Is exercising with Covid a good idea?

Although we're (hopefully) moving toward a post-pandemic world, Covid-19 is still prevalent and the risk of catching it remains high. The virus can temporarily turn your life upside down, leaving you feeling thoroughly worse for wear. What’s more, many favored self-care routines are firmly on pause for a week or more, affecting mental health and emotional wellbeing. 

For a lot of people, working out is their favorite form of self-care. But don’t worry — if you’ve been unlucky enough to catch Covid, this article will provide you with everything you need to know about exercising with the virus.

Can you exercise with Covid?

The short answer is yes, you can still exercise if you are affected by Covid, influenza, or other illnesses. However, there are several things to take into account if you plan to do so.

Understand the health risks

Firstly, you may risk harm to yourself if you overexert while suffering with sickness. While nothing is stopping you from doing a home workout, exercise may exacerbate your symptoms and leave you feeling even worse than before. Because Covid predominantly attacks the respiratory system, any strenuous activity can leave you feeling even more breathless and lethargic than you already do.

Check your symptoms

It’s also important to listen to your body — are you experiencing ‘below the neck’ symptoms, such as a cough, chest pain, or breathing problems? If so, this may be your body telling you to rest or focus on other healthy, yet more sedate activities. So, instead of weights, take up something else you enjoy, such as reading, meditation or having a relaxing bath.

If you test positive for Covid but still feel normal, it is still advisable to only exercise with caution as you may not experience symptoms until you’re more breathless. Try experimenting with a short, low-intensity workout and note how you feel. Proceed only if you are well enough and as always, consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

When should you perform strenuous exercise post-Covid?

There are no official recommendations regarding exercising after you’ve had Covid. However, you shouldn’t necessarily treat a negative test as a green flag for any high-intensity activity.

Don’t run before you can walk

For exercising post-Covid, experts advise spending seven days on a ‘phase’ of exercise before you increase the amount you do each week. For example, suppose you have spent the majority of your isolation time resting, your aim should be to slowly reintroduce physical activity into your routine, through activities such as yoga, gardening, or walking. Then, if you feel up to it the following week, you can advance to resistance training or quick bursts of cardiovascular activity, such as swimming or cycling.

Always listen to your body. You may be tempted to leap back up to pre-Covid exercise levels straight away, but be patient — intense exercise after a period of rest can cause more harm than good. Finally, don’t put pressure on yourself — instead, try to understand that each day may be different. Keep in mind how much your body has already gone through and give yourself plenty of time to relax and recover.

What are some tips for exercising with Covid?

If you’re adamant that you’re well enough to work out, follow these tips to help you balance a full recovery with the benefits of exercise.

Exercise in isolation

A gentle reminder: Covid is seriously contagious. Though it might feel like we’re out of the woods, if you test positive for Covid you should still self-isolate to prevent passing the virus on to others in public places, such as the gym.

According to recent data, we emit an enormous 132 times more aerosols (the small droplets that spread through the air when we breathe) during high-intensity exercise than when we’re at rest. Therefore, exercising in a gym or enclosed space should be seriously avoided as it can set off a Covid super spreader — where one contagious person infects many others.

Explore new workouts

Are you a keen gym bunny, pavement pounder, or spin obsessor? If so, such favored exercises are likely to be off the cards right now. However, self-isolation is a good opportunity to discover the array of versatile home workouts that are out there — whether you are an expert, total beginner, or somewhere in between. How about gettin’ funky with an indoor walking session set to ‘70s disco music? Alternatively, try this low-impact full-body program which combines yoga, pilates, and ballet principles to target all major muscle groups. 

If you prefer a group workout, there is an abundance of virtual classes available online to give you back a healthy sense of normality. For example, try a live stream yoga class to enjoy the camaraderie of a social workout.

And as a quick reminder — although these exercises are shorter and lower-intensity than your average gym blast, you should still take care to not overdo them. If you’re struggling, never push yourself to complete the entire exercise set — whether live or via pre-recorded video — when you can always return to it later.

This is a guest blog entry.

Deciding to Work in a Nursing Home?

If you love caring for other people, you may have thought about working for a nursing home. You may wonder if it is the right job for you and how it differs from other settings. While the industry is stable, there are several things to consider before you decide whether or not this type of job is right for you.

