Tracking your activities is very important as it can help you make changes to your lifestyle and daily routine to make you healthier. Fitness bands are handy devices that can help you keep track of your step count, heart rate, sleep quality, the distance you walk every day, and much more. There are multiple advantages to using these fitness bands. They are just like a watch that you can wear and carry on as usual. You do not have to carry any extra device for keeping track of your health. If you are looking for the best fitness bands to go for in 2018, then Fitbit Charge 2 is a great choice. Continue reading to know about the other fitness band options that Fitbit provides.

• Fitbit Charge 2: Let’s get started with the best option in 2018, and that is the Fitbit Charge 2. This fitness band has so many exciting features such as the capacity to track one’s heart and pulse rate. It comes with Multi-Sport Tracking as well. This band provides calendar alerts, as well as notifications about SMS, calls and much more. It keeps track of your sleep and sleep stages too. Along with that, this fitness tracker comes with the best battery which can last for almost five days.
• Fitbit Alta™: This is another great option from Fitbit, and it can track all your daily activities. You can keep track of your sleep through the Auto Sleep Tracking feature. Along with that, you can set silent alarms, and it can also display notifications from your phone. Long battery life that lasts for five days and Tap Display are some of the other features that make the Fitbit Alta™ fitness band a great choice.
• Fitbit Flex 2: Available in multiple colors and with an affordable price tag, this is a fitness band that you can consider. As compared to Fitbit Charge 2, this has more features that you can use for tracking your activities all day long. You will be able to track your swimming activities with this device, and hence if you want this particular feature too, then you should opt for the Fitbit Flex.

Apart from Fitbit, there are many other brands in the market such as Apple, Samsung, and Nokia that sell fitness bands. You can get them for a better price if you choose to buy them online.

One of the best and simple ways to get rid of those extra pounds at home is an exercise bike and a treadmill. They have been in the market for years. If you check for exercise bikes online, you will be able to find numerous brands. Too many options can make you feel overwhelmed, and you might find it difficult to decide on the right one. However, it is not very tough if you are aware of what to look for in an exercise bike before making a purchase. Continue reading to know more about how to choose the right exercise bike.

• Features: Irrespective of what kind of exercises you are going to perform or what brand you are choosing, your exercise bike should have some features that make your workout routine comfortable. So, make sure that you check the primary features of the bike before buying it.
• Additional accessories: The latest gym equipment come with some interesting and useful accessories such as a port to play music, and a water bottle holder among others.
• Weight limit: There is always a weight limit for exercise bikes. You should make sure that you choose a bike that supports your weight and the weight of other people who will be using it.
• Stability: You do not want to hurt or injure yourself while you are using the exercise bike. Hence, you should make sure that the equipment is stable before making a purchase. The weight of the equipment is a factor that can help you with stability; heavier weight means more stable equipment.
• Noise levels: This may not be a significant problem for many people, but it is essential to ensure that you buy a quieter model so that you do not disturb any of your family members or neighbors while working out.
• Brand and price: Other factors to check before buying exercise bikes is the brand and the price. You need to decide your budget according to how frequently you’re planning to use the equipment.
• Warranty: Last, but not the least, check the warranty period of the bike so that you can relax and start using it without any worries.

It is not very difficult to choose an exercise bike if you have a little knowledge about the type of workouts you are planning.

When you are planning to buy gym equipment for yourself or for your gym, it is essential to purchase only the best pieces of equipment. High-quality gym machines can help you exercise better and achieve the results that you desire. For all this, you should choose the right brands. Only the best companies understand your actual requirements and manufacture high-quality equipment that is durable as well. If you are looking for the top brands that offer the best fitness and gym equipment, then here is a list for you.

