Health Benefits of Volunteering

When it comes to enhancing your own health and well-being, diet and exercise are typically top of mind, however, there are a handful of other activities that play important roles too. Volunteering covers all your bases - physical activity, social engagement, and feeling the positive effects of helping others. Healthwise, volunteering has been shown to:

Combat High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, hypertension, plagues millions of Americans and is a key risk factor for developing a host of conditions including heart disease and diabetes. When the blood vessels in your body narrow or your heart becomes weakened, your heart must pump blood through with greater force to keep up with the circulation needs of all your organs, nerves, and so on. The higher that force, or pressure, the more stress and strain it places on the cardiovascular system and critical organs, even the brain. Findings from a 2013 study found specifically that older adults who volunteer regularly are less likely to develop hypertension than non-volunteers.

Relieves Stress
While a calming yoga session or relaxing music might be your go-to stress relievers, getting busy helping others might also do the trick. Volunteering has the unique power to help those serving others gain new perspectives and outlooks on life, don a sense of purpose and fulfillment to life, as well as engage them with groups that share their interests and passions. Even altruistic volunteering done largely to make one feel good about oneself can bring about feelings of confidence, self-reliance, and purpose that may have been lacking.

Improves Cognitive Function
As volunteering requires both physical and emotional contributions, it can be a powerful activity for improving brain health. A 2009 study from John Hopkins University found that elderly adults at higher risk for cognitive decline benefitted from volunteering as mentors for young people. Brain scan evidence revealed that crucial regions of the brain responsible for planning and decision-making actually experienced short-term gains and were matched by positive behavioral improvements too.

Boosts Mood
You know that little high you get when you eat chocolate or spend time with a good friend? That “pleasurable” feeling is actually the result of the hormone dopamine being produced in your brain. Turns out volunteering can also stimulate dopamine release, turning your time helping others into a feel-good sensation you will want to get more of. Prioritizing giving back by scheduling time to serve even when you are busy has also been shown to enhance feelings of personal efficiency and know-how.

Can Give You a Workout
Volunteering and service projects which incorporate physical labor can be beneficial to your mind and body by providing a low-impact workout that gets your heart pumping and your body sweating. Everything from building houses to highway cleanups, running camp activities, or volunteering to walk dogs for the local animal shelter can provide a physical workout that helps strengthen your muscles and bones.

Looking for health-benefiting volunteer ideas for the fall?
The beautiful weather of fall matched with an abundance of holiday activity make the last few months of the year the perfect time for volunteering. Fall service ideas include:

•    Volunteering at a fall festival or carnival in your community
•    Running or walking in a fall or holiday charity athletic event that raises money for a good cause
•    Installing fall prevention equipment like shower grab bars, railings, and ramps for an elderly neighbor
•    Serving at a local food bank or homeless shelter during the holidays
•    Walking and grooming dogs for the local animal shelter
•    Helping rebuild houses and communities impacted by recent hurricanes
•    Participating in a highway, neighborhood, park, trail or river cleanup
•    Rake leaves or shovel snow for a local nonprofit or homeless shelter

Where time and budget allows, volunteering also affords you the opportunity to travel and widen your horizons. “Voluntourism” is popular in many countries where people who want to travel and help others are put up for weeks or months at a time and can do a range of things from teaching to building houses and helping the environment. Look for volunteer opportunities near your with free online services like CreatetheGood.org and Volunteermatch.org.

This is a guest blog entry.

8 most common Sleep disorders that plague adults

In this busy life we all lead, sleep is one of the most important factors, combined with exercise and nutrition, that keeps us going. To ensure that we can accomplish everything we do every single day, we must get a good night sleep. Eight hours of uninterrupted sleep is the best scenario, but unfortunately it is an impossible target for about one third of the population. Several sleep disorders plague about 30% of the population, all over the world.

REM sleep behaviour disorder is extremely rare and consists of intense movement during sleep. The affected person could suddenly trash about in their sleep and even fall off their bed on occasion.

Narcolepsy occurs when the brain does not control the REM sleep cycle appropriately. This causes a person to fall asleep at the most peculiar moments or spend their days in some kind of daze; stuck in an in-between state where they are neither fully asleep nor fully awake. Bruxism, or teeth grinding is not only annoying for the people sleeping near the affected person, it has significant side effects. The person who grinds their teeth during their sleep will generally wake up with a sore jaw and severe headaches. This condition can be helped with the use of a mouth guard, but the underlying cause of stress should be identified to help the person reach better sleep.

Sleep terrors and sleep walking, although different, are generally more frequent in children. Sleep terrors manifest themselves with the person screaming in their sleep and waking up terrified, having a deep feeling of fear and danger. Adults suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) could also experience night terrors. Sleepwalking occurs when a person is walking about while not fully awake or conscious. It is generally due to fever, lack of sleep, or medication.

RLS or restless leg syndrome is a sleep disorder that reaches more than the legs. The affected person has an uncontrollable urge to move the limbs over 100 times during the night. Fortunately, the condition can improve with regular physical activity and diminution of caffeine absorption.

The last two disorders are the most frequent, affecting a large percentage of the population. Sleep apnea can be found in 10% of the population. It happens when a person’s airways, in the throat, get obstructed, therefore preventing the affected person from breathing properly. The brain then signals the person to wake up to re-open the obstructed airway. Far from ideal, this condition can cause side effects such as high blood pressure and constant tiredness. Someone suffering from sleep apnea might not be aware of their condition, but their loud snoring is sure to have been noticed by their partner.

Aside from losing weight, a good solution to this condition is the use of a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device such as ResMed machines that push air through your throat, forcing it to remain open. Finally, insomnia is the most common of all sleep disorders and can be caused by stress, anxiety, depression as well as drug or alcohol abuse. A person suffering from insomnia might have difficulty falling asleep or might wake up during the night and not be able to get back to sleep. Aside from medication, cognitive behavioral therapy might be necessary to resolve the problem.     

For more detail on each disorder, consult the articles provided by the sleep foundation. Because of the seriousness of sleeping disorders, it is important to consult a sleep doctor if you or someone you know suffer from one of the conditions mentioned in this article. Trying to solve the issue on your own might prove more problematic in the long run. Don’t delay and contact your sleeping expert rapidly.

This is a guest blog entry.

3 Alternative Remedies for Epileptic Seizures

An epileptic seizure occurs when the brain experiences an abnormal electrical discharge. It can be produced by anything that is irritating to the brain. In some cases, the discharge affects just a tiny part of the brain and only results in the person noticing an odd taste or smell.

In other instances, it may affect bigger areas and cause jerking-convulsion and muscle spasms throughout the victim’s body. The individual may also lose muscle control and suffer brief attacks of unconsciousness. Seizures can and do affect those who aren’t epileptic.

Natural remedies, although not a substitute for conventional treatment, can help address the symptoms of epileptic seizures without the side effects that arise from the use of anti-epileptic medication. If you’ve been wanting to add something new to your seizure treatment regime, you can look into the following alternative therapies.

1. Natural Supplementation

Nutritional and dietary interventions are considered useful and even therapeutic. For instance, low dose (less than 1000 mg) of omega-3 supplementation can reduce the frequency of epileptic seizures. A dosage of Vitamin E can increase antioxidant capabilities, which can help reduce epilepsy symptoms that aren’t responding to conventional medication. Cannabis oil supplementation has been reported to stop life-threatening seizures. The right supplementation, therefore, can work wonders for your recovery.

You can find cannabis oil for sale, as well as other supplements, on health product websites. Look for quality assurance that has been done in-house, as well as verified through third-party labs that conduct high-performance testing, to ensure purity and potency in every bottle. Reliable vendors will also instruct you to do your own research and consult with your healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplement.

