How to Recognize an Eating Disorder When You See One

Eating disorders are serious mental health disorders that can affect people of every age, race, ethnicity, and gender. Someone who has an eating disorder may exhibit a range of signs and symptoms that range from obvious to subtle. People close to someone with an eating disorder may not be prepared to recognize the more subtle signs; this can prevent them from reaching out to help the person who is struggling with the eating disorder
 

For this reason, we’ve listed some basic information about eating disorders, the signs you may see when these disorders are present, and what steps you can take to get help for yourself or a loved one.
Signs of Binge Eating Disorder
 

A binge eating disorder is actually the most common form of eating disorder in the United States, although it doesn't get as much recognition as others. People with binge eating disorders engage in binge eating episodes, where they compulsively eat large amounts of food in a short time. They may engage in dieting behaviors, but they do not engage in purging behaviors, such as vomiting.
 

If you suspect that your loved one may have binge eating disorder, keep an eye out for:

• Episodes of eating large quantities of food in secret.
• Frequent dieting.
• Extreme concern with weight and/or body shape.
• Unexplained weight gain.
• Keeping stashes of junk food, or hiding food.
• Discomfort about eating in a public setting.

People with binge eating disorder may feel out of control during episodes of binge eating, and they might begin to organize their schedule to accommodate these binge eating episodes. Binge eating disorder can lead to many of the negative symptoms of obesity such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
 

Signs of Anorexia Nervosa
 

Anorexia is a well-known restrictive kind of eating disorder where people severely restrict their caloric intake, leading to extreme weight loss. They are typically preoccupied with their body weight and may experience a distorted body image. Some of the most common signs of this disorder and behavioral symptoms include:

• Obsession with body weight, appearance, and avoiding weight gain
• Prolonged or extreme weight loss.
• Frequent dieting and counting calories.
• Chewing and spitting.
• Wearing baggy clothes to hide body shape.
• Always feeling cold
• Lethargy.
• Lack of normal menstrual cycles in women.
• Intense fear of weight gain.
• Extreme or compulsive exercise
• Becoming isolated or withdrawing from social engagements.

People with anorexia nervosa face a long list of negative symptoms. It is the most dangerous form of mental health disorder, with the highest death rate and suicide rate of them all. People with anorexia nervosa might also experience gastrointestinal problems, anemia, dizziness, thinning hair, muscle weakness, and a variety of other physical problems.
 

Signs of Bulimia Nervosa
 

Bulimia nervosa is similar to anorexia nervosa in that it often includes body image distortions and a fear of gaining weight. However, rather than restricting food intake, people with bulimia try to prevent weight gain by purging the food they eat, often during binge eating episodes similar to those in binge eating disorders. The most common way to purge is self-induced vomiting, but other methods like laxative abuse or excessive exercise are also common. Sometimes, the person will use several purging methods. Some of the signs of bulimia nervosa include:
 

• Obsession with weight and body shape.
• Evidence of binge eating episodes, such as large amounts of food disappearing or watching the individual eating large amounts of food at one time.
• Discomfort at meal times.
• Unusual rituals involving food.
• Keeping breath mints on themselves at all times, and other ways to hide the smell of vomit.
• Calluses on the fingers and knuckles.
• Evidence of purging, such as disappearing after meals, spending too much time in the bathroom, and laxative packages.
• Rapid or sudden tooth decay.

Bulimia nervosa can have many negative health effects, including thinning hair, dry skin, muscle weakness, and a range of other issues.
 

Recognizing Eating Disorders in a Friend or Family Member
 

If you believe your loved one may have an eating disorder, make sure you research their symptoms and maybe even talk to a professional before raising the issue with them. Many eating disorders cause the person great stress at mealtimes, especially when others are present, so keep your eye out during shared meals. In fact, many people discover eating disorders during the holidays, when family gatherings are common. Make sure you don’t jump the gun – a conversation about a person’s potential eating disorder is not an easy one.
 

Getting Treatment for Eating Disorders
 

Treatment for eating disorders is available in a variety of forms, including residential treatment, outpatient day treatment, and partial hospitalization programs. Residential treatment programs are conducted in inpatient facilities that provide all the resources people with eating disorders need to get better, with 24/7 medical, psychiatric, and therapeutic care.
 

Reach out to an expert such as an eating disorder counselor or the admissions staff at an eating disorder treatment center if you want to help yourself or your loved one attain a full recovery. They can help you diagnose the disorder, arrange treatment, and enter an eating disorder treatment facility, as well as arranging transportation and financial considerations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: CARRIE HUNNICUTT
 

With 20 years of behavioral health business development experience, Carrie combines world-class marketing, media, public relations, outreach and business development with a deep understanding of client care and treatment. Her contributions to the world of behavioral health business development – and particularly eating disorder treatment  – go beyond simple marketing; she has actively developed leaders for her organizations and for the industry at large.

 

What should I do after a slip and fall in a restaurant?

If you slip and fall in a restaurant, forget about feeling foolish or embarrassed by what the other diners might think when they see you sprawled on the floor. You should concentrate on understanding just what happened to you and determining what injuries you have suffered.
 

You might have slipped and fallen because the floor was wet. This is quite a common occurrence in restaurants and bars, where people spill their drinks and the staff might take too long to get the spill cleaned. Maybe there were too many people crowding a small hallway and you might not have been able to see a small step up or down or a change in flooring material.
 

First Things First: Get Medical Attention

Some people might suffer a sprained ankle due to a slip and fall accident in a restaurant, but others have fared much worse, suffering life-threatening injuries. If you are having a hard time determining how badly injured you are, stay put. Call 911 or have someone call for you. Don´t attempt to stand up until medical help has arrived.

If your injuries are minor and you can walk out of the restaurant on your own, get checked out by a medical professional as soon as you leave the premises. Keep the medical records and bills for your injuries. Don’t put off getting checked out or the insurance company might interpret it as though your injuries were not serious enough to warrant immediate attention.
 

Talk to the Manger
 

Whoever is responsible for the restaurant should be appraised of your accident. If your injuries allow it, make sure that the owner or manager, or responsible party knows what happened. Don’t ask someone else to report this for you. Also, don’t make statements such as “I think I’m fine” or “It’s probably nothing”. Stick to the facts. Have them put your statement in writing and give you a copy.
 

Document the Accident
 

Use your cellphone to take pictures of the accident. If possible, have someone take pictures of you where you fell. You want what you were wearing to come out clearly. You want to avoid the restaurant manager saying that you fell because your clothes snagged on something or you were wearing shoes that made walking difficult for you.
 

Also, take pictures of security cameras to show that the accident was captured on the restaurant’s video feed.
 

Get Testimonies from Witnesses
 

If other patrons around you saw what happened, gather their testimonies. Also, ask for their contact information. Ask around to find out who was standing close enough to witness your fall. Tell them you might need to get in touch with them later. There is no need to explain anything else to them at this point. Just let them know you might be in touch soon.
 

Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer
 

You will need experienced legal help to be able to prove that there was negligence on the part of the restaurant. This means that they knew about the issue and took no action to correct it or to let you and other patrons know they needed to be aware of an issue when they were walking by.
 

Your Jacksonville slip and fall lawyers have had to deal with plenty of slip and fall accidents in restaurants and other premises. That is why they recommend that you seek legal help as soon as possible after the accident.
 

