Can a Sports Watch Give You Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

A couple months ago, I started experiencing some weird sensations in the tip of my thumb. It initially occurred when I was harvesting okra from my garden. It almost felt like my finger was pricked by a splinter, and was a bit tingly. It felt like teeny tiny electric pulses concentrated in my fingertip. When I carefully examined my finger, I saw no signs of a splinter, but more of a pink spot. Then I thought to myself that perhaps it was an insect bite. I decided to watch it for a few days to see what would happen. 

Day after day, it was the same feeling. It felt like a part of a splinter was left in my finger coupled with little electric pulses. This went on for 3 weeks. By that time, it started to skip around to different spots on that same finger. I was definitely able to rule out a splinter at that point because it's not possible for it to move to another spot. I did some online research and I saw mentions of nerve problems associated with diabetes as well as carpal tunnel syndrome. I was able to rule out the diabetes part, and the carpal tunnel had me confused since my wrist seemed fine. 

After going into 7 or 8 weeks of this, the tingling sensation started to jump to a couple other fingers on the same hand. Things started getting uncomfortable at this point so I started to get desperate to get to the bottom of it. I knew I have a an upcoming appointment with my doctor, so I decided to wait out the week before I was going to see her. I did one last bit of research and wondered if a sports watch could cause CTS. After all, I do wear my sports watch during every waking hour and also to bed to track my sleep. The only time I ever really take it off is when I have to shower or enter water for any reason. There was no real evidence that this was the case, until I decided to try something. I took the watch off and within an hour, the electric sensation started to spread throughout my hand and wrist. 

I was so shocked and realized that the watch was the culprit. I saw my doctor the next day and explained what had been going on. She confirmed that it sounded like a mild case of carpal tunnel, and suggested keeping the watch off for a while. She told me if I absolutely couldn't live without it to wear it on the opposite wrist and be sure to not wear it at night. I took her advice, and I now feel 100% relief. I am no longer having any uncomfortable sensations in my fingers or wrist. 

If you wear a sports watch all the time, I highly recommend that you don't wear it as tight if you can help it. I have very tiny wrist, so in order for it to stay put, I pretty much have to wear it on the tightest slot. I left the watch off for a few days, and have started back wearing it on the opposite wrist being sure to leave a tiny gap so that this does not happen again. In the event this happens to you, I suggest taking Ibuprofen only as needed, keep your wrist elevated when you can, limit time on devices, and keep the area warm. Cold temperatures will set it off easily. It's all about resting your hand as much as possible. 

Thank you so much for stopping by today! 

Easy Ways To Take Care of Your Mental Well-Being

With the hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to put yourself and your needs on the backburner. However, when you ignore your needs, you'll find that you eventually burn out. When you face burnout, you might find that you are tired more than usual, have greater anxiety and are unmotivated to do even simple tasks. 

When things get terrible, you might find that you have to see a doctor or use holistic learning materials to feel better. To avoid letting things get out of control, you need to take time for yourself. Here are some simple ways you can take care of yourself physically and emotionally. 

Choose Good Foods

If you have a diet primarily made up of processed, fatty foods, you're probably not feeling the best. A poor diet harms how your body functions. You will likely find that you lack energy and have a hard time thinking clearly. 

To avoid feeling crummy and not thinking clearly, you should eat whole foods. Your body needs the vitamins and minerals in fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. If you eat meat, choose lean, lower-fat options. 

Work on a Hobby

When you do things you love, you will likely find that you're more relaxed and can think more clearly. Hobbies don't have to be anything overly expensive or creative. You could enjoy a nice warm bath and read a book. Work in the garden while listening to a podcast. If you love woodworking, then build some cabinets. You just want to make sure that you're doing something you enjoy. Your life shouldn't just be about other people and work. You matter, too.

Learn To Say No

Sometimes telling someone you don't want to do something can be challenging. You don't want to come off as rude and have them think poorly of you. However, your mental well-being should always be more important than someone's feelings about you. If you don't have the time to do something or it will be too much of a stretch to make it happen, just say no. Explain to the person that you wish you could help, but you just won't be able to work. Anyone who respects you and cares about you will understand. 

Get Moving

Exercise is sometimes thought of as a wonder drug because even a little bit can make a huge difference. Find ways that you can move more each day. Perhaps go for walks in the evenings after dinner, or go to the gym before work. No matter what you do, you're going to see an improvement in your mood and thought processes. 

5 Reasons You May Qualify For Special Enrollment

Each year, those who rely on Obama care plans for health insurance sign up during the open enrollment period with the ability to stick with or select a new plan in the upcoming year. There are also several reasons why a person may qualify to sign up or change their plan outside of open enrollment, including: 

1. Change in Marital Status

If you got married or divorced outside of an open enrollment period, you will likely qualify to sign up for a new plan. Married individuals often sign on to a joint plan, which tends to be more economical than having two individual plans. 

Those who get divorced are also able to sign onto a new plan as an individual or with children, instead of having to stay on a joint plan with a former spouse. 

2. Moving Somewhere New

Moving is a stressful time for many, especially if you are headed to a new zip code. If you are moving to a new home within the same zip code, you aren't likely to qualify for a new health plan unless the move is accompanied by another qualifying event. 

If you are moving to a new zip code, you will qualify for special enrollment and you can pick a new plan that covers doctors and other healthcare costs in your new area. 

3. Fluctuations in Your Income

Although many people receive a yearly salary or hourly wage and can expect a steady income throughout the year, others earn their living from freelance or gig work. Others still may experience a change in income if they get a promotion at work or lose their jobs and all of which may be qualifying events for a special enrollment period. 

Not all changes in income constitute a special enrollment period, but it's helpful to check with a healthcare specialist when you experience significant income fluctuations to see if you qualify. 

4. Changes in Household Size

Those who welcome a new child into their household, whether through birth or adoption, have plenty to think about, including a change in their healthcare plans. Those who experience a death in the household, or a household member simply moves to another location, must also update their profile in the system and may qualify for the special enrollment period. 

5. Altered Disability Status

If you or someone in your household has either become disabled or has recovered from injuries that kept them from working or everyday tasks, this change in disability status is likely to qualify you for a special enrollment period. 

