The area around the eyes is highly sensitive and can react to many external factors. It can easily get irritated compared to other parts of the body. Aging, lifestyle choices, and allergens can all cause an adverse impact on the eyelids.

Dry eyelids are a condition where the eyelids become dry, flakey, rough, or patchy. It can also be accompanied by irritation and redness. Dry eyelids can also cause oozing and crust formation on your eyelids.

The symptoms of dry eyelids depend on the underlying cause. Also, the treatment method for the eye infection will depend on the reason for such a condition. Hence, it is essential to understand the causes of dry eyelids and decide on the treatment alternative accordingly.

A. Causes of dry eyelids

1. Environmental factors

Various environmental factors can impact the area around your eyes. Your eyelids can become dry and flakey during the winter months. The air has less humidity, and it can make your eyelids dry.

Also, washing your face with hot water several times can impact the oil glands that are responsible for moisturizing your eyelids.

2. Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a skin condition that gets triggered when your eyelids come in contact with an irritant. There can be several triggers for contact dermatitis, like makeup, hair products, face washes, sunscreen, pool water, dust, painted nails, etc.

The factors causing contact dermatitis differ for each individual. Also, the irritants may reach your eyelids through your hands or other surfaces and cause itchiness, dryness, and inflammation.

3. Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, is a skin condition that affects people early in their childhood. People with asthma and other food or dust allergies are at a higher risk. Atopic dermatitis can cause dry, scaly skin, pain, tenderness, rashes, and thickened and hardened skin.

4. Aging

Aging is another major cause of dry skin. It reduces the amount of oil in the top layers of the skin, reduces the sweat glands, and also makes the skin around the eyes thinner. It can reduce the skin’s ability to retain moisture and make the eyelids dry and itchy. Wrinkles and cracked skin also increase with aging.

5. Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an infection of the eyelids that is caused by bacteria or other factors. The tiny glands at the base of eyelashes can clog up, and the eyelids get inflamed. The condition can cause irritation, redness, burning, tearing, crusting, and so on.

Their infection can be caused by several factors, such as allergy, rosacea, dry eyes, other infections, etc. Depending on the cause of blepharitis, you will need to find the appropriate cure. For example, if the condition is caused by dry eyes, you need to look for the best product for dry eyes.

B. Treatment of dry eyelids

The treatment of dry eyelids depends on the cause of the condition. If you are suffering from atopic dermatitis, your doctor may prescribe moisturizers or corticosteroids.

However, if you are diagnosed with contact dermatitis, you need to avoid the triggers that cause dry eyelids. Patients should be extra careful as the triggers can reach the eyelids through your fingers or other surfaces. Also, clean your hands before touching your eyelids or the area around your eyes.

The best product for dry eyes may work for people suffering from Blepharitis, if the underlying cause is clogged glands. Warm compresses and eyelid scrubs help in keeping the area around the eyes clean.

However, your doctor may also prescribe antibiotic pills or ointments to remedy the situation. Avoiding hot water for taking baths and using moisturizers frequently are some of the lifestyle changes that can help aid patients with dry eyelids.

You can also add moisture to the indoor environment with the help of a humidifier. Only opt for face wash or cleansers that are free of fragrances and are gentle on the skin. Also, cool compresses can help with dry and irritated skin.

Cannabis is a versatile plant that can find on the entire planet. If you have connections cannabis’ world, you might be aware of the controversies surrounding delta-8 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is a psychoactive compound that a few claim to be legal at the federal level due to certain loopholes.

Delta-8 THC- What is it.

Surprisingly, delta-8 THC is not a recent discovery. Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, “The father of Cannabis,” found it in 1965. However, the complete potential of the THC variety remained hidden all these years.

Delta-8 THC is one of the several cannabinoids found in cannabis sativa plants. However, you cannot get it at significant levels. Therefore, delta 8 THC Orlando is a product manufactured from hemp-derived CBD. It is a psychoactive substance have a similar chemical structure as delta-9 THC.

Often people refer to it as THC resulting in an intoxicating “high.” Delta-8 THC offers similar experiential benefits to delta-9 THC, including relaxation, euphoria, and pain relief.

Delta-8 interacts with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system or ECS. The ECS is responsible for maintaining other bodily systems, including your nervous and immune systems. The primary function of a cannabinoid within the ECS is binding with its receptors. The enzymes then break them down to assist with sending signals your body requires to regain balance and function.