• Precor: This company is one of the best and most trusted brands. It is one of the leading brands that manufactures the highest quality of gym equipment which includes machines like treadmills, exercise bikes, climbers, cycles, elliptical trainers, and much more. This brand has been in the market since 1980 and, it remains one of the best manufacturers of gymming equipment.
• Cybex: Another name that you can trust for treadmills is Cybex. They manufacture different kinds of gym and fitness equipment but are considered the best in manufacturing equipment for strength training and cardiovascular exercise. All the machines from this brand come with some great features that are very useful for all the people who wish to stay fit.
• Life Fitness: Established in the year 1968 with inspiration from Keene P Dimick who made his own exercise bike, Life Fitness is a top brand. With gym equipment from this brand, you’re sure to have a healthier and more fulfilling life. LCD displays, music jacks, heart rate tracking, calorie tracking, and many other features make this brand’s gym and fitness equipment the best in the market. Their ellipticals and treadmills are much better than the ones offered by their competitors.
• Star Trac: This brand is considered a leading international gym equipment manufacturer. It has been in the industry for 20 years, and it understands the requirements of its customers very well. Bikes and treadmills from this brand are very popular.

Apart from these companies, there are several other brands available in the market. However, these remain the top three brands for fitness and gym equipment. Make sure that you compare the features of different equipment from various brands before making a purchase. In this way, you’re sure to choose the right brand that offers the best fitness and gym equipment.

Do you want to learn about your family’s history? Are you in search of your living relatives? A DNA test can successfully help you find out about your ancestry. These DNA tests will give you information about your genetic genealogy as well. Along with helping you learn about your ancestry and ethnicity, these tests also give you the opportunity to learn about different health factors.

Usually, DNA tests are of three types.

• mtDNA tests – It helps in tracing your maternal lineage.
• Y-DNA tests – This is the perfect DNA test for learning about your paternal lineage.
• Autosomal tests – It checks the autosomal DNA and offers a clear view on one’s ethnic heritage.

Depending on the information you are looking for, you can opt for one of these types of test. Here is a list of the best DNA tests for tracing your ancestry.

• AncestryDNA™
  By far, with the biggest database and extensive community support for active users, AncestryDNA test is very popular for identifying one’s ethnic origin. Also, for adoptees, AncestryDNA is an attractive option. This test offers the best results for people with African, Native American, and Jewish ethnicities. You can easily export the data elsewhere as well. Additionally, GEDmatch, a genomics database, also accepts these results, and you will be able to interact with others as well as get access to genetic tools.
• 23andMe
  This DNA test is one of the most famous names in the field of tracing one’s ancestry. If you are interested in both health and ancestry, this is the best test that you can pick. 23andMe DNA kits carry out mtDNA and Y-DNA tests. Moreover, it allows you to export the testing data elsewhere for use as well. Even here, third-party databases such as GEDmatch accept this testing data.
• Family Tree DNA (FTDNA)
  If your objective is finding and studying the maternal and paternal haplogroups along with conducting some serious research on the genealogical results, FTDNA is the best DNA kit for you. This DNA test offers powerful tools that are very effective for exploring Jewish ancestry, and it is useful for adoptees as well. One can upload data from other providers as well. Exporting data elsewhere for use is also allowed in this test.

Apart from the aforementioned DNA tests that are trending in the country, the list will be incomplete without mentioning the following DNA test kits.

• Living DNA
• TeloYears®
• MyHeritage DNA

If one notice any change in their breasts, and they know what the symptoms of breast cancer are, then they may be able to detect it in the early stages. In this article, we will discuss five signs of breast cancer that will help people get the right treatment as soon as possible.

