Six tell-tale symptoms of Hepatitis C
Six tell-tale symptoms of Hepatitis C

According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been at least 30,000 reported cases of acute Hepatitis C infection every year. A study shows that around 3.5 million people were detected with Hepatitis C virus in 2015. The Hepatitis C virus causes inflammation of the liver that occurs over a prolonged period. This makes Hepatitis C is one such disease that does not show immediate symptoms.

It has been observed that about 20 to 30 percent people experience Hepatitis C symptoms in the first six months. The symptoms of Hepatitis C tend to resemble those of common flu. Hence, it is quite difficult to detect whether a person has been infected by the Hepatitis C virus or not. If you get the following symptoms, consult your doctor and ask whether you are at a risk of Hepatitis C infection.

  • You frequently experience pain in your upper abdomen. The pain usually occurs on the right side. You will also notice a swelling on this part. This happens due to water accumulation. You might also suffer from diarrhea.
  • Your urine is dark and you pass light-colored stool. This is one of the clearest symptoms of Hepatitis C. If you observe these symptoms in yourself, rush to doctor and get tests done to determine whether you are suffering from Hepatitis C.
  • You have jaundice. Your skin and eyes develop a yellow tint. You might suffer from constant itching.
  • You lose your appetite and lose interest in your daily activities. You tend to be nauseous and experience vomiting.
  • You are constantly tired. You experience periodic pains in your muscles and joints. Also, you experience chronic body aches from time to time.
  • You might also suffer from extreme mood swings with a persistent feeling of sadness and lack of energy and enthusiasm.

Most of these symptoms appear within first three months of infection. These can last for two to twelve weeks. Sometimes, certain subtle symptoms can occur periodically over decades. It can take about six months to ten years to became aware of the virus in the body. Since most of these symptoms are similar to illnesses such as flu or diarrhea and other viral infections, Hepatitis C often goes undetected in most cases. It is only when the liver stops functioning normally that it becomes clear that the person is suffering from Hepatitis C infection. In extreme cases, the person might suffer from a condition known as cirrhosis. If you observe any of the above six symptoms, ask your doctor to test you for Hepatitis C. After all, prevention is better than cure!

  • Storage Ideas for Small Spaces

    A small area is often viewed with apprehension and a misconception that it doesn’t have enough scope for experimentation surrounds it. But the point remains, small apartments are best for young couples who have just started their journey together. You do not require a lot of space to adorn your private space in a way that reflects your personality and style. Follow these tips and decode small spaces.

    Think vertical
    When you have pared down on all your belongings and possessions, you will always face the dilemma of determining the place which would stack up all your essentials effortlessly. If you take inspiration from the cities, you will be able to understand how the different aspects such as people, homes, and institutions work within the limited footprint. This logic would help you to get creative with home furnishing and come up with smart storage ideas for your small residential space. And it needs to be mentioned that one of the best and least utilized spaces in the residential homes is the vertical space. So, rather than investing in low dressers and storage cabinets, you can invest in a few wardrobes as well as closet units including the closet systems. By making use of the vertical spaces, your apartment would be quite an efficient city rather than a juggling suburb.

    Opt for multi-functional pieces
    When it comes to larger homes, you have the option to look for items that serves a single purpose where a couch functions just as a couch, a dining room is left only for dining. But if you have a small apartment, it would be great if a particular furniture piece could be used as for a few purposes. The best means of achieving this is by using multi-functional storage furniture for limited spaces. This gives you access to the furniture that can be used in different ways and alternative purposes without any one particular usage. So, what you can do is convert existing pieces of furniture into pieces that can offer different types of usage. Furniture with storage spaces are a viable means of utilizing space wisely. You can also look for wall beds which come with shelves and optional table option on the front side. There is a host of designs to select from that would match your existing home decor seamlessly. This is particularly useful for the small bedrooms that do not have cabinetry or wardrobes to store in the daily essentials.

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  • Tips to buy a hearing aid at a reasonable price

    Loss of hearing is not an easy thing to deal with. Often hearing loss leads to social isolation, inability to earn income, lack of concentration, depression, dementia, etc. As per estimates, more than 40 million people in the US suffer from hearing loss. In fact, it is a chronic condition, which is more common than heart disease and cancer.

