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Alzheimer’s Care in Florida – What Are Your Options

Alzheimer’s Care

While finding a memory care facility may appear to be a relatively easy task, getting the right care facility that matches your needs and expectations and which provides the right kind of services at an affordable price may be a hard nut to crack, that is, until now.

Worry no more, here are some of the best facilities for Alzheimer’s care in Florida that offer good value for your money.

1. Sol Radiante in Homestead

This is a memory care home based in Homestead, in Florida, that offers a variety of senior living options for the residents. Seniors living there are offered assistance with daily activities such as eating, dressing, and generally maintaining all aspects of good personal hygiene, managing medication and transportation, transfer assistance, full-day supervision, and working together with health care professionals. Other than that, residents get linen and housekeeping services and group activities that are specifically designed for the residents and their individual needs. The care facility also has WiFi, telephone services, and a dining room.

2. Personal Touch Family Home in Port Saint Lucie

This Port St Lucie senior living home offers different housing options and care services for seniors. There are 1-bedroom apartments together with provisions of shared living. The care facility can hold up to 6 residents and is owned and managed by a family who lives within the premise of the care facility. The amenities and services available include programs for managing medication, laundry, housekeeping, and daily maid services, a dining room which is private where all the food is cooked, individual counselling on diet and nutrition, round-the-clock care, and attention for each resident by trained professionals, access to the family room with entertainment services, a beautiful garden for outdoor activities and a building which is constantly monitored.

3. The Brennity at Vero Beach

The Brennity sits on 36 acres and gives many senior living options in Vero Beach including independent living, memory care, cottage living, and assisted living. The facility provides a suitable environment for the residents to live an active lifestyle while enjoying various physical pursuits. Specialized individual and group activities are offered to every resident and professional care and monitoring are available during these activities. The facility also makes sure that residents moving from Independent Living to Assisted Living or to memory care make a good transition without having to fully change their lifestyle. They still get the same pleasant environment and care services. When it comes to food, residents are allowed to contribute in choosing the food to eat on certain days and accommodate their favourite foods and recipes to ensure they feel at home.

4. Tiffany Assisted Living Facility in Miami

This is an assisted living facility in Miami designed for seniors who struggle with memory problems, with their main speciality being dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The facility is situated in a location near the beach that allows seniors to relax and enjoy the shorelines and the weather there also favours residential living for seniors. The care home also offers attractive sceneries, shopping areas, golf resorts, and eating points with good food. When it comes to the services, they provide diabetic care, management of medication, ambulatory care, memory care, and incontinence care services. There are nurses, podiatrists, and doctors to help provide medical assistance and attention. A wander guard is also available to keep the residents safe.

5. New Horizon Living in Miami

This Miami assisted living home provides private and semi-private rooms that can hold up to 13 residents. It is in the Coconut Grove area and has easy accessibility to many roads and stores. It helps seniors with their daily living including preparing meals, ensuring they take their prescribed medication on time and other needs that are specific to every resident. When taking in new residents, the resident care manager of the facility provides an assessment for the residents to understand them well and come up with a plan that will make their stay fruitful. On top of that, other included services are yearly health assessments, visits to the physician every month, senior health monitoring, assistance with transportation, medication appointments with the doctor, and special food for seniors with unique wellness plans. (1)

6. Neurointernational Sarasota in Sarasota

This is a community of upscale senior living facilities in Sarasota that makes it possible for seniors to get assisted living services. It is located on Fruitville Road in Sarasota. It can host about 16 residents. Seniors get help with almost all aspects of their daily living which includes grooming, bathing (in and out of the shower), washroom services, home-cooked meals, special meals for residents with various medical issues, round-the-clock medical attention and personal assistance, housekeeping, fitness and wellness practices, outdoor activities, recreational and health tips, laundry, and transportation. Moreover, health services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, oxygen assistance, speech therapy, and radiation therapy, among other services are available.

Why Mattress Selection Is Important for Good Sleep?

mattress types

Do you feel like it has been ages since you have slept well? Even after so many changes in your routine and habits, you are still suffering from insomnia? If yes, then I think we might have a solution for you.

If you’re looking for a mattress that offers the benefits of both foam and coil mattresses while avoiding the drawbacks, then a hybrid mattress might be perfect for you. This type of mattress combines foam and coils to provide you with support and pressure relief.

You have changed the room temperature, lighting, the fragrance of your bedroom, right? But you have missed an important factor. What? Mattress. It plays an important role to provide your body with proper back support while you sink in its goodness and enjoy your deep sleep. Without a proper mattress, you can even damage your body posture. So, it has not just become an option, but a necessity for you.

