3 Important Advantages of Vaping Over Smoking

The number of adult cigarette smokers in U.S. is dropping dramatically. The Centers for Disease Control report the rate has gone from 20.9% in 2005 to 15.5% in 2016. In New York City where officials have been active in reducing tobacco use recent reports show the rate of smoking has dropped from 21.5% in 2002 to 14.3% in 2014. They hope to get that number down to 12% in the next few years.

Everyone who knows me knows that I can’t tolerate smoking in public. The health risks associated with second-hand smoke alone should be enough for people to refrain from smoking around other non-smokers. At least millions of smokers are switching to vaping. While I’m not an advocate of smoking anything, vaping seems to be a better option all around.

Flavors (and Smells) Beyond Tobacco

Don’t like the flavor of tobacco or menthol? Vaping e-liquids come in more flavors than you can imagine. Seriously, I checked it out once after coming across someone vaping what smelled like strawberry shortcake. That’s probably because the e-liquid was strawberry shortcake flavored. There are others like dulce dream and salted caramel macchiato that make me want to visit the local coffee shop more than smoke.

Few things are worse than the pungent ashy smell of cigarette smoke. The different flavors and lack of tobacco leaves means that vaping smoke doesn’t have the same offensive odor that clings to everything. In other words, vaping doesn’t leave you and everyone else around you wreaking of cigarette smoke.

Fewer Fire Hazards

Did you know cigarettes are to blame for a large percentage of residential fires in the U.S.? There are some scary statistics out there about the fire hazards associated with smoking cigarettes and cigars.

Nearly two decades ago UC Davis researchers found that smoking was the leading cause of fire disasters. Worse still, those fires killed 300,000 people a year worldwide. In the U.S. it was determined 30% of all fire deaths were associated with smoking.

Today the risks are just as great. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) notes that smoking materials caused around 17,200 home structure fires in 2014 alone. Although smoking only accounted for 5% of all fires, it leads to 21% of fire-related deaths.

Like smartphones, there’s a risk of battery-related fires with electronic cigarettes, but it’s far from a common problem. Between January 2009 and December 31, 2016 the U.S. Fire Administration recorded 195 electronic cigarette fires and/or explosions. Those accidents resulted in 133 injuries but no deaths. It’s also reassuring for vapers that only 60 incidents happened while the device was being used.

Cheaper Habit

If you’re going to have a vice you might as well choose one that’s cheap. Friends that vape instead of smoking have told me they’ve saved thousands of dollars by making the switch. Over the years, lawmakers have increased federal, state and local taxes on cigarettes to help dissuade people from smoking.

• Today the average cost of a pack of cigarettes including federal and state taxes is $6.16.
• The state of New York charges $4.35 a pack in taxes, which is the highest in the country. The average is $.1.72 per pack.
• Cities can also tack on additional taxes. Chicago charges the most in state and local taxes at $6.16 a pack. That means a pack of cigarettes with all taxes cost $12.32.
• And don’t forget about the $1.01 federal excise tax.

Over $10 a pack is a lot to pay for 20 cigarettes that may get smoked in a single day. To be fair, vaping cost more initially because you have to buy an e-cigarette and additional equipment. Many starter kits are around $40-50, but there are also ongoing costs and the device you use affects the overall price.

A survey from e-cigarette forum found that over half of vapers consume between 2-6 milliliters of e-liquid a day. You’ll also need additional cartridges to heat up the e-liquid. All said and done vaping costs as little as $1,473 a year whereas smoking is $2,248 a year on average.

There you have it. Three important reasons why, if you have to smoke, vaping is a better alternative to cigarettes.

This is a blog post by Nancy Evans.

Knee Health Tips for Hikers

While knee pain is more common among athletes, dancers, and runners, hikers are no stranger to common overuse injuries associated with the knee either. Consciously taking care of your knees early on, especially if you are an avid hiker, will lower the risk of musculoskeletal problems later in life and improve your body’s ability to scale more challenging terrain. It will also lessen knee problems once old age kicks in, or when your body's muscles, ligaments, and joints work less efficiently compared to your younger years.

As a hiker, you can ward off knee pain and accompanying complications by being proactive about injury prevention. You’ll need to take the necessary steps to build knee strength and flexibility so you can continue to do what you love for many years.

