Healthy teeth are a sign of overall physical well-being and personal hygiene. However, over 25% of individuals nationwide grapple with untreated tooth decay. Hence, oral health and hygiene should be as important as other aspects of physical health. Besides going for regular dental checkups and consulting a dentist regarding any dental issues promptly, one should avoid certain unhealthy habits, which can damage one’s teeth and impede the management of existing oral conditions: 1. Biting one’s nails Biting one’s nails is often an indication of stress or anxiety. Besides damaging one’s nails and the surrounding skin, biting one’s nails can also harm dental health in the long run. Fingernails are typically petri dishes of germs and dirt, which are transferred to the teeth when one engages in nail biting. The accumulation of such agents on the teeth’s surfaces over time can lead to gum disease. Moreover, the friction caused between one’s teeth and nails during nail biting can eventually cause enamel to wear away, triggering tooth brittleness. Therefore, it is important to avoid cultivating this habit early on to prevent dental problems. Managing stress levels is an effective way to prevent one from biting one’s nails. 2. Having excess processed sugar Sugar has been commonly linked to tooth pain and decay. Since added sugar mixes with bacteria in one’s teeth, it causes the enamel to dissolve, even ultimately leading to tooth extraction. Hence, it is essential to avoid added sugar to the best extent possible, rinsing one’s mouth or brushing immediately after occasional sweet treats. It also helps to replace added sugar with natural sugar sources like fruits and fresh fruit juices. 3. Using one’s teeth to open packets and bottles Many individuals use their teeth as natural tools to open bottles, packets, etc. While it may be convenient to do so while traveling or when no sharp equipment, such as a knife or a pair of scissors, is available, this habit may cause the teeth to crack or chip.

Blood pressure (BP) measurement is crucial to gauge one’s health and well-being. This tool comes in handy during emergencies. Some individuals may feel a fast heartbeat with elevated blood pressure, while others with low blood pressure may experience fatigue and dizziness. Having recorded data on blood pressure levels can help the doctor customize a treatment plan. However, there are some mistakes cardiologists want their patients to avoid when recording BP at home. Incorrect sitting position A consistent mistake among most blood pressure patients is the sitting position. People tend to forget that blood flow is highly impacted by gravity. By standard directions, blood pressure needs to be measured at the heart’s level. This is applicable to both direct and indirect modes of measurement. Measuring blood pressure with the cuff placed lower than the heart level produces high blood pressure levels. Similarly, placing the cuff higher than the heart level means the readings might indicate low blood pressure. The rule applies to either of the extremities, arms, or legs. These false results could be highly erroneous. For the most accurate reading, the patient needs to be seated upright, with the patient’s arm beside them. If the patient is lying on their side, this too could pose a problem for the reading. Using wrong cuff size This is one of the most common mistakes one makes when taking blood pressure readings at home. An incorrectly sized blood pressure monitoring cuff has a higher chance of producing false readings. When the cuff is bigger than necessary, its loose grip can produce false low-pressure results. Similarly, patients might get high blood pressure results with a tighter cuff. This can be concerning in either case when people are not aware of the importance of the right-sized cuff. Websites like the American Heart Association have shared guidelines intended for the correct blood pressure measurement and readings.

Teeth are an important structure of the body, and any damage to it is usually irreversible. Tooth sensitivity is a common complaint regarding oral health, with about 40 million adults in the country suffering from it. It is a curable problem that can be alleviated with some dental care practices. While the cause of tooth sensitivity may vary from person to person, it is usually due to some lifestyle habits and these oral hygiene mistakes. Having extremely hot or cold foods Tooth sensitivity is usually a dormant condition that causes a sudden and sharp pain in the teeth and gums after consuming certain types of foods or beverages. Usually, the sensitivity is triggered after eating or drinking extremely hot or cold foods or drinks. So, it’s important to avoid them. One should remember that even breathing in cold air can trigger this sensation, so it’s best to be suitably covered when the temperature drops. Eating acidic foods Acidic foods have proven to erode the tooth enamel, which is the protective layer of the teeth. Aging also naturally causes enamel to wear down, but acidic foods tend to speed up this process. Enamel erosion worsens sensitivity and makes one’s teeth susceptible to cavities. So, it’s best to steer clear of them or have them in moderation. To name a few, carbonated or fizzy beverages like sodas, sports drinks, or sparkling water or foods rich in vitamin C like lemons and tomato products are some of the culprits. Coffee, tea, vinegar, mustard, and even pickled vegetables can have the same impact. Eating hard, sugary, or sticky snacks Granola bars, nuts, caramelized popcorns, tortilla chips, corn nuts, chips, crackers, chocolates in any form, from bars to cookies, toffees, and candies are all hard, crunchy, or sticky snacks that can cause havoc and rapidly deteriorate one’s dental health.