2. Biofeedback

This is a technique of using imagery or relaxation to alter body functions including blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. The practitioner uses a monitor and an electrode to measure these functions. Patients are first asked to envision a stressful situation and then the practitioner teaches them various calming techniques.

The procedure can help people with seizures, migraine headaches, high blood pressure and pain. The patients are able to see the differences between relaxed and stressful situations on the monitor. They can then use the techniques to control their body functions and feel more relaxed. After ample training sessions the frequency of seizure goes down and so does the aura rate.

3. Acupuncture 

Acupuncture can help lessen the severity and frequency of epileptic seizures. The technique helps in restoring the flow of energy (qi) throughout the patient’s body. Qi energy flows through pathways called meridians and this is the force that is said to play a role in the functioning of the body. A person without epilepsy is believed to have a balanced qi. In a person with the condition, the qi flow is believed to be distorted. The goal of acupuncture is to rebalance qi flow throughout the patient’s body.

To restore qi flow, tiny needles will be inserted by the acupuncturist into certain areas of the body; this helps the professional in analyzing the meridians via which the energy flows. If a person is suffering from epileptic seizures, key points would be manipulated by the acupuncturist to increase the flow of qi energy to the head. After restoration, the therapist will recommend natural exercises and dietary supplements to keep the qi in its balanced state.

Patients dealing with the stresses of epileptic seizures are likely to benefit from these measures. 

This is a blog post by Nancy Evans.

Fall Prevention Outside The Home

September 22, 2017, the first day of fall, is also the 10th Annual Fall Prevention Awareness Day, created in an effort to bring more awareness to the issue of fall prevention in seniors.

While most falls occur inside the home, many also happen right outside in nearby vicinities like the yard or driveway. In-home upgrades like installing grab bars, using shower chairs, placing guide tape at stairways, and updating room lighting can make a huge difference in helping seniors see and navigate their home environments better. But what can be done for fall prevention outside the home? Don’t miss these go-to tips and best practices:

Getting In and Out of The Car
Getting in and out of the car might seem like an easy feat when you’re young, but as joints stiffen and leg muscles weaken with age, it can become more and more difficult. Retaining the ability to drive plays an instrumental role in helping seniors maintain their confidence and independence, but ensuring their safety when getting in and out of the car is also important for preventing immobilizing injuries like hip fractures.

A variety of car transfer tools exist which simplify the process of getting in and out of the car, no matter how tall or short it is. These include:

•    Swivel seat - a swivel seat is simply a cushion, usually made of comfortable gel or foam, that pivots (slide turns) to help people enter and exit the seat of a car without having to twist or turn their body.

•    Car cane - a car cane (car standing aid) is a reinforced handle that slides into the steel door latch of your car and gives you an extra supportive handle to hold on to when exiting the car.

•    Seat belt reacher - a seat belt reacher is a super basic tool that attaches to the seat belt and features and extra long loop handle with which someone can more easily reach  over to grab their seatbelt.

Walking the Dog
Going for a leisurely walk with your trusted canine companion may seem like a ‘walk in the park’, however, a sudden tug or pull of your dog chasing down a squirrel can leave even the sturdiest senior having to catch their balance. Dogs may also have a tendency to wrap the leash around their leg when walking, requiring their owner to bend over and adjust it.

These risk factors can make walking a dog a huge fall hazard, especially for seniors who have experienced a fall before. If you are a senior with a dog, consider finding a neighbor, family member, or friend who will join you in walking the dog, or ask a young person to walk your dog regularly as a way to earn a little bit of cash.

Yardwork/Gardening
The bending, squatting, and lifting associated with many yardwork and gardening duties can put seniors at risk of not only falling outside, but of potentially injuring themselves in ways that can contribute to a fall. For example, bending over for an hour working on the garden can lead to muscle strain and inflammation in the lower back, which in turn could slow down response times and flexibility for a senior.

When working outside, avoid sitting, bending or squatting for more than 30 minutes at a time without standing up to walk around and stretch for a few minutes. Hauling heavy loads makes seniors more susceptible to injuring themselves as well, so get help when moving large items and use assistive equipment like wheelbarrows for transporting leaves, grass, mulch, hay, etc.

Other contributing factors to outdoor falls include poor outdoor lighting, debris and trip hazards around door entryways and on porches, slippery surfaces (ramps, porches, driveways), and uneven curbs or outdoor stairways. Simple steps like weather proofing the porch, adding non-slip grip tape to outdoor walkways, and installing sturdy railings around steps and stairs can go a long way to keeping you or your favorite senior upright and mobile!

This is a guest blog entry.

All I want for Christmas is a new front tooth

Everyone loves going to see the dentist, right?  Right?

Then again, maybe not; I could be wrong…  However the difficulties if you do not go are even more difficult to deal with.

But healthy teeth and gums are important for more than just a pretty smile.  Taking care of your mouth is vital to your oral health, your overall health, and especially your appearance.  Practicing good dental hygiene at home and with the assistance of professional care helps maintain that smile that you like to flash around.

Your oral health - This one is obvious.  The regular maintenance of your teeth and gums helps keep them looking good and feeling good.  And you should always pay attention to the warning signs.  Increased sensitivity to hot and cold food, hot and cold beverages, or sugar can indicate an issue.  And it is always better to get the issues fixed sooner rather than later.  Filling a cavity is significantly easier than a root canal or a dental crown.  This is truly a case of an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly are all keys to healthier teeth and gums.  Gum care is also critical to your mouth’s health.  Untreated teeth problems can lead to gum disease and vice versa. 

Your overall health - Not only can gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) cause mouth pain and discomfort, it can also can lead to even more serious health complications such as strokes, heart complications, diabetes complications and respiratory issues.  Also an important point to note, certain very serious health conditions can begin with signs and symptoms in the mouth, such as ulcers, swollen gums, and receding gums.  If you start to show any of these symptoms, it is most certainly time to visit your dental professional to see if there’s anything else going on.

Your appearance - No one really wants to have the smile that might be discolored, crooked, or gapped.  If you have ever had these or similar issues with your smile, you are well aware of how self-conscious it can make you.  And whether you realize it or not, your teeth also affect the size and shape of your face.  Have you ever seen an older person without their dentures in place?  Their jaw looks smaller, and their lips disappear without the support of the teeth.  The teeth do affect the entire face!

Your potential solution options

Besides pain and discomfort, the first visible sign of teeth problems is usually a cavity.  If you can catch it early enough, it can usually be fixed with a simple filling.  However, sometimes cavities can get too deep for a filling to repair.  More than likely, at that point you are facing crowns and possibly even a root canal.

If you do not get to the dentist quickly enough, the decay can spread and ultimately cause tooth loss.  One of the most difficult complications of not taking care of your teeth is the actual loss of a tooth.  Depending on where the loss is located, one of the main reasons people get dental implants is for aesthetic reasons.  But there are deeper reasons to replace those missing teeth.  Not only do most people not want a gap in their smile, but when one tooth falls out of the lineup, other effects start happening.

• The jaw bone underneath the missing tooth area starts to weaken without that support piece.
• The other teeth in the area are no longer held in place by the missing one.  They can start shifting around, causing further gaps and possibly even requiring orthodontia to correct.
• The general bite of your teeth and jaws can become affected, depending on where the loss occurs and how everything else overcompensates.
• There can even be an increased risk of losing the other teeth in the area because of the weakness and shifting.

Replacing the missing tooth is critical to maintaining the overall health of your mouth.  Quite honestly, the crowns that are used to complete the dental implant can even be color-matched to the rest of your teeth so that they just blend right in.  Dental implants can reduce or eliminate the effects of that missing tooth by filling in the gap and replacing the loss.