The plans available to you and your family may be completely different when there is a disability in the household, or the plans may be offered at a different price. 

There are several life changes that may allow you to sign up for an Obamacare plan or change your current plan even outside of the open enrollment period. Any time you experience a significant life change, be sure to update that in the system to see if you need to pick a new plan. 

Not Just for Wrinkles: 5 Uses of Botox That Might Surprise You

Botox has been around for many years. As a cosmetic drug, it was discovered by two Canadian doctors. They were treating patients with facial spasms when they realized the patient's fine lines and wrinkles were disappearing. This was in 1987. In 2002, the FDA approved the drug as a cosmetic aid.

Today, there are many different effective Botox treatments an individual can use to help regain their health, look better, and feel better in many areas of their life.

Here are the 5 uses of Botox that might surprise you:

1. Migraine and Headache Reducer

 

Many individuals suffer from debilitating migraines in which they can't function normally. These super headaches send the person to bed in a dark and quiet room, sometimes for hours if not days. Botulinum toxin or Botox has been shown to lessen the severity and duration of migraines in both men and women. In some cases, Botox has enabled a headache sufferer to have more pain-free days per month than ever before.  This is with yearly or every six months treatments, depending on the patient.

 2. Bladder Control

Three in 10 men, and four in 10 women suffer from some type of bladder control issue. The FDA approved Botox for a variety of bladder issues back in 2013. A small dose of this drug helps to relax the bladder, making the spasms less while it also helps to expand the bladder. This expansion helps to give more room to collect urine and that means fewer trips to the bathroom.

 

3. Strabismus Correction

Strabismus is a medical condition of the eyes. It is where one eye may look straight ahead, while the other seems to be focused to the left or right, also known as improper alignment of the eyes. Since the early 1980s, small Botox injections have been able to properly align a wandering eye. It is also safe in small children with this eye condition.

 4. Shoulder and Neck Pain

Botox can be helpful in reducing shoulder and neck pain in certain persons. Myofascial and posterior pain are both lessened with Botox injections spaced out for several months for a year or so. Chronic shoulder and neck pain can be a contributing factor in headaches and Botox treatments have also been shown to rid a person of these types of headaches.

5. Excessive Sweating

Hyperhidrosis is a condition in which a person suffers from excessive sweating, even when the weather is not hot out. This is an amount of sweat that is like a dripping faucet or even a flowing river. It is a lot of sweat. Typical antiperspirants and deodorants do not work for this small group of individuals. Botox injections under the arm, and even in the hands and feet, can help to control the excessive sweating many people suffer with and helps to improve their quality of life.

 

These are just a few of the many uses of Botox injections that your doctor can prescribe to help you live a better, less painful life. Always listen to the recommendation of your trusted physician before deciding to get Botox injections. 

4 Tips for Dealing With Your Emotions After a Traumatic Birth

Traumatic births come in all shapes and sizes, but they do all have one thing in common: They leave lingering feelings of guilt, sadness, and anxiety in their wake.

While having a baby should be a wonderful and happy time, it’s simply not always that. Physically, mentally, and emotionally, birth can be painful and deeply distressing. Things go wrong, and there’s often no way to make them right.

Even if you and your baby come out of the experience healthy — or at least on the mend — the experience can leave you in a terrible state. Here are some suggestions and tips for helping yourself deal with that pain and struggle.  

1. Face the pain. Don’t hide from it.

There’s often a tendency among women who have experienced traumatic births to try to push the pain down and hide away from it. When it pops up in your mind, you may try to shake it away and not think about it.

Certainly, understanding how to handle memories of your traumatic birth is like walking a fine line. On one hand, it's true that you shouldn't linger on bad thoughts. In any situation where there is trauma, we can spin ourselves up so much that we actually make a simple problem much worse.

On the other hand, it's good to face the pain you have to struggle with. Everyone will experience pain and trauma during their lives, and accepting it for exactly what it is is actually part of moving on. Moreover, if you can learn to use a bad experience to improve your life moving forward, that's always the best possible outcome. We’ll discuss this more in tip #4.

2. Don’t listen to bad advice

Very often, traumatic birth experiences actually end with a healthy mom and a healthy baby. In a way, these are the hardest scenarios to deal with, however, because your friends and family won’t understand if you still feel the need to grieve and if you continue to struggle even after returning home from the hospital.

“Why would you be sad right now!? You have a healthy baby, and you’re fine! You're going to heal!"

Any woman in this situation knows that it’s simply not as easy as that. Whether you had to have an emergency C-section or your labor was prolonged for many days, this trauma can linger. If anyone tries to tell you that it's unfounded or that you should simply be grateful for what you have, don't feel you have to listen to them. Chances are, they’re speaking without experience and simply don’t understand.

Follow your own intuition because in almost all situations, it will be right. You deserve to devote attention to fixing the struggle you're having internally and to move toward a more positive state at your own pace.

3. Find out how best to comfort yourself

As you begin to grapple with the emotional and mental sides of recovery, remember that there are physical things you can do to calm your anxiety as well. Small acts of kindness toward yourself can make a huge difference to your mental state.

Here are some ideas:

• Get some alone time. Ask for help from your partner, your family, or close friends. Let them watch your baby while you shop, get a manicure, or just go for a walk.
• Take a relaxing CBD bath. Go to your local Denver dispensary and grab some bath CBD oils or salts. Dissolving these in your bath can have a positive anti-inflammatory effect and will help calm your body and spirit.
• See professionals. If your back is bothering you, see a chiropractor. If you’re having pelvic floor problems, see your doctor. If you want to start working through your emotions, see a therapist. It’s worth it to seek professional help sooner rather than later.

4. Learn from your experience

Lastly, figure out how you can learn from the experience you had. When anything goes wrong in life, there are always lessons to learn, and the smartest people in the room will learn them. Everyone else will wallow in despair or pretend like it never happened.

So, what can you take away from the traumatic birth you experienced? If, for example, you feel that you were not assertive enough in the birthing room or did not plan enough for unlikely outcomes, maybe these are things you can plan to focus on more if you have another child. Perhaps you were surrounded by unsupportive people who didn’t understand your needs.

Even if you're done having children, there are lessons you can learn from a difficult birth. In the end, it is you who gets to decide your attitude and the next steps you will take to reclaim your life and your outlook as your own.

