How to Manage Medical Debt

Depending on your financial situation, you might be tempted to skip the medical care you need because of the cost of receiving it. But what do you do if you have already received care and have found you cannot afford the cost? It could damage your savings goals, lower your credit score, or even cause you to declare bankruptcy. The good news is that there are ways of making the care you received more affordable.

Finding Ways of Covering the Cost
There are plenty of ways to cover the cost of unexpected medical expenses. For example, you might look for ways of lowering your monthly expenses so you chip away at the bill a little bit at a time. By saving money in other areas, you can rework your budget to include a monthly contribution toward the balance. One way of lowering expenses in other areas is to refinance your existing student loans into a new loan with the help of a private lender. It is a great way to get a handle on your expenses since it can reduce the amount of interest you owe. It can also extend the loan term, giving you more time to pay it back.

Negotiation
If you want to negotiate the amount you owe, ask to speak with the medical billing manager of the provider. These mangers have enough authority to help lower the amount you owe. Don't wait until you are in collections or delinquent, since that can damage your credit score and make it less likely that the provider will be willing to negotiate. Instead, verify the accuracy and talk to someone as soon as you can tell. If you have financial hardship or have lost income, there is hardship assistance available to you. And depending on your savings and income level, you may be able to get charity care from the hospital. Depending on state laws in the area, the provider might be required to offer reduced cost care to those who do not have a lot of money available. If the cost of care has affected your ability to afford it, let them know that you need assistance.

Get Help Outside
Not everyone is familiar with the way medical billing works, so you will want to ensure you are not being taken advantage of. You might choose to get help from someone who has more experience in medical billing or debt negotiation. They could help you reduce the amount you owe if you aren’t having any luck negotiating. Seeking out help is a sneaky way to also change your health habits overall. Asking for help and knowing when you cannot go it alone are healthy habits for the mind that are just as important as those we build for the body. 

Advocating for Yourself
It is a good idea to speak up when you are looking for a significant discount on your medical bills. You might start with asking for a steeper discount. For example, you might ask if you can pay a chunk now and have them write off the rest. They could be willing to do this, so they don’t have to spend months or years chasing you down for the rest of the funds. You might not be able to go this route if you can’t afford to pay a chunk of the bill now. Instead, you could ask to make a down payment now in exchange for getting a discount. If that doesn’t work, you could ask if they could give you the same discounted rate that Medicaid or Medicare pays. Or you might ask for a zero-interest plan.

This is a guest blog entry.

Reasons Why In-home Patients Should Use Wearable Technology Application

Wearable technology application is essential since it can be applied as an innovative solution for issues related to health. For example, some wearable devices are designed to help prevent diseases and health maintenance, such as physical activity tracking and weight loss. Besides, wearable gadgets are used for the diagnosis of diseases and to control patients. Ideally, the application of wearable technology can directly impact medical decision-making. Therefore, it would help to use wearable technologies since they could enhance the quality of patient care and minimize the cost of care due to patient home-based testing and monitoring.

Track Daily Activities
 

It would be excellent to use wearable devices since they allow the consistent tracking of human conduct and physical activities. Also, the devices are the best for monitoring biochemical and physiological parameters during daily life. The popularly evaluated data include critical signs such as blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, blood temperature, and heart rate. Moreover, physical activities and posture are assessed by using electrocardiograms, ballistocardiogram, among other gadgets.  The video gadgets and photos can also be used by health practitioners, such as the Seer Medical’s ecg-eeg test, to offer additional health-related information.
 

It will help fix the wearable devices to footwear, earrings, watches, clothing, gloves, eyeglasses, and bracelets. Also, some devices are skin attachable. Sensors can be implanted into the surroundings, such as seat cushions, pillows, and chairs. However, Smartphones are also considered vital tools since they help collect information and transmit it to a remote server for storage and further analysis. There are two significant types of wearable gadgets that are used to examine gait patterns. The devices like gyroscopes, accelerometers, and multi-angle video recorders are designed for healthcare service providers in monitoring walk patterns. Other tracking technologies have been formulated for health consumers, including on-wrist activity trackers, add-ons, and smartphone apps.
 

Wearable Tools
 

The wearable tools are grouped into various classes based on their uses. For instance, wearable technology applications designed to monitor weight progress and physical activity are listed under prevention of health conditions and maintenance of health. Additionally, there are departments of patient management and disease control.
 

Formulating wearable gadgets and algorithms to track mental health is a relatively new realm. 

Moreover, some wearable devices armed with sensors can diagnose human physiology status, including high blood pressure, heartbeat, the temperature of blood, or other complex critical signs. When these signals are applied, new systems can be designed to help in monitoring mental well-being. Stress diagnosis is the most popular application of such systems.
 

Additionally, monitoring physical activities using wearable technology applications has become a standard method to assist people in evaluating calories expended and activity intensity. However, patients have a developing interest in using wearable gadgets in monitoring weight control activities and results. These devices in question can also help enhance patient management efficiency in health facilities. The technology has supported mobility in health consumers. 

Health care service providers such as Seer Medical’s ecg-eeg test use Wearable technology applications to screen, diagnose, and monitor mental disorders such as depression. Analyzing autonomic and cognitive responses to emotionally related stimuli could offer the ideal solution for the automatic recognition of various mood states.

When you read this guide, you will understand the benefits of using in-home wearable health monitoring devices.

This is a guest blog entry.

Precisely why You Need to Embrace the Use of Recycled Products

Wastes are increasing day by day, and pollution has increased. To take care of the environment, you need to embrace recycling. In the past, no one cared about the accumulation of waste in landfills and homes, so in time the amount of waste at the landfill increased, and people feared that they could create a disaster. Finally, recycling has become a solution to reduce landfills. Again, recycling is kind to both the environment and humans. Read on to find out why you need to use recycled products:

1.    Protects Wildlife and Ecosystem 

When you embrace recycling, you reduce the need to grow and harvest new raw materials from the environment. Again, harmful disruption of the natural resources reduces because there is;

• Fewer deforestation
• Less diversion of rivers
• No distraction and displacement of wild animals
• Less pollution of air water and soil

Remember, if plastics waste is not recycled, water can wash them into seas and rivers, thus polluting the waterways and coastlines. Once water bodies are contaminated, the water quality deteriorates, and the ecosystem is affected.

2.    Reduce the Demand for raw Material

The demand for new stuff increases as the world’s population increases. This has led people living around forests or rivers displaced as those areas are the sources of raw materials. We are lucky to have organizations that produce products like hammocks Australia by use of recycling waste. These organizations have promoted the conservation of the environment by recycling waste products.  Similarly, recycling has reduced the demand for cheap timber and the pollution of rivers by manufacturing waste. Remember, it is better to recycle existing products than destroy the land in search of raw materials.

3.    Conservation of Natural Resources

Recycling paper and wood saves forests and trees. Again, remember you can plant trees but replacing virgin forests, and ancient woodlands once cut is not easy. When you recycle waste, you reduce the risk of extinction of woods and forests.

By recycling glass, you reduce the demand for raw materials used in manufacturing glass. Again, suppliers of some sand used in the manufacturing of glass are getting low around the globe. By recycling Metals, you reduce the risk of mining and the cost required to extract new metals. Remember, recycling plastic means producing less plastic, which is a good move to save the energy needed to manufacture new ones.

