7 Effective Tips for Cutting Down on Drinking

You want to cut down on drinking because you know it’s not good for your health. Perhaps, you want to lose weight or realize that you drink too much and want to cut down.

When you are on medication, drinking can cause side effects when mixed with alcohol. Drinking too much can cause problems in your job, with your family and friends. Below we discuss some effective ways to cut back.

1. Drink Alcohol At Meals or With Food

You should drink alcohol at meals and with other family members or friends present. Use your drink to enjoy the food and sip it slowly while you eat. When you have a meal or attend a party, limit yourself to one or two drinks and always eat something with it.

Eating with your drink will lessen the side effects of alcohol. Prepare healthy food you really enjoy eating, so the food is more tempting than the alcoholic beverage.

2. Cut Down on The Amount Of Alcohol You Buy

When you drink wine, instead of buying a half gallon for home, buy smaller bottles, 12- or 16-ounce sizes. Buy two or three smaller bottles and measure your drinks at meals. According to the National Center For Health Promotion and Disease Control, women should drink one-5-6 ounces of glass of alcohol daily and men no more than two.

Instead of buying three six packs of beer, try buying one. Buy single cans of beer and wine to cut down on the amount. Stop buying hard liquor completely or cut down on the amount you drink. If you are still thinking about ‘how to manage moderate drinking’, then cutting back on the amount is one way to do it.

3. Drink Mocktails A Few Days A Week

Plan meals without alcohol and replace the drink with tasty alcohol-free choices. You will find many great recipes for mocktails on the Internet. They have iced tea, limeade, lemonade, fruit spritzers, and seltzer in assorted flavors without sugar or salt. If your concerned about calories, avoid drinks with milk, cream, too much sugar, and ice cream. You will be surprised that mocktails can be a refreshing change with your meals.

They sell a variety of fruit syrups and juices without much sugar that you can dilute with water or seltzer to make refreshing mocktails. They are sold in health food stores, supermarkets, and online. Try to have 2 or 3 days a week where you do not drink alcohol. Think about trying non-alcoholic beer, wine, or cider.

4. Exercise to Relieve Stress

Stress sometimes causes people to drink and finding ways to relieve stress can help you cut down on drinking. Drinking in women has increased due to stress at work and home. Find an exercise you like to do regularly; walking, biking, swimming, jogging, yoga, going to the gym and stick with it. Try to find something you enjoy, or you may not stay with it. Exercise alone or with friends, depending on what you enjoy more.

You can purchase exercise videos or follow video routines on the Internet. Join a gym or take an exercise class with others. This will increase your enjoyment and you will meet new people with a similar interest. This is another technique for how to manage moderate drinking.

5. Develop A Hobby

Some people drink to relieve boredom or to manage painful emotions like anger, guilt, and shame. A hobby can be a way to take your attention off your problems and focus on something else. A hobby will be an activity that you enjoy doing; reading, sewing, making quilts, yoga, cooking, gardening, watching sports, flower arranging, and crafts.

6. Manage Emotions With Yoga, Meditation, and Deep Breathing

To manage painful emotions, learning yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and tai chi have many exercises that can help you manage your anger and other emotions. They have videos, classes, and online information to get you started on these practices. They can help you manage emotions and cut down on drinking.

7. Seek Therapy or Help

Seek help by talking with family and friends and telling them you want to cut down. When you have serious concerns, your doctors, a therapist, or counselor may be able to help you. Talking with someone that treats addiction can help you find ways to change your behavior. When you overdrink frequently, a group like AA or Smart Recovery can help because you meet others dealing with the same problems and it provides support.

This is a guest blog entry.

The Top Tips for Medical Billing

If you are looking for a way to maximize your revenue in the medical world, you need to pay attention to your medical billing and coding practices. If you do the job, you need to make sure you get paid for it. Unfortunately, a lot of medical providers do not collect nearly as much money as they should because of issues with the billing and coding process. Even though it is not the most exciting part of medicine, it is very important. After all, if you do not collect enough money to keep the lights on, you will have a difficult time providing the right level of care to your patients. Take a look at some of the most important steps you need to follow if you want to maximize the results of your billing and coding.
 
1. Document Everything

First, you need to make sure that you document everything. In medicine, there is a saying that if you do not document it, then it does not happen. Even though you may have done everything necessary to take care of the patient, the insurance company will not believe you if you do not write it down. Even though it can take a while to document everything, you need to do so if you want to maximize your chances of getting paid. If you want to save time on your medical documentation practices, you may want to think about hiring a scribe who can help you.

2. Train Your Staff

Speaking of hiring a scribe, you need to make sure you train your staff well. There is a good chance that you are not going to be responsible for handling every single bill that you send to the insurance company. You are going to be relying on your staff to do this for you. If you want to make sure that your claims are accepted, you must make sure that you train your staff appropriately. Make sure your staff understands the most common codes that you use, and make sure they understand when to apply specific codes. This will make it easier for you to get paid on time.

3. Understand Prior Authorizations

Keep in mind that there are specific procedures that may require you to obtain a prior authorization. This means that instead of asking for approval on the back end, you will ask for approval on the front end. Before you order an MRI for a patient, the insurance company may ask you to call them to get an authorization for that procedure. Different insurance carriers have different policies, so you need to make sure you understand when you need to get a prior authorization for certain medications and procedures.

