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I certainly don’t think of myself as an expert in long distance, but rather, experienced in loving someone over a thousand miles away. Otherwise known as a long-distance relationship. Let me take you back to Fall 2019, we went to college together so long distance did not exist, while we are both college athletes, we only lived 5 minutes away, which was so ideal. COVID hit that March 2020, and while there were many negatives, it was the first time we could do normal couple things and not have our sport dictate most of our time, the only problem: he lives in California, and I live in Arizona. It was also at that time I was in the process of transferring colleges and knew once I left, the true distance would start. Yes, some people call a state a way long distance, but I recognize it at short distance.             I moved to the Midwest for my last two years of college, and after my junior year, he got drafted for professional baseball. It was so exciting, but in all honesty, more long distance and we had no idea where he was going until the day he got drafted. I finished up my time in college, and we are currently 1300+ miles away, have a 3-hour time difference, and his schedule has him at the field for 10+ hours a day. How we manage, geez I don’t know, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.             I often see people on social media talking about long distance, or talking with fellow girlfriends and long distance is no easy task. It requires trust, patience, honesty, connecting in different ways, but most importantly, being a person and having a life outside of your significant other. One thing I have found is that long distance requires you to have your own interests and be your own person, achieving your own goals, while having someone you love far away doing the same. We currently cannot achieve our goals at the same location, granted my life is more flexible, but he is on the east coast 7-8 months out of the year for season. So yeah, he doesn’t get to visit me, the only way to see him is for me to spend a day traveling to spend ¾ of my day without him while he is at the field. The best part, I am so thankful for it.             Most of my life consists of long-distance relationships, outside of the relationship with my partner. I have learned the importance of good communication, finding ways to hang out, or go on dates, and not consuming too much of your day talking to them. So, I thought, what better way to talk about this than add a list of tips that get me through long distance. 1.     You are your own person with or without your partner. a.     Having a partner can be a wonderful addition to your life. Key word: ADDITION. Your partner is not your life. Your partner is not your identity. During long distance, use that time to work on your passions, goals, and dreams, while cheering them on in theirs. This is a time where you and your partner can grow together even if you are physically apart. Always remember, you are an individual with your own life and don’t push that aside for your partner, your dreams and goals are just as important. 2.     Agapé a.     I cannot recommend this app enough. My boyfriend and I use it to fill out daily questions about our relationship. I highly recommend this if your love language is words of affirmation, or even if you want something extra to feel loved despite the distance. My boyfriend is pretty busy, so at this point I pull up a question or two occasionally and we discuss it. It is nice to have that time to talk and reflect about our relationship or how we think and feel. Definitely check it out, and it’s free! 3.     Limit texting/being on the phone all of the time. a.     Seriously though. You have stuff to do, so does your partner, so be where your feet are. I’m not saying never text them or have a strict limit but don’t spend your days texting away over nothing. Something that has worked for me is we don’t text too often but facetime here and there for brief times (I’m talking 2–3-minute calls) to check in, catch up, and show each other love. Not spending all day talking or texting makes the phone calls more fun and allows us to do our own thing but being confident in knowing we have each other. 4.     Communication!!!!!!! a.     Long distance is a little different because your partner will not always be able to know or tell how you are feeling, and they are not experiencing everything that you are. You will have to work a lot harder to communicate things going on and continuing to work on communication throughout the relationship is a commitment you will have to make. 5.     Just because you’re not physically together doesn’t mean you can’t have date nights. a.     Date nights to me are anything and everything. They can be staying in or going out, but they range so much in my opinion. For long distance, when we see each other, we call our little meals at 2 am when he picks me up from the airport a date. We watch movies or shows online together and use an online source to play them together or be on facetime to watch together. We have even had dinner dates on facetime, where we order for each other and then eat together, logistically this can be a little challenging with delivery timing, but it is so much fun to eat on facetime together. Turn all … Read more

