Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Introducing The Bearable APP

I was contacted by Jesse Jan Driessen at Bearable App to see if I would share their information with you. The App is highly recommended and has great tools, I wanted to make sure an introduction was made. 

Everything in one App

No more need to juggle multiple apps.

Keep track of your Mood, Symptoms, Daily Activities, and other health factors such as Sleep, Medication, Exercise, and Food Diary.
You can even automatically sync your steps, heart rate, blood pressure, weight, and more.​

Simple & Customisable

Health tracking made easy.

Record your mood, symptoms, and your health factors in seconds, without even typing a word.

High levels of customizability to make the app truly unique to you.

Backed by scientific review

Reviewed by clinicians at Cedar Sinai as one of the best mobile health applications to track patient outcomes.

3000+
5-star reviews

Community-driven

We always involve our active community in deciding which features get implemented next.

 

 

It’s an impressive list of companies that have recommended the Bearable App. Please check out the site for more detailed information on how much you can manage with one App.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Survivor

Documenting Long Complex Journey With Lyme Disease- Journal Entry One

I was reminded today that I had Lyme and thought I would share with you the first post I wrote in 2014.

It’s been a long time since this first Lyme blog, I found it interesting and naive. I hope you enjoy reading. If you’re at the beginning of your Lyme journey. I’m always here for you. M

Scheduling probiotics, medicine, and supplements is a challenge. With probiotics, you have to wait before eating or taking meds, then juggle what goes on an empty stomach with food. Can’t forget the shot to the stomach three days a week. Adjusting the new meds has not been fun, I’ve been stoned out of my mind the bulk of the day, then a massive headache moves in, and then time to get stoned again before bed with the headache.

My gripe is it’s not being stoned, it’s brain fog with the floor moving under your feet. David has to take me to appointments since I can’t drive. I’m a sight to see, a woman, stoned out of her mind trying to maneuver a cane while walking.

I had my first appointment with a new Cardiologist yesterday, he has Lyme Disease experience with a specialty in blood flow. He is one of three doctors who will manage my Lyme journey. The RN performed an EKG, and then his Assistant reviewed my medical history, asking what seemed like 1000 questions.

The doctor is next, we talk about how Lyme can affect blood flow in the heart and the entire body. The general exam with discussion on the test he has ordered. I left wearing a Holter Monitor which comes off at 2:45 PM today. I push a button on a small device and put it up to my chest anytime I feel dizzy, have cardiac pain, trouble breathing, etc, etc.

I leave with the schedule of tests for next week which takes 3 1/2 hours when to pick up medicine for tests and the great news is to show up fasting. A couple of tests I’ve done it multiple times due to my heart condition. The Tilt Test is what it sounds like, the table moves to a head-down position for 30 minutes. The test is more frightening than giving me a shot. They may see a panic attack instead, that’s a lot of time without control and no way to escape.

Echo Cardiogram

Q Sweat Test-Study of Sudomotor response assisting in the diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy

Tilt Table with Trans Cranial Doppler monitors mean blood flow velocity

Tilt Table with ANSAR-Determines how well the Autonomic Nervous System is functioning

Tilt Table with BIOZ-Determines the heart’s ability to deliver blood to the body

Tilt Table with QST-Assesses sensory neuropathy

Metabolic Stress Test

Lipid Profile

I have blood work from last week to complete, 20 plus vials get me as excited until she says the stool sample requires freezing! I’m now 1 hour 45 minutes before the monitor comes off. The time for a shot and a handful of pills. Are we having fun yet?

My heart and soul go out to those struggling with Lyme, it’s a long complicated journey. I know you’re strong enough to fight the virus in your body, though it may not feel like it today.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Does Driving Cause You Anxiety?

Most people find that driving can at least be quite stressful from time to time. But if you generally have anxiety, then it’s highly likely that driving is one situation where your anxiety is quite profound. This is true of a lot of people, and you shouldn’t feel bad about it if it is true for you too. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to approach driving better and handle the anxiety better, so that’s something that you should think about here. Here are some of the things you can do about it if driving tends to make you anxious.

Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Pexels.com

Keep On Top Of Repairs

You will probably generally feel a lot less anxious if you make a point of keeping on top of the repairs that your car needs. There are a lot of these kinds of repairs that might crop up every now and then, and it’s vital that you are going to be aware of these. You might need a windshield repair in order to avoid it cracking further, or your brakes might need replacing, or anything in between. As long as you get these done as soon as possible, you won’t have to worry about them as you drive.

Know The Signs Of A Panic Attack

For those with quite severe anxiety, panic attacks can often be something they need to think about and be aware of. After all, having a panic attack while driving could be quite dangerous. It will be important to make sure that you pull over as soon as you safely can if you are having a panic attack, and that will be easier to do if you know when one is coming. So make sure you know the signs of a panic attack and that you can identify it as early as possible.

Get Further Training

Very often, being practiced and prepared is something that can help with anxiety in any given situation. You’ll find that this is certainly true of driving anxiety too. If you want to keep your anxiety to a minimum while driving, then you are definitely going to want to get all the training your can. Beyond the normal driving lessons, there are also always further lessons that you are able to get, which can help you to feel so much more confident on the roads. That is something that you can always pursue, no matter how long you have been driving.

Credit – CCO License

Deal With Your Anxiety In Other Situations

It’s all related: if you can improve your anxiety generally, then you are going to find that it helps with your driving anxiety too. So make sure that you are thinking about how you might improve your anxiety in other situations because that is something that you’ll certainly want to think about doing. That could make a world of difference to how your driving experience goes, and you’ll probably feel better on the roads in no time if you can do this. That could be the most important thing here.

Invest in Car Coverage

One of the best things you can do to make sure that you will be less anxious when driving is to invest in proper car coverage. It might be a good idea to get some liability auto insurance as well as breakdown cover and more, depending on your circumstances. If you are unsure about what car coverage would be best for you, contact Cars Protection Plus. They can help you find the best coverage for you. Being prepared for anything can be a great way to ease the stress of driving. 

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Blogger Highlight-The Rebel Chic

Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, The Rebel Chic.

The Rebel Chic

Live life. Take pictures. Drink good tea.

 Hi! My name is Cristina. I’m in my 30’s and currently working part time in the health sector in Bergen Norway. I grew up in the Philippines and moved to Norway when I was 19 years old. During my free time, I would go out and explore nature in the nearby areas alone or with friends and spend time with family. I’ve always dreamed of conquering each and every mountains of Norway and take photos of the fjords and fill my memory jar with life experiences and teachings. At the same time share my struggles in life and how I cope with them so that I could also in a small way help those who are on the same boat as me.

Check out her fun-filled adventures. 

Melinda

Looking for the Light

 

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

How To Keep The Stress Out Of Driving

If you are keen for life to be as stress-free as possible, there are so many ways in which you might be able to do that. One way is to take a look at some of the kinds of areas of life that do tend to be most stressful, and then think about what you can do to make them less so. Driving is one such area that you might want to consider, and it’s something that is definitely going to be important to focus on trying to improve.

Photo by picjumbo.com on Pexels.com

Let’s look now at some of the steps you can take to ensure that you are keeping the stress out of driving. As long as you have thought about the following, you should find that this is much easier and more straightforward, so let’s look right now.

Develop Some Mindfulness

One thing that can certainly help here is to simply make sure you have a good degree of mindfulness in the first place. The more mindfulness you have, the easier it will be to keep your head on when stressful things happen on the road, so it’s really vital that you are thinking about this. If nothing else, it will empower you with the ability to make better choices, which is obviously always going to be worth your while.

So spend a few minutes a day in mindfulness practice, and you’ll soon find that this translates over to your driving too. It’s amazing how much this can help, and it is worth thinking about.

Credit – CCO License

Learn Your Vehicle

There are many things you can and should learn about your own vehicle, and doing so will help you to keep the stress out of the driving experience, simply for the fact that you will know all there is to know about it. So how can you learn some of the things you should ideally know about your own car? One way is to seek out the repair and owner’s manual, where you will find lots of useful information that can be a huge help here. Sometimes just having the Avalanche parts catalog can help you when something goes wrong, for instance.

You also learn about your vehicle by driving it, and by working on it, especially when things go wrong, so that is something that you might want to think about too. The more you learn about your vehicle, the less stressful you are generally going to find it, so this is a really important thing to bear in mind.

