I would like people to see me as a warm and welcoming person but in reality it doesn’t matter because their impression is their perception and has nothing to do with who I really am. The impression of me would also be different based on who I am meeting, say I’m meeting a religious leader, I would be humbled and taking in their presence and any lessons offered and not ask questions unless the door was open. I think the impression of me is different for everyone I met.
I am not a fluffy person and my writing is more raw and to the facts. That in itself could be taken may different way. All I can do is be who I am and hope that people will give me grace.
If your relationship is taking more away from your life and well-being than it’s providing, there’s a good chance it’s toxic. Here’s how to know — and what to do if you realize your romance is unhealthy.
You’re dating someone new and everything feels … brighter. You’re giddy, practically floating on air. As the emotions from this punch-drunk chemical cocktail settle down, so too does the relationship. But rather than feeling the warmth of deepening intimacy and a comfortable routine, you start to lose yourself. Or at least that’s how it seems. Unproductive arguments happen regularly, and one or both of you seem prone to jealousy, passive aggression, or blame.
If those scenarios sound all too familiar, you may be involved in a toxic relationship. “We can think of toxic relationships the same way we think of toxic materials,” Shadeen Francis, LMFT, certified sex therapist, tells DailyOM. “Toxic relationships are ultimately harmful to our well-being, often worsening our health and happiness over time.”
If those scenarios sound all too familiar, you may be involved in a toxic relationship. “We can think of toxic relationships the same way we think of toxic materials,” Shadeen Francis, LMFT, certified sex therapist, tells DailyOM. “Toxic relationships are ultimately harmful to our well-being, often worsening our health and happiness over time.”
And that healthy partnership involves mutual love and high integrity, she adds, having each other’s backs and empowering each other to be the best version of yourselves. Both parties have good intent and stay responsible for their own feelings. “If any of these elements are missing, you’ve got the makings of a toxic relationship,” Newman says. “If you’re dealing with an opponent instead of a partner, that’s toxic.”
Meanwhile, if you’re continually offering your best self and stay willing to work through challenges, yet your partner isn’t receptive — or worse, they’re downright harmful — that’s toxicity worth paying attention to.
4 Signs Your Relationship Is Toxic
You Don’t Operate as a Team
Conflicts and disagreements are a part of all relationships, says Francis, but if those conflicts undermine your trust and safety, that’s a concerning sign of toxicity.
“You and your partner are different people and are going to have feelings, thoughts, needs, and desires that are at odds sometimes,” says Francis, adding that feeling disappointed, angry, or sad is okay. “But notice whether or not you still generally feel like a team. Even as there are problems, do you believe that you both are working toward resolving them? Can you still be kind to one another? Or is there blame, criticism, gaslighting, avoidance, or stonewalling?” If it’s the latter, and if kindness and resolution remain out of reach, that’s a toxic pattern.
You’re Codependent
Codependency is another toxic trait that can put your relationship and well-being off course. In this dysfunctional dynamic, one person takes on the role of the “giver” and the other is the “taker.” The giver sacrifices their own needs to tend to the other — potentially making excuses for their unruly behaviors — while the taker relies too heavily on those care attempts.
“Codependent relationships, even if they are warm and loving, are also often toxic relationship environments,” says Francis. “They are often organized not by love, but by insecurity, trauma bonding, and fear.”
Though it’s important to note that many people have overcome challenging childhood experiences without repeating those patterns as adults, if you or your partner grew up in an abusive household or around alcohol dependence, you may be more prone to this scenario.
Your Life Is Falling Apart
A common thread among many toxic relationships is the isolating places they lead. You may become so involved in the toxic parts that you have little room in your life for friendships or hobbies. Your work life suffers as you struggle to concentrate on anything besides your relationship, while your moods and ability to sleep well dwindle.
While some of these issues might crop up in a pronounced way, gradual, subtle unfolding is common. Because “our relationship dynamics are a series of interactive habits, patterns of response, emotional exchanges, and routines that we form together over time,” says Frances, “it is not unusual for subtle changes or seemingly unimportant frictions to become entrenched problems in our relationships down the road.”
And because these frictions and their effects develop slowly, it’s easy not to realize the path you’re on until the pain or frustration accumulates. If you feel like something isn’t right, Frances adds, it’s important to “trust your embodied wisdom, even if you can’t quite put your finger on where or when things shifted.” And if your partner uses manipulation to avoid accountability, she says, they may capitalize on doubt and try to distract or gaslightyou into ignoring warning signs of toxicity.
While positive, healthy relationships allow you to strengthen other life areas and bolster self-esteem, a toxic relationship does the opposite. “A toxic relationship isn’t just one with challenges or hardships,” explains Francis. “They take a long-term toll on your health, whether that is emotional health, mental health, spiritual health, financial health, or physical health.”
You Notice Signs of Narcissism
While not all toxic relationships include narcissism, a narcissist’s extreme self-involvement can easily invite toxicity. “Narcissism involves a number of traits that are likely to create a toxic relationship: self-absorbedness, lack of remorse, low emotion regulation skills, a dependence on others’ admiration in order to feel self-worth, and a resistance to taking accountability for their impact on others,” Francis says.
You might also fall prey to gaslighting, manipulation, and severe emotional abuse when a partner’s narcissism is at play, which may show up as your being constantly controlled or ridiculed.
When on the receiving end of narcissistic behavior, your own needs fall to the wayside because of your partner’s self-focus. (At first, your partner may have showered you with over-the-top gestures and gifts, also known as “love bombing,” purely to “win” or “keep” you.).
Even though narcissism often stems from emotional neglect early in life, know that it’s not your responsibility to “fix” a partner who’s hurting you. You can have compassion and move on. And of course, narcissism doesn’t affect everyone who had a difficult childhood. Only about 5 percent of people have narcissistic personality disorder, the most severe form. If you recognize that you are prone to narcissist tendencies yourself, with time and effort, you can work through those wounds and find new strategies for soothing and relating to others.
Can You Fix a Toxic Relationship?
An unhealthy, toxic relationship can be turned around, says Newman, if both people are willing to change their behaviors for good. “Not try to change, not hope to change someday. I mean literally change instantly, as in I see it, and I’ll stop it right this second.” While this shift is rare, she says — and requires committed efforts moving forward — it’s awesome.
Chanel Dokun, a relationship expert trained in marriage and family therapy, author of Life Starts Now: How to Create the Life You’ve Been Waiting For, and the co-founder of Healthy Minds NYC, agrees that a toxic relationship can be healed, “but only if each individual does the hard work to address their own unhealthy relational patterns,” she tells DailyOM. “The couple might need to take a substantial break to allow for healing and a reset to their dynamic.”
How to Get Out of a Toxic Relationship
What you don’t have to do is stick around suffering, hoping the other person will change. Some relationships can’t be saved, and you may decide it’s time to go your separate ways, even if you still have feelings for your partner or they have certain traits that you admire.
When meaningful change isn’t feasible or you want out regardless — for whatever reason — both Francis and Newman suggest seeking help. That’s because breakups, while never easy, can be especially complicated and painful when you’re dealing with a toxic dynamic. If your self-esteem has lowered because of the relationship, leaving you in a more vulnerable state, even a relatively mild breakup might feel impossible. Regardless, you can get through it with proper care.
