13 tips for better eczema management

People with anxiety disorders regularly and excessively experience fear and panic in everyday situations. If unchecked, anxiety can impair normal functioning and degrade the quality of life. One must consult a health expert if anxiety is affecting their social life. But first, ensure that any physical health issues are ruled out before consulting them. Most individuals with anxiety disorders need medication or therapy, but coping strategies and lifestyle decisions can also be helpful.

Stop and take a breath
When you experience an anxiety episode, take a moment to think about what is making you feel uneasy. Usual anxiety symptoms include concerns about a recent or distant event. For example, you can worry that something wrong will happen to you in the future. Or, you can still be upset about something that has already happened in the past. But, whatever your concerns, most anxiety issues stem from not focusing on the present. The next time you feel nervous and get distracted from the present moment, sit down and take some deep breaths to reclaim your composure. You can regain balance and return to the present moment by pausing and taking a few deep breaths. If you have the time, consider advancing this practice by experimenting with breathing techniques.

Noting down your triggers
One must identify what’s upsetting them to address the underlying cause of their anxiety. One can achieve it by setting aside time to assess your emotions and thoughts. Journaling is a fantastic method to connect with your anxiety triggers. Keep a diary or notepad beside your bed if your anxiety-related thoughts keep you awake at night. You can note down all the issues troubling you. Another technique to identify and understand your nervous feelings is speaking with a friend.

Consider the things you can change
Worrying about things or incidents that are yet to occur or might never occur can often lead to anxiety. For instance, even if everything is fine, you could still be concerned about unnecessary concerns such as losing your job, falling sick, or ensuring the security of your loved ones. Understanding the fact that life can be unexpected and you cannot constantly regulate what happens is vital. You can, though, choose how you will approach the unknowable. By letting go of anxiety and channeling your attention toward gratitude, you can transform your worries into a power source. Change your perspective on your fears to get rid of them.

Look for distractions
Sometimes, wilfully distracting yourself from your fears can be most beneficial. You can do so by helping others, performing housework, indulging in a fun activity or hobby like music, watching movies/shows, and more.

Learn to recognize and control your triggers
One can identify triggers either on your own or through a counselor. It may take time to pinpoint a long-term problem, such as financial difficulties or the workplace environment (deadlines, relations with colleagues, or any specific incident). Again, this can require some additional help through therapy or with colleagues. Limit your exposure once you’ve discovered your trigger. However, alternative coping strategies can be helpful if you cannot lessen it, for instance, if a challenging workplace triggers your trigger. Still, you are unable to move away immediately.

Implement cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) teaches people various ways to perceive and react to anxiety-triggering situations. With a therapist’s assistance, CBT teaches you to change negative thoughts through new habits and actions before they spiral into serious complications.

Socializing
Each person is unique, and not everyone experiences anxiety, but regularly spending time with loved ones can help one regulate anxiety levels if they experience such bouts. Social interactions mitigate loneliness, reduce stress, and encourage laughter and a sense of community. In addition, research shows social interaction can eventually increase your tolerance to stress.

Making changes to lifestyle habits
Lifestyle changes can also be beneficial in reducing anxiety and helping you cope with anxiety-related attacks. For example, your degree of physical exercise, the amount of rest you get, and what you eat affect your anxiety levels. Research indicates that food habits can impact mood or stress factors. For instance, those who eat foods high in vegetables and fruits usually have reduced stress levels. Your mental health and stress levels can both be significantly impacted by sleep. Research suggests that one potential cause for anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, is sleep issues. An increase in tension and anxiety can result from even brief sleep disturbances.

Understand your condition
Consulting a healthcare professional will help a person discover what triggers their condition and the type of therapies that may be appropriate for managing it. Invite your loved ones and friends and solicit their assistance while seeking professional help.

Enquire about prescriptions with your doctor
If your anxiety becomes alarming and prompts a mental health practitioner to think you may benefit from prescription treatment, there are several ways to approach this method based on your symptoms. However, discuss your concerns with your doctor before opting for any prescription therapy.

