3 Reasons to Regularly Visit a Holistic Wellness Center

With regards to your well-being, you need to do whatever you can to improve it and keep it that way for a long time. Being proactive is basic in accomplishing ideal well-being and health. Neglecting to have good habits and checking in with health or holistic professional institutions could put you in danger for both minor and real health challenges that could have been stayed away from. By going to a holistic wellness center, you will have amazing results on your health and mental state in the long term. Here are 3 reasons why you should visit Holistic Wellness Centers on a regular basis.

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1. Regulars visits to Holistic Wellness Centers improve your general health.

By visiting Holistic Wellness Centers, you improve your present well-being, and can likewise distinguish any potential issues in the future, before they turned out to be more serious not far off. In the event that your blood pressure is winding up strangely high, for example, your wellness professionals can separate the absolute best approaches to bring it down, for example, exercising and eating less sugary types of foods. This will help keep your well-being in good shape and may even counteract future issues, for example, strokes and heart-attacks.

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2. Fixing health issues internally, doesn’t fix symptoms.

One of the advantages of going to holistic centers regularly is its commitment to finding the wellspring of an issue by surveying a patient's physical condition, as well as his or her psychological and enthusiastic state. This is different from automatically prescribing a medication that doesn’t really settle the issue and continues to result in regular symptoms.  In case you start to experience headaches, for instance, you may basically depend on over-the-counter medications as a cure. Be that as it may, when you visit a holistic wellness center, you may find out that your headaches are really being caused by a back issue you need to manage. So as opposed to taking meds, you get chiropractic care and needle therapy to enable yourself to get back on your feet again.

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3. Holistic Wellness Centers offer so much more. 

On top of everything, these centers have so many other things to offer. So, you’ll find something else that is beneficial. If you have any issues with your skin, for example, there will be an aesthetician there to help you with that. Confidence is a huge part of good well-being. If you have any issues regarding your body or your looks, holistic centers can take care of that as well.

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Looking for a Hope Therapy and Wellness Center? Look no more and click on the link!

Holistic Wellness Centers are something you should visit regularly. Just remember, when you say that you don’t have the time, you work a lot and you deserve it. Everybody should have some time to pamper themselves, inside and out. So, take the time to care of yourself before anyone or anything else. 

This is a guest blog entry.

Microdosing Using Cannabis for Sleep

Microdosing with cannabis is becoming an increasingly popular way for people to finally get the sleep that they’re craving!

Across North America, more and more people are turning to cannabis to solve a myriad of health concerns. As the legalization of cannabis for both medicinal and recreational use increases across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, more and more health professionals are looking at cannabis as a safer alternative to pharmaceutical sleeping tablets and pain medication.

Microdosing takes what you think about using cannabis and reverses it. Instead of utilizing large amounts of cannabis high in THC and CBD, microdosing involves using the least amount of cannabis possible. It may seem odd at first, but microdosing is rapidly gaining popularity among medical marijuana users.

Microdosing with Cannabis To Help Improve Sleep

Most strains of marijuana contain both CBD and THC cannabinoids. They are the two most predominant cannabinoids found in cannabis. THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, while CBD is more therapeutic.If you suffer from sleep problems, then you’re going to want to try and focus on using strains which are high in THC and low in CBD.

Indica strains of cannabis are the preferred strain for people looking to sleep more as Sativa strains often come with a boost in energy levels not ideal for sleep. While cannabis has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal substance, being classified as a narcotic in the early 20th century has slowed down a lot of research into cannabis. Researchers around the world are scrambling to discover more about cannabis and unlock all its secrets.

ScienceDirect.com published a study in 2006 called “Cannabidiol, a constituent of Cannabis Sativa modulates sleep in rats” which studied the effects of both CBD and THC and their correlation to sleep. Cannabis science is a very fluid area of science at the moment, with hundreds of studies currently underway into the effects of cannabis and cannabinoids on the human body.

One of the most interesting discoveries is that strains of cannabis which are high in cannabinol (CBN) can produce better sleep results. CBN is found in higher amounts of cannabis which is older or aged. According to Steep Hill labs and other groups, CBN has five times the level of sedation compared to either THC or CBD. Unfortunately, cannabis dispensaries often have very high turnovers of their products. This means that cannabis isn’t sitting around on their shelves aging which results in lower levels of CBN.

Cannabis and Microdosing

Microdosing with cannabis is a growing trend which involves using as little cannabis as possible to get the medicinal benefit you’re looking for. It isn’t the easiest method to get used to, but so far, the results look promising. Many people utilize cannabis-infused edibles for microdosing with cannabis as it can be easier to measure dosages. It’s important that you start off with very small dosages and then increase again until you begin to feel the cannabis effects. The goal of cannabis microdosing is to achieve the desired results without using excessive amounts of cannabis which can sometimes be counter-productive.

This is a guest blog entry.

Common Concerns for Elderly People Staying at Home

If being able to stay at home is important to you as you grow older, then there will no doubt be quite a few concerns that you have about safety, getting around, and other daily life activities. However, as long as you plan in advance, there is no reason why you should not be able to grow old at home. Here, we are taking you through some of our resolutions to common concerns many people have about growing old at home.

Getting Around
One of the main concerns that many people have about whether the home they are currently in will be suitable for them in their old age is simply getting around it. If you are already having trouble walking, you can always invest in either a walker or an electric chair or scooter. There are also services out there that will help you get around outside of your home town, for example, if you need someone to go with you to the doctor or to go shopping with you. You may also want to look into what public transportation is near your home if you no longer drive a car or won’t be able to in the future.

Activities and Social Life
For many older people, they can quickly become lonely at home, especially when living alone. It is a good idea to check out any local community centres to see what range of activities they have to offer as this is a great way to meet new people and hopefully develop some new friendships too. If it is too hard for you to leave your home, then you can always look into volunteer organizations who are able to stop by or call a few times a week to keep you company or discuss any problems that you may be facing.

