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  Health & Wellness

  Unpleasant Effects of Chronic Hives

  Chronic hives, or chronic urticaria, are itchy, red welts or swelling that come and go for six weeks or longer. And while the physical manifestations may be the most visible, the effects of chronic hives go well beyond the body.This type of disorder can have a deep impact on an individual; affecting emotional well being, daily activities and the quality of life in general.Here’s a few of the negative thoughts and challenges that chronic hives present.1.Continuous Itchingand PainThe most immediate, and obvious, consequence of chronic hives is the incessant itching and discomfort. The welts may occur anywhere on the body, and the itching can vary from mild to severe. This persistent nuisance can distract from routine tasks, sleep or even relax. The itching can become intense enough to lead to scratching, which further irritates the condition, damaging the skin or leading to infections.2.Shameand Self-denialChronic hives can be very visible, particularly if they are located on the face, neck or arms. With this visibility comes embarrassment, and self-consciousness.Chronic hives-related stigma or pressure from people that do not know about it may only worsen the condition. This can lead to social withdrawal, as individuals experiencing this disorder avoid the public or gather with friends and family in an effort to avoid the attention and questioning they receive about their skin.3.Anxiety and StressThe ongoing concern of when the next serious flare up will be can cause increased anxiety and stress. Those with chronic hives can become hyperattentive to their skin, looking out for the next welts or swelling. This fear is exacerbated by the possibility that a person could suffer a severe allergy-reaction, such as angioedema (swelling that occurs beneath the surface of the skin), which can be both agonizing and in some cases life-threatening — if it involves the throat or airways.4.Impact on Daily ActivitiesSuch chronic hives tend to be debilitating enough to affect regular activities and daily responsibilities. The itchiness and discomfort can make it difficult to concentrate at work or school, and the raised bumps can reduce confidence in social or professional situations. The individual with chronic hives may even have to leave work or avoid certain activities altogether, both of which can lead to feelings of isolation or frustration.5.Emotional TollChronic hives can take a toll on a person emotionally as well, and this should not be discounted. Having a chronic condition which can alter how you look and feel can leave you feeling sad, frustrated and depressed. Dealing with laxatives in restroom stalls or unkind words is difficult enough, but the symptoms themselves are also fighting every day and with it comes a lot of feeling like they never get a sense or freedom from their bodies because others don't understand what they are going through. This constant emotional bombardment can wear away at relationships, harm self-esteem, and impact mental health over time.6.Impact on RelationshipsChronic hives can affect relationships with family members, friends and romantic partners as well. It is hardly possible to lead a social life and to console oneself positively with an ongoing burden on your feelings. Family and friends may find it hard to get what living with chronic hives is like, resulting in miscommunication or even frustration on both sides.Chronic hives is not simply a skin disease; rather, it is a complex and multilayered issue that can have an effect on every aspect of someone's life. Each cause brings about a physical reaction, such as sweating and a racing heart; it adds an emotional weight to one's life that can feel heavy; and it alters social relationships, which is hard to deal with. But it is important to remember that there is help out there. Healthcare providers, support groups and other people willing to talk about what they know of the condition can be incredibly helpful. Although chronic hives is a lifetime fight, there are ways to get through the condition better.
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  Health & Wellness

  What Causes External Hemorrhoids?

  Millions of people around the globe suffer from external hemorrhoids, which are a common and often painful condition. They happen when the veins near the anus or lower rectum become enlarged and inflamed. External hemorrhoids, by contrast, don’t grow inside the rectum, butrather under the skin around the anus.Knowing what causes external hemorrhoids may assist in their prevention and appropriate management. Their rising progression is caused by many reasons are the diet habits, the lifestyle and the medical issues.1.Difficulty in Having aNormal Bowel MovementOne of the biggest causes of external hemorrhoids is excessivestraining during bowel movements. This is one word that is most often when some having constipation or difficultdefecation.Increased pressure is put on the veins around the rectal area, which causes them toswell and be inflamed. Chronic constipation, which makes you strain over and over again, is a significant risk factor for external hemorrhoids.2.Poor Dietary HabitsAnother contributing factors of external hemorrhoids is a low-fiber diet. Fiber makes stools soft and bulky, a configuration that’s much easier to pass. When there isn’t enough fiber, stools are hard and dry, resulting in constipation and straining. Not drinking enough water can make it worse, we need to be hydrated in order to keep stools soft and constipation at bay.3.Prolonged Sitting or StandingWhen people sit or stand for long periods, extra pressure is put on the veins in the rectal area whichcan lead to the formation of external hemorrhoids. Those of us with sedentary jobsor sitting on the toilet for extended periods of time are at greater risk. Likewise, standing for an extended period also worsens the condition by even more pressure into the lower rectal veins.4.ObesityOverweight or obesity is another leading risk factor of external hemorrhoids. Extra body weight exerts pressure on the pelvic and rectal veins, causing them to be more prone to the swelling and inflammation that they become subjected to with pregnancy and childbirth. Finally, obesity often goes hand in hand with a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits which alsopredispose you to hemorrhoids.5.Pregnancy and ChildbirthExternal hemorrhoids are most often common during pregnancy in women. The enlarged uteruscompresses the pelvic veins and contributes to the swelling and inflammation of the veins around the anus. Hormonal changes in pregnancy also weaken the veins, which makes them more prone to hemorrhoids. The pressure that occurs in childbirth may aggravate an existing condition or create new hemorrhoids.6.AgingAge causes the tissues of the rectal area and theveins in it to become progressively weaker, which makes them more vulnerable to swelling and inflammation. That’s why external hemorrhoids are more likely in older adults. In elderly people, hemorrhoids are more common due to the aging tissues losing their connectivity and structural support, further compounded by a sedentary lifestyle and reduced defense against constipation.7.Genetic PredispositionAlthough somepeople might have a tendency to get hemorrhoids due to genetics. A person may be more prone to suffer from hemorrhoid if there is a family history of it being passed down through generations, between the weaknesses inherited in the veins or connective tissues in the rectal region.To conclude, straining during bowel movement, poor diet, prolonged sittingor standing, obesity, pregnancy, agingand familial predispositionare contributory factors to this painful and often debilitating condition — external hemorrhoids. Becoming aware of these possible causes can enable people to stage prevention, such as following a high-fiber diet, taking ample hydration, rambling usually and not putting pressure on a chair for a lengthy time period or undertaking difficult lifting. In case of persistent or worsening symptoms, medical consultation for the correct diagnosis and treatmentis necessary. Eradicating the underlying risk factors can lower the likelihood that one would develop external hemorrhoids, and even make life easier in general.
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  Automotive

