Age-related macular degeneration is a degenerative condition that primarily affects people over 50. This disorder thins and deteriorates the macula, the area of the eye that produces the clearest, most detailed vision. Early detection and treatment can lower the chances of permanent vision loss. Simple lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier and exercising regularly, can significantly reduce the risk of AMD. Here are a few simple lifestyle modifications that can help prevent the condition. Lifestyle modification tips to prevent age-related macular degeneration Maintain a normal blood pressure level Hypertension promotes AMD by decreasing blood flow to the vascular layer of the eye, known as the choroid. The lack of oxygen in the eye accelerates the deterioration and increases the risk of wet AMD and central vision loss. It is preferable to keep blood pressure under control to avoid this situation. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding fried foods, eating well, and exercising regularly can all help keep blood pressure under control. Although this condition has nothing to do with weight, a body mass index of 30 can make it worse, so it is preferable to keep a low BMI. Consume more antioxidant-rich foods Antioxidants are chemicals that prevent or reduce free radical damage to cells.

The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that are responsible for important bodily functions, like producing hormones, removing waste through urine, filtering blood, balancing minerals, and maintaining fluid balance. But, according to the American Kidney Fund, more than 1 in 7 adults in the country are affected by chronic kidney diseases. So, it is important to maintain kidney health by making better lifestyle choices and opting for foods that support kidney health. Food and kidney health The kidneys have multiple tiny blood vessels that help filter and eliminate excess water and waste from the body. If one is affected by chronic kidney diseases, the kidneys cannot filter blood, leading to the accumulation of waste in the body. Hypertension and diabetes are some of the leading causes of kidney disease. So, a healthy food plan can help prevent and manage these conditions by removing excess sodium, phosphorus, or potassium. Additionally, some foods should be limited or avoided to prevent further kidney damage. Best foods for kidney health Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are similar to white potatoes but have excess fiber, which the body can take longer to break down, resulting in less of a spike in insulin levels in the body. Additionally, sweet potatoes contain various nutrients and minerals that may help balance the sodium and reduce its effect on the kidneys.

The kidneys in the human body filter all the blood in about 30 minutes to remove wastes, excess fluid, and toxins. The organ also helps control blood pressure, boost red blood cell production, and keep the bones healthy. But an individual may develop chronic kidney disease (chronic kidney failure) – the gradual loss of kidney function. It will hamper the overall functionality of the organ and lead to severe health complications. Symptoms The indicators of chronic kidney disease develop over time if the damage occurs gradually. Losing kidney function may result in an alarming build-up of fluid, body waste, or electrolytes. The signs and symptoms of the condition may also be caused by other health conditions, making kidney disease difficult to diagnose. Moreover, since kidneys cannot recover from lost function, the individual may not develop symptoms until the disease reaches advanced stages. Based on the severity of the disease, a person who suffers from loss of kidney function may experience vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, chest pain (if there is fluid build-up around the lining of the heart), weakness, fatigue, excessive or poor urination, sleeping difficulties, muscle cramps, itchy or dry skin, hypertension (high blood pressure) that is difficult to manage, shortness of breath (if there is a build-up of fluids in the lungs), swollen feet or ankles, and declined mental sharpness.

Nearly 84% of participants in a particular mental health survey were said to have some form of anxiety. The severity of symptoms did vary from person to person, but the fact remains that we live in a world where almost everything is a potential trigger for anxiety. And living in denial about having a psychological trigger only worsens the problem. Luckily, it is possible to manage anxiety by following the suggestions recommended by experts. Identify the triggers Anxiety is mainly triggered due to an event or episode where one finds themselves in a difficult position. It could be something that puts a person out of their comfort zone. Doctors advise people to identify these triggers and avoid them. Any comment, action, or situation that did not work out in favor triggers anxiety. So, make a list of such events and instances and ignore them the next time something happens related to that event. At the same time, try to remain positive as it can help strengthen the mind to manage anxiety better. Keep busy Distraction is one of the simplest ways to prevent a panic or anxiety attack. You can perform simple chores or indulge in a favorite task to stay physically and mentally occupied for a few hours.

The human heart is susceptible to several health complications, including atrial fibrillation (AFib). The condition is the most common type of treated heart arrhythmia, which is a term describing when the heart beats unusually slowly, fast, or irregularly. AFib is estimated to affect between 2.7 million to 6.1 million individuals in the country. An individual with the complication experiences irregular beating in the heart’s upper chambers, affecting blood flow, leading to health complications. Causes Irregularities in the structure of the heart are the most common cause of atrial fibrillation. Sometimes people may develop the condition without any known heart damage or problems. Risk factors like age may also contribute to the development of atrial fibrillation. Other potential causes of the phenomenon include a heart attack, sick sinus syndrome – issues with the heart’s natural pacemaker, coronary artery disease, congenital heart defect – A heart defect that an individual might be born with, high blood pressure, lung diseases, heart valve problems, use of stimulants, including certain prescriptions and caffeine, physical stress caused due to pneumonia, other illnesses, and also surgery, sleep apnea, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), metabolic imbalances, viral infections, and complications due to earlier heart surgery. Symptoms A person who develops atrial fibrillation may not notice symptoms, and the condition is detected only after a physical examination.

