Signs of pollen allergies one should know about
Signs of pollen allergies one should know about

Do you usually have a runny nose and itchy, burning sensation in your eyes? Does this specifically happen around the time of spring? This could be a bodily reaction to pollen grains floating around with the breeze.

What is pollen allergy?
Pollen grains are tiny grain-like structures or powdered substances that are released by the male parts of the flowers. They are transported with the help of wind, insects, and animals to make reproduction possible.

Pollen allergies are common throughout the United States and this more common during spring.

Knowing the right source of allergy
There are more than a hundred varieties of pollen floating with the breeze. It is not necessary for one to be allergic to all pollen seeds. Determining which pollen causes an uneasy sort of a feeling is important.

You could be allergic to pollen from the cedar tree but still be fine around the birch tree. This is something known as specific allergy.

What causes allergies
Researchers and health experts are yet to find the exact cause behind any kind of allergies. However, science suggests that the immune system ducts become inflamed seconds after an encounter with any allergy-causing agent in the environment. Allergens exist in the environment in the form of proteins. They are found in plants, animals, insects, and certain foods.

Signs and symptoms
Some of the signs of pollen allergies include:

  • Itchy and watery eyes
  • Cough
  • Congestion in the nasal cavity
  • Sinusitis like sensation, causing pain around the facial region
  • Decreased sense of taste and smell
  • Scratchy throat
  • Swelling and bluish color is observed around the eyes
  • Wheezing or coughing

Over the counter treatments
For those runny nose days, take decongestants into consideration to make breathing easier with all those pollen grains floating around. Nasal sprays come handy to unblock the clogged nasal cavity.

Allergy treatment shots
These are prescribed when the basic medications don’t have any effect on your body. Visit an allergy specialist for the proper dosage of injections to reduce the allergies. Soon, the body begins to get used to the trigger shot and keep the allergens at bay.

Outdoor preventive measure
Wearing a mask that covers your nostrils is a good idea to avoid any allergies.

Home remedies

  • Try to inhale herbs and extracts like spirulina and butterbur
  • Wash the clothes regularly that you wore outside
  • Use air conditioner indoors and in cars, if you’re on the run
  • Use a vacuum cleaner, with a high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) in the house for cleaning purposes
  • A few safety precautions are all that you need to keep the allergens away from you.
  • 5 popular probiotic brands in the US

    Probiotic supplements are becoming increasingly prominent as people have now become aware and alert these days on the reduced gut bacteria content in their food. Given below are a few of the top-rated probiotics supplements in the market.

    Yakult
    : This is a drinkable probiotic which is sweet yogurt. This drink has been top rated probiotic throughout Asia, Europe, and America. This drink builds the immune system and improves digestion. They have a peculiar feature of suppressing pathogenic bacterial growth. It also improves the intestinal functions and the modulation of the immune system. You can see them available among the dairy items in any grocery store.

    Bio K+Probiotics: This top-rated probiotic has been in the market for years and is one of the oldest. They have been marked as high potency supplements since the 1970s. They ensure to bring the dynamic balance of good and bad bacteria with versions like rice, soy, and dairy supplements and removes the bad bacteria that affects the immune system and digestion to defend ourselves against viruses and pathogenic bacteria.

    GT’s Kombucha: This is one of the top-rated probiotics. Even if this isn’t much powerful, the tea version is very good for our taste buds. After a heavy meal, this drink is amazing. Kombucha is produced after following a fermentation process of microorganisms. This also helps in producing lactic acid in the body, which hinders bad bacteria to make us healthier.

    Renew – Life: It is one of the top-rated probiotics around the market. It is protected by a special enteric coding all the way to the intestines where they help relieve digestive distress and support immunity by acting fast.

    Garden of Life Raw Probiotics: This one is creating blends, having more than 30 different probiotic strains. They claim that they are kept intact from growing and drying phases to encapsulation hence are not denatured or broken down on the most heat-sensitive raw materials.

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  • Shop Till You Drop With These Iconic Leather Handbags

    A handbag is great for keeping stuff like money, tissues, and your makeup kit without having to worry about space. An elegant handbag can be a status symbol or a fashion statement. It can also be a medium of self-expression of who we are. Handbags are one of the major accessories in the fashion world.

    Leather handbags are more durable, convenient, and stylish than any other handbag. Get a classy and handcrafted leather handbag today and add extra spice to your lovely outfit. Some of the best-selling brands such as Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Chanel never go out of style and add a personal touch to your fashion statement.

    While it is easy to purchase a handbag online, there are a few things you should keep in mind when you are planning to get one. When you are buying leather handbags, make sure that the material is genuine leather and not a duplicate piece. Check the finish of the bag for imperfections and any marks. Go for smooth and soft leather bags as it is an indication of higher quality.

