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Dandruff is a skin condition that affects our scalp and manifests in flaking and mild itchiness. Although typically not dangerous, this condition can lower our self-esteem. In severe cases, it can cause scalp inflammation and lead to seborrheic dermatitis. One common habit you may not be aware of can make your dandruff worse.

Read further to find out what it is.

Sleeping With Wet Hair

We’ve all heard stories that going to bed with wet hair leads to catching a cold. However, numerous experts confirmed this isn’t true. To catch a cold, microorganisms (usually viruses) need to be involved. So, sleeping with wet hair isn’t directly related to getting sick.

Still, most doctors and hairstylists advise against not drying your hair before bed. That’s because wet hair is more prone to damage. Since it’s much weaker than dry hair, wet hair can easily break and stretch.

Plus, wet hair affects your scalp as well. Sleeping with damp hair naturally gets your pillow wet. That, in turn, creates a moist environment suitable for yeast development, which can cause dandruff.

Dandruff is not the only thing you should be worried about if you often sleep with wet hair. A wet pillow enables mold and bacteria to come in contact with your face. They can cause numerous skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and scalp inflammation.

No More Bedhead

If you want to avoid developing dandruff and various skin conditions, you shouldn’t go to bed with wet hair. Instead, move washing your hair to the morning if you don’t have enough time to dry it at night. Another option is to blow dry your hair thoroughly. That will minimize the chances of getting dandruff and make styling your hair in the morning much easier.

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According to a recent study published in Biological Psychiatry, high levels of neuroticism and lower conscientiousness are linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

With this in mind, if you’re prone to neurotic tendencies such as anger, anxiety, or irritability, breathing exercises or joining a yoga class might be a solution. Moreover, if you struggle with any type of cognitive impairment, like trouble with memory or concentration, you might also want to seek help.

Besides helping you live a fuller life, tackling these issues early on can significantly reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life.

In this article, we’ll look further into this study as well as provide you with some advice on how to address the issue of Alzheimer’s risk.

The Disease With No Cure

Alzheimer’s is a devastating condition that causes the gradual deterioration of the brain, destroying a person’s ability to think, memorize, and, eventually, perform everyday menial tasks. Unlike people with a healthy brain, those with Alzheimer’s have disruptions involving the communication between their neurons, resulting in cell death and a lack of function.

An estimated 6 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s, with the death rate due to the condition increasing by 16% throughout the pandemic. As of now, there is no known cure.

However, researchers now may be able to predict who is more likely to develop Alzheimer’s.

What Studies Are Saying

Researchers from the Florida State University College of Medicine’s Geriatrics and Behavioral Sciences Department recently reviewed the results of a Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Participants in the study had their personality traits studied via the NEO personality inventory before being subject to a tomography (a type of x-ray technique) which analyzed their amyloid and tau positron emission (cerebral biomarkers linked to Alzheimer’s development) in the brain.

They concluded that individuals who had higher levels of neuroticism and lower levels of conscientiousness emitted higher levels of amyloid and tau and were, therefore, more at risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

While this may sound scary for those who are prone to these personality traits, there is a silver lining. There are steps you can take towards improving upon some of the qualities associated with both neuroticism as well as cognitive impairment.

Tackling Neuroticism

While having a neurotic personality may have some links to intelligence, as well as a more realistic cynical approach to life, it’s also linked to many negative side effects. Examples include an overactive sense of anxiety, emotional instability, low levels of self-esteem, and a short temper. These negative traits are what may indicate people who are more at risk of developing Alzheimer’s

Here are some options you may consider when tackling your neuroticism:

• Therapy

There’s no harm in asking for help. Attending therapy sessions can significantly support you in making the necessary changes for a happier life. Your therapist may recommend alternate thought patterns, lifestyle changes, and perhaps even medication.

• Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness helps to improve your overall well-being. By introducing it into your everyday life, it can positively impact the way you approach certain situations.

• Change Your Inner Dialogue

This may seem obvious. Those who suffer from neuroticism are often hard on themselves. The road to recovery can be as simple as setting yourself daily affirmations in the form of a Post-It note or a reminder on your smartphone.

Helping Cognitive Impairment

Issues with your cognitive function may include problems with memory, reflexes, and balance when walking. Fortunately, there are ways to help your brain function correctly and avoid the worsening of symptoms.

This includes:

• Regular Exercise

Exercising has many benefits, including helping cognitive ability. Regular physical activity pumps more oxygen to your brain, allowing it to release hormones that help maintain a healthy environment for cell growth.

• Start Doing Puzzles

Intellectual stimulation of any kind has long been linked to a healthy brain. Playing games that require mental stimulation can help. Thus, it may be time to start introducing sudoku to your everyday routine.

• Socialize More

Interacting with people you like regularly can significantly improve your cognitive condition.

There’s Always Hope

While having neuroticism or a cognitive impairment won’t necessarily lead to Alzheimer’s, it’s been proved that the conditions can significantly increase your risk.

