The foods we eat play a significant role, and that dictates how our organs function. The eyes are vascular, and it is necessary to eat nutritious foods to keep the blood vessels in good health. Eating unhealthy foods may block the veins that provide the eyes with the essential nutrients and oxygen. Such restrictions may affect one’s vision. Keeping this in mind, here are five foods that can worsen eye health. Margarine Margarine is considered a healthy alternative to butter, as it is made from vegetable oils. However, it still contains trans fats. These fats may increase a person’s cholesterol levels and put them at risk of heart diseases and eye problems. Red meat Red meat contains preservatives like salt, cholesterol, and fat, making them tasty and increasing their shelf life. However, these chemicals may harm one’s health and lead to high blood pressure. Such pressure spikes can lead to Choroidopathy, a fluid buildup below the retina. Fish Several fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and may offer health benefits. However, fish also contain hints of mercury. People who eat lots of fish may be at risk of eye damage because of the chemical element. Coffee Coffee contains caffeine, an energy-boosting component that helps people stay active.

Quite a few things can cause bad eyesight, and one of these major factors is aging. However, there are some day-to-day choices we make and activities we partake in that slowly but surely impact our eyesight. This article discusses some obvious and not-so-obvious things that weaken our vision and force us to visit an ophthalmologist. Most of these causes are rooted in lifestyle habits and linked to preexisting health conditions. Too much screen time Sitting on the computer for extended hours is quite detrimental to eye health. The majority of the population spends time staring at their laptops, phones, or television. Screen pixels on the screen emit blue rays. While these rays are not as harsh on the eyes as UV rays, they have a better penetrative range and can end up causing deeper damage. Other side-effects of extended screen time include dry eyes, pricking of the eyes, strained eyesight, and headaches that can result in progressive worsening of the condition. Rubbing the eyes Rubbing the eyes can be an unconscious reaction for those dealing with dry eyes. It’s difficult to control the urge when allergies trigger itchy eyes. This can damage the cornea and increase pressure on the eyes.

You may experience nights where no matter how tired you feel, your mind refuses to let you sleep. This could happen despite going to bed at a reasonable hour after a tiresome day. You might even buy a mattress from popular brands like Tempur-Pedic, Sleep Number, Saatva, Essentia, or Wilderness RV Mattress and yet lack eight hours of sleep. So, if you want a good night’s rest, avoid doing these five things before sleeping: 5 things to stay away from before going to bed Using electronics Nine times out of ten, people scroll through various social media sites after getting into bed. The blue light from the gadgets and the constant stimulation from the media keep your mind awake and make it difficult to fall asleep early. Instead of reaching for your phone or laptop before bed, reach for a calming book to get a good night’s sleep. Eating a large, heavy meal Consuming an entire pizza or a couple of tacos may not be the best idea to eat right before hitting the bed. Our digestive system is meant to rest while we sleep. The process of digestion is also the slowest at night, and a heavy meal can cause complications like disturbed sleep.

Cruise ships are known for their mouth-watering array of dishes and all-you-can-eat buffets. And with the amount of time we spend on most cruises, it’s easy to try just about everything on the menu. However, as tasty as all of it sounds, some dishes are best steered clear from since they can give you an upset stomach. Here are four such foods that people must avoid eating on a cruise. 4 foods to stay away from on cruises Raw eggs Eggs are healthy for our overall health, but the way they are cooked can also make a difference. On a cruise, eating eggs sunny-side-up can upset the system. As they are runny and might be slightly undercooked, the protein may contain salmonella or listeria remnants unless it is cooked to at least 160 degrees. Oysters Everyone loves cracking open and eating fresh oysters on a cruise, especially with a drink. But fresh oysters that are not cleaned appropriately by the staff may put one at risk of contracting Vibrio bacteria. The bacteria may lead to vibriosis, a disease that leads to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. Unpasteurized milk The milk served on a cruise is often pasteurized. But cruises may use unpasteurized milk too.