Wear the right shoes

Invest in a good pair of shoes that fit comfortably and have a few pairs to use alternately.

Hiking Boots Vs. Hiking Shoes (Trail Runners)

• Boots pros: Some hikers prefer to wear hiking boots because they’re usually made of waterproof materials. With thick soles that can support the feet best when walking on an uneven, muddy, or slippery terrain, this type of footwear is also good to use if you're carrying heavy loads.
• Boots cons: Hiking boots are heavy, which can make running difficult and put more strain on your knees. You'll need a break-in period for these types of shoes and they may take longer to dry out if soaked.
• Runners pros: Some hikers want to wear trail runners since it offers more mobility and provides excellent traction. Though not usually made of waterproof materials, this lighter type of shoe allows better feet ventilation and dries faster when soaked.
• Runner cons: Trail runners are great for mild terrain but offer little support when hiking on wet or muddy trails. They may wear out quicker than boots and offer less ankle support.

Use protective equipment

Consider wearing a sports knee brace made of breathable and elastic materials that will help with joint compression. A knee brace can reduce knee stress when walking and provide support and alignment. You might also want to bring a hiking or trekking pole so that your weight can be distributed evenly to your knees, arms and shoulders.

Lose weight

Carrying extra weight puts more stress on your knee joints. According to experts, your knee supports one and a half times your body weight when you walk. Hiking on an inclined and uneven terrain adds more pressure and force by as much as three times your body weight.

Lose the extra pounds with a smart diet and lots of physical activity. For exercise, consider low-impact exercises such as yoga and swimming to lessen the strain on your knees.

Do strength and flexibility exercises

Your knee muscles become stronger if you regularly do weight-bearing workouts that also involve the hamstring, thighs, and calves. Before heading out, do lunges and stretches first to warm up your muscles and prepare your body for the impending stress and pressure of a hike.

Supplement your diet and cut your vices

Increase your intake of vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin K, and calcium to boost bone health and keep your knees stronger. Add more lubricating foods rich in Omega-3 to help lessen friction in your knee joints. And know that smoking depletes the nutrients in your body as well as can cause shortness of breath when you hike.

Be conscious of how you move

A downhill hike poses more risks to your knees compared to walking on a level or even ground or going uphill. Some hikers move as if they’re resisting the pull of gravity while going down to avoid falling or rolling over. The better approach to a downhill hike is to let gravity work with your movements.

• Downhill hike, smooth slope: If you’re going hiking downhill on a smoother slope, resist the urge to stop too often or too much. Braking causes frequent knee jerks and you may end up with swollen knees afterward.
• Downhill hike, uneven surface: It’s so easy to lock your knees if you’re not being careful, especially when declining from a steep, rocky, or muddy surface. Take a slow and steady pace only and if possible, go downhill in sideways or zigzag motion to lessen the impact on your knees.

If possible, plan a downhill hike when you’re near the end of your route and have had spent most of your energy and resources like food or water.

After your hike, see to it that your body gets the rest it needs to fully recover. If your knee pain can’t be relieved with pain medication or home remedies, see a doctor as soon as possible.

This is a guest blog entry.

What Type of Massage is Good for Fibromyalgia?

As a therapeutic practice, massage has had its place as an alternative medicine for centuries. Tactile manipulation of the body’s soft tissues including muscles, tendons, and fascia can relieve muscle tension, loosen joints, trigger neurotransmitter activity, and promote stress relief.

When it comes to widespread pain brought on by fibromyalgia, many sufferers find themselves asking after the benefits of massage and what type is a good fit for their treatment. Don’t miss this quick guide to fibromyalgia and how massage can complement existing treatment plans:

What Causes Fibromyalgia Pain?
In addition to persistent muscle fatigue and sleep, mood and memory issues, widespread musculoskeletal pain is a hallmark symptom of the disorder known as fibromyalgia. Researchers still can’t pinpoint an exact cause of the condition, however, they have been able to conclude that fibromyalgia changes the way the brain perceives pain.