To get out of a toxic relationship, Newman says the support of friends, family, and possibly a trained professional such as a therapist is key. “Set yourself up to have someone in your corner who can have your back and reassure you that you’re making the right call. This is not the time to turn inward; look out to your community for love and help,” the expert says.
Ask your therapist or another trusted ally to help you role-play what you want to say to end the relationship and brainstorm next steps and logistics — say, if you and your partner are currently living together or will need to be in contact in the future, due to children you share together or for another reason. If you are able to make a more complete break and cut off all communication, that may be helpful, and even necessary, particularly if you feel your partner will try to gaslight, guilt, or otherwise manipulate you to stay with them, or you’ve developed a trauma bond, in which you feel you need the harmful partner.
How to Heal from a Toxic Relationship
There’s no quick fix or universal timeline when you’re healing from a toxic relationship that you’ve left behind, so keep being gentle with yourself. “Change is hard and takes time,” notes Frances. “You’ll need some grace to get to the other side.”
Continue to lean on your support systems and give yourself time to work through the aftermath with love and kindness toward yourself.
Meanwhile, delve into activities you’re curious or passionate about, with the knowledge that you are a “whole person with or without a partner,” says Dokun. “It’s possible to build a thriving life full of meaning and purpose without staying in a toxic dynamic, so prioritize the pursuit of your own life purpose over the relationship before you miss out on the life you deserve to live.”
To explore what that might look like for you, consider journaling, practicing guided meditation, or bringing these topics up with a friend or your therapist.
The rewards of the healing work you do can pay off more than you can imagine. Trust that process, knowing that you will absolutely be better off in the long run.
I’m an American and I once was proud to say that. I still love America and it is home for me but the politics, division in the country and the rise in physical and cyber crime is very concerning. Almost 10 years ago everything changed with the focus of our government with the biggest impact is neither party working together, they out right refuse. How are they helping Americans grow?
Back to the question. I have looked at other countries as an excersis and have found the countries that live by the values and government style I perfer and way to cold. I’ve thought about Austrailia because I think in many ways we are similar and while visiting Sydney, everyone was so welcoming. It made me think I was back home in Texas.
There are locations that have crossed my mind but in reality every country has it’s issues and living in America is far less expensive than any country I researched. I would not feel right moving away from my home country but wish for some magic to turn America around to better times.
It’s almost a reflex: You have an ache or pain, so you reach for an over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication. But as routine as this behavior is, not everyone should casually take pain medications, as there can be potential negative interactions.
For example, people with kidney damage or reduced kidney function might not be able to use every OTC pain medication. Let’s look at why and what you can safely do for pain relief.
Before taking any pain medication, you should speak with your physician or a health professional to determine any possible interactions or risks that you might encounter.
For people with kidney disease, aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding. And in those with reduced kidney function, aspirin is not recommended unless prescribed by a physician. The recommended alternative can vary depending on the type and severity of kidney problems that you have.
Often, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the preferred alternative. But it’s encouraged that you use the lowest dose possible that still manages pain or fever symptoms, decreasing doses gradually. And likewise, you should not exceed more than 3,000 milligrams per day.
Alternatively, if an OTC acetaminophen drug doesn’t control pain symptoms, a physician may suggest a temporary prescription alternative like tramadol. In its immediate release form, tramadol can be used in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end stage renal disease (ESRD).
However, extended release dosing for tramadol is not recommended for people with advanced CKD or ESRD.
Which pain medication is safe for kidney transplant patients?
Similar to people with kidney disease, transplant recipients should only consider acetaminophen to manage post-operative pain symptoms. Again, best practices include using the lowest dose possible and never exceeding 3,000 milligrams per day.
Which pain medication is safe for kidney stones?
The short answer to this question is, it depends. If a patient has kidney stones with no underlying renal issues, then any OTC pain medication can be used to manage the pain symptoms associated with passing a kidney stone.
This includes ibuprofen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and acetaminophen. Multiple studies and reviews have consistently shown positive patient outcomes when using OTC medications of all types to treat pain associated with renal colic or passing a kidney stone.
However, if someone also has impaired kidney function and kidney stones, NSAIDs are not recommended. A physician will provide the best guidance, but typically, sticking with acetaminophen is the best choiceTrusted Source for managing kidney stone pain when you have kidney disease or impaired kidney function.
Misusing any pain medication can increase your risk of kidney damage. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and of course, prescription opioid medications. The most common risks center around consuming too high a dose or taking medications for longer than recommended.
But of all the OTC pain medication categories, NSAIDs pose the greatest risk of continuous kidney damage. Specifically, these medications can increase the risk of progressive kidney damage or sudden kidney failure.
A 2019 studyTrusted Source involving over 764,000 U.S. Army officers found that participants who were prescribed more than seven daily doses of NSAIDs per month had an increase in the potential for an acute or chronic kidney disease diagnosis.
Regardless of whether you have a diagnosed kidney disorder or have healthy kidney function, OTC medications should be used with care.
Excessive use by consuming too high a dose or for prolonged periods can lead to a variety of health problems throughout your body — including damage to the kidneys.
For people with kidney disease or impaired kidney function, avoiding NSAIDs unless directed by a physician is the safest way to avoid further harm. Instead, opt for acetaminophen and be sure to use the lowest dose for the shortest period to control pain symptoms.
And when in doubt, speak with a physician or health professional before taking an OTC pain medication.
I have Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Dieases and it is hard to deal with pain when you can’t take NSAIDS and choose not to take pain pills. Ice works well for the short term.
It’s that time of year when many of us are pulling out heavier blankets for the colder months of winter. If you have a chronic illness maybe you’ve already heard about weighted blankets, maybe even sleep with one year-round. If not familiar with weighted blankets, I’ll share some of the basics of buying one.
Weighted blankets come in all sizes, including children’s and throws. The blankets work by distributing weight evenly across the body to imitate a hug to induce better sleep by increasing Serotonin levels inducing a deeper sleep.
Weighted blankets have been known to help with many types of chronic illnesses and sleeping problems.
The key difference from your average blanket is they are made with glass beads as a filler. You purchase the weight of the blanket based you your own weight. It is also suggested that if you are a first-time user to buy a lighter one to start off.
The blankets come in a variety of fabrics and many have slipcovers you can purchase as well. I’m a very hot sleeper and they even make weighted blankets for people like me. Look for Cooling in the description.
I started my search last night for a new one since the first one I purchased was too heavy. I learned a lot about how they are made and why some are more expensive than others.
When you’re looking for a blanket you want small sewn 5″-3″ squares, that way the beads are more evenly distributed. The larger the square the more the beads can roll around.
Another important feature to look for is if it is machine washable, I found several that were hand wash only and I can’t go for that. I would recommend a duvet cover for your blanket which will allow you to keep it clean and only have to wash the blanket occasionally.
There are many lists of the top brands to buy, after looking at a few lists, I went to Amazon. I could not justify the $300 price of the top-rated blankets, it just doesn’t make sense. I found several including one on the list that cost $100 for a small size. I’m only buying a blanket for my side of the bed, not the entire King Size bed. He sleeps with the heavier blanket I bought years ago.