4. Know Your Carriers

Speaking of insurance carriers, you need to make sure that you get to know them. You are probably going to deal with a wide variety of insurance companies. You may have your private insurance carriers, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield. Then, you will probably have your government programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid. All of these are going to be different, and you need to make sure you understand the rules you are playing by if you want them to pay you for your services. Take a look at the details of each insurance carrier, and make sure you file claims that have a high chance of being approved.

5. Consider Outsourcing

Ultimately, all of this is a lot of work, so you may want to consider outsourcing it to a third party. Even though you will have to pay that third party to handle your billing and coding for you, it may be worth it if you get a higher percentage of your claims accepted. If you feel like you have enough business to warrant outsourcing this to another organization, you should consider the options carefully. That way, you know that you put your practice and your patients in the best position possible to be successful. There are certain situations where outsourcing your billing and coding operations might be the best option for your practice.

Get the Most out of Your Billing and Coding Practices

 
Ultimately, these are just a few of the most important points you need to keep in mind if you are looking to maximize the revenue you generate from medical billing and coding. There are a lot of medical fields where it is not viable to simply not accept insurance carriers. If you are forced to work with insurance companies, you need to make sure you maximize your chances of your claims getting accepted. Remember that this is not something that you need to go through on your own. If you would like to get more out of your medical billing and coding, reach out to a professional who can help you.
 
This is a guest blog entry.

What Is Holistic Therapy and How Can It Benefit You?

When it comes to treating certain conditions like addictions, anxiety, stress, or depression, finding the right treatment can be hard. There are a lot of options out there.

One option people might overlook is holistic therapy. This type of therapy can be effective, especially if other types of treatment aren't working well.

But what exactly is holistic therapy? In this post, we'll go over what holistic therapy is and what benefits it offers. 

What Is Holistic Therapy?

Holistic therapy is a type of treatment that focuses on the whole person, rather than just their symptoms. It considers all aspects of a person's life, including their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

Holistic therapy is meant to promote relaxation and mindfulness. Holistic therapists will often incorporate other forms of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, in their treatments. 

How Can It Benefit You?

There are many ways that holistic therapy can benefit you. Here are some of the most common benefits.

Help you to regulate your emotions

When it comes to regulating your emotions, holistic therapy can be extremely effective. It can help you to understand why you feel the way you do and how to manage your emotions better.

Connect with your spirituality

If you're looking to connect with your spirituality, holistic therapy can help. It can provide a space for you to explore your spiritual beliefs and practices. You will be encouraged to learn about yourself and your beliefs.

Improve your communication skills

Holistic therapy can help you to improve your communication skills. This is because it helps you to understand yourself and others better. You might be taught how to engage in active listening and read nonverbal communication.

Reduce stress and anxiety

One of the main benefits of holistic therapy is that it can help to reduce stress and anxiety. It can help you to learn how to manage your stress levels more effectively. Some techniques you might learn are deep breathing and meditation. You might also be encouraged to engage in aromatherapy or massages for stress relief. 

Develop a stronger sense of self-awareness

Holistic therapy can help you to develop a stronger sense of self-awareness. This is because it encourages you to look at all aspects of your life, including the good and the bad. As you learn more about yourself, you'll be able to make better decisions for your future.

Improve your stress management skills

When it comes to managing stress, holistic therapy can be a great way to learn new skills. You will learn how to identify your stress triggers and how to deal with them in a healthy way. This can help you to feel more in control of your life. 

Improve your sleep quality

Poor sleep quality can be caused by stress and anxiety. Holistic therapy can help to improve your sleep quality by teaching you how to relax and manage your stress levels better. 

Reduce your reliance on medication

If you're relying on medication to manage your condition, holistic therapy might help reduce your reliance on them. This is because it can help to improve your overall well-being, which might make you feel better and require less medication.

Get into better physical condition

Holistic therapy can also improve your physical health. You will be encouraged to examine how you treat your body and what can be done to improve your physical condition. You might be recommended to take up yoga or learn proper nutrition. 

As you can see, holistic therapy can offer a range of benefits for you. While it may not be the end-all cure to your problems, it can help you out a lot.

If you're looking for a different type of treatment, or if other treatments haven't been working well, holistic therapy might be a good option. Talk to your health care provider to see if it's the right choice for you.

Author bio:

Indranil Kar

INDRANIL is Director of Marketing at BacklinksMedia. With 5+ years of experience in public relations and marketing, he loves talking about content creation, SEO and his dog.

How Do You Know if a Dental Issue is Truly an Emergency?

Many dental issues can be temporarily treated using simple methods at home. That buys time until you can set up an appointment and have a dentist examine your teeth and gums. Unfortunately, there are some issues that cannot wait; they need immediate attention by one of the Westfield dentists near you. How do you tell the difference between something that needs treatment soon and a problem that requires immediate attention? Here are some signs you are dealing with a real dental emergency. 

Sudden Tooth Looseness or Loss

That direct blow to the mouth did more than cause your lips to swell and bruise your ego. As a result of the blow, you now have teeth that are loosened. Worse, a couple of them have popped out of the sockets. In cases like this, there’s no time to lose. 