Start working with your personal injury attorney by telling them the full account of what happened, gather all the medical records and bills related to your injuries, if you have written testimonies and an accident report from the restaurant, give them that as well.

Your lawyer will explain your legal options and design a strategy to build a strong case and obtain the damages you are entitled to.
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Image via Pixabay
 

This is a guest blog entry. 

Bodily Injury Liability 101

 

No matter how careful you are in every area of your life, there is no way to avoid every single fall, bump, or accident. The problem is that in many cases we manage not only to hurt ourselves but to hurt someone else. For this reason, and being aware that accidents are a part of life, both general liability insurance, and automobile insurance include bodily liability coverage in their policies. Its purpose is to help you pay for the costs that come with having caused injuries to someone else.
 

Bodily Injury Defined
 

A narrow definition of bodily injury coverage includes three main areas which are personal injury to the body, disease, and sickness. A broader definition goes much further and includes such items as:

• Shock
• Disability
• Mental injury
• Mental anguish
• Death

What is the biggest problem associated with a personal injury?
 

Personal injuries are generally associated with secondary problems that may last much longer than the original injury itself. These secondary issues can have a negative impact on the life of whoever suffers from them, making daily living difficult. These may include:
 

• Past and future medical expenses
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Diminished ability to carry out a previously held job
• Inability to work
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish

How can your insurance policy help you face the possibility of having to deal with those issues?
Insurance policies reflect the fact that the issues listed above are a reality. Thus, they include different types of coverage that aim at protecting you (and your bank account) every day. These types of third-person liability coverage are:
 

Bodily Injury
 

This coverage offers financial protection to others when you are found to be at fault for an accident or an injury to a third party. It is understood that you may end up causing harm to somebody else either directly (such as when you harm them with your car), and indirectly (such as when you have left objects lying around and someone trips over them and gets injured).
 

Property Damage
 

This section of the coverage is used to offer financial protection in cases where things get damaged. If you destroy or damage someone else’s property, such as their car during an accident, your insurance would help cover the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged property.
 

How can you protect yourself from bodily injury claims?
 

Before you face an accident where you are at fault or damage someone else’s property, you should protect yourself with a general liability insurance policy. If you are the owner of a small business, this coverage is that much more crucial, since one single claim could end up ruining your business and forcing you to close your doors forever.
 

According to lawyer Kenneth King, it is more important to focus on the things you have to do to stay afloat in these economic circumstances than having to constantly worry about unexpected accidents and their effects on your business. Protect yourself and your livelihood: get a bodily injury policy now. It will offer you protection for third-party medical bills, legal fees, lost wages, mental anguish, pain and suffering, and even funeral costs.

In California, bodily injury liability insurance must cover $15,000 for bodily injury or death and $30,000 for wrongful death. That is what’s known as the “15/30” insurance.       
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Image via Pixabay

This is a guest blog entr.

Inside the OR: The Ten Most Essential Items

Every OR is meticulously designed to ensure that anything a surgeon could need is readily available throughout every procedure. Here are just ten of those essential items. 

1. Anesthesia

Anesthesia literally translates to ‘loss of sensation’, and it enables surgeons to perform complex, lengthy, and otherwise incredibly traumatic and painful procedures on patients who are not conscious of what is going on. This transformed surgical practice, and enabled much more complicated procedures to be developed without worry for the patient’s ability to survive. 

2. Lights

Any complex and intricate task requires excellent lighting, and this is never truer than it is within the OR. Plenty of bright, adjustable lighting must be used in order to ensure that the incision sites are not afflicted by shadows, and that the surgeon’s own hands do not get in their way. 

3. Retractor

These days, innovation continues to change the face of surgery, with many improvements being made with the Lone Star retractor. For instance, June Medical has worked to design a cam lock system, which offers the surgeon much more control and ensures that fewer personnel need to be present in the operating room – thus lowering the risk of infection. 

4. Smoke Removal System

Surgical smoke produced via cauterization can be highly damaging to surgeon’s lungs, and an effective removal system is essential to ensuring that medical professionals do not suffer long term health consequences as a result of inhalation. 

5. ECG Machine

A lot can go wrong during an operating, and close monitoring of the patient at all times is essential to ensuring that they are able to wake up from the operation without any complications or setbacks. An ECG, or electrocardiogram machine, enables everyone in attendance to monitor the patient’s heartbeat for sudden spikes or lulls, and ensure that they are coping well under anesthesia. 

6. Scalpel

The scalpel is one of the most recognisable symbols of the OR. With this, the surgeon can make precise, neat, and definitive cuts into the patient’s tissue, and ensure access to the site requiring medical attention. 

7. Sterilisation Equipment

Keeping all reusable implements clean, and ensuring that no germs are transferred from one patient to another within the OR, is an incredibly difficult job. All operating rooms need to be equipped with excellent facilities for sterilizing reusable implements, and ensuring that nothing touches the patient unless it has been scrupulously cleaned first. 

8. PPE

Personal Protective Equipment is essential not only to keeping the surgeon and those working within the OR safe, but also the ensuring that the sterile field is maintained, and that the patient is not exposed to any harmful microbes throughout the procedure. From masks to caps and gowns, all surgeons need to be appropriately dressed before entering the sterile field. 

9. Surgical Table

This is where the patient will lie throughout the surgery. It is designed to be easily adjusted to suit the height of the surgeon, and the nature of the operation, and ensure that everyone involved is always able to gain easy access to the site upon which the procedure is taking place. 

10. Backup Power

Many factors are at play during a surgery – all of which could, in worst case scenarios, backfire during the course of even the most routine procedure. One of the most devastating possibilities, however, remains loss of power, which would plunge the room into darkness and prevent any of the machines monitoring and supporting the patient from working. 

A backup source of power is, for that reason, essential, and no surgery should proceed without it.

This is a guest blog entry.

All about Gender Identity

Gender Identity is a timely and relevant topic that deserves proper discussion and attention. As we all have known, gender identity only has distinctions which are the male and female. However, it still has a wider spectrum of perceptions that must be discussed thoroughly considering the modern influences of this generation. Given that, here is a brief discussion of gender identity and linking ideas for us to gain more awareness about this relevant topic. 

Defining Gender Identity 

Gender identity refers to one’s personal sense of their own gender. It can correlate with what sex is assigned to one when born or differ from it. Also, gender expression reflects the gender identity of a person but not all the time. For example, in this modern time, people may express their appearances, attitudes, and behaviors assigned to a specific gender role; however, these do not essentially reflect their true gender identity. 

Moreover, each society has its own set of gender categories, which serves as the basis for self-identity. As mentioned previously, there are two main categories of gender which are the female and male. Females express femininity and males express masculinity. Now, gender identity has been known to form at the age of three. After this age, making changes to it can be difficult, and failed attempts to reassign it results in gender dysphoria. 

Age of Formation 

Different theories were made and used to determine the exact age of the formation of gender identity. It has been a tough journey for researchers since children still lack language at an early age. Communicating and investigating children in terms of their gender identity did not come easily However, researchers claimed that gender identity mostly forms at the age of three. This is the age where children are starting to be aware of themselves, their identity, likes, and life. This is the age where their level of consciousness, not only about themselves but also in the surrounding increases. Moving forward, let us now proceed to the factors affecting the formation of gender identity. In this way, we can widen our perspective about this topic and gain more knowledge on how to deal with it.
 

