Top 10 common myths about AMD

Most people consider vacuum sealers an excellent addition to their home but not a necessary one. However, they can be instrumental in preserving food and preventing wastage. Rather than stacking up food items in the freezer, you can opt to place them inside packs of sealed air. It protects the foods from freezer burns and retains their freshness for longer. Keep reading to learn more about vacuum sealers, their functionality, uses, and more.

How do vacuum sealers work?

A vacuum sealer works by removing all the air out of the bag containing the food. Using a heated seal bar, it fuses the sides of the bag. It prevents the air from going back into the bag. This way, it eliminates the chances of your food getting spoiled or going stale over time. Here’s how you can effectively use vacuum sealers-

• Put the food you want to store in the bag.
• Clean the top of the bag to ensure there are no moisture or food particles near or on the part of the bag where it will be sealed.
• Switch on the sealer to heat the sealer bar.
• Now, place the bag opening in the sealer bar to seal it.
• Ensure that minimal to no air is present in the bag.
• Once done, store the bag in the pantry, freezer, or an area you choose.

Uses of vacuum sealers

• Sous vide cooking-  Vacuum sealers rose to fame when sous vide cooking became popular a few years back. So these devices will be helpful if you frequently cook sous vide. Whether you want to cook chicken, steak, fish, or anything else, you don’t have to work with fussy zip-top bags. A vacuum sealer will help to get out all the air so that the bag doesn’t float while cooking.
• Store ingredients to use later-  Storing your ingredients and produce in the refrigerator will keep them fresh only for a few days. If you want to save them for a longer time, put them in vacuum-sealed packages. For example, if you purchase a lot of herbs at the farmer’s market, they will wilt much before you can use them all up. A vacuum sealer will help to preserve them for weeks in the refrigerator. This way, you can even save some ingredients for months in the freezer.
• Sealing dry ingredients in jars-  Some dry ingredients, such as spices, yeast, and nuts, spoil too quickly. Furthermore, you cannot finish them sooner since you can only use them in small quantities at a time. Sealing these items in bags to preserve them is not a wise idea because you have to cut open the bags and seal them again when using the ingredients. It is too much of a hassle and a waste of plastics. Therefore, a great alternative is to keep them in glass canning jars and vacuum seal them. There are several attachments available that are compatible with vacuum sealers to seal up the jars.
• Protect liquids from spoilage-  Use vacuum sealers to preserve oils, vinegar, and other liquid ingredients in your pantry. Bottle stopper attachments are available that work well with most vacuum sealers. You can reseal open bottles and keep the liquids fresh for longer. However, don’t use these for storing sparkling wines, soda, or carbonated beverages. Since the vacuum seal will remove all the air, these beverages will lose their acidity.
• Protect items other than food-  Use your vacuum sealer to preserve stuff beyond your pantry and refrigerator. For example, you can use it to seal and protect important documents such as birth certificates, graduation certificates, car titles, house titles, etc. This way, all your essential documents will be safeguarded against damage from water and other elements. Furthermore, you can vacuum seal other stuff, such as bandages, matches, and prescription remedies (that spoil quickly) for your emergency and first aid kits.

Tips and tricks to use vacuum sealers

• Always label first-  You will want to label your vacuum-sealed bags with the ingredient’s name and the date you sealed the bag. But this cannot be easy if the bag is filled with food. Therefore, to solve this, ensure you label the bag before you fill the contents and seal it.
• Make sure to use a bag of the correct size-  If your bag is too big or too small for its contents, you won’t benefit much from using a vacuum sealer. It is because your food may spoil quickly. To ensure proper sealing, the bag must have at least 2-3 inches of room at the top, between the sealing area and the contents. Also, if you use a small bag and food particles get on the bag’s opening, it won’t seal properly, allowing the air in and spoiling your food.
• Ensure the bags are cuffed before filling-  To ensure the bag is well sealed, fold at least 2 or 3 inches from the top to make a cuff. Do this before you fill the bag with food. Once the bag is filled up, uncuff it and heat seal it.
• Seal the bags to be flat and stackable-  To save space in the pantry or refrigerator, make the bags flat before sealing. Arrange the food inside the bag so it remains as flat as possible. It makes it easy for users to stack and organize all the bags on top of one another.
• Soft foods must be partially frozen-  Delicate foods such as berries, grapes, or fish can get crushed while sealing the bag. To avoid this, put these foods in their respective bags and keep the unsealed bags in the freezer for some time. Once these foods are firm, you can proceed to heat seal the containers.

