Nowadays, with everything that has been going on around us, there is a growing need for us to cool off and chill out at home. The global health crisis may have been keeping us locked up in our homes, but that doesn’t mean that the fun has to stop as well. Many of us may have been developing cabin fever, but there are ways to beat the pandemic blues.

One of the ways to beat these blues is to spend time by your at-home pool. Swimming is a great exercise that can pump up your heart rate and boost your immune system during this time. Another perk of spending time by the pool is taking fresh new photos for your social media feed.

What are the pool essentials you need to put together a great home photo shoot by your pool?

Poolside Essentials

Spending time by the pool is always a fun time, especially if you spend it with family. Apart from swimming your way to good health, you could try setting up a poolside photo shoot with your loved ones as a way to beat your cabin fever symptoms.

Here are things you need to achieve those Instagram-worthy poolside photos.

Before you take those photos, you need to plan your pool outfit. When shooting poolside photos, whether for yourself or with your family, always assume that your clothes will, indeed, get wet. Using clothing and accessories that can get wet will provide you more flexibility with your poses. Opt for cotton or linen for your clothing, and try a silicone bracelet as your accessory.

Apart from what you wear, you also need to plan what props you will be using. This will add a dash of extra style to your photos.

A beach umbrella and cute pool floats will look extra cool when you pair them with your pool outfit. Other pool accessories such as a candy-colored speaker, cute towels, and bright-colored water jugs will also add a pop of color to your photos.

These are some things to get you Instagram-ready for your photo shoot. However, in taking poolside photos, you will need specific gear, especially if you want your photos to be more dynamic than a beside-the-pool shot.

Underwater Gear

When taking poolside photos, or underwater photos, you will need the right gear. You wouldn’t want your smartphone or camera to take a beating from the water. Get the right equipment for your poolside and underwater needs to make sure you get the most out of your at-home pool photo shoot.

If you are planning on using a camera, you will need an underwater camera bag. Don’t skimp on this gear because this will protect your camera from getting damp or soaking wet. Before you test out the bag with your camera, try it out with a piece of tissue paper first to see if the bag works well. If the tissue paper comes out dry, you are good to go.

You can also put a silica gel pouch in the bag before submerging it in the water to avoid the camera from fogging up.

Now, it’s time to try different jumps, expressions, and props for your ultimate pool photo shoot!

Benefits of Swimming

Apart from using your pool as a photo shoot location, get the most out of your home pool by practicing swimming regularly. Swimming has many benefits for your fitness that can greatly benefit you and your family, especially during this time.

Here are the benefits of swimming that you can acquire from using your home pool.

Chlorine kills germs that may have been lurking in your pool. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that properly maintained chlorine and other disinfectants can prevent pools from transmitting the virus. Although you may be using a home pool, knowing that a properly maintained pool cannot transmit the virus is still a good fact to know.

Swimming is a good physical exercise that is low-impact. As swimming is gentle on the joints, it can be a great way to gently get back into shape after months of being sedentary due to the quarantine restrictions. Build your strength and endurance even through a 30 or 40-minute swim.

Improve your overall health by integrating swimming into your daily routine. Swimming is a good cardiovascular exercise that may help build up your lung strength which is also greatly needed during the pandemic.

Given that swimming is a gentle exercise, these are some benefits of swimming that the whole family can enjoy.

Your residential pool can be a source of happiness and good recreational activities during this time that could beat the slump of isolation. Make the most out of this and invite your household members to join you in enjoying the benefits of your pool.

Do your eyes start aching or your vision becomes blurry after spending too long on your devices? If yes, then congrats, you are just like the rest of us. It’s natural for your eyes to feel tired after a long period of focusing just like your body feels tired after a tough day at work.

But just because it’s natural and bound to happen doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything about it. Digital eye strain is common in people who indulge in excessive screen time. While some of us use devices for entertainment, some of us have 9 to 5 jobs. It’s hard to avoid screen time when your livelihood depends on it, right?

If you also want to bring down the negative impacts of screen light on your eyes, use these tips to your rescue.

Take regular screen breaks

We are not talking about shutting down your laptop for 10 or 15 minutes. All we are asking is to follow the 20-20-20 rule. For every 20 minutes of screen time, you need a break of 20 seconds. Look at something that’s 20 feet away from you to refocus your eyes.

Taking regular breaks give your eyes time off from all that intense focusing. Did you know that excessive screen usage can make you myopic? Yes, it happens due to a lack of focus. You may as well stand up from your desk during these breaks and stretch your arms and legs a little.

