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Managing Life with Gout

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that is caused mainly by high levels of uric acid in the blood. The disease is characterized by swelling and pain in the joints. While it affects both men and women, it is more common in men.

There are a number of factors that can trigger gout symptoms, such as intake of high-sugar food or beverages. Sometimes the onset of the symptoms is also seen after a trauma or an illness. A number of other factors can increase the risk of a person developing gout. These include medical conditions (heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes), diuretic medications, and bypass surgery.

Managing life with gout can be easy by making some lifestyle changes in diet and by following the course of treatment well. Here are some tips to help patients with gout to avoid triggering or aggravating the condition.

  • Gouty arthritis can be prevented by ensuring intake of food that helps lower uric acid levels in the blood and avoiding food that increases uric acid levels. Food items and beverages that are rich in purines should be avoided. Foods that help gout attacks include cherries, items rich in vitamin C, and coffee.
  • Staying hydrated is also very important. Drinking plenty of water and other non-sugary liquids can help in flushing out excess uric acid from the body. Drinking plenty of water also helps in maintaining a good rate of metabolism.
  • Another important tip for managing life with gout, apart from diet, medications etc, is to not be stressed. Stress can worsen gout symptoms, hence minimizing stress in one’s personal and professional space can be helpful.
  • Weight management is also the key to managing life with gout symptoms. Staying physically active reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke as well. But it is important that patients with gout do not exercise when they experience pain or inflammation. Exercising to manage weight should only be done when there are no active gout symptoms.
  • Gout patients with chronic gout should not stop taking prescribed medicines even when the symptoms subside. It is important to take the gout medications regularly.
  • If you have diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure, then getting the blood uric acid levels checked is recommended for patients who have had a previous history of gout symptoms.

Some of the early signs of gout include sudden pain in the big toe which may also be accompanied by swelling. If you notice any signs, consult a doctor to understand what may be causing the pain. Specialists that help in diagnosing and treating gout are mainly rheumatologists, but you can always speak to your regular healthcare provider for guidance. Gout symptoms can be treated in the initial stages itself, to prevent it from turning into a chronic illness.

Keep the above tips in mind if you are a gout patient, or have a history of gout in your family, to prevent triggering or aggravating it. Managing life with gout isn’t that difficult if you follow all the guidelines carefully.

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Pregnancy is an important phase of every woman’s life. But at times, there are several complications one has to deal with. One such complication is Ovarian Cyst. Ovarian cysts are sacs or pockets filled with fluid in an ovary or on its surface. It is fairly common and present in all women. Cysts are usually harmless, but at times they may create problems like rupture, bleeding or ovarian cyst pain that may require medical assistance.

Every woman has two ovaries. The ovaries are responsible for releasing and storing the eggs. They are placed on either side of the uterus. Each ovary releases an egg every month, during the middle of the menstrual cycle. This is known as ovulation. The egg grows in the ovary, while a hormone, called estrogen prepares the uterus for the pregnancy.

Causes of Ovarian Cysts
The causes of Ovarian Cysts are obesity, irregular menstrual cycle, early menstruation before the age of 11, infertility, hypothyroidism, and tamoxifen therapy for breast cancer.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts
The symptoms of Ovarian Cysts depend on the size of the cyst. Most functional cysts do not exhibit any symptoms. The larger the cyst, the more the problems it poses. The cysts that lead to ovarian tumors are usually of 12 inches or even more. Here are some of the most common symptoms of Ovarian Cysts:

Pain in the lower belly, usually during the middle of the menstrual cycle; as well as cramps.
A delay in the start of menstruation.
Bleeding from vagina, even when there is no menstruation
Abnormal or irregular bleeding during the menstrual cycle is another symptom of ovarian cyst. Spotting or light bleeding from the vagina is also a possibility. In rare cases, the cyst might develop into ovarian cancer. However, benign functional ovarian cysts do not lead to cancer, and most ovarian cysts are benign.