Still not convinced? Well, here in this article, we will discuss why you should consider investing in mattresses. So, stay with us till the end.

Importance Of a Mattress for A Good Night Sleep

A good mattress helps you to achieve a good body posture and hence is beneficial for your back health. It can provide you with the right support along with a perfect comfort level for you to get into a deep sleep.

If you haven’t changed your mattress for a long time you have to get alerted. If it doesn’t provide you the correct support it can result in bad posture. And you will be left tired and sore even after a good sleep.

If you suffer from chronic pain then it can worsen the condition. Some people may even face difficulty in sleeping because of a bad mattress. Our body undergoes different changes and healing processes during sleep. But if it is uncomfortable then it can hinder the process.

Factors To Consider to Find a Perfect Mattress for You

Now that you are almost convinced to change your mattress, let us discuss how to choose one for you.

There is no such benchmark to find a perfect mattress for yourself. In fact, according to the neurologist and sleep medicine specialist of the Johns Hopkins Center of sleep, Sara E Benjamin, choosing the perfect mattress for an individual is a matter of their personal choice. You cannot come on to any decision before trying it out.

You have to match your personal requirements with the mattress. For example, if you are overweight or obese you have to look for a mattress that provides extra support to your body.

Bonus: If you are looking for an ideal mattress for you or your overweight loved one, then you have to check out this mattress guide for a 500-pound person.

But still here are some important factors that you can consider to have according to your preference.

  • Type of Mattress

You can find different types of mattresses in the market. But before you could choose anyone, you have to know each one of them.

There are mainly five types of mattresses: foam, innerspring, hybrid latex, and airbed. Let us discuss each one of them in detail.

  • Memory foam

Memory foam mattresses are built with memory foam. These materials are known to provide a slow response to pressure and extreme comfort to the person. It is probably one of the most popular types of mattresses.

Some love them because of its deep contouring hug feel and some use it for pressure relief. So, if you are a person who likes to sink in the mattress, then look no further than this.

  • Innerspring

Another popular and widely used mattress is innerspring mattress. These matches are bouncy, firm and supportive. It is made up of a coil-based support system including pocketed coins and support coils.

  • Hybrid

If you want to enjoy the advantages of the above types without facing the negative impacts, then this one’s for you. Hybrid mattress is a combination of foam and coils. It can provide you form support and help in pressure relief.

  • Latex

If you want to choose all-natural material and eco-friendly mattresses then you can go with a latex mattress. It is a lively and bouncy mattress that makes it easy for you to change positions while sleeping. 

  • Airbed

Airbed mattress, as the name suggests, is built up with air chambers. You can adjust the mattress according to your preference with the air pump.

  • Firmness

Another important factor that you can consider while buying a mattress is its firmness. It varies from person to person. So, you have to consider your personal choice and your body type to choose an ideal one.

  • Body Weight

You should also consider your body weight while purchasing a new mattress. Why?

If you are under 130 pounds, sleep on a mattress and you won’t sink in it. You will need a softer mattress to provide adequate support to your body.

On the other hand, if you wait between 132 to 230 pounds, then you may consider a firm mattress.

But if you wait over 230 pounds you cannot sleep on a soft mattress as it can risk spinal ailments.

  • Sleeping Position

This may sound weird but you should also consider your sleeping position while purchasing a mattress.

  • If you are a back sleeper, then you need a mattress with medium firmness.
  • And if you are a side sleeper, then you have to purchase a soft to medium firm mattress.
  • Lastly if you are a stomach sleeper then you need a firm mattress.

If you are a combination sleeper, then you can do fine with any of them.

  • Size

You also have to pay equal attention to the size of the mattress. For example, if you are a tall person or have a wide-shoulder, then you have to choose a mattress in which you can stretch your body comfortably.

Additionally, you sleep with your partner when you have to choose a matter that provides enough space for you both to sleep comfortably.

  • Price

You also have to consider your budget while purchasing any mattress. But don’t let the low cost or high-cost sway you. You have to consider other factors before coming up with any decision.

Final Words- When Is the Right Time to Change Your Mattress?

Ideally, you have to replace your mattress every 10 years. But you should listen to your body. For example, if you don’t find your mattress comfortable enough to help in deep sleep then you have to change it now only.

Do share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Why a Business Loan Is a Step, You Need to Boost Your Small Business

Business Plan

Starting a small business is only the first step on the road to success. After that comes the day-to-day grind of everyday operations and, hopefully, growth. But growing your business isn’t always easy. You may consider investing in equipment or upgrading that you require. Small business loans are a great way to close the gap if you don’t have cash. Beyond the basics of how to get a business loan, there’s a lot to take in. Here are some of the basics.