A wrist ganglion, also known as a synovial cyst, is a fluid-filled lump that commonly appears on the back or front of the wrist. It is a benign condition, but it can cause discomfort or interfere with joint movement. Why does a wrist ganglion appear? A wrist ganglion forms when synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints and tendons, accumulates in an abnormal capsule or bursa. Although there is not always a clear cause, some factors may influence its appearance: Repetitive use of the wrist: Activities such as writing, typing, or playing sports can put stress on the joint. Previous injuries: A blow or sprain to the wrist can trigger the cyst’s formation. Arthritis: In some cases, osteoarthritis may be linked to the appearance of ganglions. Genetic factors: Some people have a hereditary predisposition to developing these cysts. Wrist Ganglion Symptoms Synovial cysts vary in size and can grow or shrink over time. Symptoms include: A visible, soft lump on the wrist. Pain or discomfort when moving the joint. A feeling of pressure or numbness if the ganglion presses on a nerve. Wrist Ganglion Treatments Treatment depends on the size of the cyst and whether it causes pain or limits movement. Some options include: 1. Observation If the ganglion is not painful or affecting mobility, doctors usually recommend doing nothing and just observing if it goes away on its own. 2. Immobilization Wearing a splint or wrist brace can reduce pressure on the joint and prevent the cyst from growing. 3. Aspiration A doctor can drain the fluid with a needle, but there is a chance the cyst could recur. 4. Surgery If the ganglion causes severe pain or limits mobility, it can be removed surgically. This procedure has a lower chance of recurrence. Conclusion A wrist ganglion is a benign condition, but if it causes discomfort, several treatments are available. Consulting a doctor is essential to determine the best option for each case.

As horrible as bed bugs are, you can rest assured that these pests were brought into the home from somewhere or someone else. In fact, a bed bug infestation has nothing to do with cleanliness. Instead, they are simply transferred from person to person and place to place. With this in mind, we will look at the most common ways in which homes and businesses become riddled with bed bugs. Most people get bed bugs from infested clothing, luggage, accessories and upholstered furniture which are bought into the home. These pests are hitchhikers and can easily travel between buildings as they go unnoticed by humans. Are you currently battling a bed bug invasion and wondering how this has happened? If so, then this article is for you. In this guide, we will explore answers to some of the most common questions people have about bed bugs and where they come from. Read on to find out more about these parasitic insects and how we at Malum can help you to get rid of them. Bed bugs are perhaps the most feared pest infestation ever. This parasitic insect is found around the world, and especially likes to wreak havoc in large cities across the UK. But beware, bed bugs can be found anywhere humans live. Human blood attracts bed bugs, causing them to enter our homes and share our living space! Due to the intrinsic and mysterious hiding nature of this pest, a bed bug problem is best addressed by a professional pest control company. Are you currently battling a bed bug infestation? Perhaps you have discovered tiny insects crawling around your bed and need verification of the species? Do you need help in figuring out where to begin when treating bed bugs? Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are a small, elusive insect that is reddish-brown in colour and around the size of a grain of rice. The bugs have six legs, no wings, two prominent black eyes, ridges across their shell, and a small beak apparatus at the end of the mouth for piercing skin and extracting blood meals. These insects do not live outdoors, in fact, the pests spend their entire lives inside of homes, businesses, and anywhere people regularly congregate. The bed bug is elusive and goes to great lengths to prevent being seen out in the open and discovered. Bed bugs are primarily nocturnal and prefer dark areas where humans sleep, since this allows the pests to come out and feed on human blood while the host is asleep. However, bed bugs can adapt and will mimic their hosts sleeping patterns – so if someone works shifts and snoozes all day then this is when a bed bug will feed! The bugs will build their nest in hidden spaces near human sleeping spots, such as underneath bed frames, the underside of a mattress, nightstands, and even in wall cracks near a bed. This pest lives on human blood and needs it to reproduce. After mating, and once engorged with blood, a female bed bug will lay eggs in the hiding spot that hatch into nymphs just 10 days later. Nymphs molt (shed skins) 5 times before reaching adulthood, with each molt requiring a blood meal. Bed bugs can live between 1-2 years in total, and according to the Environmental Protection Agency can even go upwards of 16 