Inflammation, narrowing of the lungs, and difficulty breathing are some of the prominent symptoms of chronic asthma. This severe condition is also known as bronchial ashtma, which affects around 25 million people in the country. The elements present in the environment are crucial in terms of both aggravating and alleviating asthma and allergies. Smoke, fumes, mold, high humidity, cold temperatures, and pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and ozone concentration can worsen asthma symptoms.  These cities record the most cases of asthma in the country: 1. Tulsa, Oklahoma Tulsa is a city known for its art deco architecture in a State abounding in trees. Hence this place in Oklahoma is a no-go for those who have Asthma. Sadly, 10.5% of adults in Oklahoma suffer from Asthma. Mountain Cedar pollen, one of the most potent allergens, is unfortunately present in most of the trees and vegetation in the region. On the other hand, staying in Oklahoma is advantageous now because the asthma problem prompted a 100% smoke-free law.  2. Greensboro, North Carolina Greensboro in North Carolina is a city with a high incidence of hospital visits due to many asthma patients. Both medical and environmental factors make this city disadvantageous for asthma patients.

Hepatitis C is one of the three types of Hepatitis viruses, resulting in inflammation of the liver. It is the most serious of all three. Hepatitis C can be acute or chronic, depending on how long the symptoms last. The acute condition can develop into chronic hepatitis if left untreated, so it is crucial to be aware of the symptoms.  The following are the early symptoms of hepatitis C. 1. Fever Like any other infection, one of the first signs of hepatitis C is fever. When your body perceives an external threat in the form of a virus, bacteria, or any other dangerous foreign substance, it affects the white blood cells. These cells work best at a temperature slightly higher than body temperature. Thus, the body itself produces a fever when infected with hepatitis C. Being generic to many diseases, fever is an early symptom and can get easily ignored. 2. Fatigue Along with fever, an active immune system also brings about fatigue. The human body is intelligent in allocating resources, ensuring that most energy is sent to the immune system to fight the infection effectively. It can make you tired and exhausted. Doctors often encourage people with infections to rest.

Bone health is just as necessary as the overall health of the human body. It is also an accepted truth that bones need copious amounts of calcium and vitamin D to stay healthy. Healthy bones are necessary to maintain our structure and protect our internal organs. As we grow older, we should make sure that we take care of ourselves to minimize the impact of aging in our bones and other internal organs. Here are some of the good superfoods and other foods detrimental to our bone health and development. 1. Dairy products Milk is considered one of the best sources of calcium. If you have been drinking milk from childhood, it will help you maintain good bone health when you are older. If you are lactose intolerant, you can look for other foods rich in calcium and vitamin D. 2. Leafy greens Apart from milk, another rich source of calcium is greens. Regular intake of green leafy vegetables can supply about one-fifth of your daily calcium requirement. You can choose from various leafy vegetables like bok choy, spinach, Swiss Chard, kale, amaranth, and turnip greens. 3. Citrus Studies show that vitamin C plays a crucial role in preventing bone loss.

Nasal polyps are small teardrop-shaped growths that form in sinuses and the lining of our noses. The growth is neither malignant nor cancerous. However, it can obstruct airways, leading to congestion and headaches. It can lead to excess formation of mucus and result in a constant runny nose. Some can even experience loss of smell and taste. It is not a serious condition, and medication, nasal sprays, and surgery are required if you experience severe symptoms. Most nasal polyps need no treatment. You can find relief from symptoms of nasal polyps by resorting to the following simple and natural techniques. 1. Stay hydrated Adequate hydration helps to thin and loosen the extra mucus formed due to nasal polyps. Hydration also ensures that the mucus is drained from the nose and sinuses. Develop a habit to track the amount of water you drink and aim for about eight glasses of water. You can substitute one or two glasses of water with milk or fruit juices. Avoid sugary drinks and go in for freshly squeezed fruit juice. Avoid alcohol and caffeine drinks as they can dehydrate you. 2. Steaming Steaming has been an effective remedy for centuries to clear nasal blockage. You can inhale steam either during a long hot shower or by inhaling hot steam from a bowl of water.

Overactive bladder occurs when there is a problem with the bladder, resulting in a constant need to urinate. The food that we eat and the way we live directly impact our gut and bladder. If you are diagnosed with OAB, doctors will recommend a combination of medication, nerve stimulation, surgery, food regimen, and lifestyle changes as a treatment. Paying attention and making small incremental but permanent lifestyle changes can go a long way in improving OAB. Here are some of the key nutrition and lifestyle changes that can improve OAB symptoms. 1. Avoid the following foods Some foods and drinks irritate the bladder leading to spasms in the bladder muscles. These spasms increase the urgency to urinate, causing frequent visits to the bathroom. Such foods and drinks are called OAB trigger foods. Make a note of all that you eat and drink regularly, and you will soon be able to identify such triggers which cause an increase in the urge to urinate. Some of the common OAB trigger foods which one can stay away from are caffeine, alcohol, spice, citrus, carbonated drinks, dairy products, sugar and all artificial sweeteners, foods that contain synthetic colors and preservatives, tomatoes, and onions. Though these foods may not cause the same level of symptoms, you will be able to identify foods that trigger OAB symptoms in you.

