How to Help Shrink Pores: 10 Ways

Pores play an important role in your skin health, and they are there for a good reason - releasing the sebum or skin oils that help keep your skin happy and moisturized.

But, for the sake of beauty, many are looking into ways to make pores at least appear a little smaller.

While the size of your pores is largely genetic and cannot be actually adjusted, there are some things you can do to make sure they are clear, clean, and appear the smallest that they physically can.

Wash your face twice a day

While this may seem like basic skincare 101, it really does make a huge difference in overall skin appearance.

Without regular washing of your face, there will be a natural build-up of the oils produced every day mixing with dead skin cells and lodging themselves in your pores - clogging pores and making them appear larger.

Choose a gentle cleanser and wash for 30-60 seconds with warm (not hot) water before gently patting your face dry.

Always remove makeup before bed

Even if you are using the highest-quality non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) makeup, it will still   be a net beauty negative if you leave products on overnight to make their way into (and clog up) your pores.

If you know you are going to have a long night where you will want a quick and easy cleansing, have an emergency pack of facial cleansing wipes next to your bed.

Use non-comedogenic products

Non-comedogenic is a beauty industry term for products that are less likely to clog your pores, and since a clogged pore will always look bigger than an unclogged pore - these are the products that you want.

Look closely on the packaging, and you will often find the term printed somewhere.

Products that are oil-based often tend to be pore-clogging as well, so find ones that say oil-free for the best shot at your smallest pores possible.
                                                                                                     
Wear sunscreen

When your skin is dried out by the sun, it will try to rehydrate itself by producing even more sebum than usual.

This means that you may have even larger pores post beach vacation than before if you don’t wear the proper sun-protection.

Aim for applying an at-least 30 SPF non-comedogenic sunscreen to your face every day (and maybe an even high SPF if it’s going to be a really sun-filled day).

Exfoliate regularly

Pores appear larger when they get clogged with a combination of oils, bacteria, and dead skin.

So, always make sure that you are limiting the amounts of extra dead skin cells around.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you find a good exfoliation schedule for your skin, and to always apply a moisturizer afterward to help rehydrate.

In general, an exfoliation schedule of 1-2 times weekly will work for most people.

Hydrate

With making your pores appear as small as possible, it’s all about balance.

You want your skin to be hydrated and moisturized, but not super oily or dry and dehydrated.

The first steps to healthy skin hydration come from within, by making sure that you are drinking your recommended at least 8 cups of water per day.

And if you exercise or are out in the sun a lot, you need to up that number to maintain proper hydration.

Eat healthily

If your diet is a steady stream of greasy high-fat foods, it may be showing up on your face in terms of more sebum production.

And, since too much sebum production generally means larger and more clogged pores, you may want to adjust your current eating habits.

Find tasty fruit and vegetable replacements for your usual greasy favorites and your pores may thank you for it.

Reduce inflammation

When skin is inflamed it can make the surrounding pores swell open and appear larger.

And, since acne often comes along with an inflammatory element, you may have some luck making your pores look smaller by taking control of your breakouts.

Talk to a medical professional in person about treatment options for your acne to help keep your pores in check as well. Or, have a free online visit with U.S. licensed doctors at Strut Heath to see if a medicated acne formula is a good choice for you.

Use clay masks

Clay masks tend to work well as a wicking agent to help extract extra oils out of pores and make them appear smaller.

For some, these masks may make their skin feel drier, so if you have a problem with dry skin areas, you may want to spot treat with clay masks by only using them on your large pore problem areas.

Moisturize daily

Regular moisturizing is a must to help balance the hydration levels in your skin.

Dehydrated skin can make pores appear larger and make the skin appear more sagged.

As a plus, moisturizers can help pull extra skin oils into a deeper level of your skin and help keep them out of your pores.

As with all other skin products - try to find a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic for the best pore minimizing results.

Conclusion
   
Try out a combination of these tips based on what you think may be contributing to your larger-than-you-like pores. Everyone’s skin is a little bit different, so while one person’s pore problems may be stemming from not drinking enough water during the day, yours may be from skipping your nightly face washing. It may take some trial and error to figure out the best skin routine tips for you. But, step number one is looking into ways that you can make your skincare better, so you are on the right track!

Bio Text: Jill Barat, is a Doctor of Pharmacy at Strut Health (StrutYours.com) with a unique background in specialty pharmacy, innovative compounding products, supplements, and integrative medicine with a passion for helping patients live their best lives.

Understanding Stem Cell Therapy: Science Made Simple

Most people have heard of the innovative, exciting and potentially revolutionary medical procedures that are involved in stem cell therapy, but not many understand exactly what it entails and how it could benefit their lives and conditions that they currently suffer with.

Stem cell therapy, also known as regenerative therapy, has the potential to help treat a wide range of conditions in the future including spinal cord injury, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Interested to know more?

Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about stem cell therapy; from what exactly stem cells are, to how they can help regenerate specific areas of your body, to what the process involves, plus, find out how this highly advanced treatment could potentially help you.

What are stem cells?

Stem cells are body cells that are able to become the cells for many different types of bodily tissues. In fact, no other cells in your body have the natural ability to generate new cell types other than stem cells.

Furthermore, under the right conditions, either in the body or in a laboratory, stem cells can divide to form more cells. These are called daughter cells. Once you have daughter cells, then these have the ability to be either new, self-renewal stem cells or to become specialized cells for a particular function such as blood, brain or bone cells.

What is stem cell therapy?

Stem cell therapy is a type of alternative medicine also known as regenerative medicine. It involves the promotion of the repair response of any diseased, dysfunctional or injured tissues using stem cells.

In a way, it is similar to organ donation, but instead of having to rely on donors, which are often in limited supply, this process utilizes cells that are in abundance.

The process works by researchers growing stem cells in a laboratory where they are then manipulated into specialized cells such as heart muscle cells or nerve cells. These cells can then be implanted into the affected area of the patient where they will then have the ability to repair any defects. For example, if the person suffered with heart disease, the stem cells could potentially be able to regenerate the defective heart muscle.

Why is there such an interest in stem cell therapy at the moment?

Although adult stem cells have already been used for many decades to treat certain blood cancers and genetic disorders through the process of bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, ongoing research and development now means that they have the potential to:

• Increase our understanding of how diseases come about
• Generate healthy cells to replace any diseased ones (regenerative medicine)

What else can stem cell therapy help with?

As well as having the potential to help cure a wide variety of diseases that kill hundreds of thousands of people each year, stem cell therapy is also able to help combat a range of other health concerns including:

• Chronic pain
• Tendonitis
• Concussions
• Occipital migraines
• Broken bones
• Osteoarthritis
• Sexual health issues including dyspareunia and urinary incontinence
• Effects of ageing including wrinkles and fine lines

The most exciting element of stem cell therapy is that it is progressing every day with the potential to cure a whole host of diseases and conditions. Therefore, if you have a health concern that is not responding to other treatments, you may want to look into how stem cell therapy could potentially help you.

This is a guest blog entry.

Here Are Top 4 Healthy Ways to Handle Medical Wastes Sustainably

There's a need to dispose of all waste products in the best way possible. It will not only reduce the spread of ailments but also improves the sustainability of this planet in which we live. Medical waste plays a significant part in materials that end up in dumpsites each year. If these wastes weren’t properly handled, the results can be disastrous. Are you searching for the best healthy ways to take care of these hospital waste products? Here's what you ought to do.

Definitive planning

Medical waste keeps piling up with each passing day. Thus, it would help if you had an ultimate strategic plan in place to handle it.

Laying out a solid waste management plan is a chance to delegate responsibilities and roles to each member within the healthcare facility. You get to provide different bins for specific waste products that are clearly labeled. Thus, each person can exercise due diligence.

Through the planning, you get to narrow down and know the amount of waste that your institution produces. From there, you get to act using the best way forward to reduce these wastes.