months without feeding. What is the main cause of bed bug infestations? Bed bug infestations are nothing short of a nightmare for homeowners. There is no way to sugarcoat this specific type of pest problem, as this species can be very difficult to destroy. The main cause of bed bugs inside the home is typically through the transfer of used furniture. Bed bugs can easily hide inside the seams of sofas, mattresses and soft furnishings, where they like to lie in wait for a viable new host/parasite dwelling. The paper-thin, flat bodies of these insects allow the species to take advantage of obscure hiding places, such as inside boxes of clutter, within electrical outlets and mattress linings – as long as they are kept close to where people sleep. After moving around your home, which is now the bugs’ new home too, these parasites will start to seek out body warmth and carbon dioxide emissions from breathing in order to find your sleep spot. A male and female almost always travel together, and once they locate a sleep spot, the bugs will feed and then find a dark and undisturbed area near or on the bed to nest, providing easy access to their host. The bugs will mate and females will begin to rapidly lay eggs continuously. Because bed bugs are so secretive, this cycle will build and build for days, weeks, and even months before people typically discover these pests. People typically come across a bed bug problem by noticing dark blood stains or rusty spots (fecal matter) on their bedding sheets, detecting bed bug bites or by finding live bugs when changing sheets or cleaning the area. Waking in the middle of the night, they may also find the bugs crawling on or near them. The longer the insects are left undisturbed and avoid detection, the larger the infestation becomes. Additionally, travel is one of the most typical ways in which people bring bugs into their home. If you stay in an infested hotel room or cruise ship cabin, these little pests can easily stow away in your belongings, purses, backpacks and luggage, bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase of being ‘bitten by the travel bug’. If your worst nightmare has come true and you have discovered some unwanted visitors roaming around your home, then contact Malum today! Where do bed bugs prefer to hide? When trying to find bed bugs, the mattress, box springs, and bed frames are the primary hiding areas. Other infested areas can include loose wallpaper, bedding and other fabrics like curtains, in addition to specific types of dwelling such as hotel … Read more

Top things to know about vaginas: The vagina connects the vulva to the cervix As you age, your vagina ages too! When you’re aroused, blood flows to the vagina to make it bigger, and more arousal fluid is produced People often use the term vagina to refer to the entire female genital region between the legs—but this is incorrect. Let’s first start with correcting this terminology. The vulva is the correct name for the external parts of the female genitalia. This includes the glans clitoris, labia minora and majora, opening of the urethra and vagina (the introitus), and the surrounding tissue. An illustration of the vulva and clitoris What is a vagina? The vagina is the tube between the vulva and the cervix. This tube is the connection between your uterus and the outside world. The vagina is what babies exit through during birth, and where menstrual blood exits through during your period. The vagina is also used for insertion, such as with a penis, fingers, female condoms, sex toys, tampons, or menstrual cups. The vagina can also act as a route to other parts of the body. During penis-vagina sex, ejaculate is deposited in the vagina, allowing sperm to enter the uterus through the cervix. The walls of the vagina can also be used as an administrative route for medications and contraceptives, such as intervaginal hormone creams, the hormonal vaginal contraceptive ring, or vaginal suppository medications. Anatomy of the vagina It may seem strange that an organ capable of passing an entire baby through it is also capable of holding a small tampon in place for hours. How does that tampon stay in there? If the vagina is just a tube, shouldn’t the tampon fall out? The vagina anatomy is much more than just a tube. When it is in a relaxed state (not aroused), the walls of the vagina are collapsed against each other, flattened by the pressure of the surrounding organs and tissues within the pelvis. During this state, a cross-section of the vaginal canal (the vaginal lumen) can resemble an “H” or a “W” shape, as the walls flatten against themselves (2). From the sides, the vagina offers movable support and pressure, which allow your tampon to stay in place (2,3). The walls of the vagina are covered by many folds called rugae (3). The walls and folds of the vagina have many purposes, providing both a barrier and access route between the cervix and the outside world. All of these folds allow the vagina to be stretched and expand like an accordion when pressure is applied to the sides (like when a baby’s head is passing through). The walls of the vagina are composed of different layers of tissue. The surface layers of the vaginal wall are made of mucosal