The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America (AAFA) grades the country’s cities every year based on the extent of difficulty to live there faced by people with allergies and respiratory conditions. These ratings are based on the medicinal usage for allergies and conditions like asthma, or they’re based on the pollen counts. Here’s a list of some of the worst cities to live in for people with allergies: 1. Jackson, Mississippi Jackson was ranked right at the top for two consecutive years—this year and the last year. The high allergy score may be attributed to the rich foliage, high pollen content, and high humidity levels. A study by AAFA found that the allergy medicine usage and the pollen count in the city have been below average, but the city has a low number of allergists for every 10,000 patients. It’s best for people with allergies to cross this city off their lists if they’re planning to move. 2. Richmond, VA AAFA ranked Virginia’s capital city, Richmond, high in its list of the worst cities to live in for people with allergies. It is predominantly because of the city’s triple threat: a higher number of people with allergies than average, a higher than normal allergy medicine use, and a high spring pollen count.

Cervical cancer is one rare type of cancer that is completely preventable. This can be done by ensuring you are away from human papillomavirus (HPV), which spreads through sexual transmission. HPV is known to be the primary cause of cervical cancer. However, having HPV does not always mean that a person will necessarily develop cervical cancer. Let us take a look at the most effective tips to prevent cervical cancer: 1. Follow up on the abnormal Pap smears It is essential to keep following up on any abnormal Pap smears. You should immediately contact your doctor if there is any infection. The doctor will then complete the treatment and follow up with a Pap test in the future. The results of the Pap tests may show something other than the infection itself. In such cases, the doctor will then suggest that you go through some more tests to pinpoint the exact problem. There are a few cases where the doctor has performed an HPV DNA test if the woman has had abnormal test results on her Pap test. This would successfully detect the HPV on the cervix of the woman. 2. Get your vaccination Two specific vaccines are known to provide protection against types of HPV that are the causes of a majority of cervical cancer.

Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs in which the airways of the lungs are affected. There are several ways through which asthma can be brought under check. Here are some treatment options for asthma. 1. Medications Medications are a common treatment option for asthma. When prescribing medicines, a doctor would take into consideration certain factors such as one’s age, the probable triggers, and the symptoms. Only after that will they prescribe appropriate medicines. Medications are generally prescribed for the long term and help open swollen airways, which cause hindrance in breathing. Some of these medications include: Combination inhalers Some combination inhalers include budesonide-formoterol, fluticasone-salmeterol, formoterol-mometasone, and fluticasone furoate-vilanterol. Theophylline This pill is usually prescribed for daily use. It helps relax the muscles around the airways, because of which it becomes easier to breathe. Although not often used, the doctor may prescribe Theophylline after blood tests. 2. Inhalers Inhalers, which are also known as puffers, are of two kinds: dry powder inhalers (DPIs) and metered dose inhalers (MDIs). While DPIs use special inhalers to deliver the medicine in the form of a dry powder, MDIs deliver a short burst of medicine with the help of an aerosol canister, which is inserted into a mouthpiece made out of plastic.

If you have a tendency to urinate more than normal, then you must get yourself checked, as you might be suffering from an overactive bladder (OAB). Here are a few ways to manage the condition: 1. Behavioral therapies Behavioral therapies are one of the most common treatment options for an overactive bladder, and are prescribed by many doctors. Some of the common options include: Pelvic floor muscle exercises As the name suggests, these strengthen your pelvic muscles, which can stop your bladder’s involuntary contractions. Kegel exercises are one of the prescribed exercises. Scheduled trips to the toilet You can train yourself to go to the washroom every few hours. This way, you can train yourself to urinate at fixed times during the day, which can help your OAB greatly. Exercise Being overweight can put a lot of pressure on your bladder and may cause bladder issues. On the other hand, weight loss can help you remove that pressure and bring the state of your bladder back to normal. 2. Balanced fluid intake It is important to consume fluids that are non-irritating in nature. Instead of not drinking fluids at all, which can lead to yellow or smelly urine, you should stay hydrated, and most preferably, stop drinking water or any other liquid two to three hours prior to going to bed.

If you have arthritis, the place you live can significantly impact how well you manage the flare-ups of the symptoms. Weather does have a negative impact on arthritis symptoms. Usually, it is the cold weather that results in stiffness and pain. So, if you have arthritis, the places with cold weather will usually be the worst places to live and should be avoided. Let’s have a look at the worst places to live for arthritis patients. Massachusetts Massachusetts, also known as New England, is famous for its chilly winters. However, Massachusetts also sees a lot of rain every year. Both rain and cold weather conditions are a horrible combination for arthritis patients. Even though the degree of rain is high in Rhode Island and Connecticut, Massachusetts has one of the heaviest rainfalls in the country. Consequently, it is one of the worst places to live for arthritis patients. People with arthritis usually suffer all round the year in Massachusetts. The chilly weather in the winter can cause intense joint pain. Moreover, the damp conditions in the summer and spring will also be equally challenging. However, the only relief is that the state has a decent number of doctors. So, if you do see a symptom flare-up, you can rush to the doctor for immediate help.