Develop the Right Skills

Before you can land the job, you will need to develop the right types of skills. These differ from the type of skills nurses need to work in a clinic or hospital. You will need more specialized skills that allow you to work with elderly people. There are also different types of nursing homes, so the type you choose to work with will impact the skills you need to develop. 

Still, no matter where you end up going, you will need to be able to deliver respectful and compassionate care. Just because a resident may not be able to speak, hear, or see, does not mean they do not deserve to be treated with dignity. In fact, these types of people tend to be the most vulnerable. You may need to attend nursing school to receive the qualifications needed for this type of job. You can get your associate’s or bachelor’s in the field. Nursing school tends to be expensive, so you may want to look at options like taking out a student loan to pay for your education. You can check your rate online without your credit score being impacted while you decide.

Understanding the Drawbacks

There are drawbacks of any industry, and this one is no exception. Much of the time, the patients you will be dealing with are those who are unable to live at home. They may not have such severe illnesses that they need to be in a hospital. Still, they may have debilitating injuries or chronic illnesses, and you will likely need to assist them with all their personal needs. Some patients you come across may not like having to give up their independence. This can lead to noncompliance or depression, and it can be hard to deal with the family members who come by. They may question everything you do, and your job may have some emotional stress tied to it.

Developing Communication Skills

One of the advantages of working with seniors is that in spite of the many elements of HIPPA compliance, there is a sense of community, especially for residents who have been there a while. You are part of the team that cares for these patients, so you will want to take the time to communicate with others on the team. While you may have your own tasks to take care of, working with other people can be helpful and lighten the load. When you are short-handed at work, you can work with others to make all the work easier. The job can be demanding, but it can also be rewarding, and others will be a resource for you to ask questions and express any concerns along the way. This can lead to career growth, especially the nursing industry in general is a fast-growing field.

This is a guest blog entry.

Semen Analysis: What is it, What is it for & How it is Done

The thick fluid that flows from a man's reproductive organ during intercourse is known as semen. It transfers sperm from a man's body into an egg, fertilizing it and forming an embryo.

A test of a man's sperm and semen is known as sperm analysis. The findings of a sperm count, often known as a male fertility test, reveal how many sperm are released, as well as their morphology and movement.  

Why Have a Semen Analysis?

If you and your spouse are having problems conceiving, a semen analysis is likely to be one of the first tests your doctor will order.

While both men and women can have fertility problems, male fertility disorders can account for up to half of all infertility cases. Low sperm production is also a common reason for male infertility.

A semen study may also be required to ensure that a vasectomy (a procedure to prevent pregnancy) was successful. It's commonly done 8 to 16 weeks after surgery to evaluate if any viable sperm are still being produced.

Who needs a semen analysis?

The following are some of the reasons why you might need a sperm analysis:

Male infertility: A semen abnormality could be the reason for a couple's inability to conceive. It's sometimes related to a problem with a man's sperm. A semen analysis determines the chances of a male producing a pregnancy.

Vasectomy follow-up: A semen analysis is used to determine whether a vasectomy was successful. This treatment prevents sperm from being deposited in the sperm tubes. If there are no sperm in the sperm, the vasectomy was successful, and a man cannot become pregnant with a woman.

How does a semen analysis work?

A man produced a sample of sperm in a way that yields a clean sample. Because sperm counts fluctuate from day to day, you may need to supply multiple samples separated by a few weeks.

To handle and test the sperm, healthcare providers employ research-based approaches. You'll get accurate findings if you go to a lab that specializes in semen analysis.

This applies to labs that:

Are affiliated with a fertility clinic.

Perform a large number of sperm analyses.

What should I do to prepare for a sperm analysis if it's for fertility testing?

For two to seven days, you must refrain from intercourse and self-pleasure. This guarantees that sperm levels are at their greatest, allowing for a complete study.

Any medications or herbal supplements you're taking should also be disclosed to your doctor. The following drugs may have an impact on your results:

Testosterone: Supplements that increase testosterone can send the wrong message to your body, causing it to cease generating natural testosterone and sperm. It can result in a low sperm count or a complete loss of sperm.

Anabolic steroids: These medications are used to enhance muscle; however, they also impact sperm production.