tissue—similar to the tissue that lines your mouth, nose, and digestive tract. Underneath the mucosal tissue are layers of smooth muscle tissue, collagen, and elastin fibers, which gives vagina anatomy both structure and ability to stretch (4). Fluids are released through the walls of the vagina to keep the area moist, and during times of sexual arousal, to increase lubrication. The vagina is also capable of absorbing some substances—such as medications, hormonal creams, or contraceptives—into the body (3). How the vagina changes with age The vagina can change a lot throughout a person’s life (1,5). An average adult vagina is slightly curved, and can range between 7 to 12 cm in length (1,3,4)—but every body is different, and there’s no such thing as a too small or too large vagina. The vagina is strongly influenced by hormonal changes throughout the body. During the reproductive years after menarche (the first menstrual period) and before menopause, more layers of tissue are present lining the vagina, due to stimulation from higher estrogen levels in the body (3). The vagina is also influenced by changing hormone levels during pregnancy. Increased blood flow is directed to the pelvis, causing a deeper color change to the vulva and vagina (5). Throughout a pregnancy, the connective tissue of the vaginal walls progressively relaxes, in preparation for the delivery of a baby (5). After delivery, the vagina and vaginal opening temporarily widen, but 6-12 weeks post-delivery, the vagina returns to its pre-pregnancy size (5). icons Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum Sex, fertility, and contraception after birth If you’re not sure how long to wait to have sex after… by Barbara Santen As people age, the walls of the vagina become more relaxed, and the diameter of the vagina becomes wider (1). When it comes to sexual satisfaction, vaginal size does not affect sexual function (6). The perception of vaginal tightness during sex is primarily related to the pelvic floor muscles, which are present around the base of the vagina and not actually how wide the vaginal canal is. After menopause, when estrogen is lower, the walls of the vagina become thinner and frailer, which can cause symptoms of vaginal dryness and decreased vaginal secretions (5). This may result in discomfort during sex and increase the chances of vaginal irritation or infection (5). How the vagina changes during the menstrual cycle The vagina also changes in response to hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle. Around mid-cycle, when estrogen is highest, vaginal tissue becomes thicker and fuller (5). The cervix, at the top of the vagina, moves and changes shape throughout the cycle. Before and after the fertile window, the cervix is low and can be felt in the vagina, with a firm texture, and the hole in the center of the cervix is closed. During the fertile window, the hole in the cervix opens to facilitate the entrance of sperm into the uterus (7), the cervix rises higher in the vagina, and is softer when touched (8).

In the bustling city of Orthovia, where healers and scholars gathered to study the marvels of the human body, there lived a young apprentice named Kira. Kira was particularly fascinated by the complexity of the wrist—a region where strength and dexterity converged. She spent her days in the grand Bone Hall, surrounded by intricate diagrams of carpal bones and delicate nerve pathways. One day, a weary craftsman named Rolan arrived at the Bone Hall seeking help. His right hand trembled, and sharp pain pierced his wrist whenever he tried to work. Kira examined his wrist carefully, tracing the path of the median nerve that ran through the narrow carpal tunnel. She recognized the signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome—a condition caused by the compression of the median nerve, leading to numbness, tingling, and weakness. Determined to help Rolan, Kira devised a plan. She fashioned a splint to keep his wrist in a neutral position, reducing pressure on the nerve. She also taught him stretching exercises to improve flexibility and ease the strain. Over time, Rolan’s pain diminished, and he returned to his craft with renewed vigor. As Kira’s reputation grew, so did the complexity of the cases she encountered. One day, an elderly scribe named Elara sought her counsel. Elara’s wrist was swollen, stiff, and painful, especially in the mornings. Kira recognized these symptoms as osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition where the cartilage cushioning the bones wore away, causing friction and inflammation. With compassion, Kira crafted a regimen for Elara that combined warm compresses, gentle joint exercises, and herbal salves to soothe the pain. Though the damage could not be undone, Elara found relief and was able to continue chronicling the city’s history. Through these experiences, Kira learned that the wrist, though small, was a gateway to both ability and affliction. Her dedication to understanding its mysteries not only restored the hands of many but also earned her a place among the greatest healers of Orthovia. Her legacy lived on, inspiring future generations to cherish and care for the intricate architecture of the human body.”