• It can aid digestion.  When you are able to properly tear and chew your food before swallowing, your body can more effectively and more efficiently digest your food.
• It can assist in speaking.  Whether you realize it or not, the teeth play a critical role in helping your speech patterns.  The way your tongue and lips and teeth interact affects the sounds that you make when you speak.
• It can make you look younger.  That really is not an exaggeration.  When one or more teeth are missing, especially in the same area, the face can look saggy or sunken in that area.  The teeth help keep the facial structure in place.
• It will help your feel better about yourself.  Sometimes we don’t even realize how much our teeth affect our self-esteem, until there is an issue.  When our teeth start to deteriorate, we don’t even want smile any more.  And everyone’s mood is improved when you smile.  To quote, “If you see someone without a smile, give them yours!”

Personally, I have had my own dental implants for over twenty years and love them.  I can’t imagine not having the teeth there, and I don’t want to imagine the damage that could have been caused by leaving the gaps.  My issue was that I did not have the permanent teeth, only the baby teeth.  I finally had them pulled and had the implants put in.

While it is not an easy procedure, completing the process of installing your dental implants will give you the confidence that you might have lost when you lost that tooth.  And having your tooth back is something to smile about!

This is a guest blog entry.

8 Fall Fitness Activities for Seniors

Fall into a fresh, new fitness habit this Autumn with inspired exercise ideas that might surprise you. Whether it’s the cooler temperatures or simply the energetic excitement of a holiday season around the corner, fall is the perfect time for seniors to find motivation to stay active and fit. Don’t miss these 8 fall-inspired fitness activities for seniors:

Hiking
Take in the sights and smells of fall with a mountain hike through the beautiful changing colors of the season. Hiking in nature is a great way for seniors to stay active, burn calories, and strengthen muscles and bones. Not only that, but hiking makes for great balance and coordination practice as well, which is essential in preventing falls in seniors. Just remember that the autumn season brings shorter days and cooler weather, so wearing layers and making sure you have appropriate lighting with you is a must when hiking.

Outdoor Yoga
Take your newest favorite fitness hobby outside into the crisp, cool air of fall and practice amongst the beautiful golds, oranges, yellows, and reds Autumn’s foliage has to offer. Yoga practice has been shown to help build bone density, relieve low back pain, reduce high blood pressure, and boost feelings of positivity. Combine the mindfulness of yoga with the outdoor setting in nature and take exercise to the next level this fall.

Pumpkin Carving
Rock some fine motor skills by getting in on the pumpkin carving fun with the grandkids this year! Just like crafting, knitting, or folding origami, pumpkin carving which requires the use of small tools, creativity, and grip strength can help older adults support good brain health and exercise weaker arm and hand muscles.

Cycling
Swap out your summer swimming routine for some bicycle action this fall! While cycling might seem high risk, it is actually a superior low-impact activity for seniors. Cycling helps increase heart rate, boost circulation, tone and strengthen muscles, as well as hone coordination and balance skills, all while taking it easy on older joints. The cooler weather and beautiful scenery of fall is simply the cherry on top!

Rake Leaves
Approach your favorite fall chore instead as what experts call “functional fitness.” Did you know you can burn over 100 calories in one half hour of raking leaves? Combine that with bagging and carrying them to the curb and you have a real low-impact exercise on your hands! Don’t have a yard? Offer to rake leaves for a neighbor or friend, or join a community/neighborhood cleanup service project happening in your area.

Fall Proof Your Home
Take a note from the season of “fall” and find time this season to fall-proof your own home by removing clutter and installing helpful tools for getting around your house safely. Update your bathroom with helpful nonslip grip tape, grab bars, and a shower stool or chair. Check that all lighting is bright and consistent from room to room, and remove trip hazards like cords and turned up corners of rugs from common walking pathways.

Go Apple Picking
Apple season has arrived, and what better way to spend time with family and give your body a little exercise than with an apple picking adventure. Not only does the movement of walking the orchard and picking apples help you loosen joints and build up bone strength, but apples themselves make great additions to a healthy diet. Packed with fiber and Vitamin C, apples are also great sources of antioxidants which can help protect you against cancer and other diseases.

Volunteer
Lots of fall volunteer opportunities offer an added bonus of physical fitness, and are a great way for seniors to spend their free time. Volunteering at a holiday festival, joining a trail or river cleanup, participating in an animal adoption event, even walking in a Thanksgiving 5K - the ideas are endless! The last handful of months of the year are also full of awareness events for important causes like ending childhood hunger, fighting prostate and breast cancer, and celebrating family caregivers.

This is a guest blog entry.

What Snoring Means for Your Child

Children snore from time to time, and it isn’t often a concern for parents. Snoring comes in a variety of forms, from slight grunts and gasps during one’s sleep to freight train-esque noises that can be startling. Although most snoring is more of an endearing thing when coming from a small child, parents may have a reason to pay closer attention to those cute sounds. Mild health issues, like a common cold or a respiratory infection may be behind snoring in some children, but in other cases, persistent snoring could be a warning sign of sleep apnea.

Among children aged one to nine, nearly twelve percent have sleep apnea in some form. That pales in comparison to the nearly 20 million adults who are diagnosed with sleep apnea, but it does require some understanding of the condition among parents with young children. In the advanced world of medicine we live in today, being diagnosed with sleep apnea does not mean a life of uncomfortable breathing or restless sleep. Instead, sleep apnea can be treated and controlled, even in young children, so long as early intervention takes place. Parents who have a child that snores more than three times a week are smart to evaluate other behaviors to determine if a doctor’s visit is the best next step. Here’s what parents can do to take charge of their child’s health and well-being when snoring may be a consistent issue.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea, whether diagnosed in a child or an adult, is defined as the obstruction of normal airflow during a night’s sleep. Being unable to breathe throughout the night can take place two to three times or a few hundred, depending on the severity of the sleep apnea. During sleep, an individual’s breathing temporarily stops because the natural flow or air is impeded. This causes the brain to signal the person sleeping to wake up abruptly so that normal breathing can resume. While most children with sleep apnea fall back asleep shortly after the forced wake up, the condition can cause mild to severe medical issues that take away from their quality of life.

Sleep apnea comes in three main categories. Obstructive sleep apnea is by far the most common among children and adults, as it is caused by the relaxing of muscles in the throat. OSA takes place when the muscles become so relaxed that they allow the fatty tissue surrounding the throat and the tongue to fall back, blocking the normal airflow during sleep. Some experience a partial blockage while others have a complete blockage. In either case, breathing is halted during the night which causes the child to wake up briefly so that they can breathe again. Gasping for air and choking may occur each time a child wakes up after the airflow is blocked, but once they have enough air again, sleep resumes.

Different from obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea occurs when signals sent from the brain to the throat muscles are not received correctly. The muscles do not react, leading to a blockage of airflow that causes breathing to stop. Similar to obstructive sleep apnea, children with central sleep apnea may experience gasping or choking when the brain sends the signal to wake up and begin breathing again. Central sleep apnea is far less common than obstructive, but snoring can be a warning sign as well.

Mixed sleep apnea is the last category, which combines elements from obstructive and central sleep apnea. There are many misfires of communication in the brain along with the relaxing of the throat muscles, all which cause a child to stop breathing during sleep.

Warning Signs in Children

Each type of sleep apnea carries similar warning signs that parents should be able to recognise in their children. Drowsiness during the day, even after what seemed like a full night’s rest, is a common sign of sleep apnea in children. Snoring more than a few times per week over an extended period of time is also a cause for concern. Children may experience behavioural issues at school or throughout the day, which can be linked to sleep apnea and the reality that they are not getting enough rest to remain healthy. If it is difficult to wake a child up in the morning, they sweat during sleep, or they wet the bed, these could all be signs of sleep apnea as well.