I found something interesting as I did more research. One brand I discovered said on more than one occasion, they are not for people with sensitive joints and back pain! Wait, hold the phone! What! I have sensitive hip joints and bad back pain. Do I need one of these blankets?
If you do decide to buy one, make sure you buy the right weight for your body. I’ve heard the praises of weighted blankets for years but for me, it was not the right choice.
Ask lots of questions and shop around before buying there are so many nuances to each blanket.
Improving your cooking skills is never a bad idea. Around 28% of Americans admit to having little or no skills in the kitchen. Everyone needs to eat, and preparing your own healthy, home-cooked meals can help you improve your health, reduce your reliance on junk or processed food and help you learn skills you can apply in other areas of your life too.
That being said, not everyone is a natural in the kitchen, and you only need to watch one of the many cooking shows to see the lack of skills some possess when it comes to whipping up meals. Hence, finding tips and hacks that can allow you to still eat well without the effort is an excellent way to build confidence in the kitchen to build on this and further improve your skills.
Read on for some tips to hack cooking and help you become a better cook and enjoy better meals and improved health.
Use A Slow Cooker
Slow cookers are a great way to help you eat better and also cut down on the prep work involved while building up your skill set. You can use low cookers for a wide range of meals, from soups and stews to pasta dishes and even desserts. Why not try this chicken cacciatore for an easy go-to midweek meal? The beauty of slow cookers is that, generally, you put everything together and let it do its thing. There is physically minimal prep depending on the meal or dessert you are making.
Use Gadgets
While you need to know your way around a knife for cooking, different knives have different uses; in the early stages or to cut down on prep work using kitchen gadgets such as mandolins for slicing and chopping blenders can help you out in a pinch, and get the ingredients prepped while you get to grips with cutting and chopping. Multi-tools, chopping boards with measures on, splash guards, and more can all come in useful throughout your cooking journey.
Bulk Prep
If you are prepping for your meals and practicing your skills, try bulk prepping or meal prep to help you out for future cooks. It can be tricky initially to get your technique sorted or to make the right quantities, so making more on purpose not only gives you more practice but can also give you some bits ready-made that you can use to help your next creation a bit easier.
Preheat
One of the best tips you can have when learning to cook or expanding your skills is to preheat. Preheat your pan, oven, grill, etc. Never pour your oil into a cold pan, and always check that your oven is at the right temperature before popping food in to ensure an even cook. It can be worth investing in a thermometer if needed for your cooking appliances and your food to ensure everything is at the right temperature.
Conclusion
A kitchen is a place where you can have fun and get creative, but learning the basics will go a long way in helping you to create some fabulous meals. Start simple, and build your way up to more complex dishes to really make a move from beginner to Masterchef.
We can never repay our Veteran’s but we can honor and show our appreciation for the risk they signed up for and the personal hardships.In a perfect world, wars would not happen, but the reality is if you look back in time, we’ve been fighting since the beginning. It is a crazy time in the world and you can bet the Military is working hard to keep to keep all Americans safe and free.
Explanation For Holiday
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
The next time you see a Veteran, thank them, sit with them and if’s your personality give them a hug.
But it’s coffee to the rescue. When examining prior studies on the effects of diet and exercise on mood, researchers noted a correlation between coffee consumption and increased mood. Specifically, they found that consuming 75mg of caffeine—roughly one cup of coffee—once every four hours “could result in a pattern of sustained mood improvement over the course of the day.” Mood, energy, alertness, and concentration were all improved by participants in the study, per the Independent.
But it’s more than caffeine. Giuseppe Grosso, an assistant professor at the University of Catania in Italy and lead author, states that some of coffee’s macronutrients may also be having a positive effect on the brain. Per Gross, polyphenols may be able to pass from the blood into the brain, where they can have anti-neuroinflammatory effects as well as aid in the formation of new neurons. These could additionally help in easing the risk of affective disorders like SAD.
With the weather changing, chances are you may be drinking more coffee already. And as luck would have it, drinking coffee may be doing you more good than you knew.
I am not one to write a post on the phone app. We are discussing ways to solve the problem but at this point they are not satisfied with what I’ve provided.
This was difficult to write on these tiny keys yet it’s important for me to know if others are having the same or other issues.
I’ve reposted this post several times over the years and 2010 was the original post. It’s critical to acknowledge how difficult life is for a caregiver and to think of ways to support them.
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Each day was a roller coaster of how he felt and how exhausted I was. I learned so much being a caregiver to my grandmother and grandfather. As the population ages, many of you will take on the responsibility. One of the most difficult changes was going from granddaughter to caregiver. Even at 92 my grandfather had a strong mind and felt he didn’t need help. I pray for strength every day.
My grandfather died in 2010 at the young age of 92 years old. I spent more time with him in 2010 year than I spent at home. I cherish the time we had together, no matter how painful. They are my memories and my life changed forever with his death. His health declined so fast that for two days I did not realize that he was dying now, not in a couple of weeks. He was at home under hospice care and would not get in the hospital bed until two days before he passed. He fell out of bed that morning, he was so weak it was difficult for me to get him back in bed. I don’t think we would have been able to talk him into moving to the hospital bed if he had not fallen. For him the bed meant death and he was still fighting. My grandfather had End Stage Kidney Disease. An emergency trip to the hospital for his AFIB is how we learned he had about two months to live. We knew his kidneys were losing function but I was not ready for a timeline. His doctor had not given me that impression on a recent visit so I asked her to review the hospital records. I was not surprised but very saddened that she agreed with the prognosis. It took a couple weeks for my grandfather to believe the doctors were right. Kidney failure is a silent killer and luckily not a painful one. You start sleeping more until you sleep yourself into a coma.
I arrived on Sunday afternoon after two days of relief and he didn’t look any different. Monday morning I knew he was out of it by the things he was saying but thought it was a bad day. Tuesday I knew he was weak when he fell out of bed and felt like dead weight. It took everything in me to get him back in bed. My grandfather died on Thursday. What the doctors did not tell me is people his age die faster, the end came weeks sooner than we thought. I’m so thankful that my grandfather and I had time together to say what we wanted to say, cry about the loss and enjoy the memories. I have no regrets.
Cleaning out the house was so hard, 46 years of memories were everywhere. My grandmother left notes on everything, it was like mourning her death as I found each note. Notes on the back of photos, on little pieces of paper, and even on masking tape. I knew all the notes were there, we had looked at them many times but it was different this time. Everything was packed up this time and the house cleared out. My grandparents raised me so I’ve lost parents, they were the best you could ever pray for. The house is empty but I see my life in every room, the great memories with my grandparents are everywhere you look. I am starting a new chapter in my life. It’s a long journey ahead.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service announced that multiple consumers reported finding metal in their Golden Island Korean barbecue pork jerky
A South Dakota company is recalling approximately 2.2 million pounds of barbecue pork jerky due to potential contamination with metal fragments.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced in a press release on Friday, Oct. 24, that LSI, Inc., based in Alpena, is recalling 2,277,540 pounds of Golden Island Korean barbecue pork jerky following reports of consumers finding “pieces of wiry metal” in the product.