How To Ease Body Pain with the AUVON TENS Unit

Over 16 years ago, I was involved in two back-to-back auto accidents that left me in extreme pain. I had a lot of soft tissue damage in my neck and upper back that required me to go for physical therapy. I have always been against taking pain medication unless it was absolutely necessary. I was prescribed muscle relaxers and went to the chiropractor 3 times a week. The medication didn't really help, so I relied on physical therapy. It took almost a year of being treated to start feeling more like myself, but I learned later that the pain I suffered would hang around for the years ahead. 

I was introduced to the TENS unit when I was being treated, and found it to really help relieve my pain. If you are not familiar with what a TENS unit is, it is a muscle stimulator that is used to relieve pain with no medications. It's as simple as apply the pads to the affected area, and adjusting the device to a level that is comfortable for you. Just sit back and feel the pain melt away. 

I have been using the *AUVON brand TENS unit for a couple weeks now, and it is fantastic! The device comes complete with 1 x AUVON 4-Channel TENS & EMS Machine, 10pcs Electrode Pads (8pcs 2" x 2" Square Electrode Pads, 2pcs 2" x 4" Large Rectangle Pads), 4 x Lead Wires, 1 x USB cable, 1 x USB Charger, 1 x Pad Holder, 1 x Pouch, and 1 x User Manual. 

The device is small and sleek. I love that it has a clear digital display so you can track the settings and time with ease. Here are the product details: 

• 4 Channel (A1, A2, B1, B2). Compared to dual channel TENS Unit, it allows you to apply up to 8 pads at the same time with the 4 outputs for much efficient pain relief. The independent A/B channel can work in different modes and different levels of intensities (e.g. you can select mode 7 with 3 intensity for your shoulders in channel A1 and A2, while in channel B1 and B2, this TENS machine can work as a back pain relief products in P3 with a much stronger intensity.
• TENS + EMS Unit. AUVON TENS & EMS device combines 2 therapies in 1 device, in which TENS is a muscle stimulator for pain relief which provides safe, non-invasive, drug-free methods and has been used by doctors and physical therapists for years. EMS brings elicitation of muscle contraction using electrical impulses and activates the muscles to assist in the increase of strength and endurance as a rehab and strength training tool.
• Large LCD & Multi-Modes. A 3.69" large LCD backlit screen is used for this labor pain simulator and muscle massager with enlarged icons and buttons for much easier reading and operating experience! You can set working time for your TENS unit muscle stimulator from 10 to 90 minutes, which will sufficiently satisfy your massaging needs! With a built-in powerful rechargeable lithium battery, never worry about the suddenly power off!
• 10 Upgraded TENS Unit Pads. The Low impedance Solid Gel has been upgraded to the industry leading American adhesive, which can provide much better self-stick performance and easy clean up after 45 uses for a longer lifespan. Standard 2mm connector lead wires & electrodes are classic and commonly used in the medical area, which makes it easier for you to find compatible accessories.

I really like the variety of massaging levels that this little device has. It really is a life-saver when my neck pain flares up like it has recently. I feel good knowing that I can alleviate my pain in a drug-free way.  I also find that the massaging pads are very comfortable and do not pinch like some do. You can even purchase replacement pads affordably as needed. 

The device charges quickly with the included USB charger, and holds the actual charge for a long time. This device is perfect for traveling or even taking into the office. So convenient! 

This is a must-have if you suffer from neck and back pain. Get yours today from Amazon. There is even a $10 off coupon! 

Thank you AUVON for providing us with a product sample for review. All opinions are our own. *Also, there are affiliate links in this post. I make a small commission from purchases made using my link, and there is no charge to you for doing so. Thank you for stopping by today. 

What Are the Different Types of Anxiety?

During the past few years, there has been an increased amount of attention paid to mental health issues. The reality is that more people suffer from mental health issues than was previously noted. Therefore, it is important for everyone to make sure they have access to a trained mental health professional who can help them. One of the most common mental health issues is anxiety. There are multiple types of anxiety, and it is important for you to understand how this may present. If you feel like you are suffering from symptoms of anxiety, you should reach out to mental health professional as well. Furthermore, remember to take a look at the resources that are available on UnwindingAnxiety.com. 

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

One of the most common types of anxiety is called Generalized Anxiety Disorder. This is a specific disorder or someone has a low level of background anxiety all the time. There are numerous reasons why someone might be suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder; however, one of the most common causes is stress. It is important for you to make sure you have a healthy way to manage your stress. Unhealthy coping mechanisms include drinking, drugs, and overeating. There are healthy outlets for stress management as well, including exercising regularly. If you need help managing your stress, then you may want to reach out to a professional who can help you. It's to make a significant difference in your ability to manage your anxiety as well.

Social Anxiety Disorder

There are other individuals who may only develop severe anxiety in certain situations. For example, one of the most common examples is called Social Anxiety Disorder. This is a specific type of anxiety that develops when people have to spend time around certain individuals. For example, there are some people who only get nervous when they are surrounded by people they do not know. There are other people who develop anxiety when they have to spend time in a large crowd. Because there are numerous ways this type of anxiety can present, it is important to work with a professional who can get to the bottom of this issue. That way, individuals will have an easier time being around other people. 

Panic Disorder

Finally, one severe type of anxiety is called Panic Disorder. Panic Disorder develops when someone has severe panic attacks from time to time. For example, someone may go a long time in between attacks; however, when a panic attack develops, this can lead to serious symptoms. Heart rates tend to spike, breathing gets rapid, and people start to sweat profusely. Some people even feel like they are having a heart attack because they develop severe chest pain. There are medications that can help someone abort a panic attack when it takes place; however, it is still important to work with a professional who can get to the root cause of these attacks and prevent them from happening in the future. 

Rely on a Trained Mental Health Professional

These are a few of the most common types of anxiety from which someone may suffer. If you feel like you are suffering from anxiety, Then you need to reach out to a mental health professional who can help you. There are situations are prescription medications may be helpful; however, not everyone is going to require them. For example, you may find that therapy is beneficial for you. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. There's always someone who is willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. 