• Thick area
  Not every lump in the breast is a sign of breast cancer. But if one feels some tightening of the skin along with the presence of a lump in the breast that does not go away or keeps growing bigger day by day, then there’s a possibility that it may be breast cancer. The thickening can be in the skin or deeper in the breast, and this is considered to be one of the top five signs of breast cancer.
  This symptom can be caused by cancer cells that block the circulation of blood through the blood vessels or lymph fluids via lymph nodes. Tumors that grow near the surface of the skin could be another reason for the thickening of the skin.
• Dimple
  Sometimes, due to tight clothing, a dimple or indentation in the breast is normal. However, if the dimple does not fade away with time, then it may be one of the top five signs of breast cancer. It is usually caused by a tumor or a lump in the breast that pulls the skin inward to form a dent on the surface.
• Red or hot infection
  This type of skin infection is commonly seen in breastfeeding women and can be easily treated with the help of antibiotics. However, if there is no improvement with antibiotics and other treatment methods, then it could be a sign of breast cancer. In this situation, the cancer cells block the flow of lymph fluids in the breast, thereby resulting in swelling and redness. This infection can make your breast feel warm as well as irritate your skin.
• Unexpected nipple discharge
  Discharge from the nipple is common and is usually related to developing breast infections, cysts, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. It is harmless except when the discharge is taking place even without squeezing the nipples or if there is discharge from just one breast and not the other. Sometimes, nipple discharge with a trace of blood can be an early sign of breast cancer.
• New shape or size
  It is very common for one breast to be different from the other in terms of shape and size. Sometimes, breastfeeding can be the reason for these changes. However, if the size or shape of one breast changes, or it flattens, swells or droops all of a sudden, and this change continues for a long time, then it’s time to seek the help of a physician as this could be a sign of breast cancer.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in the country. As per the pictures and diagnosis of lung cancer, smoking is the main cause behind the rising mortality due to lung cancer. However, air pollution, exposure to harmful chemicals, and genetic factors are some other causes that lead to lung cancer. In a majority of lung cancer cases, as high as 25% of cases, the symptoms do not occur until cancer has spread. An early detection of lung cancer raises the effectiveness of medications and consequently higher chances of recovery.

Signs and symptoms of lung cancer
Primarily, the 3 signs of lung cancer include breathing issues, a persistent cough depending on the part affected by cancer, and infections. Like in other types of cancers, body fatigue and appetite loss are also observed. Let’s look at the 3 signs of lung cancer in detail.

• Cough and blood in cough: The presence of a persistent and intense cough is one of the 3 signs of lung cancer and is a very common phenomenon. In lung cancer patients, cough can occur due to inflammation in the lung tissue or due to the accumulation of body fluid in the lungs. If blood is coming with a cough or the sputum is dark in color, you must consult a doctor to understand the source of the blood (lungs or upper respiratory tract). Moreover, a change in sputum volume may also be observed.
• Difficulty in breathing: Shortness of breath (dyspnea) and wheezing are some early symptoms of lung cancer. Another sign is the presence of a harsh sound called stridor, with breathing. In lung cancer patients, breathing is very uncomfortable, and it can happen due to obstruction of the airways, bacterial infection of the lungs, and fluid deposition in the lungs.
• Recurring infections: One of the 3 signs of lung cancer, a weak immunity due to this disease makes patients more vulnerable to bacterial infections. According to a research study, 50-70% of lung cancer patients frequently develop lung bacterial diseases such as pneumonia and bronchitis. Moreover, the aggressive treatment prescribed also weakens the immune system of the patient.

An early detection of the symptoms of lung cancer is the key to effective and successful treatment of the disease and it can save the life of the affected person. So, stay alert, don’t ignore the symptoms, and go to a doctor before it’s too late.

Huntington disease is a progressive brain disorder, which causes gradual deterioration of the nerve cells in the brain. The disease causes changes in the central area of the brain, affecting one’s functional abilities such as movement, mood, and rational thinking.

People with Huntington disease usually begin experiencing symptoms in their 30s and 40s. However, the disease may appear later in life too. In case, where the disease develops before the age of 20, it is called juvenile Huntington’s disease. The symptoms of this are different and the condition progresses at a fast speed.

Huntington disease symptoms
The Huntington’s disease primarily causes movement, psychiatric and cognitive disorders, which begin with a plethora of early signs and symptoms.

