Chronic dry eye syndrome is caused due to the deficiency of moisture and lubrication on the outer surface of the eyes. It can also occur when the eyes cannot generate tears or when they produce inconsistent tears that evaporate quickly. Skin inflammation occurs on the surface of the eye. If left untreated, it can lead to ulcers, development of scars on the cornea, blurred or loss vision. Dry eyes can make reading difficult since it can easily strain the eye. Other terms that are used to describe dry eye are as follows. Dysfunctional tear syndrome- Inadequate quantity of tears generated by the glands. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca- Affects both the conjunctiva and cornea. Symptoms of dry eyes

• An uncomfortable and irritating sensation in the eye
• A string-like discharge from the eye
• Blurred vision
• Redness and burning sensation in the eye
• Tiredness of the eye
• Inability to generate tears even when emotional
• Heavy eyelids
• Inability to perform vision related tasks, like reading or working on the computer

Causal factors of dry eyes

• Skin disease around the eyelids can cause dryness. It can be a last for a short while or long enough to become a chronic condition.
• It can also be side effects of certain medications, like birth control pills, tranquilizers, antidepressants, Parkinson's disease medications, antihistamines etc.
• A gland disease known as Meibomian gland dysfunction happens around the eyes. This can also be a cause for dryness.
• Allergies are generally associated with dry eye since it's the body's natural reaction to a stimulus.
• Both excessive and deficient intakes of vitamins can be a reason for dryness.
• Pregnant women can also experience this condition.
• Wearing contact lenses for a prolonged period of time can lead to dryness as well.
• It can happen due to increased rate of tear evaporation because of factors like wind, dry air, smoke, and other pollutants.
• If you don't blink often, there are chances to develop dry eye syndrome.
• Aging is another reason for dry eye. Conditions like arthritis, thyroid, lupus, and deficiency of vitamin A can cause dryness as well.

Prognosis for dry eyes Typically, dry eyes are treated using artificial tear drops or ointments, but there are other methods as well. Consider sleeping with airtight goggles, they create a moisture chamber to retain the wetness in your eyes. Medical advancements have brought new technology to the masses. This includes lipid flow, a device that helps in unclogging blocked glands in your eyelids. It helps keep the eye moist and protects tears from evaporating.

Potassium plays a huge role in the health of our heart muscles and nerve cells. And high levels of this element in the blood cause hyperkalemia. If you consume meals high in potassium, your doctor may advise you to decrease portion sizes and concentrate on fruits and vegetables with a lower potassium content. Here is a list of foods rich in potassium that must be avoided if you have hyperkalemia. Yogurt and dairy products A serving of nonfat yogurt weighing eight ounces has roughly 625 mg of potassium, making it one of the dairy aisle's highest sources of potassium. Even reduced fat milk contains 366 mg of potassium in a glass of cow's whole milk. Ricotta and cottage cheese are also high in potassium. Goat cheese is a low potassium food, proving that not all cheeses are made equal. Likewise, About 131 milligrams of potassium may be found in a half cup of vanilla ice cream. Bananas When people consider foods high in potassium, bananas frequently come to mind. A banana normally contains 422 mg of potassium. Among all the fruit, bananas are athletes' favorite as they provide energy. However, it could be highly dangerous for someone suffering from hyperkalemia. Consult your doctor if you have hyperkalemia and stick to fruits such as apples and berries. Leafy vegetables About 420 milligrams of potassium can be found in only a half cup of cooked spinach. Raw spinach, young or mature, has roughly 167 mg per cup. Fennel, bok choy, beet greens, and Swiss chard are also high in potassium. You can opt for kale instead. Kale has more nutrients than these other dark leafy greens, but it has less potassium. 73 mg is present in one cup of raw kale. Fish Clams, which provide 534 mg of potassium in just 3 ounces, are the finest source of protein from seafood. Around three ounces of skipjack tuna offers 444 mg, another major source of potassium. One of the most popular fish, salmon, frequently has a lower potassium content. Keeping a check on what type of fish you are eating if you have hyperkalemia is a must. Kidney beans Beans are a balanced addition to any meal plan as they're rich sources of protein and fiber. However, according to data from the USDA, one cup of the kidney-shaped type has 713 mg of potassium. A half-cup of black beans has 489 mg of potassium. Avocado This creamy, green-fleshed fruit is packed with 690 mg of potassium and is high in fiber and heart-healthy lipids. Although it might seem good for your heart, you should avoid it if you have hyperkalemia. Potatoes Potassium is heavily concentrated in potatoes; 925 milligrams of potassium may be found in a baked potato. A three-ounce portion of french-fried potatoes has 470 mg of potassium and a lot of fat and calories. The potassium content in an ounce of potato chips is 465 mg. Indulging in fast foods like fries is adverse for those with hyperkalemia. Oranges A single orange has 240 mg of potassium, making it a food with a high potassium content. With 450 mg per 8 oz glass, orange juice is a more potent source of potassium. Fruits vary in their potassium content. Berries are a poor source of potassium and can be a decent substitute for oranges and orange juice. Another good option is apples. Dried fruits The nutrients in fruit, including potassium, that have been dried are concentrated. You get roughly 750 milligrams from half a cup of dried apricots. Also, even though raisins and dried plums make a fantastic snack, they should be avoided by someone with hyperkalemia. Legumes and beans Legumes are a significant source of potassium as well. White beans have the most, with 600 mg of potassium in a half cup. In half a cup serving, other legumes such as lima beans and pinto beans have between 300 and 350 mg.

