Kicking the habit of smoking is usually easier said than done. It might take multiple attempts to succeed; however, the good thing is that now there are a variety of nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) that make this ordeal much easier to face. At the moment, nicotine patches are the most popular forms of NRTs that can help one quit smoking. Nicotine patches were introduced back in 1992 and they were only available to use by prescription. Fortunately, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its over-the-counter sale by 1996. Continue reading to know more about NRTs. How does a nicotine patch function? Typically, a nicotine patch is like a small tan or a transparent bandage in a square shape. Its size varies across the brand and dosage levels. This patch should be applied to a fairly hairless part of the body, i.e., anywhere between the neck and waist. One should make sure that the part is sanitized and dry before the patch is applied to it. The patch has to be replaced daily and should be applied to a different area each time to avoid skin irritation. The nicotine patches are designed to be worn for 24 hours, but some people might remove it before sleeping as it could possibly trigger side-effects like insomnia or vivid dreams. Using a nicotine patch helps to quit smoking by rendering a consistent but controlled dose of nicotine to the smoker through the day. It allows the smoker to deal with the unpleasant symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, enabling the individual to gradually overcome nicotine addiction. These patches usually come in 3 dosage concentrations, i.e., 7mg, 14mg, and 21mg. However, the numbers stated can differ slightly across manufacturers. The 21mg patch is recommended for individuals who smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day. The user then slowly switches to lower doses of nicotine to maintain steady progress, until he or she hits the final phase of using no patch. What are the side effects of using nicotine patches to quit smoking? Usually, most smokers benefit from the use of nicotine patches. However, in certain circumstances, they could experience the following side-effects:

• Skin irritation, i.e., burning, itching, or a tingling sensation on site of application. The good part is this only happens at the initial stage and often goes away on its own.
• Digestive issues, such as diarrhea
• Sleep problems, including insomnia or vivid dreams
• Racing heart rate and dizziness
• Headaches, nausea, and vomiting

If one is dealing with side-effects like a racing heartbeat, dizziness, severe rash or swelling, or trouble breathing then the nicotine patch should be removed immediately. Likewise, the person should immediately notify their general practitioner regarding the same.

Over the years, the beauty industry has massively evolved and introduced some of the greatest skincare and makeup products. Among these, the popularity of organic products has been at an all-time high for a while. These are perfect for health-conscious individuals, animal lovers or people who simply want to contribute to a cleaner environment via small changes. One of the most popular cosmetics, lipstick is particularly laced with lead content that might harm one’s health in the long run. If you love lipsticks but aren’t too crazy about its chemical formulation, then you can give the organic variety a shot. Here are some of the hottest organic lipstick brands you should try. 100% Pure 100% Pure manufactures natural, cruelty-free, and vegan products. They have an extensive range of lipsticks, lip glosses, balms, and tints. Moreover, their product packaging is reusable and recyclable. 100% Pure lipsticks are created using ingredients such as fruit pigments, shea butter, and cocoa. Depending on the type and collection, 100% Pure lip products' approximate price range is $6 to $30. RMS Beauty RMS Beauty's lip products are formulated utilizing natural ingredients while they are in their raw and organic state. Their cruelty-free lipsticks help repair and hydrate the lips. Apart from lipsticks, they offer lip liners, lip glosses, and balms. Comparatively pricier then 100% Pure, RMS Beauty sell lipsticks at a price range of $20 to $36. Vapour Organic Beauty Established by two female entrepreneurs in the mountains of New Mexico, Vapour produces skincare as well as makeup products. Their lipsticks are created using plant-based essences, botanicals, and natural mineral pigments. Additionally, their products are packaged in recyclable materials in warehouses that are passively powered by solar and wind energy. At the moment, their lipsticks can cost anywhere between $20 and $25. ILIA Beauty Made from certified organic bioactive botanicals, ILIA lipsticks not only moisturize and revive the lips but also offer protection from the sun. Their sheer and subtle lip colors with a creamy matte finish are designed to suit all types of skin tones. ILIA packages its cruelty-free lipsticks in stylish, recycled aluminum cases. At the moment, ILIA lipsticks have a price range of $24 to $34.

