Every parent strives to foster their child’s physical and mental well-being. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a particular mental disorder parents should be aware of. It is a common developmental disability resulting in impaired cognitive, behavioral, affective, and social functioning. Thankfully, a timely diagnosis and expert intervention can help control its symptoms. In children, the early signs of autism appear between 12 to 18 months of age and sometimes prior. Repetitive movements Repetitive movements, including hand flapping, rocking, twirling, and turning switches on and off, can indicate the onset of autism. Some studies suggest that such repetitive behavior displayed by patients is associated with an imbalance of corticostriatal connectivity. Echolalia While repeating words and phrases is a natural part of child development, kids with autism often engage in excessive verbal repetitions, known as echolalia. Such repetitive speech tends to persist beyond three years of age and is particularly prominent among children with autism who are grappling with delayed speech development. Lack of eye contact Researchers believe that a lack of eye contact is one of the primary indicators of the disorder. Since this lack of eye contact stems from the child’s inability to communicate and interact with others, it is typically accompanied by the inability to partake in and sustain social interactions and engage in non-verbal communication.

Everyone knows that a sedentary lifestyle needs to be avoided to help maintain heart health. But that’s only part of what needs to be done. Maintaining a positive outlook and changing your approach to food and lifestyle habits go a long way in ensuring a healthy heart. So, for example, you must have nutrient-rich foods instead of just counting calories. In the meantime, you need to relearn that tasty food can be healthy too. Avocado Avocado is a fruit loaded with good fat or monounsaturated fatty acids. It minimizes the risk of blood clots and lowers blood cholesterol levels. Avocado smoothies and toasts are tasty treats that support a healthy heart. Coffee Some of you can’t imagine kicking the day off without your morning cuppa, Joe. This is one of those habits your heart will thank you for. Having coffee during the day is undoubtedly a tasty and healthy way to ensure the body gets its antioxidants and the inflammation levels are lowered. In addition, the high antioxidant levels in coffee or tea help significantly decrease heart disease risk. Dark chocolate Keeping your heart healthy does not have to mean giving up on your favorite chocolate or chocolate dessert. All you need to do is select the right kind of chocolate.

Prurigo nodularis is a skin disease characterized by itchiness, bumps, and rashes. People with this condition experience burning, temperature variations, and stinging on these skin bumps. While individuals may feel itchy on the bumps, they should refrain from scratching them and opt for available treatment for this condition. Similarly, eating certain foods can aggravate prurigo nodularis symptoms in individuals. Here are some avoidable foods and effective treatment avenues for prurigo nodularis: Avoidable foods Eating right has been scientifically proven to reduce the severity of prurigo nodularis symptoms. On the flip side, here are some foods that can worsen this condition in individuals: Pork and beef Red meat contains large amounts of arachidonic acid, which exacerbates inflammation in its consumers. Additionally, this chemical compound increases skin pain by exciting an individual’s peripheral somatosensory system. Pork and beef are some of the well-known and widely consumed varieties of red meat in the market. Hence, one must avoid consuming these to keep prurigo nodularis flare-ups at bay. White rice Refined carbohydrates, like red meat, increase inflammation in the body. As a result, foods containing such carbohydrates, including white rice and pasta, are among the foods to avoid for people with prurigo nodularis. Similarly, sweet baked foods such as cakes and beverages with artificial sweeteners, such as soft drinks and aerated sodas, must be avoided altogether.

