One of the many lessons the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us is that we should take utmost care of our own health now more than ever. The best way to do this is to live a healthy lifestyle and make sure your home is well equipped with the right medical devices.

Of course, regular visits to your physician are always a top priority when it comes to managing your health. However, it is also necessary to have these medical devices to help monitor any indicators of your overall health and alert you to any unusual occurrence in your physical condition.

Health issues such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus are easily detectable and preventable if you have the right medical devices at home.

The main advantage of regular health monitoring at home

Regular health monitoring can help detect diseases early, and with prompt diagnosis, you can get the right treatment immediately to prevent any complications.

By getting the right medical devices, you are also taking vital steps toward living a healthier and longer life. Check out Medictronics Shop for all the medical devices you will need at home.

One can never be too prepared when it comes to their health. Here are five medical devices that you should have at home.

#1: Blood Pressure Monitor

Hypertension or high blood pressure doesn’t really have early signs and symptoms that prompt early diagnosis—until it becomes severe. That is why high blood pressure can be dangerous.

Many individuals who have high blood pressure don’t know they have it. The best way to know if you have high blood pressure is through regular checkups with your physician. Another way is by monitoring your blood pressure at home.

Individuals with hypertension or hypotension are advised to monitor their blood pressure regularly and report to their doctor any abnormality in the reading. Normal blood pressure should be around 110/70 to 120/80. 

The most common types of blood pressure monitors used for home care are aneroid and digital.

#2: Blood Glucose Monitor

Individuals who have type 2 diabetes are expected to regularly monitor their glucose levels. Thanks to this medical device, individuals who have diabetes and those at high risk can monitor their blood sugar levels at home. In this manner, they can report directly to their health care provider any extreme and sudden fluctuations in their glucose levels so that proper treatment can be administered.

#3: Pulse Oximeter

The cold light source from this device will shine a light through your fingertip, thus making your fingertip appear red. This medical device can measure your heart rate and detect the oxygen saturation levels in your blood without the need for needles and taking blood samples.

In a few seconds after placing the device on your finger, the screen will indicate numbers that should mark percentages that range between 95 and 98 under normal conditions.

Although some people have lower readings, that should be okay—no reason to be alarmed—unless the reading shows a percentage less than 92.

When there’s a low level of oxygen in the blood, there’s a lack of it in tissues, too, and as a result, a lack of oxygen in vital organs. This insufficient oxygen in the blood causes hypoxemia and could result in vital organ failure, such as the heart. In such instances, Pulse Oximeter is very useful as it guarantees immediate medical attention to the person who suffers from it.

#4: Thermometer

A medical thermometer is the first device you grab when you suspect a fever. It is essential in every household, especially during the cold season that takes place during fall and winter.

It simply allows you to measure your body temperature. This can help you determine whether the extent of hyperthermia warrants a medical professional. If you have a child or newborn baby at home—all the more reason to have a medical thermometer.

#5: Weighing Scale

If your health condition requires you to lose weight, then a weighing scale should be one of the medical devices you need to have at home. But, a weighing scale is not only for those on a weight loss program. Body weight plays a very important role in a person’s overall health.

Being overweight increases the risk of many health issues. Having a weighing scale can help you stay on the right track.

There are weighing scales available in the market that allows you to measure your body composition, which is very helpful when managing your overall health.

Conclusion

Having these medical devices at home will not just help you check and monitor your blood pressure, oxygen levels, blood sugar, weight, and temperature very closely, but will also help you determine when to see a doctor. Many individuals do not realize the importance and usefulness of having these medical devices at home.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a type of psychotherapy that helps people understand and change their thoughts and behaviors. CBT is based on the idea that how we think (cognition), how we feel (emotion), and how we behave (action) are all interconnected, and that by changing one of these things, we can change the others as well.

CBT is a relatively short-term form of therapy, usually lasting 10-12 weeks. It is a goal-oriented therapy, and the therapist and client work together to set realistic goals and identify specific strategies for reaching those goals. CBT has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and substance abuse.

