According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 7.2 million people in our country fall sick due to waterborne diseases every year. Families with young kids and infants need to be wary of these diseases as a child’s immunity is vulnerable to bacteria and viruses. Water purification is one way to stop the onset of such diseases in families. There are many reasons why water purifiers are necessary: To save money Premium water purifiers are expensive these days because they have endless features. Installing them in the house also costs a lot, so people do not get them. However, purchasing and installing a water purifier is an investment that helps families save thousands of dollars in the long run. How? Purifiers are designed to kill all bacteria and viruses from water. This stops harmful diseases from affecting those who drink water from these systems daily. Healthcare assistance is costly today, and the rates are expected to rise further as the years go by. So, instead of spending money on healthcare, one can use it to bring home a high-end water purifier. When deciding on a model, one must compare the available options thoroughly and check the prices at different retailers. This will help one get a good product for less. To have better tasting and smelling water Water that is less contaminated (or not contaminated at all) usually tends to have a natural and organic taste and smell. Unlike contaminated and chemical-fueled water, it has no characteristic taste or smell, which makes it great to drink. At first, people may be slightly put off by the taste and smell of clean water, but over a while, a household’s occupants will get used to it and begin liking it as well. The unpleasant smell of water is caused by dangerous Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

There is no life without water, but when the water one uses is contaminated, they could be at risk of health problems. That’s why access to clean drinking water is a basic need. But even seemingly clean tap water may need to be purified to make it drinkable. So, here are the side effects of drinking tap water and the role of a water purifier to highlight the importance of water purification: Side effects of drinking tap water 1. Bacterial infections Bacteria like salmonella and E. coli thrive in contaminated tap water, and they can lead to severe bacterial infections. These infections hamper digestion, so problems like diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, and dysentery may develop upon drinking water directly from the tap. 2. Discoloration of teeth Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally found in the body, including the bones and teeth. It is sometimes added to drinking water. However, excessive fluoride exposure can cause fluorosis or tooth discoloration.  3. Eye and skin problems Pesticides and herbicides are used to get rid of insects and worms. However, exposure to such chemicals can be very harmful to humans as well. Sometimes, tap water gets contaminated by pesticides and herbicides, so upon drinking, it can cause skin and eye irritation, along with other side effects. 4. Increased risk of cancer Radon, a natural gas, is also found in groundwater. Essentially, when groundwater passes through rocks with uranium, it may get contaminated by radon, which is a product of the breakdown of uranium. Exposure to the gas has been linked to cancer of the internal organs, including stomach cancer. Further, drinking water may get contaminated by dioxins—chemicals produced during forest fires and combustion—which can also cause cancer. 5. Partial paralysis Arsenic, a metalloid substance usually present in groundwater, can affect the body in multiple ways.

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are a type of viral infection. While they usually heal in a couple of weeks, they are quite bothersome. The pain, itching, and burning sensations add to the overall discomfort. Fortunately, one can alleviate cold-sore symptoms with various home remedies. Most of these involve a few kitchen ingredients that are easily available. Here are a few remedies that can help one get rid of cold sores: 1. Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar is a pantry staple in most kitchens. While it does wonders for bringing out flavors in salad dressings, this ingredient can also fight off viruses and come to one’s aid when one is afflicted with a viral infection. So, it can also be used as a simple yet effective home remedy for reducing cold sores. That said, one must err on the side of caution when using this as a home remedy. Apple cider vinegar is quite potent, and applying it directly to the sores may hurt or cause more irritation. One must dilute it with water in a 1:10 ratio to avoid that. This diluted solution can then be applied to the cold sore with a cotton ball once or twice daily. This remedy can be continued until the cold sore goes away. 2. Aloe vera gel Aloe vera gel is another natural ingredient proven to be effective in reducing cold sores. It has been found to have properties that can fight off and reduce the growth of the HSV-1 virus, which is responsible for causing cold sores. All one needs to do is apply some gel to the cold sore. That said, some people are quite sensitive or allergic to aloe, so doing a small patch test is vital to check how one reacts. 3. Propolis Propolis is a resinous substance produced by honey bees.

Hemorrhoids can be a highly discomforting issue, especially if it keeps flaring up. The pain, itching, and irritation can not only make bowel movements difficult but also cause problems in daily life and regular activities. This is why it is better to know a few common remedies that can help soothe the discomfort. Here are a few such hemorrhoid remedies, plus some treatment options, that can help get rid of the issue. Drink a lot of water One of the most common causes of hemorrhoids is constipation. Due to passing hard stools, the blood vessels around the anal region can get inflamed or swollen. This can then lead to pain, itching, bleeding, or irritation in the area. To avoid this, one would need to address their constipation. One of the simplest ways to soften the stool and reduce constipation is by increasing the intake of water. Plus, once the stools soften up and constipation reduces, one would no longer need to strain to pass stools. This will also help reduce inflammation and swelling. Increase fiber intake Another simple yet highly effective remedy for constipation is increasing the intake of fiber. Just like water, fiber also helps soften the stools and allows them to pass through the system easily. Certain fiber-rich foods that one can include in their food regimen are broccoli, whole grain foods, beans, fresh fruits, nuts, and seeds. Ideally, one should aim to consume at least 20 to 30 grams of fiber in a day. Spend less time on the toilet seat A lot of individuals have developed the habit of spending too much time sitting on the toilet seats and scrolling through their phones. While this may not seem too harmful, it could actually lead to hemorrhoids. Sitting for long periods on the toilet seat causes hemorrhoids to swell up, which then leads to irritation and pain.

