Going organic — 3 ways natural products can enhance your appearance

Humans have been using plant by-products in healthcare potions and balms for thousands of years.

From Cherokees using blackberries to soothe swollen joints to Druids drinking birch sap for its holistic healing properties, there’s a long tradition of using local flora to cure all manner of ailments.

As time wore on, synthetic chemicals were thought to be more effective than natural compounds for certain applications — but many eco-conscious customers are now returning to the sustainable products that served our forebears for generations.

So if you want to go organic, here are three ways natural products can enhance your appearance.

1. Acne

Acne is a common condition — but extreme cases can adversely affect a sufferer’s confidence.

Papules and pustules can be painful and unsightly, and cysts might even cause permanent scarring.

Makeup and cosmetics can block pores and cause an outbreak of acne — so use them sparingly and remove completely at the end of each day.

In terms of treatment, gentle organic skin care products containing willow bark extract and tea tree oil can be effective for some patients — they’re gentle on the epidermis but strong enough to eliminate dead skin cells, oil and dirt.

2. Looking youthful

If you haven’t managed to locate the legendary fountain of youth or stashed away enough savings for a Hollywood facelift, you’ll need to find other ways to stay youthful.

Good general fitness and a robust facial cleansing routine can keep your visage look young and firm — and organic creams, masks, and moisturisers containing natural products like manuka honey, avocado, lavender and liquorice root can restore radiance and evenly tone discoloured skin.

But staying hydrated is one of the best, and cheapest anti-aging treatments — two to three liters of water per day will flush toxins from your system and can take years off your appearance.

And laughter’s also good medicine — making your facial muscles work together while you smile increases blood flow so that you positively glow.

Between slapping on the honey, guzzling water and having a good old chortle, you’ll soon be looking so spritely that you’re asked for ID to buy a bottle of fizz.

3. Eyes

Even when the rest of your face looks toned and taut, saggy, baggy eyes can be extremely aging.

When your peepers lose their luster and the skin around them looks leathery, it feels like the start of a serious decline.

However, health-enhancing kiwi fruit is a bit of a cure-all — these hirsute spheres might protect your eyes from macular degeneration as well as reducing blood clots and boosting the immune system.

But organic eye defense creams that contain other ingredients like aloe, shea butter and green tea can also be effective.

And for the outside of your eyes, cucumber patches are one beauty cliché that works brilliantly — their soothing effect reduces puffiness and diminishes dark circles.

If you’re a newbie to the world of organic beauty, learning about these three ways natural products can enhance your appearance should convince you to go green and serene.

What organic products do you use? Share your tips in the comments section.

This is a guest blog entry.

What You Need To Know About Diabetes And The Medications Involved

Whether you are suffering from diabetes or not there is a good chance that you have heard about insulin, blood glucose, carb counting, and finger pricking. Unfortunately, for a diabetic they are exposed to these terms on a daily basis. While many individuals don’t have any understanding of these terms, they can play a major role in diabetes. In fact, these very things could cause the disease to go from a mild annoyance to a deadly situation. This is why it is imperative that you understand everything you possibly can about diabetes, how to manage it, and the medications that are involved with the disease.

What Is Type I Diabetes?

Type I diabetes, sometimes referred to as juvenile diabetes, onset typically begins in childhood. Symptoms have also been known to appear in adolescence and early adulthood. Even though Type II diabetes has some similarities with Type I, the onset is typically later in life. Another difference between the two is people with Type I diabetes cannot produce insulin. The characteristic of both types of diabetes is high blood glucose levels.

Children, teens and young adults who are diagnosed with Type I diabetes are required to take insulin for the rest of their life. This is the only way they can manage their blood glucose levels. People who are diagnosed with Type II diabetes are typically prescribed oral anti-diabetic medications. And, if these do not work affectively to maintain optimal blood glucose levels, the prescribing physician will either increase the dose or switch to insulin.

Teaching Your Children About Their Disease

If your child is old enough to understand about their condition, you will need to help them cope with it. Many young children will feel segregated from their classmates and other young children, because they are forced to check their blood glucose levels routinely and take insulin injections. It is up to you as a parent to help your child deal with these emotions. In the beginning, your life will feel like a scary roller coaster ride. But, over time you and your child will come to terms with this condition.

Type I Diabetes Symptoms

As mentioned above, both types of diabetes have some similarities, including symptoms. These include frequent urination, feeling of being very hungry, severe fatigue, blurred vision, abrasions that do not heal properly and increased thirst. Other symptoms of Type I diabetes are unexplained weight loss and dry, itchy skin. Both types of diabetes also share the symptom of tingling or numbness in the feet.

More rare symptoms shared by both types of diabetes include changes in mood and irritability. If you begin to experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention. Your physician will recommend testing to determine if you have diabetes Type I.

How Is Type I Diabetes Diagnosed?

Type I diabetes, like type 2 diabetes, is diagnosed through a blood test known as A1C or hemoglobin A1C. This test can be performed in your physician’s office, but it will need to be done before you consume a meal. Your physician will recommend not eating prior to arriving to his/her office. The lab technician will draw your blood and send it to a laboratory for testing.

The A1C test measures blood glucose levels over a period of eight or 12 weeks. This is a very convenient test that provides accurate results, as long as the patient complies with his or her physician’s recommendations.

Type 1 Diabetes Stats

It is impossible to be alive today and not to know something about diabetes. In fact, there is a pretty good chance that you know someone who has this illness. Type 2 diabetes is actually more common, but there are still plenty of people that suffer from type 1 diabetes. Regardless, there are still a lot of people who don’t know enough about this condition. What actually causes type 1 diabetes and how is it treated? Is it possible to cure this type of diabetes?

Again, type 1 diabetes is far less common. It is estimated that 90 to 95 percent of diabetes patients actually have type 2. In 2014, it was reported that more than 29 million Americans had diabetes.
 There is a good chance that the number is far higher today. Of all diabetes patients, only 5 to 10 percent suffer from type 1 diabetes. Type 2 is caused by a poor diet and sedentary lifestyle. Type 1 patients primarily get the disease early on in life or have it at birth.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to prevent this disease and there is no cure. It is possible to prevent type 2 diabetes, but not type 1.

Who Does It Effect?

You should also understand that type 1 diabetes can impact anyone. It is often referred to as juvenile diabetes. This is the case because it is contracted at birth or early in life. Then, it will impact the patient for the rest of his or her life. However, it is possible for patients to be diagnosed at pretty much any age. The onset is usually very quick. Therefore, it is always important to manage this condition using insulin. Insulin injections or an insulin pump is a suitable option.

In the future, it is believed that artificial pancreas systems will be able to help patients avoid needing to use insulin.

There Is No Cure

It is entirely possible to live a good life, despite having diabetes. In fact, you can probably live just as long as people without this condition. However, it will need to be managed properly. While it is possible to manage the disease using insulin, it is important to understand that insulin is not a cure. It also does not prevent the chance that patients could experience serious effects of diabetes. A good diet and insulin can help prevent problems and improve your overall quality of life.

What You Need To Know About Insulin

Insulin is a hormone that is naturally produced by the body and it allows sugar to reach the critical parts of the cells, so that it can be utilized for energy. Insulin is considered one of the most powerful hormones in the body, so when there is some kind of irregularity, you can imagine how much this will throw off the body. Some individuals develop diabetes because their bodies can’t produce enough insulin, whereas some individuals develop diabetes because their cells can’t absorb it right. Whatever the situation is, insulin shots are usually the number one go-to solution for diabetics. So, what do you really need to know about insulin?

Well, first you need to know that insulin shots usually do not hurt, as most injections are given through small, thin needles. Type II diabetes is the most common type of diabetes where the patients will require the extra boost of insulin. This will allow them to adequately control their blood glucose levels.

