Living with arthritis can be a deeply uncomfortable experience. This is due to its myriad list of symptoms. Although there is no permanent cure for arthritis, healthcare professionals can work on a treatment plan for people to reduce pain and inflammation and improve their quality of life. To achieve those objectives, such professionals need to detect the earliest signs and symptoms of the condition. Here are some of the most common early arthritis signs: Morning stiffness Most people feel stiff in the morning when they wake up. This tightness is caused due to the overnight changing of lubrication in the joints and fascia. Another cause for morning stiffness is that the body’s natural Ibuprofen has not kicked in yet. However, this stiffness tends to go away when one moves and stretches out a little. Morning exercises are a great way to release this morning stiffness. In the case of arthritis, this stiffness and tightness simply do not go away. This happens because of the inherently deep nature of arthritis symptoms. Therefore, if an individual experiences stiffness for 30 to 45 minutes after waking up, it may be a sign of arthritis and should be checked by a medical professional. In fact, the stiffness does not occur only in the morning but also after one rests for a long time and then gets up from a comfortable position. This happens because the synovial fluid, a thick liquid found between one’s joints that reduces friction and joint damage, in one’s body becomes more gelatinous after a long period of inactivity. This is something that is caused by arthritis. Fatigue Arthritis has many subtypes, one of the most commonly found ones being rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that causes widespread inflammation within the bones and joints in people. One of the common symptoms of this kind of arthritis is perpetual fatigue.

Blood circulation is one of the most important functions in the body, as vital organs depend on oxygen and nutrients supplied by the red blood cells to survive and function. However, certain factors like poor nutrition, underlying health issues, and unhealthy daily habits can reduce blood flow and disrupt circulation. So, here are a few common signs of poor blood circulation and useful tips for managing and overcoming the problem: Signs of poor blood circulation Visible swelling One of the first and most evident signs of poor blood circulation is swelling. Also referred to as edema, this swelling develops in the legs, feet, and ankles. Edema develops when the blood pools in one place instead of moving along the arteries and veins. Pooling causes the area to bulge. Edema is often noticeable along the extremities of the body. Due to the swelling, the skin around the affected area becomes taut and warm. Additionally, one might experience a sensation of heaviness and stiffness around the joints when affected by poor circulation. Numbness and tingling Blood circulation is a continuous process, with the heart pumping blood to reach all extremities of the body. So, any obstruction here can restrict the circulation resulting in a familiar tingling or sensation of numbness. Often, one experiences these sensations in the extremities of the hands and feet. The sensation may persist or flare up for short periods of time as the blood moves along veins and arteries. Many people compare this sensation to that of pricks caused by pins and needles. The severity of this symptom depends on how severely the circulation has been affected. Skin and hair problems The blood contains essential proteins that promote skin health and hair growth. Poor circulation deprives the skin of these essential nutrients and triggers visible changes in its color and texture.

The freight industry is experiencing rapid growth. In today’s interconnected world, we rely heavily on trucks and trailers to transport a wide range of goods. However, driving a truck is not as simple as some may think. Whether you’re a rookie or a veteran truck driver, it’s important to exercise caution to avoid any accidents or mishaps when you are on the road. Here are 9 errors all truck drivers should avoid on the road: Crossing speed limits When transporting goods, it’s understandable to have a deadline to meet. However, unforeseen circumstances and road hazards may cause delays. It’s important to resist the urge to speed or exceed the recommended speed limit. According to truck driving laws in the country, a single axle can carry up to 20,000 lbs, while a tandem axle can carry up to 34,000 lbs. Carrying such a heavy load requires careful control, and overspeeding can lead to loss of control, risking your safety and that of others around you. It’s crucial to follow the recommended speed limit to avoid accidents that could slow you down even more. Sleep deprived riving Many truck drivers get paid by the hours they drive or the distance they cover. This can push drivers into driving for longer than recommended. According to Federal Law, truck drivers can drive up to 11 hours in a 14-hour shift, after which they must spend 10 consecutive hours away from the wheel. This leaves very little time for drivers to take care of their responsibilities and get the right amount of rest, causing them to feel drowsy behind the wheel. This may lead to: Challenged reflexes – When you’re drowsy, your reflexes slow down. This increases your response time to whatever may be happening on the road around you and increases the likelihood or severity of an accident.