Minimizing

Waste products produce a pungent smell that isn’t pleasing. However, it would be difficult to say that waste products should not be generated. Wastes are bound to happen, no matter the situation. Nonetheless, it doesn't mean that one can’t come up with useful and crafty ways to mitigate the situation.

The healthcare institution ought to be smarter and join the green movement, even when handling waste. Thus, one can adopt a green initiative method to curb excess waste production. One can implement the use of recyclable objects that medical waste disposal agencies can come and advise on the best possible way forward.

Segregation

The healthcare facility ought to be kept clean and tidy in all situations. Thus, one needs to adopt a waste segregation method when implementing proper handling.

Segregation is critical and needs to be severely treated. Each person who produces the waste needs to be held accountable. They should separate, label and use color-coded containers to place all the trash. Through this method, the environment becomes safe, and best practices get adopted in due course.

Dispose

Each hospital waste needs to pass through various treatment procedures before it gets released into the environment. It's an excellent chance to reduce any potential risk to animals, people, and their surroundings. It also reduces legal lawsuits and environmental activities breathing down your neck.

There needs to be proper disinfection, autoclaving, encapsulation and chemical disinfection depending on the waste at hand. It will ensure the waste sanity of an institution gets upheld at all times. Proper disposal ensures environmental sustainability which is a top priority in ensuring their custodians already to protect the lives of the future generation. 

For you to effectively dispose of any medical waste, you need to contract a medical waste disposal company. It will enable you to get expert services as you focus on other sectors of your business. It will also lower infection rates; thus, the patients, employees as well as the general public are in safer hands. 

This is a guest blog post.

5 Ways To Find The Best Chiropractor College

Chiropractors use natural methods of healing and manual manipulations of the back, neck, and spine. It is the technique used to treat various maladies in patients, particularly those that occur within the musculoskeletal system.

Doctors of chiropractic also treat their patients with a combination of exercise, diet, and other lifestyle methods in addition to the manual manipulations.

For an individual to become a chiropractor, he or she has to graduate from an accredited chiropractor school. The course for becoming a doctor of chiropractic has a total of four years typically, although some programs can be shorter or longer.

But how do you choose a chiropractic school? Ponder on these five ways to find the best chiropractor college:

1.    Look For A School With A Student-Focused Environment

A chiropractic college can’t and shouldn’t offer a bare-bones program. A school needs to ensure the success of its students, and that should be its primary focus. Of course, that calls for a strong commitment to the necessary student support services. These services include the following:

• Comprehensive library services on-campus and online (through the school website)
• Study centers and student lounges
• Fully equipped lab facilities and training rooms
• Tutoring for educational skills development
• Student clubs
• On-campus cafeteria
• Wellness programs and a fitness center
• Preceptorship and internship

Aside from the services above, also check the website of the chiropractor college for its curriculum to see if it goes beyond simple resume writing and career guidance. While it’s true that chiropractic college isn’t a business school, the best ones provide its students with easy access to business resources. The purpose is to help them write a marketing or business plan, identify opportunities for practice, and implement the best operation practices.

2.    Ensure The Qualifications, Skills, And Experiences Of The Faculty

The truth is that most chiropractor graduates eventually choose to go into private practice. That said, you need to learn not only how to become a good doctor of chiropractic but also a great business person.

Look for a school that stresses the importance of business in its curriculum since your success after graduation relies on more than adjusting and book smarts. A chiropractic program needs to incorporate both business and chiropractor skills.

The essential skills of a doctor of chiropractic are the business and chiropractor skills. If you want to have these things in you, enroll in a school that has well-qualified and experienced faculty to teach these skills.

3.    Check For School Accreditations To Ensure Quality Standards

It’s also essential to seek out assurances that a chiropractor college has what it takes to prepare its students for future demands of the profession. You can confirm such a quality guarantee by checking the institutional accreditation as well as third party accreditation that the school has. Look for a D.C. program that got accredited by CCE or the Council on Chiropractic Education.

Aside from the accreditation from the CCE, it would also be best to confirm if the college is accredited by a recognized U.S. accreditation agency. Some ways that an agency is reputable is by setting strict standards of excellence and quality.

Accreditations also help ensure that the school is eligible to offer any financial aid to qualified students. And most importantly, it shows that the college delivers the appropriate training necessary to pass the licensure exam for the doctor of chiropractic.

4.    Choose A Chiropractor College With A World-Class Clinic

A vital part of the education required to become a doctor of chiropractic is the clinic. You’d want a chiropractor college that can offer you a clinical experience that will help you prepare for the real-world practice.

The chiropractic clinic of the college should allow you to apply what you’ve learned from the classroom, such as providing chiropractic care for back pain and others.
Always remember that a world-class clinic is one that emulates what’s in the real world. It allows you to develop both skills and confidence in a technologically-advanced setting.

5.    Ask If The School Teaches Its Students The Top Chiropractic Technique

You absolutely must opt for a chiropractor college, which gives its students a genuinely excellent ability to provide chiropractic adjustment to patients. It means that the school should have a wide variety of techniques in its arsenal and teach them at a very high level.

The chiropractic profession has the chiropractic techniques as its fundamental tools, so don’t ever take it for granted.

Final Thoughts

Since you’ll get very immersed in the culture of the school you choose, you’ll want to select a chiropractor college that will surround you with individuals who support and inspire you. To become a well-developed doctor of chiropractic, you need to enroll in a school that offers an excellent support system, on top of the other things mentioned above.

As a chiropractor for more than ten years, Kassandra Hollick works by making spinal adjustments and improving the mobility of her patients. Kassandra is responsible for realigning the bones and joints so her patients can restore their range of motion and reduce pain.

Kassandra regularly writes health-related articles online to educate more and more people about the importance of chiropractic care.

Looking for instant approval installment loans with poor credit?

People with serious health problems may find themselves in need of a loan, especially if they do not have insurance. Have you attempted looking for finance installment lending? Obtaining a quick guide to online installment finances is simpler and also convenient than any kind of loan, visit here.

If you are seeking financing, applying online is a fast as well as hassle-free means to obtain quick cash money. In this blog post, you'll discover how you can request unprotected finance as well as how you can obtain authorized finance.

What are installment fundings?

Installation loans are loans that you have to pay consistently on a month-to-month basis over a certain period. Since the application is made online, everything can be achieved within a few hours to some days.

Various lending institutions supply different car loan quantities as well as terms. All you need is to qualify initially. Prior to getting the funding, guarantee that you completely recognize what it is, and also exactly how it functions.

Types of Installation Loans:

1. Auto lending. You can obtain an installment credit provided by financial institutions, car dealerships, as well as a lending institution when obtaining auto lending. The interest rate typically ranges from 3 to 15 percent.
2. Home mortgage. You can obtain funding to pay your residence on an installment basis. Payment is done in between 15 years and also three decades that can be either fixed or a flexible rate of interest.
3. Individual car loans. This is sort of financial loan supplied by online loan providers, financial institutions as well as credit unions. It can be utilized for any type of objective you want. It is paid back month-to-month with rates of interest of 6 to 36 percent in a period of approximately five years.
4. No credit scores check loans. Some lenders don't do a tough credit check when you apply for the loan. Nevertheless, you need to be careful with these sorts of lenders because some may provide car loans that feature an extremely high rate of interest.

Lenders might or may not request collateral in getting installment fundings.

•  Collateralized: An instance is automobile finance, where the auto is the collateral for the finance. Another is a mortgage loan where the house is the security with the finance.
•  Non-collateralized: You don't require security to obtain accepted for the financing. An example of this is unprotected car loans like payday advance loans.

Car loans that do not call for security are based on the customer's credit reliability. On the other hand, loans that need one are based on their credit rating. In addition, if lending institutions don't request collateral, anticipate getting a higher rate of interest.

What is the process for getting installment lendings?