Cruise vacations are a delightful experience as today’s mega-ships offer the best comfort and entertainment on the high seas. It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned traveler or just embarking on your first cruise. There are a few fun ways to save money and enjoy the best amenities with easy travel hacks. We have narrowed down the top four secrets that can make your cruising experience even more fun. Don’t go for advance booking We understand this goes against conventional travel logic. But cruise lines are desperately on the lookout for passengers in the last two or three months before departure. This is when they will try to book and sell all available accommodation at discounted prices—a neat little trick to get a better upgrade without spending more. Eat all you can You might not be aware that most cruise ships don’t have a restriction on entrées, mains, and desserts in the main dining area. You can enjoy multiple servings and even ask for bigger portion sizes. Some cruise lines also offer special discounts on alternative dining options for the first night apart from the main dining hall or buffet. Don’t overpay for single drinks Drinking is one of the most enjoyable activities apart from dining, especially on long-haul journeys.

A cruise ship is like a world by itself. It is relaxing and has nearly everything you need to spend several days or even weeks away from home. As comforting as that may sound, boarding a cruise can be daunting for first-time travelers. So, if you’re leaving on your first cruise, here are some useful hacks and tips that can help you save money and make your cruising experience hassle-free. Avoid overpacking Cruise cabins are usually small and do not have much storage space. So, bringing a lot of different outfits and matching shoes isn’t a good idea. Instead, bring a capsule wardrobe and mix and match as much as possible. Bring your own alcohol   You don’t need to splurge on costly drinks on board, as many cruise lines allow travelers to bring their drinks. However, there’s usually a limit on how much alcohol you can carry, so make sure to check with your cruise line. Book shore excursions through private tours  If you’re planning on any shore excursion, don’t book directly through your cruise line. Though it’s convenient, cruise lines charge exorbitant excursion fees and still may fail to offer the kind of experience independent tour operators can provide.

Cruises are one of the most relaxing vacations replete with fun. And there is a range of things that cruise lines would rather not tell you? Since most cruise lines are sales-based, profit is one of their important motives. There are quite a few tricks up their sleeve devised to encourage you to spend more. To save you from these traps, here are four cruise secrets you should know before you book your next cruise. All-inclusive packages are not all-inclusive Most all-inclusive packages only include room stay and meals cost. Beverages, tips, shore excursions, internet, activities, and dining outside the dining area are chargeable. Some cruise lines also charge for room service. So, read all the terms to know hidden and additional charges. Cruises are not crime-free Big cruise lines keep a tight watch on crime, but sometimes bad things can happen. Cruise lines are not required to report thefts of less than $10,000, so not everyone knows much about the rate of petty crimes. However, you should always be careful of your surroundings. For safety, do not carry valuables items on vacation. Some cruise liners have a prison or a “brig” to lock up unruly passengers, later handed over to port authorities.

Summertime is here, and so are summer outings! Our pets love being outside, running around, playing fetch, or digging dirt. While the season is great for some outdoor activities, it is also the time when fleas and other parasites may attack your dogs and stick onto their coats. This flea infestation may become a bigger problem as it gets hotter and more humid. Here are some DIY flea sprays to get rid of these fleas. Apple cider vinegar This ingredient can be used in two ways. You can either spray the solution on your fur child’s coat or give it orally to your dog. If you would like to make a spray, just add around two to three tablespoons of it to a glass of water. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle, and spray it thoroughly on your pet’s fur. This remedy keeps the fleas at bay and your dog’s coat shiny and healthy. Here’s the recipe if you want to give it orally to your dog: For every 40 pounds of your dog’s weight, add one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to their water bowl. Repeat this process every time you refill their water bowl. Baking soda Take one-fourth cup of baking soda, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and five drops of peppermint oil before pouring two cups of warm water into this concoction.