Eczema is a common skin condition in the country. You may find the symptoms challenging to manage and alleviate without proper knowledge. The common symptoms include thick, scaly patches of raised bumps in the affected area. Understanding eczema triggers may help you handle it better. Therefore, consulting a dermatologist regarding your queries may prove beneficial. So, let’s read further about what exactly eczema is and how it can be managed by resorting to natural home remedies.

What is Eczema?
Eczema is a skin condition causing red, itchy, and long-lasting skin rash. Red patches can appear anywhere on the body during an eczema flare-up, including the feet, hands, ankles, thighs, cheeks, forehead, and neck. As anyone with a skin disease like eczema will attest, the condition is irritating, painful, and itchy. However, if you follow a healthy lifestyle, unpleasant symptoms may typically improve with time.

What eczema looks like on different skin tones
Eczema symptoms may appear different on different skin tones. For example, lighter skin tones may typically experience inflamed, red, and spotted dark pink patches, termed hyperpigmentation.
On the other hand, darker skin tones may experience violet, dark brown, or ashy grey patches. As the skin heals from eczema, it may become lighter, a condition known as hypopigmentation.

Which body parts does eczema affect?
Did you know that the eczema-affected areas of the body may be different at different ages?
Typical locations of eczema in infants and young children include:

• The face
• The exterior portion of the elbows
• Knees

Symptoms in older children and adults are visible in the following locations:

• Fingers and toes
• Arms
• The back of the knees
• Elbow folds

Even though you notice eczema symptoms as an adult, you may have had it since you were an infant or young child. This is because most symptoms emerge during the initial years of childhood. However, it rarely happens that eczema symptoms appear for the first time in adults.

Six easy tips for easing eczema:

Improve your meal plans
Gut health affects your immune system and can deteriorate after consistently consuming excessive carbohydrates, sugar, and processed foods. However, a clear relationship exists between skin diseases like eczema and gut health.
You must note the times you encounter eczema flare-ups and examine the meals you consumed before the outbreak. This will help determine if specific foods trigger skin diseases and conditions like eczema.
Therefore, increase your consumption of anti-inflammatory foods to improve gut health and prevent eczema flare-ups. These foods can include turmeric, cinnamon, leafy green vegetables, seafood, beans, and lentils.

Make simple lifestyle adjustments
Taking a quick cool or warm bath rather than a hot one can significantly reduce eczema flare-ups. For example, a hot bath leads to dry, itchy skin and aggravates skin diseases like eczema.
While washing garments, opt for natural and fragrance-free detergents. These are gentle on the skin and have a soothing effect. This is true for not just clothes but also napkins, sheets, and other accessories like gloves and scarves. Opt for natural cotton clothes instead of synthetic fibers.
Lastly, check your shampoo and soap for harsh substances, like sulfates and parabens, that may worsen the burning, itching, and redness.

Avoid activities leading to heavy perspiration
Do your workouts cause you to itch? People with skin diseases like eczema often feel an itch when they sweat, whether exercising or sleeping under heavy sheets, due to overheating. The body uses sweat as a natural cooling mechanism, but when it evaporates, the remaining dryness and salty residue can make eczema worse. So, if you are experiencing an eczema flare-up, substitute heavy workouts with low-impact exercises or yoga.

Use natural ointments
Herbal ointments can naturally moisturize your skin and alleviate symptoms of skin diseases like eczema. Ointments like comfrey, plantain, and calendula salves benefit people with eczema and related skin diseases since they act as natural moisturizers.
These ointments can be applied once or twice daily on dry skin, during the onset of an outbreak, and to treat active outbreaks. Also, consider applying 2% licorice gel as an eczema remedy.
Lastly, sunflower seed oil has highly beneficial effects on itchy skin, reducing rashes, removing blisters, and enhancing the immune system and skin barrier function.

