The Food Delivery Industry Is Changing the Way We Think About Food

Imagine coming home and having to put together a meal after a long, tiring day especially after mentally exhausting meetings all day, versus getting fresh food delivered to your doorstep at the click of a button.

A lot of urban, 20-somethings are likely to pick the second option. The way we dine has changed dramatically over the past few years, particularly when it comes to ordering in.

Back in time, we planned our meals out every day, spent hours preparing and cooking them and then all sat around the table as a family to enjoy the results.

Today food needs to arrive on our plate quicker than ever, whether that be through cooking, or tapping just a few times on our smartphones.

Crisp and Quick, Above All – A Millennial Approach towards Food

The millennials, aged between 20 and 35 years, set the tone for trends today. They want it fast, and they want it fresh. This trend is reshaping the food industry as we have come to know it.

This generation of consumers is more apt to eat from a quickly available, variety of foods delivered from their favorite restaurants through food delivery services. And to keep the millennials excited and lured, delivery companies such as ActivEats are constantly designing new ordering channels to make things easier and smoother.

People are favoring convenience above all else. Eating efficiently is becoming the ultimate goal during the dinner hour and beyond. But this doesn’t mean that consumers aren’t concerned about healthy foods; in fact, modern convenience food buyers are looking for more quality and convenience, and are paying more to get them.

The modern-day ‘midnight munching’ trend has been adding quite a lot of fuel in the fire of the food delivery industry.

According to a survey, 70% of people order food late at night whether it’s game night, or simply
Netflix and relax. The food is ordered and it needs to be there quick and fresh. As many restaurants call it ‘From the oven to the front door.’

Expanding Our Taste buds - Broadening Our Experience

Food culture represents complex systems whose various codes have to be learned, like a language. The food delivery industry is growing rapidly and is making different culture’s food more accessible, which is opening up new flavors to hundreds of people.

It’s fair to say nobody does Indian food like somebody of Indian heritage, just as nobody does Fish and Chips like the British or noodles like those with South East Asian ancestry. And all of that can be delivered directly to your door in many cases.

Opening up to new flavors is not only fantastic for yourself, but it can also introduce children early to dishes that we otherwise wouldn’t be able to make. It’s expanding and integrating diverse cultures further and creating a world where in many cities no flavor is off the menu.

People today require convenience but they don’t want to compromise the experience. They want everything at their doorstep but they can no longer be satisfied with a pizza delivery from the nearest pizza shop.

Food Delivery Services- Creating Endless Opportunities

Food delivery services are being seen as an active startup with potential growth opportunities in today’s world because people’s love for food will never end.

Small scale entrepreneurs have identified this as an opportunity as the market is still untouched in many regions and the regular increase of online food delivery trends is being called one of the most promising business ideas in the e-commerce industry.

Considering the fact that setting up a food delivery business requires much less capital and investment compared to starting up a whole walk-in restaurant. On the contrary, though, food delivery services are particularly popular for offering part-time work to people from all walks of life.

You’ll see students earning in between studies, and even middle-aged men riding for deliveries as a way to earn money while they keep fit. It can be a great way to earn money on the side.

The blooming food delivery industry does not only benefit the solo- operators in the line but the established restaurant and café owners have the opportunity not only to offer a valuable new service to their customers but also to harness the benefits of modern e-commerce.

Social sharing and even marketing tools like food constructors can all be built into the delivery apps. This undoubtedly generates brand loyalty if the restaurant or café is able to reach the customer at all possible touch-points (i.e. delivering the restaurant experience to the customer sitting at home).

No More Dining Out?

Does this mean that the delivery model may eventually eat into the restaurant business? Doubtful.
The experience of being served at a restaurant and the experience of dining out cannot be replicated, nor can it be replaced. People still enjoy going out for very different reasons such as engaging with friends and peripherally with strangers to some extent that will never be replaced at home.

What the restaurants have going for them is the ambiance, good lighting, good music and all. They've got vibes. They've got service. They got a cocktail list. We're not getting that at home, are we?

In conclusion, it could be said and well agreed that the food delivery industry has taken businesses by storm with its growth. It is no surprise that as food is more readily available at the doorstep that demand goes up and the food delivery technologies advance.

We aren’t far away from being used to the idea of ‘delivery drones’ and ‘delivery droids’ utilizing the AI to meet and exceed the customer demands that change by the minute.

So yes! The food delivery industry is changing the way we think about food and rightly so. It is about time that we start looking for out of the box solutions to satisfy our food cravings.

This is a guest blog entry.

Learning Doesn't Stop When You're Old, and It’s Never Too Late to Study Again

Who says studying is only for young people? Education is a lifelong process, and it doesn't matter how old you are. If you decide that it's time for you to study again, you can do it. The idea of going back to school might be a bit awkward, though. The good thing is that you can consider studying online.

Some universities offer a complete degree program. At the end of your chosen program, you will receive a diploma. Others provide a crash course that will last only a few months. Some certificate programs are also available and will last somewhere between a few months to a year. You have lots of choices if you wish to study now, despite your age.

You want to learn something new

If you have been doing your job for a long time, you might feel like you’re not learning anything new anymore. You’re doing things for the sake of doing them. It’s high time that you take a course that will teach you some new ideas. You can use them to improve in your chosen profession.

You’re considering a new career path

It doesn't matter how long you've been doing your job. If it's not your passion, you will start longing for something else. Therefore, you need to begin by studying what you love so that when you complete the course, you can consider taking a different career path. You may later regret that you didn’t give that passion a shot. Even if you don’t pursue that road, you can still study and learn new things about that field.

You can be an inspiration

You might worry that at your age you're not capable of learning anymore. Let's face it; when you age, your brain isn't as sharp as it used to be. Therefore, if you manage to finish your program, you can tell your kids that it's possible. They have no excuse for not completing their chosen degree. They have the physical strength and mental capacity to overcome any hurdles.

Things change all the time

The world is moving fast, and new ideas are always appearing. If you don't learn new ideas, you will be behind. Therefore, it helps if you enroll now and try to keep yourself abreast of what's going on around the world. When you decided to start a family, your priority was the well-being of your kids. You didn't care anymore about improving your mental capability. It's not too late to catch up. By studying, you will gain new knowledge that will help you.

Now that you understand the benefits of studying at your age, you have to look for the right program. You can check out online nursing programs if you’re currently in the medical field, or it’s a profession you want to pursue. Given that the coursework is available online, you can finish the requirements at your own pace.

Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/-2vD8lIhdnw

This is a guest blog entry.

Dealing With the After Effects of a Roadside Accident

It’s because roadside accidents are so rare in life that, when they happen, they can make us feel unstable, shocked, paralyzed, and worried. Dealing with an accident on the roads has many strands, requiring many actions to take in the days following – and dealing with these expediently and responsibly will make it a good deal less traumatic and difficult to process. In the interest of helping you to overcome your accident on the roads, then, this article offers the advice you’ll need to deal with your accident adequately.
 
Seek Support

A car accident is difficult to process. It happens incredibly quickly, leaving you dazed, confused, and rattled. You might see your car damaged, your person injured, and your mental health take a decline. In all these instances, it can help to have support at hand to help you deal with the immediate aftermath of your accident. Your family or trusted friends can help you:

• Contact the police or emergency services following a cras
• Help you through hospital services and medical requirements
• Support your mental well-being through love and care
• Help share the load of responsibilities following your crash
• Calm you down and offer words of wisdom as to your next steps

As such, as soon as you can, it’s worth letting a trusted friend or family member know you’ve been in an accident. They’ll then mobilize their resources to help you overcome your affliction and deal with your accident fully.

