Reducing Anxiety with CBD Oil

CBD or Cannabidiol is a compound derived from the cannabis plant. There has been much speculation and controversy about using cannabis for medicinal purposes, but many studies have shown that CBD has contributed significant positive effects to the treatment of various illnesses. But what about when it comes to mental health? Can CBD help reduce anxiety?

According to research, CBD can reduce many symptoms of anxiety and the best part is it has little to no side effects.

Is It Dangerous?
Before anything else, it’s good to address the fear of some people that CBD may have some intoxicating effects such as that of THC. Though CBD and THC both come from cannabis, they have very different effects. THC is the cannabis chemical that gets you high and CBD does not have that effect.

People who use CBD do not experience any alterations of their mental state.

What Is CBD Oil?
What exactly is it? Cannabidiol or CBD is oil that is extracted from the cannabis plant. It is rich in chemicals called cannabinoids which has some effects on the brain’s receptors but it does not make a person feel high. It has many health benefits including the slowing of cancer cells and improving mental health.

You can consume CBD oil, use it as an added ingredient to food or you can take it as medication. Smoking it has no proven benefits.

What Does CBD Do to the Brain?
To understand how CBD can help in reducing anxiety symptoms, it’s good to know how it works in the brain.

CBD produces several effects in the brain. It is firstly a 5-HT1A agonist - which is a type of serotonin receptor. Mental issues such as depression and anxiety can usually be treated by targeting serotonin. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that is responsible for feelings of happiness. Drugs like SSRIs or serotonin reuptake inhibitors work by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain’s synaptic area. This can in turn, reduce anxiety and improve mood.

In the same way, CBD boosts signals through serotonin receptors. It enhances the transmission and even works faster than other drugs. It may even solve some of the limitations of the currently existing antidepressant medications.
 
Using CBD Oil to Reduce Anxiety
Clinical trials on humans have shown that CBD can help reduce anxiety. After patients with generalized anxiety consumed CBD, they reported a significant decrease in anxiety. The researchers validated these reports by scanning the patients’ brains and noted that there were patterns in the brain which are similar to the effects of anti-anxiety medication.

In a smaller study, patients who suffer from social anxieties took CBD before simulating a public speaking test. They reported that they had significantly less anxiety and researchers proved this by measuring physical symptoms like heart rate and blood pressure. Those who didn’t take CBD experienced higher anxiety and discomfort during the simulation.

This shows that CBD can significantly reduce anxiety and help with cognitive impairment and discomfort.

Finding new ways to treat anxiety is important because it can reduce risks of other incidents such as accidents. If you ever get into a vehicular accident because of anxiety, you should seek the help of a car accident attorney.

Conclusion
Those are just some of the research done about CBD and mental illnesses like anxiety. There is a wealth of studies that you can find showing how CBD significantly helps in the treatment of many other illnesses. Evidence from animal studies helped the scientific and medical community understand how it works in the brain and more and more human trials are starting to validate its positive effects.

This is a guest blog entry.

4 Tips To Stay Active And Injury-Free

In case you didn't know, there are two main reasons why sports injuries generally occur. These are none other than trauma and overuse. Traumatic injuries are often obvious or dramatic scenes. There is no doubt about that. For example, you see a basketball player clutching his knee after falling down. But as far as overuse injuries are concerned, they are likely to be more common than ever.

Overuse injuries can happen to you when your body pushed past its limits. The same thing can happen if you go beyond your level of conditioning. This is also the main reason why many athletes in sports these days are advised to keep an experienced personal injury lawyer handy. It is due to the fact that athletes are fond of pushing their body to the limits.

Anyway, the point here is that you must veer away from poor technique and training errors. If you are a young athlete or you simply love sports or any activity, here are some prevention tips to keep in mind.

Always Listen to Your Body

No other people know your body. It is only you. You have the concrete idea of what your body is capable of and how your workout is affecting you. This is where you need to listen to your body. If you are in pain, then do not try to exercise. To recover from it and take a few rests. Even more so, you must pay utmost attention to areas that are of particular personal risk. This could be having bad knees or a chronic back problem. Remember always that age is always capable of influencing your risk for injury. That is why it is important that you learn to adjust your fitness program according to your changing body.

Know Your History

If you have previous injuries, then you better put them into consideration all the time. They are simply a good indication of areas that you need to be extra careful about. For instance, you have badly injured your knees in the past. You must consider focusing your strengthening exercises to it, so it can rehabilitate and recover. Just make sure you do not overdo it. Otherwise, it will only defeat the purpose of getting injured (again). Moreover, you must consider keeping in mind of strategies that could help you be active and healthy. Above all, veer away from habits or activities that could put you at a great risk of getting injured.

Set Your Pace

Always remember this phrase: “Too much, too soon.” Basically, this phrase has always been the number one cause of most athletic injuries. People just seem to love the idea of neglecting the kind of activity or program that they could fit. The idea is that you must go with an activity and pace that are in accordance with your body limit. As soon as you find the right fitness level, you can gradually increase from there. However, you must pay attention to how your body reacts. Start by warming up and taking things slowly. If you think you have reached your limit, slow down and keep that pace at bay.

Define Your Goals

Seriously, it really helps if you consider defining your goals. For instance, you are training for an upcoming tournament or a marathon. You customized your workout according to this goal. Obviously, if you are into basketball, you want to go for programs that are designed for this type of sport. The idea is that you define your goals so you will know what sort of activities or exercise programs you must follow.

Well, there you have it! Remember that the effectiveness of these tips totally depends on you. Keep them in mind nonetheless!

Thi is a guest blog entry.

What Causes Insomnia and How to Treat It?

Sleep plays an important role in a person’s health, success, happiness, and overall well-being. In fact, sleeping is equally as important as eating healthy and exercising. Not getting enough sleep can affect your mood, the way you act, react, think, learn, work, and interact with others. It can also increase your risk of chronic health diseases.

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that is characterized by difficulty falling and/or staying asleep. Individuals with insomnia usually have difficulty falling asleep, wake up often at night, have trouble going back to sleep, wake up early in the morning, and feel tired once they wake up.

Insomnia can be caused by a lot of factors. Here are the common causes of insomnia:

1. Medical causes

Insomnia can be caused by a lot of medical conditions. These medical conditions can cause insomnia as a side effect or the symptoms of medical conditions can cause discomfort that makes it difficult for a person to sleep.

Some medical conditions that can cause insomnia are acid-reflux disease (GERD), Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, angina, arthritis, brain lesions, congestive heart failure, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic pain, hyperthyroidism, stroke, and tumors.

Medications taken for asthma, birth control, depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, nasal allergies and common cold, and thyroid disease can also interfere with sleep and cause insomnia.

Insomnia can also be linked to other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome.

2. Psychological problems

Psychiatric conditions and psychological problems like anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, or psychotic disorders can cause insomnia.

Insomnia can be a cause and a symptom of depression and depression can also cause an individual to have insomnia. Insomnia is more severe in patients with major depressive disorders. It can also trigger or worsen depression and depression can also trigger or worsen insomnia.

Symptoms of anxiety that can result in insomnia include:

• Getting caught up in deep thought
• Troubled about the past
• Worried about the future
• Tension
• Feeling overwhelmed

The stillness of the night keeps the mind wondering and worrying which can keep a person awake. It can bring out fears and stressful thoughts in a person.

3. Hormones and other biological factors

Hormones can cause insomnia such as estrogen that brings about hormone shifts during menstruation. Individuals with hormonal imbalance also usually have trouble sleeping.

Sometimes, insomnia can be caused by neurotransmitters located in the brain that are involved in sleeping and waking activities. There are a lot of possible chemical interactions in the brain that could prevent one from having quality sleep. This may be the cause of insomnia for individuals who can’t identify the cause of their insomnia.