Make changes to your nutritional regime
Nutritional changes and the use of supplements are long-term solutions to managing anxiety. Research indicates that regular intake of vitamins and nutrients can reduce anxiety levels in people. Lemon balm, green tea, and kava are a few items you can fit into your meal plan. It may take a few months to notice the benefits provided by these food choices. However, be careful while opting for herbal remedies, as they may involve side effects.

Most individuals occasionally experience episodes of anxiety. During such times, one can try breathing techniques, journaling, finding diversions, and taking overall care of yourself. Anxiety can also indicate an underlying mental health disorder when they interfere with social relationships, work productivity, and other aspects of life. Speak to your physician or a mental health expert if you regularly feel anxious or panicky. They’ll be able to answer your queries, explain the diagnosis, and walk you through possible treatment options.

Car maintenance sounds like a straightforward task. Once every few months, you drive to the garage and have qualified technicians check the vehicle for flaws that affect performance. It’s an ongoing process you must follow for any make and model of vehicle. However, there are common maintenance mistakes that you may not even realize you’re making, which can impact your vehicle’s overall performance. Here are the top nine car maintenance mistakes that you should avoid.

Servicing with any garage
It’s always better to get your car serviced from an authorized garage franchising with the car brand. For example, if you’ve bought a vehicle from local Dodge dealers, it’s beneficial to take it for servicing at Dodge dealership-owned garages for repairs and periodic maintenance. When it comes to specialty vehicles, it’s crucial to have technicians who are experienced in using the right tools and performing repairs, maintenance, and replacements. It’s important to avoid having unqualified or uninformed individuals working on these vehicles at a local garage.

Not using genuine parts
Vehicle spare parts are sold a dime a dozen since there are many cheap knockoffs that you can get for a fraction of the price. Duplicate or refurbished parts increase the risk of significant safety concerns, especially when you buy brake pads, electrical components, and other engine parts critical to the vehicle’s performance. There is no guarantee if that part will work or even risk total engine failure with prolonged use. And since knockoff parts are not covered under warranty, you’ll have to pay out of pocket to replace the same parts. Instead, buy original brand parts and genuine spares sold by authorized dealerships for repairs and replacement.

Skipping the car wash
Washing the car now and then takes care of the vehicle’s exterior. All metal components are exposed to the elements of the weather and harsh pollutants in urban areas. These toxic reactions trigger changes that lead to rust, pitting, and damage to the metal framework. Premature rusting greatly impacts the structural integrity of your vehicle. So never skimp out on spending a few dollars every other week at the car wash and prevent paint erosion leading to rust.

Not paying attention to safety lights
Modern-day vehicles come with inbuilt safety features. Multiple lights on the dashboard and the digital console synced to the vehicle hint of the slightest damage or malfunction affecting performance. One of the most prominent safety features is the check engine light, the tiny red logo that mirrors the outline of an engine. If this light is blinking continuously on the dashboard, it’s a sign that there is some problem with the engine. You should never ignore these warnings, as delays in repairs can result in extensive damage and even permanent breakdown. Moreover, safety lights are also installed to indicate the battery health, oil filters, and other engine components.

Ignoring the TPMS
Most modern-day vehicles come with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System, which is an important upgrade feature. This system constantly monitors tire pressure, whether the vehicle is in motion or parked. This minimizes the risk of accidents caused by premature wear and tire blowouts while driving at high speeds. Moreover, weather conditions significantly impact tire air pressure, with harsh cold weather causing a rapid reduction that makes it challenging to control the vehicle. Therefore, it is crucial to keep an eye on the TPMS and inflate the tires promptly when the pressure drops to ensure a safe and comfortable drive.

Ignoring wheel alignment
Terrain conditions, driving conditions, driving preferences, and even overall weather can all directly impact the wear and tear of the tire. It’s one of the main reasons wheel alignment must be done to ensure better stability and control of the vehicle. With proper wheel alignment, you can overcome understeering or oversteering in one direction, which can make you feel like your vehicle is pulling to one side. Since it’s a critical car maintenance task, it’s best to have it done by professionals at a garage. So, schedule these tasks as recommended by a technician who can check to see if the alignment is due at your next vehicle service.

