Diabetes is an illness in which the sugar levels in the blood are either too high or too low. This condition can be managed with a strict meal plan that ensures the body’s insulin levels do not exceed the normal amount. However, the urge to snack can be random and unplanned. For such an occasion, here are some safe snacking options for those with diabetes who need healthy choices to satiate their food cravings. Guacamole All you need to make this yummy dip is fresh avocados, onions, tomatoes, some cilantro, lime, and salt to taste. One of the best ways to prep this is to use a mortar and pestle and grind these ingredients gently together. Avocados are known for their polyunsaturated fatty acids, which help keep insulin levels balanced. It also has vitamins and antioxidants, good for the body and skin. Guacamole makes for a great dip or even a spread on a slice of multigrain bread. Apple and peanut butter This is a nutritious and tasty snack that does not spike insulin levels in the body. It can simply be made at home! Just cut some slices of an apple and use homemade peanut butter (crunchy or smooth) as a dip. Both the ingredients have only natural sugars, which can be digested easily by the body. Edamame This is one of the easiest snack recipes. All you need are a handful or two of edamame. Boil, steam or stir fry them in just a bit of olive oil; a tablespoon or two would do. You can add some garlic or season it with salt and pepper. These can be munched on as a side snack while you’re working. The bioactive compounds in edamame are known to lower cholesterol levels in the body. Greek yogurt A healthy probiotic food, Greek yogurt can either be had as is or can also be added with some of your favorite fruits.

Migraine is a condition with a persistent and painful headache that is felt around the temples of the head. These can be triggered by loud noise, bright light, or some foods. And if a person regularly experiences migraine headaches, one should try making changes to one’s pre-bedtime routine to manage the triggers. This article discusses 4 things to avoid before going to bed to manage them. Read on to learn more. Irregular sleep schedule Not getting enough sleep or oversleeping can both trigger a headache. Experts suggest that following a strict sleep schedule can be extremely useful in keeping that migraine away. Going to bed at the same time and waking up around the same time will channel one’s body to get the appropriate amount of rest needed every night. This applies on the weekend too. This might be a good hack to try if one easily gets triggered by headaches. Bright room with too much noise This is especially important to avoid for those dealing with migraine attacks. A dark room with a comfortable bed and no noise is highly appreciated. According to the National Sleep Foundation, keeping the room temperature to 68 Fahrenheit is the ideal way to get the most restful and comfortable sleep. If it is too quiet, a fan or white noise machine can be added to the room. Remember, the bedroom is not the workroom. It is only for a person to come to relax and get a good night’s sleep. Scroll through social media  Keeping electronics on before going to bed can be a stressful experience as there is too much information loading. This prevents the brain from relaxing and preparing itself to fall asleep peacefully. It is advised to keep all electronics off for at least one hour before going to bed to help achieve a calm state of mind for a good night’s sleep.

Disheartening as it is, child abuse and neglect is a rampant issues in the country. According to the CDC, 1 in 7 children experienced abuse and neglect last year. Therefore, it is essential to recognize the early warning signs of child neglect to tackle this problem at its roots. This can take more than one form and manifest as physical, emotional, educational, or medical neglect. Here are some early warning signs to watch out for: Poor appearance and hygiene This may include the child being smelly or dirty, hungry, not being given money for food, having unwashed clothes, having inappropriate clothing for the weather, or having frequent or untreated nappy rashes (in infants). Health and development problems These issues may include anemia, poor muscle tone, prominent joints, medical or dental issues, missed medical appointments, poor language or social skills, recurring infections, repeated accidental injuries caused by a lack of supervision, skin issues such as sores, rashes, flea bites, scabies or ringworm, thin or swollen tummy, tiredness, untreated injuries, and growth issues. Housing and family issues Some of these warning signs may include the child living in unsuitable housing conditions, such as no heating or running water, being left alone for long periods, not having a curfew or bedtime, or taking on the role of carer for other family members. Change in behavior Changes in behavior may manifest as showing sudden changes in behavior or school performance, becoming more clingy or aggressive, being withdrawn, having poor peer relationships or an inability to relate to children of the same age, begging or stealing food or money, depressed, or anxious, changes in eating habits, displaying obsessive behavior, difficulty in focusing, having a poor record of attendance at school, being constantly watchful (preparing for something to go wrong), or showing signs of self-harm. Conclusion Having one of the above signs does not necessarily mean the child faces neglect.

