Contraception is the use of certain methods to prevent pregnancy. Many different types of contraception are available, but not all might suit you. With the help of an expert, you can zero in on the best contraceptive method, depending on your age, health, medical history, frequency of sex, and your desire to have children. Here are some different birth control types, out of which you can choose one for yourself under proper guidance. 1. Hormonal methods Short-acting hormonal methods  hormones are used to regulate or stop ovulation and avert pregnancy. Injectable birth control Here progestin, Depo-Provera® (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate [DMPA]), is injected in the woman’s arm or buttocks every three months. Progestin-only pills (POPs) These pills are taken by a woman every day. These pills control ovulation or sperm function. Combined hormonal methods In this method, synthetic estrogen and progestin are used to thicken cervical mucus and inhibits ovulation. These drugs are administered through pills, skin patches, or vaginal rings. Combined oral contraceptives (COCs, “the pill”) These are a combination of synthetic estrogen and progestin that have to be taken daily. Contraceptive patch This is a thin plastic patch that is stuck on the skin of the lower abdomen, outer arm, buttocks and releases hormone into the bloodstream.

Nowadays more and more people are choosing to work out at home. This could be due to a number of reasons such as not having enough time or long hours at work. However, to stay safe and avoid injuries, here are a few tips for working out safely at home. 1. Ensure there is sufficient space One of the key tips for working out safely at home is to ensure that you have enough space. Hence, clearing the area of obstacles or other items lying on the floor will help you avoid tripping and falling. Clear the area of any furniture if you can to avoid injuries and bumps. If you are doing any exercises that involve jumping, ensure that you stand on an exercise mat that has non-slip padding at the bottom. 2. Wear proper footwear Exercising at home is quick and convenient; however, you can easily forget to wear proper workout gear. Shoes are important for protecting your feet from injury, making footwear a must for strength training exercises. Wearing socks or flip-flops can also increase your risk of slips and falls when exercising. Although some forms of exercise such as yoga or tai-chi do not require you to wear footwear, most other forms do.

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become more porous and brittle, and less dense. This means bones tend to break easily and the occurrence of more frequent fractures. Though there is no cure, there are treatments whose primary goal is to strengthen bones to prevent fractures. Popular treatment options for osteoporosis include a combination of medicines and lifestyle changes. The most advocated way to prevent the loss of bone mass is to take prescription medicines. Here are the popular treatment options for osteoporosis. 1. Bisphosphonates They are generally the first meds recommended for postmenopausal women. The bisphosphonates are the most prescribed as they have been around the longest and are known for their therapeutic effects. Examples are alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel), ibandronate (Boniva), and others. You need to follow instructions exactly as given when taking these medicines; otherwise, they can cause ulcers in the esophagus. 2. Antibodies Currently, two antibody drugs Denosumab and Romosozumab are available in the market. Denosumab, in the injectable form, helps maintain bone density by slowing down the breakdown process. Romosozumab, on the other hand, helps increase bone formation. Though FDA approves the drug, it has some severe side effects, such as the risk of heart attack and cardiovascular disease.

Who does not love passing a little food from their plate to their cat (even if it’s on the sly)? While it is always recommended to give your cat healthy and nutritious cat food, a few snacks (human foods) here and there are always welcome. When you do this, stay smart, and offer snacks that are healthy and nutritious. For instance, it is always good to offer cooked fish rather than raw fish to cats. Here are the human foods that are safe for cats. 1. Meat For your cat’s overall good health, strong heart, great vision, and healthy reproductive system, you must serve them protein that comes from meat. Generally, cats love the meat that you have. So, whether it’s cooked beef, lean deli meats, chicken, or turkey, these human foods are great for your cat. Raw or spoiled meats that you will not eat must not be given to your cats. 2. Whole grains Some of the whole grains that we humans take regularly are perfect for cats. For instance, corn, polenta, or oats are perfect for your cat. Whole grains are one of the few human foods that are safe for cats. Coarsely ground cornmeal is perfect, as it has a good texture, and most cats like it.

With pulmonary arterial hypertension or PAH, a person experiences abnormally high blood pressure in the lungs’ arteries. Although treatments exist for the condition, doctors suggest many dietary changes as well. Patients need to eat at regular intervals and maintain healthy cholesterol, metabolism, and blood sugar levels to speed up recovery. Here, we list the foods that help with PAH and those that should be avoided. 1. Control salt intake Low-sodium meals are counted among the foods that help with PAH. When a person has the disease, their heart has to work overtime to pump blood. And having extra salt causes water retention in the body, making it even more difficult for the heart to function. Hence, patients should stay away from packaged, pickled, and canned foods, as they use high quantities of sodium. One should go for homemade or fresh stuff instead that is low on salt and sodium. Spices like cumin or cinnamon or herbs like garlic and mint are good alternatives. One can also consider using rock salt. 2. Have more iron With PAH, the patient’s arteries get constricted, and only limited oxygen-rich blood reaches the lungs. Iron-rich foods work by increasing the red blood cell (RBC) count and raising the amount of oxygen that reaches the lungs.