Multiple Myeloma – Unusual Signs and Management

According to experts, nearly 28.7 million people live with diabetes in the country. These statistics indicate the need to manage high blood sugar levels to keep this condition at bay. High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, contributes to several conditions like diabetes or kidney diseases. However, one can prevent or delay such complications by following healthy lifestyle habits and monitoring blood sugar levels. Read on to learn about hyperglycemia, its causes, symptoms, and management.

Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia is a condition that results from glucose concentration in the blood. Glucose is the body’s primary energy-providing source, which comes from the food you eat. On the other hand, insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas, responsible for releasing glucose as needed into the bloodstream to carry out day-to-day activities. The blood glucose level might fluctuate throughout the day due to various factors, including your physical activity and the food you eat. When the insulin level is too low, the cells cannot receive adequate energy for normal functioning. The lack of energy will force the pancreatic cells to secrete more insulin, which the body cannot use. It will, in turn, increase the glucose concentration in your blood, leading to hyperglycemia.

Symptoms
High blood sugar   is associated with severe health ailments, including skin problems, dental diseases, heart problems, and neuropathy. However, people usually don’t notice the symptoms of hyperglycemia until the blood sugar levels spike too high. Some common early warning signs and symptoms to look out for include the following-

• Blurred vision
• Extreme thirst
• Frequent urination
• Headache
• Persistent fatigue
• Fruit-smelling breath
• Abdominal pain
• Sudden or unexpected body mass loss
• Irregular breathing
• Nausea/vomiting
• Warm or dry skin
• Delayed healing of wounds
• Recurrence of yeast infections

Causes 

Excessive carbohydrates intake
Many food groups, even healthy options like veggies and fruits, can increase your blood sugar level when you eat beyond the recommended amounts. Additionally, unhealthy eating habits and excessive carb intake may lead to insulin overproduction in the body, resulting in hyperglycemia. For example, if your nutritional plan recommends 60 grams of carbs, but you eat 90 grams, insulin resistance will lead to high blood sugar levels.

Insulin resistance
Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus tend to experience insulin resistance. The blood sugar levels become too high, usually due to the inability of the pancreas to generate adequate insulin or the body’s inability to process the secreted insulin properly. Thus, even though the body still secretes insulin, it may not recognize and process the hormone effectively. Therefore, the excess insulin will be accumulated in the bloodstream, failing to bring glucose energy to the cells. It, in turn, leads to excessive blood sugar.

Unhealthy exercise regime
A poor exercise routine or an inactive lifestyle can negatively influence the insulin level in your body. It will, in turn, lead to the accumulation of glucose in the bloodstream. However, engaging in strenuous activities while dealing with high blood sugar may also result in hyperglycemia. Research suggests that increased physical activity will stimulate the body to release the adrenaline hormone, increasing the blood sugar level.

Illness or stress
Consistent mental stress contributes heavily to high glucose levels. Physical stress caused by injury or illness like cold or flu may also lead to hyperglycemia. When stressed, the body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that signal the pancreas to release stored glucose into the bloodstream. It increases blood sugar levels, which can be damaging if it happens too frequently or becomes chronic over time.

Irregular sleep pattern
Not getting enough sleep affects not only your mood but also the ability of your body to break down blood sugar. Irregular sleep regimens (inadequate sleep hours or oversleeping) signal your body to use insulin less efficiently, increasing blood sugar above the healthy range.

Prescription
If you have hyperglycemia, your healthcare professional may prescribe insulin doses to lower your blood sugar levels. However, missing or overdosing on insulin might cause the sugar level to spike. Similarly, other prescriptions like corticosteroids or diuretics may also increase your blood sugar.

Diagnosis
Monitoring your blood sugar at home with a blood glucose meter is one of the simplest and most effective ways to diagnose hyperglycemia. The ideal blood sugar level should be between 80 and 130 mg/dL for people under 59. A number higher than 130 would imply excessive blood sugar.

Remedies
High blood sugar can be tricky to diagnose and manage, but with self-monitoring and early diagnosis, it is possible to reduce the risks effectively. Taking prompt action at signs of this condition could produce significant positive outcomes for your well-being in the long run. The steps listed below will help you better manage hyperglycemia.

