10 Pains You Should Never, Ever Ignore Reader’s Digest Editors & OTHER SOME AETICLES ( COURTECY;-READER'S DIGEST )

10 Pains You Should Never, Ever Ignore

Reader’s Digest Editors

Pain that signals a life-threatening condition is usually intense, starts abruptly, and is associated with a number of other symptoms and signs. Here are the pain symptoms that require immediate attention.

A quick-onset headache

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If the pain in your head occurred suddenly and is unbearably bad, you could have a brain aneurysm, a bulge in the wall of an artery. Left untreated, the blood vessel could burst, leading to a potentially fatal stroke or massive brain bleed. Call the ambulance immediately. Here are 13 other surprising (and less serious) things that cause headaches.

Tooth pain when you drink something cold

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If the enamel (the outside layer of your tooth) is damaged or decaying, it can expose the nerve inside your tooth, leaving you with intolerable pain when the area comes into contact with any cold or hot substances. In addition to the sensitivity, an exposed nerve also puts you at risk for a bacterial infection that can spread to other parts of your body. See your dentist if you start experiencing extreme tooth sensitivity.

Pain through the hand, wrist, and forearm

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If a pain or numbing sensation affects your fingers (particularly the thumb, index finger, and middle finger), palm and wrist and spreads to the forearm, you could have carpal tunnel syndrome. Left untreated, the hand muscles may shrink and you may even lose function of your hand. Consult your doctor as soon as possible for treatment options. Make sure you avoid these things you do that only make your pain worse.

Pain that spreads across your chest

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Chest pain is a classic sign of a heart attack, caused by the lack of oxygen reaching your heart. The pain may also move toward your jaw, shoulder, or neck. Call an ambulance immediately.

Dull pain in the mid-back

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If the pain gets progressively worse and is accompanies by fever and nausea, you could have a kidney infection. See your doctor as soon as possible. The infection could cause permanent damage to the kidneys, blood poisoning, or a complete kidney shutdown. Never ignore these 11 signs your upper back pain is signaling serious trouble.

Pain that starts in the lower back and affects the legs

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This type of pain is commonly a sign of sciatica, brought on by injury or pressure on the sciatic nerve. Talk to your doctor about pain management and treatment options. If there is also weakness in your legs, loss of bladder sensation, or new urinary incontinence, you could have cauda equina syndrome, a rare disorder that can cause permanent paralysis. Don’t miss these other surprising reasons your lower back treatment isn’t working.

Pain in the lower right of the gut

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If you are also experiencing a fever, nausea and/or vomiting, you could have appendicitis. A burst appendix can lead to a potentially life-threatening infection. Visit your doctor, who may send you to the hospital for surgery. Check out more surprising reasons you have stomach pains.

Pain in the pelvis or abdomen

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Menstrual cramps are normal for many women. If they become continually worse or don’t go away, you could have endometriosis, a condition where tissue that is supposed to grow inside the uterus starts growing outside the uterus. See your Ob-Gyn to get a diagnosis. Not doing so increases your risk of infertility. Watch out for these 15 signs your upper abdominal pain requires an ER visit.

Achy or cramping pain in the leg

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If the pain is accompanied by redness, warmth, and swelling, you could have a blood clot known as a deep-vein thrombosis (DVT). Visit your doctor, who will arrange for you to have an ultrasound. Do NOT massage the painful area, as this might cause the blood clot to travel to your heart or lungs. Look out for these types of leg pain that you shouldn’t ignore.

Constant pins and needles in your feet

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DIET & WEIGHT LOSS

20 Foods That Are Never Worth the Calories

Maria Kinirons RDN

It’s not always apparent when foods we love have zero nutrition. These 20 favorites are filled with sugar, fat, and empty calories—and some may surprise you.

Cream soda

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A ton of research suggests limiting sugar-sweetened beverages, which are pretty much the ultimate example of zero nutrition. In fact U.S. Dietary Guidelines suggest there’s strong evidence these beverages contribute to excess weight in adults and children. Surprisingly, some choices in this category are better than others. Ginger ale has 32 grams of sugar per can versus 49 grams in the same amount of cream soda, according to the USDA Food Database. But it might be better to just cut this category of drinks from your diet. For more evidence, here are 10 reasons to avoid all soda.

