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Avoid these 11 rookie mistakes while driving a truck

Trucks play an indispensable role in the supply chain, transporting heavyweight goods across long distances. Statistical data derived in 2020 suggests that the value of the trucking industry is $732.3 billion in the country. Unfortunately, truck accidents are prevalent nationwide, often proving fatal to truck drivers and other vehicles on the roads and causing colossal property damage. So, here are some mistakes that truckers should avoid to ensure safety in their journeys:

Not keeping a check on the speed
Driving long distances can be excruciating, especially for drivers of heavy vehicles like trucks. Hence, truck drivers often exceed the prescribed speed limits to finish their journeys as quickly as possible. In the bargain, they end up risking their lives and those of others. Before embarking on a journey, it is important to understand the speed limits on the roads one would be passing by. One should also actively look for speed-limit indicators while driving and ensure staying within these limits, regardless of the distance between the source and destination.

Not being careful while reversing
Reversing is often a challenge for truck drivers, as the vehicle is heavy. And gauging blind spots can be tricky. Hence, truckers should be extremely cautious while reversing their vehicles, examining the area carefully and looking for any obstructions before reversing. Moreover, it is best to avoid reversing over long distances – spending a few minutes more to take a U-turn is a safer option than risking an accident and reversing an entire stretch.

Not reading through the company’s safety policies
Typically, a company’s occupational health and safety (OHS) department, which deals with workplace safety, accident prevention, and the imparting of safety training to employees, is also responsible for enforcing safety protocols for employees. It is imperative for truck drivers to read through these safety policies to ensure their well-being. They must also promptly troubleshoot any questions with the concerned authorities.

Not checking the trailer’s position while driving
An effective way to determine one’s safety on the road while driving a truck is to check the trailer’s position frequently. If the trailer moves outside the road or deviates from the line, it indicates a safety threat to truck drivers. Being constantly aware of the trailer’s position can prevent fatal road accidents.

Skipping pre-inspection
Pre-inspections are essential procedures to facilitate truck safety. All truck drivers, regardless of their expertise and experience levels, should engage in pre-inspection of the vehicle before every journey. Pre-inspection essentially involves checking various truck components, including the steering wheel, brakes, tires, wheels, lights and reflectors, and seatbelts, to ensure that none of these aspects threaten one’s safety. Any issues in these parts should be promptly addressed before the journey begins. Truckers may even create pre-inspection checklists to follow the procedure meticulously.

Not being aware of the different blind spots
In general, a trucker should be aware of four different blind spots while navigating a truck. The first blind spot is situated directly behind the vehicle, the second and third on either side and the fourth in front of the truck. Understanding these blind spots can help truckers gauge the distance between their trucks and other vehicles more accurately. Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles is particularly important for heavy vehicles, as they require more time to come to a complete halt.

Not sleeping adequately before the journey
Approximately 18% of truckers admitted having fallen asleep while driving their trucks. Such sleep deprivation can cause serious injuries and fatalities to truck drivers. A trucker’s job can be extremely tedious, demanding their absolute attention and long periods away from their homes. Hence, individuals with such demanding jobs must ensure adequate sleep and rest. Restful sleep of 7-8 hours during one’s off-shift time is essential to stay alert while driving a truck.

Not checking the mirrors frequently
Checking the mirrors frequently helps truckers maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and determine blind spots to avoid accidents. Truckers should constantly check the front-view and rear-view mirrors to look for vehicles approaching from all directions.

Using mobile phones while driving
According to reports by the National Safety Council, using mobile phones while driving causes 1.6 million crashes yearly. Being away from their loved ones for long periods can cause truck drivers to use their phones frequently while driving. However, while driving, it is essential to avoid all such distractions and focus only on the task at hand. It is a good idea to devote a fixed time to connect with loved ones during one’s off-shift time.

Not taking breaks during the journey
Driving a truck is a tedious job that involves being sedentary for extended periods. Such long periods of inactivity can increase one’s susceptibility to health conditions like cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases. Hence, truck drivers should take regular breaks in the course of their journeys, alighting their trucks to move about for a while. Moreover, one may perform basic stretches and exercises during such breaks to stay fit. Planning one’s breaks and stops beforehand ensures that this break time is not postponed during the journey.

