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6 essential tips to protect the eyes while traveling

6 essential tips to protect the eyes while traveling

The eyes act as our windows to the world around us, allowing us to actively interpret external stimuli. While prompt diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions are essential to eye care, it is also important to take preventive measures against vision-related issues. Traveling involves changing weather conditions and direct exposure to sunlight, which can affect the eyes. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while caring for the eyes when traveling:

Wear spectacles on long journeys
Often, travelers choose to wear contact lenses over spectacles on long journeys, as it is more convenient. However, contact lenses worn over long periods can trigger several eye conditions, including hypoxia and corneal ulcers. Hence, it is advisable to ditch contact lenses for glasses on long-haul travels to avoid eye irritation and potential eye diseases.

Carry sunglasses
Exposure to UV rays over extended periods can cause blurry vision and increase one’s risk of developing cataracts. It can also trigger cancers such as basal cell carcinoma. An effective way to avoid such repercussions while traveling is to carry sunglasses that offer protection from UV rays. Sunglasses do more than act as style statements; superior-quality sunglasses block UVA and UVB rays, reducing one’s risk of diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts. It is important to look for sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection and preferably have larger lenses to block the entry of the sun’s rays from the sides.

Remain indoors during dust storms
Some areas are prone to dust storms, which can cause itching and a burning sensation in the eyes. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health revealed that prolonged exposure to dust particles can increase one’s vulnerability to eye conditions. Thus, one should stay indoors during dust storms or protect the eyes with thick sunglasses and a mask if stepping out is necessary.

Have foods beneficial for eye health
While traveling allows one to explore different delicacies, one should also try to incorporate nutrient-rich foods that can boost one’s eye health. Dark leafy greens like spinach, broccoli, and kale are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants essential for retinal protection. Moreover, foods like carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupes contain beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body and is essential for eye health. To the best extent possible, such foods while traveling can help with good eyesight and general well-being.

Carry lubricating eye drops
The eyes can become itchy and dry due to a lack of moisture. Dry, humid environments can cause the eyes to become dehydrated during trips. In such cases, lubricating eye drops can help the eyes regain optimal moisture levels. Hence, carrying lubricating eye drops while traveling is advisable to ensure the eyes are always well-lubricated.

Stay hydrated
Another way to ensure sufficient eye lubrication is to have plenty of water while traveling. Having adequate water can reduce one’s risk of dry eyes, regardless of the weather conditions. It can also reduce eye strain and discomfort. Studies suggest that women and men should drink 2.7 and 3.7 liters of water daily. One should have water from hygienic sources or purchase bottled mineral water during travel.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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7 home remedies to manage frequent urination

Frequent urination is caused by an overactive bladder. This can happen due to aging, weak pelvic muscles, bladder obstruction, and other health conditions such as urinary tract infection and Parkinson's disease. Unless the underlying condition requires medical intervention, frequent urination can be managed by following certain precautionary measures at home. This involves keeping a watch on what one eats and drinks daily. Here are a few home remedies that can help manage an overactive bladder. Eat fiber-rich foods Since the bowels are located close to the bladder, constipation causes strain on the bladder. This leads to frequent urination. To avoid constipation and manage an overactive bladder, increase the intake of fiber-rich foods. These include whole grains, chickpeas, lentils, oats, split peas, pears, apples, avocados, and Brussels sprouts.  Eat plenty of seeds and nuts One of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids, nuts, and seeds have several health benefits. Moreover, they have a high percentage of anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can help to alleviate the symptoms of an overactive bladder. One can add seeds and nuts such as pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, and pine nuts to their meals to control frequent urination. Sip on herbal teas A few types of herbal teas have a detox effect on the bladder. These teas can effectively eliminate irritants, toxins, and infection-causing bacteria. This ensures that the bladder functions properly, helping to manage frequent urination. Also, most of these teas do not contain caffeine. Therefore, there is no risk of causing any irritation of the bladder muscle. The best teas to help with urinary incontinence include mint, chamomile, and lavender.  Drink pomegranate juice A highly nutrient-dense beverage, pomegranate juice has several health benefits. This includes relieving symptoms of an overactive bladder, specifically caused by a urinary tract infection. Drinking pomegranate juice on a regular basis can curb the tendency to go to the bathroom frequently. Also, the juice has anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties that help to alleviate the effects of infection, such as a burning sensation when one pees. Keep away from citrus fruits Oranges, grapefruits, key limes, pomelo, and clementines have a high content of vitamin C, which is beneficial for one's overall health. But those with overactive bladders must avoid these fruits because they are highly acidic. Therefore, eating these fruits or drinking juices made from them can irritate the bladder. This can trigger frequent urination.  Limit the intake of caffeinated beverages Caffeine is known to trigger symptoms of bladder incontinence. Excessive consumption of tea, coffee, and caffeinated beverages, increases the urge for frequent urination. This is because the high amount of caffeine affects the muscles of the bladder and can cause them to contract. Additionally, caffeine may irritate the bladder tissues, increasing the urge to urinate frequently. Cut down on sugary foods and drinks Excessive sugar consumption increases glucose levels in the body. The kidneys work hard to absorb and filter this extra sugar, but if the intake of sugary foods and drinks is too high, the kidneys may not be able to keep up. As a result, the excess sugar is typically expelled as urine, leading to frequent urination. To prevent this, it is important to avoid or limit the consumption of sugary foods and drinks.

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