All of those teeth need to be resettled in the gums as soon as possible. You also need advice on how to keep the teeth that popped out viable while en route to the emergency dentist. Quick action by yourself and a dental professional increases the odds that you won’t lose any of those teeth. 

Unusual Gum Swelling

Gum swelling around the base of one or more teeth is nothing to take lightly. It’s not just the discomfort; swelling of this type indicates the presence of an infection. Given the fact that infections can impact the entire body and not just the mouth is reason enough to seek help at once. 

If you want to prevent the infection from spreading and causing damage, the only smart move is to contact an emergency dentist and see the professional at once. After the dentist assesses the issue and provides a treatment, you may begin to see a difference within hours. 

Bleeding That Shows No Signs of Slowing Down

While your teeth were not loosened during the fall, there is bleeding. In fact, it isn’t slowing down at all. It appears to be getting worse. No matter what you do, nothing seems to get any better. 

This is a true dental emergency in that there’s likely more damage than you realize. A dentist can order tests that shed more light on the problem, isolate the reason for the bleeding, and take action to correct the issue. Prompt action will reduce the risk of infections or the development of several other concerns. 

Pain That Nothing Seems to Lessen

When the pain began, you figured it would be easy to deal with it at home until the dentist could see you in a few days. That turned out to not be the case. You’ve tried everything to help ease the pain. From taking over the counter pain relievers to using ice packs, then trying heat, to rubbing the gums with different substances recommended by loved ones, nothing seems to make a bit of difference. Worse, the pain is so strong that you can’t even sleep and enjoy some respite from the discomfort. 

The fact that the pain is constant and isn’t eased by anything that you do is a sign something unusual is happening. At this juncture, the only thing you can do is call for emergency dental help. Only after the origin of the pain is isolated will it be possible to setting on a course of treatment that resolves the problem and helps ease the pain at the same time. 

Whatever the issue seems to be, don’t spend too much time wondering if it’s a dental emergency or if it’s something that can wait a day or two. Call your dentist and describe what’s happening. Be detailed in what you’re experiencing and what steps you’ve taken up to this point. Always answer any questions in full. Doing so will make it easier for the dentist to make a preliminary assessment, and tell you if some type of treatment is needed right now. 

This is a guest blog entry.

How diet and nutrition Optimizes Your Eye Health

Photo Credit: Soroush Karimi via Unsplash

We all know that proper diet and nutrition play an essential role in improving your overall wellness and keeping your health at its best. But less know the full effects of what this really means. For example, proper health and nutrition can be instrumental in helping your eye health.

When you think about nutrition, you may not be thinking about how it can impact the health of your eyes, in addition to your overall wellness. Whether you see a nutritionist or Vancouver optometrist, both will likely agree that consuming a healthy diet of certain foods can help to maintain eye wellness, prevent diseases, and even improve your eyesight. Here’s how!
 

Essential Nutrients

The foods we eat contain essential nutrients for our physical health. When it comes to the eyes, nutrients that are beneficial can include:
 

• Lutein
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin E
• Zeaxanthin
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Gamma-Linolenic Acid
• Zinc

Research has shown that eating a diet high in these nutrients can help to decrease the risk of eye diseases such as cataracts, dry eye syndrome, or other age-related eye conditions. A healthy diet can also help prevent other conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, which are known to affect the eyes.
 

Nutrient-Rich Foods
 

There are many foods that can help benefit the eyes. Certain fruits and vegetables are the leading sources of these nutrients. Carrots are the most widely known source, containing high levels of Vitamin A and beta carotene, which help the eye surface and prevent infections. Other vegetables and fruits such as kale, orange peppers, spinach, berries, and kiwi all contain large quantities of these essential nutrients. Studies have also shown that adding fish such as salmon, tuna, and rainbow trout roughly twice a week can help prevent certain eye diseases.
 

Many types of seeds and nuts are also beneficial to eye health. Almonds, for example, are a nut that is high in vitamin E, which helps the eye bolster itself against instabilities, which can lead to weakened eye tissues and diseases. This is also true for other nuts and seeds like peanuts, sunflower seeds, and hazelnuts.
 

Other Tips for Great Eye Health
 

While diet plays an important role in your eye health, it is far from the only contributing factor. There are many other ways to help keep your eyes in top physical condition. Wearing sunglasses on very bright and sunny days is an easy example of protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. Wearing protective eyewear while engaging in activities such as sports, construction, landscaping, or any other event where debris can easily fly into the eye is another important way of keeping yourself safe from injury.

Maintaining other healthy lifestyle habits such as balancing a good blood sugar level and avoiding smoking are two other ways to help prevent diseases that can cause eye conditions. Smoking alone can increase the risk of cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and more.
Lastly, a great way you can ensure your eyes are in optimal condition is by seeing an eye doctor roughly every one to two years.


This is a guest blog entry.

List of HIV/AIDS Medications

A wide range of medications are used to treat the various symptoms of HIV/AIDS and help get this disease under control. It should be noted, however, that none of these medications or treatments are a cure for the medical condition.