Factors Affecting the Formation of Gender Identity 

Lots of people are not yet completely aware of gender identity, especially the factors affecting its formation. This leads to confusion and hard times in coping and understanding it. Given that, below are the brief discussions about these factors. 

Nature vs. Nurture 

The very first factor that affects gender identity formation is nature vs. nurture. Nurture refers to the environmental or social factors, and nature pertains to the biological factors. Beginning with nurture, human beings are born to be social-making interactions not only with fellow human beings but also with nature, society, and other elements. With daily exposure to a specific kind of nature, gender identity can be formed. For example, when a child is exposed to a setting that consists of feminine attributes, the child will be more likely to become feminine. Although biologically, the child is male, exposure to femininity can alter gender identity. One big example of this is when a boy is born with siblings that are all female. The tendency of the child to think and feel feminine will increase as his exposure to his female siblings is dominant.

 
On the other hand, the nature or biological factors affecting gender identity is also important. The females have feminine attributes, while the males have masculine attributes. Once a child has been made aware of what biological features he or she has, these attributes can be nurtured over time.

For a wider discussion, below are specific factors: 

Biological Factors

This is considered as the most important factor for gender identity, for it comes naturally. Any feminine features will lead to femininity, and masculine features will lead to masculinity. Examples of unchangeable and inner features are the reproductive system containing the ovaries and vagina for the female and sperm for the male. As our world continues to be more modernized, altering physical features representing gender identity has been made possible through surgeries and operations. This is where the idea of transgender and trans-sexuality follows. 

Transgender and Trans-Sexuality 

Due to confusion, other people choose to alter their gender identity by undergoing major surgeries removing or changing the features that show their old identity. Countries such as Thailand are only one of the well-known countries that host surgeries for transgender purposes. Due to advancement in technology, that surgeries like these are becoming successful and even undergoing further development and improvement. In this way, people who wish to change their gender identity can have a higher assurance that they will never hide who they truly are. They will have the confidence to show what and who they really are as long as it does not create any negative effect on other people. 

Environmental and Social 

The next set of factors is environmental and social. Here, we are going to discuss the specific factors that affect the formation of gender identity of one’s self. 

Parental Establishment 

Since a child is born, the parents are there to look and care for him or her. Whatever the parents do and show to their child will be copied and admired by the child. This is what we call the parental establishment or simply the influence the child’s development not only in gender but also in other area. 

Parents must show the proper respect connected to a gender. If the child is a female, then feminine influences must be established. On the other hand, if the child is a male, then masculine influences must be established.

Society and Groups 

Another factor is society and groups. Any gender influence learned by a child from society and groups will then contribute to shaping the individual and can avoid leading him or her into confusion in the future.

This is a guest blog entry.

Why do New Year’s diets fail?

Every January there is a massive influx of diet culture and New Year’s resolution diet based media. It could be gym based, how sleep affects your weight, Veganuary, or just a good old “cut out carbs” based diet.

On one hand, January can be the perfect time to start introducing healthy new habits; everyone loves the feeling of a fresh new year, a brand-new page. Just like the first page of a notebook. It can give you the boost you need in order to kick start the year in the right way, chances are you’ve eaten and drunk your fill over Christmas, so your body might be craving veggies.

Veganuary is also becoming bigger every year, originating in 2014, it’s the trend where you try becoming Vegan for the month of January. Due to its impact, both supermarkets and restaurants have been known to run promotional adverts to coincide with the movement.  

According to the Statistic Brain Research Institute “weight loss” was the second most popular New Year’s resolution in 2017, with only 9.2% then feeling successful in achieving this.  One of the main factors stopping people from succeeding is purely that they get too hyped up about it at the beginning and set themselves unrealistic expectations.

Old habits do tend to die hard. If you’ve been eating a lot of chocolate every day for an extended period of time, then stopping immediately, especially just after Christmas because it can be a bit of a shock for your body. It can also trigger you if you’re an emotional or stress eater. You suddenly feel like you can’t do something which has been bringing you happiness, therefore you’re more likely to then binge. Try just reducing the amount you eat on a daily basis so you can still feel like you’re in control.

Another problem with a new diet resolution is the word itself. “Resolution” is such a demanding word. It creates such an inflexible idea of what you need to do in order to achieve success. Automatically making you feel that if you slip up once then you have failed and may as well give up.

A different method of approach can be to change one thing in your diet, say rather than doing Veganuary and making it your whole month, alter it to Meat Free Monday. This way, you can make more sustainable changes within your life. Also, probably carry it on for longer, rather than just shocking your body one month, you’re making more sustainable changes that with benefit your health in a much more long term fashion.

Adopting a new habit can be an effective way to aid your weight loss, if that’s your aim.  Rather than cutting something out and feeling like you’re missing out on something, adding something into your daily life can have the same affect and make you feel better. For example, making sure you get your 10,000 steps in every day can increase your calorie output, especially if you work a desk job.

This is a guest blog entry.

The Basics to Taking Good Care of Your Teeth

Our mouths are living organisms that need looking after, from our gums to our teeth and our tongues. Despite dental care being an essential part of our daily hygiene routine, most people fail to take proper care of their teeth. This is mainly because they don’t have a solid understanding of the subject. We hope to change that with our article today. Read on to find out all the basics to taking good care of your teeth.
 

Brushing Your Teeth

First things first, let’s talk about brushing our teeth. We should brush our teeth at least twice a day, every day – without exception. It’s important to use a fluoride toothpaste when doing so, and not to spit the toothpaste out after finishing. This is because the fluoride provides a protective covering for our teeth. Rinsing after spitting means that all this gets washed away. Furthermore, when brushing our teeth, we should use small circular motions, plus back-and-forth strokes. Don’t forget about the gums, either! Lightly bring your toothbrush around these areas because food can sometimes accumulate here. We also suggest gently brushing your tongue (or using a tongue scraper) to help your mouth stay clean and ensure your tongue is healthy. Finally, make sure to change your toothbrush’s head every 3 to 4 months because, otherwise, it will become ineffective and unhygienic.

Insert Image Here: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/tooth-dental-care-white-white-teeth-2414909/ Image Source: Pixabay.com.

Flossing Your Teeth

Most people will proudly announce that they don’t floss their teeth, and they haven’t had any problems. This is because you can’t see the damage that is done until it’s too late. Flossing removes the plaque from in between your teeth which a toothbrush can’t reach. If this plaque is allowed to fester, it will eventually cause tooth decay and gum disease. These are painful, serious dental issues that can lead to further complications down the line. As such, everyone needs to floss at least once every day. You can either use tooth floss or interdental brushes for this. Gently slip your flossing tool of choice between your teeth, then use strokes which go side-to-side, up-and-down. This should dislodge any plaque which is lodged between the teeth.

Visit Your Dentist

As well as staying on top of your dental hygiene, it’s also important to regularly visit your dentist. They will be able to identify any problems you might have missed when cleaning and then provide treatment. No matter how brilliant you think your dental hygiene is, this step cannot be missed. Head online and search for a specialist in your area, like this dentist in Plymouth for example. This is the best way to ensure your teeth are top-notch. Also, your dentist can provide you with expert advice on your specific dental needs. For instance, they will be able to tell you how your diet is affecting your teeth. If you don’t realize you are drinking or consuming too much sugar, they will highlight this, so you know to cut down.

These are the basics of taking good care of your teeth. Remember to always stay on top of your dental hygiene routine!

