Six natural remedies for treating osteoarthritis
Six natural remedies for treating osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a chronic, degenerative disorder that causes pain and inflammation the joints of the body. This type of disease has no cure, but it can be managed well with medical intervention comprising OTC painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and injections. However, apart from professional osteoarthritis treatments, you can take the help of several natural measures to deal with this condition. They are mentioned as follows

  • Exercise and weight loss Certain types of exercises can help alleviate the stiffness of joints and pain. However, ensure the kinds of exercises you are planning on doing aren’t demanding. The best way to get this right is by consulting a physiotherapist who can guide you about the suitable workout methods to increase flexibility. Simple yoga and water-based exercises can encourage movement without straining the joints.
    On the other hand, if you are overweight, strive to shed some pounds as it will minimize the stress on your joints and help make osteoarthritis treatments more effective.
  • Anti-inflammatory diet A wholesome diet will help you manage an ideal weight as well as make you more active. Design a diet which includes anti-inflammatory foods such as broccoli, low-fat dairy products, herbal teas, garlic, seafood (tuna, mackerel, salmon, etc.), citrus fruits, nuts, ginger, turmeric, etc. These foods are rich in essential vitamins and antioxidants. Also remember to refrain from consuming excessive amounts of refined sugars, alcohol, saturated fats, white bread, artificial sweeteners, etc. These tend to slow down the progress of the osteoarthritis treatment and worsen the symptoms by increasing the inflammation levels in the body.
  • Hot or cold therapy An excellent natural remedy to gain short-term relief, hot or cold compression can reduce the pain and swelling in the joint area. Typically, warm compresses are ideal for easing stiffness whereas cold compresses can be used to assuage the pain.
  • A warm bath with Epsom salt Epsom salt baths are offer relaxation from bothersome joint pain. This is because the magnesium in the salt helps reduce inflammation. These baths are safe, and you can take them two to three times a day.
  • Analgesic creams You can apply over-the-counter topical creams that can help in numbing the pain. However, before using creams containing elements like capsaicin ensure that you seek counsel from your specialist.
  • Get a massage A joint massage every week can help soothe the pain and relieve stiffness by increasing blood circulation. Although only hire professionals who have an experience in dealing with arthritic patients.
  • When should you replace Baxi back boiler fires?

    Are you fed up with your Baxi back boiler fire? Then why not replace it? Back boilers have become outdated and are being replaced by new ones mainly because they have the tendency to increase your bills. But if you are planning to replace them, then you should know certain things. So, for your convenience, here are some factors you should keep in mind while replacing your Baxi back boiler.

    Call a proper heating engineer
    Once your Baxi back boiler has died or is not working properly or your simply want to upgrade your boiler, you must at first do a little bit of self-research on the internet before taking any final decision. After you have enlightened yourself with a little bit of knowledge on the subject, you should call at least three to four different heating engineers and take their opinion about the boiler you should buy next and get a price quote. Make sure you call a good heating engineer; otherwise you won’t get the best advice.

    Keep in mind your new boiler’s location
    You have to think about a new location for your new boiler because you cannot fix it in the exact location as the old boiler. This is because if the flue from your previous back boiler was through the chimney, the new flue might have to be installed somewhere else preferably outside the wall or you can even put it vertically through the roof. There are several options where you can install your new boiler. You can install it in your kitchen in one of the cupboards, in a bedroom cupboard, attic or even your garage. The installation of your new boiler will largely depend on the design of your house. It is best if you ask a heating engineer for a safe location.

    Decide which type of boiler you want
    You must take all facts into consideration and think carefully as to which type of boiler you really need. Do you want a regular or system boiler so that you can connect it to the hot water tank that already exists? Or do you want to remove all of them, including the boiler, cold water tank, and hot water tank, and instead install a combi boiler which is all-in-one? A combi boiler has two advantages. Firstly, removing all those separate components means freeing up some space in your house; secondly, a combi boiler means whenever you need hot water, you have it right there flowing through your taps. Baxi back boiler fires were indeed long-lasting but they blocked a lot of space in your house.

    A condensate drain will be needed
    All the new boilers require a condensate drain which means they have a higher efficiency, unlike the Baxi back boilers which have very low energy efficiency. Higher efficiency means lower power consumption.