If you’ve been looking for natural ways to repel and kill fleas on your dog, you might already know that lemon is a crucial ingredient. The citrus fruit contains a compound called limonene, which has insecticidal properties and can keep fleas away from your furry friend. One of the most popular ways to use lemon against fleas is a lemon spray. We’ve shared two simple recipes to make a lemon flea spray for your dog. Basic lemon flea spray For this recipe, all you need is water and lemons. Boil a pint of water in a pot and add around ten slices of lemon to it. Cover the pot with a lid and let the mixture sit overnight for about 8 hours, and the solution will be ready! Remove the lemon slices and pour the solution into a spray bottle. You can spray this solution on your dog’s coat generously every day until they are flea-free. While spraying, avoid areas like your pet’s ears, genitals, and eyes. An excellent plus point of this lemon flea spray is that you can use it in all flea-infested areas in your home, such as your dog’s bed, your carpet, and your upholstery. Lemon flea spray with rosemary and sage This recipe is similar to the previous one, except you need to add two sprigs of rosemary and one sprig of garden sage while boiling the water.

In most asthma cases, food allergies and intolerances will trigger inflammation or result in the narrowing of the lung airways. An estimated 19 million individuals in the country have mild to moderate asthma, and it is vital for them to monitor their food intake. Drastic changes in daily eating habits will not necessarily help; however, moderation lowers the risk of flareups. Here are 4 such foods that trigger breathing difficulties for those with asthma. 4 foods that worsen breathing issues in asthma Foods high in fat content Red meats are heavily processed and contain saturated fats, which leads to an increase in LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels in the body. Most saturated and processed fats tend to worsen symptoms like inflammation, causing difficulty breathing. The risk is especially high among people who suffer from conditions like asthma or COPD. Dairy foods and beverages Whole milk (the full fat variant) can trigger excess mucous production when the body breaks down the dairy product during digestion. Mucous buildup in the lungs increases the risk of infection and worsens the inflammation linked to asthma flareups. Preservatives and artificial sweeteners Most foods bought off the shelves in the supermarket are laced with preservatives and additives to increase their shelf life.

A sports utility vehicle, or SUV, has become a go-to choice for many American families. One of the main reasons people consider buying SUVs is that it feels safer than other cars, thanks to their large and sturdy build. Moreover, modern SUVs are loaded with a wide range of safety and driver assistance features, making them incredibly safe and reliable. If you’re in the market for a new SUV, you must consider some latest options. 2022 Acura RDX This crossover SUV from Acura is currently one of the safest vehicles on the market. The automaker has outfitted all trim variants of the 2022 RDX with a suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, including lane-departure warning, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition system. 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge If you’re looking for a compact electric SUV with excellent safety features, the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge should be your choice. It’s equipped with vital safety and driver-assistance features, like lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind-spot detection. The vehicle also has an advanced body structure and a unique battery safety cage that can protect all passengers in a collision.

Most individuals rely on their vacuum cleaners to help clean floors, carpet, tiles, sofas, upholstery, and sometimes even hardwood. Though the vacuum cleaner is a versatile tool, you may be relying a little too much on it for cleaning, ending up vacuuming things you probably shouldn’t. After all, they are not indestructible and undoubtedly not always cheap. In order to keep them in good working condition, you should never vacuum the following things. Used coffee grounds Those who drink coffee are probably aware of how tough it is to clean coffee grounds from the machine. But don’t leave the cleaning duty for the vacuum. They can block the pipes, destroy the motor, and result in the growth of mildew inside the vacuum. For dry grounds, pick them with a dustpan and brush. If they are wet, clean them with a paper towel or washable microfiber cloth. You can even use coffee grounds to make compost. Wet foods Dry foods like salt or sugar spills can be cleaned with a vacuum. But fresh foods like salads or baked beans should not be vacuumed. Wet foods can clog the pipes and ruin the motor because of the moisture they contain. Sometimes, the food you vacuumed may even start to smell bad.