7 Ways to Care for Your Child’s Teeth

Your child’s gums and teeth need special attention and care. Establishing a good dental care routine in the early developmental years is vital because you’ll set up dental habits that your child will remember for life. 

An Anchorage pediatric dentist recommends giving your child the best start to minimize the chances of serious dental issues down the road. 

Why it’s Important to Take Care of Your Child’s Teeth

The most significant risk of improper dental care is tooth decay. This applies to baby teeth and adult teeth. 

Although baby teeth don’t seem as important as adult teeth because they are going to fall out anyway, decaying baby teeth can cause many problems – in the short term and the long term.  

Prematurely losing a baby tooth impedes the adult tooth from aligning correctly, puts the adult tooth at greater risk of infection and decay, and can even cause a speech impediment.

Here are seven ways you can help your child avoid tooth decay and all the other problems that come with it. 

1. Care for Gums Early On

Believe it or not, your child’s dental care routine should start before your baby even has the first tooth. Make a habit of cleaning her gums after every meal. 

You can use a damp cloth or soft-bristled baby toothbrush to rub gently along your baby’s gums. 

2. Begin a Brushing and Flossing Routine

Continue to wipe your baby’s gums after every meal.  When teeth begin to appear, wait until they have grown in fully before starting to brush them. 

Once your baby’s teeth have settled, use a soft-bristled baby toothbrush with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste to brush them twice a day.

When your baby gets a little older, you can begin to encourage them to hold the toothbrush by themselves. Teach them the correct way to hold it, how to brush their teeth, and how to spit out the toothpaste.

When your child’s teeth begin to touch (this usually happens between 2-6 years old), start flossing between them. 

3. Avoid Pacifiers and Try to Deter Thumb-Sucking

Using pacifiers and thumb-sucking are habits that most young children develop, but if you let them go on for too long, they can affect the alignment of their teeth when they start to come in. 

Dentists recommend putting a stop to these habits when your baby is three years old and advise against coating the pacifier with honey or any other sugary substance. 

4. Schedule Your Baby’s First Dentist Appointment Between 6-12 Months

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends taking your child to the dentist at around six months old. However, babies get their baby teeth at different rates, so between 6 months and one year is perfectly fine. 

Taking your child to the dentist early on will ensure that any dental issues are detected and treated as soon as possible. Starting dentist visits early will also help your child feel more comfortable with the process. 

5. Limit Sugary Drinks and Treats

More than 40% of children will get cavities at some point in their childhood, but limiting the sugar in a child’s diet is the best thing a parent can do to prevent them. 

Limit soda, fruit juice, chocolate, and candy as these sugary foods and drinks cause bacterial imbalances in the mouth, which encourages plaque buildup on teeth. 

6. Catch Dental Issues Early

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises taking your child to the dentist every six months so that cavities and other dental problems can be treated early. But there are also a few things you can watch out for at home.

Look out for tooth grinding and clamping at night, a lisp or other speech impediment, or excessive mouth breathing. All these signs may indicate a dental issue.

7. Make Trips to the Dentist Enjoyable

Many children feel anxious about going to the dentist, but there are a few ways you can help your child see it as an adventure. 

You can prepare your child for their first trip by reading them dental-themed books and watching dental-themed kid’s shows – YouTube is an excellent resource for these. 

Remain positive and try not to project your personal feelings about the dentist onto your child – your child will look for cues from you, so try to lead by example. 

Choose a good pediatric dentist who is good with children and schedule an office tour so your child can familiarize themselves with the staff and practice. This will also let your child know what to expect. 

How to Create a Morning Routine

Whether you wake up refreshed and relaxed as you start the day or jump out of bed when the alarm hits and rush to make the bus, mornings are important to everyone. This is where you’ll set the tone for the rest of your day. A few simple changes to your routine can make you much more productive. 

The best way to have a productive morning is to have a morning routine. No matter how well you sleep, the odds are you’ll be a little groggy when you wake up. It’s easy to lose track of time when your brain is having a hard time getting out of sleep mode. There are a few simple ways get your day off on the right foot with some organization in your routine. 

Plan Ahead of Time

Unfortunately, most people are still tired when they wake up. That makes the morning the worst time to plan out how to change your morning routine. Fortunately, you can set yourself up for success before you go to bed every day—starting with your alarm clock. Make sure you have a couple of alarms set, including some that aren’t hooked up to the same system, and set them up to recur if you sleep through one. 

What do you need to get your day off to the right start? Lay those items out before you go to bed. This should include anything you need for work or school, especially if you plan to make some changes to your overall routine. You don’t want to be thrown off and forget a necessary item because you were focusing on something new. You can also save time each morning by laying out your clothing once you decide on the next day’s attire. 

Start Small

You may be thinking, “How do I organize a complex routine when I’ve just woken up?” The good news is, a morning routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Just work in a few changes to your day to help you use your time better, and don’t be afraid to use reminders until you get the hang of things. A few post-it notes you’ll see when you wake up can work wonders. 

You can also start slowly by working on changes one at a time. Five minutes of meditation to clear your head can make a big difference, as can a quick walk to get some exercise in. You can make some changes to your breakfast to get the day off to a healthy start or incorporate some gummy vitamins into your diet to make sure you’re getting essential nutrients. 

If you’re worried you don’t have enough time to make these changes, it might be worth tweaking that alarm clock. Getting up only half an hour early can transform your whole morning routine. It may take a few tries to figure out the optimal time to get up, and if you need to adjust your nighttime routine a bit to go with it. 

Make Adjustments Along the Way

The good thing about routines is, they’re meant to be changed. The same routine won’t work for everyone, and the best way to figure out the right morning routine for you is through trial and error. Maybe your current wake-up time isn't leaving you enough time to get everything done, or you feel like you need an extra boost from a dietary supplement like Morning Complete to increase your energy levels before you leave the house. Everyone needs something different to get their day off on the right foot. Don’t be afraid to change something if it doesn’t seem to help or if it’s tough to remember—it’s probably a hint that it’s not helping your morning routine. Trying out a new positive habit is a better idea than trying to make a change stick when it’s not working.

It can take a while to acclimate to a new routine, and don’t feel like you’re failing something if it takes you a little longer. It can take the average person about six days to form a regular habit, and there are some ways to make it easier. To make a habit stick, try to associate it with something you look forward to. 