Not loading the truck properly
Not using the right technique and equipment to load and unload goods can cause the cargo to skid, leading to severe accidents and fatalities on the road. Truck drivers should actively seek assistance loading and unloading their vehicles if required and master the techniques before carrying out these tasks independently.

Besides avoiding such rookie mistakes, it is also important to test-drive trucks and shortlist only reputed truck brands and dealers while purchasing a truck. For example, while purchasing Dodge pick-up trucks from local Dodge dealers, one should check for various key aspects, such as the price of the vehicle, the Ram model to opt for, and the reliability of the dealer. Checking online reviews and seeking feedback from local Ram owners is an excellent idea to ensure the dealer’s credibility.

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6 effective tips to relieve nasal congestion

One may have nasal polyps or congestion if one consistently wakes up with a stuffy, congested nose. In addition to making breathing difficult, it makes people feel uncomfortable, worn out, and heavy-headed, disturbing their sleep. Fortunately, there are a number of simple methods that may be used to help someone swiftly remove a nasal obstruction. We’ll go over six quick techniques to clear nasal congestion in this blog post so you can breathe easily in no time.

Main causes of nasal congestion
Nasal congestion results from swelling of blood vessels in the nasal passages or irritation to the tissues that line the nose from the inside. The most likely causes of nasal congestion are as follows:
Infection
Microbes, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, attack cells and tissues of our body. The nose uses defense against these microbes by producing mucus (a sticky, slippery substance) which traps and expels them as snot. However, some highly active microbes cross the defense and cause infection, which induces inflammation, swollen nasal lining, or both.

Allergies
Certain allergens, such as pollen, dust, or skin flakes from cats or dogs, might cause an allergic reaction in some people. This causes the nasal lining to expand, resulting in cold-like symptoms, such as a clogged or runny nose, itching, and sneezing.

Acute sinusitis
A sinus infection often accompanies nasal congestion, a minor sinus inflammation. The sinuses (air cavities inside the head) form a passage to drain mucus from the nose into the lymphatic system. However, when mucus clogs the sinuses due to bacterial infection, they enlarge, leading to nasal polyps or nasal congestion.

Nasal polyps
Nasal polyps are non-cancerous swellings that can develop in the nose due to chronic inflammation. Though an allergy or infection may be responsible for their growth, it’s not always easy to determine the cause. These masses of tissue result in various irritating symptoms, including blocked nasal passages, temporary loss of smell, sneezing, and a constant urge to swallow. These benign yet troublesome nasal polyps may become larger if left untreated.

Chemical or environmental irritants
A person’s nasal lining is sensitive to several chemicals, such as formaldehyde, hydrocarbons used in paints, and automobile smoke. Moreover, some natural irritants include dust from construction sites and pollen released by flowers. These irritants induce inflammatory reactions that cause swellings in the nose or excessive mucus production, leading to nasal congestion or nasal polyps.

6 simple tips to get relief from nasal congestion
Use a humidifier
Using a humidifier is an effective way to provide relief from nasal congestion. Dry air can irritate the throat and cause it to become scratchy and irritated, leading to nasal congestion. In contrast, a humidifier infuses moisture into the air, which helps to loosen thick mucus and make breathing easier. Not only does this reduce the feeling of narrowness in the nasal passageways, but it also helps relieve a sore throat caused by nasal congestion. Additionally, by increasing moisture in the air, the humidifier may help eliminate skin irritation (due to dryness) and further reduce congestion.

Take a hot shower or steam
When nasal congestion has a person feeling stuffed up and irritated, a hot shower can be just the thing to clear the sinuses (or reduce nasal polyps). The steam from the hot water opens up airways, loosening mucus and providing instant relief.

Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, or peppermint oil to the bath for an extra boost of relief. In addition to relieving congestion, a hot shower or steam with essential oils may relieve physical and mental stress.

Consider nasal irrigation
Sinus rinses, especially nasal irrigation and sprays, can effectively treat nasal polyps and stuffiness. People recommend using them for temporary relief. Nasal rinses (or nasal irritation or neti pots) use a saltwater solution to break up and clean the mucus in the nasal passage. This method may also aid in the removal of debris, allergies, and air pollutants, which may aggravate the discomfort. A nasal spray bottle, which sprays a fine saline mist into the nostrils, can also help relieve dry nasal passages.