  Why We Need to Change Oil for Our Cars

  Oil changes is averycommon andimportant part of vehicle maintenance. It probably seems like a no-brainer, and one of those things you can do yourself, but changing the oil in your motorcar iscrucial topreserving its life, performance and efficiency. Although essential, so many individuals overlook this standard process, but be careful as ignoring it has serious effects on your car.Here’s why you need to change your car’s oil.1.ComponentLubricationEngineoil is mainly used to lubricate the engine mounted moving parts.When your car’s engine is running, thousands of metal componentsare whirring at high speeds. Without proper lubrication, those parts would grind against each other, generating friction andheat.And, over time, this friction can create quite a bit of wearthatdecreases the engine’sefficiency, and may lead toirrevocabledamage. Well-lubricated parts are also vital to keeping everything in the engine harmonizing; lubricants minimize the friction between these surfaces and prolong the life ofthe engine.2.Heat RegulationWhile running, enginesmake a lot of heat. The oil helps soak up and disperse this heat, so the engine won't run hot. Over time, though, the oil breaks down and the temperature regulation becomes ineffective. Dirty, degraded oil can contributeto higher engine temperature, which could eventually lead to overheatingor even engine failure. Keeping up with routineoil changes ensures that theoil remains effective at performing its cooling role, keeping theengine temperature where it should be.3.Removal of ContaminantsOil grabs dirt, debris, andother contaminates as it flows through the engine. Combustion byproducts, dust or metal particles dueto engine wear can contribute to these impurities. These contaminants build up in the oil over time, transforming it into a thick, sludgy gunk. “Dirty Oil”can't appropriately lubricate theengine anymore, and those contaminants cause the engine parts to abradeand get damaged. By changing the oil, these harmful particles are removed, keeping theengine clean and protected.4.Improved Fuel EfficiencyClean oil when the oil is dirty because it generates friction and the engine does not work efficiently. A well-running engine takes less power to run, meaning improved fuel economy. Conversely, dirty oil, namely old oil, causes friction, which makes its respective engine work harder, in turn burning more gas. Regular oil changes will keep your oil clean for optimal fuel efficiency, saving you money in the parking lot.5.Prevention of Engine SludgeEngine sludge is a thick, sticky substance that builds up when oil breaks down and combines with other materials. Sludgecan block oil passages, preventing properlubrication and internalengine damage. Sludge buildup, in extreme cases, could leadto total engine failure. By replacing old,dirty oil before it turns into sludge, regular oil changes help prevent sludge from forming in the engine.6.Extended Engine LifeA good engine can go forhundreds of thousands of miles, but not if you never change the oil. Routine oil changes mitigate the wear and tear on engine components, prevent overheating and facilitatea clean engine. Regularmaintenance in this case will spare you expensive repair services or overall engine replacement in the future.7.Cost SavingsSome view an oil change as an unnecessary cost, however, in fact, changing it periodically is a practical and effectiveway of maintaining your vehicle. An oil change is a small price when compared to the costs of a blown engine dueto negligence. Regular oil changes mean less wear and tear on your car and lesschance of expensive repairs down the road.In short, it isa simplebut significant maintenance task that has agreat impact on the performance and longevity of your car.And ensuring the motor runs smoothly and efficiently, fresh oil lubricatesengine elements and controls heat and expels contaminants.Regularoil change intervals will prolong the life of your car, improve its fuel mileage, and keep you from having to spend more money on repairs. So the next time your car is due for an oil change, don’t put it off — your engine will be grateful.