The early symptoms of the disease include:

Physical changes

• Excessive restlessness
• Slight changes in coordination that affect body balance
• Minor twitching in fingers and toes
• Changes in handwriting
• Slowing or stiffness
• A minor difficulty with everyday physical activities such as driving

Behavioral changes

• Short-term memory loss
• Decreased ability to focus
• Decreased ability to organize daily tasks or deal with new situations
• Impulsiveness
• Spells of depression, irritability, and apathy

Advanced symptoms of Huntington disease
As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more severe and begin to interfere with everyday life. The physical, emotional and intellectual symptoms become more prominent. In most cases, the patient develops involuntary movements such as jerks or twitching of the arms, legs, and neck.

Apart from that, people feel emotionally burdened or experience trouble in speaking or swallowing. They may also develop obsessive-compulsive disorder- a condition that triggers intermittent, disturbing thoughts and repetitive behaviors.

In addition to the above symptoms, weight loss is a common sign in people suffering from the Huntington disease.

Juvenile Huntington disease symptoms
The symptoms of juvenile Huntington’s disease may be slightly different from those in adults. The common signs of the disease are as follows:

Behavioral changes

• Inability to remember previously learned academic lessons or physical skills
• Inability to concentrate
• A significant drop in overall school performance
• Behavioral issues

Physical changes

• Development of rigid muscles that affect the gait and posture
• Changes in fine motor skills
• Seizures or tremors
• Slight involuntary movements

In case you witness any changes in your movement or emotional state of mind, it is imperative to immediately get medical help. There are several medications that can help to control the fidgety movements. Your doctor will analyze the symptoms to prepare the best line of treatment for the condition.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder, which affects the nerve tissues of the brain and spinal cord, leaving them damaged or destroyed. Multiple sclerosis is a progressive disease that is most commonly diagnosed in females between the age of 20 and 40 years. However, it may occur at any age and affect both genders. In most cases, multiple sclerosis symptoms are unpredictable and may vary in intensity. While some people experience weakness and fatigue, there may be severe cases of MS, causing vision loss, paralysis, and reduced brain function.

Some of the early symptoms of multiple sclerosis include the following.

Vision problems
This is one of the most common multiple sclerosis symptoms. The disease affects the optic nerve, resulting in a blurred vision or pain while looking around, often accompanied by a total vision loss.

Tingling and numbness
Often people experience a sharp pain-like feeling when they move their neck or head. This pain may travel down the spine into the arms and legs. Also, a numbness is generally experienced on the face.

Pain and spasms
Chronic pain, muscle stiffness, or involuntary muscle spasms are some common multiple sclerosis symptoms. Extreme pain may be experienced in the back or legs.

Fatigue and weakness
Excessive weakness and fatigue affect a large number of people during the early stages of the disease. The weakness is typically felt in the legs at first. In some cases, the nerves in the spinal column deteriorate, leading to chronic fatigue.

Dizziness
People suffering from multiple sclerosis often experience dizziness or feel as if the room is spinning. Also, they may have trouble walking or find it difficult to keep balance.

Bladder and bowel dysfunction
The disease often leads to a dysfunctional bladder with symptoms such as frequent urination, compulsive urge to urinate and in worst cases, urinary incontinence.

Speech and swallowing problems
Difficulty in swallowing and chewing food along with slurred speech are other common multiple sclerosis symptoms.

Cognitive and emotional problems
These include memory loss, depression, problems with balance, difficulty in reasoning, inability to focus, poor judgment, and dementia. The condition can also cause mood swings and irritability in patients, involving spells of uncontrollable laughing or crying.

The symptoms of multiple sclerosis may vary from patient to patient and can appear in any part of the body. Apart from the ones listed above, there are few other common symptoms such as:

• Hearing loss
• Breathing problems
• Seizures
• Uncontrollable shaking

In case you experience any of the above symptoms, make sure you consult an expert neurologist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.