Are you trying to remember to take those new vitamins? Pair them with your favorite breakfast food. Positive associations get rooted in the brain much faster than other patterns. 

Supercharge Your Mornings

Every morning is a fresh start, and that means another chance to find the morning routine that works for you. Take note of everything that is working and what seems to be slowing you down, and work each day’s experiments into your next attempt. You’ll find mornings become more and more inviting each day.

6 Things for Elders to Consider When Moving in Retirement Homes

When you are young, you would most likely prefer to live close to your workplace. But after your retirement, you can choose a retirement home according to your personal preference. It is best to go for a place like Sienna Living that offers the best surroundings so that you can enjoy your years after retirement. 

Besides getting to know about your cost of living, safety, climate, and living conditions, there are many other factors that you should keep in mind before deciding on an active adult community in Downingtown, or wherever you are. Keep reading for more information. 

Quality of Healthcare:

No matter how active your body is, you will need medical care and assistance to improve your deteriorating health in your later years. It would be hard to travel to a different area when you need good quality medical treatment, especially for the 55+ communities in Pennsylvania.

When choosing a retirement home, it's vital you research the variety of services and reviews for each home. Whether you're looking for care eastern suburbs, or a home in another location, you can search 'best retirement home near me' to find the most suitable for you and your family.

Availability of Senior Services:

Some nursing homes may not be equipped well with senior services important to improve the quality of life. Even though medical services are essential, interacting with social activities is important for elders to stay mentally active.

Ensure what services they offer, like senior activity centers, clubs, home care providers, organizations, and transportation services for people with mobility disabilities.

Social Life:

If you enjoy the company of people and love to interact, then look for a retirement home with a large senior population. Elders who have strong social support have a reduced risk of many diseases including depression and high blood pressure.

Other than your retirement residence, you can look for social groups having a particular interest. Look into the kinds of social opportunities you would be exposed to before signing up for a senior community.

Daily Life Hobbies:

Sometimes if you miss out on your hobbies and activities you enjoy, it can have adverse effects on your mental health. It is best to look out for your favorite shops and places before selecting the location of your retirement community. 

Ask yourself if you will be content without having your favorite and tea and coffee from a particular shop. Check if there are any art museums, restaurants, and movie theaters if you are interested in any. It is essential to go out occasionally to enjoy the fresh air and indulge in a different environment.

Costs of Health Insurance:

You can get health insurance from your company if you are eligible for medical care at age sixty-five. If not, then you will have to purchase a health insurance policy from an insurance company. The costs of insurance vary from country to country. It also differs according to the policies included in your insurance plan.

Search the insurance plans and costs available in the location you are moving to. Learn how much your insurance terms will cost you and what benefits you can get.

Living Closer to the Airport:

If you plan to travel to other places even after shifting to a retirement home, it is best to choose a home facility near the main airport. It can allow you to easily make travel plans and save costs on a taxi or a bus. Traveling in an airplane takes hours already so it is best to reduce the distance on your way to the airport. 

An airport nearby will also work in your favor if you have family and friends who live abroad. It will be easy to reach you and spend quality time with them. 

Essential First Aid Practices Every Parent Should Know

As a parent, you probably already have a stocked medical aid kit. Things like medical gauze and various plasters and dressings come standard with most of them. But for any of these items to be of use, we need to know how to use them. 

When it comes to kids, first aid techniques tend to be a little different. Although it's always best to do proper first aid training, there are some basics that a parent should familiarize themselves with. So what are the essential basics? Ranging from potentially life-saving to good-to-know skills, here are the top three first-aid practices every parent should know:

The Heimlich

This procedure is a little different for kids than it is for adults. If your child is choking, stay calm and do the following: Grab your child by their waist. Place your fist just above their navel. Your other hand is then made in the shape of a fist and pushed hard into the abdomen. You may feel reluctant to push too hard, but a successful Heimlich does require force.

As you push down on your child's abdomen, move your grip in an upwards direction. The motion is similar to the motion of lifting your child. Continue repeating this motion until the choking is relieved or help arrives. Preventing choking is just as important, and you should understand the correct foods for your toddler for this reason.

CPR

If your child is not breathing, they may require mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. This technique is not for cases where your child is choking, but rather for not breathing for any other reason. Note that if your child can still breathe faintly, it is best to take them straight to the emergency room. To perform CPR on a child, do the following:

Turn the child on their back and place the heel of your palm on their chest. Keep your hand position centered between the line of the nipples and gently perform compression by pressing down. In this case, excessive force can damage or even break ribs. The goal is to get airflow to the lungs, so you only need to use as much force as is needed to compress the chest cavity. After a brief compression, release before pressing down again.

Dealing With Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds are common in children under the age of ten. There are numerous causes, most of which are harmless. To treat a nosebleed, do the following: Have your child sit upright with their head tilted ever so slightly forward. You do not want your child to lean back. This would allow the blood to flow down into the digestive system, which may cause nausea. 

Take a clean cloth and pinch the bridge of your child's nose. The bleeding should subside after about 10 minutes. If it persists, take your child to the emergency room. If the bleeding occurs after an impact or your child experiences dizziness, consult a doctor immediately.

Basic first aid practices can ultimately save lives. It is even more essential to know specific first aid skills to keep your children safe in worst-case scenarios and dangerous situations if you are a parent. 

Things You Should Know Before Taking a Water Pill to Lower Blood Pressure

A few months ago, I went for a follow-up appointment with my physician in regards to my elevated blood pressure. It has been trending to be way too high for close to a year now. We discussed how dangerous it can be, and it would be in my best interest to bring it down with the help of medication. We went over my options that were most suitable for my age, gender and race. I opted to go with the water pill since it had the least side effects. The most common issues that come with them is frequent urination. I figured I could live with it since I am home all the time anyway. 

I took the water pills for 2 months and everything was fine for the first 6 weeks. I felt no different, but unfortunately my BP wasn't necessarily going down by much. I had a few days where it was perfect, but most days it was still elevated. I noticed a few weeks ago that my arms started to turn red and tiny little bumps appeared out of nowhere. I remembered going out to work in my garden, but did so when it was in the cooler part of the day. This was nothing outside of the norm for me. I don't get a sunburn easily at all. I started going through every possible thing that was different in my daily routine, and if I was eating anything different or using anything new. Nothing had changed as far as I could think. 

