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Menopause is a natural occurrence in women, typically beginning around age 45. Although the average age of menopause onset has decreased in recent years, the hormonal imbalance symptoms in women, experienced by all during this transitional time, remain largely the same. These can include hot flashes, loss of libido, and disturbed sleep patterns.

In addition to these common symptoms, there is another facet of menopause that often goes unacknowledged — the connection between menopause and anger. Many women report feeling increased irritability and emotional reactivity during menopause, which can lead to volatile outbursts of anger without warning or provocation. To better understand this connection between menopause and anger and how it can be managed effectively, it's important to identify what causes hormonal imbalances in women during this time.

Causes of Hormonal Imbalance During Menopause

The leading cause of hormonal imbalance during menopause is the fluctuation in estrogen levels, which can lead to a decrease in other hormones, such as progesterone and testosterone. These hormonal shifts can lead to numerous physical and emotional symptoms during this time, including increased irritability and anger.

Estrogen levels in women naturally begin to decline around age 45 as they enter into perimenopause. This decrease in estrogen stimulates the hypothalamus, which signals the pituitary gland to produce follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH tells ovaries to stop producing eggs, halting ovulation and ultimately leading to the end of fertility and the onset of menopause. As estrogen production decreases further at this point, it causes a dramatic decrease in progesterone levels. Progesterone is one of two main hormones responsible for regulating women's menstrual cycles. Its production is typically triggered by ovulation as part of the reproductive process. Therefore, with little or no ovulation due to declining estrogen levels, progesterone production also diminishes throughout menopause.

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It is important to note that estrogen and progesterone are essential in controlling a woman's emotions. Low levels of these hormones, which can be detected by hormone testing, have been linked to depression, anxiety, and irritability — including intense outbursts of anger — during this transitional period.

Physical Effects of Hormonal Imbalances That Lead to Anger

Headaches and hot flashes are two common physical effects of hormonal imbalances during menopause that can contribute to feelings of irritability and anger. Headaches are often caused by sudden drops in estrogen levels, which can lead to migraines for women prone to them. On the other hand, hot flashes are typically caused by a decrease in progesterone levels that affect body temperature regulation. These fluctuations in temperature can lead to excessive sweating, dizziness, and feeling overwhelmed, which can all be contributing factors to anger or irritation.

Another side effect of hormonal imbalance is disrupted sleep patterns. This can cause fatigue throughout the day and make it difficult for women to manage their emotions effectively. Low energy levels throughout the day due to fatigue can further exacerbate feelings of irritability or agitation that may be caused by hormonal imbalances leading up to menopause.

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Lastly, stress and anxiety also play a role in causing outbursts of anger during menopause due to changing hormones impacting moods and energy levels. Stress, coupled with high emotional reactivity, causes an environment where a woman is more likely to experience recurring episodes of anger related to her transition into menopause.

How to Manage Menopausal Anger Outbursts

The key to managing menopausal anger outbursts is identifying triggers that cause hormone imbalance to find ways to reduce their impact. It is important for women going through menopause to recognize the connection between physical and emotional changes — ranging from hot flashes, headaches, fatigue, and irritability — as these can all be symptoms of fluctuating hormones during this stage of life.

Maintaining good nutrition and exercise habits is another important way to support a body going through this transition. Eating a healthy balanced diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps ensure a steady supply of essential nutrients. At the same time, regular physical activity increases endorphin production, which helps manage stress levels, lifts moods, and relieves tension.

Pursuing therapies such as meditation or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also help women experiencing outbursts related to menopause. CBT works by teaching women to recognize the thoughts and behavior patterns that contribute to their emotional outbursts and then helping them replace those negative thought patterns with more positive ones. This type of therapy has proven successful in reducing anxiety, depression, and anger-related outbursts in many people — menopausal women included.

Finally, hormone replacement therapy can be beneficial if prescribed by a qualified doctor due to its ability to restore natural estrogen and progesterone levels in women over 50 years of age or those who have undergone early menopause due to an operation. The benefits of hormone replacement therapy aid in many areas, from improving sleep quality to boosting energy levels and reducing hot flashes. However, it is essential to discuss the various risks of hormone therapy with a qualified healthcare professional before taking any steps in that direction.

It is important for women going through menopause to understand their bodies to better cope with the many changes that come along with it. In addition, taking care of mental and physical health by reaching out for support when needed and focusing on positive lifestyle behaviors are vital strategies for reducing the risk of anger outbursts associated with menopause.

Don't Just Manage Your Anger — Beat It!

Your body is going through changes, and that's perfectly natural. But it doesn't mean you have to submit to the anger and irritability that can come along with menopause. So while managing your symptoms is essential, you can also use other tools to help conquer anxiety, depression, and anger associated with this stage of life. You have the power to beat this and live the way you want.

As more people adopt a plant-based diet, there are often concerns about whether the food they are eating is nutritious enough. While it's true that some nutrients can be harder to obtain from a purely plant-based diet, it's possible to eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet without consuming animal products. This is where a plant-based nutritionist can provide valuable guidance and education on how to make sure a plant-based diet meets all of your nutritional needs. Consulting a plant-based nutritionist is highly recommended for the following compelling reasons:

1. Nutritional education: A plant-based nutritionist can provide education on how to make sure a plant-based diet meets all of your nutritional needs, such as ensuring adequate intake of protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin B12.
2. Avoiding deficiencies: Without proper education, it can be easy to develop deficiencies in certain nutrients when following a plant-based diet. A plant-based nutritionist can help identify potential deficiencies and provide recommendations for how to avoid them.
3. Customized approach: Every person has unique nutritional needs based on their age, gender, activity level, and other factors. A plant-based nutritionist can provide personalized advice and guidance on how to make a plant-based diet work for your specific needs.
4. Health concerns: If you have pre-existing health conditions, a plant-based nutritionist can help you determine if a plant-based diet is appropriate for you, and provide guidance on how to make the transition safely and effectively.
5. Ongoing support: Making the transition to a plant-based diet can be challenging, especially in the beginning. A plant-based nutritionist can provide ongoing support and answer any questions you may have along the way.

As a certified plant-based nutritionist, EVA CRUZ highlights that getting enough protein is one of the biggest concerns with a plant-based diet. However, plant-based sources such as beans, lentils, tofu, and tempeh can provide adequate amounts of protein. Moreover, many plant-based foods, including whole grains and vegetables, contain complementary proteins, which means that when combined, they offer all of the essential amino acids necessary for the body.

If you are interested in learning more about EVA CRUZ, she is a certified plant-based nutritionist and an experienced plant-based educator in the DFW Area. She has been featured in various media outlets, including NBC5, Telemundo, One Life Radio, and many more for her work within the health community. EVA CRUZ knows firsthand how challenging it can be to make dietary changes, but through her supportive approach, she helps make the transition easier while providing guidance every step of the way. Her expertise ranges from understanding nutritional needs to teaching how to cook delicious, plant-based meals without relying on processed ingredients or animal products.

Another concern is getting enough essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12 and iron. Vitamin B12 is found mainly in animal products, but it can also be obtained from fortified plant-based products, such as plant-based milks, nutritional yeast, and certain breakfast cereals. Iron can also be obtained from plant-based sources, such as lentils, spinach, and fortified whole grain products.

It's important to note that while a plant-based diet can be healthy and nutritious, it's also possible to consume an unhealthy, unbalanced diet based solely on plant-based foods. This is why it's important to be mindful of what you're eating and to work with a plant-based nutritionist to create a well-rounded diet that meets your nutritional needs.

What to Expect During Your Visits with a Plant-Based Nutritionist

There is no set rule on how often you should see a plant-based nutritionist, as the frequency of visits may vary based on individual needs and circumstances. However, there are several factors to consider when determining the right frequency of visits.

1. Initial consultation: If you're just starting a plant-based diet, it's important to have an initial consultation with a plant-based nutritionist. During this visit, the nutritionist can assess your nutritional needs, provide education on the best way to meet those needs, and help you create a customized meal plan.
2. Follow-up visits: Depending on your individual needs and goals, follow-up visits may be necessary to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your meal plan. For example, if you have a health condition that requires specific nutrient needs, a follow-up visit may be necessary to track your progress and ensure that your diet is meeting those needs.
3. Monitoring deficiencies: A plant-based diet can sometimes lead to deficiencies in certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12 and iron. Regular visits with a plant-based nutritionist can help identify and address any deficiencies in a timely manner.
4. Maintaining a balanced diet: Even after you've successfully transitioned to a plant-based diet, it's important to continue monitoring your nutrient intake to ensure that you're maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet. Regular visits with a plant-based nutritionist can help you stay on track and make any necessary adjustments as your needs change over time.