1. The consumer fills up the form on the lending institution's internet site and also sends the easy requirements.
2. When authorized, the debtor obtains information about the loan, including the term of the funding, settlement quantities, interest, fees, as well as payment timetables.
3. The borrower pays the car loan normally on a regular monthly basis with their checking account.

What are the benefits of obtaining the funding?

Since repayment is foreseeable, you can prepare for the payment and stay clear of the problem. The repayment is consistent monthly.

When you know the amount to pay, you can manage your funds better. You can additionally refrain from late settlements and sustaining huge charges and also a passion.

Settlement of your lending consistently can help you plan your finances. Since you recognize when you'll begin and finish your financing, it allows predictability of your spending plan.

Last but not least, this type of loan comes with low-interest lock-in prices. If you are qualified and also have an excellent debt standing, this car loan can aid you to conserve a lot of cash.

What are the downsides of obtaining finance?

There are some predatory lending institutions on the internet that provide installment car loans for individuals with bad credit history. However, do not jump into this opportunity due to the fact that you may end up paying more because of covert costs.

It is not adaptable like the various other kinds of loans. When you get approved, there is no chance that you can renew or increase your financing. You are required to obtain a brand-new one.

An additional thing to consider is that the terms and rates of interest can rely on your credit rating account. If you have poor debt in the past, you can endure the consequences of paying higher interest than other borrowers that have a great credit history.

While you may be caught in obtaining installment car loans online, you need to consider points up initially. You may consider other choices like credit unions, different payday financings, or credit-builder lending that offer lower interest rates.

This is a guest blog entry

How Often Should I Schedule an Oral Cancer Screening?

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral Cancer is not only confined to the mouth, as the name would lead you to believe. Oral cancer is the most common form of head and neck cancer meaning it can begin anywhere in the mouth, tongue, lips, throat and sinuses. It is also a cancer that can often go overlooked, as the most common symptom of oral cancer is often an ulcer or sore which lasts for over three weeks.

Many documents link smoking and certain lifestyle habits to oral cancer, yet the condition is equally as common in non-smokers and those who do not consume alcohol. However limiting these habits, or better still cutting them out of your lifestyle altogether could greatly reduce the risk of you getting any form of oral cancer.

What are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?

As stated above, the most common symptom of oral cancer is a sore or ulcer within the mouth that is still there after three weeks. Whilst this may not necessarily mean you have oral cancer it is always best to get a lingering sore checked out by your dentist.

Other symptoms of Oral cancer can mimic that of other conditions, so just because you may have one of the ailments named below, it doesn’t automatically mean that you have oral cancer.

Other symptoms may include:

• Difficulty or pain with chewing, swallowing or speaking
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• White patches or red patches that do not go away
• Numbness or bleeding in the mouth
• Ill-fitting, loose teeth or dentures
• Thickening or a lump in the mouth or on the lip
• Losing a lot of weight over a short period.
• A lump in the neck

If you are concerned about any of the above symptoms please contact your local dental clinic to schedule an Oral Cancer Screening.

How Can an Oral Cancer Screening Save My Life?

We are all sadly well aware of the devastating effects cancer can have on a person and their families. We also know that the key to surviving cancer is finding and treating it at its earliest stages, so awareness of the symptoms and knowledge of how to get an oral cancer screening is paramount for treatment success. In fact, 80-90 per cent of oral cancer sufferers have a great survival rate when the cancer is caught early. However once the cancer is in its advanced stages that survival rate drops significantly to 20-30 per cent.

Is Oral Cancer Screening Painful?

Oral cancer screenings typically are not painful. The screening process is mainly made up of a visual inspection, where a dentist will inspect your mouth, throat, gums and tongue for any unusual signs. If your dentist finds anything suspicious then typically biopsies of the area will be taken, with your consent, and sent to the lab for testing. You will then usually get a follow-up appointment to talk through your results.

How Often Should I Schedule Oral Cancer Screening?

It’s recommended that you see your dentist at least once a year for a regular check-up, however there is no definite timeline when it comes to booking an oral cancer screening. For people over the age of 18 who smoke or drink heavily, it is advised that they attend a screening more regularly than those who don’t. It is recommended to receive screening every 3-5 years unless you have cause for concern, in which case it’s advised to book a screening as soon as a problem arises. Some Factors that can increase the risk of oral cancer are:

• Gender (oral cancer is more common in males than females)
• Age (over 40s are at greater risk)
• An unhealthy diet
• Any kind of tobacco use, including cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, snuff, or chewing tobacco
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Prolonged exposure to sunlight
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• A previous oral cancer diagnosis

You should contact your dentist as soon as possible if you experience any of the symptoms we mentioned earlier that can be found above.

This is a post by Bohdan Hrynyk, a family practice dentist working in Niagara Falls Ontario.

Want Younger Looking Eyes? Here's What You Need to Know

As you get older, your appearance starts to show the effects of aging. Among the most obvious changes you may begin to notice are fine lines and wrinkles. Crow’s feet are very common around your eyes in your 30s and beyond. However, you can take certain steps to make your eyes look younger. Here are a few great tips.

Use Eye Cream Two Times Per Day

One of the first positive steps you can take toward making your eyes look years younger is to apply eye cream two times per day. You should aim to apply a liberal amount to your upper lids, lower lids and the outer corner of your eyes in the morning and at night before you turn in for bed. Over time, you will begin to notice a remarkable difference as the skin around your eyes begins to smooth out and look more youthful.

You may also want to experiment with a few different creams before you ultimately settle for the one that works best for you.

Limit Your Screen Time

Although it can be difficult in the digital age we live in, you should limit your screen time as much as you can manage. This might not be possible if you are in a line of work where you have to use a computer for seven or eight hours per day, but you can give yourself a break from time to time. Rest your eyes when you can by limiting the use of your smartphone, tablet and TV screens. Using these devices for too many hours can cause eye strain and lead to the development of wrinkles.

Most of all, if you have to use a computer for work, you should aim to avoid using screens at night at least two hours before you go to bed. If you have trouble falling asleep once you turn in, you can use the cbdMD PM Product of the Year, which won the award in the first-ever CBD Sleep Aid category. Enough sleep can have a twofold benefit in helping you feel rested and improving the look of your eyes as well.

Give Yourself a Facial Massage

A facial massage can work wonders to ease your stress. It is also great for making your eyes look more youthful. There are facial massagers you can buy that allow you to improve the quality of your skin tone and elasticity. Using one can even improve your blood flow.

One of the best ways you can use your facial massager to make your eyes look younger is to store it in the refrigerator and use it in the morning to reduce dark circles under your eyes.

Use a Peeling Facial Mask

There are many peeling facial masks available on the market that can improve the quality of your skin. These are also great to use after you have performed your regular daily ritual of applying eye cream. Leave the mask on for 10 minutes and remove it. Your skin will feel softer, smoother and healthier overall.

You can also use lukewarm teabags on your eyelids to reduce inflammation of the skin. Cucumber slices can also do the trick.

Use a Concealer

Another good step you can take to help your eyes look younger is to invest in a good concealer. This is an essential makeup product that can hide dark circles under the eyes and give them a fresher appearance overall. Get a concealer that has a brush and moisturizer for application. It will make it easier to apply and can add much-needed hydration to the sensitive skin around your eyes.

These five vital steps can help you to get beautiful, healthy, younger-looking eyes.

This is a guest blog entry.

Benefits Of Following A Strict Diet Plan To Achieve Your Goal Weight

Some people claim that it only takes regular exercise and you don’t need to follow any diet plan to lose weight, while others say limiting your food intake is the only way, even without exercise. On the other hand, perhaps the majority would say it’s 50-50. Confusing, right? So, what’s the real deal?

According to Harvard Medical School, around 70% of US citizens are overweight or even obese and that losing weight is not the only solution to have better health. It stresses the importance of going for healthier food to improve your overall well-being more than anything.