Not getting the filters checked
Your car has two primary filter systems for the air and oil intakes. Oil filters keep the engine oil and other lubricants flowing within the components free of debris and pollutants. This filter mainly prevents the oil from forming sludge and causing the engine to stall at high speeds. Further, a dedicated air filter removes debris and pollutants from the oxygen the engine absorbs for internal combustion. The air filters also pump out the hot air coming from the engine to maintain a neutral temperature. Both filters must be replaced after periodic intervals to ensure the system functions correctly. This repair and maintenance task should never be ignored. Filters can be replaced at the dealership repair shop, where you can shop for genuine parts.

Ignoring periodic oil change
All vehicles require engine oil, transmission fluids, and other lubricants that help reduce friction between all moving parts in the motor assembly. Without these fluids, the engine can degrade and even stop working altogether. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure your vehicle does not break down while driving on the freeway. Changing the oil every 7,000 miles or as suggested by the manufacturer in the car user manual will prevent these damages to the engine. This applies to all lubricants used in the vehicle.

Not getting parts checked
Braking systems and electrical components require periodic checking to ensure the safety of the vehicle while driving. And brakes are powered by hydraulics, which requires an electric motor to pump the fluids in and out of the braking assembly. All these systems are interconnected and depend on the proper functioning of individual components. Ensure these parts are also serviced properly at the next check.

The second most common cancer in men is prostate cancer. It impacts the prostate gland, which secretes seminal fluid. Prostate cancer is usually localized and does not migrate. Early cancer detection results in less harm and more successful treatment of cancer. Although there are treatment alternatives, there are active clinical trials for more advanced treatments for prostate cancer. Read on to learn more about the warning signs and foods to eat and avoid for prostate cancer.

5 early warning signs of prostate cancer
Frequent urge to urinate
The prostate tumor exerts pressure on the urethra and the bladder, leading to a person getting an urge to urinate, especially at night. 

Weak flow of urine
Weak urine flow need not always be a sign of prostate cancer as one experiences trouble urinating as one ages. However, if one experiences a weak flow of urine or has no control over starting and stopping it, it is advisable to consult a doctor. 

Numbness or pain
As cancer advances, one might experience unexplainable pain in the hips, chest, or lower back. Some men may also experience numbness in the legs.

Burning or painful urination
Burning or experiencing pain while urinating is called dysuria. It is a common symptom of UTIs. However, it may also be a symptom of prostate cancer. It is better to get it checked.

Blood in the urine
Hematuria is a symptom of prostate cancer but can also be a symptom of health issues like UTIs. It always helps to get it checked.

Meal plan for prostate cancer
A well-balanced meal plan with ample fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates from whole grains, and healthy proteins can prevent prostate cancer and improve one’s overall health. Additionally, even when diagnosed with prostate cancer, paying attention to what is on one’s plate can go a long way in aiding your treatment. 

5 foods to manage prostate cancer
Broccoli
Broccoli contains complex compounds that can protect a person from cancer. This cruciferous vegetable boasts phytochemicals like sulforaphane that can target cancer cells while leaving out normal healthy prostate cells. Other vegetables like cauliflower, kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts also contain phytochemicals and can protect the prostate. 

Green tea
There must be some health benefits when a billion people have been drinking this for years. Green tea has several compounds like xanthine derivatives, antioxidants, and epicatechin that improve overall health. Researchers now believe that green tea can potentially minimize the risk of prostate cancer by targeting tumor cells and hormones that signal their growth. 

Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain a powerful antioxidant known as lycopene, which can reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. Several studies indicate that lycopene can potentially decrease cell damage and slow down the production of cancer cells. Additionally, research shows that people who eat more tomatoes are less likely to develop prostate cancer. Since lycopene is tightly bound to the cell wall in raw tomatoes, it is best to eat them cooked or puréed to enjoy its benefits. 

Legumes
Legumes are food items that include beans, lentils, and peanuts. These plants contain an active compound known as a phytoestrogen. This compound can reduce the risk of prostate cancer by as much as 20%. The antioxidant properties found in legumes affect hormone regulation and cell death, which can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. 

