Public washrooms often come to mind when thinking of contaminated spots, but it is not just public places that are exposed to germs. Harmful parasites, bacteria, and viruses are invisible to the naked eye and can be anywhere—in the air, in food, and on surfaces inside homes, causing illnesses like respiratory infections, flu, and food poisoning. So, one should keep an eye on the following places at home where germs may hide: 1. Kitchen A study suggested that the areas where food is prepared and stored have more bacterial contamination than other places around the home. Further, over 75% of rags and dish sponges had fecal matter, Salmonella, and E. coli, as opposed to just 9% of bathroom faucet handles containing the same microbes. Other surfaces in the kitchen that demand regular cleaning are the refrigerator, coffee maker, cutting boards, countertops, and kitchen sink. So, one can protect themselves from illnesses by: – Washing their hands every time they touch and handle food – Washing and changing dish towels every few days – Soaking sponges in warm water with half a teaspoon of concentrated bleach – Using disinfectant wipes on the refrigerator surfaces, faucet, and countertops – Heating damp sponges in the microwave for 60 seconds to kill the bacteria 2.

Depression is a mental health condition that affects millions of people globally. It can significantly impact one’s daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. While seeking professional help is crucial, there are also several lifestyle changes one can make to manage depression. Exercise, eating healthy meals, and self-care are just a few examples of how people can improve their mental health. This article explores five lifestyle tips that may help manage depression and improve mental health. Staying physically active Research indicates that engaging in consistent physical activity is crucial for improving one’s mood, particularly when managing depression. It doesn’t matter what exercise one does—one can choose whatever one enjoys. Even brisk walking can be a beneficial kind of exercise. However, if one doesn’t exercise currently, one can start slowly and gradually increase the time to 30 minutes a day. Getting a friend or family member involved or enrolling in a class can be beneficial. Participating in an activity with someone else might be advantageous since it helps support habitual adherence. However, those who are not active should consult their doctor before starting. A healthcare professional can also assist in creating a personalized exercise schedule. Maintaining good sleep hygiene A poor sleep schedule particularly impacts one’s mood, as the neurotransmitters necessary to support the mood replenish as one sleeps.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped, small gland at the neck’s base. Thyroid cancer occurs when cancer develops in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland produces hormones that aid in metabolism. They also help control heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. Fortunately, thyroid cancer is highly treatable. There are different types of thyroid cancer, and the doctors suggest a treatment plan based on the type and stage. This article lists the various types of thyroid cancer. 1. Differentiated thyroid cancers It is a broad category that encompasses thyroid cancer that originates in the cells responsible for storing and producing thyroid hormones. Such cells are known as follicular cells. The cancer cells in such cancers look like healthy cells when viewed under a microscope. Below are some cancers in this category. Papillary thyroid cancer It is the most prevalent type of thyroid cancer. Approximately 80–85 percent of people with thyroid cancer have papillary carcinoma. It is a slow-growing cancer that originates from the follicular cells, usually in one, but sometimes in both of the thyroid glands’ lobes. Papillary thyroid cancer can spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. However, the patient may have a good prognosis with a comprehensive treatment plan.

Health insurance serves as a vital safety net, providing financial security and peace of mind by covering healthcare expenses. It ensures that individuals and their loved ones can access healthcare services without the burden of excessive costs. However, considering the diversity in insurance plans, choosing the correct coverage may get confusing. To simplify the process, here are tips for navigating policy types and comparing features to help pick the best health insurance plan. 1. Understand the family’s needs Expectations and needs change based on one’s marital status. So, if one is married and has children, it is important to opt for a plan that caters to the family’s requirements. Since the coverage can change with time, it is crucial to carefully examine which plan works best for one’s circumstances. For instance, if an individual and their partner have different healthcare needs, they can opt for plans with different pricing or coverage. 2. Review the estimated insured amount When picking health insurance, ensure the sum insured aligns with one’s needs. Opting for a higher sum insured may result in higher premiums. However, if one opts for a lower sum insured than one’s needs, it may not entirely cover the healthcare expenses, leading to out-of-pocket expenses during settlement.

Huntington’s disease is a debilitating inherited disorder wherein selective brain cell death causes a gradual decline in emotional, physical, and cognitive function. Some common complications associated with the condition include problems with swallowing and eating, especially as the disease advances. It also results in loss of muscle coordination and control, leading to choking and spilling food from the mouth. The disease may also lead to symptoms like dementia. Given the severity of the symptoms, one must take measures to manage the condition. Beyond the ongoing medications and treatment, food choices can help with disease management. So, here are some of the worst foods for Huntington’s disease one must strictly avoid. 1. Raw fruits Individuals with dysphagia may experience difficulty swallowing and should avoid the intake of raw fruits to prevent further complications. Hence, for increased safety and to prevent difficulty eating, one must evaluate food consistency when picking any food item. Raw fruits, like pears and apples, are the worst foods for Huntington’s disease, as they are thicker and difficult to swallow. 2. Stringy vegetables Another item that is difficult to swallow is the stringy vegetables. These include celery and green peas. Broadly, people with Huntington’s disease must avoid anything that aggravates their susceptibility to aspiration or choking.