Getting the Best Treatment

Even though the diagnosis of sleep apnea in a child may seem overwhelming, parents have plenty of options for treatment to help their children get a good night’s rest. However, a specialist firm of medical negligence solicitors that works with several ear, nose, and throat cases, advise parents always to seek out a second, or even third, opinion when sleep apnea is a suspected issue. This is because ear, nose, and throat specialists may recommend a treatment like surgery that could not deliver any respite for the child, leaving them with the same symptoms as before. In some cases, a misdiagnosis may lead to other unnecessary treatments that simply prolong the issue instead of making it better. Parents should understand that treatment options come in a variety of forms, including non-invasive and at-home options that may be more beneficial and less traumatic for the child.

Sleep apnea affects more children than parents are aware, and because snoring seems like a non-issue, the condition may go undiagnosed for longer than necessary. Paying close attention to your child’s sleeping habits as well as their behaviours throughout the day are pertinent to recognising sleep apnea as a potential issue. Once the correct diagnosis is made, children with sleep apnea can begin treatment and ultimately lead a healthier, more comfortable life that includes restful sleep.

This is a guest blog entry.

Keep Your Family Safe & Healthy on Your Trip

Whether you're traveling to an exotic land or to the next state over, traveling with your family is fun, exciting and sometimes a little stressful. You are busy booking plane tickets, hotel rooms and activities that everyone in the family will love, and you're almost ready to go. But have you thought about your health? Traveling can be a big change on your eating, sleeping and exercise patterns, so you need to be prepared to keep everyone feeling their best. Here are a few tips:

Pack Wipes & Sanitizer

Babies and toddlers love putting everything in their mouths — toys, keys, basically whatever is in reach. When you're traveling, you're going to be in a lot of areas where you can't control the cleanliness and your baby will be exposed to new germs. Be as prepared as possible with plenty of antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer. Wipe down the seat and tray table when you get on the plane.

Lather your kids' hands with sanitizer before they even think of touching a snack. And be prepared to wash their hands extra thoroughly after using a public restroom. The last thing you want is for your baby or young child to have an upset stomach, so do what you can to avoid germs and bacteria.


Plan Activities

Your teenagers stay up all night and sleep all day when you're home, so how are they going to adjust to a travel schedule? Start by battling jet lag. Make sure everyone gets on the local time of the place you're traveling to as quickly as possible. If you need to keep everyone up that first day, plan something active to keep everyone moving. For the rest of the trip, put a limit on screen time and cellphones, not only to keep your teens engaged in your vacation, but also to help them keep a normal sleep cycle. Sleep is a crucial part of keeping your immune system strong, so insist that your teens keep to the family sleep schedule.

Bring Snacks & Probiotics

You're going to be busy making sure all of your plans stay on track. You're in charge of making sure the kids are dressed, everyone is in the car with plenty of time to make your flight and everyone is having a good time. That can be a lot of pressure, and it's easy to forget to take care of yourself.

Traveling can wreak havoc on your stomach and digestive system, so be sure to include some healthy foods and drinks along with all the tasty vacation treats. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated all day long (if you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated). You also should consider taking a probiotic to help build up healthy bacteria so you don't encounter any stomach problems in the middle of your trip.

Consider Mobility & Movement

If grandma and grandpa are coming along on your vacation, you may need to make some special arrangements. You still should plan all of your active and physical excursions, but make sure they are safe for everyone. For example, you should see if there's a place where they can sit or take a break if necessary. You also should plan for some down time between activities or even plan for an entire day of relaxation. You also may want the grandparents to wear a medical alert system so they can keep track of their heart rate and their other health stats. And if you do run into an emergency, the medical alert device can notify certified agents to respond quickly.

You don't need to do anything crazy to keep everyone in your family healthy while you travel. Be prepared with a few extra items, and you're sure to enjoy your vacation.

This is a guest blog post.

How Do Orthopedic Aids Help Shoulder Pain?

Anything that braces and partially immobilizes an injured or painful shoulder is usually a good thing because it effectively prevents further injury while the muscles are at their most vulnerable point. After a doctor, trainer, or physical therapist evaluates the injury, you’ll know how long to keep the brace on, and it’s important to keep the brace in place for the entire period, even if you feel better.

Braces also provide gentle compression and thus support the area until the muscles heal. That same compression also reduces swelling and inflammation, thus speeding recovery. The compression creates a good feeling that, at least in part, offsets the pain, which is why a good arm sling can actually prevent shoulder pain. More on that below.

Kinesio Tape

Kinesio Tex Tape is more than just that wide, sticky tape that you wrap around and around an injured area. Properly done, the Kinesio Tape Method speeds healing and has other benefits as well. Largely because it’s inexpensive, easy to apply, and free from any latex or any other possible harmful side effects, these benefits are available to almost everyone. They include:

• Pain Relief: The tape ever so slightly raises the skin, placing it away from irritated nerve endings and reducing pressure on sensitive pain receptors. Furthermore, the stimulating effect of the compression effectively counteracts pain messages, especially for things like shoulder injuries, where the pain is out of proportion to the severity of the wound.
• Reduced Swelling: Not to get too technical, but the decreased pressure also channels away fluids that would otherwise collect underneath the skin. This process is good news for patients suffering from both sports and non-sports injuries, like lymphedema. 
• Prevents Cramps: Kinesio tape promotes good blood circulation, and when the blood moves like it should, muscles are much less likely to lock up. The same thing applies for the muscle spasms commonly associated with overuse.
• Unrestricted Support: In terms of the opening discussion, this benefit is the big one. K-tape supports the area and prevents re-injury while not restricting range of motion. That’s key for things like injured shoulders that do not get better without at least a little exercise.

Kinesio tape’s elasticity can also help enhance strength in poorly-toned muscles, thus helping to prevent future injury.

Arm Slings

Almost everyone who fractures a wrist, elbow, or shoulder needs to wear an arm sling for at least a few weeks. These devices are also good for post-surgical patients, because of the immobility and pan reduction aspects of an arm sling, and also for stroke patients, whose arms tend to painfully hang.

It’s very important to wear the sling properly, or else fluid may accumulate in your wrist or hand, and the sling will be incredibly uncomfortable.

•    Pull the sling all the way over your arm and elbow,
•    There should be no cutting sensation around your wrist or hand,
•    Pull the strap tight so your hand is close to your chest and slightly above your elbow, and
•    If there is a thumb loop, use it.

Arm slings are much more advanced than they were a few years ago, so it’s easy to find one made of lightweight and durable fabric.

Shoulder Brace

Neoprene shoulder braces are usually the best, because they not only provide compression and support, but also protect the skin and tendons. These braces also have a substantial placebo effect, because you simply feel better and more supported.

Braces also decrease the risk of dislocation, especially because about 95 percent of such injuries occur during anterior motion when the arm is pulling away from the body. Most shoulder braces permit all kinds of movement except the one most likely to dislocate the shoulder, which is a very good thing. Furthermore, similar to Kinesio tape, neoprene shoulder braces also increase muscle tone, which causes less pain.

If you properly protect an injured shoulder, you can help it heal faster and decrease pain during the recovery period.

This is a guest blog posting.

How to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis during Pregnancy

Several physiological changes take place when a woman becomes pregnant. From morning sickness to swelling ankles and feet, the glow of being pregnancy also comes with less than ideal side effects. While most health conditions related to pregnancy are temporary and have a minimal impact on long-term health, expectant mothers are at risk of developing various medical issues that can be more serious. Deep vein thrombosis, also known as DVT, is one condition that requires some understanding and attention throughout one’s pregnancy.