Safety
When living at home as an elderly person, one of the biggest concerns that many people have is the safety aspect. Not every neighbourhood will be the best and so some elderly people may be scared of crime, physical abuse or even losing money because of a scam. Another common concern for those who live alone is becoming sick and not having anyone around to help. An emergency alert system can help with this and all you need to do is push a special button that you wear and an emergency medical personnel will be called.

Housing
When it comes to your actual home, there are a few changes that you can make which will make things easier and safer to live in. This can include putting a ramp at the front door and installing a stairlift if you struggle to get up the stairs, fitting non-skid flooring, and adding more comfortable door handles to turn. The bathroom is always the biggest challenge to adapt and make suitable for an elderly person and you will need to change things such as adding grab bars in your bath or shower. To make life easier for you, there’s a recent article by Mobility Plus that details the many different options available to you with your bathroom.

Daytime Help
If you live with someone else but they are not always around to take care of you, for example if they are out working, then you may need some help from others. There are services that will send someone to your home during the day to help you with any daily tasks that you may need to do.

This is a guest blog entry.

The Tell-Tale Signs You Are an Addict

Alcoholism and drug abuse results in the accumulation of toxins in your body and can have devastating effects. If you are currently suffering from drug addiction, you need to take the necessary steps to get the best drug detox assistance. That might involve checking into an alcohol rehab facility.

But how do you know that you are a drug or alcohol addict? It's important to understand the signs that show you are an addict so you can seek assistance. Even if you neither use alcohol or drugs, knowing the signs of addiction might assist you to help your family member or your friends and any other person you care about.

The main signs of drug addiction

1.    Craving

A person addicted to drugs experiences an intense urge for using drugs. Such cravings may be an indicator that you have a substance abuse disorder. Substance abuse disorder is a disease that affects a person's brain making it more difficult to control the use of a drug. It matters not whether the drug in question is legal or illegal. Since drugs are addictive, whenever you stop using them, you start experiencing an intense urge to use the drug. Such cravings are an indicator of withdrawal symptoms, and so you need to seek help.

2.    Physical Dependence

Physical dependence on drugs is caused by the chronic use of drugs to which the withdrawal results in an intense, unpleasant feeling. Physical dependence might as well be as a result of the low-dose therapeutic use of some known medication drugs such as benzodiazepines, opioids, antiepileptics, and also antidepressants. Misuse of recreational drugs such as alcohol can also result in physical dependence.

3.    Tolerance

Repeated use of drugs such as Heroine may cause a person to develop a tolerance for the drug. Tolerance is a pharmacological concept that describes reduced reaction to a drug over time. The drug user in most cases increases the dose to feel the drugs effect. Though the development of tolerance is not an addiction, most drugs that cause tolerance also have addictive potential.

4.    Withdrawal symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms occur when a person abruptly stops using a drug. Such abrupt withdrawal may cause altered mental state as well as sympathetic overdrive which might as well result in cardiovascular collapse. Hence, it is advisable to consult a medical doctor to get professional assistance during your withdrawal period. Many addicts who withdraw from drugs without following a healthy detox program have a high chance of relapse. Also since detox is the first step in the treatment of drug addiction, its proper management may create a strong foundation and a smooth progression to the subsequent step.

5.    Poor Judgment

Drug addiction is associated with risky behavior since a drug addict can indulge in any activity to get drugs. Thus, they may lie, steal, or even engage in unsafe sex. Drug addicts may also drain their bank accounts, while others neglect their responsibilities. Other traits of drug addicts which should raise red flags include associating with fellow drug addicts, as well as withdrawing and isolating themselves to hide their drug use.

In conclusion, we'd say that though the above list is not conclusive, it provides the primary signs that can reveal the possibility of a person being a drug addict.

This is a guest blog entry.

Three Herbs and Spices That Have Powerful Healing Properties

A good number of herbs and spices have been associated with medicinal properties and health benefits throughout history. It can be recalled that a whole lot of them had attained popularity because of their medicinal properties way before the current age and time.

These assertions on the medicinal properties of some of these herbs have also been given credence by researches conducted in modern science.

Find below 3 very healthy herbs and spices that come with significant and remarkable health benefits based on modern research.

1. Cinnamon

Cinnamon has been established as one of the lot that lowers blood sugar levels whilst having a very remarkable anti-diabetic effect. It is a very popular spice which is usually found in a variety of baked goods and recipes.

The spice contains a compound known as cinnamaldehyde and it is responsible for the spice's medicinal properties. It can also act as an antioxidant and helps fight against inflammation. It is also known to reduce triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood.

Its effects on blood sugar levels are remarkable and are the most pronounced. It lowers blood sugar levels, and one of the ways it does this is by breaking down the carbohydrates in the digestive tract and boosting the sensitivity of insulin.

Studies have also shown that it can reduce fasting blood sugars by a significant 10% to 29% in a diabetic patient. It can be administered effectively in a dosage of 0.5 to 2 teaspoons per day.

2. Sage

This name is derived from the Latin world Salvere and it means 'to save'.  It was used for many healing processes in the middle ages and is also believed to have played a part in preventing the plague.

Recent studies have shown that sage may improve brain function and memory, with regards to patients suffering from the Alzheimer's disease.

The disease is caused by a drop in the level of acetylcholine and sage is known to inhibit the breakdown of this chemical messenger found in the brain.

Further research has also shown that the herb can be used to improve memory functions in both young and old folks. I bet sage will be a very good consumable that may provide players with winning instincts whilst playing at an online casino.

3. Peppermint

This has been established as a reliever of IBS pain and may also aid in the reduction of nausea. The oil components in peppermint contain the agents which are responsible for its health benefits.

Peppermint oil has been shown to improve the management of pain in irritable bowel syndrome, IBS.

It functions by ensuring the relaxation of the smooth muscles in the colon, and this relieves the pain that is likely to be experienced during bowel movements. It also ensures the reduction of the common digestive symptom which is known as abdominal bloating.

