7 Common Engine Oil Replacing Blunders to Avoid

When we sense an impending danger, our body creates a survival mechanism by sending adrenaline to our blood, enabling us to stay and fight or leave the scene. Sometimes, this happens when one perceives some danger to themselves, even though there is none. If such alerts happen frequently, our body becomes hyperalert and sends signals in the form of physical changes. These changes are called anxiety disorders and are a type of mental illness.

What is anxiety?
An anxious person typically tends to exaggerate or, in some cases, imagine a threat. They could have thoughts like:

• I am in a dangerous situation right now
• I cannot cope with it
• The worst is going to happen to me

Along with such thoughts, they may also see some physical changes, including:

• Tension
• Perspiration
• Sudden intense blushing
• Increase in heart rate
• Tremble or shakiness in legs
• Wringing of hands
• Lump in the throat
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Irritable bowel syndrome or a sudden urge to pass stools

Once the physical symptoms begin, they may feel they cannot survive and want to escape. If they feel anxiety, they are likely to isolate themselves from others by avoiding people and specific places, or they may go there only with a companion. The cycle of thoughts and symptoms continues viciously and causes impediments in the ability to participate in day-to-day domestic, professional, or societal activities. To prevent this, treatment and management of anxiety are necessary.

Importance of managing anxiety
Anxiety can happen to anyone, irrespective of age and gender. Besides interfering with a person’s ability to lead an everyday life, anxiety can be distressing and debilitating. It can lead to reduced workplace productivity or poor academic performance. It can affect a person’s ability to engage and maintain relationships within a family and society. Structure treatment and self-care coping strategies can help people with anxiety recover and lead healthy life.

Ten best management options for anxiety
Self-care works well to manage anxiety, provided one reads and learns about these techniques. However, it would be better to consult a therapist once before trying to manage it yourselves. Here are some of the ten best management options for anxiety.

Education
Knowing what anxiety is and its physical and emotional impact is the first step in managing it. Knowing the typical symptoms of anxiety can help identify it and help one control them. One can also become a support group member that works with people with anxiety disorders.

Trigger identification
Knowing what causes anxiety and its associated symptoms is another important step in personalizing the treatment. By paying close attention, one can determine if a person, group of persons, a past event, or location causes anxiety. One can also identify if there are any patterns in these triggers and make a journal of such information so that one can work on it or work with a mental health professional.

Confrontation of unhelpful thoughts
When feeling anxious, one may lose control of their thoughts. Recognizing if their thoughts are unrealistic and if they assume everyone is talking about them is noticed. One may also exaggerate and blow things out of proportion. For example, one could worry about the impact of the perceived bad things and blame themselves for everything.

Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a technique that helps one stay with their complex thoughts without suppressing or encouraging them. It teaches them to respond to their thoughts instead of reacting impulsively and instinctively. Mindful meditation reduces stress and helps focus on the situation without imagining consequences.

Assertion
An anxious person may refrain from saying what they think as they fear a conflict. They can stop communicating with friends, family, or caregivers. It is essential to improve their ability to convey their thoughts honestly. It gives them self-confidence and makes them ask for help from their network.

Relaxation techniques
Along with mindfulness, you can also participate in relaxation techniques that help you release the tension in your muscles and body. It can help in reducing physical symptoms like hyperventilation and dizziness. Some of the relaxation techniques that are effective in controlling your breathing patterns are:

• Abdominal breathing instead of breathing through the chest
• Progressive muscle reaction
• Isometric relaxation exercises

You can practice these techniques every day for fifteen minutes and in the instances that cause anxiety.

Graded exposure
Graded exposure is an approach that helps you fight your fears by staying in a situation that makes you anxious until your fears subside. You expose yourself to such situations incrementally and in measured doses and come out when your anxiety has reduced significantly. You can use the benefits of mindfulness and relaxation techniques to help you overcome anxiety. Over time you can increase the duration of exposure and continue this routine until you can face your anxieties without any physical symptoms.