Testosterone is a hormone that majorly drives a man’s physical health and hormonal changes, from bone density and muscle mass to mood regulation and libido. It is produced mainly in the testicles. There are different ways to enhance testosterone levels. However, factors like age, sedentary lifestyle, stress, and other factors may affect production. Both genders produce testosterone in the body, but females at birth have a low quantity. Let’s look at natural ways to improve testosterone levels. Exercise and weight training Regular exercise isn’t just about staying fit; it also plays a major role in keeping testosterone levels high and healthy. Resistance training, for example, heavy lifting, is one short-term remedy to boost testosterone levels. Having said that, any other type of physical activity like swimming, boxing, playing a sport, brisk walking, running, and other cardio-based exercises can help. Handle and reduce stress Long-term stress has an overall negative effect on one’s health, whether it’s physical, mental or emotional. Latest studies show that high cortisol levels also have a major and direct impact on testosterone. Under stress, people tend to store more body fat, which further risks lowering the hormone level. So, for optimal health, one should find ways to manage stress. Some common strategies to do this include: Being active in daily life, taking a flight of stairs instead of an elevator, going for a walk daily, or exercising Practicing guided meditation or deep breathing exercises. There are several free online methods one can use to unwind and relax one’s body. Spending time outdoors in nature, whether through hiking, walking, or simply sitting for some time in community parks Maintaining a healthy work-life balance by taking breaks when needed Setting boundaries and learning to decline requests when necessary can bring peace of mind and relaxation Seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist if needed Prioritizing self-care activities, such as hobbies or relaxation techniques Maintaining a gratitude journal Get enough sleep Numerous studies have shown how important sleep is for maintaining healthy testosterone levels.

Claiming compensation for pain, suffering, and injuries in case of an accident can be difficult. While one is entitled to accidental damages like time off work and medical care expenses, there are other non-economic aspects to consider, such as distress, pain, and difficulty, among others. To make it easier to assess this, many professionals rely on Pain and Suffering Calculators. Read on to learn more about these and how they are used. What is a pain and suffering payout? When a person has been hurt by the negligence or wrongdoing of another person or organization, they can claim to receive compensation covering both financial and non-financial damages. While the financial aspect covers medical and other expenses, there is more to take care of – the pain, emotional distress, and impacted quality of life. This falls under the broad spectrum of Pain and Suffering compensation, which aims to help the victim feel as close to a whole as before. Generally, a pain and suffering payout is claimed in the following scenarios: – Car accident – Accidents in a public place – In cases of medical negligence – At work, especially for emergency service providers Use of a pain and suffering calculator Calculating the cost of one’s pain sounds like a monumental task. To make this easier, insurance companies use a pain and suffering calculator to assess damages. They may opt for one of the following approaches: The pain multiplier approach This approach multiplies all past, current, and future medical expenses that directly result from the negligence by a set multiplier between 1.5 and 5. Higher multipliers are generally used for more severe injuries. Medical expenses include everything from the cost of surgery, hospital visits, tests, and ambulances to physical therapy and follow-up treatments to walking aids like braces, wheelchairs, and chiropractic care.

A well-aligned, healthy set of teeth enhances one’s smile considerably. These days, many people prefer to use teeth aligners for their aesthetic benefits and to avoid gum inflammation and other related issues that could arise from misaligned teeth. Also, misaligned teeth can sometimes be difficult to clean, leading to other dental problems. Wearing invisible aligners is a popular option today as they are not easily visible but are still effective in aligning the teeth. What are invisible dental aligners? Invisible dental aligners are transparent teeth clips that orthodontists may prescribe to straighten one’s teeth so that they are better aligned. They’re usually made of clear plastic or acrylic, so they fit comfortably on the teeth and need to be removed when one is eating, flossing, or brushing. Benefits of invisible dental aligners Esthetically pleasing Since invisible dental aligners are transparent, they are not visible on the teeth’s surfaces, unlike metal braces. So, they do their job of aligning one’s teeth while not compromising on aesthetics. Comfortable and painless Many people don’t prefer metal braces because they have sharp edges that may hurt one’s cheeks and lips. On the other hand, dental aligners are relatively painless and slip in comfortably. These aligners have smooth edges, so one’s gums and cheeks don’t hurt when they have them on. Easily removable Usually, dental braces cannot be removed easily once they are fastened to the teeth, but that’s not the case with invisible aligners. These dental aligners can be removed easily without the help of a dentist, so one can comfortably remove them before meals, or while brushing, and put them back on later. This way, one can ensure that food particles don’t get lodged in the braces and that one has good dental hygiene. Minimally invasive Another advantage of invisible dental aligners is that the procedure to put them on is not invasive, so there is minimal discomfort after and during the procedure.