Peppermint has also been used in aromatherapy for women in labor as it reduces nausea in the process. It also reduces nausea after births that involved surgeries and C-section.

This is a guest blog entry.

Reducing Anxiety with CBD Oil

CBD or Cannabidiol is a compound derived from the cannabis plant. There has been much speculation and controversy about using cannabis for medicinal purposes, but many studies have shown that CBD has contributed significant positive effects to the treatment of various illnesses. But what about when it comes to mental health? Can CBD help reduce anxiety?

According to research, CBD can reduce many symptoms of anxiety and the best part is it has little to no side effects.

Is It Dangerous?
Before anything else, it’s good to address the fear of some people that CBD may have some intoxicating effects such as that of THC. Though CBD and THC both come from cannabis, they have very different effects. THC is the cannabis chemical that gets you high and CBD does not have that effect.

People who use CBD do not experience any alterations of their mental state.

What Is CBD Oil?
What exactly is it? Cannabidiol or CBD is oil that is extracted from the cannabis plant. It is rich in chemicals called cannabinoids which has some effects on the brain’s receptors but it does not make a person feel high. It has many health benefits including the slowing of cancer cells and improving mental health.

You can consume CBD oil, use it as an added ingredient to food or you can take it as medication. Smoking it has no proven benefits.

What Does CBD Do to the Brain?
To understand how CBD can help in reducing anxiety symptoms, it’s good to know how it works in the brain.

CBD produces several effects in the brain. It is firstly a 5-HT1A agonist - which is a type of serotonin receptor. Mental issues such as depression and anxiety can usually be treated by targeting serotonin. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that is responsible for feelings of happiness. Drugs like SSRIs or serotonin reuptake inhibitors work by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain’s synaptic area. This can in turn, reduce anxiety and improve mood.

In the same way, CBD boosts signals through serotonin receptors. It enhances the transmission and even works faster than other drugs. It may even solve some of the limitations of the currently existing antidepressant medications.
 
Using CBD Oil to Reduce Anxiety
Clinical trials on humans have shown that CBD can help reduce anxiety. After patients with generalized anxiety consumed CBD, they reported a significant decrease in anxiety. The researchers validated these reports by scanning the patients’ brains and noted that there were patterns in the brain which are similar to the effects of anti-anxiety medication.

In a smaller study, patients who suffer from social anxieties took CBD before simulating a public speaking test. They reported that they had significantly less anxiety and researchers proved this by measuring physical symptoms like heart rate and blood pressure. Those who didn’t take CBD experienced higher anxiety and discomfort during the simulation.

This shows that CBD can significantly reduce anxiety and help with cognitive impairment and discomfort.

Finding new ways to treat anxiety is important because it can reduce risks of other incidents such as accidents. If you ever get into a vehicular accident because of anxiety, you should seek the help of a car accident attorney.

Conclusion
Those are just some of the research done about CBD and mental illnesses like anxiety. There is a wealth of studies that you can find showing how CBD significantly helps in the treatment of many other illnesses. Evidence from animal studies helped the scientific and medical community understand how it works in the brain and more and more human trials are starting to validate its positive effects.

This is a guest blog entry.

4 Tips To Stay Active And Injury-Free

In case you didn't know, there are two main reasons why sports injuries generally occur. These are none other than trauma and overuse. Traumatic injuries are often obvious or dramatic scenes. There is no doubt about that. For example, you see a basketball player clutching his knee after falling down. But as far as overuse injuries are concerned, they are likely to be more common than ever.

Overuse injuries can happen to you when your body pushed past its limits. The same thing can happen if you go beyond your level of conditioning. This is also the main reason why many athletes in sports these days are advised to keep an experienced personal injury lawyer handy. It is due to the fact that athletes are fond of pushing their body to the limits.

Anyway, the point here is that you must veer away from poor technique and training errors. If you are a young athlete or you simply love sports or any activity, here are some prevention tips to keep in mind.

Always Listen to Your Body

No other people know your body. It is only you. You have the concrete idea of what your body is capable of and how your workout is affecting you. This is where you need to listen to your body. If you are in pain, then do not try to exercise. To recover from it and take a few rests. Even more so, you must pay utmost attention to areas that are of particular personal risk. This could be having bad knees or a chronic back problem. Remember always that age is always capable of influencing your risk for injury. That is why it is important that you learn to adjust your fitness program according to your changing body.

Know Your History

If you have previous injuries, then you better put them into consideration all the time. They are simply a good indication of areas that you need to be extra careful about. For instance, you have badly injured your knees in the past. You must consider focusing your strengthening exercises to it, so it can rehabilitate and recover. Just make sure you do not overdo it. Otherwise, it will only defeat the purpose of getting injured (again). Moreover, you must consider keeping in mind of strategies that could help you be active and healthy. Above all, veer away from habits or activities that could put you at a great risk of getting injured.

Set Your Pace

Always remember this phrase: “Too much, too soon.” Basically, this phrase has always been the number one cause of most athletic injuries. People just seem to love the idea of neglecting the kind of activity or program that they could fit. The idea is that you must go with an activity and pace that are in accordance with your body limit. As soon as you find the right fitness level, you can gradually increase from there. However, you must pay attention to how your body reacts. Start by warming up and taking things slowly. If you think you have reached your limit, slow down and keep that pace at bay.

Define Your Goals

Seriously, it really helps if you consider defining your goals. For instance, you are training for an upcoming tournament or a marathon. You customized your workout according to this goal. Obviously, if you are into basketball, you want to go for programs that are designed for this type of sport. The idea is that you define your goals so you will know what sort of activities or exercise programs you must follow.

Well, there you have it! Remember that the effectiveness of these tips totally depends on you. Keep them in mind nonetheless!

Thi is a guest blog entry.

What Causes Insomnia and How to Treat It?