Potential Benefits of Delta-8 THC

There is a lack of scientific research and clinical trials on delta-8 THC. Most of the potential benefits are dependent on marketing claims. Experts and researchers need to identify potential health benefits related to delta-8 THC Orlando. However, the legal issues are making the research more difficult.

Research indicates that delta-8 THC might have fewer adverse side effects and a milder impact on users than delta-9 THC. Studies examining the health benefits of delta-8 THC’s ability to curb vomiting and nausea, lower anxiety, stimulate appetite and offer analgesic and neuroprotective properties.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Using Delta-8 THC

The process of synthetic manufacturing delta-8 THC involves converting CBD from hemp’s chemicals. These include the use of organic solvents and strong acids, which might cause harm to our health. The products did not undergo any regulations, and no research studies are available to show their long-term impacts on health.

The authors noted the side effects of delta-8 THC in a survey published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. The side effects noted include:

• Difficulty in concentrating

• Difficulties with short-term memory

• Altered sense of time

• Paranoia and anxiety

• Things You Must Know About Delta-8 THC

FDA Does Not Evaluate or Approve Delta-8 THC Products

The FDA is aware of the growing concerns regarding delta-8 THC products available online and in stores. FDA does not evaluate or approve the products for safe use. Variability in product formulation and product labeling are some of the concerns. Moreover, most manufacturers and sellers label these as “hemp products.” It misleads consumers to associate hemp with non-psychoactive products. The deceptive marketing of unproven treatments raises significant public health concerns, as patients and consumers might use them for treating serious and fatal diseases.

FDA received Adverse Reports Regarding Delta-8 THC Products

FDA saw an increase in adverse events related to delta-8 THC consumption. It further cited 104 reports between December 2020 and February 2022. Of these adverse reports:

• 77% were adults, and 8% were pediatric patients below 18. However, 15% did report their age.

• 55% required intervention or received admission to hospitals.

• 66% described experiencing adverse events after ingesting food products that contained delta-8 THC, including brownies and gummies.

• Adverse events did not have limitations to hallucinations, tremors, anxiety, vomiting, confusion, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.

You Must Keep Delta-8 THC Products Away From Children And Pets

Manufactures are labeling and packing the delta-8 THC products that appeal to and attract children. These include gummies, chocolates, and candies. You might come across these products online and with various retailers, including convenience stores and gas stations. Usually, these locations do not restrict who can purchase the products.

FDA has never evaluated and considered the Delta-8 THC products to be safe. Instead, these products have been marked in ways that would put the public at high risk.

As a fitness freak, you owe a lot to your gym bag. After all, it carries the sweat-packed gym clothes, shoes, toiletries, and post-workout shakes along with your wallet, towel, and other gym essentials. It is one of your motivations to hit the gym regularly by making your life simple by carrying and organizing all your fitness items.

But how regularly do you clean your gym bag? Surprisingly, not many of us care about our gym bags and wash them regularly.

On the contrary, caring for them and regular cleaning maintains their shine besides ensuring their hygiene.

Whether you own a small gym bag or a huge one, cleaning them often helps both your bag and yourself. In this post, let us look at how to clean a gym bag.

Pre-cleaning measures:

Before cleaning a gym bag, it is essential to follow tips to make the task easy. Follow these steps below to clean your gym bag easily:

• Remove the shoes, yoga mat, and other gym items. Keep the essentials to a side so that you do not miss any during the cleaning process.

• Inspect the bag for any leakage of shampoo or handwash. Clean the spill with tissue paper or a soft cloth to prevent it from spreading during the cleaning.

• Turn the bag upside down and empty it. It ensures no coins and small items that might get stuck in the washing machine.

• Use a lint roller from all corners to the inward center to remove the fine particles and hair strands that stick to the surface and are not removed when you turn the bag upside down.

Now that you have cleaned the gym bag on a basic level, let us see how to deep clean and dry it.

Machine washing a gym bag

Most individuals wonder: Can I put my gym bag in a washing machine?

Of course, you can wash a gym bag in a washing machine. However, there are certain pointers to keep in mind to ensure the longevity of your bag.