After doing some research, it turned out that I have a sun rash. It became pretty irritated and appeared on my chest area and lower arms, right where a t-shirt would cut off. I have never had any issues with the sun before, and luckily I wear a face moisturizer with SPF every day, so my face was not affected. It got to a point to where it felt a bit feverish and swollen in some areas, and I had to resist the urge to scratch.  As I got deeper into researching what caused it, it turned out that a water pill (diuretics) is the top medication that can cause it. That explained everything! Once I figured all of this out, I stopped taking the water pill and oddly enough, my BP levels have somewhat come down and are closer to normal, but still needs to be lower. 

I have another follow-up appointment in July and I will decide if I will need to try another medication. The rash has completely gone away, and I am able to go outside without any issues.  If you do get a sun rash, the best way to heal it is to use cortizone cream, avoid using scented products, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and avoid sun exposure as much as possible. If you do need to go outside, be sure to wear sunscreen and a light-colored long-sleeve shirt. If you can't deal with the itchiness, Benadryl will help. It took me a solid 2 weeks to get it completely healed up. I can't imagine staying on the water pill and not being able to be outdoors. No way! I wanted to share this information in the event anyone has considering going on a water pill to lower blood pressure. Thank you for stopping by today! 

What Does Family Medicine Consist Of?

The concept of the family doctor is strongly linked to the origin of family medicine. Advances in society, technology, and medicine have made this specialty to be seen more as integrative medicine, which means that the doctor is close to the patient and his family, and applies multidisciplinary with a team of professionals from different areas. 

The Entire Family 

Family medicine is dedicated to answering continuous and integral health problems of adults and children together as a family, considering the bio-medical, psychological, social, or spiritual to deliver a diagnosis. The family doctor treats all types of patients, whether they are healthy or sick people, and is present throughout the patient's life cycle (from newborn children to the elderly) to promote healthy lifestyles and preventive measures to take care of their health. Dr. Francene Gayle is one such physician.

The Specialists

Specialists in this area are often the first contact for patients. They work in an organized manner together with other professionals, acting as the family's medical team to guide what to do, and where to go, if they need to be referred to the corresponding specialist and, in this way, have adequate clinical control. In the United States, family medicine has its origins dating back more than three decades, but it has been in the last ten years when it experienced its greatest growth. The family doctor is the one who the patient can trust, know the reality in which they live with their family, solve their usual problems efficiently and help to choose, at a given moment, the place or specialist to handle their medical needs. 

Diagnosis and Treatment

Family medicine has become an alternative to address the health problems presented by individuals, which undergoes changes on all fronts: social, economic, cultural, and educational. It is for this reason that the specialist in this area will make a diagnosis to find solutions for major diseases and provide treatment, so the patient can feel better. Any patient who wants to take care of their health prevents the appearance of diseases, detects them early, or requires comprehensive management should consider going to a family physician, who will carry out therapeutic work to deliver a diagnosis and discuss further actions to be taken.

Family medicine is based on the values ​​and competencies of the specialty, deepening its knowledge and clinical skills for the benefit of the family, which guarantees close, warm, and highly decisive care. The family doctor is responsible for ensuring the long-term health of the same patient. This creates a relationship between doctor and patient essential to maintain good health and lifestyle. Your family doctor is the one who best knows the state of your health since he closely monitors and manages your well-being and how your environment can influence you. This, added to the knowledge the family physician has from the other branches of medicine, makes the work much more effective and helps you prevent diseases.

Conclusion

Now that you know more about this specialty of medicine, remember that you have the opportunity to receive care focused on your needs from your own family doctor. Put into practice healthy habits that your family doctor tells you, so you can prevent illnesses. Remember that your well-being is your commitment.

5 Tips For Exercising While Pregnant

Undoubtedly, routine exercise performed during pregnancy may lessen the chances of weight gain, make childbirth more manageable, and enhance the baby and mother's overall health. Working out may do good for a woman's physical and mental well-being and provide the baby an excellent start as well.  

In addition to this, women may experience various changes in their bodies. Hence, it's vital to be extra careful when exercising. To know more about the topic, this article will cover helpful tips for exercising while pregnant. 

What are the Advantages of Exercising While Pregnant?

Before discussing exercising tips, it’s best to know the benefits of exercising while pregnant. Medical experts explain that physical activities or exercise may result in a lower occurrence of the following cases during pregnancy:

• Poor birth weight
• Caesarean birth
• Constipation
• Preterm childbirth
• Gestational diabetes
• Hypertensive conditions like preeclampsia
• Unnecessary weight gain

Also, exercise is an ideal means to: 

• Lessen back pain
• Minimize distress
• Retain physical fitness
• Handle signs of anxiety and depression
• Help drop off the extra weight gained during pregnancy

Furthermore, physicians suggest some exercises may be good to execute for every trimester of the pregnancy to sustain the body throughout its changes. Having said that, here are exercise tips you may consider while pregnant.

1, Remember to Warm-Up & Cool Down

To ensure your blood circulation and heart is ready for exercise, plus lessen the risk of injury, it's optimal you perform warming-up activities. Also, cooling down, like relaxing for a few minutes or taking a walk to complete your exercise set, will help reduce instances of blood trapped in the muscle area.

Please note as well that some ligaments assisting your joints may soften during pregnancy. Hence, be careful when stretching. You may perform stretching; however, avoid exceeding your usual scope of motion. 

2. Refrain from Overheating When Exercising

Are you living in an area with warm weather? If working out outside is impossible because of the heat, consider exercising indoors. Look for gyms near your place so that you can work out comfortably with air conditioning. 

You can likewise opt for prenatal yoga classes or discover here exercise programs you can perform at home. Refrain from using steam rooms, hot tubs, saunas, or any amenities that can elevate your temperature. If you prefer long exercise sessions, it's best to do it in a room with air conditioning.

3. Don’t Forget to Hydrate

As you’ll be sweating during exercise, every half hour of your workout, drink, at least, a full cup of water to avoid dehydration. You can begin drinking water 30 to 45 minutes before you exercise and keep hydrating during and after your activity. 

