Common cold and flu are both respiratory illnesses caused by viruses. It can be challenging to compare the two, as both cold and flu cause symptoms such as cough, which is caused by similar viruses. However, the flu (influenza) is worse than the common cold, and the symptoms are more intense. This article discusses the difference between the illnesses and how they can be treated to get relief from the symptoms. Following pointers can help differentiate between cold and flu: Symptom onset People suffering from cold will experience a gradual onset, which means the patient will suffer from unnoticeable symptoms in the beginning, which will worsen with every passing day. People suffering from the flu (influenza) will experience an abrupt onset of symptoms. Fever This is one of the most common differentiators between the cold and flu. A patient suffering from cold rarely develops a fever, but people suffering from influenza can develop a 102-degree-Fahrenheit fever. Aches Patients suffering from cold may experience slight muscle aches. However, this is yet another one of the most common symptoms of the flu. Since the flu decreases the body’s immunity, the person suffers such symptoms. Chills This symptom is accompanied by fever and is rarely seen in patients suffering from the common cold, whereas it is a common symptom in patients with the flu.

Diabetes is a condition wherein the blood sugar levels in one’s body are higher than the standard limit. Among the commonly known types of situations, type 2 diabetes affects millions of people each year. In type 2 diabetes, the body does not make insulin (a vital compound that breaks down glucose from food to convert into energy). In some cases, the body is unable to absorb the insulin, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. It is easy to prevent type 2 diabetes and delay any complications that might arise out of condition. Have a look at what medical professionals recommend for patients of varying ages. Weight loss and management Being obese or overweight increases the risk of diabetes significantly. It is one of the leading causes of type 2 diabetes and complications associated with the condition. Weight management effectively starts with shedding those excess pounds first and then planning an active lifestyle that prevents further weight gain. Even losing just 7-10% of current body weight can reduce the chances of type 2 diabetes by half. Limit smoking and alcohol consumption Research indicates that consuming moderate amounts of alcohol, the recommended limit for men and women, actually helps insulin to break down the glucose cells.

Dehydration is a familiar uneasiness that indicates the body does not have enough fluids to support normal functions. There are known medical conditions that can cause mild, moderate, or severe dehydration, depending on how much liquid the body has lost. The discomfort may also be caused because one doesn’t pay attention to the body’s needs and urges to replenish fluids. Whatever the case may be, there are simple ways to ensure proper fluid intake and stay hydrated during the day. Check for symptoms There are a few visible indicators that can help one avoid getting dehydrated in the first place. Dry or cold skin, muscle cramps, dry mouth, and even not urinating frequently or with difficulty indicate that the body is running low on fluids. It is understandable to lose track of how much water one has had during the day, which is why paying attention to the symptoms becomes that much more necessary. Respond to thirst When one feels thirsty, one should drink a glass of water. Often being wrapped up in one’s busy schedule managing work and deadlines, one tends to ignore urges of thirst to save a precious few seconds. Why? Because when one has a few glasses, soon after, they may have to use the restroom.

Eyes are the window to the soul, but they’re also a window to the world around us. So, undoubtedly, it is essential to keep them fit and fine. There’s a lot you can do to keep your eyes healthy, from getting regular checkups to getting the right amount of nutrition. Here are some tips that will help you keep your eyes healthy: Get those eyes checked We’re not talking about just a usual eye checkup because even if your eyes feel healthy, there could be a problem you may not know. Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam that will help diagnose any eye condition in its early stages. Treating any condition is more manageable in its initial stages. Health is wealth Taking care of your health has long-term and all-round benefits. So, stay healthy by opting for some physical activity. Being physically fit will reduce the risk of other diseases and disorders that can ruin your eye health. Eye exercises can also be practiced to reduce the chances of eye conditions. Save them from the sun The sun emits UV rays that are harmful to your skin and, yes, eyes. In fact, they cause macular degeneration and even fast-track cataracts.

Known to be one of the most common forms of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating ailment. Usually, it starts with slight memory loss and progresses through stages over a period. It affects the regions of the brain that control language, thought, and memory. In the final stages, Alzheimer’s disease causes loss of various abilities, including making conversation and moving independently. Read on to know a few important things about Alzheimer’s. Symptoms: One of the first warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease is cognitive impairment. It starts with memory loss, and a person may experience multiple symptoms over time. These include rapid changes in behavior, mood, or personality. A person may also develop poor judgment, along with misplacing things or having trouble retracing their steps to find them. Additionally, rapid memory loss disrupts daily life, so patients may find it difficult to complete routine tasks and manage money or bills. In some cases, patients may also face depression. Causes: There is no known definite cause of Alzheimer’s disease, but scientists say that multiple factors may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. One of the main factors is age, and a family history of Alzheimer’s may also elevate an individual’s risk of developing the disease.

