The swelling and soreness of the membranes near the brain and the spinal cord is known as spinal meningitis. There can be several reasons for this swelling such as viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections. However, viral infections are the most common cause. In some cases, the condition improves on its own and heals entirely within a couple of weeks. However, sometimes meningitis can be life-threating, and it requires proper antibiotic treatment. Bacterial meningitis is the most deadly form of the disease. It generally starts when bacteria which causes a flu-like infection enters the body. Meningococcal infections and pneumococcal infections are the most common causes of bacterial meningitis. These infections can lead to stroke, brain damage or hearing loss. Warning signs and symptoms of spinal meningitis This disease's symptoms generally occur within a week after the exposure. Not everyone experiences the same symptoms. Here are some of the most common symptoms of spinal meningitis. People above the age of 2 years experience these symptoms.

• Sudden high fever
• Stiffness in the neck
• Sudden onset of severe headaches
• Feeling of nausea
• Vomiting
• Difficulty in focusing and confusion
• Drowsiness
• Difficulty in walking
• Seizures
• Loss of appetite
• Sensitivity to light
• Skin rashes caused due to bacterial meningitis

Symptoms of spinal meningitis in newborns The following symptoms are most common in infants:

• High fever
• Irritability and crankiness
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• A bulge on the top of baby’s head
• Stiffness in the baby’s body or neck

Other potential signs and symptoms These are some additional signs and symptoms which are mostly seen in patients who have bacterial meningitis:

• Abnormal skin color
• Stomach cramps
• Skin rash
• Rapid breathing
• Joint pain or muscle ache
• Chills
• Extremely cold hands and feet

When to see a doctor Fever, severe headache, and stiffness in the neck are the three most common symptoms of spinal meningitis. If you experience these symptoms, you must consult a doctor immediately. Bacterial meningitis is a serious condition that proves to be fatal in numerous cases. Any delay in treatment can lead to permanent brain damage or in the worst case, death. Also, if someone in your family has the disease, it is better to talk to your doctor and take preventive medications to avoid catching the infection.

  There are different cost-saving cell phone plans offered by both big carriers as well as the smaller ones that will keep your monthly bill cost down. Some names of the carriers you may know, and others not. All these carriers promise you the lowest rates possible for your service. Here is a comparison on cell phone plans offered by some of the best carriers. The comparison of cell phone plans is made by putting out the pros and cons of each carrier. Boost Mobile The best plan offers 3GB data for around $35 per month.

• Pros: Same network performance as its parent Sprint
• Cons: The company is completely dependant on Sprint and their cellular services.

Consumer Cellular The best plan offers 3GB data for around $40 per month.

• Pros: AT&T and T-Mobile provide good network coverage and the best discounts for American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).
• Cons: Additional costs are applicable if you are in need of big data plans.

Cricket Wireless The best plan offers 5GB data for around $35 per month with autopay enrollment.

• Pros: Their customer support is the best among discount carriers and they have also increased data allotments for plans
• Cons: Very few benefits as compared to MetroPCS and Boost. Data speeds are quite less, which is at 8 Mbps.

FreedomPop The best offer is a data plan of 5GB for around $35.

• Pros: Economical offers for family plans and discounts have been given if you pay monthly rent ahead. Free offers are available if you keep your data usage in talk and text to the minimum amount.
• Cons: It’s a bit more confusing and difficult to find what you need from the stack of plans. Also, there are devices which cannot be used with this plan.

MetroPCS The best offer is a data plan of 5GB for $40.

• Pros: It has the Data Maximizer option and a variety of selection of phones. It mainly depends on T-Mobile’s network coverage.
• Cons: It has a bounded plan option with a high cost of $40 and the customer service is not that great.

Mint Mobile The best offer is the data plan of 2GB worth $15

• Pros: Depends on T-Mobile’s network and initially, low-cost monthly payment is available.
• Cons: If you want to avail of the low payment scheme, you have to pay three months cash ahead. And the cost will be increased after the initial discount until you use the service for a year.

Project Fi The best offer is on the data plan of 1GB, which costs around $30 cost.

• Pros: Expensive Google devices are supported by the plans. Payment based on usage only.
• Cons: More data is offered for the same cost by other carriers.