• Always use a gentle cycle for cleaning a gym bag. This hold for both a small gym bag and a bigger one. Running the washing machine on a normal or fast cycle may damage the stitches of the gym bag.

• Put a couple of towels or pillow covers along with your gym bag in the washing machine. Thus, when you run the machine, your bag is safeguarded by these protective clothing, and wear and tear are minimized.

• Add a fabric freshener or two caps of germ-killing liquid when you rinse the gym bag. They give a rejuvenating odor to your bag besides killing all germs.

Handwashing a gym bag

It may sound like a little old-fashioned idea, but here we spill a little secret:

Delicate handwashing protects your gym bag and preserves its color and print for a long.

To handwash your gym bag, follow the mentioned tips below:

• Use normal water for cleaning the gym bag.

• Soak the bag for a couple of minutes in a detergent or shampoo mixed water.

• Clean the inside and outside of the bag with your hands along with all inner and outer compartments.

• Rinse the bag thoroughly and take a fresh bucket of water.

• Add a cap or two of germicide or fabric freshener to the water.

• Dip and rinse delicately a couple of times. Finally, let the water drip fully from the bag.

Note: Always dry your gym bag in shade away from the sun. Exposure to direct sunlight may cause the fading of the bag color.

Here we discuss additional tips to clean your gym bag items:

• Gently rinse your shoes in the detergent water and let them dry in the sun. For odor removal, keep a pair of tea bags in your gym bag. After removing the shoe post-workout, place the tea bags in the shoes to make them odor-free.

• Spray a diluted vinegar solution onto the yoga mat and let it dry before the next use. It kills germs and frees the mat from the stinky odor.

• Use zip-lock bags to pack your toiletries to prevent leakage in the gym bag.

Conclusion

Cleaning the gym bag ensures its hygiene and lifespan. With the tips mentioned above, cleaning your gym bag is no more a hassle.

Intravenous therapy, popularly called IV, helps deliver fluids and administer medications through the vein. The fluid often contains vitamins, minerals, and medications that patients receive through an IV drip or an injection into the vein. The process allows the fluids to move faster through the bloodstream.

It is an extremely common procedure conducted several million times a day worldwide.

Importance of Intravenous Therapy

Intravenous (IV) therapy is a type of treatment that delivers nutrients and fluids directly into the veins. Injecting fluids and medications into your bloodstream helps your body absorb and circulate the nutrients and fluids.

Usually, a nurse or a healthcare professional administers IV therapy for various reasons, including dehydration and medical emergencies. The therapy also addresses symptoms such as common cold, flu, morning sickness, and hangovers. While your body cannot absorb all the nutrients and benefits when ingested through the mouth, IV transfusions help better hydration and nutrients and are delivered straight to the internal organs.

What is Intravenous Vitamin Therapy?

Intravenous vitamin therapy or intravenous micronutrient therapy and hydration therapy deliver high concentrations of vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream. It allows rapid absorption of higher doses of minerals and vitamins than absorption through food and supplements.

You receive the fluids through a small tube inserted into a vein. Usually, the infusions take between 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the cocktail’s volume and the size of the patients’ veins.

Myer’s cocktail is a popular formula among complementary and alternative medicine providers. The formula consists of high doses of B vitamins, vitamin C and minerals, including magnesium and calcium, mixed with sterile water.

Who Needs IV Vitamin Therapy?

IV vitamin therapy is the best for people who cannot get enough vitamins and minerals. The deficiency caused is either the person cannot eat enough food or an illness prevents them from absorbing the micronutrients.

Several healthy people searching for IV vitamin therapy near me claim that the therapy enhances wellness even in people who are not experiencing vitamin and mineral deficiency. Clinics offering Myer’s cocktail and other high-dose IV vitamin therapy claim that the infusions help in the following ways:

• Treating dehydration after extreme exercise or consumption of too much alcohol.

• Boost the immune system.

• Enhance energy levels and reduce fatigue.

• Relieve stress, anxiety, and depression.

• It improves skin quality and eliminates toxins from the body.

• Helps patients with migraine, headaches, tension headaches, and hangovers.

• Treats asthma, chronic sinusitis, allergies, hypertension, diabetes, heart disorders, acute muscle spasms, fibromyalgia, and Parkinson’s disease.

• IV infusions are excellent as medical practitioners can administer them to people with food.