Take Deep Breaths

Very often, taking deep breaths makes a huge difference to how you feel while driving, so it’s a really good idea to make sure that you are remembering this. Sometimes it’s the simplest things that help the most in life, and this is a perfect example of that. You can just take some deep breaths, and allow the stress to leave your body, and in that instance, you are going to find that you feel so much better right away.

Again, this is going to be easier if you have practiced it outside of driving, so a few minutes a day of deep breathing can really help. You might be surprised that practicing something like that can make a difference, but it really does, and it’s going to help you out a great deal while driving, especially when something stressful crops up.

Credit – CCO License

Keep The Costs Down

There are many costs associated with driving too, which is one of the main stressors that the experience provides. So it’s a really good idea to make sure that you are keeping these costs as low as you can. That can be approached in quite a few ways, but the important thing is that you are doing something about them as much as possible. You might want to look at how you drive to ensure that you are not using more fuel than necessary, for instance, along with keeping repairs to a minimum by keeping on top of the car’s maintenance.

These can make a huge difference to how much your car costs, and over time you’ll find you spend a lot less this way. The amount of stress reduction you’ll experience because of that can be quite profound.

As you can see, there are a few main ways to keep the stress out of driving, so it’s definitely important to make sure you are doing so as best as you can. It will help make the experience so much better.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

I’m Taking A Sick Day

I’m dealing with with my heart issue which is aggravated by a new medication I take for my salivary glands.

Too tired, so dizzy and have no blance.

See you tomorrow.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

December Awareness Days

 

International Animal Rights Day 10th

Human Rights Day 10th

Wright Brothers Day 17th

Christmas Day 25th

Kwanzaa 26th-Jan 1st.

New Year’s Eve 31st

Hanukkah (1st day)

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Addiction: How To Quit, Where to Start

You know you have a problem, and your addictive behaviour is beginning to impact other parts of your life. Quitting any kind of addictive behaviour can be very difficult to do, even if you know that what you’re doing is bad for you. 

Photo by Vlad Chețan on Pexels.com

You can quit, although quitting can be a complicated process. There are many physical, mental, and emotional factors that can make giving up hard. This is why many people seek treatment for addiction, like hypnosis, counselling, or even pet friendly rehabs, although some people are successful in quitting on their own. 

Understanding why quitting is so hard can help you to learn how to overcome your addiction. You can recognise that you are not weak-willed or are failing if you find it difficult. 

Tolerance

Tolerance and withdrawal both contribute to addiction. Both are a large part of what get you hooked in the first place, whether your addiction is food, nicotine, or something harder. Without tolerance and withdrawal, you would find quitting much easier. 

When you experience an addictive substance or behaviour for the first time, it can be overwhelming, or even unpleasant. If you feel the effects strongly, then you might feel as though there is a low risk of you being tempted to overdo it.

If the effects are mild, then you might think your behaviour is harmless. The more you repeat the behaviour, the less sensitive you become to it and the more you need to feel the same effects. Drugs, including alcohol, work on the brain to create physical tolerance. 

Some behaviours, like gambling, produce a feeling of excitement. This excitement may become less intense over time. As your tolerance level develops, you might want to repeat the behaviour more to get the same feelings or effects. 

Withdrawal

As you start to become addicted, you can begin to experience withdrawal when you aren’t able to partake in the behaviour. You might experience physical symptoms, like shaking, feeling unwell or an upset stomach, or you might experience emotional symptoms, like anxiety or depression. These symptoms go away when you act on the addictive behaviour.

Physical withdrawal can vary, and usually takes a few days. Withdrawal from drugs or alcohol can be very unpleasant, and even dangerous, so is best undergone under medical supervision. 

Impediments For Quitting

Addiction can reach a level where it creates a lot of internal conflicts. You might feel conflicted within yourself, as you want to quit, but also still have urges to engage in whatever you are addicted to. You may also have a conflict with others, both with those who want you to quit, but also with those who want you to keep engaging in the thing you’re trying to give up. 

Even after getting through the withdrawal phase, conflict can still exist. Quitting is stressful, and now you’re managing without something you used to use to cope, so this will be tough. 

