Category Archives: Health

Mar23

Feel Better, Look Better

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Feel Better, Look Better

We all have this obsession with wanting to look perfect. We want to have that killer body, with those pearly whites, and flawless skin. But have you ever thought that in order to achieve those things, you need to ensure that you’re healthy and well on the inside? The healthier that you are, the better you will not only feel, but look too. Ever heard of that saying “my body is my temple”? Well everyone should think this way about themselves – you should worship it and want to do all that you can in order to be better.

Rather than focusing so much on how that girl’s body looks on Instagram and how she got her hair to look that shiny – think about how you can make yourself feel good. One of the biggest mistakes that every woman (and man) can make, is to compare themselves to others. Especially when it comes to a photograph. You need to realize that things aren’t all that real anymore. Those models you see in the magazines – they’ve been picked apart and had all their ‘bad’ areas photoshopped. That means no more cellulite, stretch marks, freckles, scars, or spots. So you can’t possibly compare yourself to that. Even Instagram nowadays is hard to decipher what is real and what isn’t, as there are so many filters and edits that are made within a mere few clicks of a button on a phone – you just can’t win. So put all of that attention into focusing on yourself – you haven’t got time to waste on negative thoughts.

Strengthen your mind:

You may think that improvements are to be made on your appearance, but the first place that you should be giving some love to is your mind. This is the place where all of your thoughts and feelings come from. So you know when you look in a mirror and hear those nagging voices in the back of your mind that tell you you’re not good enough? That all comes from your brain, so you need to work on changing your perception of things. One trick to doing this is telling yourself that you’re beautiful every single day. Out loud. It doesn’t matter if you feel silly. Stand up tall, look at yourself, and declare your beauty. It doesn’t matter if you don’t believe it yet – you will. Say one beautiful thing about yourself, but this doesn’t necessarily mean in terms of your looks. Think more about your traits and qualities. “I am beautiful because I’m kind.” “I am beautiful because I’m compassionate.” These reinforce the whole meaning of what beauty really is.

Give your body what it needs:

Your body needs certain nutrients and vitamins in order for it to function to the best of its ability. You should feel energized and, well, not tired and moody. All of these things are affected by what you put inside your body. Every different vitamin provides you with an essential source. This is why supplements are a good idea for people that are on the go a lot, because they don’t have to worry about not getting exactly what they need if it’s all there in a capsule, instead. KetoMCT is very good at fueling your brain and keeping it focused and alert, as well as supporting your weight management and boosting your immune system. All of these things are vital if you want to live a healthy life. Another trick that you can do is to eat as much of a colored variety of fruits and vegetables as you possibly can. The bigger the array, the more selection of goodness you are making available to your body.

Keep yourself in shape:

If you have noticed that you’ve gained some extra pounds and you aren’t happy about it, then it’s simple – do something about it. One of the biggest things to battle is laziness. We all suffer from it at one time or another, and finding the motivation to fight it can be very difficult. But, this is where you need to start being strict with yourself. If you expect to see a difference, then you need to put in the work. There are plenty of great exercises out there that you can do that are easy, and don’t necessarily require you to go to the gym. If you like the water, then swimming is a great workout, especially if you are a little heavier, because water makes you weightless, as opposed to if you were running. This is why it is so great for practicing mobility without the worry of straining yourself or causing an injury. Then as soon as you feel ready to push further – add some weights to the mix for added resistance.

Support one another:

Us girls need to stick together, not hate on one another. So spread the love and all of that positive energy that you know you have within you. Go out with your girlfriends, shop together, and give each other some tips to update your style a little. Let’s face it, shopping is a lot more fun when it’s done with your besties. Make a whole day of it and put on a fashion show with tons of different looks that you have all picked out. You may learn a lot about yourself that you would have never known if you hadn’t have tried on that weird frilly dress that looked gross on the hanger, but ends up making you look like a true woman. Then, after your long shopping spree, you can hit the fancy restaurant in your just-bought outfit and enjoy your new found confidence thanks to the awesome company you have around you.

