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Reasons Why Undertaking Business Energy Comparison Is a Must for Your Business

By
Elizabeth Williams

You might have heard a lot about business energy comparison, but do you know why it is essential for your business aura? Do you know why businessmen consider taking up this comparison? 

There are multiple reasons why they tend to do so, but here we list down the essential ones to get you acquainted with the reasons as to why you should essentially opt for business energy comparison:

Getting aware of factors that show up on the energy bills

As a layman, you might only glance at the bottom of the energy bill where the total amount to be paid is written. You may hardly think of factors affecting the total energy bill causing it to hike up with every passing year.

Conducting an online business energy comparison will help you gain a better insight into the factors that influence energy prices. Energy professionals can be of great help in such a case as they can get you aware of almost everything that shows up on your energy bills. 

May it be the available tariffs and plans, energy contracts, payment platforms, offers, etc., they get you a clear picture about every aspect of the energy bill. Seeking their assistance can help the business owners quickly compare the available energy providers and their services to get their business streamlined and organized in terms of business energy.

It shows a way to be an energy savior

Who doesn’t want to save energy, saving the huge expenses on the bills in return? Everyone does; the same is the case when you talk about businesses. 

Cutting down on energy expenses can considerably lower down business expenditures and help them save money for other important aspects of the business. Hence getting a quick business energy comparison done by the professionals can help get a detailed picture of the prices that govern your energy bills and ways to save on them. 

Further, these professionals can also help you fetch the best energy suppliers and their deals to get your energy budget in place.

It gets you a brief detail about plans and tariffs

What is an energy comparison for you- Simply inviting quotes and picking on a supplier that offers you the cheapest deals for energy consumption? If you have the same notion, then you have developed the wrong one. 

Yes, energy comparison does fledge you with the various plans and tariffs offered but picking the cheapest available offer is not something wise.

Availability of the services of an expert professional for the same can help you in significant ways as they not always suggest you the cheapest deals but get you a clarified and detailed frame of the top energy providers and their services offered. 

They get you a comparison table not just in terms of prices but also the package, special deals, etc., which can help you determine the most suitable plans for your business as per the requisite of your business. So when you are aware of the most appropriate plans, you reduce your energy consumption significantly.

Conclusion

We hope we have given you an idea as to why energy comparison and hiring professionals for doing the same is important. 

Business energy comparisons can make your life a lot easier and can help you pursue your own bit towards going green and clean. Such an initiative not only helps in reducing the carbon footprint but helps you stay at the top of the money-saving and power backup plans.

6 Marketing Tips for Realtors

By
Elizabeth Williams

The real estate industry is a competitive and volatile space. It’s not enough to be good at your job, you also need to know how to market yourself to be noticed above the noise. 

We’ve put together a list of simple measures you can take to reach new audiences and get people lining up to have you help them sell their property or buy their dream home.  

  • Get personal(ized)

Everyone likes to get something for nothing. Getting your name and branding on things like Personalized Real Estate Notepads, drink koozies or pens and handing these out to clients can really make you stand out from the crowd. 

  • Build a great website

Having an online presence is crucial for any business these days. However, an old-fashioned or tacky website can actually harm your brand, so make sure you create a sleek and professional page. If you don’t have the skill set to do this yourself, pay someone else to – it’s money well spent.

  • Make yourself searchable

It’s not enough to have a killer website if no one can find it. The first thing most people do when they are searching for something is ask Google. This is why you should use SEO (Search Engine Optimization) tools, like relevant keywords and interlinking, to make your site appear at the top of the search results page. You should also make sure you create a Google My Business page, as this will help you rank higher. Away from Google, get yourself on Zillow – the yelp of the real estate world, as it’s a major traffic source for real estate searches on the web.

  • Leverage social media

If you’re not on social media, do you even exist? For many people, the answer is no. Get yourself on Facebook, Instagram and even Pinterest. Provide inspirational content, as well as practical guides and property listings, to position yourself as the go-to realtor for your local area.

  • Become an expert

Obviously you know what you’re doing, but you need to make sure your customers are aware of that too. Dedicate a portion of your time to creating market guides, like “10 things you have to know before selling your home” or “How to get ahead of the house buying game”. Post these to your website and your social media sites. You can also set up a newsletter to send to existing customers. This will also help with your SEO, as Google will recognize you as a trusted authority in your field. 

  • Tell a story

People love a good story and it sticks better in their minds. Whether it’s your own story, the story of the properties you’re selling, or a success story from a former client, get it out there (with permission, of course). One way to achieve this is to ask for customer testimonials for your webpage, social media or Zillow profile.

It might seem like a lot to get on with, but doing these things can mean taking your career, and your earning potential, to the next level. It will likely be worth your time to take a course in digital marketing, if this is not something you’re already familiar with, or pay someone to do it for you. If you get it right, your investment will totally pay off. 

Effectiveness of Cognitive Therapy and Meditation for PTSD Treatment

By
Elizabeth Williams
Meditation

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric health condition typically triggered by a past event witnessed or experienced. People living with PTSD are frequently overwhelmed by intense feelings of fear, horror, sadness, and helplessness. Traumatic events like losing a loved one, physical or sexual abuse, war, accidents, and natural disasters are some of the most common PTSD triggers.

