5 Foods To Include In Your Diet For Healthy Skin And 5 Delicious Recipes To Help You Get Started

Healthy skin is achieved both from within your body as well as outside it.

The modern gentleman is not afraid to get a facial at a men’s salon. Some may even opt for a lactic peel facial such as those offered by Face of Man (this treatment uses a range of lactic acids that helps rehydrate skin). Even cosmetic clinics that traditionally targeted women such as Victorian Cosmetic Institute now offer specialized services for men.

In addition to grooming services, diet can play a huge role in the appearance of your skin. This is because the right dietary choices help ensure that your skin is getting the vitamins and minerals that it needs to stay fresh, young and glowing.

Most of you already know that a well-rounded selection of foods from each food group has health benefits. But did you know there are certain foods that offer additional skin benefits? Keep reading to find out what to add to your grocery list today.

1. Avocados

Avocados have more going for them than their creamy texture and delicious taste. They are packed with healthy fats that your skin needs to stay supple, no matter your age. At the same time, research has found that avocados contain compounds that may play a role in protecting your skin from skin damage now and in the future.

Your daily avocado is a great source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that counteracts free radical damage for youthful-looking skin. Finally, you'll also get some vitamin C, another antioxidant that helps produce the collagen needed for healthy skin.

Recipe Suggestion: Black bean and avocado salsa

Ingredients:

• 2 jalapenos
• 1 clove garlic
• ½ red onion
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• black pepper
• 2 scallions (spring onions)
• 1 can of black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 (ripe) avocado, cubed
• bunch of roughly chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine jalapenos, garlic, onion, salt and pepper.
2. Add the beans, lime juice, scallions, and olive oil and toss to combine.
3. Fold in the avocado and coriander.

2. Sweet Potatoes

You can tell by their orange colour that sweet potatoes are a rich source of beta-carotene, a nutrient that is converted to vitamin A inside your body. Vitamin A is important because it works as a natural sunblock, protecting you from the damaging effects of the sun's rays, including sunburn and wrinkles. That beta-carotene also works to give your complexion and healthy and youthful-looking glow.

Click here for a delicious buffalo chicken stuffed sweet potato recipe.



3. Red Capsicum

Red capsicum, also known as red bell peppers, is another ideal source of beta-carotene, which as you'll remember converts to vitamin A, offering antioxidant benefits. But the perks don't stop there.
Red capsicum is also a prime way to boost your vitamin C intake, with one cup offering up over 300% of the daily intake recommendations. This double dose of skin benefits helps keep your skin from ageing by fighting sagging and wrinkles and boosting your collagen stores for healthier skin all over your body.

If you have an oven, this roasted capsicum and walnut dip is going to rock your world!

Ingredients

• 2 red capsicums
• 250 gram cream cheese
• ½ cup finely chopped roasted walnuts

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 220°C.
2. Quarter the capsiucms and discard the seeds and membranes.
3. Roast capsicums in oven, skin-side up, until skin blisters and blackens.
4. Cover capsicums with cling wrap for 5 minutes then peel away the skin.
5. Once peeled, chop capsicums coarsely.
6. In a food processor (or blender), blit the capsoium and cream cheese until smooth.
7. Fold in chopped walnuts.

4. Salmon

Considered one of the healthiest varieties of fatty fish, salmon contains a wealth of omega-3 fatty acids, which are necessary for keeping your skin supple and hydrated. At the same time, those omega-3 fatty acids help battle inflammation, which is wonderful for people who suffer from acne and redness and many kinds of autoimmune conditions that affect the skin.

Salmon also contains vitamin E, which is necessary for protecting your skin from free radical damage. You'll also get a healthy dose of protein, which maintains the skin's integrity and keeps it strong. You can reap these rewards by eating salmon baked or grilled, but smoked salmon is another easy way to get the most out of it.

This recipe for Crispy Skinned Salmon With Bean Puree from Woolworths is an easy one that any bloke can whip up in under 25 minutes.

5. Cucumbers

One of the best things about cucumbers is that they are 96 per cent water, which means they're ultra-hydrating for your skin. They're also a great source of potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C, all of which play an important role in skin health.

Unlike with some other skin-healthy foods, you can actually place cucumber directly on the skin, especially under the eyes, to fight puffiness and dark circles, as well as treating sunburn and alleviating the pain and discomfort that goes with it.

Cucumber can also be used as a facial mask to battle redness, irritation and acne by infusing it with antioxidants and other important vitamins and minerals.

Recipe Suggestion: Cucumber Rolls Stuffed With Feta

Ingredients:

• 2 Lebanese cucumbers
• 180g full cream fetta, strained, oil reserved
• 1 ½ tbsp toasted pine nuts
• 1 tbsp dill (or mint) roughly chopped
• 6 pitted kalamata olives, roughly chopped
• 1 ½ tbsp Greek-style yoghurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 long red chilli, deseeded, finely chopped
• mixed salad leaves

Directions:

1. Thinly slice cucumbers lengthwise into 2mm slices (a vegetable peeler or mandoline makes life easier). 
2. Place cucumber strips on a paper-towel-lined plate then set aside (one of the reasons why cucumbers get a bad rep is because they become soggy - this process removes extra water from the cucumbers). 
3. In a bowl, mash the feta using a fork. Add pine nuts, olives, dill, yogurt, and lemon juice. Mash with a fork to combine. 
4. Spoon 1-2 teaspoons of the mixture at one end of each strip of cucumber and roll it up. 
5. To serve, scatter chopped chili and drizzle with the reserved oil from the feta.

These terrific foods are a great boost to healthy skin, working from the inside out to give you a beautiful, glowing, youthful complexion.


About The Author
Hi there! I'm Katie - a freelance writer and topic researcher based in Australia. Outside of work, I like to Netflix binge and eat gelato. Plus, my fur baby keeps me busy.

Benefits of facelift surgery

These days, cosmetic surgery is getting much more popular all around the world. It’s because everyone wants to look attractive and that can be possible if you have a good-looking face. Have you ever thought about getting a neck and facelift? Some people believe that facelift surgery will affect their natural look, but that is not true. You can get a younger look from a facelift. Now, you must be thinking about what to expect from a facelift? To answer all of your queries, we have decided to share with you the benefits of facelift surgery. Let’s have a look.

1.    Tighten your sagging skin

Sagging skin is the most prominent sign of aging. As soon as this sign appears on the face and neck, people start using anti-aging creams. But here it must be kept in mind that anti-aging creams will stop working after a certain time. Under such a situation, facelift surgery can work the best as it will tighten the facial muscles and deep neck, and allows the removal of extra skin by slowly pulling the skin to avoid tension on incision line. As a result, the treated person will get a smooth younger look without a pinched or tight appearance. Cosmetic facelift surgery provides an amazing outcome without a lengthy post-surgical recovery period or excessive swelling.

2.    Removes deep creases

Deep lines and wrinkles can make you feel self-conscious. As you age, the tissue structure and volume losses make your neck and face look worn and falling. Facelift surgery will treat deep tissue structures and align them to their correct position. This surgery will use fillers or fat to restore any volume loss. A facelift will soften the nasolabial lines and restore volume to make you look younger naturally.

3.    No more loose jowls

You might have seen redbone coonhounds and bulldogs with loose jowls. Such an appearance is not desirable for humans as they feel embarrassed with hanging jowls. Facelift surgery can help remove loose jowls by giving you a sleek tighter jawline and leaner look. This surgery will restore and sculpt your jawline to a natural, sharp position. So, you don’t need to be embarrassed if you have loose jowls as you can benefit from a facelift.

4.    Redefine and tighten your neck

As individuals get older, the skin around the face and neck starts to sag, wrinkle, and droop. So, they start looking more aged than their actual age. A majority of adults complain about the sagging or fattening of the neck skin and that under the chin. The terms ‘multiple chins’, ‘gobbler’ and ‘turkey neck’ are often used for this condition. If you are going through this condition then nothing to worry about as a neck and facelift can help solve your problem.