In conclusion, the frequency of visits with a plant-based nutritionist may vary depending on your individual needs and goals. An initial consultation is crucial to get started, and follow-up visits can help you monitor your progress, identify and address any deficiencies, and maintain a balanced and nutritious diet over time. With a well-planned plant-based diet and the guidance of a plant-based nutritionist, there is no need to worry about the nutritional quality of the food you're eating. Plant-based foods can provide all of the nutrients your body needs, and with a balanced diet, you can enjoy the many benefits of a plant-based lifestyle.

What are dermal fillers? 

Dermal fillers are popular non-surgical treatments that can help you look younger and more natural. They are used to fill in wrinkles, address dark circles, and contour lips while adding volume to the soft tissue of the face in places like the cheek, mouth, chin, around the eye, and jawline. Dermal fillers made from calcium hydroxylapatite, polylactic acid, or hyaluronic acid are the most common.

What is hyaluronic acid and how does it work? 

Hyaluronic acid, a sugar molecule found naturally in the skin, aids in the binding of water to collagen and traps it there, making the skin appear plumper, dewier, and more hydrated. But how does filler work on your face? Basically, hyaluronic acid makes the skin more moisturized, which can help you maintain a youthful, plump appearance. In order to give skin its plumpness, natural hyaluronic acid is bonded to water molecules on one side and connected to collagen on the other. 

Because hyaluronic acid and collagen are naturally lost as we get older, the skin is more susceptible to dehydration. In addition, adverse weather, sun exposure, heaters used in the winter, heredity, and lifestyle might also affect the facial skin. It can therefore be necessary to develop a customized skin-care regimen that contains hydrating products including dermal fillers.

How long do hyaluronic acid fillers last?

Depending on the patient's characteristics, lifestyle, and the areas treated, the results will differ. Dermal fillers can last between six months and two years, depending on the product. With touch-ups in between, they may last even longer.

Why are dermal fillers used?

Dermal fillers are used for cosmetic purposes to add volume and fullness to a patient’s skin. With dermal fillers you can:

• Enhance the contours of the lips
• Eliminate wrinkles and folds in different areas, including the face, neck, and décolleté
• Improve the appearance of the scars
• Decrease or remove the dark circles under the eyes
• Restore the youth to the hands

Types of fillers

Cheek fillers

What are cheek fillers and who is the perfect candidate for them? Cheek fillers are indicated for patients whose cheeks have lost volume as a result of the natural aging process. They are also used for giving the cheekbone area a more contoured appearance for younger patients.

Cheek fillers can offer structure and support to enhance the cheekbones as well as lifted structure to reduce sagging. Hyaluronic acid fillers are the most frequently used fillers for cheek augmentation. The cheeks are instantly lifted and inflated for the ideal contour.

Face fillers

Dermal fillers can be injected into the face and hands to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and volume loss brought on by aging or specific medical conditions. A single treatment produces immediate results that can last for 6 to 12 months. Dermal fillers allow you to control your appearance subtly as your face changes over time.

Dermal filler injections can produce a natural-looking result with no impact on facial expression. Facial fillers are great for smoothing out lines around the nose, mouth, and eyes (marionette lines, vertical lip lines, and crow’s feet). 

Lip fillers

In order to make your lips fuller and/or to address lip asymmetries, lip augmentation is a cosmetic treatment that involves injecting filler, typically one that is hyaluronic acid-based. Usually, the effects last for 6 to 9 months. To maintain the volume of your lips after that, additional injections are required. Some of the products contain local anesthetic, which significantly increases patient comfort during treatment.

Are cosmetic dermal fillers safe?

When used by qualified and authorized specialists, facial fillers are safe. Unsterile needles or improper technique might result in serious problems like infection, nodule formation, or blood vessel damage.

Mild side effects like swelling, redness, bruising, or discomfort are commonly occurring. These adverse effects typically pass quickly and disappear within a few days.

If you are allergic to something, pregnant, or nursing, using a dermal filler is not advised. Before having the treatment, you should discuss any further risks with your dermatologist.

Dermal fillers before and after the procedure

Injectable fillers can often soften facial lines and restore volume and fullness in the face without surgery. Injection treatment with fillers may be ideal for you if you want to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles or enhance facial contours.

FAQ

How long does it take for filler to work?

The effects of dermal fillers are immediate, so you can see them right away. However, it might take up to 4 weeks for the filler to completely integrate into the tissue.

What happens to filler over time?

In most cases, the skin recovers and restores its natural shape as the filler wears off. The skin might actually look better in some cases than it did before treatment. Some dermal fillers help the body produce more collagen, which will enhance your appearance long after the filler breaks down.

Where can you put filler in your face?

You can apply dermal fillers to different areas of the face (cheeks, lips, areas around the eyes, mouth, and nose), neck, décolleté, and hands. It should be noted that dermal fillers should be administered by a board-certified medical practitioner. The results and safety of the procedure depend on the experience and technique of the doctor. 

How are fillers injected?

Your doctor or other healthcare professional may clean your skin and then apply an anesthetic-containing lotion or cream. Then the doctor injects tiny amounts of fillers under your skin using a fine needle. The fillers may be injected in several areas during the same treatment session. 

A recent report has found that emergency rooms are filling up with people seeking treatment for trying to quit opiates with treatment centres also welcoming more and more looking to go through a fentanyl or heroin drug rehab centre as the winter months draw in.

Dinah Collins, a specialist at the Medical University of South Carolina said, “As soon as temperatures start to drop and it gets chilly in the mornings, we see more people coming into the emergency department looking for help.”

However, despite a nationwide overdose crisis, such emergency departments are struggling to cope and treat everyone, with recent studies finding that in many parts of the country less than 10% of drug related visits in emergency departments are resulting in prescriptions to deal with that.

At hospitals, emergency physicians do have basic training in addiction medicines and are able to prescribe buprenorphine, a drug that can help tide over addicts until they are able to get proper addiction treatment at a rehab centre, and many professionals are claiming it should be more widely available in emergency rooms, with the stats showing it isn’t being rolled out quite as it should.

What’s more, that’s only going to get more problematic as more and more people find themselves hooked to opioids in the USA, unable to get the treatment they need. However, there is also a fear that those seeking treatment for withdrawal in emergency rooms also aren’t going on to get the treatment they need after taking buprenorphine.

Which ultimately means that there needs to be more support for those in need to help stay in touch with patients after they leave and follow up by getting full treatment programmes from rehabilitation centres.

Dr Elizabeth Samuels, an emergency physician at Brown University in Rhode Island said, “This is not about resources or a shortage of trained emergency staff. The biggest barrier is stigma and knowledge gaps.”

Therefore education is vital for patients to then go on and get the treatment they need. The emergency room and hospitals are essentially providing patients with a platform to then go on and get treatment following a prescription of buprenorphine, but few are actually doing it, ending back on the streets and getting their fix of opioids. Which is only continuing the crisis.

More needs to be done to educate at that second phase, or the crisis is only going to continue, and ultimately get worse during difficult economic times.

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What Is the Difference Between Home Care and Home Health Care?

“Home health care” and “home care” sound interchangeable, but they are actually two distinct services. As the names hint at, home health care involves providing at-home medical services, while home care involves providing non-medical services.

Some of the tasks a home health aide might help with are physical therapy, administering medication, giving shots, running medical tests, changing a wound dressing after surgery and generally monitoring the patient’s health status. Note that home health care is a step below what a private nurse will provide in terms of complexity. Private nurses usually work with clients who have severe, chronic conditions that require care beyond what a home health aide is certified for (for example, ventilator care or tube feeding). If your loved one essentially needs hospital-level care at home, then a private nurse may be more in line with what you need.

On the other hand, home care is distinctly non-medical care for those who need help with daily activities. Home care aides help with vacuuming, mopping, dusting and other cleaning tasks; meal preparation and cleanup; essential errands such as grocery shopping; transportation to appointments; and personal hygiene activities such as bathing, grooming, dressing and putting on diabetic footwear. They can also provide reminders to take medication, but they cannot actually administer medication or provide any medical care because they are not certified to do so.

