For those experiencing trouble sleeping, it might not be just excess screen time or stress causing problems. Some things as simple as what one chooses to eat right before heading to bed may be affecting one’s circadian rhythm. There are several foods that are popular for providing comfort, but these very items may be preventing one from a restful sleep. Thus, here are some of the common foods to avoid before bedtime. Coffee The high percentage of caffeine in coffee makes it one of the worst foods one can have before bed. Caffeine is a well-known stimulating substance that excites the central nervous system, even several hours after consuming it. The effects can last from 8 to 14 hours, making one stay awake. So before drinking a cup of coffee, make sure to keep the bedtime in mind. The best time to have coffee or any caffeinated beverage is at least 8 hours before going to sleep. Potato chips Having a comfort snack such as potato chips right before going to bed may seem to make one feel relaxed. However, as much as this snack may produce some serotonin in the brain, it may end up disrupting sleep. This is because potato chips have a high amount of unhealthy fats and sodium. These not only increase blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure levels, but also cause indigestion and acid reflux. All of these factors can affect one’s sleep cycle. Donuts If those sweet cravings hit before bedtime, donuts would be the worst choice to satiate them. These are full of fats and sugar. The high amount of sugar can spike up the blood glucose level, leading to a sudden energy crash right before one hits the bed. This can disrupt sleep patterns. Also, the excess fats in the donuts can cause issues with the digestive system, making one stay awake at night.

An existing condition or a problem in the circulatory system can result in poor blood circulation. This disrupts the supply of nutrients and oxygen to various parts of the body. When vital organs do not get enough blood, they may be unable to function normally, leading to various health issues. This is why it is important to keep an eye out for the warning signs of poor blood circulation and seek treatment to prevent complications. Warning signs 1. Numbness This is one of the key warning signs of poor circulation. The restricted blood flow leads to inadequate oxygen and nutrient supply to the extremities, leading to such complications. Here, one may experience numbness and tingling sensation in the hands and feet. This feeling can also be described as pins and needles or a prickling sensation. 2. Swelling Poor blood circulation can lead to blood clots, resulting in blood accumulation in the region and blockage in blood vessels. The clots are a warning sign of another condition called DVT (deep vein thrombosis), which often develops in the lower leg but can also affect the arms and the belly. Here, even when the clot is gone, one may experience pain in the area and swelling due to the damaged blood vessel under the skin. Additionally, poor circulation can result in fluid buildup in the legs, called edema. With this, one may experience swelling in the feet, ankles, and legs. Further, the affected part might feel tight and difficult to move. One should consult a doctor upon noticing any swelling. 3. Muscle cramps This is another common sign of poor blood circulation. Muscle cramps can develop during exercise. However, when one experiences frequent muscle cramps without any apparent reason, then it could be a sign of persistently poor blood circulation. Cramps usually develop in the legs and tend to worsen while walking as the legs are unable to get enough oxygenated blood.

Leukemia refers to a type of cancer developing in the blood-forming tissues of the body. Statistical reports suggest that one person is diagnosed with leukemia approximately every three minutes in the country. There exist different types of leukemia, including acute lymphocytic leukemia, lymphoblastic leukemia, and acute myeloid leukemia. Acute lymphocytic leukemia is the most common of these types. Here are some early warning leukemia symptoms one should recognize early to facilitate timely diagnosis and intervention: Early signs and symptoms of leukemia Frequent infections The white blood cells of the body play a vital role in preventing infections. Since leukemia involves the excess production of abnormal white blood cells, the body cannot fight infections, causing patients to experience frequent infections. Fever and chills The infections prevalent among those with leukemia may lead to fever and chills, which may persist for extended periods and rise to 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Swelling of lymph nodes The accumulation of clusters of cancer cells that have spread from the bone marrow to the lymph nodes may cause lymph nodes to swell up among patients with leukemia. Recurrent nosebleeds The body typically produces fewer platelets when grappling with leukemia; therefore, the condition increases one’s risk of frequent nosebleeds. Increased susceptibility to bruises Leukemia reduces the body’s ability to form blood clots, which can cause bruises easily, even with minor injuries. Often, these bruises form in unusual parts of the body, such as the back. Rashes and skin inflammation This condition weakens the body’s immune system considerably, increasing one’s frequency of skin infections, including rashes, itching, and redness. Sharp, persistent pain Individuals with leukemia may experience sharp, lingering bone pain and tenderness or shooting pain below the ribs on the left side of the body. While bone pain is caused by the build-up of leukemia cells in the bone marrow, pain below the left ribs indicates spleen enlargement due to the spread of these abnormal cells to this area.