4. Disruptions in sleeping pattern or circadian rhythm

Interferences in your normal sleeping schedule can cause insomnia. Disruptions such as jet lag or change in work shift usually makes it hard for an individual to fall asleep or to sleep uninterrupted.

5. Environmental factors

Extreme temperatures (extreme cold or extreme heat), environmental noise, high altitude, and light are some of the things that you cannot control and can cause you trouble sleeping.

6. Significant life stress

Going through stressful and traumatic experiences such as losing a loved one, changing or losing a job, divorce, and moving can make you worry and think a lot which could result in insomnia.

7. Unhealthy lifestyle and bad sleeping habits

Insomnia can also be triggered by certain habits and behaviors when it comes to sleeping.

Bad sleeping habits such as the following can cause insomnia:

• Taking naps in the afternoon
• Sleeping later or longer to make up for lost sleep
• Working at home in the evening
• Watching too much television or playing too much computer games at night
• Working in different shifts

The following bad habits (food, drinks, or habits) can cause insomnia:

• Coffee
• Alcohol
• Heavy meals before bedtime
• Smoking

Insomnia can cause serious problems and illnesses so it’s important to have it checked and treated right away once it becomes regular. Treatment may involve medication, therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), stimulus control, mindfulness and relaxation training, and alternative medicine or home remedies such as cbd-oil-help-your-sleep.

This is a guest blog entry.

How Prescription Drug Abuse Affects the Body

Abuse of drugs, prescription or otherwise, is a growing problem in today’s world. In fact, about 20% of the US population has abused prescription drugs at one point. This is a serious issue.

But how exactly does prescription drug abuse affect the body? Here are the primary ways that the human body is negatively impacted by prescription drug use.

Effects of Prescription Drugs

The three types of prescription drugs that are most often abused are opioids, depressants, and stimulants.

Opioids have gained recent exposure as the “opioid epidemic” has risen in America. They are primarily used to treat pain, which they do by blocking pain receptors. This can temporarily cause a feeling of euphoria, which is why it’s frequently abused. While opioids can be safe for use over a short period of time, long term abuse is extremely damaging to the body, and addiction to the euphoric state it creates is common.

Depressants are another severely addictive prescription drug. Depressants are used to suppress functions of the central nervous system (CNS) and are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. The most common depressants are benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Valium, and Ativan. Depressants work by affecting the brain neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and by lowering brain activity, which has a calming and sleep-inducing effect. Again, while depressants are prescribed for short term, specific usage, but abuse can result in permanent damage to the brain. 

The final type of prescription drug that is frequently abused are stimulants, like amphetamines. The most commonly used stimulants are Adderall and Ritalin, which are medically used to treat attention-deficit- disorder (ADD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Stimulants raise the heart rate, blood sugar, and blood pressure, constrict blood vessels, and open the pathways of the respiratory system, which is fine in moderation, but with frequent use can be extremely damaging to the body. These stimulant drugs are usually abused for their increased energy and focus effects, which makes them popular among high school and college students, as well as those with demanding jobs and long hours. 

Danger of Prescription Drugs

When they are taken for the prescribed reasons and within the right dosage, these drugs are safe, but overuse and abuse can create number of health problems and cause significant damage to the body.

Prescription drug abuse is on the rise because these drugs are so much easier to obtain than illicit ones. Prescription drugs can be obtained at your local pharmacy, via online pharmacies, and are easily stolen and then abused. Not everyone who begins using prescription drugs will fall victim to addiction, but it’s incredibly hard to predict, which is another reason prescription drugs are so dangerous. There are many external factors, such as environment, body composition, genetics, emotional state, and age that play a role in whether or not someone may become addiction to prescription drugs, but it truly is unpredictable.

If you worry that someone you care about may be struggling with prescription drug abuse, there are a number of drug rehabilitation centers that you can suggest and recommend. The important thing is not to accuse, but to have your suggestion come from a true place of love and support. The decision to enter a rehab facility is ultimately a solo one, but by offering your unconditional support, hopefully you can help your loved one make the right choice for them and their future.

This is a guest blog entry.

Free Radicals and How They Affect the Body Functioning

Free radicals refer to unstable atoms that have the potential to damage body cells causing premature aging and illness. Oxygen molecules in the body system split as part of their transformation into single atoms with unpaired electrons.

The imbalance in electronic pairing results into free radicals. These are always reacting, looking for other atoms to bond to for stability. The frantic movement and chemical reactions of the free radicals set in motion a process known as oxidative stress. This is dangerous to the body cells and causes a wide range of diseases symptomized by wrinkles and other conditions.

How Free Radicals Damage the Body

In 1956, the free radical theory of aging was first outlined, and it suggested that free radicals break cells down gradually. As the body system ages, its ability to fight the effects of free radicals is lost and this causes more radicals to accumulate hence oxidative stress. The degenerative process this causes is known as aging.

A number of studies and theories have been put forward connecting the impact of free radicals and oxidative stress to conditions such as:

• Alzheimer’s and other diseases of the central nervous system
• Cardiovascular diseases caused by clogged arteries
• Cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune disorders
• Wrinkles, skin elasticity loss, hair loss, and hair texture changes among other age-related signs
• Diabetes
• Parkinson’s, Huntington’s disease among other genetic degenerative diseases

Though the free radical theory of aging is somewhat recent, there are numerous studies that support its theoretical framework and postulation. Several studies done on rats show increases in the concentration of free radicals as they age. The findings then tie up with declines in health as a result of age.

Causes of Free Radicals

The body naturally produces free radicals. However, lifestyle factors can accelerate the process of free radical production and this includes:

•    Exposure to pesticides, polluted air, and toxic chemicals
•    Alcohol
•    Smoking
•    Fried foods

These and other lifestyle factors have also been linked to diseases affecting the heart and cancer. The underlying denominator to all these conditions is oxidative stress which is directly connected to free radicals.

Supplements and Antioxidant Foods

Any foods containing vitamin C and E, beta-carotene, glutathione, oligomeric proanthocyanidin, and phytoestrogens, are considered antioxidants. In short, they cancel out any effects imposed by free radicals on the body. Examples of such foods include citrus fruits, berries, and carrots. Soybeans are particularly rich in phytoestrogens and they can substitute meat.

Since the body doesn’t get enough antioxidants from foods taken, health supplements are necessary.

Most of them are available in local chemist and drug stores. You can get other supplements such as anthogenol online. Research studies support the use of supplements to enable the body to reach the recommended daily allowance for each of the nutrients it is deficient in.

The best approach to fighting free radicals is, therefore, a combined strategy involving a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, prescription-based supplementation, and avoiding the lifestyle factors that can cause accumulation of free radicals.

This is a guest blog entry.

Senior Home Care

Most seniors will eventually need assistance. It can be very difficult for loved ones to know when that moment comes. However, the process of hiring a caregiver will be easier if you’re not trying to do it after a crisis. Choosing the right person can be the difference between being able to stay home and having to move into a long-term care facility.
 
When to Hire a Caregiver

There are many signs that you can use as guideposts in your decision. If you’re the primary caregiver, you may find yourself becoming overwhelmed. Perhaps your loved one’s needs have grown too numerous or perhaps you desperately need a break but never seem to get one.

Making yourself ill won’t help your loved one. You need to take care of yourself as well. If you constantly find that your own needs are neglected, it’s time to start thinking about getting outside help.

An in-home caregiver might be a shock at first. However, your loved one should be able to adapt to the right person. The caregiver’s goal is to make your life easier, not harder. That means he or she will try to disrupt your routine as little as possible. Your loved one’s comfort is paramount.

There are also physical signs that your loved one needs a caregiver. How is their balance? Do they have trouble standing up from chairs? Seniors who are unsteady on their feet are at risk of falling. If someone isn’t home to help when the fall occurs, your loved one could spend hours laying on the ground in agony.

