If you have the overwhelming urge to go to the bathroom multiple times a day, it can be a source of embarrassment and frustration that affects your everyday life.

Frequent urination and overactive bladder are blanket terms for this problem, which is often related to other conditions. It affects both sexes, but women are more likely to deal with it — 40% of women experience frequent urination, compared with 30% of men. 

Understanding why you’re going to the bathroom so much can help determine what underlying problem might be at work.

Things that affect how often you urinate

If you’re in good health, you may go to the bathroom 4-10 times a day (with 6-7 times being average). But even for healthy people, many things can affect urinary frequency, such as:

• Pregnancy (during and weeks after giving birth)
• Age
• How much you drink
• Bladder size
• Medications

Alcohol and caffeine can affect urinary frequency because they have diuretic effects, meaning they increase the amount of water and salt in the body and produce more urine. This includes coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks, and hot chocolate.

Conditions that cause frequent urination

Excessive urinating can be a symptom of many conditions, including:

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

A UTI results from bacteria getting into the bladder through the urethra. It happens often enough to affect 50%-60% of women at least once, and 33% of women experience it by age 24.

Bladder or kidney stones

Deposits of salt and minerals can build up in your kidneys (kidney stones) and move into your bladder (bladder stones). Causes include a poor diet, obesity, dehydration, and family history.

Kidney stones are associated more with painful or difficult urination; bladder stones can cause frequent night urination.

Diabetes

Men and women with undiagnosed diabetes experience frequent urination as a symptom, along with increased thirst and hunger, irritability, blurred vision, and nausea.

Interstitial cystitis

This complicated condition inflames the bladder muscle layers. The result can include pelvic or abdominal pain, urinary incontinence, and frequent urination.

Sexually transmitted disease (STI)

Infections of the bladder caused by chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause the immediate urge to empty your bladder, along with many other unpleasant symptoms.

Having to urinate frequently can be an embarrassing, frustrating problem. To learn more about your options to fix the problem, make an appointment with us by visiting ExC Laboratory for proper testing and supplement recommendation.

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When parents send their children off to school, many breathe a sigh of relief. They think gone are the daily hassles over meal times, what to eat for snacks, introducing new foods, and encouraging children to eat healthy food choices. If only that could be true! Children beginning their school years still have many nutritional needs to meet. Children entering school face new choices about eating. Decisions about what to eat from the school lunch menu, influences from friends at school, and opportunities to select their after-school snacks will affect nutritional habits that may last a lifetime.

School-aged children are still growing. Growth requirements combined with physical activity play a role in determining a child's nutritional needs. Genetic background, gender, body size and shape are some other factors. The nutrients needed by children are the same needed by adults, but the amounts vary.

Carbohydrates and fats provide energy for growing and physical activity. There are times when children hit periods of rapid growth. At these times their appetites expand and they may appear to be constantly eating. When growth slows, appetites diminish and children will eat less food at meal times. They will require fewer snacks.

Protein builds, maintains and repairs body tissue. It is especially important for growth. In the United States, most children do not suffer from lack of dietary protein. It is important, to encourage children to eat two to three servings of meat, fish, poultry or other protein-rich food each day. Milk and other dairy products also are good protein sources for children.

There are a variety of vitamins and minerals which support growth and development during childhood. Calcium, obtained from milk and dairy products and from dark green, leafy vegetables, is usually sufficient nutritionally in the diets of young children. As children approach teen years, their dietary calcium intakes do not always keep up with recommended daily allowances. Calcium is particularly important in building strong bones and teeth. Bone density suffers when calcium needs are not met during childhood years. Osteoporosis, a brittle bone disease that affects older adults, begins in childhood if diets are not providing adequate calcium-rich foods.

Iron-deficiency anemia can be a problem for some children. Iron is an oxygen-carrying component of blood. Children need iron for expanding blood volume which is accompanied during periods of rapid growth.

Most children eat diets that are adequate in Vitamins A and C. When children do not eat enough fruits and vegetables they run the risk of having low intakes of vitamins A and C. B Complex Vitamins (thiamin, niacin, riboflavin and other B vitamins) come from a variety of foods, including grain products, meat and meat substitutes and dairy products. Generally, children do not have trouble getting adequate intakes of the B Complex vitamins.

When appetites slow down and children do not seem to be eating nutritiously, concerned parents should consider using a vitamin-mineral supplement. Generally, children do not need vitamin-mineral supplements. Parents should also provide a variety of foods and establish regular meal and snack times. In most cases, the nutrient needs will be adequately met. If parents feel there is a reason to be concerned about a child's poor nutrient intake they should consult a physician or trained nutrition professional, such as a registered dietitian.

Ovarian cancer was long believed to remain “silent” until it spread. However, recent studies have confirmed that early-stage ovarian cancer can produce noticeable symptoms, some of which may come on suddenly.

Because an early diagnosis is the key to the best possible outcome and quality of life, all women are urged to learn about the early symptoms of ovarian cancer and to promptly discuss any unusual changes with a gynecologic oncologist.

