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Ways to avoid Heartburn and GERD during pregnancy

Ways to avoid Heartburn and GERD during pregnancy
Indigestion is a common issue that accompanies pregnancy. Thanks to this little side effect of pregnancy, most moms-to-be suffer at least a handful of episodes of acid reflux and heartburn/GERD. Contrary to its name, the burning sensation from heartburn has little to do with the heart. However, much to all would-be moms’ relief, it has a safe cure that will relieve them of the discomforting feeling without harming the baby. The solution to this problem can be as simple as dietary and lifestyle changes. While there are safe treatments available, there are preventive options that won’t cause heartburn/GERD in the first place. Read on to know more about what causes heartburn/GERD during pregnancy and what dietary choices to make to prevent heartburn/GERD. Why is heartburn/GERD such a common occurrence in pregnancy? Heartburn/GERD is caused when stomach acids start rising into the esophagus. Pregnancy changes hormonal levels and helps relax muscles, which results in relaxation or leaking of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). LES is what keeps the stomach acids in place, which, in addition to the growing uterus is an invitation for indigestion symptoms. Here are the dietary and lifestyle measures that can help prevent heartburn/GERD during pregnancy. Eat often, eat less A full stomach is an invitation to heartburn/GERD.

4 things you can do to keep heart diseases at bay

4 things you can do to keep heart diseases at bay
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S, accounting for over 600,000 deaths each year. The umbrella term heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions and can occur to people of all ages, including children. On a positive note, almost 80% of heart conditions, such as heart attack, heart failure, and stroke, can be prevented if you are willing to make long-term lifestyle changes. Here is what you need to do to keep heart diseases at bay. Become physically active Being active for most part of the day is an effective way of keeping your blood pressure in check and preventing heart disease. Experts say that 30 minutes of moderate-intensity workout for five days a week is good enough to strengthen your heart. Becoming physically active is not only limited to exercise; you can go swimming, cycling, rowing, or engage in similar heart-pumping activities to keep your heart healthy. Remember, the more physically active you become, the better it is for your heart. Utilizing modern technologies such as digital watches and mobile apps to track the number of steps and your heart rate can keep you motivated. Eat healthy Diet plays a key role in preventing heart diseases, even if you have a genetic predisposition for heart conditions.

Must-have nutrients and foods for optimal eye health

Must-have nutrients and foods for optimal eye health
Our sensory organs are extremely essential in our daily life. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to stand straight, see things, taste, communicate, and live the way we do. But the power of sight is one of the most important of them all. Maintaining good eye health is necessary, and, unsurprisingly, making healthy lifestyle and dietary choices is crucial for this. So, here are a few nutrients you should add to your daily diet to keep your vision in top-notch condition: Vitamin A The deficiency of vitamin A is one of the most common causes of blindness across the globe. Why is this vitamin so important? Well, for starters, it helps manage and maintain the light-sensing cells in your eyes. A lack of vitamin A can cause dry eyes and other serious eye conditions. Best food with vitamin A content: To get the right amount of vitamin A in your diet and maintain optimal eye health, include foods like apricots, carrots, spinach, and yam in your diet in plenty. Vitamin C Vitamin C is present in high concentration in the aqueous humor (the liquid in the outermost part of the eye). The amount of this vitamin in the aqueous humor is proportional to the amount in your diet, and research has proved that people with cataracts tend to have low amounts of vitamin C in their bodies.

Common bodily changes that women experience during menopause

Common bodily changes that women experience during menopause
Menopause is a stage in a woman’s life that signals the end of her monthly period cycle. However, it does not occur overnight. Women first enter the perimenopause stage, wherein the physical and hormonal structures of their bodies undergo many changes. If there is no recurrence of the cycle for 12 consecutive months, then they are said to have entered menopause. Monthly menstrual cycles generally stop between the ages of 45 and 55; the average age at which menopause sets in is 51, when the functions of a woman’s ovaries gradually start to decline. It is important to note that this is a perfectly natural cycle and hardly a cause for concern. However, as women near their menopausal stages, they might be faced with certain health risks that increase over time. While research attributes some triggers to genetics, there is a number of other factors that can give rise to these changes. When one starts to experience adverse symptoms, it is advisable to consult a specialist. However, with adequate care and timely changes made to one’s lifestyle, this transition can be easily managed. Here are some of the transitions that women go through during their perimenopausal and menopausal stages: Hot flashes Reduced levels of estrogen in the body can cause hot flashes, one of the most common symptoms women experience during a normal menopausal transition.