Often triggered by significant psychological stress or an event like a surgery, physical trauma, or infection, fibromyalgia symptoms appear more frequently in women than in men. Researchers have also found that fibromyalgia patients also often suffer from anxiety, depression, temporomandibular joint disorders, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Fibromyalgia pain affects both sides of the body and persists as a chronic, dull ache which lasts more than three months. A handful of factors may play an important role in triggering fibromyalgia including genetics, certain illnesses, and emotional or physical trauma (i.e. from an accident). Researchers are coming to a stronger understanding of how increases in neurotransmitters can amplify pain signals as can the memory of pain in patients with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia pain can also be exacerbated by the accompanying day to day struggles of simply having chronic pain interfere with daily life.

Does Massage Address Fibromyalgia Pain?
In addition to integrative therapies like acupuncture, physical therapy, yoga, tai chi, and stress reduction, massage can definitely play an important role in treating fibromyalgia pain. There are myriad types of massage, however, so knowing which are best suited towards chronic pain can come in handy.

Swedish Massage
A 2017 study published in the journal Complementary Practices in Clinical Practice found that Swedish massage proved beneficial in addressing fibromyalgia pain. Twenty-four female study participants with fibromyalgia who were not taking medicine received two 40-minute Swedish massages a week over a period of three months. Researchers found that the Swedish massage therapy regimen helped to improve overall quality of life and reduce the perceived stress index and pain reported by participants.

Swedish massage is widely popular and involves the use of the hands, elbows, and forearms in gentle, sweeping strokes, kneading, and tapping to manipulate the superficial muscle layers and promote joint fluidity. Even if you have fibromyalgia and can’t book a luxury spa session, you can achieve basic massage techniques at home and improve range of motion with a massage pillow or a massage ball.

Connective Tissue Massage & Myofascial Release
Results from a 2017 study published in the journal Rheumatology International found that routine exercise coupled with connective tissue massages over a 6 week period had superior benefits in improving pain, sleep problems, and fatigue in participants with fibromyalgia syndrome (when compared with exercise alone). Connective tissue massage focuses intense manipulation of myofascial tissue, or the fibrous and thin (but strong) tissue that protects and supports muscles and bones. Foam rolling is a form of self-myofascial release that relieves painful trigger points and can also improve fatigue and musculoskeletal stiffness.

Deep Tissue & Shiatsu Massage
More focused manipulation of deeper tissues in the body may also aid fibromyalgia pain, though deep tissue massage can leave lingering soreness so fibromyalgia patients should check with their doctor first. This type of massage is best achieved by a licensed and experienced massage therapist who is familiar with tailoring therapy for chronic pain patients.

Shiatsu massage, also known as acupressure, is characterized more by forceful manipulation of targeted pressure points with narrower instruments like the fingers, thumbs, knees, feet, and elbows. It is based on the same framework used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (involving meridians and qi) but has been shown to improve pressure pain threshold, quality of sleep, and fatigue symptoms in fibromyalgia patients. Shiatsu massage techniques are also believed to boost the body’s lymphatic drainage system and restore the body’s energy.

This is a guest blog entry.

Five Great Reasons to Become a Nurse-Midwife

Have you been considering making a career change? Or perhaps you are just starting out in the world and looking to start your first career. Obviously, you want to pick an industry that is robust and filled with job opportunities and yet still appeals to and challenges you.

The healthcare industry is one that can tick all the boxes, and with the baby boomers aging and many of them leaving the workforce to retire, there are plenty of opportunities out there.

While there are all kinds of careers within the medical community, one that may prove to be especially exciting and rewarding is that of a nurse-midwife. In this position you'll be focused on women's obstetrics and health, offering a specialized level of care for women, new mothers, and even newborn babies. Let’s take a closer look at what a nurse-midwife is and five great reasons to pursue the career.

What Does a Nurse-Midwife Do?

A nurse-midwife is very similar to a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. You will be able to work with women during pre-conception, pregnancy, the delivery stage, and then post-partum. If you happen to already be a registered nurse, you can gain more knowledge and obtain your nurse-midwifery registered nurse's degree, which will allow you to further your career within nursing.

As far as the job outlook, as mentioned this one is growing exponentially. According to statistics from the United States Bureau of Labor the fields of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners is expected to grow by 31% between now and 2026. That is much faster than the average rate of overall job growth in the country.