Pomegranates
Pomegranates are replete with antioxidants and can help reduce oxidative stress, thus inhibiting the growth of prostate cancer cells. Pomegranate juice impedes the production of prostate cancer cells and therefore is beneficial for preventing this disease. Including pomegranate seeds in salads or adding pomegranate juice to sparkling water to improve prostate health is healthy. 

5 foods to avoid during prostate cancer treatment
Dairy products
Consuming large amounts of dairy products tends to increase the risk of prostate cancer. Whole milk seems to accelerate the progression of prostate cancer. Skimmed milk also has a similar effect, especially in the early stages of the disease. It is best to reduce the intake of full-fat cheese, yogurt, butter, and cream. Instead, look for non-dairy options like flax, rice, almond, soy, cashew, or coconut milk.  

Red meat
Regular meat consumption can increase one’s risk of prostate cancer. Heterocyclic amines are a type of carcinogen present in large amounts in red meat. It is best to avoid beef, pork, and other red meats to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Alternatively, one could turn to lean poultry, legumes, nuts, and canned fish.

Sugary foods
Sugary foods do not provide any nutritional value to one’s body. They are high in sugar and glycemic carbohydrates. Sugar-laden foods like cakes, cookies, pies, and sugary drinks can hamper a person’s immunity and lead to other health conditions. Too many sugary foods lead to a shoot in blood sugar levels, impacting the prostate gland. 

Saturated fats
Saturated fats are present in processed foods, baked goods, dairy products, meats, and salad dressings. Saturated fats have a direct link to increased risk of several conditions, including heart conditions, as well as several cancers, including prostate cancer. Reducing the intake of saturated fats is associated with a healthy prostate and overall improved health. 

Sodium
High salt intake is linked to increased urinary tract symptoms associated with prostate cancer. Sodium tends to affect the kidneys and the prostate, so one should avoid excess salt consumption. It is best to follow a low-sodium meal plan and reduce intake of canned foods, cured meats, and frozen bread-based dinners. 

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating the right kind of foods is important during the prostate cancer treatment period. Maintaining healthy eating habits will help prostate cancer patients feel better by aiding in relieving the symptoms. Making healthy meal changes can aid a person’s recovery from prostate cancer.

Checking your phone right after waking up, before even brushing your teeth, is probably a normal part of your life. This habit is why smartphones are considered indispensable today, making it important to choose the right gadget and use it well. Doing some research can help you avoid making expensive mistakes and adopting harmful habits that increase your dependence on electronics. So, the next time you buy a smartphone, avoid the following errors:

Mistakes when buying a phone
Choosing form over function
Some smartphones are marketed as the best-looking phones you can find. Such claims can be deceiving, but they can entice you into buying a more expensive phone than you intended. Or you might settle for a smartphone that looks good but does not have the features you need. So, doing your research and checking the features and functionality of the smartphone model before purchasing it is ideal. You can always find a visually appealing phone that also has excellent features.

Choosing curved displays
Another captivating but often misleading feature is a curved display. While some find it attractive, brands can make it seem like smartphones with curved displays have better technology. This claim is only sometimes valid, and curved displays come with their pros and cons. Curved displays are more difficult to grip, and this, along with the flimsier panel, makes the phone likely to slip and get scratched. Accidentally touching the screen becomes more likely here due to the extended display, so if you enjoy gaming, avoid getting a smartphone with a curved display.

Consulting too many people
Family, friends, coworkers, and sales representatives, almost everyone has an opinion on which smartphone is the best and the plans you should buy. When you ask someone for advice, their opinions are likely clouded by their own experiences. You would be the person using your smartphone, so your preferences should guide your decision-making process. You are likely changing your smartphone for multiple reasons, so consider what you like and do not, what you use it for, and why you want a change. Answering all these questions could lead you to the most suitable smartphone for you and avoid letting too many people confuse you. 