    Although leather handbags are quite expensive, they last twice as long than other handbags. Other advantages of keeping a leather handbag include flexibility, durability, strength, and minimal maintenance when compared with alternative bags. Add glamor to your wardrobe by investing in these three iconic brands. With these branded handbags, you do not have to worry about their resale value.

    Top brands of leather handbags to buy from

    Hermès

    One of the most sought-after leather handbags, Hermès is the brand popular among celebrities like Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham, and Lady Gaga. Both the models of Hermès handbags–Birkin and Kelly–are available in wide range of colors. Slightly difficult to purchase due to a long waitlist, these bags can be easily bought at auction shops.

    The biggest advantage of buying a Hermès handbag is its fabulous condition with the pristine look. You can also customize your Birkin or Kelly bags by visiting the store/boutique. The French brand features exotic totes and clutches, with Hermès Lindy being the most expensive bag priced at about $37,200. The handcrafted Hermès handbags with their iconic shapes add a charming effect to the overall attire, making it an exclusive one.

    Louis Vuitton

    Available in endless options and different styles, Louis Vuitton is always the top choice for any woman. These fast-selling leather handbags never go out of fashion owing to their versatility and style. Be it your work bag, party clutch, or a travel tote, Louis Vuitton has it all. Symbols of elegance and class, these handbags reflect craftsmanship and superior quality, making it an ideal investment for life.

    Owing to its sturdy material, you do not have to worry about scratches or any sort of damage. Personalize your Louis Vuitton and get your initials stamped to stand out from the crowd. The Louis Vuitton Neverfull handbag is a capacious yet sleek leather bag ideal for every occasion. Carry the chic, practical tote to the office or tighten the laces for a sleek city bag.

    Chanel

    Ever since Coco Chanel launched one of the top designer leather handbags in 1909, the brand has grown exponentially. Own a Chanel Classic Flap Bag or Chanel Boy Bag and let people appreciate your sense of fashion. The newest addition to the brand–the Chanel Boy Bag–has outperformed all the previous ones. Worn by popular celebrities to the Oscars and movie premiers, Chanel flap bags are indestructible, making them worth the investment.

    Made out of quilted black leather, Chanel handbags give a visual appeal to eyes. The iconic band caters to every woman–be it a girl or a lady. The luxurious brand features a wide array of colors, shapes, materials, and styles. The convenient and urban Channel Shopping bag can either be worn as an office bag or a handbag. The high-quality leather used in the making of these handbags increases its resale value.

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  • Top features of the iPhone 8 plus

    When you think of a premium smartphone that has killer looks and is designed to deliver, nothing seems to beat the performance of Apple’s iPhone series. Again, the brand has managed to come up with innovative upgrades coupled with a stunning design with the launch of the flagship iPhone 8 series.

    The latest iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are two of the smartphones to look out for, with the premium iPhone X which has also launched simultaneously.

    Here are some of the top features of iPhone 8 Plus that will make you believe in Apple!

    • Increased storage: Storage capacity is one of the major features to look out for in smartphones since, with a better camera, processing speed, and playback options, more storage is required for the media. With the iPhone 8 Plus, you can get a massive inbuilt storage capacity of 256GB.
    • Glass finish: The front end display is protected with a functional yet stunning glass finish for most smartphones. However, with the iPhone 8 plus, you also have a glass finish for the back panel which is a custom Apple and Corning glass, designed specifically for this flagship series.
    • Better camera: The iPhone 8 plus particularly has features like portrait mode and lighting, wide angle and telephoto shooting abilities and great picture quality in low lighting. This demand has been met by the tech giant.
    • Fast charge: Apple’s USB-C cable for the iPhone 8 Plus will allow you to charge your phone to fifty percent capacity in less than 30 minutes, which proves to be quite a handy feature. Apple also has featured the Qi wireless charging option with the iPhone 8 plus to compete with other popular brands.
    • Best processor: The A11 bionic processor is designed to deliver a performance which cannot be matched with any other smartphone as of now, with the best benchmark rate currently in the market.
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  • 3 laptops that you will get under USD 600

    There was a time when a good laptop easily cost an arm and a leg. Not just that, it was also believed that if laptops weren’t steeply priced, they didn’t do a good enough job, whether with their processors or with their battery lives. However, this perception is soon becoming a thing of the past.

    Today brands have understood that a laptop is an almost second nature to most American consumers. In other words, almost everyone today needs a laptop. Bearing this in mind, some brands have brought out some excellent laptops that aren’t as expensive as they used to be. Here is our lowdown on three of the best laptops that are priced below USD 600.