However, with the right lifestyle changes, you’ll be able to take the steps towards improving your cognitive abilities and moving towards a healthier life.

Do you suffer from either of these traits? How do you deal with it? Let us know in the comment section below.

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As a parent, you may think that giving your child an iPhone or tablet is the best way to keep them entertained. But this isn’t necessarily true.

A new study published in Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, has found that too much screen time can cause irreversible vision damage.

The study analyzed data from 1,958 children aged 7-12 and found that a whopping 27% developed myopia – the medical term for nearsightedness – between 2010 and 2013.

And the stats only get worse.

In the 1950s, myopia was largely unheard of in China. The London Vision clinic reports that only 10-20% of the population was shortsighted back then. These days, more than 90% of Chinese teenagers and young adults are myopic.

What’s even more troubling is that TV health issues aren’t limited to eye problems.

A recent study conducted by Harvard Health Publishing found that about one-third of American adults who watched more than four hours of TV a day had a 49% higher risk of heart attack than those who watched fewer than two hours.

All of these stats are scary, but the message is loud and clear: It’s time to limit screen time for you and your kids.

To keep myopia and other conditions at bay, you might want to adopt the following habits:

1. Set a Timer

A timer can help you keep track of the amount of time spent on TV or mobile devices.

For best results, set a timer for every 20 minutes or so, and when it goes off, take a break and move around.

You can also download a time tracker app to monitor how much time you spend on different apps.

2. Take Breaks Between Chapters

It’s easy to spend hours reading eBooks, especially because you don’t have to keep turning the pages, but reading in small chunks allows your eyes and brain a few seconds of rest.

This should be done especially if you’re using a device like Kindle or iPad that emits a blue light which may cause eye strain.

You can even alternate between eBooks and real books.

3. Your Posture Matters

Studies have established a link between slouching/slumping and myopia. In addition, bad posture can lead to fatigue, back pain, and headaches.

To ensure you’re adopting the right posture:

• Always sit up straight without your shoulders hunched or rounded.
• Your knees should always be level with your hips.
• Find a chair you can sit back in and support your spine.
• The screen should be at eye level to avoid bending your neck forward or backward.

4. Adjust the Brightness on Your Screen

Your eyes are important in almost every aspect of your life, and a screen that’s too bright is their number one enemy. Prolonged exposure to bright light may lead to myopia.

The lower the brightness level, the better.

5. Your Device Shouldn’t Be Too Close to Your Face

The way you hold your device is also important.

Make sure you’re not holding it too close to your face. Ideally, there should be at least a 20-inch gap between the screen and your eyes.

6. Avoid Direct Sunlight

Although working outside comes with physical and physiological benefits, prolonged exposure to the sun can cause blurred vision.

As such, be sure to avoid brightly lit areas. If you can’t, a good pair of sunglasses can help.

7. Create a Distraction

A distraction can be a good way to get your child to move away from the screen. Try getting them interested in another activity, like playing a game or reading a book.

8. Establish a Set Screen Time for Each Day

As a parent, you should establish certain “house rules” regarding TV and mobile devices. Make sure your child knows when it’s okay to watch TV or spend time on the computer and when it isn’t.

9. Spend More Time Outdoors

Although research isn’t conclusive, spending more time outdoors can delay the onset of myopia and other vision problems.

10. Put All Devices Away From Your Kid’s Bedroom

Make sure that all devices are out of reach of children when it’s time to sleep. This way, your kids won’t spend hours playing games before they go to bed.

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We all know sudden heart attacks can be dangerous and harm our health. However, many aren’t aware that slower-developing conditions can be equally, if not more harmful. One of these conditions is congestive heart failure (CHF), and it develops when your heart isn’t pumping blood efficiently.

Since this condition can have severe consequences, it’s vital to recognize the symptoms on time. Read on to learn which sign indicates congestive heart failure and what you need to do if you notice it.

Long-Lasting Cough

Coughing is an entirely normal process that helps eliminate irritants from our throat or airways. An occasional cough is perfectly healthy, has a protective purpose, and stops after the irritant has been removed.

But if the cough persists even when there’s no irritant, it could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. The American Heart Association (AHA) emphasizes that a long-lasting cough with white or pink mucus can be a sign of heart failure.

This type of cough is also called cardiac cough. For those wondering how a long-lasting cough can be related to your heart, here’s the explanation. Due to CHF, the heart is less efficient, and the lungs become congested. The excess fluid then travels to your air sacs or alveoli. Your brain identifies this congestion as an irritant and instructs your chest and abdominal muscles to contract and eliminate the “intruder.”

Since coughing is generally related to respiratory infections, it can often go unnoticed for months. If you’ve received medication and the cough continues, you should get a heart exam.