Warm compress
A warm compress may assist in alleviating nasal congestion by opening the nasal cavity from the outside. Soaking a towel in warm water, squeezing out the excess liquid, and placing it on the forehead or nose may provide soothing relief. It may relieve congestion-induced pain and relieve nasal congestion, and polyps.

Gargle with saltwater
Gargling with salt water can be an effective way to relieve nasal congestion. The saline solution works by reducing inflammation, thinning mucus, and improving lymphatic drainage – all of which aid in opening up one’s nasal passages. To try it, add one teaspoon of table salt to one cup of warm water, mix until dissolved, and gargle for a minute or two. Repeat this several times a day for the best results. However, one must avoid swallowing the entire solution (to keep nausea at bay).

Keep yourself hydrated
If one’s nose is clogged or a person experiencing flu-like symptoms, consider staying hydrated to thin out the mucus in the nasal cavity. This will force fluids out of the nose and relieve sinus pressure. Moreover, reduced pressure means less inflammation and irritation, thus reducing nasal congestion and nasal polyps.

Additionally, inhaling steam (from water mixed with ginger or eucalyptus oil) before going to bed may help ease nasal congestion.

Wrapping up
Nasal congestion is an uncomfortable condition to deal with. However, there are many ways one can get rid of it. One must try using natural remedies such as steam therapy or nasal sprays, consuming ginger and honey, or changing one’s environment to reduce allergies. Additionally, the six tips mentioned in this post should help a person find relief from nasal congestion and nasal polyps in no time.

If the methods above don’t work for a person, one must consult a physician who can provide more helpful advice and the right treatment options. The key is to stay informed and take action as soon as possible to begin breathing normally again as quickly as possible.

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Have these 14 foods to manage macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is an eye condition that causes changes in the macula, leading to vision loss. Though there is no cure for this condition, following an eye-healthy meal plan is important in managing complications like vision loss. A nutritional regime for age-related macular degeneration should include healthy amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Some foods that contain eye-healthy vitamins that help manage symptoms of macular degeneration are listed below.

Macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration is a primary cause of vision loss among people aged 55 years and above. The condition refers to the deterioration of the central part of the retina called the macula. Symptoms include blurry vision, blind spots, difficulty recognizing faces, visual distortions, and more. Studies indicate that nearly 20 million people in the country live with some form of age-related macular degeneration. This condition occurs in two forms- the dry and the wet form. The dry type occurs when the macula gets thinner with age. This condition gradually progresses over the years. The dry form can advance into the wet type when abnormal blood vessels develop in the back of the eye and harm the macula. The wet type of AMD usually accelerates vision loss.

Leafy green veggies
Dark-green, leafy vegetables are rich in beta-carotene and carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin. Including leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collard greens in your meal plan can increase the pigment density in the macula and potentially slow down age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Also, keep up a healthy intake of cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage, all excellent sources of essential vitamins.

Colorful vegetables
Colorful vegetables such as carrots, red and yellow pepper, pumpkin, and tomato contain carotenoids that contain essential vitamins for the eyes, such as lutein and zeaxanthin. To manage macular degeneration, include all these colorful and eye-healthy veggies on your plate.

Fatty fish
Individuals diagnosed with macular degeneration are advised to add fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, sardine, mackerel, and herring to their meal plan, as these fish contain anti-inflammatory properties that can slow down the advancement of this eye condition. In addition, fatty fish contains high omega-3 fatty acids that can help lower cholesterol, which is also linked to macular degeneration.

Eggs
Meals high in lutein and zeaxanthin may also help decrease the risk of AMD’s progression. Egg yolk has a high concentration of lutein and zeaxanthin that can protect the cells in the macular area.

Citrus fruits
People with AMD should include vitamin C-rich foods in their nutritional regime to slow the condition’s progression. Vitamin C helps build collagen that promotes healthy blood vessels in the eyes. Citrus fruits such as oranges, peaches, and kiwis deliver a good amount of vitamin C.

Beans and legumes
Beans and legumes such as chickpeas, kidney beans, and black-eyed peas are high in zinc, a trace mineral essential for eye health. Zinc helps the body absorb the vitamin A needed to protect the eyes from the damaging effects of light.

Seeds
Seeds contain vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids essential to regulate cellular functions. You can eat sunflower seeds, chia seeds, or flax seeds as a snack or add a spoonful to salads or smoothies for managing vision problems such as macular degeneration.