You also need to be aware of the fact that there is a right and wrong way to inject insulin. First, you need to make sure that you are always washing your hands and wiping the top of the insulin vial with alcohol. This will kill off any germs and bacterium that could have built up. When mixing always make sure that you are following the mixing directions right down to the very last detail, as a single air bubble could cause the most intense consequences.

Since insulin is required to be stored in the refrigerator it will probably be cool when you pull it out. Unfortunately, injecting cold insulin can be a bit painful and this is why it is best to let it reach room temperature before injecting it. Pull the vials out hours before the required injections, let it reach room temperature, and inject in.

Monitoring Your Blood Glucose Levels

As a diabetic you will be constantly monitoring your blood glucose levels, which will be critical to your overall health. The most important thing that you need to know is that all monitoring devices are not created equally. This is why you should always take the time to do the proper research and check with your doctor before investing in a monitor, as you want the best one that money can buy.

Accuracy and proper readings are without a doubt one of the most important aspects of any meter. You want your meter to be able to read your blood sugar levels right down to the very increment. Most individuals will check their meter with a control solution beforehand to make sure that it is accurate and calibrated properly.

Doctors that deal with diabetic patients usually issue them monitoring devices for free or you can even buy these items at rebate from a variety of manufactures. It really is the test strips that are going to be the priciest and you want to make sure you check with your insurance provider to see how much compensation you can get.

Symptoms

It can be difficult to diagnose type 1 diabetes on your own. However, there are some things that you can look for. Still, you should definitely take your child to a doctor if you notice a handful of these symptoms within a short period of one another. Below, you will learn more about the symptoms of type 1 diabetes.

• More Frequent Urination and Increased Thirst –The abnormal level of sugar in your child’s body will actually remove fluid from the tissues. As a result, this can make your child thirstier than eve before. In return, this can also increase their urination frequency.
• Weight Loss – Most type 1 diabetes patients will begin losing weight even if they’re eating the normal amount. This can happy pretty rapidly some times. Without the right amount of sugar, the muscle and fat will begin to shrink. One of the most first signs that can pinpoint diabetes is unexplained weight loss.
• Lethargy – It is also a good idea to keep an eye on your child’s activity levels. If they’re becoming lazy and lethargic, there is a possibility that your child is suffering from diabetes.
• Increased Hunger – Children with this type of diabetes will also experience intense hunger. Your child doesn’t have a sufficient amount of insulin to push sugar into their cells and muscles. This will also cause the organs to crave energy. In return, this will make your child incredibly hungry.
• Fruity Breath – You should take a second to smell your child’s breath. Do you notice that it smells like fruits? This is another sign that your child may be suffering from diabetes.
• Yeast Infections – It should also be known that diabetes may cause yeast infections. Young girls may develop genital yeast infections. Babies may experience diaper rashes, which have been caused by yeast.

Risk Factors

There are plenty of things that can increase someone’s risk of developing diabetes. One of the most notable is family history. If you have several diabetics in your family, you’ll have a slightly higher risk of becoming a victim yourself. It is believed that genetics may have an impact. Race is another risk factor. In America, type 1 diabetes tends to be much more common among white children. There are also several environmental risk factors. They include certain viruses that may destroy islet cells.

Diet is usually not linked to type 1 diabetes. However, consuming cow’s milk early in life may increase your child’s risks. It is also believed that breast-feeding may actually decrease the risks. With type 2 diabetes, it is entirely possible to avoid the illness by staying slim and eating the right foods. With type 1 diabetes, this simply is not possible.

Serious Complications

Type 1 diabetes is capable of causing serious complications. If you do not treat and manage this problem correctly, you’re going to run into dangerous problems. Type 1 can eventually lead to heart and blood vessel disease, nerve damage and kidney damage. It can also cause osteoporosis, eye damage and certain skin conditions. Those looking for the right insulin medications should definitely check out CanadianInsulin.com.

What To Discuss With Your Doctor

When visiting your doctor, you should discuss your child’s condition with them. Make sure that you ask about glucose monitoring. When does it need to be done and how often? You should also ask your doctor about the benefits of nutrition and exercise. Chat about insulin therapy and administration, hypo and hyperglycemia, and ketones. Make sure that you have enough information to keep your child’s condition under control. If you do not, the risks are going to be incredibly high.

Conclusion

When it comes down to it, diabetes is a dangerous problem. However, you must understand that it doesn’t have to be. It is possible to live a very long life despite having diabetes. Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you can still be happy and healthy. Just speak with your doctor and learn how to manage your condition. Eat healthy, exercise and use your insulin as recommended by your doctor. If your child has this disease, you need to give them instruction from very early on. Doing so will ensure that their life is enjoyable for as long as humanly possible.

This is a guest blog entry.

Should Seniors Get the Pneumonia Vaccine?

If you are over the age of 65, your doctor may have suggested at your last well-check that you consider getting the new pneumonia vaccine. If you’re curious about the vaccine and your chances of getting pneumonia, don’t miss this quick guide:

What is Pneumonia?
First, a quick anatomy lesson. When you breathe, air travels into your mouth, down your trachea, and through your bronchioles to little air sacs in your lungs called alveoli (there’s roughly 600 million of them in there). From there, your body transports necessary oxygen into your bloodstream.

When a pathogen like a virus, fungus, or bacteria makes its way into your lungs, it can infect those little air sacs causing them to fill with fluid and pus and become inflamed. This is known as a pneumococcal infection, or pneumonia. Respiratory infections of this kind are particularly dangerous to certain groups of the population including children, seniors (especially those with dementia), and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

There are multiple types of pneumonia which can affect patients including community and hospital-acquired pneumonia. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is “caught” outside of a hospital or other healthcare facility and develops when an airborne germ is inhaled and sets up shop in a person’s lungs or in some cases, when liquid or food goes “down the wrong pipe” into their lungs; this is known as aspiration pneumonia.

Hospital-acquired pneumonia has its own distinction because the bacteria which causes it is often more resistant to antibiotics and because it affects a more vulnerable population that is already being treated for some other illness at the time. Hospital patients can acquire it from other patients, from germs on instruments used in treatment (like intubation tubes and ventilators), and even from air circulated through their rooms. In fact, a 2014 report in the journal Virulence shared that pneumonia is associated with the highest rate of mortality in ICUs (intensive care units).

Hallmark symptoms of pneumonia in seniors over 65 include:

•    Cough (often produces phlegm)
•    Chest pain when coughing or breathing
•    Confusion or disorientation
•    Fever, chills, sweating
•    Shortness of breath
•    Fatigue
•    Vomiting, diarrhea, nausea
•    Body temperature lower than normal

Medical professionals can easily monitor vital signs and lung sounds with tools like a stethoscope, pulse oximeter, and blood pressure monitor. Pneumonia often additionally presents with irregular lung sounds (crackling, wheezing, bubbling) and may also be accompanied by rapid heart rate, changes in blood pressure, and muscle aches.

Seniors who suspect they have pneumonia should see a doctor right away as life-threatening complications can quickly arise including difficulty breathing, an infection that spreads to the bloodstream, dehydration, or an abscess or fluid buildup in the lungs. Complications like these often end in hospitalization and in some cases, even death.

Typically doctors will administer tests like imaging scans of the lungs, blood tests, measuring the oxygen saturation levels in your blood, and sputum tests. Depending on the type and severity of pneumonia, treatment can include antibiotics, antivirals, cough medicine, oxygen therapy, pain relievers, breathing treatments, and more.

How Do Vaccines Help?
Vaccines that target specific bacteria strains that can cause pneumonia have been licensed since 1977, with the most recent versions being approved by the FDA in 2000 and 2011. There are two different versions of pneumococcal vaccines the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that seniors get - Prevnar 13® (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or PCV13) and Pneumovax23® (pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine or PPSV23).