“LSI, Inc. determined that the metal originated from the conveyor belt used in production,” FSIS said in the release. “There have been no confirmed reports of injury due to consumption of this product.
“Anyone concerned about an injury should contact a healthcare provider,” they added.
The recalled product was shipped to Costco and Sam’s Club retail locations across the U.S. and displays “best by” dates ranging from Oct. 23 through Sept. 23, 2026.
The recall includes 14.5-oz. and 16-oz. plastic pouches of ready-to-eat pork jerky with the label “Golden Island fire-grilled pork jerky Korean barbecue recipe,” per the release.
Consumers can also identify the products by the establishment number “M279A” on the inside of the USDA mark of inspection.
The FSIS is urging consumers who might have already purchased the product “not to consume it” but to throw it away or return the item to the place of purchase.
“FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify that recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers,” the FSIS said.
Consumers with questions about the recall are advised to contact info@goldenislandjerky.com.
The pork jerky recall comes after more than 1,000 pounds of Ada Valley frozen ground beef were recalled in July after pieces of metal were also reportedly found in the product, according to the FSIS.
It took me years to set limits on myself, especially when I was single. In 2017 I opened my now closed X account and the numbers of hours spent waisting time, I can’t get back. My phone and computer were like an appendege. I’m proud of myself for realizing it was affecting my mental health and my sleeping issues.
Changing habits is hard to do, it doesn’t happen overnight. My change started several years ago by focusing on sleeping habits to reduce anxiety. I go to bed an hour before bedtime, in that hour the goal is to unwind, clearing my head is necessary to falling asleep. Self-care helps the process, like an ultrusonic diffuser with calming essential oils, using a roller ball of essential oil on your pulse points, and indulging in hand & body cream. The room is dark, no electronics and a bit cooler.
What has made the biggest difference is cutting the time spent watching news in half and not spending time on the computer after 6:00PM, it sounds crazy yet my brain wakes up and it’s hard to wind down. When I hear my husband coming to bed I’m normally rested and ready to sleep. One key is being consistant with the time spent before bedtime.
A blessing and curse happened in January, all of my personal information was released is a large data breach, I’m now exposed for the rest of my life for identity theft. I had to change every password, get new credit cards, add second step authorizations and I decided to close all social accounts. The last step the easiest.
All changes require determination, commitment, and consistency.
One would think that freezing weather would cause ticks to hibernate or die, but you would have to think again. States that stay below freezing for most of the winter will not have a high risk but it is not impossible. Keep this in mind when raking the leaves and snow close to the ground.
The key is to know ticks are active and how to prevent tick bites. It’s easy to fend off these beasts by making a few changes. If you are walking in high grass, or have tree limbs brushing the trail, even dead leaves can be a host for ticks. Before you head out, spray exposed areas with DEET* making sure to spray the foot to above your ankles.
Put pant legs in socks so the tick can’t climb in. Wear a hikers hat with a trail that covers the back of the neck. No more falling off a tree limb right down the back of your shirt. They look for every chance they can get to attach to you, the host. The most critical step is to check your body, complete body, once home. Wash your clothes right away, don’t put them in the washing bin and let them move around your other clothes.
As someone who lives with Chronic Lyme Disease, I can say that preventing a tick bite is a hell of a lot better than getting Lyme.
Tick Expert with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station says:
If you’re enjoying the warmer-than-usual winter, so are ticks. The insects do not have to go into their usual hibernation on days when the temperature exceeds 40 degrees. It used to be the people who study ticks in Connecticut got pretty bored in the winter months. Not anymore.
“We used to call it tick activity season,” explained Dr. Goudarz Molaei, a tick expert with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. “We can no longer call it tick activity season as ticks are active year-round.”
When people get bit, they send their ticks to the Agricultural Experiment Station. It used to be they would get about 50 all winter long. Now they are getting around 800.
“We receive ticks daily, and some days we receive over ten tick specimens from the public,” Molaei said.
If Connecticut no longer has a non-active tick season, chances are the surrounding states are also seeing an increase in ticks during the winter. Be safe by preparing on the front end.
DEET* or no DEET, is based on your preference. There is plenty of information for your searches.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a nationwide alert, instructing consumers, retailers and distributors not to eat, sell or serve certain eggs after the recall of more than 6 million eggs produced by the Arkansas-based Black Sheep Egg Company due to potential Salmonella contamination.
According to the announcement posted by the FDA on Monday, Oct. 20, the recall includes 12- and 18-count cartons of the company’s Free Range Large Grade A Brown Eggs with Best By dates between August 22 and October 31, 2025, and UPC 860010568507 and 860010568538.
The agency also classified the action as a Class I recall, the highest risk level, given that eggs could pose a serious health threat of Salmonella.
The symptoms, which include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, can usually last four to seven days and can be experienced 12 to 72 hours after ingesting the contaminated food. Vulnerable demographics — children under the age of five years old, those with comparable immune systems and the elderly — are subject to experiencing more severe infections.
As the notice explains, the alarm was raised after 40 environmental samples collected at the company’s processing facility tested positive for Salmonella, including seven different strains known to cause human illness.
While no illnesses have yet been reported and the FDA has no current evidence linking the firm to an outbreak, the recall is being handled as a precaution.
Although the eggs were originally shipped to retail and wholesale locations in Arkansas and Missouri, they may have been further distributed and repackaged before reaching other states.
That broader footprint extends the recall beyond the immediately identified region. A related Oct. 16 recall by the Texas-based brand Kenz Henz, which sold eggs sourced from Black Sheep in Houston, further underscores the distribution reach.
Retailers and food-service operators have been instructed to halt sales and distribution of the suspect eggs immediately. Consumers are advised to check any egg cartons in their refrigerators for the affected codes and dates, and either discard or return them to the location of purchase. Surfaces and containers that came into contact with the contaminated eggs should be thoroughly washed and sanitized.
Anyone who has consumed the recalled eggs and develops symptoms is encouraged to contact a health-care provider and report the situation to the FDA for further investigation.
Agoraphobia is a common but often misunderstood anxiety disorder that can make everyday situations feel overwhelming or even impossible; understanding the signs and seeking the right support can help you reclaim your freedom,
Many mental health conditions are simply extreme degrees of minor challenges that most people face regularly. It’s perfectly natural to feel some nervousness when you’re going somewhere you’ve never been before or going to a crowded place where there are a lot of people you don’t know; But, agoraphobia is different.
If that slight tinge of nervousness becomes intense anxiety that prevents you from doing things you normally would, it might be a condition called agoraphobia.
What Is Agoraphobia?
Agoraphobia is an intense fear of situations where there may not be an easy way to escape or where you may feel trapped or helpless.
At its core, it’s a phobia of being in a situation where you’re panicking and there’s not an easy way out. This typically translates into a fear of familiar places, crowds, public transportation and very open areas like large parking lots and open water.
In any given year, about 2% of people experience agoraphobia. That is about 6.8 million people in the US. It’s more commonly diagnosed in women than in men.
Agoraphobia can have a profound impact on your daily life. It can range in severity from avoiding certain activities you might otherwise enjoy, like parties, concerts or other large social events, to being unable to leave your home.
Some people become homebound for years or are unable to maintain a career and care for themselves because of it.