Marijuana: Marijuana's THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) can reduce sex drive and prevent your body from producing enough testosterone and sperm.

Opiates: These drugs can reduce sperm count and testosterone production.

This is a guest blog entry.

What is VR anatomy?

Virtual reality (VR) has seen a lot of uses in various fields. If you are wondering what virtual reality is, up until now, it was mostly associated with the gaming industry. One of the fields where it has had a lot of success recently is healthcare. VR in healthcare has revolutionized how we can teach new doctors and help patients. Learning with human anatomy VR, compared to the more traditional means, is easier and more beneficial. There has been a large increase in VR applications in healthcare over the years. The benefits of virtual reality cannot be overlooked. With it, so many opportunities for both young and veteran doctors arose. Practicing dangerous operations in virtual reality is completely risk-free. What was possible before in healthcare and what is possible now with the help of virtual reality is almost unthinkable.

VR Anatomy Training 

New training techniques were introduced to the new generations of doctors. Virtual reality has created a possibility for a more direct method of instruction. Compared to the past, when trainees could only passively watch operations and learn that way, with the help of virtual reality, students could directly participate and learn from experience. Surgeons often train in virtual reality as it does not impose any risk to the patient. With the help of companies such as ImmersiveTouch or Osso VR, VR technology has become more widespread and affordable. Comparing this training approach to traditional training, the outcomes are astounding. Doctors have demonstrated improved results and general confidence when doing procedures after receiving VR anatomy training. In addition, they were often faster and more precise. Overall, surgeons with VR anatomy training produce superior results.

The methods used before simply do not compare to VR anatomy when it comes to learning. With the old methods, a surgeon would perform an operation while the students watched and tried to learn as best as they could. On the other hand, with virtual reality, every student can clearly see what is going on as if they are operating. Virtual reality is slowly but surely turning into a norm in the healthcare sector, despite it not being standardized yet. The potential that it holds can fundamentally change the healthcare system. VR anatomy certainly has a bright future in the healthcare industry.

Rehabilitation Through VR Anatomy

Virtual reality presents many options that can help with the rehabilitation of patients. In some cases, the rehabilitation process needs to start as soon as possible. This is mostly determined by the type and seriousness of the injury. It is crucial that the process starts without delay as it can impact the results. It can decide if the patient makes a partial or full recovery. That being said, some patients are more willing to get out of bed and start the rehabilitation process than others. With the assistance of virtual reality, the rehabilitation process can be fun and, therefore, more approachable to certain patients. By making the whole process fun and entertaining, it also becomes more effective. Virtual reality is extremely flexible and can be easily adjusted to the needs of the patient. With it, the patients that have either given up or did not even start can start the process of rehabilitation.

The benefits of virtual reality rehabilitation can be seen in many studies. It is proven that with the introduction of virtual reality to rehabilitation, patients had improved results as well as higher enthusiasm and engagement.

Mental Support for Patients

Almost everyone has been to the hospital at some point in their lives. We all know that spending time at the hospital can be hard. Patients start to miss their friends and family and can become extremely anxious. If a patient starts to feel anxious and maybe even depressed, it can really impede the recovery process. There are a lot of factors that can cause stress or anxiety in the hospital. Maybe a patient is waiting to undergo serious surgery or is simply in the hospital for a long time. This can all influence the stress levels of a patient, which further influences their health and recovery.

The patients that participated in the study regarding virtual reality had a pleasant experience. Namely, all of the patients that tried virtual reality reported that their overall experience in the hospital was significantly better. Their stress levels decreased, and they felt more comfortable and relaxed. A lot of patients even reported that they felt less pain after using virtual reality. Additionally, patients with anxiety problems reported that their anxiety was almost completely gone. There were even some cases where women that were going into natural labor reported feeling less pain during the.

Virtual reality is relatively new in the field of healthcare, but it certainly shows great promise. With it, both doctors and patients can benefit in their own way.

This is a guest blog entry.