Signs and symptoms of ovarian cyst are not observed in most cases. They are usually found during the routine physical examination. However, in case of complex ovarian cysts, there may be a few signs or symptoms such as:

Pain during sexual intercourse.
Severe sudden pain in the lower abdomen or the pelvic zone.
Irregular menstrual cycle.
Nausea and vomiting.
Bloating.
Abdominal tenderness
Abdominal distension.
Pain or pressure with urination or bowel movement.
Vaginal pain.
Feeling of abdominal fullness.
Problems with the control of urination.
A feeling of lower abdominal or pelvic pressure or fullness.
Feeling full early when eating.
Chronic pelvic pain or low back pain throughout the menstrual cycle.
Heartburn.
Complications of ovarian cyst and remedies
Ovarian cyst usually does not affect a woman’s ability to conceive. If you have conceived once, it is a good indicator that you may be able to do again. The only complication of ovarian cysts that can lead to difficulty in conceiving is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women who are obese, have excessive hair growth, and face the problem of irregular or non-existent periods can be suffering from PCOS – and conceiving can be difficult for them.

The cure for this ailment is getting fit so that your body is ready to cope with pregnancy. A varied diet with a regular schedule of workouts can be a good remedy for dealing with PCOS and leading a healthy life. PCOS affects the production of eggs as it does not let the egg to develop and release. Thus ovulation does not happen and leads to infertility.

Most ovarian cysts are just functional; a result of the hormonal fluctuations that occur during the menstrual cycle. They are usually harmless and may lead to ovarian cyst pain, but do not indicate a specific disease. Cysts usually occur during pregnancy or the time when a woman is still fertile to carry a baby. Most of the cysts may disappear within a few weeks with the help of ovarian cyst treatment. However, certain cases may warrant ovarian cyst removal by means of a surgical process.

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fashion

Fashion is such an individualized thing. Everyone is different and therefore everyone has personal preferences when it comes to different types of dresses. One thing is true though; it’s important to have at least one versatile and flattering dress in your wardrobe. When determining what type to choose, there are several styles to consider that can be appropriate for different types of events and different figures.

Women today attend many events that require dressing up for the occasion. These may include weddings, dates, parties, work events, and brunch. When looking to buy a dress to suit a wide range of occasions, here are some flattering options for all ages and body types:

1. Wrap dresses

Wrap dresses are exactly what they sound like. These dresses are pulled together with a front closure. One side of the dress is wrapped across the front and then either goes behind the back part of the waist to either be attached by buttons or tied. The construction of this dress creates a v-neck front. It also accentuates the curves of the wearer in the chest area.

2. Maxi dresses

Maxi dresses are a great option for many occasions. They are long and go to the floor. Generally, they are designed to fit the body on the top, and then be flowy and long on the bottom. The fun thing about them is they can feature many different necklines and come in various patterns and colors. This makes them very individualized to the person.

3. A-Line dresses 

A-line dresses are named after the shape they take on the body, which is an “A”. They fit to the top part of the body and begin to flare gradually out at the waist and hips, becoming wider as the hem progresses. A-line clothing can be found not just in dresses, but also in coats and skirts.

4. Little black dresses

Everyone has heard of the little black dress. This is such a versatile option that can be found in your closet. It can be dressed up or down for numerous types of events. As a general design, it is usually a simple dress that tends to be quite short. The elegance and simplicity create a fairly blank canvas that allows you to create the exact type of look that you want. Many designers provide limitless options for this much-needed wardrobe essential. Victoria Beckham cocktail dresses are one good brand to consider.

5. Mini dresses

A mini, or short dress that hangs just above the knees is a common style. This design became popular in the 1920’s. It was later revitalized in the 1960s, and has remained an integral part of many wardrobes ever since. A mini shift style dress is a loose-fitting dress that is very comfortable and does not fit tightly around the waist or any part of the body. It is loose at both the hips and the waist so the dress falls loosely down from the shoulders all the way down to the bottom of the dress. Darts are generally located in the bust area. It is a straight silhouette that can be flattering for those that have bodies that are shaped more like a column and it also elongates petite figures as it shows off the legs. 

When shopping for dresses, every designer has his or her own individual interpretation. It is fun, and a great idea to look at the individual designers and fashion forward celebrities to find the one that fits your aesthetic most closely. Also, remember that designers also have many other clothing options. As an example, when looking at what stars wear, like Kourtney Kardashian or Victoria Beckham (blouses, skirts, dresses and pants), you might find a designer that the star tends to wear a lot that you can draw inspiration from.