But what exactly are the benefits of following a strict diet plan in achieving your desired weight? Consider the following.

Assists Those Who Cannot Exercise

Although achieving optimum weight loss can only be achieved through a combination of exercise and controlling your food intake, the latter takes the bigger chunk of the credit. If you put it in actual numbers, 75% of weight loss comes from diet and only 25% comes from exercise (or as much as 80/20 for some). Couch potatoes, rejoice!

Burning more calories than what you take in is said to be the key to achieving your desired weight. This may be interpreted as the lesser you exercise or move around, the more you should cut down your calorie intake. The idea behind it is to sustain a negative energy level which is essential if you want to continue to lose weight.

Helps You Become Healthier

Besides the fact that you can tremendously benefit from weight loss, sticking with your diet plan can help you achieve your ideal health status. Constantly adhering to a well-balanced diet can help replenish different key nutrients like vitamins A, B, C, E, iron, selenium, and zinc.

Eating healthy also helps you avoid a plethora of illnesses that are associated with too much or too little nutrients coming from food intake or lack thereof. These include health issues concerning the heart, bones, teeth, and other chronic conditions like metabolic syndrome that includes diabetes, high blood pressure, blood clotting disorders, among others.

Improves Metabolism

The metabolic rate of your body significantly drops as you lose muscles during weight loss. When it gets to the point where your metabolism drops to a very low level, the brain tends to hold on to the calories to prevent your perceived starvation. That’s the main reason why, even if you continuously exercise or you are physically active, you eventually stop losing weight after some time.

A protein-rich diet like those of Diet Delivery Plans can greatly aid when there is a drop in your metabolism rate, which is prevalent when trying to lose weight via crash diet or extreme workout. By sticking with this kind of diet, you can improve and regulate your metabolism, which eventually makes you lose weight consistently.

Prevents Gaining Back Lost Weight

When planning to lose weight, you sometimes tend to think of restricting yourself to the kinds of food that are known to be fattening. Foods rich in sugar, salt, and fats are some of the usual suspects.

While this strategy can work at first, your body isn’t used to being deprived of these guilty pleasures, especially when you’re so used to taking them every so often.

This tends to be unsuccessful in the long run as your body will have a tendency to crave the familiar diet. By utilizing a strict diet plan that covers most of the food groups in moderation, your body isn’t going to miss anything, which will make it work as usual.

Strategies to Achieve Weight Loss Goal

You can have your own weight loss plan or you can ask somebody else, especially an expert, on how to go about it to ensure success. However, the biggest factor to this is yourself as the ball is solely in your court.

Below are some of the expectations to ensure the achievement of your weight loss goal.

•    Establish your motivation. Why are you doing this?
•    Set sensible, reasonable, and achievable goals. Are they even possible?
•    Make a compromise. Are you up to it?

Parting Words

In the end, there’s really no one-size-fits-all type of weight loss regimen. Every individual is different in terms of body type, metabolism, health condition, activity level, etc. What works for you may not work for another person, hence, individualized diet plans are encouraged.

With the unhealthy diet being the biggest factor in weight gain, it’s natural to solve the issue through the same route more than anything. This is especially since people can be too lazy to
exercise. As long as you are not overdoing things, you’re going to be just fine.

Merilyn Zayac 

As a nutritionist for more than ten years, Merilyn Zayac has worked with individuals in improving their eating habits in order to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Merilyn considers the hormonal imbalance, food allergies, and weight goals of her clients in creating a meal plan for them.

Merilyn shares her expertise in food and nutrition by writing articles online.

5 Myths About IVF Debunked

In-vitro fertilization is a medical procedure that helps women struggling with pregnancy. Both medical and surgical procedures are utilized to allow a sperm to successfully fertilize an egg. During this assisted reproductive process, a woman’s egg is removed from the body and fertilized in a clinical lab setting. From here, doctors help the fertilized egg implant in the uterus. According to Conceive Health, a fertility clinic in Waterloo and Toronto, there are many myths perpetuated about IVF, which might prevent a woman struggling with pregnancy from looking further into the procedure. With that in mind, here are five common myths about IVF debunked:

Young Women Don’t Need IVF
One of the biggest myths surrounding IVF is that young women don’t have infertility issues. However, age is just one of many potential causes for infertility. In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 9% of women between the ages of 15 to 29 report difficulties staying or getting pregnant. Fourteen percent of women between the ages of 30 and 34 also reported these difficulties. Although difficulty increases after 35, it’s clear that one out of ten women before 35 struggle with pregnancy.

You’re More Likely to Have Multiple Babies
You may have heard that pregnancy through IVF means you’re more likely to have high-order pregnancies, which involve at least two implanted eggs. What many people don’t realize is that IVF is associated with twins because individuals undergoing the treatment elect to have two embryos transferred to increase the chances of a successful surgery.

If one of those embryos were to split, the result would be one set of identical twins and one fraternal sibling. Naturally, the more embryos you transfer, the higher the chance of multiple offspring. Many people undergoing IVF opt for a single transfer, though identical twins are still possible in this case, at roughly the same chance rate as with a normal pregnancy.

Fertility Lubricants Can Fix Fertility Issues
Research has shown that traditional lubricants can kill sperm or inhibit their movement. While it won’t hinder your ability to get pregnant, it can lessen the chances. This is where fertile friendly lubricants come into play. These lubricants are safe for sperm and embryos, and have been lab-tested to ensure they don’t have a negative impact on fertility.

However, the myth comes into play when people start to believe fertility lubricants increase their chances of pregnancy; this is only true when compared to traditional OTC lubricants. If you struggle with fertility, these lubricants will not act as a cure.

Lifestyle Changes Cure Infertility
In some cases, lifestyle and diet changes can decrease your chances of fertility. However, this is very rare; in cases where it works, it’s likely because the lifestyle change was highly significant (like addressing an eating disorder or quitting smoking). The issue is that many publications and products promote the idea of “fertility diets” that involve lifestyle changes. However, these are almost never backed by scientific evidence, and even when lifestyle changes do work, they have a very small percentage of success. Furthermore, it is very difficult to determine where a successful pregnancy came from for women with fertility issues.

You Can’t Have IVF With a High BMI
Women considered overweight may have heard that they will be turned away for IVF if they have a higher body mass index (IVF). While there is some merit to this conclusion, it’s important to understand that there is also plenty of gray area when it comes to high BMI and IVF. On the one hand, some clinics do refuse surgery on women who have average height and a BMI higher than 40. This is because certain prenatal conditions and complexities, like stillbirths and miscarriages, increase as body weight increases.

To ensure a successful process, some clinics do have that BMI placeholder. However, many modern clinics are taking a holistic approach to IVF, preferring to see every patient regardless of BMI. This is because subjects vary from case to case; one person with a BMI of 40 could be extremely healthy compared to another, and may have struggled with weight since birth. High BMI does not equate to an unhealthy lifestyle, particularly when it comes to food intake.

Because of this, women who are overweight shouldn’t refrain from seeing a specialist simply because they assume they will be turned away. A great doctor will explore all options, examine your health from a high-level overview, and offer suggestions on how to move forward.

This is a guest blog entry.

Have You Seen the First Signs of Alzheimer’s?

It starts with something small. You notice in a conversation that your parent asks a question that you swore you answered ten minutes ago. Later during the visit, they ask you the same question again. You know you answered it. So, what’s going on?

Sadly, this could be one of the first signs that your parent is dealing with memory loss. If it continues to progress, they could be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Read ahead to find out the common signs associated with Alzheimer’s and what you can do to take care of your parent now and in the future.

What Are Some Other Signs?