The Relationship Between Agoraphobia and Anxiety and Panic Disorders
Agoraphobia, like any other phobia, is a type of anxiety disorder. But it also has a unique relationship to panic disorders.
Agoraphobia often develops after a panic attack in a public place where escape feels impossible. Even if you were able to get out of the situation the first time, you have a fear that next time you won’t be able to.
Symptoms of Agoraphobia
The symptoms of agoraphobia include an extreme fear of:
Unfamiliar places
Public spaces, especially crowded places
Waiting in line
Leaving home by yourself
Using public transportation
Enclosed spaces outside your home, like elevators or movie theaters
Large open spaces like parking lots or open water
Agoraphobia is specific to these types of circumstances, where you might not have a clear path to safety. Extreme anxiety in situations other than these might indicate other anxiety disorders.
Where’s the Line Between Worry and Agoraphobia?
One of the tricky aspects of phobias is understanding the difference between a “normal” amount of anxiety about a particular situation and a phobia. While only a mental health professional can diagnose agoraphobia, you could have this condition if:
Your level of anxiety in the situation is out of proportion with the actual danger
Your fear prevents you from doing things you would otherwise enjoy, like certain social outings
You stop doing certain things or going places unless you have a trusted companion with you
You’re experiencing these symptoms for six months or longer
When you’re in a situation that triggers your agoraphobia, the symptoms can manifest in physical, emotional or psychological and behavioral ways.
In these situations, physical symptoms can include:
Tightness in your chest
Rapid heartbeat
Shortness of breath or hyperventilating (breathing too fast)
Dizziness or disorientation
Shaking or trembling
Sweating even though you’re not warm
Upset stomach
Meanwhile, the emotional or psychological symptoms can include:
Dread
Fixating on what could go wrong
Feeling a loss of control
Fear that you’re dying
During agoraphobia triggering situations, you may also have these behavioral symptoms:
Avoiding certain situations, like crowded places
Only going to certain places if you have someone with you
Only going to certain places or events after planning out escape routes or what to do if you need to get out
Causes and Risk Factors of Agoraphobia
How do you know if you’re at risk for developing agoraphobia? It usually develops in the teenage or early adult years and does seem to have a genetic link. People who have a close relative with agoraphobia are more likely to develop it. Some studies indicate that the heritability is as high as 48-61%.
Genetics isn’t the only factor, though. There are often traumas and life experiences that contribute to agoraphobia, especially trauma that occurs in childhood. This can include abuse, being attacked or the loss of someone with whom you felt safe, such as a parent.
It’s also important to note that many people with agoraphobia have other mental health conditions too, like panic disorder, depression or PTSD. In particular, a large number of people with agoraphobia already had a panic disorder.Their agoraphobia may have been triggered after having a panic attack in a place where they felt unsafe or helpless.
While a panic attack in a public place might trigger agoraphobia, often these people already had some level of anxiety in these situations. So it may be a combination of panic disorder and existing agoraphobic tendencies.
How Agoraphobia Affects Daily Life
One of the hallmarks of a phobia or other anxiety disorders is its impact on your daily life and the limitations that it creates for you. It can affect your work, romantic relationships, family relationships and social life in numerous ways.
You may decline social events and invitations due to anxiety about the situation, or struggle to complete work assignments if they involve situations that make you anxious. You could be limited in the types of jobs you can accept.
Maybe you can only able to perform jobs where you can work from home or jobs that don’t involve situations in public or crowded places. Finally, your relationships may suffer because you aren’t able to join loved ones for the things they enjoy doing.
Agoraphobia can even prevent you from taking care of yourself and living independently, especially when it is severe. It could prevent you from doing essential tasks like going to the grocery store or running other errands, such as going to the doctor.
Finally, agoraphobia can have a substantial impact on your mental health, especially if you have co occurring conditions already. It can worsen conditions like depression, because you feel trapped at home or aren’t able to do activities that could boost your serotonin. In some cases, it can make substance use disorder worse, too.
Agoraphobia changed my life over five years ago. I don’t drive, walk outside of house, only leave the house for doctors appointments or to see my hairdresser. It’ also affected the activities I did in the past with my husband. I’ve read some great information on how to slowly gain confidence on being by myself. I have a plan to start as soon as my shoulder heals from surgery.
If Agoraphobia is impacting you quality of life, I hear you, and wish you all the best at venturing out when the time is right for you.
I am in no way supporting the site or it’s service offers, it is just the great information.
I found his cell phone in the ashtray along with ten pairs of fingernail clippers, a knife, a small pair of scissors, a Corona Light bottle top, and three nickles and nine pennies.
On top is my favorite knife, the camping type with a fork and spoon, he gave to me when I was little, and a paper-towel covers them all. It’s been over eight years since I’ve stayed awhile with the memeries held in the ashtray.
The ashtray sat by my grandparent’s telephone for as long as I can remember. They didn’t believe in buying something new unless it was broken or you could no longer use it. The ashtray was very useful.
When I removed the paper towel today, the memories of my gramps came flooding back like a wave.
“If you’re going to be late to work, don’t go in.”
“If you can get out of bed, you can go to work”
“If you borrow something, give it back in better shape than when you borrowed it.”
He also taught me to drive. I was fourteen, we went to the river bottoms, two metal trashcans in the back of the 1969 Ambassador. He set them apart the right distance and had me practice until nightfall. I was still knocking down cans when we left. I did pass my driver’s test though.
One of the hardest memories was weeks before his death, telling him to call friends and family to let them know he was dying. Sitting in front of him, I dialed the numbers, handing him the phone and listened as he cried telling people he was no longer going to be here. It was one of the most difficult days of my life.
My gramps was the greatest man I’ve ever known, a true gentleman, a stand-up guy, God broke the mold when he made my gramps.
The FDA announced that various doses of prazosin hydrochloride have been voluntarily recalled
Drug makers have recalled more than 500,000 bottles of a blood pressure medication over concerns it may include a cancer-causing chemical.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that New Jersey-based Teva Pharmaceuticals USA and drugs distributor Amerisource Health Services issued voluntary nationwide recalls for various doses of prazosin hydrochloride, according to the Associated Press.
The drug makers said the pill capsules may have nitrosamine impurities — or “No-nitroso Prazosin impurity C” — that are considered potentially cancer causing. About 580,000 bottles of various strengths have been recalled for having the impurities.
The FDA classified the recall as having a Class II risk level, “in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
Pill bottles (stock image).Getty
A statement from the California State Board of Pharmacy reads: “According to the Health Hazard Assessment by Teva USA, exposure to the product of concern could lead to severe adverse health consequences, but the likelihood of harm was assessed as remote. The overall risk of harm in the patient population is considered to be medium.’
The recalled bottles included 181,659 of 1 mg bottles, 291,512 of 2 mg bottles and 107,673 of 5 mg bottles. The bottles may have up to 1,000 capsules each with expiration dates ranging from November 2025 to February 2028.
The lot numbers and expiration dates can be found on the FDA’s website.
According to the AARP, anyone who has affected medication should contact their doctor or pharmacy for specific guidance, return their medication to the pharmacy to dispose of it, and to report any side effects or issues to the FDA.