Control the urge to scratch
Scratching is an instinctual response to an itchy rash for most people. However, people with eczema and related skin conditions should avoid scratching. A technique known as habit reversal may help here. In this technique, you determine when you are most prone to indulge in a habit (in this case, scratching) and distract yourself at those times. If, when watching TV, you find yourself scratching, try engaging your hands with a stress ball, a fidget spinner, or a coloring book.
You may also apply a cold compress or ice, as it will soothe the skin and prevent the itch. Maintaining a moisturizing regimen after washing and before bed is essential to keep the skin hydrated and supple.

Use an apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an effective home cure for many skin diseases, including eczema. However, vinegar can injure soft tissue; therefore, it should be applied to the skin with caution. It is essential to know that vinegar is highly acidic, and so is the skin.
Skin with skin diseases and conditions like eczema is less acidic when compared to normal skin. This weakens the skin’s defenses. Hence, you can dilute apple cider vinegar to neutralize the skin’s acidity.

Wrapping up
Skin conditions like eczema may affect both kids and adults. However, these simple tips may help manage it effectively. Modifying your daily routine and introducing healthy lifestyle changes help alleviate eczema and related skin diseases. Ultimately, maintaining healthy and hydrated skin may easily control eczema symptoms.

If your kidneys are damaged, and their ability to filter waste from the blood reduces, you will probably be diagnosed with chronic kidney disease or CKD. The accumulation of waste as a consequence of this health impairment can crease several complications, including high blood pressure, weak bones, nerve damage, anemia, and malnutrition. Chronic kidney disease tends to increase the risk of other conditions related to the heart and blood vessels.

Early detection and treatment can help slow the deterioration, but no cure exists. Thus, it is essential to acquire a good quality of life and prevent permanent kidney failure, which will necessitate dialysis or kidney transplants. 

How to manage chronic kidney disease?
The choice of treatment depends on the progression of chronic kidney disease, associated health problems, and current lifestyle. Prescription treatment typically helps to control comorbid conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, vitamin K build-up, water retention, and diabetes, among others. A nephrologist is likely to recommend a combination of options: lifestyle changes, prescription treatments for associated problems, and in later stages, dialysis or transplants. 

Lifestyle changes for chronic kidney disease
A doctor is also likely to recommend changes in your style of living. You can damage muscles and bones during the course of the illness, and hence exercising is vital. Ideally, you must get at least 150 minutes of exercise a week. During flare-ups, exercise is not possible, so you can opt for physiotherapy or electrical stimulation to strengthen the muscles. Further, salt can also become problematic – the ideal amount of one teaspoon daily is about 6 grams. Additionally, you must avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs – like ibuprofen) and use alternatives instead. Apart from these, food modifications can help reduce the progression of chronic kidney disease. 

Foods for chronic kidney disease
Restrictions in food items vary based on the level of kidney damage, and a “renal diet” is usually recommended. Such meal plans boost kidney function and prevent further damage. You must restrict three nutrients – sodium, potassium, and phosphorus – since the damaged kidneys lose the ability to filter out excess of these substances efficiently. When kidney damage is in stage 5, the need for protein increases. The following five foods boost kidney function and help you manage chronic kidney disease. 

Egg whites
Egg yolks are incredibly nutritious. However, they contain high levels of phosphorus. It means that egg whites are a better choice as a kidney-friendly source of protein. Two large egg whites have only 10mg of phosphorus and hence are an excellent choice for those undergoing dialysis. 

Strawberries
This sweet treat, with or without chocolate, is perfect for those with chronic kidney disease. It is a delicious snack that is low in potassium and gentle on the tongue. The berry is also rich in vitamin C, manganese, and fiber. Antioxidants also help reduce the risk of heart conditions. 

Garlic
When certain foods are restricted, spices become your best friend. With anti-inflammatory properties, garlic is an aromatic and tasty ingredient that adds flavor to your food and helps manage kidney health. It can act as an alternative to salt, which needs to be limited when you have renal problems. It also contains vitamins B and C and minerals like potassium, phosphorus, and manganese. 