There are dozens of FDA approved medications for treating HIV/AIDS that fall under the antiviral classification, and there are other types as well. Let’s break down what some of these are and how they may be able to help you. Keep in mind that people react differently to these medications, so what works well for one person might be dangerous for someone else because of its side effects.

Most doctors will prescribe a combination of several antiviral drugs (labelled a cocktail) for best results. Be sure to adhere to your doctor’s dosing and prescription direction precisely. Any deviation with HIV medications can be very risky.

NNRTIs

These are known by the longer name Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors as well as the shorter non-nukes and include drugs like Efavirenz, Doravirine Rilpivirine, Etravirine, and Cabotegravir, to name a few. These are protein binders that prevent viral replication, making it impossible for HIV to spread through copying itself.

NRTIs

The longer version of their name is Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors, and these include drugs like Emtriva, Ziagen, Zerit, Epivir, and Videx, as well as others. These medications stop HIV virus replication as well, utilizing erroneous building blocks to prevent HIV spread and hinder new copies of HIV cells from being formed.

Integrase Inhibitors

There are a number of inhibitors used to treat HIV/AIDS. Most of these are toxic to some degree and become more toxic with use. That means that they can usually on be used to treat the disease for a short while before other treatment methods need to be implemented.

Integrase Inhibitors are known sometimes as INSTIs, which stands for integrase strand transfer inhibitors. They prevent HIV from using proteins to prevent HIV from working its way inside normal cells in the body. INSTIs include Dolutegravir, Cabotegravir, Bictegravir, Raltegravir, and others.

CCR5 Antagonist

The HIV virus will try to work its way into the body’s healthy cells, establishing an attachment that helps it to hold on tight. This makes it hard for the immune system to force the virus out of the body like it normally would, and CCRF drugs like Selzentry will keep HIV from getting inside the cells at all. It protects healthy cells and uses a type of barrier action to block integration. HIV won’t be able to get its hooks in through the defense this drug puts up.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis

Also known as PrEP, this drug is useful for protecting the body against HIV before a person comes into contact with the virus. They have to be taken daily without fail to be most effective. However, they are not a guaranteed method of preventing HIV infection, but they are quite effective.

Anyone who is taking PrEP drugs at the advice of their doctor will likely be told that they need to take additional precautions against HIV, like practicing safe sex or abstaining from sex entirely. They may also want to be careful about who they choose for sexual partners, getting tested before intercourse for extra safety.

Drugs that fall into this category include Descovy and Truvada, among others.

Combinations

While doctors will often prescribe combinations of several of the drugs already mentioned here, some medications combine two or more antiviral treatments in one. These are incredibly effective and give HIV sufferers a way to use just one medication to treat the disease. This simplifies medication and effectively fights the virus on multiple fronts.

Take Precautions to Protect Yourself

To minimize the risk of contracting HIV, you should not share needles or other medical apparatus that could transfer blood or other bodily fluids. Homosexual men are at high risk for contracting the virus, especially when compared to straight men and women. AIDS is most often transmitted sexually, but it can be contracted through any means that puts bodily fluids from one person into the bloodstream of another person.

If you think you might have contracted HIV/AIDS, you should get tested, though the virus may not be testable for up to 18 days after exposure.

This is a guest blog entry.

Outpatient Program Facts You Need to Know

For those who are wondering what exactly is an outpatient program, it is a treatment system that allows patients to stay at their homes during the whole treatment procedure without the need of moving to a facility. Outpatient programs provide the opportunity to treat addiction issues while staying in their familiar settings. The goal here is that a person recovers much faster in his familiar surroundings. The outpatient programs may be in group form or single periodic appointments. 

Outpatient treatment can be undertaken in many cases but recently substance addiction is being treated most by this. Teen outpatient treatment programs have enabled the youth to be cared for with convenience. This can save them from all the stigma and hassle associated with substance abuse. Below are listed some facts regarding outpatient programs which will help you understand the true dynamics involved.

• It is sometimes thought that the outpatient programs are for substance abuse only. This is very far from the truth. In addition to substance abuse, outpatient programs are equally helpful in treating people with mental disorders like anxiety, and depression. Various PTSDs (Post Traumatic Stress Disorders) are being treated using an outpatient approach.

• Outpatient treatments mostly deal with people who are not completely lost to any disorder. They are still in their senses and just need additional support to lead them back to normality. For more severe cases, inpatient programs are more viable options.

• Outpatient programs serve as viable alternatives for people for whom inpatient treatments are not suitable. People who are not dependent on the substance completely can benefit from these programs. Patients with critical work obligations can also benefit from these programs.

• For people who prefer anonymity for a variety of reasons, outpatient treatments are bliss. There is no need to portray your illness when it can be rectified quietly. Celebrities and well-known professionals often resort to outpatient methods owing to the freedom it allows. Outpatient treatments are one way of dodging every looking paparazzi's eyes.

• Patients who have undergone complete inpatient programs and are on the way to normality can benefit from these programs. In most cases, such patients only need a little treatment touchup which is best provided through outpatient programs. One reason is that prolonged inpatient programs are at the risk of doing more harm than good for the progress can reverse in unfamiliar often uncomfortable environments of the correctional facilities.

• Even after complete rehabilitation, addicts have chances of relapse. It is often seen that patients relapse after some time of sobriety. For such cases, outpatient remains the best available option.