Find out not just how to keep those Valentine’s Day fires burning, but why Taylor, counsellor at Izumi Therapy in Nanaimo, said making time for a partner is probably the healthiest thing couples can do for their relationship and well-being. “We talk about the importance of eating healthy and exercising but there’s some research that says 15 minutes of working on your relationship a day would do more for your cardiovascular health than an hour of aerobic activity at the gym because you get rid of all the stress hormones that are so bad for you,” Taylor said. RELATED: Vancouver Island retailers share the love around Valentine’s Day Taylor added that romance is something that people should add everyday to their relationship. “Add as much as you can,” he said. Taylor said every positive act couples do for each other in a relationship is romance. “The difference between a romantic relationship and a friendship is that you realize and recognize your partners vulnerabilities and what they need to fill them up and you kind of go that extra level to meet those,” he said. According to the online blog, Health Fitness Revolution, romantic relationships can be a ticket to good health. In a post about the connection between health and romance, the author writes that there are chemical processes in the brain that affect how we feel. When we’re with a significant other, the body releases hormones, like oxytocin and dopamine, that signal feelings of trust, pleasure, and reward. It states that “In one study, researchers found people’s blood pressure was lower when they were with a romantic partner than when they were interacting with anyone else.” Taylor said one of the best ways to strengthen an emotional connection with a partner is to be an empathetic listener. “If your partner gets home and says ‘I can’t believe my boss yelled at me, I was five minutes late for work.’ You don’t say, ‘well of course you were late you didn’t get up.’ You have empathy and say ‘that’s really tough tell me about it,’” he said. If the emotional stuff is working well, Taylor said other aspects in a relationship become easier. He said it’s important to have both sexual and non-sexual connections but that an emotional component should come first. Valentine’s Day can be a day for couples to be extra romantic, but Taylor said it can also be a difficult day for couples who have little romance in their relationships. “The expectation is too unrealistic for the day to fix it,” he said. “A good relationship means the job is important and the kids are important but we’re important too. The importance of a couple putting [making time for each other] in their schedule and making time everyday is just as important as getting to work on time,” Taylor said.

When experiencing pain, some people tend to ignore it and avoid seeking medical help for so long that they eventually get used to living with it. However, it is crucial to address any pain as soon as possible, especially if it persists over time.What we should understand is that our body warns us when something isn’t right; we just need to listen to it.Below are some types of pain that may seem minor but can lead to more serious issues if left untreated: 1. Painful Urination If you experience pain while urinating and feel the urge to urinate more often or suddenly and urgently, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection. These infections are mostly caused by bacteria from stool entering the urinary tract, but they can also result from kidney stones, prostate issues in men, urinary catheters, a weakened immune system, or not drinking enough fluids.2. Leg Pain with SwellingThrobbing pain in your thigh or lower leg accompanied by swelling, redness, and warmth may indicate Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). This can lead to a more serious condition known as pulmonary embolism when a blood clot breaks off and travels to the lungs. This is a type of pain that should be addressed promptly.3. Throat PainWhen swallowing feels like you’re gargling sand, it’s time to take action. This type of pain may be a sign of tonsil stones or strep throat, both of which are treatable, but if left unchecked, it can lead to complications. If you experience swelling, fever, or a more hoarse-than-usual voice, consult a healthcare provider.4. Chest PainChest pain refers to any pain felt in the chest area—from the shoulders to the bottom of the ribs. This pain can sometimes be a symptom of a heart attack or other heart conditions, especially when accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, or cold sweats.5. Severe HeadacheEveryone has experienced a headache at some point. While some headaches can be caused by stress, other types of head pain may be related to more serious conditions such as hemorrhagic stroke, aneurysm, meningitis, or migraines. If the headache is accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, confusion, or seeing spots, it might be time to visit a doctor.6. Sharp Lower Back PainAccording to Healthline, “A stabbing pain in the lower right back can have many causes, such as endometriosis in females, prostatitis in males, or issues like muscle strain or sciatica.” It could also result from kidney stones, a herniated disk, or an injury from sports or lifting heavy objects. If the pain doesn’t go away after a few days, consult a doctor.7. Pelvic PainThe most common causes of pelvic pain in women are period pain, endometriosis, or ovarian cysts. In some cases, this pain can be related to more serious conditions such as ectopic pregnancy, womb cancer, or ovarian cancer. In men, pelvic pain is mostly caused by prostatitis, a condition affecting the prostate.If any pain you experience causes discomfort and persists, it is best to consult a doctor and seek medical help.Disclaimer: This information is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or healthcare provider with any questions about your health or medications. Do not disregard professional advice based on this information.Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook!Read more: Horoscopes for each zodiac sign for today 👇Aries (March 21 – April 19): Today, focus on personal growth and self-belief. Embrace opportunities that challenge you, whether in your career or personal life. Trust your instincts and take bold steps toward your goals.Taurus (April 20 – May 20): Your social life is set to flourish. Engage in activities that connect you with others and seek out new experiences. This is a great time to strengthen existing relationships and form new ones.Gemini (May 21 – June 20): Career advancements are on the horizon. Showcase your skills and don’t hesitate to take on leadership roles. Your innovative ideas will be well-received, paving the way for future success.Cancer (June 21 – July 22): Embrace new learning opportunities. Whether through travel, education, or exploring different cultures, expanding your horizons will bring personal fulfillment and growth.Leo (July 23 – August 22): Focus on personal transformation and deepening emotional connections. Reflect on your desires and take steps to achieve meaningful change in your life.Virgo (August 23 – September 22): Partnerships take center stage today. Collaborate with others to achieve common goals, and be open to compromise. Strengthening these bonds will lead to mutual success.Libra (September 23 – October 22): Prioritize health and well-being. Implement balanced routines and consider new fitness activities. Taking care of yourself will enhance your energy and productivity.Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): Creative pursuits are favored today. Engage in activities that ignite your passion and allow self-expression. This is also a favorable time for romantic endeavors.Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): Home and family matters take precedence. Consider making improvements to your living space or spending quality time with loved ones. Nurturing these relationships brings comfort and joy.Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): Communication is key today. Share your ideas and listen to others to foster understanding and collaboration. Short trips or learning new skills can provide fresh perspectives.Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): Focus on financial matters and personal values. Assess your resources and make informed decisions to ensure stability and growth.Pisces (February 19 – March 20): With the Sun entering your sign, it’s a time for self-reflection and setting personal intentions. Embrace your individuality and pursue paths that align with your true self.

The other day my dad went to see his doctor. My dad was scheduled to receive results from his latest blood test, but they didn’t turn out as he had hoped. The doctor told my dad that he had high cholesterol. A previous test had revealed he also had high blood pressure. High cholesterol and high blood pressure are contributors toward clogged arteries. Your arteries are blood vessels responsible for the transportation of oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. A normal artery will be strong, flexible, and elastic. On the other hand, progressive clogging of the arteries is a serious condition called atherosclerosis. It is the major cause of cardiovascular disease, which includes peripheral vascular disease, strokes, and heart attacks.[1-3] In the U.S., cardiovascular disease is considered the leading cause of death, claiming approximately 600,000 lives every year.[4] It is also known as a silent killer since the condition does not cause any symptoms. That is until the problem becomes more severe. The symptoms of clogged arteries likely depend on the type of arteries being affected.[5]  Carotid arteries: When you have clogged arteries in your brain, it is a condition called carotid artery disease. Plaque will block or narrow the carotid arteries, and signs of a stroke may be present. Symptoms include breathing problems, sudden weakness, confusion, severe headaches, loss of consciousness, blurry vision, trouble with speech, paralysis, trouble walking,dizziness, unexplained falls, and loss of coordination or balance. Coronary arteries: When the arteries in the heart are clogged, it is called coronary heart disease, or CHD. In this case, plaque will block or narrow the coronary arteries when the heart muscle fails to get enough blood. As a result, chest pain, known as angina will occur. It feels like pressure is squeezing your chest, but you may also feel it in your jaw, neck, arms, shoulders, or back. Angina also sometimes feels like indigestion. Emotional stress will also often trigger