Talk to Insurers and Compensators

Your next step, after you’ve received medical attention (if necessary) and worked to deal with the immediate aftermath of your roadside accident, is to make some claims. As you’ve experienced an accident on the road, there’s no doubt that you’ll be able to make an auto insurance claim based on whatever policy that you have taken out. You’ll need a number of details to make this claim:

• Your vehicle registration, your personal details, and your policy number
• The details of all other vehicles and individuals involved in the accident
• A police or medical report of what happened
• All evidence you have – be that in garage quotes or witness accounts
• An idea of the extent of your injuries and those to your car

Your insurer can then work on your case, ensuring that you’re back to full health and reimbursed for the cash that you lost in the wake of your car accident.

Compensation

The other strand of claiming is in the realm of personal injury or the liability of others. In many cases of roadside accidents, accident claim experts can help you understand how you can claim compensation for the faults of others that led, in the first place, to your road traffic accident. This extra compensatory cash can help you financially in the wake of your accident, getting you back on your feet and enabling you to deal with your accident in its entirety.

There you have it – your methods to help you deal with your road traffic accident, getting you back to full health, and getting you compensated fully, in no time.

This is a guest blog entry.

Let’s Get Checked Vs. STDcheck.com: What Should You Go For?

There are several reasons why people take STD tests. A majority of them do it because they want to know their status and to protect their partners. Others do it because of fertility reasons. There are also those who take the tests as a formality before marriage.

Whatever your reason is, it’s now easier than ever before to check for STDs. This is because of the availability of STD test kits that you can use to collect your sample conveniently at home and mail or drop it discreetly at a certified lab. Actually, this is what LetsGetChecked.com and STDcheck.com promise. The truth is that choosing between these two websites and their test kits can be hard. That’s why we’ve done a comparative review below to help you know what you should go for.

1.  How it Works

LetsGetChecked.com

LetsGetChecked is generally a straightforward platform. You are required to pick the STD test or tests that you prefer and order the kit online. Once you receive the test kit, you are required to collect your sample as instructed before you can drop it at a LetsGetChecked lab. You’ll have to wait for a few days before your test results can be emailed back.

STDCheck.com

The process for ordering the test kit on STDcheck.com is somehow similar to that of LetsGetChecked.com. You can either order for an individual test kit or order a full panel that allows you to test more than one STD. You are required to pay for it online and head to aSTDcheck.com lab to drop your sample.

2.  Pros and Cons

LetsGetChecked.com

Pros

• Budget-friendly packages
• Easy-to-use site
• Fast-testing and results submission
• Testing is confidential and the results are private
• Expert consultation after the results is available
• So many labs spread nationally
• The online payment process is secure

Cons

• Some tests may take longer
• Additional costs for express shipping
• Current lab locations need updating

STDCheck.com

Pros

• Tests are discreet
• Sample delivery is fast
• Test kits are CLA-certified
• Offer same-day STD testing
• Over 4,500 STD testing labs available
• Great customer support

Cons

• You can’t use your health insurance to pay for the test
• Only available for US citizens
• Limited to certain STD tests

3.  Tests Available

LetsGetChecked.com

LetsGetChecked.com primarily offers STD test kits. The most notable diseases to test for on the platform include:

• Gonorrhea
• HIV
• Herpes
• Syphilis
• Hepatitis B
• Chlamydia
• Trichomoniasis
• Mycoplasma

In addition to STD testing, they also offer cancer screening, fertility tests, and tests for general health.

STDCheck.com

STDcheck.com is widely associated with major STDs like:

• Hepatitis
• Herpes
• HIV
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Chlamydia

You may not test for STDs like Trichomoniasis or mycoplasma on STDcheck.com.

4.  Prices

LetsGetChecked.com

LetsGetChecked.com has a wide range of STD test kits that you can order and they are all priced differently. Moreover, you can use LetsGetChecked Coupons on Couponcause.com to get some discounts.

The most popular packages are:

• The basic kit ($119): This test for gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis, and chlamydia.
• The standard kit ($179): Tests for everything that the basic kit tests in addition to HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis.
• The complete kit ($37): Test at least 11 STDs. It tests for everything that the standard kit tests in addition to disease like herpes, mycoplasma, and Gardnerella.

STDCheck.com

Currently, STDcheck.com has two popular STD packages. CouponCause.com offers STDCheck Coupons as well that can save you some money.

• Original test panel ($198): This is known to test for HIV, chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, hepatitis, and herpes.
• Upgraded test panel ($349): This can test for what the original panel tests. The difference is that it can test for HIV’s RNA during its early stage.

In addition to the above, they also have test kits for specific STDs and they start from $24.

5.  Turnaround Time

LetsGetChecked.com

After you have brought your test sample, it takes 2-5 days to have your results. They are sent through a secure account.

STDCheck.com

Unlike LetsGetChecked.com, you can have your results on the same day on STDcheck.com. If it takes longer, it’s probably 2 days.

6.  Credentials

LetsGetChecked.com

Nationally, all LetsGetChecked labs are CAP-certified. They are also accredited by CLIA and INAB.

STDCheck.com

STDcheck.com is also as reliable as LetsGetChecked. Its test kits are FDA-approved and their national labs are CLA-certified. Additionally, they enjoy an A plus BBB rating.

7. Privacy

LetsGetChecked.com

LetsGetChecked.com promises confidentiality in all its services. There is nowhere on the test kit or on the request form where your name is indicated. Once the results are available, they are not shared with anyone. You’ll access them via a secure account.

STDCheck.com

Just like LetsGetChecked.com, STDcheck.com prioritizes on privacy. They do not share your results with anyone. In fact, most clients believe that STDcheck.com is the most confidential platform for STD screening today. They follow the HIPAA standards which guarantee utmost privacy.

Closing Thoughts

Clearly, the contest between LetsGetChecked.com and STDcheck.com is a close one to call. Whatever you settle for, you are promised reliable results for your STD test. However, the secret is to use coupons and promo codes; both will guarantee you a massive discount off your purchase.

This is a guest blog entry.

The Truth About Magnesium Citrate for Weight Loss

When it comes to your weight loss journey and your search for finding the healthiest benefits, you might have run into magnesium citrate. Magnesium is an essential mineral in our body that is stored in our bones and is critical for the health of your metabolic pathways. Magnesium deficiency is one of the more prevalent mineral deficiencies and can cause a lot of negative symptoms, such as weight gain.

In this article, we’ll answer the question “can magnesium help you lose weight?” Magnesium citrate weight loss is not as easy as taking a special supplement, and all your problems are fixed; it's a bit more complicated than that. Let's go through the main benefits that magnesium citrate can provide and how to achieve those benefits.

What is Magnesium Citrate?

Magnesium citrate is magnesium made with a mixture of salt and citric acid and can be described as a laxative for its use in relieving constipation. It can do this by increasing the amount of water and fluids in the small intestine so your stool is smoother. The main reason for using magnesium citrate is for maintaining health and magnesium levels for people with deficiencies.

Some research has been done showing that nearly two-thirds of adults in the western part of the world do not meet criteria for the normal magnesium levels that their bodies need. These deficiencies could be because of issues with absorption or a lack of whole, nutritious foods in one’s diet.

These deficiencies can be causing negative symptoms for your health or weight. Taking magnesium citrate can provide amazing benefits for your overall well-being. Taking the supplement can provide positive benefits in general even if no deficiencies are present.
The 5 Benefits of Magnesium Citrate for Weight Loss

1. Helps treat Constipation and Bloating

Taking magnesium citrate will usually result in a bowel movement within 30 minutes to eight hours when choosing a higher recommended dose for constipation. When taking it daily, it is recommended to take a lower dose for regular bowel movements, although you should speak with a health professional before taking it. When you induce a bowel movement, the magnesium citrate pulls water into the intestine, which makes it easier for stools to pass.

