Category Archives: Health

Unknown's avatar

Don’t Put Off Talking To Your Teen About Drugs And Alcohol

by

girl-535877_960_720

Pic

Studies show that teens who have discussions with their parents about drugs and alcohol are less likely to develop an addiction. But unfortunately, many parents are still failing to talk to their kids about this important topic. Many feel that it’s something they won’t have to worry about until their teen is older. But statistics show that many a large percentage of teens have their first alcoholic drink at 15. Kids who are just starting high school can also be offered drugs by older teens in their school. So to help your kids make smart choices, start the conversation by using these top tips.

Ask your kids what they know

One of the best ways to start this conversation is by asking your kids how much they know about drugs and alcohol. They might be embarrassed at first, but encourage them to share their knowledge. You might be surprised by just how much they know or have learned from TV or social media. This gives them an opportunity to ask you questions while also giving you a chance to fill in any gaps in their knowledge. You should also ask them whether someone has offered drugs or alcohol to them and if they tried. Encourage them to open up and share their concerns with your. Once, they have told you of their experiences and their knowledge, you can then tailor your approach more effectively.

silhouette-1082129_960_720

Pic

Talk about your experiences

During your conversation, don’t be afraid to share your past experiences with drugs and alcohol too. After all, you were a teenager once too. Talk about how you felt and what they consequences were for your actions. You don’t have to go into a lot of detail. Just share basic details that will show your kids that you have been in the same situation as them. This can be incredibly insightful for your teen as they can learn from your mistakes and make better choices. It can also make them more aware of how these situations can arise. You can talk through what they should say if someone offers them a substance and how to distance themselves from negative influences.

Explain what the risks are

When your kids are encouraged to try a substance by others, they are likely to be told how amazing and fun it is. If they don’t know what the risks are before this happens, this can entice them to try drugs or alcohol even more. So during your talk with them, outline what risks and consequences there are. They might get expelled, end up in hospital or rehab and even spend time in jail. While you can prevent them being offered drugs or alcohol, you can give them the knowledge they need to stay no.

While it can be easy to put off this often difficult conversation, you need to make it a priority. Talk to your teenager and answer any questions they may have with complete honesty and openness. If you suspect your teen might already have an addiction, get further advice from a young person’s rehab center.

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

Unknown's avatar

Banish Back Pain Forever With These Genius Ideas

by

Back pain is a serious health problem for millions of people. It’s so common, and there are so many causes. With chronic back pain, you struggle to do so many things. Something as simple as sitting at a desk or standing up is now a tough task. If you do nothing about your back pain, it can lead to other health issues down the line.

So, figuring out how to tackle this pain is a big concern. In this piece, I have some ideas that can banish your back pain forever. Give them a try, and start leading a pain-free life!

2864311951_327620e7ed_n

(Flickr: https://flic.kr/p/5n7m9P)

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a great way to relieve yourself from muscle pains. Many people are put off by this as they don’t like the idea of being pricked with needles. But, it’s not a painful procedure, and can be extremely effective. Primarily, acupuncture pain management is meant for your lower back. This is where a lot of muscles can get tight and painful. If you have lower back pain, it’s likely you’ll have trouble standing up for long periods, and don’t enjoy sitting either. The needles used will help stimulate blood flow in a specific area. When the blood is flowing in your lower back, it warms up the muscles, causing them to relax. The result should leave you with nice and loose muscles that aren’t causing you pain. Combine this with a massage for the best effect.

Stretching & Strengthening

There are so many causes of back pain, it can be difficult to give proper stretching advice. For anyone with disc issues, stretching your back might not be the best answer. But, for muscle problems, stretching will help cure your pain. Stretching helps release tight muscles and bring balance to your body. A common stretch for lower back pain is to get into a lunge position and stretch your hip flexor. Tense your glutes and abs to tuck your pelvis under and get a better stretch. Stretching your hips is good as there’s a muscle called the psoas that attaches to your lower back. When this gets tight, it pulls on your lower back and makes those muscles tight too. Combine stretching with strengthening exercises as well. Strengthening your abdominals and glutes is great for healing lower back pain.