Get an eye exam

Eye problems are sneaky. They don’t show up symptoms at first but when they get worse, they are almost irreversible. If you’ve been cooping with eye pain for a while, without any more delay, see an eye doctor. They will probably ask you about your screen habits and recommend glasses that are effective against screen light.

Do you know what the best part is? You won’t even have to pay a penny for these eye tests. You can get a free eye test in the UK either from the NHS or some healthcare facilities.

Use proper lighting

Eye strain also occurs when your room is too brightly lit either from the bright sunlight coming from the window or harsh indoor lighting. When you are working on a digital device, make sure you use them at optimum light levels. Close all the curtains or drapes to block the natural light.

Also, dim the interior lights so you can see the screen clearly. Place your screen so that the windows aren’t in front or behind you. If this happens, you will have to deal with a glare that limits your vision and strains your eyes.

Mind glare

Glare is any type of light that reflects off your screen and causes blurry vision. If you want to cut down glare, wear glasses with an anti-reflective coating. You can add these coating to your prescription glasses or fake frames. Some eyewear companies sell glasses that already have an anti-reflective coating on their lenses. You may choose to buy glasses from them.

Blink frequently

It is a natural phenomenon that when we are looking at a screen, we blink less. When we do this, we allow more blue light to pass through our eyes. As a result, we become vulnerable to screen time and the negative effects are felt more deeply by our eyes.

So, when in front of a screen, blink more often. It will cut down the blue light exposure and also reduce the risk of dry eye syndrome.

Wear the right glasses

If you want to make sure that you are as far as possible from blue light harms, wear blue light glasses. They have advanced filters loaded with blue cut technology. You can go hours on your devices wearing these glasses and you won’t get eye strain.

 

If you don’t wear glasses, you can use blue light glasses as a fashion accessory. Buy designer glasses online and add blue light filters on the lenses. They will protect your eyes while giving you that unmatched smart look.

Practice eye exercises

Another factor behind eye strain is poor focusing. When our ocular muscles are not strong enough to work for such a long time, they strain out quickly. Practice eye exercises to make those muscles stronger and keep your eye focusing ability from becoming inefficient. Make sure you blink often while performing these eye exercises and prevent the occurrence of dry eye.

Whatever you do, make sure your eyes are not hurt from digital consumption. Wear the right type of eyewear and take regular screen breaks. If your current glasses don’t have the required coating, buy a new pair. You can get emergency glasses within 24 hours and at just a fraction of a cost.

Author Bio: I’m Jaylin: Guest post service planner of Leelija and full time blogger. Favourite things include my camera, traveling,caring my fitness, food and my fashion. Email id: editor@leelija.com

Do you have any questions about this article? Click here to contact us today.

 

Good health is very important to a happy, prosperous life for the whole family. Of course, there are the obvious ways, and as parents, we take care of these.

Eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of exercises, and taking the time to relax are some of the known ways of ensuring all family members maintain good health. But below are some other factors that can help maintain an optimum level of good health across the whole family.

Health checks and keeping on top of them

Whether you’re a busy parent trying to juggle work, family and multi-tasking, or someone who cares for an aged relative, the more informed and prepared you are about their health issues, the better equipped you’ll be to tackle them head-on.

The results of the health check can help identify lifestyle habits that could lead to ill-health and also highlight areas where you or any member of your family might have been behaving in a way that the body is struggling to adjust to.

It’s a good idea to schedule your next family health check six months after the previous one. This can then give you plenty of time to plan for any lifestyle adjustments or dietary improvements that your doctor recommends.

Prepare more meals from scratch

Is everyone in your family eating well? Commit to preparing more meals from scratch. Knowing how to prepare meals for the week ahead from scratch can make a big difference in how healthy you and your family are.

Consider healthy alternatives to some well-loved snacks

It’s no secret that the global population is obsessed with snacks. While one can choose traditionally healthy snacks like nuts or fresh fruits, sometimes you or your family just want a snack on the go.

Some of these snacks can put your health at risk due to the high fat/sugar content. So, it’s better to have them replaced with a healthier alternative.

Exercise together

The secret to a happy, healthy family is creating opportunities for activities your whole family will enjoy. Just as it’s easier to clean up after one messy room than two or three, it’s better for everyone involved when you work together. From fitness clubs to local parks and playgrounds, schedule a date night with your partner and kids so they can spend quality time having fun with you.