Cauliflower
Raw, steamed, or as soup, cauliflower is a delicious and excellent crucifer to help boost your health. The vegetable contains vitamins B, C, and K and is a kidney-friendly alternative to potatoes. Cauliflower is an excellent source of fiber and also possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, it has minimal quantities of potassium. 

Sea Bass
A high-quality source of protein is sea bass. It has omega-3 fatty acids and is low in phosphorus content. It has the capacity to decrease the risk of cognitive decline and anxiety and reduces inflammation. It is imperative, however, not to overeat since excess of this fish can increase potassium levels in the blood, making it harder for the kidney to function. 

Tips for managing kidney disease 

Opt for low-sodium foods
Controlling blood pressure is necessary for individuals with chronic kidney disease. It is best to prepare your own food since packaged, processed foods contain more salt to preserve it for longer. Try to use spices, herbs, and sodium-free seasoning. Remember to rinse canned vegetables well and strain them since they contain excess salt. Look for alternative foods labeled as “sodium-free” or “lightly salted.” Make sure to read the labels. It is best to avoid taking more than a daily value of over 20%.

Eat the right kind and amount of protein
Protein metabolism produces byproducts that the kidney needs to work hard to remove. So it is better to choose the right combination of proteins. You can pick between fish, chicken, eggs, beans, nuts, grains, or dairy products like yogurt or cheese. 

Eat heart-friendly foods
Unfortunately, chronic kidney disease often brings along heart complications. It means you must try hard to keep fat from accumulating in your blood vessels. Stick to boiling, steaming, or baking your food instead of frying it. Trim meat, use olive oil instead of butter, and avoid transfats.

Choose low-phosphorus foods
As discussed above, preventing the build-up of phosphorus in the blood is critical. This mineral causes the breaking down of calcium from the bones, leaving them vulnerable to fractures. High phosphorus levels can also cause itchy skin and bone and joint pain.

Reduce potassium intake
Potassium build-up due to chronic kidney disease affects the nerves and muscles. This mineral has the potential to affect the heart too. Salt substitutes are typically high in potassium. Additionally, some prescription options may increase blood potassium levels and hence may need to be adjusted. Remember always to check the labels of your food. If you need clarification, consult a nutritionist for a CKD-friendly meal plan. 

Collecting precious coins can be more than just a hobby, as rare coins are good not only for the collection but also for the pocket. Coins with accidental defects have emerged as rare and valuable over the decades and are often worth a sizable amount. Today, several vendors selling such coins have emerged in the online space. Here is a list of a few such rare coins one can find today:

The 1804 Silver Dollar
The 1804 silver dollar is worth over $5 million if sold in good condition. Today, only 15 samples of this coin are known to exist. Surprisingly, although the coin is referred to as the “1804 silver dollar,” 1804 is not the year when it was first minted. These coins were first minted around 1834–35 when the U.S. Department of State decided to gift coin sets to Asian rulers who agreed to grant trade concessions to the country. The coin is categorized into three classes based on the period of its inception. Class I coins were minted during the 1830s and presented to Asian rulers. Class II coins are the ones minted from 1858 to 1859 as an experiment by U.S. Mint employees. Finally, the Class III coins also came into existence in the 1858–59 period to be presented to certain favored collectors.

The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
This coin is worth $10 million and is extremely rare to lay hands on today. The primary reason for its high value is that less than 1,800 such coins have been minted from the time of its inception in 1794–1795. The coin entails Lady Liberty with flowing hair on its front side, and an American eagle embossed on the flip side. It was developed following a study conducted by President George Washington and Alexander Hamilton, who suggested that Congress should come up with a national mint. Consequently, the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar was the first government-minted coin.

The Turban Head Eagle
The Turban Head Eagle, also known as the 1804 Eagle Gold, Capped Bust, or the Capped Bust Eagle, was a government-minted coin from 1795 to 1804. Designed by Scottish-American engraver Robert Scot, this coin was the largest denomination to be authorized by the Mint Act of 1792. The production of these coins was discontinued in 1804, re-emerging three decades later in 1834 to be used in diplomatic presentations. Although Liberty wears a cap and not a turban, her headgear is ensconced by her thick locks, making it resemble a turban. Today, the turban head eagle is worth $5.1 million.

