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7 effective tips for protecting the eyes while traveling

7 effective tips for protecting the eyes while traveling

Traveling often or traveling long distances comes with its own challenges. Be it air, train, or road journeys, stress, and discomfort can trigger certain issues. While most people don’t intentionally neglect or avoid taking care, it’s possible to overlook a few simple practices and hygiene habits that could have ensured the body felt better rested. Thus, here are a few essential tips for protecting your eyes outdoors as well as indoors during your next trip.

Apply a warm compress
Long-distance travel can be quite stressful for the eyes. So, applying a warm compress over the eyelids upon arrival at the destination helps soothe sore muscles and improves fluid movement near the tear ducts. Apply the compress for a good 10 to 15 minutes and let the heat gently overcome the strain. This technique will help protect your eyes from developing an infection due to changes in temperature, climate, and even surroundings at a foreign location. It’s also better to wash your eyes with cold water gently to remove any dirt and debris that accumulates during the journey.

Give importance to hydration
Your eyes are self-cleansing and primarily rely on bodily fluids to prepare the lubricant that allows the eyeball to move freely. Every time you blink, the eyelids coat the surface with this natural liquid for improved vision. Doctors recommend drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated to support this function. Natural tears also protect the eyes from particulate matter and external pollutants. Staying hydrated even lowers the risk of dry eyes, a common condition where the tear ducts stop producing these fluids. Ophthalmologists even suggest using hydrating eye drops that help replenish the lubricants regularly in an extremely dry and temperate environment.

Have an extra pair of glasses
Glasses not only help correct and improve vision but also protect your eyes while traveling from debris, pollution, and UV exposure. But accidents can happen at any time, and the last thing you’d want to deal with on holiday is to find a replacement for a pair of broken glasses. After all, compromised vision is not the best way to spend your vacation days. Always carry an extra pair and even have contacts handy. Even if there are ophthalmologists and opticians who can help prepare a pair of prescription glasses within a day, it’s better to carry backup and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Don’t ignore vision problems
If you suddenly experience double vision, blurry vision, or flashes that cause distress, don’t wait to consult with an ophthalmologist. It could be a sign of an injury or underlying condition that results in eye distress. This is even more important when you are on vacation and are traveling frequently. Some eye injuries don’t necessarily cause pain, especially when it’s something like internal bleeding that results in the accumulation of blood within the eyeball. So, never ignore the signs of injury, as these can rapidly progress into something more serious.

Remove makeup before bed
If you are wearing eyeliner or mascara during the day, these makeup products lead to styes at the edge of the eyelids near the tear ducts. Not cleaning out this gunk can result in hardening and crusting of the style near the ducts, affecting natural lubrication. If left unchecked, there is also an increased risk of infection. So, doctors recommend removing all makeup before bed. If a style has developed, keep the area clean and lubricated; also, consult an eye specialist for any prescriptions if required.

Wear protective glasses
One of the biggest risk factors for eye injury and damage during travel is exposure to UV radiation, especially if you are planning a vacation at tropical hotspots closer to the equator. Always carry and wear good, polarized glasses or special UV protection sunglasses when you are planning to spend a day at the beach. Just as you would make an effort to protect your skin with SPF sunscreen, it’s equally important to shield the eyes from such harmful exposure. Protective eyewear is also necessary in snowy places as the UV reflection at such locations is more intense and directly reflected off the snow-covered surface directly onto the eyes.

Use a sleep mask
Air travel can be quite stressful for the eyes, simply because the altitude changes cause the eyes to dry out mid-flight. Either keep some prescription eye drops handy in flight or wear a relaxing eye mask when you nap. The protection prevents dry air from drying out the tear ducts and causing inflammation or swelling of the eyelids. If you are wearing contact lenses, don’t forget to remove them before taking a nap and applying the eye mask.

Always be prepared for any emergencies while traveling. It is advisable to make a list of the doctors and health specialists available at the location you’re traveling to in case of emergencies.

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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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Home remedies to manage frequent urination

Urinating four to eight times a day is considered normal. However, some people visit the bathroom more frequently. They also experience severe urges and cannot hold urine in their bladder till it is convenient to go to the toilet. It could happen for several reasons, such as drinking too much water or being diagnosed with a health issue. Let us look at a few helpful home remedies for frequent urination. Pumpkin seeds Studies suggest that pumpkin seed oil extract may help control the urge to visit the bathroom, especially at night. The compounds found in the oil help improve the bladder's muscle function, reducing the frequency of urination. These compounds also help improve prostate health, preventing urinary disorders. Magnesium hydroxide Magnesium hydroxide supplements are easily available in the market and are known to help with an overactive bladder. A study conducted with women found that over 50 percent of participants noticed improved symptoms after using this remedy. Research also suggests it can help reduce spontaneous muscle contractions in the body, which are known to trigger frequent urination. However, magnesium hydroxide may have side effects like vomiting, cramping, and diarrhea, so one should adjust their dosage after consulting an expert. Gosha-jinki-gan This is a supplement made using a mixture of ten different herbs. Studies by Japanese researchers suggest that those who used this remedy every day for eight weeks straight noticed they had to visit the bathroom less frequently than before. Researchers believe this happens because the nerve signals about urination are not sent to the bladder. Capsaicin Capsaicin is a natural compound in chili peppers that gives them a spicy taste. A study done in Thailand showed that chili peppers helped control urine leaks and the urge to go to the bathroom frequently. The researchers believe this could be because capsaicin blocks the nerve cells that communicate with the bladder and tell it that it needs to be emptied. However, some may experience side effects like irritation and pain after using this remedy. So, it is advisable to talk to a healthcare provider for guidance regarding its right usage. Buchu Buchu, or Barosma betulina, is a herb found in the mountains of South Africa that may help control frequent urination issues. It has been used as a herbal supplement for many ailments for centuries. Health scientists have also studied it extensively to understand its benefits. Besides overactive bladder symptoms like frequent urination, Buchu may help manage kidney issues or even a simple cough. Bladder training This exercise aims to train the bladder to hold urine for longer (say two to four hours), increase the amount of urine the bladder can store, and improve control over the urge to urinate. Here are some exercises to achieve these goals: Kegel exercises Sit or lie down on the floor, tighten your pelvic floor muscles, and hold them for three to five seconds. Then relax slowly till the count of five. Repeat these steps ten times. You can practice Kegel exercises thrice a day, preferably in the morning, afternoon, and night. But ensure your bladder is empty when you start. These exercises can be performed by anyone and do not require equipment, making them a sought-after solution. Delayed urination This is more of a mental activity to increase the time between bathroom trips. When you feel the urge to use the bathroom, hold it for five minutes. Increase the duration by a minute or so the next time. When you consciously keep increasing your holding capacity by a few minutes, you train your mind not to urinate frequently. Scheduled bathroom tips Going to the bathroom on a schedule might help train your body to stop urinating so frequently. Since this may be a difficult exercise at the start, schedule an hourly visit to the bathroom. Then slowly increase the gap between bathroom breaks and get comfortable with the new routine. Speak to a doctor before using frequent urination home remedies. The expert can guide you and ensure you follow them correctly. They can also inform you about any side effects or mishaps. Frequent urination is a prevalent issue, and these simple measures can help manage it in the long run if followed correctly.

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