Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and damage to the muscles and tissues around the eye. Common symptoms include dry and irritated eyes, watery eyes, red eyes, bulging eyes, double vision, pain, and difficulty closing the eyes completely. The condition is closely related to Graves’ disease, another autoimmune condition that leads to hyperthyroidism. One must avoid the following six mistakes to manage thyroid eye disease better. Not following healthy eating habits To manage their thyroid health, patients must pay special attention to what they eat. Experts often recommend a special nutritional plan rich in minerals like iodine and selenium to synthesize thyroid hormones. These hormones manage the body’s metabolism, energy production, and hormone balance. Some foods can help improve thyroid function, while others may slow it down. Those with thyroid eye disease should eat foods with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, such as leafy greens, berries, ginger, and green tea. At the same time, they must limit caffeine intake and avoid the following: – Cruciferous vegetables Eating too many cruciferous vegetables may disrupt how the thyroid uses iodine, leading to several health complications in those with thyroid eye disease. Some common cruciferous vegetables one should avoid are broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. – Refined carbs Refined carbs in baked goods, candy, and sugar can worsen inflammation. Therefore, patients should swap sugar for natural sweeteners like agave or date syrup and switch to gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour. – Excessive iodine While iodine-rich foods are important, one must carefully monitor their intake. Foods with high amounts of iodine, such as seaweed, kelp, fish, carrageen, and agar-agar, may worsen the symptoms in cases with hyperthyroidism. Ignoring the treatment plan When diagnosed with thyroid disease, doctors may prescribe certain treatments that patients must use regularly. The treatments usually aim to reduce the production of thyroid hormones.

Nothing can heal and relax the body like a good night’s sleep. While some people are getting the recommended amount of sleep—at least eight hours every night—a fairly large population is having trouble falling and staying asleep. In most cases, this can be an outcome of one’s daily habits. Sleep disruption has been a growing concern, but it can be rectified by avoiding certain things for a healthy sleep cycle. Large meals before bed One of the main things to avoid for a healthy sleep cycle is sleeping with a full stomach. Sure, staying hydrated and well-fed through the night is a good practice, but not when one is off to bed within a couple of hours. The body slows down its processes when one is sleeping. This means the food would sit in the stomach for a longer time and might cause uneasiness. This would inadvertently impact the person’s sleep quality. It may also lead to heartburn symptoms. Besides, one should also avoid sleeping with a full bladder as that could mean repeated bathroom visits throughout the night, disrupting the sleep cycle. So, both these things can keep a person from sleeping through the night and impact their brain activity. Long naps To nap or not to nap? That is a debatable question. And this is where the world is divided. While some advocate for midday naps, others advise strictly against them. Ideally, individuals need to keep their daytime napping to a minimum. If one finds it difficult to sleep well during the night, they should avoid napping. These small bursts of restful sleep could further disrupt their sleep cycle. Naps are essentially people adding fuel to the fire of their already sleepless nights. And if one is experiencing excessive sleepiness during the day, it might be time to consult a doctor.

An annual checkup is important, as it helps track one’s physical fitness and health. This is an opportunity to ask questions one might have related to one’s health. A family physician may be the best person to go to for regular checkups, as they know one’s medical history and may know which specialist to refer one to in case one has a condition that may require their expertise and diagnosis. Regardless, here are some questions one should ask one’s doctor during a routine checkup. 1. What do these symptoms mean, and which symptoms should be addressed immediately? During the checkup, one should speak to the doctor and inform them about any symptoms they may be experiencing. These could be big or small issues, but it is important to address them. It could be pain somewhere in the body, a mole on the skin, a bump somewhere on the body, sudden fluctuations in body mass, and so on. Patients aware of their condition and have received a diagnosis should confirm with their doctor which symptoms they need to look out for. For instance, someone with an autoimmune condition may need to change their management strategy if they experience sudden flares and symptoms like persistent low-grade fever. 2. Should the current management plan be altered? Patients with a pre-existing health condition may be on a treatment plan suggested by the doctor. This is an opportunity to speak to them to understand if any changes are needed in the treatment plan or if they should continue to follow what was prescribed. Patients can also discuss how the treatment may work for them and if any changes or improvements are observed. If patients are experiencing any trouble regarding the current treatment, such as side effects or unusual signs, they should also take the time to discuss that.