Benefits of Receiving IV Vitamin Therapy

Enlisted are a few benefits of IV vitamin therapy.

The fastest way to receive essential nutrients

The nutrients first enter your digestive system when you take traditional oral supplements. Your body processes it for absorption before entering the bloodstream. There is no digestion in IV therapy, so your body receives the nutrients immediately.

Helps in treating specific conditions

IV therapy is best known for hydrating your body and making you feel the best. It also helps in improving certain conditions affecting the digestive tract, including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, cystic fibrosis, and colon cancer. Often these conditions inhibit the absorption of the micronutrients in the body. Therefore, seeking IV vitamin therapy near me will help you deliver the nutrients without upsetting your digestive tract.

Enhances natural energy in the body

When you run out of energy, you often grab a bottle of sugary sodas and energy drinks. Instead, you can opt for a natural solution, such as vitamins. The secret lies in the energy-producing properties of B vitamins and amino acids. These are the building blocks of your body and are considered essential nutrients that your body requires for survival. An influx of these vitamins through IV infusion helps in boosting your body’s natural energy levels. IV vitamin therapy helps in reducing the cravings for unhealthy foods and beverages.

Most doctors, emergency rooms, hospitals, and urgent care centers offer IV vitamin therapy. Often the IV drips contain different combinations of vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and amino acids tailored for the specific requirements of the patients.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a clinical condition in women of sexually active age. It affects the vagina and causes symptoms that resemble any other yeast infection but with high intensity. In many cases, BV OTC medicine helps to attain relief from BV.

Unfortunately, the BV can be a recurrent condition. Studies indicate that as many as 50% of women who suffered from BV experienced its recurrence within one year. This can seem daunting. However, with certain precautions and lifestyle changes, it is easy to prevent the recurrence of BV.

As we move on in this post, we will understand why BV occurs, what might contribute to its recurrence and how to gain relief from it.

Understanding BV

The health of the vagina in women depends on its microbial balance. When healthy bacteria are more than the unhealthy ones, the vagina stays healthy and nurtured. On the contrary, the increase of harmful bacteria can invite the risks of infections such as BV.

BV Triggers

The vaginal bacterial balance can be disturbed due to certain practices that include:

Sex with multiple partners: The vaginal pH is sensitive to semen. Sex with multiple partners can disturb the vaginal pH, ultimately leading to the growth of unhealthy bacteria.

Douching: One of the commonly observed reasons for vaginal floral disturbance is douching. It changes the pH level at that part and creates an unhealthy environment where harmful bacteria thrive.

Pregnancy: During pregnancy, multiple hormonal changes occur in a female body. These hormones can cause an imbalance in the vaginal secretions leading to BV.

General treatments for BV

BV is an easily diagnosable condition. It shows symptoms such as discharge with a foul smell, irritation while urinating, and itching around the vaginal part.

The primary reason for BV is the reduction in the healthy lactobacillus bacteria. Doctors complement this through medication rich in lactobacillus in various forms – pills, gel, and vaginal insertion capsules.

Medication such as BV OTC Medicine also helps treat BV. However, boric acid supplements should never be taken orally and should not be used by pregnant women.

Why does BV keep recurring?

Generally, there are no exact reasons revealed behind BV recurrence. However, the following might contribute to the recurrence of BV:

Not using BV medicine for the whole dose: Most women stop taking BV medication after 2-3 days of usage when the symptoms seem to be declining. However, doctors advise that they have to continue the medicines for the full term as prescribed to treat the infection completely. Otherwise, the chances of recurrence are high.

Having unsafe sex: The risk of recurrence of BV is high when participating in unsafe sex with multiple partners. Oral sex and sex with infected partners can invite BV again and again.

Unhygienic periods: During periods, it is essential to change napkins every once in a while to prevent harmful bacteria from growing. Otherwise, it invites an environment where harmful bacteria flourishes.

Usage of chemicals around vaginal part: vaginal deodorants and cleaning agents disturb the bacterial balance around the vagina. This can cause irritation, itching, and several vaginal infections, including BV.

Lifestyle triggers: Severe stress can lead to hormonal changes that could affect vaginal secretions. It can also reflect the change in bacteria around the vagina.

Tight underwear that restricts airflow: Synthetic underwear can restrict airflow and trap harmful bacteria.