GERD or Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease is the term used to describe persistent acid reflux. While it is natural to feel your food reflux occasionally, when it recurs more than two times a week, it is typical that a diagnosis of GERD, or GERS, as it is otherwise known, will follow. This condition is a problem for 1 in every five Americans. Read on to know more about the health issue, its stages, and treatment options. Stages of GERD Since GERD is a common and chronic condition, understanding the staging is essential to enable you and your doctor to choose the right treatment path. The stages of GERD depend on the frequency of the reflux and the severity of the presenting symptoms. Treatment options for GERD The treatment of GERD depends on its stage, and as the severity increases, the intensity of the medications will increase as well. GERD is not entirely curable, but if identified at the right time and treated, you can manage the symptoms and slow the condition’s progression. 1. Stage 1: Mild Patients with low-grade GERD might experience symptoms once or twice a month. The signs typically include mild heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation of food or liquids, and feeling a lump or discomfort in the back of the throat caused by inflammation.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur due to bacteria, fungi, or viruses anywhere in the urinary tract. It can be in the kidneys, the ureters, bladder, or urethra, though the latter two are more commonly affected. Upper UTIs in kidneys/ureters are rare but typically more severe. Since the region affected is the same, UTIs all have some characteristic symptoms and are diagnosed similarly. Symptoms of urinary tract infections Symptoms of UTIs differ depending on what part of the urinary tract is affected. 1. Lower tract UTIs Naturally, there will be problems with urination. Burning sensation while passing urine is quite common. An abnormal increase in urine frequency, unmanageably close together without passing much urine, is also possible. The urgency might also be more than usual. The urine itself could be abnormal – bloody, cloudy, tea-colored, or even excessively pungent. Also, some symptoms are gender-dependent. While women can experience pelvic pain, there is typically pain in the rectum in men. 2. Upper tract urinary infection Of the ureters and kidneys, problems with the kidney are more common and can be potentially dangerous as well. If the infection in the kidneys spreads to the blood, a condition called urosepsis, low blood pressure, and shock are probable.

In winter, the skin gets dry and pasty, and lips get chapped. In summer, there are bug bites, rashes, and sunburns. Your skin certainly does not seem to catch a break. But lucky for you, here are some cities in the country with climates that your skin will appreciate. Whether it is humidity, ozone levels, or just how much sunlight the place gets, some cities fare better than others, especially when it comes to skin health. 1. New York City, New York The city that inspired Sinatra to sing will definitely get you bursting into a song as you see how gentle it is on your skin. New York is great for your skin, as evident by the low skin cancer rate. This is also because the skyscrapers protect you from the sun. The smoking ban also helps in this case. However, the bustling city can be stressful, so ensure you take time to take care of your skin. 2. San Francisco, California The tech-geek capital is suitable for those who find themselves running the dermatologist ever so often. While the bronzed look may be appealing, it is not very healthy for your skin. San Francisco has the lowest number of tanning beds per capita in the country.

According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime. Colorectal cancer occurs when the disease originates in the colon and spreads to the rectum and the gastrointestinal tract. Knowing the early warning signs and helping your doctor diagnose this disease in the initial stage significantly improves post-treatment health. There are also treatment options and medications available through a doctor, such as Opdivo, Yervoy , Clonoseq, and Qinlock. Here are five early warning signs of colon cancer to look out for. 1. Unexplained Weight Loss As with the case of most cancers, unexplained weight loss can indicate the presence of colon cancer. The abnormal mass of cells in a tumor eats up energy and nutrients your body essentially needs. It can thus reduce fat reserves in the body and make you feel tired also. In the later stages of cancer growth, vitamin and mineral deficiency symptoms are present as well. If you notice rapid weight loss and other colon cancer symptoms, do not forget to talk to your doctor immediately. 2. Change in Bowel Habits Since the colon is the main organ to be affected, it is not surprising to notice abnormal bowel movements.

When a man cannot get or maintain a firm erection during sexual intercourse, the condition is called erectile dysfunction (ED). It can be a psychological or a physical condition. The age of the man also plays an important role in determining the cause of ED. While age and health conditions, like diabetes and hypertension, can lead to ED in older men, diet, lifestyle, and cardiovascular diseases may lead to ED in younger men. Here are some nutrients that can help overcome this condition: 1. Vitamin C and D Vitamin D is considered a steroid hormone. Studies have linked it to cardiovascular health and sexual functions. Vitamin C and D can improve blood flow to the male reproductive organ and help produce testosterone, a male hormone. Check your vitamin levels if you have symptoms of ED. You can increase Vitamin D by spending half an hour a day in sunlight. Diet sources for Vitamin D include fish, like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and herring; egg yolks; liver, red meat, mushrooms, and fortified food. Vitamin C is abundant in citrus fruits, greens, sweet potatoes, guavas, colored peppers, and tomatoes. 2. Vitamin B9 Tests have shown that men with low vitamin B9, also known as folic acid, can be affected by ED.