So, this was a comparison of the best prepaid and postpaid cell phone plans. Consider the pros and cons of each plan and make an informed decision.

Your lifestyle plays a significant role in your weight loss journey. Making small tweaks can go a long way in shedding a few extra pounds. Here are some quick and easy tips to lose weight without sweating it out much.

• Get a minimum of eight hours sleep every day. Sleep deprivation can play with your hunger hormones and increase your appetite.
• Indulge yourself in fun activities such as dancing to your favorite songs everyday or practicing some stress-relieving activities. Go cycling in the park once in a while or play some games with children. Do this for at least 15 minutes everyday. You will notice a change gradually.Drink at least half a liter of water, half an hour before meals. Studies show that water can boost metabolism and help you burn calories effectively.
• Cleanse your palate with mint or breath strips to stop yourself from reaching for a second serving of fatty foods. Mint will help you get rid of the delicious taste from your tongue and diminish your cravings. Drinking water or tea can also have a similar effect.
• Follow a low-crab diet as opposed to a low-fat diet. The former is proven to reduce cardiovascular risk and promote weight loss. For starters, avoid sugary drinks, white bread and cookies. Reduce your carb intake gradually to see results.
• Incorporate fiber rich foods in your diet. Researchers discovered that consuming 30 grams of fiber everyday improves health and promotes weight loss. Foods like almonds, fresh figs, raw avocados and blackberries are packed with fiber and will keep you satiated for longer.
• Make sure your diet is supplemented with vitamin D and calcium. According to a study by Nutrition Journal, a combination of the two helps in weight loss. Have a scoop of Greek yogurt everyday to replenish your body with healthy nutrients.
• Replace your grain-based breakfast with eggs. Doing so will ensure that you consume fewer calories. Eggs are rich in protein and are very beneficial for helping your body lose fat quickly.
• Eat dark chocolate in moderation to reduce your overall body fat. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help in reducing your waistline. Studies have shown that eating dark chocolate with at least 70 percent cacao contains enough flavonoid content to aid weight loss.
• Maintain a food diary. Writing down or taking pictures of your meals helps in increasing awareness of your portion sizes and calorie intake. This will help you make conscious weight loss decisions.

Most of us would assume that snow boots and winter boots are same. Both of them do protect you from the cold. However, the definition of cold becomes subjective when it starts to snow. If you are a man who has had to step into the snow to shovel, you would know what we are talking about. Winter boots are fashionable, no doubt. But walking with wet feet and damp fur aren't glamorous at all! Snow boots can save you from the biting cold and the illness that is sure to follow. There are many features of the snow boot that distinguish it from winter boots. Most men end up wearing whatever keeps the feet warm, but functionality plays a big role. Next time you go out to buy snow boots, keep these tips in mind: Hundred Percent Waterproof The distinctive feature of a snow boot is that it is completely waterproof. The design of men's snow boot is such that it can deal with the harshest snow conditions. For instance, Sorel Men's Intrepid Explorer boots offer great insulation against heavy snow. That's because the exterior of the boot is a waterproof, PU backed, synthetic textile. The outer sole is rubber providing great traction on slippery pavements and pathways. Materials like nylon and PU synthetic tend to keep your feet warm and dry. So look for men's snow boots that offer a hundred percent water proofing. Look For Rubber Soles Snow boots can have different bases, but rubber soles ensure durability in rain and slush. Leather soles in men snow boots might look better but rubber soles offer better traction. You will need traction when you are out in sub-zero temperature. Something like the Columbia Men's Bugaboot Snow boot fits the criteria of a good snow boot with a rubber sole. Snow boots with vulcanized rubber out sole and waxed exterior will work well in heavy snow. So ditch the leather in snow and choose something with rubber to get a good grip on icy walkways. Inner Lining Insulation is the main criteria for a snow boot. Woolen socks will make your feet perspire and the lining of your boot will be affected adversely by this. Thin-insulation or a thin nylon and fur lining inside the snow boot will keep your feet warm. Ensure to check the the lining is removable and made from a lightweight material. It is important in case the inside of your boot does become wet, it can be dried off quick. The inner lining of snow boots should offer you warmth as well as insulation against both the cold and the wet snow. Look for something like Kamik Men's Nationplus boots. These offer both insulation and waterproofing. Keep these points in mind when buying men's snow boots and you will not feel cold and wet in winter anymore!