Esophageal cancer presents a formidable challenge due to its often late-stage diagnosis. Considered the sixth most common among all cancer types, esophageal cancer tends to affect more men than women and is usually attributed to many factors, including poor lifestyle habits and genetic factors. Let’s understand its telltale symptoms, underlying causes, and available treatment options. Knowing these will help individuals recognize the signs promptly and enable better management of esophageal cancer. Understanding esophageal cancer Within the elongated and hollow pathway connecting our mouth to the stomach lies the esophagus—a crucial conduit for food. Any genetic mutations or cell abnormalities can lead to the formation and accumulation of cancerous cells. These cells may grow uncontrollably and develop into a tumor, which can then invade the surrounding tissues. In esophageal cancer, the cancerous cells begin to affect the inner lining of the esophageal tube first and gradually spread outside if they are not promptly treated. Esophageal cancer can be of two types, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. The former develops from squamous cells along the esophagus while the latter develops from gland cells. Common signs Difficulty in swallowing This is one of the most common signs of esophageal cancer. The cancerous cells narrow the esophagus as they grow and block the pipe, making it more challenging for foods and liquids to pass through. Initially, this may be noticed with solid foods and progress to difficulty swallowing even soft foods or liquids, and eventually, giving the sensation of choking. To avoid the progression of cancer, one is advised to get any obstruction checked immediately. Changes in eating habits Any changes in normal eating habits without any apparent explanation should be checked by a healthcare professional. These may include changes in food preferences like opting for mushier or liquid foods instead of solids to avoid coughing or choking, eating more slowly, or taking smaller bites than usual.

According to reports, one in every five deaths in the country is due to cancer; that said, technological advancements in healthcare have increased cancer survival rates. Early diagnosis and a systematic treatment course are essential for cancer recovery. In terms of prevention, genetic testing can help understand one’s odds of developing the disease. Moreover, besides following a healthy lifestyle, including some herbs and spices in one’s meals can help with cancer prevention: Black pepper In addition to spicing up one’s soups and salads, black pepper can help lower one’s risk of cancer. This pungent condiment contains a molecule called piperine, which brings about its delectable flavor and has anti-cancer properties. Some studies have also found that black pepper can inhibit the development of colorectal cancer cells. Ginger Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger has been widely recommended as the magic ingredient to relieve colds, flu, and digestive problems, among others. Moreover, studies have shown that gingerols present in ginger have a cytotoxic effect against breast cancer cell lines. It has also been found effective in protecting against various other types of cancer, such as pancreatic, gastric, liver, and colorectal cancers. Basil The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) suggests that basil, which is packed with flavonoids, may have a protective effect against cancer. It also contains antioxidants and bioactive compounds, which can help with slowing down the growth of cancerous tumors. The leaves of this flavorful herb may be consumed directly or seasoned in a variety of foods, from stir fries and soups to smoothies and breads. Rosemary Rosemary is widely used as a seasoning ingredient in several delicacies, including gnocchi, macaroni and cheese, fondue, marinades, and stir-fry preparations. Besides having a mild yet enticing sweet flavor, this aromatic herb is high in carnosol, a phytochemical proven to slow cancer growth.

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition affecting millions of people worldwide. While many are familiar with the classic symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions and hallucinations, there are several lesser-known signs that can indicate this condition. Understanding these uncommon symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management of schizophrenia. By understanding the full spectrum of schizophrenia symptoms, it is possible to promote better awareness, timely intervention, and improved outcomes for individuals with this condition. Social isolation and withdrawal Schizophrenia can cause individuals to gradually withdraw from social interactions and isolate themselves from others. They may prefer solitude and struggle with maintaining relationships. This social withdrawal is often a result of the individual’s internal experiences, such as disorganized thoughts or paranoia, which make it difficult to engage with others. Apathy and lack of motivation People with schizophrenia may experience a profound lack of motivation and enthusiasm for activities that were once meaningful to them. This lack of drive can extend to personal hygiene, work, and hobbies. They may struggle to initiate and complete tasks, leading to a decline in their overall functioning and productivity. Anhedonia Anhedonia is the inability to experience or derive pleasure from activities one usually enjoys. Individuals with schizophrenia may find that things they once found pleasurable, such as eating, socializing, or engaging in hobbies, no longer evoke positive emotions in them. This loss of interest in enjoyable experiences can contribute to feelings of emptiness. Cognitive impairments Schizophrenia can affect cognitive functioning, leading to difficulties in thinking, memory, and decision-making. Individuals may struggle with maintaining attention, organizing thoughts, and processing information. These cognitive impairments can significantly impact daily life and may be less noticeable than other symptoms of schizophrenia. Emotional flatness A common but often overlooked symptom of schizophrenia is a blunting or flattening of facial expressions in response to emotions.