3 Steps to Take for an Allergen-Free Home

Allergens are all around you. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 80 percent of people in the US are exposed to dust mites, and 60 percent are exposed to pet dander. Poor indoor air quality is connected to allergies and asthma attacks. Whether you or a loved one suffers from allergies or asthma, there are things you can do to improve the air qualify in your home and to keep those allergens out.

Keep the Dust and Allergens Out

The first step to allergen-proofing your home is planning to keep dust and other allergens out. One common source of allergens in the home is your shoes. Make a "no shoes indoors" policy and keep a tray or shelf by the entrances to your home, so that people have a spot to put their shoes right when they arrive. It's also a good idea to have doormats both inside and outside, so people can wipe dirt and dust off the soles of their shoes before they step inside.

Rethink the Carpeting

Are the floors of your home covered in carpets? It might be time to pull them up and replace them with hardwood flooring or another type of non-textile flooring. Carpets act as the perfect hiding spot for a variety of allergens, from pet dander to dust and from pollen to mold. To make matters worse, every time someone walks across the carpet, those allergens get kicked back into the air.

If you can't pull up your carpeting because you're renting or for any other reason, your next best option is to clean the flooring regularly. A robotic vacuum makes cleaning your floors easy. You can program the vacuum to run at a set time every day. For the best cleaning and allergen reduction, choose a robotic vacuum with HEPA filters.

Filter and Purify the Air

An air purifier and filter will help catch any remaining allergens that regular vacuuming and cleaning won't get. Air filters range in quality from very effective to not at effective at all, so it pays to do some research before you invest in one. Usually, an air purifier with a HEPA filter will be more effective at reducing dust and allergens in the air than one without a HEPA filter.

This is a guest blog entry.

The 5 most common sports injuries

Part of a healthy lifestyle is, of course, healthy eating a plenty of exercise. While most people jog or walk their dog, there are others that get hit by the sports bug. It may be the competition with others, or maybe the adrenaline of winning, but something compels people to begin a new sport or to take up an old one.

With sport or any exercise, there are risks involved, especially injuries. Some can be a minor annoyance for a while, but others are more serious and can take the time to repair. In worst case scenarios, some injuries last a lifetime.

Serious injuries caused deliberately by others can be grounds for a company such as the Merrillville personal injury law firm to become involved. Professional sports people in particular sometimes need legal help after an injury.

Hip Flexor Strain

A hip flexor is a group of muscles that helps lift the leg or knee. They can be damaged by overstretching, sudden movement or by failing to warm up properly.

In most cases, this is a minor injury that can be better in a couple of weeks, although it does show the importance of keeping your body warmed up before sport.

Concussion

This can be a relatively common injury in many sports especially soccer, football, boxing, and hockey, although, any game can lead to a concussion if something goes wrong.

Time is needed to heal a concussion fully, which is usually up to a week. It is important not to return to contact sport until the concussion is healed or there could be further damage if you receive another blow to the head.

Shin Splints

Quite a painful condition, shin splints are a result of working too hard too quickly. It also affects runners and other sports such as football and rugby.

While in most cases, it will get better over time, it is important to see your doctor as in some cases; there can be a fracture to the bone.

Hamstring Strain

Another very common injury, hamstring pulls occur when the muscles at the back of the leg are overstretched or pulled. It can lead to tearing of the muscles or tendons, so it is important to get it seen by a doctor.

Hamstring pulls can take up to 12 months to heal, so you should not participate in any sport for too long and stretch at regular intervals.

Tennis Elbow

Elbow injuries account for 7% of sports injuries, and it is easy to see why. Many sports involve the repetitive movement of the elbow such as tennis, badminton, and golf.

Although the injury is a minor one, it can be very irritating and painful. Trying to strengthen the elbow muscles and wearing an elbow brace should prevent further injuries.

Other very common injuries are knee which accounts for around 55% of sports injuries, shoulder, and sciatica. As with all injuries, trying to go too fast too soon will only cause more harm than good. You need to build up slowly and allow your body to rest and repair in-between.

This is a guest blog entry.

What happens when a patient files a medical complaint?

Doctors and other healthcare professionals train for many years to obtain their license. Even then, the learning does not stop. They have regular reviews and training to update themselves with the new modern practices and medicines.

However, sometimes doctors find themselves on the receiving end of a complaint from a patient.  It might not be genuine, but the same procedures have to be followed. So, what would happen if someone filed a complaint?

Where to file the complaint

Where the complaint is filed depends on where the problem occurred. It might be at the local hospital or the doctor’s clinic. The local authority will need to be informed so the complaint can be recorded and the investigation started.