How to prevent BV recurrence?

With the knowledge of why BV occurs, it now becomes easy to comprehend how to prevent BV and its recurrence. Here are simple measures to implement to prevent BV from recurring:

• Limit the number of sex partners.

• Use plain water and no harsh chemicals to clean the around the vagina after urinating, excretion, and sex.

• Wear soft and breathable underwear for the area around the vagina to receive air circulation naturally.

• Use the dosage for the BV treatment fully as prescribed by the doctor.

• If you are a female and your female sex partner is suffering from BV, you need to be treated for the same.

• Over-the-counter medication helps to attain relief from BV. However, it is always best to consult a doctor for a personalized medical diagnosis.

Conclusion

BV is treatable and preventable. However, it is also a recurring condition. Implement the measures prescribed above to prevent BV and change your lifestyle to a healthy one.

Stem cell banking is a procedure of collecting stem cells from the umbilical cord blood, processing them correctly, and storing them for future usage. Since medical professionals use them as regenerative medicine, stem cell banking can be a life-saver for your child. As per recent medical research and data, stem cell treatment can cure several fatal diseases of your child and your family. Therefore, the new parents should consider banking stem cells for future usage.

Since the banks preserve the cells at a preferably low temperature, the biological properties in the stem cells stay as it is. So, the banked stem cells do not get degenerated and contaminated. As per medical data and research, you should bank and preserve the umbilical cord stem cells following a proper and standardized quality-controlled procedure. It is required to maintain the quality of the stem cell properties for a long period. Store the cord blood at an affordable cord blood bank for $19.99/month.

So, in this blog, we have shared all the benefits of stem cell banking and why it is significant for your children.

What is stem cell banking?

Since many parents stay skeptical regarding the necessity and value of stem cell banking, let us first discuss the definition and process of this banking. Umbilical cord stem cells are the most immature cells in our body. Therefore, it can take the form of any cell efficiently.

So, if your baby or any other member of your family develops a critical health condition in the future, stem cells can help treat those conditions. That is why collecting stem cells and storing them in stem cells banks is vital to ensure the safe health of your baby and family members.

If you still feel doubtful regarding the procedure and importance of stem cell banking, check out the next section to know about its benefits.

The advantages of stem cell banking

Most of us know the term bone marrow and its usage as regenerative medicine. While bone marrow stem cells can get used to treat various medical conditions, the stem cells of bone marrow feature a high possibility of not matching the receivers’ profile.

Since these cells are adult cells, they often fail to assume the structure of other cells in the body. But, umbilical cord stem cells are the youngest cells in our body. That is why they feature the highest potency of assuming the form of other cells in the body of your child and the family.

So, if you ask about the benefits of banking the cells, the answer will be-it could save the life of your little one in the future. Below, we have penned down the advantages of preserving umbilical stem cells in stem cells banks.

● Safeguards the health of the entire family

Maybe you are planning to store the umbilical cord blood stem cells in the bank to ensure the safe and sound health of your baby. But, the cells can safeguard your entire family, including baby, siblings, parents, paternal and maternal grandparents, and even other family members!

● Stem cells can be used in treating more than 80 chronic and fatal health conditions.

Stem cell therapy can treat different forms of diabetes, arthritis, immune system disorder, leukemia, thalassemia, Neuroblastoma, Multiple Myeloma, Lymphoma, several other blood-related disorders, and cancers.

Even if your child or other family member develops neurological, genetic, and any chronic or mortal health conditions, the preserved stem cell can help treat all these medical conditions.

● High possibility of finding a match

As we have mentioned earlier, umbilical cord stem cells are the most premature cells in our body. That is why these cells hold the highest potency of modifying and transforming into other human body cells.

So, if an emergency arrives, opting for stem cell therapy is the best way as the cells feature more than a 96% chance of finding a match.

● Opportunity comes only once in life.

If you are thinking about the necessity of preserving stem cells in the stem cell banks, the opportunity of collecting and storing umbilical stem cells comes once in a lifetime.

After the baby’s delivery, the medical associates and stem cell collectors can safely collect the cord blood and store it in the bank, following all the protocols strictly.