You should also look at your loved one’s self-care routine. Are they taking their medication correctly? If your loved one is unable to take their medication on their own, you’ll need to find someone to start supervising them. It’s very important that they follow their doctor’s treatment plan.

Skipping medications can wreak havoc on your body

Massachusetts company North River Home Care notes that it’s “crucial” that family members “obtain superior home care services for a loved one needing assistance.”

How to Talk to Your Loved one About Home Care

Once you’ve noticed the signs that your loved one needs extra assistance to get through their day-to-lives, it can be incredibly difficult to initiate the conversation. Your loved one might become upset or emotional. They might be resistant to change or feel unhappy about needing help.

It may seem like a daunting task but you don’t want to put off the conversation for too long. Your loved one might be injured or they might go days without taking their medication.

Often, the person knows or suspects that they need help. They might feel nervous about talking about it aloud or they might be afraid to ask for help.
 
Advantages of Home Care

There are huge benefits to hiring an in-home caregiver. Many adults appreciate the ability to remain in their own home for as long as possible. Adapting to life with a caregiver can be hard. Doing it in an environment that you already feel comfortable in can make the process easier.

In-home care is cheaper than a nursing home and provides more individualized attention. Your loved one’s caregiver will be focused entirely on them.

You should also highlight the fact that your loved one will be more independent with a caregiver than if they moved into a residential or nursing facility. Their life doesn’t have to change drastically.

One of the biggest advantages of hiring a caregiver is the peace of mind that it’ll give both you and your loved one. You’ll know that if anything happens, your loved one won’t be alone.

Choosing a Home Care Provider

Few decisions are as important as choosing the right home care provider. It’s a big change in your loved one’s life. You want everything to go as smoothly as possible. That means hiring someone that you can trust. The caregiver will be witness to intimate moments. They’ll see your loved one during times when they’re vulnerable or frightened. It’s really important to choose a quality person.

You should also think about your loved one’s needs. If they have serious medical complications, they might need a licensed nurse to care for them rather than a caregiver. This is a decision you can make with your loved one’s doctor if you don’t feel comfortable making it yourself.

Whatever you decide to do, there are resources you can use to help. Before settling on a caregiver, read reviews about the company they work for. If there are a lot of negative reviews, be wary.

This is a guest blog entry.

Exploring The Benefits Of Dry Needling

Over the years, doctors have come up with many unique ways to treat various health conditions. Some of these treatment techniques have been long left behind. Others are still used to this very day. This is where dry needling enters the picture. This type of treatment has proven to be very effective and this is one of the main reasons that it is still around. Dry needling is unique, because it offers safer solutions to an abundance of problems, provided that it is done by someone with the proper training. Below, you’re going to learn a great deal more about the benefits of dry needling.

What Is It?

First and foremost, you should take the time to learn a little more about the basics of dry needling. This is a type of treatment in which a thin needle is pushed into the skin. The ultimate goal is to stimulate a specific trigger point. The treatment is primarily used to soften tight muscle bands. It can also fix hard bands of muscles that could be causing widespread pain. When used correctly, dry needling can be far more effective than many of the alternatives. Remember that dry needling or trigger point dry needling is much different than acupuncture.

What Can It Treat?

You’ll be happy to learn that dry needling is effective for many unique purposes. It can be used to treat migraines and headaches caused by tension. The American Physical Therapy Association also recommends dry needling for carpal tunnel, whiplash, spinal dysfunction, nocturnal cramps and so much more. If you’re dealing with any type of pain and you want to avoid those dangerous pharmaceuticals, you will definitely want to try treating the problem with dry needling. It could make a real difference in your life.

The Main Perks

Now, it is time to delve deeper into the main perks associated with dry needling. When you do, you’re quickly going to see why so many people prefer this option. First and foremost, it has been confirmed time and again that effective dry needling can help reduce the patient’s pain. In a study, 14 patients suffering from bilateral shoulder pain were analyzed. Half of the group received dry needling therapy and the other group did not. The group that received the treatment admitted that their pain had been reduced.

It is also possible to improve movement through dry needling. The treatment is capable of improving range of motion for many patients. If you’re having a difficult time walking or moving about, you should definitely speak with your doctor about dry needling. Finally, you should know that dry needling is great for speeding up the recovery process. Those who want to be active right away should give it a try for themselves.

Better Than Pharmaceuticals

Finally, you should know that dry needling can be a better solution than pharmaceuticals due to medication-related side effects. Dry needling may be able to remedy the problem at its source. With that being said, you should learn more about ultrasound guided dry needling. It can be even more effective. You can learn more about that type of treatment by visiting https://nydnrehab.com/treatment-methods/ultrasound-guided-dry-needling-in-new-york-city/.

This is a guest blog entry.

Four Early Signs of A Pregnancy

Pregnancy is almost every woman's desire in their quest to produce children. However, not many aspiring mothers are aware of the signs to look out for which might confirm that the sperm has successfully merged with the egg.

Here are four signs that indicate that a woman is pregnant. It's almost a 100% sure bet with these four signs. Speaking of a sure bet, if you're one who is cut out for the betting game, then you can test your wits online at Novibet casino.

1. Frequent Urination

If you notice that you engage in trips to the toilet at regular intervals at night, then this could be a sign that a certain fertilized egg has started its implantation on the uterine wall.

It has been gathered that the pregnancy hormone or hCG hormone induces frequent urges to pee regardless of the tiny size of the embryo. This happens, although there is no real pressure being applied to the bladder from a growing baby at the time.

2. Nausea
 
This is usually referred to as morning sickness or sometimes all day sickness. Regardless, it is a common experience for many women who are in the early stages of a pregnancy. It is believed that about 50% of women will experience vomiting and nausea in the course of their first trimester.
Although nausea is an early sign of pregnancy, a good number of women don't experience vomiting until two weeks to about two months after their conception.


3. Feelings of fatigue and exhaustion

This occurs at conception due to the rapid rise of progesterone levels in the course of the first trimester of pregnancy.

Progesterone can be described as a hormone that sustains a pregnancy. It functions by preventing contractions in the uterus and also inhibits early immune responses. This eventually results in the pregnancy carrier always being tired and fatigued.

4. You'll experience a cold

As the progesterone hormone swings into action by preventing the immune system from launching any attacks against the new foreign DNA in the body, viruses can have a swell time by inflicting a cold on the individual. Even the mildest of colds can knock a pregnant woman down at that moment.

If you have these signs and symptoms and suspect that you may be pregnant, please consult with your physician.

This is a guest blog entry.

10 Lesser-Known Tips for a Better Sleep When You're Pregnant

If there ever was a time that your body required ample sleep, it would be during your pregnancy. Of course, this hardly ever goes according to plan. There are those unfamiliar hormones swirling through your brain, those worrying thoughts about your baby’s future, that increasingly heavy pressure upon your bladder, the leg cramps, the heartburn, and many other issues which force your eyes open at night.

Unfortunately, some loss of sleep is unavoidable, but by making several small alterations to your approach, you may catch a few extra hours to help you face the next day. Here are 10 of the lesser-known tips to keep you snoring:

1. Stop Hydrating in Your Evenings
During your busy day, you may forget to stock up on your water levels and then compensate by downing a few glasses once you get home. This approach is backwards especially when it comes to late night bathroom visits. Rather, keep a bottle of water by your side all day to sufficiently hydrate in the earlier hours, then cut back substantially in the evening.

2. Snack on Crackers
Many bouts of a pregnancy insomnia are a result of a nighttime heartburn. If this sounds familiar, then reevaluate your diet by eliminating any spicy and acidic foods while allowing two hours of digesting time before you go to sleep. To avoid a plummet in your blood sugar levels, a pre-bed nibble on some dry crackers should be a safe bet to satisfy your stomach and curb any nausea.