PTSD patients may also have to deal with feelings of guilt, anger, and shock that may become increasingly stronger until they can no longer go about their normal activities. Symptoms of PTSD can last for years and will typically become more severe if left untreated.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a relatively prevalent condition. About 7 to 8% of Americans will experience PTSD at some point in their lives, according to the National Center for PTSD.

How Is PTSD Diagnosed?

The signs and symptoms of PTSD vary among individuals. The condition is not diagnosed until a month after the traumatic event. Mental health professionals group PTSD symptoms into four categories:

Intrusive Thoughts

Intrusive thoughts are marked by recurring, unwanted memories of the traumatic event. The sufferer may have flashbacks and nightmares about the event. There may also be emotional and physical reactions to things or other occurrences that remind the individual of the traumatic episodes.

Avoidance

A patient with avoidance symptoms of PTSD will try to avoid thinking or speaking about their traumatic experience. They may also want to avoid activities, places, and people who bring memories of the traumatic episodes.

Increased Arousal and Reactivity

Arousal and reactivity symptoms are marked by irritability, a constant edgy feeling, bursts of anger, and an exaggerated response to startling stimuli. Other symptoms like elevated blood pressure, tense muscles, rapid heart rate, and nausea may also accompany this arousal and reactivity.

Negative Cognitions and Mood

PTSD patients may have negative feelings about themselves and others around them. They may also experience depression and panic attacks related to the traumatic event. 

Treatment of PTSD

Mental health professionals treat PTSD using one or a combination of therapy and medications. The FDA approves antidepressants like Paroxetine (Paxil) and Sertraline (Zoloft) to manage and treat PTSD-related symptoms.

Psychotherapeutic approaches to dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder involve helping patients develop coping mechanisms and skills for dealing with the condition. There are several psychotherapeutic management approaches to dealing with PTSD with varying degrees of effectiveness.

We will examine the effectiveness of cognitive therapy and meditation as methods of PTSD treatment.

Cognitive Therapy for PTSD

Cognitive therapy is a treatment method based on the premise that faulty thinking is responsible for unhealthy behavior and unstable emotions. Thus, the cognitive therapist tries to get the patients to change their unhelpful ways of thinking and feeling, to help alleviate the symptoms of the ailment. Cognitive therapy focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behavior and how an adjustment can improve the other.

The patient learns self-help skills that help reorder their thinking, feeling, and behavior. Cognitive therapy for PTSD typically starts with an initial assessment. The therapist evaluates the patient’s symptoms based on standardized guidelines covering anxiety, depression, emotions, personality, and other issues. The answers from the initial assessment allow the therapist to evaluate the severity of the PTSD and decide the best course of action.

Patients may also have to undergo periodic assessments to help the therapist evaluate progress and see what part of the treatment requires adjustments. The cognitive therapist works with the patient to develop personalized techniques and interventions that will be most effective.

According to StuffThatWorks.health, which uses AI and crowdsourcing to identify effective medical treatments, cognitive therapy ranks as the fourth most effective treatment method for PTSD from a list of 50 treatment options. It’s worth noting that this value was collated using data from 28,000+ PTSD patients.

That said, cognitive therapy typically takes about 12 to 16 sessions to deliver for an individual or group.

Meditation for PTSD

Meditation has been touted as a treatment or management mechanism for a broad range of ailments. There is not enough research to accurately determine the effectiveness of meditative practices for PTSD management. However, several PTSD patients have found meditation to help deal with their symptoms. Unpleasant thoughts and memories trigger PTSD and practicing meditation can help patients take their minds away from those unwanted thoughts.

Meditation is a practice that attempts to get you to focus your attention on the present moment and nothing else. The idea behind meditation is that developing the ability to concentrate your thoughts into a single moment alone helps eliminate stress, improve calmness, sharpen your focus, and enhance your overall well-being.

There is a rising interest in the subject of meditation as therapy or as an aid to therapy. There are several meditative techniques for patients who want to explore meditation as an option for dealing with PTSD.

According to AI-generated data from StuffThatWorks.health, meditation ranks as the 20th most effective PTSD treatment mode. This ranking comes from a list of over 50 alternatives that cut across therapy and medication.

Other Psychotherapeutic Methods of Treating PTSD

There are other therapeutic interventions for PTSD with varying degrees of effectiveness.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PET)

Prolonged exposure therapy lets the patient confront the events or activities that trigger the disorder. The patient may learn to breathe while relieving or talking about the traumatic events. They may also make a list of the things they’ve been avoiding and why. Continuous exposure to the source of trauma can reduce or even eliminate PTSD symptoms.

Present-Centered Therapy (PCT)

Present-centered therapy focuses on the patient’s present issues rather than the event that caused the trauma. The idea of PCT is to enlighten the patient on the effects of trauma and their quality of life and equip them with skills and strategies for dealing with the present stressors they may be facing.

Conclusion

Stress reactions are normal after witnessing or going through trauma. Most people who experience these events get over it and do not have to battle post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition, quick intervention can prevent trauma from becoming full-blown PTSD.

Therapy combined with medication is often the best course of action for most PTSD sufferers. It is advisable to seek professional help for accurate diagnosis and help you develop a treatment method most suited to your experiences and needs.