Low-fat peanut butter

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Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition, recommends ditching low-fat versions of the nutty spread. “Peanut butter offers fats that are filling and heart healthy. But when that fat is removed or reduced, extra sugar and other filler ingredients are often added. When you’re shopping for peanut butter, read the ingredients label and pick one that contains only roasted peanuts.” Here are 5 extraordinary uses of peanut butter you probably never thought of.

Margarine

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Gorin says “margarine has been considered a healthy alternative to butter, but many versions contain partially hydrogenated oil—an ingredient that contains trans fats, which are harmful. They can heighten your “bad” LDL cholesterol, decrease your beneficial HDL cholesterol, and heighten your risk of heart disease.” Instead of margarine, consider using a small amount of a heart-healthy oil, such as extra-virgin olive oil. But be mindful of cooking with oil at high temperatures. Check out our guide to the healthiest oils you can cook with.

Fruit canned in syrup

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Fresh fruit is an important component of a healthy diet, but how it’s prepared matters. “You might think that canned fruit is as healthy as fresh, but if the label shows that it’s canned in “light syrup” or “heavy syrup,” it means that the fruit has sugar added to it,” Gorin says. “You want to limit the added sugar that you eat.” She suggests reading your food’s ingredients label to make sure it contains nothing but fruit. “Fruit canned in juice or water is usually a safe option,” Gorin adds. These are the most filling fruits and veggies you can eat, according to nutritionists.

Ice pops

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When summer rolls around, ice pops and fruit-flavored shaved ice may seem like a healthy, refreshing treat. But one quick glance at the ingredients might change your mind. Most are made of sugar, sugar, and more sugar with artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors. We already know added sugar is a problem, but an article in the Journal Neurotherapeutics suggests artificial colors are also a public health problem and have been linked with behavioral issues in children. Choose pops that are made primarily with juice, so that you’re getting some nutrition for your calories. Don’t miss things parents should do to prevent summer weight gain in kids.

Cotton candy

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According to the USDA Food Database, cotton candy is 100 percent sugar. A one-ounce serving averages 110 calories and 28 grams sugar. This melt-in-your-mouth treat may seem “light” but it isn’t, and the effect on your teeth isn’t pretty either. The most recent available World Health Organization guidelines recommend added sugar make up no more than 10 percent of calories to reduce incidence of cavities and gum disease. That’s equivalent to about 38 grams of sugar for someone eating 1,500 calories a day. Given this, a single ounce of cotton candy contributes 73 percent of the recommended daily limit. Gum disease can be a sign of a more serious health condition; here are 7 signs of disease your teeth can reveal.

Frosting

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That creamy delicious chocolate topping on your cake clocks in at around 140 calories with 18 to 19 grams of added sugar and about 2 grams of saturated fat in just 2 tablespoons, according to the US Food Database. You’ll find a host of other questionable ingredients including hydrogenated fats, a source of trans fat that are bad for your heart, according to the American Heart Association. At less than 0.5 grams per serving, trans fat doesn’t have to be declared on a label according to the FDA, so you won’t know it’s there—and let’s face it, you’re likely to eat more than two spoonfuls. Go for light whipped cream instead. It’s literally half the calories. Check out the healthy desserts that can help you lose weight.

Coffee drinks

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NYC-based dietitian Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD, says some of the emptiest calories you can take in are found in sugary blended coffee drinks, like frappuccinos or caramel macchiatos. “To me, these drinks masquerade as a caffeine pick-me-up, but are more like a dessert. I absolutely think it’s OK to indulge occasionally but making these your go-to drink at the coffee shop is definitely not a good choice,” she says. “Sugar-sweetened coffee drinks can have more sugar, fat, and calories than most meals!” These calorie-free coffee hacks might just replace your Starbucks habit.

White bread

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Your standard slice of white bread has little nutrition. According to the USDA Food Database, a slice has about 150 calories and is lower in fiber due to stripped down whole grain. White bread has a laundry list of ingredients, many of which are unrecognizable to the average consumer. Two ingredients you know to avoid, however: high fructose corn syrup and added sugar, both of which have been linked to increased incidence of diabetes, according to the Journal Global Public Health. Use these smart swaps to eat more healthy carbs.

White chocolate

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All the health benefits related to chocolate don’t apply here. Primarily made up of cocoa butter, milk, or cream, flavors and emulsifying agents, as indicated in the FDA Code of Federal Regulations, white chocolate has around 150 calories, 5 grams saturated fat, and 16.5 grams of sugar per ounce according to the USDA Food Database. Unlike dark and milk chocolate, which contain varying amounts of the more antioxidant-rich cocoa, white chocolate contains zero cocoa. Choose dark chocolate for greater nutritional benefits, according to an article in the Journal Antioxidant and Redox. These are the health benefits of chocolate you need to know.