This is an example of how magnesium citrate for weight loss will not result in fat burn or loss, which is what most people want. Instead, it results in water weight loss and a decrease in bloating for people who have ailments like irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory conditions. These types of medical conditions can cause constant constipation and bloating, which skews your weight loss goals and makes the process more difficult.

2. Magnesium Citrate Reduces Insulin Resistance

Insulin is a hormone that can cause many problems when it comes to burning fat effectively as an energy source. If you don’t know what insulin resistance is, it is when insulin levels are increased above what they should be naturally. This can cause adverse symptoms for weight loss, such as not being able to burn fat in exchange for energy and having your body store your calories as fat no matter how much you decrease your calorie intake.

Magnesium citrate for weight loss can help reverse insulin resistance when taken daily, which shifts the way your body metabolizes fat and stores it. While this is an amazing benefit for weight loss, people already with adequate magnesium levels will most likely not benefit.

3. Magnesium Citrate Helps Improve Sleep and Stress Levels

Sleep quality is something that is often neglected when it comes to the benefits of weight loss. General lack of sleep (less than 8 hours a night) is shown to be linked to weight gain, increased blood sugar, and overall difficulty in losing weight. If you have trouble getting quality sleep or suffer from certain sleep disorders, then magnesium may be able to help you achieve better sleep. You can use magnesium citrate for weight loss supplements daily before bedtime to help improve your sleep quality.

4. Magnesium Citrate Benefits Cardiovascular and Bone Health

Magnesium is a crucial mineral for maintaining bone health, pulmonary function, and normalizing blood glucose levels. This helps overall for protecting against more serious medical conditions such as hypertension and arrhythmia. Preventing magnesium deficiencies with magnesium citrate supplements can help with cardiovascular health, which in return helps with maintaining a regular exercise routine. Magnesium citrate also helps with the intake of vitamin D, which protects against weak bones and osteoporosis.

5. Magnesium Citrate supports Energy Production

Magnesium citrate for weight loss is involved in producing ATP, which is your body’s primary source of energy. ATP is also the energy used for your metabolism, so essentially the ATP you produce determines whether your metabolism is slow or fast. The more ATP you produce, the quicker your metabolism is, and how much faster you burn through calories.

By replenishing the magnesium levels in your body, you can increase your overall energy production and metabolism speed. Adding magnesium citrate for weight loss supplements to your diet can also improve your overall energy production, which can result in a longer caloric burn. You will be able to burn more calories while being able to exercise more intensely for more extended periods.

This is a guest blog entry.

Top 5 Easy & Traditional Methods To Get Pregnant Naturally

Only 25% of couples manage to conceive a child in the first month of unprotected sex. How to get in the number of lucky ones?

1. Stop smoking

Trite, but effective. Nicotine reduces spermatogenesis, that is, retards the formation of men’ spermatozoa and disrupts their mobility, and it reduces the level of women’ estradiol, the most active sex hormone. According to a study published by the British Medical Association, smoking in even one partner reduces the chances of getting pregnant by 10-40%. In addition, this habit reduces sexual desire and causes a lack of orgasm. So give up cigarettes yourself and try to avoid passive smoking in public places.

2. Check your aid kit

Carefully approach the choice of medications. During ovulation, do not take anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics: they have a negative effect on hormones. Decongestants and antihistamines can cause vaginal dryness and thickening of the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to move. Taking antibiotics provokes a violation of the bacterial flora in the vagina: you will have to wait for conception for 1-2 cycles. After the end of any drug therapy, it is worth waiting to get pregnant for a month, since the removal of some medications from the body continues for several weeks. Important: this does not apply to vitamins; they will be very useful in preparation for pregnancy as long as they are not overdone!

3. Review your menu

For successful pregnancy without using in vitro fertilization, you need to adhere to a reasonable power scheme. No weight loss programs: the use of low-calorie foods adversely affects the hormones responsible for fertility. Part of the estrogen (female hormones) is synthesized not only in the ovaries, but also in adipose tissue. Less fat = less estrogen. Therefore, it is better for the weight to settle before the attempting to get pregnant. Try to eat more vegetables, fruits, and fiber-rich foods (e.g., bread, brown rice, and pasta). Folic acid, necessary for both conception and pregnancy, can be found in leafy green vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli, or spinach. Proteins and iron effects the general condition of the ovaries and the mechanism of ovulation; they are in large amounts in legumes. The source of calcium that the baby will definitely need is dairy products. Do not forget about omega-3 fatty acids that provides blood flow to the uterus, it is recommended to include salmon in the diet. Vegetable fats are useful - these are “suppliers” of vitamin E, which, by the way, should be taken at least three months before the planned conception.

It is better to refuse sweets: an increase in blood sugar provokes an excessive release of adrenaline - a hormone that “attacks” progesterone useful for conception.

4. Find “the best days”

It is more usual, of course, to start a calendar and count out the 14th to 16th day from the beginning of the menstrual cycle. Or listen to your own feelings such as an increase in “desire”. But it is better to use special tests: the best day can occur on any of the days, especially if you have an irregular female cycle. Do not forget about the well-known method for determining a favorable day - the measurement of basal temperature. To determine it, you need to carry out this procedure for 3-5 menstrual cycles.

5. Keep the rhythm

Numerous studies by scientists have shown that abstinence from intimacy for more than seven days can cause a decline in male fertility: in this situation, the amount of seminal fluid increases, but not its quality. However, in men who have an intense sex life, the quality of the seminal fluid also suffers - it simply does not have time to be produced. Therefore, the optimal mode is considered to have sex 3-4 times a week.

This is a guest blog entry.

CBDfx: Disposable vape pen with CBD

A person who has a vape pen but still cannot vape, just because he/she forgot to charge, is among the unluckiest ones.

Having a fully charged vape pen at all times is unrealistic. The reason might be anything from overlooking the charge bar to an easily drainable battery.

Apart from battery issues, there’s another problem that can keep you from vaping: some places just don’t allow for battery operated devices!

These situations are undoubtedly hectic, but there’s a solution! In these conditions, it is always wise to carry a CBD (cannabidiol) disposable vape pen. If you happen to know about these disposable vape pens, you are welcome to skip reading. However, if you don’t, read on!

What is a CBD disposable vape pen?

As the name suggests, it is a disposable vape pen with CBD, which can be used anywhere and anytime. These disposable vape pens contain CBD derived from high-quality hemp plants.

These usually cheaper vape pens are perfect for the scenarios mentioned above or for people who don’t use vape pens frequently or are first-timers. These pens are already filled with a mint-flavored e-liquid and are ready to provide an exotic experience.

Benefits of disposable vape pens

CBD in itself has many benefits of its own, but they can be discussed separately. As of now, let’s look at some benefits of CBD disposable vape pens:

•    It has no harmful effects like smoking, i.e.. It is relatively safe.
•    The people who have no prior experience with CBD can start with these comparatively cheaper disposable pens.
•    Can be used to vape anywhere without hiding or worrying about the battery.
•    There are no side effects associated with CBD.

Using a disposable vape pen with CBD

There is no science associated with the “use” of a CBD disposable vape pen. A vaping session can be started instantly. Just unbox the vape pen as soon as it is delivered and start vaping. That’s all. One can take about 300 puffs of a fresh minty flavored CBD in a single unit. An offer hard to reject, indeed!

Additionally, it doesn’t require any oil-plant mixing as all of that is taken care of already with the product.

