Autism is a complex neurological and developmental disorder that can affect socialization and range in severity from person to person. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one in 44 children is on the autistic spectrum today. While there is no explained cause for autism yet, experts generally believe that it results from environmental and genetic factors, such as premature birth, low birth weight, delivery complications, geriatric pregnancies, etc. Developmental milestones in children To be able to recognize the early warning signs of autism in children, it is important to know the important developmental milestones they need to achieve by a certain age. According to the CDC, these are the milestones that most children between the age of six months to four years tend to achieve: By 6 months, children generally begin to respond to their own name, respond to people’s emotions, and often seem happy, copy sounds, and enjoy playing with others, especially their parents. By the time children are 12 months old, they are generally able to use simple gestures such as shaking their head “no” or waving at others, saying simple words like “mama” and “dada,” playing games like peek-a-boo, and responding to simple spoken requests.

Children lead an active lifestyle. So naturally, they work up an appetite and crave foods to satiate these hunger pangs. But you wouldn’t want your children to eat too much of foods that are excessive in added sugar, vegetable oil, and preservatives and trigger their allergies. To avoid this, you can pack healthy lunches that include the following wholesome and allergy-free snacks that they will love to enjoy during breaks. Popcorn Kids can munch on this tasty, filling, and allergy-free snack all day long. Popcorn is low in calories and rich in nutrients that are easily absorbed by the body. It is a whole grain, so the corn kernels are filled with fiber that helps curb hunger pangs and keeps kids satiated throughout the day. Baked nachos Baked nachos are gluten-free and contain essential fibers, and are delicious snacks that kids can munch on. You can even make some homemade salsa dips with fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and lime. You can also whip up some fresh guacamole with avocados to pair it with nachos. Homemade fries Instead of potato fries, why not make sweet potato fries that are healthier and allergy-free? You can even use an air fryer or bake the chips in the oven to make them oil-free and retain nutrients.

With increasing numbers of people prioritizing health and wellness, the fitness sector has been booming like never before. Several new as well as traditional fitness and wellness trends have been gaining traction across the globe. This is because there has been a seamless merger between the online and real-world as people pick up routines that use advanced technology while simultaneously taking them outdoors. Here are a few fitness and wellness trends to be explored. Wearable technology Wearable technologies have been trending for quite some time. Now, they are far more advanced and intuitive. From fitness trackers to smartwatches, these devices have become far more capable of storing personalized data to help keep track of fitness goals. Furthermore, these wearable techs can now be connected with several apps to have synchronized and fully connected workout experiences. Strength training using free weights Strength training has steadily become one of the leading fitness trends in recent years. Its popularity is because it is flexible enough to incorporate different routines. These include using weights, elastic bands, dumbbells, and weighted knuckles for full-body workouts to build resistance, strength, and core. Bodyweight training Bodyweight training involves using the body’s entire weight as resistance to perform different types of movements ranging from simple to complex.

Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, occurs when one feels they cannot get enough air into their lungs to breathe normally. It may occur when walking, climbing stairs, engaging in other physical activities, or doing nothing. It may develop suddenly or over some time. Sudden or unexpected breathlessness generally occurs due to health conditions and requires immediate attention from a doctor, especially when accompanied by chest pain, fainting, or nausea. Top causes for shortness of breath Carbon monoxide poisoning When one breathes in carbon monoxide, the chemical replaces the oxygen content in the body. This results in the vital organs being starved of oxygen, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest pain, confusion, convulsions, dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue. Young children, senior adults, people with lung or heart disease, and people at higher altitudes are at a higher risk of suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. Heart conditions When the heart does not pump enough oxygen-rich blood through the body, the body responds by breathing faster to ensure an uninterrupted supply of oxygen to the vital organs, causing a sensation of shortness of breath. Heart conditions like angina, heart attacks, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and others are common causes behind the interruption of circulation of blood around the body, causing shortness of breath or breathlessness.

Periods tend to be synonymous with menstrual pain, cramps, and other symptoms and are a hassle for almost every individual who menstruates. Approximately 80% of menstruating individuals experience period pain at some point. Period management involves several effective strategies and home remedies to alleviate discomfort and ensure hygiene and safety during this time. In addition, being aware of certain common period mistakes can help ensure a more hassle-free menstrual cycle: Changing pads and tampons infrequently Tampons and pads are a hotbed for the accumulation of bacteria, regardless of the amount of flow. Such bacteria can cause vaginal and urinary infections and emit an unpleasant odor. Individuals with normal blood flow should change their pads or tampons once every 3-4 hours, while those experiencing heavy menstruation should do so more frequently. Being dehydrated The body loses more fluids during menstruation than on other days. Thus, it requires more water to perform various functions, including regulation of body temperature and bowel movements, lubrication of joints, and supply of oxygen and nutrients to cells. Lack of water intake can slow down these functions, increasing weakness and fatigue. It is advisable to have a bottle of water handy throughout the day and set reminders if required to take water breaks frequently during one’s period.