Umbilical hernia When the intestine or fat pushes against a spot in the baby's stomach muscles, which is comparatively weaker than the surrounding muscles, then a bulge is created near the region of the belly button. From outside, it seems that the belly button of the child has swollen. In many such cases, children suffer from umbilical hernia since birth.

A few of the symptoms hernia of this kind display include the following:

• It is noticed only after the stump of the umbilical cord falls off. This happens after a few weeks of birth.
• Near the belly button of your child, you will notice a small swelling or bulge. The bulge is the primary symptom of an umbilical hernia in children. Sometimes when the child is taken to a doctor, the doctor may be able to push the swelling back in.
• The symptoms are not visible when the child is relaxing. It is seen when the child is in an upright posture or coughs, sneezes, or strains. The swelling can also be seen when the child is crying or having bowel movements.
• With an umbilical hernia, the child will experience pain in the abdominal region. However, instances of pain are uncommon.
• The child may vomit occasionally.
• The bulge or swelling in the belly-button may be discolored or may be tender.

Femoral hernia In typical cases, the body muscles are enough to keep all the intestines in place. But when someone has overstrained, a portion of the tissues may press against a weakened portion of the skin and produce a bulge. When this bulge is created in the femoral canal, it is known as a femoral hernia. It occurs near the thigh or groin. It is also known as femorocele.

In some cases, the patients fail to realize that they are suffering from a femoral hernia. When a hernia is small or of moderate size, then no obvious symptoms are seen. It is the large hernias that cause discomfort or pain. The bulge mostly becomes worse when the person stands up. A lifting of heavy objects also worsens a hernia. If a serious hernia is obstructing your intestines, only then you can see the symptoms. Obesity or childbirth can lead to the development of femoral hernias.

The most common symptoms of femoral hernia include the following:

• When the bulged-out skin gets cut off from the surrounding area, the hernia is called strangulation hernia. This kind of a hernia is usually life-threatening as this can stop your bowel movements. This leads to chronic pain in the stomach.
• The groin starts paining suddenly.
• The patient experiences nausea and vomiting.
• Since femoral hernias are located near the hip bone, in most cases, they can lead to an unbearable hip pain.

Most of us have experienced a muscle cramp, at least once in our lifetime. And everyone will accept, this pain is not less than a thousand needles piercing through. The excruciating pain can leave you cringing for several minutes and leave you motionless for a while. There are several reasons that cause your muscles to strain in such a way and these include wrong exercise practices, dehydration, diabetes, etc. But the consumption of the right type of foods will indubitable rest and relief from muscle cramps in the long run. Quinoa: Quinoa is a type of grain that is very similar to rice and has gained popularity in these recent years, for all the right reasons. To be cooked and eaten in a way that is very similar to rice, quinoa contains loads of magnesium that is good for your muscles. Bananas: Bananas come packed with potassium and this mineral a good source that strengthens your muscular function. Potassium supplements may lead to an overdose which is not good and getting this mineral through natural foods it better. Foods such as sweet potatoes and melons too can lend your body good amounts of potassium. Dairy: Dairy products such as milk, low-fat yogurt, cream, etc give your body good amounts of calcium. Calcium keeps your muscles from contracting. Moreover, calcium deficiency can cause muscle spasm that leads to the muscles getting cramped. Having a glass of milk or consuming yogurt during breakfast can leave you with enough amount of calcium. Other foods that give you calcium include leafy vegetable and sardines. Celery: Celery is known to have numerous health benefits. This food provides your body with a good source of sodium that maintains normal fluid balance in the body. Your body does need salt after a workout, this is because it loses a lot while you sweat. It is necessary that you replenish this loss equal amounts of sodium. Celery gives your body the requisite amount naturally. Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a good source of magnesium. Adding this to our breakfast meal will relax your muscles and keep your stomach full at the same time. Whole-wheat preparations such as bread and pasta too are good sources of magnesium. Beans: Beans are yet another food source that will provide your body with a bountiful of magnesium. Include beans in your daily diet and the magnesium will prevent muscle twitches and painful cramps. These are a few food that you should include in your diet in order to free away from muscle cramps.