Nutritional changes
A meal plan rich in non-starchy vegetables, legumes, and whole grains is recommended, as well as limiting the amount of saturated fat (in refined oils and cheese) taken in. Additionally, eating several small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones can help manage high blood sugar levels more effectively.

Physical activity
Activities like walking, cycling, swimming and running are great low-impact options that can reduce stress while increasing your body’s sensitivity to insulin. In addition, it helps the body to process blood sugar more efficiently.

Consult a health professional
Ensure you take the prescribed treatment and regularly track your blood sugar level. With the recorded blood glucose value, follow up with your healthcare professional to determine if they want to change the prescribed doses.

Hyperglycemia is a potentially severe health issue that could lead to long-term complications if not monitored and managed correctly. The primary cause of this condition is an imbalance between insulin and glucose levels, often due to diabetes. One can manage the condition through lifestyle changes, such as following a balanced meal plan and being more physically active. In addition, it is advised to consult a nutritional expert regarding any queries about hyperglycemia to chart out the best treatment option.

Buying a truck is a massive investment. On top of that, people tend to use trucks for several years, if not decades, due to the tough, enduring nature of these vehicles. Therefore, it is imperative to get everything right when purchasing a truck. There is a list of factors to ensure and another list of things to avoid while purchasing a massive people and load carrier. Here are the main dos and don’ts of buying trucks:

Dos
Here are the things one needs to ensure before putting down their hard-earned money on a truck:

• Check if the dealer provides an extended warranty
  

  Certain dealerships offer an extended warranty option for buyers. This is a useful alternative as it provides financial cover for repairs beyond the initially offered warranty period. Buyers must research which dealers offer this avenue on their trucks, as it tends to be rare. Also, one downside of an extended warranty is that buying and accommodating a purchase deal can be expensive.

  However, it is an option worth considering just for the ease of ownership and use it brings to a truck purchase deal. Truck owners would not have to worry about paying exorbitant repair fees for many years if they included an extended warranty when buying the vehicle of their dreams.

• Check towing and hauling capacity
  Towing and hauling capacity are the most critical aspects of purchasing a truck for many buyers. Fleet truck service providers mainly purchase trucks for commercial purposes. Trucks need to deliver massive payloads across large distances. So, in short, the larger a truck’s towing and hauling capacity, the more utility it will have for the individuals or companies purchasing it.

• Evaluate bed and cabin size
  

  Apart from commercial use, trucks may also be used to transport many people or family members. This means that cabin size and bed proportions are just as critical as towing capacity for buyers. If a buyer has a large family or a large number of people to seat and transport, they could purchase a large truck. Large trucks are expensive to own and run and consume large amounts of fuel. For all other purposes, mid-sized trucks can be more than adequate.

  In the case of pickup trucks, cabs are available in regular size (with two doors and no back seat), extended size (two or four doors with a small back seat), and crew (four doors with a large back seat). Pickup trucks also have multiple bed sizes, including short (around 5 feet), regular (around 6.5 feet), and long (around 8 feet). The bigger the cabin and bed sizes, the pricier a truck will be.  Buyers need to evaluate their needs and usage requirements before purchasing a truck.

• Be mindful of your budget and credit score
  This is a particularly overlooked aspect in the case of several truck buyers. Most buyers intend to purchase trucks on installment payments. However, to make the payment schedule smooth, one must know exactly how much they can afford every month. Additionally, buyers must be mindful of how much they can pay upfront for the vehicle. If an individual looking to purchase a truck goes to a dealership without considering or being aware of these two factors, they may land in financial trouble.

  Several vehicle loans or buy-now-pay-later installment options activate when a buyer’s credit score is high. Therefore, someone with a questionable credit history may not only find it difficult to get an attractive financing option while buying a truck, but they may also end up overpaying for the same. This is why picking a budget and relentlessly sticking to it is necessary, as it helps buyers avoid being out of pocket after a truck purchase.

