Taking a day off and heading to the beach might be a great way to unwind. But before grabbing your swimsuits and running towards the car, there’s one thing to do first – apply sunscreen. Although it may seem like a minor prerequisite to skincare, many people make common mistakes when applying sunscreen lotion. From not buying the correct SPF to using other products and sunscreen, here are some mistakes to avoid before stepping outdoors. Waiting to apply sunscreen Topical lotions are absorbed by the skin slowly. So, applying sunscreen at the beach or when traveling outdoors is pointless. Skin experts advise applying the lotion at least 20 to 30 minutes before leaving the house to allow the lotion to be absorbed properly and protect the skin. Also, the concentration of the lotion will determine its efficacy. Not buying the proper SPF Skin experts advise using a higher SPF sunscreen that lasts longer as well. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends sunscreens with SPF 30 or 50 at tropical locations. The harsh UV rays get reflected from the sea as well, thus increasing the intensity of radiation exposure. Additional minerals like zinc and titanium are added to sunscreens to make the protective layer more potent and effective against harsh UV rays.

Migraines are characterized by intense headaches, often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light, and other discomforts. The condition affects millions of people across the globe. While its precise cause is unclear, health experts say environmental factors, including specific odors, could sometimes contribute to the condition. Identifying and avoiding these problematic odors may help people manage the symptoms better. Below are five common odors known to trigger or worsen migraine episodes. Cleaning agents Common household cleaning products, especially those with ammonia, bleach, and other potent chemicals, emit distinctive odors that can act as migraine triggers. Ventilating the room while cleaning and using less-odorous or scent-free solutions are crucial in minimizing exposure to these fumes. Art supplies and paint Art supplies, including paints and solvents, often emit strong chemical odors that can induce migraine attacks among artists and hobbyists. Adequate ventilation is essential in this case. Patients can also use low-odor or odorless colors that let them pursue their artistic passions without risking migraine onset. Pet odor Although cherished companions, pets can release dander and odors into the air that may trigger migraines in sensitive individuals. Grooming the pet regularly, maintaining a clean living environment, and designating pet-free zones within the home can help mitigate exposure to these potential triggers and better manage the condition.

Muscular dystrophy is a term used for a group of genetic disorders that affect an individual’s muscles, resulting in progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. The condition is usually caused when the body is unable to produce muscle-building proteins because of certain abnormal mutated genes. Muscular dystrophy can emerge at any age, and recognizing its early signs and symptoms is pivotal for timely intervention and management. Here are the telltale early signs of the condition that should prompt one to seek expert help immediately. Delayed motor milestones In infants and young children, a delay in achieving motor milestones can raise concerns about muscular dystrophy. These milestones include sitting up, crawling, and walking. Children with muscular dystrophy may take longer to reach these developmental stages or exhibit unusual movement patterns when they achieve them. Muscle cramps and pain Apart from abnormal shortening of muscles and range of motion, muscle cramps and pain can also be early signs of muscular dystrophy. Individuals with this condition may be unable to move their joints freely and often experience persistent muscle cramps, which can be uncomfortable or even painful. One may experience these symptoms during physical activity or at rest. Muscle weakness This is one of the primary signs that affects the way an individual performs routine tasks requiring muscle strength, including lifting objects, climbing stairs, or getting up from a seated position.

Herpes is a common viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It manifests in two primary types: HSV-1, known as oral herpes or cold sores, and HSV-2, responsible for genital herpes. According to the CDC, reports estimated 572,000 new cases of genital herpes each year in the country and oral herpes in 50% to 80% of the adult population. There is no cure; an individual can only manage the condition once it’s contracted. Causes of herpes Viral transmission The transmission of herpes occurs through direct contact with the infected skin or mucous membranes. It is important to note that the virus can be transmitted even when the infected person is not experiencing visible symptoms. This emphasizes the need for caution and preventive measures. Asymptomatic shedding Asymptomatic shedding is a phenomenon where the virus is shed from the skin or mucous membranes of an infected individual, even when no visible symptoms are present. This can happen intermittently, increasing the risk of transmission. Heightened awareness and preventive practices are crucial to reducing transmission rates. At present, asymptomatic shedding is a fairly common mode of herpes transmission, as most individuals don’t notice that they have the infection. Symptoms of herpes Primary infection The initial outbreak of the herpes virus is considered to be the most severe.