Addiction And Mental Health Problems Have Increased During The Pandemic

By
Elizabeth Williams

Coronavirus infection has become a real challenge for the economy, health care system, scientific activity, and, of course, for a person. It has a strong influence on the mental condition of even healthy people.

According to experts, the coronavirus affects not only a person’s physical health but mental, causing stress, neuroses, and apathy. A continuous news flow, lockdown, and constant uncertainty provoke various mental disorders. The negative effect is observed even after the restrictive measures are lifted, and the countries return to their usual mode of life.

Covid-19 and Mental Health

Most scientific publications suggest that isolation can lead to various psychological consequences. They concern an increased level of anxiety, insomnia and emotional instability, psychosomatic, post-traumatic syndrome (PTSD), depression.

But when isolation has affected almost everyone on this planet, it felt a little different. The pandemic is a moment of historic loss: unemployment, lockdown, stagnation, hundreds of thousands of deaths. People feel depressed and notice depressive symptoms.

The epidemic and the restrictive measures taken during the quarantine have caused anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance. People are very worried about the political and social situation, sleep poorly, and have nightmares. They are constantly scrolling the news feed, reading posts, and the news is mostly depressing.

However, the self-isolation regime can’t be considered as the only cause of psychological problems. Much depends on individual characteristics, especially on how people have felt before the introduction of these special measures.

Because of the fear of being infected, people are in constant anxiety. They refuse to work, don’t let their children go anywhere, constantly use antiseptics. Such behavior destroys their lives. There is also a tendency towards disorder caused by the fear of foreigners arrived. Numerous people perceive immigrants as potential carriers of both the existing and the new strain of the virus.

Coronavirus and Addictions

Due to the pandemic and the constant stay at home, people began to spend more time in front of monitors. The results of numerous studies, as well as observations of psychiatrists and psychotherapists, confirm that alcohol consumption and tobacco use rates have increased during the pandemic.

  • Coronavirus and Alcohol Addiction

During the COVID-19, alcohol consumption in the world didn’t decrease since people began to drink more often at home.

The problem isn’t that people have started drinking a glass of beer or wine at home that they used to drink in a pub or restaurant. The problem arises when one glass turns into a bottle.

It seems that the pandemic will never end, so people start to worry about how to live. Alcohol seems to be the best way to distract and relax from boredom, often in the first half of the day.

For people with mental and behavioral disorders associated with alcohol abuse, the Covid-19 and self-isolation are extremely difficult. A vicious circle: people take the stress of coronavirus infection, which increases their risk of relapse, while at the same time they lack the supportive factors that helped them stay sober. Therefore, if you see that your loved one needs help, immediately contact the Profound Addiction Treatment Center.

  • Coronavirus and Drug Addiction

Here the situation is the same as with alcohol addiction, but with some exceptions. Many addicted people are trying to distract themselves from everyday problems not only with the help of alcohol but with medicines as well. During the lockdown, drug-addicted people are trying to cope with stress using such potent drugs as hallucinogens, as well as pain relievers based on marijuana.

However, the use of such strong drugs as heroin has declined in some countries due to strict measures and the inability to buy one more dose.

  • Coronavirus and Other Addictions

During the pandemic, the world faced huge problems. Many have discovered a new side of their loved ones.

For instance, the time spent on the Internet and social networks has increased from 6 hours to 8-12 hours a day. The sales of video games and, accordingly, the prices for them have increased as well. In addition, online casinos have begun to develop rapidly. People go to gambling sites out of boredom and can’t stop losing big sums of money.

When a person is in a closed space for a long time, and he has a limited circle of communication, this will certainly affect his mental health. Even a few weeks of isolation can provoke heightened anxiety and various psychological states. And the longer a person is in quarantine, the higher the risk of developing stressful and post-traumatic symptoms. Therefore, try to engage in physical activity, be in the fresh air more often and talk to other people (social networks provide this opportunity). Stay safe!

What To Do If You Suspect You Have Been Involved In Medical Negligence

By
Elizabeth Williams

There are many times you would need to visit a hospital or a medical facility. It could be that you need urgent care, or you need assistance for an ongoing problem. Sadly, it is possible that you will receive inadequate care for what you need, and actually end up worse off. In those cases, you have a range of options for before and after that you should think about.

Get Another Opinion

The first thing you should do if you suspect you’ve been a part of medical negligence, is seek the advice of another doctor or medical practitioner. That’s because they will have the skills and talent needed to actually identify any problems you might have. This could be with the same facility you initially had or it could be an outside opinion so you aren’t worried about any potential bias.

Keep Medical Records

At all times, regardless of if you think you’ve been involved in medical negligence or not, you should keep your medical records. Much like receipts from a shop, you will be able to know exactly what you’ve had done to you, and what you might need in the future. This will help protect your future interests as well as help to hold accountability if you suspect you were given something you shouldn’t have, or if you were given something that has now been found to be damaging.

Identify The Issue If Possible

It’s possible that you might not even realize that a problem has occurred after medical treatment. That’s why you should get check ups regularly, especially if you’re feeling off after a procedure or change in medical care.

The earlier that you are able to identify any potential problems, then the quicker you will be able to seek immediate help. Quicker care could lead to a problem getting more attention and is more likely to stop it getting worse. At the very least, they will be able to recommend what needs to be done to make you feel better.