Multivitamins contain a mix of several vitamins and minerals necessary for one’s growth, development, and well-being. When used correctly, they can help manage deficiencies in a person’s body and deal with particular health problems. For example, vitamin B7 can help with hair growth, and vitamins C, D, A, and E can nourish the skin. However, to get the best results, individuals should consider these seven critical factors when choosing multivitamins: Personal health goals Before choosing multivitamins, one should list the reasons why they need them. After an individual is clear about their health goals, they can pick a multivitamin that helps them reach those goals and satisfies their nutritional needs. A common health goal of many people using multivitamins is to address the nutritional gaps in their daily meals that lead to lethargy, sleep issues, fatigue, muscle cramps, etc. Such people need to purchase a multivitamin solution that helps address their nutritional deficiencies and prevent such problems. Choosing a multivitamin without knowing why one needs it is a big mistake. Picking the wrong one can increase the risk of several health complications that can be hard to manage. Allergies Some people develop allergic reactions after eating certain foods. For example, some people have milk allergies. This is because milk contains calcium and vitamin D, which their bodies consider a threat. Such individuals must check whether the multivitamin they buy has these elements. Sometimes, the doctor may still allow a person to consume these nutrients in multivitamin form, so individuals should consult the expert before shopping. Generally, people need to purchase multivitamins that have the nutrients they need but are devoid of other elements that may trigger allergic attacks. Age and gender Everyone has unique nutritional needs based on age and gender. For example, seniors need vitamin D to keep their aging bones healthy and their mobility and flexibility intact.

EoE, or Eosinophilic Esophagitis, is an allergic condition that develops in the esophagus. In this condition, the esophagus becomes inflamed and cannot contract properly. This inflammation can create issues with proper contracting of the food pipe and also develop rings or abscesses. A food allergy or acid reflux can trigger this condition. Here are some tips on foods to manage EoE, and these foods can also help manage acid reflux. Elimination meal plan Anyone diagnosed with EoE is usually advised to get on an elimination meal plan, which helps identify which foods may trigger the condition. In this approach, all the foods most likely to cause a reaction are eliminated from the meals entirely at first, and the same foods are gradually retained in the meal plan to observe if they cause any visible symptoms. This is an effective approach to help identify the foods and manage the symptoms of this. Many of these foods are also responsible for acid reflux in individuals, so this elimination can also help manage that symptom. The process The doctor will suggest eliminating high-allergen foods from meals for around six weeks. After the six-week break period, the health professional will take a sample of the tissue in the esophagus. This process is called a biopsy and is an important step in the elimination approach because it helps the doctor determine a baseline for comparison in the later stage. Depending on the patient’s progress, the doctor will ask to add the food to the meals every 2 to 4 weeks. The doctor will take a biopsy through each stage to observe any changes in the tissue and any noticeable inflammation that a particular food group could have caused. Once the problematic foods have been recognized, they can be eliminated from the lifestyle completely to avoid any triggers for EoE and acid reflux.

Establishing and maintaining a fitness routine and a healthy nutritional regimen is the key to improving overall health and boosting energy levels. To help achieve this goal, many may opt for dedicated food regimens like low-carb or keto plans. A part of such plans can be supplements like keto gummies that are known to help the body burn built-up fat and stay fit. Additionally, keto gummies can offer the following benefits: 1. Improvement in energy and performance One of the biggest benefits of keto gummies is that they provide a substantial amount of energy, improving one’s performance. Keto gummies contain a substance called L-carnitine, which can identify and locate extra fat that has accumulated in the body and help convert this fat into energy. This can then give a great boost to the body and help one stay more active. Additionally, these gummies contain DHEA, which allows the body to get instant energy from food. Or, DHEA can help the body store it as muscle mass rather than fat. So, along with instant energy, the body can even get more muscle mass, improving its ability to exercise and stay fit. 2. Immunity boost Some keto gummies also contain vitamin C and other antioxidants. These nutrients enhance the body’s healing process, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation. Antioxidants are also known to reduce the risk of heart disease. 3. Better absorption of nutrients Many keto gummies contain capsaicin, a compound commonly found in peppers. Capsaicin makes it easier for the body to absorb nutrients from food. So, by increasing the absorption of nutrients, keto gummies can help the body get the most out of daily meals. 4. Stable blood pressure and heart rate When following a keto regimen, one needs to steer clear of consuming any carbohydrates or sugar. Now due to this, one may experience a drop in their sugar levels, which can increase the risk of heart palpitations, headache, or dizziness.