4.    Saving Energy

Producing goods from recycled materials needs less energy as compared to manufacturing from raw materials. Therefore, somebody can put the saved energy by using recycled materials to better use. Similarly, by saving energy, you reduce the cost of living of many people as the cost of production is always transferred to consumers. Furthermore, energy used during recycling produces low carbon emissions, thus, reducing air pollution and waste-producing methane from landfill sites.

Many organizations are conserving the environment by using recycled materials. You can always check on the product pack to confirm if it is made of recycled materials. Similarly, there are products like hammocks Australia made from recycled materials, so you can look for them if you are interested in conserving the environment.

This is a guest blog entry.

Losing Weight With A Fat Burner

Losing weight with a fat burner

 

Fat burners or weight management formulas are a special kind of supplement designed to promote weight loss for people trying to drop their body fat. The mechanism behind using a fat burner is to aid the person burn more fat when they are in a state of calorie deficit, which naturally helps you lose weight.

If someone is keeping track of their calorie intake and adhering to full body workouts, a superior quality fat burner can assist in the overall fat loss process. This makes the overall journey of losing weight and toning your body much easier and smoother.

How Does A Fat Burner Function?

Even though fat burners have had quite a reputation in the media, but with the impeccable progress the industry has managed to have, fat burners are a blend of high-quality ingredients. These ingredients reduce appetite, improve mode, enhance focus, and optimize overall energy that aids in losing extra body fat.

Which Ingredients Promote Weight Loss In A Fat Burner?

Losing weight with a fat burner becomes possible with the following ingredients that provide major benefits in promoting fat burning, especially when the body goes through cardio, exercise, and weight training. Let’s take a look:

Caffeine

Caffeine is one of the most popular ingredients used in a fat-burning formula because it is tried and tested in giving you a boost of energy whenever you are feeling tired. This particular ingredient also suppresses appetite and stimulates the central nervous system to promote calorie burning.

Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract is an essential part of any fat burner product because it increases fat oxidation in the body. This helps you drop body fat quickly without any side effects or body crashing due to its natural base. Not only does it promote fat burning, but it also becomes a good source of energy that you can utilize throughout the day.

Lindoleic Aci

This ingredient is commonly used by athletes for increasing muscle mass and dropping body fat. Even though it is unclear how effective linoleic acid is, a standard dose is always a part of any fat burner available in the market.

Acetyl L-Carnitine

This particular ingredient can benefit mood and may improve memory as well as cognitive ability. However, its main goal is to promote exercise, cardio, and weight training so you can consume stored fat much more quickly. Since this is one of the primary ingredients used in a fat-burning product, it is incredibly beneficial towards losing weight.

The Bottom Line

Losing weight is no doubt a pretty challenging job for most people. With the aid of fat burners, you can make your weight loss journey smoother and easier to stick to. Not only will it help you shred body fat, but it can also motivate you to stick to a healthy food and exercise routine when you see your dream body results in the mirror!

This is a guest blog entry.

Types of Imaging Tests

A radiologist examining a diagnostic imaging test.

Imaging tests use different forms of energy through your body, allowing doctors to see images of what is going on inside your body. These are usually conducted at a gold coast radiology clinic by a trained radiologist who prepares a report for your doctor. They can be used for various reasons, including diagnosing illnesses and coming up with treatment plans. Additionally, imaging tests are important resources to check progress when it comes to ongoing medical issues.

There are many different kinds of imaging tests conducted at radiology centers. Read on to find out which imaging tests are the most common, how they’re conducted, and what they’re useful for. 

X-Rays

An x-ray is a quick, non-invasive imaging test that uses ionizing radiation to produce images of your body and is commonly used to image bones. Patients can expect to lie down, stand, or sit depending on the part of the body being scanned and may be asked to change positions for clearer images. Since this takes a total of about 10-15 minutes, it’s over relatively quickly. It can be used to identify everything ranging from fractures to breast cancer and swallowed items.

MRIs

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an imaging test that uses magnetic waves to create detailed images of the tissues and organs in your body. Like in CT scans, you will be asked to lie down and will be slid into a doughnut-shaped machine. However, unlike CT scans, MRIs are long (approximately 45 minutes to an hour) and somewhat uncomfortable. Many patients feel claustrophobic because of how narrow the chambers are. MRIs also create loud thumping and tapping noises, making this an uncomfortable experience

However, despite being unpleasant, an MRI is a valuable tool and allows radiologists to identify aneurysms, strokes, tumors, and more.
CT Scans

Like x-rays, computerized tomography (CT) scans also use ionizing radiation to take pictures of cross-sections of the body, including soft tissue, blood vessels, and bones. These are also relatively quick and usually take around 15 minutes. When you go to a radiology clinic to get a CT scan, you will be asked to lie on a table and slid into a scanner that resembles a large doughnut. This process is extremely useful for guiding biopsies and identifying vascular and heart disease, infections, and cancers.

PET Scans

Positron emission tomography (PET) scans use radiotracers to create images of your organs and tissues. When you get a PET scan, you should expect to swallow or have a radiotracer injected into you so the scanner can read the radiation being emitted. The process can be extremely long and usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours. However, it is extremely useful because it can be used to diagnose illnesses like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, heart disease, and more.

No matter which type of imaging test you’re going to get at the radiology clinic, it’s always helpful to be prepared for what’s about to happen. We hope that this article has helped you better understand the different imaging techniques in radiology and how they work.
                
This is a guest blog entry.

Can you get PTSD after a car accident?

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There is nothing worse than getting injured in a car accident. In addition to having multiple doctor’s appointments, you may have to endure physical therapy. You will also have to miss time away from work which can cause you to lose money. There are emotional effects such as post-traumatic stress disorder as well.  

What is PTSD?

 
PTSD is a psychological disorder that is brought on when a person experiences or sees a traumatic event. It can be an accident, a crime, or a natural disaster. Soldiers often experience PTSD after a combat situation. It is so common in military veterans that it was once known as shell shock or combat fatigue.

About 1 and 11 people will experience this condition throughout their life, and women are 50% more likely to experience it than men.
 

What are the symptoms of PTSD?
If you think you have PTSD, it is a good idea to visit a mental health professional for a diagnosis. However, there are a few common symptoms of which it helps to be aware.

Intrusive Thoughts
Do you find yourself remembering your accident over and over again without wanting to? If you have upsetting dreams or reoccurring thoughts that are related to the accident, it is likely to be a symptom of PTSD. These thoughts can be extremely intense and might interfere with your ability to function.

Mood Swings and Cognitive Problems
If there are some aspects of the traumatizing event that you simply cannot remember, it could be a sign that you have PTSD. You can even end up having distorted views of yourself and other people. You may believe that people in your life are trying to hurt you or that you are a bad person. You might lose interest in doing things that you previously enjoyed.

Avoidance
A person with PTSD will end up avoiding certain things, such as social activities. In some cases, they might try to avoid driving or even riding in a car. They will often try to avoid talking about the accident.

Alterations in Arousal and Reactivity
A person with PTSD often feels angry without knowing why. They may have angry outbursts or physical ticks. They might suffer from insomnia, or they might end up thinking people that they don’t know are out to get them.