The Mayo Clinic states that prazosin is prescribed to patients to treat high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, which can cause the heart and arteries to not function properly and then damage brain, heart and kidneys. It can also result in a stroke, heart failure or kidney failure.
The medication is also sometimes prescribed for nightmares and other sleep disturbances caused by post-traumatic stress disorder, according to the AP.
Best Buy Bones, Raw Bistro Pet Fare, and Foodynamics voluntarily recalled products in October
hree pet food brands are asking owners to check products affected by their voluntary recalls.
This month, three pet food companies recalled various products that may have been exposed to Salmonella. Popular brands Best Buy Bones, Raw Bistro Pet Fare, and Foodynamics each voluntarily recalled several lots of product, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported in separate October releases.
Salmonella exposure can affect pets and the humans who feed them.
The FDA shared that pets infected with Salmonella may experience diarrhea, fevers, vomiting, or general lethargy. Less extreme symptoms include decreased appetite and abdominal pain.
According to PetMD, pet parents should take their pet to the vet or an animal hospital if they have diarrhea that “occurs with decreased appetite, lethargy, fever, and blood in the stool.” With supportive care — hydration, rest, antibiotics — most dogs can weather a diagnosed Salmonella infection. PetMD noted that without treatment, diarrhea and illness caused by Salmonella “can lead to dehydration, sepsis, and even death.”
For humans handling contaminated pet food, unwashed hands and surfaces can increase the likelihood of exposure. If infected with Salmonella, people may experience “nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever,” according to the FDA. In rare cases, Salmonella exposure can lead to “arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms,” the agency’s releases added.
The following products were included in the recalls. If your pet has consumed a recalled product and displays any of the above symptoms, consult a veterinarian. If you experience any human-related Salmonella symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.
Best Buy Bones
Nature’s Own Pet Chews Bully Bites in 16 oz. bags
UPC# 739598900750
Four lots recalled with a shared expiration date of September 2027
The lots are 19379, 19380, 19381, and 19382
FDA recall release published on Oct. 3. At the time, no illnesses in dogs had been reported
Foodynamics
Raw Dog Barkery
Two packages of Whole Chicken Hearts in 16 oz. bags
In lot and “Use By” sticker date #030527
Packages were distributed to SimplyDried Treats, which has notified Magpies Gourmet Dog Treats in Wisconsin
Foodynamics traced 100% of product contamination and contacted affected parties
BellePepper Cats
Two packages of Freeze Dried Chicken Heart Slices in 3 oz. bags + Samples
In lot and “Use By” sticker date #031627
Sold by retailer in New York
Retailer samplers may have also included contaminated product from lots #121426 and #011526
Foodynamics traced 100% of product contamination and contacted affected parties
Kanu Pets
One package of Freeze Dried Chicken Heart Raw Treats in 3 oz. bag
In lot and “Use By” sticker date #031627
Foodynamics traced 100% of product contamination and contacted affected parties
What’s In the Bowl
Three packages of Whole Chicken Hearts: Two 3 oz. and one 16 oz. packages
In lot and “Use By” sticker date #030527
Two of the three packages have been returned by the customers
Foodynamics traced 100% of product contamination and contacted affected parties
Raw Bistro Pet Fare
Two sizes of Raw Bistro Dog Fare Grass-Fed Beef Entrée
3 lb bags
UPC #858833002247 from Lot 239, Best By sticker reads 08/27/2026
FDA recall release published on Oct. 10. At the time, no illnesses in dogs had been reported
18 lb bags
UPC #858833002629 from Lot 239, Best By sticker reads 08/27/2026
DA recall release published on Oct. 10. At the time, no illnesses in dogs had been reported
A few changes can lead to significant benefits. This also applies to our health. Making some changes in our daily life we can put the first elements in motion for a complete rebirth. If you suffer with a chronic illness, it is even more important to start looking after your health and boosting your immune system. If you have a disability, even if you use a mobility scooter, you still try to move, only gently, if possible. Mobile scooters give disabled people the independence that they deserve and coupled with excellent diet and lifestyle, you can start to regain some confidence and happiness.
Vegetables are divided into two categories: starchy and non-starchy. Starchy vegetables are potatoes, corn and beans, non-starchy are spinach and other leafy vegetables, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower. Starchy vegetables have more calories than non-starchy ones. So by filling half the plate with non-starchy vegetables you ensure that you will receive all the necessary nutrients, water and fiber, but without many extra calories. It’s an easy strategy not to bother with calorie and portion counting. Processed carbohydrates, have almost no nutrients and no fiber. The only thing they have is calories that can make you gain weight.
In fact, a diet rich in processed carbohydrates – white bread, buns, white pastries, sweets, etc. – can increase the risk of developing type II diabetes and heart disease. Get rid of the bad habits! Unprocessed carbohydrates such as brown rice and whole grains enhance your diet with “good” calories, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Fatty fish such as salmon are an excellent source of omega – 3 fats, which are essential for good heart health and reducing inflammation in the body. They also enhance mental health. Drink green tea because this is going to be important to those with disabilities as it helps work as a toxin remover.
Disconnect from everything one hour before bedtime
Quality sleep is the alpha and omega for health. And one of the things that destroys it is technology. Devices that emit “blue light”, a type of wave that is common during the day, “confuse” the brain, making it think it is morning. So by avoiding screen time before bed, you can improve the quality of sleep.
Sleep at the same (approximately) time every day
In addition to poor sleep quality, many people have trouble sleeping. This is largely due to poor rest planning. Having a specific time when you fall asleep, you train your body clock so that you can fall asleep more easily. At the same time, scheduled bedtime has a positive effect on concentration and memory.
Keep up with regular checkups
t may seem very low on the list of things you have to do, but it is important to keep up with those regular health checks. Whether that is booking a hearing check at your local hearing center, or heading to the optician to get your eyes checked, these things are important to keep up the quality of life that you have.
Limit socializing with negative people.
Even a little negativity is enough to get you down. Try to spend more time with happy and optimistic people. If you have negative people in your inner circle, try to convey some of your positive thinking to them and change the direction. The rest is up to you and how you treat yourself. Don’t be hard on yourself and appreciate all the little things. Remember self-care is not selfish.
I’m not into hypothetical questions yet this is a fun one. My first wish would ask for my worst health conditions to go away, including the high levels of pain I muddle through everyday. The second wish would be to spend as much time as possible with my Grandparents saying the things I did not say enough and asking all the questions I have for them. The third is a big ask because I am a curious person and have so many questions in my mind. I would like to spend time with someone who can give me uncomplicated answers to my questions.
In America we have the FDA to approve all prescription medications, manufacturers have to prove their drug has all the data on clinical trials, and they even do down to approving what the label can have on it. If the FDA is not satisfied the FDA will tell the manufacturer to go get this information and reapply. That’s critical to know. In America, we have a system that all prescriptions go thru before being released to the public. They also have a section you can report adverse reactions or a medical device that failed. We have a system.
I know that people with chronic illnesses especially those with chronic pain have trouble getting the pain management they need and out of frustration turn to the Internet. BEWARE!
There are other countries that have a system in place but we have no idea if it matches our standards. There are also countries that have no system to verify the drugs are pure, they do what they say and they are monitored.