324259281_9899a2ee66_n

(Image: https://flic.kr/p/uDUZg)

Address The Root Cause

Finally, the only way you’ll rid your back of pain is by addressing the cause of the pain. For many, back pain is caused by excessive sitting and poor posture. So, you have to ensure you set up your desk in an ergonomic fashion. Make your sitting position more posture-friendly, and stand up to take regular breaks. Similarly, if you have disk or nerve problems that cause the pain, you need to get these seen to. See a doctor and consider medical treatment for complex back pain problems.

There you have it folks, three ways you can banish back pain forever. Stop ignoring the pain and allowing your health to get worse and worse. Become pain-free and live a much healthier life.

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

Unknown's avatar

5 Safety Guidelines For Beginner Motorcyclists

by

sunset-summer-motorcycle

Image credit

Motorcycles – they’re a lot of fun, cheaper to run than a car, and super convenient. But, let’s not beat around the bush, here – they are also incredibly dangerous. The cold, hard facts are that you are 30 times more likely to die on a motorbike than you are in a car. And, when you are just starting out with your new hobby, those statistics go through the roof.

That said, with a little focus on safety, the vast majority of motorcyclists never experience an accident. And in today’s guide, I’m going to take you through some of the key points you need to know to stay safe. Read on to find out more.

Don’t drink or speed

Want to reduce the odds of having a bad motorcycle accident by a significant amount? Well, the onus is on you to avoid alcohol when riding and never, ever speed. Almost 50% of motorcycle accidents are caused by the rider speeding. And 4 from every 10 involve alcohol. So, by keeping yourself in check, you will have a much better chance of survival – your fate is in your own hands in the vast majority of cases.

Too hot to handle?

There are 50-cc bikes, superbikes, and everything in between. It’s a lot of choices, but which is the right option? Many motorcyclists are obsessed with power, to the extent they can often choose bikes that are simply too much for them. Try and be sensible, and be aware that even small engines can offer an awful lot of power., As a rule, never buy a bike that feels too heavy for you. And, if you aren’t planning on traveling on the highways, there is little point buying anything over 500-750-cc.

pexels-photo-60163

Image credit

Suit up

Don’t underestimate how important it is to wear the right gear. In the event you have a crash, it can be the difference between survival and an untimely end. I’d like to think you are sensible enough to wear a helmet at all times, of course. But you should also invest in the correct clothing and footwear. While jeans and a t-shirt might be more comfortable, it’s a recipe for more pain than they are worth if you crash. Biking boots are essential, too. According to the reviews featured at Bikers Basics, there are some vital things to consider. Waterproofing, flexibility, and armor protection can all make the difference.

Take the MSF

There are plenty of courses you can take to learn how to ride your bike in a safe manner. Look around your local area for your nearest Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course. It will give you the basics you need to stay safe on the road, and will also teach you some advanced techniques. Not only will it keep you safe, but it might also lower your insurance premiums.

Ride defensively

Finally, when you are out on the road, always assume the worst. No matter how confident you are, it’s not always you that will be the problem. Drivers may not see you or make stupid decisions, and if you are taking risks, disaster is more likely. Always ride defensively, and avoid tailgating and risk taking.

I hope these tips help you to stay safe on the roads!

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

Unknown's avatar

Sneezing And Wheezing? Home Help For Allergy Sufferers

by

dandelion-1390887_960_720

Photo from: Pixabay

Allergies can cause all sorts of suffering, from itchy eyes to sneezing, and runny noses to wheezing. There are times when allergies are severe enough to warrant medical attention. But for mild cases, here are a few tips that might help around the home if you or a family member suffer from allergies and needs to stay on top of their health.

Neti Pot

Ever heard of a Neti Pot? We hadn’t either until it was recommended for those suffering from allergies. If you suffer from sinus allergies, this little ceramic pot that looks like a watering can, may just be able to help you. First, you have to fill the pot with a combination of salt and hot water. And then pour the solution into one nostril while tilting your head, for it to drain out of the other nostril. You then repeat for the other side. The Neti pot comes from Ayurvedic/yoga medical practices, and it certainly helps to relieve nasal congestion, facial pain, and pressure.