It is important to learn other ways of coping with stress and to have those firmly established, ideally before you quit. This gives you other options to cope. A therapist can help you with this. Without these strategies already in place, you’re likely to experience stronger urges to relapse. 

Guilt And Justification

Feeling guilty and uncomfortable about your current behaviour can be a great motivator to help you make a change, whether you want to drink less, or give up gambling. Sometimes, guilt can also work against you, as you find ways to justify the behaviour that you aren’t happy with to yourself and to others. Justification can a big obstacle to quitting. 

Common justifications can include:

  • Denial – it’s not a problem
  • Minimization – I’ve already cut down
  • Comparison – My friend smokes more than I do
  • Defiance – I’d rather carry on than quit and be miserable
  • Rationalisation – I’m more confident in social situations after I’ve had a drink
  • Lesser of two evils – It’s better to do this than be miserable and hard to live with
  • Misinformation – It has medicinal uses, so it’s ok
  • Glorification – Cool people drink alcohol and smoke

How Can You Quit?

Therapy can be a great starting point to help you to cope with any uncomfortable feelings and to help you pinpoint the thoughts and feelings that keep you addicted or led you to the behaviour in the first place. Quitting is rarely easy or straightforward, but with a good treatment program, you have a better chance of achieving your goals when you’re ready. 

However, once you look at these justifications from a different perspective, you start to see that they are not as important or even concrete as your addiction had you believe. This is the first crucial step towards Addiction Recovery. While some people can overcome their addictions by themselves, others will require a solid and robust support network. Such a network could include family and friends, and with more severe cases, carers and healthcare professionals can also provide treatment and guidance to help you finally overcome your addictions. 

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Deep Thoughts

In this fast-paced social media world, it can be difficult to find the time to look within or back in time. I hope you find these quotes and questions interesting. So glad you stopped by today!

Continue reading “Deep Thoughts”
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Easy Tasks To Get Yourself Into A Good Frame Of Mind

When things get too much, and it feels like there’s little you can do to get yourself into a good frame of mind, that can create a lot of stress. If you suffer from anxiety and/or depression, then you know what it’s like to spiral out of control. It gets to the point where nothing can be said or done at that moment to pick you back up again.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

You can get back to your old self, though. You know you can. You’ve done this kind of thing before, and you’ll do it again. If you’re in a dark place right now, then you already know that getting right out of it will not be an easy task that happens overnight. You can do small things, however, that will slowly build you up and get your mind back into the right place. You can build a foundation for yourself – almost like a safety net – that you can fall back onto when things go a little wrong again. Here are a few things you can do:

Exercise And Eat 

These two things are much easier said than done, but once you start them, you will see improvement. Exercising not only releases endorphins, but it also helps you to improve at a certain skill. You’ll feel much better about yourself due to your confidence in your ability to do something challenging. Eating right also gives your mind and body more energy, meaning you process situations better.

Talk!

Opening up about anything regarding mental health will help out – this is another objective fact; it’s not up for debate. Letting people help out will mean your problem will be halved. Others will be able to help you conquer your issues. You’ll feel a weight lifted.

Research Medicinal Help 

Sometimes, medical help is necessary. Perhaps even something like CBD oil from https://www.remedyreview.com/ would do the trick. If you feel like more treatment would help, then heading to a doctor or therapist is a good idea. They’ll be able to analyze the situation and prescribe you the correct medication if needed. Relaxing your mind and stopping yourself from thinking tragic things is a great first step in recovery. 

Do SOMETHING 

This is, again, another part of life that’s easier said than done, but it’s something that everyone should be urged to do. Sitting around is a terrible thing – it’s great when you’re tired after a long, busy day, but it’s a terrible habit to get into. When you sit down and do nothing for a long time, your mind starts to wander. When your mind wanders, it can go to strange places. Simply making your bed in the morning is a good task to start with. Once you’ve done that, just find something to do around the house – it doesn’t matter what it is. Keep busy. Keep that mind occupied!

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Blogger Highlight-Sara Flower Kjeldsen Writes

Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, Sare Flower Kjelden.

Sara Flower Kjeldsen Writes

Story writer. Book blogger. Tea lover.