3. Follow a Ritual
A great way to make friends with your body clock is to build a routine which will train your brain into recognizing when sleep is approaching. This means climbing into bed at the same time every night, including the weekends. You can also incorporate other regular activities into the mix, such as drinking warm milk, taking a shower, or convincing your partner to give you a massage if you’re lucky enough.

4. Set the Room Temperature
According to sleep.org, the ideal temperature for a good night’s sleep is somewhere between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Experiment with layers of blankets, opening a window or fiddling with the thermostat until you find the numbers which best suit you. You should also look at keeping the room as dark as possible.

5. Use a Body Pillow
Once you’ve hit the sack, comfort should be your main priority. A soft but firm mattress is an essential start, but you should also position different sized pillows all around your body to elevate and relieve pressure. For even better results, invest in a specifically designed pregnancy pillow that supports your hips and spine.

6. Sleep on Your Left Side
The pressure of your expanding uterus may cause some discomfort to your liver, hence why many people prefer to sleep on their left side (doctors recommend it too), shifting the weight away from this organ. That said, don’t force this position if it does not come naturally to you, as sleeping on your right side won’t do any harm either. However, you must avoid sleeping on your back at all costs, otherwise, you could cause severe problems for your baby.

7. Try Some Pre-sleep Yoga
Whether your sleeping troubles stem from physical cramps or an anxious state of mind, you should benefit from a quick stretch while exhaling your stressful thoughts away. If yoga doesn’t interest you, then why not explore other healthy options such as meditation, swimming, or pilates. Speak to your doctor if you’re worried about any physical limitations.

8. Nap Very Carefully
There is a debate about napping during pregnancy. Some argue that it’s better to skip the naps altogether and rather push through the day, opting to go to bed an hour earlier if need be. Others believe that a maximum of 30 minutes shouldn’t negatively affect your routine sleep especially if you’ve had a rough night previously. But regardless of your choice, please remember that less than six hours of nightly sleep can substantially increase the chances of a cesarean birth, according to the UCSF School of Nursing.

9. Keep the Bedroom Sacred
As the name “bedroom” suggests, this area of your house should be used exclusively for bed activities alone. This means no electronic devices, no work-related tasks, and no stressful parenting books. Rather spend an hour before bedtime winding yourself down by reading a fiction novel or filling in a crossword, and then tuck yourself in.

10. Don’t Suffer Alone
Has insomnia become a regular problem in your life? Then go visit a medical professional immediately. They have seen it all before and together you can find the safest solution to fit your exact circumstances. Simply ask for help.

This is a gust blog entry.

4 Safe Exercises to Improve Senior Health

Seniors require a specialized exercise program that focuses on mobility and balance. A slip-and-fall accident is a life-threatening event for a senior. Should they break a hip, a surgical procedure is the only means of repairing the damage. Undergoing anesthesia may end up costing them their life as the drugs may cause complications during and after the operation.

Therefore, it's vital that seniors do everything they can to maintain optimal physical health. Here are 4-safe exercises to implement in a daily routine that builds balance and enhances mobility.

1. Walking

Taking a walk is the most effective form of cardiovascular exercise for seniors. Walking strengthens the muscular and skeletal system while lowering blood pressure and reducing cholesterol levels. Walking for 5-minutes every day will extend longevity and improve structural balance.

“Proprioception,” is the term that defines the feeling of locating your limbs in space. This feeling means that you understand where your feet are while walking.

A walk increases mobility in the hips and knees, ensuring that they remain mobile and work through a full range of motion.

2. Plank

The core defines the set of muscles wrapping under the rib cage, through the abdominals and hips into the upper legs. Improving your core strength keeps your spine straight and healthy, preventing posture problems that result in the development of lower back issues, such as lumbar spondylosis.

The plank is an incredibly useful posture exercise to strengthen the core muscles. Start the plank by lying on your stomach. Raise your body into the pushup position while leaning on your forearms instead of your hands to reduce the impact on the shoulders.

Don’t drop your glutes, or bend your spine during the plank movement. Stop the exercise and return to the floor as soon as your form begins to break down. Try for five repetitions of the plank. Do this exercise three times a week until you build enough core strength to do it every day.

3. Squats

The squat is the most effective exercise for building strength. This compound movement works ancillary and supporting muscle groups during the squat motion. Squatting strengthens your quadriceps, hamstrings, hip flexors, core, and back.

To execute the squat correctly, start with your feet shoulder width apart. Raise your arms in from of you, perpendicular to the floor. Bend at the knees and hips while keeping your back straight and sink your glutes as far down to your ankles as possible. Initially, limit movement to your upper legs being parallel to the floor. As you progress with the exercise, try to sink further towards your ankles.

Use a yoga ball if you find it challenging to keep your balance during the squat. Place the ball on a wall behind you and lean into it with your back while you execute the movement. This posture provides you with extra support and takes the pressure away from your knees and hips.

4. Single Leg Stand

This exercise is easy to execute anywhere and at any time. It’s doesn’t require much physical effort to complete the single leg stand. Raise your foot and stand on one leg whenever you stand by the kettle to make a cup of coffee or stand in line at the post office.

You don’t have to raise your foot far from the floor for the exercise to be effective. With a little practice, you’ll be able to hold this pose indefinitely. This exercise builds your balance and makes you less likely to trip and fall.

Last Words

Try out these four exercises and note your experience with them in a journal. Write down your repetitions for squats, depth on the squat, as well as your time with the plank. By the end of the first month, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your balance and strength. While you’re exercising, keep a medical alert device close by in case something goes wrong. Read these reviews before buying your equipment.

This is a guest blog entry.

10 Creative Hobby Ideas for Seniors

When discussing the health of seniors, everyone is quick to encourage regular physical activity and a balanced diet. Of course, these are essential components to living a long and thriving life, but you must not forget about the importance of self-expression and passion too.

By pursuing a creative interest, you take hold of a powerful weapon against boredom, as you use your time constructively while keeping the brain stimulated. No matter your age, it’s always the right time to awaken that dormant artist within you. Check out these 10 fun (and healthy) hobby ideas for seniors:

1. Playing an Instrument
Everyone has dreamed of exploring the music world at some point in their life, so whether you’re blowing the dust off of your old guitar or touching the piano keys for the first time, here is an exciting avenue for creative expansion. No matter what your choice of instrument, your hand-eye coordination will be challenged as your fingertips get working with the brain, producing sounds which flow through you and soothe your very soul.

2. Painting
When one thinks of art therapy, painting is usually the first choice that comes to mind. The minute actions of the brush require an intense focus which will help tackle your anxiety and hone your fine motor skills. Painting does require a host of different utensils and tools so practice care and utilize ease-of-use tools like a reacher with a good grip to aid in reaching, grabbing, and picking up objects like paint jars and canvases.

3. Pottery
There is a certain healing power of squeezing soft clay through your fingers while exploring the limitations that this medium presents. For starters, the challenging actions required by the hands are good for strengthening your fingers and wrists. Furthermore, the patience and thought each piece demands can teach you to relax. And finally, once you’re finished, you’ll have a useable or aesthetically pleasing object to treasure.

4. Photography and Scrapbooking
Once you get the hang of modern-day digital cameras and their seemingly endless features, then you can join the millions of people around the world who have become obsessed with capturing visually-striking imagery. No matter what your interest (be it nature, people, landscapes, or architecture), you can preserve these moments by collecting them in a scrapbook (physically or online), allowing you to flip through these memories whenever you desire a glimpse into your past.

5. Sewing or Knitting
If nimble fingers and finely tuned motor skills are your objectives, then this could be the hobby for you! Needle work is a relaxing activity which is easily pursued without even turning off the TV. And once you’ve sharpened your skills, the inexpensive gift ideas are only limited by your imagination!