A brief guide on luggage and travel gear for first time solo travelers Traveling solo for the first time is both exciting and scary at the same time. However, it is the one thing everybody should experience at least once in their life. There are a lot of things one can find out about themselves and the world when they travel solo. But to make that happen smoothly, packing becomes essential. Having the right things in your luggage and travel gear will let you make the most of your solo trip. You must have come across many articles online about solo traveling and what and how to pack, here is another one to make you as informed about your solo travel packing as possible. One of the most important advices about traveling solo is to pack as light as possible. There are many reasons for this. The lighter your luggage, the better it will be for you to move around and since you will be alone, and you wouldn’t have to ask anyone to look after your luggage while you get some other essential work done. When you have less or just one luggage, you can take better care of your stuff and be free from any stress related to theft and misplacement of your luggage and travel gear. If your travel includes multiple stoppages, you should consider packing cubes. Packing cubes help you tame your luggage for the better. Cubes are basically small bags that can be used to pack all your stuff in separate packs. This helps in packing one type of stuff in one cube bag. It makes your search for stuff easy and doesn’t let the luggage become too much. To add to the benefits of packing cubes, your entire luggage and travel gear becomes organized. Universal travel adapters are one thing every traveler should carry. Especially, it is an international trip we are talking about. For people who carry their laptops and other electronic devices should consider carrying two travel adapters if incase there is a need to charge more than one device at the same time. For the same reason, an extension cable can be of a lot of use. Sleep masks become essential especially when you are on the move and have to sleep. You tend to get tired on your vacation if you don’t get proper sleep, for that, it is better to add a sleep mask to your luggage and travel gear. For your laptops and other devices, carrying a cover that is going to keep your devices protected is essential. A power bank can be of great help when you cannot find an electricity connection and yet have to charge your mobile phone. Carry some safety-first items in your luggage and travel gear for emergency situations. This should be given more importance if your travel includes a road journey or trekking. The more equipped you are, the better you can take care of yourself in emergencies. If you are going to buy a luggage for yourself for the upcoming vacation, make sure you buy a bag that isn’t too big or too small, has enough space for all your stuff and isn’t too heavy. The lighter the better. At the same time, focus on the quality as it is most important. In the end, do not over pack and try not to under pack either. It is better to write down all the things you will need while you are on the journey and then eliminate things you think will not be necessary. Take help from your friends who travel a lot or have travelled solo before and read up as much about the place you are going to as possible. This is help you prepare well and hint you about things you can afford to leave behind as well. Have a great trip!

During the winters, it is essential to choose the right quilt for your home. Wool quilts are gaining rapid popularity and a range of options exist when it comes to choosing the perfect wool quilt. Below listed are two popular types of wool quilts to choose from and get the best comfort this winter. Deluxe wool quilt The deluxe wool quilt is made from Australian wool fiber which is a relatively new wool technology fiber. It offers balanced insulation from all corners and will keep you warm and safe, even in extreme conditions. Extremely light in weight and soft in appearance, the wool quilt will offer you a comfortable rest after a hard day at work. The wool quilt needs to be washed separately before the first use. You should use wool detergent to wash this quilt, and it should not be tumble dried. Ironing and steaming should also not be done. Drying it in the air once or twice a month will also add to its longevity. The deluxe wool quilt can be ordered online, and it will be delivered to your home. It can also be returned within 30 working days if any manufacturing defect is noticed in the quilt; however, this would depend on the return policy of the company you buy it from. Deluxe wool and cotton quilt This type of wool quilt is a great choice for lightweight luxury bedding and offers great comfort to anyone who uses these on a regular basis. It has been made out of a blend of around 60% wool and 40% cotton. The use of cotton has been intelligently done in this quilt as its inherent characteristic to absorb moisture comes into play and the wool used in this quilt keeps this heat away from the body. This aids in the natural cooling process of the body and allows the moisture to be evaporated. Additionally, when you order this quilt online, you will also get a soft, wool proofed cotton sateen cover which has a self-bound edge. This quilt is an exclusive combination of wool and cotton and needs to be washed separately before it is used for the first time. This quilt also comes with a 30 day return back guarantee and in case any defect comes to notice, it can be suitably exchanged. This also depends on the company you choose to buy this quilt from. There are many ways in which you can shop for your favorite wool quilt. Either you can head to the nearest store and pick up the favorite wool quilt or shop for the same online. A product purchased with ample care will always last long and the same holds true for a wool quilt also. Make an intelligent choice and pick up the best wool quilt that market has to offer.