Nuts
Consuming nuts can also help individuals with mild macular degeneration avoid developing advanced macular degeneration. Almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, and walnuts are rich sources of vitamin E, an antioxidant that can combat a wide range of vision problems. Eating a handful of nuts daily is highly recommended to prevent AMD from worsening.

Oysters
Seafood choices, mainly oyster, is one of the best nutrient-rich sources of zinc and can slow the progression of macular degeneration. Avoid grilling or baking shellfish, as doing so can reduce their zinc levels. Instead, steam, boil, or poach oysters to retain their zinc levels.

Sweet potatoes
Regular intake of sweet potatoes is great for the overall health of your eyes. Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A and beta-carotene, which are known to improve night vision.

Avocado
The nutrients in avocados are beneficial for protecting your eyes from poor vision. This green fruit is loaded with vitamins C, E, beta carotene, and lutein, making it a must-have food for individuals with low vision. You can have sliced avocado for breakfast or add it to salads, dips, soups, or sandwiches.

Whole grains
Whole grains are good sources of zinc, an essential nutrient for regulating cellular functions. People with macular degeneration tend to have low levels of zinc. Eating more foods that contain zinc can reduce the risk of advanced AMD. Add whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and barley to your meal plan.

Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts are an excellent vegan alternative for omega-3 fatty acids. This little green vegetable contains two essential antioxidants—lutein and zeaxanthin. Make sure to add this vegetable to your meals to support the macular health of your eyes.

Lean meat and poultry
Lean meat and poultry such as beef, turkey, and chicken provide zinc, vitamin A, and other vital minerals for eye health. These nutrients in lean meat help nourish the retina and are healthy nutritional options for people with low vision. However, lean meat has to be consumed in moderate amounts and as part of a varied nutritional regime.

To reap the benefits of these superfoods, one must include them in the meal plan at least three to four times a week. Besides consuming a  meal with the right vitamins and nutrients, avoiding foods high in saturated fats and sugar is extremely important. The food you eat plays a significant role in your eye health; therefore, it is essential to have a well-balanced and healthy meal plan containing foods that can help manage the symptoms associated with macular degeneration. However, it is also important to seek the advice of a nutritional expert before making changes to your meal plan if you are experiencing any other underlying health conditions.

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Nasal polyps – Symptoms, causes, and management

Nasal polyps can be a symptom of an underlying condition or occur independently. The visible signs and symptoms of nasal polyps include congestion, runny nose, loss of smell, and pressure or pain around your eyes and cheeks. A deviated septum may contribute to nasal polyps. However, they can also occur in people who do not have this condition, such as athletes who blow their noses frequently during exercise routines. Read on to learn more about nasal polyps.

What are nasal polyps?
Nasal polyps are small, soft growths that develop in the lining of the nasal passages and sinuses. They are also sometimes called nasal tumors or nasal corking. They are not cancerous, contagious, or caused by allergies. Nasal polyps may also be associated with other conditions like chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), allergic rhinitis (AR), chronic sinusitis (CS), and asthma. Nasal polyps typically develop before the age of 40, and they do not usually cause symptoms until they grow larger or become inflamed or infected. 

However, large nasal polyps can block airflow through your nose. If this happens, you may experience sinusitis, headaches, and a stuffy or runny nose. You may also experience difficulty breathing through one nostril at a time if large polyps block the other nostril completely. The result could be an imbalance in oxygen supply to both sides of the body and possible damage to blood vessels in the head (for example, inflammation).

Symptoms of nasal polyps
In most cases, nasal polyps are painless and cause no symptoms. However, some people with nasal polyps may experience the following symptoms:
Congestion or stuffiness
A runny nose
Loss of smell
Loss of taste
Pressure or pain around your eyes, cheeks, and teeth
Facial pain or headache
Snoring
Need to clear the throat frequently
Frequent bleeding of the nose

When to see a doctor?
It is advisable to consult a healthcare expert if the symptoms persist for more than 10 days. Nasal polyps symptoms are primarily symptoms of other conditions like a common cold. One must seek immediate help if:
One is having severe difficulty breathing
The symptoms suddenly worsen
Reduced ability to move eyes, or reduced vision
There is severe swelling around the eyes
Severe headache with high fever

Causes of nasal polyps
Scientists still don’t fully understand what causes nasal polyps, why some people have chronic inflammation, or why swelling and irritation (inflammation) in some people cause polyps to form but not in other people. Swelling occurs in the mucous membrane that lines the sinuses and nose, which produces fluid. Some research suggests that individuals who develop polyps have distinct immune system reactions and chemical markers in their mucous membranes than individuals who do not.