During housecleaning, people mostly follow their normal cleaning routine. Although this routine may seem like second nature, some cleaning habits adapted over the years may do more harm than good. It may also include leaving behind bacteria, grime, and dust that may create more work later and lead to health conditions, worsening allergies, and other health problems. Keep reading to learn about some common cleaning mistakes to stay away from. Mistakes to avoid while cleaning In most cases, the goal of the cleaning routine is to finish the task as soon as possible and move on to more critical chores. However, this could lead to a few mistakes that make the house dirtier. Some such common mistakes are listed below. Usage of dirty cleaning tools A cleaning routine is only as good as the cleaning tools one uses. Hence, using the right tools and ensuring they are clean is important. It may help avoid spreading bacteria, dust, and dirt throughout the house. Therefore, to avoid such mistakes, one must regularly wash the cleaning cloth, scrub brushes, and mop heads after every use. Furthermore, one can also sanitize germy items such as toilet brushes and empty the vacuum for optimum cleaning. Not pre-soaking the utensils If one leaves pots and pans on the stovetop while eating, it may lead to cheese and sauces setting into the skillet. Furthermore, one may have to rigorously scrub the utensils to remove the baked-on food and other condiments. Hence, experts suggest transferring the foods from the pots and pans to other utensils once cooked and soaking the utensils in warm soapy water during mealtime. However, if one uses aluminum utensils, one must first let the utensil cool down, as cold water could potentially warp a hot aluminum pan. Rubbing on stubborn stains In most cases, spills and splatters necessitate immediate attention to avoid the set-in of stubborn stains.

Heavy periods are called menorrhagia in medical terms. Many menstruators often experience heavy periods in certain months of their menstruation cycle. It is quite normal to have heavy flow once in a while. Despite being infrequent, heavy flow can cause discomfort and inconvenience. It can disrupt carrying on routine everyday activities. However, there are ways to deal with heavy periods. Here are a few simple hacks to cope with a heavy flow. Keep sanitary products everywhere One of the ways to make it easier to cope with a heavy flow is stocking up on sanitary products. Ensure to buy the bigger sizes so that there is never any chance of running out. From sanitary napkins to tampons and menstrual cups, make sure there is enough backup for everything. Keep these in all the handbags that are used on a regular and not-so-regular basis. Ensure to keep extra supplies in the drawers at home and work, the bathroom, the bedroom, and every single bag. Wear period underwear Period underwears are an essential element that many are not aware of when it comes to dealing with a heavy flow of the menstruation cycle. Period underwear can come in handy for those struggling to wear extra-large menstruation pads. These are very comfortable with their expansive and stretchable design and sizing. Moreover, these are made of absorbent fabric that gives an added layer of protection without any extra bulk. Make a period first aid kit During menstruation, a first aid kit can be immensely helpful. For those days of heavy flow, it is wise to stock up on some extra paraphernalia to deal with the intense cramps and pain. The kit can contain painkillers, hot water bottles, ice packs, and non-decomposable comfort food. Making two or three kits for heavy flow days is recommended:

Having 20/20 vision or poor eyesight is not in one’s control. Any changes in eyesight are predominantly dependent on one’s genetics. Not to mention, age can also play a role in worsening one’s vision. But, experts also believe that many everyday habits could be a factor in this deterioration. In this article, we focus on understanding these habits, how they harm us and discuss ways to tackle them. Avoiding eye protection One of the biggest causes of eye and eyesight damage is the lack of proper eye protection when doing certain tasks. There are many everyday tasks where dangerous elements can enter the eye. The only way to prevent eye damage in such cases is to use proper safety sunglasses. Excessive screen time These days we rely on technology for even the most simple task. This has led to an increase in screen time for almost all professions. Not to mention, screens are also used in personal aspects. We love watching TV and browsing the Internet on our phones. But, all this screen time can have an adverse effect on one’s eyes. Staring at screens can make us blink less, which eventually dries out our eyes. Dry eyes tend to become red and itchy, affecting eyesight in the long run. While avoiding screens completely may not be a feasible option, the trick is to take breaks. It is also essential to avoid staring at screens at night as it can also lead to eyestrain and damage your sleep cycle. Not eating healthy food Our eyes need various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to function properly. This makes it very crucial to eat proper, balanced, and healthy meals throughout the day. Foods with vitamin C, A, E, and omega-3 fatty acids are a must-have. Don’t skip out on green leafy veggies. Also, keep reminders to drink water as dehydration can lead to dry, red, and itchy eyes.