• Take a test drive
  As is the case with buying any vehicle, taking a test drive is an essential step when purchasing trucks too. A test drive lets buyers know the pros and cons of every vehicle they drive, how spacious and comfortable they are, how accessible the cabin and various controls are, how well the engine works in various performance situations and other key attributes.

  Test drives expose the very best and worst of vehicles for prospective buyers. Therefore, most consultants and purchase advisors advise buyers to test all the vehicles they have shortlisted to buy before drawing a comparison between their pros and cons after a test drive.

Don’ts
Here are the things one should steer clear of while purchasing a truck from a dealership, either online or offline:

• Visit a dealer without a financing option
  Many dealership executives tend to make buyers believe that their financing options are the best option for them. However, buyers should know that these financing options are designed to make the most money for the dealerships’ finance departments and little else.

  Instead, buyers must consult with their banks or other financial institutions to find better financing options to smooth the purchase process. Visiting a dealership without a financial plan is not advisable, whether for truck purchases or truck equipment financing.

• Shop at just one dealer
  Different dealerships provide purchase offers for buyers, whether that is warranty-based extensions, other draws, or attractive discounts on their vehicles. One needs to visit multiple dealers and check out truck models from multiple manufacturers to get a wide array of options. By not doing so, one risks missing out on specific irresistible offers and discounts.

• Prioritize only price
  Price is a major buying factor, but solely prioritizing it can result in buyers purchasing semi-competent trucks with quality and performance issues in the long run. Now, “pricier” does not automatically translate to “better” regarding trucks. Nevertheless, one must take a holistic approach before putting their hard-earned money on a truck.  Other than these, some of the biggest don’ts are overlooking promotional offers and rebates and taking a new truck home until the paperwork is done.

Some people love cleaning while others loathe it. But the fact remains that everyone has to clean their homes now and then. A few prefer to hire people to clean and search for trustworthy cleaning services. However, those who do it themselves quickly learn what mistakes to avoid and which products to use for their home. Here is an all-you-need-to-know guide to getting a clean house and the top mistakes to avoid.

Top 5 cleaning mistakes to avoid
There are several mistakes that you can make even if you clean the house yourself on a regular basis. Some of these are possibly carelessness, while others might be due to disorganization. So whether you clean yourself or outsource your cleaning, there are some mistakes you should avoid.

Using dirty tools
Imagine rubbing a clean surface with a dirty cloth. That is often what happens when you go into cleaning unprepared. It is ideal to wash your cleaning tools – cleaning cloths, scrubs, mop heads, and brushes and disinfect them before use. Always change the filter and empty the vacuum when it becomes full. This ensures optimal performance and also sees to it your cleaning is not ineffective.

Using too many cleaning products
Using excess cleaning products can lead to the furniture or spot being cleaned become greasy. It is the same as dirtying the place you set out to clean. The excess product in the microfibers of your cleaning tools will make you spend more time and energy cleaning the overspray on windows, doors, and countertops. Remember that adding a cleaning solution is more manageable than cleaning up the excess.

Dry cleaning
Most people try to avoid cleaning solution residue on furniture by using a dry cloth. However, the opposite mistake is also detrimental to the cleaning process. Dusting with a dry rag only moves dirt around from one place to another. However, it is best to pick off dirt using a damp microfiber cloth. Such cleaning tools can pick up even fine particles, and if you use the correct cleaning solution, you can make your home look brand new.

Cleaning down-up
If you start from the ground floor and clean your way up the house, all the crumbs, dust, and dirt from your top floors will likely drop down, and you might have to clean your ground floor again. Imagine vacuuming and mopping your house twice! To avoid this mistake, start from the higher levels and work your way down the way Newton and gravity would have it.

Not having a cleaning routine
Maintaining a scrubbing and clean-up outline is sure to help reduce the mistakes in your cleaning. If you only clean on an afternoon before an important meeting or when your kids are running around the house looking for things for their project, you will likely mess up your cleaning. Cleaning on the weekend is another problem since chores often pile up. All of these will obviously make you put off your cleaning and then pile up one day only to overwhelm you. The best way to avoid this cleaning mistake is by breaking down your cleaning into several small tasks and overcoming them bit by bit in your daily schedule.