Deep vein thrombosis is a condition where a blood clot forms, most often in the deep veins of the leg. When clotting takes place, the legs can become more swollen than usual, and women can experience ongoing pain or tenderness where the clot occurs. While DVT is not a serious threat to the well-being of an expectant mother, should the clot break off and travel to the lungs, the results could be life-altering. In the UK, deep vein thrombosis affects one in every 1,000 pregnancy women, and although this may not seem like an astonishing amount, pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing DVT than those who are not expecting. Here’s what pregnant women and their partners need to know about deep vein thrombosis, from the risk factors and symptoms to strategies for prevention.

High-risk Patients

Deep vein thrombosis can affect anyone at any point in adulthood, but pregnant women are at a much higher risk than others. Part of the increased possibility of developing DVTs can be linked to the rapid shift in hormones pregnant women experience from the beginning of their pregnancy up to six months after giving birth. Additionally, a growing baby places pressure on the pelvis which causes compression that could lead to clotting. In some cases in pregnant women the blood’s clotting agents change early in the process, creating a greater risk of developing DVsT later in the pregnancy.

In addition to these common physiological changes within pregnant women, individuals may be more at risk of experiencing deep vein thrombosis when they have previously been diagnosed with a blood clot, if they have recently had a caesarean section, or if they smoke. Women who are over the age of 35, those who have a body mass index of 30 or higher, or those who have undergone fertility treatment are also more likely to develop DVTs during pregnancy. Being immobile for extended periods of time and carrying multiple children during a single pregnancy also increase the risks.

Warning Signs

In most cases when a pregnant woman develops deep vein thrombosis, the warning signs are similar regardless of the cause. DVT is most often found in a single leg, not both, and can cause swelling of the legs or ankles, pain at the site where the clot occurred, or tenderness of the leg. Some may also experience a warming of the skin on the leg or redness that appears below or behind the knee.

Pregnant women should note that some of these symptoms are similar to other issues that naturally take place while carrying a child to term, many of which may not cause any harm aside from the occasional discomfort.

When any or a combination of these symptoms occur, and they seem out of the ordinary, medical attention should be sought out as soon as possible. Speaking with a medical professional about the discomfort that is taking place, when it began, and what’s being done to minimize the symptoms is pertinent to getting the correct diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

Ways to Prevent DVT during Pregnancy

While deep vein thrombosis has the potential to cause a variety of symptoms during one’s pregnancy, there are several steps to prevent it from taking place from the start. Eddie Chaloner, vein specialist at Radiance Vein Clinic, explains that preventing blood clotting throughout pregnancy always begins with ensuring the blood is flowing on a consistent basis. Regular exercise that is doctor-approved during one’s pregnancy, and walking or stretching a few times a day helps keep the blood flowing as it should. Similarly, not allowing the legs to be idle for extended periods of time is beneficial in preventing DVTs from developing. Lifting the legs while sitting or lying down helps in this regard.

If routine physical activity is not an easy option, Chaloner states that some doctors may prescribe compression stockings to help with consistent blood flow. Compression stockings are easily worn on the legs during the day, working to put slight pressure on the veins to reduce idle time. In addition to compression solutions, a doctor may also provide a preventative dose of an anticoagulant throughout the pregnancy, especially when a woman carries multiple risk factors.

When deep vein thrombosis is diagnosed and treated early on, the potential for a blood clot to break off and travel to the lungs is greatly reduced. Pregnant women and their partners can work to prevent DVTs from developing in the first place by focusing on being active during the pregnancy and speaking to a doctor as soon as any of the warning signs begin to show.

This is a guest blog entry.

Know Your Blood Pressure Apparatus: The parts of a sphygmomanometer

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a significant health condition. Not treating it correctly can have fatal consequences. As an indicator of a patient’s state of health, one’s blood pressure must be monitored accurately.

And here’s where the sphygmomanometer—the equipment used to measure blood pressure—enters the picture. It allows the medical practitioner to listen to the flow of blood through the artery.

How does a sphygmomanometer work?

Some blood pressure monitoring devices are battery operated, while others are operated manually. To get an accurate measurement of your patient’s BP using a manually operated sphygmomanometer, follow these  steps:

1.    Prepare your stethoscope and sphygmomanometer
2.    Let your patient relax for at least 5 minutes before you check his or her blood pressure.
3.    Put the BP cuff/gauge around the patient’s upper arm.
4.    Check his or her pulse.
5.    Place the stethoscope on his or her pulse (wrist).
6.    Slowly inflate the gauge/cuff while listening to the pulse.
7.    When the cuff is fully inflated, slowly deflate it while listening to the systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
8.    Repeat the process to double check the BP result.

What are the basic components of a sphygmomanometer?

BP Cuff—a cloth-like material attached or connected to the valve and bulb. It is positioned on the patient’s upper arm and held in place using the Velcro strap. It is designed to fit all body sizes.

Bulb—an egg-shaped piece of black rubber used to pump air that inflates the cuff to check the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. It is designed to pump different cuff sizes.

Manometer–a meter that displays readings of blood pressure measurements. It comes in different designs, with aneroid, mercury, or digital meters. The medical attendant can choose which manometer type he or she prefers.

Valve—a silver-like metal piece attached to the bulb to control the inflation and deflation of the cuff.

Inflation/Deflation Bladder—rubber or elastic tubes that are connected to the cuff, manometer, bulb, and valve. It must be kept free of holes to avoid air leaks; otherwise, it won’t inflate and deflate the cuff. 

A sphygmomanometer is a very practical, portable medical instrument. In less than a minute, you can check your patient’s blood pressure. You don’t even need to be qualified medical personnel to use it. Just operate it according to the instructions. Buy the sphygmomanometer only from a reliable supplier.

This is a guest blog post.

The Many Benefits of Magnesium

Magnesium is arguably one of the most important minerals in the body. It is involved in over 300 enzyme reactions in the body, mainly including energy dependant activities. It is required for healthy bones, muscles and nerves and is helpful in treating migraines/headaches, muscle cramps, fatigue, high blood pressure, insomnia and anxiety. Magnesium deficiency is common and many Australians may not be aware they are low in this essential mineral.

Causes of magnesium deficiency

•    Use of certain medications and chronic diseases

•    Reduced magnesium in foods due to soil depletion and processing techniques

•    Digestive diseases, leaky gut and poor absorption of minerals

The four most common at-risk groups include:

1.    People with gastrointestinal complaints

2.    The elderly

3.    People with type 2 diabetes

4.    Alcoholics

Unfortunately, magnesium is not an easy mineral to test for and deficiency will not show up in a simple blood test. Like calcium, only 1% of magnesium is found in the blood and often doesn’t give an accurate representation of total levels.

What you can use magnesium for

Because magnesium depletion is associated with a myriad of different deficiency signs and symptoms it can be used for a wide-range of health effects. Here are some of its most common uses.

Reduces anxiety and insomnia

Magnesium can help to calm the body, relax our muscles and improve mood. It’s no wonder people who are stressed have been found to have lowered levels of magnesium in their body. A 2012 article found that lowered magnesium can reduce the GABA cycle in the body which can lead to extreme anxiety and in more severe instances depression and hallucinations. In addition to anxiety, magnesium can be used to help with insomnia without any nasty side-effects. Bioceuticals Ultra Muscleze Night powder is an example of specific magnesium to reduce stress and promote a good night’s sleep. It can be taken twice a day to reduce daytime anxiety and before bed for insomnia.

Migraine headaches

Daily intake of magnesium has been linked to a reduction in migraine headaches, even ones that are related to the menstrual cycle. It achieves this by reducing muscular spasm—aiding relaxation and dilation of blood vessels. Magnesium also helps to alter the balance of neurotransmitters. An imbalance of these, particularly serotonin, has been linked to the pathogenesis of migraines.