This is a guest blog posting.

Things One Should Do For Good Dental Health

When it comes to our body and mind, we are very active in maintaining our health. However, in the same scenario, most people neglect to maintain their good dental health as well. Most people think that brushing two times a day would be more than enough in their daily routine to maintain their dental health and will not cause any problem to their teeth. However, this is not true and people who are not attentive to their oral health are most likely to go through many health issues due to it. Maintaining good dental health is very necessary for various reasons. It not only helps us retain the natural look of our teeth but also helps in making sure that there is no accumulation of bacteria in our teeth and does not lead to other health issues as well. Following a few habits and routines can easily help you in maintaining your great smile and can keep you away from many health problems as well. Let's have a look at a few of them.

Brushing and cleaning

It is one of the most basic routines that most people follow to maintain good oral health. Brushing twice a day and gargling with fluoridated water is one of the best practices one should always follow. It makes sure that you are cleaning your teeth from any kind of bacteria and accumulation for the same. Those who do not follow these practices have more chances of tooth disease and weak roots due to bacteria and non-hygiene or teeth. It also prevents any kind of bacteria accumulation between the teeth.

Visit your dentist

This is one practice that everyone should do without any kind of negligence. Visiting your dentist like in All On 4 Perth can make sure that your teeth never go through any kind of oral issues. A regular visit with the doctor makes sure that any occurring issue is detected at the earliest so that it does not emerge as a bigger problem later and leads to the removal of a tooth. Also, regular visits will also provide you regular cleaning of your teeth and a proper checkup, providing you better oral health and also increasing the life of your teeth.

Do not use tobacco products or alcohol

It is common knowledge that you should avoid consuming alcohol and other types of tobacco products as they can seriously damage your teeth on a larger scale. Consuming these things leads to the accumulation of bacteria in between the teeth, which further increases the chances of fungal or bacterial infection in one's mouth. Therefore, these can damage your teeth and also leads to a lot of pain and other problems as well.

Other diseases

If you are suffering from any other types of disease or problems like Diabetes etc, even that could lead to serious dental problems. For example, people with diabetes have high sugar content in their blood, which could lead to a lot of side effects in the body and lead to gum disease. Make sure that if you are suffering from any such issues, then it would be a lot better to keep them in check and maintain them to a level so that it does not affect your health in any way.

So here are some of the best ways through which one can easily maintain their oral health and make sure that they are not facing any issues throughout their life. These are just some of the basic routines and are very easy to follow as well. So make sure to follow these routines and maintain your charming smile throughout your life.

This is a guest blog entry.

Tips For Buying The Best First Aid Kit

Nobody wants to get hurt, but one can have no control over the injuries. A person can get hurt while doing typical daily chores. In such times, usually, people go looking for a first aid kit to find bandages. Hence, a first aid kit must be within your reach.

Furthermore, one can always call emergency services. But until the time they arrive at the spot, it can be very late. In those moments, a first aid kit comes to the rescue. You can prepare a first aid kit from a plastic bag, considering that it contains all of the essentials. However, it must be nimble. It should be easy to find and to carry wherever you need. 

Is just a kit enough? 

The first aid kit must have the medical supplies you need for your household because you might not have the time to get these in case of emergency. However, a few items are mandatory in every first aid kit, such as a thermometer. One can buy all of the things needed for a first aid kit from the local drug store.

You can also buy a pre-assembled first aid kit from your pharmacy or drug store. When searching for a first aid kit, it’s important to buy from a brand you trust. You can purchase first aid kits from Aero Healthcare, an industry-leading supplier and manufacturer of medical equipment and first aid supplies.

Necessary items for every first aid kit  

 
Everyone needs to have necessary medical supplies with themselves; therefore, here are some essentials that are a must-have in a first aid kit:

● First aid manual:

A first-aid manual is a necessity in a first aid kit because you may or may not know how to use all the items of the kit. Furthermore, a manual can assist you well.

● Triangular bandages:

Bandages are necessary for minor cuts and injuries. Triangular bandages can wrap the wounds.

● Adhesive bandages for assorted sizes: 

These types of bandages are helpful to cover minor cuts and injuries on the body.

● Sterile scissors:

Any shard items of the first aid kit should be sterile because, if not, these items can cause an infection. A clean scissor comes in handy for cutting tape and clothes.

● Adhesive tape:

When there is a minor injury, adhesive tape works well to hold the gauze.

● Latex-free gloves:

While dressing a wound, it can be prone to infection. There is hardly any time to wash or sanitize the hands, so there are higher chances of getting infected. Hence, in that situation, latex-free gloves can be a life saver.

●  Thermometer: 

A thermometer is an essential item in a first aid kit. When a patient is ill, one can monitor the temperature with the help of a thermometer.

● Instant cold compress:

These can help to deal with sprains, sore joints, and aches.

● Aspirin:

Aspirin is needed in case of chest pain. However, it is advisable that one must always read the warnings, especially when a child is injured.

Mentioned above are some of the essentials for a first aid kit. However, the list can vary depending on the requirements. 

Conclusion

Another thing to keep in mind while buying a first aid kit is that the box or whatever you are using to contain all the items must be waterproof. In injuries, time is always considered crucial; a slight delay can cost someone's life. It would help if you always had medical supplies ready. Hence, with a first aid kit, one can stop the bleeding and start the treatment on the spot

This is a guest blog entry.

 

Common Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Many of us suffer from a sore stomach from time to time after eating, but if the condition persists, it could be a sign you’re suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome – often referred to simply as IBS.

IBS often becomes more common or more noticeable as we get older, but it can also be a sign of greater, more dangerous underlying problems, so you should always consult your GP if you find you’re regularly suffering cramps, constipation, diarrhea, or pains in your stomach or digestive system.

Signs you may be suffering from IBS

Pain after eating can cause discomfort and could be a sign you could be suffering from – or developing – IBS. However, rather than being short-term, symptoms tend to persist with most people. You may be developing problems if you regularly suffer from the following:

• Regular problems with constipation
• Diarrhea or other abnormalities in stools
• Pain in the abdomen
• Cramps or other pains
• Suffering from feelings of being bloated or producing excessive gas
  

Even making small changes can make big a difference to IBS

While recurring pain is worth checking out with a qualified clinician, often just making small changes to your diet is enough to clear problems in the short term. Using an online service like the https://www.intolerancelab.co.uk can help you isolate common problems in your diet so you can eliminate the causes of your problems. Here are some of the common causes of IBS that you should try to avoid:

Dairy products: Milk and other dairy products frequently trigger problems in sufferers of IBS. Note, in some cases, problems with milk can be a sign of lactose intolerance, so you should check with a doctor.

Fried foods: The high-fat content of fried foods can cause problems with IBS. Also, frying food changes its chemical make-up, which often makes it harder to digest, in turn triggering digestive issues.

Foods rich in insoluble fiber: Foods with insoluble fiber such as whole grain products and vegetables should be avoided.

Foods with a high gluten content: You should try to avoid foods high in gluten like wheat, barley, or rye.  

Peas, lentils, and beans: Beans and other legumes can cause digestive problems due to having compounds called oligosaccharides, which are hard to digest as they are resistant to our intestinal enzymes.

Drinks with a high caffeine content: Caffeine is present in many sodas and energy drinks and can cause problems as it has a stimulating effect on the intestinal tract, which may trigger diarrhea problems. Caffeine is also clearly present in high doses in coffee and tea.