The 1787 Brasher Doubloon
These coins were first minted by Ephraim Brasher, a goldsmith, in the latter half of the 18th Century. Known as the “Holy Grail” of coins, it was the first gold coin to be minted in the country and is considered among the most important ones in history. The coin depicts the state seal and the rising sun on the front and the American eagle and a shield on the other side. With only seven samples of this coin having ever been minted, the 1787 Brasher Doubloon can fetch anywhere from $5 million to over $9 million today.

The 1885 “Trade” Silver Dollar
With only five such coins available today, the 1885 “trade” silver dollar is among the rarest coins in the country’s numismatic history. The coin was designed by engraver Charles Barber, and its existence came to be discovered nearly 25 years after its inception. As a result, there were fleeting doubts regarding its year of minting. However, research by Carl Carlston revealed that the 1884 and 1885 “trade” silver dollars were, in fact, produced during these years. Although the coin was worth about $1,600 in the early 1950s, its value has risen considerably over the decades. Today, the 1885 “trade” silver dollar is worth over $3.5 million if it is well-preserved.

The 1870 Three-Dollar Gold Coin
There exists only one known sample of this coin today, which was last valued at $687,500 in 1982. Historians believe that another sample of this coin was probably buried in a cornerstone of a San Francisco building a long time ago.

The 1343 Edward III Florin
This coin is regarded as among the world’s oldest and most expensive coins. The 1343 Edward III Florin coin is among the only three pure gold coins available today. Here, one side depicts King Edward III seated on his throne, flanked by leopard heads on either side, while the flip side features the Royal Cross ensconced in a quatrefoil. Today, two of these coins have been preserved in London’s British Museum and are priced at $6.8 million.

The 1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime
The 1873-CC seated liberty dime is regarded as the only unique coin from the Carson City Mint, which is said to have minted its coins using gold derived from nearby mines. Today, these dimes are worth approximately $2.7 million.

The 2000 Sacagawea “Cheerios” Dollar
The story behind this coin is as interesting as its name. Originally, the government minted these coins to promote the 2000 Lincoln Cent, or the “Golden Dollar,” by placing them inside over 10 million boxes of Cheerios, the signature breakfast cereal nationwide. However, the coins were accidentally minted erroneously, with the eagle tail feathers being engraved on the flip side of the coin. Today, there exist about 70 Sacagawea Cheerios coins, which are priced at around $25,000 per coin.

While coin collection can be a highly rewarding activity, the process requires considerable research on the market prices of various government-minted coins. It is always a good idea to buy or hold on to coins that are likely to increase in value. Finally, one should be sure to study numismatic terms, such as “face value,” “intrinsic value,” and “circulation coins” before taking on this endeavor.

Chronic bronchitis is a common condition that affects the lungs and causes inflammation, breathlessness, and coughing. It affects more than 11 million people in the country. This long-term condition can be managed with effective treatment and lifestyle changes. In addition, eating a healthy and balanced meal plan is one of the easiest and most effective ways to manage the symptoms of chronic bronchitis and reduce the risk of flare-ups.

Many foods can help reduce inflammation and support healthy lungs. Foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, citrus fruits, and leafy greens, can help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can also help improve overall lung health.

Vegetables
The vegetables that are best to maintain a healthy pair of lungs are pumpkins, cabbage, red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, savoy cabbage, broccoli, broccolini, cauliflower, bok choy or Chinese cabbage, turnips, bell peppers, cayenne peppers, turmeric, beets, beet greens, tomato, onion, garlic, ginger, carrots, horseradish, radish, and daikon.

Doctors suggest eating a range of colorful vegetables is essential as the color pigments contain compounds suitable for the lungs and the whole body. The cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and bok choy contain sulforaphane, essential in lung maintenance and function. The red bell peppers and cayenne flavonoids are among crucial minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C. Tomatoes contain lycopene, carotenoid antioxidants that improve lung health and processes. In contrast, turmeric, ginger, and garlic are antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation. 

