What Are the Causes of Blood in Urine
What Are the Causes of Blood in Urine

Blood in the urine which is medically known as hematuria can be either microscopic (when the blood is not visible) or gross (when the blood is visible). It can come from kidneys, bladder, ureters or urethra. It is always advisable to seek a healthcare professional’s medical guidance even if you are have found blood in your urine with no pain so that you can know the actual reasons behind hematuria. Also, it will help you to get the necessary treatment and avoid further issues. Read on to know the causes of hematuria (blood in the urine)along with the necessary treatments.

Causes of hematuria (blood in the urine)
Do not immediately get panic-stricken if you have spotted blood in your urine. It does not necessarily indicate you have severe kidney disease. It can happen due to some of the following common causes.

  • Strenuous exercise
  • Menstruation
  • Sexual activity
  • Injury
  • Any infection like UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)

Other than all the aforementioned reasons, following are some serious issues that can cause hematuria.

  • Bladder or kidney cancer
  • Polycystic kidney disease
  • Swelling or irritation in the kidneys, prostate (in the case of men), other parts of the urinary tract
  • Sickle cell disease is also a cause of hematuria (blood in the urine)

Symptoms of hematuria (blood in the urine)
Red, pink, tea-colored, or brownish-red urine is one common hematuria (blood in the urine) symptom. Other symptoms may include a pain while urinating, weakness, body swelling, high blood pressure, etc. Sometimes, it is associated with a fever as well. The symptoms may vary depending on the actual causes of hematuria (blood in urine).

How is it treated?
You will be able to get the best treatment only when the underlying reason causing blood in the urine is found. If you are not diagnosed with a serious condition causing it, do not panic. It is also possible that you might not feel any pain when you suffer from hematuria (blood in the urine).

However, the healthcare expert may ask you to undergo urine testing along with blood pressure checking. Depending on the reports of this testing, your doctor will decide whether you need to do more tests or you can start with the treatment process.

So, if you notice blood in your urine, it is always advisable to consult a medical expert at the earliest. Also, a regular health checkup irrespective of the age is recommended to stay fit and healthy and avoiding problems like hematuria.

  • Wedding guest book – Design, presentation, and DIY ideas

    The moments that lead up to a wedding and the ones that follow are something most couples treasure throughout their lives. Some frame their wedding invitations, flowers, or even décor, while others hold on to their wedding attire and pass it on to the next generation. But one special keepsake that couples treasure is their wedding guest book. These books help couples personalize their big day and revisit and cherish those memories on anniversaries.

    Design
    Couples can design a wedding guest book in several ways. For instance, they could visit shopping websites to source personalized wedding guest books that include pictures of their liking. That said, there are a few essential tips to follow while designing the book.

    A great way to begin is by writing the couple’s name, wedding date, and other details on the first page, like the lyrics from their first dance. While other information can follow, the pages should match the wedding colors or theme that is being planned. Moreover, the book’s design should complement the couple’s home, where it will be kept after the wedding. For example, if a couple wants to keep the wedding guest book on their coffee table, they should design it to complement their home décor. Most importantly, the book should have sufficient pages for the guests to write, doodle, or paste photographs as they prefer.

    Presentation
    Correctly presenting a guest book at the wedding is the key to getting the maximum number of guests to participate in the activity. One tip is to display the book near the reception entrance so guests can sign it upon arrival. But sometimes, the venue layout may make it difficult to do this. In such situations, couples can place the wedding book in an open space where it is easily visible. This location should be spacious for family, friends, and guests to hang out comfortably without being rushed or cramped for space to sign the book. Another way to get guests to sign the book is to dress the table with decorations to make it visually appealing. If possible, the couple should also designate a close family member to remind people to sign the book as they pass by.

    Popular wedding guest book ideas
    Traditionally, a wedding guest book is a bound book where friends, family members, and other guests sign their names and sometimes leave well-wished or inspirational messages to motivate the wedded couple. Using a bound book is still lovely, but couples have started personalizing this wedding detail. Doing so makes it much more fun and memorable for the newlyweds and the guests. Here are six non-traditional wedding guestbook alternatives to try:

    Thumb impressions
    Thumb impressions are among the most creative ideas for a wedding guest book. The couple draws a giant tree with several branches to set the idea in motion. During the wedding, the couple or the person in charge places an eco-friendly ink pad next to the artwork. Now the guests press their thumbs against the ink pad and make an impression on the tree’s branches, creating the leaves. They sometimes also sign over the imprint so the couple can identify who it belongs to.