How to Use Your Small Business Loan

There are numerous ways you can use a small business loan. That said, there are six primary methods.

  1. To grow your business. You can invest in new equipment or facilities to expand your business with a loan. You can use the money to pay for new hires or upgrade your company’s computer software.
  2. To purchase inventory. If you’re a retailer or reseller, you need to buy products at wholesale before you can sell them. A loan will give you the money to make that upfront purchase.
  3. To manage your cash flow. If you run a seasonal business, your finances can be feast or famine. You can cover your operating expenses until you get back into the season by taking a loan during lean times.
  4. To maintain an ownership stake. Many small businesses grow by obtaining outside investment. This is an effective way to raise money, but it also gives a third party a stake in your company, possibly even a majority share. By taking a loan instead, you maintain control.
  5. To build business credit. Maybe you don’t need a loan now, but you might need one in the future. You’ll build credit by taking a small loan and paying it back. Then, you can take a larger loan in the future with some benefits.
  6. Creating a cash reserve. Like people, businesses should have a cash reserve for an unforeseen event. If you’d rather not spend a year or more building that budget, you can take a loan and have immediate access to the cash. 

Choosing the Best Type of Loan for Your Business

Small business loans come in different forms. If you want to get the best bang for your buck, it’s essential to understand which type of loan is best for your needs.

  • SBA loans are provided by the Small Business Administration, part of the US government. These loans are given to new businesses with a solid plan but no credit history.
  • Commercial loans and lines of credit. Private banks offer these commercial loans and require an established credit history. A business line of credit is an option to have cash when you need it.
  • Microloans are small loans of $50,000 or less. You can’t use it to buy property, but they’re easier to obtain than larger loans.

Things to Consider Before Think in a Loan

Before you apply for a small business loan, you’ll need to have a business plan. This is crucial for new brands, but even established companies need to demonstrate a plan. If your company is already operating, you’ll also need to show your lender your financial records.

Even if you’re offered a large loan at a generous rate, it’s wise not to borrow more than you need. Regardless of the great interest rate, you’ll end up paying more over time than you would with a smaller loan. Also, ensure you have a repayment plan. If your budget doesn’t allow for repayment, you’ll need to cut expenses elsewhere or forego the loan. (1)

Conclusion

Small business loans are an effective way to grow your business and carry your brand to the next level. Now that you better know how they work, there’s only one thing left to do. Apply for your loan, and get ready to grow your company!

Why is Bettering Your Love Life a Key to an Improved Overall Health

Healthier lifestyle

When it comes to your health, there are many different factors that you need to take into account. Eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep are all important, but did you know that having a good love life is just as key? Studies have shown that those who are in happy and healthy relationships tend to be healthier overall than those who are not. This blog post will explore the reasons why having a better love life can lead to better overall health.

Sunshine

Less stress

One of the primary reasons why having a good love life leads to better health is because it reduces stress levels. When you are stressed, your body releases cortisol, which is a hormone that can have negative effects on your health. It can lead to problems such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and even heart disease. A happy and healthy relationship can help reduce the amount of stress in your life, which will in turn improve your health.

Couples who have a good relationship tend to be more intimate as well. In this case, if you want to b more intimate with your partner, then try to explore new things that you can do together under the sheets. Lovense Edge 2, as well as other sex toys and vibrators, can just be the key to revitalizing your intimate experience. Rest assured that this will pave the way for a better relationship and less stress overall, which means better health for both you and your partner.

Lower risk for depression and anxiety

By having a good love life, you can also lower your risk of developing mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. When you are in a relationship with someone who makes you happy, this can help improve your mood overall and reduce your risk of developing a mental health condition. This means that you won’t have to worry about the negative impacts that these conditions can have on your health.

Additionally, when you are in a good mood, you are more likely to make healthy decisions when it comes to food and exercise. You are also less likely to suffer from stress or anxiety. A good relationship can help you feel happier and more positive, which will, in turn, lead to better health.

Better eating habits

When people are in a good relationship, they tend to have better eating habits than those who aren’t. This can be attributed to the fact that in a good relationship, both partners typically work together to make sure that they are eating healthy foods. They also cook together and enjoy meals together. This can lead to better eating habits for both of them as well as increased satisfaction with their relationship. When you eat well, it is easier for your body to absorb nutrients from the food that you are consuming. This means that you will be able to get the most out of your food and stay healthy.

Better sleep as well

Another reason why a good love life leads to better health is that it can help you get a better night’s sleep. When you are getting a good night’s sleep, your body can recharge and heal itself. This is especially important if you suffer from chronic pain or illnesses. By getting enough rest, your body will be able to function at its best, which can lead to better health overall.