Processed foods: Processed foods tend to have a high prevalence of sugar, fat, and also added salt – all of which can bring about digestive problems. Deep-fried foods should usually be avoided, including some processed meats, microwave and pre-made meals, and chips.

Artificial sweeteners: Sugar-free sweeteners are commonly found in mouthwash products, chewing and bubble gum, the majority of diet drinks, and sugar-free sweets. The ingredients used in sugar substitutes have all been known to cause issues in IBS sufferers.

Candy bars, sweets, and other chocolates: Chocolate is normally high in both fat and sugar and also commonly contains lactose and caffeine, so it should be avoided.

Alcohol: Beer normally has a high gluten content while wine and other mixed drinks can also be high in sugar – again, all products to steer clear of.

Onion or garlic: Both onions and garlic are difficult for the digestive system to break down, and both can be a cause of gas.

Cauliflower or broccoli: Cauliflower and broccoli are both tricky for the body to digest and can also be a cause of gas, so they should be avoided.

This is a guest blog entry.
 

Personal Injury Case Timeline

Although the great majority of personal injury cases end up settling instead of going to court, it is important to know the steps that a personal injury case needs to follow to reach a successful ending should the settlement not come through. Even cases that appear to be heading to court may end up settling at any point.
 

Here is a basic personal injury case timeline:
 

Make Medical Treatment a Priority
 

After your accident, you probably have to deal with the police and get an accident report. However, as soon as that is done you should head towards a medical facility to get your injuries checked out. This may mean either a stop at an emergency room or an appointment with your own physician. Not seeing to your injuries right away will send a clear message to the other party, the insurance adjuster, and the jury that you did not consider your injuries to be serious enough to require attention.
 

Talk to a Lawyer
 

If your injuries are not major, you may be able to tackle this case yourself. Otherwise, having the support and advice of a personal injury lawyer is vital. Your lawyer will have an in-depth conversation with you to understand what happened. Give them as detailed information as possible. They will also review your medical records and bills.
 

Filing a Claim or Settling
 

It’s a well-known fact that many personal injury claims are settled. If your lawyer thinks this is the way to go, they will make a demand to the other attorney. This can only happen once you have reached the point of maximum improvement in your injuries to be able to calculate the amount needed to cover your damages.
 

If no settlement is forthcoming or the amount offered is not what you were expecting, the lawsuit will be filed. This needs to happen before the statute of limitations runs out.
 

The Discovery Phase
 

At this stage, both parties will investigate the legal claims. They will send interrogatories and document requests. They will also take depositions of witnesses and any other relevant parties. This process may take between six months and a year, depending on how complex the case is.
 

Mediation and Negotiation
 

At this point, lawyers will bring up the possibility of reaching a settlement. This might be accomplished just by having them negotiate amongst themselves. In other cases, a mediator will be called upon to try to resolve the case.
 

The Trial
 

A personal injury trial may be over in as little as one day or it may take longer. In many cases, the trial goes on in the morning, and in the afternoons the lawyers have time to get other things done. The judge’s schedule will impact exactly when the trial takes place and it may also end up being pushed back for that same reason.
 

Before the trial gets underway, a jury will have to be selected. Then, both parties will have the opportunity to make opening statements. Then, first, the plaintiff will present evidence, followed by the defendant presenting its own evidence. After closing arguments and deliberation, a verdict will be reached.

If you still have questions regarding the timeline of your case or would like to talk to a personal injury lawyer, click here to get the answers you seek.
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Image via Pixabay

This is a guest blog entry.

6 Foods To Improve Kids Gut Bacteria

Gut bacteria is essential for health and wellness from childhood to adulthood. These microbes aid digestion, breaking food into metabolites that can be taken by the body. Gut bacteria also influence immune and mental health, fighting disease-causing microbes while communicating to the brain. Without a surplus of healthy bacteria, you may suffer an increased risk of developing respiratory infections, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, and mental diseases. Fortunately, there are various foods rich in probiotics and gut bacteria. You can also purchase probiotics and live organisms to increase the supply of these microbes, which are usually passed to babies during birth and breastfeeding. Here's a quick overview of five foods you can take to increase the natural population of your kid's gut bacteria.

1. Probiotics

The number one choice for gut bacteria is probiotics. Food like yogurt, kombucha, and kefir all contain healthy gut bacteria that can supplement the existing supply. Parents can also purchase special probiotics, which are formulas that contain live organisms and key microbes needed to promote digestive and immune health. Probiotics are merely live bacteria and organisms that are good for your digestive system and overall health. They are safe to consume and nourish the gut flora, which results in various health benefits.

2. Fermented foods

Fermented foods are the natural source of probiotics. Popular examples include yogurt and kefir. The fermentation process occurs when you preserve food using yeast and bacteria, which use the sugar in the food and break it down to organic acids, gases, and alcohol. According to studies, giving your child fermented foods will increase the natural population of gut bacteria as they contain live organisms. They also contain food for the microbes, which is essential in their growth.

3. High-fiber foods

Oatmeal, bananas, oranges, apples, quinoa, and brown rice are great sources of fiber, a key component of the microbe biome. Gut bacteria love fiber and the more they can access, the healthier they will get. As such, it is essential to add foods with lots of fiber to your child's diet. This will nourish the healthy gut bacteria and help to aid digestion, encouraging regular bowel movements, and cleansing the colon. Foods rich in fiber include whole-wheat bread, cooked dried beans, lentils, split peas, grains, fruits, and vegetables.

4. Leafy greens and vegetables

Vegetables are some of the healthiest food classes available to humans and other animals, explaining the abundance of vegetation. In particular, Leafy greens are rich in fiber and special carbohydrates, which are nutrients for gut bacteria. Although they can be tough to sell to children, you can find recipes for delicious leafy green meals. Some of the best leafy greens for kids' gut health include kales, spinach, collard greens, Swiss chard, and arugula, among others. Sweet potatoes, asparagus, bell pepper, beets, cabbage, mushroom, and cucumber are also great for gut flora.

5. Whole grains

Whole grains, nuts, and seeds are rich in nutrients and also contain fiber for the microbes. The human body cannot break down fiber, so the gut bacteria do most of the work and thrive when there's a surplus of whole grains coming into the digestive tract. Brown rice and black rice, oatmeal, whole cornmeal, and whole-grain tortilla are all great gut bacteria foods. You can also try less common grains like amaranth, bulgur, and barley.

6. Garlic and polyphenols

Garlic and polyphenols come from two different food classes but play similar roles pertaining to gut bacteria. Both garlic and foods rich in polyphenols, such as tea and coffee, are vital in fighting off bad gut bacteria, providing room for the healthy microbes to multiply. Red wine is also a polyphenol, but this is only for adults. Garlic has antimicrobial properties that target harmful bacteria but should be used in moderation. The same goes for foods rich in polyphenols.

Several other foods can improve your kid's gut bacteria, including Brussels sprouts, Miso, Kimchi, Saukraut, olive oil, almonds, and sourdough. However, the fastest way to introduce live organisms and gut bacteria to your kid is through probiotics like the one offered by sproutedbiome, you can buy from here. These are live gut bacteria and microbes known to promote digestive, immune, and mental health.

Summary

Like vegetables, some foods may not have the best of taste, so you can add them to the recipes your child love to ensure they take these essential nutrients. It is also important to avoid foods like meat, processed sugars, fried foods, caffeine, and foods rich in antibiotics as they can kill gut bacteria.

