Pain is something that is difficult to identify, especially in pets. Mostly, dogs have a survival instinct to hide their pain, and it is your responsibility as their primary caregiver to understand what the problem might be. Dogs may experience acute or chronic pain from underlying medical conditions or an injury. And it is not always the case that the source of the pain is easily identifiable or visible. In other cases, most dogs do one of the following things to indicate a problem. Knowing how to respond during this time will certainly help you stay prepared to administer a proper pain management procedure. Here are a few signs and ways to identify if your furry little friend is suffering from some discomfort. Check for physical indicators Dogs have a tendency to hold their big ears flat against the head when in pain. Notice how the same ears are straight and alert when the canine is active. Similarly, when he or she keeps the ears fall flat for a long period, it is an indicator that something might be wrong. If the pain persists, they tend to get vocal by whimpering or making loud unusual sounds. Constantly licking a certain area on their body is a conscious effort on their part to soothe the wound or irritation that is causing pain.

When the glucose levels in the body are high and insulin levels are not proportionate enough to convert this glucose into energy, the risk of diabetes increases. It is basically the inability of the body to convert food into energy using insulin. The glucose is broken down into energy for cells to absorb and when this conversion doesn’t take place, blood sugar levels rise. If left unchecked, it can lead to a number of complications. However, there are certain myths about diabetes that can create confusion among the masses. Here is what you must know and understand about the condition. Myth 1: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the same. The fact of the matter is that both type 1 and 2 are linked to insulin deficiency that causes diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce any insulin, and people suffering from this condition must rely on regular doses of insulin to supplement these requirements. Type 1 diabetes is also an autoimmune disorder that is mostly diagnosed in children. In type 2 diabetes, the body still manages to produce insulin but the cells are unable to absorb the compound necessary for converting food into energy.

All of us feel low, upset, and unmotivated at some point in our life, but this isn’t classified as depression. Depression is a mood disorder that overshadows a person’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. Signs and symptoms of this grave disorder can range from feeling hopeless and tired to completely losing the will to live. There are several types of depression and they are listed below so you can understand depression and people suffering from it better. Major Depression (Clinical Depression) The hallmark trait of this type of depression is the constant feeling of sadness or loss of interest in social life or any outside stimuli. It often lasts for two weeks or more in which a person can experience symptoms such as hopelessness, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts. Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder) Dysthymia lasts for years and can disrupt daily life and interfere with personal and professional relationships. Individuals with dysthymia are often seen as dark, pessimistic, or complainers by others, and they have a hard time being happy in typically pleasant situations. Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder) People with manic depression experience high degrees of mood swings. Their train of thought can take them from feeling euphoric to feeling suicidal in just a few weeks.

Pregnancy is a new experience in every couple’s life, and one should understand a few things to ensure that the nine months are smooth and stress-free. Simply being prepared for pregnancy and looking forward to the joy of parenthood is not all there’s to childbirth. As a couple, you must understand, review, and adjust your lifestyle. Expecting mothers become their child’s nurturers and supporters from day one, but the expecting fathers, close relatives, and friends must also understand the key roles they will play right up to the due date. Here are a few simple family and pregnancy guide points to help you and your folks get started: Staying healthy Physical and mental wellbeing is extremely crucial for the expecting mother to ensure both her and the baby’s health. Diet plays a crucial role in this process, as the mother is now providing nutrition for the developing fetus as well as herself. As a family, you can take turns to ensure that the to-be mother is staying physically active, eating healthy and regularly, and not cultivating any bad habits. More importantly, family and loved ones should be prepared for the changes to come in the upcoming trimesters. Coping with changes – what to expect Morning sickness in the first trimester is quite common and can put a woman’s body under tremendous stress.

A joint or articulation is made from two bones that aid the body in movement. There are many forms of joint conditions, which, in many cases, arise from the wear and tear of bones. Arthritis is one of the major and most common health conditions in the country, and its intensity increases with age. Here are some common types of joint conditions that you need to know: Osteoarthritis With almost 10 percent of men and 13 percent of women aged over 60 suffering from osteoarthritis, it is one of the most prevalent joint conditions in the country. Osteoarthritis occurs due to the wear and tear of the cartilages that protect the ends of bones. It commonly affects joints of the spine, hands, hips, and knees. If left untreated, this wear and tear of the cartilage soon leads to bone degeneration, thereby affecting flexibility and range of movement. Treatment for osteoarthritis depends on its severity and the patient’s age. Mild symptoms can be treated through medications, physiotherapy, and changes in lifestyle, whereas moderate to severe cases may require surgical intervention. Spondyloarthritis Spondyloarthritis, also referred to as spondyloarthropathy, is a type of rheumatic disease that causes inflammation in various joints. There are two types of spondyloarthritis—axial spondyloarthritis, which causes inflammation of the joints in the chest, spine, and hip bone, and peripheral spondyloarthritis, which causes inflammation in the fingers, knees, and toes.