In many cases, the patient may speak to the doctor or healthcare professional themselves. In this case, they may be able to correct the error if there was one and deal with the matter there and then.

What do the patients want?

Clearly, they want someone to listen to his or her complaint and try to put things right. They want the person responsible held accountable for their actions.

There is a possibility that they may also want some financial compensation for the issue, especially if there are long-term medical problems as a result. The doctor should have already appointed a medical license defense attorney to help them with the complaint procedure and any subsequent trial if it became necessary.

Support

Whatever the outcome of the complaint, the healthcare professional should seek support from friends and family. They should also look for support from someone outside their close personal network.

This will enable them to talk freely about any problems or worries that they might not feel comfortable mentioning to anyone else.

The hospital or place of work should be able to arrange some counseling to help them deal with the stress.

The Complaint

Once the claim is filed, the authority will look at the details and the evidence. The patient may have also appointed their lawyer to help them, so there may be an official request from them to see the medical notes.

Either the doctor or their lawyer will have collected their evidence and submitted it for consideration. The investigation will then commence, and the case will be considered.

The Outcome
 
If there is found to be a fault with the healthcare professionals care, then sanctions may be imposed on them. It depends on the type of complaint and the seriousness of the issue.

If there is no-one at fault, then the matter will be closed, and the doctor will be able to resume normal working practices.

Filing a complaint against a healthcare professional is a serious issue and should not be taken lightly. However, if there is a problem that needs to be addressed, then the patient should feel comfortable enough to file a complaint and have it investigated. It is important that both parties get the help and support they need.

This is a guest blog entry.

5 Unbelievable (but incredible) Possibilities of Stem Cells Research

1. To bring someone back from the dead

Research currently underway by U.S Biotech company – Bioquark -  is hoping to bring brain dead patients back to consciousness.

The study taking place in India, will use implanted stem cells to regrow and stimulate neurons, and nerve stimulation techniques to jump start the nerves back into action. This technique has already been used to bring patients out of comas, and this is the next step.

Talking of the possibility of brain dead patients being able to make a full recovery, Ira Pastor Bioquark’s CEO has described it as;

“A bridge to that eventuality”

2. Reversing Heart damage

A long-term trial has shown the ability to reverse heart damage using engineered stem cells created by regenerative medicine company, Celixir.

The data collected over 5 years showed an average 40% reduction in heart damage. This is the first time that a study has shown heart scarring to be reversible.

Professor Westaby, from the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, who has been working on the technique for more than a decade, said:

“I am very excited at the prospect of a trial which will hopefully lead to the availability of this stem cell treatment to thousands of patients annually in the UK.

This would be the biggest breakthrough since the first transplants three decades ago.”

This success story has paved the way for European and US regulators to agree to global trials involving 500 patients. Trials of more than 100 patients at two London hospitals are set to begin this autumn.

3. Restoring Eyesight 

Using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS), a research team in Japan have stopped further deterioration of a woman’s sight – the first time that iPS cells have been used in this way.

The woman’s sight was suffering from macular degeneration - an age related deterioration of her eyesight. Induced pluripotent stem cells were placed on a patch in the eye, and then encouraged to form retinal pigment epithelial cells, which support and nourish the retina cells that capture light for vision.

The discovery of these iPS cells earned Shinya Yamanaka a Nobel Prize, as they can be formed from adult cells that are not stem cells.

“This is a landmark study and opens the door to similar treatments for many diseases,”

Shinya Yamanaka, director of the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application at Kyoto University, and Nobel Prize winner

4. An Alternative to Knee Surgery

Knee surgery is often the last resort for people with long-term knee injuries, but these can be fraught with complications, and often lead to decreased mobility.

However, a new clinical trial is testing a new approach  - filling the gap in a damaged knee cartilage with umbilical stem cells.

Sean Fair, from Massachusetts, U.S., has become one of the first people to have his injury treated in this way.

Gel containing the stem cells was injected into his knee in small holes drilled into the bone, along with the existing hole created by the accident.

Several months after the surgery, and after a strict rehabilitation process, the stem cells in Fair’s knee developed into chondrocytes, cells that secrete a matrix of cartilage, and sealed the hole in his knee. 

It is hoped that -  pending further trials - patients with knee injuries will be able to be treated with this method in the future, saving the agonising waiting and recovery times required for knee surgery.

5. To Treat Burns

An experimental technology using a device which sprays stem cells onto damaged skin, offers new hope to patients who have suffered a severe burn.

Patients with severe burns would usually have to wait for a skin graft which can be painful and require repeat procedures before it takes. The SkinGun created by U.S stem cell company, RenovaCare uses a solution made up of stem cells taken from the patient’s own body which attached to the skin and begins to grow as a cellular level.