Now, of course, you can’t expect things to miraculously change overnight. But with a little bit of patience and persistence, you will have a brighter outlook on yourself – and for good reason!

Featured Image By: Google

Mar17

Pick Up The Pacer

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Pick Up The Pacer

Howdy! While it may not be warm enough to run outside at the moment in Ohio, I do try to walk as often as I can. Whether that be a quick walk around the block with my dogs or walking around the room during my TV time, I try to stay active. I am one of those people that love to have numbers. How many steps did I take? How many miles was it? How many calories did I burn?

Since warmer weather will be among us soon and that means tiny shorts and crop tops, I have been trying to get in the best shape possible. And since I love numbers, I decided to download the Pacer pedometer app. And, I have to say, I’m obsessed.

I’ve been using Pacer for the past week or so and have really been enjoying it. It gives you your step, calorie, and distance count, which is all of the information that I want to know. The counts update every time you view it and, believe me, I view it often. When I see the numbers going up and up during the day, it gives me such motivation to increase it even more to get to that next mile or next thousand steps.

Thanks to Pacer, I can definitely say that I’ve been more active and it’s only been a week of using it! When I’m watching TV, I almost look forward to the commercial breaks so that I can get up and begin my walks around the room and hallway. I even take my steps in place during the actual show so that I can get my walk on and still view my guilty pleasures! It’s not much, but I sure feel good about it!

How do you increase your activity during the day? Who else uses a pedometer to monitor their movement? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Lollipuff

Mar12

Pregnancy & Mental Health: Overcoming Your Insecurities

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Pregnancy & Mental Health: Overcoming Your Insecurities

Pregnant women go through a lot of both physical and mental stress, which leads to so many insecurities popping up. People often talk about how your physical health suffers when you’re pregnant, but the mental side of things is rarely discussed in detail. As a result, we want to break the stigma and speak about the common mental insecurities you face while carrying a child. Hopefully, this helps any women out there going through pregnancy and feeling some of the things talked about in this piece. Take a look at all of the insecurities, down below:

I Look Disgusting

You wake up, haul yourself out of bed, and look at yourself in the mirror. One thought pops into your head; I’m disgusting. You feel like you look horrible and have just become so ugly. It makes you unbelievably self-conscious, and you don’t want to be seen in public. As a consequence, you retire to the sofa where you comfort eat all day, which fuels these feelings of insecurity.

Needless to say, this is all a mental issue. In fact, many people think women get more attractive when they’re pregnant, and that they have a special glow to them. There are a few things that you can do to overcome this insecurity, some are in your head, others are more practical.

First, change the clothes you wear so you feel more comfortable and aren’t trying to squeeze into your old jeans and tops. You can actually buy loose-fitting maternity scrubs from various websites, and these are great when you’re pregnant as they don’t really show your figure. So, you don’t see anything bulging, your clothes don’t feel tight, and you’re instantly in a better frame of mind.

Second, you need to think more clearly. Understand that you might not look your best because you had a rough night’s sleep or because you were up with morning sickness. Carrying a child is no walk in the park, it takes its toll on your body. So, there will be natural things that happen, which can make you – temporarily – look a little worse for wear. But, you often find you’ll look and feel a lot better after a nice long shower or bath. Try this every morning, and you’ll overcome this insecurity.

I’m Not Ready To Be A Mother:

This is probably one of the toughest insecurities you face when you’re pregnant. Almost all expecting moms go through a phase where they freak out and think they’re not ready to be a mother. For some, it’s right at the start, when they first find out they’re pregnant. For others, it’s right near the end when it suddenly dawns on you that you could be a mom at any moment. Of course, it can happen at any time in between too, and it may last for weeks, months, days, or minutes.

