Archives for June 2021

The 5-Step Guide: How to Create the Perfect Atmosphere for Meditating

June 28, 2021 By Leave a Comment
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Reports show that an estimated 500 million people around the world meditate. Many experts believe the number is actually a great deal higher than the records indicate. This practice has been around for thousands of years, and cultures across the globe have developed their own forms of meditation. It’s believed to provide a long list of health benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety. Meditation can alleviate depression, relieve many types of pain, and lead to an overall improved state of mind. Some practitioners insist it can also help foster immunity and battle inflammation, among other advantages.

Creating the Perfect Place for Meditation

Virtually everyone is capable of meditation. Of course, the right conditions have to be in place for it to be effective. Not just any space will suffice, and putting your heart and mind into the practice is the key to success. Take a look at the following tips to help you create your perfect space for meditation.

1) Use Aroma Oils

Scents can have powerful effects, but maintaining just the right olfactory indulgences isn’t easy. This is especially true in homes with pets. Using diffusers and Aroma Oils can be an effective way to drive out off-putting smells and replace them with pleasant ones. Relaxation and positive energy are essential when meditating, so aromas that foster those elements are recommended. Lavender, jasmine, vanilla, lemon, and peppermint are known for their relaxing powers. Many of those aromas can also be invigorating and induce a sense of positivity, so they’re particularly suited to meditation.

2) Decluttering Is Crucial

Numerous studies show that clutter can be detrimental to people’s health. Clutter tends to collect dust, dander, pollen, and other allergens, so it can lead to stuffiness, sore throats, runny noses, headaches, sneezing, coughing, and wheezing. At the same time, it exacerbates anxiety, depression, and stress. Minimize the clutter in your meditation zone to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

3) Minimize Space for Maximum Success

One of the primary goals of meditation is to maintain a strong, positive flow of energy. Energy should build and circulate throughout the space. Because of that, it’s best to choose a small space as your meditation area. This helps keep the energy concentrated.

4) Turn Down the Lights

Bright lights are not conducive to a meditative environment. They can cause you to be jittery and anxious. They may also overload your senses and break your focus and concentration. Those are precisely the opposite of the effects you want to achieve.

5) Keep It Clean

We’ve already mentioned that clutter should be eliminated, but that’s only one factor to consider. It’s important to keep your meditation space clean in other ways as well. Dust and vacuum regularly to keep dirt at a minimum. Simply knowing the area is free of dirt and grime will promote relaxation and positive energy.

Making the Most of Your Meditation Sessions

Meditation offers a long list of benefits in terms of promoting physical, mental, and emotional wellness as long as it’s carried out in the right way. Choose a small space with little clutter. Keep the area clean, and use aromatherapy to help boost relaxation and positive vibes. Keep the lights turned low or turn them off altogether. You could also use scented candles to create a more suitable atmosphere. Overall, the goal is to eliminate negativity and encourage positive energy.

Filed Under: Health, Fitness, Weightloss, and Wellness
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5 Things to Look For When Choosing an Assisted Living Facility

June 4, 2021 By Leave a Comment
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Do you have a loved one who would enjoy assisted living benefits? Or maybe you feel like you could use assistance with some daily activities like cooking or housekeeping?

Assisted living is defined as a place for older people or people with disabilities to live and receive help with daily activities and medical care when necessary. It’s a level below a nursing care facility.

Are you looking for the best assisted living facility for yourself or a loved one? Keep reading to learn the things to look for when conducting a search for an “assisted living facility near me.”

1. Close to Home or Loved Ones

Whichever home you choose, it’s important that it be in close proximity to family and loved ones making it easy for them to visit.

If the family lives far away, the person going into assisted living may prefer to stay in the area where they live near friends and places with which they are familiar.

2. Quality of Meals

This may seem like a small detail, but if you don’t enjoy the food you’re expected to eat day in and day out, life could be pretty sad.

Food should be of good quality and cater to dietary preferences and restrictions if applicable.

3. Good Reviews

Narrow down your search by looking at online reviews but try to get some first-hand reviews from people who know someone who lives at each of the facilities you’re considering.

Take online reviews with a grain of salt, but if you read something alluding to neglect or abuse, cross those off your list.

4. Cleanliness

You want a facility that puts cleanliness first. Are the windows and the floors clean? Does it smell clean or are there unpleasant odors? 

Are the resident rooms neat and clean? Are the common areas tidy? Is everything in good shape or are things in need of repair?

Fees include housekeeping services. They should meet your standards.

5. Social Activities

The idea of moving into an assisted living facility sometimes has a negative connotation, but the sense of community is something you can’t get living alone at home.

Look at the activities offered at each facility. Go and observe. Do the residents seem to enjoy the group activities? Are there things going on that appeal to you or your loved one?

Does your loved one need memory care more than assisted living? Memory care facilities cater to older adults with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Learn more about this type of care here.