Heart Health

Magnesium helps to regulate calcium, potassium and sodium which are important for healthy heart function and rhythm. Without sufficient amounts of magnesium in the body people are at higher risk of high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia (an irregular heartbeat), cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. An article published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that “circulating and dietary magnesium are inversely associated with cardiovascular disease risk”. This means that the lower your intake of magnesium and the lower the magnesium you have circulating in your body the higher your risk for developing cardiovascular disease.

Low magnesium levels have been associated with thicker plaque in arteries, an increased risk of stroke and a decrease in blood flow. Although there are many different forms of magnesium available, magnesium orotate is the preferred form for heart and cardiovascular health. Nature’s Own Magnesium orotate is available in two different strengths.

Muscle function

Two of the most obvious symptoms of a magnesium deficiency are muscle cramps and spasms which most people experience in the feet and calves. Magnesium plays a crucial role in muscle relaxation and can work very quickly to provide relief. Supplementation is suitable for people suffering from fibromyalgia, muscle pain and restless leg syndrome. Even athletes and people who work out and experience a build-up of lactic acid in the muscles can benefit from magnesium. An example of good all-round magnesium is Cabot Health’s Magnesium Complete. It contains four different kinds of well-absorbed forms of magnesium—covering everything from muscle pain to headaches.

Bone health

Most people think of calcium for bone health but did you know that the majority of magnesium is found in bone. Supplementing with magnesium has been found to slow the development of osteoporosis in as little as 30 days. Magnesium is important for the health of our teeth and its magnesium (not calcium), that is vital for the hardening of our tooth enamel. However, if you’re supplementing with calcium it’s important to take magnesium also in a 1:2 ratio.

Diabetes

Magnesium deficiency is common among those with type 2 diabetes as it is vital for healthy blood sugar balancing. A diet rich in magnesium and magnesium supplementation has been shown to significantly lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. Even a low dose of 100mg per day lowered the risk by 15%. As diabetes causes damage to nerves and is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease, magnesium is a nutrient that provides protection in these areas. Even those with insulin resistance and prediabetes would benefit from increasing their magnesium intake.

Increase your energy

Weakness, low energy and fatigue are all common deficiency signs of magnesium. While magnesium can improve muscle relaxation and aids anxiety it is on the other hand important to produce energy on a cellular level. ATP is a coenzyme that is responsible for transporting energy within our cells for metabolism and healthy cell division. Magnesium is required in the production of ATP and this is why magnesium deficiency can leave you feeling sluggish and droopy eyed. So next time you feel like that next cup of coffee for an artificial energy hit, why not try magnesium instead and experience a wide-range of other health benefits.

Need to get more magnesium in the diet? 

High magnesium foods include dark leafy greens, avocados, nuts, seeds, beans, fish, bananas, dark chocolate, dried fruit and wholegrains. Try eating a few serves from a variety of magnesium rich sources for healthy muscle, bone, nerve and heart health.

This is a guest blog post.

Instagram Guiding a New Resurgence in Plastic Surgery

Social media is changing things for plastic surgeons around the world. More and more people are interested in this beautification process in order to look better in selfies. A very popular platform that is driving this social change is Instagram since the app relies solely on images through Facebook and other social media platforms have surely had an effect on the intensified focus on outer-beauty.

Why are Social Media Platforms Vital for Plastic Surgeons?

It may not be believable at first but, yes, many plastic surgeons are using social media to advertise their results and to entice others by perpetuating a new standard of beauty. This is something that some will not want to hear, but beauty has a way of changing with time and, now, with social platforms like Instagram.

This social platform allows users to create a photo album for the rest of the world to see. It would be one thing if these photographs were natural, but many people use specific angles, makeup, and filters that allow a person to look like an enhanced version of themselves.

Filters, for example, can sometimes help a person look younger than they are by softening their skin. The issue is that people on platforms like Instagram are catching on to filters and are calling people out. This drives some people to seek a solution for premature wrinkles finding Botox injections in Gold Coast or other regions.

Botox creates the filtered look without having to blur a photograph, which is quite beloved online. Furthermore, the new standard of beauty that is hard to match is making others feel they have no other option but to get plastic surgery, too.

Social Media and Beauty

It is easy to see that beauty is changing due to social media platforms like Instagram, but how it is shifting is interesting. For example, one of the major changes that some people in the field are seeing is the rise in lip fillers and lip augmentation.

More women are interested in enhancing their lips than before. This could be due to the number of celebrities and reality TV stars who have full lips. Some women want to appease their desire for this type of beauty and also want to take fabulous selfies.

There is no doubt that some things remain the same, like how most women and men want to stay young, which keeps a lot of people interested in wrinkle reduction procedures.

Plastic Surgery Becoming More Accessible

There is no doubt that social media platforms, celebrities, and the ability to use fillers on a picture are having an effect on people. This is undoubtedly helping many people turn towards plastic surgery or procedures.

Some of the people who now covet plastic surgery might have never been able to afford it before, but times have changed. Plastic surgery is more accessible to people from all types of economic groups. This is possible due to different options like financing.

There are also options that are less invasive and a lot more cost-effective for those looking to spend as little as possible beautifying their face. Botox is the most famous and relatively inexpensive procedure, but there are others such as chemical peels and fillers just to name a few.

It is clear that having different payment options is giving plastic surgery a way to continue growing. All those people influenced by social media platforms like Instagram will be happy to know that what they wish for can actually come true. Great and amazing photographs are possible just as long as women find an experienced plastic surgeon specialist to help them with their beauty goals.

This is a guest blog post.

Tips For College Students On Dealing With Daily Challenges

When it’s time to set off for college, there are a lot of emotions; making your way through the campus, fitting in with new friends, and making the grade. It can be very overwhelming, even if you’re in your last year of school. Challenges arise and so do situations in which you may be tempted to turn to bad decision making in order to cope with daily stressors.

Making positive choices is the best way to ensure that you can be successful throughout your college career. Here are a few examples of issues that may arise and some positive coping mechanisms in which to handle these situations.

Stress and Anxiety

Checking the academic portal frequently to see if you’ve passed a test, or worrying about dealing with a forthright roommate can lead to added stress and anxiety.  That’s why it’s important to deal with problems as they come up in a healthy manner. Some ways to go about it include:

•    *Getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise or aerobic activity daily.
•    *Sleeping at least 8 hours every night.
•    *Eating a healthy diet and avoiding junk food.
•    *Connecting with a counselor through student services.
•    *Using positive coping mechanisms to work through anxiety and stress.

Stress and anxiety affects college students daily, and in some cases, it’s easy to turn to illicit drug use, prescription pills and alcohol to get through tough times. This isn’t the answer, and can greatly affect your lifestyle on campus, as well as your grades. You can easily be disqualified for scholarships and possibly be expelled from school and sports if you’re found with certain substances. If you feel you have a problem with substance abuse, contact your local rehab center for help. Similar to inpatient drug rehab center Utah-based facilities, a facility in your own area will be able to help you detox safely and give you the right tools for a complete recovery.

Social Issues 

Are you having a lot of peer pressure placed on you in college? Maybe you’re finding it hard to fit in with the group of kids in your dorm. No matter what the social issue is, it’s important to understand that many college students experience the same thing. Social issues can quickly lead to feeling anxious and frustrated with your college experience. There are a few ways to try to get past this problem and turn your anxiety into something positive, such as:

•    *Joining more social groups at the college.
•    *Volunteering on and around your campus.
•    *Connecting with your professors and discussing your obstacles.
•    *Staying in touch with family and friends from home.

Social issues can lead to isolation and sometimes destructive behavior, such as over or under eating and sleeplessness. Don’t let anxiety cripple you. If it becomes an ongoing issue, talk to your family doctor right away about getting help.