4 best cleaning services
Finding the best cleaning service for your home and needs can be challenging. If you have no time to clean on your own, then a cleaning service is what you need. The following are three of the best cleaning services available. Remember to consider them the next time you plan to deep-clean your home.

Tidy
Tidy allows you to create a to-do checklist for your cleaners or choose a pre-made one. Their most popular plan has two cleaners working for four hours. If you fill out their online form and choose the date and time, the website automatically estimates how long the job will take. The best part is Tidy is available in almost all major cities throughout the country.

The Maids
With services offered in 41 states, The Maids offers same-day, one-time deep, and recurrent cleaning. Your first deep clean might cost extra, but other than that, they are pretty affordable. You can also get moving out/in cleaning and cleaning done for small businesses. You can get the most efficient cleaning done with the help of an experienced team and a team leader who knows your home and its needs.

The Cleaning Authority
The Cleaning Authority offers house and apartment cleaning, move-in/out cleaning, and one-time cleanings in 45 states across the country. They are known for giving attention to often overlooked areas and using cleaning products that are eco-friendly. Their user-friendly app makes the entire booking and cleaning process easy to monitor.

Servpro
While not exactly a cleaning service, Servpro is the solution to all your restoration needs. Whether it is a foundation expert you need or just an upholstery cleaning, you can get a service that is advertised as “Faster to Any Sized Disaster.” You can avail of emergency services in the event of flood damage or just have your house turned into a home by these industry experts. They bring the most skilled technicians in the field with the most advanced technology to your home to make your space the cleanest version of itself. Call one of their 1900 franchises today!

3 best all-surface cleaners
If you do your home cleaning yourself, some products you need to know about include all-surface cleaners and sanitizers. The following are three of the best cleaning products in the market.

Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner
With this product, you can get a cleaner that is pleasant on the nose and can be used on both hard and soft surfaces indoors and outdoors. It is perfect for cleaning tools, tiles, grills, concrete, and even patio furniture.

Mr. Clean Multi-Purpose Cleaner
With a plethora of scent options and great values on their gallon-size bottles, Mr. Clean is perfect if you clean often and clean multiple places with different tools (microfibers, sponges, mops, and the like)

Clorox Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner
This is a Pine-sol disinfectant that allows you to sanitize all surfaces without leaving any residue. Once you’re done, use Clorox’s ForceflexPlus Glad dustbin bags to rid your home of dirt and all sorts of debris without dealing with leaks or bad odors.

If one is looking for ways to get a confident, glowing white smile, then whitening toothpaste could be the answer. These products can help brighten the teeth by removing surface stains from teeth and using cleaning agents like hydrogen peroxide. However, with so many whitening options on the market, one may have to carefully choose the most suitable product. So here is everything one needs to know about choosing the right whitening toothpaste.

Tips for choosing the best toothpaste
Getting a bright, healthy smile starts with choosing the perfect toothpaste. Picking the right one requires careful consideration of factors such as toothpaste ingredients, flavors per one’s preferences, and the abrasiveness if one has sensitive teeth. One should also consider the price. So, here are a few tips for making the right choice:

Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance: The ADA Seal of Acceptance indicates that the toothpaste has been checked for safety and effectiveness in preventing, controlling, and maintaining healthy gums, teeth, and other parts of the mouth. So, with the ADA seal, one can be assured that the toothpaste meets the criteria and trust the safety standards of the product.

Compare prices : One should look up each option on the market and consider checking customer reviews for the brand and the toothpaste to make an informed decision. Comparing prices can help one save money and get the most affordable yet effective product.

Check the ingredients: For optimal cavity prevention, one should opt for fluoride-based toothpaste. When shopping for whitening products, check the labels and avoid anything with artificial flavors, colors, or other additives. One may also watch out for Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) and propylene glycol, which can trigger allergic reactions in some people.