Fish oil is a rich source of two essential omega-3 fatty acids, namely eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) . Omega-3s are responsible for helping create new cells and tissues in the body, providing energy, and supporting overall health. They are naturally found in a variety of fish, such as mackerel, herring, tuna, trout, sardines, and salmon. To ensure daily intake of omega-3s, many people also opt for fish oil supplements, which may offer benefits like: Supporting heart health According to several studies, people who consume fish regularly have lower rates of heart disease. This is because fish or fish oil helps to: Lower triglyceride levels Triglycerides are a type of fat in the body. Their presence in high levels can lead to fatty build-up in the artery walls, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Omega-3s can help lower the levels of triglyceride. Reduce the risk of arrhythmia The term arrhythmia refers to an abnormal heartbeat. Some varieties, such as Atrial fibrillation (AFib) can pose serious health issues. Although fish oil supplements are not an effective treatment strategy, their omega-3 content may help reduce the risk of arrhythmia. Slower the rate of plaque build-up Plaque is a unique mix of fat, cholesterol, and calcium. When this collects in the arteries, it can reduce blood flow, increasing the pressure on the heart. However, regular intake of omega-3 can have anti-inflammatory effects and improve the function of endothelial cells that line the blood vessels. This may slow down the rate of plaque build-up in the body. Please note that research in this field is still ongoing. Lower blood pressure High intake of omega-3s has also been reduced to a slight reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This improves overall heart health and can reduce the severity of or mortality from heart diseases.

The mind is as important as the rest of the body, and with increasing mental health awareness, conditions like depression are getting the attention they need. Even so, symptoms of mental health conditions may be difficult to identify because they may be confused with general mood swings and or mere sadness. What differentiates depression from such feelings is its severity and duration. So, here are some common and unusual depression symptoms: Common signs of depression Persistent feelings of sadness Everyone experiences phases of extreme sadness and despair, but for those with depression, these feelings are persistent for weeks or even months at a stretch. These feelings are so strong that they overpower all other emotions, distracting the person from all other usual activities. Extreme feelings of hopelessness People going through depression often develop an outlook of hopelessness, often pondering over questions about purpose and self-worth. Patients have reported feeling worthless; for them, even daily chores may seem to take up too much effort, making them believe that all the hard work ultimately amounts to nothing. Loss of interest in hobbies and activities A tell-tale sign of depression is when individuals lose interest in hobbies or activities that they used to enjoy earlier. As mentioned earlier, many individuals with depression feel a lack of energy to do even the most basic tasks, so they tend to eventually stop trying. The same is the case even with their hobbies and interests. Withdrawal from people and social situations Those with clinical depression may become withdrawn from close family members and friends too. They may actively avoid social situations repeatedly and try not to interact with anyone if they can help it. So, they’re often missing from social activities and situations that they used to frequent, leading to further isolation. Severe fatigue and sleep issues One of the reasons people with depression stop engaging in activities is that they are typically fatigued and have sleep issues.

Preserving perishable food items has become essential in modern life. Throwing out a perfectly cooked meal or good produce just because it wasn’t stored properly can be heartbreaking, not to mention environmentally wasteful. So, one is advised to follow proper storage methods for perishables. Simply stuffing leftovers into the fridge does not always guarantee freshness. Each food item requires specific care. Here are some proven ways to keep food and leftovers fresh for a long time. Start fresh One way to store food for a long time is to buy fresh fruits and veggies in the first place. Look for richly colored leafy greens without limp or yellowing leaves. Root vegetables, cabbages, squash, and onions should feel heavy for their size and be free of blemishes or soft spots. If you rely on grocery delivery, choose produce types that last longer. Now, let’s talk about how to store them effectively. Containers matter It is important to ensure that the storage containers are all leak-proof. Resealable packages have airtight seals that do not expose food to air. These can include zip-lock bags or glass containers. One can also use wraps for the same purpose, but ensure they tightly secure the food and do not cause leakage or aerial exposure. Airtight containers keep foods fresh for a long time because they create a barrier against external factors in the refrigerator, like air, moisture, or even odors from other food items. This feature slows down the process of oxidation or growth of bacteria and keeps the food fresh for a long time. Additionally, it is best to store the leftovers in flat containers to cool faster. Always eat/cook the oldest food first It is a commonly known fact that one should not eat the food that’s spoiled. However, it is advised to follow a specific order while emptying the fridge.