Repeating questions or phrases is not the only sign that your parent could be developing Alzheimer’s disease. These are some other common symptoms to look out for:

•    Misplacing items in strange places (keys in the refrigerator, wallet in the linen closet)
•    Misremembering or forgetting conversations and events
•    Forgetting important tasks (paying bills on time, missing appointments)
•    Getting lost in familiar locations
•    Wandering off without remembering why
•    Difficulty concentrating on tasks and conversations
•    Changes in behaviour (mood swings, loss of inhibition, delusions)

If your parent doesn’t seem to be remembering things as well as they used to or repeat sentences more often, do not panic. Approximately 40% of people above the age of 65 live with memory loss of some kind — that’s close to half of all seniors. Their small lapses in memory could just be a part of their natural aging process. They might not have Alzheimer’s.

If you notice more than a few of these symptoms, suggest that your parent visit their doctor. The doctor will make a note of the current signs, do physical exams, and do brain imaging tests to check for cognitive changes. The disease is progressive, so you may need to keep a close eye on your parent from now on.

What Can You Do If They Have Alzheimer’s?

Patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s may not be safe to live at home alone. If you’re worried that they’re at risk of accidentally harming themselves or wandering off, you should talk to them about moving to a retirement facility. A top-quality facility will have services for assisted living, full care, and memory care. So, you can get them the help they need and rest easy knowing that they will be around a professional nursing staff that’s available 24-hours a day. 

Moving into a retirement facility does more than provide your parent with around the clock care and security. The decision could improve their health and well-being. Living in isolation can intensify feelings of loneliness and depression and worsen symptoms of memory loss. On the other hand, social interaction can improve their quality of life. So, a facility that encourages residents to participate in activities could be the best thing for them.

After making sure that your parent has help, you need to make sure that you get help, too. Loving a person with Alzheimer’s can be very hard. Check out support groups or reach out to a mental health professional when you get overwhelmed. Think of it this way: taking care of yourself will make it easier for you to be there for your parent.

This is a guest blog entry.

5 Ways to Prevent Infections When Doing Micro-Needling At Home

Loved by celebrities across the globe, micro-needling has fast-become the go-to treatment option due to its amazing benefits, fast results, and little downtime. Until recently, it was an expensive treatment that could only be performed by high-end aesthetic medical professionals. Today, however, innovations in the beauty industry have made it possible for anybody to perform micro-needling at home. Like any other skin treatment procedure, you should be aware of the right micro-needling practices to ensure safety and optimal results.

Here are the top ways you can leverage to prevent infections when doing micro-needling at home.

When Infections Can Occur 

Infections occur when bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens gain entry into your skin while performing micro-needling or after the procedure. For instance, if you failed to sterilize the micro-needling device before using it, you risk getting infections because it may harbor pathogens that may cause inflammation or skin irritation. You may also be exposed to obnoxious harmful materials after treatment. This may interfere with your healing process and expose you to more infections.

Practical Things to Do To Avoid Infections Before and After Micro-Needling

•    Sanitize your micro-needling device every after use 

Endeavor to sanitize your micro-needling device before and after using it to avoid potential growth of microorganisms. One of the simplest ways to do this is to rinse the device with hot water or isopropyl alcohol to kill potential disease-causing organisms. You can also buy derma roller that are specifically designed for cleaning the devices.

•    Avoid doing micro-needling if you have an active skin infection or existing skin lesion

Skin lesions or active skin infections are risk factors for spreading infections. So, if you do a micro-needling treatment, you are likely to exacerbate the existing skin condition. Remember that when doing micro-needling, you will be creating tiny holes in your skin, which can act as a point of entry of a wide range of microorganisms.

Before performing micro-needling at home, consider consulting a dermatologist to help you treat the existing condition. Some of the most common skin conditions that contraindicated in any kind of micro-needling treatment include eczema, skin cancer, fungal infections, rashes, warts, herpes, bruised skin, bacterial infection, and keloids among others.

•    Avoid exposing yourself to too much sunlight after a micro-needling procedure  

Exposing your skin to too much heat after a micro-needling procedure puts you at risk of erythema, which may delay your healing process. Besides, considering that the wounds or pores that were created during the micro-needling procedure have not fully closed, you will be exposing your skin to dirt, smoke, pollen, and many other materials that may harbor pathogens. To prevent infections, avoid prolonged outdoor activities, and if you have to stay in the outdoors for long, protect your skin.

The good news is that micro-needling treatment has minimal downtime. So, you only need to do this for a few days. After the redness in the treated areas has disappeared and you confirm that the areas are completely healed, you can resume your regular activities.

•    Avoid strenuous exercise

Another thing you should avoid after a micro-needling procedure is strenuous activities. Whenever you exercise or do any kind of strenuous tasks, your body tends to sweat a lot. This may cause irritation, which exposes you to risks of infections if the treated areas become swollen or erythematous. Sweating also open your skin pores to dust, pollen, and smoke, and other foreign materials. So, if you plan to exercise after a micro-needling procedure, you better postpone it a bit. Remember that the slight changes in your daily routines are only temporary. Just postpone a few routines and give your skin time to heal completely.

•    Apply antibiotic creams as prescribed by your dermatologist

Most dermatologists usually prescribe antibiotics for 3-4 days after a micro-needling procedure. The antibiotic creams are meant to help prevent the growth of bacteria and pathogens that may come into contact with your skin. So, don’t forget to apply them as prescribed by your dermatologist if you want to get the most out of your micro-needling treatment at home. Additionally, purchase and use only creams that have been prescribed by your dermatologist or doctor.  It is also vital to buy any skin cream from reputable vendors to avoid the many risks that are often associated with counterfeit creams. Most importantly, don’t be tempted to try and self-medicate as the prolonged or wrongful use of antibiotic use may make your body resistant.

There you have it; some of the most practical ways of preventing infections when performing micro-needling at home. Like any other treatment out there, if you can follow the proposed precautionary measures, you are likely to get optimum results from the micro-needling procedure. In any case, any inconvenience or discomfort that you may experience during and after the procedure is only temporary. You will get back to your normal routines as soon as your skin is healed.

This is a guest blog entry.

6 surprising health benefits of sex for men

Most men would agree that there’s nothing better than getting intimate with their partner and enjoying a healthy sex life. It brings you closer together, boosts your mood and it feels good! But, did you know that there are genuine health benefits related to sex?

It’s true! Even if you’re currently struggling with ED, or a low libido – wondering how much does HGH therapy cost? Click the link to find out more – when it comes to regular sex, there are plenty of health benefits involved. What to know more? Read on for 6 surprising health benefits of sex for men.

Sex makes you happy

This one is pretty obvious, but medically speaking sex allows you to banish all those stress hormones that bring you down and instead, you get to enjoy oxytocin for several minutes once you’ve climaxed. If you remain close to your partner after sex (it’s difficult to stay awake, granted) but if you spend some time cuddling, touching and kissing etc you’re likely to enjoy the effects of oxytocin for much longer. Your partner will certainly benefit from additional intimacy.

You can lower your risk of prostate cancer

Recent scientific studies have shown that the more you ejaculate, the lower your risk of prostate cancer will be. Results show that regardless of age, there is a significant reduction in the risk involved. Although these findings require more research, it’s a good incentive to get a little more sex in your life and enjoy some additional solo sessions too.

You get some pretty good sleep

Again, oxytocin comes into play here. But after sex, it's normal for a man to feel sleepy. It's this wonderful hormone that allows you to sleep like a log after being intimate, allowing you to wake up feeling refreshed and re-energised.

You get your body moving

We all need a little more exercise in our lives and while having sex won’t necessarily have the same effect as a run or intensive gym session, it still has plenty of physical and fitness benefits. Some men can burn up to 100 calories during sex depending on the intensity and the longevity of the session. It’s a great way for you both to keep fit! As sex is actually considered a form of cardiovascular exercise, sex can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and heart problems later in life.