4. Wear Comfortable Clothes

When exercising, remember to wear your most stretchable and breathable outfit. As much as possible, use a sports bra to support your breasts without any pressure from the garment. If your sneakers are uncomfortable to wear, replace them to avoid injuries. Some also prefer to wear compression leggings during a workout to mitigate conditions such as pain and swelling in some parts of the body.

5. Eat a Snack

Workout activities that last for 45 minutes or longer may result in low blood sugar. Thus, to avoid this condition, remember to eat a light snack before and after your exercise session. 

When Should You Stop Exercising?

In case you experience the following symptoms, immediately stop your workout and see your physician:

• Intensified shortness of breath
• Vaginal bleeding
• Abrupt swelling in body parts such as face, ankles, or hands
• Exhaustion or weakness
• Nausea or light-headedness
• Sudden pain in the pelvic, abdomen, or chest
• Persistent contractions even after rest
• Muscle cramps
• Decrease in baby’s activity
• Problem with walking
• Amniotic fluid leak

Which Workouts Should You Avoid While Pregnant?

Finally, the following types of activities or exercises aren’t appropriate for pregnant women:

• Sports activity that’s above approximately 8,000 feet altitude
• Contact sports like judo or kickboxing
• Scuba diving
• Hot Pilates or hot yoga that may prompt overheating
• Exercises that involve straining, such as heavy weightlifting

The above activities may induce extra risks like altitude sickness and accidents. Additionally, sports activities that may have higher chances of falling, such as cycling, skiing, and hockey, may not be fitting too.

Takeaway

Women and their babies significantly benefit when they remain physically engaged while pregnant. Adding exercise activities regularly in most of your days will be good for your muscles, core, and cardiovascular system. Not only that, exercise will be rewarding for your mental health.  

For this reason, you must be attentive to what your body is telling you and discontinue exercising if you experience pain or any uneasiness. Consult your healthcare provider if you have issues or questions about how you react to your exercise activity.  

Lastly, don't forget to request clearance from your physician if you haven't done regular exercise for a long time or may have medical conditions that may impact your exercise regimen.  

5 Strategies for Controlling Food Portions

At the end of a long day, it can be difficult to come home and avoid snacking too much or overeating at dinner. Especially when your stomach is growling, it becomes less and less clear what is a healthy portion. Consider a few tips that may help you to adjust your meals and snacks to the right amount for you and your health. 

1. Consult Your Doctor

Before making any major adjustments to your diet, it is wise to consult a medical professional. Altering your diet substantially all of a sudden could lead to other health issues, such as nutritional deficiencies. Further, your doctor may have alternate strategies for how you can control your weight or portion sizes, such as a gastric band. 

2. Meal Prep

A great way to eat healthy, filling meals in the right amounts is to make your meals ahead of time and to package them up separately. For instance, you could cook a large pot of soup on your day off of work and then split it up into the appropriate number of sealed containers. Not only will this save you time and money throughout the week, but it will also make it easier to stick to the original portion you decided upon. 

3. Purchase Individually Packaged Snacks

You may also find it helpful to look for snacks that are already divided into individual portions. Snack items are particularly hard to eat in moderation as many people snack while they are focusing on something else, making it difficult to keep track of how much you have eaten. Consider buying individual portions of things like nuts and dried fruit, for instance. These are easy to pack in your bag for work and provide all of the nutrition information you may use to monitor your food intake. If you find that this strategy is too expensive, you could consider buying snacks in bulk and then portioning them out into reusable containers at home.

4. Grab a Plate or Bowl

Similarly, avoid eating directly out of larger containers of food. This includes both meal and snack items. For example, consider filling up your plate of food while in the kitchen rather than serving things up family style. Additionally, consider pouring out a serving of chips or crackers rather than eating them out of the bag. Both of these strategies make it easier to keep track of how much you are eating and reduce the temptation to finish off the container.

5. Make Mealtime Matter

A final tip to consider when trying to control portion sizes is to change the way you approach mealtimes. Trying to finish a meal as quickly as possible may lead to eating so fast that you don't really feel full once you are finished. Engaging in conversations with friends and family while you eat is a great way to change your focus to relationships and to slow down your eating.

Overeating is such an easy habit to fall into, especially if you are stressed, tired, bored or attending social gatherings. Even so, with a few changes to your weekly routine, you may be able to control your portion sizes without leaving your stomach growling.

What is TRICARE Authorized Urgent Cares?

If you are a military person, a retired or an active-duty member, a member of the Reserve, a family member, or a veteran, you are entitled to subsidize or free dental and medical care. A program developed helps the military members access better healthcare and have full treatment for any type of recovery.

This program is relatively new, but the origin of the idea dates far back. Back in the days, before the Civil War happened, the healthcare for the military members was sort of primitive. There was no centralized system, and the care was more or less limited.

After the Civil War finished, there were noticeable improvements in the overall system. WWI saw development and progress in the health system, starting with the structure and ending with the organization.

Healthcare has now formed in the most delicate and most sophisticated shape we’ve known after a long period. There are several medical healthcare programs, but the largest one is the “TRICARE For Life.” Continue your reading on the following website: https://www.military.com/benefits/tricare/your-tricare-benefits-explained.html.

TRICARE Authorized Urgent Cares

You might have read something about this program, but you are not quite sure what it is—nothing to worry about because everything you need, you will find in this guide. So, let’s begin.

TRICARE is a program of the US Department of Defense. This health care program has been formed onto the existing one known as the CHAMPUS, or Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services.

These types of plans are there to help the members mentioned-above to get better healthcare. The program is managed and operated by the DHA, Defense Health Agency. The TRICARE Urgent Care is an authorized provider that offers health care for every type of plan.  

With This Urgent Care plan, you will be able to visit a clinic instead of going to a doctor even without a referral. If you or a family member has an illness, injury, allergies, etc., they would have the chance to be treated with this type of service. What types of TRICARE are there?

For life concept

This type of program is almost sell-explanatory. Back in the day, the plan didn’t cover medical care for people over 65. Instead, they would need to rely on Medicare. But now the TRICARE for Life program offers care for life!