angina. Other CHD symptoms include heartbeat problems and shortness of breath. Renal arteries: Chronic kidney disease will develop from clogged renal arteries in the kidneys. Over time, chronic kidney disease can slowly impair kidney function. There are no symptoms early in kidney disease; however, as the condition worsens, it can lead to loss of appetite, nausea, tiredness, concentration problems, numbness or itchiness, and swelling in the feet or hands. Other symptoms include kidney failure and high blood pressure. Peripheral arteries: Peripheral arterial disease will result from plaque buildup in the arms, legs, and pelvis. These arteries are known as peripheral arteries, and if they are blocked or narrowed, you may experience pain or numbness. On occasion, there are also dangerous infections. Read More: 10 fat-burning plant foods that have more protein than an egg What Causes Artery Blockage? Credit: Shutterstock Atherosclerosis is often referred to as the hardening, thickening, and narrowing of the arteries. A thin layer of endothelial cells that help keep the inside of your arteries smooth and toned lines your arteries. This process allows your blood to keep flowing. However, several factors will damage the endothelial cells, including platelet cells, increased homocysteine levels, and free radicals from toxins and antioxidant deficiency. Also, vitamin C deficiency and homocysteine will damage the arteries from the degradation of a gel-like substance called the ground substance. It is found between the cells and helps maintain the integrity of the epithelial cell barrier. The plaque will accumulate when various substances are unable to migrate out of the atherosclerotic lesion. These substances include fat, calcium, toxic metals, cellular waste, and cholesterol such as LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. A material involved in blood clotting called fibrin is also accumulated when arteries are clogged. While the exact cause of clogged arteries is a mystery, evidence shows that atherosclerosis is a complex and slow condition that may begin in childhood and develop as you get older. Certain factors may damage your arteries’ inner layers, including smoking, high blood pressure, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and insulin resistance. Other contributing factors of atherosclerosis include lack of exercise, being overweight, a type-A personality, heavy metal exposure, elevated triglycerides, and chronic inflammation from diseases, infections, lupus, or arthritis. High cholesterol and fats in the blood are also possible causes of atherosclerosis. On rare occasions, genetics may also play a factor with elevated production of cholesterol associated with atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can also be caused by oxidative stress through the depletion of vitamin C or other antioxidants. Nutrient deficiencies or imbalances may also lead to atherosclerosis. They may include magnesium, potassium, fiber, antioxidants, and methyl donors. Dietary factors also include a diet high in sugar, processed starches, and damaged fats from overheating oils.[1,5,6] 10 Natural Foods to Help Prevent Clogged Arteries Credit: Shutterstock Your doctor may prescribe cholesterol-lowering drugs like statins drugs, or beta-blockers that lower blood pressure. These will help slow the progression of plaque buildup (not without their serious side effects). However, there are also plenty of well-researched foods that can prevent clogged arteries naturally instead:[7] Read More: 25 So-Called ‘Junk Foods’ That Are Actually Good For You 1. Curcumin (in Turmeric) Credit: Shutterstock Turmeric is a popular spice used in Indian and Ayurvedic cooking, but its true benefit comes from one active ingredient. The primary polyphenol in turmeric called curcumin has long been known for its cardioprotective effects. Turmeric extract is thought to reduce LDL cholesterol and the buildup of plaque in the arteries. In a 2011 study published in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, researchers found that turmeric could reduce cholesterol and suppress early atherosclerotic lesions better than the cholesterol-lowering drug lovastatin.[8] Also, a 2006 study on mice suggested that curcumin can help prevent artery damage associated with carotid artery blockage.[9] 2. Garlic Credit: Shutterstock Garlic is also considered one of the better foods that support your arteries. Studies have found that garlic can help prevent heart disease, lower blood pressure, and slow down atherosclerosis. In a study published in the journal Atherosclerosis in 1999, researchers found that garlic could prevent plaque buildup in the arteries.[10] A review published in the journal Nutrition in 1997 found that clinical … Read more