Physical activity
Physical activity does not cure anxiety but is very helpful in managing symptoms like increased heart rate, stiff muscles, and shallow breathing. Engage in activities like jogging, walking, biking, aerobics, or Zumba for thirty minutes at least five days a week. Start with ten minutes a day; you can increase the duration as you get more comfortable. It can help you destress, stabilize your heart rate and regularize your breathing.

Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes are a crucial self-care management option for anxiety. Increase the consumption of magnesium, Vitamin B, and calcium, as these deficiencies can lead to stress and anxiety. Increase the consumption of rainbow-colored vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Avoid stimulants like caffeine and liquor, as they can interfere with your sleep patterns and make you tired the next day.

Professional care
Apart from the self-care techniques, a person who shows signs of anxiety must get professional care from a certified mental health professional. They typically combine prescription therapies, counseling, and cognitive and behavioral therapies to treat anxiety. The goal of treatment is to improve their patient’s physical symptoms, help them cope with unpleasant thoughts, and gradually build self-confidence.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung condition  characterized by obstruction in airflow from the lungs. It is typically caused by chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or exposure to irritants or particulate matter. The symptoms of this condition include wheezing, difficulty breathing, cough, and mucus production. It is a progressive condition and, as the name suggests, chronic. However, you can manage it through lifestyle and dietary changes, and a good quality of life is within reach. 

COPD and the immunity
COPD is a complex condition affecting multiple organ systems. Though the illness can cause various complications like heart problems, high blood pressure, and lung cancer, the relationship between COPD and immunity is perhaps the most complex. Chronic inflammation is a complication of this condition and is a strong indicator of the immune system’s involvement in COPD. Chronic inflammation compromises immune functioning, allowing pathogens to make your lungs their new home. Since exposure to irritants is implicated, there is a natural response from both structural and immune cells in the lungs. Individuals with COPD are much more likely at risk of respiratory infections like colds, pneumonia, and flu, making breathing more difficult and damaging the lungs further.

Managing COPD
Though a diagnosis of COPD is not immediately life-threatening nor as scary as a cancer diagnosis, it will not be easy. However, it is possible to handle them better if you are well-informed. 

First, safeguard your lungs by preventing flare-ups. It could mean taking prescription treatments to prevent infection, avoiding allergens, and avoiding unhealthy lifestyle habits. Though exercising becomes more difficult due to difficulty breathing, moderate physical activity in the right proportions can do wonders while coping with this chronic condition. Be sure to discuss with a health expert the kind of physical activity that will benefit your condition. Of course, like with any chronic illness, there is the problem of coping with negative emotions. Fear and anxiety are not far away; thus, identifying and handling them is necessary. Do not hesitate to talk to your loved ones or occasionally seek a professional mental health expert to regain confidence or mental peace. You can also seek out support groups for patients with COPD to discuss your experience with others and share tips on managing the chronic condition. It is also essential to consult with your caregivers about what you may need if the situation worsens. Finally, the food you eat daily also influences your breathing patterns; therefore, it is important to get the proper nutrients to help you manage COPD. With these management tips in mind, enhancing your quality of life is possible even with COPD. 

Immunity-boosting foods for COPD
A healthcare professional or a nutritional expert will likely advise you about COPD-safe foods apart from giving you an exercise regimen and other support to maintain your well-being. You can help accelerate the process to better health by including immunity-boosting foods in your diet. As mentioned before, COPD and immunity are interrelated, so it is crucial to attack the problem from both sides. You can use the following five foods to boost immunity and fight COPD.

Ginger
Ginger is the best ingredient to boost immune functioning and reduce the inflammation associated with COPD. This spice is excellent for managing the cold and flu symptoms that become common due to increased infections and helps recover after an infection. Ginger is an ingredient that suits various healthy dishes, so one can easily incorporate it into the daily meal plan.