Leafy greens
Including dark leafy greens in your daily meal plan can keep your lungs healthy. Some include kale, Siberian kale, tatsoi, wild arugula, watercress, mint, garden cress, collard greens, spinach, Japanese mustard spinach, and swiss chard.

These leafy greens contain iron, potassium, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, and carotenoids, crucial to reducing inflammation of the lungs as they have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Notably, the chlorophyll in the leafy greens improves blood flow throughout the body, especially to the respiratory system, enhancing lung health and increasing oxygen levels in the blood.

Fish and meats
Oily fish, such as salmon, trout, sardines, herring, anchovies, mackerel, and tuna, are excellent sources of vitamin A, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and support healthy lung function. In addition, lean meats, including chicken, pork loin, chicken liver, lean ground beef, and turkey, can also help improve lung health and increase immunity and strength. 

Grains
Whole grains, such as oats, quinoa, barley, and brown rice, also benefit people with chronic bronchitis. These foods are fiber-rich, which can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Whole grains contain healthy fatty oils, vitamin E, and antioxidant flavonoids like selenium. Many studies suggest that whole grains also reduce the risk of lung cancer. In addition, nutritionists recommend switching from processed grains to whole grains to improve overall health, as whole grains have a higher glycemic index and antioxidant properties.  

Fruits
The fruits that are good for the lungs are apples, oranges, berries such as blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, strawberries, oranges, tangerines, mandarins, grapes, grapefruit, pineapple, lemons, mangoes, apricots, prunes, and pomegranates. The berries contain anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant and one of the essential components that keeps the lungs healthy. The grapes and grapefruit contain flavonoids such as naringin, crucial in suppressing cancerous growths. 

Citrus fruits such as oranges, tangerines, mandarins, and lemons are rich in vitamin C essential for overall lung health. Apart from vitamin C and naringin, these fruits are rich sources of vitamins A, B, K, folate, choline, magnesium, beta-carotene, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, and zinc, all of which are essential for the smooth function of the lungs, and the overall respiratory system. 

Seeds and nuts
Healthy seeds are mustard seeds, wasabi, canola, rapeseed, Ethiopian mustard, flax seeds, pumpkin seed, sunflower seeds, and all kinds of lentils. These seeds are rich in phytochemicals, including vitamins C, E, magnesium, and potassium, which boost the immune system and strengthen the lungs. Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios, and cashews can also be included in one’s daily meal plan. While walnuts contain abundant omega-3 fats, Brazil nuts contain selenium, which is excellent for improving respiratory functions and enhancing the immune system. 

All lentils contain polyphenols which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, recent studies suggest that lentils have lung-repairing and cleansing properties. 

Understanding chronic bronchitis flare-ups
The exact cause of a flare-up is not always known, but there are specific triggers that can increase the risk of a flare-up. Common triggers include exposure to cold air, irritants like smoke or dust, and particular treatments. Stress, fatigue, and weather changes can also increase the flare-up risk.

Identifying and avoiding triggers is essential to reduce the risk of a flare-up. Keeping a diary to note your symptoms and possible triggers can help you identify what may be causing the flare-ups.

Foods to avoid with bronchitis flare-ups
Certain foods may worsen the symptoms of chronic bronchitis and increase the risk of a flare-up. Therefore, avoiding excessive intake of saturated fat foods, such as red meat, processed meats, and fried foods, is essential. These foods can increase inflammation and make it harder for the lungs to function properly.

Avoiding foods high in sugar, such as sweets and sugary drinks, is also essential. These foods can dangerously cause an increase in blood sugar levels, worsening inflammation and causing breathing difficulties.

Tips for managing bronchitis flare-ups
In addition to following a healthy, balanced meal plan, certain lifestyle changes can help manage chronic bronchitis and reduce the risk of a flare-up. In addition, regular exercise can help improve lung health and reduce inflammation.

Also, knowing your triggers and avoiding them can significantly improve your condition. These tips can help manage your chronic bronchitis and reduce the flare-up risk. In case of any questions or concerns about your condition, it is best to consult a doctor at the earliest.