According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, nearly half of all eye injuries happen at home. Whether it’s a cleaning product that burns your eyes or a potential hazard around your home, it is vital to be aware of potentially harmful household products that could hurt your eyes and affect your vision. Here are six products that you must take precautions with when using them to protect your and your loved ones’ sight: Cleaning supplies: Cleaning products often comprise chemicals such as ammonia, bleach, triclosan, and formaldehyde, which can lead to severe irritation, inflammation, and burning if they come into contact with your eyes. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before use. Avoid mixing two or more different products. When using cleaners, remember to keep the area well-ventilated to get rid of any toxic fumes, spray with the nozzles facing away from your face, refrain from using strong chemicals in small spaces, and use safety gear, such as goggles and gloves, when using products like oven cleaners, stain removers, degreasers, toilet cleaners, and other potent disinfectants. Mascara: Liquid eye products, such as mascara, can be home to many germs. Doctors recommend replacing these products every three months to reduce the risk of bacterial buildup that may cause eye irritation or inflammation.

Red blood cells (RBC) act as lifelines to the human body, supplying oxygen from the lungs to different body parts and transporting carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation. Essentially, hemoglobin, a protein contained in RBC, supplies oxygen to tissues. Low RBC count can lead to hemoglobin deficiency, causing less oxygen supply and triggering issues like fatigue, increased heart rate, and dizziness. Thus, here are some foods that can help with improving RBC count: Spinach A cup of frozen and boiled spinach contains 3.72 mg of iron, making it an excellent inclusion in one’s meal plan to increase RBC count. It is also packed with folic acid or vitamin B9, which helps the body develop red blood cells. The nutrients in leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, and Brussels sprouts are absorbed better when one incorporates vitamin-C-rich foods like citrus fruits, peppers, and tomatoes into one’s meal plan. Thus, spinach and other leafy greens should be consumed alongside foods high in vitamin C. Red meat Red meat sources like beef and animal liver are extremely rich sources of iron, which is essential for increasing one’s RBC count. Every 100 grams of beef has approximately 2.47 mg of iron. Thus, it is a good idea to incorporate different types of unprocessed red meats, including beef, pork, lamb, and venison.

A viral infection can seem similar to a bacterial infection because of an overlap in their symptoms. However, viruses are much tinier than bacteria and need a host to survive, making treatment of viral infections differ from bacterial ones. Viruses can cause many diseases by attacking certain cells like those in the respiratory system, liver, and blood. Here are a few early signs of a viral infection that one can observe: Flu symptoms Fever, body aches, headache, and fatigue are some of the telltale signs of a viral infection like influenza. These symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may require immediate treatment. The symptoms here may develop suddenly instead of gradually, so it is important to seek a prompt diagnosis when one observes any of the abovementioned signs. Those with flu symptoms usually recover in less than two weeks, however, some people may experience serious complications like pneumonia. Upper respiratory symptoms Another common type of symptom to recognize is respiratory issues, like persistent sore throat, coughing, nasal congestion, and sneezing. Sinus or ear infections are some of the complications that can develop due to a viral infection. In severe cases, the virus can cause extreme inflammation in the respiratory system, which can lead to sepsis—the body’s extreme response to an infection.

High blood sugar can affect eyesight in several ways. For instance, it can damage the blood vessels in the eyes and trigger swelling in the eye tissues, which can change the shape of the lenses. Therefore, those with diabetes must take measures to manage their blood glucose levels. When high blood sugar affects the eyes, it leads to many noticeable symptoms. Here are five such signs of poor eye health due to high sugar. Blurry vision When blood sugar levels exceed a specific limit, the eye lenses swell. This distorts vision, and things appear blurry. As a result, one may find it challenging to perform tasks like driving and reading efficiently. Glares Eye lenses can become cloudy due to high sugar levels in the blood. Since these lenses are similar to those in cameras, the cloudiness makes it challenging to focus on things. As a result, a person experiences glares. Floaters Floaters are white or translucent spots in the field of vision. These spots are usually triggered by exposure to bright lights, such as early afternoon sunlight. For those with high blood sugar, floaters can be a persistent problem that blocks their sight. It happens due to the damage caused to the retina’s blood vessels by high glucose.