5.    Improves facial contours

A mid facelift can also give a smoother appearance to the lower eyelids and cheeks whereas a lower facelift provides an eye-catching jawline contour, level the neck area, and eliminate jowls. Plus, you can also restore the structure of your nose with a rhinoplasty. Have a look at before/after rhinoplasty results before getting any treatment.

This is a guest blog entry.

Tips for choosing the right fitness equipment

You can consider your effective exercise program based on the requirements of your body. A multibillion-dollar worth industry has surfaced on the claim of fitness provision. However, remember that this equipment is beneficial if you use them regularly. They can only provide beneficial results if you learn to use them properly. They also reduce the chances of any minor or major injury. Keep it in mind that the exercises equipment comes in a diverse range of sizes, shapes, and prices. Here is the basis for you to choose the fitness equipment for yourself.

Cardio equipment

Cardio equipment based on burning calories and fats is often found in the gym. They are designed to simulate walking, running, cycling, and stair climbing. The heavy-duty to lighter home-based version based equipment helps in maintaining physical fitness. The price of these types of equipment is based on various factors. The price depends on factors such as motorization, programming, measurement of heart rate, and add-ons.

• Ski machine: You can use it for exercising your arms and legs continuously. In cross country skiing, the skis could be independent or you have to support them. The sliding motion supports your knees and helps in attaining stability. 

• Elliptical trainers: This impact-free machine provides circular up-and-down motion to your body. It requires some time to manage the unusual motion. Look out for comfortable pedals and handlebars. The resistance, speed, and grading can be adjusted to attain stability. 

• Rowing machines: Rowing machines allow you to have a total body workout as it works the legs, arms, and back. The pulley model is more comfortable for managing the unusual motion. 

• Stair-steppers: Beginners may find this machine hard for the knees as it is strenuous. The right machine with handrails and stair platform can help in tremendous foot exercise. Using this machine is equivalent to stairs climbing. 

Machines like stationary bicycle and treadmills can also be considered for aerobics.

Strength equipment

To build strength in the body, you can consider the devices that allow you to harness gravity and manage weight or tension. If you are new to working out, consider selecting the basics such as a comfortable pair of shoes, resistance band, and tubing. Go for a nonslip and well-padded mat for floor-based exercises. Strength equipment includes ankle weights, hand weights, resistance bands, and tubing, etc.

Confused about choosing fitness equipment?

Making the right choice for your fitness equipment is not that challenging. All you need to know is your fitness goals. Make sure you research well before considering any deal or discount offer. Make sure you are aware of the arrangement of your home. Also, make sure that you are planning to use the equipment regularly. 

Know the different types of equipment and choose the one that goes well with your fitness goal. For example, you should go for strength equipment if you want to gain muscles.

Remember that your budget has nothing to do with the exercise regimen. Maintenance of a healthy body is crucial. In case, you are unable to join gyms or attain the equipment at your home, you can get the pre-owned equipment. For example, the pre-owned dumbbells starts at a very low rate that starts from $0.85/LB!

This is a guest blog entry.

Should You Be Taking A Pre-Workout Supplement?

Exercise plays an important part in keeping the body healthy and to reduce the risk of obesity, which has a number of complications that can lead to a shortened lifespan. While some people are able to walk into the gym and perform well without any help, others may find it difficult to give it their all. Muscle fatigue may set in quickly after the workout session has started, leading to poorer performance. The result is usually a person being unable to gain the maximum benefit from the workout that they participate in.

People who need a boost in the gym, as well as those who wish to achieve specific results, often turn to supplements to help them reach their goals. While post-workout supplements have become popular to help with muscle synthesis and recovery, many are also turning to pre-workout supplements. Several claims have been made about these products that are taken before working out. In this post, we take a look at whether or not pre-workout supplements are truly as helpful as some claim they are. We also consider what pre-workout ingredients seem to be the most effective.

What Are Pre-Workout Supplements?

The term “pre-workout” really explains what this type of supplement is. A pre-workout supplement is a special formulation, which can be available as a capsule or a powder, which is usually mixed into a smoothie or simply mixed with some liquid. These supplements contain various ingredients that focuses on providing an enhancement in the user’s performance during a physically challenging workout protocol.

When it comes to considering the use of a pre-workout supplement, it is important to understand that there are different types of these supplements on the market. While most of these products do focus on providing an enhancement in both physical and mental performance, some contain special ingredients added to their formula for more targeted results.

Some supplements provide a boost in energy alone, allowing the user to work out for longer without experiencing fatigue so quickly. Others included ingredients that could yield an improvement in physical strength, allowing for more challenging exercises to become "explosive." There are also a number of pre-workout supplements that contain vasodilator ingredients, which boosts blood flow to muscle tissue during physical activity. This, in turn, helps to reduce muscle fatigue further and can help to speed up recovery after the workout.

What Are The Benefits Of Pre-Workout Supplements?

The benefits of pre-workout supplements really depend on the specific product that a person decides to use. Some of these products are designed only to help the user last a little longer during a workout session, prolonging the onset of lactase, which is known to lead to muscle fatigue. Other pre-workout supplements, however, have a more significant number of benefits to offer.

Some of the potential benefits that a user may experience when they use a pre-workout supplement, based on the inclusion of popular ingredients, include:

• The inclusion of caffeine or other types of stimulants helps to improve overall performance and provides a boost in cognitive function. This makes the user more alert and also gives an increase in endurance. Fatigue can also be reduced with the inclusion of caffeine, and the metabolic rate is increased, which means excess fat can be shed faster.
   
• When creatine is used in a pre-workout supplement, it will usually lead to a considerable increase in energy during a workout session, which is great for both strength training and cardio exercises. Creatine has also been shown to provide beneficial effects for increasing muscle growth, and it may also aid in providing a boost in physical strength.
   
• L-Arginine is an amino acid that is sometimes included in pre-workout supplements to increase blood flow during workouts. This amino acid is converted to nitric oxide, which is a vasodilator. Blood vessels expand due to the presence of nitric oxide. This helps to deliver more blood, nutrients, and oxygen to muscle tissue during a workout. This may help to reduce muscle fatigue and improve physical performance. The increase in blood flow to the muscles may also aid in the post-workout recovery process.

Other ingredients to look for as well include B-alanine, Taurine, and Betaine. These are, however, not all of the pre-workout supplements and compounds that may help a person experience a boost in their performance.

Should You Take A Pre-Workout Supplement?

With pre-workout supplements becoming more-and-more popular, a lot of people are starting to look into adding one of these products to their workout routine. Even though research does support the effectiveness of these supplements, some claims have been made that they could not be as effective as some of the other options that a person can use.

This leads to the question of whether or not a person should take a pre-workout supplement before they start to train.

The fact that needs to be considered here is that not everyone may truly benefit from pre-workout supplements - and without some thorough research, a person may end up buying the wrong product. For example, a person who is sensitive to caffeine might buy a pre-workout that contains this ingredient as a stimulant. In turn, adverse effects may be experienced.

When a person sits down and carefully thinks about their goals and why they would like to turn to a pre-workout supplement, and they do some research, then it is possible to get a product that will yield effective results.

Generally, a person can usually benefit from this type of supplement if they find that their performance is lacking while they are working out. A pre-workout may also be good for those who want to maximize strength in the gym, as well as people who need a way to speed up muscle recovery.

Conclusion

The use of pre-workout supplements is relatively common. These products are no longer only used by bodybuilders, but the general population who wants to maximize their performance during workout sessions have also started to take advantage of such supplements. Understanding what pre-workout supplements are, how they work, and when they are appropriate is important for a person looking to possibly at this to their training program.

References

https://primevallabs.com/blogs/news/best-pre-workout-ingredients

https://www.bodybuilding.com/content/the-complete-guide-to-pre-workout-supplements.html#what-is-a-pre-workout-supplement

https://www.verywellfit.com/can-a-pre-workout-product-improve-physical-fitness-4154378

This is a guest blog entry.

How can you take care of your teeth and gums?