    Choose the brand carefully
    Baxi boilers are very popular and provide great service. They are in trend even today with their new models. So, keep Baxi boilers in mind in addition to other boilers that you might prefer.

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  • Causes and Diagnosis of Armpit Lumps

    An armpit lump is the enlargement of one of the lymph nodes under your armpit. Lymph nodes play a very important role in maintaining your body’s immune system. These are oval-shaped small glands that are located throughout the body. Sometimes the lump may feel very small and go unnoticeable. However, there are occasions when the lump may become large and noticeable.

    These lumps may be the result of an antiperspirant you used or an after shaving lotion. It could be the result of cysts or any infection in your body. You need to go for a medical check-up if the lumps become large, do not pain, and stay for a longer period of time. Here are some of the causes of lump in armpit:

    Causes of armpit lumps
    In most of the cases, lump in the armpit is a harmless issue which happens due to abnormal tissue growth and generally goes away with time. However, there are certain instances that may indicate a more serious underlying medical issue. Let’s have a look at some of them:

    • An adverse reaction to vaccinations
    • A response to breast cancer
    • A fibroadenoma (non-cancerous fibrous tissue growth)
    • Bacterial or viral infections
    • Leukemia (cancer of the blood cells)
    • Lupus (a disease that targets your joints and organs)
    • Lipomas (harmless fat tissue growths)
    • Allergic reactions
    • Fungal infections
    • Lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system)

    Diagnosis of armpit lumps
    A thorough physical examination is needed in order to diagnose a lump in the armpit. Your doctor might ask you several questions or massage the area of the lump in order to find its texture. In some instances, the physical examination will prove that the lump is not harmful. In such cases, you don’t need any additional treatment. However, if the case is different and the doctor assesses by the primary examination that there is a need for additional treatment then, he/she might recommend that as well.

    Test for armpit lumps
    Based on your primary physical examination of the lump in the armpit, the doctor may ask you to do some tests so that he/she could rule out any serious underlying disease. These tests include:

    • Complete blood count
    • Chest or breast X-ray
    • Biopsy
    • Allergy testing

    If you have a lump under your armpit then you should not worry because normally it will go away. However, going to a doctor will be beneficial because in this way you will be certain that you don’t have any hidden disease.

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  • 7 essential tips to avail car loans even with bad credit

    You wish to buy the dream car that you always pined for, but, your past credit records aren’t going to help you apply for a car finance loan. What will be your next step? Well, since you are living in an era where the dynamics between the debtors and the bank has slightly undergone a change, despite a bad credit you can avail of a car finance loan. Gone are the days that if you held a bad credit in the past, it would affect your future endeavors. If you have bad credit and wish to apply for a car finance loan, here are some tips to avail a car finance loan with bad credit.

    • The first step in availing any kind of loan is to research. It is not advisable to hastily choose the first finance company that offers car finance loan on bad credit. Instead, take your time and conduct a thorough research regarding which company provides what. Compare the quotes from each company before arriving at any conclusion.
    • Before delving into online finance companies that provide car finance loan for bad credit, check your neighborhood. Your bank or credit union might come to your rescue here. You can even ask your employers if they provide auto financing.
    • Usually, people who have bad credit seek car finance loans from lenders who cater to low-credit clients. Instead, it will be more beneficial if you check with reputable firms or national, local and regional banks. These are trustworthy sources.
    • The next step is a bit psychological. When you show up alone to bargain with the car finance provider, you might not be quite successful in arriving at an interest rate of your choice. So, tell your partner to tag along with you. Your partner can be instrumental in showing approval or dismissing a potential car loan. This might prompt the agent to reconsider their offer.
    • Another smart thing to do while shopping for car finance loan with bad credit is to opt for loans with short payment terms. Do not get tempted with lower monthly payments that are stretched over a long period. The trick here lies in shopping for a car finance loan with shorter terms not lower monthly payments.
    • Since you are availing a car finance loan with bad credit, you will be presented contracts that speak of unnecessary add-ons such as insurance, after-market services, extended warranties, etc. Do not go for these add-ons unless it is necessary.
    • Read through the fine print. Check whether the contract speaks of any additional charges, or that there are chances of a sudden increase in the interest. Be on guard against such finance companies.
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  • Different types of furniture for different needs

    There are many different kinds of furniture available today to make our life easier even as they add beauty and charm to our homes. You can choose from a plethora of pieces and styles at stores like Target, Walmart, Home Depot and many more. It would be a good idea to choose furniture from such stores because they will come with high-quality finishes, in many different styles and often with warranties. So take a look at the different kinds of furniture to make the right choice for your home and the overall decor statement!