Blueberries
This little berry is loaded with antioxidants like anthocyanins. They protect lung tissue from oxidative damage and are also known to improve immunity. Add some to your smoothie, or enjoy them as an afternoon snack to protect and preserve your lung functioning. 

Oysters
This mollusk is packed with nutrients essential to maintaining and improving lung health. Zinc, copper, and selenium, which are needed for the lungs and immunity, are available in micro amounts. Further, these nutrients also tackle comorbid conditions like high blood pressure and vitamin B12 deficiency. 

Coffee
Apart from waking you up in the morning, coffee also has the power to protect your lungs. This caffeine-rich drink is full of antioxidants that are essential for lung and immune functioning. Many studies indicate that coffee can protect the lungs from respiratory disease. It acts as a vasodilator, reducing high blood pressure as well as symptoms of asthma on a short-term basis. 

Barley
A nutritious, high-fiber grain that can protect your lungs is barley. Those with COPD have an increased risk of mortality due to lung-related complications, which this whole grain can guard against. The flavonoids and vitamin E in barley reduce cellular damage associated with COPD and actively promote lung health, making it an ideal ingredient to add to your plate.  

Other healthy food items
Apart from these five foods to boost immunity, there are also items like bell peppers, sunflower seeds, olive oil, papaya, and citrus fruits that can help cope with COPD. One can easily manage COPD by being mindful of what foods one eats and how one’s body reacts. Along with genetics, nutritional habits are a trigger that sets off COPD. So be sure to eat carefully. Furthermore, before making significant changes to your daily meal plan, consult a nutritional expert to determine if a particular food item suits you.

Remember that healing is a collaborative process. One cannot effectively cope with COPD without the help of others. It could be the doctor who helps you identify what food is good for you, a nutritional expert who enables you to plan your meals or a loved one. Be sure to ask for and get help when you need it. Do not hesitate to ask questions to your healthcare professional and see that your treatment plan suits your needs. 

Sports utility vehicles have become popular across age groups. They give riders a unique combination of ruggedness, comfort, and practicality. They are also equipped with some of the best safety features. This makes them ideal for large families, long drives, overnight trips, and short vacations. One should never compromise on safety features in an automobile. Listed below are some of the top safe SUVs of 2023. You can rely on them for their safety features.

2023 Dodge Durango
Dodge has been making powerful, high-performance cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks for over 100 years. The brand has an impressive range of SUVs, including the Hornet and the Durango.

The 2023 Durango lives up to its rugged image. It is a 3-row and a 7-seater SUV, ideal for a growing family. It is available in seven models, starting at $40,090. It has ergonomically designed interiors built with high-quality materials. If all seats of the 3-rows are up, you can fit 4 suitcases in the cargo space. Along with this, the Durango has a top-class infotainment system with a 8.4 inch display, rear-seat entertainment system, dual screens, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The notable safety features in the 2023 Dodge Durango include Blind-spot monitoring, Rear cross-traffic alert, Adaptive cruise control, and Automated emergency braking.

To find local Dodge dealers near you, log on to their official website, call their customer care, or write to them.

2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the most awarded SUVs since its launch. The new model is a head-turner and a great performer. It stands out for its all-weather and all-terrain capability. The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes in multiple trims. It is available both with a V-6 engine and as a hybrid plug-in. The new model has a modernized cabin, with luxury elements fitted in the higher-end trims. It has a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, and a six-speaker stereo. Some of its salient safety features include Pedestrian detection, Lane-keep assist, Semi-autonomous drive mode, Collision warning, Adaptive cruise control, and Active lane management.

If you are looking for Grand Cherokee dealerships near you, visit Jeep’s official website and search for the official dealers near you.