This is a guest blog entry.

Preparing to Pursue a Medical Malpractice Claim

When you enlist the services of a healthcare professional, be it for a surgery, psychiatric care, physical therapy, or dental care, you do so under the assumption they will keep you free from harm. As such, when these individuals or institutions don’t exercise due diligence and behave recklessly, causing injuries or damages, you have the right to file a suit against them.

If you find yourself in this situation, you’re likely eager to move forward as fast as possible to recover the compensation you deserve. However, if you want to find success with your claim, it’s important to slow down, think ahead, and take the necessary steps to prepare. Follow the tips below to ensure you’ve got all the tools and resources needed to succeed as you move forward. 

3 Key Steps to Take if You’re Pursuing a Medical Malpractice Claim

1. Hire an Attorney

The first, and possibly most crucial step, is to find a reputable medical malpractice law firm that will take on your case. Working with a lawyer will alleviate a major burden moving forward. These professionals are equipped with the knowledge, experience, and skills needed to most accurately and effectively represent your interests. 

Medical professionals are usually backed by major corporate lawyers, and attempting to go up against these professionals by yourself isn’t just intimidating—it can also be disastrous for your claim. Their main goal will be to poke holes in your arguments and try to turn things around on you. If you don’t know how to properly present your evidence, they could ultimately find a way to avoid liability on behalf of their client.

Furthermore, a medical malpractice attorney’s negotiation skills will likely come in handy when the time comes to figure out your settlement – they’ll have a better understanding as to what your claim is really worth, so you don’t miss out on any much-needed compensation. 

2. Put Together an Arsenal of Evidence

Evidence plays a key role in building a medical malpractice claim. Not only does it help to show the other party’s true liability, making it near impossible for them to avoid paying your damages, but it also helps to prove the true value of your claim. 

To start, gather any images or videos you took immediately after the accident. If possible, opt for footage with a date or time stamp to help validate your findings. You should also provide your attorney with a list of contacts who served as eyewitnesses. This might include family members, attending nurses, additional physicians, or friends. 

Finally, provide them with any documents or bills associated with the accident and any expenses incurred as a result. For example, this may include a medical report outlining the procedure or treatment administered, a report of your injuries from the hospital, and a repository of bills from treating said injuries. 

3. Find Out Your State’s Statute of Limitations

A statute of limitations refers to how long you have to legally file a lawsuit. Typically, this is a period of three to five years from the date of the accident. In the state of Florida, you have two years from the date of the discovery to begin the proceedings and file against the liable party. Although this may sound like a long time, acting earlier is better. Medical malpractice cases can take months to reach a settlement, and the earlier you are within that statute, the less likely you are to run into complications. 

After your accident, beginning a lawsuit can seem overwhelming. But with proper care and research, you can seamlessly move forward to recover the compensation you deserve. 

This is a guest blog entry.

The 5 Top Benefits of Laser Therapy

Using laser treatment for cosmetic purposes started in 1963 when American surgeon Leon Goldman pioneered laser applications for dermatological conditions. The developments and clinical applications of lasers for cosmetic purposes soon followed.

Getting laser treatment sounds daunting, mainly due to the lack of information about it. But laser treatment, if you have skin conditions you want to repair, may be the right choice. The treatment is quick and easy and will give your skin a new lease of life, so to speak.

Should you get laser treatment?

If there are extenuating circumstances, getting laser treatment may be the right solution. Laser treatment is versatile, and there are several conditions that only laser treatment can achieve, using different types of lasers. It can be combined with other treatments. It can also be used on all skin types. Therefore, if you are bothered by skin concerns, be sure to consult with a certified dermatologist. If you want to know more, visit surreylaserclinic.com.

Lasers emit high-intensity light, and they are capable of accurately focusing on small spots. The laser beam gently ablates or vaporises the skin tissues to treat cut skin tissue, seal blood vessels, remove blemishes and scars, and smooth out wrinkles. The treatment directs short and intense pulsating light beams on the skin, removing the blemished skin layer by layer.

What do lasers treat?

Dermatologists say that laser treatment is effective and safe for treating the following conditions:

• Unwanted hair

• Sunspots

• Skin laxity

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Uneven pigmentation

• Spider veins

• Brown and red spots

Benefits of getting laser treatments

Lasers are effective because they can accurately send the hyper-focused light energy to a specific area, even if it is small. With its capability to micro-direct the treatment, it does not damage the surrounding tissues. Here are some of its benefits:

• 1. Medical aesthetics technology provides controlled strength and accuracy. Its ability to accurately target deep layers of tissue below the skin's surface is considered the most effective type of treatment for certain conditions.

• 2. It can bring back the glow of your skin. Getting spa treatments leaves your skin clean and hydrated. In contrast, laser treatments rejuvenate your skin from the surface to several layers underneath. Laser treatments resurface, rejuvenate and tighten your skin, making it feel and look younger.  

• 3. Laser treatment is non-invasive. Compared to cosmetic surgery, laser surgery does not require a long recovery time. You will not face the risk of blood loss, infection and nerve damage. Being non-invasive, there is downtime, and you can see the results immediately. You can have a photofacial (laser skin rejuvenation) during your lunch break if you wish.

• 4. Laser treatment can remove unwanted tattoos. Aside from the list of services you can get, you can also use laser treatment to remove that tattoo you want to erase from your memory.

• 5. Removes skin blemishes. Laser treatment can permanently remove acne scars and other blemishes on your skin.

The skin is the most visible and largest part of the body. Your skin protects you, and being visible, it is exposed to pollutants, dust, dirt, harsh products and other environmental hazards. If you have blemishes and other skin conditions that creams and other topical treatments cannot remove, you might find a better solution by getting laser treatment. 

Image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/master-doing-laser-epilation-procedure-with-apparatus-5619448/

This is a guest blog entry.

What are the most common dental problems?

 

No one likes going to the dentist, but the longer you avoided it, the more time you will ultimately end up spending in the dentist’s chair. There are a number of problems ignoring your teeth can cause and there are some that may be no fault of your own. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with common dental problems before you go to your next dentist appointment.

1. Stained Teeth

Medications such as tetracycline and doxycycline have been known to cause stains on teeth. Unfortunately, whitening toothpaste only removes surface stains and they will reappear after a little while. A dentist will use a special light and a whitening agent to remove stains.

2. Cavities

Cavities are caused when plaque builds up on your teeth. Plaque is a bacteria that causes holes in your teeth. You should brush a minimum of two times a day and use a fluoride rinse. Flossing it's just as important as brushing your teeth if not more. You should avoid drinking fruit juices, soda, and sports drinks.

3. Impacted Teeth

When a child gets their adult teeth sometimes they do not erupt correctly. The tooth may be caught against soft tissue or even another tooth. If it causes pain, an oral surgeon can remove the tooth.

4. Sensitive Teeth

If your teeth hurt when you eat a Popsicle or when you drink tea, it might be because you have worn out tooth enamel or a cavity. You may also have a fractured tooth or exposed roots. Your dentist will be able to tell you what is causing the problem after you have had an examination. There are some people who have sensitive teeth and will have to use special toothpaste.

5. Hypodontia

Most people have 32 teeth but some were born with a few less. People who have this condition can experience intense pain. It is a fairly common dental abnormality. It generally affects the second premolars and the upper lateral incisors. The teeth may be smaller than usual.

