Food prices are on the rise, and eating healthy may seem like a task given the hefty bills after a run to the grocery store or a dinner out with friends. That said, there are definitely ways to eat wholesome and satiating meals without dipping into one’s savings. For this, one needs to plan ahead and shop strategically. Here are a few other tips that can help one eat healthy food on a budget: 1. Buy whole foods Whole foods, or foods that aren’t processed to change their structure, can be surprisingly affordable. For instance, a pack of canned beans costs less than a pack of refried ones. Similarly, a block of cheese is much cheaper than shredded cheese. Consider buying whole fruits and vegetables instead of pre-chopped and packed salads. When considering per-serving costs, whole grains, oats, and brown rice are cheaper than most processed cereals. Additionally, buying fruits and vegetables that are in season is also a great way to incorporate soluble and insoluble fiber into one’s meals. Fruits and vegetables that are available all year tend to be a tad expensive.  Also, picking seasonal produce means that it is packed with nutrients and flavors. Moreover, buying produce by bag is a budget option rather than buying per piece.

Most countries provide the public with easily available tap water drinking stations, and this water is usually considered safe for consumption. The government and health bodies have a testing and treatment process in place to ensure that tap water meets regulatory standards provided by them. However, water can have a certain potential to cause harmful side effects for people. Here are some reasons why one must avoid drinking tap water and switch to purified water. Microbial contamination Improper treatment of drinking water can lead to the water being contaminated with parasites like bacteria and viruses. And prolonged exposure to these microbes can lead to health issues like stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.  Fluoride exposure Fluoride is added to drinking water sources to prevent dental decay. However, if there is an excess amount of fluoride present in the water source, it can also cause dental fluorosis. The condition can cause defects in tooth enamel and lead to discoloration of the teeth. Increased intake of fluoride can also increase the risk of skeletal fluorosis, leading to symptoms like bone pain, stiffness, and fractures. Exposure to nitrates and nitrites Groundwater sources can turn septic because of system leakage. It can be caused because of the introduction of nitrates and nitrites in the water.

The connective tissue in the palm, generally flexible and loose, may begin to abnormally thicken or tighten. This is known as Dupuytren’s contracture. Here, the fingers can begin bending toward the palm and are unable to straighten completely. The condition most commonly affects fingers away from the thumb—the ring and pinky finger and can affect one or both hands. Here are a few signs of the condition one should not ignore:  1. Nodules in the palm The presence of lumps or nodules in the palm could be a warning sign of Dupuytren’s contracture. These nodules are generally observed at the base of the fingers, right where they meet the palm. One may be able to feel or even see a hard lump as an early sign. The appearance of nodules indicates that the condition is starting to spread through the connective tissue or the palmar fascia of the palm. The lumps could be painful or painless and may go away without any treatment. The lumps can also make the surrounding skin appear dimpled or puckered, leading to pits or grooves in the skin that are compressed by the contracted finger. These areas can become sore and lead to skin loss if they do not heal in time.

The esophagus or food pipe transfers food to the stomach. However, it can get inflamed due to conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE). In EOE, eosinophils release substances in surrounding tissues that lead to inflammation. This causes the organ to contract and abscesses or ring-like projections to form. EOE can be triggered by acid reflux or food allergies. To manage the condition, here are some signs and symptoms of EOE that one should not ignore: Symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE) The symptoms of EOE may vary among adults and children, although certain symptoms are common in both. So, here are the signs and symptoms of EOE among children and adults: Symptoms of EOE in adults Studies have shown that EOE in adults usually shows up in the form of strictures, rings, and narrowing of the esophagus. As a result, adults with EOE may have these symptoms: Difficulty swallowing One of the classic symptoms of EOE is difficulty swallowing. The technical term for this symptom is dysphagia. In usual circumstances, one may face dysphagia if they gulp down their food, but the symptom shows up for those with EOE even when they chew their food well. Acid reflux Acid reflux is usually a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a health condition closely related to EOE.

These days, medical technology isn’t limited to a distant machine available only at the doctor’s clinic. Wearable medical devices have redefined monitoring of body parameters, making it incredibly easy to ensure physical well-being right at home or even when traveling. Wearable medical devices have brought general healthcare closer to people and help prevent and diagnose any health issues early. However, buying the right wearable medical devices involves research and avoiding certain mistakes. 1. Not checking battery life Battery life is an important feature when checking wearable medical devices because it increases their convenience, especially if one travels and cannot charge them repeatedly. Also, if a person uses wearable ECG monitors and other devices, charging them frequently can be difficult. So, one should always ensure that such devices have long battery lives. 2. Overlooking the device’s resilience to different conditions People often have their wearable devices on themselves for almost an entire day. So, they might even have it on when stepping into the shower or stepping out during rain. Such wearable devices must be resilient to extreme weather conditions, including waterproofing, to avoid such issues. The manufacturers should be transparent about the materials used to manufacture the product and specify that the device is water and weather-resistant.

One might have a healthy meal plan and exercise regularly, but all such efforts are in vain without proper sleep. Because sleep is indispensable, diagnosing sleep conditions early and following a systematic treatment course is important. Sleep apnea is one  such  condition in which one’s breathing stops during sleep. Often, it causes symptoms like snoring and fatigue. Alongside consulting a doctor, avoiding  some  mistakes during treatment can help control the symptoms. Not having a fixed sleep  schedule A healthy sleep schedule is  the cornerstone  to  speedy  recovery from sleep apnea.  Although a healthy sleep pattern doesn’t suffice alone, it is essential in helping one feel refreshed and reducing fatigue. So, it is a good idea to sleep and wake up at fixed times as far as possible, ensuring that one gets at least seven to eight hours of sleep  at night . To help the body get accustomed to this schedule, one should follow certain healthy sleep practices, such as staying away from gadgets and electronic devices before bedtime, investing in a comfortable mattress, and sleeping in a dark room. Not having the right sleeping position C hanging  one’s sleep position might help control sleep apnea symptoms. The best sleep position for those with sleep apnea is to sleep on one’s side with one’s back straight.