    If you have been diagnosed with permanent hear loss, know that you are not alone. And thankfully, hearing aids are there to help you lead a normal life! Hearing aids such as Costco hearing aids have enabled people to get on with their lives while combating this disability like pros.

    Usually, a majority of people suffering from hearing loss do not opt for hearing aids owing to its cost. And it’s true that most of the hearing aids are priced high. So, are you one among them who are reluctant to buy hearing aids as it is not within your budget? Listed below are a few tips to help you get hearing aids at a reasonable price.

    • Check with your insurance company
      Most of the health insurance policies do not cover the cost of hearing aids. Don’t expect your insurance provider to finance your Costco hearing aids fully. However, you may check with them before buying one. Some of the insurance companies in the US offer a partial refund in specific policies. You can also make use of pretax dollars or health savings account in order to buy the hearing aids.
    • Do not spend on features you don’t need
      Technology is progressing by the minute and you will find products including Costco hearing aids with premium features. An example is its Bluetooth capabilities. Do you think you will make use of such modern features? If no, it’s better to avoid it and save some money on it. While you look for an economical hearing aid, opt for the one with the basic features. Also, discuss with your healthcare provider about which one would work best for you.
    • Don’t be reluctant to bargain
      Before stepping out to buy a hearing aid, make sure you do a ground research about the pros and cons of the product. For instance, if you are buying Costco hearing aids, go through user reviews and conduct an online research about the product. The point here is when you know the pros and cons, you can confidently bargain. It may or may not work, but still, you can give it a try. Also, you may find some surprise offers or discounts at times. Grab the chance then!
    • Get in touch with organizations
      If you are out of funds to get hearing aids, this will make the next best option. There are many NGO’s, social organizations, clubs and groups that help people in buying hearing aids. You may have to go through a set of procedures to get financial support from such organizations.
    • Choose the product wisely!
      Finally, don’t choose the wrong product since you will have to spend twice on buying a hearing aid. Take your audiologist’s opinion before you buy the product. You should find it useful and feel comfortable while wearing it. It’s favorable if you can go for a written contract with the retailer while you buy Costco hearing aids. This will be largely helpful if you want to replace or exchange the product later due to ineffectiveness. Mention the length of the trial period as well.

    So, now that you have enough ways to find a reasonable hearing aid, do not put off your plan to buy them. Instead of saying no to hearing aids, choose an affordable one. However, just because a product is affordable, do not compromise on the quality.

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  • Got an insect bite? Here’s how you can identify it

    Usually, insects and bugs will bite or sting when they are provoked. For example, spiders, bees, wasps attack when they are disturbed. On the other hand, bites from other insects such as bed bugs, mosquitoes, ants, fleas and so on can catch you unaware. In either case, you need immediate first aid to prevent the insect bite from causing any infection or a serious health hazard. Identifying the insect bites is the first step towards treating them.

    Once the symptoms of insect bite have been identified, it becomes easy to know what remedy can be applied to alleviate the discomfort caused by the bite. Here is a list a few common symptoms for easy insect bite identification. Check these symptoms and consult a doctor for identifying insect bites and get immediate medical attention.

    • Bed bugs bite: If you want to know what do bed bug bites look like, you can look for photos of bed bug bites. Physical symptoms such as swollen red skin with a dark center with bites appearing in groups or a line would be quite evident from the pictures; bed bug bites photos that are available online would be one of the easiest ways to identify whether the bite is a bed bug bite or not.
    • Spider bites: Easily-identifiable 10 signs of a spider bite include a blister on the bite area, an ulcer beneath the blister, two puncture marks on the skin that might be painful, stomach cramps, sweating, headache, muscle pain, purplish skin, itchiness and redness over the bite area. Whether you are looking for recluse spider bite signs or any other type of spider bite symptoms, almost all spider bite identification guides will indicate these as the tell-tale signs.
    • Mosquito bites: Immediately after a mosquito bite, there will be an itching sensation on the bite area along with the appearance of round and puffy bumps. The bumps become swollen, hard and red. Multiple bites may happen over the same area. Itching aggravates the bite and is followed by a slight burning sensation.
    • Flea bites: Fleas usually bite around the feet and lower legs. The symptoms start appearing as soon as flea bites. The area where a flea bite becomes itchy, and there are red bumps that are surrounded by a reddish halo.
    • Fly bites: Some of the common flies that bite are sand flies, tsetse flies, and deer flies. The common physical symptoms are the appearance of red bumps and blisters over the bitten areas. These bumps and blisters are quite painful and highly like to be infected since these flies feed on the blood after biting.
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  • Things you should know before visiting property archives