CULTURE

10 Things Your Neighbor Will Never Tell You

The Editors of The Family Handyman

Even if you consider your neighbors friends, there are some things they’ll simply never tell you.

We’re stealing your Wi-Fi

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You pay for your Wi-Fi service, and so should everyone else, right? Don’t let your cheapskate neighbors use your Wi-Fi for free by ensuring your service is password protected. And be sure to create a strong password; in other words, don’t use your name or address. Plus: Learn how to make Wi-Fi faster in your home.

We have horrible taste

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Whether it’s tacky lawn ornaments like this enormous Sasquatch or a loud exterior paint color, your neighbor’s taste can become aggravating over time. While you’ll still be annoyed every time you drive by their house, you can at least block the view from your house by installing a privacy screen or closing the blinds. Check out these other lawn ornaments you’ll either love or hate.

We have bed bugs

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If there’s one thing no one wants to hear is that their neighbor has bed bugs! And it’s certainly not something your neighbors will divulge after a quick “hello” while taking out the trash. If you consider your neighbors your friends, there’s a chance they could spread bed bugs into your home when you invite them over, and there’s not much you can do to prevent it. We definitely don’t recommend never inviting your neighbors over again, but it couldn’t hurt to do bed bug checks in your home every now and again. If you have bed bugs, here’s how to get rid of them.

We can see inside your house at night

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Would you tell your neighbor you saw him or her in their birthday suit through their bedroom window the other day? That’s awkward! Be sure your neighbor can’t see into your house, especially at night when you have the lights on, by closing the blinds or non-see-through curtains.

Our birdbath is a breeding ground for mosquitoes

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Mosquitoes can lay eggs in even a thimble-size amount of standing water, so imagine the damage your neighbor’s stagnant birdbath can do! A mosquito problem can make lounging in the backyard miserable in some parts of the country, so it couldn’t hurt to ask your neighbor to refresh the water in their birdbath every couple of days—the whole neighborhood will thank you! Don’t forget these 9 other ways to create better relationships with your neighbors that will benefit the whole community.

Our shed is actually on your property

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If your neighbor didn’t locate their property lines before building a shed or other outdoor structure along the edge of their yard, there’s a chance it’s at least partially on your property. If that’s the case, it’s up to you whether you want to have the structure moved. It will almost certainly create tension between you and your neighbors, but property line markers are there for a reason. You can build this shed with these plans.

We don’t like yard maintenance

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Your neighbor won’t need to come out and tell you that they don’t like yard maintenance, it’ll be pretty obvious to any passerby! If it’s absolutely maddening to you, offer to help your neighbor with lawn chores. Plus: Learn how to restore a weedy, patchy lawn.

We fight loud

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It can be downright uncomfortable to hear your neighbors screaming at each other, especially when you run into them outside shortly after. But you can prevent unintentional eavesdropping from inside your house by closing the windows and soundproofing your rooms.

Our dog pees in your yard

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If your neighbor lets their dog relieve itself in your yard, your grass will eventually show signs of the faux pas. It takes time and money to fix those brown patches, so it’s worth asking your neighbor to stop allowing their dog to pee in your yard. We’ll show you how to fix pet spots in your lawn here. If excessive barking is the problem, make sure you know these tips on how to deal with your neighbor’s loud dog.

We have a termite problem

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Termites can do serious damage to a home. Even if your neighbor has a termite problem, there are plenty of steps you can take to defend your home if the pests attempt relocating to your property. Now, find out the 9 signs you’re a great neighbor.

If your feet are numb, burning or tingly, you could have nerve damage caused by diabetes. You may even lose all feeling in your foot. Visit your doctor, who will send you for a blood glucose test. The affected limb may need to be amputated if the damage is severe enough. Don’t miss these 24 important secrets your pain doctor won’t tell you.

BEAUTY

13 Ways You’re Washing Your Face Wrong

Marissa Laliberte

It sounds self-explanatory—rub in, rinse off—but these common errors you make when washing your face can keep your skin from looking its best.

You use the wrong water temperature

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Water that’s too hot will dry your skin, while cold water won’t let your pores open, says Michele Green, MD, a New York-based cosmetic dermatologist. “Tepid water is the best water temperature,” she says. “Not too hot and not too cold.” Make sure you never, ever do these things to your skin.