6. Gardening
Gardening is a senior favorite when it comes to creative hobbies because you can design and maintain your garden while enjoying health-boosting sunlight and fresh air. There is an undeniable therapeutic value to nurturing nature and the results are so tangible that you may want to admire them for hours. Not to mention that you can even grow your own food if you want!

7. Dancing
Very few pastimes will benefit all areas of your life quite the same as dancing does. Your muscles will strengthen due to the cardio workout, your balance will improve which will minimize the chances of future tumbles, and your memory will be challenged to recall your steps, exercising your body and mind at the same time. And, of course, it’s a lot of fun!

8. Cooking
People tend to overlook cooking as a creative outlet, but make no mistake that the experimentation and knowledge required to successfully execute the plan is as artistic as any other. What’s more, the end result can be appreciated by everybody, because who doesn’t love a good healthy meal?

9. Coloring
If you disregard coloring as some children’s play game, then you are doing yourself a great disservice. This process requires no thought, only a meditative concentration to stay within the lines as you gradually tap into that childlike appreciation for color. This is also the ideal starting point for those who don’t believe that they are naturally creative.

10. Writing
Do you have a knack for telling elaborate stories? Have you lived an exceptional life which deserves to be recognized? Do you have any past traumas that you’d like to work through? The art of writing can be the greatest way to advance all of these thoughts, not by using some bright colors or fancy abstract imagery, but rather, your naked language alone. And best of all, it costs next to nothing to pursue!

This is a guest blog entry.

3 of the most important hormones which play a vital part in functioning of human body

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Usually the most common evil which keep you from achieving your health and physical goals is that extra slice of cake and those chocolate chip cookies. Do you think this is enough to spot the culprit that’s not letting you lose weight or is there something that is lying deep down inside? Is it something which is even smaller which is microscopic? Are your hormones functioning properly? Hormones are the chemical messengers which travel through the blood and reach every tissue and organ of the human body.

Are you eager to get that perfect body before summer hits in? Regardless of whether you’re a male or a female who’s reading this post, here we will give you the names of the most vital organs which influence your health.

#1: GROWTH HORMONE

In case you’ve ever considered gaining strength and muscles, there are high chances that you’ve heard about growth hormone which is produced by the pituitary gland. When this hormone is produced in the right amount, it boosts muscle mass and decreases the accumulation of body fat. Older men suffer from such an opposite impact and growth hormone is considered as an anti-aging hormone. You can opt for HGH injections to stave off the most common signs of aging as this is the quickest way. Visit www.hgh.biz to consult with the best doctors on this. HIIT or High Intensity Interval Training is the best form of exercise to boost levels of HGH.

#2: TESTOSTERONE

If you thought that testosterone is just vital for males, you’re wrong as they also play a vital role in females as well. Though the levels in female are much lower but still they have a function. In the males, this hormone is secreted by their testes and in the females, the ovaries produce the in very small amount. When testosterone is produced in the right level, this can boost muscle mass and also improve the functioning of the brain. A sudden fall in the level can be dangerous and this is when you might require consulting the doctor.

#3: ESTROGEN
 
This is usually considered as a hormone only for females, but it is also found among the males. When this hormone is produced at the best level, it regulates the cycles of female reproduction. Estrogen also plays a vital role in boosting the sex drive. There are some studies that estrogen can impact the recovery of muscles and the health of human brain. While the benefits of estrogen are confirmed, the levels of estrogen can have a bad impact on the fat stored in the body. In case there are excess fat tissues in the body, there are harmful impacts in both females and males.

Though small, hormones usually have a rather powerful impact on the human body. You have to realize and understand how hormones have an impact on your life and how they play a role in maintaining the kind of physique you want. Good habits like proper nutrition, regular exercise and enough sleep can also help in the functioning of your body.

This is a guest blog entry.

8 Things to Consider Before LASIK Eye Surgery

You have probably heard wonderful things about the amazing outcome you can expect with LASIK eye surgery and much of what you have heard and read is probably true. However, the one thing you should always understand before any medical or surgical procedure is that results will vary from patient to patient and your doctor will be in the best position to give you what they consider to be a realistic prognosis. Having said that, some people do achieve 20/20 vision and that is something you can hope for. However, do discuss what your surgeon hopes to accomplish before getting any false expectations.

1. Your Choice of Surgeon

When it comes to surgery of any kind, it pays to know your surgeon. Not only should you have one or more consultations prior to surgery, but you should also take the time to read their website and any literature you may be given at your initial appointment. For example, when considering Visionary Eye Centre in Sherwood Park, AB, you can read their website, browse through the services they offer and even request appointments online. It’s good to know you can reach your doctor without being on hold for lengthy periods of time.

2. Make Sure to Follow All Instructions

Your doctor will give you any instructions you need before arriving for surgery. Be sure to read them and read them again so that you follow them to the letter. You are given those instructions for a reason and the success of surgery may very well depend on what you do in the time leading up to the big day.

3. You Will Not Be Under General Anesthesia

Some people don’t like the idea of being awake for surgery of any kind, even LASIK which is a type of non-invasive surgery. If you are uncomfortable with this, make sure to discuss this with your doctor prior to setting a date for surgery.

4. You May Have What Is Called a “Refractive Error”

Some patients may require a second procedure based on their eyesight. The worse a patient’s eyes are going in, the likelier it will be that they may need to go back for refinements. Again, this is something you will want to discuss with your doctor in advance. Does your doctor think you will need more than one procedure?

5. Learn About Any Possible Risks

Most patients are concerned when going into any kind of surgery, even non-invasive procedures like LASIK surgery. If you are worried about any risks, this is something you can discuss with your doctor or research online. Although complications are quite rare, every patient is different, and this is something to understand right up front. Major ‘risks’ include infection, inflammation and correction that is over or under the expected outcome.

6. Never Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Some patients are actually afraid to insult their doctors by asking too many questions. Remember, this is your body, and these are your eyes, so you are entitled to ask any questions you feel would make you more comfortable with the procedure and with the doctor and team you are trusting. It is your right to ask about any concerns you may have.

7. Understand Post-Op Care

As with any kind of surgery or procedure, your doctor will give you post-op instructions to follow. Make sure you understand them completely and follow them precisely as given. If you feel something isn’t right or experience any undue swelling, inflammation or pain, call your doctor immediately. As mentioned, some amount of swelling and inflammation is normal, but extremes should be seen to immediately.

8. Is LASIK Right for You?

Taking all of the above into consideration, you may be questioning whether or not LASIK surgery is right for you. From a medical perspective, if your optometrist has recommended you for this procedure, the chances are very good that you can expect a good outcome. However, just because your doctor recommended LASIK surgery, doesn’t always mean it is right for you. Don’t be afraid to ask whether there are other treatments which can yield comparable results and always ask your doctor if this is the best treatment for you. Even then, understand that the decision is in your hands and your hands alone.

A Quick Summary of What You Should Know

When all is said and done, LASIK surgery is heralded as the best thing to hit eyecare since the invention of ‘spectacles’ way back, once upon a time. It is a non-invasive procedure where once patients had to undergo the knife, and the healing rate is much faster than any other type of surgery simply because it is just that, non-invasive. If you are concerned about whether or not your healthcare covers LASIK and if not, what the cost would be, this is also something you should know in advance.

Just remember, never be afraid to ask your doctor anything that concerns you, including cost. Your rights as a patient dictate that you are entitled to any information regarding your care and this includes LASIK procedures. You’ll know it’s right for you when all your questions have been satisfied.

This is a guest blog entry.