By Dmytro Zinkevych / Shutterstock.com

Who Can Benefit from Home Care vs. Home Health Care?

Both home care and home health care can be beneficial in different scenarios. Home health care is a good choice if your loved one needs help with “basic” medical tasks. Home health aides are often helpful after surgery, a hospital stay or rehabilitation when a patient is still recovering and not completely able to take care of themselves yet. They can also keep an eye on patients after a medication change to make sure they are adjusting well without side effects. Home health care can also be a great option if your loved one would benefit from physical or occupational therapy but is too fragile to travel to a facility on a regular basis.

On the other hand, home care is better suited for people who need companionship and help with daily tasks. Many older adults who are isolated and live far away from family benefit from home care visits. Home care can also be a good supplement for loved ones who are already taking care of relatives and need some help with tasks, such as cooking and cleaning. Older adults who can no longer drive themselves or navigate public transportation safely will also benefit from home care.

By Chaay_Tee / Shutterstock.com

What If Your Loved One Needs Both?

It’s not uncommon to be in a situation where your loved one could potentially benefit from both home care and home health care. This is because many chronic health problems that can require home health care also make it difficult for older adults to go about daily activities like cooking and cleaning. The older they are, or the more fragile their health, the more likely they are to need help in both arenas.

You may be able to find a caretaker to provide a mix of both. Try searching for “private duty care,” which is a catch-all term that covers both home health and home care duties. Always confirm with the agency or caregiver that they provide the exact services that you need, since not all agencies offer the same services.

If you are already taking care of your elderly loved one and looking for some relief support, take some time to think about what aspects of their care are most time-consuming and stressful. For some people, medical assistance will be more time-consuming, whereas for others, it will be taking care of daily activities like bathing and mealtimes. If you only want to get home care or home health care — not both — choose the one that will give you the most relief.

Also keep in mind that you can hire other services to take care of certain aspects of home care, such as maid services and meal delivery services. Depending on your relative’s needs, it may be more cost effective to pay for these services a couple of times a month than to have a home health aide come in every day. Other investments, such as adaptive clothing for women and men’s elastic waist pants or assistive devices for people with arthritis, can also make it easier for your loved one to navigate their home independently.

Speaking of finances, you may be able to get either home health care or home care covered by insurance, depending on the situation. Home health care is more likely to be covered by various insurance plans, including Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance. Home care is usually covered by Medicaid, and will be covered by Medicare or private insurance if it is ordered by a physician. Private pay is commonly used for home care when it is not ordered by a physician.

Home care and home health care aren’t the only choices. If your loved one needs around-the-clock care or very complicated medical treatment, then hiring a private nurse or moving them into an assisted living facility might be a better decision in the long run. Some assisted living facilities are even specially designed to care for elderly people with dementia or other medical conditions that make it especially hard to care for them at home. Make sure that you weigh all the options before settling on home health care or home care.

The last thing you want is for your carelessness to destroy this dream and be kicked out of your nursing school. If you have been dismissed from your nursing school, you may be scared about your future and career. Not all nursing student dismissal is just or fair, which is why you should consult with an attorney and explore your legal options. 

Consequences of dismissal from nursing school 

Being dismissed from nursing school can ruin your career and future as a nurse. You may not be able to get admission to another nursing school, certainly not a reputed one. Even if you do, you might never be able to score a good-paying job or position as a nurse. 

While getting dismissed from a nursing school is not necessarily the end of your dream of becoming a nurse, it can surely throw several obstacles in your path. Here are some of the major consequences of dismissal from nursing school. 

1. Lost academic progress. 

When you get dismissed from nursing school, you will lose everything that you have worked hard for in school until now. All the classes you took, the notes you made, and the examinations you passed will all go into vain. This is because when you get removed from a nursing school due to misconduct, you will have to repeat the entire curriculum when you get admission to another college. 

You will still need to repeat if you get readmission to the same nursing school. 

2. Complex re-enrolling process. 

Once you are removed from your nursing school, it can be extremely difficult to prove your innocence and get readmission to the same institution. It is very rare for a school to take back a student after they have been charged with Title IX. It also becomes difficult to convince another school to enroll you because they will probably do a background check on you and find out about the charges. 

3. Financial struggles. 

Nursing schools are usually expensive, and students take loans to pay their fees. If you have student loan debt, you would have to repay it regardless of whether you get to continue school or not. 

What Causes Sleep Problems?

The most common causes of sleeping problems are stress and anxiety about work or personal issues; a bad mattress; sleeping on your back; lack of a good bedtime routine; watching TV before bedtime; eating heavy meals before bedtime; drinking alcohol near bedtime; exercise close to bedtime.

A lack of sleep can lead to a wide range of problems. Lack of sleep may cause daytime drowsiness or fatigue, mood swings, decreased concentration and focus, an increased risk of accidents or injuries while driving or operating machinery, or even the development of chronic conditions such as high blood pressure.

Regular chiropractic care relieves many health-related issues that may interfere with one's ability to sleep well. Regular chiropractic care restores proper alignment in the spine, improves nervous system function, and enhances muscle balance and flexibility.

It relieves tension in soft tissues around joints, balances nutrition and endocrine function, and stimulates fats and sugar metabolism for energy production so one will not experience hunger pangs at night. Decreases inflammation in joints that often lead to stiffness and pain during movement — this will also lessen nighttime tossing & turning because there is no joint pain!

Why Should You Consider Chiropractic Care?

The health benefits of chiropractic care are vast. From improving your sleep to boosting your mood to helping you recover from sports injuries, chiropractors have the tools to help you live healthier lives. Here's how:

• A study reported that those who received chiropractic care were more likely to report better sleep quality than those who didn't receive care.
• When you're feeling anxious or stressed, your body releases cortisol (a hormone) which can cause an increase in blood pressure, heart rate and suppresses immune function.
• One study found that people with back pain who received spinal manipulation reduced cortisol levels after treatment compared to those who didn't receive any type of intervention.

How Can Chiropractic Treatment Help Improve Sleep?

Chiropractors are experts in the body's mechanics. They provide adjustments that help your muscles, joints, and discs function optimally. This can improve sleep because it is easier for your body to relax when it doesn't have to work so hard.

Suppose you are experiencing a lot of pain or stiffness during the day, preventing you from getting a restful night's sleep (such as lower back pain). In that case, a chiropractor can assess your situation and make adjustments to improve your quality of life.

They may also prescribe exercises to help strengthen the area they've adjusted, making your symptoms less frequent or severe. For people who suffer from chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, headache, or TMJ disorder, experienced chiropractors can help with those issues.

The benefits of nutritional supplements can vary between individuals. Some may work better for certain goals, such as increasing muscle mass. Think body builders with the sole goal of muscle mass building. Muscle fibers are torn in order to repair itself and get bigger and stronger and a person with a keen interest in building muscle mass may want to take creatine monohydrate, an extremely safe and effective supplement to aid the growth of muscles. While others may aid those with joint pain and take phenolics to ease the pain in joints. Many are designed to enhance performance, reduce the risk of injury, and speed up recovery. However, you should consult your physician before taking any supplements, as they may have side effects or adverse effects.

Many supplements contain electrolytes, a type of substance that conducts electricity when mixed with water. These substances are necessary for proper hydration, and they also regulate nerve and muscle function. If you exercise for a prolonged period of time, you need to replenish electrolytes afterward to help your muscles repair. Think high energy sports, especially where it requires an athlete to cover many miles during a game, match or track and field race. These athletes exert as much physical energy as possible and the body dehydrates rapidly. Furniture removalists and interstate movers are no different where they are racing against deadlines, carrying bulky and heavy furniture up and down stairs, across the long driveway and uploading onto the trucks. This requires a lot of physical exertion and is no different from how an athlete’s body will react under physical body stress. Therefore they, require to quickly and efficiently replenish their levels of electrolytes and these electrolyte rich drinks enable this but, electrolyte-rich drinks should not replace a well-balanced diet.

Taking nutritional supplements may be a good idea if you have a condition that prevents you from consuming a sufficient amount of foods and fluids. However, it is important to understand the dosage and how to use the supplements. Always follow the label guidelines. Taking too much of a supplement can have negative side effects and may be dangerous.