Assisted Living Facility For Senior Living

Now that you know what to look for in an assisted living facility, you’ll be able to find the best assisted living community for you or your loved one.

No matter if you’re looking for other family topics like this one or parenting advice, new product reviews, recipes, pet info, or health and wellness, we have you covered.

Bookmark our page so you don’t miss a thing.

Filed Under: Life in General
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10 Dangerous Drugs That Are Still Prescribed to This Very Day

June 3, 2021 By Leave a Comment
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Consumers need to do a little research when they get a prescription. Physicians don’t always know whether the drug is good for you. Perhaps they don’t have time to check, but they should.

Drug overdoses are the major cause of accidental deaths in the U.S. Nonetheless, pharmaceutical companies lobby physicians and lawmakers to keep certain drugs on the market. They want to make money at patients’ expense. A drug can interact with another medicine you’re taking. Likewise, a prescription may not be healthy for your medical condition. Consumers who’ve been hurt by a prescription should consult with an injury lawyer. Here’s a look at 10 drugs, or categories of drugs, to be wary of.

#1 Cold and Flu Medicines

This category includes aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and decongestants. These medicines are sold over-the-counter (OTC), but stronger versions are prescribed.  They can cause major health problems. Indeed, acetaminophen is the leading cause of inquiries to Poison Control Centers. These products can cause liver damage if taken in large quantities. Finally, some of the medication suppresses the immune system.

#2 Anti-Depressants

This category includes Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, and Luvox. The drugs are commonly used to fight depression. They alter the mood by changing the levels of serotonin in the body. There are 15 side effects, including weight gain, increased depression, and suicidal thoughts in some patients. Unfortunately, the medicines may increase anxiety.

#3 Bromocryptine

Bromocryptine is used to alter some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. The medicine is dangerous because it can cause circulatory collapse. Further, the drug is associated with sudden onset of sleep, which can cause traffic accidents, etc.

#4 Semi-Synthetic Opioids

These prescriptions are used to treat pain and include Percocet, Vicodin, and Oxycontin. These drugs are used as painkillers and can be highly addictive. Some persons can’t help but mix them with alcohol and other substances. They become very dangerous when breathing is suppressed.

#5  Anticoagulants

Patients must be careful using drugs to prevent blood clots. Some of the most popular include warfarin, xarelto, and heparin. This class of drugs contributes to serious health issues like strokes, pulmonary embolisms, and deep vein thrombosis.

#6 Clarithromycin

This antibiotic treats some bacterial infections. However, the FDA issued a warning that the antibiotic can cause heart problems. Using clarithromycin increases the risk of cardiac death later in life by 27 percent.

#7 Clozapine

This antipsychotic is prescribed for patients with schizophrenia. However, clozapine contributes to heart issues such as myocarditis. It’s even more dangerous when combined with alcohol. It’s also associated with serious intestinal problems.

#8 Benzodiazepines

This class of drugs is used to treat anxiety. Lorazepam, valium, and xanax are included in this group. The drugs can depress breathing when used improperly. They’re particularly dangerous when combined with opioids and alcohol.

#9 Calcium Channel Blockers

This category of drugs is prescribed for hypertension. The drugs cause less muscle contraction in the heart. A recent study shows people taking higher doses of calcium channel blockers have a greater chance of death than someone taking beta-blockers.

#10 Methotrexate and other Chemotherapeutic Agents

Methotrexate is used to fight certain types of cancer. Further, it’s commonly prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Methotrexate causes liver and kidney toxicity, lung disease, and other health issues.

Consumers should investigate a drug before using it. There are many sites online that check for drug interactions. Be your own health advocate.

Filed Under: Health, Fitness, Weightloss, and Wellness
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8 Factors That Determine Whether Your Elderly Parent Should Continue Living at Home

June 2, 2021 By Leave a Comment
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Healthy older people can often live independently for many years and do very well. However, even the most robust seniors may eventually begin to decline mentally or physically as they age, and that can make it unsafe for them to be on their own. It can be challenging for caregivers to decide to move the elderly to senior communities where they will be safer.

However, there are signs that indicate that living alone is not the best choice. Moving to a community is typically the best choice if the following apply to a senior.

1. Living Like a Hermit

It is common for many older people to stay home more, which is not necessarily a problem. However, if the elderly begin to stay home because going out is too difficult, or they suffer from anxiety or depression, living alone is not the best choice.

Millions of older people move to senior communities and choose senior independent living arrangements that allow them to meet new friends, have access to vibrant social life, and get their everyday needs met.

2. An Unkempt Appearance

Per Psychology Today, older adults who lose interest in their appearance may not be able to care for their daily needs. The problem is especially obvious if a previously sharp dresser appears unkempt.

In some cases, changing physical or mental conditions could make it difficult for them to get ready each day. In these cases, seniors often do well when they move into communities that provide any needed help.