• Statistics have shown that most people choose outpatient programs for the sake of cost-saving. These programs are often cheap as they don’t include heavy charges for hospital stays. Moreover, outpatient programs require only periodic appointments which can further save some bucks. 

• Outpatient programs lack certain benefits provided by inpatient treatment options. Amenities like nutrition, specialized exercise assistance, medication management, motivational lectures, yoga and many other things can not be provided at patient’s home.

This is a guest blog entry.

Methods for Combatting Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are two of the biggest problems which plague a lion's share of our population. Today we are going to take a look at some ways of alleviating stress:

• If you have been feeling very stressed lately, then getting some physical exercise can help you relax. A sedentary lifestyle has been linked with sleep disturbances, poor mood, and high stress. These activities can improve your mood drastically alongside common mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
• The food you eat has a big role to play in determining your mental health. Various studies have shown that people consuming ultra-processed food with high sugar content experience higher stress levels. We develop a tendency of overeating highly palatable foods when we are chronically stressed and this inflicts a negative impact on our health and mood. There is also a high chance of succumbing to nutrient deficiencies of Vitamin B and magnesium which are essential for regulating our mood and stress levels. Thus, it is advisable to stick to whole foods like fruits, vegetables, fish, beans, nuts, and seeds to ensure proper nourishment of your body. 
• Smartphones and tablets have evolved into an integral part of our lives. But using them too often can increase your stress level. Higher screen time is associated with increased stress levels and lower psychological well-being. Blue light emitted from the screen tends to hamper our normal sleep routine causing increased stress levels. 
• Caffeine found in tea, coffee, chocolate, and energy drinks stimulates our central nervous system. Excess consumption of caffeine can increase feelings of anxiety by causing insomnia. If you have been feeling anxious or jittery lately following caffeine intake, then it's high time to swap your morning coffee routine with water or decaffeinated herbal tea. 
• Love and care of friends and family can help us cope with the most stressful times. A study linked higher levels of perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and loneliness with not having enough support from near and dear ones. A social support system can significantly impact your overall mental health. You can join different clubs or volunteer for a social cause to feel more contented at the end of the day.
• Understanding your priorities and avoiding procrastinating can be an effective way of keeping stress under control. Our productivity gets hampered by procrastination leading to a high level of stress and disturbed sleep. If you have a habit of procrastinating regularly, then you can come up with a to-do list according to priorities. Setting realistic deadlines and working your way down the list can ward off stress. 
• Yoga has evolved into a popular means of exercise which increases our body and breath awareness. Practicing yoga regularly lowers the secretion of cortisol or stress hormone while increasing the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid which helps tackle mood disorders. 
• The human touch can be your ally in coping with stress. Various studies have linked positive physical contact with reduced levels of stress and loneliness. Cuddling with your loved one lowers the level of cortisol and increases the release of the oxytocin hormone. This also assists in lowering heart rate and high blood pressure which are infamous for causing physical stress symptoms. 
• Spending time in the lap of mother nature can serve as an excellent means of releasing stress. You can keep anxiety at bay by spending more time in green spaces like forests and parks. While hiking and camping are excellent options for adrenaline junkies, you can also take a tour of local parks, botanical gardens, and arboretums. 
• Modern millennials are increasingly opting for cannabis to benefit from its medicinal properties of stress relief by interacting with our endocannabinoid system.

Conclusion

Stress can arise from an array of factors ranging from health concerns to family obligations and even relationship problems. However, you can gain an upper hand over stress by following the tips listed above. 

This is a guest blog entry.

How to Look Great in Medical Attire

Medical attire is an essential part of a doctor's job, especially when dealing with patients who have been through trauma to their bodies due to accidents or diseases and need immediate attention from the best doctors. The clothes you wear while working are as important as your skills; they make you look professional and give your personality a touch of professionalism. Most people tend to overlook the importance of wearing such outfits because they think they can get away with any outfit and still do well by looking good for work. Here are tips for looking great in medical attire.

1. Choose the Scrub Matching Your Body Type
One thing that will help you blend into the environment even better than your looks is the scrubs that you choose! If you have any unique features such as scars, marks, or tattoos on your body, these should be hidden during your daily routine. This will allow your appearance to become more natural and less noticeable without affecting how others perceive you. It is highly recommended that you not match your scrub color with the skin tone. For instance, if your skin color is darkish brown, then your scrubs should appear darker so that it does not clash with your skin's hue. However, if your skin tone is lighter, it should match your scrubs' lightness.

2. Select Right Size Scrubs
When it comes to selecting a size for the right fit, there are different methods that you can use. One very common method is determining your body type and then purchasing scrubs based on that. Another option would be to try various sizes and see what fits you the best. You could use medical clothing stores where you can find a wide variety of scrubs that suit your needs depending on the occasion. This makes it easier to acquire high-quality products at reasonable prices.

3. Wear Complimentary Colors
To take the focus off your clothing, you might consider wearing complementary colors. These include bright clothes that stand out against the dulled ones. Also, the brighter, the better, as it allows the brighter items such as watches, jewelry, and other accessories to draw more attention.