If one wears contact lenses, either regularly or occasionally, they should adopt certain habits to maintain good eye health. This is because research suggests that those who use contact lenses frequently are at a higher risk of eye conditions like dry eyes. Further, improper handling or use of lenses can increase the risk of eye infections. So, to keep such issues at bay, one must avoid the following mistakes while wearing and storing contact lenses:   1. Not cleaning the contacts As they come in direct contact with the eyes, contact lenses should be carefully and thoroughly cleaned. Lenses can accumulate lipids, proteins, and other microscopic compounds. The deposits of such unwanted substances will only grow if one skips cleanup. This might make wearing the lenses uncomfortable and irritating. To avoid this issue, it is important to clean and disinfect lenses after every use. One should use a fresh contact lens solution every time. It is also important to clean the lens case to ensure it does not carry any contaminants. Once the case is rinsed with the solution, one should let the case dry upside down and place the contact lenses in the case with fresh solution. 2. Touching contacts with dirty hands One of the key things to do when dealing with lenses is to ensure that everything that comes in contact with the lenses is clean. This includes hands. So, one should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water before touching the lenses or the lens case. Skipping this step could allow harmful microorganisms to enter the eyes as soon as one wears lenses, resulting in a higher risk of infections like conjunctivitis. Such infections can cause redness, excess tears, inflammation, itching, and grittiness in the eyes, among other issues. Further, while wearing lenses, one should avoid rubbing the eyes, especially with unwashed hands, as this could damage not just the lenses but also the cornea.

Finding the right doctor is the key to getting the best healthcare. The decision can also affect one’s overall health and treatment outcome. So, whether one is looking for a cardiologist, neurologist, oncologist, or any other specialist, it is essential to spend some time shortlisting suitable healthcare professionals before choosing the best one. Additionally, asking the right questions during the initial consultation can help one understand the kind of care the specialist can offer. Tips for choosing a medical specialist 1. Seek referrals and recommendations One can begin their search for a doctor by asking their primary care physician to refer them to a specialist. Alternatively, one can ask friends, family, neighbors, and other acquaintances if they know of a specialist they can recommend. Such recommendations can also give one some insights into the doctor’s qualifications and bedside manner. 2. Consider credentials and experience One should look up the specialist’s qualifications before scheduling an appointment with them. Also, when dealing with a specific health issue, it is better to go with doctors who have experience in treating the condition. One can also check if the doctor is a board-certified healthcare professional. The certification is an indication that the doctor adheres to the standards set by the board.  3. Check medical specialty Before making an appointment with a doctor, one should check if they have the necessary specialization to offer the care one needs. One should choose a doctor who specializes in treating a specific condition one is dealing with. This ensures that the doctor’s expertise aligns with one’s healthcare needs. Some specialists also have subspecialties within their field. 4. Consider hospital affiliation Before making an appointment, one should find out which hospitals or medical centers a specialist is affiliated with. Then, one must examine the standard of care offered by the facility and check if it has the equipment and services necessary to provide the comprehensive care one needs.

Dentures are a common teeth restoration option that allows one to replace damaged or missing teeth. They are artificial teeth that perfectly resemble real teeth.  By getting dentures, one can ensure that they can speak and chew properly , as well as  regain confidence in smiling.  The decision to opt for dentures can be empowering for many. Consulting a dermatologist and learning how the process works may be helpful for individuals planning to get dentures. Evaluate one’s needs If one is considering getting dentures, the first step is to evaluate their specific requirements.  This  is because  there are  various types of dentures available, depending on one’s needs.  Having clear requirements can help one simplify their decision-making process. To evaluate their requirements, one must first  take into consideration  how many teeth need to be replaced with dentures.  It is also important to determine  how urgently the dentures need to be made and fixed.  Additionally, it is also advisable to have an oral checkup before proceeding with getting dentures made.  This  will enable them and the dentist to identify any oral or dental issues that complicate denture placement. Choose the type of  dentures After evaluating their needs, such as the number of teeth they need  to get  replaced with dentures  – one  can  proceed to  select the type of dentures that best suits their requirements.  There are five main types of dentures  to choose from  based on individual dental needs. These types include: – Complete dentures Complete dentures, also called full dentures, are designed to replace all the teeth in an individual’s upper jaw, lower jaw, or both jaws. Dentists usually prefer these as the last option, as they can sometimes cause speech issues. One must also note that if they have a few teeth remaining on their upper or lower jaw, those teeth would need to be extracted if they need full dentures.

Dental implants help people improve the appearance of their teeth. They also help one chew better, speak more clearly, and do the things a regular set of healthy teeth does.  But   dental  implants require frequent care to ensure they work as intended in the long run.  Using these oral healthcare devices improperly, such as cleaning them with the wrong tools or ignoring oral hygiene, could cause them to deteriorate quickly and lead to unnecessary hassle. Being unaware of the options A common mistake is not researching the options before getting dental implants. One should speak to their healthcare provider, such as a dentist, to learn about the types of dental implants available, such as full-arch and single-tooth implants. Getting a partial implant might be better than replacing multiple teeth if the problem is not too severe. After assessing all their options, individuals can decide on the type they want. One could also enquire if the existing teeth could be saved with treatment. Instead of permanent implants, the   dentist may sometimes recommend dentures or adhesive dental bridges that can be removed. Not communicating healthcare  history While getting dental implants, people often hide certain healthcare information, such as ongoing treatments or past dental procedures. In doing so, they get a set of implants that do not fit their requirements in the long run. That’s why it is important to be open with the dentist and cooperate with them when they inquire about one’s dental and other health history. Accurate information helps the expert determine if the treatment is viable for the patient. By sharing a complete healthcare history, a dentist could  even  customize the treatment plan, predict and prevent potential risks, and suggest a safe and smooth dental implant procedure. Incorrect care routines Individuals usually think dental implants require less care than natural teeth, which is untrue.