Onychomycosis is a condition that affects fingernails or toenails. Also known as nail fungal infection or fungal nail infection, the condition can cause pain, discoloration, and swelling. While fungi naturally may exist in the surroundings or inhabit the human body, sometimes, an overgrowth of fungi causes infections. The infection can spread within the body and from one person to another if left unchecked. So, it is important to seek timely treatment upon noticing common signs. Causes and risk factors The following factors may contribute to these infections: Humid or moist environments: Fungi thrive in warm and moist environments, making public swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers common breeding grounds. Inadequate hygiene: Poor foot hygiene, including not drying feet properly after washing, can create a conducive environment for fungal growth. Nail trauma: Injuries or nail trauma can damage the nail, making it more susceptible to infection. Profuse sweating: Those who are prone to heavy perspiration may be at a higher risk of developing fungal infections in their nails. Weakened immune system: Those with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of developing nail fungal infections. Age and genetics: Aging and genetic predisposition can make some more prone to nail fungal infections.

Breakfast helps restore the body’s energy and alertness levels after a good night’s rest. It is important to choose healthy foods to kickstart one’s morning, as they have a massive impact on overall health. Heart-healthy breakfast items such as oatmeal, avocados, citrus fruits, and eggs can provide a nutritional boost at the start of the day and help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Try these nine heart-healthy breakfast ideas to start the day right. Two-ingredient banana pancakes Two-ingredient pancakes are quick, simple, and made from basic kitchen ingredients. They do not contain any added sugar, making them a delicious yet healthy breakfast option. To prepare these pancakes, combine a ripe mashed banana with eggs and cook the batter as usual. For additional nutritional value, they can be served with berries, yogurt, or ricotta cheese. Avocado toast There’s a good reason for this breakfast item to be trending! Make an easy breakfast by chopping some avocado and placing it on whole wheat toast. This meal idea is full of healthy fats and whole grains. To make it more nutritious, serve it with some veggies or eggs and top with feta cheese. Steel-cut oatmeal Make a traditional bowl of oatmeal with steel-cut oats.

Narcolepsy is a chronic yet rare neurological disorder characterized by significant disruptions in one’s sleep patterns. Here, one’s brain cannot control one’s sleep and wake cycle, which in turn affects multiple aspects of an individual’s life, including health and daily routine. Narcolepsy is usually life-long, so understanding its symptoms is important for timely diagnosis and for developing effective strategies to manage it. Here are some signs that should prompt one to seek medical help. Excessive sleepiness during daytime Individuals with narcolepsy often feel an overwhelming urge to sleep throughout the day, regardless of how much sleep they received the previous night. This persistent drowsiness can be disruptive to daily life, causing difficulties at work or in school and posing safety risks in activities like driving. Muscular weakness Also known as cataplexy, one may experience a sudden and temporary loss of muscle tone, leading to muscle weakness or even complete collapse. These episodes are usually triggered by strong emotions like laughter, excitement, or anger. Not all triggers lead to cataplexy, but when it does occur, it can be a strong indicator of the disorder. Sleep paralysis Narcolepsy may also manifest as sleep paralysis, which is a temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up.

A seizure is an episode of sudden and uncontrolled electrical activity between brain cells that leads to temporary disruptions in muscle tone or movement. Not all individuals may experience the same symptoms associated with the complication. However, there are symptoms that are more common, which could help individuals identify the onset of a seizure. Here are 11 signs of seizures to help one determine the existence of the disorder and seek immediate healthcare assistance. Changes in mood An individual who experiences sudden and unexplained mood or emotional changes may be at risk of a seizure. They could include signs such as fear, intense happiness, or anxiety that may not relate to the ongoing situation. Trouble concentrating There are many reasons for lack of concentration, including a poor sleep cycle. But this could also happen because of the onset of seizures. The individual may also have other cognitive restrictions, such as memory lapses and mental fog. Strange smells An individual may experience a stage known as aura, an unusual feeling just before a seizure. The occurrence may result in symptoms like strange smells, which might require healthcare intervention. Other signs associated with this stage include flashing lights or a feeling of déjà vu.