2023 Volvo XC90
The 2023 Volvo XC90 is a stylish and luxurious mid-size SUV. It is the biggest SUV from Volvo, with 3 rows and 7 seats. It is available in three trim options – Core, Plus, and Ultimate. It is available in gasoline and hybrid variants, with an 8-speed transmission. The interiors of the Volvo XC90 have been rated highly rated both for its stylish design and the quality of materials used, like leather upholstery, walnut-accented interiors, and heated seats. It is fitted with a 9.0-inch touch screen and can be connected to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Volvo has always given the highest priority to safety, and the 2023 XC90 has some advanced safety features like Driver assistance technology, Adaptive cruise control, Blind-spot monitoring, and Lane keep assistance.

The Volvo XC90 comes with a price tag of $57,095. Launched in 2017, if you are looking for preowned models, you can check out the Volvo-certified pre-owned inventory directly through Volvo’s official website. Every car is certified by Volvo and goes through a stringent test for age, current vehicle condition, and mileage.

2023 Subaru Solterra EV
The Solterra All-Electric SUV is the first electric vehicle with Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel drive. It is available in three trims – the Premium, Limited, and Touring. This electronic vehicle is fitted with some of the latest engineering and technology features like Star Drive all-electric drivetrain with 72.8 kWh battery capacity, zero-emissions powertrain, ground clearance of 8.3 inches, and 80% battery charging within one hour. The Solterra EV has an 8-inch advanced multimedia system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It is an all-weather, all-terrain EV that can easily navigate surfaces like dirt, snow, or mud. It has some of the latest safety features like: Standard dual-function X-mode settings for stability, Downhill Assist Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Eye-sight Driver Assist Technology, Pre-Collision Braking, Dynamic Radar Cruise, Lane Tracing Assist, Rear-cross Traffic Alert.

Subaru Solterra Premium is the basic trim of the 2023 model, and its cost starts from $44,995. The next trim is the Solterra Limited. It has more advanced features and comes with a price tag of $48,495. Subaru Solterra Touring offers multiple luxury and comfort features, including those in the Limited trim, and its price starts at $53,220.

How to know about SUVs dealership near me
If you are looking to buy a new or a pre-owned SUV and don’t know where to start, asking your family, friends and colleagues for a referral is a great way to begin. They are likely to recommend a dealer only if they have had a good experience in terms of business and customer service. You can also read testimonials about SUV dealerships.

The next step would be to search online for an SUV dealership near you. Make a list of the SUVs you have in mind. Run a search for the brand’s official websites. All car manufacturers have a page on their website where you can search for dealerships near you based on your zip code. Once you have a list of dealerships, you can read about each one to learn more about their reputation, licenses, reviews, customer experiences, and reliability. Understand their warranty and insurance coverage, loans, service and maintenance details, and customer service ratings. It’s advisable to not buy a new or pre-owned car without visiting a dealer in person, test-driving the SUV, or carefully examining all related documents. SUVs are expensive, and putting in some effort and time in finding the right dealership will be worth your effort.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, neurological condition. Doctors have yet to identify the cause of inflammation but attribute it to a complex link between genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. About 2.8 million people in the world were affected by MS in 2020, the number continues to increase worldwide. The condition can lead to loss of vision, immobility, chronic pain, muscle weakness, and other complications.

How does MS develop?
The function of the nerve cells in the body is to send and receive signals from the brain. Each nerve cell has three parts: the soma or cell body, the axon or the cell trunk, and the dendrites. Together they transport the nutrients necessary for the nerve cells, convert signals into electric impulses, and send them throughout the body. The organs and limbs receive these signals, make changes, and respond accordingly. A myelin sheath is a sleeve or a protective covering around nerve cells made of lipids, proteins, and fats. Multiple sclerosis occurs when our immune system becomes faulty and mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath in the brain and spinal cord. This damages the myelin or causes lesions, plaque, or sclerosis, disrupting the process of transferring a message from the nervous system. So, the communication from and to the nervous system breaks down. The messages from the cells now may be slow or inaccurate, or the recipient’s body parts may ignore them completely.