Anti Allergy Pillows

If you have a dust mite allergy, it is worth investing in Luxura hypoallergenic pillows. Many allergies are triggered by inhaling dust mite allergen when you go to bed. This is because dust mites thrive in dark, humid areas where there are dead skin cells readily available. Sounds gross! But unfortunately, duvets and pillows are where these cells flourish. Anti-allergy pillows are designed to eliminate these allergies by inhibiting the growth of dust mites.

The Honey Trick

If you eat a little honey, every day will produce from bees in your region it can actually help alleviate some of your allergy symptoms if you are allergic to pollen. Eating the honey can help you become inoculated to the effects of pollen, as bees transfer pollen from the flower to the honey. Think of it in much the way when you receive a vaccine; you also receive a little of the disease. There’s not any scientific evidence to back this up, but we think it’s certainly worth a try.

Use A HEPA Filter

If you suffer from asthma or allergies, it may be beneficial to invest in a HEPA filter. We may think we are mostly allergic to the air and dander outside, but actually, our homes contain a lot of dust mites and dirt as well. Cleaning with a vacuum can help to a certain extent, but a lot of the time it just transfers the dust from one place to another. A HEPA air purifier traps allergens and airborne irritants including dirt, dust, and dander. They work well I bedrooms and living rooms to aid in purifying the air.

Take A Steam Shower

Don’t underestimate the power of steam if you are feeling clogged up. You can take a steam shower or use a steam bowl to try to clear some of your allergies. A steamy shower not only gets rid of the dirt and dust from outside but can also clear sinuses and nasal passages. The same can method works by holding your head over a bowl of hot water and inhaling deeply. Just remember to put a towel over your head to create a tent, so that you can absorb all the steam.

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

Unknown's avatar

Is It Really Possible To Bottle Up Your Concerns?

by

We talk an awful lot about stress, often without really looking into its causes or fully understanding its effects. We might say “I’m just dealing with a lot of stress at work”. We may snap at someone, apologize and assure them that we’re just under stress. But for a lot of us, “stress” is something of a catch-all, foggy term that more or less means “I’m dealing with a lot, and it’s hard”.


The thing is, dealing with a lot is liable to cause stress. It’s one of the most common causes of chronic stress, but far from the only one. What a lot of us don’t realize is that stress is a reaction to a situation. While it can be chronic – that is, built up over time – it can also be acute. In many cases, stress is caused by a single incident that we then don’t fully process.

Sudden Bereavement

If you’ve recently lost someone, it’s common to decide to go back to work early on. You don’t want to be seen as exploiting the grief, and feel that keeping busy will be your best way of returning to some normality.

thinking-944076_960_720

Image From: PixaBay


What all such situations have in common is that people would entirely understand if the bereaved took longer to return. While too much time to think can be a problem, some counselling is the best approach here. Before you can return to work, it’s important to process what you have lost.

Witnessing A Traumatic Event

Although levels of violent crime are falling by any credible measure, humanity as a whole is more on alert for such crime. Part of this is down to the importance placed on knowing what you should do if it happens to you. But a lot is also down to the way things are reported in the news. A more high-adrenaline way of reporting news means that we’re more aware of violence.

man-1675685_960_720

Image From: PixaBay

Someone witnessing a violent incident can be placed very much on edge by what happens. It could be something as minor as a fight between two strangers, or as major as a terrorist attack. Until this is processed fully, they keep reliving the incident. This is where critical incident stress management, or CISM solutions, come in. By talking about how the incident affected them and why, a person can put it to rest.

Arguing With A Loved One

8055193189_056b28fdf5_n

Image From: Flickr


A situation that can affect us all too easily is if we go to work having just argued with someone we love. Although you want nothing more than to apologize and fix it, you’re at work and they’re somewhere else. You spend the whole day wishing you weren’t there, it affects every decision you make and the situation festers. A common reaction these days is to text the person to tell them you’re sorry.