Caffeine is a stimulant in the body, and can help improve your performance in a variety of physical activities. Caffeine is also useful for improving mental performance, and may help slow down age-related mental decline. This is a reason why it can help the mental alertness in people that require a great deal of focus such as long-distance car carriers, motorcycle transporters and even train drivers. It is important to note that caffeine is best taken in low-to-moderate doses at least 60 minutes before physical activity. Another supplement for the physically active is creatine, which supplies energy to muscles.

Beta-alanine is another supplement that can improve your performance. You may not see results immediately, but a study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that participants who took beta-alanine increased their energy levels. Baking soda, which comes in tablet and powder form, can also help reduce lactic acid buildup in your body. Lactic acid can lead to muscle fatigue and reduced force.

Antioxidant supplements may also prevent the onset of muscle injury during intense physical activity. Studies have shown that vitamin E can help reduce muscle injuries during exercise. Further studies are needed to determine how antioxidant supplements affect muscle function. Vitamin E is a key antioxidant that helps protect the body against oxidative stress.

Create Your Dream Body with Running

Running requires a lot of energy and it helps in faster burning of fat. If you want to build that ripped body or if you just want to shed some extra fat from your body, then running is an ideal place to start with. Of course, if you are obese and overweight, then you should start with walking. After toning your muscles a little, you can start jogging. Finally you can run fast to induce better results. The best way to start this long journey of indoor running is to get an app for yourself. Vingo is a useful app that gives you a lot of value.

Beat Boredom with Real Time Running

Vingo is a feature packed app that can be used on a number of devices. Whether you have a mobile phone or a tablet or a laptop, we have got you covered. Vingo can be used on any of these devices. While the app started out for Windows devices, now you can also get it on the App Store. For devices using iOS, you can find it easily.

With the Vingo online running app, you need not worry about being bored ever. The app makes ordinary running into an extraordinary session of interaction and creativity. You will be running in the virtual world, where you can forge new friendships with people who are also exploring that part of the virtual world. This way, you will never be bored. When you run on the treadmill, it can easily become monotonous. However, with the app, you will never be bored.

Have a Virtual Tour With Your Family Members

Another interesting feature of using the app for your running sessions is that you can join your friends and families. You can either use the app to start running with your friends or ask them to come along with you for a cycling trip. Vingo is easily used as a biking app. You can connect the app with an exercise bike and you can cycle in the virtual world. Whether you want to run or cycle your way to fitness, you can do it with this app.

The app allows you to create up to 8 profiles that you can share with your family members. So, your whole family can use it. This way you can give urgent care for the health of your whole family. The app is free for use now, only if you install it before the end of the week.

1. Fatty Fish

High-fat-content fish is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These acids are essential for healthy hair growth. Fish is also a great source of vitamin D3, protein, and other nutrients. Examples of fatty fish include:

• Mackerel
• Salmon
• Herring
• Trout
• Tuna
• Sardines

2. Eggs

Hair strands are made of about 90% fibrous proteins. These proteins compose the center of the hair cortex, providing healthy texture and elasticity. A diet that is high in protein is good for repairing and strengthening the keratin in hair. Eggs are a great source of protein and an easy addition to many people’s diets. Eggs also contain biotin, which is essential for protein production.

3. Nuts

Nuts are an easy, convenient food that can easily be added to other dishes or eaten as a snack. There are lots of different nuts that contribute to healthy, strong hair. They contain a wide range of important vitamins and fatty acids as well as zinc. Nuts have also been linked to reduced inflammation and decrease risk of heart disease. Some of the best nuts for hair health include:

• Brazil nuts
• Walnuts
• Almonds
• Cashews
• Pistachios

4. Oysters

Rich in zinc, oysters are great for anyone dealing with hair loss. Hair-building cells rely on zinc, so it is critical to include it in your diet. While oysters are a bit of an acquired taste, zinc can also be found in high levels in crab, beef, and lobster.

5. Seeds

Much like nuts, seeds are rich in vitamin E and other important nutrients, like selenium, that specifically promote healthy hair growth. They can also be easily added into most diets. Examples include:

• Sesame seeds
• Chia seeds
• Pumpkin seeds
• Fenugreek seeds

6. Avocados

Avocados are a great source of healthy fats. They contain high levels of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that helps prevent oxidative stress. Studies have suggested that lower levels of vitamin E are common in people who have experienced hair loss. Vitamin E also has health benefits for the skin and scalp, so adding them into your diet is a great way to improve hair follicle health.

7. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is one of the easiest things you can increase in your diet for better blood flow and circulation. This is critical for distributing oxygen and nutrients throughout your hair follicles. Cinnamon can also help stimulate hair growth and reduce hair loss over time. When added to topical hair products, it also has antifungal benefits and can help remove buildup from the scalp.

8. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, in addition to vitamin C, iron, and calcium. Vitamin A boosts and improves natural oil production in the scalp, which helps with moisture content and shine. Beta carotene in sweet potatoes also helps promote new hair growth. There are lots of different ways to prepare them so that they can be incorporated into a wide range of diets.

9. Sweet Peppers

Full of antioxidant-rich vitamin C, sweet peppers are great for healthy hair growth. Vitamin C promotes collagen production, which strengthens strands and safeguards them against oxidative stress, which occurs when free radicals impact the body’s antioxidant defense system. This is believed by researchers to be connected to hair loss and hair aging.

10. Spinach

Spinach is one of the healthiest leafy green vegetables you can include in your diet. It can be prepared in virtually limitless ways to fit into anyone’s eating habits. Spinach is loaded with iron, folate, and vitamins A and C. It is also rich in iron, which is critical for healthy growth in that it enables red blood cells to circulate oxygen throughout the body, fueling metabolism and assisting in growth.  

In Conclusion

Improving your diet with foods rich in protein, iron, healthy fats, and vitamins is a great way to naturally enhance your hair health. If you are dealing with hair loss or simply want to improve the look and feel of your hair, it is best to work with a hair restoration service. A professional can help identify and diagnose the source of the issue and develop a plan to achieve your hair goals.

‍When you’re a senior, every day can feel like an adventure. The golden years are a perfect time to see the world and experience as much of it as possible. If you’re planning on traveling soon, you might be wondering if travel insurance for seniors is something you need. Many people overlook this coverage when they’re planning a trip. After all, many adults in their 20s and 30s don’t feel like seniors just yet! However, once you get past those initial impressions, it becomes clear that there are many reasons why seniors should consider travel insurance for seniors. Here are some excellent reasons why this kind of policy is beneficial for older people planning a trip or a gap year.

Travel Insurance for Seniors: Know What’s Covered and What Isn’t

Before you purchase travel insurance for seniors, you need to be sure of what exactly the policy will cover. Depending on the insurer, you could find that the coverage is very similar to that of a standard policy. However, there are a few areas where travel insurance for seniors is likely to differ. The first thing to look out for is a reduced age limit. Some insurance policies have upper age limits of 80 or even 85. These are aimed at older travelers looking for specific health-related benefits. If you’re about to hit 60, you can expect to pay a bit more for your travel insurance than someone in their early 20s. This is due to age-related risk. Medical conditions that you may have, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, are taken into account when calculating the cost of your policy. This doesn’t mean that you’re automatically declined for coverage, though. The insurer will simply add a surcharge based on your condition. This can be as much as 20% or more.

Senior-Friendly Accommodation

One of the many benefits of travel insurance for seniors is that you may be covered for reduced mobility. This means that you may be eligible for special rates at hotels and guesthouses that are aimed at people with reduced mobility. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to book rooms with reduced mobility, ask the hotel if they offer any special rates. If they don’t, you can show them your travel insurance for seniors policy and request the reduced mobility rate. Most hotels offer this reduced rate to seniors but don’t advertise it. It’s not uncommon for hotels to offer reduced rates for certain groups, such as teachers or students.

Don’t Let Age be a Barrier to Travelling

There are plenty of people in their 60s, 70s, and 80s who are itching to get out and see the world. This is a great idea, but you may worry about the extra costs that come with traveling with an elderly parent. While it’s true that you’re likely to incur a few more expenses when you travel, such as more expensive flights, travel insurance for seniors can help you avoid financial issues. If you’re worried about the costs associated with health issues, you can get travel insurance for seniors with a higher excess. This will allow you to access the additional benefits of travel insurance, such as medical evacuation, while paying less per month.