Unlike medical bills or lost wages, PTSD can be very hard to put a price on.

Proving Pain and Suffering

 
According to lawyer Eslinger, there is no set way for an insurance company to determine the amount of money you will get for pain and suffering. A good amount of your compensation will depend on your own testimony and the testimony of an expert witness.

It is important to save every medical bill you have and any bills you have for medications that you might have taken. It is also important to get the names and numbers of witnesses at the scene. When it comes to PTSD, the testimony of your friends, family, and coworkers is important as well.

It is essential to have the representation of an experienced personal injury attorney. They will be well-versed in negotiating with insurance companies, and they will understand accident law.

This is a guest blog entry.

How to keep your medical treatment areas free from dirt with tacky mats

Medical treatment rooms can be a nightmare to keep clean. Between patients, medical staff and support workers, there can be a near-constant stream of people coming and going, but you need to keep dust and dirt at bay to prevent infection.

Doctors’ and dentists' surgeries, examination and treatment rooms  are increasingly benefiting from using ‘tacky mats’ to deal with shoe-borne particles — but if used incorrectly, they can be rendered ineffective.
 
What is a tacky mat?
 
In a nutshell, a tacky mat is a doorway/entrance mat that has a sticky layer on it. As people walk over the surface the adhesive collects any dirt and dust from the soles of the shoes, making sure that the room is kept clean and contaminant-free. When the sticky surface is no longer effective, you can simply peel it away to reveal a new adhesive layer underneath.
 
How are tacky mats used?
 
Tacky Mats can be used very easily, with just a few factors to consider.
 
Position

The mat should be placed right at the entrance to the clean room, otherwise any steps that people take between standing on the mat and stepping into the room will re-contaminate their shoes and allow dirt through. People should be able to comfortably (and unthinkingly) step directly from the mat into the controlled environment.
 
Size

The size of the mat you need depends entirely on the size of your doorway. The mat should fully span the breadth of the threshold, and ideally be of a sufficient depth that people take at least one step on it with each foot (and one full revolution of any trolley or stretcher wheels/castors). This will ensure that shoes and wheels cannot make it into the room without being cleaned first. 

 

Color
 
The majority of tacky mat stockists offer white, blue or grey color options, but the color you choose is purely aesthetic — there is no impact on effectiveness. Lighter color mats do, however, make it easier to see any build-up of dirt and so a white mat can make it easier to see when you need to peel the top layer away.

Installation

Most tacky mats on the market have an adhesive backing so that they can be fixed securely in place. Make sure the area you’re fitting the mat to is cleaned and disinfected, and lay the mat carefully with attention paid to minimizing any air bubbles that form. This will help the mat stay intact and in place without any accidental shifting when people step on it.

Best practice is to peel back one side of the backing, press firmly into place and then roll the rest of the mat away whilst removing the remaining backing.

If your office/treatment room is carpeted or has a floor covering that is not particularly well suited to using adhesives, then you could consider a frame to keep the mat in place.
 
Placement

While a standard ‘welcome’ style entrance mat is typically placed with the longer edge against the doorway, you will need to position your tacky mat so that the longest side points away from the door frame. This ensures that shoes and wheels have the most contact possible with the mat, which will result in fewer in-room contaminants.
 
Refresh

When your mat has reached the point where it is no longer fully effective — either through becoming saturated with dirt or through losing its stickiness — you’ll need to refresh it. Peel back the top layer carefully and slowly, making sure you don’t release the collected particles into the treatment room or into the air. Rolling the layer into a ball as you go will reduce static build-up, and allow for easy disposal.

Refreshing can be done on a fixed cycle for rooms with a relatively standard amount of foot traffic. If the number of visitors to the controlled room fluctuates significantly from day-to-day, you’ll need to keep an eye on the mat and refresh it as and when necessary.
 
Layers

Most suppliers stock mats with a choice of 30 or 60 sticky layers. Depending on how often you are refreshing, you’ll want to pick a mat with the appropriate number of layers — although it’s also worth considering that if you have a lot of wheeled traffic, the 60-sheet option can present a thicker profile which can impede smooth passage.
 
Tacky mats have numbered surfaces, so you should always be able to keep track of how many layers are left and ensure that any scheduled refreshes have been completed.

Used cases
 
Used extensively in laboratories and clean rooms, more and more customer-facing sites are deploying tacky mats to ensure the best level of hygiene possible.

Author Bio: First Mats started life as safety matting specialists, but have since expanded to become a complete industrial and commercial supplies company. The focus of First Mats is to provide safety-focused products that improve the wellbeing of staff through quality approved products, backed up by extensive knowledge. www.firstmats.co.uk

What qualifies as personal injury?

If you have ever suffered an injury, you may have found yourself suddenly needing all sorts of medical help, therapies, and other treatments to recover your health. As you started seeing bills piling up and feeling your financial situation become more and more delicate, you may have contemplated the possibility of filing a legal claim to try to recover the damages caused by the accident.

The law allows for people who have been injured due to the negligence of others to recover certain damages through a personal injury claim. Let’s read on to find out precisely what qualifies as personal injury and what damages you are entitled to pursue.

What is personal injury under the law?

A personal injury happens when a person suffers physical harm because of the negligent behavior of someone else. Although it may also include damage to this person’s property, there must initially be physical harm. Filing a personal injury claim means that you want to hold someone accountable for the harm they caused to you. When your personal injury case is successful it means that you have been able to recover the payment needed to take care of your injuries and losses.

Negligence in Personal Injury Cases

In these cases, negligence refers to the fact that whoever caused you harm did not act how a reasonable careful individual would have acted under similar circumstances. 

For a personal injury case to move forward, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant acted in a negligent way towards them. If you can prove negligence, the law allows you to collect damages to cover your injuries and losses.

What are the most common types of accidents that result in personal injury cases?

Accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. You may be shopping at your neighborhood store when you slip and fall on a spill that was not cleaned up. Or you may be driving to work and end up in the middle of a car crash. These are some examples of cases where a personal injury lawsuit may be filed.

Some other ways in which personal injuries may arise are:

• Dog bites
• Workplace accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Defective or faulty products
• Construction accidents
  

Filing a Personal Injury Claim

When you decide to file a personal injury claim, you should know that there is a time limit called the statute of limitations. Depending on the state where the accident happened, this may run between 1 and 6 years. Your personal injury attorney will be able to tell you the timing for your case. They will also calculate the financial compensation you are seeking. This will include all your medical expenses from the moment you were injured. Also, an amount to cover your lost earnings for the time you have been unable to work and future earnings if your capacity to work has been affected. If you suffered property losses and are experiencing pain and suffering, these items would also be included.
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Image via Pixabay

This is a guest blog entry.

10 Tips For Generating Medicare Leads

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The Medicare population is expected to grow to almost 79 million by the year 2030 as Baby Boomers age. That is a lot of potential Medicare advantage and Medicare supplement leads that insurance agents could be marketing to. By knowing the best ways to generate leads, insurance agents can increase their profits in a lucrative sector of the insurance industry.