What are the signs of ovarian cancer?

The early signs of ovarian cancer are often vague and easily ignored or attributed to other causes. Some changes to watch for include:

• Bloating
• Pelvic pain
• A quick feeling of fullness while eating
• Urinary urgency
• Urinary frequency
• Fatigue
• Upset stomach
• Constipation
• Menstruation changes (heavier than normal bleeding or irregular bleeding).
• Back pain
• Pain during intercourse

While many of these symptoms can be caused by noncancerous conditions, when they are caused by ovarian cancer, they occur more often and tend to be more severe. Most women begin experiencing symptoms after the cancer has spread, but some women in early-stage ovarian cancer may notice these changes. In any case, women should consult with their physician if they are experiencing frequent symptoms.

Could it be ovarian cancer?

One reason why ovarian cancer is so difficult to detect in its early stages is that many women mistakenly believe that the changes they are experiencing are related to weight gain, the natural aging process or a health issue that is much less serious than cancer, such as gastrointestinal distress or a urinary tract infection. More often than not, one of those reasons is to blame; however, it is important to be sure—and not to wait to find out. Bottom line: If any of the above-listed symptoms is new for you, you should consult with a gynecologic oncologist right away.

A major indicator of healthy skin is a natural glow. But factors like stressful lifestyles, hectic work schedules, inadequate sleep, lack of nutritional diet, pollution, harmful sun rays (UVA/UVB), excessive smoking, and drinking alcohol can make your skin dull and dry. All of these are part and parcel of your life, and you cannot run away from them.

However, you can surely prevent them. While you cannot hold on to your age, you can surely slow down the loss of glow and radiance from your skin.

This is where homemade beauty recipes and simple preventive tips come in handy as they are a natural and much simpler alternative to cosmetic products. We have broken down these solutions to keep your skin glowing into home remedies and diet that you need to follow. Read on to know more.

Note: These remedies and tips cannot make your skin glow overnight. You need to follow the tips and use the remedies in the recommended quantity over a due course to see significant results.

Home Remedies For Glowing Skin

1. Turmeric:
Turmeric contains curcumin, which has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It eliminates the harmful free radicals that are damaging the skin. It also enhances collagen production and keeps your skin supple and glowing. Gram flour gently cleanses the skin to make it clean and bright.
You Will Need:
- 1/2-1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 4 tablespoons gram flour (also called chickpea flour)
- Milk or water
2. Coconut Oil:
This remedy works best for dry and dull skin. Coconut oil locks the moisture in the skin and also nourishes it with essential fatty acids. It also protects your skin from UV radiation and enhances skin barrier function. All these factors can make your skin glow.
You Will Need
-Virgin coconut oil
What You Have To Do
- Warm up the oil slightly and apply it to the face and neck.
- Massage for a few minutes in gentle circular motions.
- Leave the oil on overnight.
- You can add some sugar to the oil and use it as a scrub to exfoliate your skin once or twice a week.
Aloe Vera:
Aloe vera gel has nourishing and healing properties that rejuvenate the skin to give it a natural glow.
You Will Need:
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
- A pinch of turmeric
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon milk
What You Have To Do
- Mix all the ingredients. Apply the mixture to the face and neck evenly.
- Leave it on for about 20 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Lemon:
Lemon contains vitamin C that bleaches and removes tan, making your skin appear brighter and radiant. The sugar granules provide an exfoliating effect to help to get rid of dead cells.
You Will Need:
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons sugar
What You Have To Do
- Mix the ingredients and apply the mixture on your face.
- Scrub in a circular motion and leave it on for 10 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water to reveal glowing skin.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2 times a week.
Note: Lemon juice may make your skin photosensitive. Please apply sunscreen before stepping out.Honey

Honey: Honey soothing and humectant effects. It moisturizes your skin, retards wrinkle formation, and keeps it looking youthful.
What You Have To Do
- Apply honey evenly on clean and damp skin.
- Massage it for a few minutes and leave it on for another five minutes.
- Wash the honey off with lukewarm water.

More Tips To Get Glowing Skin
1. Drink Plenty Of Water
The skin needs to receive enough water to be hydrated, soft, and supple. Without enough water, it becomes dull, dry, and might even start to tear.

2.Moisturize Your Skin Regularly:
The skin on your face, ears, and neck are very sensitive to UV rays and other environmental hazards. These areas shed cells more often and rapidly than other parts of the body. Therefore, it needs more moisture to repair and rejuvenate itself. This allows the new skin cells to rise to the surface.

3. Wear Sunscreen Daily: Sunscreen Daily: Use sunscreen not only in summer but also in winter. A good sunscreen protects your skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays.

4.Exfoliate:  Use a mild exfoliant if you have pimple-prone skin as scrubbing on a rash or a sensitive area can cause more breakouts. Exfoliate at least twice a week. Do not forget to follow it up with toning and moisturizing.