There are numerous types of allergies, each with a different impact on an individual. Respiratory allergies are caused by airborne proteins that irritate the airways. Fumes which can be found both indoors and outdoors, can worsen breathing problems brought on by allergies. Allergens like pollen, mold, or dust mites can worsen allergic asthma in people. It is advantageous to be aware of allergens to prevent issues. Here are some examples of common allergens that make breathing difficult: Common allergens that cause breathing problems Pollutants People with allergies exposed to airborne pollutants may experience respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. Pollutants can irritate and inflame the lungs as well as the airways. Some asthma triggers are ozone, chemicals, cleaning products, odors, and smog. If these contaminants are inhaled from the environment, they can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Indoor allergens Indoor allergens trigger asthma attacks in children and adults with allergies. These allergens include pet dander, mice, cockroaches, and dust mites. They are primarily found in homes, and can cause asthma flare-ups all year. Some solutions include using allergy-proof mattress covers and washing linens weekly in hot water to kill dust mites. A dehumidifier can also help prevent mold and mildew growth in the home.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic condition that affects the nervous system. This includes the spinal cord, optic nerves, and the brain. The condition’s symptoms may range from vision loss to muscle weakness and can differ from one person to another. Some people may experience mild symptoms, and in severe cases, it may result in paralysis. However, in most cases, the symptoms worsen during flare-ups and improve during the remission period. Early signs of multiple sclerosis (MS) Patients with multiple sclerosis may notice that no pattern of MS applies to everyone. Different symptoms are experienced at different times. However, the early signs of multiple sclerosis may be the same in both men and women. Hence, here are some early signs of the condition to look out for. Inflammation of the optic nerve One of the most common signs of MS, a person with optic neuritis may experience blurred vision, headache, and eye pain. Mainly, it occurs on one side and may lead to partial or total vision loss. Cognitive changes People with MS may experience a few cognitive changes, such as slowed processing. This might lead to difficulty finding words, short-term memory loss, and problems multitasking. Furthermore, one may also notice that they might have to read words a few times to understand them.

Over 50 million people live with allergies every year and many of them have seasonal pollen allergies. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) studies over 100 cities every year to curate a list of the best and worst cities for people with spring or fall allergies. Factors such as seasonal pollen scores, over-the-counter treatment use, climatic conditions, and availability of board-certified health professionals or allergists are taken into consideration. Based on these reports, here are the 10 worst cities for people with allergies to live in: Scranton, PA Scranton is surrounded by forests and grasslands, which are pushed into the city by the fall winds, causing higher-than-average pollen levels, making it one of the worst cities for allergy sufferers. Wichita, KS The city of Wichita is windy and flat. With pollen flowing down the plains and virtually no trees to stop them, the city is one of the worst places to live for people with allergies. McAllen, TX McAllen faces hot weather in the summer with abundant pollen and flowering plants. Over the last few decades, the city has also seen a stable rise in ragweed pollen, worsening the situation for allergy sufferers. Richmond, VA Richmond is known for its subtropical climate and excessive humidity.

Lupus is an inflammatory autoimmune health condition wherein one’s immune system attacks healthy tissues and body organs. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus caused due to some prescription medicines, and neonatal lupus are the types of this condition. Although the exact cause of lupus is unclear, the cell-death theory, proposing that such inflammation is a normal cell-renewal process, is a widely accepted explanation. Taking the necessary steps to heal from lupus begins with identifying its early signs: Butterfly-shaped rashes A butterfly-shaped rash that spreads across the face, typically covering the cheeks and the bridge of the nose, is a common symptom of lupus. Such rashes are often the result of exposure to UV rays and the consequent adverse reaction of immune-related cells in the body. Lung problems Pleuritis, pulmonary hypertension, “shrinking lung” syndrome, lupus pneumonitis, and acute lupus pneumonitis are the major lung problems due to lupus. Such lung issues are caused due to inflammation of the outer lining of the lungs, which worsens pain. Shortness of breath often results from such lung ailments. Swelling of joints Lupus can also lead to joint inflammation, causing acute joint pain, swelling, and stiffness in areas like the shoulders, neck, thighs, and arms. It also tends to affect joints in the body’s periphery, such as fingers, knees, ankles, and toes.

The Internet has become a crucial part of our day-to-day life. If you consider the amount of time you spend glued to a screen, you will realize just how web-dependent life is today. And this is excluding the time spent working. With increased reliance on devices and cloud storage, we must sit up and take note of common internet mistakes, especially since they can be making you vulnerable to online threats. Relying on public WiFi You would be hard-pressed to find more than a handful of people that do not love the idea of free WiFi. The caveat in being connected to a public WiFi is that you might expose yourself to unsafe surfing practices. Especially if you are trying to make the most of the WiFi connection available at airports and cafes and using it to access sensitive or personal data, you could end up with a malicious threat planted in your devices without you even realizing it. Reusing password It is easy to find people who prefer using the same password across various platforms, irrespective of its strength. This can mainly be attributed to the person’s desire to avoid confusion and the task of remembering different passwords for different platforms.