1.    Your Website Must Be Well-Designed

Your website establishes your credibility, and in a competitive market you need to have a clean, easy-to-read website that is accessible to the elderly. Zellermedia.com recommends that you hire a professional web designer that can custom build your website, including a clean landing page that your higher-qualified leads are directed to.

2.    Update your existing website

If you already have a website, now is a great time to ask yourself how to optimize it for search engine optimization or SEO. You can do this by starting a blog where you focus on the most common questions about Medicare.

3.    Use Facebook To Educate Your Target Demographic 

You have answers that a lot of people want regarding Medicare. You can target ads to elderly groups on Facebook to educate them and help them know their enrollment period. 

4.    Network at Events

Different places are reopening, and local festivals are great places to engage with the community, who have been bombarded by digital marketing for over a year. Consider attending empty-nester events or retirement planning luncheons.

5.    Create Consistent Content

Every month you should be producing new content on your website, whether it’s a blog or an infographic, or an interview. You may even want to consider hiring a digital marketing firm that specializes in content marketing.

6.    Send Direct Mail

Direct mail has proven to be one of those effective ways of connecting to high-quality leads.

7.    Know The Laws About Sales Events

There are many rules for hosting a compliant Medicare sales event. The two types are formal sales events and informal sales events. At formal sales events, agents present information about Medicare plans to an audience that has been invited to the event. Informal sales, or tabletop events, are paid-for marketing events at a public setting such as at a kiosk or health and wellness fair. You should take time to familiarize yourself with the rules regarding whether or not you can ask potential attendees for their contact information to RSVP, whether you should register your event, etc.

8.    Hire A Paid Search Agency

You know all about Medicare, so leave the work of getting the word out about your business to a top marketing company specializing in generating leads for Medicare agents.

9.    Develop Strategic Partnerships

Those who are active in their communities are connected to them. Join affinity groups and team up with other local businesses.

10.    Improve Your Follow-Up

Don’t let hot leads turn cold! Since the inception of the Medicare program in 1966, the population of enrollees has grown steadily. In 2021 there are 44 million beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, which is about 15% of the US population. That’s a lot! Always reach out to potential enrollees after your initial contact, either by phone or personalized email. If your prospects know that you’re dedicated and trustworthy, they’ll be more inclined to hire you!

This is a guest blog entry.

3 Ways to Change Your Health Habits This Summer

Credit: StockSnap via Pixabay

Living a long and happy life is a goal that most of us do our very best to implement in our everyday lives. Often, we don’t commit to that goal as significantly as we should, taking shortcuts and prioritizing others above our own health and well-being.

The good news is that mentality can be changed. By adding healthier habits into your routine, you can begin to put yourself first and do the real work to live your healthiest life.

These are our three recommended ways to change your health habits this summer.

1.    Lowering Anxiety

Anxiety is something men and women struggle with for a variety of reasons — from self-esteem issues to demanding careers and so much more. Thankfully, there are several ways to lower your anxiety. It’s about finding the option that fits your comfort level and lifestyle.

Meditation and yoga are practices dedicated to finding the calm in your body and your mind. It’s about spending time with yourself in calming, quiet environments, focusing on your breathing, and letting your entire body relax. The practice of yoga, in particular, allows you to strengthen both your body and mind and can be tailored to fit your fitness and flexibility level.

One of the newer methods for lowering stress and anxiety is incorporating CBD into your routine — either with oil or an edible. CBD is a compound derived from the cannabis plant, though it does not have any of the psychoactive properties found in THC, which comes from the same plant. Through research, CBD shows promising results for improving sleep, lowering anxiety, clearing acne skin, and the overall neuropathic condition. The benefit of incorporating CBD is that you have a variety of options — from adding a drop of oil into your herbal tea to experimenting with an Olli Dragon Fruit Chew.

2.    Eating Right

The food you consume can directly impact your overall health. Food sends messages to your body, and your body reacts accordingly — which is why healthier foods yield more positive results than pre-packaged food or anything with high sugar or saturated fat content.

Incorporating healthier foods into your routine is one of the most straightforward steps you can take towards a healthier life. By eating a balanced meal with enough leafy greens, whole grains, and healthy fats, you’re sending positive signals to your body, and you’ll find that you have more energy and can build muscle easier.

3.    Getting Moving

Exercise is an essential component to living a longer, healthier life. As you age, your muscles begin to change, and if you lack enough exercise, you may find you have less energy and don’t feel as strong as you once did. The good news is that incorporating exercise doesn’t mean constantly lifting heavy weights or running marathons. Rather, simply adding more walking into your day can help your heart health — or you could search for fun exercise classes in your area, and you might just find your new favorite hobby. The benefits of exercise will yield positive results for years to come and help you commit to your healthier lifestyle.

This is a guest blog entry.

How to Prepare for a Plastic Surgery

Getting an elective procedure such as plastic surgery differs in many ways from surgeries that have to be performed for medical reasons. In some ways, this can make the process even more frightening and stressful, but there is one big advantage to elective surgery. Unlike some medical surgeries, which have to be performed with little mental preparation, you can prepare yourself for the surgical process and the recovery more easily with an elective procedure. According to the doctors who perform plastic surgery from Zennplasticsurgery.com, “making changes to your appearance is a very personal decision.” It stands to reason, therefore, that the preparation process will be equally as personal. There are, however, a few simple steps that can help you prepare for plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures.

1: Get Medical Clearance

This first tip is a crucial step in getting any elective procedure. Before you book your plastic surgery date and pay a portion of the procedure’s cost, you must have your primary doctor complete a physical exam on you. This physical exam will allow your primary doctor to decide if you’re healthy enough for plastic surgery and help reveal any potential complications before you go in for plastic surgery. If you are not healthy, a variety of complications could occur, increasing the risk of a long, painful recovery time. This exam should take place at least one month before your surgery.

2: Lifestyle Changes

There are also a number of lifestyle changes that you should make to ensure that the surgical process goes as smoothly as possible. If you smoke, you should abstain for at least two weeks prior to the surgery. This will decrease the risk of infection and complications due to low blood pressure. You should also avoid aspirin and similar painkillers for those two weeks, since certain common painkillers can thin the blood and increase the risk of excessive or lengthy bleeding. You cannot drink alcoholic drinks for three days before the surgery, since drinking can also thin the blood and depress your immune responses.

3: Arrange Help

Help from your friends, family, and support system is essential, especially in the early stages of recovery after the surgery. You shouldn’t hesitate to request help you may need while you are recovering, and indeed there are probably people in your life who you already know will be happy to help. Make sure that you arrange for someone to drive you to and from the surgery on the day of the procedure, since you will be groggy and likely in some pain immediately afterwards. You should gather items that you will need during your recovery in a convenient place near your bed and plan meals ahead, putting them in the freezer to make eating well easier than cooking every meal. Your friends and family may have to help you with some everyday tasks during your recovery, so never be too proud to ask for help.

4: Eat More Protein and Fiber

Increasing the protein and fiber in your diet in the weeks leading up to your procedure can help hasten the recovery process and make the entire experience more comfortable. Protein from healthy sources, such as fish and nuts, can help bolster your immune system and promote muscle health during recovery. Increasing the fiber in your diet through eating fruits, greens, and yogurt will help your digestive system. This is a good idea because of the risk of constipation during recovery due to medication and decreased exercise. Foods with an excess amount of salt should be avoided, since they will exacerbate swelling and therefore increase recovery time.