It’s common to feel this way because you’re entering the unknown. As humans, we mentally recoil whenever we’re faced with something that’s not known to us. It’s like walking into a dark cave, our brain sends out warning signals because we have no idea what lies ahead. If you’re pregnant for the first time, you’ve got no clue what could happen. You have no idea if you can be a mom or even how to be a mom, so it’s normal to get some prenatal jitters.

The only way to overcome this is through reassurance. Reassure yourself that you can be a mom and that you’ll make a great one, at that. Often, having others around you tell you that you can do something will make you think more positively, too. Also, get advice from other moms, read books, resources, and just brush up on your knowledge. This helps you learn what to expect, which prepares you for motherhood and helps banish the nerves. If your anxiety is particularly overwhelming, it is a good idea to look into different options for counseling. Read some online reviews, seek recommendations, and visit websites to learn more about their therapy services. Don’t be afraid to shop around for the right counselor or therapist for you so you can get the best help possible for your situation.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgOrGqDFjyv/

I’m Overweight:

Normally, if you’re insecure about the way you look, you’re also insecure about your weight while pregnant. Now, we’ve decided to separate this insecurity from the first one because they are two different things. Being insecure about the way you look can mean you’re not happy with your hair, face, body; whatever. But, being insecure about your weight means you’re very self-conscious about feeling fat.

It’s dangerous, because feelings like this can often lead to eating disorders. You may refuse to eat food because you think you’re fat, which ultimately starves you and your baby of vital nutrition. The reason most women are insecure about their weight is because of the fact that they look bigger when they’re pregnant. But, this is natural. Another person is growing inside of you, you’re obviously going to look bigger!

You can put your mind at ease by doing some light exercise and trying to follow a healthy diet. At the very least, this will keep you healthy during pregnancy, leading to a healthier birth. On a mental level, the fact that you’re doing exercise and aren’t binge eating will help you come to terms with your extra size being down to the baby and not you being fat.

The mental side of pregnancy doesn’t get discussed much. Hopefully, this has shone a light on how your mental health is affected when you’re carrying a child. Also, we hope it helps you overcome these nagging insecurities if you suffer from them!

Featured Image By: Max Pixel

Mar8

Treats That Won’t Throw The Diet Out The Window

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Treats That Won’t Throw The Diet Out The Window

We all need a treat from time to time. The opportunity to indulge. For most people, that opportunity is all about sitting down with something delicious. However, if you’re dieting, it might feel like you’re forever cut off from those treats. But that might not be the case. In fact, there are some treats that might not be as bad for you as you think, and even have their own benefits, like the following:

Chocolate:

This one might have alarm bells ringing for some as, indeed, it can be one of the most tempting treats of them all. But chocolate isn’t something that you have to avoid entirely. In fact, dark chocolate, in particular, can be quite good for you. Not only does it have some benefits when it comes to fighting aging and cancer, but the flavanols in dark chocolate have been proven to improve heart health, improving circulation and helping you control your cholesterol levels. This doesn’t mean that you should have a huge bar every day, but when you’re craving a sweet treat, it’s not as bad for you as you may have been led to believe.

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 YUM!

Butter:

It gets a bad rap, often considered to be one of the worst fats you can put in your body. But the truth is, that butter isn’t as bad for you as previously thought. Butter is a saturated fat, but now studies from places like the World Health Organization are saying that saturated fats can make up to 10% of your calorie intake without too much danger. What’s more, livingthenourishedlife.com shows that butter has plenty of benefits of its own, improving your gut health and boosting your metabolic system. That means that a little helping of butter on your baked potato can actually help you burn calories better. Who would have thought?!

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 Lol, that butter looks so picture perfect.

Popcorn:

When you think of butter, your thoughts might immediately go to what it’s best served with. There’s no competition there, of course: it has to be popcorn. Popcorn is fast becoming one of the favorite treats of those trying to control their weight, especially those with stronger cravings. As healthline.com shows, popcorn is a high-volume, low-calorie food, meaning that you can eat more of it without increasing your calorie intake too much. Toffee popcorn doesn’t quite have the same benefit, unfortunately, so you have to be selective.