A sex session a day keeps the doctor away

Ok, so you don’t need to have it every single day, but studies have shown that having sex regularly helps your body to produce more salivary immunoglobulin which helps boost your immune system and keep those germs and bugs at bay.

It's a natural pain reliever
 
We all know the joke about our partners being “too tired” or suffering with “a headache”, but in reality, sex is regarded as a natural pain reliever. The release of endorphins reduces pain and increases pleasure, therefore having sex whilst your head is hurting can potentially reduce the pain! It may not cure your headache, but you’ll probably feel a little better afterwards!

This is a guest blog entry.

The Essentials of Clinical Trial Data Management

Accurate and high-quality clinical data is of critical importance for every CRO medical company.

Effective clinical trial data management involves accuracy in data collection, data entry, data reporting and data validation.

Establishing and maintaining high standards of quality requires consistency in implementation across individuals and teams in the CRO medical organization.

Clear communication in data management can prevent costly mistakes by staff which can put the clinical trial at a huge risk.

The following clinical trial data management elements can help in improving a CRO medical company’s data management standards at every stage of the clinical trial.

Accurate and Relevant Data Collection

Standard practices need to be established by CRO medical companies to produce accurate and relevant data.

The methodologies used for clinical trial data management should be targeted towards the objectives of the clinical trial, resulting in an improvement in data quality.

This process will also help in the elimination of non-critical data. This is important because minimizing the risk of verifying such data lowers risk factors during endpoint analysis.

With the right guidance, clinical data integrity can be vastly improved and data quality variation among the individuals and teams in CRO medical companies can be significantly reduced.

Critical data points identification

Critical data points should be identified at the beginning of a clinical trial process. This requires determining which data needs to be measured in relation to achieving the end goal.

Fundamentally, clinical trial data management appears straightforward but the collection of non-critical data for purposes like patient safety can pose significant challenges.

It requires time and effort by the clinical trial data management team to ensure this data meets required qualified standards.

Aside from being able to identify additional data points, proper Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) helps reduce the effort of data managers working with large volumes of data. This ultimately improves data quality.

Developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Accurate and quality collection of clinical trial data helps minimize time spent in identifying and rectifying inaccurate data.

This requires a clear definition of responsibilities for each role as well as organizational practices.

This ensures uniformity in operations minimizes the chance of errors occurring and makes it easier to identify the cause of errors when they occur.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) should be developed in collaboration with staff members.

This ensures everyone has a clear understanding of the tasks which are involved in the collection of data as well as the organizational practices.

This also provides an opportunity to identify deviations from best practices and document a course-correcting process which can correct these if they occur.

Educating Staff

A common hurdle found in clinical trial data management is the lack of industry-wide visibility in best practices. CROs create standard procedures of their own which makes it difficult to compare one organization’s management practices with similar organizations in the industry. As a result, there could be best practices which an organization may not have considered.

Educating staff members keeps them up-to-date on clinical trial data management processes which are practiced in the industry. It also keeps them motivated, builds confidence and raises their competency levels which lead to better results.

Using the Right Systems

In the process of developing SOPs which conform to industry best practices, it is important to look at constantly improving the quality of clinical data collection.

Collecting accurate and quality data is a key requirement of clinical trial biometrics data management and is largely dependent on the systems which are being implemented.

When managing data, the use of electronic data capture (EDC) systems should be considered to encourage staff to follow best practices. The systems should be easy-to-use and result in a reduction of potential errors when reporting.

An effective EDC system needs to be secure, minimize inaccurate data collection and allow data to be exported effectively. Some systems offer features such as edit checks,  audits, conditional forms, time point tolerances and allow medical coding language to diminish the potential for improper data entry and increase the integrity of your clinical data.

If the clinical trial involves investigational new drug (IND) testing, the EDC system should be validated and should also be compliant with 21 CFR Part 11.

In addition to all of this using the right systems also have other benefits such as meeting electronic signature requirements and robust communication with vendor systems. This elevates the value of clinical trial data for sponsors.

Steps Involved in Clinical Data Management

The following are steps involved in clinical trial data management:

Generating Source Data: This includes data such as patient diaries, medical records and laboratory results.

Transcription: In case paper Case Report Forms (CRFs) are used, clinical site records are transcribed onto these.

Data Entry: Data from the CRFs and other sources, are entered in the clinical trial database. Using
 Electronic CRFs (eCRFs) allows data entry from source documents directly to the database.

Data obtained from paper CRFs are generally entered twice and reconciled to reduce the error rate.

Data are always checked for accuracy, completeness and quality. This can require queries to be raised to the clinical site.

Locking: When data is considered final, the database is locked
 
Reformatting Data: For ease of analysis and reporting, listings, tables and figures are generated.

Data Analysis: Data is analyzed and reports are produced. Results are documented and additional high-level reports are produced. These include Clinical Study Reports (CSRs) and Investigator’s Brochures (IBs).

Archiving: Database and other study data are archived.

While these are the common steps which are followed, they are not necessarily in order. For example, longer studies commonly require generating intermediate discrepancies as well as listings to identify problems which need to be corrected before the study is completed.

This is a guest blog post.

The Truth About Overweight Women & IVF

In-vitro fertilization helps those who are struggling to conceive to experience a healthy pregnancy. This assisted reproductive technology method works by using surgical and medical procedures to help sperm fertilize an egg, and allows the fertilized egg to implant in the uterus. During this procedure, the doctor will remove eggs from the woman’s body and mix it with sperm in a lab setting. “While most people are familiar with the basics of IVF, they may have preconceived notions about what’s really happening with the procedure and how it affects people who are considered overweight,” says Conceive Health, a fertility clinic.

For starters, there’s a common misconception that overweight people with a higher BMI than “average” will be unable to have a successful IVF procedure. There’s a reason why this myth continues to be perpetuated.

Even in modern times, some doctors refuse treatment because the patient is deemed overweight. One New York Times article profiled the story of Gina Balzano, who was essentially told she was too fat to have a baby in 2013 when she weighed 317 pounds. Many clinics consider a BMI of over 50 (around 300 pounds for a 5’5 woman) the cutoff point for treatment. At other clinics, it’s even lower.

Balzano was told that her doctor would not see patients for IVF with a BMI of under 30. To put this into perspective, a 5’5 woman who weighs 180 pounds has a BMI of nearly 30. Unfortunately, this isn’t too far off from what overweight women have to deal with in the reproductive health care industry. One study analyzed recordings of 117 doctor visits among a pregnant group, and found that doctors were less likely to ask overweight women about their lifestyle habits and provided less information about responsible care.

But to fully understand both sides of the coin, it’s important to consider why so many clinics prefer not to give IVF procedures to women with higher BMIs. The rate of prenatal conditions, such as stillbirths, miscarriages, and pre-eclampsia, increases with higher BMI. On the other hand, although the chance of complication does increase with weight, the chances of those complications are low. Furthermore, another Scandinavian study found that losing weight prior to pregnancy doesn’t help—and could actually have a negative impact on pregnancy.

This isn’t just an issue happening in the United States. There are cultural biases surrounding larger people all around the world. One study conducted in Australia found that doctors in prenatal care expressed less approval and sympathy for patients that were above average weight, compared to those that fell within standard weight guidelines. While these experiences and details seem grim, changes are underway. Doctors in Australia are currently fighting against current IVF guidelines that recommend clinics to turn obese patients away.

Still, many doctors take a more progressive approach to IVF with overweight women, and prefer to address each patient that’s in front of them. “Obesity can require special care, but a majority of women with BMI over 30 don’t have a complicated pregnancy and do have healthy babies,” said Dr. Chloe Zera, a maternal fetal medicine specialist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

For these forward-thinking doctors, a woman is not a number, and is certainly not her BMI. A great clinic will always address a woman’s health from a holistic perspective, talking to her about her dietary and lifestyle habits. Many women—even vegans with careful diets—have struggled with their weight their entire lives.