Excessive sweating is caused due to a health condition known as hyperhidrosis, and it can have life-altering implications. It interferes with one’s quality of life and makes it difficult to enjoy social events and avoid uncomfortable situations. That said, living with this condition does not have to be a burden, and a few simple lifestyle tips can help hyperhidrosis patients cope with the symptoms. Here’s how: 1. Stay hydrated People with hyperhidrosis sweat a lot, losing water as well as electrolytes in the process. Electrolytes are necessary minerals like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride that help maintain the body’s fluid balance. So, one must drink plenty of water, and they can also replenish their reserves by consuming sports drinks that are fortified with electrolytes. 2. Wear proper clothing Clothing can significantly contribute to preventing embarrassing situations. For instance, one should wear loose clothing to allow proper air circulation to the skin, and one can choose white, black, and patterned clothes to reduce the   visibility of sweat patches. At the same time, people with hyperhidrosis should avoid synthetic fibers that inhibit airflow and make it difficult for the skin to breathe. Instead, one should opt for natural fibers like cotton and linen that are soft and comfortable.

Those who maintain an active sex life but do not want kids should be cautious about avoiding pregnancy. With so many stories of unwanted pregnancies, it is crucial to get educated about these matters. There are many birth control options, so you do not have to abstain from having sex completely. Here are five of the most popular methods to prevent pregnancy. 1. Female condoms Condoms are the first choice for birth control since they are the only type of contraception that protects against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). There is no need for any prescription to buy female condoms. You can always walk into a drug store and buy them. Besides, you can even get them online. 2. Male condoms Male condoms are the most common contraceptives used around the world. When used correctly, they are more than 80 percent effective. Most of these condoms are made of latex, but there are other types for those who are allergic to this material. Latex condoms are only compatible with water-based lubricants, so check the type of condom you have if you are using a lubricant. 3. Birth control sponge Another contraceptive used to avoid pregnancy is the birth control sponge, which is available at the pharmacy without the need for any prescription.

Difficulty eating, urinary issues, and irregular menstruation are a few of the many signs of ovarian cancer in its later stages, wherein the cancer grows and spreads to the abdomen and pelvis. Unfortunately, the early stages may not show any symptoms that can be perceived as alarming. It is for this reason why most women are diagnosed with the cancer at a later stage. It is best to know the different risk factors of ovarian cancer, the two most common being genetic mutation and family history. However, there are some other factors, too, which are beyond one’s control. Thus, one should know how to prevent this illness. Here are a few factors that can lower the risk of ovarian cancer: 1. Oral contraceptives Studies show that the longer one takes oral contraceptive pills, the better guarded they are against ovarian cancer. After a woman has taken these pills, the protection will last for a few years. However, the pills do pose some risks. So, before one starts taking oral contraceptives, they must communicate with the doctor to know whether they are a good idea. 2. Pregnancy and breastfeeding Breastfeeding and giving birth to one or more children, especially before 35 years of age, is known to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

Anemia is a condition in which the body does not make enough red blood cells (RBCs), leading to weakness and breathing problems. The most common form of anemia is caused due to low iron intake and is called iron deficiency anemia. However, there are a few rare forms of anemia, some of which are discussed here. 1. Hypoplastic anemia This condition is also called aplastic anemia. In this type of anemia, the patient’s bone marrow stem cells are dysfunctional and cannot produce blood cells as they should. Some people are born with this condition, while others develop it. Patients with lupus, HIV, or those undergoing cancer treatment might acquire this disease. Some of the symptoms of aplastic anemia include faster heart rate, chill feeling in the feet and hands, and headaches. Patients with this condition might need to undergo blood transfusion as treatment. 2. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia In this rare form of anemia, the patient’s immune system tends to kill the RBCs faster than they are produced. Patients with the condition called lupus generally develop autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The symptoms of autoimmune hemolytic anemia are palish skin, increased heart rate, pain in the back, and a yellowish tinge to the skin.

UTI is an infection that develops in any part of the urinary system, that is, the bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra. Most of the UTIs involve your lower urinary tract, which is the urethra and the bladder. Compared to men, women are more susceptible to developing UTI. But, can you prevent UTI? Yes, let us take a look at some prevention tips for UTI. Indulge in good hygiene Most UTI infections can be prevented by following good personal hygiene. It is particularly essential for women. Since the women’s urethra is shorter than men, the E-coli bacteria can more easily move back to the body via the rectum. To prevent this from happening, you should always make it a point to wipe yourself from front to back following a bowel movement. Women must also engage in safe hygiene practices while they are menstruating. It is a crucial tip to prevent UTI for women. It is a good idea to change tampons and pads frequently. Further, not using any feminine deodorant can also lower the risk of UTIs. Drink a lot of fluids To guard yourself against UTI, you should stay hydrated. Of course, this will make you want to pee more frequently, but it enables you to get rid of all the bacteria that may have been accumulated on your urinary tract.