Sleep plays an important role in a person’s health, success, happiness, and overall well-being. In fact, sleeping is equally as important as eating healthy and exercising. Not getting enough sleep can affect your mood, the way you act, react, think, learn, work, and interact with others. It can also increase your risk of chronic health diseases.

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that is characterized by difficulty falling and/or staying asleep. Individuals with insomnia usually have difficulty falling asleep, wake up often at night, have trouble going back to sleep, wake up early in the morning, and feel tired once they wake up.

Insomnia can be caused by a lot of factors. Here are the common causes of insomnia:

1. Medical causes

Insomnia can be caused by a lot of medical conditions. These medical conditions can cause insomnia as a side effect or the symptoms of medical conditions can cause discomfort that makes it difficult for a person to sleep.

Some medical conditions that can cause insomnia are acid-reflux disease (GERD), Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, angina, arthritis, brain lesions, congestive heart failure, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic pain, hyperthyroidism, stroke, and tumors.

Medications taken for asthma, birth control, depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, nasal allergies and common cold, and thyroid disease can also interfere with sleep and cause insomnia.

Insomnia can also be linked to other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome.

2. Psychological problems

Psychiatric conditions and psychological problems like anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, or psychotic disorders can cause insomnia.

Insomnia can be a cause and a symptom of depression and depression can also cause an individual to have insomnia. Insomnia is more severe in patients with major depressive disorders. It can also trigger or worsen depression and depression can also trigger or worsen insomnia.

Symptoms of anxiety that can result in insomnia include:

• Getting caught up in deep thought
• Troubled about the past
• Worried about the future
• Tension
• Feeling overwhelmed

The stillness of the night keeps the mind wondering and worrying which can keep a person awake. It can bring out fears and stressful thoughts in a person.

3. Hormones and other biological factors

Hormones can cause insomnia such as estrogen that brings about hormone shifts during menstruation. Individuals with hormonal imbalance also usually have trouble sleeping.

Sometimes, insomnia can be caused by neurotransmitters located in the brain that are involved in sleeping and waking activities. There are a lot of possible chemical interactions in the brain that could prevent one from having quality sleep. This may be the cause of insomnia for individuals who can’t identify the cause of their insomnia.

4. Disruptions in sleeping pattern or circadian rhythm

Interferences in your normal sleeping schedule can cause insomnia. Disruptions such as jet lag or change in work shift usually makes it hard for an individual to fall asleep or to sleep uninterrupted.

5. Environmental factors

Extreme temperatures (extreme cold or extreme heat), environmental noise, high altitude, and light are some of the things that you cannot control and can cause you trouble sleeping.

6. Significant life stress

Going through stressful and traumatic experiences such as losing a loved one, changing or losing a job, divorce, and moving can make you worry and think a lot which could result in insomnia.

7. Unhealthy lifestyle and bad sleeping habits

Insomnia can also be triggered by certain habits and behaviors when it comes to sleeping.

Bad sleeping habits such as the following can cause insomnia:

• Taking naps in the afternoon
• Sleeping later or longer to make up for lost sleep
• Working at home in the evening
• Watching too much television or playing too much computer games at night
• Working in different shifts

The following bad habits (food, drinks, or habits) can cause insomnia:

• Coffee
• Alcohol
• Heavy meals before bedtime
• Smoking

Insomnia can cause serious problems and illnesses so it’s important to have it checked and treated right away once it becomes regular. Treatment may involve medication, therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), stimulus control, mindfulness and relaxation training, and alternative medicine or home remedies such as cbd-oil-help-your-sleep.

This is a guest blog entry.

How Prescription Drug Abuse Affects the Body

Abuse of drugs, prescription or otherwise, is a growing problem in today’s world. In fact, about 20% of the US population has abused prescription drugs at one point. This is a serious issue.

But how exactly does prescription drug abuse affect the body? Here are the primary ways that the human body is negatively impacted by prescription drug use.

Effects of Prescription Drugs

The three types of prescription drugs that are most often abused are opioids, depressants, and stimulants.

Opioids have gained recent exposure as the “opioid epidemic” has risen in America. They are primarily used to treat pain, which they do by blocking pain receptors. This can temporarily cause a feeling of euphoria, which is why it’s frequently abused. While opioids can be safe for use over a short period of time, long term abuse is extremely damaging to the body, and addiction to the euphoric state it creates is common.

Depressants are another severely addictive prescription drug. Depressants are used to suppress functions of the central nervous system (CNS) and are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. The most common depressants are benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Valium, and Ativan. Depressants work by affecting the brain neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and by lowering brain activity, which has a calming and sleep-inducing effect. Again, while depressants are prescribed for short term, specific usage, but abuse can result in permanent damage to the brain. 

The final type of prescription drug that is frequently abused are stimulants, like amphetamines. The most commonly used stimulants are Adderall and Ritalin, which are medically used to treat attention-deficit- disorder (ADD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Stimulants raise the heart rate, blood sugar, and blood pressure, constrict blood vessels, and open the pathways of the respiratory system, which is fine in moderation, but with frequent use can be extremely damaging to the body. These stimulant drugs are usually abused for their increased energy and focus effects, which makes them popular among high school and college students, as well as those with demanding jobs and long hours. 

Danger of Prescription Drugs

When they are taken for the prescribed reasons and within the right dosage, these drugs are safe, but overuse and abuse can create number of health problems and cause significant damage to the body.

Prescription drug abuse is on the rise because these drugs are so much easier to obtain than illicit ones. Prescription drugs can be obtained at your local pharmacy, via online pharmacies, and are easily stolen and then abused. Not everyone who begins using prescription drugs will fall victim to addiction, but it’s incredibly hard to predict, which is another reason prescription drugs are so dangerous. There are many external factors, such as environment, body composition, genetics, emotional state, and age that play a role in whether or not someone may become addiction to prescription drugs, but it truly is unpredictable.

