Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common and often chronic skin condition that affects individuals of all ages. However, it can manifest differently in babies, kids, and teenagers. Knowing the signs, symptoms, and effective management strategies for eczema at each developmental stage is crucial for providing relief and improving the quality of life for young individuals and their families. So, here is a brief guide to understanding eczema in babies, kids, and teenagers. Eczema in babies (0-2 years) Eczema in babies, often referred to as infantile eczema, presents unique challenges for parents. While it commonly appears on the cheeks and scalp, it can affect any part of the body. Early signs and symptoms Infantile eczema typically starts with red, itchy, and inflamed patches on the cheeks and scalp. These patches may spread to other areas, such as the arms, legs, and torso. Scratching can worsen the condition, leading to broken skin and potential infections. This can be especially distressing for young infants who are unable to express their discomfort verbally. Causes and triggers The exact cause of eczema in babies is still unknown, but genetics and environmental factors play a significant role in its development. Common triggers include exposure to allergens, irritants like harsh soaps, and changes in temperature or humidity.

For individuals with heart conditions, starting the day with a heart-healthy breakfast is a crucial step towards a better quality of life. What’s needed to improve heart health is a breakfast that’s low in saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium, yet rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients. So, here are 35 delicious and nutritious breakfast ideas that focus on making sure a person gets the required nutrients and enjoys a diverse array of flavors too. Oatmeal with fresh berries and walnuts A classic heart-healthy choice, oatmeal is packed with soluble fiber to help lower cholesterol. Top with fresh berries and chopped walnuts for added antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Spinach and mushroom egg white scramble Swap whole eggs for egg whites, then add sautéed spinach and mushrooms for a low-cholesterol, high-protein breakfast. Greek yogurt with honey and pecans Greek yogurt is a protein powerhouse. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with chopped pecans for a satisfying crunch and heart-boosting nutrients. Chia seed and berry breakfast bowl Mix chia seeds with almond milk and top with a medley of fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup for a fiber-rich and antioxidant-packed bowl. Avocado and tomato breakfast wrap A whole-wheat wrap filled with sliced avocado, tomatoes, and a touch of salsa provides healthy fats, vitamins, and a flavorful start to the day.

While keeping the indoor space clean and sanitized is good for one’s overall health and hygiene, certain products used to maintain cleanliness might damage health. Moreover, one may have several household items that may seem harmless. But, most of these products can potentially increase the risk of lung-related health conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Here are some commonly used household items that may harm the lungs and cause COPD. Bleach Commonly found in many households, bleach works as an effective disinfectant. It is often combined with other solutions to clean and sanitize different surfaces. However, bleach has high amounts of chlorine, and when mixed with other chemicals, chlorine gas is released into the surrounding air. If the space is not well-ventilated, one may end up inhaling the chlorine gas. If this happens on a regular basis, it may lead to permanent lung conditions such as shortness of breath and COPD. Aerosol sprays With multipurpose uses, aerosol sprays are quite convenient. From makeup products to air fresheners and foaming agents to deodorants, aerosol sprays are among common household products. However, the convenience of using them comes at the cost of lung damage. While infrequent use in well-ventilated spaces may not lead to much harm, the chemicals and fine particles released into the air can cause lung irritation after prolonged exposure.

Food cravings are completely normal, as is indulging in them occasionally. However, when food cravings lead to overindulgence, they can be quite harmful. Moreover, battling food cravings becomes even tougher when one is trying to cut down on unhealthy food or switch to a healthier lifestyle. In trying to fight these cravings, one often makes mistakes that can exacerbate them. Here are ten common mistakes that can worsen food cravings and should be avoided: 1. Switching to bland or boring foods When one thinks of switching to healthier food options, they often start incorporating bland food. Thinking that healthy food options need to be bland is a misconception. In fact, when one does not enjoy their food, it only makes them crave better-tasting food even more. So, instead of depriving oneself of taste, focusing on adding flavor and variety to the meals is better. For instance, incorporating spices, herbs, and seasonings can make the dishes more enjoyable. Savoring flavorful meals can then reduce the desire for unhealthy snacks. 2. Skipping meals One of the biggest mistakes individuals often make in their daily routine is skipping meals, especially breakfast. Skipping meals makes one crave food even more. In fact, it leads to intense hunger later in the day, triggering cravings for high-calorie foods because the body needs to get its energy levels back up.