Prevnar 13® is received as a single dose and protects seniors against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria that can cause infections like pneumonia and even ear infections. Studies show that this vaccine safeguards 45 out of 100 seniors over 65 from pneumococcal pneumonia.

Pneumovax23® defends seniors from 23 different types of pneumococcal bacteria that cause serious infections like pneumonia. Studies reveal that this vaccine can safeguard 50 to 85 out of 100 seniors over 65 against invasive pneumococcal disease. Depending on if you have a chronic medical condition, you may receive one or two additional boosters of this vaccine in addition to the initial dose.

The medical community also believes that other vaccines, like the seasonal influenza vaccine, can play a role in preventing pneumonia as pneumonia and other respiratory infections are a common complication in seniors who develop the flu.

What Else Should You Know?
In addition to age, various risk factors can increase your chances of developing pneumonia. These include smoking, chronic diseases like heart disease, asthma, and COPD, hospitalization, and having a weakened immune system (common in those who have had chemotherapy, organ transplants, viral infections, etc).

Experts recommend speaking with your doctor about your pneumonia risk, vaccine options, possible side effects from receiving vaccines, and a vaccine schedule based on your health status.

This is a guest blog entry.

5 Jobs in the Medical Field That are Easy to Get

If you want to get a job in the medical field, you will first need to spend some time learning what your options are like. There are actually quite a few jobs that you can get in this industry without having to invest a ton of time or money. The more research you do into these job options, the easier it will be for you to find the right career to pursue.

1. Phlebotomy Technician

Becoming a phlebotomy technician is fairly simple and easy, and there is quite a bit of job security. It only takes around a year to get this sort of job, and you will need to earn your certification before you can start working. While this is regarded as an entry-level position, there are plenty of opportunities for advancement. These technicians are responsible for drawing blood from patients and can work in hospitals, laboratories and private clinics.

2. Medical Transcriptionist

A medical transcriptionist is an important job in the medical field, and there is a lot of demand for these professionals right now. If you are organized and have a knack for details, this could be the perfect job for you. You will work in an office setting and listen to dictations from doctors regarding patient files. A high school diploma or GED is required, and you must complete a medical transcriptionist training program.

3. Physical Therapy Assistant

Physical therapy assistants help with patient’s recoveries, and it can be an extremely rewarding line of work to get into. If you are interested in one day becoming a physical therapist, this is the first step in that path. You will work under a licensed physical therapist, helping them with whatever they need.

4. Dental Assistant

These days a lot of people are becoming dental assistants because the pay isn’t bad, and it doesn’t take very long to get one of these jobs. There are lots of dental assistant schools in NC, and it’s important that you look into some of them. You will first need to go through a training program before you can get certified to do this type of work.

5. Critical Care Nurse

One of the great things about becoming a critical care nurse is that you only have to earn an Associate’s degree. After a couple of years of school and a training program, you can start working. These nurses make around $65,000 per year, so the pay is pretty good. As a critical care nurse, you will be responsible for taking care of patients on a daily basis. This can be a stressful job at times, but it’s also very rewarding.

With all of the different jobs there are in the medical field, you will certainly need to explore your options before deciding on one in particular. The more time you take to look into these choices that you have, the more likely you will be to make the right decision on your future job.

This is a guest blog post.

3 Common Men’s Health Problems and What to Do about Them

There are many health problems that men should be concerned about especially with increasing age. Effectively dealing with any of these problems requires increased awareness, reducing exposure to risk factors, not ignoring signs and symptoms when they occur, consulting regularly with health care providers, identifying and treating health problems early, and complying with prescribed treatments. Below is a description of the most common health problems for men along with information on treatment. 

1. Cardiovascular (Heart) Disease:  Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States, even surpassing cancer. Common risk factors for heart disease include obesity, smoking, alcoholism, a sedentary lifestyle, high stress, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. While genetic factors can also play a role in heart disease, many of the risk factors are preventable or modifiable. This can be accomplished with a regular exercise routine on most days during the week, a proper diet that is low in saturated fat and high in whole grain fiber, engaging in regular relaxing leisure activities, and avoiding harmful lifestyle choices such as alcohol abuse and tobacco use. It is also important to go for yearly physicals, monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and to comply with a health care provider’s treatment recommendations.   

2. Diabetes: Many men with heart disease also have diabetes, the most common form of which is diabetes mellitus (often abbreviated as DM). DM is a complex, long-term disorder in which the body is unable to effectively use insulin, a natural chemical that helps the body quickly absorb glucose (a type of sugar) from the blood into cells for energy and storage needs. Signs and symptoms of DM include frequent thirst, frequent urination, sweet smelling urine (due to high glucose levels), tiredness, increased appetite, and vision problems. DM can cause damage to blood vessels including in the eyes and feet which is why vision and foot care is so important during treatment. DM is typically treated with a combination of diet, exercise, and medication (typically a form of insulin) to help improve the body’s ability to absorb glucose. Compliance with medication and glucose monitoring is often a problem in patients with DM (due to finger pricks and injections), which is why it is important to meet with a diabetic nurse educator and have a good social support network to help increase treatment compliance.  Oral medications for diabetes are also available as is blood sugar monitoring without finger pricks.

3. Erectile Dysfunction: Heart disease and diabetes are both risk factor for erectile dysfunction. Commonly referred to as ED, erectile dysfunction is a frustrating problem for many men and their partners.  Despite this frustration, many men are reluctant to discuss ED with their healthcare provider due to social embarrassment and social discomfort.  If you or a loved one suffers from ED, it is important to know that help is available. This can include psychological counseling if the cause is related to anxiety or depression. Treatment can also involve using medication to increase blood flow to the affected tissue. The most commonly used such medication is Viagra. Although this medication once required a prescription, you can now obtain Viagra without a prescription.

10 Important Reasons Why You Should Not Exercise Today

Committing yourself to a regular exercise schedule is usually a highly recommended idea, often cited as the perfect way to stay fit while keeping your brain happy. However, it is still crucial to note that even the healthiest of professional athletes grant their bodies some occasional recovery time, because they know that overworking their muscles can lead to some serious trouble.

With that in mind, here are 10 warning signs to look out for, which are not excuses, but important reasons to stay off the program for a while.

1. You’re in Pain
A general ache in the muscles can be a good sign, as this indicates that you’ve had an intense training session and your body is repairing itself. However, this type of soreness should fade rather rapidly, especially after a warm up, hence why any sharp pains felt specifically during a workout mean that you should stop immediately. You are probably repetitively pushing one area too hard, and it needs some rest while you focus on other muscle groups.

2. You’re Still Sore from Yesterday’s Workout
Exercise causes tiny tears in the muscles, and it is during this process of repairing these tissues that the body actually gets stronger. If you don’t allow your muscles this downtime, you won’t rejuvenate properly, and then you run the risk of an injury. Take a day off to recover.

3. You’re Injured
Whether a sprain, a fracture, or a break, only your doctor can tell you how far you can push yourself after these mishaps. Usually, any unnecessary pressure can severely aggravate an injury, so your best bet is to rest up with some ice compression, and perhaps slowly explore some more low-impact exercises such swimming, yoga, or walking with a supportive knee brace.

4. You’re Sick
When you have the flu or a fever, your body is doing everything it can to fight off this virus. Why would you throw any additional stress at yourself during this torturous time, especially when you know you won’t perform your best anyway? What’s more, you may also infect your whole gym with your germs! That said, don’t use a mild cold as an excuse to stay at home and feel sorry for yourself, as short low-intensity workouts should be safe, as long as you aren’t coughing anywhere and you pay careful attention to your hydration.