Tears play an important role in keeping our eyes clean. They also help in protecting the retina from dust and other particles. If there is a lack in the number of tears produced due to some underlying cause, this leads to irritation in the eyes and various other problems. Chronic dry eye syndrome is a condition in which the eyes become dry often because of lack of tears in the tear glands. This dryness leads to irritation in the eye, redness and might also lead to various other complications. Causes of chronic dry eye syndrome There various causes of chronic eye disorder. The main logic behind it is either the tear gland is not producing enough tears or due to the imbalance in the components that make up tears. Hence there is a higher rate of evaporation which causes fewer tears in the eyes. Decreased tear production Decreased tear production is mainly caused due to the following reasons. Aging Diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, vitamin A deficiency and thyroid disorders. Any of these medical conditions can be responsible for lowering the production of tears. There are even a few medications like antidepressants, antihistamines, decongestants, drugs for high blood pressure, and hormone replacement therapy.l Damage to tear gland due to inflammation or exposure to radiation Increased tear evaporation The common causes of increased tear evaporation are mentioned below.

• Wind, smoke or dry arid air
• When you're working on the computer or reading a book for longer periods of time
• Problems with the eyelids
• Imbalance in Tear Composition
• Tears are made up of three basic components: oil, water, and mucus. A problem with any one of the three components will cause a problem in the entire composition.

Treatment for chronic dry eyes There are a number of options available in treating the chronic dry eye. Although it cannot be cured, it can be controlled using medications and treatment. Teardrops and ointments Chronic dry eyes can be controlled using some artificial ointments and tear drops. There are many different types of eye drops. It might take some time to figure out which one you are most comfortable with. When you are using tear drops, make sure you continue using it and do not stop at one point. Before you hit the bed at night, you can apply some ointment to keep it moist throughout the night. This will ensure that you do not wake up with a red eye. Sleeping with airtight goggles also helps. Temporary punctal occlusion Sometimes the doctors might recommend you to close the duct that drains tears from your eyes temporarily. A temporary plug designed to block the drain and it will also dissolve eventually. Based on the results, the doctor will see if a permanent plug is required.

The retina is a light-sensitive membrane that is present at the back of the eye. Retinal detachment occurs when the retina dislocates from its regular position, causing partial or total loss of vision. In the case of retinal detachment, the retinal cells get separated from the layer of blood vessels, depriving them of oxygen and nourishment. It is a medical emergency that should be treated instantaneously. Any delay in treatment can result in permanent vision loss in the affected eye. The common warning signs of retinal detachment include reduced vision and a sudden appearance of floaters and flashes. It is imperative to consult a good eye specialist to obtain the appropriate treatment. Common Warning Signs of Retinal Detachment

• Dim Vision Dim vision implies experiencing vision that is less bright than the usual. It is often characterized by dark vision with a lack of contrasts between colors. This happens as the eye is receiving less light as a result of damaged retinal cells.

• Light Flashes in Peripheral Vision A sudden emergence of light flashes or their increased severity is one of the most common signs of retinal detachment. Since the retina is light sensitive, in case of its damage, it may send faulty signals to the brain through the optic nerve, which is expressed as flashes of lights in your vision. These flashes generally appear when looking to the side.

• Grey Curtain Blockage of Vision A retinal detachment causes the retina to dislocate and become detached from the blood vessels at the back of the eye. Without blood supply, these cells do not receive the needed oxygen and, as a result, get damaged or die. This leads to the formation of a grey curtain or shadow on the vision. If left untreated, this can result in permanent sight impairment.

• Eye Floaters or Cobwebs Eye floaters might appear as spots within your otherwise clear vision. Generally, they first appear as cobwebs, taking over parts of your vision.

• Peripheral Shadows A lot of people experience shadows edging in from the corner of their eyes. This may result from retinal detachment, or in some cases, blocking of veins or arteries behind the eyes. It is important to quickly consult a specialist to prevent a more serious detachment from occurring.

• Halos Around Light Sources This is another of the many common signs of retinal detachment. Many people see halos forming around light sources. This is because the retina is damaged and unable to produce clear and crisp images.

Whether it is retinal detachment or any other problem that is causing these symptoms, it is crucial to immediately consult medical help to prevent further damage.