5: Stay Hydrated

Hydration is the single most important piece of your everyday health that many people ignore, and in the leadup to surgery the importance of proper hydration cannot be overstated. Drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water, or around 48 to 64 ounces of water, will keep you hydrated and on the road to a quick, easy recovery.

This is a guest blog entry.

How much does it cost to make an injury claim?

If you have been injured in an accident in the state of California, you may be wondering if it is worth it to report the crash to your insurance company. You have probably heard that your premiums will go up if you file a claim.

Although filing an injury claim is free, you should be aware of a few associated expenses.

How much will your insurance rates increase?

In most cases, your insurance premiums will go up after an accident. The amount that it will increase will depend on the state in which you live and the amount of the claim.

Unfortunately, California has the highest rate of post-accident insurance premium increases of any state in the country. A person’s premium will increase by an average of 61% after a claim of $2000 or more in the Golden State. Maryland has the lowest rate increases with an average of just 21%.

Hiring an Attorney

After your insurance company reviews your claim, they will either approve or deny it. If they deny the claim, you may want to consult with an attorney to see if it is worth it to sue them.

If they approve of your claim, they will make you a settlement offer. Their initial offer is unlikely to be as much as your claim is worth. You will want to hire an attorney to negotiate with the company on your behalf before you accept the claim.

 According to personal injury attorneys Maho & Prentice, most personal injury lawyers will work on a contingency basis. They will only take a percentage of the settlement they are able to get you.

If your attorney and the insurance company cannot work out a deal, you may have to go to court, which is where you can incur some serious expenses.

Filing Fees

In California, a person will pay between $30 and $75 to file a case in small claims court. The amount you pay is based on the amount of the claim. If your case goes to a higher court, the fees are likely to be larger and depend on the county where the accident happened.

Your lawyer will continue to negotiate with the insurance company after you file your suit. If they are still unable to work out a deal, you may have to go to court.

Trial Related Expenses

If you go to court and you have a jury trial, you will have to pay a jury fee. You might need an expert witness to testify on your behalf. Fees for such a witness can cost thousands of dollars.

There are going to be some administrative costs to any lawsuit. There may be expenses for copying documents and doing legal research; those expenses are usually fairly nominal.

Fortunately, most accident cases never go to court. A trained attorney should be able to get you a fair settlement. Be sure to select a lawyer who specializes in personal injury and has years of experience in the state of California.

Getting hurt in a crash is painful and time-consuming. However, if you choose the right representation, you will get the money you deserve instead of getting stuck with the bill.


Authoritative Sources:

https://www.sb-court.org/divisions/small-claims

 
https://www.thesimpledollar.com/insurance/auto/how-much-does-your-insurance-go-up-after-an-accident/#:~:text=Insurance%20rate%20effects%20by%20state,-While%20the%20numbers&text=As%20the%20InsuranceQuotes%20study%20noted,Texas%3A%2059.9%25%20increase

https://pixabay.com/photos/dollars-currency-money-us-dollars-499481/ac

This is a guest blog entry.

Essential Dental Care – All About Toothbrushes and Toothpaste!

Arguably the most common dental supplies in Sydney and throughout Australia and the world, toothbrushes and toothpaste are used by all of us daily, between our regular dental clinic visits. 

Cleaning the teeth is intrinsic to maintaining dental and oral health, fresh breath, and overall well-being.

Here are some fun, fascinating facts about toothbrushes and toothpaste…

Did You Know?

The Ancients

• Humans have used tools to clean their teeth since at least the ancient Babylonians and Egyptians of 5000-5500 years ago. They made a type of brush for the teeth using a frayed twig. Toothpicks have also been found in some ancient Egyptian tombs, amongst the tomb goods that were to accompany the dead to the Afterlife.
  

• It’s widely accepted that the ancient Egyptians were the first to use toothpaste for cleaning their teeth, and this dates back more than 7000 years ago. The ancient Romans and Greeks also used toothpaste, as did the ancient Chinese and Indians.
  

• Used in the same way as we do to keep the teeth clean, breath fresh, gums healthy, and to help whiten teeth, ancient kinds of toothpaste varied in terms of their contents. Some included volcanic pumice stone combined with ash, burnt eggshell, and powdered ox hooves. The ancient Greeks and Romans preferred an abrasive paste and used crushed oyster shells and bones. Ancient Romans added powdered charcoal and aromatic bark to help freshen the breath. The ancient Chinese included salt, herbs including mint, and ginseng into their toothpaste for freshness and to enhance the flavor.
  

• In 1600BC, the ancient Chinese made chewing sticks from twigs taken from aromatic trees. These were used to help freshen the breath. The Chinese also developed the first toothbrush with natural bristles. They attached the bristly hairs from a pig’s neck area to a handle made of bamboo or bone. This Chinese toothbrush design found its way to Europe, where it was altered and adapted to replace the bristles with horsehair or even feathers.

1750-1950

• The first modern toothbrush was invented in 1780 by Englishman William Addis, who came up with the idea while he was in prison. It featured a carved cow bone handle and pig bristles.
  

• The world’s first three-row bristle toothbrush was designed in 1844. 
  

• The earliest modern toothpastes also date to the 1800s. These were tooth powders rather than pastes, and they often contained soap (which was included in toothpaste until 1945). By the 1850s, chalk was incorporated as well. Many English toothpastes of the time featured Betel nut (which had a stimulant effect and several potentially severe side effects including chest pain, kidney disease, cardiac and breathing issues, and oral cancer). 
  

• The first toothpaste in a jar was introduced to the market in the 1850s; it was called Crème Dentrifice. In the 1860s, many people made their own toothpaste at home using ground charcoal. In 1873, Colgate began mass-producing toothpaste in jars; in the 1890s toothpaste was available for purchase in tubes similar to what we use today.
  

• The first toothpaste containing fluoride was introduced in 1914, to help prevent tooth decay (this was many decades before the drinking water supply had fluoride added to it).
  

• Until the 1930s, many of the mass-produced toothbrushes for sale in Europe were imported from China. All toothbrushes used natural bristles (usually Siberian hog hair) until 1938 when Du Pont invented nylon and the Miracle Tuft Toothbrush, a soft-bristled toothbrush went on the market. Even softer synthetic bristles were incorporated into toothbrushes in the 1950s.
  

• From 1945, soap was removed from toothpaste recipes, and it was replaced by other ingredients which enabled the paste to become a smooth emulsion rather than a gritty, powdery product.
  

• Broxodent was the world’s first electric toothbrush to make it onto the US market in 1960, however, the electric toothbrush was originally invented in Europe in 1939.

Modern Day

• Toothpaste formulas have been developed over the last seventy years to address specific dental issues – e.g., formulas for whitening, low-abrasiveness, to target stains or gingivitis, to prevent tartar, plaque, and cavities, and to suit the tastes and needs of children.
  

• Modern toothpastes are made with a wide array of ingredients, including fluoride, flavoring, coloring, sugar-free sweeteners, stabilizing agents, and compounds to ensure the paste remains smooth, moist, and that it foams when used.
  