The menstrual cycle duration varies between women, but the average is 28 days. Though a slight change in this average is considered normal, if one experiences an irregular menstrual cycle for several months, it might signify an underlying health condition that must be diagnosed and promptly treated. In such scenarios, it is advised to seek the help of an ob-gyn and watch out for some unhealthy lifestyle habits that must be changed. Sudden rigorous exercise routine Regular and moderate exercise can improve heart health, mood regulation, and a steady sleep cycle. Moreover, changing your exercise routine and trying a new regime won’t impact your menstrual cycle much. However, problems will arise when one suddenly switches to an extreme exercise/training routine, which can affect one’s menstrual cycle. It is commonly observed in women who start training for marathons or triathlons. Excessive stress Dealing with excessive stress levels for longer periods is another aspect that can impact one’s menstrual cycle. It is because stress leads to the higher production of cortisol, which can interfere with many crucial bodily functions. As a result, there is lower production of estrogen and progesterone. All these factors combined will hamper one’s menstrual cycle. Unhealthy sleeping habits Not maintaining a healthy sleep cycle is a major lifestyle mistake many people commit. Not having a regulated sleep cycle will mess up your body clock, affect hormone balance, and, in turn, impact the menstrual cycle. Besides a regular sleep schedule, sleep quality also affects your periods. Poor nutrition Eating fast food for a few days will not affect the menstrual cycle. However, changing one’s food habits repeatedly can hurt one’s periods. When the body does not receive enough nutrients or calories, the menstrual cycle might stop. Moreover, frequent changes happen in the body’s overall mass in such scenarios. Excessive or unexpected body mass loss can cause your menstrual cycle to go haywire.

“A thing of beauty is a joy forever,” it is rightly said. And the perception of beauty is made possible by the virtue of the eyes. From watching a movie and enjoying the beauty around us to reading an article online, every minute aspect of our lives is governed by our visual faculties. Hence, eye care should be a crucial part of caring for one’s well-being. Here are some common negative habits that affect one’s eyes: Eating unhealthy foods The eyes require vitamins, minerals, zinc, lutein, omega-3, and other essential nutrients. The body absorbs these nutrients through healthy foods. For example, carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and broccoli are rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A and is essential for good eye health. Similarly, omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in fatty fish, are required for good vision. Staring at electronic devices Exposure to white light for long periods is one of the biggest concerns prevalent today, with over 66% nationwide in the country admitting to sleeping with their phones by their side at night. This alarming pattern has several negative consequences, including dry eyes and severe eye strain. Thus, the National Sleep Foundation advises that one should put away electronic devices like mobile phones at least half an hour before going to bed. Ditching sunglasses The harmful UV rays of the sun affect the skin and the eyes. Repeated exposure to these rays can lead to issues like cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and even eye cancer. Thus, keeping one’s eyes covered when stepping out on a sunny day is important. Wearing sunglasses that provide complete protection from UV rays is the best way to cover the eyes. Sleeping with makeup on Constantly sleeping with makeup on can increase one’s susceptibility to eye infections. Individuals who forget to remove their makeup before sleeping may often find a painful lump growing under their eyelids.

Testosterone is a hormone naturally produced by the body. It is responsible for driving many physical changes during puberty, such as muscle development and hair growth in individuals assigned male at birth. Conversely, those assigned female at birth typically have higher estrogen levels and produce lower quantities of testosterone. Maintaining optimal testosterone levels throughout adulthood is important to help manage general health. That said, here are six ways to naturally increase testosterone levels. Regular exercise An effective way to boost testosterone is to indulge in regular exercise. Resistance training, such as weight lifting, may help boost testosterone levels in the short term. In addition, high-intensity training (HIIT) is very effective as well. Eating proteins, carbs, and healthy fats The foods one eats may affect the levels of testosterone. Eating meals rich in proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates could help maintain healthy hormone levels and support overall health. Manage stress and cortisol levels Experts indicate that long-term stress could elevate the levels of cortisol. Higher amounts of this hormone could result in a drop in testosterone levels. Managing stress levels is key to balancing testosterone levels. Engaging in physical activity and utilizing stress-relieving techniques can help manage stress. Increase vitamin D intake Vitamin D is a micronutrient that could influence the body’s testosterone levels. Experts indicate that lower levels of the vitamin could be linked to a reduction in the hormone. To balance this vitamin’s levels, one must get regular exposure to sunlight. Even foods like tuna, salmon, and mackerel could help naturally boost testosterone levels. In addition, one could take a vitamin D3 supplement recommended by a healthcare expert. Get ample sleep Getting ample sleep is crucial in maintaining one’s overall health, including managing testosterone levels. Most releases of this hormone occur when one is asleep. Getting enough rest ensures testosterone levels are balanced and transported to each relevant body area.