In fact, one study analyzed nearly 300 IVF lifecycles and found that body mass index had no effect on IVF. A larger study conducted in 2018 analyzed the IVF success of just over 50,000 American women found that while obesity is linked to lower egg levels, it doesn’t necessarily mean an IVF procedure will be less successful.

For women who struggle to conceive, statistically speaking, that struggle would continue if they had a lower BMI. Even with surgical weight loss, there remains a high chance that those same struggles would continue. The problem is expounded when doctors assume the issue with conceiving revolves around weight. Instead, more doctors are choosing to understand the patient and analyze all aspects of treatment and possibilities.
 
This is a guest blog entry.

Chiropractic Care for Back Pain Relief

Are you suffering from back pain? Do you find it difficult when standing or sitting? Do you find it challenging when lifting household objects? If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, perhaps you are experiencing back pain and it can surely affect your everyday activities. Back pain is common but can certainly make tasks unnecessarily problematic such as missed workdays and is the leading cause of disability.

Signs and Symptoms of Back Pain

Remember that back pain is not one size fits all condition that influences every person in one way or another. This makes sense since the pain is associated with multiple factors. Some common signs and symptoms of back pain are the following:

• Muscle weakness in back and thighs
• Numbness throughout body
• Shooting pain from thighs to the upper back
• Pain when standing for longer durations
• Trouble sleeping due to discomfort
• Decreased range of motion
• Stiffness in body
• Pain near the tailbone
• Pain while walking, exercising and performing basic everyday tasks

With all of that being said, there is good news for you. If you are experiencing back pain, there are many ways to naturally alleviate the pain and help prevent any future occurrences. Many people experience back pain and assume that it will be overcome with bed rest. However, don’t forget the fact that one of the most effective solutions is to naturally treat the pain. A specific amount of caution is important while suffering from pain. Still, stretching and exercise are the easiest ways to relieve back pain. Read on to learn know more about it.

Lumbar Rotation

This chiropractic application involves adjusting the spine to relieve tension and enhance flexibility. The exercise simply feels great! This workout requires you to lie down with your back on the ground and bend your knees. Extend your arms either right or left and position your back to the floor. Now gradually bring your knees on the right side without any back movement and maintain the position for approximately 15 seconds. Perform it again on the left side. Repeat the exercise three times and you will eventually feel better.

Pelvic Tilt

Let’s move towards the next important training exercise. The pelvic tilt barely requires you to move. For this exercise, you need to lie on your back while keeping your knees bent and position your hands behind the head. Make sure the arch of your back should come in contact with the floor. Next, use your abdominal muscles while pushing your back into the ground and ensure there is no space in between. Repeat the exercise for about 12 times for 10 seconds each.

Knee to Chest
 
The exercise is very much understandable so make sure to pay careful attention to assist your spine and hips. The workout requires you to lie on your back while keeping your legs down. Curve one knee and take hold of it with your hands. Now pull it to your chest and stretch it as far as possible. Repeat the exercise with the other leg and hold for about one minute. Perform it for at least three times.

Hamstring Stretch 

The hamstring stretch is another common exercise frequently recommended by chiropractors. The exercise restricts flexion of the pelvis at the hip joints and forces your back to encourage forward bending at the waist. Stretching hamstrings can be performed in multiple ways. One primary technique is proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. It’s a perfect blend of contraction against stretching, rest and resistance.

• Lie on your posterior
• Hold your knee straight and let your assistant grip your foot
• The helper lifts the leg up to the hamstring muscle length and holds this position
• Force against your helper’s resistance for a count of 8
• Now relax the hamstring muscles
• When the hamstring muscle is stress-free, extend the hamstring muscle gradually and steadily flexing the hip. The assistant pushes your ankle and leg upward and keep this stretch for a count of 8 or 10.
• Repeat the exercise for 3 times with each leg

Spinal Bridge

The spinal bridge stretch incredibly strengthens your back. Nevertheless, it applies slight pressure on the neck. Be careful if your cervical spine is experiencing any inflammation or pain. To begin, lie on your back. Twist your knees and position both feet flat on the surface. Next, firmly push both feet to the floor and lift from your hips. Bring your hands together beneath your tailbone and press through the shoulders to bring your hips up. Keep the position for approximately 15 seconds while consistently pressing your glutes. Lastly, gently bring your hands towards your sides and palms directing down. Bring your hips in the downward direction and roll one vertebra at a time. Repeat the exercise for at least 5 times.

Cat-Cow Stretch

The cat-cow stretch is not only a popular chiropractic back pain workout, but also a common yoga position to enhance flexibility in the backbone. Begin with the knees square underneath the hips. Position your wrists directly under the shoulders. Spread the fingers and balance the weight. Make sure you don’t put a lot of pressure on the wrists. Now breathe in deeply and push your stomach to the ground while bringing your face up. Try to lift your tailbone upwards and this is it. The next step is breathing out and around your spine, push in your pelvis and arch your back like a cat. Get your chin towards the chest. Repeat it 5 times.

Conclusion

If you are suffering from back pain, it’s high time to consult a back specialist Snellville. They will recommend a range of exercises for support, balance, and flexibility to help you strengthen your muscles and take off excessive pressure off your spine. You must not ignore the pain at any cost since it can transform into something worse. Even if the pain is bearable, it needs to be addressed to avoid any complications in later life. A chiropractor is going to be your best companion to help ease the symptoms and treat the underlying causes.

This is a guest blog entry.

Chiropractic Therapies for Pain Relief

Chiropractic medicine is a health care occupation committed to the non-surgical treatment of physical and psychological health disorders from the nervous system to anxiety or depression. Typically, chiropractors concentrate on spinal manipulation and treatment. If you are suffering from back pain that lasts more than a week, it’s time to consult a chiropractor for a comprehensive evaluation. Your chiropractor will design a specific course of treatment for you. Many people respond effectively to treatment and soon get back to their everyday activities.

Chiropractic manipulation is a manual process that uses a modified approach developed during many years of chiropractic education. They frequently use their hands to mildly move dysfunctional joints commonly known as subluxations. The procedure mostly focuses on the spinal alignment to restore or improve joint and nervous system functioning. This allows your body to heal resulting in the restoration of function and eventually reduce pain and disability. Here are the four most common treatment techniques to help you get rid of pain:

1 Soft Tissue Therapy
 
Your chiropractor focuses on muscles to relax and soothe them. There are multiple ways to bring comfort to muscles since it’s the source of pain such as manual release treatment that involves muscle stretch while exerting pressure. They may apply trigger point therapy including direct pressure on the painful muscle areas. Also, they may use instrument assisted soft tissue therapy which applies gentle pressure and stroke over the area.

2 Manual Therapy
 
In case your joint is not moving appropriately, your chiropractor is more likely to apply a treatment technique to help you achieve sufficient motion within a joint. This can be achieved through manipulation or joint mobilization. The procedure uses a gentle movement that stretches the joint. 

3 Exercise Therapy/Self-Management

Your chiropractor will recommend a set of exercises to assist with your pain and ensure it doesn’t come back. They are more likely to provide you with safe lifting approaches, tips for an appropriate body posture and other strategies to prevent re-injury.

4 Spinal Manipulation

Also known as spinal manipulative therapy, it’s a strategy where specialists use their hands or a specific instrument to apply a regulated thrust. They use a force of certain magnitude in a particular direction to the joints of the spine. Though the degree of force can considerably vary. Spinal manipulation differs from spinal mobilization which doesn’t include a thrust. The force is applied in a joint’ movement and can be easily regulated by the patient. Spinal therapy is often performed by chiropractors. Other than chiropractors, you can also consult osteopathic physicians and physical therapists since they are also proficient in spinal manipulations.