This will help you understand what has actually happened in regards to medical malpractice sooner rather than later. It’s possible that if too much times has passed, that there won’t be any records or evidence of what happened, meaning no justice or compensation for what happened to you.

Contact An Attorney

Once the problem has been identified and there was something negative that happened that has affected you, then it will be time to seek an attorney. Even if you’re unsure if there is blame, a solicitor will be able to find out the truth and seek legal aid on your behalf.

It can be scary going to a solicitor regarding medical care you received, but they are there to help you with years of experience. When you tell them what happened, they will give you clear and honest straightforward advice. You will have the freedom to work with whatever practice you feel comfortable with, giving you more choice.

You should consider working with a solicitor who specializes in clinical negligence, as they will have the skills and experience needed to extract the truth and get you compensation. This way you know you will get the right advice and help in

In recent years, consumers of certain plant killers found themselves accidently getting paraquat inside their systems, which was a toxic chemical linked to Parkinson’s. If you suffered from this or know someone who did, then you would be able to seek a paraquat lawsuit through a specialist solicitor such as Sibley Dolman Gipe Accident Injury Lawyers. You can start chatting to them online via a consultation to find out what you could be eligible for.

Of course, it’s not just finding out about the money that you could be eligible for, it’s about getting justice for something that has gone wrong for you. You will get as much information as possible regarding what has happened and why, to help you get closure. You will also be able to find out more about the symptoms with a lawyer, as they will have worked with cases such as this for a long time.

Don’t Talk About It Online

It’s important that if you have been a victim of medical negligence, or suspect that you have been, that you don’t talk about it online. At least not straight away, as you may think you’re helping to spread awareness and publicity for your case, but you can actually do the opposite. That’s because the defense could argue that you’re trying to cause problems and get money by almost bragging online.

This can actually lead to your case being thrown out, so you should avoid it where possible. There will be more private victim groups that you can join to speak about, but you can’t be posting abuse or blame anywhere, as this will damage your case. You will also need to make sure you actually have a case to begin with, otherwise you may find that no one will help you if you’ve stopped your case before it’s even begun.

Get Medical Help With The Problem If Possible

If the problem persists and wasn’t a one off, then you should absolutely look into seeking medical assistance. This could be short term to address a problem, or it could be something more long-term that will need more careful attention.

You will most likely have to go a different medical place to get this care, as you may have burned bridges at the old one, or just not feel fully comfortable going there. There is nothing wrong with that, as you should go somewhere that you feel safe, and the choice will be yours as to where this is.

Medical assistance can come in a variety of different ways, from pill treatment to physio exercises to help maintain a problem. It could be something more permanent that can’t be resolved, but will need long-term care.

Try To Make Sure This Never Happens Again

When you have been a part of medical negligence, you may be in a position that you can help going forward. This means you could help get a certain product or chemical illegal, or you could help bring in forced change at a medical facility.

The end goal for you will be to make sure that no one will go through what you did. You don’t have to do this yourself, there will be organizations and charities, or even lawyers who you can work with to help get justice. Consider finding others who have gone through the same experience as you as you will be able to support each other and help stop others going through the same issues.

Seek Comfort

You should make sure that you are as best as you can be following your situation. That means seeking comfort and getting used to what happened. What some people do, is go to a professional councilor or therapist to speak about what you’ve been going through. Even a physical injury could cause your mental health problems.

Speaking about what happened out in the open with a trained individual will help you to accept what happened and move on with your life. It is a tried and tested way for you to get peace within your life.

2021 Guide to Various Spiritual Disciplines

By
Elizabeth Williams

Spiritual disciplines are practices, activities, and experiences that are intended to develop, expand, and reinforce particular spiritual traits — to strengthen one’s spiritual “muscles” and broaden one’s inner existence. They are aimed at integrating your spirit – conscious “I”, your subconsciousness, and “higher self”- with your body, and ultimately, with the universe.

If you are wondering if the spiritual disciplines are for you – the answer is simple. Yes. There are over a dozen of them, and everyone can choose the discipline that suits their needs and interests. Every person has a spiritual side as well, so those practices are even necessary. They are harmless, easy to learn, and even though they require dedication and attention, they are not burdensome or boring. Some of them are rooted in religious traditions (for example in Christianity or Buddhism), some of them are secular, and some of them are even part of the science, such as dream interpretation.

Dream interpretation

Briefly speaking, dream interpretation includes evaluation of the content of your dreams and ascribing meaning to it. Throughout human history, many symbols and archetypes have come to have a universally acknowledged and well-known meaning over time. On the other hand, with less popular symbols, the interpretation is more subjective. Some of them are highly personalized and have a special meaning that is important to you.

It is important to know that dream interpretation is not a pseudo-science. It is an important part of psychology and psychoanalysis, as it tells us a lot about our subconsciousness. According to Sigmund Freud, dreams represent our unfulfilled desires in life. Similarly, according to Carl Jung, dreams begin in our subconscious mind and play an important function in communicating with us. They have the power to heal us since comprehending and acting on these insights can help our “aware” personality to become unified with our subconsciousness. 