Warning signs
MS is a progressive condition more likely to affect women than men. Here, the damage to the nervous system gradually worsens. While some may experience one or two major symptoms, others may experience more. The severity of the symptoms also fluctuates from mild to severe, with periods of remission in between. Though there is no cure yet, with proper treatment, rehabilitation therapies, and lifestyle changes, one can manage the symptoms and live an active life. Recognizing the sudden and abnormal changes can help in the early identification of MS. Early treatment can prevent serious health complications like high blood sugar, bone loss, fractures, kidney problems, frequent bruising, and reduced adrenal gland function. A few early signs are:

Muscles stiffness and spasticity
Spasticity is when the muscle tone increases abnormally. It causes stiffness and pain and makes movement difficult. It can also lead to sudden spasms and jerks in the arms and legs. Other symptoms include the involuntary crossing of legs, muscle fatigue, and sudden development of deformities.

Problems with vision
MS is an inflammatory condition that can affect any nerve cell. If it affects the eye’s optic nerve, the inflammation may cause pain and redness. It typically affects only one eye; one can experience blurred or cloudy vision, double or poor vision, or an inability to see color. If untreated, the eyesight can deteriorate, leading to early cataracts or vision loss.

Pain
People with MS may feel aches associated with muscle stiffness and spasms and experience pain while moving an eye. Each person may experience different forms of mild or severe pain, interfering with their ability to carry out daily activities. The pain may be dull for some, while others may feel a squeezing, crushing, stabbing, or shocking sensation. Pins and needles or a tingling sensation are also common signs. Some may feel pain in their muscles and joints caused by muscle stiffness.

Lack of balance
The disruption in the communication process may cause a delay in the way messages are sent, processed, and received. Some messages may be incomplete or inaccurate. Consequently, different body parts may not be able to work together in sync. This causes a loss of balance, swaying gait, and inability to maintain posture. Some may not be able to feel the floor and misjudge their steps. Lack of balance can lead to frequent trips and falls, even while walking on even grounds.

Fatigue
Mild or severe fatigue without an apparent cause can be an early sign of MS. Fatigue may worsen through the day and affect the ability to carry out daily activities. Lack of bladder control is another symptom of MS, which may keep one from having a good night’s sleep. Symptoms like pain, confusion, and mood changes may also lead to depression, preventing them from sleeping and adding to fatigue.

Relapsing multiple sclerosis
New treatments have improved the prognosis for people with MS, improving their quality of life and helping them manage the symptoms. For some patients, the symptoms may flare up or recur after treatment. Between the episodes of flare-ups, one can go through periods of remission without experiencing any of the typical MS symptoms. This type of MS is called relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Most people initially experience relapsing multiple sclerosis, and it may take quite some time, a decade or more, for the pattern of symptoms to change. Doctors diagnose the condition as RRMS if the symptoms last for at least 24 hours, during which they also worsen. The relapses are followed by a period of remission where some or most symptoms completely disappear. The symptoms of RRMS include sensitivity to heat and humidity, vision problems, numbness and tingling in the feet, weakness, fatigue, confusion, frequent urination, incontinence, and balance issues leading to falls.

Diagnosis and management
A neurologist will recommend multiple tests to rule out other diseases before confirming MS. They will conduct a detailed physical examination to check for vision and balance problems. They may also ask for brain and spine MRIs to locate the damage and functions affected. In a technique called “visual evoked potentials”, painless electrodes are attached to the scalp to measure the brain’s response to the objects one sees. Doctors may also do a spinal tap to check for abnormalities in the spinal fluid.

The goal of treatment for regular or relapsing multiple sclerosis is to reduce inflammation and the severity of symptoms and slow the disease progression, for which doctors may recommend prescription options. They may also recommend plasmapheresis—a procedure to cleanse the blood. Mobility devices like canes or walkers to maintain balance can also help.

Buying and claiming auto insurance was one of the biggest headaches for car owners a few years ago. But thanks to various apps and websites, the process is much easier today. Still, many people make mistakes while purchasing insurance online, which causes a lot of confusion. The following are typical errors to avoid when getting auto insurance. These tips will help you select the best policy in the market and enjoy a seamless process.