You won’t be asked to enroll earlier in advance, so no rush there. The only thing you would need to do is to be part of Medicare Part B. You should know that TRICARE authorized urgent care will offer care for non-life threatening conditions like flu, allergies, ear infections, minor sprains and strains… etc.

Prime concept

Prime is the first of the three program types designed for members of the military. It offers a great variety of benefits, and it has proven to be quite successful over the years. If you are familiar with the concept of HMO, this program has a large number of similarities.

If you are a member who is actively on duty, you will be automatically enrolled. You would most likely receive your care in a local, base hospital. For other healthcare, specialist care, your primary care provider in the base hospital need to refer you to the appropriate specialist.

However, there is another concept called the POS, which means Point of Service. This POS concept option, you will be entitled to additional options that will offer you extra healthcare services.

Extra & Standard concept

The last of the three is this one, but it is not the least one for sure. If you think that the prime isn’t as flexible as you would want it to be, then the extra and standard would fit you perfectly. Although it is a little bit costlier than the previous one, it offers many more advantages.

Just like in the prime one, you wouldn’t need to enroll in advance. Only shows your ID Card, and you will be entitled to the appropriate medical care. Learn more here.

How to fill a prescription? 

There are a couple of different ways to finish the filling of the prescriptions using TRICARE. The first one is to order your medications through mail or any other online type. The second way is to use the specially designed medical military pharmacies, which are located at MTF, a military treatment facility.

You can receive your medications for free and get a supply for 90 days straight. The other two types are network and non-network pharmacies. The cost of supplying yourself through one of these networks can differ depending on various factors, so be sure to do a little research before you order anything.

How You Can Increase Your Baby's Iron Level

Though you may have stocked up on immune boosting foods for kids and babies already, you might have specific concerns about a few essential vitamins and minerals, especially when it comes to iron. Although it might not get as much attention as vitamin C, calcium or other nutrients, having adequate iron levels is essential to your baby’s overall health. Iron helps carry oxygen throughout the body and brings oxygen to vital organs, so getting enough iron is fundamental to healthy brain development throughout childhood. Additionally, low iron levels can even lead to anemia. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can help raise your baby’s iron levels to a healthier place.

Ask Your Pediatrician About Incorporating a Supplement

Perhaps the most straightforward way to get to the heart of the issue is by getting a Wellements baby multivitamin and supplementing your baby’s diet with iron. An exception, of course, is if you’re currently feeding your baby formula, which today is often already fortified with iron. Of course, because it’s possible to get too much of a good thing, you’ll want to talk with your family pediatrician about whether supplementation is a good route for your child. Your pediatrician might, in more severe cases, even be able to prescribe your baby iron drops to help get their levels up faster. 

Focus on Making Tweaks to Your Child's Diet as They Age

As your baby starts to get older and eat a more diverse range of foods, your options for tweaking his or her diet to include more iron become broader. With these new diet possibilities, you can focus in on making targeted changes in a number of different areas. Some particularly useful tweaks are:

• Incorporating more vitamin C in your child’s meals, like pairing citrus with iron-rich foods such as beans, since it can help boost iron absorption
• Providing your child with fortified infant cereal for breakfast or snacks, or using it as a cooked ingredient in some of your other prepared dishes.
• Offering a range of foods rich in iron, including spinach, peas and raisins, and finding a way to work them into your meals

Double-Check Whether Your Baby Actually Requires More Iron

Though it may be tempting to jump to the conclusion that your child needs more iron, very young infants may already have adequate stores. It’s typically the case, in fact, that babies under six months of age are likely to have been born with enough iron. After the six-month mark, however, those stores could begin to get depleted, raising the need to incorporate iron-rich foods or supplements.

Even if it doesn’t get as much publicity as some other nutrients, iron is vital to your child’s brain development, and getting enough of it is key to preventing anemia. Though you might already have a well-balanced diet planned out for your child, ensuring your baby’s iron levels are healthy can feel tricky sometimes. By using some of these methods, you can help increase those iron levels to where they need to be for optimal health.

Effective Ways To Beat Depression While In Isolation

While there is still no real way of knowing when the pandemic will near its end, depression rates skyrocket; as a result of self-isolation, lockdown measures, and the many impacts of the viral outbreak, more people around the world are fighting depression. As social creatures tend to turn to others during stressful and emotional times, isolation and social distancing are fueling depression. However, there are several effective ways to overcome bouts of depression during the pandemic. While you should seek medical advice in instances of severe depressive episodes, we have listed a few practical ways to protect your mental health during the global crisis.

Keep Busy And Stay Connected

Procrastination is undeniably the thief of time, as the saying goes. However, it is also the thief of joy as procrastination often leads to feelings of overwhelming guilt and helplessness. While crafting a schedule and making use of time management apps can help you keep busy, you should also make a point of staying connected, not just with the world around you but also with your friends and family. A support system is a vital key in the treatment of even severe depression. Staying in touch via video calls and instant texting apps doesn’t have to be boring either because you can find a ton of fun virtual holiday party games and ideas on cityHUNT.

Get Sunlight And Fresh Air Everyday

It may seem like mundane advice, although fresh air and sunlight can aid depressive moods. The benefits of fresh air and sunlight are even backed by science, so even a short time spent outside each day really can improve your mood and help you overcome depression during the pandemic. Even if you don’t have a yard and only have access to a small balcony, merely enjoying the outside environment and being exposed to the elements can substantially lift your mood. The more time you spend outside, the lighter your spirit will be.

Search For A New Hobby

A new interest can make a massive difference to anybody as uncovering passions is often considered a self-discovery journey. While searching for a new hobby or interest can be as simple as thinking about what sparks curiosity and joy, it is essential to consider relaxing options. Some things may be out of the question due to the pandemic, although DIY arts and crafts, gardening, and countless other activities are still great options. You may even learn a new skill or discover a talent to be developed.

Get Quality Sleep

The effects of sleep deprivation are often driving forces in depressive moods, which is just one of the many reasons quality sleep is so important. Because even minor sleep deprivation can negatively impact your mood, it is crucial to ensure you can get a good night’s rest every night. If you aren’t entirely sure where to start, adjusting your sleep environment, opting for natural sleep remedies, and improving sleep hygiene are practical steps in improving sleep quality.