What Causes Cavities And How To Prevent Them

Cavities can be a real pain in the teeth. They’re a common health problem worldwide, people of any age can get them, they’re difficult to completely avoid, and some people have teeth that are just prone to getting them, now matter how much sugar they avoid. But what exactly causes cavities, and can anything be done to prevent them?

 
Cavities are small holes in the teeth that form where there are weakened areas in the hard surfaces of the teeth. This tooth decay and damage can happen for several reasons.These include improper or insufficient cleaning routines, sugary drinks and snacks, bacteria in the mouth, and poor-quality tooth enamel. Cavities that are left alone continue to enlarge and deepen and the decay will reach into the deeper layers of the gumline and nerves. Infection and tooth loss are entirely possible.

Avoid sugar and starches

Sugar and starches cause plaque to form, and plaque that sticks around can harden into tartar, which creates a protective shield for bacteria. Acids in plaque dissolve minerals in the hard enamel layer and holes form. The bacteria and acid continuethrough and eat into the layer of dentin, which connects to the nerves of the teeth. Tooth pain could be an indicator that a cavity is present. Further damage occurs when the bacteria moves through to the pulp, where nerves and blood vessels reside. This is when more serious pain and toothaches start.

Your local professionals like Hawthorne Village Dental Care should be visited regularly to find and care for cavities. Affected teeth can be cleaned and fillings put in to stop the growth of the cavity and prevent a new one from forming at that site. Your dentist and dental hygienist can help with tips for preventing cavities. This includes proper brushing and flossing, plus professional cleaning and rinses, regularly.

Increased risk factors for cavities include eating food that sticks to the teeth like

• candy
• desserts
• ice cream
• honey
• soda
• chips
• and crackers

Plus sipping on sugary drinks sees a constant stream of sugar washing over your pearly whites. It’s important to brush and floss regularly to remove the starch, sugar, and debris that form plaque, and to get rid of the plaque already there. Teeth that are hard to reach at the back get cavities most often. If you’re not getting enough fluoride from your toothpaste, from your city’s drinking water, or through treatments at the dentist, this can also lead to decay.

Heartburn, Heartbreak

Acid from heartburn can affect tooth enamel. Having a dry mouth can lead to more damage because saliva, and components within it, can’t clear debris and plaque away. Old fillings and damage caused by teeth grinding can also create spaces for bacteria to grow.

Other ways besides brushing and flossing that can help with prevention is visiting the dentist regularly; rinsing your mouth with mouthwash that contains fluoride; dental sealants that can be professionally applied to the chewing surface of teeth; drinking from the public water supply and not bottled water; avoiding snacking on sugars and starches and to brush teeth after consuming these foods; antibacterial treatments; and chewing on prescription gum.

Ask your dentist about these options and which they recommend for your personal situation.  

This is a guest blog entry.

Everything You Need to Know About Integrative Medicine

Integrative medicine combines modern Western medical practices and understandings and combines it with alternative therapies such a stress-reduction techniques, supplements, herbal medicine and acupuncture. Integrative medicine encourages people to question their health and the clinical nature of therapies in the context of wellness (not sickness) which empowers people to be active participants in their own health. As a wellness-driven medicine, integrative medicine does not look at issues in the context of treating patients, but in the context of treating issues.

All throughout recent history, medicine has focused on treating the symptoms rather than treating the patient who is being affected by an illness or ailment. Whilst this form of medicine is sometimes successful, it isn’t always so. For example, in emergencies, western medicine is more of a quick fix that doesn’t always get to the root of the actual problem being complained of. Because the individual is ignored, and it is the symptoms which are given all the attention and treatment, the patient does not get 100% better and will likely find themselves back in hospital.

How Does Integrative Medicine Work?

Our human bodies are complex machines which intertwine different systems so that we can function. Integrative medicine looks at the various factors which impact how these systems work, or don’t work, in each person and takes an individualized approach to providing treatment. Integrative medicine recognizes that what is right for one patient is not necessarily right for another. There are several factors which need to be considered such as lifestyle factors and health history, for example, and providing a blanket approach to treatment like western medicine tends to do is not always going to provide the most optimum results.

The overall success of integrative medicine is very dependent on there being an open relationship between healthcare practitioners and patients. And, in-order to treat a patient properly, healthcare practitioners must know everything there is to know about a patient such as health history, diet and lifestyle. This is known as patient-centered care.

What is Patient-Centered Care?

In short, patient-centered care is an idea practiced by most healthcare practitioners who subscribe to integrative medicine. Patient-centered care is the very core of integrative medicine and it is all about making sure that the patient is put first, beyond anything else. The practitioner makes sure that the patient is provided with everything they need in addition to traditional western medical practices in-order to make a quick and full recovery where there won’t be a high chance of recourse. By putting the patient first, it is not just the illness which is treated but the entire mind, body and spirit all at the same time.

In the U.S., recent legislative changes in the arena of healthcare have elevated integrative medicine by openly stating how important it is for healthcare practitioners to focus on all healthcare options available, not just clinical medicine. To this effect, many healthcare practitioners now take a more holistic and integrative medical approach to their treatments.

In addition to the above, employers have begun to align their healthcare premiums with the relative health and wellness of their employees. This creates accountability for health - if you aren’t healthy, you will pay more - and helps to complement patient-centered care. Integrative medicine can be supplemented with Integrative Therapeutics products which are created with integrative medicine practices in mind. Integrative Therapeutics are widely recognized as the leading provider of integrative medicine and their range of supplemental products are often provided during their treatment programs. They are conveniently available to buy through Blue Sky Vitamin.

3 Ways Integrative Medicine Benefits Patients

1. It Targets the Root of an Illness

The medical community widely understands integrative medicine to get to the root of problems rather than just slap on a quick fix, and the current trend within medicine is to “treat the person” rather than “treat the symptoms.” Rather than simply addressing a current problem, integrative medicine looks towards the root of the problem and doesn’t just treat symptoms, but teaches the patient how to change their habits or practices which caused the problem in the first place. In the long-term, this is very effective and keeps people out of hospitals.

2. It Addresses Chronic Problems

Integrative medicine is fantastic for people who suffer from long-term chronic problems which are difficult to treat. Because doctors need to spend a longer amount of time with patients suffering from chronic issues so that they are able to fully understand what is going on, integrative medicine naturally fits in with its “treat the individual” approach. In an age where many medical appointments last no longer than 15 minutes or so, personalized approaches and attention to patients is an infinitely effective approach. Patients who have chronic issues suffer for longer because traditional medicine has not figured out how to address the underlying problem. Because integrative medicine works to bring the whole body into better balance, it results in the clearing up of symptoms much quicker.

3. It Ensures Patients Are Personally Cared For

Integrated medicine looks at the entire picture rather than symptoms alone, so doctors need to spend a lot more time with patients in-order to get to the root of a problem. Also, patients who get to spend more time with their medical practitioners naturally feel better about the treatment they are receiving, and this can, in some cases, speed up the healing process which can easily be slowed down by stress, anxiety and an unwillingness to undergo certain treatments. Remember, integrative medicine is not concerned with getting rid of symptoms, it is concerned with addressing the causes of your symptoms so that they go away and don’t return.

Should I Consider Integrative Medicine?

It’s all down to you and what your own medical practitioner thinks - after all, we are not all health experts. That being said, if you are suffering from a problem and want to get to the root of it, especially if it is a chronic problem which is persistent and is not going away despite your doctors’ best efforts, then it could be the right thing for you.

Although Western medicine in many cases does work with its approach of delivering drugs and treatment regimens which treat the symptoms, this isn’t always the case. With integrative medicine and supplements, you are getting treatments and products that work by fighting the root cause of an ailment, illness or chronic condition. By fighting the root cause, you are able to banish the symptoms and stop them from returning.

Think of it like pulling weeds out from your garden. If you completely remove the entire weed from the ground by uprooting it, it won’t come back. However, if you merely pull the leaves but leave the roots there, it will rear its ugly head again. Medicine works in the same way.