Not assessing your needs
There are dozens of auto insurance firms, each with a unique assortment of plans. While there is no best plan, some could suit your needs more than others. For instance, if you have a teen driver in the family, you should look for policies created for young adults. If you are a cautious driver, an insurer with a telematics plan can help you get rewards for your safe driving. Keeping all this in mind, you should go about your research to get the most suitable insurance quote. 

Not researching enough
Shopping for insurance is like shopping for clothes—you must find the right fit for you and your vehicle. So, do not buy in a hurry. It would help to do some basic research before purchasing or renewing a plan. You can visit the insurer’s website to read about the different packages available and compare them. It is necessary to be patient and take enough time to study the details so that you find the most suitable policy. Research is the foundation for an informed decision and can help avoid confusion later.

Ignoring third-party ratings
Reading customer reviews is perhaps the best way to assess insurance companies. But where do you look for these reviews? Even if the insurer has a reviews section on its website, you will likely be skeptical since they may be selective about which reviews appear. In contrast, third-party ratings tend to be more objective. They can help you understand the provider’s insurance process, their quality of customer service, and the ease or difficulty of filing claims.

Not knowing the coverage you require
Full-coverage auto insurance is not for everyone since it can be expensive. The coverage you need will depend on your vehicle’s type, cost, how much you use it, your driving skills, the driving conditions, and the weather. Of course, you also have to consider the minimum coverage requirements set by the state. Contact an agent in the company to narrow down your options and get an auto insurance quote. Ask them anything you need to know before deciding on a coverage amount.

Not understanding the terms and conditions
Buying auto insurance means signing a contract with the insurer. So, like with every contract, there will be terms and conditions. You must understand what you are signing up for and what you need to submit when raising a claim. Policy wordings are specific to each policy, so it is crucial to understand the insurer’s liability. Research well and contact the insurance company to get details of the plan and its terms and conditions. You need not become an expert in auto insurance, but you should understand the basics to make the proper selections.

Choosing the wrong deductible
A deductible is a minimum amount you must pay for damages before the auto insurance company steps in to clear the rest. A lower deductible will cost you more in premiums, but in the event of an accident, your out-of-pocket expense will be less. On the other hand, a plan with a high deductible will save you money on premiums, but you will need to pay more if you get into an accident. Since selecting the wrong deductible could cost you a lot of money, it is essential to strike a balance between the premium and the deductible. To choose the right plan, consider the road conditions, your driving skills, and how often you get into accidents. Comparing auto insurance quotes online can help you understand the options available and enable you to pick the one that works for you.

Hiding the truth
Truth is golden, especially when applying for auto insurance. It can become problematic if the company finds inconsistencies when accessing your driving records and personal information. The company could refuse to insure you or may even reject your application. But this is not the worst part. If an accident occurs and they discover you lied, the provider can refuse to pay a claim and cancel your policy. Buying a new auto insurance policy can also be challenging since other companies can access your previous records.

Not checking the claims process 
Every insurer follows a different process for clearing auto insurance claims. Some have mobile apps, while others require you to use their website. A few ask you to talk to a representative over the phone or meet with a local agent. Shortlist auto insurance companies depending on what suits you best. Most people today prefer handling things digitally, whether paying bills, requesting a claim, or renewing an auto insurance policy.

Not looking for discounts 
Besides deductibles, payment schemes, and claims processes, you must check for discounts before signing up with an auto insurance firm. You can learn about your prospective insurer’s discounts by visiting their website periodically. Use them to get the best out of your plan!

Not picking the right add-ons
Many insurance providers offer customizable policies where you can select the features you need. This customization allows you to get the best value for your buck. So, do not forget to learn about the different add-ons available. Select individual components based on your driving habits, the model of your automobile, and where you drive. 

Once you have considered the above points and shortlisted a few auto insurance companies, you can contact them for a quote. Some provide a quote after you fill out details on their website, while others require you to speak to an agent.