    Classic Furniture: Classic furniture pieces usually include upholstered pieces with classic patterns and flourishes as well as carved wooden furniture. Glossy polishes and varnishes are a staple for this kind of furniture. If your home has a very elegant theme that borders on the old school, then this is the kind of furniture that you must go for. The legs of the chairs, couches and tables will usually be curved while the patterns will have some inlay work or carving. Also, you can choose pieces with neutral upholstery and delicate patterns as well as stripes and other such features for an eclectic mix.

    Modern Furniture: Modern furniture will usually have linear cuts and shapes along with fine lines to define the pieces in the most understated way. While classic furniture pieces may be the main personality of the room, the modern furniture will only add a solid layer and let accents like drapes, throws as well as artworks do all the talking. This usually helps in creating a more contemporary and minimal feel. You can choose such pieces based on the overall look that you prefer, and then bring in accents that will define the theme in a more specific manner. Also, such kind of furniture will feature straight lines and low seating.

    Countryside Chic: You can find many pieces that would be suited for this kind of theme. From driftwood furniture to polished wooden pieces and even rustic ones layered with exotic fabrics, you can find a whole range of such furniture at many stores including Target and Walmart. Benches for seating, stools designed from tree stumps, slip covers in burlap for the couches, and plenty of large coffee and end tables will help you replicate the barn house look easily. This kind of furniture can also be used for the loft theme because it conveys a casual and easygoing aura as far as the design of the home is concerned.

    Fusion Pieces: There are a number of designer fusion pieces in the market today that mix the classic and the contemporary with many other schools of design. These are a rage currently because they bring in a fun and quirky factor even as they let you play around with varied styles in a single space.

    Scandinavian Furniture: These pieces are usually smartly-chiseled and crafted in natural hues. They are minimalistic, dainty-looking and perfect for modern interiors with neutral walls.

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  • Tips to control the symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome effectively

    What happens when a person is diagnosed with an ailment which will never leave his side? Since this query indicates that the disease cannot be cured, the only option that the person has is to learn to coexist with the disease and control it with whatever means are available.

    Sjogren’s Syndrome is one such disorder that cannot be cured, and the individual is stuck with it for eternity. Sjogren’s Syndrome surfaces when the immune system, which is supposed to guard the body against the attack of malicious agents, starts attacking the red blood cells in the body instead of the viruses and bacteria it is supposed to target. In the process of attacking the healthy blood cells, the immune system attacks the glands in the throat and eyes, which affects the production of saliva and tears respectively. As a result of this, people who suffer from Sjogren’s Syndrome suffer from dryness of the mouth and eyes.

    As trivial as the dryness of the mouth and eyes might sound, they pose a serious threat to an individual’s health. Dry mouth is an open invitation for yeast infections, and since the saliva isn’t present to protect the teeth and gums, they become prone to deterioration. Dry eyes cause irritation and can affect the cornea, causing permanent damage to the eyes.

    Though Sjogren’s Syndrome cannot be treated, the symptoms can be controlled. Here’s how.

    • Since dry eyes are a prominent symptom of Sjogren’s Syndrome, one can use artificial tears or eye lubricants to reduce the irritation caused by the same. It is advisable to use artificial tears that are devoid of any preservatives. It ensures that the condition doesn’t worsen further.
    • Another way of keeping your eyes and mouth from drying is by increasing the indoor humidity. This ensures that whatever moisture is left in your eyes and mouth remain intact.
    • Since people suffering from Sjogren’s Syndrome suffer from dryness of the mouth as well, it is essential to maintain the right level of moisture in the mouth. In such cases, keeping oneself hydrated works wonders. Increase your fluid intake, and eventually, you will be free from a dry mouth.
    • In case of a dry mouth, the individual has to quit smoking. Smoking can aggravate the already delicate condition and absorb whatever moisture is left. Also, it irritates a dry mouth. So, kick the butt!
    • Remember how as kids we salivated seeing the sugar-coated candies? Well, never would have you thought this might come to your rescue. Sugarless or citrus-flavored candies are known to stimulate the production of saliva. So, goodbye dry mouth!
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  • Must-have nutritious and healthy foods in your meal

