Exercising is an essential part of staying healthy. Regular movement allows us to strengthen the muscles, improve balance, regulate sleep cycles, and maintain the overall health of the mind and body. But, making time to go to the gym or taking a workout class is not always a feasible option for everyone. But, no need to fret. Here are seven easy-to-do exercises that will keep you fit and can be done every day at your convenient time. Squats Squats are one of the simplest and most productive exercises you can do anywhere. All you need to do is stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. You then engage your core and bend the knees while drawing your hips back. Keep going until your thighs are parallel to the floor, and return to the starting position. You can repeat this exercise or hold it for a period of time. Planks Planks help to strengthen the core and stabilize the abdominal muscles. It is super easy to do. Start by planting your hands and toes on the floor. Keep your back straight and your abdominal muscles tight. Hold this position and ensure that your gaze lies in front of your hands. Keep your chin tucked, and do not look at your feet.

Aging brings its own set of health concerns. For women, menopause is one of them and cannot be avoided. A natural process of the body, menopause commonly occurs in women aged 40 years or older. It also brings along a slew of symptoms like night sweats, hot flashes, headaches, cognitive decline, and depression. Therefore, it is important to be armed with knowledge, resources, and tools for the proper management of this condition. Broccoli Cruciferous vegetables are considered beneficial for women approaching the age of menopause. Broccoli is often top of that list. It has been linked to decreased risk of breast cancer which is a trigger for menopause. Its high antioxidant content protects the body against oxidative damage and a possible cancer scare. Broccoli also reduces the amount of inflammation in the body. Edamame Satiating, healthy, and nutritious, edamame is a great choice for any meal. It is also regarded as a healthier alternative to soy. It packs a lot of phytoestrogens that help the body cope with its depleting levels of estrogen. Oatmeal Oats are rich in fiber and can prevent constipation on regular use. They may also help improve digestion, and lower blood glucose levels, and cholesterol levels in the body.

Several conditions can cause poor circulation in the body, including stress, diabetes, and peripheral artery disease. Poor circulation may also result from low blood count, wherein the body fails to produce the necessary red blood cells (RBCs) in a day. Furthermore, a low blood count can lead to symptoms like numbness, digestive problems, and cramps. So, here are a few healthy foods that help increase blood count and improve circulation. Foods to increase blood count Eating healthy results in several health benefits. Here are some foods that can help raise the red blood cell count in the body: Cherries Cherries are rich in vitamin C, which compliments iron absorption by the body. Eating cherries can result in an increase in red blood cells in the body. Egg yolk Yolks contain folic acid, which is essential as it helps maintain hemoglobin levels in the body. Red meat Red meat, like beef, lamb, and pork, promotes healthy blood levels. These foods contain iron that is easily absorbed by the blood. The process helps improve hemoglobin levels, which improves the production of red blood cells. Dairy products Moderately having cheese and milk benefits the heart and regulates blood levels. Milk alternatives like soy and almond milk also help improve blood count.

With flu season just around the corner, there are many precautions one can take to ensure one remains healthy and fit throughout. While the best course of action is to distance oneself from people who are sick, get vaccinated against the flu, and get adequate sleep (6-8 hours) every night, a very important part of staying healthy is to check one’s daily food habits. Six foods that can help boost immunity are: Citrus fruits Citrus fruits such as grapefruit, oranges, clementines, tangerines, lemons, and limes are rich in vitamin C, which is thought to improve the production of white blood cells (WBCs). These WBCs are imperative to fighting infections in the body. However, the body does not produce or store Vitamin C, so a daily intake is required to maintain healthy levels of it in the body. Red bell peppers Citrus fruits are not the only source of vitamin C. An ounce of red bell peppers contains almost three times as much vitamin C (127 mg), as compared to a Florida orange (45 mg). Bell peppers are also rich in beta-carotene, which converts into Vitamin A in the body, and is essential for maintaining skin and eye health. Broccoli Broccoli is rich in vitamins and minerals.

Cancer is an umbrella term used to describe conditions caused due to the multiplication of abnormal cells in the body. This growth can start in one organ and then spread or invade the surrounding tissues and travel to other body parts. Some of the most common types include breast, cervix, colon, and mouth cancers. Here are some early warning signs of cancer to look out for. Changes in the menstrual cycle One of the typical early warning signs of cancer is changes in the menstrual cycle. Many individuals will experience irregular or changes in their menstrual cycles over time. But, if there is persistent pain in the pelvic region and sudden changes in the cycle, it is essential to check it out. This issue could be an early cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancer symptom. Coughing Coughing is mainly a symptom of a cold or a flu infection but is also typically seen as an early sign of certain types of cancer. If the cough is persistent even after two weeks, especially a dry cough, it could be a sign of lung cancer. Such a sign, accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, hoarseness, and shortness of breath, could indicate that it’s time to get checked by a healthcare professional.