4. Match Your Pants and Tops
It may seem obvious that the combination of pants and tops should be matched up before making any purchases, but it is a mistake many people make. When it comes to choosing scrubs, this holds true, especially when you pair them with casual clothes. If you plan to go to a party or social event after work, go for dark pants and a white top. That being said, you could always opt for a classic black suit accompanied by a white shirt. Although you could wear whatever suits your preferences, doing so requires you to invest time and effort in getting dressed properly every day.

5. Don't Mix Prints
You must avoid mixing patterns on your clothes. While you could easily sport a colorful dress or blouse paired with navy blue pants, mixing prints could ruin everything. If you're going for a formal meeting, stick to solid colors instead. Nurse scrubs come in various styles and designs. Some feature stripes, while others have floral patterns and more. They also come in neutral shades like khaki, beige, or gray. Remember to buy matching pairs no matter how you intend to style your scrubs.            

This is a guest blog entry.

How Psychoactive Is Delta-8 Thc In Comparison To Delta-9?

There can be a lot of confusion these days in the brave new cannabis world. All the names of different weed strains. You’ve barely even learned indica and sativa! Then there’s the initials: THC, CBD, CBG, etc.
 

Plus Isolates and Terpenes. Now there’s Delta-8 flower and Delta-9 flower! What’s the difference? Bet you’d like to know!
 

Because of the resistance to full cannabis legalization and the decades of propaganda demonizing the cannabis plant, there is still a lot of misinformation.
 

This article aims to help clear up some of the confusion, at least about Delta-8 and Delta-9. Hope you like science!
 

Going On A Diet
 

A lot to unpack here. First, understand that the cannabis plant consists of different compounds - scientists estimate over one hundred - which are made to interact with the human body’s built-in endocannabinoid system through receptors named - appropriately or coincidentally - CB1 and CB2.
 

Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC - or tetrahydrocannabinol - are two of those compounds. The reason they have these two numerical distinctions relates to their carbon atoms. Delta-8’s carbon atom bonds to the eighth chain of command while Delta-9 bonds to the ninth chain of command.
 

Delta-9 THC is the one we all have heard of, the compound that produces the stereotypical ‘high’ effect. Delta-8 produces many of the same psychoactive effects without the intense side effects of 

Delta-9.
 

Thus, Delta-8 is often referred to as ‘Diet’ or ‘Light’. It is a good starting point for a newcomer to cannabis, recreationally or medicinally. The differences are key and subtle. Here’s a closer look for you to compare and contrast.
 

A Short History
 

Scientists first identified Delta-9 THC in 1964, though people had plenty of on the ground experience with its effects prior to the scientific discovery.
 

Delta-8, on the other hand, is fairly recent. That’s because the big difference is that Delta-9 occurs naturally in much bigger quantities in the cannabis plant than Delta-8.
 

Cannabis producers accidentally stumbled on Delta-8 flower in the last decade and have refined an extraction process in which they can isolate and produce more Delta-8 compounds from leftover CBD and hemp flower.
 

So a key difference is that most Delta-9 is natural, while most Delta-8 flower has been created in a lab, chemically.
 

What Your Delta Can Do For You
 

Delta-8 can help with anxiety, pain and inflammation, nausea and appetite. It has also been shown in studies to increase the lifespan of rats and inhibit tumor growth. It also has antiemetic properties that help cancer patients cope with treatment.
 

What is an antiemetic? An antiemetic is any drug designed to help with disorders that cause nausea and vomiting, from motion sickness to chemotherapy.

Delta-8 has also been shown to increase appetite and cognitive function. Both Delta-8 and Delta-9 have shown potential in preventing seizures and helping with eating disorders like anorexia.

Down To The Nitty Gritty
 

Now that you know some basic background information on the science, history, production and health benefits of the Delta family, let’s get down to the nitty gritty. You’re here to find out how psychoactive 

Delta-8 flower is compared to Delta-9 flower. So how safe is it?
 

The general consensus is that Delta-8 is about fifty percent, or half, as strong as Delta-9. They both produce psychoactive effects, but the effects of Delta-8 are much milder than Delta-9.
 

What is the intensity of the effects or in other words, the potency? Delta-8 produces a high similar to that of Delta-9, but smoother and calmer. It takes longer to set in also.
 

The prolonged time to take effect helps mitigate some of the possible anxiety, paranoia or delusions a first time Delta-9 user might experience.
 

One way to say it is that Delta-8 ‘takes the edge off’ instead of ‘getting you zonked’ and impairing your motor skills and decision-making abilities. Rather, what follows consumption of Delta-8 is a clear head, contentment, relaxed feelings and a more positive outlook.
 

Is Delta-8 Legal?
 

That’s about as unclear as a Delta-9 induced fog. Yes, for now. Thanks to a loophole. Delta-8 is extracted from CBD, which comes from hemp, which is federally legal up to a regulated amount, according to the Farm Bill of 2018. This could change soon.
 

The FDA has warned against Delta-8 flower. The problem is that the process by which it is extracted is not highly regulated - no pun intended - and so you have to be careful of quality and ingredients. Make sure to carefully vet the companies from which you buy CBD hemp flower containing Delta-8.
 

Be advised that Delta-8 will most likely turn up on a drug test.
 

Don’t Discount The Dosage!
 

