Narcolepsy refers to a chronic neurological disorder in which the brain is unable to control the body’s sleep-wake cycles. Consequently, individuals with this condition typically feel energized immediately after waking up but feel lethargic throughout the day. Although narcolepsy does not lead to serious health conditions in the long run, it can impact one’s daily functioning significantly. So, here are some signs of narcolepsy one shouldn’t ignore: Warning signs of narcolepsy 1. Excessive sleepiness throughout the day A brain chemical known as hypocretin or orexin typically controls one’s sense of wakefulness. However, patients with narcolepsy are deficient in hypocretin. This deficiency is believed to be caused by the immune system’s attack on the cells that produce this brain chemical or the receptors that enable its functioning in the body. Consequently, the onset of narcolepsy leads to excessive sleepiness throughout the day despite a good night’s sleep. 2. Sleep paralysis Sleep paralysis is when one experiences loss of speech and movement while falling asleep or upon waking up. Although it lasts for a few seconds or minutes, sleep paralysis can be debilitating. This symptom is not experienced by all individuals with narcolepsy but may be a sign of the disorder and should not be ignored.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.