• Dentists and doctors recommend brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush for two minutes each time. They also advise that toothbrushes be kept at least two meters from the toilet (and be covered or kept in a cabinet if possible) to prevent airborne bacteria spreading to it when the toilet is flushed (lid down, too!).
  

See your dentist every 6 months for a check and professional clean. Explore your options to find the perfect toothbrush and toothpaste to suit your taste and comfort level – and don’t forget to floss!

By Alana Wills on behalf of AdamDental.com.au

Alana Wills is an experienced freelance content writer who works in collaboration with www.adamdental.com.au, a leading online distributor of dental supplies in Australia.

What Is Whiplash and How Do You Get It?

A whiplash injury occurs when the head and neck experience vigorous and sudden forward and backward movements. The result is usually a tear or damage of neck muscles, nerves, ligaments, and discs.

Many of the whiplash injuries treated in hospitals are attributed to car accidents, especially of a rear-end nature. When hit from the back by another car, the sudden force pushes your seat forward and consequently, the torso. Since the head was likely not in contact with the seat, it remains backward and the spinal cord takes an abnormal S-shape. This can damage ligaments and other neck and shoulder structures.

Other events that can cause whiplash include physical abuse, roller coasters, sports like bungee jumping and football, and other extreme activities that cause sudden acceleration of the spine.

Symptoms

After an accident, symptoms of whiplash can appear immediately or manifest later as delayed injuries. The symptoms usually last for a few days but in severe conditions, pain and discomfort can persist for months. In cases where injuries were severe or associated with a neurological problem, the pain is likely to be chronic. 

Watch out for the following symptoms of whiplash, especially if you were recently involved in a car accident:

• Limited range of motion in the neck
• Neck stiffness that’s accompanied by pain
• Headaches that start at the base of your skull
• Sharp pain when moving your neck
• Pain or tenderness in the upper back arm area and shoulders
• Dizziness and fatigue
• Some people might also experience memory problems, irritability, and blurred vision   

Importance of Seeking Treatment for Whiplash

It’s common for people with whiplash to ignore the pain and discomfort until it becomes unbearable and the neck’s range of motion is close to zero. 

If you are feeling any of the above symptoms, consider seeking medical evaluation even if you have not been involved in an accident. While it might not be whiplash, pain in the neck signifies a serious issue including broken bones. A doctor’s assessment will also detect other issues likely to appear as a delayed injury. 

The problem with such an injury is that you cannot see its extent until it’s too late. There’s also a mistaken belief that low-speed impact cannot cause severe whiplash. Lack of medical treatment and education can cause depression and anxiety, neurological disorders, and life-long disabilities.

Compensation for Whiplash Injury

If your injury was caused by a car accident, you might want to consider filing a personal injury lawsuit. This process ensures that you don’t suffer the losses associated with a crash such as medical bills and lost wages. In a state with at-fault laws, the negligent party is liable for your damages while no-fault areas require your insurance company to reimburse the losses. 

Personal injury lawyers can help you seek compensation for a whiplash injury, along with other damages from an accident. They’ll ask for your account of events, investigate the scene to prove fault, and finally negotiate with insurance companies involved to ensure that you are receiving the right amount of settlement.   

Healing After a Whiplash Injury

Treatment for a whiplash injury can be through medication, physical therapy, or a combination of both. Sometimes, the severity of injuries will require devices like a cervical collar, although prolonged immobilization can cause more harm than good to the affected area. 

During diagnosis, your doctor will first do a physical exam and later an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure if the former results show signs of whiplash.

To regain your range of motion faster, you can also perform basic exercises at home such as neck and shoulder rotations. Remember to seek directions from your doctor first to avoid worsening the injury.


This is a guest blog entry.

Tips on How to Detect the Warning Signs of Arthritis

 

Photo by SAM LIN from Pexels

Did you know that one in five people have arthritis? Arthritis is the inflammation and tenderness of one or multiple joints. Common symptoms include stiffness and joint pain, which typically worsen with age. There are over 100 types of the disease, and it can affect your mobility, mental health, and you’re overall well-being. When you have arthritis, you’re four times as likely to feel physically sick, anxious, and depressed.  

Are you concerned about your wellbeing? Do you regularly experience body pain and aren’t sure where it’s coming from? You may have arthritis. Read on to discover the most common arthritis symptoms and how you can get the help that you need.

What’s the Cause of Arthritis? 

Typically, the leading cause of arthritis is wear and tear on the body's cartilage — the firm and flexible connective tissues in the joints. Cartilage protects your joints by absorbing the shock and pressure created when you move around and place stress on them. A decrease in this type of tissue — caused by something like an injury or an infection — can cause many forms of arthritis. 

Other risk factors include:

• Age. Your chances of developing OA or RA increase significantly as you get older.
• Obesity. If you're carrying extra weight, it will stress your joints — namely, your hips, knees, and spine. It's not always the case, but some people with obesity have a higher risk of developing the disease.
•  If you were born a woman. About one in four women develop arthritis, whereas one in five men get the disease.
• Genetics. Your risk is greater if you have a family history of arthritis.
• Having a previous joint injury. People who have injured their joints playing sports or falling are more like to eventually develop arthritis.

Here are the common signs to watch out for in arthritis.

Morning Joint Stiffness

Do you wake up feeling sore and stiff all over each morning, and does that pain last for at least one hour? Consider talking to your doctor because it might be a warning sign of arthritis.

Sudden Pain

It goes without saying that if you or someone you love inexplicably has joint pain, then it’s cause for concern. The pain could result from inflamed and swollen joints — particularly if the pain subsides with physical activity and increases with immobility.

A Reduced Range of Motion

Do you find it hard to move your arms or legs a certain way? Talk to your doctor about the possibility of arthritis.

What To Do

If you recognize any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately to receive the medical treatment you'll need to alleviate pain and help you become more mobile. The next step is to get in touch with a professional agency that provides home health care in Toronto specializing in treating seniors with arthritis — specifically one that offers at-home massage therapy, personal support, and physiotherapy. 

That way, you or your loved one could receive supportive help and treatments right in the comfort of home.

Arthritis can be a debilitating disease, but the sooner you treat it, the less you’ll have to suffer. Know the early warning signs so you can get the help you need right away.

This is a guest blog entry.

A guide to start practicing veganism

You all must have come across the term vegan diet. If you have recently thought of switching over to veganism, we would like you to know some basic information about the same. You could also refer to modernfit.com for further information.

What is a vegan diet?

• This is commonly called a kind diet or a cruelty-free diet. This form of diet which is followed by many lately tries to eliminate all possible forms of cruelty towards animals. This implies all forms of dairy products are avoided.

• A twin goal is achieved when you follow veganism. Your desire to improve health and your concern for animals and the environment, both can be achieved.

• Veganism extends to more than food in the real sense. It tries to avoid harm to animals in any form, like clothing, cosmetics, etc.

How to start being a vegan?

• If the thought of adopting veganism has set in your mind, then you should try to learn everything about it.

• First, learn the benefits of a vegan diet. For this, you should know about how animal products are made and their cost, etc.

• Start from the basics. Always remember why you wanted to become a vegan. Your association with the cause will let you rooted in your journey.