My name is Sara and I’m a multi-genre Canadian author who has written 16 stories. Aside from that, I love to blog about lifestyle, indie publishing, and also share photos from my nature walks. I hope you enjoy my blog! My aim is to inspire and entertain. 

❤

 

 Sara is a prolific writer and has written 16 books. She has so much to offer on her blog, you must check it out.

 

Melinda

Looking for the Light

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Fun Facts

 

Hi, thanks for stopping by today. I love hearing your comments each week. We learn some interesting things, don’t we?

King Henry VIII slept with a gigantic axe beside him.

Mewtwo is a clone of the Pokémon Mew, yet it comes before Mew in the Pokédex.

John F. Kennedy was buried without his brain.

The air in the subway is 15% human skin.

In 1969, people on a hijacked plane thought they were on a prank hidden-camera show.

Enjoy!

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.thefactsite.com/top-100-random-funny-facts/2/

 

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

How To Deal With The Early Warning Signs That You Are Unhappy In Life

Are you unhappy with your life? Do you feel stuck in a rut and don’t know how to get out? If so, read on for tips on detecting early warning signs that you are unhappy in life. By recognizing these warning signs early on, you can take steps to address the problem and get your life back on track. So what are these warning signs? Read on to find out!

Photo by Engin Akyurt on Pexels.com

Recognize The Early Warning Signs

Being unhappy with life can creep up on anyone. It can be hard to deal with the early warning signs that you are unhappy in life, but it is essential to recognize them so you can take steps to improve your situation. Some early warning signs that you may be unhappy include feeling overwhelmed or hopeless, isolating yourself from friends and family, experiencing drastic changes in weight or Sleep patterns, or engaging in risky behaviors. If you are experiencing any of these warning signs, you must reach out for help. Many resources are available to help you get back on track, including psychological counseling, therapy, support groups, and hotlines. Addressing the early warning signs of unhappiness can help you get back on track and improve your quality of life.

Identify What Is Making You Unhappy

Unhappiness is a normal emotion that everyone feels at times. However, it may be time to take action when unhappiness persists and begins to interfere with your life. Several early warning signs indicate you are unhappy in life, including withdrawing from friends and activities, feeling hopeless or helpless, sleeping too much or too little, experiencing changes in appetite, and having difficulty concentrating. If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is essential to take steps to address the root cause of your unhappiness. Otherwise, your unhappiness will only continue to grow. You can regain control of your life and happiness by taking action to improve your circumstances.

Take Steps To Change Your Situation

If you are unhappy with your job, you might start searching for a new position. If your relationship is the source of dissatisfaction, you might consider seeking counseling or spending more time with friends and family. Whatever the cause of your unhappiness, there are reasonable steps you can take to improve your situation. Take action before things reach a breaking point. By paying attention to the early warning signs, you can make changes that will enhance your overall happiness and sense of well-being.

Stay Positive, And Don’t Give Up On Yourself

It is crucial to remember to stay positive and don’t give up on yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in negative thinking, but it’s important to remember that you have the power to change your life for the better. So if you’re feeling down, take some time for yourself and do something that makes you happy. Once you start taking steps to improve your life, you’ll be surprised at how much better you’ll feel.

In Conclusion

If you’re unhappy with your current situation, pay attention to the early warning signs. Address them head-on and make a change. It may be scary, but living a happy and fulfilling life is worth it. And if you need help making those changes, resources are available to assist you. Don’t wait until it’s too late – move today towards a better tomorrow.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Blogger Highlight-A Visual Journey

Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, A Visual Journey.

A visual journey

Relax! Let your eyes wander and quiet your mind with some visual therapy. A picture is always more than you can see. You will also find my own illustrations, animations and sometimes short stories. You never know what you will find so make sure to come back.

 I love getting her posts, she is so creative.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

 

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Fun Facts

Hi, thanks for stopping by today. I love hearing your comments each week. We learn some interesting things, don’t we?

Nearly 3% of the ice in Antarctic glaciers is penguin urine.

QWERTY keyboards were originally supposed to slow down typing.

You get goosebumps when you’re scared to make you look bigger.

Katy Perry and My Chemical Romance have done song covers for The Sims.

A group of Viking traders founded Russia called the Rus.

 

Enjoy!