Falling for fancy vocabulary
No one understands absolutely everything about technology. Sometimes a technology we believe could be exciting might be ordinary and unnecessary. A phone with vapor cooling chambers is one such example; the feature is a good idea for only a few smartphones. Another misleading factor is the megapixel count. The quality of images captured by the phone camera depends on aspects like the size of the aperture and computational photography algorithms than just the number of megapixels. Similarly, you must have come across the term “peak brightness” of over 1500 nits. It refers to the ability of a small number of pixels that can shine for a short duration. But most modern smartphones, on average, max out at 800 nits. 

Habits to avoid
Using your phone in bed
After the stimulation of the whole day, using the phone in bed can make it harder for your brain to produce melatonin—the sleep hormone that helps you relax. While it can be tempting to lay in bed and scroll through your social media feed, putting your smartphone away at least an hour before bed can help you wind down. This can also reduce eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision, which excessive screentime can trigger. 

Relying on phones to remember key details
Your smartphone, by definition, is brilliant, but it is important not to make yourself completely dependent on the gadget. So, you should use the phone camera for pictures and note apps to remind you about work tasks. But using your phone to prompt family members’ phone numbers, birthdays of loved ones, and even names of coworkers can be a sign of digital amnesia—forgetting information that you expect a gadget to store. This can affect the normal functioning of memory and interfere with your productivity if you cannot access the phone for a while. 

Constantly checking your phone
Texts, alerts, and social media updates constantly grab your attention. Thanks to unlimited phone plans, you are connected to the world throughout the day. However, frequent notifications chip away at your focus. Social media use is directly related to lowering the attention span and tends to erode your attentiveness. Social media can be an excellent outlet, but it can make you feel restless, left out, or envious in the long run. Instead of deleting your account or an app, set aside a few smartphone-free hours every day. Let your family and friends know when you might not be on your phone, and ensure you can still get notifications in emergencies. 

Not cleaning the screen
You probably take a shower every day. If you wear glasses, you might wipe them often. Your home also gets cleaned often. But do you remember when you last cleaned your phone screen? You put it on your face, touch it with your hands, and stow it in a bag or pocket with all sorts of things. This makes your phone the ideal breeding ground for bacteria. The best way to fix this is to use a soft, lint-free fabric and a liquid solution to wipe your smartphone regularly. 

Not choosing the right plans
A good phone can achieve excellence through a perfect phone plan. You can expect a fast connection and unlimited data with a good plan. US Cellular offers some of the best wireless unlimited phone plans with unlimited talk, call, and data, 50GB priority data, full HD streaming, unlimited LTE Data, and 30GB Hotspot access for just $44.99 per connection. US Cellular offers two other plans as part of the Promotional Unlimited—Basic and Everyday—at lower prices and with fewer features. You can also check out US Cellular’s three Unlimited Evolved plans, where the more lines you add, the more you save. So, consider opting for reliable wireless unlimited phone plans to get the most out of your smartphone. 

Beverages like coffee, tea, juice, and sugary foods can take a toll on a person’s oral health. They leave behind stubborn yellow stains on the teeth, a condition known as teeth discoloration. Brushing your teeth and going for periodic dental check-ups may not be sufficient to eliminate these stains. This is where whitening toothpaste and whitening kits come into play. Read on to learn about the best options and how they keep your teeth safe.

Why consider teeth whitening products?
Teeth whitening products are great for improving the shine of your teeth. Many people use them, thanks to their easy availability and cost-effectiveness. These products use unique techniques to improve the appearance of the teeth, such as gel trays, teeth whitening strips, and even whitening toothpaste with special formulas. As a result, achieving a bright smile and preventing teeth damage is now easy.

Two common ingredients in teeth whitening products are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. They minimize or eliminate the appearance of stains and discoloration of your teeth.

Best teeth whitening products
We have listed the best teeth whitening toothpaste, kits, and products below. Remember that most of these work best on clean tooth enamel surfaces, free of debris. So, brush and floss your teeth before using them and enjoy a dazzling smile.