Macular degeneration is a condition that affects a person’s vision and develops as people age. This progressive eye disorder involves the deterioration of the macula, which is a part of the eye’s retina. It is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults and may develop in one or both eyes. This condition is of two main types – dry and wet. Read further to learn about the disorder, its causes, and its types. Dry macular degeneration People are more likely to have dry macular degeneration than wet form. It is also less severe and develops when tiny yellow protein deposits under the macula. These deposits dry and thin the macula, causing gradual central vision loss while the peripheral vision remains intact. In the advanced stages, the dry form can progress to the wet form. People with dry macular degeneration need to test their eyes daily at home using an Amsler grid. One must consult a health expert immediately if any vision changes are observed. Wet macular degeneration In this condition, the blood vessels grow beneath the retina and macula and cause blood and fluid to leak into the retina. This build-up of fluid results in scarring, leading to permanent loss of central vision.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition that affects one’s central vision. The condition mainly affects the macula—a part of the retina at the back that regulates central vision. The condition is common among people over 50. People with macular degeneration are unable to perceive objects or people right in front of them, however, they don’t experience a complete loss of vision and can have good peripheral vision. Here are key facts about AMD: Types Dry (atrophic) : About 90% of macular degeneration patients are affected by the dry (atrophic) form of the condition. Dry AMD develops when drusen, tiny yellow protein deposits, accumulate under the macula. The deposits make the macula thin and dry. Here, one can experience gradual vision loss, however, most people do not lose their core vision completely. In rare cases, the dry type can give way to the wet form of age-related macular degeneration. Wet (exudative) : The development of abnormal blood vessels under the retina and macula leads to wet AMD. The vessels can leak blood and liquids, which is a condition called choroidal neovascularization. As a result of the buildup, the macula develops a bulge, leading to dark spots in the center of one’s vision.

Most people experience anxiety and chronic stress at some point in life. It has been found that anxiety affects around 18% of grown-ups every year in the country. Anxiety may be considered the natural response of the body to stress. The symptoms are restlessness, rapid breathing, and increased heart rate. However, it presents itself differently for different people. There are various ways to treat the mental condition. Let us elaborate on five natural remedies for anxiety management. Regular exercise Exercise is considered one of the best ways to shed anxious energy, and thoughts and research have supported this. Regular exercise and staying active are not just about physical health, but it also helps in dealing with anxiety and stress. It is because staying active helps divert your attention from the thoughts that make you anxious. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), regular exercise is beneficial in treating mood disorders and anxiety in the same way as antidepressants. The experts have also depicted that regular exercise and staying active leads to the promotion of willpower and concentration in human beings and hence is helpful for treating specific anxiety symptoms. Various relaxation exercises may help to manage the condition. However, the type of exercises depend mainly on personal choice and healthcare advice.

Anxiety has become very common in today’s age. Almost everyone feels anxious from time to time. It is a normal response when faced with testing times or a significant life change. But, if you are often anxious without any reason, it might be a cause for concern. Chronic anxiety can affect relationships, work performance, and a person’s general nature. Some common anxiety disorders include panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder. What are the symptoms of anxiety disorder? The most common signs include irritability, restlessness, uncontrolled worry, unusual fatigue, muscle tension, and frequent sleep issues. Those who experience these symptoms frequently should visit a professional. Health experts recommend a combination of treatments and cognitive therapy sessions depending on the severity. How to manage anxiety? Besides visiting a professional for expert guidance, here are a few things you can do at a personal level to feel relaxed: Try deep breathing When anxious, stop for a moment and engage in deep breathing; sit up straight, take a long breath through your nose, and exhale slowly. This can help relax the muscles of your nose, shoulders, jaw, and abdominal area. It can also slow down the heart rate and lower blood pressure. Get enough sleep Sleep is incredibly essential for anyone to stay healthy and happy.

The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that perform various critical functions inside the human body. They help filter blood, eradicate waste through urine, maintain fluid balance, balance minerals, and produce hormones. However, certain conditions may affect kidneys’ functioning, leading to more severe health risks. Certain risk factors are associated with kidney disorders, the prominent ones being high blood pressure and diabetes. Some common symptoms, causes, and management of kidney disease are detailed below. Common symptoms More than one in seven adults, or nearly 37 million people in the country, suffers from chronic kidney disease (CKD) – a type of kidney disorder. Initially, it is challenging to find out the symptoms. Some early indicators and symptoms of kidney disease are fatigue, sleeping troubles, dry and itchy skin, breathlessness, muscle cramps, vomiting and nausea, changes in urination patterns, loss of appetite, and swelling in the ankles and feet. As kidney disease progresses and leads to kidney failure, the symptoms that develop include rashes, fever, nosebleeds, severe abdominal and back pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.  Causes Multiple causes are associated with kidney disease, including high blood pressure, diabetes, vasculitis, cardiovascular diseases, genetics, age, and autoimmune diseases. High blood pressure High blood pressure is a prominent cause of kidney disease as it damages the blood vessels and reduces blood supply to the kidneys.