If you worry that someone you care about may be struggling with prescription drug abuse, there are a number of drug rehabilitation centers that you can suggest and recommend. The important thing is not to accuse, but to have your suggestion come from a true place of love and support. The decision to enter a rehab facility is ultimately a solo one, but by offering your unconditional support, hopefully you can help your loved one make the right choice for them and their future.

This is a guest blog entry.

Free Radicals and How They Affect the Body Functioning

Free radicals refer to unstable atoms that have the potential to damage body cells causing premature aging and illness. Oxygen molecules in the body system split as part of their transformation into single atoms with unpaired electrons.

The imbalance in electronic pairing results into free radicals. These are always reacting, looking for other atoms to bond to for stability. The frantic movement and chemical reactions of the free radicals set in motion a process known as oxidative stress. This is dangerous to the body cells and causes a wide range of diseases symptomized by wrinkles and other conditions.

How Free Radicals Damage the Body

In 1956, the free radical theory of aging was first outlined, and it suggested that free radicals break cells down gradually. As the body system ages, its ability to fight the effects of free radicals is lost and this causes more radicals to accumulate hence oxidative stress. The degenerative process this causes is known as aging.

A number of studies and theories have been put forward connecting the impact of free radicals and oxidative stress to conditions such as:

• Alzheimer’s and other diseases of the central nervous system
• Cardiovascular diseases caused by clogged arteries
• Cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune disorders
• Wrinkles, skin elasticity loss, hair loss, and hair texture changes among other age-related signs
• Diabetes
• Parkinson’s, Huntington’s disease among other genetic degenerative diseases

Though the free radical theory of aging is somewhat recent, there are numerous studies that support its theoretical framework and postulation. Several studies done on rats show increases in the concentration of free radicals as they age. The findings then tie up with declines in health as a result of age.

Causes of Free Radicals

The body naturally produces free radicals. However, lifestyle factors can accelerate the process of free radical production and this includes:

•    Exposure to pesticides, polluted air, and toxic chemicals
•    Alcohol
•    Smoking
•    Fried foods

These and other lifestyle factors have also been linked to diseases affecting the heart and cancer. The underlying denominator to all these conditions is oxidative stress which is directly connected to free radicals.

Supplements and Antioxidant Foods

Any foods containing vitamin C and E, beta-carotene, glutathione, oligomeric proanthocyanidin, and phytoestrogens, are considered antioxidants. In short, they cancel out any effects imposed by free radicals on the body. Examples of such foods include citrus fruits, berries, and carrots. Soybeans are particularly rich in phytoestrogens and they can substitute meat.

Since the body doesn’t get enough antioxidants from foods taken, health supplements are necessary.

Most of them are available in local chemist and drug stores. You can get other supplements such as anthogenol online. Research studies support the use of supplements to enable the body to reach the recommended daily allowance for each of the nutrients it is deficient in.

The best approach to fighting free radicals is, therefore, a combined strategy involving a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, prescription-based supplementation, and avoiding the lifestyle factors that can cause accumulation of free radicals.

This is a guest blog entry.

Senior Home Care

Most seniors will eventually need assistance. It can be very difficult for loved ones to know when that moment comes. However, the process of hiring a caregiver will be easier if you’re not trying to do it after a crisis. Choosing the right person can be the difference between being able to stay home and having to move into a long-term care facility.
 
When to Hire a Caregiver

There are many signs that you can use as guideposts in your decision. If you’re the primary caregiver, you may find yourself becoming overwhelmed. Perhaps your loved one’s needs have grown too numerous or perhaps you desperately need a break but never seem to get one.

Making yourself ill won’t help your loved one. You need to take care of yourself as well. If you constantly find that your own needs are neglected, it’s time to start thinking about getting outside help.

An in-home caregiver might be a shock at first. However, your loved one should be able to adapt to the right person. The caregiver’s goal is to make your life easier, not harder. That means he or she will try to disrupt your routine as little as possible. Your loved one’s comfort is paramount.

There are also physical signs that your loved one needs a caregiver. How is their balance? Do they have trouble standing up from chairs? Seniors who are unsteady on their feet are at risk of falling. If someone isn’t home to help when the fall occurs, your loved one could spend hours laying on the ground in agony.

You should also look at your loved one’s self-care routine. Are they taking their medication correctly? If your loved one is unable to take their medication on their own, you’ll need to find someone to start supervising them. It’s very important that they follow their doctor’s treatment plan.

Skipping medications can wreak havoc on your body

Massachusetts company North River Home Care notes that it’s “crucial” that family members “obtain superior home care services for a loved one needing assistance.”

How to Talk to Your Loved one About Home Care

Once you’ve noticed the signs that your loved one needs extra assistance to get through their day-to-lives, it can be incredibly difficult to initiate the conversation. Your loved one might become upset or emotional. They might be resistant to change or feel unhappy about needing help.

It may seem like a daunting task but you don’t want to put off the conversation for too long. Your loved one might be injured or they might go days without taking their medication.

Often, the person knows or suspects that they need help. They might feel nervous about talking about it aloud or they might be afraid to ask for help.
 
Advantages of Home Care

There are huge benefits to hiring an in-home caregiver. Many adults appreciate the ability to remain in their own home for as long as possible. Adapting to life with a caregiver can be hard. Doing it in an environment that you already feel comfortable in can make the process easier.

In-home care is cheaper than a nursing home and provides more individualized attention. Your loved one’s caregiver will be focused entirely on them.

You should also highlight the fact that your loved one will be more independent with a caregiver than if they moved into a residential or nursing facility. Their life doesn’t have to change drastically.

One of the biggest advantages of hiring a caregiver is the peace of mind that it’ll give both you and your loved one. You’ll know that if anything happens, your loved one won’t be alone.

Choosing a Home Care Provider

Few decisions are as important as choosing the right home care provider. It’s a big change in your loved one’s life. You want everything to go as smoothly as possible. That means hiring someone that you can trust. The caregiver will be witness to intimate moments. They’ll see your loved one during times when they’re vulnerable or frightened. It’s really important to choose a quality person.