Cautions to choose a healthy vendor

As these disposable pens are in fashion nowadays, many people are trying to sell duplicate or low-quality products. It needs to be understood by the masses that whatever is being marketed is not true, and no matter what promises are made by these people, one should never opt for cheap rip off products.

The reasons being:

•    Fire hazards

These cheap products are made from low-quality material, and no security standards are considered.
Just to save a few bucks, it is not safe to take a chance of a blast or fire. You can earn those bucks in hours, but burnt hands or mouth can lead to permanent damage.

•    Low-quality CBD

The quality of CBD used in these rip-offs is also deficient and is usually mixed with something else for the sake of quantity. There is no information about the ingredients or the mixed stuff whatsoever. Therefore, it is illogical to consume something that we do not know about. And of course, the ENJOYMENT for which we vape is sacrificed due to low-quality.

Conclusion

Disposable vape pens with CBD has several benefits over a typical vape pen, which in itself has several benefits over other ways to consume CBD. An immediate vaping experience without worries of carrying charger is what these disposable pens bring to the table. Certainly a go-to option for travelers and first-time vapers.

If you are thinking to buy one, just consider a quality disposable CBD pen-- might cost you a few bucks extra but better than every rip-off out there.

That’s it. Go enjoy vaping!

This is a guest blog entry.

What is CBD and how it is different from Cannabis?

The use of cannabidiol (CBD) oil has long been under the spotlight. With so many different people divided in their opinion over its practical use and safety, it’s been difficult to procure it in the past due to strict laws and regulations. However, with more and more states legalizing cannabis itself and lifting tough rules on the use of CBD oil, it’s never been easier to purchase.

But what actually is the difference between CBD oil and cannabis? What are their defining features, and why are their practical uses so vastly different? Don’t worry, we’re here to tell you just that and provide you with some more interesting facts about CBD oil.

So first of all, what is cannabis? Cannabis is a plant which originated in Asia, and its leaves are used all over the world to create weed, the recreational drug. The only other recreational drugs which are more popular worldwide are alcohol, tobacco and caffeine, highlighting just how popular this drug is. It has a variety of side effects upon use, including a great feeling of relaxation and the highlighting of certain colors when they are looked upon. The drug can be taken in a variety of different ways, and is most commonly smoked. It has long been illegal in most places around the world, but in recent times more and more states in the U.S. have legalized it in order to have greater control and regulation over its use.

CBD is very different from cannabis itself. To put it simply, CBD is the oil or liquid which is extracted from the cannabis plant. This means when it is put to use it’s not the actual leaves which are used, so the effects it has are very different. The most standout difference between cannabis and CBD is that CBD doesn’t produce a psychological high, leaving other benefits free to be explored without worrying about the ill effects of cannabis on its own. It can be smoked, consumed as a brownie, or taken as an oil in liquid form.

There are a variety of different benefits that CBD can have on your body which cannabis does not, at least legally.

CBD oil is said to be a great pain reliever. Lots of people use over-the-counter versions of the oil in order to numb any physical pain they may have, including stiffness, muscle pain and any chronic injuries. Solid proof is lacking in this area of medicine, but the individual statements of those who have used the oil for these purposes seem to point to the same outcome; it’s a great substitute for painkillers.

Although researchers from either side of the argument come up with different results, it’s believed among a lot of people that CBD can also help fight against anxiety-related disorders. Examples of conditions which can be fought against are post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The oil is very effective at acting as a calming measure, and many researchers have called for further work to be done on using it as a remedy to mental health issues.

This is a guest blog entry.

Benefits of natural skincare products.

A lot of people are suspicious about using artificial and cosmetics and are shifting towards organic products. It is quite evident that chemical products can have a side effect on the skin in the future and are not very friendly to the skin.

Organic skin care products have been used for a very long period of time and a lot of beauticians have now totally shifted toward organic skincare products. A lot of companies like Yoro Naturals make natural skin care products that make your skin glow without any side effects. Human skin absorbs 60% of the substance it comes in contact with so, and it is imperative to select the skin care product wisely. A natural skin care product should be free of the following chemicals:

•    Artificial (Synthetic) Colors and Fragrances
•    Isopropyl Alcohol
•    Parabens (Methyl-, Propyl-, Butyl-, and Ethyl-)
•    Phthalates
•    Sodium Lauryl (Laureth) Sulfate
•    Ureas (Imidazolidinyl, Diazolidinyl, DMDM)
•    Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA), Monoethanolamine (MEA)
•    Formaldehyde

Yoro Naturals Organic takes care of your skin by not using any chemical that would affect the smoothness and natural feel of your skin. Yoro natural products can be used for all types of skin issues like dry and sensitive skin, sunburn, razor burn, chapped skins, etc.
In this article, we will be discussing the benefits of using natural skin care products.

Benefits of natural skincare products.
Long-term Results 

When you remove the synthetic and chemical products from your skin care list, the natural products will start nourishing your skin and help your skin to get rid of the toxins quickly.
Organic products make your skin look more natural and fresher for a more extended period. It also helps in keeping the ph Level of the skin balanced, reduces wrinkles, and improves skin textures.

Better Fragrance 

Natural ingredients smell fascinating. Alot of natural products like honey, ginger, and lemon are used in organic skin care products, which feels right. Even rose cream is made using the real rose water, and a lot of plant oils are also used in making skin soothing creams.

Trying organic products for a week can change your mind, and you will shift towards organic products, but that doesn’t mean organic products won’t cause any irritation. A lot of people suffer skin irritation problems even after using natural products, but this shouldn’t necessarily stop you from using them. Everyone has different skin, and so it is best to consult with your doctor on the best approach when the skin becomes irritated.

Easy on your wallet 

Well, it is quite apparent that organic skin care products are costly but at least they are sometimes less expensive than the chemical and synthetic ones. One can even make organic skin care products at home with honey, fruits, and coconut oil. Natural skin care products are earth-friendly, and the process of making organic skin care is chemical free.
The availability and demand for natural skin care products is equal to artificial and chemical products, and a lot of beauticians and models are shifting towards natural skin care products.

Conclusion 

In this article, we discussed the benefits of using natural skin care products. The arguments over natural and synthetic products will continue. While both of them have their benefits, natural skin products stand tall in front of the artificial skin care items.

This is a guest blog entry.

Live A Less Stressful Life with These Simple Secrets

 Times have changed a lot of aspects of how we deal with our daily lives. These changes range from the work area to how a person lives their everyday lives. However, there is one thing that cannot be changed and still is a persistent problem for people from any generation, day or age. Stress.

Stress takes a mental toll on you. It takes a lot from you and because of that, you can start to lose hope on everything, inviting negative attitudes towards mediocre things taking you down to places where you never have imagined you would be. We understand that every job that is requested in today’s time and age can be mentally taxing towards your average Joe. Everybody has felt the toll you might be feeling now in one way or another.

We have scoured the web and searched for solutions from people on how to live a less stressful life.

Let’s get started.

Be early

Let’s start with the simplest of tasks that you have to do. Being late for work might be one of the most taxing forms of stress that a person would acquire early on during the day. Being on time might be even more so.

You see, there is a certain pressure that you would feel when you know that time is not on your side. These pressures might lead to erratic behaviors when things you have planned does not go the way you want it. These include traffic problems or even a slight delay in your child’s changing schedule. Regardless, what you feel when you know time is running out does not help you at all.

The best way to counter this unnecessary stress would be to aim to be early. Adjusting your alarm clock as well as your biological clock might be a hard transition for a while but once you do, it helps to get used to going to work early. Then you will be taking a massive weight off your shoulders.

Buy yourself an alarm clock today from 11street and get started at being early.