5. You’re Lacking Sleep
Sleep is imperative to good health, as it reduces the risk of heart disease and helps your mind to deal with your daily pressures. For this reason, it is utterly counterproductive to cut your slumber hours short just to hit the gym early. Furthermore, too much exercise produces the stress hormone called cortisol, which itself can actually cause insomnia.

6. Your Heart Rate is Up
If you check your resting heart rate in the morning and it is pumping at an above average speed (between 60 to 100 bpm for adults) then your body is struggling to recover and you need to give it a few days to catch up.

7. You’re in a Terrible Mood
Exercise is famous for its mood-enhancing properties, and so if you continuously find yourself irritated or unusually depressed, this probably means something is wrong. These emotions could be a result of an exhausted physical body, a surge of stress hormones, or an unrealistic expectation for yourself. However, these details are less important than simply taking a break and doing something relaxing with your day.

8. You’re Pregnant
Thankfully, a pregnancy does not necessarily mean that you have to abstain from physical activity completely, as some exercise is definitely recommended. Speak to your doctor about your specific limitations, but it’s usually safe to participate in low-impact activities to the likes of walking, swimming, and yoga.

9. You’ve Recently Suffered from an Asthma Attack
As with any health ailment, it is up to your doctor whether or not you are fit enough to resume your regular training. When it comes to respiratory issues, it’s usually best to wait a few days before jumping back into the game, and even then, you should start slow, warm up a lot, and keep your inhaler close by. If you experience any loss of breath, stop immediately.

10. You’ve Recently Suffered from a Concussion
A concussion is not something you want to mess with, because there is no such thing as a safe brain injury. This trauma leaves your head in a very vulnerable state, and a repeat blow could place you at risk for another concussion. Even if you feel fine, it is not up to you when you should to go back to your regular exercise routine, and instead, you must obtain explicit permission from your doctor first.

This is a guest blog entry.

How to Grow Culinary Herbs Inside

Having fresh herbs throughout the year is a huge advantage when it comes to cooking. However, if you live in an area with long or cold winters, you may not have the option of growing herbs outside.

You can choose to grow your own fresh herbs inside though, throughout the year. Here are a few tips on how to grow your own herbs easily.

Have a Light Source

Light is essential to plant growth, so you'll need an abundant and intense source. Commercial fluorescent lights are a reasonable option and fluorescent grow lights have been shown to improve plant growth. More serious gardeners who want a high output use T5 lamps, which are a type of fluorescent light system.

You can also choose High Intensity Discharge lights which work well for leafy herbs, although they will need to be tailored well to the area of the plants. Finally, LED grow lights have become more popular although they are expensive for a casual grower.

Soil Vs. Hydroponics

Although beginning gardeners often do best with growing in soil, modern hydroponics take away much room for error. They also produce more abundant results, making them a better choice for serious gardeners. Growing plants without soil can be done with coconut coir, soil conditioners, or soilless mixes, based on personal preference since all produce good results.

Herbs grow well in specific conditions which is why you may want to try hydroponics. If you have extra space, you could use a grow tent. It may be easier to control the temperature and humidity levels of herbs in a tent and most of them are easy to set up and use. Check a few 4X8 Grow Tent Reviews to see how other gardeners have fared with these systems. A temperature of 70-75 degrees is ideal with a 40-60% humidity level. You'll also need to ensure that ventilation is adequate, as hydroponic gardening requires this for success.

Know Your Herbs

If you're not familiar with how well herbs grow, you'll want to brush up a little before going further. Annuals like cilantro and basil can be started from seed and that's probably your best option. Some gardeners will dig up basil from their garden in the fall before the first frost. However, new plants are best to keep your harvests ongoing.

Other fast-growing herbs like cilantro won't regenerate when they've been picked so you'll need fresh seeding to keep up with your supply. Also, digging up cilantro from outside to transplant won’t produce the best results. Perennial herbs such as oregano, rosemary, and marjoram are challenging to grow from seed and are best purchased as starts. Read about each type of herb you intend to grow for the best results.

Growing your own herbs throughout the year with a hydroponic system is a great choice and can be done with a little work and research. Even if you're not familiar with gardening, you can pick up the basics and learn with experience, so use these tips to start growing herbs inside.

This is a guest blog entry.

Recovering From A Crash In The Empire State

There is no more universally unpleasant experience than a car accident. Nobody wants to have their vehicle damaged and end up with injuries to themselves or their family members.

Yet as widespread as our dislike for car accidents is, there are differences from one state to another in terms of how the aftermath is handled. The work done by a personal injury law firm in New York is different from what's done in any other state because New York's laws are as unique as those of the other 49 states.

This is of particular concern in areas like the Northeast, where people often work in one state, live in another, and even do business in a third. The attorney they know at home in Connecticut won't be prepared to handle the case if they are injured on the way to work in New Jersey or while shopping in Manhattan.

One element of New York law is that it's a "no-fault" state. That means that a certain amount of your vehicle damage and your medical bills will be paid by your own insurance, even if the accident is clearly the fault of the other driver. How exactly the outcome is structured is not something to handle without a lawyer who practices in New York on a daily basis.

It is important to understand that your attorney can do more for you than simply represent you in court should your case go to trial. Lawyers are experts in the process known as discovery, which is the effort put into gathering all the facts about what happened in a situation.

There are many examples of what goes on in discovery for a car accident case. A capable attorney can gather a lot of information from the cars themselves, and that includes more than just the type and location of damage. Cars have extensive data logging capabilities in their computers, and a good attorney will get access to that data to establish everything from speed to headlight usage for every vehicle.

Information from outside the cars can come into play as well. Eyewitnesses can be helpful, and a good attorney will locate them, but they can sometimes be unreliable. A better option is the technology that makes it possible for attorneys to do even more, allowing them to track down active video surveillance systems in the area and analyze what they have captured. Attorneys may even be able to access cell phone records to determine if drivers may have been distracted at the time of the collision.

After discovery comes the process of determining the true cost of your accident. It is vital that you have an attorney who can capture all the costs, which may include things you would have never thought of. It could be child care for your kids while you make doctor visits or your travel expenses to those appointments. You may be due money for your meals as you seek treatment, and of course, you'll have the medical bills themselves. Those are compounded by lost wages, which you should also be compensated for, and potentially even things like loss of companionship by your spouse while you are injured.

With so many different factors involved in the process of litigating a car accident claim, it's clear that your choice of an attorney is essential. Without the right representation, there could be facts missed during discovery and considerations missed in terms of your claim, either of which can jeopardize your ability to recover the full and true costs of the accident.

We all want to avoid accidents and injuries, but when they do befall us, we want the fullest and most rapid recovery possible. A good attorney with local experience and skill will give you the best possible chance to bounce back on a quick time frame.

This is a blog post by Nancy Evans.

Reversing the Effects of Forward Head Syndrome

When it comes to communicating, shopping, reading the news, and even dating, smartphones beat just about every other device out there. In fact, the Pew Research Center shares that 77% of US adults own a smartphone which is over twice as many as were reported in 2011. While these digital devices offer convenience and accessibility to people, they are also proving to be the source of a problematic musculoskeletal condition that is affecting more and more people each year.

What is Text Neck?
Forward Head Syndrome, more commonly referred to as “text neck”, is the biomechanical phenomenon that occurs after prolonged periods of craning the neck forward past the shoulders and tilting the head down when using a smartphone (or another device like a laptop). Think about it - when you text, surf Facebook, check twitter, and so forth, are you holding the phone up in front of your face or down by your waist? It’s this seemingly harmless action that can have long-term effects on your body.

Researchers at New York Spine Surgery & Rehabilitation Medicine found that the text neck posture can contribute to increased pressure on the spine as well as muscle strain and tension. How exactly? Based on the force of gravity and the average weight of the human head, they calculated the increase in pull on the spine as it compensates for the neck flexing and moving the center of mass forward.