You should also think about your loved one’s needs. If they have serious medical complications, they might need a licensed nurse to care for them rather than a caregiver. This is a decision you can make with your loved one’s doctor if you don’t feel comfortable making it yourself.

Whatever you decide to do, there are resources you can use to help. Before settling on a caregiver, read reviews about the company they work for. If there are a lot of negative reviews, be wary.

This is a guest blog entry.

Exploring The Benefits Of Dry Needling

Over the years, doctors have come up with many unique ways to treat various health conditions. Some of these treatment techniques have been long left behind. Others are still used to this very day. This is where dry needling enters the picture. This type of treatment has proven to be very effective and this is one of the main reasons that it is still around. Dry needling is unique, because it offers safer solutions to an abundance of problems, provided that it is done by someone with the proper training. Below, you’re going to learn a great deal more about the benefits of dry needling.

What Is It?

First and foremost, you should take the time to learn a little more about the basics of dry needling. This is a type of treatment in which a thin needle is pushed into the skin. The ultimate goal is to stimulate a specific trigger point. The treatment is primarily used to soften tight muscle bands. It can also fix hard bands of muscles that could be causing widespread pain. When used correctly, dry needling can be far more effective than many of the alternatives. Remember that dry needling or trigger point dry needling is much different than acupuncture.

What Can It Treat?

You’ll be happy to learn that dry needling is effective for many unique purposes. It can be used to treat migraines and headaches caused by tension. The American Physical Therapy Association also recommends dry needling for carpal tunnel, whiplash, spinal dysfunction, nocturnal cramps and so much more. If you’re dealing with any type of pain and you want to avoid those dangerous pharmaceuticals, you will definitely want to try treating the problem with dry needling. It could make a real difference in your life.

The Main Perks

Now, it is time to delve deeper into the main perks associated with dry needling. When you do, you’re quickly going to see why so many people prefer this option. First and foremost, it has been confirmed time and again that effective dry needling can help reduce the patient’s pain. In a study, 14 patients suffering from bilateral shoulder pain were analyzed. Half of the group received dry needling therapy and the other group did not. The group that received the treatment admitted that their pain had been reduced.

It is also possible to improve movement through dry needling. The treatment is capable of improving range of motion for many patients. If you’re having a difficult time walking or moving about, you should definitely speak with your doctor about dry needling. Finally, you should know that dry needling is great for speeding up the recovery process. Those who want to be active right away should give it a try for themselves.

Better Than Pharmaceuticals

Finally, you should know that dry needling can be a better solution than pharmaceuticals due to medication-related side effects. Dry needling may be able to remedy the problem at its source. With that being said, you should learn more about ultrasound guided dry needling. It can be even more effective. You can learn more about that type of treatment by visiting https://nydnrehab.com/treatment-methods/ultrasound-guided-dry-needling-in-new-york-city/.

This is a guest blog entry.

Four Early Signs of A Pregnancy

Pregnancy is almost every woman's desire in their quest to produce children. However, not many aspiring mothers are aware of the signs to look out for which might confirm that the sperm has successfully merged with the egg.

Here are four signs that indicate that a woman is pregnant. It's almost a 100% sure bet with these four signs. Speaking of a sure bet, if you're one who is cut out for the betting game, then you can test your wits online at Novibet casino.

1. Frequent Urination

If you notice that you engage in trips to the toilet at regular intervals at night, then this could be a sign that a certain fertilized egg has started its implantation on the uterine wall.

It has been gathered that the pregnancy hormone or hCG hormone induces frequent urges to pee regardless of the tiny size of the embryo. This happens, although there is no real pressure being applied to the bladder from a growing baby at the time.

2. Nausea
 
This is usually referred to as morning sickness or sometimes all day sickness. Regardless, it is a common experience for many women who are in the early stages of a pregnancy. It is believed that about 50% of women will experience vomiting and nausea in the course of their first trimester.
Although nausea is an early sign of pregnancy, a good number of women don't experience vomiting until two weeks to about two months after their conception.


3. Feelings of fatigue and exhaustion

This occurs at conception due to the rapid rise of progesterone levels in the course of the first trimester of pregnancy.

Progesterone can be described as a hormone that sustains a pregnancy. It functions by preventing contractions in the uterus and also inhibits early immune responses. This eventually results in the pregnancy carrier always being tired and fatigued.

4. You'll experience a cold

As the progesterone hormone swings into action by preventing the immune system from launching any attacks against the new foreign DNA in the body, viruses can have a swell time by inflicting a cold on the individual. Even the mildest of colds can knock a pregnant woman down at that moment.

If you have these signs and symptoms and suspect that you may be pregnant, please consult with your physician.

This is a guest blog entry.

10 Lesser-Known Tips for a Better Sleep When You're Pregnant

If there ever was a time that your body required ample sleep, it would be during your pregnancy. Of course, this hardly ever goes according to plan. There are those unfamiliar hormones swirling through your brain, those worrying thoughts about your baby’s future, that increasingly heavy pressure upon your bladder, the leg cramps, the heartburn, and many other issues which force your eyes open at night.

Unfortunately, some loss of sleep is unavoidable, but by making several small alterations to your approach, you may catch a few extra hours to help you face the next day. Here are 10 of the lesser-known tips to keep you snoring:

1. Stop Hydrating in Your Evenings
During your busy day, you may forget to stock up on your water levels and then compensate by downing a few glasses once you get home. This approach is backwards especially when it comes to late night bathroom visits. Rather, keep a bottle of water by your side all day to sufficiently hydrate in the earlier hours, then cut back substantially in the evening.