    It is often not required to go after out of the season food items to get a healthy and nutritious food. Enough studies have shown naturally grown seasonal food are more nutritious than the more expensive varieties. The hallmark of a nutritious and healthy food is the content than anything else. Listed below are some essential nutritious and healthy foods that do much good to our body:

    Soybeans are well known for their protein content. What is less known is the other nutrient contents in a cup of beans like copper, manganese, phosphorous, iron, magnesium, potassium, riboflavin vitamin B2 and Vitamin K all more than the daily requirements. Its calorie content is high. It makes it to the list of healthy protein foods.

    Mushrooms are nutrient beyond the toppings in omelet and pizza. It contains copper, selenium, potassium, zinc, manganese, phosphorous, thiamine, vitamin B1, choline, folate. Like most vegetables, they should not be overcooked.

    Lentils are another remarkable food. It has amazing nutrients and contains more than the recommended iron requirement. Other nutrients are copper, phosphorus, zinc, potassium, manganese, fiber, folate, Vitamin B6, thiamine, Vitamin B1, and all these in just one cup of cooked lentils. Lentils are another healthy protein food.

    Kale lives up to the hype. The leaves have abundant nutrients like Vitamin. A, C and K. Besides copper, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, manganese and iron. A low oxalate content, a molecule naturally found both in the plant and humans bound to calcium and iron.

    Tomatoes by the color itself declare its value. The color lycopene is a pigment making phytochemical. Besides Vitamin. A, C and K, folic acid, beta-carotene, lutein, Biotin and minerals like potassium and copper are present. Biotin enhances metabolism.

    Green Peas: Another one of the healthy protein foods, one cup of cooked peas has high contents of manganese, copper, phosphorus, zinc, potassium, magnesium, iron, thiamine, Vitamin B1, fiber, Vitamin C, folate Vitamin B, and choline certainly punching much above its weight.

    Dark chocolate another very blessed food. It has an amazing array of antioxidants. It is found to have a beneficial effect on blood flow, lower blood pressure improved brain function and lower oxidized LDL. It is endowed with fiber, magnesium, manganese, copper, and iron. Higher the cocoa content the better is it. 85% is the highest cocoa content.

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  • Here’s what the best blinds have to offer

    Blinds are one of the most sophisticated window treatments available these days. Many people are replacing the curtains and other types of window treatments with blinds. You have to choose the best blinds available in the market to make your home appealing and energy efficient. What do the best blinds offer?

    Excellent privacy for the inmates
    This is one of the most important qualities of high-quality blinds. Your windows have a bigger role to play in ensuring the much-needed privacy of your home. Highly dynamic blinds can be used to adjust the sunlight in whatever way possible and you can control it with utmost efficiency. Advanced products are equipped with remote control settings and you can use these controls to ensure the amount of privacy you need.

    High energy efficiency for the home
    The ever-increasing energy bills have become an alarming source of concern for many people. This problem can be addressed to a certain extent with the help of installing top quality blinds. They offer better insulation and you do not have to worry about the unwanted energy loss. If you want to enjoy high energy savings, you have to buy the best products available in the market.

    Maximum safety for children
    Reliable manufacturers offer high-quality products at affordable prices and you can also expect excellent safety with these products. You do not have to worry about children getting injured because of the advanced features incorporated in the best blinds available in the market. All these products are quite easy to use.

    Mind blowing and inspiring esthetic appeal
    It is a well-known fact that top blinds offer a lot of functional benefits for the users. These benefits play a very big part in making these products immensely popular. In addition to these functional advantages, they make your home appealing and inviting. If you purchase the most suitable products that go well with the current dcor and ambiance of your home, you can take the aesthetic appeal of your bedroom, bathroom, living room, kitchen, patio or any other space to a different level. Right types of blinds mix well with dcor to deliver an inviting ambiance and you can feel supremely comfortable inside your home.

    These are the most prominent benefits that top quality blinds offer. You can easily purchase them online and leading stores offer a lot of discounts and benefits for the buyers. Today, you do not have to spend a lot of money for purchasing blinds and high-quality products are available at extremely affordable prices. If you spend some time to search online, you can easily find out the most suitable ones that offer amazing benefits for your home.