    Jenga set
    Implementing this idea could make playing Jenga way more fun. The couple purchases a blank Jenga set (or two, based on the expected number of people at the wedding) and has their guests sign the blocks. Each time the newlyweds have friends and family over in the future, they play the game and revisit the wishes scribbled into the set on their special day.

    Beach and nautical keepsakes
    Couples who enjoy spending time at the beach love this idea. They use objects like a surfboard, a model sailboat, stones, oars, a wooden anchor, or seashells to collect signatures and written wishes from guests at their wedding. Some couples get friends, family members, and guests to sign on parchment and then put the paper in a bottle.

    Signature tree
    A signature tree is among the prettiest guest book ideas. Couples create a tree using craft paper and shape the leaves as hearts or another object of their choosing. At the wedding, guests sign on the leaves or write well wishes. Once the event is over, the couple frames the tree or hangs it on a wall to cherish it forever.

    Wooden sign board
    This type of signboard is a beautiful guest book DIY idea any couple could use. The craft requires the couple to purchase a large wooden board of a style they prefer and inscribe their wedding details. With guest signatures on it, the wooden board serves as an attractive piece of wall art at the newlyweds’ home.

    Music records
    Using records as a medium for a wedding guest book is ideal for newlyweds who are all about music. Couples create this keepsake by purchasing circular MDF boards from a local craft shop in a suitable size. Next, they paint the boards to make them look like music records and get their guests to sign them. The record labels include details like their wedding date, favorite lyrics, and the names of special dances.

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  • 10 Best low-carb snacks for a healthy meal

    If you want to start with the best low-carb diet plan, you will notice that it is easier to plan the full meals, where veggies and meat are great options. However, it is the middle meal or the snack that poses a problem. You should avoid fried and junk snack options, but at the same time, you should have a small meal at regular intervals, including three low-carb meals. Here are 10 best low-carb snacks that you can include in your diet plan from across the internet.

    Avocado crisps – Mix avocado with some salt, cheese, and seasonings. Make small balls of this mixture and then flat them out. Bake this batch until desired. And there goes a perfect, healthy snack for you to have between meals.

    Cheesy Jalapeno mushroom bites – In case you are fond of hot and spicy flavors, this recipe is for you. The mushrooms and jalapenos are filled with a mix of cheese and seasonings and then baked. In case you want to make it a full meal, toss in bite-sized pieces of chicken or turkey.

    Crispy parmesan tomato chips – If you are a tomato fan, this recipe is for you. First, you’ll need to cut thick slices of big tomatoes. Add a drizzle of some extra virgin olive oil on the slices. Sprinkle finely grated parmesan cheese and your preferred Italian seasonings. Slow bake this batch of sliced tomatoes until a crisp texture is obtained, which can take more than half an hour. The final result is a tray full of healthy and low-carb snack.

    Pizza bites “ Make a pizza base with a mixture of coconut flour and almond. Top it up with your favorite veggies. Swapping the pepperoni with turkey would be a good option. Layer it with a few crumbled pieces of cheese and bake for a few minutes.

    Flourless Pumpkin bread “ Make a mix of pumpkin mixed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and walnuts. The sugar can be replaced with granulated sweetener, or even better, maple syrup. Bake it and enjoy!

    Boiled or water poached eggs “ This is the healthiest and simplest low-carb snack that you can have anytime, anywhere. Add a few veggies on it and a few seasonings to make it more appealing.

    Olives “ Olives can be added as a topping item in your salad and Mediterranean dishes. You can also have a few pieces in the night as a healthy low-carb snack.

    Nuts “ Have a handful of dry fruits such as almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, etc. You can roast a few nuts or add them for a crunchy texture in dishes like salads, desserts, etc.

    Veggies & Dips – Vegetable sticks like carrot, cucumber, and celery when had with cream cheese dips can be ideal as a quick snack item. It’s healthy and easy to prepare.

    Fruits & Cream – Berries and cream to satisfy the sweet tooth. You can also add a teaspoon of sugar, and substitute berried with other fruits.