2. Snack on Crackers
Many bouts of a pregnancy insomnia are a result of a nighttime heartburn. If this sounds familiar, then reevaluate your diet by eliminating any spicy and acidic foods while allowing two hours of digesting time before you go to sleep. To avoid a plummet in your blood sugar levels, a pre-bed nibble on some dry crackers should be a safe bet to satisfy your stomach and curb any nausea.

3. Follow a Ritual
A great way to make friends with your body clock is to build a routine which will train your brain into recognizing when sleep is approaching. This means climbing into bed at the same time every night, including the weekends. You can also incorporate other regular activities into the mix, such as drinking warm milk, taking a shower, or convincing your partner to give you a massage if you’re lucky enough.

4. Set the Room Temperature
According to sleep.org, the ideal temperature for a good night’s sleep is somewhere between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Experiment with layers of blankets, opening a window or fiddling with the thermostat until you find the numbers which best suit you. You should also look at keeping the room as dark as possible.

5. Use a Body Pillow
Once you’ve hit the sack, comfort should be your main priority. A soft but firm mattress is an essential start, but you should also position different sized pillows all around your body to elevate and relieve pressure. For even better results, invest in a specifically designed pregnancy pillow that supports your hips and spine.

6. Sleep on Your Left Side
The pressure of your expanding uterus may cause some discomfort to your liver, hence why many people prefer to sleep on their left side (doctors recommend it too), shifting the weight away from this organ. That said, don’t force this position if it does not come naturally to you, as sleeping on your right side won’t do any harm either. However, you must avoid sleeping on your back at all costs, otherwise, you could cause severe problems for your baby.

7. Try Some Pre-sleep Yoga
Whether your sleeping troubles stem from physical cramps or an anxious state of mind, you should benefit from a quick stretch while exhaling your stressful thoughts away. If yoga doesn’t interest you, then why not explore other healthy options such as meditation, swimming, or pilates. Speak to your doctor if you’re worried about any physical limitations.

8. Nap Very Carefully
There is a debate about napping during pregnancy. Some argue that it’s better to skip the naps altogether and rather push through the day, opting to go to bed an hour earlier if need be. Others believe that a maximum of 30 minutes shouldn’t negatively affect your routine sleep especially if you’ve had a rough night previously. But regardless of your choice, please remember that less than six hours of nightly sleep can substantially increase the chances of a cesarean birth, according to the UCSF School of Nursing.

9. Keep the Bedroom Sacred
As the name “bedroom” suggests, this area of your house should be used exclusively for bed activities alone. This means no electronic devices, no work-related tasks, and no stressful parenting books. Rather spend an hour before bedtime winding yourself down by reading a fiction novel or filling in a crossword, and then tuck yourself in.

10. Don’t Suffer Alone
Has insomnia become a regular problem in your life? Then go visit a medical professional immediately. They have seen it all before and together you can find the safest solution to fit your exact circumstances. Simply ask for help.

This is a gust blog entry.

4 Safe Exercises to Improve Senior Health

Seniors require a specialized exercise program that focuses on mobility and balance. A slip-and-fall accident is a life-threatening event for a senior. Should they break a hip, a surgical procedure is the only means of repairing the damage. Undergoing anesthesia may end up costing them their life as the drugs may cause complications during and after the operation.

Therefore, it's vital that seniors do everything they can to maintain optimal physical health. Here are 4-safe exercises to implement in a daily routine that builds balance and enhances mobility.

1. Walking

Taking a walk is the most effective form of cardiovascular exercise for seniors. Walking strengthens the muscular and skeletal system while lowering blood pressure and reducing cholesterol levels. Walking for 5-minutes every day will extend longevity and improve structural balance.

“Proprioception,” is the term that defines the feeling of locating your limbs in space. This feeling means that you understand where your feet are while walking.

A walk increases mobility in the hips and knees, ensuring that they remain mobile and work through a full range of motion.

2. Plank

The core defines the set of muscles wrapping under the rib cage, through the abdominals and hips into the upper legs. Improving your core strength keeps your spine straight and healthy, preventing posture problems that result in the development of lower back issues, such as lumbar spondylosis.

The plank is an incredibly useful posture exercise to strengthen the core muscles. Start the plank by lying on your stomach. Raise your body into the pushup position while leaning on your forearms instead of your hands to reduce the impact on the shoulders.

Don’t drop your glutes, or bend your spine during the plank movement. Stop the exercise and return to the floor as soon as your form begins to break down. Try for five repetitions of the plank. Do this exercise three times a week until you build enough core strength to do it every day.

3. Squats

The squat is the most effective exercise for building strength. This compound movement works ancillary and supporting muscle groups during the squat motion. Squatting strengthens your quadriceps, hamstrings, hip flexors, core, and back.

To execute the squat correctly, start with your feet shoulder width apart. Raise your arms in from of you, perpendicular to the floor. Bend at the knees and hips while keeping your back straight and sink your glutes as far down to your ankles as possible. Initially, limit movement to your upper legs being parallel to the floor. As you progress with the exercise, try to sink further towards your ankles.

Use a yoga ball if you find it challenging to keep your balance during the squat. Place the ball on a wall behind you and lean into it with your back while you execute the movement. This posture provides you with extra support and takes the pressure away from your knees and hips.

4. Single Leg Stand

This exercise is easy to execute anywhere and at any time. It’s doesn’t require much physical effort to complete the single leg stand. Raise your foot and stand on one leg whenever you stand by the kettle to make a cup of coffee or stand in line at the post office.

You don’t have to raise your foot far from the floor for the exercise to be effective. With a little practice, you’ll be able to hold this pose indefinitely. This exercise builds your balance and makes you less likely to trip and fall.

Last Words

Try out these four exercises and note your experience with them in a journal. Write down your repetitions for squats, depth on the squat, as well as your time with the plank. By the end of the first month, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your balance and strength. While you’re exercising, keep a medical alert device close by in case something goes wrong. Read these reviews before buying your equipment.

This is a guest blog entry.