Medical Evacuation and Repatriation

Health issues can rear their ugly head at any time, even while you’re on vacation. While you may be able to deal with a minor injury or illness at home, far away from your doctor, it can be a much bigger problem when you’re travelling. If you need elder care or to be medically evacuated due to a sudden health issue, you could be looking at thousands of dollars in expenses. This is where travel insurance for seniors can really come in handy. Depending on your policy, you may be covered for medical evacuation and repatriation. This can be a godsend for those who are unable to seek medical help without assistance. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to be medically evacuated, your travel insurance for seniors should cover the cost.

Loss of Baggage or Equipment

If you’ve flown anywhere before, you know that things can go wrong when you travel by air. From delayed or canceled flights to lost baggage, there are plenty of reasons why you could be left high and dry while traveling. If your baggage is lost or damaged, your travel insurance for seniors can help you get back on your feet. Depending on the coverage offered by your policy, you may be covered for lost or damaged bags. Most policies offer a certain amount of money to spend on new clothes. Some policies will even cover the cost of replacing or repairing any equipment or documents that are inside your bag.

Conclusion

The golden years are an excellent time to travel, especially if you have been putting it off. Luckily, there are a variety of travel insurance for seniors policies available. These can help you enjoy your vacation without worrying about the financial costs that come with travel mishaps. If you’re a senior, be sure to choose a policy that offers the coverage you need. In addition to reading the policy details, you can also get quotes from different insurers to make sure you get the best deal. Hope this guide can help you!

However, generally speaking, weight training is using weights to improve your general health and fitness, and strength training is a specific type of training that helps you build muscle and become stronger over a longer period of time. Strength training programs often include weight training, as well as other forms of exercise.

Here’s a brief guide to weight and strength training, including pros and cons of each and tips for choosing which is right for you.

What Is Weight Training?

Put simply, weight training is working out using weights. These exercises have several benefits including:

• Reversing age-related declines in muscle mass
• Increasing bone density
• Improving joint flexibility
• Enhancing balance
• Allowing for better control over your body

Weight training includes any free weight movement, using equipment like dumbbells, barbells, and kettle bells, as well as weight machines found at the gym. If you don’t have access to actual weights or machines, you can use your own body weight, resistance bands, or stretch tubes for similar workouts.

While it can be helpful to work with a gym employee or trainer who can teach you the proper form and way to handle the weights, it’s not required. Plus, you don’t need to weight train every day. Experts recommend 20-30 minutes, two to three times per week, working each muscle group at least twice per week.

Weight training is best for those with broad goals to improve their health, lose weight, and develop general fitness.

Pros And Cons of Weight Training

What Is Strength Training?

Strength training is any kind of training that helps build strength, such as size and strength for maximum performance. It is defined by physical exercises specializing in use of resistance to induce muscular contraction, building strength, endurance, and size of muscles and bone density.

This type of training includes many types of exercise such as weight training, body weight exercises like lunges, resistance movements, and specialties like climbing, jumping, and throwing. You also use a variety of equipment, such as weights, ropes, balance balls, and more.

The goal of strength training is to push body to respond and adapt while following a structured workout plan. This includes applying the right amount of stimulus at the right time and working to boost performance in a sport or activity. These programs should be supervised by a professional coach who can help you develop a plan so you’re performing the correct exercises, using the right amount of weights, making the right adjustments over time, and avoiding plateaus.

Strength training an also be a part of physical therapy programs if performed carefully and under proper supervision. 

Generally, these programs are best for those with specific goals to build muscle, improve joint function, increase overall endurance and physical conditioning.

Pros And Cons of Strength Training

Should You Be Doing Weight Training or Strength Training?

It may be best to choose weight training if you:

• Have shorter term goals, or broad goals to improve your general health or lose weight.
• Don’t want to work with or hire a professional.
• Want more flexibility with program.
• Want to build strength and muscle mass.
• Want to burn calories efficiently with a lower risk of injury.

On the other hand, you should choose strength training if you:

• Are an athlete.
• Want to hire a professional trainer.
• Prefer to create a long-term, structured plan.
• Have long-term or specific goals.
• Take gym programs seriously and are willing to follow a strict training schedule.

Suffering from drug abuse is difficult to overcome, and taking the first step to treatment can prove difficult in itself. Then the effort and determination that’s needed to go through the treatment process can take serious guts. However, someone who has suffered from addiction, whether it be drug, alcohol or any other form, is always in recovery and those cravings can come at any time.

It’s ensuring no relapses occur that is key to staying on track, avoiding having to start again, and maintaining a new, healthy lifestyle. And quelling those cravings can be aided in a number of ways, including by simply adding some herbs into your diet. But what are the five best herbs that can quell cravings?

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne Pepper isn’t for those that don’t enjoy spice, particularly as to quell cravings it’s recommended you eat it raw or powdered. However, it is proven to be useful when suffering from alcohol cravings, and helping with withdrawal symptoms from both alcohol and drugs.

That’s because the pepper can stimulate endorphins and increase metabolism, while also boosting your appetite, meaning your cravings may sway more towards food.

St John’s Wort

St John’s Wort is well known as a herb that can help combat depression and it’s that mood boosting effect it has that can help with reducing alcohol and nicotine cravings, as well as being a useful herb to take to alleviate withdrawal symptoms from drug addiction and in particular opiates.

You can get St John’s Wort in supplement form from most health food shops and pharmacies and is really good to have in your cupboards if you are suffering from addiction.

Kava Kava

Kava Kava can come in a number of forms on the market these days and can be taken in capsule form, as a tincture, or even be added to your tea. It is a calming herb that will help ease anxiety, which can often bring on cravings to numb that pain.

The herb can help combat cravings for drugs, alcohol, nicotine and many other forms of addiction, as ultimately it’ll help clear your mind and feel more relaxed.

Liquorice

Many people can’t stand the taste of liquorice. But to quote Bertie Bassett, it really can help with all sorts. Because liquorice acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, it has proven to ease the pain and suffering of alcohol withdrawal, which in turn will limit cravings. The most efficient way to take the herb is usually as a tea - we’re not suggesting you go and buy a packet of sweets.

Ginseng

Ginseng is another that is particularly useful for those suffering with either an opiate or alcohol addiction, and it can be eaten raw, added to tea or even steamed lightly to have an impact on metabolism and the elimination of toxins.

Bring remedies in your carry-on.

Just as with any other medication, you should bring enough menopause relief products with you to last the entire trip, plus a couple of extra days in case you get delayed. This is true for both prescription medications as well as over-the-counter supplements; don’t rely on them being available at your destination. If you are flying, these should be in your carry-on (preferably your under-the-seat bag) so that you won’t be separated from them. If you are driving, put them in a secure place where they won’t accidentally fall out of the car during stops.

Choose breathable clothes.

Wearing clothes that don’t let your skin breathe will make you uncomfortable and can even trigger a hot flash. Try to pack mostly lightweight cotton clothes, which is one of the most breathable fabrics available. You should bring multiple outfits, including a couple of sets of pajamas, so that you can change if you sweat through your clothes. If you like to travel light and prefer not to pack as many clothes, try to book a place with a washing machine so that you can do a load mid-trip.

By sirtravelalot / Shutterstock.com

Prioritize cooler destinations and seasons.

Traveling during the summer or to very hot destinations can worsen your menopause symptoms and make your trip very unpleasant. Instead, prioritize cooler destinations and try to go when temperatures are more moderate. Escaping to the opposite hemisphere is a great way to miss out on the unbearable summer months at your home.

If you are set on going to a hotter destination, plan your itinerary so that most activities take place in the morning or evening hours, avoiding the hottest times in the middle of the day. Try to do as many indoor activities as possible to minimize your time outside.

Be prepared for erratic periods.

During perimenopause, you may still get your period, but it tends to come at erratic times — meaning that it could strike in the middle of your vacation (and probably while you are wearing those cute white linen pants, at that). We recommend bringing a small supply of menstrual products with you, even if it’s been a while since you had a period. This will ensure that you have what you need on hand to get through the first couple of days of your period in case you start menstruating while you are traveling.

By Kinga / Shutterstock.com

Avoid common triggers.