5. Make-up Removal
Do not forget to remove any traces of makeup from your face before going to bed. Sleeping with makeup on will clog your pores, leading to pimples and breakouts. It will also make your skin look dull and lifeless. You should use an alcohol-free cleanser for makeup removal. Rosewater can also be used as it is a natural toner.

You can also indulge in regular brisk exercises like walking, jogging, dancing,  cycling, and boxing. When you exercise, your body receives a lot of oxygen while you breathe heavily. Oxygen fights the formation of free radicals, which lead to premature aging and dull skin. It makes your body fit and healthy and adds a glow to your face. When you sweat while exercising, you burn off the extra calories. It also improves blood circulation and digestion and gives you a healthy glow.

Following a proper skincare routine and focusing on nutrition and overall fitness goes a long way in helping you achieve glowing skin. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist if you are unsure about which remedy to follow. Natural remedies take time to show results, so be persistent and consistent with your routine.

If you’re a smoker and you’re worried about the effect it’s having on your skin, we’re here to help. Smoking is associated with all kinds of health risks. You probably already know that it raises your risk for diseases like cancer, heart disease, and stroke, but you might not realise it can also impact your skin. Read on to find out how exactly smoking affects your skin.

How does smoking cause ageing of the skin?

Smoking ages the skin in a few different ways, many of which are noticeable to you and to other people.

The chemicals in tobacco affect circulation (the movement of blood around the body). People who smoke have less blood flow to the face, which means their skin gets less oxygen and fewer nutrients.
It’s also thought that smoking affects the production of collagen. This is a protein that keeps the skin healthy, strong, and stretchy. As we get older, our bodies produce less collagen, which is why our skin starts to sag and wrinkle. Smoking can speed up this process, causing premature aging, which is why you from this to this.

What are the signs of smoking you can see on a person's face?

It’s common for long-term smokers to develop fine lines and wrinkles on their face.

Smokers sometimes develop distinctive lines around the mouth – this is known as a “smoker’s pucker”. It’s caused by the repeated motion of pursing your lips around the end of a cigarette. This motion can also cause fine lines to develop around the eyes (“crow’s feet”).

Smoking can also affect the colour and tone of the skin. Because the chemicals in tobacco affect blood flow to the face, smoking can make the skin look pale or grey. It can also create yellow staining on the hands and fingers. Then you go from this to this.

See the difference?

How Can I Prevent Skin Ageing?

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your skin – and for your health in general.

You can also protect your skin by preventing sun damage. The UV radiation in sunlight damages your skin cells, causing premature ageing. It can also cause skin cancer.

Here's how to stay safe:

• Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 – it’s a good idea to wear SPF on your face year-round.
• In very sunny weather, avoid direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm

You should also get supplements and vitamins that will help repair your lungs. Contact ExC Pharmacy on 09156082750
or send us a DM on our Instagram: www.instagram.com/exc_pharmacy.

Did you find this useful? Leave us a comment.

Made up of gray fats and proteins, the human brain doesn’t look like much. Nevertheless, it is one of the most complex and mysterious organs known, giving life to art, sport, personality, and morals. With over 86 billion neurons, 2.5 million gigabytes of storage, and over 50,000 thoughts per day, the human brain is truly astounding. Here are some human brain facts that will make you think twice.

• MEMORIES START FORMING IN THE WOMB: This is a critical time for brain development. Memory recall can occur as early as four months into pregnancy. [ABC]
• EASY ACCESS TO INFORMATION CAN MAKE IT HARDER TO REMEMBER: Being able to quickly access information—i.e. via our borderline invincible Internet—actually makes it harder to remember. The harder we work to access data, the more likely we are to remember. [Huffington Post].
• YOUR BRAIN CAN STORE 2, 500, 000 MEGABYTES: According to Paul Reber, Professor of Psychology at Northwestern University, the human brain can store an estimated 2,500,000 gigabytes. That’s equivalent to 300 years worth of TV shows.
• SWEATING CAN TEMPORARILY SHRINK THE BRAIN: An hour and a half of sweating can temporarily shrink brain size as much as one year of aging does. [Daily Mail].
• THE BRAIN ITSELF CANNOT FEEL PAIN: Although pain is processed in the brain, the organ itself cannot feel pain. This is why brain surgeries can occur while a patient is awake, without discomfort. [Time]

Did you know these before? Interestingly, the list goes on and on. One amazing thing to note is that; ss more research is conducted, and we learn more about the human brain’s capabilities, we also learn how to keep our minds sharp. As good as the brain is at turning short-term memories into long-term ones, it’s still important to keep those memories preserved for future generations.

That’s why at ExC Pharmacy, we provide you with wellness product that helps boost brain power as well as enhance productivity. Call us on 09156082750 to speak with our licensed pharmacist for recommendations and guidance. Please follow us on Instagram by clicking here www.instagram.com/exc_pharmacy to get more health and beauty tips. Learned something from this post? Please, leave a comment.

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