, causing discomfort. So, one should maintain erect posture while eating and avoid lying down for at least two to three hours after a meal. One can also practice Vajrasana or thunderbolt pose, which is a yoga pose where one sits on one’s heels with the knees bent. This posture aids digestion by promoting healthy blood flow to the abdominal area and supporting the natural movement of food through the digestive system. Wearing tight clothing Tight-fitting clothes, especially around the waist and abdomen, can put pressure on the stomach, leading to heartburn. One can opt for loose-fitting attire to alleviate this pressure and improve digestion.

Smoothies require just a few ingredients and can be whipped up fresh every time one craves a cool, nutritious beverage. The best part is that most ingredients, especially fruits and vegetables, used in popular smoothie recipes are excellent sources of nutrients that help improve overall health and manage existing conditions like arthritis. So, here are a few healthy smoothies that can help one manage pain and other symptoms associated with arthritis: Cherry smoothie Cherries are a rich source of antioxidants called anthocyanins that actively fight oxidative stress and prevent healthy cell degeneration. One can add a couple of almonds and blueberries to the smoothie to enhance the antioxidant properties. Finally, all one has to do is blend the ingredients with coconut water, which is naturally rich in potassium and helps lower inflammation by flushing out the excess sodium in the cells. Blueberry-ginger smoothie Blueberries are another great source of anthocyanins that help counter inflammation and prevent oxidative stress from damaging healthy cells. Ginger is a multipurpose root that also counters inflammation, helps in digestion, and relieves symptoms like nausea or vomiting. One can either use almond milk or any other drink for the base of the smoothie and add a few spinach leaves and half a banana to the ginger-blueberry mix to make the drink thicker.