Most people like to indulge in food and drink when they are on vacation. Unfortunately, most common treats, including alcohol, sweets and spicy food, are all known to trigger menopausal bloating, hot flashes and other symptoms. We recommend limiting your consumption of these foods and drinks as much as possible in order to make your trip the best experience possible.

If you do want to chance the occasional trigger treat, make sure that you are prepared for the symptoms that might follow. Try to time your indulgence so that you don’t have any activities immediately afterward — for instance, have a drink at dinner before heading back to your hotel; this will give you a chance to rest if your menopause symptoms do occur.

Guard against brain fog.

Menopause-induced brain fog can make planning really difficult, not to mention cause you to forget essential items like tickets and passports. If you have a travel companion who doesn’t also have brain fog, outsourcing the planning to them is a good idea to ensure that you don’t forget anything essential.

If you like to travel alone or with friends who are also going through menopause, choose nearby destinations that you can drive to and keep your itinerary more open-ended. This will give you the flexibility to navigate brain fog episodes without upsetting your vacation plans.

By TheVisualsYouNeed / Shutterstock.com

Manage your stress.

Travel can be stressful, especially if you tend to pack your itinerary full of time-sensitive activities. This can cause a lot of stress, which is, unfortunately, a trigger for menopause symptoms, including hot flashes. We recommend spacing out your itinerary and giving yourself plenty of time to deal with unexpected delays, whether that’s missing luggage or having a hot flash. You should also make time for relaxing activities, such as doing meditation, fitting in your pelvic floor exercises or getting a massage. This will help keep your menopause symptoms in check and help you enjoy your vacation even more.

Control what you can.

One of the most stressful things about travel is that so many things are out of your control. We recommend planning an itinerary that will give you more control rather than less. For instance, a vacation rental with a full kitchen will allow you to prepare meals instead of gambling at a local restaurant. Driving instead of flying will allow you to stop whenever you need to use the restroom. By making choices that keep more factors in your control, you will be better equipped to deal with the curveballs that travel throws your way.

Going through menopause doesn’t mean that you have to put your entire life on hold, and that includes your travel plans. Follow these tips to make traveling during menopause as pleasant and stress-free as possible.

At this time, the child is mastering the palmar grasp, and they are also learning how to put their hands in the mouth. The WHO recommends these foods be introduced at six months, and you should ensure your child shows the following signs before administering these foods;

• Good head and trunk control
• Sitting with no assistance
• Interested in food.

Below we discuss all you should know about finger foods for baby.

How to Introduce Finger Foods

You can introduce finger foods to your child in several ways, and below, we discuss a few;

• Baby-Led Weaning

This entails feeding children finger foods from the beginning, around six months of age. Here, you should keep it basic and begin with 2-3 foods simultaneously. Do not put large food quantities on the plate. Also, start with stick-shaped foods to make grasping easier.

• In-stages

Here, it will help to give dissolvable or meltable foods to the child, but only if the first stage is successful.

Preparing Finger Foods

Below we discuss how to prepare finger foods;

• Soft foods- finger foods should be soft enough to enable the child to squeeze them between their fingers. The baby's first food should be smooth for easy gnawing. Other foods, like pawpaw's, are generally soft, while vegetables and fruits require steaming.

How to Keep the Baby Safe

Parents know how scary it is to introduce finger foods to their children. However, the fears loosen with the proper knowledge and calculation, making this adventure enjoyable for both of you. You should avoid choking on food, and the child should be seated upright.

Parents should also check the child's mouth after eating. This is important because some babies might pocket food on their cheek's side after eating or remain with stuck food.

Best Finger Foods for Children

Below we discuss the top finger foods you should consider feeding to your child;

• Banana- should be peeled or crushed for easy eating
• Salmon- should be baked, and the skin removed
• Oats- let them cook for five minutes, and serve them in round potties.

However, certain foods increase your child’s choking chances, depending on the preparation. Parents should avoid feeding their children the following foods;

• Melon balls
• Fish with bones
• Popcorn
• Dried fruits
• Grape tomatoes
• Raw and complex fruits.

Parents should also avoid feeding honey to the child until they surpass one year since it has a botulism risk. Undercooked meals like meat or eggs can also cause a food-borne infection. Low food fat versions should not be fed to children because they require fat for development.

Final Thoughts

Finger foods play a significant role in the child's development and should be given at an early age. They include fish, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. The above article has discussed all you need to know about these foods, and more are available online.

These three biophysical forces (doshas) are present in everyone, but one is more prominent than the other two in the human body. In Ayurveda, a sickness can be caused by a shortage or excess of certain doshas. Because of this, proper nutrition and lifestyle are necessary to maintain an equal balance between the three tridoshas.

What is the Ayurvedic Approach

According to Ayurveda, the mind and body are inseparable and that the mind may heal and transform a person's entire being. According to Ayurveda, even small mental anguish can have a significant impact on one's quality of life and lead to a variety of ailments, both physical and mental.

Ayurvedic products and services have evolved over the past several years as a holistic healing approach. Ayurveda's growth in India has been fueled by a rise in knowledge of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, an increase in desire for chemical-free natural products, and favorable government efforts. A more natural and holistic style of life is becoming increasingly popular with consumers in the post-covid-19 pandemic.

In Ayurveda, the root reasons of one's health issues are discovered and treated. These techniques are focused on finding out the root cause of a sickness, which can be found in nutrition or heredity or mental condition or lifestyle. ayurveda practices According to Ayurveda, a person's mind, energy, and soul form an integrated whole. Consequently, the traditional healthcare system strives to restore the natural condition of harmony by a deeper corrective level. Preventative measures and a healthy lifestyle are the cornerstones of successful ayurvedic products. There is also much to be learned from Ayurveda about the conditions that affect our emotional and physical well-being.

Modern Applications of Ayurveda

Other living things, such as plants and animals, are included in the natural and holistic medical system, which is not limited to human health. As a result, the application of Ayurveda to agriculture and veterinary medicine might have fruitful results. It's been around for millennia, but people have only just begun to appreciate Ayurveda's full potential. Ayurvedic remedies have been around for a long time, and many people still use them to improve their quality of life.

Increasing numbers of individuals are beginning to see the benefits of natural medicine and healthcare. In the eyes of many health-conscious people, natural has replaced synthetic and artificial as the new slogan for living a healthy lifestyle. Increasing numbers of people are turning to herbal medicine and homeopathy and becoming more confident in their effectiveness. Ayurveda is steadily making its way to the forefront of modern healthcare as the world grapples with its many insecurities about the current system.

Factors Driving Demand of Ayurveda

Ayurveda, honed over centuries, has the potential to transform the current healthcare ecosystem and ensure a more sustainable future for healthcare. With its 'Preventative medicine is better than curative medicine' mantra, Ayurveda is known for its holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle. Ayurvedic products have cured several illnesses that allopathic therapy could not, in a number of cases.

With regards to modern disease care, Ayurveda experts believe that the ancient medicinal system has a lot to teach us. Unlike western medicine, which primarily addresses the symptoms of a disease, alternative medical practices such as Ayurveda and homeopathy looks at the individual as a whole, not just the symptoms, and uses this information to choose the best course of therapy. Ayurveda also emphasizes the importance of a person's mental well-being in the prevention and treatment of disease.

Due to the paucity of evidence-based studies on ayurvedic treatments, however, Ayurveda has not yet received the recognition it deserves. Ayurveda may gain to prominence in the next years as more people become aware of its benefits, but this should not come as a surprise. An overwhelming majority of Ayurvedic practitioners in India agreed that quick adoption of integrated technologies was necessary to enhance the ecosystem.

Impact of COVID-19 on Ayurveda

There have been a lot of changes in the popularity of Kadha recently despite its long history of use, especially during the cold and cough season. Consumer interest and demand for Kadha have steadily increased from the early surge of Covid-19 instances. Herbs and spices used in the appropriate proportions in kadha help support a healthy immune system and fend off diseases. Anti-inflammatory herbs, such as turmeric, giloy, black pepper, tulsi, ginger, and others, can aid in boosting the immune system. These ayurvedic medications offer a hopeful and preventive approach to enhancing the body's ability to fend off sickness. Ayurvedic and homeopathy medicines, in contrast to allopathic ones, have no long-term negative effects when taken in the recommended dosages.