    • Asus F556UA-AB32: With a 4GB RAM and a large 1000GB hard drive space, the Asus F556UA–AB32 comes loaded with Windows 10, a 15.6-inch screen, 2.3GHz Intel Core i3 processor and an 802.11ac wireless feature that ensures you’ll have great connectivity. Even though this model is only available in a sleek black matte color, be assured that for its price of about USD 350, this is one of the best laptops you could get your hands on.
    • HP Pavillion x360: Priced at USD 467, the HP Pavillion x360 is a 2-in-1 laptop that comes with a 13.3-inch multi-touch screen, 6th generation Intel Dual Core i3 processor, Windows 10, a 6GB RAM, and 500GB hard drive. Weighing just about 3.66lbs, this one boasts a True Vision high-definition camera that makes for great pictures and crystal-clear video calls.
    • Acer Aspire E 15 E5-575G-57D4: This is one of the best laptops for the creative types, priced at USD 580. Endowed with 7th generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and an inbuilt 256GB SSD, this laptop is perfect for Photoshop and other video editing apps. It also comes with a Nvidia GeForce 940MX graphics card that makes this laptop great for gaming.

    Now that you’ve got our choices of the best laptops that cost less than USD 600, which among these are going to be your pick?

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  • Effective treatment options for leg cellulitis

    Cellulitis is a common and serious bacterial skin infection that makes the affected area swollen, red, and painful. The staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria that enter through the cracks in the skin can cause this infection. The condition usually affects the lower leg, but it can take place in the arms, face, and other areas of the body as well. If the treatment for leg cellulitis is not provided on time, the infection may spread into the bloodstream and it may become a life-threatening condition. Cellulitis symptoms include a sudden skin rash that spreads quickly within 24 hours, large patches of red inflamed skin, pain, and tenderness in the inflamed area, tight or stretched skin, and fever.

    How to manage leg cellulitis? 
    This infection can be really painful and frustrating, but you can manage it and speed up your recovery. You can opt for effective treatment for leg cellulitis. One should consult a doctor at the earliest and treat the disease with medicines that ease the pain. Drink plenty of water to remain well hydrated. To reduce swelling, try to keep your legs raised while sitting or lying down on your bed. You must keep moving in order to prevent stiffness of the affected part. Additionally, you should avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes until the infection is completely gone.

    You can also take certain steps to reduce the chances of getting cellulitis again, such as keep your skin clean and moisturized. If there are any cuts or wounds on your leg, ensure washing and cleaning them regularly with antiseptic creams. Keep your wounds covered and make sure to change the bandage at regular intervals.

    What are the treatment options for leg cellulitis?
    Treatment for leg cellulitis usually involves a 10 to 21-day regimen of prescribed oral antibiotics. However, the length of the oral antibiotics treatment is totally subjective to the severity of the infection. Sometimes, symptoms seem to improve within a few days; so many people tend to stop taking medicines. To ensure proper treatment, it is imperative that you take all of the medication prescribed. On the other hand, contact your doctor immediately if you feel your condition is not responding to the medications. Some people also develop fever or their symptoms worsen after taking the medications. Therefore, seek medical help at the earliest if you happen to experience something like this.

    If leg cellulitis is treated right, the treatment can cure the condition within 10 days. The duration is more for those suffering from severe infection or a chronic disease. In addition, those with a weak immune system take more time to recover.

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  • Best Front Mounted Affordable Snow Plows

    Snow plows make your life easier by helping you remove the snow from your driveways and roads. This is important for anyone who lives in a region where winters can be extreme and for those whose commute routes are often covered in snow.

    There are various kinds of snow plows available in the market. These include personal snow plows that can be mounted in the front or rear of the vehicle.

    Here are some of the best affordable snow plows of the front mounting kind that you can get in under USD 2,000.

    SnowSport LT Utility Snow Plow

    This is one of the popular ones in the price range and is an affordable snow plow that comes with a lot of attractive features. This model can be easily mounted onto any SUV, Jeep, or pickup truck. The plow blade is made of the best quality aluminum and is very light. Other than this easy to carry blade, this affordable snow plow kit also consists of a 2″ front receiver mount and a push frame. One of the best features of this snow plow is that it requires no wiring or confusing lever controls.

    SnowBear Home Series Snow Plow

    This is yet another affordable snow plow available under USD 2,000. This snow plow can clean up ice very fast and can be operated with a wireless remote to raise and lower the blade. The snow plow is available in three size variants and is adaptable to most SUVs and pickup trucks. The snow plow has a powdered coated black finish, made of steel. This affordable snow plow is corrosion resistant and lasts for several years. The black finish also adds to its looks. It can be easily installed at home on to the vehicle without the need for any heavy machines. It comes with a 2″ front hitch which makes it very convenient to mount and unmount the blade onto the vehicles.