Dosage is also an important thing to consider. Especially for newbies. As noted in the early part of this article, Delta-8 is often called ‘Delta Light’ or ‘Diet Delta’ and is about half as strong as Delta-9.
 

If you want to experience the effects of Delta-9 using Delta-8, you will have to therefore double your dosage. Some companies even recommend three times as much. For example, 15mg of Delta 9 being equal to about 50mg of Delta-8.
 

It is always recommended to slowly raise your dosage until your body tells you what it is comfortable with. One risk of Delta-8 is that you can build up a tolerance quickly. However, it is recommended for people with weaker immune systems as an alternative to Delta-9.
 

A Word From The People
 

Before this article wraps up, a few words from on the ground users. Sadly, a lot of research has to be done this way since science has fallen way behind the application.
 

Users of Delta-8 say that they experience less of the common, stereotypical effects like manic munchies or uncontrollable giggling. Rather, they experience a general sense of well-being. They describe the Delta-8 effects as allowing them to remain functional without feeling psychedelic. 

All in all, as with Delta-9, Delta-8 flower can have many benefits if used responsibly. You are encouraged to conduct further research. Good Luck, and may the Delta be with you.
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This is a guest blog entry.

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What is the cost of Caribbean Medical Schools?

The major helpful factor financially for Caribbean medical schools is that their cost is often split or divided between semesters, and not all at once. Students are required to  consider the different other charges such as insurance fees, administrative costs, as well as other costs. According to the American Association of Medical Colleges, the US is facing a shortage of qualified doctors and this shortage is likely to shoot up to 139,000 by the year 2033. Meanwhile, the coronavirus pandemic has only magnified the tremendous need for doctors all over the world, especially as the population ages.
 

And despite this growing demand, several qualified candidates struggle to seek admission into med school. And promising students with a little lower GPA in the sciences or the MCAT, or those who were less medically-prepared in their schools than their peers, almost always face rejections from these schools. But there’s good news finally, as Caribbean medical schools are an excellent alternative for them. Not only do they provide a premium quality education, they have recurring admissions throughout the year, and even the Caribbean medical school tuition is more affordable than medical schools in the US or Canada.

But, before making any commitment to any foreign school or a Caribbean medical school, it is imperative to be calm and choose wisely, as acceptance alone does not ensure success in the end. While it may be a simpler alternative to gain admission for studying medicine, there could be unexpected hurdles on your way. Let’s find out how to safely fund your studies. 

How Do You Fund Your Medical Studies

Most US living students get enough financial help like student loans, funds and scholarships etc. But candidates outside of the US do not qualify for most of them and are required to directly pay the university. 

Private Loans

Most students enrolled in a Caribbean medical school take out private loans to fund their education and cover the tuition fee. But they also need to pay huge interest as well as go through several credit checks, which can be a tiresome process. 

For International students, there are several loan opportunities that almost every country has for their students to go abroad and study. Make a list of banks you’d like to approach about education loans and they will clear all your doubts. Go with the package that’s not just pocket-friendly but meets all your needs. There is no need to go overboard. You just have to fund your education.
Scholarships
 
Several scholarship opportunities are available for students studying in Caribbean medical schools, and hence, it is definitely a walk worth taking. Make a list of all your schools of choice, write down their scholarship opportunities and contact their help desk or student’s career assistance desk to learn about these scholarships. Some schools have so many scholarships available that many of them are automatically awarded to qualified students once they seek admission. They  do not even need them to be applied for. The options to fund your education are many.

The key is to remain calm and composed and categorically document all the choices you have for funding your education, and picking one most prudently. You can enroll today.

This is a guest blog entry.

Skills You Should Look for In Construction Employees

If you are thinking of starting your own construction company, then you will need to hire people to join your team. There are very few construction projects that you can handle on your own. However, it is not as simple as hiring a few able-bodied people who can lift things and hammer down some nails. There are very specific things you should be looking for when you are hiring for your company. 

The work a construction company worker does might seem simple to those on the outside looking in, but it is far from it. Construction workers can’t be pulled off the street. They have to be ready to work and able to handle many different varied situations. They need a wide range of knowledge as well, and they are counted on to make sure that things are built securely and up to code. When you are hiring, you need to make sure to surround yourself with the best people possible, since your work could suffer, and they could reflect badly on you. Here are some of the top skills you should look for in construction employees.

Physical Fitness and Durability
If there is one thing that is true about construction work, it’s that it is a physically demanding job. You need strong people who can last long days doing repetitive work. While advancements in tools and techniques mean that workers don't have to be as physically strong as they used to, they still require some strength.

Your workers may also find themselves contorting into tight spaces or having to be on their hands and knees to get at things they are working on. If they are not in proper physical shape, then they won't be able to do the job correctly. Stamina and adaptability are also important. With a construction job, you can guarantee that they will be working their full 8-hour days, if not more. Some days could be extremely hot or cold, or it could be raining or snowing. You need employees that will accept the conditions and power through no matter what.

Technical Knowledge
Along with being able to physically do the work, you need people who know how to do the work. There is nothing that will ruin a company’s reputation faster than shoddy work or technical mistakes. Your employees need to be experts at the tasks you have hired them for, even if it’s just for labor jobs such as discarding materials and helping load and unload tools.