When you suffer from dry eyes, then that means there is not enough secretion of tears within your eyes. Here, what happens is that the related glands become clogged, which will automatically result in less generation of tears. Hence, there will not be enough flow of tears. When there is no proper secretion of tears, there will not be the much-needed lubrication within the eyes. This inadequate tear emission leads to the possibility of dry eyes. That said, there are effective treatments for dry eyes available in our time. Nevertheless, you must go for the professional guidance of qualified and experienced eye specialists.

You must be aware that eye dryness can happen to anyone at times. Though the causes can vary, it’s a fact. In our time, the possibility for the same is all the more double. Almost all people will be using computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones for varied reasons. Besides, everyone uses these devices for every possible human task. Hence, dryness of the eyes is a commonly seen health problem. Whenever such a problem arises one must get treatments for dry eyes from expert eye specialists.

Causes: Dry eyes occur when the tear film of your eyes flops. There are three different films or layers to the tear film. These are mucus, greasy oils, and typical fluid. The much-needed lubrication to the eyes is provided by these three layers. If any of these three gets damaged, then dryness in the eyes occurs. That said, the damages to these layers can come to pass for several reasons, which include allergy, aging, medicines, hormone change, etc. The sufferer will experience a typical burning or irritating sensation within the eyes. Eyes can become red in such cases. Looking straight to light will be difficult. In many cases, the individual will also experience fatigue in the eyes and blurred vision. The watery eye is another symptom.

Prevention: Take a break from computer-related work after every one hour or so. During this period, you can engage in some related eye exercises. You must open and close your eyes several times. This exercise will give you a soothing feeling to your eyes. You can do the same exercise when you are continuously reading a book.

Whenever you step out into the open air, it’s always better to use a sunglass. This specific arrangement will prevent the harsh rays of the sun from reaching your eyes straight.

You must avoid moisture contact. Thus you can lessen the possibility of dry eyes. It’s practically wise to use humidifiers in indoor spaces during the winter season.

If you are a smoker, you must abandon that habit. Remember, close contact with smoke will create problems. Hence, staying away from smokers is another preventive step that you can take.

Treatment: There are some practically available treatments that you can follow. Using eye drops or eye pads is one such option. Various eye drops are available in the market, and you must choose one in sync with your need. For this, you can seek the professional guidance of a practiced eye specialist.

You can also use specifically created eye pads to make the functional nature of your eyes perfect. In general, going for these eye pads is one practical solution for keeping the threat of dry eyes at bay. Such pads will create a typically soothing warmness, which will initiate the corrective steps within. In brief, these sterile eyelid cleaning pads will retain the natural tears. However, you must buy such pads only from authorized and reliable pharmacies from which you are sure to get perfect eye pads.

You must make sure that the manufacturer uses scientific ways for creating the pads. If the original creator of the pad is a doctor, who is well-versed as far as eye diseases are concerned, then, for sure, you can expect good results when you use the pads. That said, you must make sure that the eye pad has FDA registration. In brief, one can use these pads for useful treatments for dry eyes.

In general, there are some common reasons for dry eyes. Individuals will fall as victims of this eye syndrome because of one or more reasons. Though one can take some precautionary measures to stay away from this bothering problem, it’s humanly impossible to avoid all these situations. Therefore opting for the best OTC for dry eyes is the best bet for getting relief from the bother of dry eyes.

Some of the commonly seen reasons that cause dry eyes are as follows. Remember, the best OTC for dry eyes depends on what exactly your problem is and the intensity of the same. A practiced eye specialist will be able to assess your problems and make a proper diagnosis.

• Strain to the eyes is par for the course when one uses computers or related objects such as tablets, laptops, smartphones, etc., reading in dim light, continuous reading, etc.

• Environmental reasons such as windy or dry atmosphere are another possibility. During such situations, there will be too much strain on the eyes, and this will phase in the problem of dryness within the eyes.

• Autoimmune disease is another probable reason for dry eyes. Here, your immune system assails your body by mistake. The immune system is for guarding the body against the attacks of various viruses and bacteria. When you fall prey to autoimmune disease, this functionality will be lost.

• Allergies will also cause eye dryness. Allergy can be to anything like food, medicines, environment, etc. That said, one will not be able to get out of many of these circumstances. Hence, taking the best OTC for dry eyes is the practical solution.