    Property archives may be open for the public for research purpose but there are a number of things that you should know before visiting these places. Here is a list of do’s and don’ts while visiting a public records office or any property archives.

    Security check in: Not everyone is allowed to visit a public records office, in fact some places allow only people who have a valid government issued Id to avail registration and get a research card. This can be anything from your driver’s license to passports issued by recognized government’s. The registration is essential for security purposes and accesses to government records, which are open for public research purposes.

    Use of camera’s, cellphones and other devices: The guidelines issued for use of cameras in an archives offices will again differ for different counties and district offices and the researcher is responsible for compliances as per the state guidelines. Cellphones are generally permitted on silent or vibrate mode only, so as to not disturb fellow researchers. Use of laptops or other devices will again depend on the type of research and guidelines issued by the archives.

    Copies and reproductions: Since the information stored in public archives are as the name suggests, for public research purpose, copies can be made for a price which is decided by the archive. The cost might be a nominal per page copy charge, which is to be paid later. For example archives may charge a mere twenty or thirty cents for making any copies from books, microfilms, other relevant documents which are needed for your research purposes. Photocopies and any other reproductions apart for the above mentioned are generally governed by the copyright laws of the county for any reserved or copyrighted material or resources.

    Publishing archived material: There is a difference between making copies of information and making copies for the purpose of publishing. Most archives request researcher to send a letter of intent to publish archives material on the internet or through any other medium for that matter. Permission has to be obtained prior to any publication.

    Registration: As mentioned earlier, registration is open for people from a certain age group who want to access public records for research purposes. The particulars of said registration will again depend on parameters like validity of the registration, eligibility criteria and more. This will also differ from county to county and public records offices. These particulars can be obtained from the official websites of these offices.

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  • The best body hair removal solutions within your budget

    The process of hair removal is crucial for many women, and they simply do not ignore it. After all, the skin is the largest sense organ and taking care of it is of vital importance. Some women opt to go for laser hair removal to get stubble-free, smooth skin, but laser hair removal is extremely expensive and takes a lot of time and patience. Shaving is only a quick, temporary and an alternate solution, which often leaves the skin dry and rough. Visiting salons for regular waxing appointments can also prove to be heavy on the pocket.

    So, the need for a long-term hair removal approach for both men and women is quite dire. The best body hair removal option seems to be the use of hair removing creams or shaving gels that are available in the market and can be purchased over the counter. However, it can be a confusing process before you find a product that does an excellent job of hair removal, nourishes the skin, and guarantees a quality long-term experience.

    Following is a carefully curated list of the best body hair removal products in the market that you can choose from:

    Gillette Venus Satin Care Dry Skin Shave Gel

    With a pleasant fragrance, moisturizing and smoothening effects, and affordable pricing, this shaving gel makes it a pleasure to get rid of unwanted hair. The vitamin formula makes sure that your skin is soft after the use of this shaving gel. Credited to be one of the best body hair removal options available in the market, it is also among one of the most affordable options available.

    Veet Gel Hair Remover Cream

    The traditional shaving creams just gently grazes on the surface of the skin to get the job done. Veet has taken a different approach towards hair removal by soothing the skin with the presence of aloe vera and vitamin E. The shaving gel ultimately seeps into the skin, making each hair strand soften up for a quick, painless and bump-free hair removal process.

    Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal

    Some women are lucky to be spared from facial hair, but some women do struggle with wild facial hair growth. Olay’s hair removal kit ensures that you get rid of all the coarse and hard hair fibers from your facial area. The skin guarding balm (which comes with the kit) protects your delicate facial skin. The cream can help you get rid of unwanted hair quickly and painlessly within eight minutes.