The FDA says this about online Pharmacies.
Warning Signs of an Unsafe Online Pharmacy
Beware of online pharmacies that:
Do not require a doctor’s prescription.
Are not licensed in the U.S. and by your state board of pharmacy.
Do not have a licensed pharmacist on staff to answer your questions.
Send medicine that looks different than what you receive at your usual pharmacy, or arrives in packaging that is broken, damaged, in a foreign language, has no expiration date, or is expired.
Offer deep discounts or prices that seem too good to be true.
Charge you for products you never ordered or received.
Do not provide clear written protections of your personal and financial information.
Sell your information to other websites.
These pharmacies often sell medicines that can be dangerous because they may:
Have too much or too little of the active ingredient you need to treat your disease or condition.
Not contain the right active ingredient.
Contain the wrong ingredients or other harmful substances.
If you buy from any online site from another country, you have no guarantee of what’s inside. It could cause more harm to your body, it could have nothing in there to help you, and the worst is it can be laced with different products and can kill you.
That’s strong words I know but I have read too many articles and heard of personal stories where buying online was the worst move to make.
Melinda
References:
Yes, there are ligament Pharmacies online, I would check them out before you buy. Do an Internet search on the Pharmacy. You may be surprised what you find or you see they are legit Pharmacies you can go to. The key is what country is your medication coming from.
Where you can protect yourself is to search, search, and search before buying. Your health and life are more important. Personally, I would not buy a drug online unless my insurance company offers an online Pharmacy.
Your eyes help you see and navigate in your day-to-day life, so protecting them is paramount. Often, your eyes are even the first to show issues within the body, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
By understanding why it is important to take care of your eyes, you may be more likely to take steps toward improving your eye health.
One of the top reasons to care for your eyes is to reduce your risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. How can you do this? While there’s no concrete evidence on what can prevent these eye problems, some research has indicated that consuming an antioxidant-rich diet may help.
There are several ways to protect your eye health. First and foremost, you’ll want to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an Independent Doctor of Optometry (or optometrist). It’s best to have one of these appointments per year to mitigate issues with your vision and ensure your eyes are in the best possible condition.
But what can you do before next year’s eye exam? You can take preventive steps to protect your eye health. Here are some simple tips on how to take care of your eyes daily:
Choose your eyewear accordingly. Wearing blue-light glasses while on the computer and UV-protective sunglasses while outdoors may be positive for your eyes. After all, blue-light glasses may help with digital eye strain, and UV-blocking sunglasses can limit your exposure to harmful sunlight.
Rest your eyes. Try for at least eight hours of sleep per day. You may need more or less, depending on your age and activity level. Also, in addition to sleeping, you can rest your eyes by taking frequent time away from the screen.
Sterilize your contacts. Debris can accumulate on your contact lenses, so it’s best to keep them clean to avoid getting an eye infection. Wash your contacts as often as the packaging explains, or opt for daily wear contacts if it’s too time-consuming to follow a regular cleaning schedule.
Why should you take care of your eyes?
Your eyes are critical to your everyday life beyond your vision. Why is it important to take care of your eyes? Taking steps to promote your eye health and safety can deter specific eye diseases and injuries. It can also help you identify changes in vision faster.
Here’s how to take care of your eyes daily:
Select the right eyewear for different activities.
Give your eyes plenty of rest. (And get some for yourself, too!)
Clean your contacts often, or choose a kind that you can throw away.
What is so important about eye care?
Importance of EyeCare. Your eyesight is one of your most important senses: 80% of what we perceive comes through our sense of sight. By protecting your eyes, you will reduce the odds of blindness and vision loss while also staying on top of any developing eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma.
It’s really sad to say, but to a degree self-care has become a buzzword frequently portrayed in media and online as indulgent bubble baths, retail therapy, and the occasional junk food binge. Not just in shows, or in advertisements triyng to sell you stuff, but even on social media by the people you know, and of course by content creators too.
While yes, buying indulges and buying things that you love can actually be a really nice way to show yourself some life, you have to keep in mind that these also only offer temporary relief, and so true self-care is far more profound and personal. It’s about nurturing your mental, emotional, and physical well-being in ways that genuinely enrich Dr your life. So, with that said, it’s best to explore what self-care really means and how you can embrace it in a more meaningful way.
Understanding True Self-Care
Self-care is often misunderstood as a quick fix or an escape from reality. However, true self-care involves intentional actions that support your overall health and happiness. It’s about listening to your body and mind, understanding your needs, and taking steps to meet those needs in healthy and sustainable ways. This might mean setting boundaries, saying no to commitments that drain you, or seeking help when you need it.
Mindful Self-Practices
Basically, the less love and care you show yourself, the higher the chances of stress and even the potential of forming anxiety. Actually, true self-care is often found in the small, mindful practices that help you stay grounded and connected to yourself. This might include a daily walk in nature, practicing yoga, or spending time on a hobby that you love. It’s about finding joy and peace in the everyday moments.
But this isn’t always the case; mindful practices will vary from person to person. While one person might feel relaxed walking out on a trail in nature, there might be someone else who feels more at ease and relaxed if you’re at home and using delta-8 THC gummies since these offer a more calming and gentle effect. But overall, mindful practices help prevent chronic anxiety from forming, and again, the best way to go about it really varies from person to person.
The Illusion of Instant Gratification
The media often promotes self-care as something that provides instant gratification—like a shopping spree or indulging in comfort food. By all means, yes, while these activities can offer momentary pleasure, they don’t address the deeper issues that may be affecting your well-being.
In fact, relying on these quick fixes can sometimes lead to feelings of guilt or regret afterward. So, you have to understand that true self-care involves making choices that contribute to your long-term well-being, even if they don’t provide immediate pleasure.
You Have to Think About Emotional Health
Just think of it this way: You’re spending money on things that give you small bits of gratification immediately, like junk food, but at the end of the day, you’re going to feel bad for the money you spent, and you might feel physically bad too because, well, it’s junk food. The same goes for shopping sprees too. Now, emotional health usually gets overlooked in mainstream portrayals. You need to understand your thoughts and gain clarity on what you need to feel balanced and fulfilled.
Feeling sad all the time for no specific reason doesn’t always mean you have depression, but it does suggest you could be experiencing something more complex than sadness alone.
Sadness is a temporary state that often has a clear cause, like a big disappointment, the loss of someone close to you, or bad news from someone you love.
This type of sadness can fluctuate throughout the day. In certain moments, the emotional burden might feel particularly heavy. You might cry often, feel numb or drained, and struggle to concentrate.
At other times — when you get lost in something you enjoy or when a loved one distracts you — your sorrow may seem light enough that you can barely feel its weight. While it might linger in some form for days or weeks, it generally begins to ease naturally.
Persistent sadness is something else entirely. It can wrap around you like a heavy blanket, muffling the sensations and joy of everyday life. This sadness can leave you feeling low, empty, and defeated. You don’t know what caused your unhappiness, so you have no idea how to start feeling better.
Feeling sad isn’t at all unusual. After all, sorrow is a normal human response to disappointment and loss. Sadness that doesn’t have a clear reason behind it and doesn’t seem to improve, however, may suggest something else is going on.
