A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs in the lower part of the urinary system. In general, women are at a higher risk of developing UTIs than men. The infection can be severe, resulting in a lot of pain and discomfort. To avoid this, it is important to understand the risk factors and prevention tips of UTI. Risk factors Women have a shorter urethra than men, which decreases the distance that the bacteria needs to traverse to reach the bladder. Increased sexual activity or too many sexual partners increase the risk in women. Women using diaphragms for birth control as well as spermicidal agents are more prone to UTI. A decrease in estrogen hormones after menopause can also lead to frequent infections. Blockages in the urinary tract or kidney stones can also trap the urine in the bladder and cause UTI. Babies born with abnormalities in the urinary tract can also cause the urine to back up in the urethra and lead to infections. A weakened immune system due to diabetes or any other ailments. Prevention tips Once you have understood the risk factors of UTI, being aware of the prevention tips is also crucial to maintain overall health and avoid the condition.

Spinal muscle atrophy (SMA) is an extremely rare genetic disease mostly diagnosed in babies and young children. In this condition, the muscles become weak, and the child experiences difficulty performing basic activities such as walking and even breathing. There is no cure for this disease. However, there are various treatments that can control the symptoms. Continue to read to know more about the causes and natural treatment options for SMA. Physical therapy SMA is a genetic disease caused by faulty genes transferred from both the parents. As this condition directly attacks muscles and joints, it can become difficult for the children to move their bodies and support their different functions. Physical therapy is highly recommended, to prevent this condition from worsening. It involves various exercises to protect the joints and strengthen the muscles. Monitoring digestive health The long list of causes and natural treatment options for SMA also suggests dietary changes. When the muscles in the mouth and throat get weak, your child can face a hard time swallowing food and may not receive proper nutrition. It is advisable to change their diet to prevent their condition from deteriorating. Use vitamins and supplements and try a feeding tube to deliver food to their stomach.

Acid reflux or heartburn is quite a common and unpleasant condition. Several over-the-counter medications can help relieve this condition, but eating spicy or acidic foods can trigger it. Apart from taking medications, here are a few tips to manage acid reflux naturally: Consume baking soda and water : Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a glass of water and drink it. This will help neutralize the stomach acids, as baking soda is a base substance. You can use this effective tip to manage acid reflux naturally as often as required. That said, do not drink more than seven glasses of this mixture in a day, and avoid using this remedy for more than a week, as it has high salt content and can cause side effects like nausea and swelling. Don’t lie down after a meal : One of the tips to manage acid reflux naturally is not to lie flat when your stomach is full, as it increases the pressure on the esophageal sphincter and can result in heartburn and acid reflux. Lying down in a slightly elevated position with a pillow wedged under you can help prevent acid reflux. Try to sit or stand for a while after a heavy meal, and eat at least 2-3 hours before bedtime.

Arthritis is characterized by swelling in one or more joints of the body. This predominantly occurs in older people, but in some cases, children may also get affected. Along with proper medications, you need to avoid certain foods that can increase inflammation and worsen your condition. So, listed below is a diet plan for arthritis patients that can bring a significant change in their overall health. Fatty fish While planning an arthritis-friendly diet, you must include fatty fish. These fish varieties, including sardines, mackerel, and salmon, are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that with their anti-inflammatory properties help reduce pain, stiffness and inflammation. Those on a vegetarian diet can consume flaxseeds, almonds, walnuts, and macadamia nuts, as they are also excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Non-fat dairy An effective diet plan for arthritis patients should include non-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese in everyday meals. As these will help the sufferers to combat pain and get rid of inflammation. Also, protein, calcium, and vitamin D present in them can strengthen the bones. Green leafy vegetables Leafy greens, such as kale and spinach, are rich in vitamin D and antioxidants, both of which help boost the immune system and ease the symptoms of arthritis.

Sleep apnea is a severe disorder in which you stop breathing for some time while you are asleep. If you feel exhausted and snore loudly, the chances are that you are suffering from this condition. Along with prescribed medications, if you wish to manage sleep apnea naturally, listed below are the various ways you must take a look at. Maintain a healthy weight Being overweight is one of the most common reasons for suffering from sleep apnea. When the upper body weight increases, it narrows down the nasal passage, which further interrupts your breathing. Hence, losing weight can create a positive impact on your overall condition. Exercise Looking for how to manage sleep apnea naturally? Try exercising regularly. Exercising daily can strengthen your heart muscles and increase the levels of oxygen in your body. Since sleep apnea is closely linked with reduced oxygen in your blood, it is advisable to perform yoga or any other breathing exercise. Yoga majorly improves your night sleep by enhancing the flow of oxygen while strengthening your respiratory system. Alter sleeping posture Studies have shown that people experience improvement in their condition by altering their sleeping posture. For adults, sleeping on the side can make a significant difference, whereas for children, sleeping on the back has been known to alleviate sleep apnea.