For many women, menstruation is a monthly occurrence that brings about physical discomfort and hormonal fluctuations. It is crucial to understand how to navigate this natural process with care and attentiveness. Unfortunately, several common mistakes can inadvertently exacerbate discomfort and disrupt daily routines during the menstrual cycle. Here are some of the most prevalent mistakes to avoid during one’s period. Knowing and avoiding these can empower one to have a more comfortable monthly experience. Not getting enough iron Iron deficiency is common during menstruation due to blood loss. Neglecting to replenish iron levels can lead to fatigue, weakness, and anemia. It is important to include iron-rich foods in one’s daily intake, such as leafy greens, lean meats, beans, and fortified cereals. If necessary, one can consult one’s healthcare provider about oral treatments to ensure one maintains adequate iron levels during periods. Not getting enough rest Menstrual cycles can often be accompanied by fatigue and discomfort. Ignoring the need for rest and overexerting oneself can worsen these symptoms. It’s important to listen to the needs of one’s body and give oneself permission to rest more than usual and when needed. One should ensure that one gets enough sleep during the cycle and consider taking short breaks throughout the day to conserve energy and manage any physical or emotional discomfort.

Food is fuel for the body. What one eats and drinks throughout the day directly impacts their metabolism, digestion, and cognitive function. For example, excessive sugar intake can wreak havoc on your health. The body has to maintain a delicate balance of vitamins and minerals extracted from these foods to boost overall immunity. And evident physical and psychological signs indicate these requirements are not being met. Here are five signs of excess sugar intake that impact overall immunity: Problems with appetite Sugar is an empty calorie, meaning the body does not benefit from consuming refined sugars in any way. Instead, to compensate for the low-quality calories consumed, one must eat more to fill up and remain satiated for longer periods. An increase in daily food consumption without proper nutritional balance is a clear sign of excess sugar intake and poor immune function. Excess sugar dramatically impacts the body’s metabolic responses, boosting immunity as well. And the extra calories add to the body’s mass, further increasing the risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, blood pressure problems, and more. Fatigue One of the major signs of low immunity is fatigue. And the body cannot fight off common infections and diseases with a compromised immune system.

The mouth has different bacteria types, but most of these help in the digestion of food and maintaining overall health. Unfortunately, some of these bacteria are harmful. These are usually found in the plaque, which is a thin, sticky film that forms over the teeth. The bacteria releases acid whenever it interacts with sugar in food, and, in turn, the acid leads to cavity formation. To help prevent them, here’s everything you need to know. What are cavities? One of the most common health problems globally, cavities are one of the first signs of dental problems due to excessive sugar. They’re generally observed among young children, teens, and older adults. However, individuals can have cavities at any age. Cavities are permanently damaged parts on the surface of your teeth that slowly develop into small holes or openings. Although these small cavities may seem insignificant in the initial stages, they can cause severe infections, toothache, and even loss of teeth. Also referred to as caries or tooth decay, cavities occur due to a combination of several factors, including eating foods with excessive sugar, bacteria in the mouth, drinking sugary drinks, frequent snacking, and not maintaining proper dental hygiene. How do cavities form?

Diabetes affects over 11% of our country’s population. Eating unhealthy foods, such as those rich in sugar and processed ingredients, is one of the most critical reasons for the condition’s increasing prevalence. Excessive sugar intake has adverse health consequences, including poor dental health, high blood pressure, and liver and heart damage. In addition, it is associated with several eye-related disorders. Here are the signs of poor eyesight due to excessive sugar intake and diabetes. Fast progressing cataracts Although cataracts are common among older adults, persistently high blood sugar can damage the eye lens’ structure and cause cataracts to progress faster. Moreover, studies have shown that patients with diabetes are two to five times more susceptible to developing cataracts than those with normal blood sugar levels. Blurred vision, poor eyesight at night, faded colors, and the perception of a halo around lights are common cataract symptoms. Macular edema The macula is the retina’s central part that facilitates the sharpness of vision. Macular edema is characterized by swelling of the macula due to leakage of blood vessels. Caused by high blood sugar, it is also referred to as diabetic macular edema. The common signs of this condition are blurry vision, double vision, floaters, and difficulty seeing clearly when surrounded by bright lights.