At a 15° tilt forward, the head feels more like 27 lbs than its usual 10. At a 30° tilt forward that number grows to 40 lbs. And up to 60° angling down, the spine is fighting against a whopping 60 lbs of force.

What Does This Do to The Spine?
Experts believe that not only do your back and neck muscles have to work overtime to keep the spine stabilized and support the head, but the natural outward curve of the cervical spine (neck) can become compromised and degenerate faster.

Symptoms ranging from stiffness, pain, and pinched nerves can become commonplace in people with poor text neck postures. Symptoms may begin in the neck and back, but over time can cascade into issues with the hips, knees, and even your feet.

How Can You Reverse the Signs of Text Neck?
Luckily, you’re not doomed to a life of permanent spinal damage due to smartphone use. On the contrary, you can both reverse and prevent further damage with simple posture adjustments and minor lifestyle changes:

Soothe muscles - take care of the connective tissues like your muscles, tendons, and ligaments that are strained, pulled, and inflamed from text neck. Apply an ice pack daily to numb spasming nerve endings and reduce swelling, and then alternate with a heating pad that relaxes and loosens them back up.

Spinal manipulation/massage - trained and knowledgeable chiropractors or massage therapists can help provide adjustments and manual massage techniques to help realign the spine, knead damaged tissues, and relieve muscle tension.

Strengthening/stabilizing - dedicated stretching and strengthening exercises for your neck, back, and core can help you regain flexibility and strength in key muscle groups that reinforce good postures and spinal alignment. A neck brace you wear at night while you’re sleeping can also help stabilize your neck to relieve pressure on the spine and alleviate pain.

Proper phone use - altering the way you use your phone will make the biggest difference in reversing your text neck. Use a headset or speakerphone when talking on the phone, hold the phone in front of your face (not at your waist) when texting or browsing on it, make calls instead of texting, or use talk-to-text features to send messages instead of typing them out.

Update laptop use - if you work all day on a computer, make sure the screen or monitor you’re viewing is raised up enough so the top rim is level with your eyes; you may need to use an external monitor or monitor stand. And if you spend most of the day sitting at a desk, look into using a standing desk instead or alternating your frequent sitting time with regular movement, stretching, and neck rolls.

Years of poor text neck postures do have the potential to warrant surgery down the line to correct permanent spine deformities or damage. Don’t let smartphone use make you a victim. Practice smart body positions when using mobile devices!

This is a guest blog entry.

The Healthiest Smoothies That Actually Taste Great!

A good, balanced diet has always been essential to good health, and since the dawn of time nutritious food packed with vitamins and nutrients has been the primary way we stave off sickness and maintain a good immune system. But amidst the busyness of 21st century life, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy diet, especially when most of us don’t always have the time to cook good meals, and the convenient fast food is loaded with fats, sugars, and salt that wreaks havoc on our weight and metabolism.

This is why the single biggest positive dietary change you can make is to start the day off with a smoothie that is rich in healthy ingredients and low in processed sugars and carbohydrates. While the smoothie craze has often gotten a bad rap for including bland, bitter, unpalatable ingredients that might be good for your body but are horrible for your taste buds, becoming a smoothie drinker doesn’t mean giving up on flavor. Here are just a few quick, easy-to-make smoothies that will make you excited to get out of bed in the morning!

1. Oatmeal, Almond, And Blueberry Delight

Oatmeal, almonds, and blueberries may seem like an odd combination, but it’s the perfect and natural way to blend protein, fiber, and antioxidants into one delicious breakfast.

Combine one cup of frozen blueberries, two sliced bananas, two tablespoons of almond butter, and four tablespoons of steel-cut oats with two cups of skim milk. If you want it a little sweeter add a date, then put it all in a Vitamix blender and you’re ready to start the day!

2. Spinach Orange Special

Spinach in smoothies has a bad reputation, but this light, citrus-y concoction should dispel any concerns you have.

Use one large orange, one cup of chopped spinach (frozen is ideal), a grapefruit, and half a cup of coconut water. If you want to make it a little creamier, consider adding a banana for texture. Blend for two minutes, and enjoy!

3. True Blue Smoothie

If you like berries, this is the smoothie for you. Depending on what is in season, you may consider adding different berries to create a local flavor — otherwise fresh or frozen works equally well!

Put one cup of blueberries, one cup of blackberries, two tablespoons of almonds and a chopped banana into your blender with a teaspoon of honey, then pour over a cup of nut or soy milk and a dollop of plain or Balkan-style yogurt. Blend for 3-4 minutes, and serve on ice.

Building a good diet is not just about cutting bad foods out; it’s also about embracing new ways of eating that you enjoy but which are better for you. Diet experts agree that you’ll never get anywhere eating foods you don’t enjoy, so creating a long-term health plan means finding ways to include food you get excited about into your morning routine. Starting the day off with a healthy smoothie that tastes great is one of the best ways to guarantee that you will have the energy and drive to meet the rest of your goals.

This is a guest blog entry.

Harmful Toxins That You Must Keep Away From Your Food

Many foods contain a certain amount of toxins. If you want to avoid the potential danger on your dinner plate or avoid toxins in your food, you have to read the labels, understand the food sources and also keep your kitchen clean from the unsavory ingredients. Avoiding toxins is necessary for both adults and children. Children should be kept away from toxins because you do not want them to develop chronic diseases in the future. Below is a list of toxins that should be positively avoided in your food.

Pesticides

Pesticides are used on a large scale for raising and treating produce as well as other products. Pesticides are linked to birth defects, chronic health problems, and cancer. Opt for organic foods as they are completely free from synthetic pesticides, which can cause harm to your body. You never know how much harm a pesticide can cause; only toxicologists can find it out and that’s why they are so well paid, as the Toxicologist Salaries Guide will tell you.

Butylated Hydroxyanisole and Butylated Hydroxytoluene

These are the most common food preservatives that are used in most canned foods. They have also been declared to be carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. They can impact the fertility of males and also disrupt various hormones which can affect the health of a person. You should check the ingredients list present on food packets in order to avoid these harmful chemicals.

Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone
 
This hormone is given to cows for increasing the production of milk. It is potentially dangerous as it can elevate the level of insulin when you are consuming dairy products. Research results are mixed as to whether it is associated with prostate, colon and breast cancer. In order to stay away from this hormone, it is important that you choose the organic dairy products or the dairy products that do not contain this hormone.

Sodium Aluminium Sulphate and Potassium Aluminium Sulphate

These chemicals are used mostly in baked goods, microwave popcorns, and cheese products. Most packaged goods do not come without these chemicals. These chemicals have been linked with adverse neurological, developmental, reproductive, and behavioral defects. It is important to read the list of ingredients before purchasing a product if you want to avoid this potentially harmful toxin.

Bisphenol-A

This is normally found in the beverage packages. There has been considerable scientific debate about the potential harm caused by this chemical with some saying that it causes no health concerns and others associating it with prostate and breast cancer, obesity, behavioral and reproductive problems, and most importantly, diabetes. The best solution to this problem is to avoid the canned foods. Instead, you can choose fresh and dried foods, which are often safer and contain fewer toxins. Some toxicologists suggest that this chemical should be avoided to a great extent.

Sodium Nitrite

Sodium nitrite is used in processed meats. Celery juice is used for processing the meat which has a high amount of nitrate in it.

You should keep in mind that your health is in your hands, and you should do everything to protect it from harmful toxins.

This is a guest blog entry.

4 Restorative Dental Treatments You May Need

Restorative dental treatments are intended to correct issues that leave your teeth weakened, unattractive, and subject to more damage. At one time or another, most people are likely to need help with some sort of dental issue. Here are four examples of restorative treatments you should know about, just in case.