Menstruation is a natural body process where the lining of a woman’s uterus begins to shed and create a discharge of blood and other fluids. It is mainly triggered by hormone changes that occur as part of a monthly period cycle. Women can use several feminine hygiene products as per their preference to prevent the discharge from leaking. Here are the top six period products readily available in the market. Tampons Tampons are the most convenient, readily available, and widely used period products for absorbing menstrual discharge. These small cotton tubes mixed with wool are directly inserted into the vagina to prevent blood from leaking out. Cotton is an excellent absorbent material and does not irritate the organ’s lining. Tampons are use-and-throw products that come with applicators that help insert them correctly so one does not feel pain or discomfort. They are available in different sizes to absorb light, medium, or heavy periods, depending on the intensity of the menstrual cycle. But irrespective of the flow, doctors recommend changing tampons every four to six hours to keep the area clean and avoid the risk of a bacterial infection. If one wears a super-absorbent, heavy-flow tampon overnight, they should remove it and clean the area first thing in the morning.

Dealing with an upset stomach is one of the common concerns most travelers have while boarding a long-haul flight. Whether a person is traveling domestically or internationally, it is common to have an upset stomach, and sometimes, the symptoms may flare up, making it embarrassing for travelers to explain. To avoid such challenging scenarios and prevent health complications, here are some common foods and beverages to avoid having before boarding flights. Dairy products Long-haul flights, lasting more than 6 hours, can negatively affect one’s digestive system. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are some common issues people experience with an upset stomach. It happens because the stomach contents get churned up with changes in altitude and cabin pressure. Furthermore, people who are lactose intolerant won’t be able to digest the sugars found in dairy entirely. This indigestion will lead to gas and bloating. Therefore, avoiding consuming dairy products on or before boarding a long-haul flight is best. Travelers must avoid fatty milk, cheese, milk curds, baked goods, and processed snacks made with milk or yogurt as the main ingredients before taking a flight. Cruciferous vegetables Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage may be nutrient-dense. However, avoiding these items before boarding a flight is advised, mainly because these vegetables can cause gas.

Certain foods have a significant impact on teeth and gums. Some foods promote healthy gums, while others cause plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can cause tooth decay and enamel erosion and lead to the development of cavities. This causes several complications, such as pain, chewing problems, and tooth abscesses. Here are the top foods that can hamper oral health and must be avoided at all costs. Sour candies It’s no surprise that candies cause tooth damage. However, sour candies contain several different acids that adversely affect your teeth. They are also chewy and sticky, which means they stay around in your mouth for a longer period, causing more damage. If you are keen on having something sweet, opt for a softer piece of chocolate that you can chew and ingest quickly and wash off any remnants from your mouth. Bread Refined carbohydrates such as white bread and white rice can worsen oral health. When we chew on these starches, the saliva converts them into sugar, which can get stuck between the teeth and cause cavities. If you’re looking for carbohydrates, opt for whole wheat bread, as they typically contain fewer added sugars. Carbonated beverages Sugary, carbonated drinks like soda and sports beverages have several negative effects on one’s health, such as cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and more.

Many people wish for healthy and glowing skin. However, achieving this goal is easier said than done. It requires effort, time, and money. Furthermore, today one will find the Internet filled with skincare tips and a few myths that can cause more harm than good. These myths can unnecessarily complicate one’s beauty regimen and, in some cases, even cause harm to one’s health. Keep reading to know more about these skincare myths. Popular skincare myths debunked Here are a few common skincare myths: Tight skin after cleansing equals clean skin Most people believe that the tightness of their skin after cleansing their face means clean skin. However, this skincare myth is far from the truth. This sensation of dryness is a negative sign. It indicates that the skin has been stripped of the necessary moisture and nutrients that are needed to keep it healthy and glowing. Furthermore, using common soaps can disrupt the pH level of the skin, leading to disruption of the skin barrier and skin damage. Hence, as an alternative, experts recommend using oil-based cleansers to keep the skin supple. The order of skincare products does not matter Although most people use several skincare products, such as cleansers, moisturizers, and toners, every day, sometimes they use them in the wrong order.

Bringing home a newborn baby is a nerve-racking ordeal for first-time parents. They are worried about everything that is necessary to plan and follow. Even with all the help and guidance provided by friends and family members, new parents can forget about a few things that are necessary for taking good care of their child. Here are ten mistakes to avoid while taking care of the toddler at home. Not buying a car seat It is mandatory and required by law in many states to install a baby car seat. So have the seat installed weeks in advance and take the car for a few trial runs to see if everything works for the car seat as advertised. This is a critical piece of upgrade that ensures total safety. Car seats are not only comfortable but specially designed to ensure the baby stays secure and doesn’t sway too much when the car is moving. Panicking unnecessarily Newborns will cry, and they will fuss about every single thing at home. The infant is getting used to everything in and around the new home. So, it’s perfectly okay for the baby to make a fuss. And first-time parents don’t have to be anxious or nervous around their baby all the time.