Although nasal polyps can develop at any age, they most frequently occur in young and middle-aged adults. Nasal polyps can develop anywhere in the sinuses or nasal passages. However, they most frequently form in the region where the sinuses near the eyes, nose, and cheekbones drain into the nose through winding tubes.

Who is at a higher risk?
A person’s chance of having nasal polyps may be increased by any illness that causes chronic inflammation and swelling (inflammation) in the sinuses or nasal passages, such as infections or allergies. Nasal polyps are more common in people with CRS, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and specific allergies. Allergies and asthma are known to cause inflammation in the nose. This inflammation causes nasal polyps over time and infection with bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae. M. pneumoniae can be passed from person to person through coughing or sneezing. However, it’s more likely that people will catch it from contaminated water or food than from others who carry the bacteria on their hands without knowing it.

It’s common for people who have this condition—especially those who also have allergies or asthma—to experience frequent dryness in their noses as well as congestion during cold weather months (known as rhinitis).

How are nasal polyps diagnosed?
It is best to consult a healthcare expert if one shows symptoms of nasal polyps. To diagnose nasal polyps, a healthcare provider may:
Specifically, inquire about a person’s allergies, infections, and asthma history.
As a person describes their symptoms, be sure to include their duration.
Use a nasal endoscope to view the interior of one’s nose (thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and light).
Order a CT scan to get a close-up look at a person’s sinuses.

Treatment
Nasal polyps are a challenging condition to clear up completely. A healthcare provider will develop a treatment plan to manage the symptoms and treat factors such as allergies that may lead to chronic swelling. The goal of nasal polyps treatment is to reduce their size or eliminate them. Sometimes, surgery may be required, but it is not a permanent solution as polyps may recur. 

The treatment usually starts with a healthcare provider prescribing products that will make large polyps shrink or disappear. A doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to decrease the size of the polyps. However, if the prescription treatment doesn’t work for a patient, the doctor may suggest surgery to eliminate the nasal polyps completely. 

Surgery is methodically done under general anesthesia and generally done by an ENT doctor (ear, nose, throat doctor). Surgery to remove nasal polyps usually requires anesthesia. Surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or sedation. Here, the doctor will cut into the wall of the patient’s nose and remove some of the tissue that contains the polyps. After surgery, one may need to take prescribed treatment for a few days to prevent infection.

There are many different types of surgery, and it is essential to find a doctor experienced in removing nasal polyps.

Prevention
One must follow the following steps to manage nasal polyps or prevent them from recurring:
Manage conditions like asthma and allergies as suggested by the doctor
It is best to avoid nasal irritants
Practice good hygiene by washing hands regularly to avoid any infection
Use a humidifier to moisten the breathing passage
Use salt water spray or nasal spray to rinse the nasal passage

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Avoid these 11 rookie mistakes while driving a truck

Trucks play an indispensable role in the supply chain, transporting heavyweight goods across long distances. Statistical data derived in 2020 suggests that the value of the trucking industry is $732.3 billion in the country. Unfortunately, truck accidents are prevalent nationwide, often proving fatal to truck drivers and other vehicles on the roads and causing colossal property damage. So, here are some mistakes that truckers should avoid to ensure safety in their journeys:

Not keeping a check on the speed
Driving long distances can be excruciating, especially for drivers of heavy vehicles like trucks. Hence, truck drivers often exceed the prescribed speed limits to finish their journeys as quickly as possible. In the bargain, they end up risking their lives and those of others. Before embarking on a journey, it is important to understand the speed limits on the roads one would be passing by. One should also actively look for speed-limit indicators while driving and ensure staying within these limits, regardless of the distance between the source and destination.

Not being careful while reversing
Reversing is often a challenge for truck drivers, as the vehicle is heavy. And gauging blind spots can be tricky. Hence, truckers should be extremely cautious while reversing their vehicles, examining the area carefully and looking for any obstructions before reversing. Moreover, it is best to avoid reversing over long distances – spending a few minutes more to take a U-turn is a safer option than risking an accident and reversing an entire stretch.