5 digestive conditions and their symptoms

5 digestive conditions and their symptoms
Located between the small intestine and the esophagus, the stomach is the center of the digestive system. In most cases, other health disorders, the consumption of certain foods, the quantity of food consumed, and the timing of meals can upend the digestive process. This leads to the manifestation of several symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, appetite changes, belching, and abdominal pain. Each of these symptoms or combination of symptoms is the result of a specific stomach condition. Here are some of the common digestion-related stomach conditions that trouble almost everyone: Gallstones: Formed in the gallbladder, gallstones are hard deposits of digestive fluid. The gallbladder is responsible for storing and secreting the bile required for digestion, and stones form if the gallbladder does not empty out properly. These deposits also form when there is a high amount of cholesterol or waste products in the bile. Intense pain can occur if the gallstones block the ducts that lead from the gallbladder to the intestines. Medications and surgery are usually the solutions for dissolving or removing the stones, respectively. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) : GERD occurs when the acid in the stomach flows back up the esophagus. A person experiences a burning sensation in their chest due to this.

Nourishing foods for sickle cell anemia patients

Nourishing foods for sickle cell anemia patients
A genetic iron deficiency blood disorder is a disease that causes a deficiency of red blood cells in the body. A sickle cell anemia patient has low blood oxygen, which affects the hemoglobin. The abnormal hemoglobin leads to RBCs becoming rigid; hence, the name sickle cell anemia. Eating a balanced diet provides the nutrients required to maintain the health of a sickle cell anemia patient. Here are some foods that may help with essential nutrients. Organ meats Non-vegetarian sources of food contain heme iron. This type of iron is easier for the body to absorb than iron obtained from plant foods. Organ meats are some of the richest foods with heme iron and have been beneficial for people with iron deficiency. According to the sickle cell anemia info available, organ meat is a rich source of iron. Keep in mind that these foods are also high in cholesterol, so they should be had in moderate amounts. Fortified cereals Breakfast cereals are some of the most common food items in various households. We all have some type of cereal lying in our kitchen pantry. Many among these are said to be fortified cereals to help them meet the body’s nourishment needs.

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4 key things to consider when choosing a new garden fence

Having a fence around one’s property can serve multiple purposes, such as providing privacy, safety, and keeping away animals or keeping pets inside. Choosing the right fence that is compatible with the house can be a challenging task. Therefore, it is important to take some time to consider the various options available on the market before installing a fence. Moreover, there are several important factors to take into account when selecting a new garden fence. Legal responsibility and planning permission This is one of the most crucial aspects that must be considered before deciding on anything else regarding fence installation. If this issue is not sorted out initially, one may end up spending a lot of money and time in the building and installing the fence, only to cancel everything later on.  Therefore, it is important to understand who would be responsible for replacing or repairing a fence if it is a shared entity between two neighbors. This can be found out through property deeds that provide details regarding which boundaries are the legal responsibility of which neighbor. In addition, it is a good idea to have a discussion with one’s neighbors before starting the work. Also, one needs to figure out whether planning permission is required for the new fence. Privacy and security For homeowners who live in urban or suburban areas, security and privacy are two of the key things they need to consider before building a new fence. If one’s home is on a quiet street with fewer people passing through, an open and breezy fence panel like arched top pailing fence panels may work well. But for those living across busy roads or a locality that has a lot of people and traffic moving around, higher fencing styles such as traditional Close Board Fencing Panels or Waney fence panels should be considered.