1) How to find a good therapist?

If you are considering CBT for yourself or a loved one, it is important to find a therapist who is properly trained in this type of therapy. Not all therapists are trained in CBT, and not all therapists who say they practice CBT actually use the techniques proven to be effective in scientific studies. Make sure to ask your therapist about their training and experience in CBT before beginning therapy.

If you are looking for a rehab center that offers CBT treatment, it is important to do your research and find one that has a good reputation. There are many rehab centers out there, and not all of them offer quality treatment. Make sure to ask the center about their training and experience in CBT, as well as their success rates in treating people with similar conditions. If you’re looking for a Christian rehab center that offers CBT, start by doing a bit of research online first. Then, you can narrow down your options and contact the center to ask more specific questions.

2) What are the goals of CBT?

The goal of CBT is to help people identify and change the thoughts and behaviors that are causing them distress. In CBT, the therapist and client work together to set realistic goals and identify specific strategies for reaching those goals.

For example, someone who is struggling with depression may set a goal of starting to enjoy activities again. They may identify a specific strategy for reaching this goal, such as taking a walk outside every day or signing up for a yoga class.

On the other hand, someone who is struggling with anxiety may set a goal of being able to go out in public without feeling anxious. They may identify a specific strategy for reaching this goal, such as exposure therapy.

3) What does CBT look like?

CBT usually consists of 10-12 weekly sessions, though some people may need more or less depending on their individual needs. Each session lasts about 50 minutes and is typically conducted one-on-one with a therapist.

During CBT sessions, the therapist will help the client to understand their thoughts and behaviors, and how they might be causing distress. The therapist will also help the client to identify and practice new thought patterns and behaviors that could help to lessen their distress.

CBT sessions often involve homework, such as keeping a journal or practicing specific exercises outside of the session. This is because CBT is a very practical form of therapy, and the therapist wants the client to have opportunities to practice what they are learning in session.

4) What are the benefits of CBT?

CBT has been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and substance abuse.

CBT is also a relatively short-term form of therapy, which can be helpful for people who do not want to commit to long-term treatment. Additionally, CBT has been shown to be effective in preventing relapse for people who have already received treatment for a mental health condition.

Additionally, CBT is a very practical form of therapy, and the skills that clients learn in CBT can be applied to many different areas of their life. For example, someone who learns how to manage their anxiety in CBT may also find that they are better able to cope with stress at work or in their personal life.

5) Are there any drawbacks to CBT?

CBT is not right for everyone, and there are some potential drawbacks to this type of therapy. First, CBT requires a significant amount of time and effort from both the therapist and the client. This can be challenging for people who are already struggling with a mental health condition.

Additionally, CBT can sometimes be intense and may require the client to discuss sensitive topics. This can be difficult for some people and may cause them to feel uncomfortable or even worse. Finally, because CBT is a relatively new form of therapy, there is still some uncertainty about its long-term effectiveness.

6) How do I know if CBT is right for me?

If you are considering CBT, it is important to speak with a mental health professional about your specific needs. They can help you to decide whether or not CBT is the right type of therapy for you. Additionally, it is important to find a therapist who is experienced in CBT and who you feel comfortable working with.

Also, be sure to ask about the therapist’s experience in treating your specific mental health condition. CBT has been shown to be effective for a variety of mental health conditions, but it is important to find a therapist who has experience treating your particular condition.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a form of therapy that has been shown to be effective for a variety of mental health conditions. It is a relatively short-term form of therapy, and the skills learned in CBT can be applied to many different areas of life. If you are considering CBT, it is important to speak with a mental health professional about your specific needs. Keep in mind that CBT is not right for everyone, and there are some potential drawbacks to this type of therapy. However, if you find a therapist who is experienced in CBT and with whom you feel comfortable working, CBT can be an effective treatment for your mental health condition.