Declutter

One of the many problems that bothers people who do not have the time or the luxury of taking care of their home is a clutter. This kind of stress might be apparent with single moms as well as regular, hard-working people since they do not really have the time to take care of things in their household.

Have you ever went inside a room and just felt awful? We all have experienced that feeling. Well, you should set time aside to declutter and clean your household. Make it an event for the family to get together. Clean or even take things out of your house that is never used.

These take away a massive portion of stress that a person feels during the start of the day. What’s more, cleaning as well as coming into a house that is sparkly and orderly relieves stress providing you with an amazing therapeutic feeling of achievement. Go ahead and try it. You will not regret it.
Bring out your creative side

We all know that prevention is greater than cure. However, when it comes to stress, both seem to be equally important. Now, we all know that stress is inevitable. That is part of the job description. What you do after accumulating that amount of stress however means a lot.

You can start by getting creative.

Open yourself up into other things that interest you or brings out a smile through your face. It does not matter what it is. It can be painting, playing the guitar, or completing a massive collection of Legos. The possibilities are endless and what makes this solution amazing is that you get to decide which ones you want to do.

Have fun

It is true, working and fun rarely come together. Most of the times you will find yourself grinding it out till the day is through. Well here is another tip we all know would work. That is to have fun and treat yourself!

From a night out through the malls or a night out with friends, the best way to relieve yourself of stress is when you are having fun, forgetting the current problems you have even for a night will work wonders on you.

You can also try planning for trips or movie nights alone with your pet. Anything that makes you look forward to the end of the day that puts a smile in your face. You do that.

Manage your finances

Let’s be honest. Money can be very complicated to deal with. Having the lack there off can be just as devastating as having too much. Why? Because for some people, nothing causes as much stress than money.

Be it your overdue bills or your landlord knocking at your door every night, finances can be very demanding. However, we advise you to give online payments a chance. Simplifying your finances might give you that much-needed breather. You can have your company send out all your payments from them to the bank as well as help you manage your savings by sending it to a savings account before they give everything else to you. This results in a smaller wage but a carefree lifestyle.

Do something that calms you

Ever heard of Yoga? There are a lot of things that can calm a person down. This includes touching something fluffy to painting or even just a stroll in your local park.

There are a lot of things that you can do that can tame your temper and that is something you should exploit more.

Taking an evening stroll around your park when you feel you are about to give up calms you down and makes you think more deeply about things that you should do. This, alongside the ambient feeling of a cold evening will surely perk you up. Not much, but just enough.

Develop a healthy habit

Believe it or not, food can cause just as much stress as other problems. But did you know that if you manage yourself thoroughly, proving to yourself on how much you love yourself can work wonders in having you live a comfortable and stress-free life?

Author Bio: Nidhi Mahajan is a guest blogger and passionate about content writing. She has been blogging about Health for more than 7 years now with variety of topics covered under Health related articles. To read her more pieces on the stuff visit Health Guide at Pop-pins.com

This is a guest blog entry.

The Benefits and Effects of Carditone

What is Carditone?

Carditone is known to be from Rauwolfia, a plant which is known to have been used traditionally to help maintain blood pressure levels. It’s believed to have calming properties with other minerals and herbs. One of the ingredients includes Indian coral powder, which is a good source of calcium and magnesium. 

Other ingredients include Rauwolfia serpentina, Tribulus Terrestris, Arjuna, Convolvulus pluricaulis, and magnesium in rose powder. It’s an herbal product that is made to lower blood pressure, providing a calm feeling and slow pulse. It has been used in India and the East for many years. These herbs can increase product effectiveness and reduce side effects.

Sadly, when there was a wrong combination of Rauwolfia, it was dropped, and new synthetic antihypertensive drugs were adopted. Over many years, there have been new drugs selected for high blood pressure. They are designed to improve the shortcomings of the latter one, and hence, became more expensive.

What is the difference between Rauwolfia and Reserpine?

The plant name is Rauwolfia while the name of the active ingredient in the plant is Reserpine. Reserpine is known for its soothing effect felt on the excitatory center in the brain, which helps reduce blood pressure. The American Pharmaceutical is known to be suppliers of rauwolfia root and Reserpine. The 0.1-milligram dose of Reserpine is equivalent to 50 milligrams of rauwolfia root. The double the reserpine dose, the same it is to Rauwolfia. The daily dose recommended is 0.05 milligrams to 0.25 milligrams. Rauwolfia stays in the blood system for some days, and its effects are experienced for a couple of weeks. Rauwolfia and Reserpine need to be taken once daily or as prescribed by a physician.

What are the effects of taking Carditone in high doses?

A study conducted concluded that a high dose of Carditone causes depression. Hence, more studies were conducted, and it was proved that with proper dosage of carditone, depression is never caused. With an appropriate dosage, there was no evidence of ulcers as well. 1.5% of patients reported upset stomachs from taking carditone in comparison with 7.7 % of the patients who consumed metoprolol as a beta-blocker.

Another research was carried out earlier; it showed that people are less likely to suffer from peptic ulcers with Carditone as compared to consuming other drugs. 

Unfortunately, a report from a study conducted indicated that there was a link between carditone and breast cancer. The article was titled “Reserpine and Breast Cancer.” The Boston Collaborative Drug Surveillance Program conducted this study. Over four years, more studies were carried out; it showed that carditone did not cause breast cancer.

What are the benefits of Carditone

There are natural diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide or HCTZ that tend to increase cholesterol. The diuretics are part of known antihypertensive. Carditone is known to decrease cholesterol. Since Carditone is known to have a prolonged effect and stays in the blood system for long. All that a patient needs is just a single dose daily. When a patient misses out on a prescription or discontinues it, this tends to make their blood pressure to go up suddenly.

When the blood pressure is high, it tends to enlarge the heart muscle. Reserpine is known to return it to a reasonable size. Carditone helps in psychosis and anxiety, mostly in higher doses. In return, it helps to calm the person and slow them down.

Patients suffering from Cushing disease (this is a disorder whereby the patient’s adrenal gland makes too much cortisone) find relief when using carditone. Carditone also treats tardive dyskinesia; this is a kind of a particular antipsychotic drug.

Side effects of Using Carditone

When Carditone is used in the proper dosage, it’s only effect is nasal congestion. It was evident in 5-15% of the patient administered with Carditone.

Many people are not meant to take Carditone; that is pregnant women and lactating mothers. When you’re a patient suffering from peptic ulcer disease or depression, ensure you consult your physician for advice before taking carditone.

Ten milligrams of Carditone is recommended per day, but this dose can also causes muscle contractions and even convulsions. Note, some people can gain weight. In earlier years, Carditone was used to treat psychosis. It’s believed that higher doses consumed can lead to a sedating effect and cause depression.

Always ensure you follow doctor’s instructions and advice before using Carditone.

This is a guest blog entry.

Important Reminders After Undergoing Laser Hair Removal

Choosing laser hair removal is an excellent idea since it is painless. It will be over in no time, and it will prevent your hair from coming back for a long time. Compared with shaving or waxing, you will feel more comfortable undergoing this procedure. You might have to spend a lot of money to do it, but you will still save in the long run. You are not going to purchase shaving tools anymore. You also do not need to keep making appointments in a local salon for a waxing treatment.

You might need several sessions for laser hair removal, but you will only pay once since it comes as a package treatment. Although the process is painless, you still need to pay attention to post-treatment.

Do not feel tempted to pluck or wax after the procedure

The reason why laser hair removal requires several sessions is that you cannot expect flawless results instantly. Even if you still see hairs in the treated area, you cannot pluck them or go to a salon for waxing. You are going to disrupt the healing process in doing so. You might also stimulate the hair follicles and spark the growth of hairs. Leave the skin as it is and wait for your next procedure.