Active Wow Teeth Whitening Charcoal Powder
If you are looking for a natural and sustainable alternative to the chemical whitening process, consider Active Wow Teeth Whitening Charcoal Powder. The product has three major ingredients: charcoal powder, bentonite, and orange seed oil. The charcoal content pulls out tough stains, while the unique clay bentonite helps remineralize your teeth. To top it off, orange seed oil provides anti-inflammatory benefits while aiding in removing cavities. Apply the powder correctly, and you will see results after a few uses.

Rio Smile White Advanced Teeth Whitening Kit
Get ready for brighter, whiter teeth with the Rio Simple White Advanced Teeth Whitening Kit! This revolutionary kit targets deep stains directly and safely removes them from your pearly whites. Its blue-light activation technology makes sure your enamel and gums are not damaged. Within a few treatments, your teeth will be free of stubborn discoloration.

Crest 3D White Whitestrips With Light
Looking for a whiter smile? Crest’s 3D White Whitestrips are revolutionizing home whitening treatments with breakthrough blue light technology. With just one hour of wear and ten minutes of additional exposure to the special light, you can see your teeth become brighter in only ten days! Hydrogen peroxide penetrates deeper with this innovative treatment, giving long-lasting results (up to 36 months even after discontinuing use). So, get ready for that glowing grin!

Spotlight Oral Care Teeth Whitening System Set
Spotlight Oral Care Teeth Whitening System Set is the key to a dazzling smile. It provides the best of both worlds—whitening toothpaste and strips. The toothpaste contains hydrogen peroxide, while the strips work to eliminate teeth stains and ensure extended results. Wear the strips on dry teeth for an hour every day. After two weeks of treatment, you should notice a significant improvement and enhanced confidence in your smile.

GLO Science Brilliant Personal Teeth Whitening Device
This teeth whitening device will revolutionize how you whiten your teeth. It is fast and easy to use, providing professional results right in the comfort of your home. Thanks to its rechargeable mouthpiece, traditional whitening trays are no longer necessary. The best part is its efficient blue LED light technology, which provides quick results after each use. The package includes a travel bag, a USB power plug, a charging dock, lip care balm, a mouthpiece, vials of whitening gel, and a case with a controller.

REGENERATE Enamel Science Advanced Toothpaste
This whitening toothpaste is one of the most effortless solutions to widen your smile, given that teeth-brushing habits fall into your daily routine anyway. The consistency of the product makes it work its best and leaves you with a minty fresh breath. The NR-5™ technology patented by the brand is recognized for recreating the mineral content of the tooth enamel, which prevents erosion and cavities. Slowly and steadily, you will get a picture-perfect smile and teeth free of sensitivity.

Snow Teeth Whitening Kit With LED Light
Snow Teeth Whitening Kit removes dark stains effectively in a short span. It consists of a whitening gel and an LED light piece safe for sensitive teeth, crowns, veneers, braces, caps, and bridges. The LED light stimulates the whitening gel to remove the stains discoloring your pearly whites. Moreover, the kit’s vegan and cruelty-free ingredients make it environmentally friendly. Besides providing instantly whiter teeth, it helps you save time and money, avoid dentist visits, and go eco-friendly.

Moon Activated Charcoal Whitening Toothpaste
Moon Oral Care’s whitening toothpaste is formulated without fluoride (a chemical teeth whitener). It is known for using natural ingredients and extracts, including green and black teas, camu camu, cranberry, sea salt, tea tree oil, coconut oil, ginseng, and peppermint oil. This blend of ingredients freshens your breath, whitens and brightens your teeth, strengthens your gums, and promotes a healthy-looking smile.

Hismile Teeth Whitening Kit
People with sensitive teeth can find relief with the Hismile Teeth Whitening Kit, which uses phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid (a bleaching agent) as its primary ingredient. Unlike other peroxides, this kit’s contents, like glycerin and chamomile extract, offer a gentle and smooth experience. Easy-to-use syringes dispense gel into the tray while an accompanying blue LED light seals in maximum results.

The effectiveness of teeth whitening toothpaste and kits will vary for each person, as every individual’s situation and desired level of whiteness can differ. With so many options available today, choosing one product can be difficult. So do further research to determine which teeth whitening toothpaste, product, or kit will most benefit you. It is also essential to take necessary precautions and consult your dentist before using any product.