Mold is widely seen in places where there is a lot of moisture, like the bathrooms in your basement, under the sinks or out in the garden areas, especially if you are close to a water source. Knowing this should give you a clue about how you can prevent mold and stay allergy-free. However, it is not always that simple. Let us look at a few tips on how we can prevent mold allergy symptoms and keep the sniffles away.
- While symptoms of mold allergy are very much like general cold and cough, you will be able to tell if your infections are getting progressively worse and they seem to take longer to subside. Also, if rains aggravate these symptoms, it is best you check if it is a reaction to mold.
- The most important thing to do will be to identify the source of moisture. So ensure you check the plumbing, poorly ventilated bathrooms or kitchens, a survey of the landscape around your home and finally the gutters, if you have any.
- Check all rooms of your home and ensure that any place that is wet is wiped down. Maintaining clean and dry spaces will go a long way in keeping mold allergy symptoms away. Your garbage cans need to be emptied, washed, and dried often to ensure that they don’t become a source for mold. Use vents extensively to reduce moisture while cooking and taking a shower.
- Another effective way to prevent mold allergy symptoms is to use a dehumidifier around your home. Using them in conjunction with an AC in hot and humid climates can drastically reduce the dampness in homes.
- Moist carpets and upholstery are notorious for moisture build up. This can be a haven for mold, if not cleaned regularly. An effective way to do this would be to dust it with baking powder or use a bottle of white vinegar spray. Dry it thoroughly under the. The sun’s rays work like magic to kill mold, and it is free too!
Mold, unlike widespread belief, is not toxic or deadly, but constant exposure can increase mold allergy symptoms. With a little care, the problem can be managed and reduced to a large extent.
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4 effective treatments for heel spur relief
Read moreA heel spur is a bone growth that develops on the heel bone, specifically on the underside of the bone. It happens due to calcium deposit that causes a bony protrusion of nearly half-inch to develop on the heel bone. The calcium deposition occurs gradually over months. An extreme, persistent strain on the ligaments and foot muscles, repeated instances of heel bone membrane tearing, and plantar fascia stretching are some of the common causes of heel spur. Also known as help spur syndrome, the condition is detected and diagnosed based on X-ray test results.
Painless, heel spurs are often associated with plantar fasciitis. Heel spur relief treatment options include cortisone injections, anti-inflammatory medications, exercise, customized orthotics and so on. In certain cases, surgery may be required. Here are a few effective treatments for help spur relief:
- Stretching exercises: If the heel pain persists for more than a pain, consult a physiotherapist. The therapist will recommend a set of stretching exercises that will help to provide heel spur relief by alleviating the pain. The goal of such physical therapy is to treat and give relief from plantar fasciitis, which aggravates the symptoms of heel spur.
- Orthotics and shoe recommendations: Orthotic devices are used to correct biomechanical imbalances that cause arch and heel pain. The devices such as heel cushions, heel pads, insoles, shoe inserts, and special orthotic shoes give relief from the excess pressure exerted on heels and the Achilles tendon. Such devices also control additional movements that put a strain on the plantar fasciitis ligament. Special shoes help to alleviate the effects on inflammation on the tendons and muscles of the heel.
- Anti-inflammation medications: Most often heel spur is caused due to plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs due to inflammation of the plantar fascia that is located at the bottom of the foot. Popular over-the-counter medications such as naproxen, acetaminophen, and acetaminophen are often used to get heel spur relief. It is recommended that a doctor is consulted before taking any medications. Doctors may also suggest cortisone injections to alleviate the symptoms of pain.
- Surgery: When none of the non-invasive heel spur treatments work, doctors may recommend surgery. Surgery is done in only 10% of the cases since most people get heel spur relief from conservative treatments. Surgeries are done to release stress from the plantar fascia or to remove the spur. Post surgery, a person may be required to use surgical shoes, crutches, bandages, splints, and so on.
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The basics of the post menopause stage
Read moreMenopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive life. During the years of transition the woman suffers symptoms like hot flashes, redness of skin, anxiety etc. Most of these symptoms fade off in a year or two. With the topsy-turvy menstrual patterns, it is extremely difficult to ascertain the exact date of ovulation and plan sex. It is easy to conceive in this milieu. This, if not exactly dangerous, is undesired as babies conceived during the transitional period run a very high risk of abnormalities like Down’s syndrome and many physical defects.
With the resetting of hormones at new levels, it is not uncommon to develop lingering chronic conditions. The conditions that linger on into post menopause are vaginal dryness and itching, vaginal discharge, insomnia, weight gain, stress incontinence and urinary infections. One becomes more susceptible to more serious ailments. There is increased chances of some major ailments such as heart diseases and osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis: Estrogen, a female hormone, has a beneficial effect on preserving the bone mass in women. Post menopause, the levels of this hormone come down, which results in loss of bone material. A systematic physical activity, like regular walking etc. helps control the loss of bone mass. A lot of conventional medications are available for treatment in severe cases.
Heart diseases: There is a theory that tendencies for atherosclerosis increases post menopause due the decreased estrogen levels. This is contested. However, there are increased tendencies for other heart diseases like myocardial infarct and other conditions. Conventional management practices like controlling hypertension, cholesterol with statins, lifestyle changes etc. are generally adequate. At one time MHT or menopausal hormone therapy was standard. Later research has revealed serious drawback to it. It is now resorted to only in extreme cases.
Regular exercise, and balanced diet are all that is needed in most cases.One need not develop a notion postmenopausal life is all a misery. There are a lot of positives to take. Set up a regular exercise regime like walking, indulge in a happy social life, eat a balanced diet and visit your healthcare provider regularly. There is enough evidence to support an active sex life is good for health in many ways. One has fulfilled all their responsibilities and no fear of a pregnancy. There are enough and more choices in the market to counter postmenopausal dryness of vagina. There are no reasons for anyone to have restrict their sex life. It is one of the blessings of menopause.