3. Their Home Is Increasingly Messy

If an older person’s home is just a bit less tidy than it once was, there usually isn’t a problem. But, if caregivers notice a sinkful of dirty dishes, items stacked all over the house, and mounds of unwashed clothes, an older person might no longer be able to live on their own. If poor housekeeping has become a health hazard, moving to a senior community may be a lifesaver.

4. Unexplained Purchases

If an older person begins complaining that they do not have enough money to pay their bills or caregivers notice that their card balances are very high, it might be a sign seniors can no longer handle their finances. Some aging people begin to order things they don’t need, and they no longer monitor their budgets.

5. Lots of Unopened Mail

When the elderly become depressed, they often lose interest in everyday things like opening the mail. Per the professionals at Senior Safety Advice, this may be a natural part of aging but can also point to a cognitive or sensory decline or physical difficulties.

6. Missed Appointments

When seniors start to miss appointments and scheduled events with friends and family, it could mean they would do better living in a different setting. While one or two missed appointments might not be a big deal, skipping important doctor appointments regularly could impact their health.

7. Inability to Do Mental Tasks

As seniors age, they may experience mental decline that leaves them unable to do once-simple mental tasks. For example, if an older person always managed their finances skillfully but is now unable to balance a checkbook, they are probably experiencing mental issues and should not live alone.

8. Confusion About Medication

Seniors often use pillboxes to remind them when to take medications. If caregivers examine a pillbox on Friday and notice that it still has pills from earlier in the week, it could mean that an older adult forgets to take their medications or no longer remembers that they need to.

While many seniors thrive while living alone, some get to a point where it is no longer possible. Signs that the elderly are not safe on their own can include an unkempt appearance, a very messy house, living like a hermit, and stacks of unopened mail. Other indicators include mental confusion and the inability to do familiar things.

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10 Clear-Cut Benefits of Spark Aligners: Are You a Good Candidate?

June 2, 2021 By Leave a Comment
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It is estimated 3.5 million children and teens begin orthodontic treatment each year. In the past, there were few options, and some people shied away from getting braces because they did not want to have a mouth full of metal. Today, there are other options that are more discreet and comfortable. With clear aligner trays, individuals can receive the orthodontic treatment they need, without irritation and embarrassment.

What Are Clear Aligners?

Spark Aligners are made of a durable material and use attachments to create a force that moves the teeth in the desired position. These aligners are similar to other brands and can be used to treat a wide array of orthodontic issues, including overcrowding, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and gaps.

Because they are clear, they blend in with the teeth and are barely noticeable to others. People of all ages feel more confident seeking orthodontic treatment when they do not have to go through uncomfortable adjustments and wear metal brackets and wires in their mouths.

10 Benefits of Clear Aligners

Many people who need orthodontic care want to know about all the options available to them. Years ago, all options included metal. Today, there are clear plastic aligners that are available to treat many orthodontic issues. The following are some of the benefits of these aligners.

1. Clear aligners are much more comfortable to wear than traditional braces because there is no metal. These aligners mold to the teeth and do not interfere with talking like metal braces sometimes can.

2. One of the biggest benefits people notice with clear aligners is no one else can see them. Once they are put in place, they allow the gums and teeth to shine through, making them practically invisible.

3. With clear aligners, there are no dietary restrictions like with metal braces. Individuals can eat anything they want because the aligners can be removed while eating.

4. Another benefit of wearing clear aligners for orthodontic treatment is the ability to perform oral hygiene practices. The aligners are removed while individuals floss and brush, allowing them to care for their teeth.

5. When individuals are treated with aligners, there are fewer orthodontic appointments and they are shorter. There is no need for adjustments.

6. Some people will find their treatment period is shorter than with metal braces. Clear aligners can sometimes move the teeth faster.

7. The edges of the aligners are highly polished and smooth, for better comfort. There are no uncomfortable wires poking in a person’s mouth.

8. Yet another benefit of clear aligners is the material does not cause staining. Metal braces can sometimes cause stains on the teeth that remain after treatment.

9. These aligners offer two times the tooth contact, making them more effective at moving teeth than some other clear aligners. They are highly effective and can produce the same results as metal braces.

10. The aligners are removed and discarded every two weeks, so there is a fresher mouthfeel. Teeth remain cleaner and free of bacteria.

Scheduling a Consultation Is the First Step

Individuals who need orthodontic care should schedule a consultation appointment with the orthodontist to learn if they are a good candidate for clear aligners. The treatment process is fairly straightforward and is comparable to that of metal braces, in terms of results. With these aligners, people can overcome their teeth alignment issues, for more attractive smiles.

Conclusion

Now, there are more options available than ever before for orthodontic care. With clear aligners, a person’s smile can begin to transform right before their eyes. By following the instructions of the orthodontist, these treatments will be highly effective.

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