Bad breath or halitosis can often be troublesome when it comes to oral freshness. The primary cause is usually poor oral hygiene. Other probable factors, like underlying health issues, can contribute to this issue. However, there are natural solutions found in everyday foods that provide an alternative to pharmaceutical remedies. Adding these foods to the routine can help improve overall health and gut microbiota that can help fight bad breath. Apples Apples are a remarkable natural aid in the battle against bad breath. Their high water content stimulates saliva production, aiding in the rinsing of the mouth. Moreover, the gentle abrasiveness of apples helps minimize the buildup of plaque. Additionally, malic acid actively encourages saliva production while maintaining an optimal pH balance within the oral environment. Whether enjoyed as a convenient and refreshing snack or added to salads, the satisfying crunch of apples promotes oral health. Carrots Packed with beta-carotene and fiber, carrots are ideal for maintaining oral hygiene. The act of chewing on raw carrots not only stimulates saliva flow but also neutralizes acidity, reducing the risk of bacterial growth. Essentially, carrots serve as natural cleansers, fortifying oral health. One can enjoy carrot sticks as a refreshing snack or integrate them into salads and soups.

Geographic Atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which leads to irreversible vision loss. As its name suggests, it directly affects the macula, the part of a person’s eye responsible for central vision. While currently, there is no known cure for geographic atrophy, there is a proactive approach that people can take to delay its progression. This includes altering nutritional intake, adding some foods to the daily routine, and subtracting others. Foods to eat for geographic atrophy Leafy greens Leafy greens like spinach, kale, lettuce, and Brussels sprouts are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, two powerful pigments, in high amounts of leafy greens. These pigments are powerful antioxidants that can help protect the macula, the central part of the retina affected by GA. An excellent way to incorporate these leafy greens into the nutritional routine is by adding them in salads, smoothies, or lightly sauté for a side dish. Green vegetables Besides leafy greens, the pigments lutein and zeaxanthin are also found in high amounts in other green vegetables, such as avocados, green bell peppers, peas, and broccoli. These vegetables can also be easily included in salads or other sandwiches. Avocados can also be added to smoothies, spinach, and kale to make it even better for the eyes.

Vasculitis, or angiitis, is an autoimmune health disorder. It damages the blood vessels due to the severe inflammation that leads to their swelling and hardening. Therefore, the blood is unable to flow smoothly, resulting in organ and tissue damage. Although vasculitis is not preventable, one can delay symptom progression and prevent complications by watching out for the early signs. Here are some of the types, early signs of vasculitis, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options. Types of vasculitis There are more than 30 types of vasculitis. Depending on which blood vessels are affected, a doctor will determine the vasculitis type. Some of the known types include the following. Behcet’s disease Buerger disease Churg-Strauss syndrome Cryoglobulinemia Giant cell arteritis Granulomatosis with polyangiitis Henoch-Schonlein purpura Kawasaki disease Takayasu’s arteritis Early signs of vasculitis Some of the early signs and symptoms are common across all types of vasculitis. Breathing difficulties When vasculitis reaches the lungs, tears begin to develop in the healthy tissues. This can cause disruption in the respiratory function. Over time, this leads to pneumonia-like symptoms as well as breathing difficulties, wheezing, and coughing. These symptoms may worsen after any physical activity, such as climbing stairs, running, and lifting a heavy object.

A healthy smile plays a big part in one’s appearance. However, many common foods can be detrimental to teeth health, leading to the formation of plaque and cavities. Plaque is a thin, sticky, and invisible layer of bacteria and other substances that contribute to oral health problems such as gum disease and tooth decay. Over time, plaque formation can break down the enamel, and give rise to several dental problems. To prevent these issues, it is important to take proper care of one’s teeth and avoid these 12 foods that can harm teeth health: Candies Candies such as lollipops, mints, and others contain high levels of sugar. Chewing or biting on such hard candies can also cause chips or cracks in one’s teeth, increasing the risk of decay. Further, sour candies contain not only more sugar but also acids. These can be extremely tough on one’s teeth, and lead to enamel erosion. Due to their sticky nature, the candies stay on the teeth for a long time, increasing the risk of tooth decay. It may be safer to switch to chocolate instead of sour candy and rinse the mouth immediately after. Bread When chewed, the starches in bread are broken down into sugars by the saliva.