Eating certain foods can be hazardous to one’s health. In fact, unhealthy foods, coupled with unhealthy eating schedules, are the primary cause of cancer in a vast majority of individuals with the condition. Now, there are several foods that fall into this category. While each food listed here may contribute to other health hazards, the common thread that connects them is their specific carcinogenic components. Here are the foods that can cause cancer: White bread Refined carbohydrates and refined sugar are directly linked to increasing the risk of cancer in individuals. So, foods such as white bread, white rice, white pasta, baked sweets such as cakes and pastries, and sugar-heavy cereals need to be eaten in moderation or avoided altogether to keep cancer at bay. Refined carbohydrates are chemically stripped of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other natural components that make them organically healthy. So, foods containing refined carbs and sugars can increase a person’s blood sugar and enhance the possibility of developing colorectal cancer and other malignancies. Farmed salmon Like other farmed fishes, farmed salmon leave consumers vulnerable to cancer if eaten regularly. Such fish are farmed and commercially raised in huge quantities. For preservation, farmers and businesses that farm and sell this kind of fish use a host of pesticides, antibiotics, and antivirals.

A company or a brand requires its official website. If one wants their business to succeed, one needs a well-functioning website to help expand their business. Moreover, the website’s design also plays a major role in attracting the right customers. So, if one makes mistakes while designing their website, it can easily derail even the best of their efforts. Furthermore, these mistakes can make the company lose credibility and even its customer base. Top 4 website designing mistakes to avoid Skipping intuitive navigation and accessibility Brainstorming, sitemap, and wireframing are essential steps that should not be skipped. Furthermore, a poor navigation layout can also create problems. It can drive away visitors and create problems in the expansion of business. As a website needs multiple pages, arranging their categories appropriately is suggested, enabling the visitors to navigate the website easily. Not having a clear call to action Visitors need clear instructions to guide them through the website when they visit the website. A clear call to action keeps the visitors focused. Further, a good call to action uses compelling words or phrases to prompt the action. Also, one must ensure that the language is clear, succinct, and simple. Not having a design-thinking approach A common mistake designers make is not realizing the importance of design thinking and putting it down on paper.

Bicycles have become increasingly popular in the last few years. While people looked for ways to stay fit outside the gym and alternatives for public transportation, the sale of e-bikes rose by leaps and bounds. Rising gas prices further fueled the e-bike trend. With price tags ranging between $1,000 to $10,000, an e-bike is a serious investment. Here are six mistakes to avoid when looking for the right electric bike model for yourself: Buying the least expensive bike Quality is worth paying for when purchasing an e-bike. Cheap parts can wear out within the first 500 miles, and replacement parts may be difficult to source. So instead of buying the cheapest option, look for one that offers great quality and an attractive warranty. Not comparing batteries E-bike batteries differ in output based on their brand and manufacturer. So before making a purchase, check the peak voltage and amp hours to find the best fit for your biking needs. Not understanding drive system differences E-bikes generally offer two different drive systems – mid-drive and hub motors. Mid-drive systems are typically lighter, more efficient, and a natural extension of your efforts. They are easy to drive on flat grounds. On the other hand, hub motors are typically heavier but more powerful for hill climbing.

The brain controls all actions in the body using an intricate network of nerves connecting everything from head to toe. Parkinson’s is a neurological progressive disease that affects this network and disrupts vital nerve signals controlling body parts and functions. The disease does not have a permanent cure. But its symptoms can be managed with treatment, therapy, and lifestyle changes. One must recognize early signs of Parkinson’s disease to get a prompt diagnosis and treatment. Tremors Stress or physical fatigue can trigger shaky hands. However, a tremor that develops in the thumb, one of the fingers, the hand, or even the chin while resting may be an early sign of Parkinson’s. Tremors can start in the fingers but can turn into severely uncontrolled movements affecting the entire arm as the condition progresses. Poor balance, posture, and gait Changes in one’s walk and pace, like suddenly walking slower, could be another early sign of the disease. Parkinson’s also affects the nerves that control flexibility and balance. If the person takes more time or struggles with maintaining balance, it indicates damage to the basal ganglia nerves. Changes in stance are also noticeable as the disease progresses, with one developing a stooped or hunched-over posture.