Teeth are an important part of the body. According to research, teeth are the hardest and toughest body part. We all have a set of 32 teeth, and taking care of them is vital. Teeth are no doubt tough but the gums around them are sensitive and need special attention. If you are someone who thinks a visit to the dentist every 6 months is essential, then you are on the right track. But along with the visit to the dentist, you also need to care for the gums and teeth. If you think that the dentist will do wonders after months of carelessness regarding your teeth, you would be wrong. In this case, the dentist won't be able to do any magic for your teeth.

According to Allonfourdentalimplants.ca websites, here are some tips that will help you in taking care of the teeth and gums.

• Make sure you floss every day and remove the food particles that are left behind. Letting them stay and not flossing will increase sensitivity and will lead to tooth disease.
• Use the kinds of toothpastes which contain fluoride. Fluoride will help in killing the bacteria. You can also use mouth wash 2-3 times a day. It will also clean your teeth and mouth and will help you have fresh breath.
• Avoid using sticky food. The more food sticks to your teeth, more bacteria develop. This will eventually lead to cavities.
• Brush your teeth at least two times a day. You need to make sure that your teeth are clean before you sleep and in the morning. If the teeth are not cleaned at night, the bacteria sit there all night. This will cause tooth decay.
• If you habitually drinking alcohol, make sure you keep it moderate. Excess use of alcohol will damage your teeth. Also, avoid smoking as it will ruin the health of your teeth.
• Cut down on sugars. If you eat an excess amount of sugar, the bacteria which are already there in your teeth will make an acid with the combination of sugar. This is why you will see the black patch on your teeth. The reason behind this is that the acid destroys the enamel of the teeth and makes it look black.

If you follow all the tips, you will not come across the issue of tooth decay and cavities. These are the two major issues that happen among the people of all ages. Be it a young kid or an old person, both are affected by it. But the scale of severity can depend upon the age and the choice of habits.

Healthy eating habits, limited use of candy, flossing, brushing properly, and visiting a dentist are a few things that will lead you to the healthy dental regimen. If your case is severe or you want expert advice, check North York Smile Centre which offers dental implants. This way, you will be able to have an amazing smile and the teeth without cavities.

This is a guest blog entry.

What You Need to Know About Common Medical Mistakes

When you visit your doctor or enter the hospital for treatment or a surgical procedure, you expect that all the members of your health care team will have the education, training, knowledge, skill, and background to make you better. The last thing you expect is that someone will make a mistake that leaves you worse off than before. Unfortunately, however, medical errors do occur. In fact, they now represent the third leading cause of death in the United States, outranking such things as strokes, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Medical mistakes can happen virtually anywhere, including the following:

•    Hospital
•    Clinic
•    Surgery center
•    Medical office
•    Nursing home
•    Pharmacy
•    Your own home if you have an in-home caregiver

An Ohio medical malpractice lawyer recently discussed common medical mistakes.

Common Medical Errors

Medical mistakes come in a variety of types, but some of the most common include:

•    Medication errors
•    Anesthesia errors
•    Failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis
•    Failure to timely treat
•    Inadequate monitoring after a procedure
•    Failure to properly follow-up after treatment
•    Hospital acquired infections
•    Failure to properly read x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, etc.
•    Failure to act on test results
•    Failure to take proper safety precautions
•    Technical medical errors such as equipment failure

Specifically, the following represent the most common types of medical errors and therefore of medical malpractice:

•    Birth injuries
•    Nursing home abuse and neglect
•    Leaving a foreign object in the patient’s body during surgery
•    Administering the wrong or inadequate anesthesia prior to and during surgery
•    Failing to properly treat in the emergency room or discharging a patient too soon
•    Pharmacy errors such as giving the wrong prescription to a patient or failing to sufficiently explain dosing times and amounts

Medication Errors

As you might expect, medication errors represent the number one type of medical mistakes. What may shock you, however, is that close to 1.3 million people per year become the victim of medication errors in the United States. Most such errors involve giving the wrong medication (16% of errors), giving the wrong dose of it (41% of errors), or choosing the wrong medication administration route (16% of errors). Senior citizens, those 60 years of age or older, face a particular risk for medication errors and account for approximately half of all U.S. medication errors.

Standard of Care

You may have never specifically thought about it, but your doctor, by law, owes you a duty of care. That standard of care, however, varies from specialty to specialty. For instance, the standard of care your surgeon owes you is considerably different than the one your primary care physician owes you.

Determining which standard of care your physician owed you always becomes of paramount importance if you become a victim of medical error and consequently file a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Once you and your attorney have determined which standard of care your doctor was required to perform under, the next issue becomes determining if, how, and to what extent (s)he breached that standard. Here you undoubtedly will need to rely on the testimony of your expert witnesses. Keep in mind, however, that any expert witness your attorney calls to the stand must be thoroughly familiar with the defendant’s standard of care and himself or herself be a physician who likewise practices under it. In other words, you cannot use a surgeon as an expert witness if you are suing an emergency room physician.

Even if you can prove that the defendant gave you substandard care by falling below the standard to which the law holds him or her, you must also prove that the physician’s breach of his or her duty of care was the proximate cause of your injury. Proximate cause is a legal term that means actual cause; i.e., one sufficient to support liability. The more direct and necessary your physician’s negligent action was for the injury you suffered to have occurred, the better chance you have of proving proximate cause.

This is a guest blog entry.

Choosing the Right Health Fund: 3 Points You Need to Consider

Health insurance looks like a complicated algebra problem. You pay X per month and a fraction of charges up to some maximum. This makes choosing the right plan a complex decision. So, we’ve broken down the 3 most important points to consider so you can find the right health fund.

The Overall Coverage It Provides 

Here’s the first question you should ask: what does the policy cover that Medicare won’t? This is the main reason people get private health coverage. The Australian government recommends signing up for hospital coverage, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. Others would be better served by extras coverage or tailored health insurance policies to cover other needs.

The Type of Coverage You Need 

If you only want health coverage to prevent a medical emergency from breaking the bank, you probably only need basic hospital coverage. If you want the peace of mind of knowing that you can visit the best doctor as soon as you suspect something is wrong, you’ll want extras coverage that covers private primary care doctors and specialists. Don’t just choose health insurance based on today’s situation. If you’re part of a couple and planning on having kids, pick a health plan with broader coverage. Then you’ll have the option to give birth in a private room or see a better OBGYN than the only public one available in your area. Note that you can tailor a policy to cover your own unique needs, such as adding coverage for orthodontics before the kids need braces put on. To compare health funds, visit iSelect.

The Total Financial Bill 

A lot of people pick the cheapest plan because it has the lowest monthly premium. But this comes with its own risks. For example, they may not be able to see their own doctor and receive care at particular hospitals. Consider the benefits that are covered by the insurance policy relative to those you expect to use. For example, you may choose to pay for an eye exam out of pocket if this isn’t something you think you’ll regularly need. On the other hand, if you need regular eye exams to keep up with your changing vision prescriptions you should consider an extras policy. Learn what out of pocket expenses you have to pay for and estimate how much that will be. It may be worth it to pay higher monthly premiums, so you don’t get hit with a hefty bill later on. If you’re dealing with ongoing medical issues, a health insurance policy with higher annual and lifetime limits may be a better deal.

This is a guest blog entry.

How Can Smart Technology Help You Become Healthier?

We are surrounded by smart devices more and more, to the point that what had been touted as the Internet of Things over the last years becomes a reality as we speak. But any technology, no matter how cool, hip, or cutting edge, should have positive effects on people’s lives, or, otherwise, their purpose is lost.

Today, there are many ways in which smart technology can help you keep track of your health or your habits. In case you haven’t tried such a thing before, here are some suggestions for making smart technology work for you, and particularly for your health.

Smart light bulbs that help you sleep better

The home of tomorrow is a smart home. But, if you don’t want to jump the smart home bandwagon just yet, start with something small. For instance, replace the lights in your home with smart light bulbs. These can be controlled from a hub and have positive effects on your sleeping pattern.