Healthy, white teeth are embellishments to a smile, so missing a tooth or two can be a matter of concern for many. Dental implants help one gain replacements for their lost teeth, completing one’s smile. With a 98% success rate, these implants are becoming increasingly popular nationwide, and many find them better alternatives to dentures, which aren’t permanent fixtures. If one’s teeth start to exhibit certain signs, it’s probably time to consider dental implants. 1. Cracked or broken teeth Cracked or broken teeth usually can be fixed, but in advanced cases with too much damage, the teeth must be extracted. In such cases, one may want to opt for dental implants to replace the extracted teeth, not only for aesthetic purposes but also to avoid pain and discomfort when biting something hard or crispy. 2. Periodontitis This condition involves severe gum inflammation, which might cause infection. This infection may spread to the bones and other tissues in the oral cavity, especially if the condition isn’t diagnosed early. In advanced cases of periodontitis, the infected teeth need to be extracted and may be replaced by dental implants. 3. Problems with chewing Chewing difficulties may be caused by several factors, including misaligned teeth, a gap where a tooth may have been extracted previously, and dentures that don’t fit well. Such problems may lead to loss of appetite in the long run, so they should be corrected as soon as possible. Dentists may suggest dental implants if a missing tooth needs to be filled or dentures aren’t effective. 4. Sunken facial appearance Sometimes, wearing dentures can cause the face to appear sunken because of bone loss in the jaw area. Often, when one wears dentures over a period of time, they may stop fitting properly because of changes in the gums and other teeth that have not been lost or extracted.

Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition that causes scaly patches on the skin. Although it is a chronic condition with no known cure, there are a few ways to manage its symptoms with treatment and home remedies.  But  for effective long-term management, psoriasis must be diagnosed early.  That’s why one should visit the doctor immediately after developing the symptoms. The signs mainly differ depending on the type of psoriasis a person has. Raised, inflamed patches of skin One of the most common types of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, which leads to raised patches on the skin. These patches are usually red but can sometimes be purple or silver. They result from inflammation of the skin and can be very itchy. Plaque psoriasis patches mostly develop on specific body areas, such as the elbows, knees, trunk, limbs, and scalp. When the patches develop on the scalp, the condition is called scalp psoriasis. Around 45 to 56 percent of psoriasis patients have scalp psoriasis. Flaky skin When psoriasis develops on the scalp, individuals may notice dead skin flakes in the region. These flakes are mostly silvery white. Individuals unaware of the condition may mistake these flakes for dandruff. It is important to note that the flakes caused by psoriasis are very different from those caused by dandruff. While dandruff flakes are usually small, the flakes caused by scalp psoriasis are much bigger and thicker. Itchy skin The raised and inflamed patches of skin caused by psoriasis also tend to itch a lot. Even in scalp psoriasis, the scalp may itch immensely when the skin develops flakes. In such a situation, individuals must control the urge to scratch the patches because it can inflame and thicken them even more. A dermatologist can suggest treatment options to relieve the itching and help the patient focus on daily tasks. Dry and cracked skin Another sign of developing psoriasis is the appearance of cracks on the skin.

Multiple sclerosis is a neurological condition in which the communication between the brain and the rest of the body is severely disrupted. Some of its common symptoms include fatigue, mobility issues, vision problems, numbness and tingling, pain, muscle spasms, problems with learning, thinking, and planning, muscle weakness and stiffness, and various motor problems. Having certain foods can worsen the symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis, so it’s best to avoid such foods. French fries Fried foods occupy the bottom of the barrel when healthcare or nutrition experts talk about what people with multiple sclerosis can safely eat. Foods such as fried chicken, French fries, and red meat are highly processed and deep-fried. These foods contain large proportions of saturated and trans fats, both of which are bad for the body already, but they make things worse for people with multiple sclerosis. Studies have found that saturated fats in the body accelerate the progression of multiple sclerosis. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends people to reduce saturated fat consumption to less than 7% of their daily caloric intake. Further, trans fats, which are equally bad, need to be less than 1% of one’s total calorie consumption. Fruit juices Foods with added sugars and refined sugars are not too far behind in the list of foods to avoid when one has multiple sclerosis. Packaged fruit juices one purchases from stores are loaded with added sugars and refined sugars. Sugar does not contain any nutritional value. So, healthcare experts recommend people to keep their sugar consumption between 100 and 150 calories on a daily basis. A drastic rise or fall in sugar can worsen multiple sclerosis-related fatigue in people with the condition. Apart from fruit juices, sodas, candy bars, cakes, pastries, and other baked goods are also loaded with sugar. Such foods also contain trans fats and saturated fats such as cream, butter, specific vegetable oils, and cheese.