Acid reflux is a stomach abnormality caused by eating spicy foods, caffeine, heavy meals, and high-fatty foods. It irritates the esophagus lining when the muscles relax at the wrong time and send the stomach acid upwards. While this is a curable disease, frequent acid refluxes can lead to Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Among its many home remedies, apple cider vinegar is believed to relieve its symptoms, but related research is conflicted. What is apple cider vinegar made of? Apple cider vinegar is made from mashed apple juice, which is then fermented using bacteria and yeast. The added bacteria is referred to as the “mother” since it acts as a catalyst to create vinegar. The unfiltered and organic apple cider vinegar contains the “mother,” which gives it a hazy, dark brownish appearance. It is thought to be high in enzymes, pectin, and proteins. Non-organic variety is pasteurized to remove the bacteria and improve the consistency, making it less healthy. Does apple cider vinegar help with acid reflux? To answer simply, there aren’t enough studies to suggest a direct correlation between the two. Acid reflux brings a sour taste to one’s mouth and creates a burning sensation in the chest. For those who have poor stomach acid production, vinegar can boost stomach acidity and help with digestion.

The white blood cells in the body are responsible for fighting off diseases. These cells usually grow and divide as required by the system. However, those who develop leukemia (a cancer of the blood cells) may have excessive amounts of abnormal white cells produced by the bone marrow. The condition may be fatal if not discovered early. Therefore, here are nine early warning signs of leukemia one should look out for. Fever While fever is a common symptom associated with many diseases, it may occur when cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Most people with cancer will have a fever at some stage because the disease impacts the immune system. To identify if leukemia has triggered cancer, one should check if the illness sets in at night. Experiencing night sweats with no other signs of infection is also an indicator of leukemia. Fatigue A person who develops leukemia may feel tired no matter how much the body is rested. The phenomenon occurs when the abnormal cells use excessive amounts of nutrients to grow and spread. When the nutrients do not replenish as quickly as they are depleted, the body may experience severe fatigue. Pain Chronic pain is one of the most common signs of leukemia.

The list of worst cities to live in for people with asthma is drawn up by the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America (AAFA). Cities are judged on parameters such as the number of asthma cases, asthma-related deaths and trips to emergency rooms, pollution, poverty, access to health insurance and asthma specialists, and exposure to smoke. These factors gravely affect the quality of life of people with asthma. The most challenging cities include: Detroit, Michigan In 2022, Detroit was named the most challenging city for people with asthma, according to the AAFA. This can be attributed to the city’s high poverty rates and low air quality. Detroit also ranks third highest for asthma cases and eighth highest for asthma-related deaths among the 100 cities that were examined. Cleveland, Ohio Cleveland’s high ranking on this list is due to the high levels of asthma cases, along with asthma-related deaths and visits to the emergency room. This is further worsened by high levels of poverty and ozone pollution, which have reduced the chances for asthma care in the city. Allentown, Pennsylvania Allentown has a high level of asthma cases in the city, along with the second highest level of visits to the emergency room for asthma, according to the AAFA.

About one in four adults across the country have arthritis. At their core, inflammation causes issues like arthritis and joint pains. Issues like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can be prevented or treated by consuming anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits and greens, which contain plenty of antioxidants to fight inflammation. Frozen fruit and vegetable-blended smoothies are counted as healthy food options. Here are some of the best smoothies to address arthritis and joint pains: Tropical sunrise smoothie The Tropical Sunrise Smoothie has a sweet taste to it, featuring an irresistible blend of unsweetened coconut milk and half a cup each of frozen pineapple, banana, and mango. This makes it an ideal starter for any meal. More importantly, this concoction is rich in antioxidants, making it one of the best foods to prevent or treat health conditions from arthritis and joint pains. Pineapple anti-inflammatory smoothie Pineapple juice and pulp contain massive amounts of pain-killing enzymes. One such enzyme is bromelain. Additionally, the other ingredients used in this smoothie, such as Romaine lettuce, ginger, and cilantro, all contain several anti-inflammatory properties. The main components of this drink are half a pineapple, a handful of coriander, a small piece of ginger, a head of Romaine lettuce, and two ribs of celery.

Migraines are a severe type of headache that can cause extreme pain in the form of throbbing or pulsing sensations, usually on one side of the head. Based on research, healthcare experts conclude that certain risk factors may worsen the symptoms of migraines. Prominent triggers are also determined by the city in which one lives. So factors like their lifestyle, weather and associated changes, and temperatures can vary based on the particular geographical location. St. Louis, MO One of the primary reasons why St. Louis makes the list of worst cities for migraine management is the lifestyle. Here, people usually have extremely busy schedules, due to which they might also be more stressed compared to those in other cities. Stress is a common trigger for migraines. Augusta, GA When a storm hits the city , cold and warm air mix, leading to changes in barometric pressure. These variations are often known to trigger or worsen symptoms of migraines. Augusta is constantly subject to such changes, so a person dealing with migraines should avoid moving here. Cincinnati, OH Cincinnati is home to multiple tourist attractions, including the Cincinnati Art Museum and the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. However, people affected by migraines who live in the city may notice their symptoms worsen frequently.