There are different OTC options for dry eyes. One can go for eye drops or eye ointments. Both of these are beneficial options. However, ointments are thicker and pasty. Hence, it will be practically difficult to apply the same as it will be sticky and will cause inconvenience during the daytime. That said, you can use ointments at night. You can apply it before you jump to your bed. Hence, the ointment will stay there throughout the night period. Soon after you wake up in the morning, you can wash it away.

Eye drops are convenient to use during the daytime. You can use it in the morning without making a break from your daily chores. You must apply the same two times a day; once in the morning and then at the night. However, you must consult your doctor to get a confirmation as regards the best OTC for dry eyes.

That said, eye drops come in two distinct types, one with the needed preservatives and another one without preservatives. The shell life of the eye drop with preservatives will be more than the one without preservatives. Some may find it irritating to use eye drops with preservatives. Such people can go for eye drops without preservatives. In the same way, eye drops with oil content will be highly beneficial for those who suffer reduced oil levels in the eyes. However, you must get the proper advice from your ophthalmologist to pick the right one for your personal use.

Using a warm compress is another method for alleviating the seriousness of eye dryness. These days, you can buy such eye pads that you can use for a warm compress. The most persuasive point as regards these pads is that you can find practical relief from the problem of dry eyes easily. You can use the same by yourself. You will not need any external assistance. Besides, as you can carry the packet in your pocket or bag, you can take the item wherever you go. Moreover, it’s very easy to use. Just open the pack, and bend the item a little bit to kick start the heat. Place the pad over your eyes for two to three minutes. Repeat the process on the other eye. Because of this easiness of use, there is great customer demand for such eye pads.

UTIs can be effectively treated with antibiotics. You can also support the treatment with other medications and preventive measures. Antibiotics are prescription-based. But you can use a combination of UTI Antibiotics over the counter medicines by opting for boric acid suppositories or probiotic supplements along with your prescription pills.

Antibiotics for UTIs

Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics based on the type of your infection, your history of UTIs, and other considerations.

Nitrofurantoin is a common antibiotic for UTI treatment. The dosage may be 1 pill (100 mg); twice daily for a week or so. It is usually used for treating UTIs of the bladder (cystitis).

Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim (800 mg/160 mg) is prescribed as 1 tablet twice a day for seven days or so.

Ciprofloxacin (250 mg), 1 pill is taken twice a day for three days or so. It is usually used for treating UTIs in the kidneys (uncomplicated pyelonephritis).

Amoxicillin-Clavulanic Acid (500 mg/125 mg), 1 tablet, twice a day for five days or so is recommended. It is usually used when the initial antibiotic treatment course is ineffective. The first line of treatment is usually with Nitrofurantoin or Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim.

Ceftriaxone, Fosfomycin, Levofloxacin, and Cephalexin are some other antibiotics used for treating UTIs.

– Uncomplicated UTIs refer to the condition when the urinary tract is normal. When there is a disease present in the urinary tract, UTIs are referred to as complicated.

– The treatment with antibiotics may differ as per the type of UTI you have contracted. For complicated UTIs, the dose of antibiotics may be higher. If needed; your doctor may administer the antibiotics via an IV. For complicated UTIs, the antibiotic course may run for two weeks or so.

– For uncomplicated UTIs, the dose may be for three days or so. Some may need antibiotics for 7-10 days.

– Even if your symptoms clear within a few days of starting the antibiotic treatment course, it is essential to complete it. If you stop the treatment midway, the infection may not clear away completely even if you no longer have the symptoms. If the infections recur, the same antibiotic may not be as effective against the same germs as it was during the initial round of the treatment.

– Your doctor may review your treatment plan if the infection doesn’t clear away even after two weeks.

Supportive Treatments

Antibiotics alone may not be enough to clear the infection. You may need UTI Antibiotics over counter medicine combined treatment plan.

– For instance, the use of probiotic supplements can aid the treatment. Probiotics help the growth of good bacteria, which may make the treatment more effective. Good bacteria help many gut functions. Bacteria is also present in the vagina. Probiotics help to maintain a balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut and the vagina; thus, helping to prevent UTIs. Eating probiotic-rich foods such as fermented dishes and yogurt may also help.

– You can also use boric acid suppositories to support UTI treatments. Suppositories are medicines to be inserted into the vagina or the rectum. For UTI treatment, you need to insert it into the vagina. Boric acid can help to restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in the urinary tract.