"We don't modify the cells," said Thomas Bold, an engineer and president and CEO of RenovaCare.

 "We don't do anything with the cells. We just isolate them from the surrounding tissue, put them in a syringe within a water-based solution, and we spray them.

"What we're doing is all natural," he added.

This is a guest blog entry.

Can Hypnosis Make You a More Successful Person?

Are there certain parts of your life that seem overwhelmingly difficult? Obstacles that you just can't seem to get past? Hypnosis might be the answer to unlocking your potential and achieving success despite difficult conditions.

Hypnosis is uniquely capable of transforming the way you approach these situations because it profoundly impacts the way you value them—and yourself. In most cases, where there is a challenging, personal goal a patient wishes to reach, hypnosis provides the key to making that goal a reality.

Hypnosis For Better Job Interview Performance

One popular example of hypnosis giving people the tools to improve their lives is in job interview performance. Some people, though highly educated and qualified, fail job interviews only because of the stress and anxiety they feel when confronted with a potential employer.

Stress is a natural response to an important moment like this, but succumbing to it and showing it gives off the impression that no matter how qualified you may be, you're unable to shoulder responsibility effectively.

Hypnosis can defeat that stress by digging deeply into its cause, hidden within the patient's subconscious, and subtly preventing it from manifesting in response to job interviews.

The same process can also be used to change your attitude about money or about your professional aspirations. There is no shortage of ways that you can influence the way you approach your professional life through hypnosis, and it all starts with a free hypnosis consultation.

Hypnosis to Improve Memory

Another interesting use of hypnosis for self-improvement is in broadening and deepening patients' capacity for memory. Despite being one of humanity's defining capabilities, neuroscientists and philosophers still have questions as to what memory is, how it works, or how it can be improved.

Although the scientific community's lack of concrete knowledge might seem like an intimidating obstacle, hypnosis has been found to produce significant improvements to patient memory nonetheless.

Sometimes these improvements are general, such as helping patients remember important information with greater clarity and depth. Other times, the improvement is concise and specific—helping a patient remember where she misplaced an important family heirloom or legal document, for instance.

In both cases, results have shown that you don't have to know exactly what memory is in order to know what memory does, and find ways to improve that function.

Overcoming Fear Through Hypnosis

One of the greatest ways that hypnosis can produce positive results in patients' lives is by reducing or eliminating fear. Deep-seated phobias, such as fear of heights, insects, darkness or of any number of things, can be addressed and eliminated with extraordinary efficiency through hypnosis.

Although you can't get surgery to prevent claustrophobia, you can use hypnosis to address the root of the experience that caused your claustrophobia, and resolve it on a subconscious level.

Want to learn more about improving your quality of life? Enjoy a free hypnosis download today!

This is a guest blog entry.

20 Summer-fun Activities for People Over 50

With summer peaking out from just behind the corner, it’s time to think about how you will make the most out of the warm, sun-filled months. Whether you’re spending time with family or embarking on your own adventures, these activity ideas are sure to help inspire your summer schedule:

1. Pack a picnic and dine outside with friends or family. Stick with staples like sandwiches and lemonade, or class it up with wine, fruit, and cheese.

2. Try yoga or tai chi. Mindfulness-cultivating practices that incorporate gentle stretching with deep breathing and meditation will bring calm and relaxation to your summer.

3. Take a hike. Hit the trails for an outdoor excursion that also serves as a cardio workout and a great way to stretch and strengthen your leg and core muscles.

4. Volunteer. Giving back and helping others won’t just give you warm and fuzzies this summer, but can actually help you destress and even lower your blood pressure. Use sites like VolunteerMatch.org to find a volunteer opportunity near you.

5. Play yard games. Break out the bean bags and horseshoes - yard games are great backyard fun during warm summer months. Horseshoes, corn hole, bocce ball, croquet, and badminton will keep you and your friends busy for hours.

6. Pick up a new hobby. Try a new hobby or sport you’ve been meaning to tackle - never a better time than middle-age! Swimming, tennis, golf, playing the guitar, evening crocheting all make for great brain-boosting activities that will pay off later in life.

7. Go to a festival. Free fairs and festivals are likely to find their way to a town near you this summer. Filled with local art, great food, music, and activities, festivals make for memorable summer fun.

8. Attend an outdoor concert. Warm summer nights provide the perfect concert setting. Scour your local papers and follow local concert venues on social media to see what free, outdoor concerts are coming to a stage near you.

9. Sell your stuff. Pad your retirement account with a little extra cash by selling gently used items you no longer need, online - try Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay for safely listing your item and securely accepting transaction.