10 Designer Perfume Deals to Expect for Black Friday 2023

The much-anticipated Black Friday sale is only two months away, so one can start preparing their shopping list. Besides clothing, appliances, furniture, and other essentials, people with a fondness for alluring fragrances can buy perfumes during this time. Labels like Chanel, Armani, and Bond No. 9 are known to have fantastic offers. Based on last year’s trends and current prices, we’ve listed ten Black Friday designer perfume deals one can expect in 2023. Floral fragrances 1. The Dioriviera by Dior embodies a fresh and fruity fragrance. It’s designed to convey modern and romantic impressions inspired by a rose garden. It also emanates a slight warmness of a pleasant, sunny day. Since the Dioriviera launched earlier this year, it’s hard to say how much it will be discounted for Black Friday. However, last year’s trends indicate premium Dior perfumes like these will likely sell for at least 10% less. Both men and women can use it. 2. Jimmy Choo’s Blossom Eau de Parfum spray was marked down by 50% last sale season. It usually costs $60, but one could pick it up for just $30 at Macy’s. This spray c ombines juicy berries, fragrant florals, and creamy sandalwood, creating a sweet, lively party scent perfect for the holiday season. It comes in a striking fuchsia bottle with a dimpled pattern and diamond-shaped lid. 3. The Armani My Way Eau de Parfum combines floral and woody notes. One of the key ingredients, orange blossom, is extracted from hand-picked bitter orange fruits. This perfume currently costs $155 on the brand’s website. However, for Black Friday last year, sites like Beauty BFF let customers save 30% on Armani perfumes with a coupon code. One can hope such offers repeat in 2023. Fragrances for women 4. The Chanel N°5  Eau De Parfum spray has been around since 1921.

4 benefits of wearing a body shaper

Body shapers or shapewear are undergarments that create a smooth foundation beneath clothes by providing a firm, thin layer of compression. They are often worn to create a smooth silhouette across the bust, hips, waist, and thighs. Shapewear is available in a wide range of shapes, styles, patterns, colors, and types, including body briefs, control camisoles, long-leg shapers, corsets, waist cinchers, and so on. The right shapewear can offer the following benefits: Smoother silhouette Whether one is planning an outfit for a casual day out, party, or a formal event, wearing a body shaper underneath can help elevate the look. The right shapewear can smoothen the seams and hide clothing wrinkles so that the outfit looks well-fitted and sharp. It will give a smoother appearance along with a toned silhouette. Further, aging is a natural process that causes muscles to lose their elasticity and suppleness, making the skin prone to sagging. Here, shapewear can help firm up the appearance of loose skin. Improved posture A full-body shaper that covers the complete torso compresses the body and offers a snug fit. This helps in keeping the back straight and maintaining a good posture. The long-term effect of maintaining a good posture while wearing compression shapewear is that one gets used to naturally sitting, standing, or walking with their back straight, even when not wearing shapewear. This may help in alleviating back and shoulder pain while improving the posture. Helps with sweating Thermal body shapers are special types of shapewear designed to stimulate sweating. These are usually available in the form of vests, pants, shorts, and bodysuits. Most of them tend to focus on the midsection. So, those who do not sweat enough while working out can opt for these body shapers that increase the natural body heat and perspiration around the waist and midsection.

Top 10 Tablet Deals to Explore on Black Friday 2023

Black Friday, one of the most anticipated retail holidays of the year, is right around the corner. This year, it falls on November 24. With early-bird sales and holiday season excitement comes the need for preparation. With each Black Friday bringing with it discounts on everything, from kitchen appliances to phones and tablets, one can add all kinds of electronics to their shopping list. So, here are some tablets worth considering on Black Friday 2023: Slate tablets The slate or standalone tablet is the most traditional variant while also being the most popular option. Here, the gadget comes with a big touchscreen, ranging from 5 inches to 13 inches. While these are usually regular-sized tabs, one may also be able to find mini tablets. 1. On Black Friday, shoppers can expect amazing deals on slate tablets, but one must keep in mind that the prices can differ depending on screen size, features, and other specifications. An already affordable tablet, the Lenovo Tab M8, sold for just $79 at Walmart last Black Friday.  2. Last year, shoppers got a $230 discount on the Samsung Galaxy 14.6-inch tab at Best Buy. This deal is worth following up on this Black Friday. 3. Those looking for affordable Samsung tablets can consider the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8. This gadget carried a $60 discount last Black Friday, selling for just $139. With a 10.5-inch display and 32GB of memory, the tablet can be a great Android option for students. 4. Additionally, Lenovo’s 10.6-inch slate tablet model has previously carried a post-discount price of $139 on the brand’s official website during the shopping season sale. With 4GB RAM and 128GB storage, this tablet is great for students and professionals, making it worth considering this shopping season. 5. The Lenovo Yoga tablets have previously sold for $319.99 during the holiday season.