When it comes to the actual job duties, you’ll be responsible for providing primary and specialty health care to women. This can include conducting a physical exam, diagnosing the patient, treating the patient, and helping the patient to manage medical conditions. You will also be responsible for educating and counseling patients, providing support during menopause and perimenopause, and caring for a newborn during the first 28 days. Of course, pregnancy care is the cornerstone of this specialized nursing career as well as assisting during the labor and delivery process.

Now let’s take a closer look at the benefits in becoming a nurse-midwife.

Excellent Salary Outlook

While it would be great to take a job simply because it seems interesting, at the end of the day everyone has bills to pay and they need to know their job will allow them to do so. The top paying roles are located in outpatient care centers where the average yearly salary is $115,070. Some areas in the United States pay higher than others. There is also a higher concentration of job opportunities and higher wages in California, Iowa, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Oregon.

To learn more about salary details for a career in midwifery visit: https://onlinenursingms.com/nurse-midwifery/

Being Able to Care for Patients

Another big reason that people enter into this field is their desire to help others and offer care and support. Each patient you work with is bound to be a personal and special experience. You will be supporting that patient through pregnancy and childbirth, the most important time of their life. Your support, advice, and care will forever be remembered by them.

The Ability to Work in Various Industries and Locations

With a nurse-midwife degree you'll also have the ability to work in a variety of industries and locations. This allows you to pick and choose and find something that appeals to you. If you plan on relocating to another state at some point, you also have the peace of mind in knowing that your career can be relocated across the country and you’ll be able to find employment easily.

You'll be Working with Babies

If you're the type of person who just loves babies and can't get enough of them, what a perfect way to combine what you love with what makes you money. You'll be working with babies on a regular basis, helping them to come into the world and adjust in those all-important first few weeks.

It’s Not Your Typical Desk Job

While desk jobs are perfect for some, for others it’s enough to cause nightmares. If you’re the type of person that can’t picture yourself tied to a desk performing the same tasks day in and day out, then the excitement and variety that midwifery can offer may be perfect. Each and every day will be unique and it will never feel like a “typical desk job”.

This truly is an exciting time for anyone who has been interested field of nurse-midwifery as the industry is booming and the nursing shortages are clear. Job opportunities exist across the nation, making the salary is competitive and the rewards it can offer are incredible.

This is a guest blog entry.

4 Reasons For Bad Breath

Bad breath can be an embarrassing problem which is difficult to solve for some people. No matter how much toothpaste and mouthwash they use, that halitosis remains.There can be a number of reasons why bad breath persists, even if you have brushed your teeth and flossed, and once you know what they are, it is far easier to do something about it and have the fresh-smelling breath you’ve always wanted. However, to be 100% sure on exactly what is causing your bad breath, make it a priority to visit your local dental office. Making that early visit will help your local dentist detect the root of the problem and stop them before they become more serious. Having said that, below are the most common causes of bad breath:

Dehydration
After poor dental hygiene, dehydration is the leading reason why someone might have persistent bad breath. If you don’t drink enough water, the food you eat will stay in your mouth for longer because saliva alone is not enough to wash it away. When food remains, it rots, and that means bacteria are feeding on it. The breeding bacteria and rotting food combine to make a nasty odor. The problem will go away when you have more to drink though, so always make sure you are getting enough water every day. Water is by far the best thing to drink, better than tea or coffee, and far better than soda.

A Serious Illness
Although for most people bad breath is just bad breath, and there is nothing to distinguish it from anything else, scientists have noticed that there are lots of different types of bad breath – lots of different ways for it to smell, that is. Some of these stenches can actually indicate a far more serious problem, and if you experience constant halitosis, it may be a good idea to book an appointment with your doctor.

If your breath has a hint of ammonia to it, for example, that could indicate renal failure. High acetone levels can mean diabetes. Nitric oxide could mean asthma. There are many different smells, but they usually can’t be noticed just by sniffing; tests will need to be carried out.

Smoking
Smokers often suffer from bad breath. There are a variety of different reasons for this, but the main one is that tobacco products lead to gum disease; the chemicals within the gums pull away from the teeth, and bad breath follows. Smoking also causes bad breath because the nicotine and other chemicals linger in the mouth causing bacteria to form there. The solution to this is very simple; stop smoking. That is, of course, easier said than done which is why e-cigarettes from Vapeshop can be a great alternative for smokers to consider.