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 Love me some popcorn!

Wine

Too much alcohol consumption can drastically increase weight gain, there’s no doubt about that. However, a glass of wine with dinner can do you a world of good. Moderate consumption, i.e. a small glass, can boost your body’s calorie burning processes for up to 90 minutes after you drink it. Wine has also been shown to have some benefits in cognitive health, improving long-term memory, as well as preventing the clots associated with heart disease. How awesome is that?!

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#bottomsup

Set aside a treat for yourself every now and then but, as with everything, do it in moderation. Schedule it in as part of your regular routine, keeping it under control so that you don’t end up slipping into the deep end with your diet.

Feb28

Feeling Old? Time To Get Rejuvenated!

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Feeling Old? Time To Get Rejuvenated!

People always say that you are only as young as you feel. However, it’s difficult to feel young when you start to notice the signs of age on your body and skin. It might not even be a change to the way you look but, rather, how your body feels. As you age, you’re more likely to experience issues with chronic pain, muscle and joint aches, as well as other problems. Even getting out of a chair can make you groan and grimace once you reach a certain age!

What should you do about this? You can ‘age gracefully’, and in other words accept your fate. Or, you can look into some of the ways people stay young for longer. If you’re leaning towards the latter suggestion, here are a few ideas that may interest you:

Exercise More:

Studies have shown that exercise actually keeps the body younger for longer. That means that you will be able to avoid the aches and pains of old age. As well as this, you might just find that wrinkles develop more slowly on the skin, too. The best exercise to take up is cardio, because this works out every area of your body rather than a few of the places you want to see muscle develop.

So, it might be time to buy a pair of running shoes and get jogging. In no time at all, you could feel a lot younger than you do today. Some people worry that it’s too late to start but it’s never too late, and there’s always a chance to get back on track.

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 Time to hit the gym!

Consider Medical Treatment:

If you are really upset with the effect that the ageing process has on your looks, you might want to consider taking a more drastic measure. Cosmetic procedures can help you take years off your age and could be a fantastic possibility if you are tired of not recognizing the person staring back at you in the mirror. Many people are turned off by the idea of surgery, due to the intensive procedures they think are involved. However, looking at a facelift surgery video, you’ll see that there’s actually nothing to be scared of. Indeed, cosmetic surgery is so advanced these days, that it’s one of the easiest surgeries for doctors to complete.

Any type of surgery is a big decision and you will want to ensure that you are in the most capable, skilled hands. Start researching your options by entering a search for “best plastic surgeon Beverly Hills” (or your local area) and look at reviews carefully. One unsatisfied patient could be a fluke but several is a definite problem, so make sure to avoid clinics with such reviews.

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 And, of course, surgery is something that should be considered deeply.

Go For A Spa Day:

Lastly, you might also want to think about heading out for a spa day. At the spa, you can get the benefits your body needs to stay young and vitalized. To keep your youth, you need to make sure that your body is getting the right nutrients and vitamins. You can do this at a spa with face treatments and you will be able to relax. Stress is one of the main causes of the signs of aging, including wrinkles, after all.

A spa day can truly help you unwind and look your best. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge, and give yourself some well-deserved care. If this sounds like just what you need, check out spa experiences on sites like https://www.invernesspalacehotel.co.uk/ so you can get some inspiration for the treatments you might like to book. The ultimate pampering and glowing skin is just one spa day away!

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So relaxing!

It’s always good to treat yourself every now and then. With Mother’s Day somewhere on the horizon, this might be the perfect excuse to get pampered and get rid of those signs of age once and for all.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb21

How Your Sleeping Position Can Impact Your Health

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How Your Sleeping Position Can Impact Your Health

We all know that getting a good night’s sleep is a vital component of health — but did you know the position you sleep in can also be important? On the surface, this sounds like junk science. After all, if you’re sleeping, that’s the bit that counts, surely? Why does it matter how you sleep, so long as you’re doing it?