Exfoliate the area after one to two weeks

If you see that your skin starts turning red, you might have to exfoliate the area until the redness subsides. However, you need to wait for about a week or two before doing it since your skin will still be sensitive after the procedure.

Do not take hot showers
Avoid extremely hot showers within 48 hours after the procedure. You might also do a sponge bath instead of the usual bathing to prevent water from touching the area where you did the treatment.

Avoid direct sunlight exposure

You also need to stay away from the sun as it could adversely impact your skin. Again, your skin will still be sensitive after the treatment. Refuse invitations to go to the beach for at least two weeks after the treatment.

Do not wear makeup

If you undergo laser hair removal in the facial area, you need to avoid wearing makeup or stick with light mineral makeup. Give the skin at least 48 hours to heal before going back to your regular makeup routine. It helps if you schedule the treatment on a weekend when you are not going to work, and you have nothing else to do outside.

Never scratch

While itching is common after the procedure, it is crucial for you never to scratch the affected area. It could result in scarring. Take your attention away from that area and do other things to forget that you feel itchy.

Laser hair removal is effective and is worth trying. However, you need to be responsible after the treatment. If you want to do it now, you can check out laser hair removal Edmonton offers. Ask about the services they offer and schedule an appointment if you are confident that this treatment is suitable for you.

Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/fG1Uay7bwT4

This is a guest blog entry.

How effective is arnica for bruising and swelling?

Everyone experiences pain in their life. Most of us deal with headaches, body pain, swelling, and injuries at some point. Pain is unpredictable and can occur at the slightest inattentiveness. Hence, everyone should have pain medication in their first aid box. Arnica is a popular homeopathic pain medication which is much safer to use than any over-the-counter pain killers. Using pain killers for a long time can develop addiction problems since most of the pain killers contain drugs.

Arnica is a flowering plant that grows in Siberia and parts of Europe. The flowers of Arnica plant looks similar to daisies. They have a yellowish or orangish appearance. The most common form of Arnica is Arnica Montana, which is also known as mountain Arnica. Dried Arnica Arnica is available in pill, cream, and solution form. Arnica pill and drops can be consumed orally. Both the tablet and the drop will dissolve under the tongue naturally. Arnica cream can be applied on the affected area for instant relief. When using Arnica in the cream format, prevent applying it over open wounds or broken skin. Arnica is an effective bruise cream and doesn’t have any adverse side effects.

The roots of Arnica flowers were used for several years for their medicinal benefits. It contains sesquiterpene lactone, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It also has flavonoids, thymol, carotenoids, etc. in reasonable amounts. Arnica, if used in its purest form can, however, cause many complications; hence, it's considered unsafe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). What people use commonly is the heavily diluted form of medicine. Since the heavily diluted form of the medication is devoid of any side effects, it is still essential for you to consult your doctor before using it for any swelling or bruising.

As mentioned earlier, Arnica has several benefits over pain killers. Let us have a look at its numerous properties, in detail:

• It eases muscle pain due to sudden trauma or ailment
• It works effectively in reducing swelling caused by pain, insect bites or sprains
• It helps in clearing blood congestion and promotes the growth of white blood cells to prevent bruising. Arnica contains vitamin K which is very helpful in reducing bruising. Using Arnica as a bruise cream, thrice a day, can offer immediate relief from pain and discomfort
• It provides comfort for people suffering from osteoarthritis by reducing muscle stiffness and soreness
• Arnica prevents bacterial infections that can cause due to infected wounds.
• Arnica prevents blood clotting while also reducing the bleeding
• Diabetes is also said to provide benefit against eye problems due to arthritis, acne problem and alopecia

Vitamedica’s Arnica bruise kit comes with 120 Arnica tablet bottle containing 2-week supply, 0.5 oz. Arnica cream containing 3-week supply and 5-day Arnica blister pack. You can keep this kit handy to address any pain, swelling, or bruises. The Arnica Montana plus vitamin K cream is a unique product in the market that makes it a great anti bruise cream. It immediately starts working on the blue-black bruises and helps to soothe the skin. The kit is also beneficial for postoperative care when you have to deal with swelling and pain.

Homeopathic medicines are believed to have a safe and natural approach to many diseases. When prescription medicines are used, they suppress the problem and don’t let it spread further, but in the case of homeopathic medicines, they enhance the symptoms of the disease because they believe that our body can heal as a faster rate if we let its natural defense mechanism work against those symptoms.

Whether homeopathic medicines or prescription medicines will work effectively on pain is still a matter of debate, but we need to realize that getting rid of ailments doesn’t guarantee a healthy body. It can only be achieved if we take natural products and supplements. Using chemically active products for a long time can weaken the immune system and make us prone to numerous diseases. Using essential supplements can make up for the lack of vital nutrients in the body that you may not be getting from your daily food intake. Supplements are very safe and natural and can be made a part of our diet for added benefits.

This is a guest blog enty.

Alcohol and Drug Rehab Options

Alcohol is considered as one of the most addictive and harmful substances in the world, which has affected a lot of people over time A lot of drinkers have control of their drinking habits while a majority of them suffer from addiction. Addiction can increase the risk of liver failure and heart attacks and can also affect the thinking power of the brain. A person who has a long-term addiction to alcoholism called an alcoholic.

Some alcoholics appear to be high-functioning. Although they’re addicted, they can hold a steady job and take care of their daily responsibilities. But most alcoholics experience negative consequences because of their drinking.

People with mild alcohol problems may be able to quit drinking on their own or with the help of support groups. However, people who are addicted to alcohol require treatment. Recovery from alcohol addiction is achievable with assistance from doctors, therapists, peers, friends, and family members.

While many alcoholics can control themselves even after drinking a lot, many also lose their senses and as the alcohol starts to take over their brain. For those alcoholics, there’s a special treatment center known as alcohol and drug rehab which can also be useful for fentanyl  withdrawal. Before moving further, let us see the harmful effects of alcohol on the human body.
Harmful effects of alcohol

• High level of stress and numbness in the body.
• A person who has a stressful job may end up drinking more alcohol to get rid of the stress.
• Depression and anxiety can start form in regular drinkers. When an alcoholic is sober, he tends to think about his issues and to end the negative thoughts he drinks again.
• Interaction of medication with alcohol can cause severe side-effects. 

To help the alcoholics get rid of their addiction, alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers  exist to help them get rid of their addiction.

What is alcohol Drug Rehab?

A person can identify by himself that he is addicted to alcohol, but a lot of them struggle to recognize the symptoms. You can find out the symptoms by taking a small quiz and test.

Alcohol rehab centers help the addict come out of the addiction and live a healthy and balanced life again. They teach the addict to live without alcohol, and once the addict overcomes this addiction, he/she is sent back to his home to start living a normal life.

The type of therapies that can help an addict to get over alcohol and live a normal life

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Dialectical behavioral therapy
• Multidimensional family therapy
• Motivational interviewing
• Motivational incentives

Counselors help the addict to find motivation and courage to take admission in the rehab center where the rehab facilities and staff offer treatment and medications to the addicts. They keep the alcoholics stay away from alcohol and helpto get rid of the addiction.

This is a guest blog entry.

4 Reasons to Mix Your Own Vape Juice

One of the best things about vaping is the culture that's started to grow around it. You get to create your own mods to ensure the perfect time and your ideal clouds and choose from a wide range of e-juice to suit your specific tastes. But just like mods, you can create your own vape juice. Check out some of the most common reasons why experienced vapers like to test their skills at mixing their own.