Don’t overlook the importance of mental health

Physical health is not immune to the impacts of mental health and wellbeing. Making sure that you, and the rest of your family, are happy and content with your own lives will, in turn, have benefits for everyone and help you build stronger and more resilient bonds as a family.

Have routines

Strategic routines make life work for your family, not against them. Being aware of how much time you and your kids spend in front of the TV and computer monitors is just the first step. Create a healthy lifestyle by having routines that are fun rather than coercive.

Get your whole family insured

There are a lot of options to help cover you, your partner and even the kids, so get some health insurance for your family to ensure that you’re all well-protected and covered if anything happens.

Live by example

Live by example — children always notice what their parents do. You can’t help yourself, but you can help your kids learn how to live as healthy, active people that enjoy being outdoors by joining them in some physical activity every day.

Final Thoughts

Good health is not as simple as it seems. It is an ongoing practice that must be maintained daily. In order for you and your family to have good health, you need to keep your family healthy through proper diet, exercise and holistic means (depending on your beliefs). The factors discussed above, when put into practice, will aid improve your family’s overall health.

The 2010 Haiti earthquake was a 7.0 magnitude event that devastated the country. It resulted in more than 220,000 deaths, 300,000 injured, and 1.5 million displaced people whose homes were destroyed or uninhabitable. Relief agencies responding to the disaster were faced with multiple roadblocks and a mounting health crisis. BCFS Health and Human Services EMD, a nonprofit organization with considerable medical sheltering experience, arrived in Haiti to provide medical care and strategic direction. The organization’s capabilities extend beyond medical services and include command infrastructure, mass care, transportation services, and incident management that are available at a moment’s notice to address disasters on a global scale.

BCFS Health and Human Services EMD responded by sending an expert team to care for affected children and staff at Port au Prince-area orphanages. The group’s efforts were quickly shared by other local organizations, and they were reassigned to the Hospital Adventist in Carrefour. The team noted the hospital’s local staff were working towards exhaustion within a chaotic system, so their first step was instituting a command, control and coordination structure. This helped responders who were performing their best by giving them structured assignments that could help them aid more patients while avoiding complete exhaustion.

An incident command system (ICS) was put in place by EMD staff who also trained the local medical teams to turn the hospital into a streamlined operation that benefitted everyone involved. New DMST and IMT staff were also onboarded to manage a surge of more than 300 inpatients and hundreds of outpatients. All these efforts were informed by the organization’s Medical Sheltering Manual and Field Operations Guide for Medical Shelters, which contain best practices and key insights gleaned from years of experience helping manage disasters around the world.

Muscle tension or spasms can make your day a nightmare. In this article, we’ve collected several sure-fire ways to relax your muscles and improve your productivity throughout the day.

Why do you get muscle cramps?

Dehydration, overuse of a muscle, muscle strain or static position for a prolonged period can cause a muscle cramp. Most muscle cramps are harmless. However, some may be related to an underlying medical condition, such as:

• Nerve compression in your spine. The pain usually gets worse the longer you walk. Inadequate blood supply. Narrowing of the arteries delivering blood to your legs can produce cramp-like pain in your legs and feet while exercising.
• Mineral depletion. An insufficient level of potassium, calcium or magnesium in your diet can also contribute to leg cramps.

What are the risk factors?

• Age;
• Pregnancy;
• Dehydration;
• Medical conditions.

What can help to ease muscle cramps?

Drinks and spice

• Camomile tea. The herb has been used to deal with a variety of ailments, including muscle spasms. Camomile contains 36 flavonoids – compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. You can also massage camomile essential oil onto affected muscles to provide relief from spasms.
• Cherry juice. The juice can help combat inflammation and muscle pain. Some studies even reveal that drinking tart cherry juice can minimise post-run pain. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities in the fruit help to relax muscles naturally.
• Cayenne pepper. Capsaicin found in cayenne pepper is a natural muscle relaxant. It’s often recommended to people who live with fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Usually, cayenne pepper is added to food, but you can also find it in capsule form and as a cream. The cream can be applied to areas affected by muscle spasms.