While not everyone with depression will feel sad, unexplainable sadness you can’t seem to shake is one of the primary signs of depression.
If your sadness does relate to depression, you’ll likely feel sad nearly all of the time — almost every day, for most of each day, for a period of 2 weeks or longer. Sadness, in other words, seems to become a constant companion.
With depression, you’ll experience other symptoms, too. If several of the signs below accompany your sad or tearful mood, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with depression:
Chronic sadness, especially when related to depression, might also prompt regular thoughts of death or suicide. Even if you don’t have a plan to act on these thoughts, it’s always best to talk to someone you trust and get support right away (more on how to do this later).
You might begin to notice your feelings of sadness, along with any other symptoms you experience, follow a specific pattern. Depression can take different forms, and various underlying factors can have an impact on the way your symptoms show up.
A few things to look for:
Rapid shifts in mood
People living with bipolar disorder often experience episodes of depression as part of a cycle that also includes episodes of mania or hypomania.
You might notice you suddenly feel intensely happy, even euphoric. This abrupt change in mood might also involve:
impulsive behavior
restlessness and irritability
a renewed sense of energy that leaves you fixating on certain projects or activities
an increase in confidence and self-esteem
less of a need for sleep
This episode might last a week, or longer.
Somewhere around 40 percentTrusted Source of people with bipolar disorder have what’s known as mixed features. You could experience sadness and other symptoms of depression at the same time as mania.
This combination of symptoms can make it harder to understand what you’re experiencing, which could add to your distress.
Seasonal sadness
Maybe your sadness seems to arrive or intensify around the same time of year the days begin to shorten. Once the longer, sunnier days of spring and summer arrive, you feel better, year after year.
It’s pretty common to feel a little low in autumn and winter. The nights get long and cold, and there are plenty of days when you may not even see the sun.
If this seasonal sadness persists and becomes serious enough to affect daily life, you could have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs along with seasonal changes.
Along with other common depression symptoms, you might also notice:
angry, pessimistic, or frustrated thoughts about the weather
withdrawal or increased avoidance of social settings
This will be the shortest answer I’ve written. Before my health ruled my days I was very active but I’ve been not one to exercise. Today my answer is a big NO! I don’t like traditional exercise and always found a way to get plenty outside. For many reasons that is not an option.
I do play with the dogs and walk the when I can. Currently I am rehabbing my shoulder after surgery so there is some specific exercises I do that I will not be doing once rehab is completed. I know the health benefits, my health conditions are more important at this time.
I have published this post a couple of times and always get good feedback. There nothing more important than your health.
Over the years, you might have heard the term ‘superfood’ used increasingly. But what really does it mean? Well, in simple terms, these are foods that are packed with nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, and so are associated with positive impacts on your health. But how do you know what superfoods to eat then?
The thing is, you may currently include a good number of superfoods in your diet without even knowing, so this list of the 10 most popular superfoods has been put together so that you are made away of well-known superfoods, as well as to inform you about some superfoods that you may not be familiar with.
1. Eggs
Eggs are one of those foods that have stood the test of both time and criticism. No doubt, they are pretty healthy and come loaded with very high-quality proteins. More than that, eggs contain a plethora of minerals and vitamins, some of which include vitamin A, B vitamins, choline, and iron. They also contain two very powerful antioxidants, namely zeaxanthin and lutein, which are known for protecting vision and boosting eyesight. That being said, if you are having issues with your vision, don’t hesitate to visit https://eyeglasses.com for some more information.
2. Dark leafy greens
A lot of people aren’t fans of dark leafy greens, but they’re one of the best superfoods to exist. These types of greens contain several nutrients that the body needs to heal, including zinc, iron, magnesium, fiber, and vitamin C. More so, dark leafy greens have earned their place in the superfoods hall of fame. They might also help reduce your risks of suffering from chronic illnesses such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Some examples of these dark leafy greens are kale, spinach, collard greens, and Swiss chard which can be incorporated into your diet via smoothies, soups, and salads.
3. Berries
Many of us who love berries are unaware of the amazing effects that eating them have on the body. For one, berries are very rich in vitamins and minerals as well as certain antioxidants. In fact, berries are particularly effective when it comes to treating digestive issues and are often used in modern medical therapies. Examples of these fruits include blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries. You can eat them as they are, or add them to smoothies and desserts.
4. Avocado
Simply put, avocados are great. Yes, they’re good for guacamole, but more than that, this superfood is very rich in healthy fats that keep you feeling full for longer. It also comes packed with antioxidants and fiber that all work to protect against heart diseases. Additionally, this food is can be eaten even on a diet and is even recommended on the Keto diet. Delicious ways to incorporate avocado in your diet include serving it on your morning toast to adding it as an essential ingredient to smoothies and salads.
5. Chia seeds
Chia seeds are tiny, black seeds that have taken the health industry by storm over the past few years. No doubt, these seeds pack a powerful punch when it comes to nutrition. Firstly, they contain pretty much all the essential minerals including calcium, manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus. In addition, vitamin B1, B2, and B3 are also available in abundance. More so, 28 grams of chia seeds contain 11 grams of fiber and just one gram of digestible carbohydrates, making it one of the most suitable foods out there for a low carb diet.
6. Coconut
When it comes to versatile foods, coconuts are out there at the top. They can be consumed as coconut water, coconut oil, coconut flour, coconut flakes, and even just coconut meat. More so, this super food can easily be incorporated into your diet without any headache.
That said, in terms of what makes it so ‘super’ coconut oil especially contains medium-chain triglycerides, which are used as a source of energy once in the body. Furthermore, coconut water is high in vitamins and minerals including potassium, magnesium, sodium, and vitamin C.On top of this, coconut flour is low in gluten and carbs and can be used for baking and desserts.
7. Flax seeds
Flax seeds are one of those foods that didn’t become popular until recently. These seeds contribute towards a healthy heart as they come packed with omega 3 fatty acids that work as anti-inflammatory agents. More som flax seeds can be added to your salads and smoothies by grinding them into a semi fine powder. That being said, they do have other uses apart from consumption. In fact, flax seeds also come in handy as a home remedy for hair growth.
8. Hemp seeds
Yet another super seed is hemp seed. This is a great source of healthy proteins and contains omega 3 and omega 3 fats; both of which work together to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases in the body. More recent studies also associate hemp seeds with relieving the symptoms of menopause in women. For consumption, these seeds are typically toasted lightly and then added to foods like salads, oatmeal, and cereal.
9. Salmon
When next you go grocery shopping, be sure to pick up some salmon. This fish is rich in healthy oils that are a great source of energy and contains inflammation reducing omega 3 fats. More so, this fish is packed with wildly sourced protein that can provide you with almost 60 percent of your daily recommended protein intake. It also contains vitamin D as well as bioactive peptides that help in collagen production.
10. Cocoa nibs
Cocoa nibs are essentially just healthier chocolates. These foods range from really sweet to very bitter, so you get to choose just how you like it. More so, it is a great source of fiber and it also contains a good amount of iron and magnesium. More than that, research has shown that eating cocoa nibs can help elevate your mood and brain activity. As for preparation, they can be used in desserts, smoothie bowls, or just on their own as a nice snack.
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