As much as possible, it’s good to get a minimum of seven hours of sleep every night. This way, you will be well-rested and able to take on whatever challenges life throws your way. Rest assured that your partner will love you, even more, when they see how refreshed and energetic you’re feeling.

Healthier lifestyle choices

Finally, when you are in a good relationship, you are more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices. This is because when you have someone who loves and supports you, it is easier to stick to your goals. When you have someone by your side, you are also more likely to be active and eat healthy foods. This is because they want the best for you, and they want to see you happy and healthy.

Even exercising can mean spending quality time together. For instance, you can go on walks or bike rides together. You can even try out yoga to help relieve stress and strengthen your relationship at the same time. Otherwise, you can always turn your living room into a gym as well. This will allow you to get in a good workout while spending time with your loved one.

Couple Holding Fingers

So, if you are looking for a way to improve your overall health, it is important to focus on your love life as well. By making sure that you are in a happy and healthy relationship, you can reduce stress levels, lower your risk of developing mental health conditions, and improve your mood. This will lead to a healthier and happier you.

Finding Drug Rehabs in Virginia

Drug Addiction

There being more than 200 rehab centers to choose from in Virginia, which include various services like outpatient addiction rehab service centers, detox services, and residential services, finding drug rehabs in Virginia can be quite a daunting task for many, but not anymore. Here are the top 10 rehab centers that offer reliable services. (1)

1. The Farley Center in Williamsburg

This is a Virginia treatment center that deals with alcohol and drug addiction which sits along Mooretown Road in Williamsburg, Virginia. It provides various treatment options such as residential treatment services, inpatient services, and detoxification. For the inpatient option, the patients can stay in the hospital from a few days to a few months where they receive the 12 step recovery treatment process for accelerated recovery, group as well as individual psychotherapy, and other essential skills that not only help the patient recover but also ground their lives and become more sober, dependable and morally upright. The hospital has a license from the Commonwealth of Virginia and its accreditation is from the Joint Commission provided via the Behavioral Health Care Accreditation Program.

2. National Capital Treatment & Recovery in Arlington

This addiction treatment and recovery center in Arlington, VA was previously known as Phoenix House Mid-Atlantic and has been in operation since 1962. They offer outpatient and residential services, with more gender-focused programs such as men’s and women’s residential programs. They use treatment approaches like medication-assisted treatment and medication management as part of their treatment options. Patients who can make it to visit the assessment center are assessed in person by the assessment team or over a phone call for those who can’t make it to visit the center. The assessment takes about one hour and a half and usually costs $200. The fee can be paid by insurance if the patient has a cover. The assessment has been accredited by the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

3. Bridging The Gaps in Winchester

This is a drug rehab center located in Shenandoah valley that offers different treatment services including residential, outpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs. The outpatient program is designed for those patients who are receiving other forms of treatment within the same or another hospital while the intensive outpatient program is designed to be given for half a day. The intensive outpatient program is for patients who are well advanced in their recovery journey or those who don’t prefer structure in their treatment. The partial hospitalization program also called the day treatment, offers the whole treatment plan but with the exclusion of residential services.

4. Life Center of Galax in Galax

Life Center of Galax provides alcohol abuse treatment in Virginia and has been in business for over 4 decades now. It provides services such as residential addiction treatment, drug, and alcohol detox, co-occurring disorders program, Christian-focused treatment, Driving Under Influence (DUI)/Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) program, methadone maintenance treatment, outpatient treatment, and opiate-focused treatment, among others. Doubling as a dual diagnosis treatment center in Virginia, they treat varying mental health disorders and addictions to drugs like meth, cocaine, synthetic marijuana, opiate, prescription drugs, stimulants, heroin, inhalants, and PCP (Phencyclidine). They also offer gender-focused solutions and group therapy sessions that involve educational lectures and workshops for those on whom it is recommended.

5. Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington

This is an award-winning hospital that has been serving patients for over 75 years. The main hospital can be found at 1701 N George Mason Drive but there are also other centers spread out all over the country. It is also a member of the Mayo Clinic Network, which is a network of well-known national health organizations. It has received certification and accreditation for a variety of services such as the accreditation as a brilliant robotic center by the Surgical Review Corporation and the joint certification recertification. For drug rehab, the hospital provides inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment programs with the options of detoxification, meditation, massage therapy, and rehabilitation, among other interventions for long-term recovery.