Natural selection has transformed the way in which the human immune system works. While some human genes have evolved to become immune to certain diseases, others have not. This leaves a whole lot of people prone to certain diseases and disorders. That said, there are ways to boost the immune system, improve one’s diet, and lead a healthier lifestyle. Here are a few simple steps that you can take to strengthen the immune system: Ensure adequate sleep There are quite a few studies that prove the relationship between adequate sleep and the strength of the immune system. As an adult, you should ensure that you get seven to eight hours of sleep every night. A teenager should get eight to ten hours of sleep, whereas a young child should get at least 14 hours of sleep on a daily basis. If you have disturbed or no sleep, then you can improve your sleep cycle with these quick tips: Try sleeping in a room that is completely dark Get to bed at the same time every night. This will help regulate your sleep pattern Avoid using electronics that emit blue light before bed Maintain a diet of fruits and vegetables Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contain essential minerals, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Considered the second-largest organ in the body, the liver plays an extremely important role in a variety of functions. It is key to the body’s metabolism; and helps burn fat and maintain body weight. It is located above the stomach and beneath the diaphragm, its size similar to that of a football. While such information is common knowledge, there are a few not-so-known facts about this organ. Read on to find out more: It is the only organ that can regenerate Unlike any other organ, the liver has the miraculous ability to regenerate and regrow, needing just 25 percent of the original tissue to do so. According to a study, evolutionary safeguards are responsible for this effect, which is a central concept behind liver transplants. It is the body’s detox center The liver filters everything we eat and drink, ridding the body of the materials that are not meant for it. It first burns toxins using enzymes and oxygen. This is followed by the second step, which combines toxins with amino acids that are later flushed out through urine or bile. It is multifunctional Identified as one of the most complex organs in the body, the liver performs hundreds of vital functions.

Most women experience menopause during their late 40s or early 50s when the ovaries stop producing eggs and two primary hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Menopause is confirmed after 12 consecutive months of no menstruation, and women experience several symptoms associated with hormonal changes during this time. Hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings are known to accompany menopause, along with disturbances in sleeping patterns. Women can have a tough time coping with mood swings in particular, as there is no telling what might trigger them and when. The following tips can help manage menopausal mood swings to a great extent at home: Manage stress and depression Menopause brings about several changes in both the mind and body, which can result in higher stress levels. Also, during the pre- and post-menopausal years, women are more vulnerable to experiencing depression and depressive symptoms. These problems can also affect women who have never faced depression or had a history of psychological disorders. At such times, women can seek the help of a professional psychiatrist to identify and help manage clinical depression. Dealing with stress also includes finding the time and energy to take care of one’s own needs. It is crucial for women dealing with menopausal changes to take things slowly and easily, and they must avoid overthinking and overworking themselves.

Many sexual diseases and disorders are commonly known, some easily treatable, others fairly straightforward to manage with simple lifestyle changes, and proper medication. Men and women are equally susceptible to the problems associated with these disorders. However, there are a number of sexual conditions that often go unreported as people may get embarrassed talking about it. While the severity of the condition varies greatly, it is up to the affected people to consult with a medical professional to determine the proper course of treatment. For this, one needs to understand the possible complications that can arise from the following sexual conditions. Sleep sex Medically known as sexsomnia, sleep sex is a documented condition but not very common. Either one of the partners may have the condition that prompts them to engage in physical activity while being asleep. However, men are more prone to the effects of sleep sex, wherein they might not remember engaging in the activity the next morning unless the partner confides. The triggers of the condition are not fully known. One can make certain changes in their sleeping hygiene, refrain from alcohol, or take medications to avoid frequent episodes of the condition. If the condition still persists, you should consider consulting your doctor.

As a new parent, it can be terrifying to discover that your little one’s skin has rashes, spots, and bumps within weeks. But no need to worry much, as most of these skin problems are harmless. They can either be treated or disappear on their own if you don’t mess with them. If you’re new parents, you must know about a few skin issues your baby might face and what to do when they pop up. So, let’s look at some of the most common skin problems in babies: Baby acne It’s a common condition that affects about 20 percent of newborns. It can be present at the time of the baby’s birth or pop up within the next 2-4 weeks and last for a few days, weeks, or months. Although the exact cause of baby acne is unknown, researchers believe that it’s stimulated by the mother’s or infant’s hormones. Treating baby acne is the easiest—you have to let it be and do nothing. Don’t touch or squeeze them or try to treat them with medicated soap. Just wash your baby’s face with water two or three times every day and gently pat it dry. Diaper rash If your baby’s soft butt is all sore and red, they’re most probably experiencing diaper rash.