Nose blockage is a common symptom experienced, especially during the cold and flu season. Several factors, like viral infections, environmental irritants, food sensitivities, or allergens like pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet hair, can cause a runny nose. The condition is often curable, and the right treatments and home remedies can help relieve one from the uncomfortable symptoms within a few days. Here are some tried-and-tested natural remedies that alleviate nose blockage and promote quick recovery. Try facial steam Steam inhalation is one of the oldest and most effective home remedies for relieving nose blockage. The warm, moist air helps open nasal passages, reduce congestion, and soothe irritated nasal membranes. Additionally, it does not use any ingredients except water, so it is one of the safest methods for quick relief from nasal congestion. To try this, boil a pot of water, lean over the bowl with a towel draped over one’s head, and inhale the steam for about 10-15 minutes. One should be careful not to get too close to the bowl to prevent burns. Using a steamer is another option. Add moisture to the air Nasal congestion causes dryness in the nasal passages, leading to inflammation, discomfort, and difficulty draining the mucus. Utilizing a humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer can be an effective remedy for this. When one breathes in air infused with moisture, it can soothe the irritated membranes, promote easier breathing, and improve respiratory comfort. Warm-mist humidifiers provide heated moisture, while cool-mist vaporizers disperse room-temperature moisture. The latter is often recommended for children due to safety concerns related to hot steam. Consider saline nasal rinse Saline nasal rinses are a simple yet highly effective method for clearing mucus and allergens from the nasal passages. One can use a store-bought saline rinse or make one’s own by dissolving half a teaspoon of iodide-free salt in a cup of warm distilled water.

Gastric acid is naturally produced in the stomach to help break down food. Heartburn and acid reflux occur when this acid backs up into one’s esophagus, which is a tube that carries the food down. Heartburn is a common phenomenon that can get triggered due to various reasons like overeating, sleeping right after having meals, or eating spicy foods. The first line of defense for it is making changes to one’s food regime. Foods that help relieve heartburn Bananas Bananas are one of the most highly nutritious and versatile foods in recipes. They are alkaline or non-acidic in nature and are known to neutralize the stomach acids. Bananas also layer one’s esophagus lining and enable the easy passage of food from the pipe, reducing friction and irritation. The pectin fiber found in this fruit can also help one to feel full for a longer time. Apart from bananas, there are several other alkaline foods that help suppress the stomach acids. Some commonly found in the market include cauliflower, fennel seeds, and melons. Salmon Fish like salmon are a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids. They also contain lower levels of unhealthy fats and are easy to digest, making them a good choice for heartburn. Some other seafood options best for acid reflux include tuna and white fish like Mahi-Mahi, halibut, or tilapia. High-fiber foods Fiber is found in most whole grains like brown rice or wild rice, quinoa, and oats as well as certain vegetables like asparagus, broccoli and green beans. Fiber-rich foods make one feel full for a long time, which helps avoid overeating and lower the risk of heartburn. Fiber also takes a longer time to digest and is known to absorb the excess acid in the stomach. Moreover, one should drink more water throughout the day when including fibrous foods in their daily meals since the nutrient requires fluids to digest well.

Efficient and accurate clinical diagnostics tools are crucial in the field of healthcare. Clinical X-ray imaging equipment has become an indispensable tool for diagnostics, and it’s hard to imagine the healthcare industry moving forward without it. However, purchasing orthopedic radiology X-ray imaging equipment can be overwhelming due to the wide range of machines available in the market. To simplify the process, here’s some key information related to X-ray imaging equipment: Cost of clinical X-ray imaging equipment X-ray machines involve several technologically advanced components to provide not just accurate image quality but also multiple dimensions of an image. These components make diagnosing complex health conditions like cancer and bone injuries much faster and simpler for healthcare professionals. A fast and accurate diagnosis of any disease is useful to treat ailing clients quickly in a hospital. This means that clinical X-ray imaging equipment can be incredibly expensive to buy. Prices generally start at around $35,000 and tend to go up to $200,000 and more. The most expensive systems offer the fastest image processing times, making clinical diagnostics lightning-fast for doctors and patients. Benefits of X-ray imaging equipment Some of the main benefits of using X-ray imaging equipment are: A quick identification of joint changes or damage A quick and accurate diagnosis of cancer in patients These machines are useful for performing accurate dental checks Doctors can use X-ray imaging equipment to diagnose microscopic injuries in athletes Types of X-ray machines There are a plethora of options to choose from. Fixed X-ray machines As their name implies, these machines are confined to a single room in a hospital. Patients are taken to the room for clinical imaging and diagnostics. Once inside, patients are placed or held in positions in such a way that accurately capturing their internal images becomes easy. Fixed X-ray systems rely on large transformers that need to be built inside the walls of an X-ray room.