They should also have general knowledge of building and everything that goes into a project. Even if you hire a carpenter they should know about plumbing, electrical, HVAC, ironworks, roofing, and everything else that goes into constructing a building. They do not have to be experts, but they do need to understand how their work fits within the grand scheme of the project.

Safety Consciousness
Safety should be the number one priority for your company. Everything you do should be undertaken with the utmost care for the safety and security of your employees, the client, and the general public. Even if you have robust tailored insurance plans for handyman workers, you still do not want anyone to get hurt or property to be damaged.

You can create a culture of safety within your company, but some people are naturally good at taking care of themselves, their co-workers, and their job sites. You do not want people who will cut corners to get a job done faster. You want people who will pay attention to detail not just in their workmanship but also in their safety process. Never take safety for granted on your job sites.

Team Player
Construction work is very collaborative. Sure, you have someone who oversees a project, but you need everyone to do their part of the puzzle to make everything fit. Not only that, but you need them to do it on time and within budget. Your employees should all be team players who are willing to work with others to get jobs done. During the day there are always issues that pop up that require discussion and decision-making, and there is no room for ego or bossiness. It should be all about what is best for the client. Also, remember that there may be other workers on-site who are also involved in the project. You want to be able to work with them again, so your staff needs to be able to cooperate to get things done.

Math and Literacy Skills
Construction is not just manual labor. There is a lot that goes into planning and executing a project. A construction worker needs to be comfortable with geometry and algebra. This is because they will do calculations for determining how much material is needed and what relative costs will be. Some workers will need to measure for cutting, placing studs, or any number of tasks. Poor measurements will lead to huge problems once they are discovered. In some cases, entire sections of a project may need to be scrapped and started over.

A construction worker needs reading literacy skills to aid in the goal of being a better communicator. They will take notes throughout a project, fill out paperwork, and make sure that permits and other documents are complete before starting work.

Customer Service
When they are out on a job, your employees are representatives of your company. They are not only there to do great work, but to make sure that your customers are satisfied. Customer service is incredibly important in any industry, and construction is no different. They need to be able to patiently answer questions and address concerns without getting angry or standoffish. Good customer service in construction is about making the client feel like they are part of the process and also communicating with them regularly about what is going on. If you have employees who are rude or are not great communicators, then you will need others with them to offset that.

The great thing about construction is that there will always be work to do. As a business owner, you can grow and take on as many clients and projects as you like as long as you have a great team behind you. If you look for these skills, then you will be set up for success.

This is a blog post by Tiffany Carlin.

Everything You Need to Know About Becoming an Anesthesiologist

Anesthesiology is a profession within the medical field and is currently one of the most in-demand careers. However, becoming an anesthesiologist is no small feat. It takes years of diligence, education and intense training to become licensed and start your career. To get started, here’s everything you need to know about how to become an anesthesiologist.

What is an Anesthesiologist?

An anesthesiologist is a person who administers a safe dosage of anesthetics to patients in surgery. Their job is to also educate patients of the type of anesthesia they will receive and to monitor their vitals during the operation. They primarily work in hospitals and surgical centers, but may also choose to operate in clinics and private offices. Anesthesiologists can also work in a medical institution or academic settings to instruct aspiring students.

How Much Does It Cost to Become an Anesthesiologist?

The education of an anesthesiologist is one of the most expensive investments you’ll ever make. You can expect to pay an average total of $330,000 for this career. The overall cost is determined by your college and the medical school you chose. 

Bear in mind, college and medical school are not the same thing. Private lenders are a medical student’s best friend thanks to their lower than average interest rates. Traditional lenders can offer seven to as much 10 percent on your loans. 7% of $330,000 equates to an additional $23,310. So, if you're trying to find a more flexible option, then borrowing private loans for medical school may be the right choice.

Educational Requirements

It can take up to 12 years to become an anesthesiologist. You’ll begin your journey into the world of medicine and anesthetics by first completing a bachelor’s degree. It’s best to major in a field, like biology or chemistry to prepare for the rigors of med school. Because competition is so high for medical schools, you will need to pass with a high GPA. 

Before you graduate, however, you have to pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This mandatory exam determines a student's eligibility for cal school. You’ll need to develop good study habits to prepare for this rigorous exam. The average passing score you want to aim for is at least 512. The maximum score you can achieve is 528, which is what you want to strive for. After you complete your four years of medical school, you must complete a four-year residency. Then, you must pass the board exam, complete a fellowship, and earn your medical license.

Earning Potential and Career Opportunity

Anesthesiologists can earn as much as doctors and surgeons with an average salary of $261,730 per year. This is a lot of money and you’ll need to know how to manage your finances smartly so you can avoid being one of those people who makes a lot, but does not have a lot. There are available positions all over the country, so you can expect plenty of job opportunities no matter where you decide to settle down. 

Additionally, many anesthesiologists pursue a specialization. Options for this career path include cardiothoracic anesthesia, critical care, hospice or palliative care, pediatric anesthesia and regional anesthesia. As you work through your residency, you may discover a passion for an area of medicine that you decide to pursue further. While specializations do lengthen your training, they can also set you up for even greater earning potential later.

This is a guest blog entry.