Although this seems like the logical and right step, it is not necessarily so. An argument may have arisen for a number of reasons. These will need deeper discussion than your situation allows. Although an apology may be in order, it should be accompanied by a promise that you’ll talk properly later.

Simply texting “I’m sorry, you were right” just puts your loved one in an awkward situation. Either they have to accept an apology they’re not ready for, or reject it and seem like the baddie. Neither of these situations is fair on them, so take responsibility.

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

Unknown's avatar

Home Business Got You Seeing Red? Try Going Green

by

We all know that running a home business can be stressful from time to time. For starters, it’s hard to separate work from pleasure when you’re constantly wedded to your place of work. But could going green help, if only in a small way? Check out these green ideas for your home office.

rage-1703978_960_720

Pixabay

 

Use Biodegradable Cleaners

 

Did you know that the majority of cleaners you use around your home contain toxic chemicals? These chemicals aren’t just bad for your health, they’re bad for your mood too. Some cleaners contain chemicals, like phthalates. These chemicals then wind up in your body, disrupting your hormones, and generally messing with your mood. What’s more, they’re bad for the environment, as many of them contain other chemicals that don’t break down in landfill.

 

Here’s a green idea that’ll help: use biodegradable cleaners. These cleaners skip a lot of the harmful chemicals ordinarily found in regular cleaning products. And they are okay for the environment to boot. Next time you run out of detergent or surface spray, opt for the environmentally friendly alternative.

 

Get Rid Of Paper

home-820389_960_720

Pixabay

 

There’s nothing more annoying in the home office than out of control piles of paper littering all your surfaces. Is there anything you can do about it?

 

Well, if you’re a paper-based business, you might think that there isn’t. Sure, there’s lots of software out there that will do the job just as well as a pen and paper. But that software can’t replace your paper-based archive, can it?

 

Well, the software that you’re using right now probably can’t. But today, there are document conversion services that are very clever. Here, you simply scan all your archived documents. Then the software will automatically categorise them for you using learning algorithms. This means that you can transfer your archives out of your office and into the cloud. That means less paper, less mess, and arguably, less rage when you come to find old documents. After all, they’ll be just as searchable as everything else online.

 

Replace Your Lightbulbs

 

Nobody who runs a home business likes getting whacked with a big electricity bill at the end of the month. According to the department of energy, about 20 percent of the energy we use at home is wasted. But something as simple as changing your light bulbs can change all that. Get rid of your old light bulbs and switch to LEDs. These use significantly less power, and they last up to ten times as long. Remember, you don’t have to opt for LED with harsh blue lights. Most LED bulbs come with shrouds that modify the light to make it appear more natural.

 

Go Green For Web Hosting

Green Web Hosting.

Green Web Hosting.

Flickr

Web hosting is a small, but annoying cost for most small businesses. But you could save a bit of money by switching to a hosting service with green credentials. Thanks to the plummeting cost of solar, many green web hosting services are cheaper than their fossil fuel competitors. This means that you can save a bit of money, and look after the environment by switching. Why not give it a go?

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

Unknown's avatar

Make Your Life Work For You: Keeping A Balance Between Work Life And Home Life

by

Work Life Balance

 

Are you running a business? When it comes to running an organization, it’s a full-time job, especially businesses that are new. Trying to get your dream project off the ground from nothing into a fully functional organization is stressful. There could be working weeks of 60 hours or more. In addition to this, the sleepless nights and the worries they are linked with it could consume a lot more time than you think it might. And did you stop to think about how it is affecting your home life? You might have missed school recitals, birthdays or important anniversaries. So what is the best way to take back the work-life balance that you so desperately need?

 

Understand When You Work Best!

By this I mean what time of day are you most functional. If you’re running a business you need to make sure that you are doing all the tasks the best you can. A lot of people find that they function better in the morning, so if that is the case then take on the more difficult tasks at a time of day. Understanding your energy levels will help you prepare better for your work day. So the inevitable mid-afternoon energy slump can be factored into your day so you can do the most mundane tasks at that point as they don’t require as much attention as applying for a business loan. Companies such as Frosch Learning can assist when it comes to helping you understand your working practices better.