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The right handbag can really accentuate your outfit of the day. There are also many styles and functions for different handbags. You could have a handback that works as a daily driver – a bag that you take to run errands or to the store. You could also have a bag that’s perfect for traveling or for a night out. Whatever the case may be, these are five handbags that are sure to be everywhere this season:

1. Versace Chunky Chain Bag

This Versace bag features a chunky chain which really is the stand out feature on this bag. The chain provides a cool effect when you wear it, that really draws your eyes to it. In typical Versace fashion, the chunky chain bag is made of high quality materials and is a great value for the price.

2. Lanvin Puffy Cloud Bag

The Lanvin Puffy Cloud Bag is another bag you’ll be seeing a lot of in 2021. This bag is one of the top trends in handbags right now, and for good reason. The Lanvin quality is apparent and you can really wear this on any occasion, formal or casual.

3. Stella McCartney Hobo Bag

The Stella McCartney Hobo bag has a relaxed look about it. It appears slightly slouched in nature, which provides a really cool effect. This bag can be dressed up for a nice, formal event or dressed down for a nice casual day. This bag is incredibly versatile and provides enough room for all of your belongings. It has two slip pockets and an interior compartment for maximum storage. This is one bag that can really do it all.

4. Bottega Veneta Fisherman Shoulder Bag

The Bottega Veneta Fisherman Shoulder Bag is extremely trendy right now, and for good reason. The bag features a scale like pattern which is the standout feature. It also features a shoulder strap for great versatility and a super comfortable wear. The bag features high quality materials and enough room to keep all your belongings stored nicely. This bag leans a bit casual but is a great bag if you’re looking to make a statement throughout the day.

5. Fendi Fluffy Feathers Bag

The Fendi fluffy feathers bag is a bag that’s sure to make a statement. This bag is made of high quality materials, in typical Fendi fashion. The fluffy feathers bag is covered in ostrich feathers. This bag is incredibly unique and will turn all the heads. It’s also very versatile in that all of the straps are detachable so you could wear this as a shoulder bag or as a little handheld purse. When you pair this with a stunning dress, you will be sure to turn heads at any formal event or night out on the town.

These bags can be found at many of your favorite retailers and department stores. Make sure to shop Saks Fifth Avenue bags for the latest in deals and trends for the 2021 year.

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Jewelry is the one of the best accent pieces for any outfit you choose to wear. The right necklace, or the right bracelet, can really put the finishing touch on an amazing outfit. You may opt to wear a necklace on a night out, or a set of bangles to run some errands. Either way there are a few styling hacks to help maximize your jewelry. Here are six jewelry styling hacks to follow:

1. Use earrings for a pop of color
It can be a great idea to match a few pieces of jewelry, however, when they’re all very similar in style and color, they can really blend together. To solve this issue, try using earrings to create that pop of color. Earrings can really balance out an outfit

2. Know when it’s too much
Jewelry can provide a great accent to your favorite outfit but you need to be careful you don’t overdo it. By having too much, you’re really taking away from the effect your jewelry adds to your outfit

3. Personalize with statement jewelry
Something like customized wrist bracelets can be super personal. This can be a piece that no one has that truly stands out on its own. These are often hard to duplicate because they’re one of a kind and customized. Check Kay Jewelers clearance sale and see if there’s anything that you could customize and make truly unique

4. Minimal jewelry with patterned clothing
When your outfit is full of patterns, it’s already incredibly loud. Something like stripes or plaid can be a super powerful statement in itself so when picking out jewelry, make sure to keep it minimal. When it’s overdone it can have the opposite effect of what you’re looking for. One simple necklace or bracelet can be a nice, quick addition to a loud outfit with many patterns

5. Create layers with necklaces and bangles
Sometimes when we wear jewelry it can be hard to get the most out of it. Sometimes our jewelry is too thin and won’t really pop with our outfits. That’s where layering comes into play. By layering bangles you can create a super nice, textured set of bracelets that will surely stand out. With necklaces, you want to look at the style and length. By mixing and layering different necklace lengths, you can create the illusion of a much bigger piece and have them all flow together seamlessly. Either way, you really can’t go wrong with layering

6. Mix metals in jewelry
Most jewelry is made of various metals like gold, silver, and platinum. By combining different metals, you can really make them pop. When mixing and matching gold and silver you really create a palate with different colors and materials. It helps them stand out. When you wear all your jewellery in one material or one color, the pieces tend to blend in with each other. Mixing metals will help your pieces to really make a statement

When choosing jewelry, make sure to follow these 6 hacks for best results!

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