Benefits of whitening toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste is the quickest and most affordable method to address teeth discoloration brought on by coffee, tea, and food stains. Here are other benefits of whitening toothpaste:

Strengthens enamel: A good toothpaste helps brighten the teeth and improve overall oral health. Additionally, whitening toothpaste can strengthen the enamel (the outermost layer of the teeth), helping protect the tooth surface against discoloration. A good toothpaste can also remove plaque buildup without irritating gums or soft tissues in the mouth. Further, it may help reduce teeth sensitivity, making it a versatile solution for many dental concerns.

Tackles staining: While regular toothpaste helps keep the teeth clean and healthy, whitening toothpaste is designed to remove stubborn surface stains from beverages like coffee and tea or foods like berries or tomato sauce. Unlike harsh whitening products, the abrasives in whitening toothpaste (calcium carbonate and calcium pyrophosphate) gently lift teeth stains away. Additionally, such toothpaste can also freshen the breath by fighting bad breath germs.

Boosts confidence: Having a brighter, whiter smile can boost one’s confidence and sense of pride regarding appearance. After all, who wouldn’t want pearly white teeth?

Top picks
Finding the right toothpaste involves consideration of factors like key ingredients, price, and customer reviews. The best toothpaste is one that contains optimal levels of abrasives, as a high abrasive concentration can result in the enamel wearing off and weakened teeth. Here are some of the best options for teeth whitening:

Colgate Optic White: The American Dental Association (ADA) has awarded this toothpaste its seal of approval. Unlike many other whitening products, Colgate Optic White targets extrinsic and intrinsic stains. Extrinsic stains develop on the enamel due to staining foods. On the other hand, intrinsic stains form in the mouth over time when extrinsic stains move beyond the enamel to discolor the dentin (inner tooth layer).

Colgate Optic White Renewal: The toothpaste offers professional-level whitening power with its unique blend of hydrogen peroxide and natural enzymes. It works to remove surface stains and penetrates to help make teeth four shades whiter. With this toothpaste, users can notice results in just one week and professional-level whitening in 4 weeks. The toothpaste is also enamel-safe and helps protect against cavities.

Tom’s of Maine Simply White Natural Toothpaste: This is the perfect choice for ensuring one’s teeth remain healthy and white. One of its ingredients is aloe vera, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to scrub away teeth stains. Additionally, the toothpaste does not contain artificial colors and sweeteners, making it safe for sensitive teeth. Moreover, the natural ingredients in this toothpaste work together to provide a gentle yet effective cleanup.

Sensodyne ProNamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste: Maintaining a healthy, white smile is easy using this gentle whitening paste. It is safe for daily use and helps strengthen enamel while providing mild whitening, thanks to the silica particles that gently scrape away stains. Additionally, the toothpaste offers cavity protection and fights acid erosion caused by certain foods or drinks.

Arm & Hammer Advance White Extreme Whitening Toothpaste: This toothpaste combines natural whitening ingredients and advanced strengthening elements to offer brightness while reducing teeth sensitivity. Its unique blend of baking soda, peroxide, peppermint extract, and lemon works to deeply penetrate the enamel to provide exceptional teeth-whitening effects that one can observe in a couple of weeks.

Crest Charcoal 3D White Whitening Therapy Toothpaste: Unlike traditional whitening toothpaste, the Crest paste uses charcoal to break up and remove tough stains on teeth brought on by coffee intake. The toothpaste also helps fight cavities and strengthen teeth with its fluoride formula. Further, it is formulated to help remove tartar buildup—a calcified deposit that decays teeth—that can cause gum disease.

Burt’s Bees Charcoal + Whitening Mountain Mint Toothpaste with Fluoride: Burt’s Bees is an excellent choice if one is looking for a toothpaste that packs a punch. Its unique formula consists of activated charcoal, known for its ability to absorb toxins from teeth and provide deep cleaning. It helps keep the teeth healthy and strong through its fluoride formula. Moreover, its minty taste will leave you feeling refreshed throughout the day.

So, finding a toothpaste that works for one’s oral needs is important. Looking up the toothpaste’s ingredients, price, and usage instructions is a crucial first step. Additionally, one must check the user reviews and speak to their dentist to pick the best teeth-whitening solution.