Numerous studies have concluded that your sleeping position can indeed influence your health. The downside of this is that many people have a preferred sleeping position, and the idea of trying to sleep differently is very difficult to imagine. It therefore makes sense to know the potential downsides of your preferred sleeping position, so you can take action to mitigate the effects:

Side Sleepers:

The bad news…

  • Side sleepers are the most at-risk group for neck complaints. If you find that you frequently wake up with a sore neck or headache, it’s likely that the body alignment you adopt while sleeping on your side is to blame. Invest in a pillow that is specifically designed to adapt to the curve of your neck, so you are thoroughly supported throughout the night.
  • Side sleepers are also at risk of back and hip problems, again due to the alignment of your body while sleeping. As you can see on this Lull Bed review, side sleepers have been found to enjoy mattresses that conform to their body shape, so keep this in mind when you’re purchasing a mattress.

The good news…

  • Studies have shown that sleeping on your left side can reduce acid reflux for those suffering from GERD.

Back Sleepers:

The bad news…

  • Sleeping on your back does not mean you will necessarily develop a condition called sleep apnea, but sleep apnea sufferers who sleep on their back will definitely exacerbate the condition. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes people to stop breathing during sleep; this is usually only momentary and happens without conscious awareness in most cases. If you do have sleep apnea, avoid sleeping on your back to help prevent attacks. You should also be utilizing cpap cleaning machines to keep your cpap sanitary and keeping your doctor updated on any changes to your condition.
  • Back sleepers are also more likely to snore than those who sleep in other positions, which can cause issues with dry mouth and throat pain.

The good news…

  • Sleeping on your back ensures your spine is always in alignment with the rest of your body, so back sleepers are the least likely to experience aches and pains caused by their sleep habits.

Front Sleepers:

The bad news…

  • Lower back pain is a real risk for front sleepers, as your body is forced to flatten unnaturally. Try sleeping with a pillow under your abdomen to mitigate this.
  • Neck pain is also common for front sleepers. Most specialists recommend using pillows to train yourself to sleep on your side, as front sleeping is generally considered to be the worst sleeping position.

The good news…

  • Snoring is less common in front sleepers.

In conclusion:

Now that you know how to prevent any issues caused by your sleeping position, you can make a few changes and ensure that your sleep is always as beneficial and restorative as it should be.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb20

What Does The Future Look Like If You Don’t Tackle Your Health Today?

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What Does The Future Look Like If You Don’t Tackle Your Health Today?

None of us are stupid when it comes to health. There’s enough information out there to tell us we should live well today to avoid illness tomorrow. Heck, even without that, this is common sense stuff. You don’t have to be a genius to work out that neglecting your body will catch up with you down the line. Even some of us in our twenties are starting to feel the impact of teenage bad habits catching up. And, this karmic retribution can only get worse. We all know it.

The good news is, it doesn’t have to be like that. If you can really open your eyes to the future that awaits if you don’t change, there’s no chance you’ll carry on this way. This does involve facing up to hard truths. Sometimes, though, the hard realities teach us the most important lessons. So, buckle up for a trip into your future if you carry on ignoring your health:

Confinement: In many ways, the worst thing about neglecting your body is how trapped you’ll be in the future. The worse you treat your body, the less able you’ll be to stay mobile in your later years. If you don’t exercise or use your muscles often, they’ll begin to weaken and waste. And, when that happens, walking for extended periods will become increasingly difficult.

Given that your joints stiffen with ageing anyway, issues like these can leave you unable to leave the house. And, when that happens, you’ll find yourself confined in the worst way. You’ll rely on family or carers to do even simple tasks for you, and no one wants that.