Vitamins and minerals

• B Vitamins. Vitamin B12 aids your body in producing red blood cells, which are responsible for delivering oxygen to the muscles. Vitamin B3 (Niacin) supports muscle growth.
• Vitamin D. People with regular muscle pain or spasms might be deficient in vitamin D. This vitamin comes in many forms, including tablets, capsules and liquids. You can also get it in various foods like fish, eggs, and fortified milk. Another way to get Vitamin D is regular exposure to sunlight.
• Vitamin E. This powerful antioxidant has shown that without it, the plasma membrane, which prevents a cell from spilling its contents and regulates what moves in and out, can’t properly heal.
• Magnesium. The mineral maintains normal muscle and nerve function. In fact, early symptoms of magnesium deficiency include muscle pain. Bananas, almonds, legumes, and brown rice are foods rich in magnesium. You can also use it in supplement and oil forms. Magnesium oil is not actually an oil. It is magnesium chloride which is dissolved in a liquid (usually in water) that has an oily feel when applied to the skin. Applying magnesium oil to the skin is a transdermal delivery method, which allows it to enter the bloodstream faster and start working on the affected area. Magnesium oil benefits include:
  • Reduced DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness);
  • Increased athletic performance;
  • Sleep improvement;
  • Reduced muscle pains, aches, cramping, and spasms;
  • Better relaxation and stress management;
  • Healthy skin and reduced outbreaks of psoriasis and eczema;
  • Increased energy levels and improved moods.

CBD cream

CBD (cannabidiol) is obtained from the cannabis plant and is used for relief from pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders. CBD creams are often made by infusing high-quality cannabis plants with coconut or olive oil. Oil extracts the active compound of CBD before blending with therapeutic herbs to create an ointment for pain relief. CBD-infused creams are used in problem areas, for example, for joint pain, swelling or open wounds. CBD cream soothes and helps to heal the affected area. CBD can be used as an anti-inflammatory agent. Applying the cream to the skin so that it can soak in is a good way to reduce swelling and eradicate pain. Another theory is that CBD cream kickstarts the natural endocannabinoids within the body, similar to the CB2 receptors found in the immune system.

You can find CBD products online or in grocery stores because the companies are producing these products like there is no tomorrow. You should remember that there are a lot of unreliable brands and products that have misleading information on the product labels and can consequently cause harm to your health. What you should really be after are GMO and pesticide-free products and always ask for a certificate of analysis (COA) for your peace of mind and beneficial CBD treatment.

 

 Our skin is one of the essential organs responsible for our appearance, controls temperature and protects us against infections. However, rough, thickened, flaky, itchy or painful dry skin loses its ability to function properly because receptors become less sensitive, the risks of premature ageing and sun damage increase, and the threat of infection increases. Effective solutions are usually based on skincare products that are appropriate for dry skin. They also include CBD cream, balm, lotion and other topicals that have become extremely popular in recent years. Let’s find out what CBD is and how it can revive and treat dry skin.

Main signs of the dry skin

The skin type depends on the activity of the sebaceous glands. The sebaceous glands are organs located in the dermis. They produce oil, known as sebum, which protects the skin from the environment, locks in moisture, controls the rate of renewal of epidermal cells and performs other functions. Dry skin has less sebum, due to which it has the following features:

• Gray, ashy skin
• Deep cracks that may bleed
• Redness
• Fine lines or cracks
• Skin feels tight, especially after bathing, showering or swimming
• Itching (pruritus)
• Slight to severe scalping, flaking or peeling
• Skin that looks and feels rough
• Early wrinkles

Causes of the dry skin

The following factors cause skin dryness:

• Age factor. Over the years, the amount of secretions produced by the sebaceous glands gradually decreases. As a result, the skin type can change. For example, the oily skin becomes normal, and the normal skin turns out to be dry. The signs of water imbalance also become more visible.
• Body problems. The skin is the largest organ in the human body; therefore, it immediately responds when our health deteriorates. It can become dry due to disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract, nervous and endocrine system. The skin can change its colour and structure. People suffering from dryness should visit the doctor to exclude diseases such as dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis.
• External influence. The very dry skin is often the result of various external factors. They include washing with hard water, the air in the room overdried by heating devices during the cold season, prolonged exposure to high temperatures and ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning lamps.
• Improper care. People suffering from dryness don’t use products saturating the skin with moisture. Besides, they often take alkaline soaps, alcohol-containing cosmetics or decorative products based on drying components, as well as misemploy traumatic peeling. All these factors increase and worsen the signs of dehydration.
• Improper nutrition. Due to an unbalanced diet, people lack nutrients that are necessary to keep the skin fresh and healthy. When there is a deficiency of vitamins A, E, C and F, the skin loses elasticity, becomes flaky and dull. The insufficient intake of clean drinking water also has the same effects.

What can CBD do for dry skin?