For women trying to conceive or wondering if they may be pregnant, one of the first signs to watch out for is a missed menstrual cycle. Although several other symptoms can point to the possibility of a pregnancy, it’s always best to visit a doctor for confirmation. Read on to know the common symptoms of pregnancy: Missed period If a woman in childbearing years experiences a delay of over a week in her menstrual cycles, it may indicate pregnancy. That being said, missed or irregular cycles could also be a result of health issues like thyroid problems. So, women should also keep an eye out for the other symptoms mentioned here. Fatigue Being more tired than usual could be an early symptom of pregnancy. When a woman is pregnant, the progesterone levels in her body rise, which causes her to feel sleepy and tired. Frequent urination During pregnancy, the quantity of blood flowing in a woman’s body increases, causing the kidney to work overtime. This places extra pressure on the bladder and leads to more frequent urges to urinate. Nausea or morning sickness This may be accompanied with or without vomiting, and this pregnancy symptom is also known as morning sickness. Contrary to popular belief according to the name, it may occur at any time of the day. That being said, all women do not experience this symptom, so it should not be considered as the ultimate factor that indicates pregnancy. The cause of this symptom is unknown, but pregnancy hormones are considered to play a key role in its development. Swollen, tender breasts Pregnant women may experience sore and sensitive breasts. After a few weeks into the pregnancy, this discomfort reduces as the body gets accustomed to the hormonal changes, but this is a concrete sign of pregnancy. Nasal congestion This is a little-known sign of pregnancy and occurs due to soaring hormone levels and the production of blood that make the nose swell, dry out, and bleed.

Cholesterol is a naturally-produced essential fatty substance in the body. The type of fat found in the blood helps the body build healthy cells, thereby ensuring it functions smoothly. However, excess cholesterol is harmful as it can lead to fatty deposits in the blood vessels, narrow or clog the arteries and increase the risk of heart conditions. Below are six foods that help lower cholesterol levels and also improve heart health. 6 superfoods that help lower cholesterol levels Apples Apples are rich in a type of soluble fiber called pectin that brings down cholesterol levels by about 10 percent. It also helps reduce triglycerides, which is a type of fat in the blood. In addition to their fibrous content, apples also contain polyphenols, which could help control cholesterol levels. Avocados Avocado contains monounsaturated fatty acids or MUFAs, which keep the cholesterol levels in check and help in keeping the heart healthy. This fruit contains about 10 grams of fiber. You can pair it with whole grain, pumpernickel, or rye toast to make it even more fibrous. Add a squeeze of lemon juice or sprinkle some herbs like oregano for extra flavor. Dark chocolate Cocoa in dark chocolates contains flavonoids that control blood pressure levels and lower cholesterol. However, dark chocolates contain sugar and fats, so it is advisable to opt for unsweetened variants and have them in limited quantities. Fatty fish Having salmon, mackerel, and sardines regularly helps prevent serious heart conditions. The omega-3 fats in the fish are full of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and polyunsaturated fats that prevent cholesterol from shooting up and decrease triglycerides in the bloodstream. This maintains heart health.  Nuts and seeds Almonds, walnuts, cashew, hazelnuts, pistachio, peanuts, pecans, and other varieties of seeds are full of vitamin E, protein, magnesium, and potassium that lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart ailments.

Lactating moms should fuel their bodies with the best foods so the child grows healthier. During the time of breastfeeding, the mother’s body is making milk 24 hours per day. Generally, breastfeeding moms feel hungry ever so often. This appetite comes from the energy the body polishes off for producing milk. High on energy and low on calories, these six superfoods offer adequate nourishment for the mother and the child. Avocados Avocados contain healthy fats that will not only provide you with necessary energy over the course of the day but also assist you in controlling your cholesterol levels. Avocados are also plentiful in protein, vitamin E, and folate, all of which assist in the improvement of your child’s focal sensory system. Nuts Nuts are full of essential minerals such as iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin B, and vitamin K. They contain fatty acids and protein. Nuts are considered lactogenic in many parts of the world, meaning they are sometimes used to produce breast milk. Legumes or beans Legumes are a versatile food option for breastfeeding mothers, as they are a rich source of folate, iron, protein, vitamins, minerals, phytoestrogens, and fiber. Breastfeeding mothers require extra 25 grams of protein per day. You can snack on hummus or put extra beans in chili. Seafood Seafood is a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids, which is essential for brain development in the child. Include salmon, herring, pollock, sardines, and trout in your meals but avoid albacore tuna, swordfish, shark, and king mackerel, as they are high in mercury. Dairy Pregnancy and breastfeeding take away calcium from the bones, so it’s necessary to replenish it. Dairy products such as cheese, milk, and yogurt are good sources of calcium and vitamin D. Aim for a minimum of 3 cups of dairy products each day. Whole grains Lactating mothers should eat at least 8 ounces of whole grain per day if breastfeeding and 6 ounces if they are also formula-feeding.