How Chiropractic Treatment Works
 
Traditional chiropractic adjustments frequently concentrate on spinal manipulation and alignment to help with pain management and encourage the body for self-healing abilities. Readjustment of the spine is believed to minimize pressure on the central nervous system. Lower back pain and headaches are the most common conditions treated by a chiropractor. Your consultation sessions will predominantly include a comprehensive evaluation. The specialist will ask you to explain your symptoms and subsequently may recommend X-rays and other tests that will help you get better with time. Following the discussion sessions, your chiropractor will develop an all-inclusive treatment plan. Pain management involves a range of visits for the best pain management therapy.

In every visit, your chiropractor may use a specific degree of pressure on important parts of your back and realign your spin and regulate pain. This pressure may be sudden or less in intensity applied with hands or using a designated instrument. Your treatment plan may also include massage although make sure to discuss with your chiropractor about different techniques. You will also be given:

Heat and Cold: Chiropractors may switch between heat and ice therapy to help patients treat pain. Ice packs are often used to numb the back for about 15 minutes and then move towards a heating pad. The heat wrap or warm water bottle will help restore blood flow and result in quick healing.

Exercise: You will be given a detailed set of instructions for an exercise program that primarily focuses on stretching and strengthening the back.

Massage: Chiropractors may use massage techniques on soft tissues to improve circulation and pain associated with back pain.

Dietary Management: Chiropractors will provide you detailed instructions on an improved diet. They may also recommend dietary supplements after spinal manipulation.

How Do Chiropractors Help with Lower Back Pain? Millions of people around the world suffer from low back pain at one or another point of their life. This pain is commonly considered as non-specific which means that there is no specific underlying pathology. In simple words, the pain you are encountering comes from the functioning of your spine and the supportive structure around your spine such as nerves, joints, and muscles. In very few cases, low back pain can be instigated by pathologies such as dense fracture, cancer, spinal infections, and herniated discs.

Jonesboro chiropractic care for back pain helps you bring back proper alignment to your spine and release pressure on the nervous system. Improving the misalignments in your spine can result in positive results for both acute and chronic low back pain. When regulated through a comprehensive chiropractic session, it will help you with multiple preventative approaches by concentrating on both your lifestyle and surrounding setting. Your chiropractor will help you determine any rare pathologies that can potentially result in back pain and make a referral where required.

Final Thoughts: 

Setting goals for the chiropractic treatment plan primarily depends on the patient’s pain and activity intolerance. The ultimate goal for the pain treatment framework is the prevention of physical and psychological disorders. The application of active care such as patient-driven exercises, ergonomic modifications, and activity modification focus on accomplishing these objectives. Many studies reveal that chiropractors are rated among the best in patient satisfaction. The high satisfaction level leads to overall efficiency, patient communication and provides practical advice and information.

This is a guest blog entry.

Chiropractic Care: Relief from Anxiety and Depression

If you are suffering from depression or anxiety, you can surely rely on chiropractic care. It primarily involves a mind-body approach that adjusts physical symptoms to improve psychological health. A chiropractor is equipped with an all-inclusive approach for your mental health and considers every possible way to make you feel better. Most people are unable to understand the significance of chiropractic care on both physical and psychological health. As soon as you come to know its standing, you will realize it can improve many lives.

Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety

Millions of adults around the globe face mental illness every year. While anxiety disorders are very common, depression is the ultimate cause of disability. Symptoms are unique to every patient, though some of the most common indications include:

• Exhaustion and failure to sleep
• Headaches or migraines
• Muscle tension and rigidity
• Aches and discomforts throughout the body
• Inability to relax

These physical symptoms can worsen psychological symptoms and it will become more challenging to live every day with anxiety or depression. Fortunately, chiropractic care is an effective solution to ease these physical symptoms.

Aims for a Mind-Body Approach

Chiropractic care focuses on determining an appropriate balance between your mind and body. A chiropractor can do this perfectly by evaluating various health issues including manipulations, therapies, wide-ranging exercises, and diet and supplements. Chiropractic care definitely leaves no stone go unturned. Even some little changes such as using omega-3 in your diet may have a great influence on anxiety symptoms.

Correcting Misalignments Which Influence the Nervous System

Our moods are frequently controlled by the chemistry of the body. The chemistry is your organs and even the brain is well monitored by the nervous system. Any misalignment of the backbone particularly the first, second or third vertebrae can apply considerable pressure on the brain resulting in interference neurologically and chemically. Some people prefer medications to modify their brain chemistry. On the other hand, people looking for non-medication therapy look forward to re-aligning the backbone which can surely do wonders for your mental health.
 
Relieves Tension, Painfulness, and Headaches

Patients going through depression or anxiety often suffer from muscular tension. Chiropractic care can assist in minimizing tension and rigidity. Besides, it helps in relieving pain associated with tension headaches. Many patients with physiological health disorders are more likely to suffer from migraines. This sort of relief can have a major influence on all those who are battling mental health disorders. Typically speaking, chiropractic care and massage therapy can truly help in reducing pain after psychological health diagnoses.

Holistic Approach to Patient Care

Anxiety is not simply a mental illness; it can be life-threatening if not treated on time. The situation gets worse over time eventually leading to extreme depression and mental suffering. According to many studies, chiropractic care can result in significant improvement in the patient’s psychological, physical and social well-being. This refers to the correction of vertebral subluxations improving the quality of life without using any medication.

Chiropractic care reduces the inclusion of nervous activity using manual means and helps the body to restore normal functioning which is crucial for behavioral changes. Spinal manipulation eradicates any nerve interference which considerably minimizes muscle tension, soothes the body, and aligns spinal cord. The reticular activating system (RAS) is a free network of neurons in the brain which controls the overall consciousness. With Marietta chiropractic treatment, RAS functionally sits in the first cervical backbone commonly known as the atlas. The complete chiropractic therapy includes:

• Focuses on the patient’s intrinsic restoration abilities
• Acknowledge dynamics among the lifestyle, surrounding environment and health
• Concentrates on the understanding of causes of mental illness and applies techniques to eradicate associated symptoms
• Understands the significance of the nervous system and its relationship with the structural and monitoring abilities of the body
• Recognizes the multifactorial nature of the chemical, structural and psychological influences on the nervous system
• Perfectly balances the advantages over the risks of clinical interventions
• Monitors progress and effectiveness through applicable diagnostic processes
• Avoids any unessential obstacles in the doctor-patient sessions
• Focuses on a hands-on and patient-centered approach to positively influence functioning through the structure
• Works for early intervention and focus on timely analysis and treatment of functional and rescindable conditions

Be Aware of Options

Many of us experience increased stress whether due to family problems, workload or financial concerns. This stress can result in multiple insecurities and symptoms of psychological illness. It is important to get familiar with diverse options when the mental stress steps in your life. Do not only consider visiting a physician for temporary relief with the use of synthetic medications. Instead of simply consulting a physician for medication, it’s important to educate yourself for other options and ensure your spine is checked and there aren’t any misalignments. You never know if there are any misconfigurations in your spine as a result of trauma or excessive work that you might not be aware of. If you truly want to get relief from the mental health symptoms, chiropractic care is a proven technique that will certainly improve the quality of your life in the long run.

Final Thoughts:

To conclude this, seeking help from a chiropractor can have a positive influence on your mental health. In addition to proven research, there have been multiple studies regarding the importance of chiropractic care on depression and anxiety. With the increasing cost of traditional health care, many people look forward to alternatives that are both effective and affordable. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms discussed above, it’s high time to consult a chiropractor near you to deliberate a potential treatment plan for these symptoms.

They will perhaps design a tailored plan primarily depending on your mental health condition. Once a plan is formulated, you are more likely to have multiple sessions with your doctor involving diagnosis, evaluation, range of exercises and manipulation, and a progress report. Nothing is more important than peace of mind and to get that peace, make sure you are not suffering from any mental health disorders particularly anxiety or depression that can be life-threatening later on. Be safe and consult today!

This is a guest blog post.