What these light bulbs do is that they adjust according to the time of the day so that they follow the natural patterns of your awake/sleep cycle. In the evening, the lights turn to a warm yellow color, helping your body produce melatonin, essential for healthy sleep, while in the morning, they turn to a colder blue color, to help you wake up.

Telemedicine is becoming more popular

Getting enough time with your doctor, especially when you suffer from a chronic disease, can be particularly tiresome. You need to pay visits to the doctor’s office, spend time in crowded waiting rooms, and then go back home through heavy traffic.

Such issues can easily be solved with the means of telemedicine. Besides the communication between doctor and patient that could happen via specialized apps, there is another application of telemedicine that’s actually even more effective.

Patients wear a smart medical device that monitors their health and transmits the information to the doctor’s office. Imagine how convenient that can be, seeing how you don’t need to move at all to communicate these things or have your doctor examine you. This will save you a lot of time and discomfort.

Use a smart scale

A standard scale can tell you how much weight you’ve gained or lost since the last time you used it, but that’s all it can do. It’s time for an upgrade, and that means getting a smart scale. This device not only will read your weight accurately, but will also give you other essential information on your health, such as the percentage of body fat, your body mass index, and can also keep track of your evolution.

Synching your smart scale with an app used for tracking your fitness levels is usually straightforward, so you will be able to enjoy multiple benefits.

Heart-monitoring devices

There are many wearables today that will help you keep better tabs on your health, and a smart heart-monitoring bracelet can be precisely what you need to know when you’re exercising too hard, for instance.

Exceptional devices will not only monitor your heart rate, but will detect other signs, such as shortness of breath, and alert you if you’re pushing yourself. Some can even pick up the symptoms of heart conditions and even heart attacks.

Other uses for your smartphone

The flat, touchscreen device that everyone stays glued to, in this day and age, is a veritable tool for helping you become healthier. You can use it in many different ways, and you can even get a microscope for your smartphone and start examining the world around you. With so many applications at your fingertips, it is easy to use smart technology to your advantage.

This is a guest blog post.

Easy Tips to Keep Your Dog in Shape and Help It Lose Weight

With summer already at your door, you’ll want to spend even more time with your pooch outdoors, running, exercising, and playing. However, your busy working schedule, combined with the hectic family life can easily make you neglect your pet and, most importantly, its eating and sleeping patterns.

Keeping a dog with the rest of the family is not always a great idea because the animal can be overfed by various members. You give it a handful of kibbles right before going to work, while your daughter decides to serve it a delicious snack after she comes back from school.

At dinner, the dog puts on its long face and sad eyes until it’s left cleaning out the food scraps and licking the plates.

Unfortunately, all of these habits that are mainly done out of pure love can end up harming your pooch in the long term, leading it to gain weight and become obese. Along with obesity, it ca also suffer from a long list of health issues which includes limited mobility, back pains and bone pains, heavy breathing, heart problems, and diabetes.

If you want to keep your pet safe and allow it to live a strong, healthy, and active lifestyle, here are some tips you should follow.

Stick to a strict feeding schedule

Decide on just a member of the family that has the task of feeding the pet and don’t give in to its sad puppy eyes every time it wants a treat or a snack. By keeping a strict feeding schedule, your pet can lose a couple of pounds and become more active.

Based on your dog’s age and weight, we suggest feeding it three times a day while a pup and two times a day once it reaches adulthood.

Providing enough food for the entire day is not a smart technique as your pooch might eat it all at once. If you’re worried about overfeeding or not making it home in time to serve your pet dinner, you can always consider investing in an automatic dog feeder that will dispense the right amount of food every time.

Switch to organic food

One of the easiest ways to help your mutt lose a couple of pounds is to control the quality of the food you serve. If it is used to eating kibbles from regular brands that are rich in corn, starch, and empty calories that provide zero nutritional values, it’s high time you switched to organic food.

Check out this review on Wellness CORE grain free food and compare it with other brands and products until you find the mix and flavor your dog loves the most. Remember that the main ingredient in all foods should be proteins, closely followed by veggies or low-carb foods.

Check the ingredients

Not all organic food brands are designed to maintain a healthy weight for your dog, especially if it is not used to running or exercising daily. Therefore, you need to learn to check the labels properly and find the most suitable dog food.

If you’re feeding dry foods and kibbles, look for a minimum of 25% proteins, although a higher amount would be better. Dogs are mainly carnivorous animals so they will need a clean source of proteins, whether we’re talking about eggs, chicken, turkey, beef, lamb or fish.

The fat percentage shouldn’t exceed 16% either, although, ideally, should be around 12%. Keep in mind that apart from kibbles, your dog will also receive snacks, treats or even home-cooked food that adds to the total number of calories, carbs, and fats.

Foods that contain more than 5% fiber should also be avoided as it may interfere with the absorption of nutrients. And, if you’re not entirely sure of your pet’s diet requirements, it is best to talk to a veterinarian.

Be more active

All dogs require at least 20-30 minutes of physical activity daily, whether it’s indoors or outside. In the wintertime, you can keep your pet busy by hiding snacks throughout the house and asking it to find them.

From spring to late fall you can try all sorts of fun outdoor activities with your pet, including jogging, long walks, swimming, playing frisbee, hiking or camping.

This is a guest blog entry.

It’s Not Laziness; Binge Eating Disorder Is a Disease

One of the most common things eating disorder therapists hear from their clients is a sense that they are perceived as being somehow lazy or weak-willed.  Even with the widespread presence of binge eating disorder treatment centers around the country, too many people still believe that binge eating disorder (BED) is a choice that people make, and this causes an amplification of the feelings of shame that normally accompany BED in the people who suffer from it. As with many other mental health disorders and those which require stays in binge eating treatment centers, it's crucial to spread understanding of the symptoms, causes, and effects of BED in order to avoid the misunderstanding and stigma surrounding it.

What Causes BED?

Eating disorder therapists, working in conjunction with specialists at binge eating disorder treatment centers and psychiatrists in the field, have identified several possible causes of the disorder.  The balance of these will be different from person to person.  Normally, BED is a combination of “nature” and “nurture” factors in a person’s life. 

• The “nature” aspects of BED include genetic factors (in that people with behavioral disorders tend to pass them onto their children) and biological factors (women, both cisgender and transgender, have higher rates of BED than others). 

• The "nurture" aspects can also relate to parenting, but instead of a genetic inheritance, it has been noted that parental pressures surrounding weight or beauty can impel young adults to engage in disordered eating.  Likewise, pressure from peers and the media to reach a certain weight or beauty goals can trigger or exacerbate BED symptoms.

While binge eating treatment centers have not isolated a single cause of BED, it’s clear that a combination of biological factors and social pressures are present in most cases.  The positive news is twofold here; first, identifying the causes allows binge eating disorder treatment centers to devise strategies for treatment based on this knowledge.  Second, it helps to dispel the idea that people with BED are somehow gluttonous or lazy as compared to experiencing a disorder.

What to Look Out For

BED can be slightly misunderstood by the general public; many people assume all eating disorders are about avoiding food intake via extreme dieting or purges, as seen in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, respectively.  This is quite unfortunate, as BED is actually the most common eating disorder in the United States, affecting about 2.8 million people.  Understanding the signs and symptoms of BED can help you identify it in yourself or a loved one, and begin getting help from a binge eating treatment center if needed.

• Eating large amounts of food in a very short period of time
• Eating beyond the point of “fullness” during these episodes
• Hiding or hoarding food for these binge eating episodes
• Feelings of guilt or shame following binge eating episodes
• Hiding or strategically throwing away food wrappers
• Visiting several different groceries (to hide the amount of food being purchased)
• Avoiding regular meals
• Avoiding eating in groups at home or restaurants
• Frequent dieting
• Dissatisfaction with one’s body or a sense of perfectionism around it

Because the binge eating episodes that characterize BED often consist of “junk” foods or high-fat foods like chips or pizza, and because unlike bulimia nervosa there is no purging behavior associated with the disorder, people with BED are often overweight or obese.  These factors can result in serious health complications, including heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, and others.