Tote bags are the epitome of fashion handbags. From designer tote bags to more functional tote handbags, there's always something for everyone. Sometimes, buying the right tote handbag does not come easy. You can feel lost with the plethora of options laid out before you. The paradox of choice can make you return empty handed. If this sounds or feels familiar, you've come to the right place. Great tote bags are practical, versatile and stylish. They don't compromise form over function and offer the best of both worlds. Tote bags are not always expensive and you may be surprised to find that there is always a design that fits within your budget. How do you buy the right tote bag? What should you look for when investing in your first tote? Our no-nonsense tote handbag buying guide will help you in all your queries. Pick a color: Caramel brown, beige, navy blue and black are great color choices for buying your first designer tote bag. If you tend to spill food and end up with broken pens and pencils and material residue, consider getting a tote bag in black. If you are planning to go to the beach, pick a tote bag with brighter colors. Think of use: Base your tote handbag buying decision around its use. Consider your age, environment, and lifestyle when shopping for a tote. If you're a stay-at-home mom looking after your baby, you may want to get a diaper tote. If you spend a lot of time at the gym, you should consider buying a gym tote. Whether it is casual or serious use, thinking about form and function can help you invest in a better tote. It has ample space and is designed for carrying common essentials. The size and overall shape of the tote bag will depend on its use and the needs it has to cater to. The material that makes the tote bag is also a factor you must consider. Choose wisely. Select the material: Durability and shelf life are two important considerations for new buyers in the realm of totes. Tote bags made of canvas generally last the longest when compared to bags made of other materials. These can be carried to the beach. For low maintenance totes, cotton totes can be great since they are machine-washable. If you'd like to clean your tote by wiping with a cloth every day, getting a tote bag made of polypropylene can help. Finally, for luxury totes, leather has a sleek, polished look and can also be wiped clean.

Cord blood is the blood in the baby's umbilical cord. It contains stem cells that can be used to cultivate blood vessels, organs, and tissues. Cord blood banking involves collecting blood left in your newborn's umbilical cord and placenta and storing it for future medical use. Cord blood contains stem cells that are potentially lifesaving cells. For cord blood storage, you have two main options; You can donate your baby's cord blood to a public cord blood bank for anyone who needs it, or You can store your baby's cord blood in a private cord blood bank for future use. Cord blood is collected right after birth. The collection process is painless. It has the following procedure, Clamping and cutting the cord After delivering the baby, whether vaginally or by Cesarean, the cord is clamped and cut in the usual way. You can delay cord clamping only for a brief period (not more than a minute or two). If cord clamping is delayed for too long, the blood will clot in the cord. And once the blood gets clotted, it's of no benefit to anyone thus it can't be collected for storage. Collecting the cord blood The medical provider then inserts a needle into the umbilical vein on the part of the cord that is still attached to the placenta.The blood (some 100 to 150 ml) drains into a collection bag. The entire process of extracting the blood from the cord takes less than 10 minutes. Finally, the cord blood is shipped to a cord blood bank, where it's tested, processed, and preserved in the cryogenic fluid for long-term storage. Some cord blood banks now give us the option of collecting a segment of the umbilical cord in addition to the cord blood. Umbilical cord tissue contains stem cells that are different from cord blood stem cells. Since, Cord blood is a rich source of blood stem cells. Stem cells are the building blocks of the blood and immune system. They can develop into other types of cells, so they can help repair tissues, organs, and blood vessels and can be used to treat a host of diseases. If a person suffering from a terminal disease has a failed treatment or if the disease reoccurs, the doctors often do a stem cell transplant. A transfusion of stem cells from the bone marrow, peripheral blood (blood in the bloodstream), or cord blood from a healthy donor can help create a new blood and immune system, giving the patient a better chance of making a full recovery. It's easier to match transplant patients with cord blood than with other sources of stem cells because the cord blood stem cells are less likely to reject the transfusion.