• Understand what will form part of your vegan diet and know their nutritional value. Also, refer to modernfit.com that can provide more information on this.

• You should start reading the list of ingredients in each food package you pick up. This will help you identify vegan products. 

• Find out stores and restaurants that sell vegans near your place so that it will be easier for you.

• Above all read a lot about veganism and update your knowledge with the latest in this area.

Some vegan options for your 3-meal day:

• Breakfast- A healthy start to your day is supported by a healthy breakfast. Leave your regular eggs and omelets and switch to a bowl of oatmeal with fruits. You could also include non-dairy milk like almond or cashew milk in your breakfast.

• Mid-morning snack- Carry sliced apples in a box and have it during your break. You can have it with a dip in peanut butter. Fiber and protein needs accomplished! Apples can be filling and can save you till lunch.

• Lunch- Prepare your own Buddha bowl with chickpeas, sweet potatoes, some greens, brown rice, red cabbage, and couscous. This will give you all the nutrients in a single-serve. Healthy fats come your way with this kind of lunch.

• Dinner- Make a fabulous dinner spread with tofu, spinach, bell peppers, and broccoli. The choice of dish is yours, you have many varieties to make.

In case you need some snacks in the evening, go for a trail mix with a mix of nuts and dry fruits. For dessert, you can choose to have chia seeds pudding topped with berries and a generous amount of coconut milk. 

This is a guest blog entry.

The Most Important Questions to Ask Potential Living Communities

If you or your loved one has decided now is the time to move to a memory care assisted living community, you will undoubtedly currently be feeling a range of emotions, all the way from frustration to guilt and everything in between. 

Be sure to regularly remind yourself that your decision, which you will have by no means undertaken lightly, will always be motivated and based upon the welfare and physical and mental wellbeing of your loved one. Having made the decision, continue reading to learn the most important questions to ask potential senior living communities.

The Standard of Medical Care Provided

People requiring memory care, a specific type of ongoing medical treatment, should reside in a community that has a significantly sizeable group of memory care trained professionals on-site 24/7. Memory care specific assisted living facilities should focus primarily on 24-hour supervision of the residents, three prepared meals a day, and varying required levels of assistance with daily activities and personal care. 

Ensure the facility you are interested in operates an overall significantly higher level of skilled care and supervision and has special care units, otherwise known as Alzheimer’s care units, with both shared and private living spaces.

The Personality of the Community 

Memory care living facilities are perhaps the most specialized and therefore require a different kind of tone and atmosphere, especially in social situations and communal areas of the residence. The trained medical professionals onsite should be specially trained to work on life skills such as social interaction and should accompany the residents on both indoor and outdoor excursions and special activities. Hobbies and interactive activities are also of high importance for the overall wellbeing of your loved one. 

The Security of the Facility

Ensure you check as to whether the assisted living community you are potentially going to ask for help in caring for your loved one has a sufficiently sized and competently trained security team that resides onsite. Assisted living communities, such as the professional, established, and aesthetically beautiful memory care Brick NJ, implement the highest of safety and security protocols to ensure the residents are able to freely wander the house and grounds safely. 

The Size and Provisions of the Gardens

It is extremely important for your loved one’s mental and physical wellbeing that the memory care assisted living facility you select provides secure access to gardens. Ideally, any outdoor access points should be gated with electronic locks on both the entrances and exits, and the more well-tendered and cultivated the lawns and flower beds, the more indicative of how much importance is given to resident’s access to the outdoors. 

Finally, perhaps the most important thing you can possibly do when considering different living facilities options is to personally and thoroughly tour the community yourself. Never be afraid to ask questions to any of the staff members as they will be very happy and willing to assist you in any way they can. 

This is a guest blog entry!

5 Ways to Cope with Infertility

Millions of people are told that they may not be able to conceive a child naturally every year, but when you are the couple trying to conceive, it can feel like you are the only people in the world who are dealing with the issue. It is important to realize not only that you are not alone but that there is hope in your journey to becoming parents. There are several options available today, from reproductive assistance to adoption, but before you can begin to make a plan, you need to ensure you are coping with the physical and emotional strain that infertility can bring. Here are five ways to cope in the face of infertility and move forward. 

1. Be honest about your feelings

Do not try to ignore your feelings. It is common for people to feel grief and intense despair when faced with the idea that they may never be able to conceive naturally, and denying those emotions will only cause deeper and more prolonged pain. Find a way for both you and your partner to express your emotions honestly and in a healthy way. Click here for tips on communication with your partner. 

2. Understand the options available to you

One of the biggest sources of distress is likely to be confusion about your next steps and feelings of hopelessness. This is why it is so important to understand the options available to you that might help you become parents. When you have a clearer picture of possible futures, you can start to focus on the positives and consider which route could work for you. Whether you choose to consult with the best fertility doctors in St Louis, pursue adoption, or any other outcome, you can start to move forward. 

3. Find a support group and/or counselor 

You may have friends and family members offering advice or words of consolation, but unless they have been through infertility, they are unlikely to understand what you are struggling with. However, there are support groups for women, men, and couples who are facing infertility where you can meet others who share your experiences. Alternatively, an experienced and licensed counselor may be able to help you and your partner work through your emotions in a healthy way and explore your options. 

4. Practice self-care

Dealing with infertility can bring stress, anxiety, disappointment, and bogus feelings of inadequacy. Left to fester, this can have a significant impact on your mental and physical health. Take the time to focus on yourself and what helps you to relax or feel more positive. For example, taking walks in nature or writing in a journal can help people to process their thoughts, while other people find exercising, spending time with friends or family, or indulging in a favorite hobby to be a welcome distraction. 

5. Rekindle intimacy and romance with your partner

When you have been trying to conceive a baby for a long time, it can make physical intimacy seem like a practical exercise. When you combine this with the stress and continued disappointment of not being able to conceive, it can create a distance between you and your partner. Try to bring the intimacy back into your relationship that does not involve trying to conceive. This might include sex to express your love for each other, giving each other massages to relieve stress and tension, or organizing romantic dates or a trip, buying them a gift, or simply being more physically affectionate by holding hands or hugging. 

This is a guest blog entry.

Fight Pain Relief With These 10 Natural Remedies

If you're experiencing growing aches and pains throughout the day, it may be time to pick up some natural ingredients for relief without resorting to mass-produced drugs. We've rounded up some of the best natural tips for relieving pain from expert sources, including muscle massages, essential oils, and more.

Essential Oils for Pain Relief

The best essential oils for pain relief include peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, lavender, and frankincense. These are extremely helpful for relieving pain, whether you are suffering from headaches or muscle pain.

Peppermint Oil

As a generalist pain reliever, peppermint oil is highly effective. Also, we consider peppermint oil to be a strong antiseptic that may help flush bacteria out of the tissues. People used peppermint oil for centuries as a treatment for colds and flu. This may explain how it is so popular as a natural pain reliever today. Many witnessed this oil stop acute-stage pains within 30 minutes of application with little to no muscle fatigue.