Whilst integrative medicine is a relatively new idea, there has been a lot of research which has demonstrated it to be a serious modern medical practice and it has even found its way into law. Medical professionals are beginning to appreciate the importance of not only treating the symptoms, but treating the patient, too.

This is a guest blog entry.

The Hidden Question of Help and Harm With Daily Use of Antiperspirants

It's important to stay up to date on news reports regarding potential health risks. But the modern news cycle often moves a little too fast for the public good. Today the major news outlets are constantly in search of sensationalistic stories. This is in large part why it often seems like foods that are reported as healthy one day are called unhealthy the next.

Many science and medical reporters are quick to extrapolate from a single suggestive study. That kind of quick reporting simply doesn’t work well with medicine. Instead, one needs to carefully consider long-term studies and real-world use.

This cycle of concern tends to repeat itself over and over again. The best way to escape it is by taking control and carefully examining the claims. This is also why it’s time to examine our culture’s use of antiperspirants. It's one of the most recent examples of public health concerns. But the only way to know if antiperspirants are harmful or harmless is to take a more careful look at the evidence.

It's actually fairly straightforward to give an answer to someone asking the question is antiperspirant bad? But people should understand why that’s the case. Otherwise, it’s easy for that cycle of misinformation to continue. Antiperspirant is totally harmless and poses no significant risks to one's health. But understanding why people think it’s bad, and why that’s not the case, can help inform future decisions.

As a recent story showed, most people will readily adopt sound methods to improve their health. But to do so they need to see how medical information is spread.

How misconceptions arise

The bulk of people’s concerns over antiperspirants stem from scientific sources. But the larger issue is that people seldom come at them from the actual source of that information. In theory, the proper method of reporting involves medical or scientific journals.

A reporter discovers some interesting work within his or her field of interest. The next step is to wait for that study to undergo a process called peer review. A researcher submits the study to relevant scholarly journals. At that point, experts go over the study to look for problems. The most common reasons for rejection involve experimental design.

A study has to be carefully designed to prove one specific point. This process involves reduction of any complicating variables. Along with this a study usually concludes with a general analysis of the data in order to provide a conclusion. This is the other main point of contention during the submission and peer review process. It’s quite common for the journal’s staff of experts to disagree with the conclusion stated in the article. Researchers are like anyone else. They tend to hope for big results from their work. This unconscious bias can make even the best-intentioned people reach the wrong conclusions.

The big problem stems from the fact that reporters often sidestep this process. They talk to researchers before the peer review phase. As such, they’re often extrapolating from flawed data. The researchers and reporters mean well. But the result is confusion amid the public.

Other possible causes

Another issue comes from factual information which is incorrectly extrapolated by the public. With antiperspirant, this took form with fears regarding aluminum chloride. People assume that unwanted or toxic substances are purged from the body via sweat. And reasoning from that foundation, they feared anything which inhibited sweating could cause absorbed material to stay in one’s system instead of coming out through sweat.

In the case of antiperspirants, they feared aluminum chloride would enter from the application and then stay trapped in the body. In reality though, this simply shows people’s incorrect assumptions about biology. Humans only excrete water and electrolytes when they sweat. The liver serves a dedicated function of processing potentially toxic substances and then excreting it within urine.

That said, the idea that antiperspirant would even enter into the circulatory system and leapfrog to the nearest large mass of tissue is improbable at best. The world is full of dust, dirt, and debris. And the human body is quite good at keeping foreign substances from absorption. Otherwise, every pet owner would have their dog or cat’s hair swimming around in their veins.

A proper focus on health and antiperspirants

As the New York Times recently pointed out, exercise is the closest thing we have to a wonder drug. People tend to focus so much on unfounded rumors about negative health effects that they neglect positive proven research.

An antiperspirant isn't unhealthy. By itself, it's totally neutral. It's neither healthy or unhealthy. But it can serve as a tool to make workouts more fun and social. Which makes antiperspirants a fantastic tool for overall positive health.

This is a blog post by Nancy Evans.

10 Common Mistakes That Damage the Knees

Life moves fast and doesn’t always give you much time to pause and think about the treatment of your knees. Unfortunately, if your knees do decide that they’ve had enough, then ultimately, life will be paused and the injury will be the only thing you can think about.

The best way to prevent this knee trauma is to regularly evaluate your daily choices and then rectify any errors accordingly. Learn about 10 common mistakes people make with their knees and what you can do to avoid them.

1. Not Exercising Enough
One of the most common causes of any physical injury is a lack of activity. If you’re spending all day sitting down at your desk or lying on your couch, then your knees will get used to this lazy lifestyle and they will slowly weaken as a result. Avoid this at all costs, even if you only go for a short walk every day.

2. Exercising Too Much
On the other side of the exercise argument is when you push your knees too hard. If you’re increasing your workout load, do so gradually, being very cautious of any unfamiliar movements and then taking the necessary time to rest afterward. Life is all about moderation and this includes exercise too.

3. Smoking
Which parts of your body are not being damaged by smoking? Can you think of any? Cigarettes increase your carbon monoxide levels while depriving your entire being of its required oxygen intake, and this includes your knees. In fact, tests show that smokers with arthritis lose substantially more cartilage than those who don’t.

4. Ignoring Pains
There is no value in panicking about every creak from your knees, but do take note of these sensations. If a pain persists or escalates, then get some rest and speak to a medical professional immediately. Remember, the sooner you repair any damage, the better your chance of full recovery is. Following your doctor's orders, some compression for the knee area may also be a good idea while you carefully approach low impact exercises to maintain your joint mobility.

5. Not Stretching
As any athlete will tell you, stretching the body is an imperative part of the process to step out of harm’s way. Without these motions, the muscles may be stiff and this makes them very vulnerable to potential injury. However, stretching is not only limited to intense exercises, and should also be performed whenever you’re about to play some sport, go on a hike, or have simply been sitting at your desk for too long.

6. Wearing the Wrong Shoes
Feet are all different, hence why it doesn’t make sense to nonchalantly pick up a shoe based on its appearance. Always get your footwear fitted properly by a professional, paying close attention to comfort and the arch support. It’s also worth mentioning that you should always wear the correct shoe for your intended action. If you’re running, then wear running shoes. If you’re hiking, then wear hiking shoes. If you’re not, then don’t.

7. Lifting Heavy Objects
When lifting heavy objects, it is important to leave your spine out of the equation and rather bend your knees, meeting the item on the floor then raising it from that position. However, this is not some miracle foolproof solution, and if you lift beyond your capability or repetitively perform these movements, your knees could develop some serious troubles. Know your limits and don’t be too proud to ask for help.

8. Being Overweight
Unfortunately, any excess of weight will force unnecessary pressure on your frame, and your knee joints are going to take the brunt of this stress. But when your knees are already under threat, how are you expected to lose those pounds? A good start would be to participate in low impact activities (such as swimming or cycling) while keeping a strict eye on your diet.

9. Eating Incorrectly
Weight issues aside, there are also certain foods (such as refined carbs or those sugary temptations) which are inflammatory, meaning that they may cause your knee joints to swell up. For this reason (and many other reasons) cut back on the junk food and dairy while stocking up on more vegetables, fruits, and omega-3s

10. Tripping and Falling
It goes without saying that most people would never trip and fall on purpose. However, it’s the sequence of events leading up to these incidents which are often the individual’s fault. Make it your mission to always maintain a clear path from any side of your house to the other by removing loose rugs, electrical wires, and clutter while also mopping up any spills as soon as they happen.

This is a guest blog entry.

Six Tips for Choosing A Personal Injury Lawyer

Whether you are driving to Chicago for your work, checking out a mall to shop, or even just consuming a commercial product, you can become injured because of the actions of other parties.