Although medical advancements are happening on the go, people are keen to consider alternative therapies and natural remedies. If you wish to follow the holistic wellness trend, the options are bigger and better than ever. After the legalization of cannabis, the decriminalization of magic mushrooms in several parts of the world has opened new opportunities for wellness enthusiasts. While shrooms have been a part of indigenous medicine, modern users are ready to join the bandwagon. But you may still have some qualms about them before embarking on a healing journey. Let us clear the facts and explain why magic mushrooms are worth trying.

Therapeutic benefits

According to a research study conducted by Johns Hopkins University, psilocybin is an effective treatment for mental health issues. It can help with depression, smoking cessation, and alcohol de-addiction. It may also have the potential to treat conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and Anorexia nervosa. Researchers have even suggested that psilocybin should be reclassified as a Schedule IV drug to allow it for medical use. The availability of credible research now makes psilocybin mushrooms a trusted wellness aid. If you are in a decriminalized location, you must opt for this holistic treatment alternative sooner than later.

Easy accessibility

Accessibility is a challenge when it comes to buying therapeutic aids that emerge from the shadows of recreational consumption. But it is no longer a concern if you want to embrace the shroom wellness trend. Since shrooms are now decriminalized in several countries, accessibility is not a problem if you live in a legit location. For example, you can easily buy shrooms online in Canada because the country allows their sale. In fact, you may find them on the menu of your favorite cannabis dispensary. But remember to ensure the reputation of the seller before sealing the deal. You can seek recommendations from a regular consumer or check the online reviews to verify the credibility of the seller.

Multiple product options

While magic mushrooms are validated by research and easily accessible, you may feel apprehensive about the taste. But rest assured, it isn’t a valid reason to keep yourself from experiencing the benefits of shrooms. You can find them in multiple product options, from gummies to chocolates and micro dosage capsules. At the same time, you can stick with the raw form if you wish to relish the original taste. Another reason that makes shrooms a must-try is that microdosing them is easy with edibles. You can rely on the insights and recommendations of seasoned users and sellers to start with the safe ideal dose. It makes you confident and comfortable about using this relatively-new alternative therapy.

Magic mushrooms are no longer known only for causing euphoria and spiritual experiences. They are a scientifically-proven medicinal aid for several mental health problems. Since shrooms are accessible and available in palatable forms, trying them as an alternative therapy is easier than ever. You can go ahead without second thoughts and open the doors to a new form of holistic healing.

The US is a nation of pet lovers. There are around 90 million dogs, and 58 million cats being cared for in the states today. To try and quantify how much the average pet owner loves their companions, you only need to look at the annual expenditure on them. 

When Covid hit, many more people stayed at home with their pets than usual. In 2020, $99 billion was spent on pets in the US according to Britannica. Perhaps more surprising though is that 11% of dog owners plus 8% of cat owners were spending some of that money on CBD for pets. 

There is not only a growing trend for pet owners to share their CBD beliefs with their pets, but suppliers are making pet-centric products, especially for this market. 

But, is it wise to give CBD oil to a dog or a cat, and what benefits can it bring? Is it even considered safe for a dog to ingest CBD? 

Why would you want to give your pets CBD?

Pets can suffer from numerous physical ailments, and mental health issues just as their owners can. The reasons for giving CBD oil to pets are actually very similar to why humans decide to try oils, tinctures, and gummies; to relieve symptoms of a particular condition. 

The top cause for a pet owner to try CBD oil on their dog or cat is anxiety and stress. 46% of pet owners who give CBD to their animals said they did so to relieve anxiety and reduce symptoms of stress. 

The other reasons for CBD use in pets are as follows:

• Pain relief – 25%
• Cancer – 7%
• Seizures – 7%
• Digestive – 4%
• Other reasons – 57% 

Respondents were allowed to select more than one reason for the use of CBD oil for their pets. Out of all the respondents to this survey by Woof Whiskers, 86% said they saw positive results. 

The average spend by a dog owner on CBD was $42 a month, and the market for this area is growing rapidly. In 2018, the CBD for pets market was worth just $32 million. Just 12 months later it grew to $400 million. Once Covid arrived and people were spending more time with their dogs and cats, the market rose again to $629 million by the end of 2021. 