10 Creative Hobby Ideas for Seniors

When discussing the health of seniors, everyone is quick to encourage regular physical activity and a balanced diet. Of course, these are essential components to living a long and thriving life, but you must not forget about the importance of self-expression and passion too.

By pursuing a creative interest, you take hold of a powerful weapon against boredom, as you use your time constructively while keeping the brain stimulated. No matter your age, it’s always the right time to awaken that dormant artist within you. Check out these 10 fun (and healthy) hobby ideas for seniors:

1. Playing an Instrument
Everyone has dreamed of exploring the music world at some point in their life, so whether you’re blowing the dust off of your old guitar or touching the piano keys for the first time, here is an exciting avenue for creative expansion. No matter what your choice of instrument, your hand-eye coordination will be challenged as your fingertips get working with the brain, producing sounds which flow through you and soothe your very soul.

2. Painting
When one thinks of art therapy, painting is usually the first choice that comes to mind. The minute actions of the brush require an intense focus which will help tackle your anxiety and hone your fine motor skills. Painting does require a host of different utensils and tools so practice care and utilize ease-of-use tools like a reacher with a good grip to aid in reaching, grabbing, and picking up objects like paint jars and canvases.

3. Pottery
There is a certain healing power of squeezing soft clay through your fingers while exploring the limitations that this medium presents. For starters, the challenging actions required by the hands are good for strengthening your fingers and wrists. Furthermore, the patience and thought each piece demands can teach you to relax. And finally, once you’re finished, you’ll have a useable or aesthetically pleasing object to treasure.

4. Photography and Scrapbooking
Once you get the hang of modern-day digital cameras and their seemingly endless features, then you can join the millions of people around the world who have become obsessed with capturing visually-striking imagery. No matter what your interest (be it nature, people, landscapes, or architecture), you can preserve these moments by collecting them in a scrapbook (physically or online), allowing you to flip through these memories whenever you desire a glimpse into your past.

5. Sewing or Knitting
If nimble fingers and finely tuned motor skills are your objectives, then this could be the hobby for you! Needle work is a relaxing activity which is easily pursued without even turning off the TV. And once you’ve sharpened your skills, the inexpensive gift ideas are only limited by your imagination!

6. Gardening
Gardening is a senior favorite when it comes to creative hobbies because you can design and maintain your garden while enjoying health-boosting sunlight and fresh air. There is an undeniable therapeutic value to nurturing nature and the results are so tangible that you may want to admire them for hours. Not to mention that you can even grow your own food if you want!

7. Dancing
Very few pastimes will benefit all areas of your life quite the same as dancing does. Your muscles will strengthen due to the cardio workout, your balance will improve which will minimize the chances of future tumbles, and your memory will be challenged to recall your steps, exercising your body and mind at the same time. And, of course, it’s a lot of fun!

8. Cooking
People tend to overlook cooking as a creative outlet, but make no mistake that the experimentation and knowledge required to successfully execute the plan is as artistic as any other. What’s more, the end result can be appreciated by everybody, because who doesn’t love a good healthy meal?

9. Coloring
If you disregard coloring as some children’s play game, then you are doing yourself a great disservice. This process requires no thought, only a meditative concentration to stay within the lines as you gradually tap into that childlike appreciation for color. This is also the ideal starting point for those who don’t believe that they are naturally creative.

10. Writing
Do you have a knack for telling elaborate stories? Have you lived an exceptional life which deserves to be recognized? Do you have any past traumas that you’d like to work through? The art of writing can be the greatest way to advance all of these thoughts, not by using some bright colors or fancy abstract imagery, but rather, your naked language alone. And best of all, it costs next to nothing to pursue!

This is a guest blog entry.

3 of the most important hormones which play a vital part in functioning of human body

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Usually the most common evil which keep you from achieving your health and physical goals is that extra slice of cake and those chocolate chip cookies. Do you think this is enough to spot the culprit that’s not letting you lose weight or is there something that is lying deep down inside? Is it something which is even smaller which is microscopic? Are your hormones functioning properly? Hormones are the chemical messengers which travel through the blood and reach every tissue and organ of the human body.

Are you eager to get that perfect body before summer hits in? Regardless of whether you’re a male or a female who’s reading this post, here we will give you the names of the most vital organs which influence your health.

#1: GROWTH HORMONE

In case you’ve ever considered gaining strength and muscles, there are high chances that you’ve heard about growth hormone which is produced by the pituitary gland. When this hormone is produced in the right amount, it boosts muscle mass and decreases the accumulation of body fat. Older men suffer from such an opposite impact and growth hormone is considered as an anti-aging hormone. You can opt for HGH injections to stave off the most common signs of aging as this is the quickest way. Visit www.hgh.biz to consult with the best doctors on this. HIIT or High Intensity Interval Training is the best form of exercise to boost levels of HGH.

#2: TESTOSTERONE

If you thought that testosterone is just vital for males, you’re wrong as they also play a vital role in females as well. Though the levels in female are much lower but still they have a function. In the males, this hormone is secreted by their testes and in the females, the ovaries produce the in very small amount. When testosterone is produced in the right level, this can boost muscle mass and also improve the functioning of the brain. A sudden fall in the level can be dangerous and this is when you might require consulting the doctor.

#3: ESTROGEN
 
This is usually considered as a hormone only for females, but it is also found among the males. When this hormone is produced at the best level, it regulates the cycles of female reproduction. Estrogen also plays a vital role in boosting the sex drive. There are some studies that estrogen can impact the recovery of muscles and the health of human brain. While the benefits of estrogen are confirmed, the levels of estrogen can have a bad impact on the fat stored in the body. In case there are excess fat tissues in the body, there are harmful impacts in both females and males.

Though small, hormones usually have a rather powerful impact on the human body. You have to realize and understand how hormones have an impact on your life and how they play a role in maintaining the kind of physique you want. Good habits like proper nutrition, regular exercise and enough sleep can also help in the functioning of your body.

This is a guest blog entry.