Life insurance forms a critical aspect of all financial decisions one makes in their life. Getting life insurance gives one’s family financial security during any untoward event. It ensures that the family’s financial obligations are met, and this can include expenses like daily living costs, education loans, mortgage payments, and various other expenses. One should always buy life insurance after deliberating for some time. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when buying life insurance.

Underestimating the coverage amount
This is a very common mistake that one can easily avoid when buying life insurance. It is crucial that one takes into account all the financial needs of the family and figure out the amount of coverage needed. Do not underestimate their needs, as the family will require all the financial support they can get during a difficult time. One must consider all factors like any running debt, long term financial goals, income replacement and any other future expenses that can occur. One can also consult with a financial advisor to understand their needs and get an estimate on what an appropriate coverage amount should be.

Not considering unique needs
There are coverage packages available with life insurance companies, but one must understand that their needs may be unique, and the existing coverage details may not work well. Consider factors like age, marital status, financials, any dependents, income, and other factors that make your situation unique to you. Once you have assessed your situation and any future changes that can affect it, like having kids or career growth, only then consider the different coverage options available.

Ignoring term length
There are specific periods for which life insurance is offered; it can range from anywhere between 10 to 30 years. It may seem daunting to get coverage for 30 years, but it may just be what your family needs. However, choosing an excessively long term coverage could also result in some high premiums. So, one has to maintain a balance in catering to their own and their family’s needs.

Failing to compare quotes and policies
One should avoid simply choosing the first convenient option they get. Checking and comparing multiple quotes and policies from insurance companies is absolutely essential. If one fails to do their research, they may end up paying a high premium for coverage and they could miss out on some features as well. Once you have got a quote from the various insurance companies, you should also assess their financial stability. Also take a detailed look at their policy features, benefits, what are the exclusions and riders. Ask as many questions as necessary so that you fully understand the policy and take all the benefits from it.

Not disclosing relevant information
This is another common mistake that people make, thinking it is harmless. But making a full and honest disclosure at the time of buying a policy will help you get one that addresses your unique needs and can help your family. Withholding information about your lifestyle, occupation, and health may get you a low premium on coverage, but it may not be helpful in the long run. Additionally, if your information is not relevant or inaccurate, it can result in policy cancellation and the claims can also be denied, leaving your family stranded financially. If you have any pre-existing conditions, disclose it immediately, any lifestyle habits that put you at risk – disclose it immediately. If you have any occupational hazards, disclose it when filling the form.

Overlooking policy riders and add-ons
There are additional benefits and add-ons to the coverage policy. Some of the common riders can include things like disability income, death benefit, waiver of premium, or even critical illness. It’s a missed opportunity if one does not explore these additional features that may be applicable to them and can even be beneficial. If one has a specific circumstance and needs help with some additional benefits, they can contact the sales person and let them know about any additional needs. If the provider has any specific add-on for these needs, they will inform you.

Not reviewing and updating the policy
It is possible that at the time of purchase, one did not consider any life-changing factors. It is important that one reviews their policy again after a couple of years. It can be after a marriage, maybe a divorce, once you have kids, or if there is a significant increase in your income or other factors that could impact the policy. Reviewing your policy every couple of years is important so you can include these changes into your features. If you need to change the coverage amount of requirements, you can speak to the sales executive and let them know about the changes needed. They can then make the necessary adjustments to the existing policy.

Popular life insurance companies
There are many options available when it comes to life insurance companies. One can explore some popular names listed below and compare quotes and features.

Guardian Life has a diverse range of life products. They also have life insurance policies for those managing HIV. MassMutual is another popular option and some of the policies even earn a cash value at a set interest rate of 3.7 percent. They offer term policy, permanent policy, and a no-exam policy.

Northwestern Mutual sells whole life insurance with a flexible coverage, which starts at $50,000. New York Life is known to offer a variety of riders and helps in tailoring the payments as per the customers’ needs. State Farm is another company to check out; it has the option of paying off your coverage in one go rather than installments.