10. Dancing. Dig out your dancing shoes and hit the floor this summer! Not only does dancing give you a reason to dress up and go out, but its great low-impact exercise too.

11. Travel. Go to the beach, book a cruise, visit family far away - just travel! Even road trips can be great fun during the summer, offering you a glimpse of parts of the country you’ve never seen and taking you on adventures you’ll remember for a lifetime.

12. Start Dating. If you find yourself single and yearning for a summer of love, what are you waiting for? Dating websites like eHarmony, Match.com, and OurTime.com are a great place to start meeting new people.

13. Meet new people. So you don’t need a date, but you are looking to meet new friends and do fun things in your own city? Try MeetUp.com to find groups of people near you who share similar passions and get together occasionally.

14. Take control of your health. Never a better time to take control of your own aging and set your body and mind up for success later in life. Use apps like MyFitnessPal or wearable technologies like FitBit to track your diet, exercise, and other fitness stats.

15. Participate in a local charity event. Find out if your favorite local charities are hosting fundraisers like a fun run or walkathon this summer and sign up to take part. Not only will you be getting heart-healthy exercise, but you’ll be supporting a cause you care about.

16. Start your bucket list. Find time this summer to start your bucket list, or the wish list of things you want to do in the next couple decades.

17. Become a mentor. Turn your life lessons and wisdom into a way to help the younger generation by becoming a mentor to kid in your area. Check out Big Brothers Big Sisters of America to learn more.

18. Eliminate pain. Quit letting chronic pain hold you back from staying active and doing the things you love. See your doctor about chronic pain and try medical aids like a toe crest pad for foot pain or a rotator cuff brace for shoulder pain.

19. Take a college class. Transform your free time this summer into a window of opportunity to learn something new. Subsidized or free college classes may be available near you or online, check with your local university or community college for more info.

20. Listen to a podcast. Make a goal this summer to check out new podcasts on your commute to and from work. Most podcasts can be downloaded and streamed on mobile devices including smartphones and tablets.

This is a guest blog post.

Common Causes of a Phlegmy Cough

A cough is an umbrella term that covers a number of different coughs with different causes. Dry coughs cause intense irritation and a sore throat whereas a hacking, chesty cough can sometimes make us sick.

A phlegmy cough is your body’s attempt to clear the airways and chest of mucus. In small amounts, mucus is helpful as it traps nasty bacteria and viruses, but if there is a build-up, it triggers a cough reflex.

There are a number of causes of a chesty cough. Here are the most common.

Common Cold

A chesty, productive cough that produces sticky phlegm is common. Most people develop a cough of this nature when they catch a cold or viral infection. Viral infections of the respiratory system cause an overproduction of mucus, which manifests as a streaming nose and a horrible phlegmy cough.

Smoking

Cigarette smoke is an irritant. Smokers often develop a smoker’s cough over time, as the exposure to smoke causes long-term inflammation in the lungs. This damage leads to an overproduction of mucus and the person develops a chesty cough. The best treatment is to stop smoking.

Exposure to Other Irritants

Exposure to second-hand smoke, pet dander, dust, and toxic fumes can cause a phlegmy cough to develop. In the long-term, inflammation develops and it can turn into COPD. Most people develop COPD in middle-age or beyond, but it sometimes affects younger patients. COPD is one of the biggest killers in the US, so do not ignore a persistent cough. Medication will control the symptoms, but if your COPD is severe, stem cell for COPD treatment could be your best option.

Bronchitis

Coughing up mucus is the main symptom of bronchitis. A viral infection is the most common cause of bronchitis and it usually develops after a bad cold or the flu. Sometimes, however, a bacterial infection triggers inflammation in the bronchi and the patient develops bronchitis. Acute bronchitis will clear up within a few weeks, but chronic bronchitis is a long-term health problem and associated with COPD. If the infection is bacterial in nature, antibiotics will clear it up.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is serious inflammation of the air sacs inside the lungs. A thick, phlegmy cough, difficulty breathing, and fever are all symptoms of pneumonia. Pneumonia can come on quite quickly, so it is important to be alert to the main symptoms and seek medical help if you feel unwell.

Asthma

Many people do not draw a link between a chesty cough and asthma, but coughing can be a symptom of undiagnosed asthma. Asthma can develop quite suddenly in adulthood. Shortness of breath, a chesty cough, wheezing, and tightness in the chest are all symptoms of adult asthma. The problem is that many doctors misdiagnose these symptoms as a respiratory infection. The correct treatment is essential, as asthma is a killer.

Whilst a phlegmy cough is unpleasant, most rarely last more than a few days. And a cough that lingers on for more than two weeks is cause for suspicion and needs further investigation.

This is a guest blog entry.