CBD Oil

CBD oil is changing the way people treat pain. It is a type of natural cannabinoid found in cannabis that doesn't have any psychoactive or mood-altering effects. The oil relieves pain, anxiety, and inflammation, and it can also help improve sleep quality. You can use it for everything from headaches to arthritis and even mix it in CBD infused drinks. Its compounds can lessen the feelings of stress, too, which can be particularly useful when you're dealing with chronic pain. The way it works is simple. CBD interacts with receptors in the brain and immune system to reduce inflammation and relax muscles, connective tissue, and nerves.

Lemon Oil

Lemon oil is extremely effective for over and underdeveloped areas like the shoulders and small joints, which need extra support. Also, due to its antiseptic properties, lemon oil can help reduce inflammation and pain. We have also seen this oil help soothe tired muscles, increase circulation, restore dry skin, and even reduce lightheadedness intensity after strenuous exercise.

Eucalyptus Oil

This oil often helps to reduce inflammation after a heavy workout. You'll want to start this practice soon after a workout for the best results. We know this oil to ease joint pain and improve circulation in the arms and legs.
 

Fresh Fruit

You can use fresh fruit as a natural pain reliever, too. Berries are rich in antioxidants that heal the body (and relieve pain). Berries are particularly effective in relieving aches and pains from repetitive stress. Also, berries like blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, and tart cherries contain powerful antioxidants called polyphenols that may help with joint pain.

Epsom Salt

Laceration wounds are a very common reason for pain and discomfort in the body. Luckily, there are many natural ways to help speed the healing process, such as applying a hot bath, soaking in a warm saltwater solution, or soaking in the Epsom salt bath option with a warm bottle of Epsom salt and applying it directly to the wound. The wounds will then warm, and the healing process will proceed faster.

Carrageenan
 

If you have a sunburned rash, inhaling carrageenan, a protein found in anti-inflammatory lotions and foods, can help with recovery. Carrageenan is a component of the French laque, an ancient remedy for inflammation. Apply a few droplets over the affected area and allow the healing process to begin. 

Carrageenan is also an immune system stimulant, so it may help reduce colds, flu symptoms, or other illnesses.

Stretching

A post-workout physical is hugely important to aid recovery. Doing so naturally gives the body time to repair any small injuries, allowing the muscles and tendons to repair themselves. If you don't get up to so much physical activity, it may be hurting your recovery. Give the healing process a shot by taking a few minutes after exercise to stretch.

Massaging Away Pain

To rid pain, you can also try massaging the area with essential oils. Massaging stimulates blood flow and helps the body naturally produce endorphins. Endorphins are your body's natural painkiller. So the next time you're feeling sore, try massaging the area and seeing if the pain goes away.
 

Sleeping Schedule

Feeling pain during or just after sleeping could mean you need to rethink your sleep schedule. Spending much time in bed can ease tension and improve sleep, but there are still plenty of risks associated with sleep problems, including insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and nightmares.

This is a blog post by Nancy Evans.

10 Ways Your Clinic Can Improve Patient Care

Patient care is the number one priority of all medical clinics. Whether you are a dentist, sexual health clinic, physician’s office, or community health center, you want to ensure every single patient leaves feeling well looked after. Most clinics cover the basics, such as treating physical ailments, but it goes beyond that. If you’re looking to increase revenue and create happy (and healthy) patients, here are ten ways to improve patient care. 

1: Focus on Prevention 

Medical clinics are not just for providing treatment; they are also for guiding people in the right direction healthcare-wise. If a person is significantly overweight, for example, a nurse or doctor can provide advice on how to shift some of that weight to ensure it doesn’t lead to any problems down the road, such as heart failure or diabetes. 

To provide more people with access to preventive care, conduct Annual Wellness Visits for those with Medicare plans. That way, many of your patients don’t need a pre-existing condition or medical worry to receive healthcare advice. 

2: Train Your Staff  

The best patient care comes from experienced, well-trained doctors and nurses, so train your staff up as much as possible. Consider each of their positions and what sort of training would improve the way they treat patients. A nurse might be qualified in terms of medical knowledge, for example, but a training course on leadership could improve their skills even further. 

3: Listen to Each Concern 

When a patient comes in with multiple symptoms, it’s crucial to listen to each concern carefully. That might seem like it goes without saying, but doctors can sometimes focus too much on one symptom without fully taking the others into account. Even if a symptom seems minor, do your best to help alleviate it in any way you can. 

4: Provide Emotional Support 

Emotional support is often just as important as physical support. While your main concern is the physical health of a patient, you must also consider how they are feeling. This is especially true when a patient is going through something traumatic, such as a cancer diagnosis or a very sick child. Don’t just be there to perform medical procedures – be there emotionally, too. Sometimes, all it takes is a kind word or a hand on the shoulder. 

5: Speak in a Language They Understand 

Sometimes, simplicity is best, especially when it comes to informing your patients about their health problems and needs. While you and your staff might know the medical terminology that describes illnesses in detail, you need to speak to your patients in a language they understand. Otherwise, they run the risk of leaving your clinic without the knowledge they need. By keeping it as simple as possible, you ensure your patients know exactly what’s wrong and what they need to do, thus improving their care. 

6: Use Up to Date Equipment 

No matter how compassionate or talented your team is, patients will be disappointed if you use out-of-date equipment. Not only will the equipment not work as well as modern models, but it’ll also show your patients that you don’t care enough to invest in their care. If your practice won’t spend money on better equipment, why should patients spend money on your clinic? 

Consider how technology can make it easier for patients to receive care, too. Many patients, especially the younger generation, prefer being able to book appointments on an app, for example. Keep in mind who the majority of your patients are, though – if you work with the elderly, they might not be as accustomed to communicating via the internet. 

7: Keep an Organized Schedule 

Understandably, patients get frustrated when their appointments are pushed back, or they are seen far later than planned. After all, they may have other important obligations that day. To avoid disappointment, make organization a priority. That means scheduling the day properly by taking into account how long each patient will need and extra time for any emergencies. Once you show a patient that you stick to your word in terms of scheduling, they’re more likely to trust you. 

8: Provide a Comfortable Environment 

A clean and comfortable clinic is a must for excellent patient care. No patient wants to walk into a medical clinic to find that the chairs are uncomfortable, the walls are grimy, and that the carpet is outdated and in need of a vacuum. To make your patients feel as comfortable as possible, ensure the clinic is sparkling clean and invest in uplifting décor. Even if the medical care is largely the same, the difference of a positive environment has an enormous impact. 

9: Hire the Best 

While you should hone what you already have, when it’s time to hire new staff, take your time to ensure you only hire the best. That goes for every area of the clinic, including receptionists, nurses, and cleaners. When patients call the clinic for an inquiry or appointment, you want the voice on the other end to be professional, helpful, and polite. If a new patient walks into your clinic, you want them to be dazzled by how well the place is kept. 

A couple of things to look out for when hiring new employees include how much experience they have, how friendly they appear in interviews, and what previous employers say about their work ethic. By making it your mission to fill all positions with talented staff, patient care will improve. 

10: Keep Researching 

The medical world is constantly evolving, and you need to stay up to date if you want to provide your patients with the best care possible. That means you and your team should keep up with any healthcare developments, including new technology and medical discoveries. Read medical news, journals, and blogs to ensure you’re never behind the other clinics when it comes to the best patient care. 

By prioritizing great patient care above all else, you ensure your patients are happy and keep coming back time and time again.

This is a guest blog entry.