Saying “Just Eat Normally” Isn’t the Answer

Because the perception that people with BED are just “eating too much” still persist, the feelings of guilt that already come with the disorder may be made more extreme when hearing they are simply eating too much (even more so when told they need to lose weight, which can encourage further dieting).  Often, when dieting, people with BED will avoid meals, making the inevitable binge eating sessions even more extreme.  To truly help people with BED, it’s important to understand the nature of the disorder and the feelings surrounding it.

By showing respect and sympathy for the causes and symptoms of BED, and not treating the individual as though they are simply being weak-willed or lazy about their eating patterns, you can promote a full recovery from BED, and more importantly, you can support yourself or a loved one on their journey.

This is a guest blog entry.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Home Care Packages

Home care packages differ across the world. For example, in Australia are funded by the government so that older Australians can continue to live independently in their homes. However, in the US they’re only offered by private companies and niche non-profits.

The trick to getting the most out of your home care package is to know what you can use it on and what you can’t. It can generally be spent on well-being services, social services, support services, care services, and a range of nursing services. You can also use your home care package in a limited way for home modifications and in the purchase of equipment, so long as it enables you to live well and safe at home.

Home care package spending is different from one person to the next since everyone has different needs. It is therefore important that your personal care plan is tailored to help you achieve your own goals and needs.

What can you pay for with your Home Care Package?

Some individuals might use all of their funds on care services while others might prefer to make home modifications and purchase equipment to help them to live more independently.

Generally, if you want to buy equipment and make modifications to your home, the request will be reviewed by your provider and another medical professional, such as your physiotherapist or GP. The aim is to make sure that the outcome of the equipment purchase or home modification will support your wellness goals.

For example, a mobility scooter might be an important part of an individual’s independence in that it allows them to get around without asking for help. If the care provider determines as much, then the individual’s home care package can be used to purchase a mobility scooter for the individual.

Services that can be provided under Home Care Package Funding

• Pet care, such as visits to the groomer or vet, or regular walks and other care routines for your pet.
• Cooking together or cooking classes.
• Gym memberships or fitness classes that will be attended with a care worker.
• Visits to your favorite places, such as parks, beaches, and other places of significance.
• Visits to the cinema or library with your care provider.
• Spending time in the garden in the presence of a care worker to ensure your safety while you enjoy your pastime.

What can’t be provided under Home Care Package Funding

There are certain expenses that are not allowed under Home Care Package funding. These include the ones below:

• Your day to day bills, such as your groceries or utilities, are not catered for under your Home Care Package.
• Your monthly rent or your mortgage fees are not provided for under your Home Care Package.
• While one-day trips to your favorite places are provided for under Home Care Package Funding, entire holidays are not, and the cost of holidays does not fall under Home Care Package Funding.
• While visits to the cinema are catered for under Home Care Package Funding, gambling and entertainment are not provided for. 
• Any costs that are already covered by Pharmaceutical Benefits or Medicare are not provided for by Home Care Package Funding.
• Any program that is already subsidized by the Australian Government is not provided for by Home Care Package Funding.

This is a guest blog entry.

Four Types of Therapy That Will Make You Happy

Today’s world is hectic and chaotic. Managing everyday life can be tiresome, and it’s no wonder why our serotonin levels may be low, and we struggle to meet daily demands. In such a fast-paced world, we rarely take a chance to disconnect and allow ourselves to reconnect. Fortunately, there are multiple ways you can achieve this.

“There are several ways you can unwind and naturally boost your serotonin levels,” says Revivology, a medical spa and surgery center in Utah. “Some of the best spas have curated many of these therapeutic treatments in one place, from saunas to steam baths and massage sessions. In other cases, a simple walk along a nature trail can prove restorative. Whatever the case, a solution to your daily pressures is often never too far away.”

With that in mind, here are four types of therapy proven to improve your health and make you happier:

Sensory Deprivation
Sensory deprivation tanks work by eliminating the stimuli around you. Many people don’t realize how much is happening around them on a daily basis. Even if you placed soundproof headphones on and closed your eyes, you’d still be surrounded by plenty of different stimuli. You’d still smell things in your vicinity and feel the temperature of the room.

In a sensory deprivation tank, all of that stimuli is eliminated. You’re placed in a water chamber designed to create the illusion of no gravity via a natural floating sensation. By ridding yourself of sights, sounds, smells, and feelings around you, many people believe you can achieve a higher state of consciousness—and even improve your overall mental health and well-being. According to one study, being in a sensory deprivation tank could even ignite feelings of creativity—perfect for people in creative industries that need a bit of a reboot.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient and storied practice. It is built upon the premise that many ailments can be treated by pinpointing certain parts of the body that have caused a disruption in energy flow. A massive meta study that analyzed several independent studies found that acupuncture was effective in soothing chronic pain. Some studies even suggest it could curb depression. During one trial, patients who used acupuncture in conjunction with antidepressants fared better than those who used solely traditional treatments.

Hydrotherapy
Using hydrotherapy as a therapeutic treatment is nothing new. Back since ancient Roman times, people have been turning to hydrotherapy to curb ailments and improve mood. First and foremost, there are different types of hydrotherapy, which refers to a variety of water-based treatments. From the sauna to a sitz bath or steam shower, hydrotherapy provides ample benefits. The weightlessness you feel because of the buoyancy of water allows you to ease your muscles, and potentially alleviate some of the pain you might be feeling in your limbs.

Water immersion is also a natural endorphin stimulant, which means the endorphins responsible for happiness and pain make it easier to stress less and for your body to enter a relaxed state. Furthermore, water can improve your blood flow and circulation of white cells, which ultimately strengthens your immune system. And lastly, for a more immediate effect, if you have a cold or sinuses, being in steam can help clear it up.

Nature Therapy
Connecting with nature has both a conscious and unconscious effect on the mind and body. Studies have shown that being surrounded by nature can improve your health, cognition, and mood. Whether we realize it or not, when we’re out in nature—whether we’re on a stretch of sandy beach, hiking a mountain, or walking a forest trail—the connection between happiness and nature immersion is strong. Being in the wilderness has a particularly strong effect, as studies have shown that it increases our presentness and awareness.

This has spawned the development of wilderness therapy—an adventure based therapy treatment designed to modify behavior and better interpersonal self-improvement. Horticulture therapy is also a type of nature therapy that involves therapeutic gardening. With horticulture therapy, you have a direct connection with nature from hand to plant. This type of treatment has been particularly effective among seniors, as research has found that elderly are able to reduce stress and improve memory when working with nature.

This is a guest blog entry.

CBD isolate vs Full-spectrum: Which One is more beneficial?

As the CBD sector continues to blossom and countless products are now available on the market, some questions are readily popping up every now and then about CBD products. One of these numerous questions pertains to CBD isolate vs CBD full-spectrum, which is more beneficial? What is the difference and similarities between CBD isolate and full-spectrum?

CBD isolate is known as the purest, and most concentrated form of the CBD cannabinoid, which further sparks the argument. Most people are concerned about using products containing THC, so CBD manufacturers chose to take the THC out of their solutions. But how do full-spectrum products compare to isolate products? Keep reading and you will get all the answers you seek.

What is CBD isolate?

CBD isolate simply means that the product contains only CBD and no other cannabinoids. Here, purified CBD is extracted from the hemp plant then isolated from other naturally occurring cannabinoids.

What is CBD full-spectrum?

CBD full-spectrum means that the product contains CBD and other cannabis compounds found in marijuana or hemp. CBD full-spectrum products also include other parts of the plant, such as terpenes (terpenes influences the smell and flavor of the extract) and essential oils.