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.thefactsite.com/top-100-random-funny-facts/2/

 

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Have A Blessed Thanksgiving

The event that Americans commonly call the “First Thanksgiving” was celebrated by the Pilgrims after their first harvest in the New World in October 1621.[5] This feast lasted three days and was attended by 90 Wampanoag Native American people[6] and 53 Pilgrims 

Photo by fauxels on Pexels.com
I have great memories of Thanksgiving growing up. My granny would have a table full of food, a card table in the bedroom full of different desserts, and plenty of homemade fudge in the fridge. My granny would work all day and come home a make a dessert to be ready for the big day. I would always say grace and there was always football on the television. We could have fed a small country with all the food we ad, but it made for perfect leftovers. 

After eating we would sit around and talk, sometimes family members would stop by and I would often bring someone I knew that didn’t have anywhere to go. 

I have so much to be thankful for. I hope you have a blessed day.

Melinda

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving_(United_States)

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Everyday Ways To Cope With Anxiety

Anxiety affects more people than you might realize. Now that mental health is becoming less stigmatized, it’s becoming more normal for people to talk about their anxiety and put it out there in the open. But just because more people are talking about it, doesn’t mean that coping with anxiety itself is getting any easier.

Unpredictable and at times, crippling, anxiety affects people in different ways. Everyone has their own way of dealing with things, but there are some things you can do every day to help you ease your anxiety and help you regain your calm.

Photo by Mental Health America (MHA) on Pexels.com

Learn to focus on your breathing

Never underestimate the power of focused breathing. Focusing on even, steady breaths when you’re feeling anxious could help you bring your heart rate down and help you clear your mind to give your attention to the task at hand. Many people find the 4-7-8 breathing technique useful for this. Taking some slow deep breaths can have an instant effect, so try practicing measured breathing to help you in the future.

Write it down

If something is making you anxious, it can help you get some clarity to write it down – especially if something is overwhelming or you can’t make sense of it. People use writing as a way to cope with difficult experiences, and it can be used to tackle everyday thoughts and feelings too. Even if you just write something down on your phone, you could feel better once you’ve got it all out.

Look at alternative remedies

Different remedies can help you deal with anxiety. Many people use aromatherapy as a way to promote calm, while otc anxiety treatments can also be effective for some sufferers. Always seek medical advice before taking supplements, especially if you’re taking medication, but some natural supplements could be effective for helping you manage your anxiety.

 Another idea is to look into a school program that takes a holistic approach to learning-related health and well-being. It can be beneficial for you and your child as a better way to deal with anxiety. If you’re interested, then take the time to look into what Alpine Academy Reviews has to offer you in this area.

Do some short exercise

Exercise has many benefits for your health, and it can be great for your mental health. When you’re feeling a wave of anxiety coming on, or you’re dealing with a stressful situation, try exercising. There are some excellent short yoga routines for dealing with anxiety that could help you regain your center and help you relax too. Regular exercise is important, but it’s good to know where to find some short routines you can do as and when you need them. 

Going for a run or a short walk can also be a good alternative to yoga, helping you get out in the fresh air and enjoy a change of scenery.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

 

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Acupressure Can Improve Your Health

Acupressure is a type of massage therapy in which manual pressure is applied to specific points on the body. Acupressure is a practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that is similar to acupuncture, except that it uses fingertip pressure instead of needles.

Acupressure is said to help with a range of conditions, from motion sickness to headache to muscle pain. TCM practitioners say acupressure benefits are achieved by using pressure points along the energy pathways in the body, to encourage the free flow of energy, or qi.

How Does Acupressure Work?

Acupressure is thought to treat blocked energy, although it remains uncertain exactly what acupressure does. Some think the pressure may cause the release of endorphins. These are natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body.

Others think the pressure may influence the autonomic nervous system. This is the part of the nervous system that controls involuntary things like your heart, digestion, and breathing.

What Is Acupressure Used For?

Most people try acupressure to manage a condition, such as:

A Typical Acupressure Session

Acupressure is often done by an acupuncturist. Depending on what points they need to access, you may sit or lie on a massage table during the session.

You can also do acupressure on yourself. It is best to learn proper technique from an acupuncturist.

In general, though, you apply pressure to a specific point using a thumb, finger, or knuckle. You can also use the tip of a pen. The pressure should be gentle but firm.