Learning how to interpret your dreams will lead you to learn more bout yourself. Start with small steps. This is not a rigid discipline and there are no strict rules that you need to follow. Many people do not remember their dreams, or they forget them quickly after they wake up. Hence, it is a good idea to start journaling. Keep the journal near your bed and when you wake up, try to write down as many details as you can remember. Take a note even if you did not dream anything or you do not remember it. Then, identify all the elements of your dreams – emotions, recurrences, relations with daily events, etc. As time goes by, you will start recognizing patterns and you will be able to remember, understand and interpret your dreams better.

Numerology

Numerology is a concept of a spiritual or supernatural relation between a number and one or more occurrences. Moreover, it involves the analysis of the numerical value of letters in words, names, and concepts. We can even say that numerology is the study of numbers in one’s life. Numbers are all around us, and we can’t say that they do not impact our lives. Numerology simply gives them deeper meaning. The universe is sending hints to us – using the numbers as a medium.

The main tenet of numerology is that every number has its significance. For example, number 118 represents positive characteristics such as wealth, prosperity, and abundance. You can even break it down, and interpret it as the combination of “1” and “8”, where the significance of “1” is amplified. It represents entrepreneurship, ambition, new beginnings, thinking outside the box, while “8” stands for prosperity, fortune, and fate. 

Some numbers such as number 111 are so-called “angel numbers”. Angels are sending us messages in form of repetitive numbers because they stand out and can easily get our attention. That is why we need to pay attention to such numbers, slow down, reconsider our priorities, and think about the message angels (universe, higher force) have for us. You will realize that some numbers have an important meaning to you, and you will start noticing them even more.

Even if dedicate just 15 minutes every day to the spiritual discipline of your choice, you will soon start seeing the results. You will feel more connected not just to the world around you – but to your body and mind as well. 

Here’s How To Look for the Right Orthopedic Spine Surgeon New Jersey

By
Elizabeth Williams

Orthopedic spine surgeons in New Jersey are healthcare practitioners who treat spinal problems. One of the many experts in this field of discipline is orthopedic surgeons, rheumatologists, neurologists, as well as chiropractors. Being able to select the best and the most appropriate spine surgeon or a team of doctors who are highly reliant on the severity and type of the condition along with the symptoms of the patient.

When spinal problems become too complex to treat in an office, clinic, or outpatient setting and surgery is needed, a highly-skilled spine surgeon should be consulted. 

Things That An Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Do

It is critical to understand that complicated spine surgery is performed by both orthopedic surgeons as well as neurosurgeons. Although the developing discipline of “spinal surgery” encompasses both specialties, a more defined specialty of spine specialists may emerge in the future.

Because the spine is the core neurological system and skeletal structure, it is indeed a critical region in both types of surgeons. Both orthopedic and neurosurgeons will focus solely on specific types of problems, such as herniated discs or spine fractures. Alternatively, they may choose to specialize and serve exclusively younger patients.

Neurosurgeons must finish a five- to six-year residency in neurological surgery, and orthopedic surgeons on the other hand have to undergo five to six years of residency in orthopedic surgery who diagnose and treat bone and joint problems.

When selecting a surgeon, it is critical to ensure that the physician is licensed by the proper board which is the American Board of Neurological Surgery for neurosurgeons and the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery for orthopedic surgeons. This not only guarantees that the physician has reached the highest requirements as well as succeeded in both oral and written tests, but also provides patients with the assurance that the surgeon is well-qualified and adheres to the highest industry standards.

For years, spine surgery was conducted via a lengthy incision as an “open operation” on the spine. However, as technology develops, neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons are now able to treat a variety of problems using minimally invasive procedures. The reason here is that minimally invasive spine surgery or MISS doesn’t really require lengthy incisions, it avoids poking and probing the muscles and tissue around the spine, resulting in a quicker procedure and a speedier recovery.

What to Check in an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon New Jersey 

Do you have persistent neck or back pain that makes it difficult for you to carry out your daily activities, and your physician is unable to pinpoint the best course of action for your ailments? If you are saying yes to this question, it is high time that you go for a consultation with an orthopedic spine surgeon.

Notwithstanding their title as “doctors,” orthopedic spine surgeons are specialists in treating spinal issues surgically as well as non-surgically. To aid you in starting your inquiry, we’ve developed a quick list of qualities to look for in an exceptional specialist:

  1. The spine surgeon must have done the necessary extensive training

Orthopedic spine surgeons receive considerable formal education in addition to substantial training over a period of many years. Identify the place of the medical school as well as the residency of your potential surgeon. Determine if your surgeon has undergone a fellowship in spinal surgery, which gives further, comprehensive training in all spine diseases and pathologies. Select a board-certified surgeon; this implies that the surgeon holds the highest level of expertise in this area.

  1. Make sure that the treatment of your spinal problems are attended to by a skilled spine surgeon

While orthopedic spine surgery is a specialization of medicine, it spans a wide array of ailments. If you’ve had a sports injury or a spinal tumor, you’d want to work with a surgeon who has considerable expertise in addressing similar cases. If you need a particular type of surgery, seek clarification about the surgeon’s expertise performing the treatment and the results.

  1. Determine the patient satisfaction record of the spine surgeon, and this track record should be exceptional

Suggestions from previous patients might be advantageous. Ask family, friends, even coworkers if they have had an encounter with the surgeon or know of anyone who has.  Patient satisfaction is a distinguishing quality of an outstanding orthopedic spine surgeon, and it involves more than just exceptional surgical outcomes wherein satisfaction is defined by an overall positive treatment environment.  Keep a low rate of infection through meticulous monitoring of their patients and postoperative patient support.   