Too Much Outdoor Air
The great outdoors is good for us, and breathing in a big lungful of fresh air can’t be a bad thing. However, it can lead to bad breath when we exercise outdoors. This is because during intense activity human beings tend to breathe through their mouths, and this dries the mouth out. Just like when you’re dehydrated, this can cause bacteria to thrive, and therefore bad breath happens easily. Being outdoors also means that pollen and other allergens can stick to your dry mouth and cause all sorts of problems. Drinking water will cure this problem, but so will moving some of your exercise to an indoor space if you can.

This is a guest blog entry.

How To Invest In Your Mental Health

If you are going to live life to the fullest, it is important that you invest in your mental health. You need to be aware of any issues that are standing in the way of you having a good time and achieving your goals. You also need to be brave enough to confront these issues head-on, as opposed to burying your head in the sand.

In this modern age, there should no longer be a stigma around talking about mental health and working through your problems. If you are determined to invest in your mental health, you will need to pay close attention to the following six steps.

Speak with a professional

If you are seriously concerned about your mental health, it is vital that you speak with a professional as soon as possible. Regular therapy sessions will provide you with a great opportunity to work through your issues and focus on a brighter future. Even if you are fairly confident in your mental health, you could still benefit from sharing your problems with an expert. Perhaps they could offer you a new way of looking at a situation or an unusual approach to living your life. You might also find that there is an unresolved issue in your past that comes up during your therapy sessions. Instead of allowing it to fester, this could be the ideal chance for you to achieve closure.

Carry out plenty of research

Although it is important to place your trust in the experts, it is also essential that you do your own research. Of course, you need to avoid suspicious looking websites that could lead to an unfounded self-diagnosis. However, reading up on mental health is never a bad idea. Understanding the way in which your mind works will make it far easier for you to navigate the world around you. That is why you should be on the lookout for interesting advice columns, self-help guides, uplifting blogs, and inspirational talks. There are also plenty of YouTube channels to choose from when it comes to dealing with mental health. Whatever your problem, there is sure to be a solution available. For instance, if you struggle with self-confidence, you could benefit from an online tutorial on dealing with social situations. Or, if you find it hard to embrace a positive attitude, you could select a channel that focuses on a glass half full philosophy.

Confront your bad habits head on

As you learn more about your mind, you may discover that there are certain aspects of your life that are extremely unhealthy. If you are going to conquer your bad habits, it is important that you act fast. Instead of allowing the situation to spiral out of control, you should deal with the situation immediately. Why not explore the best rehab centers available? This is a fantastic opportunity for you to escape the stresses and strains of daily life and  to focus your attention on the recovery process. It is also the perfect chance for you to benefit from expert advice, without being judged for your choices. Taking this step may seem intimidating, but it could be the greatest decision you ever make.
 
Monitor your mood

During your journey to improved mental health, it is important that you closely monitor your mood. This will help you to celebrate your successes and re-evaluate your choices when you hit a rough patch. Whatever you do, don’t just follow the crowd. You need to find a method that works for you. One option is to write in a journal every evening. Another idea is to start a sketchbook and fill it with images that reflect your emotions. Or, if you are a big fan of technology, you could download a wide range of useful apps to help you stay on top of your emotions. Getting into a solid routine will allow you to keep moving forward, even when you feel like standing still or going backward.

Evaluate your diet

You can also establish a clear routine when it comes to evaluating your diet. Instead of taking things one meal at a time, you should create a food plan that you can enjoy throughout the week. You could even start a food diary and use it to hold yourself accountable. Just make sure that you are focusing on deeper issues than your appearance. Although it is a great thing to look your best, it is more important that you feel your best. That is why you should steer clear of counting calories and giving up your favorite dishes. Instead, you should fill your diet with plenty of mood-boosting ingredients. It is also important that you have fun with the meals that you are creating. Why not sign up to a culinary course or treat yourself to a new set of recipe books? Not only will eating well provide you with the energy you need to make it through a long day, but it will also help you to enjoy a positive relationship with your mind and body.

