Many women experience period pain (dysmenorrhea), which develops because of contractions in the uterine muscles during menstruation. The discomfort can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, bloating, and headaches. While there are a few ways to manage and reduce the pain, some mistakes can worsen the discomfort and make menstruation more painful. So, when experiencing excessive period cramps, one should avoid making the following errors: 1. Not getting enough sleep Sleep is crucial, especially while menstruating. Ample rest can help the body deal with cramps and also reduce mood swings, discomfort, and tiredness. On the other hand, not getting enough sleep can worsen cramping. 2. Skipping meals It may seem difficult to eat well during periods, but it is incredibly important. Skipping meals could lead to a drop in energy and blood sugar levels, increasing the intensity of cramps and causing fatigue. One should try to eat balanced meals with nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, leafy vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and nuts. 3. Ignoring symptoms Unfortunately, many people end up ignoring or underplaying their period pain. Because of this, they do not seek professional help, which reduces the chance of a formal diagnosis if dealing with a related problem.

Heart disease has become more common over the last few decades. With unhealthy eating habits and a predominantly sedentary lifestyle, there is extreme pressure on this vital organ. While heart disease may not always have noticeable symptoms, there are several early warning signs to watch out for. Learning about them can help individuals recognize them early, giving them a better chance at averting the risk by making lifestyle changes and seeking timely professional help. Here are a few early signs to look out for: 1. Chest pain Chest pain is one of the most common warning signs of an underlying heart condition. It generally happens because of poor blood flow when the heart does not receive enough blood or oxygen. This is referred to as angina, and it may cause pain that feels different for everyone. Some may experience debilitating pain, while others may only feel a slight discomfort. 2. Pain that spreads to the arm Pain that begins in the chest and spreads to the left side of the body, especially the arm, is noted to be a classic sign of a heart attack. 3. Shortness of breath A weakened heart cannot pump blood effectively into the body. This causes the blood to back up in the veins, which can be fatal.

Healthy gums are incredibly essential for a person’s overall well-being. Some reports show that there is a link between gum diseases like periodontal disease and other ailments like heart conditions and diabetes. So, individuals must do what it takes to care for their gums. One way to achieve strong, healthy gums is to use a good toothpaste. Since there are many options, individuals must research well and follow the right tips while choosing. Check for an ADA seal One of the most important things to check when buying a toothpaste is whether it has an ADA seal. This seal means the American Dental Association has approved the toothpaste after studying its ingredients. An ADA seal also indicates that the toothpaste is safe and consumers can trust it. Look at the fluoride content Gingivitis is a common disease that affects the gums and causes pain and bleeding. Fluoride is one of the most effective toothpaste ingredients that can reverse and prevent gingivitis. The ingredient can also help stop many other gum diseases and infections and strengthen the tooth enamel. So, when choosing a toothpaste for healthy gums, one must check whether it has a substantial amount of fluoride, as the ADA recommends.

Having access to clean and safe drinking water is a necessity. However, water, in its natural form, is mixed with numerous contaminants that can lead to waterborne diseases. So, it is prudent to have a filtration system at home to avoid having contaminated water. It can be easy to maintain water quality and safety as long as people avoid making some filtration mistakes. Here are some common water filtration mistakes to avoid. Failing to monitor water quality Simply installing a water filtration system might not be enough to resolve all water quality concerns. It is important to monitor water quality periodically. Failing to do so, over time, can result in one of the biggest mistakes when using a water filtration system. Factors such as the water source, environment, and the appliance’s systematic degradation can impact the water’s purification level. To ensure the efficacy of the filtration system and that the water is safe for use, people must monitor the water quality regularly. Improper installation The improper installation of the water filtration system is a common mistake people make that can compromise the effectiveness of the system. When a water filtration system is improperly installed, it can result in leaks, improper removal of contaminants, and insufficient water flow.

As the name suggests, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections that affect the urinary system. They can impact a part of the system or the whole of it. In most cases, a bacterium called Escherichia coli causes UTIs, leading to frequent urination, pain or burning sensation when urinating, pain in the lower back or side, and other symptoms. Most UTIs are easily treatable with simple home remedies and lifestyle changes. Causes The urinary tract is self-sufficient in preventing and fighting off infections. It kills most bacteria and prevents diseases from developing. However, the tract’s security system sometimes misses a microbe, causing an infection. The bacteria enters the system through the urethra, spreads into the bladder, and grows. UTIs are commonly seen in women and generally affect the urethra and the bladder. The urethra’s proximity to the anus makes it easier for bacteria to make its way into the urinary tract. While UTIs are most commonly caused by Escherichia coli or E. coli, they may result from other bacteria too. If left untreated, it can lead to other complications. Symptoms UTIs might not always show signs or symptoms, making diagnosis difficult during the early stages. However, the following signs may sometimes occur:

Myelodysplastic syndrome is a group of conditions that makes the bone marrow unable to produce enough healthy blood cells, leading to an excess of abnormally developed cells. Based on the type and number of blood cells affected and the genetic material in the bone marrow, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) can be categorized into multiple subtypes. To get a precise MDS diagnosis, one should keep an eye out for the following warning signs of the condition:  1. Fatigue MDS can result in anemia, i.e., low red blood cell (RBC) count. The primary function of RBCs is to carry nutrients and oxygen to various parts of the body. When the body does not have enough of these cells, it may experience fatigue. This lack of energy may be accompanied by paleness, general weakness, shortness of breath, cold hands and feet, dizziness, and irregular heart rate. 2. Unexplained bruising When MDS affects platelets, the cells responsible for clotting blood, one may experience thrombocytopenia, i.e., low platelet count. This can cause bleeding into the skin and unexplained bruises. Here, one may notice pinpoint-sized spots on the skin called petechiae. 3. Unusual bleeding One may bleed more often than usual, and even a minor bump or a scrape can cause bleeding as the blood is unable to clot quickly.

Testosterone is a hormone naturally produced by the body. It is responsible for driving many physical changes during puberty, such as muscle development and hair growth in individuals assigned male at birth. Conversely, those assigned female at birth typically have higher estrogen levels and produce lower quantities of testosterone. Maintaining optimal testosterone levels throughout adulthood is important to help manage general health. That said, here are six ways to naturally increase testosterone levels. Regular exercise An effective way to boost testosterone is to indulge in regular exercise. Resistance training, such as weight lifting, may help boost testosterone levels in the short term. In addition, high-intensity training (HIIT) is very effective as well. Eating proteins, carbs, and healthy fats The foods one eats may affect the levels of testosterone. Eating meals rich in proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates could help maintain healthy hormone levels and support overall health. Manage stress and cortisol levels Experts indicate that long-term stress could elevate the levels of cortisol. Higher amounts of this hormone could result in a drop in testosterone levels. Managing stress levels is key to balancing testosterone levels. Engaging in physical activity and utilizing stress-relieving techniques can help manage stress. Increase vitamin D intake Vitamin D is a micronutrient that could influence the body’s testosterone levels.