Covid-19 has been a blessing in disguise for the ayurvedic industry as India continues to show the world the potential of Ayush in the fight against this pandemic. An increasing number of Indian states have approved ayurvedic treatment as an alternative to chemotherapy and radiation for patients who test positive for Covid-19. Adapting ayurvedic approaches to control the spread of coronavirus has been a great achievement in Kerala. To gain a better grasp of the ancient medical system, studies on ayurvedic drugs during pandemics would be valuable.

The Future of Ayurveda

In light of the pandemic, people are beginning to reevaluate their lifestyle choices and the culture in which they live. The beauty sector has also seen a shift toward Ayurveda, as evidenced by a rise in the popularity of Ayurvedic items, including food, immunity boosters, and dietary supplements.

Many people have seen the benefits of incorporating Ayurveda into their daily lives because of the system's long history of success. Ayurveda is still relevant today and will continue to be so in the future, according to the ancient philosophy. As more people become aware of natural and homeopathy and traditional medicines' efficacy, research and development efforts are increasing, there is less reliance on the allopathic healthcare system, the growth of self-taught customers, and the incidence of chronic conditions, Ayurveda's reach could expand.

For our own good, we must adapt this clean, healthy, and relaxing approach. A healthy and ailment-free future can be achieved by using natural therapies, which have fewer adverse effects.

The movements that will be focused on are flexion and extension. Flexion is when you bend the spinal column forward. It’s the shape your spine assumes when you’re about to roll forward into a summersault. Extension is when you bend the spinal column backward. The shape your spine assumes when it’s in extension is how it moves when you first wake up in the morning and take your big stretch while arching your spine backwards.  

Injuries to the neck from car crashes, car collisions, whiplash injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and blunt trauma can damage the muscles of the neck and cause a disconnect to form between the brain and the muscles of the neck. This creates what is known as an improper motor pattern. What we need to do is restore a proper motor pattern through consistent use of the previously damages muscles that have since become dysfunctional. The same improper motor patterning can occur in the low back region following injuries such as disc herniations, compression fractures, falls from great heights, work injuries, sports injuries, and slips on ice. The process is very similar when rehabbing the muscles of the low back through exercises.  

Exercises For the neck:  

1)    Deep neck flexor endurance exercise  

For this exercise you will begin by laying on your back on a comfortable surface. Next, you will tuck your chin into your chest without lifting your head up. You should feel a tight pinching contraction in the deep front muscles of your neck near your collarbone. After you have a good contraction started, you will lift your head up as minimally as possible. People often make a mistake by lifting their head up a lot. This activates a different set of muscles which defeats the purpose of doing the exercise. We are targeting the small muscles of the front neck, so lift your head off ever so slightly. The intensity of the contraction should increase. Don’t be surprised if your head starts to shake and it is difficult to breathe. Focus on breathing through your nose and keep your chin from moving. The quality of the contraction is more important than how long you hold it for. Aim to do 3 solid contractions every day, either in the morning or in the evening.  

2)    Neck extension endurance exercise  

For this exercise you will begin by laying on your stomach on a comfortable surface. Next, you will look at the wall in front of you while maintaining contact with your chin on the ground. This will preposition your neck in the proper curve before beginning the exercise. After this, you will lift your head off the ground about 1-2 inches and hold this position for 1-2 minutes. Repeat this exercise for a total of 3 times daily, either in the morning or in the evening.  

Exercises for the low back:  

1)    McGill sit-up  

For this exercise you will begin by laying on your back on a comfortable surface. Next, place a bend in your leg by moving your foot towards your buttock until there is a 90-degree angle at the knee joint. If you feel pressure in your low back with your leg bent, then lower the leg down and try to position the opposite leg in the same position. If one leg feels like it produces less stress in your low back, then use that leg. Otherwise, you may choose either side. Next, place your hands palms down in the small of your back. Finally, you will lift your torso off the ground about 1 inch while maintaining the same positioning of your head and neck. In other words, you don’t want to crank your head forward like you’re doing a crunch. You should feel the muscles contracting on the front side in the deep abdominal region. Hold this contraction for 1-2 minutes for a total of 3 repetitions once daily, either in the morning or in the evening.  

2)    Birddog  

For this exercise you will begin by positioning yourself on hands and knees on a comfortable surface. Next, you will lift your limbs in alternate patterns. For example, reach out in front of your body with your left arm while you kick back your right leg. Once you have maximal reach with both limbs you will bring them back down to the hands and knees position and alternate sides. So, you will then lift your right arm and left leg. Focus on controlled and quality movements. This is not a race. Also, do not allow your abdomen to collapse towards the floor. There are many advanced variations and progressions of this exercise that you can find on YouTube. Aim for 3 sets of 10 repetitions in each direction once per day.  

3)    Dead bug  

This exercise is very similar to birddog with the exception that you will be laying on your back to start with your arms pointing straight up into the air and your knees lifted and pointing at the ceiling with your legs bent to 90 degrees. This produces a position that is very similar to what a beetle looks like when it dies and rolls onto its back, hence the name of the exercise. This exercise involves cross pattering as well. So, you will reach above your head to touch the floor with your right hand while lowering your leg left to touch the floor. This exercise will engage the core muscles of the abdomen. Then, you will bring your limbs back to the starting position and alternate sides. Aim for 3 sets of 10 repetitions in each direction once per day.  

My patients who have adhered to doing these exercises daily have reported greatly reduced pain as well as improved function and mobility. Additionally, these exercises help my patients attain greater changes in their spinal structure during follow up x-ray examination. We typically see improved lordosis (curvature from the side view) in the neck and the low back. Lordosis has been shown to be an important clinical predictor of outcomes as well as future problems. If your neck curve or your low back curve is reduced, then you need to implement these daily exercises right away! If you don’t know the state of your spinal structure, then consider consulting with a knowledgeable chiropractor in your area.  

About the author:  

Dr. Joshua Burnham sees many patients with chronic pain disorders. He is an Owatonna chiropractor that specializes in the Gonstead Technique.

Asia is a densely populated region with widespread poverty and limited access to health services combined with a lack of universal healthcare. In this environment, communicable diseases are prevalent and regional pandemics are frequent. It’s important for travelers to be aware of these risks before traveling to Asia so you can take steps to protect your health. The CDC recommends that you check the latest updates on vaccinations and other precautions before traveling abroad, especially if you’re going to an underdeveloped area like much of Asia. Prior preparation will not only help keep you safe while traveling but also reduce the chances of contracting malaria or dengue fever. Here we discuss five key health concerns that travelers should address before they travel to Asia.

Malaria

The most common and serious ailment among travelers to Asia is malaria, which is caused by mosquitoes that carry the Plasmodium parasite. The risk of contracting malaria is especially high in sub-tropical and tropical areas, which includes the majority of South and Southeast Asia. The best way to prevent malaria is to take prophylactic anti-malarial medication before and during your trip. If you’re visiting rural and tropical areas in Asia, you should consider taking anti-malarial medication regardless of your travel itinerary. The main anti-malarial medications include mefloquine (Lariam), atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone), doxycycline, and the newly FDA-approved halofantrine. You should talk with your doctor about the best anti-malarial medication and dosage for you.

Food Safety

Food safety is another important health concern when traveling to Asia. The most common food-borne conditions in the region are traveler’s diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid. You can reduce the risk of contracting these diseases by washing your hands regularly with soap, especially after using the toilet. Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common travel-related ailment, so it’s advisable to drink only bottled water and eat in reputable restaurants. Hepatitis A is a viral disease that is transmitted through water and food. It’s associated with poor sanitation, and the virus can survive for several weeks outside the body. You can protect yourself from hepatitis A by washing your hands thoroughly before eating and drinking. Typhoid is caused by a bacterial infection that is contracted by consuming food or water contaminated with fecal matter. To reduce the risk of contracting typhoid, drink only bottled water and eat in reputable restaurants or hotels. You can also reduce your risk of contracting food-borne diseases by taking probiotics and eating foods that are rich in probiotics, such as yogurt and kefir.

Dengue and Other Insect-Borne Diseases

Dengue is an insect-borne tropical disease that is endemic in Southeast Asia. You can reduce the risk of contracting dengue by using insect repellents and wearing long-sleeved clothing. Insect repellents are widely available in Asia, so you can easily purchase them while traveling. Insect-borne diseases can be severe and even life-threatening. You can reduce the risk of contracting these diseases by sleeping under a mosquito net, using insect repellents, and wearing long-sleeved clothing. You should also use insecticides to treat clothing and shoes before putting them on. To reduce the risk of contracting other insect-borne diseases like Japanese encephalitis and West Nile virus, you should avoid going into areas with lots of mosquitoes and ticks.