To Create a Better Flavor

Image via Flickr by The Electric Tobacconist

Everyone's tastes are different, and odds are you know what you like more than anyone else. You may have found some of your favorite flavors from one of the many places offering vape juice, but they may not be exactly what you're looking for. When you mix your own, you get to create your own flavor. You can start with some of your favorites and tweak them in a way that better suits your palate.

To Have Control Over the Ingredients

When you mix your own vape juice, you have control over what you put into it. Some people are highly sensitive to some of the additives of vape juice, especially diacetyl and nicotine. You also can adjust the levels of other additives to help provide for a vaping experience more like the one you desire.

It Can Save You Money

While mixing your own vape juice may require an initial investment up front, it is a lot more cost-effective in the long run. The most expensive costs include purchasing the safety gear and some of the equipment. But after these costs, you can buy the ingredients in bulk, saving yourself a significant amount of money per container. After some trial and error, you will be able to save even more money once you get your formula down and know exactly what you need to create your favorite juice.

It Can Be Fun

Getting involved in the vaping lifestyle is not only about the experience of vaping, but it is also about having fun. When you mix your own vape juice, you will become part of the vape enthusiast community. You'll also be able to connect with other vapers to find recipes to make and tips and tricks for you to try out. If you are part of a vape club, you can also share some of your experience and help impart your knowledge on those new to the vaping world.

Creating your own vape juice can be fun and affordable, allowing your creativity to really shine. All you need is the right equipment and a little know-how to get started. If you want to learn more, there are many experienced vape juice mixers and websites that can provide you with the information you need. E-juice calculators can help novices creating their own DIY ejuice to know the exact amounts of each ingredient to get the best vaping experience. Don't wait. Let your creativity soar by trying out some of your own vape juice recipes today.

This is a guest blog entry.

Protect Your Eyes: Common Eye Problems You Need to Know

Eyes are one of the most precious natural assets for humans, but people mostly forget to protect them. Just like other body parts, your eyes also need regular checkups. Eyes might be affected by allergies, muscle twitches or obsessive compulsive disorder, but we may not pay heed to them. Ignoring major eyes problems that may take time to heal can result in incurable problems.

It is true that many eye-related issues are hard to diagnose as there are no early symptoms. If there are symptoms, they are sometimes hard to figure out. This makes regular eye checkups an essential part of medical care. After all, don’t you want to protect your precious asset – the eyes?

Here are some common eye problems according to eye care Cherry Hill NJ which most of the people ignore:

Cataracts:

If you have blurry and dim vision, as if a cloud has engrossed your eyeball, then you might have cataracts. Most people associate blurry vision with a lack of sleep or tiredness and fail to understand that it might be because of cataracts.

Other than aging, cataracts can also occur due to trauma, diabetes, or prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays. Whatever is the case, you should not ignore it.

Magnifying glasses or anti-glare glasses can sort out the issue, but surgery is the best option if you don’t want to rely on any outer aid. The doctor removes the blurry lens through surgery and replaces it with an artificial lens which can help you to get your clear sight back.

Glaucoma:

Glaucoma is a more severe disease than cataracts as it can result in permanent blindness if it is not diagnosed at an early stage.

It occurs due to increased pressure buildup within the eye fluid which can damage the optic nerve. It is like an image carrier to the brain, and what if this carrier gets damaged?

It can be difficult to realize that you may have glaucoma, especially if you are suffering from open-angle glaucoma which is painless. It can only be diagnoses at an early stage if you go for regular eye checkups.

In case you are lucky enough to grasp the situation in time; then you can treat it through laser, surgery or eye drops.

Eye Allergies:

Eye allergies are one of the most common eye diseases which people don’t bother to treat. People mostly assume that they will be cured in time. Although some people actually get healed in time, some allergies can result in damage to the cornea. So instead of taking the risk, it is better to get a checkup.

There can be various reasons for eye allergies including changes in the season, dust, or sensitivity to a medication which can be treated with eye drops. However, if water discharge or redness continues, then it is better to consult a doctor for proper treatment instead of putting your eyesight at risk.

All of these issues can be diagnosed at an early stage if you go for regular eye checkups. You might not understand the early signs of eye problems, but your doctor can catch them. Regular eye check-ups can save you from prolonged and permanent damage, and ensure eye health – isn’t it what we all want?

This is a guest blog entry.  

Problem Gambling – Symptoms, Diagnosis And Effects

Gambling has been around since the beginning of time. Gambling can be just a fun, thrilling activity, but it can also become a serious problem. Sometimes it is difficult to draw the line, but in most cases it is not that difficult to determine who is gambling casually and for fun and for whom it has become a dangerous habit that’s hard to control. Gambling is considered to be an impulse-control disorder and it is listed as such by the American Psychiatric Association.

Millions of people all over the world have a gambling problem, but a lot more are playing just for fun, with small wagers and with money they can afford to lose. When does it stop being harmless fun and becomes a dangerous problem that ruins lives is a pretty common question. 

It Isn’t A Financial Issue At Core

Maybe the best way to look at the issue would be to have a look at the symptoms and the typical diagnosis. That will give us a better perspective into the issue of problem gambling and will help us understand when gambling becomes a problem, how it happens and perhaps the most important question – why it becomes a problem (i.e. why are some people prone to compulsive gambling).

Many people mistakenly believe that the key problem with gambling is financial, but a psychological/emotional problem. That doesn’t mean that gambling doesn’t have any financial consequences, because it does. Actually, most people understand that they have a gambling problem only when they become aware of the financial problems associated with it.

And gambling doesn’t only affect the financial well-being of the gambler; it can also affect their work performance. Many compulsive gamblers end up being fired because they lose their ability to work, or even worse, steal money from their co-workers or their business account.

Can You Stop When You Want To?!

It is said that a person is definitely a problem gambler once they answer ‘No’ when asked if they can stop if they wanted to. But there’s one problem with that. Many gamblers will not say ‘no’ even if they can’t actually stop gambling and that’s because they are rarely aware of their addiction and they feel like they’re only having fun and enjoying the rush of adrenaline.

There are several signs that a person is having a gambling problem and if you can identify at least a few of them, then that person probably has a problem. For instance, if somebody resorts to gambling when they feel distressed and then they get irritable when they need to stop, that is one indicator that they are having problems. Further indicators that someone is having a problem is lying to hide that they are gambling and returning to gambling after they’ve lost a significant amount of money.

Many people feel that the amount that a player loses on a weekly or a monthly basis has a bearing on whether they have a problem, but that’s not actually the case. After all, a particular amount of money can be a lot to someone, and not significant to someone else. If you’re a millionaire and you lose $10,000 at a charitable gambling event, it wouldn’t mean that you have a problem, but if you lose your monthly salary at the local casino, you probably have a problem.

Gambling is an addictive habit, so if you’re feeling a strong buzz when you’re playing slots or a game of poker, and you need to wager more the next time you’re playing just to get the same buzz, it means that you’re getting addicted. Just like alcoholics need to drink more and more to feel their buzz.

Online Gambling Vs Conventional Gambling

The establishment of the first online casinos allows people to play their favourite casino games from the comfort of their living rooms and it is even possible to play on your smartphone or tablet. Many feel that this actually worsens the problem, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Namely, most countries have passed regulations under which online casinos are supposed to track gambling behaviour and block a player’s account if they are showing signs of problem gambling. Moreover, it is possible for players to exclude themselves for a limited amount of time, or indefinitely, if they are playing and spending too much. None of this is an option at land-based casinos.

So, the fact that a lot of players are switching to online gambling may have less to do with the fact that online gambling is more addictive than traditional gambling at land-based casinos and more with the fact that online gambling is simply more convenient. Players don’t need to travel, payments are secure and safer and there is a larger selection of games. One look at the selection of available online slots is sufficient to confirm our thesis.