6. Mount Regis Center in Salem

This health center majors in inpatient treatment for both men and women who are struggling with addiction and behavioral health issues. The other services it offers include drug and alcohol detoxification, residential treatment, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, aftercare, and US military veterans services. Most of the services are aimed at people over the age of 18. They treat addictions to alcohol, cocaine, amphetamine, codeine, meth, opiate, marijuana, synthetic marijuana, prescription drug, and co-occurring disorders. Therapies that are included in the treatment programs are individual therapy, group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive therapy, family therapy, spiritual therapy, and other therapeutic techniques and after rehab services. There is also a free online assessment for alcohol and drugs which shows how severe the patient’s addiction is.

Can a Brain Tumor Be Cured?

brain

In the United States alone, around 30 adults in every 100,000 are affected by brain and nervous system tumors.

Brain tumors can be dangerous because they spread to or put pressure on healthy parts of the brain.

Sadly, thousands of people around the world die from brain tumors each year. But can a brain tumor be cured? Let’s explore the subject further.

headache

Types of Brain Tumors

A malignant brain tumor is a cancerous growth in the brain, while a benign brain tumor isn’t cancerous. Benign tumors grow slowly. Certain types of benign tumors can turn into malignant tumors.

There are many types of both benign and malignant tumors. Their names depend on their location in the brain. Typical malignant brain tumors include chordoma, chondrosarcoma, lymphoma, medulloblastoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma.

Symptoms of a Brain Tumor

The symptoms people experience from a brain tumor depend on where the tumor is in the brain. But common symptoms include headaches, which are often worse when coughing and sneezing or in the morning time, as well as memory problems, personality changes, regularly feeling sick or vomiting, vision problems, speech problems, and seizures.

Because such symptoms are common symptoms of other health problems, if you experience one or more, it’s unlikely you’ll have a brain tumor.

However, if you do experience any of those symptoms, you should see your doctor straight away. If it is a brain tumor, it needs to be treated much sooner rather than later.

Treatment Options

There are multiple brain tumor treatment options available. Each one aims to remove as much of the tumor as possible and try to prevent it from returning.

Surgery

With surgery, a surgeon removes a small section of the skull and cuts out the tumor. The small piece of skull is then fixed back into place.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy involves using external equipment to kill cancer cells after surgery.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves patients taking medicine to kill the cancerous cells after surgery. In cases in which the tumor cannot be removed, chemotherapy can be used to help relieve symptoms.

Radiosurgery

With radiosurgery, lots of tiny beams of radiation are fired at the cancer to kill it. Radiosurgery is an option when you’re unable to have surgery.

Medicines

Medications can be great for relieving brain tumor symptoms like vomiting, headaches, and seizures.

Can brain tumors be cured?

It is possible for brain tumors to be cured with the right treatment. However, that doesn’t mean every brain tumor will be cured. And sadly, it can often be difficult to prevent brain tumors from getting worse.

The outlook for a malignant brain tumor depends on various factors, such as where in the brain the tumor is located, the size of the tumor, and the medical grade of the tumor.

If the brain tumor is caught early on, there is a much better chance of curing it. However, sometimes brain tumors that are successfully treated do come back.

See a Doctor if You Have Symptoms

As briefly mentioned earlier, if you experience any of the symptoms of a brain tumor, you should see your local physician or another medical professional straight away.

After running tests, it can be determined whether you do have a tumor or not. The sooner it is spotted, the sooner it can be treated and the higher chance you have of curing it.

If you do have a brain tumor, a medical professional can help you explore the different treatment options to find the best solutions for you. Often, a combination of treatments works best.

How to Meditate With Healing Crystals: A Beginner’s Guide 

Healing Crystals

There are hundreds of cultures around the globe over the past thousand years that have used crystals for healing and meditation purposes. Its mystical allure has not faded over time, and during times of ambivalence, people turn to alternative therapy such as meditation through the use of healing crystals.

If you are just getting acquainted with the use of these crystals, then worry no more as we give you several things you need to learn before you start your crystal healing journey.

Choosing the right crystal

There are sure to be many people who find brilliant-tinged gemstones fascinating. But it may not be that helpful when you try connecting with your higher self, or it may be less effective in quieting your thoughts during your meditation. When looking for the right crystal, you should feel connected with it. 

One of the first steps you can do is to assess your goals during meditation, then do some research on what crystal would work best depending on your needs. For example, if you have trouble sleeping, moonstone and amethyst are among the best crystals for healing and overcoming insomnia.

Placement of crystals

By this, we mean the physical placement of the stone in your body. Whether it is best to put it in your palm, wear it around your neck, and so on. For this, you also have to be familiar with which stones resonate well with body chakras

Rose quartz, for example, is well known for its association with the heart chakra. We also have Citrine and Tiger’s Eye, which have a connection with the solar plexus. If you already have the perfect stone, focus on the chakra point in your body and use the crystal to channel your energy.