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Pixabay Image

Hours spent in waiting rooms: You may get away with neglecting your health for now, but it isn’t going to last. At some stage, things will start to fail. When that happens, you’ll be spending large portions of your time in waiting rooms for one appointment or another. It’s not unusual for neglectful people to face two or three weekly appointments down the line. And, that’s no way to spend your retirement.

What’s more, your decreased mobility will leave you unable to make your way to appointments. Walking won’t be an option, and neither will driving once your vision and hearing start to fail. As such, you’ll have to rely on taxis or public transport to get you where you need to be. Which means that even a five-minute appointment could take up a large chunk of your day. Is this what you dreamt of when you thought about your golden years?

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Pexels Image

Costs: The majority of us put money into a pension pot throughout our lives. As we do so, we imagine the blissful years that pension could afford us. Oh, the holidays abroad without a care in the world. Only, if you don’t look after yourself, that money will be tied up before you even receive it. Even if you have insurance, long-term and extreme medical costs can often be hard to come by. When you reach 65, you will be eligible for additions like these Medigap insurance options, which can make things a little easier to afford. But, even these measures cost a monthly sum.

So what can you do to prevent such poor health as you age? You can start with some of the following:

 

Exercise: You know this was coming, right? Exercise, exercise, exercise. If we say it enough, perhaps you’ll pay attention. Moving your body is the best way to ensure your mobility stays with you into your later years. The less you move, the less chance you’ll be able to down the line.

Of course, we’re thinking about this with the above future in mind. So, that means that you should focus on exercise to strengthen your muscles above all. Focus on gentle exercise techniques, such as yoga. It doesn’t get much better than this for helping to build muscle strength. Even better, you’ll likely find this routine is much easier to get into. With less focus on high-energy sessions, yoga isn’t as awful a concept as some exercises. All you need to do is grab your mat, and get to know your body a little better. Then, you can wave hello to a future of flexibility. Keep it up, and you’ll likely be more flexible in your sixties than ever before!

Eat right: If you eat poorly, your health WILL suffer. This applies in a variety of ways. Eating sugary foods on a regular basis could lead to issues such as diabetes. You’ll definitely fall foul to constant doctor’s visits if you suffer from this. And, the possibilities don’t end there. Eating processed foods which are high in fat can also lead to increased blood pressure and heart disease. Not to mention that excess weight can also cause issues with your mobility. That’s not to say, of course, that you have to eat like a rabbit. Instead, practice moderation and ensure that you’re eating plenty of fresh foods.

Cut bad habits: Habits such as smoking and drinking can cause significant issues for you down the line. As well as increased susceptibility to illnesses, smoking reduces blood circulation. Again, this is a mobility issue, which can even lead to loss of limbs in extreme cases. In which case, you would be even more confined than you would have otherwise. Drinking gets less attention, but this, too, can do damage. We all know alcohol can affect the liver. But, it also poses a risk to healthy brain functioning and leaves you open to some cancers. So, drop the habit before it drops you into the future we’ve spoken about!

Being in the best health possible is important, not just now – but for down the line, as well. If you want a future unlike the one we mentioned above, follow our tips to improve your health today.

Feb20

6 Things You Should Know About Whiplash

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6 Things You Should Know About Whiplash

Whiplash is a relatively common injury, but it is also incredibly misunderstood. Because of this, whiplash injuries are regularly mistreated, increasing recovery periods by days or weeks. If you believe that you have whiplash or another type of neck injury, it’s important that you know all of the facts before you get (or decide not to get) treatment. Here are six things that you should know about whiplash injuries:

How It Happens:

Whiplash is caused by a sudden backward or forward movement, leading to the ligaments and muscles in the neck to become overstretched, and the joints in the neck to become injured. This is most commonly the result of a rear-end car accident, but can also occur in sports, on roller coasters, and even from a fall.