Best Practices for HIPAA Compliance

HIPAA is a complex set of laws that regulates the privacy and security of health information. As healthcare businesses become increasingly digitized and reliant on electronic health information, it's important for them to take steps to ensure compliance with HIPAA. With all the publicity around the Affordable Care Act and new healthcare regulations, it's more important than ever to ensure your organization is compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA training can help you learn the basics of HIPAA and how it applies to your business. In addition, HIPAA compliance can be expensive, so make sure you have a plan for dealing with potential HIPAA violations and make sure to follow HIPAA laws. Here are some best practices for HIPAA compliance:            

Implementing Safeguards:

In order to comply with HIPAA regulations, organizations must take steps to protect the privacy of their patient's health information. One way to do this is by implementing safeguards for password protection, computer security, and laptop and device encryption.

• One common safeguard is requiring patients to create unique passwords for their computers and devices. This way, if someone illegally accesses a patient’s information, they will not be able to use that password on other devices or computers.

• Another important safeguard is ensuring that all computers are properly secured with anti-virus software and firewalls. This will help protect against data breaches that could potentially lead to the exposure of patient information.

• Finally, it is also important to encrypt any laptops or devices that contain patient data. This way, if these items are lost or stolen, unauthorized individuals won’t be able to access private information.

• Password protection is a critical component of HIPAA compliance. Organizations should use strong passwords and prohibit employees from sharing passwords. They should also ensure that computers, laptops, and devices are protected with appropriate firewalls and anti-virus software.

• Logout Computer Programs That Contain Patients' Data:

Logging out of computer programs that contain patients' data is one way to ensure HIPAA compliance. This action removes any possible data connection between the patient and the computer program. Patients should also keep in mind that leaving cookies on a computer can also leave personal information accessible to third parties. Logging out of computer programs includes not just personal computers, but also any devices that patients use to access their medical records, such as cellphones and tablets. Patients should always be sure to log out of any programs that contain their personal information, no matter where they are or what device they are using.

Install Antivirus Software On Computers:

One of the most important steps that businesses can take to protect themselves from data breaches is to install antivirus software on their computers. Antivirus software helps identify and prevent malicious attacks from malware, viruses, and other types of cyber threats. Antivirus software is essential for any business that handles confidential or sensitive data. By installing antivirus software on your computers, you can help ensure that your data is always safe and protected from unauthorized access. So, organizations must also ensure that computers are protected with appropriate software to prevent the unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction of patient data. The most common type of software used for this purpose is antivirus software. Patients should always install the latest version of antivirus software on their computers. They should also be sure to disable any unnecessary services, such as adware and pop-ups, which can slow down a computer and drain its battery.

Employees Should Be Encouraged To Use Strong Passwords:

HIPAA compliance requires passwords to be strong and unique. Employees should be encouraged to use strong passwords that are not easily guessed or copied. A strong password is one that is difficult to guess and that includes at least eight characters. Employees should also consider using two-factor authentication, which requires users to enter both a password and a code sent via text or an app. This way, if someone else gains access to the user's account, they will need both pieces of information in order to access it. Patients should also select passwords that are not easily guessed or found on the internet. Employees should also be discouraged from sharing passwords with others, even if they believe they know them well.

Protected Computers Should Be Maintained Regularly:

The HIPAA Security Rule requires that covered entities maintain protected computers in a secure environment. Protected computers should be regularly scanned for malware and other threats, and updated with the latest security patches. Organizations must regularly maintain their protected computers in order to keep them secure and protect patient data. This includes ensuring that all software is up-to-date, that firewalls and anti-virus software are installed and activated, and that computer systems are backed up regularly.

Limit Emailing PHI:        

Many healthcare organizations have implemented best practices for HIPAA compliance, such as limiting emailing PHI. Emailing PHI includes any information that could identify an individual, such as their name, address, or medical records. By limiting emailing PHI, healthcare organizations can protect the privacy of their patients and maintain HIPAA compliance and follow HTA laws.

Ensure Privacy of PHI:        

One of the most important aspects of HIPAA compliance is ensuring the privacy of PHI. By taking precautions to protect PHI, healthcare organizations can protect the privacy of their patients and maintain HIPAA compliance. One way to do this is to restrict access to PHI by only allowing authorized individuals to view it. Additionally, healthcare organizations should encrypt all PHI using secure protocols, such as TLS, to ensure that it is protected from unauthorized access.

