Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare genetic disease that causes the progressive weakening of muscles in the body. This occurs due to the loss of motor neurons, which are responsible for controlling muscle movement. Depending on when the symptoms begin to appear, this condition is categorized into four distinct types, from severe to mild. Read on to find out more about this condition, its symptoms, diagnosis, and recommended treatment plans. Symptoms of spinal muscular atrophy Some of the typical symptoms of this condition include: Floppy or weak arms or legs Mobility problems, such as difficulties in standing up or walking Tremors or muscle twitching A curved spine (scoliosis) Swallowing problems Breathing difficulties Individuals with this condition experience progressive muscle weakness, which can also give rise to complications such as bone fractures, hip dislocation, pneumonia, respiratory infections, malnutrition, and dehydration. Diagnosing spinal muscular atrophy Doctors begin with a thorough physical exam along with a detailed examination of one’s healthcare history. Depending on these results, they may recommend one or more of the following: An enzyme and protein blood test to check for levels of creatine kinase. High levels of this enzyme in the bloodstream signal deteriorating muscles. A genetic test to identify problems with the SMN1 gene.

The US Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, is an organization that is responsible for the drinking water regulations in the country. And while tap water may be safe for some, it may not be the recommended choice for many. There could also be some side effects from drinking tap water, which are mentioned below. This article also highlights why a water purifier is recommended. Tap water regulations and side effects According to the EPA, anything other than water molecules found in the water is termed a contaminant. However, the EPA suggests that some contaminants are not as harmful at certain levels. The contaminant list includes bacteria, viruses, parasites, industrial runoff, lead, mercury, arsenic, and pesticides. Radium or uranium deposits in the soil could also contaminate the water in some areas. Here are some of the side effects of drinking tap water: In tap water, these contaminants are at deficient levels, and it is not that they are always present. However, if they reach the human body in huge quantities, it can lead to many health issues. Arsenic is known to trigger partial paralysis in some people, vomiting, numbness in hands and feet, stomach pain, diarrhea, discoloration of the skin, and blindness.

Carpets are a significant part of the home’s aesthetics. However, not many people know how to care well for them. This results in frequent mistakes that can damage the carpets and cost a lot of money. These have been recognized by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration (IICRC), and steering clear of them can help extend the life of the upholstery. Read on to learn about seven carpet cleaning mistakes and ways to avoid them. Scrubbing vigorously Scrubbing carpets too hard is not an effective way to remove the stains. In fact, it causes more damage to the fibers and can push the stain in deeper. Instead of scrubbing, try a blotting motion to lift any stains before following up with cleaners. Acting too slow Don’t wait for a spill to dry up, as this can make cleaning tougher. During this time, the spill seeps through the carpet fibers and reaches the padding, increasing the risk of mold growth. Try to clean it up as quickly as possible. Using the wrong products Today, carpets are made of a variety of fabrics. Each of the fabrics requires special care and attention, including certain cleaning products. Using the wrong cleaners can damage the integrity of the fibers and worsen fraying.

Installing new windows in a home is an excellent way to give it a new look. Home improvement projects like this are a lot of fun to manage, especially if they are DIY projects. However, if one does not have enough experience with such projects, one may end up making some common mistakes that can cost one dearly. This article lists a few such mistakes one can avoid when installing windows at home. Incorrect measurements It is extremely important to get the measurements of the window right. The window can be built to any size, so one must always be careful when taking measurements. If the window is of the standard size, it may be easy to work with as these are readily available. However, if it is a custom size, one must carefully tailor the requirements accordingly. Wrong-size jambs Jambs are critical in supporting and securing the window during the installation process. When measuring the window, it is also important to measure the width of the jambs. This ensures a snug fit of the window, which is important for its proper functioning. Improper weather-resistant barrier When the weather-resistant barrier is not installed properly during construction, it can lead to various issues in the future.

A business’s online reputation can make or break it, which means it can attract new customers or cause them to lose them to a competitor. Online reviews and social media impact small businesses; managing this online presence is crucial for success. Businesses employ dos and don’ts when doing so, and these become tentpoles to sustain the brand. One can safeguard their business’ reputation by avoiding common mistakes and implementing effective reputation management techniques. Neglecting online feedback A business’s online reputation should be actively managed as part of its digital marketing strategy; assuming it will take care of itself is a costly mistake. Negative reviews or comments, if left unaddressed, can quickly escalate, favoring the disgruntled party with a probable large following. This escalation can damage the business’s reputation and be challenging to control. Underutilizing social media Social media platforms offer opportunities to engage with the audience, showcase the brand, and quickly address concerns. When a business is not active on social media, it deprives itself of vital interaction, exposure, a chance to connect with customers, and an attempt to achieve brand loyalty. DIY reputation management Some professionals have the expertise, resources, and know-how to handle a business’s online reputation. For small businesses, handling their online presence can quickly get overwhelming, and they may fall behind in monitoring mentions, responding to queries, and addressing negative feedback.