Dental Fillings

Fillings are the most effective way to deal with tooth decay. The process calls for Newmarket dentists removing the decayed portion and filling the empty space with some type of filling. Amalgam is one popular option, but some people prefer other materials. Your dentist can discuss the merits of each choice and recommend material that is right for your condition.

The filling protect the remaining portion of the tooth and prevents more decay from developing. It also prevents damage to the tooth nerve. Many people find that fillings remain in position for years before there is a need to replace them.

Crowns and Veneers

Crowns and veneers help to provide additional strength to damaged teeth. They can also improve the general appearance of those teeth. For example, veneers are sometimes used to add strength to cracked teeth. If the tooth happens to be chipped as well, a crown helps to restore the shape. Veneers and crowns can be tinted to match the exact hue of the rest of the teeth. This ensures the look is perfectly natural.

Crowns are sometimes used with fillings. Once the filling is in position, a crow is custom designed for the tooth. In this instance, the crown is tinted to match the shade of the tooth. No one will know the cavity was ever there, or that a filling is underneath the crown.

Teeth Whitening

Whitening treatments are a great way to undo years of yellowing. Many different habits can lead to the teeth losing their natural white appearance. The use of tobacco products, drinking beverages that stain the teeth, and poor dental hygiene all contribute to a yellowish hue. Under the care of a dental professional, it’s possible to employ whitening treatments that provide results in a short amount of time. Best of all, the dentist is there to check the teeth after each round of treatment. That makes it all the easier to achieve a natural hue without ending up with teeth that are overly bright.

Implants
The day may come when the last of your natural teeth have to go. If that time comes, it pays to know what sort of replacement options are available. Many people find that some form of dental implants are the best way to go. Implants help to maintain the natural shape of the jaw, do not have to be removed for cleaning, and are generally much easier to maintain. You can also expect them to last many years longer than a set of dentures.

Whether you need some simple treatment to correct a single issue or require a comprehensive series of treatments that repair damage from accidents or other causes, it pays to have a dental professional who can handle everything from quick repairs to a full mouth restoration. Contact a dental clinic today and arrange to establish an account. Have regular checkups and cleanings so potential issues can be identified and treated early. Doing so will keep your teeth healthy and looking their best.

This is a guest blog entry.

Are You Ready to Have a Baby? Tips to Help You Conceive and Have a Healthy Pregnancy

While it's technically possible to get pregnant after your first cycle, and even after having sex just one time, it takes a bit more effort, and time, for most mothers to conceive. If you've made the decision to have a child, the following tips may make it easier to get pregnant.

Get Physically Fit

One factor that influences your ability to conceive and carry a baby full-term is your overall health. To get in shape for your pregnancy eat a healthy, balanced diet, exercise on a regular basis and give up any habits that might harm your health or that of your child, such as smoking or drinking alcohol.

Taking steps to improve your health, before you get pregnant, helps your body to be ready for the pregnancy. It reduces your chances of suffering from a complication during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle before conception and throughout your pregnancy protects your unborn child. For example, CDC statistics show that about 7% of mothers smoke during pregnancy. This practice has been linked to an increased chance of birth defects, as well as low birth weight. If you have a harmful habit like this one, now is the time to kick it!

Track Your Cycles

In order to get pregnant, both egg and sperm must be in the right place, at the right time. Tracking your cycle to learn when you are ovulating, and at your most fertile, can help you and your partner know when will be the most favorable time to have intercourse. Apps like Your Fertility Friend offer resources that make it easy to track ovulation, and provides other information that's helpful for expectant parents.

Relax and Try Not to Stress

It's normal to feel at least a little anxious if you and your partner have been trying to get pregnant for a while. Stress can, however, affect your hormone levels and cycle, so it's important to relax. Try not to worry too much if you don't manage to get pregnant the first few times that you try to conceive.

Get a Physical

If a few months have passed and you still haven't been able to get pregnant, it's probably a good idea to consult with your healthcare professional. Go for a checkup to see if there is a physical condition that is affecting your ability to conceive.

While several things can influence fertility, the good news is that procedures such as in vitro fertilization and other medical advances are making it easier to have a baby, even if you or your partner have one or more factors affecting conception.

Watch for Pregnancy Signs and Get Tested

While missed periods and morning nausea are common signs of possible pregnancy, many women don't show any obvious indicators. A pregnancy test is the only way to be certain.

Many pregnancy tests are now for sale over-the-counter, so you can buy one without a prescription and take the test in the privacy of your own home. Just be aware that while most tests are fairly accurate, there is still a chance of both a false positive and false negative. Follow up with your doctor and ask for a blood test to be certain of your pregnancy status.

You're Pregnant - Congratulations!  Now What?

Once you conceive, the process of having your baby is literally just beginning! To ensure that everything is on track follow up with a midwife, obstetrician or another healthcare professional for guidance, and follow their recommendations.

During your pregnancy, your doctor will monitor your health, and that of your unborn child. Your doctor may run several tests to check your child's development, such as ordering an ultrasound so they can visibly see how the baby is growing in your womb.

Your doctor may also want to perform amniocentesis, or other, less-invasive tests, to check for birth defects. Tests like these let your doctor know if your baby has a condition that can be corrected while they are still in the womb, or if they need to take extra precautions later in your pregnancy or during the delivery.

By taking steps to improve your health, and working with your healthcare professional, you can make it easier to get pregnant, carry your child to full-term and have a healthy baby!

This is a blog post by Nancy Evans.

Simple Tips to Taking Care of Your Mental Health

Ill mental health is a problem that has been wracking the United States in recent years, with the rise of many people reporting stress, anxiety, and depressive episodes when they have never previously encountered them. Unfortunately, this means that much of the country is struggling to maintain their semblance of self in their daily lives, which can have strong effects on other areas of their life. Fortunately, there is a silver lining with such a problem, which comes in the form of many people being able to share what helps them stay on track. Luckily, such tips are easy to implement into your everyday life when you are feeling in the right mindset to do so.

Eat a balanced diet

Your body benefits highly from having a balanced diet, as the right foods can help you stay at a healthy weight and maintain energy. However, this is also true for your mind! For example, you can eat foods that are rich in Vitamin B12, which can help stop fatigue from ruining your day, or you can turn to alternative forms of caffeine such as green tea to give you a healthy energy boost. It means you don’t have to rely on the potentially anxiety-inducing caffeine which is found mostly in coffee.

Exercise regularly

As with maintaining a healthy body, your mind will also need regular exercise if you are to see the best effects of both. In fact, when you exercise, many endorphins are released into your brain, which acts as a natural dose of happiness. Such endorphins like serotonin are linked irrevocably to depression, but they can also help reduce stress and anxiety. A popular way of incorporating exercise into your life is by going on walks on your lunch break, or by walking wherever you can instead of driving. Recently, people have started using yoga for its healing benefits and its meditative component, which can help lower blood pressure and bring about healthy habits.

Induce a restful sleep

Although exercise will be one of the best ways to let your head fall seamlessly onto the pillow at night, there are also other ways of having a peaceful sleep. Without a good night’s sleep, you can become more irritable and emotionally fragile, which can leave you feeling as though you aren’t ready to take on the day ahead. If you are struggling with insomnia, you can create a comfy place for you to sleep, which will allow you to feel safer and more able to relax on an evening. Having a weighted blanket can soothe any anxieties by acting as a warm hug, but you should seek external help if the problem persists.

Have a daily routine

It is often big life changes that can throw people into a downward spiral, which makes it hard for them to stay on top of their daily routine. It could be the loss of a job, grief over a lost family member, or any unexplainable but major dips in their mental health. In any case, it is important to try and stick to a daily routine where possible, which can help you on bad days where you don’t feel like getting up out of bed. It is important to note that you should have some free time built into such a routine so that you have time to unwind and indulge in the things that make you happy.