This is why, without the ideal attorney, injured victims can have a difficult time getting the compensation they should get to. Getting a good lawyer therefore may be easier said than done, since a lot of lawyers are out there.

In case you want to get in touch with personal injury law firms, feel free as they can help you complete such cases.

Here are some tips before you get a personal injury lawyer.

Check Out the Lawyer’s Past Experience

You should look for an attorney who has experience in similar case before. You can also check out state and county bar associations that can provide you with leads when it comes to local lawyers who may have experience or knowledge in various cases of personal injury, including negligence, wrongful death, malpractice, and libel, among other cases.

Seek a Meeting with the Lawyer

It is crucial that you meet the lawyer before you begin your personal injury case. If you decide to skip the initial meeting, there may be problems with the case you are pursuing, as well as the settlement you want to pursue.

Right Questions Should Be Asked

In your initial meeting with the lawyer, it is better to ask various questions to make sure both parties are clear with the goals and end-results of the case.

For instance, how much will the lawyer receive for the lawsuit? Are there other payment plans? Can he or she handle such a case, and when will the case most likely end?

You might want to also check out the record of the lawyer or law firm he or she represents in such cases.

Do Not Forget to Research

Even after you have finished your initial meeting with the lawyer, it is crucial that you should continue your research of all lawyers before the court makes any final decision.

Be wary of lawyers who merely want to go after police accident reports, file court filings, or media attention.

Guarding Your Lawsuit

In most cases, personal injury cases can be settled out of court. Therefore, it is possible you can get a settlement without the need for you to file a lawsuit.

A legitimate personal injury complaint can help you respond to information from the medical facility or hospital and avoid the need to file a lawsuit.

Given the importance of this decision, it makes sense to talk to several firms or individuals before making a decision.

Be sure to ask about the attorney's experience with your specific type of claim, and whether he or she will be personally handling your case.

Personal Injury Cases May Take Time

An injury victim of course would want to check on the cost of the case. This is where a good and idealistic lawyer comes in.

People are going to chose a law firm if it has what it takes to pursue a personal injury case. In that case, it is always better to chose an experienced legal expert who is knowledgeable about the issue at hand, helping you with the issue as you go along.

Filing a medical malpractice case does not have be difficult, since there are so many guidelines to help you.

This is a guest blog entry.

How to Pursue a Medical Malpractice Case in Indiana: The Basics

You live in Indiana and your son needs an emergency appendectomy. The doctor from the nearby hospital tells you the procedure is going to be smooth and quick. A week later, the doctor looks at the x-rays; it turns out the surgeon that conducted the appendectomy left a small razor inside the abdomen of your son. Now it is causing some infection.

Now the surgeon wants to take out the infected parts of your son’s body and which means he has to stay at home for a month for his body to recover. For this extra surgery, who will pay for it? What about your son missing school or even you from work since you have to attend to his needs? Can your son recover from the pain he has been forced to go through because of the incompetence of the surgeon? Here are some tips to help you. You may also want to seek an Indianapolis medical malpractice law firm to fully help you.

Check the time limits

First, when did your son have the operation? The personal injury lawsuit should be filed within two years during the incident.  Statute of limitations eliminates a plaintiff’s ability to recover compensation if too much time has already passed since the incident. This is to prevent patients with old injuries from suing hospitals or medical facilities long after a treatment or operation happened, when witnesses and even medical records may have already disappeared.

Who Are You Going to Sue?

You can start begin by suing the health care professional who caused the injury. But sometimes, lawyers will include many defendants from the hospital, or even the hospital itself, to possibly maximize the settlement you would get.

The medical facility can be liable under a doctrine called “respondeat superior”.  This means that an employer, in this case a hospital, should be held responsible for any action of its personnel or staff who is performing his or her duties being an employee. The hospital can also be sued using the doctrine of “corporate negligence”. For instance, if the facility fails to review employees for their proper credentials, or keep sanitary conditions, or if a patient gets discharged improperly.

You can also sue a pharmaceutical firm for a product liability lawsuit if it manufactured a medicine that has unreasonably adverse side effects of which you are not notified. This also applies to a firm that manufactured or designed a defective or poor medical device.
 
Preparing a Lawsuit

The personal injury lawsuit starts when you lodge a complaint before the local courthouse.
Your complaint should contain details about the incident that caused the injury, identities of the parties that are involved in the incident, and why compensation is needed.

It may also be a good idea to get an experienced lawyer who is an expert when it comes to personal injury cases.

Many medical malpractice lawyers can work with you on a contingency fee basis. This means the lawyer is only going to be paid a portion of the settlement that you receive. In short, the lawyer does not have to be paid until your case wins.

Medical Negligence Suit

In order for you to win in your lawsuit, you must be able to effectively show that the conduct of the health care professional did not meet the standards of medical care, and that this problem led to your injuries.

This means you should get an expert witness who can better articulate the standards when it comes to medical care and explain the shortcomings of the doctor or health care professional.

Estimating Your Damages

The crux of your lawsuit should focus on the financial losses or economic damages as a result of the injury. These include the costs as a result of what happened, medical bills, as well as the loss potential income because you are unable to go to work.

This is a guest blog entry.

4 Natural Ways to Significantly Improve Health

You have probably heard about the phrase, “the best things in life are free.” Well, this is actually true when it comes to quality time with family and friends. What is more, there is a bunch of ways to save money even if you are trying to live a healthy lifestyle.  It may not be easy at first, but the benefits it will provide later are unmatched.

Be More Active and Try Exercise

Exercise is one of the best ways to achieve a healthier lifestyle, especially since it offers dozens of health benefits. Still, do not see it as a magic bullet whatsoever. You can go for a brisk walk for half an hour a day, which should be enough to dramatically reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer, heart, and other leading killers.

Keep in mind, too, that a lifetime of regular exercise can improve your brain function, meaning that you will become more active and independent. This allows you to be mindful at all times in any given spaces/areas.  If your cognitive functioning works well, you are aware of your surroundings and this prevents the possibility of hurting someone. Besides, compensation for the victim’s estate can be financially challenging.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

This one is definitely easier said than done. Believe it or not, obesity rates significantly climbed over the past five years. In fact, not a single state in the country saw a decline.

Sure, it is difficult to either lose weight or keep it off. Still, studies show that when you start to lose weight, your health improves dramatically. If you have a normal weight, make sure to maintain it. You can do so by consuming calories and exercising as often as you can. A healthy diet also comes with the abundance of fruits and vegetables, among many others. A perfect way for you to shed some calories from your diet is through drinking water instead of sugary beverages. The latter accounts for more and more calories in the American diet.

Quit Smoking

This is a no-brainer but many people do not follow it. In case you didn’t know, lung cancer is still the number one leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Add to this the fact that in between 80% and 90% of cases of lung cancer, smoking is reportedly the leading cause.

There is good news, though. That is, smoking rates are starting to fall in the U.S. Well, this is thanks to a good number of new nicotine replacement therapies. This could be anything from patches to nasal sprays. It only means that quitting has become a lot easier than before.

According to a recent analysis, nicotine replacements have the potential to double the odds that smokers will eventually quit. New medications are all about helping smokers kick the habit for good.

Find Joy From Friends or Families

Enjoying life and maintaining a circle of supportive friends can make a huge impact to your overall health. It is really is true that friendships may be second only to quit smoking, so you can prevent the possibility of heart attack. But as far as people with extensive social networks are concerned, they are very likely to have calcification in the arteries. The latter is pretty much a sign of heart disease risk.

Another effective way to increase your happiness is to surround yourselves with cheerful friends. Believe it or not, a person like you is likely to be happy if a close contact is happy.

Now is the perfect time to start living a healthy lifestyle. Not tomorrow but today.

This is a guest blog entry.