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  • Sleep disorder – Its types, symptoms, causes, and risk factors

    Sleep disorder is a medical condition that adversely affects your regular sleeping pattern. It has a direct impact on your health and the quality of sleep. This, in turn, paves the way for several other health problems and makes it difficult for you to go about your day-to-day activities.

    Types of sleep disorders

    • Insomnia
      This is a condition in which a person finds it difficult to fall asleep at night or during other hours.
    • Sleep apnea
      It is a condition in which a person suffers from irregular breathing patterns when they are sleeping. There are different types of sleep apnea.
    • Restless legs syndrome
      It is a form of sleep disorder that is also referred to as Willis-Ekbom disease. It causes an unnatural and discomforting sensation in the legs. You also feel an uncontrollable urge to move your legs when you are trying to sleep.
    • Narcolepsy
      This is a condition in which a person feels tired and sleepy throughout the day.

    Symptoms of sleep disorder

    • Finding it difficult to sleep
    • A sense of fatigue during the day
    • Feeling a strong urge to sleep during the day even after sleeping for a good number of hours in the night
    • Feeling irritated
    • Suffering from anxiety
    • Not being able to concentrate
    • Suffering from depression

    Causes of sleep disorder

    • Allergies
      Different kinds of allergic reactions, like cold and sneezing, make a person uncomfortable while sleeping. If you are suffering from any allergy, it is important that you seek treatment for it.
    • Respiratory problems
      When a person is suffering from respiratory problems, they may find it difficult to breathe. It would be impossible to catch up on some sleep when you are gasping for breath.
    • Nocturia
      Nocturia is a condition in which you feel the need to urinate frequently. This could be a result of hormonal imbalance or some urinary tract-related diseases. When you suffer from nocturia, it will, invariably, cause a sleep disorder and make you feel drowsy in the morning.
    • Chronic pain
      If you are feeling a sharp pain in any of your body parts, you will find it difficult to sleep peacefully. Some of the most commonly observed causes of chronic pain are arthritis, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, headaches, and persistent pain in the lower back.
    • Stress
      Stress is one of the most common causes of sleep disorder. If you are suffering from high-level stress or anxiety, you must consult a therapist and engage in relaxation techniques like meditation to seek relief from it.

    Risk factors

    • Heart disease
      Sleeping for much longer than necessary regularly can put a person at a high risk of suffering from different kinds of heart diseases. Women are found to be at a higher risk.
    • Obesity
      Being overweight or suffering from obesity is one of the direct effects of sleeping excessively. People who sleep a lot tend to do less physical work, which makes them gain weight.
    • Diabetes
      Sleep disorders may result in an increase in the blood sugar level and increase the chances of a person suffering from type-2 diabetes.
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  • Different Types Of Living Room Furniture Available For You

    A piece of furniture can uplift the look of the house. Items of furniture not only are used to store your things but they also give your house an aesthetic appeal. Living room furniture forms an important part of every home which adds to its shine. Below is listed is the range of furniture that you can purchase for your living room.

    DHP Parsons Modern Coffee Table
    This is a durable finish coffee table which could be an important part of your Living Room Furniture. The coffee table is a perfect accessory for the dorm room. The coffee table is extremely lightweight and can be moved around easily in the home.

    It has a laminate finish and the faux wood look makes it resistant to scratches. The durability and stability of this coffee table are unmatchable and will make heads turn when anyone visits your home for the first time.

    Giantex Fold Down Chair Convertible Sleeper Bed Couches
    The sofas and couches are the other living room furniture that any home should have. This foldable chair cum convertible sleeper bed couch is made out of suede material and comes in different adjustable positions. The chair can easily be converted into a bed and is perfect for any small room or an apartment. This living room furniture is available on Amazon and you will not need to assemble the same. You can order this home furnishing item from your home in the country and it will in all likelihood be delivered within 7-10 working business days.

    Ameriwood Home Carson TV Stand
    The TV stand is also another important piece of furniture for your living room. This TV stand has both open and closed storage. In the open area, you are likely to find two adjustable shelves and a fixed shelf on which the cable box can be kept. Additionally, you can keep the gaming console, speakers and DVD player on the same.
    This TV stand comes in different dimensions. The largest one can accommodate a 50-inch TV set.