Tuition Concerns

Another problem that some students face when they attend college is how they are going to pay for everything that school entails, notes Jeff Grabmeier from the Ohio State University. This ranges from books, computers, room and board, tuition, food and daily living expenses. The best place to start is with your school’s financial advisor. From there you will be able to sit down, review your financial aid package and determine if you’re getting the maximum of loan coverage for your living situation. Your advisor may offer tips, such as working on campus or borrowing certain materials in order to save money on your tuition costs. There are a lot of programs you may not realize are readily available until you ask about them or sit down and talk with a financial advisor face-to-face.

Daily Living Costs

Whether you’ve been saving up money, have student loans or your parents are helping you with tuition and housing expenses, it can still make it tough to make ends meet on your own. There are some ways that you can pinch pennies to make the dollar stretch each month, including:

•    *Sharing and preparing quick and cheap meals with your friends or roommates.
•    *Utilize a campus meal program to cut back on food costs.
•    *Ditch your car and use a bike or public transportation to get around town.
•    *Apply for extra scholarships to earn more money for tuition costs.
•    *Avoid going to clubs and bars. Take advantage of on-campus concerts and events instead.

Utilizing small things can actually save you big money in the future.

College doesn’t have to be a time of stress and high worry. Reach out for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed and utilize the resources readily available to you.

This is a blog post by Nancy Evans.

We Can’t Live Without Protein Research

We don’t really discuss protein and protein research very much. Most of us are left even wondering what it is and why it’s so important. Companies like NanoTemperTech.com and the research they do have been instrumental in medical advances for a number of health issues.

Focusing intensely on natural environments helps keep the samples authentic and creates better data. Furthermore, they can provide a higher density of data points which translates into better data quality and seeing more in the data that other technologies could miss. Before we get into the fantastic ways we have benefited from protein research, let’s actually discuss it just a little bit further.

Proteins Are What I Eat, Right?

It’s true that we eat proteins in our diet but we are not talking about those proteins. We are talking about the building blocks of the cells within our bodies. All of our life information is encoded within our DNA; proteins manage the process of our life maintenance, defense, reproduction, and replication. They are often studied individually so that if we were to clone a cell, we would get the protein structure correct. When all of the proteins are cloned individually, they then come together in the cell. This suddenly makes cloning sound a lot more complicated, doesn’t it?

Why Do We Study Proteins?

Of course, the reason why we study proteins can vary. The simplest answer is so that we can understand the DNA better. The interesting thing about DNA is that a protein can be modified without ever affecting DNA. So simply studying DNA can leave us with questions on why something happened. When we research the proteins, we can see a clearer map. When proteins are modified and we can identify it, it will tell us how that specific protein worked and can lead to why it was modified. This point was really driven home when researchers studied dinosaur proteins. The proteins were able to identify the age of the sample, which could affect changes in when we thought a particular species existed, and what the environment was like that the dinosaur lived in or was buried in. Not all DNA evolve for evolution but proteins certainly do!

So, How Does It Help Us?

Studying proteins helps us in a myriad of ways. Medicines are often designed around the proteins within our bodies and learning how to affect the protein isn’t easy. Often they have to build a structure of a specific protein as a template in a computer program and bind it to a natural molecule. The natural molecule works sort of like a key, it unlocks the biological action of the protein. When designing certain medicines, they will want to either unlock that action or block it all together. The more response they get from the proteins, the easier it is to create these types of medicines. When they don’t work, they know to go back to the proteins and research some more.

One of the more popular examples of how protein research has helped us is when researchers were stumped on how to understand the structure of a particular protein. However, they employed video gamers to assist in the research. They were able to successfully replicate the structure and understand why some viruses, like HIV, could spread. When we have that type of information released, it makes finding the medicines and treatments easier to eradicate some diseases all together.

As we continue researching proteins, we expect to find a lot more treatments and a few cures along the way. We will also be able to notice genetic tendencies towards certain types of illnesses and disorders. Nothing but good can come from protein research!

This is a blog post by Nancy Evans.

6 Things Family Caregivers Should Remember to Bring to Doctor’s Appointments

For family caregivers, doctor’s appointments are one of the most important and time-consuming tasks. Whether it’s helping an aging parent with a ride to the doctor or taking a medically complex relative for their check-up with the specialist, the preparation, travel, and appointment time can all add up.

Don’t forget to bring these 6 things to your loved one’s next doctor’s appointment to make sure your time and effort is counting for something:

Bring a Medicine List
The doctor will always check in with each visit to see what medicines your loved one is still taking, which have changed, and what new ones they have started taking. Especially important for patients who see multiple doctors, keeping one central list of all medications (both prescriptions and over the counter) equips all your loved one’s doctors with the information they need to make sure nothing is over-prescribed, interacts with other medicines, or can cause complications.

Bring Your Questions
It is so easy for patients and their caregivers to feel overwhelmed with information, flustered, or simply forgetful of concerns you wanted to bring up with the doctor. Bottom line, write them down and bring them in. Not only does referencing a paper (or your phone) with your questions show the doctor you mean business, but it also holds the doctor accountable in a way to the time you are looking to spend discussing your loved one’s condition. Voice concerns over non-visible changes in mental state, attitude, and physical things like skin breakdown or difficulty swallowing.

Bring Something to Drink (and Eat)
Anyone who has ever been to the doctor knows that appointments can be right on time, or you can end up waiting for 45 minutes in the waiting room before being taken to a patient room to wait another 30 minutes to see the doctor. You never want your loved one to get dehydrated, so make sure to bring water and small snacks to keep energy levels up and everyone feeling at their best for the visit with the doctor.

Bring Hand Sanitizer
Chances are your doctor’s office will have hand sanitizer or antibacterial soap handy, but just in case, carry a small bottle with you to sanitize you and your loved one’s hands after an appointment. Oftentimes, people who see the doctor aren’t necessarily sick with contagious viruses, but it is always better to be safe (especially when visiting the family doctor or general practitioner during cold and flu season).

Bring Your Calendar
When leaving an appointment, unless a specific procedure or follow-up is scheduled, the doctor’s office will try and schedule your next ‘regular visit.’ Make sure to bring your calendar (or have your digital calendar handy on your smartphone) so you can find a good date and time for your next appointment. Even though most offices write it down on a little card for you, chances of that getting lost and you forgetting to put it in your calendar when you get home are high.

Bring Your Appreciation
Do you just love the doctor whom you take your loved one to see? If they have gone the extra mile and really supported you as a caregiver and your family member for whom you care, make sure and let them know how much they mean. A small handwritten note, homemade treats, or a gift certificate to a local restaurant or movie theatre are all super sweet but not ostentatious tokens of gratitude - especially givable around the holidays.

Saving time and getting more answers in regards to your loved one’s condition, treatment, and care helps ease up on the stress many caregivers feel, and so can helpful tools and devices like a hospital overbed table (see more here). When it comes to caregiving, preparation can go a long way, and this is never more evident than at doctor’s appointments. Don’t forget to ‘bring’ all the things you need to make your next appointment an even greater success.

This is a guest blog entry.

Overcoming New Challenges As Old Ones Are Solved

New Ground

As much as technology has proved beneficial, there are instances where it ended up having a negative effect on mental health. The use of the internet has a sedentary characteristic which induces increased levels of adipose tissue over time. Combined with little exercise and artificially designed diet, health tends to slip.

If that weren’t enough, today there are a number of beauty practices and lifestyle choices which fundamentally undermine healthy living. From drug use to alcohol abuse, cigarette addiction, and sexual addiction, the world today is riddled with conditions some may label as synthetic.

It doesn’t stop there, though. As people live lifestyles consumed in synthetic substances both recreationally and subversively, they damage themselves at a genetic level. Unfortunately, sometimes this can trickle down to progeny. There is a reason children today have adverse allergic reactions to seemingly unobtrusive foodstuffs.