Not reading through the company’s safety policies
Typically, a company’s occupational health and safety (OHS) department, which deals with workplace safety, accident prevention, and the imparting of safety training to employees, is also responsible for enforcing safety protocols for employees. It is imperative for truck drivers to read through these safety policies to ensure their well-being. They must also promptly troubleshoot any questions with the concerned authorities.

Not checking the trailer’s position while driving
An effective way to determine one’s safety on the road while driving a truck is to check the trailer’s position frequently. If the trailer moves outside the road or deviates from the line, it indicates a safety threat to truck drivers. Being constantly aware of the trailer’s position can prevent fatal road accidents.

Skipping pre-inspection
Pre-inspections are essential procedures to facilitate truck safety. All truck drivers, regardless of their expertise and experience levels, should engage in pre-inspection of the vehicle before every journey. Pre-inspection essentially involves checking various truck components, including the steering wheel, brakes, tires, wheels, lights and reflectors, and seatbelts, to ensure that none of these aspects threaten one’s safety. Any issues in these parts should be promptly addressed before the journey begins. Truckers may even create pre-inspection checklists to follow the procedure meticulously.

Not being aware of the different blind spots
In general, a trucker should be aware of four different blind spots while navigating a truck. The first blind spot is situated directly behind the vehicle, the second and third on either side and the fourth in front of the truck. Understanding these blind spots can help truckers gauge the distance between their trucks and other vehicles more accurately. Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles is particularly important for heavy vehicles, as they require more time to come to a complete halt.

Not sleeping adequately before the journey
Approximately 18% of truckers admitted having fallen asleep while driving their trucks. Such sleep deprivation can cause serious injuries and fatalities to truck drivers. A trucker’s job can be extremely tedious, demanding their absolute attention and long periods away from their homes. Hence, individuals with such demanding jobs must ensure adequate sleep and rest. Restful sleep of 7-8 hours during one’s off-shift time is essential to stay alert while driving a truck.

Not checking the mirrors frequently
Checking the mirrors frequently helps truckers maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and determine blind spots to avoid accidents. Truckers should constantly check the front-view and rear-view mirrors to look for vehicles approaching from all directions.

Using mobile phones while driving
According to reports by the National Safety Council, using mobile phones while driving causes 1.6 million crashes yearly. Being away from their loved ones for long periods can cause truck drivers to use their phones frequently while driving. However, while driving, it is essential to avoid all such distractions and focus only on the task at hand. It is a good idea to devote a fixed time to connect with loved ones during one’s off-shift time.

Not taking breaks during the journey
Driving a truck is a tedious job that involves being sedentary for extended periods. Such long periods of inactivity can increase one’s susceptibility to health conditions like cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases. Hence, truck drivers should take regular breaks in the course of their journeys, alighting their trucks to move about for a while. Moreover, one may perform basic stretches and exercises during such breaks to stay fit. Planning one’s breaks and stops beforehand ensures that this break time is not postponed during the journey.

Not loading the truck properly
Not using the right technique and equipment to load and unload goods can cause the cargo to skid, leading to severe accidents and fatalities on the road. Truck drivers should actively seek assistance loading and unloading their vehicles if required and master the techniques before carrying out these tasks independently.

Besides avoiding such rookie mistakes, it is also important to test-drive trucks and shortlist only reputed truck brands and dealers while purchasing a truck. For example, while purchasing Dodge pick-up trucks from local Dodge dealers, one should check for various key aspects, such as the price of the vehicle, the Ram model to opt for, and the reliability of the dealer. Checking online reviews and seeking feedback from local Ram owners is an excellent idea to ensure the dealer’s credibility.

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7 household items that can cause cancer

Due to its incurable and terminal nature, cancer scares the living daylights out of everyone. People do their best to stay away from things that may cause them to develop cancers of any kind. There are many well-known carcinogens that healthy people actively avoid, such as soot, certain types of radiation, and cholesterol-heavy foods. However, there are many elements within one’s own house that can be carcinogenic in nature. Some such household items are:

Room spray
Formaldehyde is one of the most dangerous carcinogens out there. Room sprays contain this chemical, but most of them do not mention it in their ingredients list column. This is mainly because these sprays contain preservatives and chemicals that are scientifically termed “formaldehyde-releasers.” So, when these chemicals are inserted into a formula, they undergo a series of reactions and release the dreaded carcinogen. Apart from room sprays, one will find formaldehyde in face care and body care based makeup products.