  1. The surgeon should be one who is skilled in performing minimally invasive methods and emerging technologies

Spinal surgery has advanced significantly in recent years, and you want a surgeon who is knowledgeable about the newest evidence-based procedures and technology to guarantee that you obtain the best care possible.  The identification of the source of pain has become more quickly and precise due to the emergence of new imaging techniques which can be utilized in alleviating pain itself. Being to find a surgeon who has been skilled in conducting minimally invasive spine surgery or MISS, can result in minimal cuts, shorter days in the hospital, and a faster rate of recovery. 

  1. Know the rate of the orthopedic spine surgeon to ensure that he or she is within your financial means 

Although it is obvious that healthcare is really not free, this doesn’t really necessitate a compromise in the quality After locating an orthopedic spine surgeon that meets all of your diagnostic criteria, do not be afraid to explore payment choices. A good physician’s clinic will be transparent about costs and will work with you to determine your health coverage and out-of-pocket costs.

  1. Your orthopedic spine surgeon should provide you with a general sense of well-being

Nothing could ever compare to the gut sensation you get when you’ve taken the right call.  You must remain at ease as well as confident while selecting a surgeon. This is the reason why it is important to schedule an in-person visit with any possible surgeon. Are you comfortable conversing with the surgeon? Is he or she adequately responding to your queries or concerns? Was he or she candid in describing your condition and treatment alternatives? Are you treated with dignity and seen as a collaborator in your own health insurance? All of these questions should be appropriately answered.

You’ll Want to Check Out These Brands Fit for Athletes

By
Elizabeth Williams

With today’s technology and resources there is an abundance of incredible products out there for just about any hobby, preference, or need. If you’re an athlete, the options are almost limitless as far as what you can find in the realms of equipment, clothing, nutrition, and/or recovery. But how do you narrow down your search? How can you find the best brands and products out there? Here’s a handy list of just some of the most worthy brands currently catering to athletes and athletic needs.  

For Exercise 

Training is a large part of every athlete’s routine, thus quality exercise equipment is generally much sought after. NordicTrack is an incredible resource for fitness machines such as ellipticals, treadmills, stationary bikes, rowers, and more. They offer financing, delivery, and installation, as well as product guarantees and valuable warranties. They’ve focused on creating high-quality workout products that really up the fitness ante. Also available with each piece of equipment is the option of iFit, which is a program that can match you with a personal trainer, keep track of your fitness goals, connect you with a community of other members, etc. NordicTrack is hands down one of the best brands out there for exercise equipment.

In addition to needing the right equipment, athletes also need the right gear. Athleisure wear is becoming more varied and more available with each passing year, but there are still certain brands that really push the envelope in both function and form. One of such brands is Willy California. Based in LA, Willy California offers athletes around the globe comfort, style, and practical, performance-tested athletic clothing. From workout wear and swimwear to undergarments and accessories, they’ll have you covered with high-quality materials carefully sourced with their key clientele in mind. All of their products are moisture-wicking, anti-microbial, and are made to last with their use of highly durable yet comfortable textiles. 

These days whether you’re training indoors or outdoors, you’ll likely need to consider your personal health and the health of those around you. Disposable face masks have become a part of our daily lives, and workouts are no exception. WellBefore is a great wellness brand for athletes because they offer products that protect the user from a variety of potential pollutants. Their face masks are great for not only protecting the user against viruses but also against more general allergens such as pollen or dust particles. They’re made with high-quality, breathable materials that are individually packaged for easy use on the go. Other key offerings from WellBefore include: sanitizers, anti-bacterial wipes, and cleansers, which are all great additions to any gym or workout area.         

For Nutrition 

There’s a lot to consider with an athlete’s diet. Often getting the right nutrition they need to properly fuel their bodies requires a bit of innovation or some self-created concoctions with the perfect mix of nutrients, protein, and flavor. For this reason, many athletes choose to make a variety of healthy smoothies and shakes, which are not only nutritious but also quick and portable. If this pertains to you, another brand that should be on your radar is Vitamix. Vitamix provides the end-all-be-all of performance blenders, which are incredibly useful for those who work hard in the kitchen as well as in the gym. Their blenders are crafted with longevity in mind, so the components are made and assembled to last. Vitamix products also come with a huge array of accessories to choose from, so beyond the typical blades used for blending, mixing, and puréeing, you can also try your hand at juicing, emulsifying, or food recycling. 

As the world learns more about nutrition and the various effects of certain chemicals and substances, it is becoming clear that some people are affected differently by things like lactose, gluten, sugars, etc. For athletes, these effects can be incredibly important to identify in order to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. An ingenious product that aims to do just that is the at home food sensitivity test made by Next Health. This test, currently available in New York and Los Angeles, allows healthcare professionals to check your body’s chemistry for 96 commonly reactive foods. They’re specifically looking for the foods that can be an underlying cause of inflammation, discomfort, and even why you get tired after eating. This is ultimately where health and science align, which is a beautiful combination, especially for athletes.