Buying new furniture for the home can be exciting, as it gives individuals a chance to give their home or space a new look. However, when purchasing furniture, it is also important to be mindful of certain things and steer clear of some common pitfalls. Otherwise, one might end up regretting their purchase decision. So here are a few common mistakes individuals must avoid when buying new furniture for their home. 1. Not getting exact measurements Before purchasing furniture, one must measure the space where they want to place a particular piece of furniture. One should also include the dimensions of the hallway, the door, or any other space the furniture has to pass through. Even at the time of purchase, it is important to take measurements of the furniture that one is planning to buy. Making purchases based on assumed or approximated measurements is never a good idea. A furniture piece that is too bulky might make the room feel smaller or have to be placed elsewhere, and a furniture piece that is too small might look misplaced. 2. Not testing before buying The main purpose of furniture pieces such as chairs, beds, or sofa sets is to provide comfort.

Wristbands aren’t just functional accessories. They currently serve as one of the more effective and popular tools to spread awareness of a brand, company, event, or festival. Whether in promotional events or as merchandise, wristbands are the go-to product, and that’s why it’s so important to get it right. Here are some common wristband branding mistakes that companies should avoid if they want to ensure their brand messaging is loud and clear to their audience. Poor design Wristband designs should be visually appealing, easily recognizable, and aligned with the company’s brand identity. Cluttered designs, busy patterns, illegible fonts, excessive text, and unclear logos can defeat the purpose. Creativity, while essential in branding, can backfire if the design is overcomplicated or too obscure. Clean, simple, and easily recognizable with a minimalist approach is often a bigger success story. Colors, too, play a crucial role in branding, and designers must ensure that the wristband colors complement the brand. They must also avoid colors that make reading the text difficult. Customization features such as embossing, debossing, color-fill, or glow-in-the-dark effects should be explored to the fullest. Low-quality materials Using cheap, flimsy materials can reflect negatively on the brand. High-quality materials and those that would be comfortable and durable should be used.

Maintaining a house and keeping it in good shape is not easy. Many people get overwhelmed by the long list of pending repair tasks. It may include repairing the roof, mending broken furniture, fixing leaky pipes, etc. Each problem must be addressed so that it does not reoccur and cause inconvenience. One way to achieve this goal is to stay away from these four common home repair and maintenance mistakes. Overlooking routine maintenance Skipping regular maintenance is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make. Periodic inspections are crucial because they help catch potential issues early on and fix them. Property owners should create a checklist of all the home repair and maintenance tasks, covering everything from the smallest to the biggest ones. This proactiveness can help owners stop minor inconveniences from turning into major issues later on. Using the wrong tools People make mistakes when they use tools without proper knowledge or use the wrong equipment to fix a problem. These mistakes can result in shoddy repair jobs and subpar results, damaging the property. Homeowners who decide to DIY their home maintenance and repair tasks must first learn to use tools properly. One should also use quality raw materials and spare parts for the best outcome.

Buying a home security camera requires some analysis of the various cameras in the market. There are several options available, and each has features that cater to specific needs. So, to make the right decision, it is important to factor in things like why one needs the camera, the budget, and whether one needs extensive features or basic ones will suffice. Here are some of the popular security camera options one can explore. Reolink They have many options available under security cameras. Their popular product, Reolink Argus PT Ultra with Solar Panel, is preferred by many. It is known to have excellent video quality and is also affordable. Though it does not have much cloud storage option, it comes with a MicroSD card slot to manage that issue. SimpliSafe This brand is well known for its easy-to-use security cameras. One of their popular products includes the SimpliCam, which is a hassle-free camera. It can stream m1080HD videos and has two-way audio. These simple features work well enough for an indoor camera for a homeowner. They also have other cameras with more features, so browse the options before buying. Ring They have a variety of products like video doorbells and weatherproof cameras, which are a popular choice under the brand.

The effects of aging are inevitable and pervasive across all species, including dogs. One of the common conditions many pups develop with age is arthritis. Because of this, they lose cartilage and develop thicker bones, causing stiffness, pain, swelling, and a decreased range of motion. In addition to formal medical intervention, pet parents can also integrate other forms of therapy to ease their dogs’s lives. Some of these popular home remedies include the following: 1. Exercising Low-impact exercises such as walking or swimming can do wonders for strengthening the joints. It may also help improve the dog’s activity levels. Try to take the pets on frequent short walks to keep their joints moving. With time, slowly increase the duration of this activity to keep them happy, engaged, and healthy. 2. Getting massages and stretching Massaging and stretching can be relaxing for dogs, too. Speak to a veterinarian to learn more about safely practicing these techniques at home. A massage could be part of a great warm-up routine for older pets, while stretching may help them improve their muscle flexibility around affected areas. In more severe cases, pet parents may need to manually manipulate the joints to promote blood flow and reduce stiffness.