HIPAA Training For Employees:   

HIPAA training is important for employees to be familiar with the law and its requirements. The best way to ensure compliance is through regular training sessions. There are a number of resources available to help organizations comply with HIPAA, such as online courses or certification programs. Ultimately, it is important that all employees are aware of their obligations under the law and how to comply. It is important for organizations to have a good understanding of HIPAA compliance requirements. There are many best practices that can be followed when it comes to HIPAA training and compliance.

One of the most important things an organization can do is ensure that all employees are properly trained on how to comply with HIPAA regulations. This includes ensuring that all employees understand their obligations under the law, as well as the penalties for not following these obligations. Additionally, an organization should make sure that all policies and procedures related to HIPAA are documented and readily accessible for review. This will help ensure that any potential issues with HIPAA compliance are identified and corrected as quickly as possible.

Final Thoughts:            

When it comes to HIPAA compliance, you want to make sure that your organization is doing everything possible to protect the privacy and security of your patients.  By following these best practices, your organization will be in compliance with all the latest HIPAA requirements and safeguards, protecting patients' data and maintaining their privacy. It will help organizations follow HIPAA laws. HIPAA training can be a crucial part of ensuring HIPAA compliance and protecting patients' data.

This is a guest blog entry.

History of Carbon 60 Explained

Carbon 60, C60 or buckminsterfullerene is the new powerhouse when discussing antioxidants. You may also find reference to it as ESS60. This is the purest form of C60. So pure, in fact, that you get over 170 times the antioxidizing power of vitamin C. Quite fascinating right?

A cursory internet search will uncover many fantastic benefits of the naturally occurring fullerene. Besides its antioxidant powers, C60 has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties. 

We will delve some more into the carbon60 benefits. But first, let us take a walk back to the annals to uncover the history of C60. 

C60 What Is It?

Let's start by understanding C60 before we go into its history. Back in 1985, a team of scientists from Rice University in Texas produced a carbon compound comprising 60 carbon molecules. Indeed, it was a case of serendipity. The focus of their research was characterizing interstellar matter. 

But, while using cluster beams and lasers, the scientists noted that a resulting byproduct was carbon molecules. Further exploration showed the clusters contained 60 atoms. 

Later, in the experimental stage, they produced clusters containing 70 carbons. But, they noticed greater stability due to the symmetry of the C60 construction.  

The scientists behind the discovery were Harold Kroto from the University of Sussex. Richard Smalley and Robert Curl were from Rice University. They came together to carry out a joint research project. Indeed their contribution to the scientific world earned them a Nobel in Chemistry in 1996.  

The molecule's structure resembles a hollow soccer ball, more specifically the European football, thus reference to them as buckyballs.

The original name of Carbon 60 is buckminsterfullerene. The scientific community named the molecule after Buckminster Fuller. He came up with the geodesic dome that aptly describes the shape of the C60 molecules. 

You are probably wondering why the atom shape matters. Well, the hollow structure allows it to entrap or hold other molecules without impacting the fullerene structure. Further, the buckyballs will not bond or stick to one another. That explains the stability of the C60 molecules. 

How C60 Works as an Antioxidant

C60 applications are numerous. And one of the areas in which carbon60 is proving to be quite significant is as an antioxidant. You see, our bodies contain free radicals. These are naturally occurring, although habits like smoking and eating processed foods can raise their levels. 

And that is where the danger lies. High levels will lead to oxidative stress. The result is a myriad of serious health complications. These include cardiovascular issues, cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. 

Premature aging is another adverse outcome of high free radical levels. 

Now, here is where c60 can make a huge difference. The shape of the structure allows it to interact with the free radicals. Being a very stable compound, the radicals will not alter or impact the C60 atoms.  

But, the same does not apply to free radicals. The C60 will neutralize them, thereby rendering them powerless. 

The health benefits are numerous. That is why C60 has become a popular ingredient in supplements, topical creams, olive oil and much more. Another plus is, there is no evidence of anyone experiencing adverse reactions after using C60. 

Please check the products you are buying to determine the other ingredients. Some elements in topical creams, for example, may result in allergic reactions. Do the necessary allergy patch tests before using them. 

Final Thoughts

There is so much to know about Carbon60. Our article touches on the salient points. But, there is a lot to learn about this amazing antioxidant. One thing for sure; the health benefits are tremendous.

This is a guest blog entry.

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