The Symptoms:

The main symptom of whiplash is aches and pains in the neck and upper back. You might also experience tingling in the neck and upper back, difficulty swallowing, and concussion symptoms like dizziness and headaches. Symptoms and their severity can vary widely between different people, as can the times that these symptoms start to occur. While pain can start to develop immediately, it has been known for whiplash symptoms to take months to arise.

The Diagnosis:

Even if you only have mild pain in your neck, it should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible. If they believe that you have fractured any bones, then they will send you for an x-ray. You might also be sent for an MRI or CT scan if you are believed to have sustained significant soft tissues injuries.

Treatment Options:

Most cases of whiplash are treated with some pain medication and sometimes a brace, if doctors believe that it’s required. You will also be encouraged to remain active to reduce the strain on your neck. If your whiplash is more severe, you might be offered physical therapy or spinal manipulation. It could also be recommended that you make a visit to a chiropractor to ease your symptoms. You will want to find a practitioner who comes highly recommended so pay close attention to reviews online and from friends. To start finding the best fit for you, simply enter a search for “chiropractic care near me” and don’t be afraid to call with any of your questions or concerns.

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 😦

The Aftermath:

If your whiplash was the result of a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you might want to visit your lawyer to see if you can make a compensation claim. When you do this, you’ll need evidence of your injury, such as a letter from your doctor. You will also need evidence that you’ve lost money because of the accident, such as with a letter from your employer or a receipt for car damages. If this is the route you are taking, be sure to document everything and do your research to find the best lawyer that will fight until the victims get the justice they deserve. Accidents are a serious thing and deserve to be treated as such.

When you are selecting a lawyer, you will want to find someone highly skilled and recommended for the best outcome. Ask for referrals from friends or enter a search for “car accident lawyer in milwaukee” (or your local area) to read up on online reviews.

Prevention Tips:

Because whiplash happens so suddenly, there is little that you can do to prevent it from occurring. However, caution is important. Whiplash usually occurs as the result of a car accident, so make sure to drive safely, always wear your seat belt, and check that your headrest isn’t too low. It is also helpful to research auto accident attorneys in your local area so that you have someone in your corner should an accident occur. If you participate in a sport, always wear the appropriate protective gear, and if you’re a fan of roller coasters, make sure you always sit back properly.

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Wikimedia Image

It’s usually incredibly difficult to avoid whiplash, but maintaining a good health and knowing the tips above can really help to speed up your recovery.

Featured Image By: Flickr

Feb16

3 Things You Should Know About Getting A Hearing Aid

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3 Things You Should Know About Getting A Hearing Aid

Hearing loss doesn’t announce itself and it has a habit of creeping up on you. It’s a slow and incremental process that can take years or even decades and many of us don’t even notice its onset until it’s too late. When we do notice the signs, however, it can be difficult to come to terms with. Hearing loss has a number of causes. Some are hereditary and genetic while others are influenced by our work, our lifestyle, and how well we maintain our auditory health.

Nonetheless, we’re lucky enough to live in an age in which technology offers us more solutions than ever to mitigate the negative effects of hearing loss on our day to day lives. With the advent of digital technology, hearing aids are more discrete and effective than ever before. They are also even more accessible as you can purchase hearing aids otc. By no means, however, are they perfect.  Here are some things you need to know before you get your first hearing aid fitted:

Keep your expectations realistic:

Hearing aids are just that.. An aid to hearing. They cannot, unfortunately, reverse hearing loss. Many people simply stop using their hearing aids after a few days because the experience doesn’t match their expectations. They simply remember a time when they had perfect hearing and expect the technology to replicate that. While digital hearing aids have come a long way, technology has its limits. Although there are limits, hearing aids have advanced in a big way, therefore, if you are concerned about using them, be open to the idea instead. You may be surprised by how beneficial they are especially if you have been living with hearing loss for a while.