You wash too often

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People with dry skin might only need to cleanse once a day, and even those with more oily skin should wash twice a day at max. Any more than that could dry out your skin, making it produce even more oil to compensate, says Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor at Yale’s department of dermatology. If you do wash just once, make it at night rather than in the morning. “You wash off the day’s grime and pollutants that accumulate during the day,” she says. “Not only does sun give aging, but pollutants do as well.” These are the morning skin-care routines and the nighttime skin-care routines of people with great skin.

You exfoliate too often

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An exfoliating cleanser or device can slough away dead skin cells and leave the skin glowing, says Ivy Lee, MD, a dermatologist based in Pasadena, California. But daily exfoliation can lead to dryness and flakiness. “That squeaky clean feeling will lead to irritation,” she says. Limit exfoliation to just once a week. Exfoliating too much is just one of many reasons your skin hates you.

You use a dirty washcloth

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Using a clean, soft washcloth is effective for cleaning your face, but unless you use a new one every day, you should probably stick with using your hands to scrub, Dr. Green says. Ideally, you should change the towel you use to dry your face every couple of days to keep bacteria at bay, Dr. Gohara says. “That’s hard for a lot of people, but it’s important to switch it out,” she says. “Moistness can accumulate bacteria.”

Your washcloth isn’t soft enough

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A soft washcloth can be a good way to apply cleanser, but an overly abrasive one will be tough on your skin, Dr. Lee says. “Any one where you can feel the fibers is too rough,” she says. Don’t miss these secrets your skin is trying to tell you.

You use facial wipes

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Face wipes are better than nothing in a pinch, but you shouldn’t rely on them for your normal face-wash routine, Dr. Green says. “They don’t clean the skin and they have chemicals,” she says. Stash some wipes in your gym bag, but give your face a full wash with cleanser and water when you can.

You use the wrong products

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Foaming washes work well for oily skin, while a more hydrating cleanser is better for dry skin, Dr. Gohara says. Those with oily skin can benefit from alpha-hydroxy acids or salicylic acids, but those ingredients can be too harsh on people without oily skin, Dr. Green says. “If you have delicate skin, you don’t want something irritating. If you’re acne-prone, a mild wash will only work if you use an astringent later,” she says. “They’re not bad products, they’re just for the wrong kind of skin.” These are beauty products dermatologists wish you would stop using.

You use a soap-based product

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Never substitute a soap-based product for a non-soap cleanser. “Soap-based products strip the skin of natural oils and leave skin irritated, dry, and more likely to be inflamed,” Dr. Gohara says. “Non-soap cleansers hydrate the skin and replenish the skin barrier, so the skin is much more healthy.” You don’t have to nix any bar cleanser—Dove, for instance, is a non-soap cleanser—but read the label before using a product that looks like soap.

You rub in your cleanser wrong

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For the most effective wash, rub in your cleanser using circles that go outward to stimulate blood flow and encourage your lymph to carry waste from the tissues. “It’s like a little massage,” Dr. Gohara says. “Increasing blood flow plumps up skin and primes it to sit in an upward position instead of sagging.”

You rub too vigorously

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You don’t need to scrub aggressively to get rid of impurities on your skin—gently rubbing it in will do the trick without being too rough on your skin. “You don’t want to scrub it off—that’s a myth,” Dr. Green says. “With the right cleanser, you shouldn’t have to scrub hard.”

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You rub your face dry

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Rubbing a towel against your face will remove the lipids, proteins, and fatty acids that protect your skin from irritation, Dr. Gohara says. “It’s better to pay dry to keep that barrier intact,” she says.

You wait to moisturize

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The best time to apply creams and serums is right after you’re done washing your face, so don’t wait to put them on. “Your face is the cleanest it’ll be, and you’re locking in the hydration from the water,” Dr. Gohara says. The exception? Acne products. “Acne medications can be irritating when applied on wet skin,” Lee says. “Wait until it’s dry, because you don’t want to absorb as much of the acne medication right away.” You can also try these home remedies for acne.

You let products build up

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If you don’t adequately scrub off face products or makeup, or you don’t rinse your cleanser off thoroughly, your skin could get irritated and break out, Dr. Lee says. “If you’re using a foaming cleanser, rub long enough to get foam to cover and lather throughout your face,” she says. “If it’s a cream, rub enough to spread a thin layer over your whole face.” Next, read about the surprising signs of disease that your skin can reveal.

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