Safety and Side Effects of Acupressure

Acupressure should never be painful. If you feel any pain, tell your therapist at once.

Some people may feel sore or have bruises at acupressure points after a session. You may also feel lightheaded for a while.

Pressure should be gentle over sensitive areas, such as the face.

If you’re pregnant, talk to your care provider before trying acupressure. During pregnancy, acupressure isn’t usually done on:

  • The abdomen
  • Certain points on the leg
  • The lower back

Acupressure shouldn’t ever be done over any of these areas:

If you have any of these conditions, talk to your healthcare provider before trying acupressure.

Your Acupuncturist can teach to the pressure points so you can do it at home.

Melinda

References:

https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-acupressure-88702

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

National Diabetes Month Including Recipies

Consider that while almost 30 million people in the U.S. have some form of diabetes, one in four don’t even realize they’re walking around with the disease. National Diabetes Month is an annual event each November to boost awareness about the risk factors, symptoms, and types of diabetes. 

How Diabetes Progresses

Diabetes is considered a progressive condition, which is why the first step you take to manage your diabetes will not stay effective long-term. 

Scientists understand the basics of type 2 well, including how the body makes and uses insulin. When beta cells in the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin to keep your blood sugar (blood glucose) from raising too high, the result is diabetes.

First, your body stops making enough insulin or using insulin it does make properly. When your body doesn’t use insulin properly, it’s called insulin resistance.  

Your beta cells increase the amount of insulin they produce to make up for the insulin resistance. Over time, the body works even harder to make more insulin and eventually it can’t keep up.

Unlike people with type 1 diabetes, people with type 2 still have functioning beta cells. They usually have no idea there is a problem until a doctor tests their blood sugar levels. Because symptoms can be minimal and go unnoticed, many people can have type 2 diabetes for a long time before it’s diagnosed. 

Be sure to have lab work done at least once a year to catch Diabetes early which gives you a chance to make changes in your life earlier than later. 

Here are two links to find goodies to cook over the holidays.

 
 

Remember to take care of yourself.

Melinda

References:

https://nationaltoday.com/national-diabetes-month/

https://diabetes.org/diabetes/type-2/how-type-2-diabetes-progresses?msclkid=f1ae58203cd5141361f03b5caa53429d&msclkid=f1ae58203cd5141361f03b5caa53429d

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Blogger Highlight-Visions in the Dark 

Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, Visions in the Dark. 

Visions In the Dark

From the mind to the pencil, night visions, a legacy honored in the light

This blog is to help me cope with the loss and suicide of my father. My Dad had written his own book of short stories, jokes, poems, and drawings he called “Night Visions” that helped him cope and express himself in his life. I hope to share some of his work as well as my own writing

Her blog is very unique and she has such great stories to share. 

Melinda

Looking for the Light

 

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

9 Things Your Kids Might Be Doing That Are Ruining Their Teeth

Parents, it’s time to have a talk with your kids about their teeth. Many common activities that children do can ruin their teeth if they’re not careful. In this blog post, we will discuss nine things that kids do that can cause dental problems down the road. We’ll also offer some advice on how to prevent these problems from happening. So read on and learn how to keep your kids’ teeth healthy and strong!

Photo by samer daboul on Pexels.com

Drinking Soda

While it might be a nice treat every now and then, drinking soda can do major damage to your teeth. The sugar in soda provides food for bacteria, which can lead to cavities and decay. Sugary drinks also erode tooth enamel over time. So if you want to keep your kids’ teeth healthy, try offering them healthier alternatives like water or milk instead of sugary drinks.

Eating Too Much Candy

We all love eating candy on occasion, but too much candy can be bad for our teeth. Candies are loaded with sugar and acids that wear away at tooth enamel over time. As an alternative, offer your kids some healthier snacks like fruits and veggies instead of sugary treats.

Grinding Teeth

Grinding teeth, also known as bruxism, is a common issue among children. This habit can cause chips and cracks in the enamel of their teeth, which increases the risk of decay. If you notice your child grinding their teeth, talk to them about it and encourage them to stop or try using a mouth guard at night. Dentists like Brandon orthodontics can also provide advice and treatments for children with teeth grinding problems.