Expect a period of adjustment:

Having a hearing aid feels weird on a number of levels. First, there’s the feeling of having this tiny piece of plastic and circuitry nestling inside your ear canal and/or clipped to the back of your ear. It’s presence can feel obtrusive and you may feel that it’s conspicuous or that people will notice it (they likely won’t). Secondly, there’s the odd distortion effect that can take weeks or even months to get used to. The hearing aid is calibrated to the frequencies that your ear is “missing” due to nerve damage, replicating the vibrations that are translated by your brain. If, however, you’ve been without hearing for a long time it will take a while to recognize these vibrations as sound. Thus, you can expect everything to sound tinny for a while as though you’re listening to a dictaphone recording of the world. Be assured that your brain will adjust and the hearing aid will start to feel more natural.

When you become more accustomed to the hearing aid you can start to explore its features. You can tinker with the settings and set programs for different kinds of environments. Just remember to take them out when getting in the shower!

If you have two hearing aids, use both:

If your hearing loss is only in one ear, don’t be surprised if you get two hearing aids. This is because your “good” ear will have picked up the slack for the “bad” ear over the years. Have you ever heard a voice that you thought you heard on the right, when in fact the person talking to you was on your left? That’s a common symptom of hearing loss. Having two hearing aids helps to redress that balance but your brain will only properly attune to the adjustment if you wear both.

Hearing aids have come a long way. And while they are not perfect, give yourself the proper chance to get used to them before throwing in the towel.

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Feb16

3 Things You Need To Know When Your Partner Has Hearing Loss

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3 Things You Need To Know When Your Partner Has Hearing Loss

There’s nothing more wonderful than falling in love with someone and embarking on life’s journey with them. As strong as your love is, no couple can escape one immutable fact of life… People change. This doesn’t just mean that their personal and career goals change or that their likes and dislikes change. Their bodies change, too. If you met your beloved in high school, college, or early in your career, you may not be prepared for the health issues that come later in life as you grow older together.

Thus, when a partner develops hearing loss, it may seem pretty trivial at first. So, you may have to repeat yourself now and then. It’s no big deal, right? Well maybe not right now, but over time your partner’s hearing loss may drive a wedge between you if you don’t educate yourself. A 2009 British study revealed that 44% of respondents with hearing loss encountered problems in their relationships as a result. If your partner is beginning to lose their hearing there are some things that you should know as soon as possible:

It’s not their fault:

There are numerous causes of hearing loss. While some can be caused or exacerbated by lifestyle or career choices such as working with loud machinery or attending a lot of rock concerts, there are other causes such as Meniere’s disease which are genetic and hereditary. While there are measures we can all take to safeguard our auditory health, it’s not your partner’s fault if they suffer hearing loss. Even some prescription medications can result in hearing loss, so click here to learn more.

Don’t blame yourself:

At the same time, you mustn’t blame yourself for any (perfectly natural) feelings of frustration that you may be feeling. Becoming irritated at having to repeat yourself, being half heard, or misheard by your partner is completely normal. Don’t beat yourself up too much about it and just try and adapt your thinking to help you grow beyond it.

Hearing aids are not a perfect solution:

Surprisingly, only 1 in 4 hearing loss sufferers regularly uses a hearing aid. There are many reasons behind this, but chief amongst them is the fact that hearing aids can take a lot of getting used to. When someone with hearing loss starts wearing a hearing aid, it can take a long while to adjust. After years of being unable to hear, it can take a while for the inner ear to recognize the vibrations as sound and even when recognition occurs the sound can seem distorted and unnatural. Some users even feel that hearing aids create more problems than they solve. Rather than getting even more frustrated if your partner seems reluctant to use their hearing aid, resolve to support them by gently encouraging them to use it regularly to help them adjust. They’re by no means perfect but they can certainly help.

Hearing loss can be frustrating for both the person suffering and their partner. Be sure to encourage each other to help minimize the stress that it can cause.

Featured Image By: PxHere