    Nair Cocoa Butter Hair Remover Lotion

    The Nair remover lotion works quickly and can quite successfully slow down the growth of hair. You can apply it to your legs, arms, underarms and other areas where you have unwanted hair – let it sit for three minutes and see the magic work. You can use a washcloth to remove and rinse the treated area thoroughly. With the presence of cocoa butter and vitamin E oil, the Nair remover lotion not only leaves your skin supple but also smells decadent.

    Moom Organic Hair Remover

    This excellent hair removal product is rated among the best body hair removal solutions. Enriched and nourished with the presence of essential oils, this cream makes the process more comfortable on the skin. The natural and organic formula makes sure that unwanted hair is completely uprooted from the skin and not merely trimmed. You can enjoy hair-free, smooth skin for up to two months.

    To conclude, with so many hair removal products available in the market, it is essential that you choose the one that suits your skin type. The products mentioned above are from trusted, and established brands and one among them would definitely suit you.

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  • What to look for in a hair loss shampoo

    Hair fall is the biggest concern for many people. Pollution and dust, are just two of the major causes of hair fall apart from genetic disorders. Have you ever considered that one of the main reason for hair fall could be using the wrong hair conditioner or shampoo? In the hectic schedules and busy life, people do not have the time for making their home remedies to combat the hair fall. Therefore, we mostly rely on the conditioners or shampoos. Choosing the right hair loss shampoo plays an important role in reducing or curbing hair fall.

    Many products are available in the market that claims to reduce hair fall, but there are only a few products that meet the mark. Some shampoos contain active natural ingredients. But some of the other products available include balanced chemical formulas that help stimulate hair growth. When you are looking to buy the best Shampoo for Hair Loss for Women then you need to consider a few factors such as those listed below:

    Know your hair type
    You need to choose the best shampoo suited for your hair type. This depends on whether you have oily hair, dry hair or a combination of both. No matter how many shampoos you try, it is necessary to use the right Hair Loss Shampoo for your hair type to ensure that it is effective. Oily hair cannot be cleaned by a shampoo formulated for dry hair. Picking shampoo with natural ingredients and positive reviews could be a good choice.

    Right pH level shampoo
    The Hair Loss Shampoo needs to have a pH level close to 6.5 so that it helps the scalp to stay nourished. Shampoo with this pH level will not dry the hair and scalp as it retains the moisture that is required for keeping the hair healthy to the maximum.

    For colored hair
    When you are thinking about making changes to your hair color, then it is necessary to choose the right conditioner or shampoo. Many people change their hair color to have a fashionable and trendy look. Shades such as vibrant blonde, red and deep brown have become the hit of the year based on the hair colors of the popular models and celebrities. Changing the color of hair can create more hair related issues. Your hair could become brittle, dry, dead and messy. You need to give care to your hair by using a shampoo that is formulated especially for colored locks.

    Hair nourishment
    Giving your hair proper nourishment is very important. Before buying a Hair Loss Shampoo, check out the label for ingredients. Some of the important ones to look out for in a good Hair Loss Shampoo are shea butter, egg protein, glycerin and soy milk. You need to pick shampoo with as many of these good ingredients as possible to help nourish and enrich your hair.

    For dry hair
    Improving the hair moisture is the main aspect of dry hair, so it is necessary to choose the best shampoo for hair loss for women without too many chemicals. Make sure that your hair is well moisturized as dry hair can look limp and dead.

    For oily hair
    When you are experiencing hair fall due to oily hair, then it is necessary to solve this problem immediately Check the strength and pH balance of the shampoo you are using or wish to purchase. A properly balanced pH level is important. Oily hair needs to be often washed to reduce hair fall and to help it look good.

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  • A 3-step guide to selling a timeshare

    A timeshare is shared ownership of a property, wherein multiple individuals own a “share” of a particular home or property in return for its access for a stipulated period, typically once a year. Investors may sometimes wish to sell their timeshare for various reasons, like the inability to pay for travel or illness. If you want a release from your timeshare ownership, you must consider a few things to sell it fast and safe.