Create a calm home environment

There are two places where you may spend most of your time: home or work. For some people, home is the only place their life revolves around, which can lead to feelings of being trapped. Although you should make time to get out and do a range of activities when you have time, there will be times in life where you can’t make these concessions. This makes it integral to create a calm home environment, which will welcome you and keep you safe, rather than being a place you aren’t happy spending most of your time. You can do this by investing in plush furnishings, displaying happy memories around the house, and by lighting gently scented candles to cast a warm glow on your walls.

Treat yourself

The mindset that many mental health sufferers fall into is one that places themselves at the bottom of their priority list. It is easy to feel angry at yourself for feeling down or to feel as though you don’t deserve to treat yourself. Not only is the opposite true, but you should actively start treating yourself to the things you love, as it can help you boost your self-worth. It doesn’t have to be (and isn’t recommended) that material possessions take precedence, but indulging in experiences like spa days or making time to watch your favorite movie can truly help pick you up on a bad day.

Avoid substances

There are many things that health professionals recommend you avoid in life, such as excess drinking and drugs. When you are suffering from a mental health problem, this becomes even more true due to the negative effects they can have on your wellness. This advice includes illegal drugs, but people should also avoid overusing prescription medication and over-the-counter medication, as there is a rising epidemic of such addictions in the country currently. If you are struggling with an addiction or someone you know is, you can find rehab centers which will help get life back on track and avoid any mental health problems becoming worse.

Make use of natural remedies

While some medication is important to the recovery of many individuals, that doesn’t mean you should turn your back on natural remedies, which can sometimes be key to a person’s recovery. Natural remedies can refer to anything that nature offers that has positive effects on the well-being of a person, such as the calming effects of lavender essential oils in tackling insomnia, or ancient methods such as acupuncture in relieving stress. Lots of people turn to massages as a way of working out any of their worries and resetting their mind, while others turn to exercises such as yoga, which is known for boosting ill mental health through meditation.

Spend time in nature

In a world where most people reside in cities or suburban areas, it is rare that they will get the chance to spend time in nature much through their life. This is a shame because scientific research has found that innovations such as ecotherapy and spending time in the natural world does wonders for mental well-being. From natural light to the calm environment nature has are all small ways that can help. If you are worried that you are missing out on such benefits, it is a great idea to make your next getaway one in the mountains or by the sea. You could even spend your lunch breaks taking a walk in your local park.

Bring nature indoors

For many city dwellers, spending time in nature is an impossibility, and they will often become overwhelmed by city smoke and the lack of green space. This is where bringing nature indoors can help you achieve the same benefits. For example, you can bring an array of colorful plants inside to sit on your windowsills or throughout your home, which will help improve air quality in your house. You can even make a habit of opening your windows whenever you are indoors on a hot day so that that air can make its way inside. Having prints of nature decorating your walls is also a good way to do this.

Fill your home with natural light

What most people enjoy about the great outdoors is the abundance of natural light that you see from all angles. Having sunlight come into your home has been linked to improving issues like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and giving people the dose of Vitamin D they need to maintain a healthy brain. The best way to do this is by restructuring your windows to let in as much light as possible, but this can take much time and money. However, you can also purchase mirrors to direct natural light into each room or paint your walls a light color to mimic the effects of natural light. Sometimes, it is important to have a SAD lamp inside when the dark winter months roll around.

Form a support network

Most importantly, you need to be able to know that you can turn to people for support during your time of need. Although you will feel lonely at times, having a support network of friends and family by your side will be an invaluable help in recovering. They can provide hugs, laughter, and a shoulder to cry on in your time of need, and they will want nothing more than to see you back to your smiling self. Though they can help in this way, you should also recognize that there will be times when it is better to seek alternative help from professionals, as your family won’t always have the resources or qualifications to help you.

This is a guest blog entry.

Five Top Balance and Mobility Aids for Seniors

Every year, one in three adults aged 65 or older experiences a fall.

Falls are the leading cause of injury among seniors, and these injuries are the cause of the thousands of hospitalizations and deaths that occur each year.

Many seniors are scared of the increased risk of falls that accompanies aging. They’re so scared, in fact, that they avoid leaving their homes and participating in activities that they once enjoyed. This doesn’t have to be the case, though.

By investing in high-quality balance and mobility aids, seniors can continue to enjoy their daily activities without worrying about falling and hurting themselves. Five of the best balance and mobility aids for seniors are listed below:

1. Walking Sticks

Sometimes, a basic walking stick is all someone needs to feel more confident moving about inside and outside of their home.

When choosing a walking stick, seniors should keep these factors in mind:

• Aluminum and carbon-fiber models are the best materials for bearing weight
• A tripod or quadruped walking stick will support weight better than a traditional stick
• Folding walking sticks are lightweight, easy to store, and are less likely to become tripping hazards

2. Grab Bars

Grab bars are great options for helping seniors avoid slipping and falling. They also promote independence and help seniors take care of personal hygiene tasks without a caregiver’s help.

Most seniors can benefit from having a bar installed in their bathroom. The shower and next to the toilet are both good places for one.

Look for a sturdy grab bar that has to be screwed into the wall. Bars that attach with suction cups are not very secure and could come crashing down under the user’s weight.

3. Shower Chairs

For many seniors, standing in the shower is tiring and difficult. Because of this, shower chairs are good for individuals with balance issues.

A shower chair is a chair that usually has suction cups or special grips attached to the legs so that it doesn’t slide on the tile or tub floor when the user sits down on it. These can be used in conjunction with grab bars to help seniors feel more secure when they’re showering.

4. Lifting Cushions

Many seniors often struggle to stand up from a sitting position, especially when they’re sitting on a soft surface like a couch or rocking chair. Lifting cushions are a handy tool that can be used to rectify this problem.

A lifting cushion is specially designed to give seniors a gentle boost when they’re standing up so that they don’t have to rely on their leg and core muscles quite as much. Cushions also help prevent injuries that can occur when a caregiver is trying to lift or pull a senior up out of a chair.

Most cushions lift between 70 and 80 percent of the user’s weight, but some automatic models can actually lift 100 percent of their weight.

Look for a cushion that is made with memory foam, especially if the user is going to be sitting on it for an extended period of time. These models will be the most comfortable.

5. Balance Discs
 
Seniors who struggle with poor balance don’t just have to accept their mobility limitations. While some limitations are more severe than others, many seniors can improve their mobility and functionality simply by doing daily exercises that strengthen their core and make them more stable.

Simply standing on one foot while using a chair or wall for support is a great place to start. Investing in a tool like a balance disc can also help seniors improve their stability.

Balance discs are designed to be sat, stood, and knelt on while performing exercises like squats, leg lifts, and planks. The disc creates an unstable surface that forces the user to engage their core to keep themselves from tipping over, so it’s a great option for seniors who want to feel stronger and steadier in their daily activities.

These five balance and mobility aids can make a major difference in the lives of seniors who struggle with mobility limitations or are anxious about falls and injuries. Give them a try today!

This is a guest blog entry.

How to Get Quality Sleep When Your Back Is Hurting You

Back pain, especially lower back pain, can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. You toss and turn every night just trying to find a position that would be comfortable enough, and eventually fall asleep because of exhaustion.

This doesn’t last long however, as lower back pain can result in microarousals, periods in which the body shifts into a lighter sleep stage and causes you to wake up.

Microarousals can occur several times an hour. Pain in the back therefore decreases the amount of sleep you get, and with sleep deprivation also comes a diminished quality of life during daytime hours.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, individuals who have chronic pain lose an average of 42 minutes of sleep each night. That’s 42 minutes your body could have used to recover and heal itself.

But how can you get comfortable when a major part of your body that you use for sleeping is paining you? Here are some tips from the experts.