Full-spectrum CBD advantages

CBD is only one of many exogenous cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. In fact, there are 113 others found in cannabis plants. If you select a full-spectrum product, you will benefit from this multitude of potentially beneficial exogenous cannabinoids and you’ll also benefit from the plant terpenes and flavonoids found in the original hemp plant. Using a full-spectrum product means that all of these compounds will be available in the same ratio as intended by nature. Other compounds found in a full-spectrum CBD product are:

• Calcium and magnesium
• All 20 essential amino acids
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Vitamin C, E, and A
• Phosphorus and Zinc
• Iron and potassium
• B complex vitamins

Many CBD experts believe that full-spectrum CBD products are more beneficial to your endocannabinoid system as well as your overall health. The full-spectrum CBD compounds are all synergistic meaning the compound interacts with themselves to enhance each component, thereby creating an entourage effect.

Advantages of CBD isolates

CBD isolate is a full-spectrum product isolated from the plant compounds using a process called chromatography whereby the plant materials are removed. The result is a whitish powder comprised of at least 99% CBD. The other plant terpenes and cannabinoids are removed. CBD isolate is odorless and flavorless.

So, in other words, CBD isolate is CBD in its purest form. There are numerous advantages to using an isolate over a full-spectrum product. These advantages are:

• Zero flavor to interfere with the taste of your edible products
• THC is potentially removed
• No odor of the original plant source
• Lower cost per milligram
• The potential for higher levels of CBD per dose
• More control of CBD levels of the finished product

CBD isolate vs full-spectrum: Similarities and differences

When it comes to the similarities of these two, there is one simple example— both contain cannabidiol. Also, there are a number of ways CBD can be extracted to make both isolate products and full-spectrum products. The CO2 extraction is one of the best methods.

Here is a simple breakdown of the difference between CBD isolate vs full-spectrum;

CBD isolates:

• Zero THC or other cannabinoids
• Pure CBD
• Processed further than full-spectrum CBD
• Doesn’t include plant compounds, such as terpenes

Full-spectrum CBD:

• Contains CBD and other plant compounds
• Undergoes fewer process than CBD isolates
• Contains less than 0.3 percent THC (when derived from hemp)
• Works synergistically with THC and other plant compounds 

In spite the fact that CBD isolate is a more concentrated form of cannabidiol, doesn’t mean that it has greater effects. In fact, some research shows that full-spectrum CBD, which is a combination of cannabinoids and plant compounds, has a complementary effect, known as the entourage effect.
Final thoughts

There is no straight answer to this question, even if CBD isolate contains more CBD, on the other hand, the lack of terpenes and cannabis compounds makes CBD full-spectrum more beneficial in some people’s book. So, take the time and find out for yourself which one is best for you. Both these products are available everywhere for purchase for you to buy and try them yourself. But keep these in mind: endeavor to check the dosage of your serving size so you don’t take too much or too little.

Lastly, check the list to make sure the extract is produced from the full hemp plant and not just hemp seeds.

This is a guest blog entry.

How Your Mattress Impacts the Quality of Sleep!

Do you love adventure sports? I When you take part in adventure sports, you should always keep yourself prepared by putting on a helmet, good quality shoes and other safety gear. But have you ever thought that you spend one-third of your life sleeping, and yet you never focused on the safety of sound sleep or bedtime, have you? Well, the quality of your mattress can make a serious impact on your sleep quality, napping, and your lifestyle too.

This is the age of fast-paced life; we have a lot to do but don't have much time. You don't get much time to take a perfect nap. What matters here is the ideal mattress. People say, and many have a misconception, that the mattress doesn't matters much but  ask yourself, Do you feel tired also after sleeping? Do you feel comfortable in any other bed, like in a hotel bed? Does your mattress make sounds while you change side? If your answer is "YES" then don't doubt that your mattress has some severe impacts on the quality of sleep you get.

A Research Report, How mattress impacts sleep?

In a study, 59 men and women took part. They slept on their regular mattress for the whole night, consecutively for 28 days. Researchers record the behavior, stress level, irritability, headaches, and trembling in that period. After that, the study participants slept on a mid-comfy mattress for the next 28 days. New mid-comfy mattresses decreased the stress level significantly.

(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2697581/#__sec11title)

In a poll by the National Sleep Foundation, 92% of people said that for a good nap that a perfect and comfortable mattress is vital.

(http://www.sleepfoundation.org/sites/default/files/bedroompoll/NSF_Bedroom_Poll_Report.pdf)

What is Quality Sleep? Mattress Impact!

Many times people make a mistake and think that the quantity of sleep is equal to the quality of sleep. That's a big "NO." Suppose you have a regular mattress, which is not supporting your full body weight, not your spine, what you will come up with is a night-long sleep that is unpleasant and restless. You may feel pain in your lower back or neck strain.

The perfect luxurious and comfortable mattress will give you a refreshing and sound mood for the entire whole day. Just in case think of an ideal comfortable mattress, which will provide you with perfect quality sleep. If you are convinced about getting a quality mattress then you can get it for cheap by using a layla mattress coupon.

Conclusion

Now you know how your mattress impacts the quality of your sleep, which is ultimately most important. If you are using any lower quality mattress or a regular one, how can you get comfortable and lovely sleep? You can buy a perfect, nice, and comfortable mattress which will ensures the soundness and quality of your sleep.

This is a guest blog entry.

Dealing with Snoring: 5 Effective Solutions

If you suffer from snoring, then it can cause you to have disturbed and poor-quality sleep. Snoring is a common problem with around half of all-American adults snoring during the night. Snoring occurs when air goes down your throat during breathing while you are asleep. This can lead to the tissues feeling relaxed and vibrating, which creates the harsh sound. These irritating sounds that are created can be disruptive to both your sleep and the sleep of your partner. However, even if you don’t think your snoring is a problem, it is important that you don’t ignore this serious health condition. Snoring could be a symptom of a more serious sleep condition, such as sleep deprivation or sleep apnea.

 Therefore, it is important that you deal with your snoring and try some of these five effective solutions to try and solve your snoring problem.

Change Your Position 

You may find that the position you lie in will determine how bad your snoring is. By changing your position and sleeping on your side, you may find that your snoring gets less serious or goes entirely. Sometimes, sleeping on your back can cause your tongue to stay towards the back of your throat, leaving your airflow blocked. This is what creates the snoring noise. Therefore, you should change and sleep on your side so that the airflow can easily through your throat and ease your snoring. If you struggle to stay on your side while you are asleep, then you may want to put a pillow behind your back to stop you from rolling onto your back throughout the night.

Manage Your Weight 

One of the biggest causes of snoring is being overweight, as the more tissue you have in your throat the more likely you are to snore. Being overweight is not good for your overall health and can increase your risk of getting more serious health problems. Therefore, it is important that you try to lose weight if you need to. By getting some form of exercise at least once a day and reducing your calorie intake you will see your weight decrease. If you are struggling to lose weight on your own, then you should consult a dietician or doctor.

Use Snoring Aids

There are many different products available that may be able to offer you an effective solution. From dental mouthpieces to snoring strips there are various options for you to try. However, the mouth strips by Somnifix can reduce open-mouth snoring and improve nasal breathing abilities. They are comfortable and easy to wear with the built-in breathing vent plus they’re hypoallergenic and easy to use. If you suffer from snoring and want to try an effective home remedy, then you should be sure to try out the products Somnifix has to offer.

Change Pillows 

Changing your pillows may offer an effective solution for your snoring problem, as getting pillows that elevate your head may help to keep your airways open.

Watch What You Drink Before Bed  

It is important that you stay hydrated, not only for your overall health but also to ease your snoring.

By drinking plenty of fluids, you can stop the secretions in your nose from becoming sticky due to dehydration, which can create more snoring. It is important that you drink water throughout the day and avoid drinking alcohol in the evenings, as this can make you more likely to snore during the night.

It is important that you don’t disregard your snoring issue, as it could be a symptom of a more serious health problem that your doctor may be able to assist you with.

This is a guest blog entry.

Reasons Why Teen Drug Use Is Increasing

The issue of teen drug use is no longer new. Regardless of where you live right now, it’s safe to assume that several teens are already exposed to drugs even at a young age. As a parent or guardian, teen drug use can be a serious issue. You would never want any teen in your family to experience the repercussions of drug abuse. Not only will drug use adversely affect a teen’s life, but it can also have adverse effects on its family members.