Many different products are now on the market including chews and tinctures. Some tinctures such as Calm Down Buddy are designed for calming pets and are blended with terpenes to reduce stress. 

Why do pets get anxious and stressed?

All animals can get stressed or anxious but it is perhaps most obvious in cats and dogs as people spend more time around them. The symptoms are perhaps more noticeable because of this. 

Dogs can suffer from anxiety for a few reasons. The main types of anxiety in dogs are these: 

• Separation anxiety
• Age-related anxiety
• Fear-related anxiety 

Separation anxiety is perhaps the most common type with around 14% of all dogs being affected by this disorder to some degree. It manifests itself when the dog is left alone or is left with strangers. 

Age-related anxiety can stem from cognitive functions breaking down as the dog gets older. This can lead to confusion and then anxiety. 

Fear-related anxiety is commonly seen when a dog experiences a new situation. This could be traveling in a car for the first time, or when it meets other dogs or people. Dogs can also have genuine phobias and common ones include storms. 

In humans, anxiety can affect relationships, and in pets, it is the same. Pets suffering from anxiety can pull away from their owners, bark constantly, become aggressive, and bite. 

It is for these reasons that many pet lovers are now trying CBD oil as a way to manage symptoms of anxiety, and help their dog or cat find calmness. 

What type of CBD products should you give your pet?

There are different forms of CBD for dogs but liquid is the best option. It is easy to digest and to administer. The dosage can be controlled easily too. Oils or tinctures are the best options, and it is preferable to buy one that is specifically aimed at pets. 

Avoid any nasty additives. This means either purchasing an organic CBD oil or avoiding ones containing fungicides and other additives such as pesticides. A simple way to do this is to avoid purchasing cheap CBD oils. Buy a quality product for your pet as you would for yourself. 

You may know how to relax your body and mind from anxiety but your dog doesn’t. If you want to help them with their symptoms then buy a good CBD oil that isn’t filled with unhealthy additives. 

Is it safe and legal to use CBD on a pet?

It should be fine to give CBD to your pet but to be on the safe side, products that are specifically catering to dogs and cats should be used. As for the legality of CBD for pets, this is okay too, but there are some gray areas. 

You won’t be able to ask your vet for advice on CBD or to administer it. It is illegal for vets to use CBD products to treat animals. They are also not supposed to get into discussions surrounding cannabis or CBD with pet owners either. 

While the use of CBD for pets is deemed to be largely safe, there may be some side effects. 

These typically include:

• Lower blood pressure
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness 

CBD can also cause vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea in some cases. To avoid side effects, a low dosage should be used. 

Things to be aware of when giving CBD to your pet

The FDA has so far not given approval to any dog or cat CBD products. There is therefore no regulation surrounding the CBD for the pet sector. 

This is a good reason why only high-quality CBD oils and those specifically blended for pets should be used. Another reason to use pet CBD oil only is to avoid THC. 

THC is toxic for cats and dogs even in low dosages, so it should be avoided completely. Look for labels that show 0% THC when purchasing pet CBD oil. 

THC poisoning can last for 24 hours as dogs cannot process the compound in the same way humans can, and it can be very unpleasant for animals to cope with and can result in a coma. The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center reported that in 2019 there was a 765% rise in calls concerning pets that had ingested marijuana. As these products become increasingly legalized, there is some added responsibility for the users.

 Summary

Although there isn’t enough scientific evidence to confidently state that CBD oil will reduce symptoms of anxiety in dogs, there are studies that have proven positive results. The majority of pet owners using CBD oil on their dogs have reported that they have witnessed positive changes in their animals. 

Terpenes have been proven to reduce stress in animals and pets. A quality CBD blended with terpenes could help to relieve symptoms of anxiety and stress. This could then result in a happier pet able to cope in stressful situations. It may also result in a closer bond between you and your dog or perhaps a cat.