Take up regular exercise

Another way of achieving this is by taking up regular exercise. Whenever you complete a successful workout, you will be hit with a rush of endorphins. This is an immediate way for you to improve your outlook and embrace a positive mindset. Signing up for a gym membership or attending an exercise class could also be a great opportunity for you to meet new people. If you are going to feel good about yourself, it is vital that you are surrounded by like-minded individuals who are also looking to embrace a positive lifestyle and outlook. Even if you decide exercise alone, you will still be benefiting from a natural stress relief that will lower your levels of anxiety and help you to work through any pent-up aggression. Don’t worry about your existing fitness levels or a lack of coordination; the most important thing is that you are out there giving it your best shot.

This is a guest blog entry.

Endometriosis Awareness Month: Understanding a Common Condition

Endometriosis is a common condition plaguing women around the world, with an estimated one in every ten experiencing the disease. When endometriosis takes place, the tissue normally found in the womb grows elsewhere, from the pelvis to the abdomen and even the lungs. The growing womb tissue can cause severe pain in women, along with infertility and other debilitating effects. Although it is prevalent among women of reproductive age, endometriosis is often misunderstood and widely misdiagnosed at its onset. For that reason, March is deemed Endometriosis Awareness Month each year. Throughout the month, individuals of all ages are encouraged to increase their understanding of what endometriosis is, how it is diagnosed, as well as the treatment options and support available to women living with the condition.

Symptoms and Warning Signs

Endometriosis comes with a variety of symptoms and warning signs, with the most common being pain during menstruation that leaves women unable to function normally. In addition to period discomfort, often referred to as dysmenorrhea, that exceeds normal levels of pain, women with endometriosis may also experience the following:

• Pain during intercourse
• Discomfort with bowel movements or urination
• Excessive bleeding, either during or in between periods
• Infertility
• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Diarrhea and constipation
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Back and abdomen pain 

While these symptoms are common, they often range in severity for women with endometriosis. Depending on how large the tissue growth is and where it is located, women may also experience shortness of breath or trouble breathing.

Endometriosis does not have one singular cause, which makes it a complex and difficult to understand condition. Some women who experience retrograde menstruation may ultimately be diagnosed with endometriosis. Others may have hormones transform into embryonic cells which then implant in other areas of the body, or problems with an immune disorder that leads to tissue growth outside the reproductive organs. In any case of endometriosis, there is a high probability that it will be misdiagnosed initially given the complexity of its symptoms and causes.

Diagnosis of Endometriosis

The reason endometriosis is so often misdiagnosed for another condition, or no condition at all, is just as complex as the condition itself. High rates of misdiagnosis and medical negligence claims occur with endometriosis because of the stigma attached to menstruation pain, explains a solicitor that works with these type of cases. Some medical providers simply connect the symptoms of endometriosis with made-up or exaggerated period discomfort – something women are encouraged to work through alone. In other cases, endometriosis may be incorrectly diagnosed as a sexually transmitted infection, a urinary tract infection, or irritable bowel syndrome.

These issues with endometriosis misdiagnosis often mean women wait more than eight years to receive the correct information and education about their disease. When this takes place, endometriosis patients are left feeling hopeless, with no real recourse for their pain or other debilitating symptoms. For some, a course of treatment for another condition is suggested, which provides no respite for the underlying problem. This is why getting the right diagnosis is critical to help women with endometriosis, no matter how severe their symptoms. Currently, the disease is only diagnosable through laparoscopy from a trained specialist, to which many women are never referred.

Treatment and Support

Women who are properly diagnosed with endometriosis have several options for treatment, including surgery to remove the tissue growth outside the reproductive organs. Some doctors suggest less invasive approaches to treatment first, however, such as lifestyle changes to cut out dairy and gluten, increased physical activity, and stress reduction strategies at home. Pain medication may also be recommended when women are unable to function as they normally would.

One of the most helpful aspects of endometriosis treatment, however, is support from friends, family members, and members of the medical community who understand that the disease is a real issue that has impacts on a woman’s life. Throughout Endometriosis Awareness Month, there are several events and educational sessions put on by charitable organizations, designed to not only support and encourage women living with the disease, but also to help supporters recognize the best ways to provide help when it is needed most.

This is a guest blog entry.