CBD, the full mane of which is cannabidiol, is one of more than 80 compounds known as cannabinoids. They are extracted from a plant called Cannabis sativa. There are two most famous cannabinoids: cannabidiol, which does not have an intoxicating effect, and tetrahydrocannabinol (or THC), which causes intoxication. CBD has been in the shadows for a long time until scientists took an interest in its properties and revealed that they are beneficial for health. So, how can the benefits of CBD oil solve and relieve skin issues?

The researchers found that CBD has anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties. It is known that inflammation is guilty of acne or signs of ageing. In addition, the scientists got evidence that it can help with dry skin, psoriasis and eczema. That is why CBD manufacturers add this ingredient to face creams, serums and body lotions.

Moreover, CBD can effectively be used for other skin conditions. Besides anti-inflammatory properties, this compound has a moisturising effect, as well as it can reduce pain and itching. Cannabidiol is known for its antioxidant effects, too. This means it can fight free radicals, wrinkles and skin irregularities.

Free radicals are oxygen molecules with unpaired electrons. They are very active and strive to take the missing896 electron from any other molecule, which turns into free radical. They are caused by air pollution, smoking, radiation, stress, medicines, etc. It’s impossible to avoid free radicals, but we should reduce their effects because they adversely affect our skin.

The clinical studies showed that cannabidiol is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can significantly improve the appearance of the skin, making it look younger.

Is CBD safe for the skin?

Topical CBD products work for all skin types. They are considered safe, well-tolerated in humans and have no dangerous side effects. Individuals spend a lot of money on different cosmetics and beauty aids that promise to make their skin perfect and shiny. However, unnatural products are full of different chemicals that can do more harm than improve the condition of your skin. Using natural ingredients and solutions is the best way to go. CBD is one of the safe and potent natural options in the market. It is able to help with various skin conditions, such as dryness, redness, acne, eczema and psoriasis. It can manage ageing, wrinkles and dry skin. The benefits to enjoy it are huge. For this reason, you should consider adding CBD creams and balms to your skincare routine.

 

With the increasing pace and stress of modern life, starkly felt during the recent unprecedented chaos of the global Coronavirus pandemic, many people are turning to natural and therapeutic ways of relieving anxiety and promoting overall wellbeing – including the addition of various CBD products to their existing self-care routines.

CBD is enjoying a meteoric rise to popularity as more and more consumers discover its broad and wide-reaching therapeutic effects. It can be found in many high street and online stores in numerous forms including oral drops, nasal sprays, vape oils, candles, creams, tampons and even bath bombs. But what is CBD anyway? And should you include a sparkling CBD bath bomb next time you get a moment to hop in the tub?

What Is CBD & How Is It Different From THC?

CBD, which stands for cannabidiol, is one of the main components of cannabis, but by itself, it won’t give a sense of euphoria or produce a ‘high’. This is the work of THC – another cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, more typically associated with strains derived from marijuana and smoked for mind-altering effects. CBD oil is derived from the hemp strain of cannabis and has high CBD levels with low levels of THC. Legal CBD products either have zero or negligible levels of THC, though CBD sale and use in general remains somewhat of a legal grey area.

Does It Really Work?

The body produces endocannabinoids as part of the complex endocannabinoid system, an infrastructure of receptors and enzymes that help to regulate the body and keep it in a state of homeostasis. With receptors present in the nervous system, immune system and most major organs, this existing system is what allows our bodies to interact with the CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids found in cannabis.

CBD is non-intoxicating and has become known for its therapeutic and healing effects. Whilst there is a lot we still don’t know, and much more research needs to be conducted into the efficacy and application of CBD, studies undertaken so far have indicated promising results on the effectiveness of CBD in improving epileptic seizures, chronic pain, insomnia and anxiety.

Which Should I Choose?

You’ve probably seen these terms on bottles of CBD oil and similar products, but do you know what they mean? Knowing the difference between these oils will help you to establish which product is best for you. There are a few different types of CBD available, and which you should use is a personal choice, which may come down to individual preference, lifestyle, finances and accessibility.

• CBD isolate. Exactly what it says on the tin – this is a product that contains just CBD, and no other cannabinoids.
• Full-spectrum. Full-spectrum CBD contains all naturally occurring cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and other beneficial components, including CBD and THC. Most full-spectrum products still only include legal levels of THC (<1mg in the UK.)
• Broad-spectrum. Broad-spectrum CBD again contains all the natural cannabinoids found in the plant but no detectable levels of THC, which will have been removed.