    1. Determine the value
    Owning a timeshare means you have essentially paid for a set number of vacation days upfront. A timeshare’s value decreases over time, unlike real estate, so it should not be purchased as an investment. Additionally, you need to have realistic expectations while reselling it. It is quite likely that the resale value will be lower than the price you paid while originally buying the timeshare. Some owners simply return their timeshares to the property managers without asking for any money, but if you wish to get back at least something, you can determine the value of a timeshare by researching the resort it is located in and checking the prices of similar timeshares currently up for sale. The valuation depends on the location, maintenance, and how long you have owned it.

    2. Pay the maintenance
    Ensure that you pay the maintenance fees before listing your timeshare for resale. This is important if you’re wondering how to sell a timeshare fast, as it prevents repossession and gives your timeshare value.

    3. Choose a selling option
    One of the most reliable ways to sell a timeshare is to contact the property manager and ask for their help. Another option is to run advertisements in the real estate or travel section of a local newspaper. You can also list your timeshare on websites like Craigslist, RedWeek, Timeshare Users Group, or eBay.
    Another option is to rope in a professional resale agent to help you sell your timeshare. Selling your timeshare through agents should not cost anything. If resale companies or agents ask for a large sum of money upfront, it is a red flag. When hiring a resale agent, make sure to check with the American Resort Development Association to avoid scammers.
    Many “timeshare cancellation companies” claim that they can get your timeshare contract canceled, but these contracts cannot be canceled unless you are in your rescission period.

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  • The best and cheap washers and dryers under $750 from Whirlpool

    Household chores have never been comfortable but have been made easier with the advent of technology. Dishwashers have replaced washing dishes manually; vacuums are a standard way to get the house clean and washing and drying clothes have been made easy, thanks to many high-tech washers and dryers available in the market.

    A washer and dryer is something every household needs irrespective of how large or small it is. While a lot of people think that they need to spend at least USD 1000 to get a washer and dryer set, there are a lot of washers and dryers in the market that you can get under USD 750 quickly and that too made by a giant manufacturer like Whirlpool.

    Here are our reviews of two of the efficient and cheap washers and dryers that are made by Whirlpool.

    Kenmore 2620232K Washer & 60222 Dryer

    The Kenmore 2620232K washer is priced less than USD 300 and is a top loading washing machine. You can be assured of a decent cleaning performance as Whirlpool makes this Kenmore model for the brand. You can even find this washer dryer on sale at a much cheaper rate than its original upfront cost of USD 299. This Kenmore washer has a wash drum with a 3.5 cubic feet capacity which may be smaller than many top rated washing machines but can take a decent amount of load. The model has a sensor that senses the load to fill the appropriate amount of water to ensure responsible use of water. The washer also has a deep fill option for washing clothes that may need more water than the rest.

    The Kenmore 60222 dryer uses electricity to run and matches with the Kenmore 2629233K washer. The model’s motion sensor ensures speedier drying of clothes and helps save time and energy. This sensor may be lacking in most of the other cheap washers and dryers which sometimes leads to over-dried and damaged clothes. Overdrying can cost you money in terms of the power being used. There is a gas run model of the make available too, but that is priced at a higher value than the electric one. This electric model is priced at USD 299. If this still falls out of your budget, you can explore the option of a used washer dryer on sale for low prices.

    Amana NTW4516FW Washer & NED4655EW Dryer

    Just like Kenmore, Amana washers and dryers are made by Whirlpool Corp as well. When it comes to cheap washers and dryers, Amana NTW4516FW gets the spotlight with an excellent cleaning performance. The model looks similar in style and functions with the Kenmore models since the maker of both these brands is the same. The model is priced at USD 299 at Home Depot and Best Buy which is among the lowest as compared to other places where it is priced higher.

    The dryers, just like the washers have all the functions like the above mentioned Kenmore dryer but has more drawbacks. This one too is one of the cheap washers and dryers that easily cost under USD 750. One of the main disadvantages is the missing buzzer that the Kenmore model has. Amana dryers and washers are available at a number of stores. The model is priced same as the Amana NTW4516FW mentioned above, and matches in design and style too to be placed as a set.

    If you decide to buy one of the cheap washers and dryers, make sure you find out all that you need about the make and model to understand its compatibility with your needs.

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