Sleep on your side.
If you have back pain, sleeping on your back can become unbearable - so sleep on your side instead. It helps if your mattress provides just the right amount of comfort and support to relieve pressure on the parts that make contact with your body, such as the hips and shoulders. A medium-firm mattress is usually recommended for those with back pain. Of course, it’s best if you try out different mattresses first to see which kind feels the most comfortable for you.

When sleeping on your side, bend your knees slightly toward your chest and place a pillow between them to keep your hips level and promote better alignment in the spine, pelvis and hips. If there is a gap between the mattress and your waist, you can place a small pillow there for added support and keep your spine aligned.

If you sleep on your back, prop up your knees with a pillow.
If sleeping on your back is what feels natural for you, you can relieve back pain by placing a pillow under your knees. The pillow would help keep the curve in the lower back and remove pressure from it. You can also roll up a small towel and position it under the small of your back.

Include yoga stretches in your bedtime routine.
There are several yoga poses that can alleviate pain in the lower back. Yoga stretches coupled with deep breathing exercises also helps in reducing stress. Take care not to overexert yourself especially if you’re a beginner - use props like blocks or rolled-up blankets for added support and to allow you to hold poses safely and comfortably.

Strengthen your core.
Along with yoga stretches, core exercises can also help in easing back pain. When you build flexibility strength in your core muscles (those in the abdomen, lower back, pelvis and hips), you reduce the risk of back strain and muscle spasms.

One of the ways you can exercise your core is by holding a plank position for 15 to 30 seconds. It may sound easy on paper but if you haven’t done it before, you may find it’s actually very challenging to maintain the proper position. Your hands should be straight under your shoulders with your legs out straight. Keep your body in a straight line - no sagging around the middle or bowing your back. Keep your abdominal muscles engaged and don’t forget to breathe.

Following these tips can help keep your spine healthy and relieve pressure on your lower back, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Try them out and let us know how it goes!

This is a guest blog entry.

Save Your Teeth – Find An Endodontist Now!

Your smile is integral to your day-to-day interactions. Teeth, in particular, are indicative of larger health issues and should therefore be prioritized, as far as one’s well-being goes. Great teeth, moreover, can give you confidence, while poor oral care health can negatively affect your digestion and cause you to be less active in the world at large.

Nevertheless, most people continue to fall under the assumption that all dental care is a painful and costly procedure, but professional dental care has made services not only more accessible financially, but efficient as far as pain prevention and relief go; this is indeed why it is important to know what an endodontist does– lest we avoid procedures that a certified professional would absolutely deem to be necessary, simply by virtue of our own naivety.

For example, traditional braces were uncomfortable and cost upwards of nearly $6,000. Today, clear braces require less recovery and cost far less than traditional sets, both in terms of installation and upkeep. In fact, more and more patients are seeking the professional help of an endodontist to improve their oral health.

With endodontistry on your side, you can choose from a quality professional with expertise on improving or enhancing your smile. An endodontist specializes in root canal therapy – in other words, they help relieve any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing in your teeth. With this in mind, it can be said that they offer interventions that are both cosmetic in nature and medically required. They'll remove the underlying pulp under the enamel which can become infected or inflamed. Indeed, preserving your smile is the number one goal of a professional dentistry specialist.

Signs You Should See An Endodontist

-    You have cracked or chipped teeth
-    You’re experiencing chewing pain
-    You have severe temperature sensitivity
-    You have a dislodged or knocked-out tooth

Additionally, missing canals – hidden from x-rays – can occasionally be located, but only with the aid of an endodontist. For this kind of procedure, they typically make use microsurgical techniques in order to enhance the appearance of your teeth, particularly in problematic areas around the root or canal.

No matter how daunting a procedure may seem, it’s important to trust the caring professionals you have readily available – they can assist you with your traumatic tooth injuries, which include many common therapy options like a root canal. Your comfort is, no doubt, their priority at all times. In any case, root canal therapy is very common and not as complex and painful as it once was for many patients, as any modern endodontist can tell you firsthand. By simply taking the time to treat your oral ailments, and doing research on your own time, you’ll never again have to sacrifice your smile out fear or by virtue of being uninformed. Indeed, saving face is easier than you once thought.

This is a guest blog posting.

Important Safety Reminders For First-Time Trekkers

Unlike hiking which is more organized and generally safer because of well-marked trails, trekking takes longer (often more than two days) and is a lot more challenging since you need to walk on uncharted paths in hilly or mountainous areas.

Based on data collected during the spring of 2017, around 47.2 million Americans went backpacking in the last 12 months. With travel goals and destinations posted all over social media, this number is bound to increase in the years to come. Becoming one with nature has many health benefits but for the ill-informed and unprepared, it can also prove dangerous.

Common trekking injuries

• Blisters. Walking on uneven terrain for extended periods of time can lead to skin irritation like blisters. Blisters do not only occur in your feet; you can also get blisters from gripping your trekking pole too tightly.

• Body pain. Muscle soreness may accompany trekking like it does most other physical activities that include physical exertion. The most common sites for injury include the knee, shoulder, lower back, and foot arch. Even seasoned trekkers experience body aches. It’s all a matter of preparation before the trek that can make a huge difference.

• Dehydration. Depending on your chosen location, it can get very hot when you’re walking in the middle of the day or early afternoon. Drinking water or sports drinks to replenish the liquids and electrolytes you lose through sweating can help prevent dehydration.

• Ankle sprain. Traversing uneven terrain and climbing over landmarks like fallen trees and boulders can make you more susceptible to losing your footing and twisting or spraining your ankle.

Safety reminders to keep in mind

1. Check the weather so you can better prepare especially if there are thunderstorms, strong winds, or heavy rain. In extreme conditions, it’s often not advisable to continue with the trek even more so if you’re a first-timer.

2. Have some basic knowledge of what to do in case of emergencies such as animal attacks, cuts and bruises, insect bites, and ankle sprains.

3.    Choose a high-quality pair of boots for trekking. Remember, when there’s discomfort in your foot, it will affect your gait and the way you walk, which will have a domino effect on your whole body. Go on short hikes with your new shoes to try to see if these will potentially give you problems during the trek.

4. Ensure feet comfort and protection by using gel insoles that provide adequate support and have a washable lining to avoid bacterial buildup. You can also wear thick and comfortable socks to prevent blisters. For problem areas, you can put blister tapes and antiperspirant powder for further protection.

5. Warm up for larger treks. If you have been largely sedentary and suddenly plunge into a grueling activity without preparing your body first, you could increase your risk of injury.

6. Pack a first aid kit. Include bug spray, alcohol wipes, sterile gauze, medical tape, antibacterial ointment, over-the-counter pain relievers, antihistamine and anti-diarrheal medications, elastic bandages, and aloe vera gel to name a few. You can add more to this list depending on where you’re going.

7. Stay hydrated and use a pouch or any container that’s easily accessible like a hydration pack or a water bag. When you’re trekking on an ascending trail, it can be inconvenient to constantly open your backpack to take out your water bottle.

8. Protect your skin against sun damage from UV rays with sun block SPF 50+. To soothe your sunburnt skin, you can apply aloe vera gel.

9. Don’t trek by yourself. If you’re with a group, try to keep up with them and have a buddy so you can look out for each other. And it’s also a good idea to do a headcount every now and then just to make sure you didn’t leave anyone behind.

10. Don’t leave the trail and start exploring by yourself. It may be tempting but you can get lost and separated from the group.

11. Bring important items only because you need to save your energy for the walk and carrying a heavy backpack will only put additional stress and tension on your joints. It’s best to make a list in advance and double check if you have everything packed.

Trekking is a fun and exciting way of exploring new places. Since it is physically challenging, however, there are several risks that can potentially lead to an injury. If you are not sure what to expect, you can always ask seasoned trekkers.

This is a guest blog entry.