Of course, over the years it has also become clear that not even athletes are getting all the nutrients they need from diet alone. Supplements have become a staple in the world of athletics, but luckily, there is now a plethora of options available, a far cry from the dry, chalky vitamins of the past. If fiber is something you find yourself lacking, Uprising Food has you covered with their superfood bundles. Their fiber-packed “cubes” can be added to just about anything, allowing you to almost feel the nutrients flowing into your body. Probiotics are another common addition to a healthy, well-rounded diet, and with De La Calle’s probiotic soda, it’s never been easier to make sure your gut health is kept in tip-top shape as well. 

For Recovery 

After your training and diet are taken care of, a good athlete also needs to consider their recovery processes. Maintaining your personal hygiene is often the first step to transitioning out of workout mode and back into everyday life. For all your important bath and body needs, Spongellé should be considered as an athlete’s one-stop-shop for high-quality, personalized products. Bar soap vs body wash, loofah vs buff-puff, fragrance-full vs scent-free, you can find out exactly which options are best for you and your needs because they truly have it all. It’s incredibly important for your body to feel rejuvenated and well-cared for no matter how far you push it in the gym. Self-care is just as important for one’s body as exercise and nutrition.   

Additionally, products related to pain relief are a must for athletes who are serious about their recovery and longevity. While there are numerous companies that cater to these particular needs, some are clearly a cut above the rest. One brand known for its powerful pain relief backed by science and a whole host of healthcare professionals is BioFreeze. BioFreeze uses a methanol-based formula that is applied directly to the skin for fast-acting, long-lasting pain relief. They have sprays, gels, creams, roll-ons, and patches, so no matter where your pain is, you’ll be able to address it directly and quickly. For athletes concerned with the adverse effects of medications, BioFreeze is an amazing alternative that really works.  

If you’re an athlete, chances are you have a lot of health and fitness goals that you’re vigorously striving for. Fortunately, the many brands and products listed here are made specifically with you and your goals in mind. However, regardless of your level of fitness, maintaining one’s health still comes down to exercise, nutrition, and recovery, and it would be wise to use today’s technology and resources to your advantage. There are so many ways in which to receive the support and elements you need to help you reach any goals you might have, and in the process, they’ll likely also help you to live a healthier, more active life in general.  

The psychology of online casinos

By
Elizabeth Williams

The online gambling market is arguably one of the biggest success stories of the internet age and with revenues set to top $100bn by 2024, it is a sector that isn’t going away any time soon.

So how do online casino operators manage to captivate such a large percentage of the population?

The answer is psychology and specifically the blend of internet marketing and gambler/risk taker psychology.

So what techniques do online casinos use and are they necessarily all bad?

Online casinos aren’t about risk

Whilst the users of casinos ( and indeed those who write about them) may focus on the risk/reward aspect, for operators risk is the furthest thing from their minds.

Casino designers are students of human psychology and examine in minute detail how people think, feel, and behave.  Every year operators spend millions of dollars trying to understand the psychology of a gambler.

The aim is to take a scientific approach towards the art of gambling and to develop casino offerings that will get people to open accounts and return over and over.

So what methods are employed to get people to hand over their cash and keep doing so?

The thematic casino

The first interaction with a potential customer is incredibly important and online casino operators understood a long time ago that they needed to make their users comfortable with their environment.

One of the key benefits of an online casino is that it doesn’t suffer from the ‘boys club’ stigma of brick and mortar establishments, this means that it can be relevant for a much wider demographic.

The housewife who wouldn’t dream of visiting her nearest casino or the housebound person who couldn’t physically go to their local Gentian are both good examples of new markets that both have significant online potential.

One of the ways to make an online offering attractive is to use thematic branding using sports, TV shows, movies or celebrities as themes for a casino site making the user feel less like they are in a casino than a place they enjoy.

A constant reward system

When a player wins in a casino they gain gratification which makes a player’s brain release dopamine, the ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter.

When a player wins they get a hit of dopamine and if they get regular small hits then they are more likely to continue with the behavior.

In other words, it is a  cycle of motivation, reward, and reinforcement.

The best way to keep people online is to give them regular treats and the casino does this by handing out:

  • Instant win games
  • Loyalty points
  • Leaderboards
  • VIP ladders
  • Free spins, multipliers, wildcard wins
  • Bonuses for sharing on social media
  • Deposit multipliers
  • Bonuses for playing on mobile devices
  • App download bonuses

Allowing anonymity

According to Dr. Mark Griffiths, Distinguished Professor of Behavioural Addiction at Nottingham Trent University, “In online live casino gaming, the anonymity of the internet allows players to privately engage in gambling without the fear of stigma,”.

This is important as users want to be able to play without feeling guilty or ashamed and online casino owners do everything they can to ensure that anonymity is retained.

Developing social interactions

If users are going to stick around then they need to feel comfortable and that they are among friends.

Many casinos encourage this by developing in and out of game messaging to allow people to form relationships with other players.

In practice, this means that people are more likely to stay online longer and will feel more comfortable trying different games as their friends share their experiences.

For people who have little in the way of meaningful interactions offline, the development of these cyber-relationships can be a significant benefit and often they are available whether the user gambles or not.

Understanding their users

In the world of marketing, a deep understanding of the target market is like gold and online casinos are no different.

A good example of this is the rise of the Bitcoin Casino where users wager cryptocurrency rather than real-world or ‘fiat’ currency. These sites offer a wide range of games from blackjack to slots to poker but the one thing that they have in common is that the wagers are made in crypto.