Sometimes, we get so excited at the beginning of a romantic relationship that we overlook the differences between our partners and ourselves. Your eyes are covered with rose-tinted glasses, which makes everything seem to fall in place and look perfect. The truth is that if you ignore the red flags of a damaged woman and get into a relationship with her, reality and, invariably, trouble will set in once the infatuation wears off. Sadly, you may be too neck-deep into the relationship by then. No matter how much you want to believe that, a woman is perfect for you, knowing the red flags of a damaged woman is important in a relationship. You’re no mind reader. To know if her presence in your life benefits or harms you, you need to pay attention to her actions and words. In line with that, this article aims to show you the red flags of a damaged woman. Let’s get started! 7 Red Flags Of A Damaged Woman 1. SHE USES INSULTING WORDS ON YOU Words are powerful in the sense that once they’re uttered, there’s no going back despite the apologies. Does your woman use insulting words on you? For instance, she makes you feel bad about your choices and may call you ‘stupid.’ If yes, it’s a major red flag. Friends can engage in banters like that, but it’s not healthy for romantic relationships. It would be best to be cautious of how you talk to each other. Treat and talk to each other with respect. You can banter without using insulting words on each other. One of the greatest red flags of a damaged woman is that she downgrades you with her words, either directly or indirectly. If she keeps throwing insults at you for making mistakes or making different choices from her, it’ll gradually take a toll on your self-confidence, leaving you with self-doubt. Your partner should hone your good qualities rather than water them down. 2. SHE GASLIGHTS YOU CONSTANTLY One of the red flags of a damaged woman is that she gaslights you to the point that you doubt your reality. Gaslighting is a trait that toxic people possess. It’s a form of emotional abuse that may not be glaring at the onset of a relationship. It usually shows itself when you’ve spent some reasonable time in the relationship. This is why it’s a toxic and dangerous trait. Whenever you voice your feelings about a situation, she’ll say things like, “You need help,” “You’re crazy or sick for thinking or feeling this way,” or “You’re overreacting and need to calm down.” You’ll start doubting yourself, your feelings, and your reality when it happens repeatedly. Her aim of gaslighting you is to attack you by hurting your confidence, be able to control you, guilt trip you, and isolate you. You’re in for a whole lot if you’re in that toxic relationship for a long time because she’ll strip the last bit of self-confidence you have on you with gaslighting. 3. SHE ACTS LIKE THE VICTIM If your woman is constantly acting like the victim in every unsavory situation, it’s a sign that she’s damaged. It seems like everyone and everything is against her. She’s always quick to point out the negative sides of the people around her. Of course, she’ll carry her pessimism into your relationship, and it’ll always cause problems in the relationship because she never sees anything good in anyone, including you. If this is the case, she’s very insecure. What’s happening here is that she regards every banter and spoken word as an attack on her person. She doesn’t trust you, and her insecurity makes her scrutinize everything you say to her. Be very mindful of negative behaviors such as this. They do not speak well of someone in a relationship because they’ll constitute a nuisance for their partner. 4. SHE HAS A DYSFUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH HER FAMILY If we’re talking about the red flags of a damaged woman, you’re probably going to focus on your relationship with her. But it’s also good that you consider her relationship with her family. It goes a long way to determine if she’s damaged. How does she relate to her parents? Is she constantly fighting with her father, who is the first male figure in her life? Then, it’s a pattern that’ll repeat itself with you. Also, why is she constantly having problems with her family? Are the problems from her or her family? If they’re from her, you’re in for a “long thing” (rough journey). Like gaslighting, this toxic trait is usually not obvious at the beginning of the relationship because you’re not going to know everything about her family before you get into the relationship. 5. SHE’S EXTREMELY CLINGY TO YOU Extreme clinginess is a red flag in a relationship. Add that to a habit of quickly moving from one relationship to another. Often, her clinginess and neediness in a relationship is an indication that without a relationship, she feels lost and without an identity. If she needs to be in a relationship to feel like a normal person, it’s screaming all shades of red flags. Perhaps when you met her, she was suffering from depression, which was caused by her last breakup. Getting into a relationship with you cured her depression. You’ll also notice that she slips into depression whenever you both get into a fight and you stop talking to her or threaten to leave the relationship. Bro, that woman is damaged. She only places value on being in a relationship and not with you, who she’s in a relationship with. If your relationship hits the rocks today, she’ll readily jump into another relationship with another person immediately. 6. THE RELATIONSHIP IS ONE-SIDED If the relationship is one-sided, you’ll notice that you contribute more than her in the relationship. I know that it’s practically impossible to have a fifty-fifty ratio of giving and receiving in a relationship, but at least let there be mutualism to a great extent between both parties. You can’t even count … Read more

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