Taking care of a newborn child is a full-time responsibility, right from when they wake up till bedtime. The good news is there are a number of innovative products designed for the baby’s comfort, safety, and even entertainment. So, parents don’t have to constantly worry about their child’s well-being. However, despite positive reviews about must-have baby products, here are five commonly used ones to avoid at all costs and for a good reason. Sleep positioners Babies struggle to maintain proper posture and can roll over into an uncomfortable position while sleeping in the crib. Sleep positioners prevent babies from rolling onto their stomachs and are also used to elevate the head and back of babies. However, if a baby rolls into their crib bedding or presses their faces against a sleep positioner, they risk suffocating. Crib bumpers and bedding Crib bumpers are bedding accessories to prevent the toddler from sliding and hitting the crib slats or rails. However, there is a potential risk of suffocation if the infant rolls over and presses his/her face into the crib bumper padding. It is also not advisable for parents to use excessive bedding inside the crib to cradle the child’s position properly. All the extra layers add to the rollover problems.

Dementia is a condition in which an individual’s memory, social abilities, cognitive functions, and thinking are severely affected. Dementia is a family of diseases that affect patients’ brains. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common dementia, especially among the elderly. Sometimes, diagnosing dementia can be difficult as many of its symptoms seem harmless. For instance, memory loss can either be dementia-driven or due to old age. Keep reading to learn about the warning signs of dementia. Memory loss Unlike normal memory loss, which happens mainly due to old age, dementia is not a natural process. The main difference between the two conditions is that dementia-driven memory loss is accompanied by other issues, such as losing the ability to learn, reason, think, and remember. While memory loss can be sharpened over time with the right foods, sleep patterns, cognitive exercises, and physical activity, dementia is more irreversible. Altogether, dementia involves severe memory loss, but not all types of memory loss indicate dementia. Therefore, one must visit their local healthcare expert whenever they encounter either situation. Tendency to misplace belongings A person diagnosed with dementia often loses their personal belongings. It mainly happens because the memory function of their brain is irreparably damaged.

Eczema is one of the country’s most commonly diagnosed skin allergies, affecting over 31 million people with some form of the condition. There are many subtypes, and the symptoms also vary depending on the severity of the triggers or health complications that cause eczema. However, certain lifestyle habits like using harmful or harsh cosmetic products for daily skincare routines can also severely impact skin health. Here are 3 common types of soaps that trigger eczema allergies. Soaps with harsh cleansing agents For someone who may already have dormant skin allergies, cleansing agents can trigger flare-ups upon first contact. Most cleansing agent soaps designed to exfoliate the skin contain sodium lauryl sulfates that rob the skin of its natural oils and expose the delicate derma. Without proper hydration or natural moisture, the skin becomes more prone to developing cracks, sores, and infections. For this purpose, dermatologists recommend avoiding soaps and using emollients with an organic moisturizer base that gently exfoliates and rehydrates the skin. Fragrant soaps Artificial fragrances may smell really good and add that certain oomph factor to otherwise dull formulations used in soaps. But artificial fragrances are also one of the primary triggers of eczema flare-ups. When these soaps come in direct contact with the skin, many people tend to develop an allergic reaction that triggers inflammation, dryness, and persistent irritation.

Coffee and tea are very popular beverage choices. However, they contain caffeine – a substance that can boost metabolism, mood, and mental and physical performance. Many people drink caffeine for mental alertness, migraine, memory, and athletic performance. In most cases, drinking these beverages in low to moderate quantities is considered safe, but high doses of caffeine may have unpleasant and sometimes even dangerous side effects. So it’s advised to limit caffeine intake as much as possible. Side effects of caffeine Experts believe healthy adults can drink up to 400 milligrams of caffeine daily. It means nearly 4 cups of brewed coffee a day is safe. However, one must know the possible side effects of caffeine, some of which are listed below. Insomnia One of the most prized qualities of caffeine is its ability to help people stay awake. But excessive amounts of caffeine can make it challenging to get restorative sleep. Furthermore, studies have found that high doses of caffeine decrease total sleeping time, especially in older adults. In addition, caffeine taken later in the day may interfere with sleep as its effects take several hours to wear off completely. Rapid heart rate High amounts of caffeine also possess stimulatory effects that can increase heart rate.