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Black Friday 2023 – Top 10 Smartphone Deals to Watch Out For

Black Friday 2023 – Top 10 Smartphone Deals to Watch Out For

Even during non-festive periods, smartphones sell like hotcakes in online and offline stores. Most tech enthusiasts routinely feel the need to get their hands on the latest models of their favorite smartphones. With Black Friday 2023 still several weeks away, shoppers can check out the features of their favorite smartphones. All the estimated deals listed in this article are based on the existing retail discounts, and buyers can expect similar bargains this Black Friday. High-range smartphones 1. Different variants of Apple’s iPhone make up the top 4 of the bestselling smartphones in the country. On many retail sites, devices such as the Apple iPhone SE 5G are being sold with discounts that range from about $200 to $250. This means that there is a high percentage chance that similar or better deals will likely emerge for such devices when Black Friday looms closer. The Apple iPhone SE 5G offers fantastic features such as lightning-fast processors, 5G connectivity, 4K video recording capability with 60 FPS, the unique Dynamic Island display, IP67 water resistance, and many more. 2. Samsung’s Galaxy devices come second in the sales pecking order after Apple’s iPhones when it comes to the smartphone market leadership. With the presence of Black Friday looming on the horizon, users can expect great deals on their favorite Galaxy smartphones. For instance, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is available on many retail sites with existing discounts ranging from 10% to 15%. Shoppers may possibly find such (or better) discounts during the upcoming sale period. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a one-of-a-kind foldable phone packed with incredible features such as a massive display, dual-app viewing, immersive gaming experience, super AMOLED screens, and many other niceties. 3. A device that is likely to offer massive discounts during Black Friday is the Google Pixel 7.
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10 Incredible Black Friday Deals to Expect on Laptops in 2023

10 Incredible Black Friday Deals to Expect on Laptops in 2023

Laptops combine the power of desktops with the portability of smartphones, making them suitable for several tasks. But this is also why they tend to be pricey. Unsurprisingly, many wait for sales like Black Friday to buy the model of their choice. Below are ten types of laptops and the Black Friday 2023 deals one can expect on them in the coming months. The discounts listed are based on last year’s sale and current prices. 1. Dual-screen laptops Unlike older dual-screen models, newer ones are much more efficient and non-gimmicky. They have secondary displays with anti-glare capability that perfectly complement the primary screen. A great option is the ASUS Zenbook Pro Duo UX581. It comes with a 15.6-inch 4K UHD NanoEdge touchscreen glossy main display, a cutting-edge Intel Core i7-9750H Quad Core Processor, and a 14-inch 4K matte touchscreen for seamless scrolling and usability. Last year, Amazon sold specific variants of the Zenbook Pro Duo for a discount of 15% in the run-up to Black Friday. 2. Gaming laptops Gamers need laptops that are responsive, less prone to overheating, and armed with high-end graphics cards. In short, they seek devices that will not leave them high and dry in the middle of a high-octane, graphics-heavy game by being laggy and annoying. Thankfully, several gaming laptops tick these boxes, an example being Lenovo’s IdeaPad Gaming 3. The device has incredible features, such as the latest AMD Ryzen 6000 Series processors, GeForce RTX 30 Series GPUs, and Rapid Charge technology to boost battery by 40% in just 15 minutes. Amazon reduced the price of specific IdeaPad Gaming 3 models by $300 last Black Friday, so gamers can hope for similar savings in 2023. 3. Chromebooks Those who prefer the ultra-reliable Chrome OS can check out Acer’s Chromebook 315. It has a powerful Intel Celeron N4020 dual-core processor, a full HD IPS touchscreen, and over 12 hours of battery life!
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