    Linon Home Décor Titian Antique Console Table
    This is also an important living room furniture which any home should possess. The console table comes in an antique tobacco finish and is popular because of its simple yet eye-catching design. Its two drawers provide the users with ample storage space and the product has been designed in a way that it will complement the home décor in any house.

    Northfield Hall Console Table
    You can easily assemble this living room furniture item in your home. It is made out of white wood which comes with a unique grain finish. It is an absolute delight, especially when used in Hallways and living room. This 28-pound console table can be shipped by Amazon if you reside in any of the 48 states in the country.

    Kinfine Leatherette Tufted Square Storage Ottoman
    This is another living room furniture which any home should ideally have. The Kinfine Leatherette Tufted Square Storage Ottoman has easy to attach wooden legs which are suitably colored and can match the color and design of any home.

    The durable wooden frame of this Ottoman has a 250 lb weight capacity and can be cleared with hand for any visible spots which might surface after a while on the Ottoman. This Kinfine Leatherette Tufted Square Storage Ottoman is 17.5 inches in length, width, and height which makes it a worthy item for any living room of medium size.

    Rivet Fold Modern Ottoman Sofa Bed
    Made out of a wooden frame and having solid beech legs, the Ottoman sofa bed is a living room furniture item which will complement the aesthetic look and feel of your home. This simple to assemble home furnishing item can also be returned within a period of 30 days in case you find any discrepancy in the product.

    Check out the innovative range of living room furniture listed above and choose the best one of the lot for your house.

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  • 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

    Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition which stems from a problem with the immune system. When your immune system is healthy, it has the ability to fight infections. When it comes to rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the cells in the inner lining of the joints and causes them to get inflamed. They become stiff and swollen and cause immense pain. The problem is that some people may not experience any symptoms at times, while at other times, the pain is unbearable.

    While the main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are stiffness and joint pain, there are some early warning signs you may experience before these symptoms occur. These signs correlate to how one is feeling overall, while at times these signs relate specifically to the joints.

    It is absolutely essential to spot these warning signs and seek treatment as soon as possible. Here are some of the early symptoms rheumatoid arthritis patients may experience:

    • Fatigue
      You may feel extremely tired at all times, even in case you have not exerted much physically.
    • Slight fever
      A slightly raised temperature may become a common norm for people affected by rheumatoid arthritis.
    • Weight loss
      You may experience sudden weight loss, without you putting any effort to control your weight.
    • Stiffness
      A stiffness in different areas of the body may last for days at a stretch.
    • Joint tenderness
      The joints may feel tender when touched.
    • Joint pain
      Pain in the joints of the fingers, feet, and wrists is one of the early symptoms rheumatoid arthritis patients face.
    • Joint swelling
      The joints in the fingers, feet, and wrists may appear to be inflamed.
    • Redness of joints
      Inflammation may lead to the joints appearing red.
    • Warm joints
      A warmness in the joints is a sign of inflammation and may occur before or after the swelling.
    • Numbing and tingling
      You may feel a numbing and tingling sensation in the joints.

    Detection of the early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis is extremely important. As there is no cure for the disease, early detection can help you reduce possible complications. Moderate exercise and proper treatment go a long way in helping to reduce flares. It is essential to consult a doctor as soon as the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are visible as the disease can lead to a further damage in the affected areas of the joints, bones, and cartilage if left untreated.

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  • What makes resume writing services worth a pick

    Often, despite signing up at several job portals for many months at a stretch, quite a few candidates fail to get substantial responses. While this may partly be due to a candidate’s lack of relevant experience, often a poorly written resume may be responsible for it. If you are someone whose resume is written in a rush, you can consult a resume writing service to help. Many resume writing services extend useful facilities including resume writing and resume review. You can avail these services at a competitive price to better your chances of landing a job. Here’s why you must opt for a resume writing service.

    Professional expertise
    Often, many job seekers lack the necessary professionalism or skills to express their experience and competencies completely. Resume writing services come in handy as they effectively describe all your strengths along with the required proficiency and expertise. Hiring a paid professional service, additionally, acquaints you with the relevant marketing strategies, and appropriate terms to use in a professional write up.

    Ability to discover your skills and talents
    Several resume writing services organize a consultation with the writers to help customize the resume according to your needs, and requirements. Often, in the process of extracting your hidden talents and competencies, you may discover aspects of your personality that you may have forgotten about or been entirely unaware of.