Oftentimes hypodontia is associated with a cleft palate or Downs Syndrome. It affects both the appearance of the teeth in the functionality of them. They are sometimes treated with orthodonture or partial dentures.

6. Toothache

An old fashioned toothache is one of the most common reasons a person goes to the dentist. It may be caused by gum disease, a cavity, or grinding your teeth. You can dull the pain of a toothache by rinsing your mouth out with salt water brushing often and flossing and taking aspirin or ibuprofen.

7. Crooked Teeth

Very few people have perfectly straight teeth. Getting braces has almost become a rite of passage. There are several options for braces nowadays. You can get Invisalign to wear during the day, invisible braces. or even traditional metal braces.


Finding a Dentist

 
Finding the perfect place for dentistry in the Charlotte area can be challenging. You should look for a multi-service dental office, that offers both pediatric and adult dentists. Make sure they have good reviews and a good reputation with the Dental Board.
 

Authoritative Sources:
https://pixabay.com/illustrations/tooth-dental-care-white-white-teeth-2414909/
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/downsyndrome.html

This is a guest blog entry.

3 Ways to Protect Yourself in a Personal Injury Claim

When someone gets injured because of the negligent actions of another, that is called a personal injury. In these cases negligence means that the person who caused the accident did not intend for anyone to get hurt, but that their negligent actions led to an injury nonetheless. There are not usually any criminal charges in a personal injury case because the act does not rise to that level. Instead, the victim of the accident is entitled to receive compensation for their losses from the insurance company of the responsible party.

In order to get that compensation, they will need to file a personal injury claim, and if they need to file a personal injury claim, then they will need the help of an attorney. An attorney can help them to prepare and file the claims and they will negotiate with the insurance company to make sure that their client gets a fair settlement. If you live in New York and have suffered a personal injury, then contact Long Island personal injury Harrison to get the help that you need as well as advice on how to protect your personal injury claim.

Preparing For a Personal Injury Claim

A personal injury claim is very important because it is possibly the only way for the victim to be compensated for the losses they suffered in the accident. That is why they will need to protect themself as much as possible so that they can avoid any potential setbacks that can hurt their case. The following are some of the actions that they will need to take.

Hire a Lawyer

This is the most important thing that a personal injury victim can do because the attorney will know how to handle the case from start to finish and will know how to maximize their client’s settlement amount so that all of their injury-related expenses are covered. The victim does not have to worry if they cannot afford an attorney because most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis. That means they only get paid if the case is successful, in which case they receive a percentage of the settlement amount. So there is no risk and potentially a lot of rewards to hiring a personal injury attorney.

Seek Medical Treatment Immediately

Medical treatment is important for both the accident victim’s health and their personal injury claim. The reason is that some injuries may not manifest immediately and can show up some time after the accident. So getting treated early can allow a medical professional to treat those injuries before they get worse. This is important because if the accident victim waits too long to see a doctor, not only will their injuries worsen, but the insurance company might try to claim that those injuries were not caused by the accident. If they make that claim, then they will reject the compensation for any medical expenses needed to treat them.

Keep a Detailed List of Injury-Related Expenses

This list should include medical bills, prescriptions, any necessary medical equipment and/or accessories, and so on. Any property that got damaged in the accident and needed to be repaired or replaced should be included in the list of expenses as well. It is important to keep track of all out of pocket expenses so that the attorney knows exactly how much compensation to demand from the insurance company.

The accident victim should also let their attorney know about any pain and suffering they are feeling as well as the emotional and psychological impact the accident had on them so that those can be included in the compensation demand as well. They do not have any intrinsic monetary value, but attorneys and insurance companies use a formula to determine how much the emotional and psychological trauma caused by the accident is worth.

Follow These Steps To Protect Your Personal Injury Claim

The insurance company will try every trick in the book to reduce or reject your personal injury claim so you need to do all that you can to protect it and make it hard for them to say no. That is why the first thing you need to do is contact a skilled and experienced personal injury attorney to help you. They can offer advice, help you to make your claim as airtight as possible, and maximize the settlement amount so that all of your expenses are covered. So be sure to find a good personal injury lawyer to help you protect your claim if you were in an accident that was caused by negligence.

This is a guest blog entry.

How to Break Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits

Nobody is perfect. Everyone struggles with vices, addictions, and bad health habits that affect their well-being. The key to living a healthy and happy life isn’t about avoiding poor health choices, but overcoming them. Of course, breaking a bad lifestyle habit is easier said than done. Indeed, a smoker of twenty years will likely have trouble giving up cigarettes cold turkey. However, it is possible for anyone to make positive changes to their lifestyle for the benefit of their health. And these five tips can help you along the way. Check them out here: 

Talk to a Doctor

When it comes to improving your health and wellness, there are few single actions as beneficial as scheduling an appointment with your doctor. Not only can doctors help you identify bad habits, but they can provide you with meaningful advice to cut them out. What’s more, they have access to a wide variety of tools and resources –– like 2 ml serological pipettes –– that they can use to treat and diagnose medical problems that may currently be bothering you. 

Address the Issue

The first step to solving a problem is admitting that you have one. The bad news is that it can be very difficult for some individuals to even recognize that they engage in destructive or detrimental behaviors. Still, if you don’t acknowledge the issue, you’ll never be able to make positive changes to correct it. 

Find Support

Breaking a bad habit all on your own can make a person feel incredibly isolated or depressed. As such, it’s generally a good idea to find friends and family members who can offer you encouragement and advice when you need it most. In addition, you may consider joining a supportive group with individuals who understand your problem from firsthand experience. These people can share tips and let you know if key healthcare changes happen.

Start Small

Every 1,000-mile journey begins with a single step. Though it can be very frustrating to make only incremental progress, it’s better to cut down on a bad habit than to give up altogether. Indeed, many individuals find they have to “wean” themselves off of bad behaviors over a long period of time.  So don’t get frustrated if the progress you generate early on doesn’t seem all that impressive. It will work out in the long run. 

Bounce Back

Progress rarely occurs in a linear fashion. The sad reality is that most people have trouble kicking bad habits, and they’re likely to experience several setbacks when they try to improve their lifestyle. This is to be expected. The key to success in any difficult venture is learning how to bounce back and respond to adversity. Everyone has bad days from time to time –– just don’t let them define you!

This is a guest blog entry.

How Is CBD Useful For Athletes?

It is no surprise to see that CBD appeals to a wide range of people. After all, it offers a very wide range of benefits, and everyone has different needs. For today, we will be focusing on the specific needs of athletes. There are several key ways in which CBD can be useful for those who are involved in regular athletic competition, so let's go over a few of the more important ones.

1. CBD Is A Good Anti-Inflammatory

Let's face it; injuries are a normal part of every athlete's life. When you are constantly trying to push your body to the limit, there will always be the danger that you will go too far. When that happens, injury is the most common result. However, people who are competing at a high level become injured, there will invariably be a lot of pressure for them to return. 

We certainly wouldn't advise an athlete to rush their recovery, but we also know that most of them will be eager to return to the field. That's where a good anti-inflammatory medication can be helpful, but a lot of the traditional options (like ibuprofen and acetaminophen) can cause stomach problems after prolonged use. CBD represents a much safer way to soothe inflamed muscles and joints between games. There is plenty of evidence to show that it makes a very effective anti-inflammatory agent.