When it comes to health, what you introduce into your body and environment holds great importance. This holds for lung health as well. With increased levels of air and water pollution surrounding us, impaired lung capacity is a growing concern. In such a scenario, avoiding foods that could further contribute to the deterioration of your lungs is necessary. Avoiding foods that can compromise lung health can also help maintain heart health. Processed meat Increased intake of highly processed meats like bacon, sausages, hot dogs, and other deli meats has long been linked to compromised lung health. According to numerous research results, daily intake of processed forms of meat can impair lung function, increasing the risk of developing and triggering conditions like COPD. A set of research also found the rehospitalization rate to be higher in COPD patients that continued using processed meat. The problem is the high salt content and the subsequent water retention these foods can cause. Added sugar Sugars that are not naturally present in food and have been added as a measure of taste enhancement or preservation are added sugars. Most often, it is in the form of refined sugar or other syrups. Commonly occurring foods with added sugars include cereals, granola, cakes, flavored yogurts, and more. It is important to read the nutrition label on all packaged foods to avoid lung-harming ingredients like excess salts and sugars. Carbonated beverages Carbonated beverages are loaded with carbon dioxide. Constant addition of these drinks to a patient's meals and refreshments can cause bloating, gas, and even stomach ache. This discomfort can often be linked to increased difficulty in breathing and overall discomfort for people with pre-existing lung conditions. The added space that the patient’s hyperinflated condition takes up in the case of COPD and asthma patients can cause physical discomfort and make breathing a chore. Fried food Foods that are heavy on oils and come packed with trans fats are an absolute no for good lung health. Donuts, fries, and chicken wings might leave watering mouths in their wake but also trigger asthma, COPD, and other equally complicated lung health scare episodes. The high saturated fat content in these foods can give rise to abdominal gas, bloating, and indigestion which can trigger breathing issues and discomfort. Incorporating baked alternatives of your favorite fried food into your meals is a better lung-friendly option.

When ranking wireless cell phone carriers, you must consider a few things to come to a right decision. These factors include performance, customer services, and plans offered. It is not uncommon that network providers keep making changes to their plans, networks, and offerings. Apple is one of the best cell phone companies and recently, Virgin Mobile disclosed that it is becoming an iPhone-centric prepaid carrier. It changed its data plans to one plan that offers unlimited data to its customers. Performance of a mobile network provider can be measured through its speed. Here we will discuss some decent wireless network providers in brief. Another way to gauge the performance of a network is with the help of Ookla. Then some plans come in many forms such as data-centric plans, plans for an individual and the entire family, and prepaid plans. After choosing the cell phone company, you must look for network carriers that provide good plans at affordable prices. Following are the most-preferred network carriers to choose from. Boost Boost depends on Sprint network. It offers unlimited plans for prepaid service uses, and they are priced well. However, the network might not be excellent when it comes to playing video games, music and playing games on the Internet. It comes with a decent performance. Cricket Cricket like MetroPCS offers a variety of plans. However, its network performance is not as impressive as that of MetroPCS. The AT&T, the parent network provider of Cricket, affects its network performance. Cricket gives a download speed of around 8Mbps. It offers decent customer service. Virgin Apple being among the top cell phone companies, Virgin now only serves the iPhone users. It offers a lone data plan that comes unlimited. It can cost $50 for a month. However, it has to face a few restrictions on the part of the download speed. It can take slightly longer time to stream videos, games, and music. Its tiered data plans are also restrictive. Straight Talk Straight Talk does not offer an impressive network, all would agree. It can be rated last in the speed test when compared with the devices given above. The plans and special features that Straight Talk offers are not sufficient. It’s the data allotment plan that can be appealing to some customers.