Cleansing your crystals

Just like your body, these healing crystals need cleansing for them to work as intended. Practitioners clean their crystals before meditation by using sage or incense smoke. Others would take their crystals outdoors and leave them under the sun for a few hours. Some practitioners immerse the stones in saltwater. You can also do this to your crystal after you meditate to be clean the next time you use it.

Creating crystal barriers

Most practitioners prefer their thoughts to be undisturbed during meditation. For the practitioners to have a clear perspective, they practice creating an energy field. They can create an energy field by placing the crystals around the practitioner. It is a good way for you to strategically place your crystals if you do not want any of them to be touching your body. The crystals placed around the practitioner may vary.

Final Thoughts

Crystals can be more than just their usual label as pretty rocks. The effectiveness and efficiency of these gemstones are not limited to the metaphysical field but other things like technology and medicine. After all, their thousand years old presence is proof of their versatility. In the end, there is nothing wrong with incorporating different mediums when you meditate as long as you are doing it correctly. 

3 Essential Health Habits for Maintaining a Great Quality of Life

Healthy Habits

Our overall quality of life is dependent on a great many variables. But predominantly, it’s our daily habits that we embrace that can ultimately alter our lives in many ways.

Those who live a healthy lifestyle have developed positive habits that can be seen and felt. And along this same line, those who have poor habits will correspondingly have negative effects show up in their lives. And when it comes to our health, our habits play a crucial role.

Studies have shown that those who choose to embrace healthy habits live longer, have better relationships, and tend to live a much fuller life than those who don’t. But don’t worry. Even if you haven’t embraced a healthy lifestyle just yet, you can change course as you adopt healthier habits.

If you’re looking to make your life much more enjoyable, and you want to take your overall health seriously, the following will explore a few essential health habits for you to consider.

Oral Health

Your oral health plays a huge role in your overall health. And believe it or not, poor dental hygiene can manifest in many negative ways, and many of these don’t just affect your mouth.

For example, studies have shown a distinct link between gum disease and heart disease, particularly with endocarditis–when bacteria travel through the bloodstream and affects other parts of the body, particularly the heart. And this is a condition that can affect the body in many ways.

A few symptoms of endocarditis are as follows:

  • Chest pains
  • Heart valve inflammation
  • Shortness of breath
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Swollen feet, legs, and abdomen
  • Fatigue
  • Night sweats

At the end of the day, your oral hygiene plays a huge role in your overall health. But unfortunately, many people develop gum disease and tooth decay slowly over time and have to correct the problem through costly dental surgery which many people simply can’t afford.

However, there are other options to consider for correcting your smile while you wait to have dental surgery. And one of these less expensive options is to use veneers. With fake veneers, you can smile confidently while you begin your journey towards better oral hygiene.

Proper Daily Exercise

The health benefits of daily exercise have been studied by science for decades. And the general consensus is that any amount of light to moderate daily exercise can be of great benefit to your overall quality of life.

Studies have also shown that at least 30 minutes of light aerobic exercise each day can reduce your risk for heart disease and cardiovascular issues by 50 per cent for most age groups. And this includes the following daily exercises:

  • Swimming laps
  • Daily walking
  • Running
  • Yoga
  • Intramural sports
  • Cycling
  • Dancing
  • Push-ups

It’s good to note that for men if you’re able to do at least 40 pushups within 2 minutes, you’re 96 per cent less likely to develop cardiovascular disease. And this is a great number to shoot for if you’re just beginning your health journey. 

Mental Agility

One part of your body that is critical to optimal health is your brain. And unfortunately, after late adolescence and early adulthood, not many people exercise the mind in such a fashion as while in school.

Cognitive health declines as we age. And like any muscle, if you don’t exercise your brain in the right way, your cognitive function can begin to slow down considerably. Thankfully, you have no shortage of methods for exercising the mind.

Such activities that you may want to consider for optimizing cognitive health throughout your life include reading, journaling, doing crossword puzzles, meditation, solving problems, or performing any complex mental tasks on a regular basis.

When it comes to optimizing cognitive ability, you have to remember that consistency is key. So the more that you exercise your mind, the stronger it becomes.

Going Forward with Healthy Habits

Studies on habit-forming in humans vary widely, but the general consensus is that if you perform the same activity, it can take as little as 18 days to as long as 254 days to develop a habit. However, it can take as little as 66 days to change behaviour through habitual conditioning.

Developing healthy habits is the key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. And even if you begin small, taking basic steps to improve your overall health through habitual conditioning, you’ll soon see progress in your health and in your life.