Here are a few symptoms of cardiac cough you should pay attention to:

• Wet cough with occasional blood spots
• Heavy breathing
• Wheezing
• Whistling sound coming from the lungs
• Bubbling sensation in your chest
• Dry cough with an occasional white or pink mucus
• Nighttime coughing
• Dyspnea (shortness of breath during simple, non-demanding activities or sleeping)

What to Do if You Notice Symptoms of Cardiac Cough?

Have you noticed your cough isn’t going away? If you suspect it’s cardiac cough, you mustn’t treat it yourself. Namely, many over-the-counter cough suppressants contain ingredients that raise blood pressure and cause fluid buildup, which could only worsen your condition.

If you’re already taking heart medication, continue with your routine and visit a doctor right away.

Other Early Signs of Heart Failure

In addition to cardiac cough, you might experience numerous other symptoms that could indicate heart problems. They are often attributed to stress or unhealthy lifestyle and are, unfortunately, dismissed as irrelevant.

Fatigue

Being constantly tired has become so common nowadays that many people forget it could be a sign of numerous health problems. When your heart is pumping inefficiently, your body doesn’t get enough oxygen, causing you to feel tired.

If you’re getting enough sleep but still feel exhausted, seek medical help to check your heart health.

Irregular Heart Beat

Naturally, our hearts beat faster when we’re excited, under stress, or exercising. But if your heart skips beats, or beats faster than usual when you’re inactive, this is almost always a warning sign.

Swollen Legs, Ankles, or Feet

Swollen legs, ankles, or feet could indicate that fluid is trapped in your body. The buildup of excess fluid is called edema and is often caused by congestive heart failure.

Chest Discomfort

Chest pain, pressure, pinching, or tightness can be a sign of heart failure. Even if it happens occasionally or lasts for a short period, you should get it checked out.

Rapid Weight Gain

Edema can occur anywhere in your body. This excess fluid can cause you to rapidly and suddenly gain weight. This can indicate heart failure and additionally strains your already weakened heart.

Lack of Appetite

Not feeling hungry even if you haven’t eaten for a long time can be another symptom of heart failure. This, along with nausea, is often related to stomach issues, but it’s actually a common sign of heart problems, too. Since your heart isn’t working properly, your digestive system isn’t getting enough blood, thus causing a lack of appetite.

Confusion or Impaired Thinking

The AHA states that varying levels of substances in our blood can cause different psychological symptoms. Some of them are confusion, disorientation, impaired thinking, and even memory loss.

Most frequently, the people around you will notice these symptoms before you. Since disorientation and confusion can occur with other serious conditions, it’s necessary to visit a doctor as soon as possible.

Be Smart About Your Heart

Symptoms that indicate congestive heart failure are often “hidden,” and many people disregard them as being caused by something else. To keep your heart healthy, go for regular check-ups and take your medication as prescribed. Additionally, eat heart-healthy foods and engage in physical activity.

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Feeling bloated is not a very pleasant experience. Not only can it make your stomach feel full, tight, and sometimes even hurt, but it also makes your belly look bigger. Bloating is common: according to research in the Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology journal, it affects 16% to 19% of the general population.

There are many ways to prevent bloating. In this article, we’ll discuss what causes it and how to keep it at bay.

Standard Causes of Bloating

Nutritionist and owner of Steps2Nutrition Carrie Gabriel MS, RDN, advises that gas is the most common cause of bloating. The breaking down of undigested food combined with swallowed air creates a build-up of gas in the digestive tract. Ways in which we end up swallowing air include eating too quickly, chewing gum, and smoking.

Medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and mental health factors such as depression or anxiety can also contribute to bloating.

Foods That Cause Bloating

Unhealthy foods that are high in fat, such as onion rings or fried chicken, cause bloating because they take longer to digest.

Carbonated beverages like soda and beer contain carbon dioxide and fermentable carbohydrates, well-known causes of bloating. High fructose corn syrup, an ingredient commonly added to fruit drinks, soda, and bread, can cause bloating when consumed in large quantities.

Many of the foods that cause gas and bloating are healthy (for example, cruciferous vegetables), so they shouldn’t be entirely cut out of your diet. Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower may cause bloating, but they are packed with beneficial fiber and vitamins.

How to Prevent Bloating?

Try Adopting a Low-FODMAP Diet

A diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) is recommended for IBS management, and many have success with it for reducing bloating. It essentially means avoiding foods that are not easily broken down in the gut or are high in carbs. Examples include garlic, beans, and foods containing lactose, such as milk and cheese.

Take Your Time When Eating

Limit distractions while you eat by practicing a little mindful eating. Focus on what you’re eating, enjoy it, and eat slowly to help reduce the amount of air swallowed.

Exercise

Physical activity has been found to reduce symptoms in people with chronic illnesses that cause regular bloating.

Keep Bloating at Arm’s Length

To avoid gas and other unpleasant side effects, eat food that is low in carbs, swap unhealthy food for fish or grilled chicken, eat slowly, and exercise regularly.

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