There’s a reason why children are born with congenital defects, and disorders affecting mental and physical health have been on the rise for decades. Part of that reason is genetic damage caused by unhealthy living.

Medical Tech

Thankfully, one thing technology is getting right has to do with medical developments which address new and emerging issues. Older problems are being conquered, but the new ones are quick to take their place. Yet with computational technology and political exposure, those issues are swiftly becoming recognized and dealt with.

One way technology is directly exposing adverse conditions is through crowdfunding such as Plumfund, a well-known crowdfunding organization. For over ten years, this organization has been saving those who need to raise money.

Many hospitals and healthcare clinics are leveraging old-world understanding against new world discoveries to synthesize relevant, effective solutions for patients. This is happening across the board; from children’s healthcare to senior healthcare. Sometimes they need additional financial support, and crowdfunding delivers it.

One organization that specializes in overcoming medical treatment challenges—especially as pertains to geriatric care—is Riverside Medical Group; and the why is in how they operate. According to the site: “..we practice a highly focused approach to adult and geriatric care—which means internal medicine patient education is highly important to us. This honest-and-true approach reflects everything we do here.”

Cybernetic Trends

There is an additional trend which has manifested in order to overcome age-old conditions. In a certain way, technology is quickly becoming intrinsic to the human experience. Start with braces, metal that re-shapes your teeth. After braces, sometimes a spacer is left in the bottom teeth.

Vision surgeries are to the point where they actually implant corrective devices. Prosthetics can be mentally manipulated. A gastric bypass can overcome an eating disorder, and plastic surgery can fundamentally transform a person’s physical appearance.

Genetic Manipulation?

Going deeper, research pertaining to human manipulation at the genetic level is producing men and women born entirely unique—by now you’ve likely heard of “test tube babies”.

The issue with such cutting edge technological knowledge is that understanding where it’s going is sometimes impossible. That’s why a medical solution needs to leverage old-world techniques against new-world solutions. Some will be good, some won’t. The right medical institutions won’t institute a new procedure that isn’t tested without expressly defined consent.

As computational technology makes it possible to more swiftly process larger datasets, inferences can be made in medicine, more successful trials can be conducted, and more discoveries can be made. Hopefully things will eventually reach a stabilization point wherein age old medical scourges are solved without introducing even stranger conditions.

Author Bio

Kevin Bennett

Kevin Bennett is a super-connector with ManageBacklinks.io who helps businesses with building their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. Kevin frequently writes about the latest advancements in the SaaS world and digital marketing.

4 Medical Trends You Should Be Watching Today

Once upon a time, healthcare involved visiting a doctor who would, with the help of the supporting staff, diagnose you and start surgical or medical treatment. Today, advanced technology has made its way into healthcare, and is gaining popularity in the world of medicine. Technologies such as stem cell and gene manipulation are now a reality, and researchers around the world are using them to achieve remarkable medical results.

Some of the latest healthcare trends are already making big waves. Some of the best hospitals in America are already using medical technologies that are consumer-centric, offering vital information to healthcare customers. Below is a quick snapshot of some of the latest trends in healthcare that are already used or will make a huge impact in the upcoming years.

Online Scheduling And Telehealth

Telehealth involves sharing critical medical information via a mobile health app, and the number of people using this medium is steadily increasing. Telehealth includes video conferencing a physician or virtual chats that eliminate the need to schedule appointments at a hospital or clinic.

Collaborating technology with healthcare is a process that started in earnest a few years ago with the sudden increase with mobile health apps. While the process is still ongoing, it is expected to improve public health, increase patient awareness and education through online resources like Corpina, and support healthcare services in the country.

At the same time, organizations in the healthcare niche are rapidly moving towards implementing online scheduling services. This means that patients will have the capability to make appointments with doctors via the internet. In fact, 42 percent of patients prefer making appointments online rather than scheduling over the phone.

Wearable Technologies And Software Platforms

Apart from the software platforms already on the market, new products are likely to revolutionize how the medical world operates. Such software platforms are usually available in mobile and desktop health apps, taking away some of the major roles doctors play. For example, using mobile apps, people can track calorie intake and find out whether they are at risk of health conditions related to obesity.

Plus, expect an increase of wearables sold like FitBit and Apple watch. Such wearables help users monitor their health as well as put in place steps to live a healthy lifestyle.

3D BioPrinting And Skin Regeneration

Today, regenerating human tissues and organs with the use of one’s own cell is a real possibility. This is all thanks to developments made in stem cell technology. Though in its early stages, some parts of the technology are already in use for managing type 1 diabetes and ending neurological disorders. In addition, stem cell technology is also used in the regenerating skin layers of severely burnt patients.

In combination with 3D bioprinting, stem cell technology will also help in creating functional replicas of different body organs. Once these technologies have been implemented, a drastic reduction in costs and more personalized care for all patients can be expected.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence technology is already in use, helping nurses and doctors make better decisions in diagnosing and treating their patients. The latest boom in AI technology is likely to strengthen the medical world – especially when it comes to treating non-critical conditions like breast lift Henderson | Mastopexy procedures.

Some of these technologies include voice recognition systems that take the doctor’s notes. Administrative software for billing and scheduling will also receive a major facelift in future, making them more patient-centered.

Overall…

The above technologies are fast becoming the trendsetters in the healthcare industry. Such technologies will make advanced treatments easy and fast.

Author Bio

Tabitha Gits

Tabitha Gits is a super-connector with ManageBacklinks.io who helps businesses with building their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. Tabitha frequently writes about the latest advancements in the SaaS world and digital marketing.

How to Become a Better Healthcare Leader

No matter how big or small the healthcare organization you manage is, you should always be looking for ways to develop your healthcare leadership skills and increase your healthcare knowledge. This often means getting out of your comfort zone and making an extra effort to do so.

Below are some of the most effective ways you can become a better healthcare leader, starting today.

Get an Accredited Healthcare Administration Qualification

Many leading healthcare professionals have natural leadership skills and abilities. However, to take these skills and abilities to the next level, you need to obtain a recognized healthcare administration qualification, such as an online masters in health administration.

A course like the online MHA degree is designed to make students better healthcare managers, planners, and strategists. Once you have completed this type of course, you will then be able to put in place procedures and processes that are guaranteed to make the healthcare organization you work in a more efficient and professional organization.

Hire and Train a Strong Team

Many of the best leaders become great leaders because of the people they surround themselves with. You should take a leaf out of these people's books and do the same thing. Always focus on hiring the best people to work for you.

Some of these employees will already have a great track record in the healthcare sector, while others need to develop certain skills and abilities. To ensure that the people who work for you in a healthcare organization are always on top of their game, you should provide adequate training on an ongoing basis, so that they continue to grow in your organization.

Find Out How Other Healthcare Leaders Operate

When you're trying to become a more accomplished healthcare leader and want to improve the current situation of a healthcare organization, you don't need to reinvent the wheel to do so. Instead, you should look at what other successful healthcare leaders are doing and reach out to them. You will often find that their advice could change your approach to your work and that you may also be able to help these individuals in some way, by networking and sharing ideas.

Keep Up-to-date with the Latest Healthcare Developments

The healthcare sector keeps changing, with new technologies, healthcare methods, and rules and regulations emerging every year. As the leading figure in your healthcare organization, you must keep up-to-date with these latest developments because they can have a huge effect on your healthcare facility or healthcare business in the future.

The internet makes it much easier to do this. Healthcare related organizations such as ONC (Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology), the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Mayo Clinic, and a wide range of other organizations have their own websites and social media pages that constantly publish the latest information that can help keep healthcare professionals updated about these latest developments.

Every healthcare administrator and manager should strive to become a better healthcare leader. You can achieve this important objective by following the tips above.

This is a guest blog entry.