Remember, all journeys begin by taking the first step. And if you want to live a healthy life, considering the lifestyle choices listed here can be your first step on the road toward better health. (1)

Quit Smoking for Good With These 7 Self-Help Tips

Smoking

Smoking can harm your health, not just the health of those around you. Smoking is one of the most common forms of substance abuse in America and it’s said that more than 17 million Americans smoke cigarettes. But quitting smoking for good doesn’t have to be as hard as everyone makes it out to be – here are 7 self-help tips that will help you quit today!

Quit smoking

1. First, Find Your Reason

Why do you want to quit smoking? Is it because everyone around you smokes and you hate having to walk outside every hour for a cigarette break? Or is it something more serious, like wanting to live longer for yourself or your children? Whatever your reasons are, make sure they’re strong enough that quitting will matter. If not, chances are you’ll relapse in the future when things get tough. Thankfully, today there are so many replacement options that make quitting easier and can serve as a first step. You can opt for zero nicotine vape options that give you the feeling of smoking cigarettes without the harmful chemicals. People choose these replacement options because they help them get rid of cravings while they ease off cigarettes gradually, without triggering any withdrawal symptoms.

2. Try Focusing on Breathing Exercises 

When cravings hit, try focusing on controlled breathing techniques instead of reaching for a cigarette. This will help relax both mind and body which can help stop the need to smoke before it even begins. A few deep breaths every time I had an urge helped me stay strong throughout many quit smoking attempts. Breathing exercises are also important because smoking often causes shortness of breath, which is how people get started in the first place.

3. Tell Your Loved Ones

Make sure to tell your friends and family that you’re quitting smoking so they can support you along the way. If you make it public, everyone will be watching to see if you succeed or not. Having people expect me to fail gave me even more reason to stay strong every day for my health, as well as theirs. This also helps with the social aspect of quitting smoking since you’ll be reaching out to your friends and family for support. Your loved ones are essentially the ones who will help you succeed.

4. Take It One Day at a Time

Quitting cigarettes is tough – but staying smoke-free is tougher. When things get hard, remember that staying smoke-free for one day should be all you focus on – because anything more than that should be treated as a huge accomplishment in itself! Focusing on one day at a time helped me stay strong through tough days and tough urges. Also, try not to focus on quitting altogether – set small goals like only smoking half as much or cutting down to one cigarette per day, instead of quitting completely.

5. Find a New Hobby or Activity to Take Up Your Time

Take up a new hobby to take your mind off smoking! When I quit, I exercised more because it helped me relax and focus on something other than cigarettes. If you don’t want to exercise, any activity from painting to skateboarding can help get your mind off of smoking every once in a while.

Play an instrument

A piano, guitar, or even drums might be just what you need to keep your hands’ busy while also getting some exercise in with those fingers! The key here is finding something where there’s no risk of being tempted to light up while playing because this habit could lead back down the path of smoking again. 

Learn a new skill

You may have always wanted to master the art of baking or painting – or maybe you want to learn a new language? Whatever it is, take up that hobby and spend your time learning instead of smoking. It’s amazing how many hobbies there are in the world and if we’re not careful we’ll live our whole lives without discovering even half of them! Find something you love and stick with it for at least a few weeks before deciding whether or not it’s worth quitting smoking for good to pursue.

Read more books

Many people undervalue the power of reading because they’ve never given books a chance. Reading doesn’t just open your mind to new ideas but also helps relax the mind when cravings hit hard. Try reading anything from mystery novels to self-help books. 

Practice meditation 

Meditation is another method that can help ease cravings while calming the mind and body, allowing you to avoid smoking again without feeling too anxious or stressed out about it. It also helps because meditation can bring your focus away from nicotine addiction and onto other positive personal changes like releasing negative thoughts, increasing self-esteem, and improving your overall physical health.

6. Remember the Benefits

If you don’t remember why quitting is important to you, write down all of the benefits that come along with being smoke-free – Not only does it help remind why quitting matters in the first place, but looking at your list whenever things get tough will show how much stronger you’re getting every day in your quit smoking journey. You can also write down all the benefits for your loved ones to help you stay strong.

7. Create a “Help Me” Jar

When things get tough, write down on a slip of paper all of the reasons why you want to quit smoking and put it in a jar. Then when you reach for another cigarette, read through your slips one by one to help keep yourself motivated! This helped me during many tough moments in my quit smoking journey and is a simple way for anyone to stay motivated. Also, remember to reward yourself for staying strong and reaching certain milestones in your quit smoking journey.

Cigarette

Remember that everyone’s journey is different, but these self-help tips can make quitting cigarettes much easier – even if you’ve tried before without any luck. But with support from friends and family, as well as focusing on staying healthy, there should be no reason for anyone to ever have to smoke another cigarette again.