 

Leaving The Work Phone In Work!

This might be the most difficult one for many business owners. As we are so reliant on checking our phones then leaving the phone and the laptop in the office will do you good! Set up an answer phone message or an out of office email. Then you can enjoy time away from the office. It will go a long way to help maintain the boundaries between work and home life.

 

Go Far Away!

In running a business, if you can’t be sure the company will survive without you being there then you need to delegate duties to other members of staff. Sometimes the only way to test if the business will survive is for you to go far away. It may cause you a bout of separation anxiety. But getting away for a period of time will help you gain a new perspective on the organization while also reducing your duties.

 

Stress and sleep.

Stress and sleep.

Image from Flickr

Relax!

Those that run businesses have difficulty in switching off and it’s not surprising when we all have difficulty in switching off at night. Smartphones and tablets are contributing to increased stress due to the blue light being emitted from the devices,  which causes problems with our circadian rhythm and so contribute to a lack of quality sleep, which leaves this feeling stressed or anxious or makes us take up habits that are not good for our health. We all have different triggers when it comes to stress so understanding what those triggers are for you will be a good way for you to overcome them. Finding a pursuit that relaxes you, such as meditation or yoga or spending time relaxing with your family will go some way to reverse damage from stress.

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

Unknown's avatar

Want Immortality? Cloning Yourself is Not the Answer!

by

The issue of cloning has largely fallen off the radar, but for a while in the 1990’s, with the news of Dolly the cloned sheep, it was.

Then, there were stories which either had cloning as an issue or where something akin to it was being employed, either physically or mentally, such as the book and movie, “The Boys From Brazil”, and of course, the “Jurassic Park” series. And, there is the idea of cloning oneself to gain immortality or to make someone who thinks and acts the same.

But can this really be done? The making of a viable clone? Yes, it’s possible though the science today is still in its infancy. And no, you can’t make yourself immortal, nor can you produce a “personality twin” of yourself, either, through cloning.

All cloning does, if successful, is produce a biological twin of the person or animal, or organ or body part, being cloned, that is much younger than the original.

So, if you cloned yourself, you would not gain immortality, as the clone would not be you. It would only be a genetic copy of you and younger by as many years as you are old. You would not be seeing or feeling through the clone any more than you do through any other person. The clone is a separate being.

So, would a clone think and act as you? Again, no. Mentally, the clone could be anyone. And it would not likely matter even if the clone were raised in a duplicate way and environment as you. This is why the story, “The Boys From Brazil” could not possibly be made true. There are just too many variables within the human mind itself so that even a duplicated environment and parenting style, and even putting the same kind of people in the right places and times, if that could even be done, would not guarantee a clone being the same kind of person as the original!

So, to those who want to ban cloning because of fears of someone creating another Hitler, or of wealthy people using their money to buy immortality and having yet another advantage over the poor and middle class, your fears are completely unjustified.

What cloning can do, is bring about the possibility of making duplicate organs and body parts for people whose organs are failing. This would mean no more need for transplants, no waiting for new organs, and no fear of new organs and body parts being rejected! In addition, the stem cell controversy could also be ended, as stem cells could simply be cloned to fill the need.

This is why the banning of all forms of cloning is a bad idea!

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, site, and blog.

And thanks for reading! 🙂

Unknown's avatar

Stop Smoking Already!

by

I just can’t help it! When I see someone smoking, especially here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, where I live, I just can’t get over it. At least, where I used to live, in Southern California, the air was often smoggy, (However, significant progress in the region’s air quality has been made over the years.) so, in a way, it somehow didn’t seem as bad when I saw someone smoking. But here, in the Pacific Northwest, with its pristine air, it just seems like smokers here are really robbing themselves of some of the best air on the planet!

But in reality, smokers rob themselves regardless of how polluted their local air is. Oh, I know, the rate of smoking has dropped, especially since the 1940’s, when it seemed every adult smoked. (Just watch an old movie from 1960 or earlier!)