According to DrugAbuseStatistics.org, 86% of teenagers already use drugs during school days, and this number is increasing day by day.

Here are some of the reasons why teen drug abuse is increasing nowadays:

1.    Teens Want To Fit In.

Most teens think that in order for them to fit in, they have to follow any trend and practice what their peers are doing. If their friends are using an iPad, they think that they have the responsibility to convince their parents to buy them one. If all of their classmates have an Instagram account, they would likely sign up, too. This is one of the most obvious reasons why more and more teens are using drugs. They think that in order for them to fit in, they should do “what others are doing.”

Teens will not always think about the consequences of their actions. If they see that their peers are doing it, they may immediately jump in on the trend and do the same without having any second thoughts.

2.    Teens Want To Feel Good.

Using drugs in high doses and frequency can trigger a teen’s brain to “crave” for drugs. To paint a clearer picture of how drugs can rewire a teen’s brain, consider the points below:

• The brain is built on repeating experiences that make teens feel good. This is one of the reasons why teens are willing to wait in line and buy ice cream. The sensation of eating one will provide euphoria in their bodies. Because of this, teens will be motivated to save money and buy ice cream repeatedly. The same premise is applicable when it comes to teen drug use.


•  Once teens use drugs, the reward system of their brains will be triggered. As a response, their brain will produce a chemical called dopamine. This chemical provides a feeling of intense pleasure. So, in order for teens to experience the same pleasure over and over again, they keep on using drugs.  

• Over time, this behavior can program a teen’s brain to be accustomed to large amounts of dopamine. For teens to continually experience the same good feeling, they might need to take larger amounts of drugs.

3.    Teens Want To Feel Better.

Most teens will have a lot on their plate. Aside from maintaining good grades, teens are also pressured to balance their time and energy between home and extracurricular activities. This still doesn’t include the responsibilities they have as a sibling or family member.

Because teens are usually overwhelmed with the number of responsibilities they have, they may turn to drugs to help them feel better.

Teens suffer from different types of stress, anxiety, depression, and physical pain. Usually, they don’t have any outlets to release all of these pains. All of the struggles teens face every day are reasons enough for them to use drugs. For them, using drugs can lessen the feelings of pain and depression, allowing them to move forward in life easier.

4.    Teens Want To Do Better.

Teens are living in a competitive society. No matter what they do in life, there will always be competition. They’ll be pressured to graduate with high honors or earn a top position in a school organization.

The pressure from this competition can fuel teens to try out drugs. Some teens use drugs in order to perform better in their academic and athletic requirements. Some teens will even take high doses of illegal drugs as a preparation for a term exam or sports tryout because they think that doing this will improve their performance.

5.    Teens Want To Experiment.

Teens are usually curious. They have a lot of questions about the things happening around them. But instead of merely asking how drugs affect other people, they may opt to try the drug themselves.

For teens, experimenting will not only give them a better idea about a specific issue, but the activity will also be perceived as daring or thrilling.

Get Help

If you know someone in your family who’s currently overusing drugs, seek professional help fast. Several psychologists and treatments are available for teens to help them live a drug-free life.

Kerrie Walker 

Kerrie has been working in the healthcare industry for many years. She has learned a lot in her experience and hopes to help encourage those around her to live a healthier and fulfilling life. She enjoys keeping active.

How lenses protect your eyes?

The world is a beautiful place, but is that so without your eyes? Surely not. They say, “Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder”, but what if the beholder lost their eyes?

It’s only when we look from a blind person’s perspective that we understand the actual value of having healthy eyes. Sadly, some people are born blind or with weak eyes, but for most, there are ways to maintain the quality of sight. To discuss this topic, firstly, let’s have a look at why it happens.

Why and when do the eyes weaken?
Oftentimes, older people have vision problems, and the situation is quite apparent. They might have macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataract, and/or various other issues.

But sometimes, especially in modern times, low vision issues are seen at a very young age. Technology has made our lives more comfortable, but on the other hand, it also has leveled up the setbacks as well. We might enjoy watching movies on our laptop or are stuck to games on a smartphone for long hours, but one thing we don’t notice often is it negatively impacts our eye health.

Moreover, UV rays coming out from the sun is another common reason behind the poor eye health these days.

But how do we tackle this? Well, read on to know.

What to exactly do to maintain the quality of your eyes?
Primarily, regular exercises and better nutrition are the ways to maintain the quality of one’s eyes. However, if that doesn’t work for someone, use of corrective lenses can.

How lenses protect our eyes?
Enhanced exposure of eyes to bright light and reflection makes it much more difficult to see outdoors. In that case, we need to make use of lenses to protect our eyes.

If one wants to understand how lenses protect our eyes, they first need to understand the basic functioning of our eyes. Our eyes include a retina that is a layer of cells that reacts to light. Whenever we watch anything, a reaction is performed, and the signals are sent to the brain, which further translates into the activities you are viewing.

These light rays ideally focus on the surface of the retina for perfectly visioned people, but when it finds any interruptions in between, the image starts altering-- It might shrink or blur somehow.

That’s where eyeglasses come in.

Eyeglass lenses are generally curved pieces of glass-like mermaid tears that work to bend light rays as they approach your eyes. These lenses only help the rays in focusing on your retina rather than behind or in front of it.

Based on where the rays fall, there are two types of lenses used to correct the position of the rays: convex and concave. In convex lenses, the curve is outward-facing, i.e., it’s for nearsighted people. In concave lenses, the curve is inwards-facing, i.e., it’s for farsighted individuals. That’s everything about the vision and lenses.

Wrap up:
Either concave, convex, on in some cases, bipolar, lenses help people maintain healthy vision. Of course, technology has given this to us, but healthy eating and exercise should still be one’s priority to maintain eye quality.


This is a guest blog entry.

How Modafinil Can Be Useful in the Treatment of Narcolepsy

A part of our lives that we frequently overlook and take for granted is our sleep. It is easy to underestimate how important our sleep is to how we feel and function in our everyday lives. Sleep is considered one of the basic needs of every human being that is needed for us to be physically and mentally healthy.

The average person sleeps for 7-8 hours a day. It is easy for us to overlook that if the average human being sleeps for 8 hours a day that this then turns out to be more than 30 percent of our life.
Any disturbance to the quality and amount of our sleep ends up having a very negative effect on our lives. This includes our mood and energy levels during the day, how well we work and play and our relationships with the people in our lives.

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that affects both the quality and duration of sleep of approximately 1 out of every 2000 people. Men and women are equally affected by Narcolepsy. Unfortunately, despite being a common and one of the well-recognized sleep disorders, it is not diagnosed by physicians and other health care professionals as often as it should be. This means that many people who are currently suffering from the negative effects of Narcolepsy can go undiagnosed and untreated for many years before they are treated.

Once Narcolepsy is diagnosed, there are multiple approaches to treating it. The most effective way to treat Narcolepsy involves using a combination of behavioral techniques and medications. One category of medicine used to Narcolepsy is called Stimulants. A popular, safe and effective stimulant that is increasingly being used to treat Narcolepsy is Modafinil.

What is Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that affects almost 1 out of every 2000 people. Men and women are equally affected by this condition. However, many people do not even know they are experiencing symptoms of Narcolepsy. They often struggle with and live with the difficulties that this condition can have on the quality of their personal and professional lives.

The typical person with Narcolepsy will describe feeling sleepy and tired much more than what is considered normal during the day and also have disturbed sleep at night. They also describe falling asleep very quickly and having little to no control of when and where they fall asleep. When they do fall asleep, they can experience very intense dreams, nightmares, vivid hallucinations, and sleep paralysis. In sleep paralysis, people experience a feeling of waking up from sleep but not being able to move.

These symptoms leave those with Narcolepsy feeling powerless and at a disadvantage. Due to limited awareness, people can often mistake people with Narcolepsy to be lazy, unproductive and uninterested. Narcolepsy comes at a very high social cost to those with the disease. To make it worse, they often don't understand their own condition.