If possible, one can seek and purchase formaldehyde-free products and non-toxic room sprays to keep their house smelling sweet even without the cancer-causing element.

Perfumes
Just like formaldehyde, styrene is another chemical that can eventually cause cancer in people if they are exposed frequently to it. Fragrances are the most common products that contain styrene as one of its main elements. However, like formaldehyde, perfume manufacturers do not list this chemical in the ingredients of their products. This happens because perfumes contain hundreds of naturally occurring and artificial chemicals. However, IFRA (the International Fragrance Association, a global representative body of the fragrance industry) lists all the ingredients of the products their member fragrances use, and styrene makes nearly all those lists.

To sidestep this problem, consumers can again purchase non-toxic perfumes that contain only organic elements.

Insect repellents
Nearly everyone has some or the other kinds of insects residing in their houses. To keep these insects at bay, people commonly use insecticides and repellents. The toxic and deadly nature of insecticides and repellents is well known, which is why people wash their hands after using these products. This helps prevent the deadly chemical from entering their mouths. However, insecticides are much more dangerous than most people know. Insect repellent sprays contain many carcinogenic chemicals such as carbamate, organophosphate, and organochlorine as active ingredients. These components are effective in eradicating insects and pests from one’s house, but they also hold the capacity to cause lung cancer if inhaled in the long term.

Apart from that, exposure to insecticidal sprays can also cause central nervous issues in people. So, it is not uncommon for people who inhale these sprays inadvertently to suffer from problems related to their brain, spinal column, and nerves, the three main components of the nervous system.
Due to these reasons, one needs to purchase organic insect repellents and ones that do not contain any heavy chemicals, if possible.

Some types of scented candles
As the header says, not all scented candles are toxic, but many commercially-sold candles, unfortunately, fall into that bracket. To cut their production expenses, many candle manufacturers do not think twice before using cheap but effective manufacturing chemicals such as petroleum, paraffin, and perfumes while producing scented candles. Unfortunately, these chemicals give out fumes while burning. These fumes are not much different from the exhaust fumes that come out of a car when being driven. As almost everyone knows, the fumes coming out of a car’s exhaust pipe are highly toxic and carcinogenic in nature.

Crispy, brown foods
While foods do not necessarily fulfill the criteria of home-based items, they are technically a part of the perishable things one will find in their house. Brown foods include, among others, eatables that contain potatoes. When one heats potatoes to high temperatures, the vegetables burn and emit a chemical named acrylamide. Several research studies have found that test animals that were given this chemical through drinking water or air have gone on to develop and succumb to cancer in the long run.

To cut down on the amount of brown foods one consumes, one can eat foods that are roasted, fried, or baked until they have a natural tan color. In this way, they will not compromise on taste and keep themselves relatively safe from developing cancer.

Cushioned furniture
Soft, cuddly furniture that contains cushions is often layered with a chemical known as TDCIPP. Many kinds of mattresses, sofas, and chairs that contain foam of any kind often need this flame retardant to become perfect for purchase. Unfortunately, this chemical is a major carcinogen, and it can lead to people developing lifelong malignancies if they come into regular contact with it. In fact, research studies found that live test subjects with this chemical in their blood are likely to have some or the other kinds of tumors in their body. What’s more, TDCIPP is also a chemical that is commonly found in household dust.

Thankfully, this is a problem that can be dealt with just as easily. People can simply replace all the cushioned furniture purchased prior to 2013 with new ones. This works because, after 2013, manufacturers have been asked to stop using this flame retardant while making their products. This means that more recent furniture purchases have a lower risk of giving people cancer.

Arsenic-infused drinking water
Now, most people get water that is free of chemicals and harmful toxins. However, many zones across the country still have people extensively using groundwater to fulfill their daily work, including washing utensils, drinking, and bathing. Due to extensive industrialization and soil pollution, groundwater is often mixed with heavy doses of arsenic. This chemical causes cancer if people are exposed to it for even a short amount of time. To counter this problem, people must stop the intake of polluted groundwater and use the water processed and sent to their homes through the tap.

Apart from these elements, some other household items that may cause cancer are hand sanitizers, carpets, and fabric softeners.