How Can We Improve Our Sleeping Habits? A Guide

Sleeping Habits

With all the distractions and stresses of modern life, many of us are finding that it’s increasingly difficult to get off to sleep or to have a good quality sleep. If you want to learn more about why you could be struggling with your sleeping habits, and what you can do to try and improve them, then keep reading. We will cover some things you can try to improve your sleeping habits, so you can find something that works for you.

How To Tell If You’re Struggling With Sleep

For many people, it’s obvious when they’re struggling to sleep. Tossing and turning at night and finding they just can’t seem to switch their brain off when it comes to the time to drift off. However, poor sleeping habits can go undetected directly, whilst still causing issues for the sufferer. For example, some people may find themselves feeling exhausted, struggling to focus at work, or with low moods and energy levels. This can have a knock-on effect on other areas of their lives, without them understanding why it’s happening. Many people can be unaware that they’re having broken sleep or low-quality sleep. For the body to receive the full rest it needs, it needs to enter into a deep state of sleep called non-REM sleep. This is the stage where our body can fully recover from the day, carrying out important tasks such as repair and recovery. It also allows your organs and brain a chance to rest and prepare for the next day. Those that find they are struggling to get into this stage of sleep could find that their mental and physical health suffers as a result.

What Can Cause Poor Sleeping Habits

Potential reasons for poor sleeping habits can range widely. It could be due to a long-term sleep disorder, such as insomnia or sleep terrors. However, it can also be due to other areas of your life being affected. For example, many people find that when they’re going through a particularly stressful period of their life, they develop insomnia. Poor sleep is also very commonly linked with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Very often, you can improve sleep by targeting the issue at the root cause. For example, receiving treatment for anxiety and seeing improvements in that can result in sleep habits improving as a result. Those working night-time shift work also commonly find that they are not receiving the necessary quantity of sleep, or that the quality of their sleep suffers due to having to sleep during the day. Conditions such as sleep apnoea can also indirectly cause a lack of sleep as the breathing problems experienced with this condition can lead to broken sleep.

Lifestyle Factors That Can Affect Sleep

Health conditions aren’t always the only reason for poor sleep, as it can also be caused by other smaller lifestyle changes. For example:

  • Caffeine consumption
  • Changes in routine
  • Change in workload
  • Travel and time changes
  • Changes in temperature
  • Alcohol, nicotine, and drug use
  • Uncomfortable beds

If you find you’re struggling with sleep, it’s worth taking a look at some of these lifestyle factors to see whether they could be playing a part for you. Sometimes a simple change can be the answer to improving sleep, but if not then you should speak to your doctor about potential further investigations or medication.

Sleep Procrastination

There has also been a new discovery of why we could be experiencing a lack of sleep, known as sleep procrastination. So, what is sleep procrastination? This phenomenon is becoming increasingly common. It is usually due to an individual delaying sleep in order to feel like they have more time available to do spend doing other things. This can be due to feeling as though they spend too much time doing other things such as work, childcare, or housework, and don’t have enough time for themselves. Putting off sleep means they are creating more time free time for themselves but to the detriment of their sleep. Common forms of sleep procrastination include watching TV, scrolling on your phone, and playing video games. To learn more about this common habit affecting our sleeping habits, and what can be done to combat it, read Rise Science’s guide to sleep procrastination.

Digital Distractions

One of the biggest factors affecting people’s sleep in this day and age is digital devices. Whether that’s TV, cell phones, or laptops, they are all making it harder to switch our brains off for the day and drift off to sleep. The blue light emitted from these kinds of devices suppresses melatonin, a key hormone in the production of deep and good-quality sleep. Avoiding using devices for an hour before going to bed, and banning devices from the bedroom are both ways to help you to avoid the temptation to keep checking devices and exposing yourself to blue light. As well as the blue light, these devices also cause us to stay awake, focusing on things such as work emails, social media, or distracting videos. Our brains need to be in the mindset of sleep, and other areas of our life can keep us lying awake at night.

Keeping Your Workspace Separate

One way to help increase your chances of getting off to sleep is to make sure you’re not working in the area in which you sleep. Keeping computers and laptops out of your bedroom and having a separate desk area in another room dedicated exclusively to work will stop your brain from associating your sleep space with being associated with work. Also, avoid using your cell phone in bed and answering emails or working from your bed. If you have a partner, then talking about work before trying to get to sleep can be unhelpful for allowing you both to drift off. Try and keep topics light-hearted and calming if possible. If you’re finding it hard to sleep due to work stresses, then it could be worth discussing time off work or reducing your workload, as nothing is more important than your health.