    K2 Avalanche Snow Plow

    K2 Avalanche is a brilliant yet affordable snow plow that comes with some features that are usually found in the more expensive variants. The model has a sharp design and is made of steel. This affordable snow plow comes in two size options – the 82″ inch model and the 84″ model. Apart from the blade, the snow plow kit also includes skid shoes, a snow deflector, and caster wheels, just all the required accessories when snow plowing. This affordable snow plow can be easily assembled and installed onto the vehicle using common hand tools.

    Apart from these, there are some other affordable plows available in the market worth exploring. Compare the prices and features of different models before finalizing one.

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  • Vanguard investments for a better future

    The low cost and high returns feature has made Vanguards one of the most coveted investment plans in the country. It doesn’t matter whether the investor is seasoned in handling these aspects or if they’re a novice. Vanguard investments funds come with easy guidelines and simple procedures to enroll. If you want to start investing, you’ll have to look for diversified funds along with no-load funds with low expense ratios. The balanced funds and index funds would fit the requirements of beginners. As a result, Vanguard funds are the best way to go. If you’re searching for some of the best Vanguard funds, here are a few to consider.

    Vanguard Energy Fund (VGENX):
    The economy of the country will reach maturity towards the end of 2017. This indicates that the sectors involved in raw materials will show outstanding results. It was noticed towards the end of 2016 that oil-producing nations around the world want to cut down oil output. As a result, the Vanguard Energy Fund can be an excellent choice when it comes to fund investments. The healthy US economy coupled with moderating production of oil is will hold support of price appreciation among the VGENX top holdings.

    Vanguard Health Care Fund (VGHCX):
    The healthcare sector has always been another leader in the market in the late cycle phase of the business sector. Given this, the Vanguard Health Care Fund is one of the best mutual funds to buy coverage in the health sector. The healthcare industry has undergone a decline of prices, improved prospects for the current year along. The defensive mode of healthcare makes the VGHCX a smart investment for 2017 and beyond.

    Vanguard Precious Metals and Mining Fund (VGPMX):
    Gold and other precious metals are going to be a smart diversification tool this year. Note that VGPMX isn’t a fund based on pure gold or precious metals. Rather, it’s an investment confined within precious metals and mining industries. This exposure can offer a huge benefit compared to directly investing in gold. So, VGPMX is a smart buy at this point in time due to its low prices and the eventual return to risk-off mode if you’re nervous about high-equity valuations.

    Vanguard Balanced Index Fund (VBINX):
    If you’re an type of investor who’s searching for an all-in-one fund this year, VBINX is definitely something you should consider. VBINX comprises of 60 percent of large-cap stocks in the USA. Exposure to this bond will minimize volatility of the economy. That’s likely to return by the middle of the year. The passive character of this particular fund also reduces the risk of managing since it’s daunting to manage funds actively in the present scenario.
    These three funds issued by Vanguard can not only reap high benefits with time, but also assure peace of mind for the investor.

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  • 3 natural remedies for fibromyalgia arthritis

    Fibromyalgia arthritis is a condition that can be described as a combination of symptoms such as chronic pain, mood swings, memory problems and severe tiredness. However, this condition is not life-threatening and therefore can be managed if you understand it better. Medicines need not always be the answer when you suffer from this condition. Natural remedies can be tried as they almost never have side effects and work as well or may be even better than medicines.

    • Yoga
      Yoga is proven to be beneficial for those who suffer endlessly with the symptoms of fibromyalgia arthritis. It lessens muscular strain and improves the posture as well. Apart from alleviating the chronic pain symptoms, yoga can also de-stress a person suffering from fibromyalgia. Yoga works well as psoriatic arthritis treatment too. However, to improve the condition of this type of inflammatory arthritis with yoga, one has to be extremely consistent. Therefore, signing up for a class conducted by an expert is highly recommended.
    • Acupuncture and acupressure
      Acupuncture and acupressure are a very ancient form of Chinese healing. While acupuncture uses tiny needles to heal various aches and pains, acupressure uses pressure to do the same. Fibromyalgia arthritis can be managed effectively using such alternative therapy methods which will not only relieve you of the pain but will keep you active as well.
    • Tumeric
      Turmeric is sometimes called a miracle drug, and the reason for this is that it is found to have been immensely useful in treating various medical conditions and is used extensively in Eastern countries. It is gradually becoming quite popular as a natural remedy for fibromyalgia in the country as it can alleviate pain, and improve sleeping patterns, extreme mood swings, memory and reduce inflammation. Tumeric for arthritis treatment can be incorporated into your everyday diet and beverages.

    Any condition of the body can be treated by making minor changes in diet and leading an active, healthy lifestyle. While fibromyalgia arthritis can be debilitating if you give in, adopting the above tips can change the way you deal with the condition.

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