Traveler’s Diarrhea and Food Poisoning

Traveler’s diarrhea is one of the most common travel-related ailments in Asia. It can be caused by a number of factors, including poor hygiene, drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food, a change in diet, and stress. You can reduce the risk of contracting traveler’s diarrhea by frequent hand-washing with soap, drinking only bottled water, eating in reputable restaurants, avoiding food that might be contaminated (e.g., raw fruits and vegetables, ice cubes), and taking probiotics. Food poisoning is another common travel-related ailment, and it occurs when food is contaminated with pathogens such as bacteria or viruses. To reduce the risk of contracting food poisoning, avoid eating raw fruits or vegetables and do not consume uncooked or unpasteurized dairy products.

UV Radiation Exposure

Asian skin is more sensitive to UV radiation than Caucasian skin. In addition, Asian UV rays tend to be stronger than those in the West. This is due to the different amounts of ozone in the atmosphere. You should protect yourself from UV radiation by wearing long-sleeved clothing and wide-brimmed hats. Sunscreen is another important protection against UV radiation, but make sure to use a high SPF product that protects against UVA and UVB rays. You can also use sunglasses that offer UV protection.

Bottom Line

Asia is a culturally diverse continent with many unique travel destinations. It’s important to be prepared for health concerns when traveling to Asia. Besides, you should consider installing apps on your mobile phone to help your trip. For example, in order to access health information, you might need a VPN for China (好用的梯子) to unblock websites such as Google in China. We hope the tips offered in this article can help you enjoy your trip to Asia!

Our health is important to us. Yet it’s difficult to know whether or not you should go to an urgent care or the emergency room when something is wrong. Every day we get up and notice how we feel. Usually, we feel fine, but it can be hard to know what to do when we’re not feeling so well. Do I stay home? Do I go to the doctor?

The question becomes even more important when we are injured or feel very ill; so how do we know where to go when we’re feeling at our worst?

Which Should You Choose?

Often, we think of the emergency room and the first things that come to mind are the wait and the bill. Since the bills are sometimes ten times as high as a regular visit to your doctor and the wait can be hours, when is it worth it? Dr. Danny Spencer, one of our Ridgeline doctors, answers that question:

“There are definitely times when you should go to the emergency department. Basically if you feel like you are having any kind of life threatening condition, if you’re having some chest pain which could be a heart attack, if you’re having stroke symptoms. If you’re having a hard time breathing you definitely should go to the emergency department…[if] you feel like it’s just something where you just need reassurance…then we can see you in the urgent care and we can reassure you and do some tests here.”

In an article from UChicago Medicine, Medical Director Thomas Spiegel, MD, is quoted as saying: “If you have a cough but don’t have a fever, you may just need urgent care, but if you’re having chest pain, shortness of breath, or if your whole body is sick with a fever, chills, and sweats, then you should go to the hospital emergency room.”

In reference to urgent care centers, Dr. Spiegel noted, “Keep in mind that staff at the urgent care will get you to the right level of care if they’re concerned.”

There’s also the question of where you live. If you live in a more rural area which is easier to get to? Maybe you don’t own a vehicle and need to hop on a bus service just to get you to the nearest medical center.

What Does an Urgent Care Do?

At the urgent care they are able to test and diagnose a wide variety of symptoms and illnesses. If they see from your symptoms that you need to go to the Emergency Department, they can make sure you get there. For almost everything else, they are qualified to help.

One of the things Dr. Spencer loves about his job is that he sees a little bit of everything. “[We see] everything from headaches, to chest pain to abdominal pain, to urine infections and colds and sinusitis. We see a lot of the flu.”

An urgent care facility can prescribe antibiotics and other medicines. Depending on the facility you visit they may also provide specialists such as OBGYNs and chiropractors. They are able to do everything that a normal medical office does, but you don’t need an appointment to get in. They are a convenient place to go if you need care immediately for a condition that is not life threatening, but you can’t get in to see your doctor soon enough.

The Long and Short of it

People who are worried about medical bills and finances will often attempt many home remedies before submitting to visiting a medical office. Sometimes, persistent pain or uncomfortability can be treated with a simple pain relief patch or other home remedy. However, there are definitely times when you should not risk your own life. Medical professionals, whether at urgent cares or emergency rooms, are there to help you and make sure that you’re going to be alright.

When you need to treat a life threatening injury or illness, the emergency room is the place for you. If you are in pain or uncomfortable and don’t want to have to wait for an appointment with your regular doctor, try visiting an urgent care! In the end, the urgent care is less expensive than the hospital and can handle a lot. They do minor illnesses, broken bones, sprains, strains, and anything else you’d go to a doctor for. They will also direct you to a specialist or the emergency room if they can’t handle your case themselves.

Of late, the popularity of peptides and SARMS has increased immensely and tons of online stores have cropped up, each of which claims to sell the best and highest-quality products. But we all know that can't be true. In reality, only a few of them sell scientifically developed products that are suitable for consumption.

So, in this article, we're telling how you can choose the best company for SARMS and always ensure that you get the best products, of the highest quality.

1. Testing Certification

When you buy peptides online, checking for testing certification is one of the first things that you need to do. Most SARMS and peptides for sale are lab-created products that make use of certain hormones and proteins, to create a substance that can boost your bodily processes. However, if not created properly, these can have a seriously adverse effect on your body and can harm you immensely. So checking for certification should always be a priority. Reputable companies usually display such information on their site. However, if it's not there, you can ask them for it through email.

2. Sellers License

Other than testing certification, a seller's license is also equally important. To sell SARMS and peptides, stores must have the proper license and authorization. If a site doesn't have the required licensing, then they are not selling authentic products at all. If you buy SARMS online and consume them from sites that don't have seller licenses, you run a much higher risk of falling sick or facing worse side-effects.

3. Customer Reviews

Here's another word of caution. Never purchase from a site without taking a glance at the customer reviews first. Nowadays, since the market has become much more consumer-oriented, every website has a customer reviews section where you can read what buyers have to say. Customer reviews contain a lot of information that you wouldn't have received otherwise, and you can get a true picture of all the pros and cons of a product. If a website doesn't have a customer reviews section, it is recommended to not purchase from there.

4. Prices

Gone are the days when high prices meant quality. As the global market becomes more and more competitive, prices have become a major factor and people like you and me aren't willing to pay exorbitant prices for this anymore. Only buy from stores that have affordable pricing. Nowince SARMS and peptides are lab-created substances that require a ton of testing, you won't find them at dirt-cheap prices (and if you do, don't buy them because they're not authentic.) However, they shouldn't be hyper-expensive either. Do some research beforehand and visit the most popular websites to get an idea about price ranges.

5. Product Guarantee

Like we mentioned above, SARMS and peptides require a lot of testing and research, and they have to be made in a specific way, keeping standards and safety guidelines in mind. If you consume any such substance that hasn't been tested or created accordingly, it can be extremely harmful to your health. Product guarantees ensure that all guidelines have been followed and it acts as a stamp of approval about quality. When purchasing SARMS, only opt for companies that sell products with product warranties and guarantees. For instance, websites like SwissChems offer guarantees where you can get the product tested and if it doesn't pass the guidelines, you'll be refunded.

6. Payment and Processing

Although the product is the main concern, the services that they offer alongside their items to make your buying experience as smooth as possible is also important. Opt for those websites or brands that provide you with a range of payment options, including credit and debit cards, netbanking, Bitcoin, Paypal, and more. Their payment gateways should be secure and safe, and your information should be away from prying hands. On top of that, a smooth order processing system is also crucial. Make sure that the website you purchase from has tracking systems that are regularly updated and their shipping process is fast and hassle-free. This is especially important if it's a website that ships internationally.

7. Customer Service

Last but not least, you should always opt for websites that have efficient and always available customer support. Their support team should be reachable through email, phone, and chat, and they should always be available to cater to your queries or concerns. Since a lot of people don't have enough information on SARMS and peptides, the staff needs to be available 24x7 to address people's questions and guide them towards the right products. In case you have any troubles during payment or while placing your order, you should be able to reach out to the support team immediately.