At what age does Narcolepsy start?

A person can begin to experience symptoms of Narcolepsy at any age but it is known to start between the ages of 10-30.

What are the symptoms of Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological sleep disorder. People with Narcolepsy commonly start experiencing when they are adolescents or young adults.  Unfortunately, having a chronic condition often means that once a person starts experiencing the symptoms of Narcolepsy they will most likely experience them for the rest of their lives.

The symptoms experienced by those with Narcolepsy are:

Excessive daytime sleepiness:

Patients with Narcolepsy will frequently complain of falling asleep without any warning at a time when it is not appropriate for them to sleep. They also fall asleep in places that may not be appropriate places to sleep.

Disturbed nighttime sleep:

Even though having Narcolepsy means that a person may fall asleep frequently and at random throughout the day, it does not mean that they have a normal amount of restful sleep at night that matches their cycle of staying awake during the day and sleeping at night.

Cataplexy:

This is a partial or total loss of muscle tone. This can be a distressing symptom experienced by only some people with Narcolepsy in which they experience suddenly losing function of some or all muscles of their body. Cataplexy happens without warning.

This loss of control is not permanent and recovery usually happens slowly over the course of a day but because there is no knowing when it will happen or what will cause this to happen, it can be very concerning.

Intense dreaming:

The unexpected falling asleep in Narcolepsy is also experienced with intense and often very realistic dreams (including nightmares) that often begin immediately when a person falls asleep. Depending on the dream, it can be distressing for the person.

Sleep Paralysis and Hallucinations: 

Sleep paralysis is the experience of waking up but feeling like you are unable to move. It is common to experience this phenomenon in adolescents and sometimes in our lives. But people with

Narcolepsy may experience this regularly.

Hallucinations can also be experienced during sleep paralysis. These hallucinations usually occur either when the person is falling asleep or when they are waking up. They can be very realistic and frightening for the person experiencing them.

What causes Narcolepsy? 
 
The answer to this question is not straightforward. We do not currently know what causes Narcolepsy. There is more information today about what causes Narcolepsy than in the past but despite advances in the study of sleep and sleep disorders, our understanding about what the causes are and why it happens in only some people and not in others is limited.

How do we Diagnose Narcolepsy?

The diagnosis of Narcolepsy involves a doctor taking a detailed medical history and performing a physical examination. Patients suspected of having Narcolepsy are referred to doctors who are specialists in diagnosing, treating and managing sleep disorders and its complications. These doctors are often Neurologists, ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialists or Pulmonary specialists.

After the history and physical exam, a doctor will usually proceed to perform specialized tests that are usually performed in a sleep lab. Two important tests required for a diagnosis of Narcolepsy are:

1. Polysomnography: This is commonly called a sleep study. This is an overnight study in which multiple measurements are made while a person is asleep that help doctors learn more about the details of a person's sleep cycle.
    
2. Multiple Sleep Latency Test: This testing is performed during the day. It determines how often a person falls asleep during the day, how long it takes for them to fall asleep and if they dream during this sleep or not.

It is important to know and understand that once an accurate diagnosis of Narcolepsy is made,  then there are multiple treatment options that can be prescribed to a patient including new stimulants such Modafinil Now.

Treatment of Narcolepsy

For anyone diagnosed with Narcolepsy, it is important to understand that it is a sleep disorder that is life long and has no known cure. However, through modern medication it is still possible for

Narcoleptic patients to get quality sleep in their lives and overcome the challenges that come with having Narcolepsy.

Managing Narcolepsy involves using techniques to change a person's sleep behavior and medication. Medications like Modafinil can help manage Narcolepsy and other sleep disorder conditions with relatively few side effects resulting in healthier more quality sleep.

What medications are used to treat Narcolepsy?

There are different medications that can be used to treat the disabling symptoms of Narcolepsy. These include:

1. Stimulants  
2. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) or Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI’s) 
3. Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA) 
4. Sodium Oxybate (Commonly known by its commercial drug name, “Xyrem”)

SSRIs, SNRI and TCA are used to manage the symptoms of Cataplexy (sudden loss of control of muscle), Hallucinations and Sleep Paralysis that often coexists with Narcolepsy. Sodium Oxybate is also useful for managing the symptom of cataplexy and also helps improve sleep at night.

Stimulants such as Methylphenidate, better known as Ritalin and Amphetamines an example of which is “Adderall” work by releasing the same chemicals in our body that are released when we have an adrenaline rush. They have been effective at managing excessive sleepiness in Narcolepsy but are associated with many side effects such as heart palpitations, high blood pressure, sleep deprivation, exhaustion, stomach disorders and more.

Fortunately, new medications such as Modafinil have proven to be a game-changer for managing the symptoms of Narcolepsy with fewer side-effects.

What is Modafinil and how does it work?

As described at Modafinil Now, Modafinil is commonly known as “Provigil”, “Modavigil”, and Alertec" depending on the market. Modafinil works on the histamine chemical system to promote alertness and decrease the tendency for a person to fall asleep.

Modafinil does not have the same habit-forming and addiction potential as other stimulants. Many patients describe feeling awake and present without it having an effect on their moods.

Modafinil blocks the same system that is often activated when a person takes an allergy or cold medication and then feels drowsy. This is the histamine system. This system has a role to play in promoting our state of wakefulness.

By only targeting the main symptom responsible for triggering Narcolepsy, Modafinil is able to promote wakefulness, increase alertness and reduce excessive sleepiness during the day.

What are the side effects of Modafinil? 

The side effects with the use of Modafinil are fewer and less serious than with the use of other stimulants. The most common side effect noticed by patients is Headaches. This side effect goes away within a day. Other less common side effects with the use of Modafinil include, dry mouth, feeling dizzy and an upset stomach.

How Modafinil can be useful in the treatment of Narcolepsy?

The use of new stimulants like Modafinil and the use of behavioral techniques that promote healthy sleeping habits are proving to be very useful in helping those with Narcolepsy. Patients can now maintain wakefulness, feel less tired, experience fewer side effects and have a significantly better quality of life. 

This is a guest blog entry.

Lupus, the Mysterious Autoimmune Disease

Lupus is a mysterious condition with no known cure. It is an autoimmune disorder that affects more than 1.5 million people in America alone, and while its main outward symptom is psoriasis-like skin lesions and blisters, the disease can also affect your joints and organs, too. While the condition is chronic and incurable, people with the disease can still live a long and happy life with treatment.

What Is an Autoimmune Disease?

An autoimmune disease is a disease that affects your immune system. The immune system is a mysterious thing, and due to reasons we don’t always know of, sometimes it can become overactive or underactive. With Lupus, your immune system becomes overzealous, attacking tissues that are a natural part of your body in addition to foreign germs and invaders.

The Many Faces of Lupus

Lupus can come in several forms. The main type of Lupus, called Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, is when your immune system attacks your skin, internal organs, and joints, damaging them and making them sore. Discoid Lupus Erythematosus is a related form of Lupus that only manifests as rashes on the skin. However, people with DLE are more likely to develop SLE over the course of their lifetime, meaning the two conditions may be related somehow. Lupus can also manifest as a rash that appears when exposed to the sun or as a side effect of certain drugs, but the symptoms tend to go away when the drug is no longer being taken. Lupus can also be passed from mother to child through a conditioned called Neonatal Lupus.

Lupus Treatment

Lupus’ many forms only make it more mysterious to us. Scientists and doctors still don’t know what exactly causes Lupus, but they suspect that it may have something to do with genetics. Currently, Lupus can be treated with lifestyle changes and medications. For example, someone who experiences severe skin lesions from Lupus might use skin lotions or medicated ointments to help control the symptoms.

The most effective treatment for Lupus is the use of immunosuppressants. Since Lupus is the result of an overactive immune system, suppressing the immune system is an excellent way to treat (but not cure) the symptoms. Lupus can also force patients to take medications for the parts of their body affected by Lupus, such as heart medicine for those who experience heart symptoms.

This is a post by Jess Walter.