Our blood mainly comprises three types of blood cells—white blood cells (WBC) to fend our body from diseases, platelets to help heal the wounds, and red blood cells (RBC) for carrying oxygen. The blood experiences a depletion in red blood cells due to a lack of nutrition or an underlying disease, which has a series of symptoms, ranging from fatigue to irregular heartbeats. This condition is called anemia. There can be as many as five types of anemia, all based on different causes and symptoms. Several health experts from around the globe suggest that, apart from timely treatment and diagnosis, proper diet and nutrition are vital to maintaining healthy RBC levels in the body. So, here are some power-packed foods to keep the symptoms of anemia at bay: Dark leafy greens The deficiency of iron in blood has been synonymous with anemia. So, next time you are out buying vegetables, do not forget to add green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale, into your basket. It is recommended to cook the vegetables to ensure proper so that they get adequately absorbed by the body. Lean red meats If you are looking for a more generous dose of iron and don’t mind meat on your plate, then grass-fed beef, lean cut meats are a perfect source.

Addiction is a compulsive activity, which translates to a sensation triggered by a substance. Some merely enjoy the feeling stimulated by an addiction, whereas others are dominated by their indispensable need to use a particular substance that stimulates the addiction. These substances can be harmful with prolonged use and often manifest in unusual ways. From among several weird addictions, such as the constant urge to work out, go shopping, use smartphones, drink coffee, and eat inedible substances, which one tames, explained below in detail are five unusual such addictions that are pretty common. Caffeine enema For most people, their daily cup of Joe is what gets them ready for the day. But for some, their addiction to coffee has motivated them to take it in from the bottom! Similar to an enema, caffeine enema can be done quite easily, and many do this multiple times simply because coffee can be absorbed faster. Doctors may recommend a caffeine enema, as it is an effective colon cleanse. It also acts as a laxative stimulant for healthy bile flow. However, many enjoy the activity so much that they now have a compulsive need to perform a coffee enema. Tanning Who would have thought that the pleasurable activity of basking in the sun at the beach can become an addiction?

The word aging is scary to some and existential to others. Some fear the gray hair and wrinkles, while others cannot comprehend the idea of being unable to do what they could when they’re young. But there’s no reason to be worried or afraid because aging is a part of life. The only way to approach it is by knowing what to expect from it and how to deal with it. What should you expect from aging? Aging is associated with biological, psychological, physiological, and behavioral aspects that will slowly begin to change over time. Some of these changes are of little to no effect, while others cause increased susceptibility to diseases and disability. So, here are some changes that you should expect: The cardiovascular system Aging causes stiffening of the cardiovascular muscles. Your heart then works harder to pump blood to the rest of the body and increases blood pressure and other such heart-related diseases and disorders. Bones and muscles As you age, your bones begin to shrink both in size and density, making them prone to fracture. Muscles tend to lose their flexibility, which then affects coordination and balance. Digestive system Your large intestine and the rest of the digestive tract undergoes a lot of age-related changes, which leads to constipation.

Owing to the dynamics of the human body, the elderly are especially susceptible to multiple ailments and conditions that restrict their movement in more ways than one. While an array of such illnesses exists in nature, arthritis is probably the most common among the said age-group, although youngsters and adults are just as likely to be diagnosed with it. Broadly, arthritis refers to the inflammation of the joints—the point where two bones are connected, similar to an overbridge which links two roads. The condition can affect multiple joints and has over 100 subclasses within it. Nonetheless, osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are more common than the others, with women and overweight individuals more vulnerable to it. What causes arthritis? Given the location of its existence, severe injury to the joint is usually the most common route to arthritis. Excessive pressure on the organ could damage the cartilage – a connective tissue in the joint that acts as a shock absorber in an automobile and allows for unrestricted movement of the bones. However, arthritis can take birth in many different ways: infections, genetics, and immune disorders being a few among others to cause the ailment. The disease sometimes occurs randomly, which adds a level of unpredictability to it.

At times, it is normal if your child forgets something, daydreams in school acts without thinking, or gets restless at the dinner table. When this behavior is fused with frequent bouts of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, it may be a sign of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders that generally appear in early childhood. Research reveals that one in ten children between the ages of 5 and 17 years is diagnosed with ADHD in the country. ADHD in children is often associated with the problems they face at school—being inattentive most of the time, losing things, and more. It is a common observation that young boys are more likely to be diagnosed with the disorder than young girls, which may be because one of the significant symptoms of ADHD, hyperactivity, is more pronounced in boys’ behavior. A few girls might also display the classic symptoms of hyperactivity, but it’s rare among them. In girls, the disorder mainly manifests in the form of continually daydreaming or over-talkativeness. However, parents must realize that many ADHD symptoms might only be typical childhood behaviors and can vary from child to child, which makes ADHD a challenging disorder to diagnose.