But those who continue to smoke are still robbing themselves, and not only health-wise, but financially. And, those of us, like me, who are not smokers, probably know, or have known, at least one person who is. And you may have tried at times to get them to quit.

Unfortunately, the health threat argument often doesn’t scare a smoker into quitting. After all, cancer and heart disease aren’t like bears at the gate presenting an immediate and obvious threat in most cases, and when they do, it is often too late.

But, the financial drag of smoking, not even counting the financial side of the health threat, is significant and shows itself every time a smoker buys more cigarettes! Perhaps this argument can carry more immediate weight with some smokers. So here it is.

Now, a smoker might not think the cost of a single pack is enough to justify quitting.  Recently, I was in a store and was waiting to check out, and I noticed the prices of the cigarettes. The lowest cost pack was $4.70. Again, $4.70 might not seem like that big a deal.  But let’s take a look at an example below, starting with a price breakdown as well as a longer term view.

First, the breakdown. Let’s assume that a smoker smokes only half a pack a day. And buys a pack for only $4.00 even. A pack usually contains 20 cigarettes. That’s 20 cents per cigarette. Cheap? If the smoker smokes just one a day, then it is. But our smoker smokes half a pack, or 10 cigarettes a day. That’s $2 a day.

Now, for the longer term view.

In a week, that’s $14.

In a 30 day month, that’s $60.

In a 365 day year, that’s $730!

Just think of what an extra $730 can get you. In some cases, that could be an extra month’s rent or an extra 1-2 month’s groceries or an extra brake job on the car, or airfare, or a week or more at a hotel, and then some! Surely, you can think of a time in the past year when an extra $730 would have come in handy!

And remember, that’s just smoking half a pack of cigarettes a day! Many smokers smoke more than this, some, a lot more. And some, if not most, cigarettes run more than $4 a pack.

Using the $4-a-pack example above, a full pack-a-day smoker is looking at spending $1,460 yearly!  This amount of money can possibly buy you a pre-owned 1990’s vehicle that is in decent, if well-used, condition, in some cases! Just check out Craigslist for Ford Aerostar vans!

So, to smokers, look at this example to see how much you are spending to …kill yourselves.

And to those who are trying to get a smoker to quit to little or no effect, try this argument. Find out how many cigarettes or packs they smoke daily, and how much they pay per pack. Then, crunch the numbers and show them the results. I think they’ll be stunned.

To smokers, I hope you succeed in quitting! To those trying to get a smoker to quit, I wish you luck and hope that this argument works!

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

Unknown's avatar

Stay Prepared! Keep the Charge and Gas Up!

by

A blog post, “It Took an Earthquake to Teach Me Preparedness and Priorities” from The Idea Bucket, regarding the recent earthquake in Nepal, brought something to mind. Namely, the things we often overlook when planning for an emergency.

Two of these are: Keeping your cell phones adequately charged up, and keeping an adequate amount of gas in your car.

I usually charge my phone if the battery level falls below 80 percent by day’s end, barring unusual circumstances, and when I travel; I always bring my chargers with me. And, I have a car charger for the phone, as well as one for my home. And this is a good idea, because you never know when you may need to use your cell phone at an unusual time. See Lesson 4 in “It Took an Earthquake to Teach Me Preparedness and Priorities” from The Idea Bucket.

I also keep my other electronics charged up as well, even though they are less likely to be needed in an emergency, possibly. If they are, I know I’m prepared.

And the car? Yes, I have read once or twice in the past that one should keep at least a quarter tank of gas in the car for emergency purposes. I usually fill up when my car’s gas gauge reaches the quarter tank level as it is. Occasionally, I do go past this, but most of the time, I do fill up at the quarter tank level.  Again, you never know, no matter how remote the possibility, when you may have to evacuate your town or city in the middle of the night due to some disaster and your car is the only ticket out.

So, don’t overlook these items when planning for emergencies. You have planned for emergencies, haven’t you?

Be safe!

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site!

And thanks for reading!  🙂