On the other hand, if you or any of your close ones has a gambling problem, or you suspect that this might be the case,  be sure to contact GambleAware or some of the other organizations that help problem gamblers to deal with these issues.

This is a guest blog entry.

What Is A Medical Detox for Drug and Alcohol Abuse?

The addiction definition for drug detox and a medical detox varies, and despite the fact that you most likely expect guidance by a qualified medical professional throughout your detox procedure, that is not always the situation. You will find the following variations of medical detoxification programs:

1. Inpatient treatment in a rehabilitation facility with an initial appointment and feasible follow-up group meetings with an on-call medical professional

2.Inpatient treatment in a rehabilitation facility that provides nutritional vitamin supplements in capsule form or through IVs

3.Inpatient treatment in a psychological medical facility or mental health center

4. Outpatient treatment with repeat appointments with a health care provider

5.Inpatient treatment in a high-end center which includes a personalized treatment program for utmost comfort and safety, with on-staff doctors, round-the-clock ICU-level healthcare professionals, cardiovascular monitoring 24/7, in private rooms.

What Is A NON-Medical Detox?

Non-Medical detoxification usually doesn't include a discussion with a medical professional during the cleansing stage. Rehabilitation facilities providing non-medical detoxification may make an effort to control withdrawal signs and symptoms with natural solutions such as deep breathing, nutritional vitamins, saunas, and yoga exercises. For some people, this type of plan won't provide the comfort and ease required during the first days or even weeks without alcoholic beverages or drugs. For some people, going "cold-turkey" can certainly be scary, agonizing, and even harmful. The achievement and safety of any non-medical detoxification is determined by the individual's health and how long he/she has been abusing drugs and alcohol.

What Is the Best Medical Detoxification Approach?

The best medical detoxing depends on the individual's needs; however, for the utmost comfort and safety; it should consist of these important elements:

Patient Examination

A social, psychological and physical examination is carried out to determine the existing situation of the individual.

Custom-made Program

In line with the first examination, a team of Board-Certified Doctors, ICU-Level Nurses as well as an Addiction Psychiatrist meets with the individual to create a personalized treatment plan. This particular treatment has IV treatment that can easily be changed, immediately responding to the individual's withdrawal signs and symptoms.

Monitored Treatment 24/7

Throughout this particular process, the affected person is carefully supervised 24-hours a day with top-of-the-line cardiovascular and video monitors and specific attention from caring, non-judgmental nurse practitioners and specialists.

Upscale Setting

For patients to achieve success with a drug or alcohol addiction, many require the convenience and comfort of non-public rooms, premium foods, HD-TV, Wi-Fi, and therapeutic massage along with the liberty to get in contact with family members for psychological support. For many, non-public rooms are important as being housed 3 to 4 persons to a room in some other centers bring out a stress.

If you or your loved one are susceptible to alcohol dependency, drug abuse or some other addiction and need help, please make contact with several healthcare detox facilities and ask queries. Find a detoxification process that is best suited for you or your family member.

This is a guest blog entry.

Electronic stethoscope vs Traditional

Since the stethoscope was invented, it has a lot of modifications and types, but nowadays, two of them are conquering the market: the classic and the electronic stethoscope.

The stethoscope is used to listen to the internal sounds (lung and heart sounds) of animal or the human body, although it is used to attend bowel sounds or blows by blood flow in arteries and veins.

The stethoscope is the most used tool because it is simply effective and is considered as a symbol of healthcare professionals. 

René Laennec was the inventor of the stethoscope in 1816 and allowed to leave immediate auscultation technique using a rudimentary cylinder of wood of 30 centimeters. This invention was a breakthrough in exploration and description of certain diseases.

Classic stethoscope (flexible bi-earphones):

It´s composed by a chestpiece made of steel, that gets the sound and transmits it by tubes to the listener´s ears for sensing sound. Most of them respond to the quality of the materials and composition, but the main difference comes determined by the chestpiece.

Some sophisticated stethoscope models have a double chestpiece, with two different diameters that can adapt itself to different patient sizes.

The main problem with traditional stethoscopes is that the test result is not objective. Two doctors will listen different things, and this is why the electronic stethoscope was invented.

Electronic stethoscope:

The electronic stethoscope is an innovation in cardiology and pulmonary areas as in primary care physicians and nurses. It includes pioneering utilities that get benefits and advantages for the professional development of his medical practice.

Benefits of using the electronic stethoscope

1.    It allows traditional auscultation.

The way to use the electronic stethoscope is the same that is used with a traditional stethoscope, easy and using the same technique. It doesn´t require any complexity.

2.    It amplifies the cardiac/respiratory sound

It´s easier to diagnosis problems with than with a traditional stethoscope because it is possible to amplify the sound x10 dB. This will help many health professionals with hearing loss.

3.    It applies filters to change between cardiac and respiratory sounds 

The electronic stethoscope eKuore Pro allows switching between cardiac and pulmonary sounds just
 clicking on a button. This is very effective in case of infectious patients. 

4.    It´s wireless

The electronic stethoscope doesn´t need a tube; it allows increasing the distance to the patient. The professional will take auscultation without cables. This is very effective in infectious patients and telemedicine. Even more, the battery is not a problem because it has a duration of up to 25 days.

5.    It includes different sizes of chestpieces

eKuore Pro electronic stethoscope has interchangeable chestpieces, that can be adjusted to the patient’s sizes. You will only need one electronic stethoscope and change the chestpiece to use it with different patients, adults, paediatrics and neonatal.

Advantages of using the electronic stethoscope connected to Smartphones:

1.    Record the auscultation

The main difference between traditional stethoscopes and eKuore Pro electronic stethoscope is that the second one allows to record the auscultation and follow up with the patient. Traditional stethoscopes are not objective, and two doctors may give a different diagnosis for the same underlying pathology.

2.    Display the sounds

The eKuore Pro APP will capture the sound to make the process objective. It makes it easier to get a diagnosis without sending the patient to a medical specialist. Physicians can also reproduce the auscultation sounds as much as they want.

3.    Share the record auscultation

In some cases, it is necessary to get a second opinion with regards to diagnosis. With the eKuore Pro stethoscope, this is very simple; you can send the auscultation via email to the specialist and get an immediate second opinion.

4.    Visualize the phonogram

Another advantage that you will get with an electronic stethoscope that you cannot get with a traditional stethoscope is the ability to visualise the phonogram in real time and record it.

5.    Listen to the auscultation up to 5 people

This is the main difference between a traditional stethoscope is that it is possible to listen to the same auscultation with young doctors or resident doctors. The eKuore Pro stethoscope allows listening to the auscultation simultaneouslyin  up to 5 people.

6.    Perfect for telemedicine

Electronic stethoscopes have made a huge difference in telemedicine because it promotes teleconsultation and home visits. All the characteristics of the eKuore Pro electronic stethoscope make it possible to use it from any point and send the information to the doctor in real time.

7.    Artificial intelligent projects

It´s possible to combine the electronic stethoscope with machine learning to get an objective diagnosis.

8.    Made the sustainable system finance

The eKuore Pro avoids consuming other sanitary resources because physicians can make a diagnosis before sending the patient to a specialist.

9.    Marketing tool for private clinics

In private clinics and pediatricians, the electronic stethoscope is different, because it´s possible to share the diagnosis with the patient. This is especially useful fo pediatricians that want to share the diagnosis with the parents.

To sum up, eKuore Pro electronic stethoscope is helping to diagnose problems more than traditional stethoscopes because it has many characteristics that improve the classic stethoscope.

It´s possible to acquire the electronic stethoscope eKuore Pro here and try all of the new functions.

This is a guest blog entry.