Online casino owners realised that people who own bitcoin spend a high proportion of their time online, are risk-takers and often have a surfeit of bitcoin that can only be used in a limited number of places.

Consequently, they invested in developing payment systems that could take bitcoin and crypto themed casino sites that would attract this very specific audience.

Again this is founded on the thematic principle and the social interaction aspect as bitcoin users feel more positive about using a casino also used by their peers.

Losses disguised as wins

If dopamine is released by a win, then the anticipation of a dopamine hit and the subsequent denial can cause people to become down and feel negatively about the casino environment.

To counter this casinos develop the loss disguised as a win phenomenon.

Typically users will bet say $2 and win $1 but this will be accompanied by flashing lights and winning type symbols making it ‘feel’ like a win.

Research has shown that a series of small wins that total less than the amount staked is seen more positively than one or two large wins that total more than the amount won.

This means that it isn’t the amount won per se, but the number of times that the user wins. In other words the more dopamine hits they get.

Developing trust

The casino sector, whether that is brick and mortar or online has something of a ‘shady reputation.

But advances in cybersecurity means that online gaming is safer than ever before however, many gamblers simply don’t trust online casinos.

Consequently, online owners have had to make great efforts to promote the security users data and the payment process to reassure new gamblers.

Tackling problem gambling

Often casinos, and in particular, online casinos are seen as a wholly negative thing with great swathes of problem gamblers addicted to playing any game they can however the research tells a different story.

In fact, in a recent University of Nottingham study published in the British Journal of Psychology, Richard J. E. James, Claire O’Malley, and Richard J. Tunney suggest that problem gamblers account for only between 0.4% and 0.9% of all online account holders.

This means that the vast majority of account holders are able to manage their online gambling experience and, given that they return consistently, enjoy the experience.

The problem is though that the more issues there are, the more likely that regulators will step in and place more restrictions upon online casinos and so they have understood that they need to clean up their act.

The ability for users to set limits to their deposits and daily wagers, enforcing limits on how much can be wagered or how long sessions can last, and ensuring that users are sufficiently educated in how the games work are all methods that casinos have used to head off criticism.

Online casinos – practical psychology at work

If you want to see psychology at work in everyday life then you could do much worse than visit an online casino.

Every aspect is designed to get you to open an account, play games and importantly, return and the sector is developing every day.

This means that new techniques are constantly being developed allowing the casino to increase its user base.

Why not take a look and see how many different ways online casinos use psychology as part of their business model?

A Guide to CPAP Settlements – Legal Claims for Lung Injuries and Cancer

By
Elizabeth Williams

Have you been using a recalled CPAP machine? Here’s what to do to start a legal claim of your own.

Faulty CPAP lawsuits are all over the TV right now, probably because some big name brands had to recall most of their line in the last few months. These commercials are designed to attract the attention of anyone using a CPAP machine and alert them to the danger.

And rightly so, with millions of products recalled and the threat of cancer or lung disease on the horizon, anyone using a recalled CPAP machine is well within their rights to claim for compensation. We wanted to help you fight back against this injustice by giving you all the details you need about filing for a CPAP settlement of your own.

Let’s start at the beginning. What do you do if you think your CPAP machine has injured you?

Find out if your CPAP Machine was Recalled

First of all, no matter whether you are injured or not, you should check if your CPAP machine has been recalled. If you have respiratory issues this could explain why. If you have no respiratory issues but you have been using a recalled CPAP machine, you should stop using it immediately and get a lung health checkup.

If you have suffered respiratory issues or cancer and your CPAP machine has been recalled, you should move on to stage 2.

Some of the Philips CPAP and BiPAP machines that were recently recalled include:

  • The A Series BiPAP Hybrid A30, V30 Auto, A40 and A30
  • The DreamStation ASV, ST, AVAPS, Dreamstation Go and Dreamstation
  • The E30 by Philips
  • The Carbin Plus, Aeris, Lifevent
  • The C Series ASV, S/T and AVAPS
  • The Omnilab Advanced+
  • The SystemOne ASV4, (Q Series)
  • The Dorma 400, 500
  • The Trilogy 100, 200
  • The REMstar CE Auto

You can find a full list on the FDA website.

Stage 2: Visit your Doctor

Once you have realized you may have been using a carcinogenic or faulty BiPAP or CPAP machine, you should visit your doctor. Have them give you a full lung cancer screening for any signs of cancer or any respiratory distress which may have been caused by the faulty device.

If you have the all-clear, great. If anything comes up within a two-year period, you should still file your claim.

22 million people in America depend on these machines to fight back against sleep apnea. That’s potentially millions of lung problems that never need to happen. If you are one of those affected, move on to stage 3.

Stage 3: Finding a Lawyer

Finding a qualified Philips CPAP Injury Lawyer could be the difference between winning and losing your case. If you use a personal injury lawyer who doesn’t specialize in this field, you could find yourself with an attorney that doesn’t appreciate the ins and outs of this type of case. The more experienced the lawyer, the better your chances of proving your illness in a court of law.

Don’t Ignore the Philips CPAP Product Recall

Don’t ignore the Philips CPAP product recall. It could cost you more than just medical expenses.

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