– D-Mannose capsules are also available as OTC medicines. You can use them to support your antibiotic treatment. D-Mannose is a simple sugar; closely related to glucose. It is found in cranberries, oranges, apples, and other fruits. D-Mannose helps to prevent bacterial growth in the urinary tract. You can take it as the infection begins or as you experience the first symptoms. You can start the antibiotic course along with it. You can continue to use it alongside antibiotics. But you can also use it before sexual intercourse or any activity that puts you at risk for contracting UTIs.

When to See the Doctor

See your doctor as you experience the first symptoms of UTI. Pain and burning sensation while urination, nausea, vomiting, chills, and fever are all signs of UTIs.

If you have recurring symptoms, use OTC medicines immediately and inform your doctor about the symptoms. Use antibiotics as needed.

Drink plenty of fluids and keep the urinary tract healthy by consuming probiotics.

People often use the terms mental health and behavioral health interchangeably, but there are crucial distinctions between them. It is necessary to be aware of these for diagnosing, treating, and managing psychological issues at the Deerfield behavioral health center. The knowledge can enable you to understand yourself and others better. You can discover why you think, feel, and act in certain ways and gain insights into why others behave as they do.

What is the difference between mental health and behavioral health?

Mental health is concerned with how you think and feel, and various biological factors may influence it. Behavioral health is related to your reactions to different situations and how you act in response to these. There is a close relationship between mental health and behavioral health, but, as you may have noted now, they are different fields of studies in psychology.

Common mental health issues

Some of the common health issues that the health workers at the Deerfield health center often encounter are:

Mood disorders

Mood disorders may be seasonal, biological, or situational. People who suffer from mood disorders may feel depressed, angry, anxious, empty, heavy, and unable to perform their daily tasks. The mood disorder can occur during dark winter months when people cannot get sufficient exposure to sunlight.

It may occur due to bad lifestyle choices like following a poor diet, not getting enough sleep, not getting adequate exercise, or focussing too much on unpleasant matters. It may happen due to being ill, getting into an accident, getting into an argument or fight, getting insulted and ill-treated, or experiencing the death of a family member or friend.

Anxiety

It is normal for everyone to feel anxious now and then. However, if you continuously experience anxiety for days on end and it starts affecting your everyday routine, it may point to a mental disorder. People with an anxiety disorder may feel uneasy and worried most of the time and often without any specific reason. Their anxiety may prevent them from sleeping well and concentrating on their regular tasks. In some people, the anxiety disorder may lead to panic attacks.

Bipolar disorder

People who have bipolar disorder may experience manic episodes during which they may behave in an illogical and hyperactive manner. At other times, they may seem perfectly normal and reasonable people. They may have manic episodes without warning, and they may behave differently in each. It is essential to keep in mind that bipolar disorder affects different people differently.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that causes people to lose touch with reality and become delusional. They may suffer from hallucinations or repeatedly think about negative and unpleasant things. In severe cases, they may attempt to harm themselves or others.

Common behavioral health issues

At the Deerfield health center, the most common behavioral issues patients have are:

Eating disorders

Eating disorders can develop because of poor self-control, low self-esteem, or unbalanced thinking. They may happen due to an unhealthy obsession with meeting societal expectations. They may cause people to eat unhealthy food, eat too much, or eat too little. People may not follow a proper eating schedule or may eat between mealtimes. Psychologists use terms like binge-eating, Bulimia Nervosa, and anorexia nervosa to characterize some eating disorders.

Substance abuse

Substance abuse occurs when people get addicted to alcohol, drugs, or medications and become dependent on their consumption of these substances. They may find it difficult to function without using them. They may get angry, anxious, depressed, or sick if they cannot access them anymore. Some people may even experience physical discomfort and pain. If they continue the substance abuse, mental and physical deterioration is inevitable.

Gambling addiction

People with a gambling addiction may engage in repetitive and risky behaviors that are detrimental to their mental and physical well-being. They may stop caring about the money, time, and energy they spend on their gambling activities. They may neglect basic hygiene, sleep, and eating habits and disregard work and other responsibilities.

Self-injury

Self-injury is a behavioral disorder that develops due to a mental disorder. People may harm themselves due to a poor self-image or because they seek attention. Early intervention is essential to prevent serious injuries.