    Many resume writing services are abreast with the current trends
    A well-certified writer from a renowned agency is usually aware of industry needs, HR requirements, current trends, and the like that may help get your resume shortlisted. Additionally, the writer may also be aware of the most innovative way of presenting your information to the HR.

    Effective management of the issue of shift in career path
    Often, people who make drastic changes in their career line, fall at short of words to present relevant experience in the current role. Resume writing services are quite efficient in polishing your resume such that the reasons for making the shift are craftily presented adding to your credibility and highlighting the reasons behind the sudden change.

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  • Role of fiber for a healthy digestive system

    Is dietary fiber the magical cure for your constipation woes? Is eating fiber important or is it all just hype? How does a lack of fiber in the diet can be a cause of constipation? Let us find out.

    But first, what is fiber?

    Dietary fiber refers to those components of plant-based foods that the human digestive system cannot process. The body eliminates fiber in the stool.

    Soluble fiber can dissolve in water and is found in foods like oats, barley, apples, carrots, peas and citrus fruits. Insoluble fiber cannot dissolve in water and is found in wheat bran, cauliflower, potatoes, and nuts.

    How does fiber help gut health?

    A fiber-rich diet can contribute to gut health in several ways. This can be very helpful in treating severe constipation.

    • Fiber can bulk up stools and help in easy bowel movements. Fiber can also add moisture to stools to help with its smooth elimination.
    • Also, when bacteria work on fibers in the colon, the process produces short-chain fatty acids. This helps to keep the colon healthy as the process involves fermentation of some fiber. When the colon is healthy, there is also lower risk developing cancer in the organ. Since colon cancer is a possible cause of constipation, maintaining good health of the organ can help with healthy bowel movements. Fiber also helps to keep gastrointestinal wall healthy and prevent digestive problems that can cause constipation.
    • A diet rich in fiber also reduces the risk of developing swollen veins in the rectal and anal area (hemorrhoids). Any problems with the anal and rectal muscles can impede the normal flow of stool and become a cause of constipation.

    Can you eat too much fiber?

    Yes, eating too much fiber can overload your system. Excessive fiber intake can cause bloating, abdominal cramps and gas.

    When you consume fiber, it is also important to drink adequate water. Without proper water intake, fiber can’t work effectively in keeping bowel movements normal.

    The final verdict

    Fiber is no magical cure for all bowel problems. But the body needs it for a healthy colon and to keep some causes of constipation at bay.

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  • Gardening tips and tricks to remember

    Gardening is all about nurturing, believing and patience. There are many gardening hacks, tips and tricks you can use to make the best of your garden. If you are into gardening, you must keep educating yourself by reading about plants, soil, fruits, ways of gardening and everything else that is related to gardening. The more you get involved in your garden, the more your garden will flourish.

    If you have a garden you want to renovate or a place where you want to plant a garden, here are some tips and tricks you can follow to make the most of your gardens.

    Go for companion planting. It is known to be one of the most effective ways of improving your garden

    Compost takes time to stabilize in the soil, so if you do plan to use compost, add it 20 days prior to the planting

    Remove your vegetables and fruits as soon as they are ripe as they become an easy target for some pests

    There are some insect repelling plants such as garlic, onions, chives and chrysanthemums. Grow them around the garden to keeps pests away

    Never over water your garden. Over watering plants is worse than under watering them.

    You can use egg shells as pots to start planting seeds. It will also give them calcium.

    Work on attracting toads to your garden. Toads eat bugs, so the more toads you have in your garden, the less pests you will have the deal with. You can look up ways to attract toads to your garden

    In summers when you have to water your plants more often, you can use a diaper at the bottom of your pot beneath the soil. Diaper will keep the soil moist and you will not have to water them too often

    Pets are lovely, but they can destroy the hard work you have put in your garden. Place the plastic fork facing upwards in the soil to keep animals away

    You can protect cabbages, beans and tomatoes by planting basil nearby

    Some plants do not grow well if planted next to certain plants, for example, avoid growing beans next to onion and garlic; cabbage next to strawberries and tomatoes; carrots and caraway next to dill; corn next to tomatoes; cucumbers next to potatoes and sage; onions next to beans and peas and many more. Do look up more combinations to avoid before you plant your garden

    “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow”

    – Audrey Hepburn

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