2. No Need To Worry About Tripping A Drug Test

Any athlete above the little league level is going to be regularly tested for drugs. Because of the problems that have resulted from the abuse of performance-enhancing drugs, this practice is probably not going away anytime soon. Some would argue that the practice is unduly invasive, and we would agree, but we aren't the ones who make those decisions.

There have sometimes been problems for athletes when their medications were mistaken for illegal drugs. For instance, opioid pain medications could easily be mistaken for illegal opiates, and cannabinoid medications have caused similar problems in the past. However, there is good news for athletes that are interested in CBD: The World Anti-Doping Agency (which regulates these things for most sports) has recently removed CBD from its list of prohibited substances.

That being said, there is one little problem here. Many CBD products contain trace amounts of other cannabinoids, and those can be mistaken for Marijuana on a drug test. Thus, we would recommend that athletes use CBD isolate and others that are completely pure. You would, of course, need to avoid the "full-spectrum" and "broad-spectrum" extracts.

3. CBD Is Equally Useful In Topical Form

In many cases, sports injuries are localized in a certain area. Hamstrings, glutes, and shoulder muscles are all frequent victims (although that kind of thing will vary by sport, of course). That's when you need a topical medicine, meaning one that is meant to be applied externally. Creams and lotions are two common examples of external medicines like this. Because of the fact that CBD can be readily absorbed by the skin, it works just as well in topical medications as it does in oral ones.

This provides athletes with a more targeted way to address their injuries. There are even CBD-based sprays that can be quickly applied to any afflicted area. Of course, all of these topical products should be rubbed into the area after application. Otherwise, your skin may not absorb enough CBD to get the job done. Some people report that this kind of treatment also leaves their muscles feeling more flexible.

4. CBD Is A Non-Narcotic Pain Reliever

In addition to its anti-inflammatory benefits, CBD also serves as a mild and non-narcotic pain reliever. As we mentioned earlier, opioid medications can easily cause you to fail a drug test. More importantly, they can expose you to the risk of addiction, which is far worse than most injuries. CBD may not be quite as strong of a pain reliever, but it comes with none of that baggage. 

There are many times when an athlete needs relief from minor aches and pains, particularly in the muscles. That's when CBD, especially the ones from stirlingcbdoil.com can be just enough to deal with the problem. Again, we wouldn't recommend that you chew on a CBD gummy when you have a broken leg, but it is good for mild pain. It works by blocking some of the receptor cells in your brain that cause you to feel pain.

5. CBD Makes A Good Workout Supplement Ingredient

Because it has a tendency to reduce pain, inflammation, and fatigue, it makes sense that some people are beginning to incorporate CBD into workout supplements. In particular, it seems to go well with whey protein, which is probably the most popular protein supplement on the market. We have also seen hempseed protein being incorporated into some fitness products, which helps in the creation of a good amino acid blend.

Conclusion

There are probably other reasons for which athletes might consider the use of CBD, but these seem to be the top five. All in all, the soothing nature of the plant is what gives it a lot of potential for sports medicine. It can do some of the same jobs that traditional medicines do, but with fewer side effects and problems. While the facts here are true to the best of our knowledge, it is important that you consult your doctor before using CBD to treat any medical condition.

This is a guest blog entry.

10 Signs You May Be Addicted to Tramadol

In essence, Tramadol is a type of opiate analgesic, which is generally prescribed for treating moderate to severe pain. It works by altering the response of your brain and nervous system to tenderness. The dosage of the medication is somewhat mild. It, in turn, leads most people to believe that the drug is not addictive at all. 

However, that is entirely untrue. A lot of individuals who use Tramadol tend to become dependent on it, which gradually leads to addiction to the same. Due to this reason, you should only intake them as prescribed by your doctor. Otherwise, you might encounter the following issues. 

1.    Physical Dependence 

Physical dependence on Tramadol might develop over time with the increased amount of usage. When you become entirely dependent on it, then you might experience the below-mentioned symptom after stopping its intake.

• Panic
• Sweating
• Sneezing
• Nervousness
• Vomiting and nausea
• Tremor or uncontrollable shaking of the body
• Muscle spasm
• Runny nose 
  

If you’re asking yourself how long does Tramadol withdrawal last, then you will not find one  answer to it. The duration of the same will depend on your treatment procedure. So, be sure to get to it as promptly as possible. 

2.    Mental Disturbance 

Like any other form of addiction, Tramadol, too, can affect the way you think or do your work. For example, you might start missing your assignments due to the dependence on the medicine. You may also feel anxious if you are unable to take the drug at least a few times during the day.

Ignoring personal hygiene can also be an indication of addiction. According to a research module, almost 20,000 people in the USA visited a hospital to treat Tramadol addiction and, most of them were suffering from mental disturbance.  

3.    Loss of Appetite 

The issue of loss of appetite is somewhat synonymous with antidepressant withdrawal. However, it can also occur if you are addicted to Tramadol. In this aspect, you will lose the desire to eat anything, even when you are hungry. It might lead to gastritis and affect your overall BMI system negatively.

4.    Irritability

Along with anxiety, Tramadol addiction can also bring extreme irritability to your life. If you do not get to intake Tramadol, then you might feel extremely aggravated and start behaving rudely to everyone. You may also feel agitated even when you are not interacting with anyone. 

5.    Fast Breathing and Increased Heart Rate 

Due to distress and anxiety, your heart rate might increase a little bit as well. You will feel like pressure pushing you through your chest. In some cases, your breathing might get a little bit fast as well, even when you are not doing anything at all. 

6.    Delirium or Confusion 

A state of confusion or delirium is yet another issue that might occur among Tramadol addicts. You will experience the same right after taking a dose of the medication. It will ensnare your nervous system and senses, which, in turn, will obstruct your ability to think anything clearly.  

7.    Abdominal Cramps

While suffering from addiction, you can, sometimes, take a substantial amount of drugs without thinking twice. It can affect your digestive system massively and cause cramps or pain. Moreover, if you do not treat it right away, then it can also lead to diarrhea-related issues. 

8.    Trying to be Euphoric 

Do you usually take the drug for having peace of mind and sensing its euphoric effects? If your answer is "yes", then you might already be in the grasp of Tramadol addiction. As the medication is quite mild, it does not require an individual much time to develop tolerance towards it. Thus, many of them tend to use it for getting “high”. 

9.    Drug-seeking Attitude

Drug-seeking manners are one of the most common signs of any addiction. So, if you are, indeed, addicted to Tramadol, then you might exhibit the following behavior –

• Visiting more than one doctor to get the medication
• Giving an excuse for "loss of prescription"
• The reluctance of showing the previous medical records
• Tampering with drugs and medications

10.    Hallucination 

If you are using the Tramadol drug for a prolonged period of addiction, then you might also experience hallucinations. It is a dream-like state, which might make you see or feel something that does not even exist at all. Hallucinations are one of the rarest yet most reasonable symptoms of Tramadol addiction.
Final words

Unlike the other synthetic opioids, the Tramadol drug might seem to be somewhat harmless. But, in essence, it is not risk-free at all. So, if you are encountering any of the above-mentioned symptoms, then visiting your doctor can make a world of difference to you. Addiction of any sort, whether it is Tramadol or anything else, can affect your personal and professional life massively. So, make sure to treat it as soon as possible!

This is a blog post by Brian Jamerson.