Migraines can cause a throbbing sensation on one side of the head. It may even lead to symptoms like nausea and vomiting. But most of all, migraines can affect our daily life and force us to call in sick after a day at work. They are triggered by many factors, the most common one being osmophobia, a sensitivity to smell. Here are five smells that are toxic for those who suffer from migraines. Perfumes Most of us love wearing perfumes, but those sensitive to smell dread such fragrances. Perfumes contain odorants, substances that give off a unique scent, which, when inhaled, lead to symptoms of migraines like headaches and nausea. The effects of perfume odorants on people with osmophobia are noticed within a few minutes. Pesticide fumes Pesticides contain several chemicals intended to eliminate pests. However, people who work with such chemicals often inhale the fumes, which leads to adverse effects on their health. The side effects of inhaling such fumes include headaches, nausea, and vomiting. These are also common symptoms of migraines. Car exhaust gas Those susceptible to migraines may notice that even mild exposure to car exhaust may trigger the condition. Car exhaust emissions contain carbon monoxide, a toxic gas.

Cats are smart animals who are typically mindful of what they eat. But sometimes, seeds or pollen of a toxic plant get stuck in their fur or on their paws, and cats may ingest toxic substances while grooming themselves. To avoid this and keep your cat safe, all pet parents should take some time to learn the names of plants that are toxic to their health. Some of these plants are mentioned below. Peace lily (spathiphyllum) All its parts, including the leaves, roots, petals, and pollen, should be kept away from cats. If cats ingest peace lilies, they could get acute kidney failure. Other symptoms of poisoning would include vomiting, irritation of the mouth and GI tract, excessive drooling, and in rare cases, difficulty swallowing or breathing. Sago palm (cycas revoluta) Sago palm contains a toxic substance called cycasin, which, when consumed, may result in liver damage in cats. It could also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and black, tarry-looking stool. It could also lead to bruising, excessive thirst, lethargy, and in rare cases, death. Eucalyptus (myrtaceae) Eucalyptus can cause complications like drooling, vomiting, decreased appetite, and diarrhea in cats. The toxicity level of this plant is low, and the symptoms often disappear within 24 hours.

Diabetes is an autoimmune disease, and food plays an important role in managing its symptoms and related complications. Most severe cases of diabetes are a result of long-term consumption of foods that heighten insulin resistance, increasing blood sugar levels. While we may be aware of obviously sugary foods that aggravate diabetes, there are some seemingly healthy options that can actually cause a lot of harm. Given below are five such foods diabetes patients should avoid. 5 foods that are surprisingly sugar-rich Flavored yogurt The next time you are out buying a healthy snack like flavored yogurt, take a peek at the ingredients and nutrition label. Store-bought flavored yogurt may contain sweeteners in the form of artificial flavors. Switch to plain yogurt and add your favorite fruits to enhance the taste. Breakfast cereals While your preferred breakfast cereals may contain whole grains and be fortified with vitamins, they do contain some amount of sugar that can cause an imbalance in the blood sugar levels. Hence check the label before picking a brand and choose from the ones that have the least amount of sugar. Granola bars Granola bars have gained popularity due to their healthy ingredients like cereals, nuts, and seeds.

Diabetes is an illness in which the sugar levels in the blood are either too high or too low. This condition can be managed with a strict meal plan that ensures the body’s insulin levels do not exceed the normal amount. However, the urge to snack can be random and unplanned. For such an occasion, here are some safe snacking options for those with diabetes who need healthy choices to satiate their food cravings. Guacamole All you need to make this yummy dip is fresh avocados, onions, tomatoes, some cilantro, lime, and salt to taste. One of the best ways to prep this is to use a mortar and pestle and grind these ingredients gently together. Avocados are known for their polyunsaturated fatty acids, which help keep insulin levels balanced. It also has vitamins and antioxidants, good for the body and skin. Guacamole makes for a great dip or even a spread on a slice of multigrain bread. Apple and peanut butter This is a nutritious and tasty snack that does not spike insulin levels in the body. It can simply be made at home! Just cut some slices of an apple and use homemade peanut butter (crunchy or smooth) as a dip.