The most popular types of CBD in the UK are full and broad-spectrum products, due to belief in the entourage effect. Whilst not yet has proven this is the understanding that the therapeutic effects of CBD are at their highest potential when working in collaboration with other phytocannabinoids found in the plant. In a study authored by a leading pharmacologist and neurologist, the potential synergy found between numerous cannabis compounds is explained in-depth and suggests a promising application for myriad combinations. As consumer focus on CBD grows, this is likely to be an area of increased research-based attention in the years to come.

How To Take CBD?

There are different types of CBD infused products available, which are all used in different ways, and enter the body via varying means. Whilst all methods of using CBD are broadly tolerated, it is important to note that the rate of absorption and bioavailability can differ between individuals due to variables such as weight, and metabolism, so any information provided on a product is a guideline.

As there are no official dosing regulations in place, it is always recommended that you start with a lower dose when you first start using CBD, and gradually increase your dose if you wish, whilst keeping an eye on your symptoms and tolerance. Here are the most common ways to take CBD:

• CBD oils, tinctures and oral sprays are swallowed or more commonly placed under the tongue for absorption via the oromucosal lining of the mouth to experience effects faster;
• CBD edibles or tablets are swallowed and absorbed via the digestive system after ingesting, which usually takes time before it can be absorbed into your bloodstream;
• CBD vape liquids are inhaled and very quickly enter the bloodstream via the lungs, which results in an almost immediate positive effect;
• Topical CBD products are typically applied to the skin and provide localised relief due to penetration through the skin layers.

The Perks Of Being A Bath Bomb

Using a CBD bath bomb is an easy way to add a relaxing treat into your self-care routine. Users of CBD bath bombs often report feeling calmer and enjoying better sleep afterwards. At the same time, the active components can help to relieve aching muscles, reduce the body tension, skin issues or any inflammation you may be experiencing. Many are also infused with essential oils to add a pleasant scent during your relaxing soak in a bath tube and leave your skin feeling hydrated and soothed.

Simply fill up your bathtub, throw in a CBD bath bomb, let it dissolve into the water and let the stress melt away in the colourful fizz! Really, it’s that simple, but how effective.

Birth control pills are one of the most common types of contraception. These medicines prevent the production of eggs, stopping pregnancy. However, there are certain side effects associated with these pills.

However, before opting for a birth control method, consult Dr. Muhammad Haris Burki for expert advice.

Some of the most common side effects of these pills include the following:

• Spotting Between Periods

One of the most common side effects of birth control pills is vaginal bleeding between menstrual cycles. This occurs as the body is adjusting to changing hormonal levels and the uterus is adjusting to thinner lining. However, this can be avoided by taking the pill every day at the same time.

• Headaches and Migraine

Another side effect of taking contraceptive pills is severe headaches and migraine. This is because variations in the female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) can trigger migraine. Symptoms vary with the dosage and type of pill. For example, low dose pills are less likely to cause this symptom. On the other hand, however, if a person’s migraine is associated with post menstrual syndrome (PMS), taking the pill may actually reduce their symptoms.

• Breast tenderness

Breast tenderness and an increase in breast size may also result due to the intake of birth control medication.

• Nausea

Nausea may be experienced by certain individuals when they begin taking birth control pills, but it usually subsides soon.

• Irregular Periods

Birth control medication can also lead to light or missed periods due to changes in the level of hormones in the body.

• Weight Gain

Birth control pills can also lead to fluid retention and weight gain.

• Decreased Libido

Changes in hormone levels may also lead to a decrease in the sex drive of some people.

• Mood Swings

Intake of pills can cause changes in hormone levels. This can in turn lead to shifts in moods and emotions.

• Changes in Vaginal Discharge

Variations in vaginal discharge may also occur when taking the pill with an increase or a decrease in vaginal lubrication or a change in the nature of the discharge.

• Eye Changes

Studies also suggest that hormonal changes as a result of taking contraceptive pills may cause thickening of the cornea in the eyes. Although this does not suggest a higher risk of eye disease, it can mean that contact lenses no longer fit comfortably.

Side effects of birth control bills vary with the types of pills and among different individuals. Not every medication affects everyone the same way. In general, most of these subside within 2 to 3 months of starting the medication.

If you are facing severe or prolonged side effects, make sure to pay a visit to a professional. S/he may suggest a change in the dosage or brand of pills. Alternatively, you may require a switch to other types of contraception. In this regard, your best option is to book an appointment with Assist. Prof. Dr. Ali Raza Jafri for the expert advice.