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  • 10 healthy phone habits to start building today

    Much has been said about monitoring screen time and restricting smartphone usage to the minimum. However, the judicious use of mobile phones is associated with incredible convenience and several benefits. Besides ensuring hassle-free communication, they facilitate essential daily activities, from shopping to entertainment and on-the-go research. Consequently, life without mobiles is impossible to fathom. That said, you must follow a few healthy phone habits to make the best of your gadget.

    Set reminders to perform healthy daily habits
    You can use your smartphone to remind yourself to perform the essential tasks that are easy to miss on busy workdays. For example, you may set reminders to drink water at fixed intervals, apply sunscreen in the mornings, take breaks from work to walk about and stretch, or have meals on time. Such habits can help you establish a healthy routine and allocate time for personal well-being.

    Track screen time
    Mobile phones now have software that help you track how much time you spend with your gadgets. You can even track how much time you spend on individual apps. Moreover, apps like Facebook and Instagram have settings that let you lock them automatically after browsing them for a fixed period each day. Such settings prevent phone overuse while ensuring you enjoy the gadget’s benefits and features.

    Use fitness apps
    Today, there is an influx of fitness apps with built-in features that help you with everything, from calorie counting and meal planning to setting an exercise routine and getting started with different workouts. Such apps help incorporate health and wellness activities into everyday life and prevent potential lifestyle diseases like cholesterol and heart problems.

    Use apps for mental health and meditation
    The importance of mental health and well-being cannot be emphasized enough. With increasing awareness of the need for good mental health, several apps have emerged to help individuals take a breather from their hectic schedules and follow essential mental practices. For example, several apps have guided meditation audio and mood trackers to help you boost your emotional and mental well-being. Such apps can also ensure better sleep and lower stress levels.

    Integrate your smartwatch with your phone
    Gone are the days when watches were used only to tell the time. Today, they help people track fitness parameters, such as their average daily number of steps, sleep duration and quality, and heart rate. Such features help you ensure optimal physical fitness and track abnormalities like irregular heartbeat, ensuring a doctor is promptly consulted in such cases.

    Capture the little moments
    Life is full of precious little moments, which most of us often overlook amid the hustle and bustle of daily life. The market has many smartphones with exceptional camera features and lenses, which you can use to capture these little moments, creating a vibrant album of precious memories. Indulging in nature photography, clicking pictures with family and friends, and capturing the places you visit (even the local ones) are just some ways to utilize the camera feature of your smartphone.

    Video call loved ones regularly
    Interacting with loved ones over the phone is not restricted to audio calls. FaceTime, Duo, and other apps have facilitated undisturbed video calling, bringing individuals from different corners of the world face-to-face. So, make connecting with family members and friends over video calls a part of your daily routine. Such calls can help you stay in touch with your loved ones far away, ensuring fruitful relationships.

    Download brain games
    Brain games have been shown to enhance cognitive function and reduce the risk of mental health conditions like dementia. Both Android and iOS users can download and play brain games like Sudoku, crossword puzzles, chess, and checkers. Many websites also offer innovative and fun brain games that broaden your horizons. It helps to use these resources on your phone to challenge yourself and boost your problem-solving capability.

    Use the phone to manage your finances
    Managing multiple bank accounts and tracking your transactions can be a hassle. The good news is that mobile phone users can now integrate their bank accounts using banking apps for easy monitoring. These apps can also help you carry out various financial activities, including payment transfers, credit-card bill payments, increasing card limits, activating card features, and electricity and phone bill payments. Online payment apps also offer gift vouchers, cashback, and several other perks, motivating you to continue using these apps.

    Use note-taking apps effectively
    Note-taking apps can prove helpful in carrying out several everyday tasks, such as preparing grocery and to-do lists and maintaining a diary. Specialized note-taking apps also have advanced features like adding pictures and videos to your notes, fostering creativity. Compare different note-taking apps and download the one you like. Nowadays, most phones come with a built-in note-taking app, so ensure you try that before downloading another option.

    Besides incorporating these healthy phone habits into your routine, avoiding certain practices, such as using the phone just before sleeping and not using the “dark” mode while viewing the phone at night, is vital. While giving up such habits can be challenging in the initial phase, it proves incredibly beneficial in the long run.

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