Not Brushing Properly

If your kids aren’t brushing properly, it won’t matter how often they brush – their teeth are still at risk for decay and damage. Make sure that your kids understand proper brushing techniques such as using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. You should also help them learn how long to brush – two minutes is recommended.

Not Flossing

Flossing is just as important as brushing, yet many kids don’t do it. Show your children how to floss properly and encourage them to do it at least once a day. This will help keep plaque away from those hard-to-reach areas between their teeth where bacteria can easily build up.

Eating Too Many Acidic Foods

Certain acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and vinegar, can cause enamel erosion if eaten too often. Encourage your kids to eat some healthy snacks between meals instead of reaching for those acidic treats.

Not Visiting the Dentist Regularly

Regular dental visits are essential for keeping teeth healthy – even in children. Establishing a routine of visiting the dentist every six months is key to catching any potential problems early on so they can be treated sooner rather than later.

Impacts/Trauma To Teeth

Kids tend to get into all sorts of shenanigans that may involve falls or collisions with hard objects which can potentially cause damage to their teeth. In this case, you should bring your child in to see the dentist right away as they may require restorative treatment such as a dental crown or root canal.

Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking is a habit that many children have and it can start very early on in life. However, if this habit continues into adulthood, then it can cause misalignment of the teeth and bite issues. It’s best to try and break this habit when your child is young before any long-term damage is done.

There you have it – nine activities that kids do that can affect their teeth! Make sure to talk about these topics with your children so they understand the importance of taking care of their teeth. With proper care and good oral hygiene habits, your kids will have happy, healthy smiles for years to come!

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

How to Care For Yourself to Ensure Health Longevity

Everyone wants to live a long and healthy life, but not everyone knows how to take care of themselves to ensure health and longevity. Yet, if you know that you want to look after yourself to ensure the best possible health for as long as possible, it’s important to take the right steps. In this blog post, we’ll go over some tips on how to care for yourself so that you can enjoy a long and healthy life.

Photo by Kampus Production on Pexels.com

Why Should You Focus on a Long Healthy Life

There are plenty of good reasons to focus on living a long, healthy life. For one thing, you’ll feel better if you’re healthy. You’ll have more energy to do the things you love, and you’ll be able to enjoy your life more. Additionally, staying healthy can help you avoid costly medical bills and time spent in the hospital. Of course, there’s also the simple fact that you’ll live longer if you’re healthy. And who doesn’t want to live a long, happy life?

So why not do everything you can to live a long, healthy life? As much as you can take medication or get partial dentures or have operations, why not do things that can prevent this all together? We’re now going to take a look at the three things you can do to make sure you find longevity in life.

1. Eating Well for Longevity

One of the most important things you can do for your health is to eat a nutritious diet. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. It’s also important to limit your intake of unhealthy foods like processed meats, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of saturated and trans fats. Eating a nutritious diet will help your body stay strong and fight off disease.

2. Moving Your Body More

In addition to eating a healthy diet, you should also make sure to get plenty of exercise. Exercise is important for maintaining a healthy weight, improving heart health, and reducing your risk of developing chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Walking, jogging, biking, swimming, and taking group fitness classes are all great ways to get in your daily exercise.

3. Taking Care of Your Mind

Finally, it’s important to take care of your mental health. Stress can take a toll on your physical health, so it’s important to find ways to manage stress in your life. Meditation, yoga, spending time in nature, and talking to friends and family are all great ways to reduce stress levels. Taking care of your mental health will help you feel your best and enjoy a long and healthy life.

Making Your Health a Priority

Taking care of yourself is essential for enjoying a long and healthy life. Eating a nutritious diet, getting plenty of exercise, and taking care of your mental health are all key components of self-care. By following these tips, you can live a long and happy life full of good health.

This a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

How To Look After Your Overall Health

The most significant aspect of your life is your health, which demands your attention. However, because of the requirements, so many individuals view this as a task that must be accomplished. But it doesn’t have to be this way; you shouldn’t feel as though taking care of your health is a burden. It’s worth looking into the many things you may do and how you can be creative with them since it can be pretty enjoyable. Once you start focusing on your health a lot of other things fall into place and you will start to enjoy every part of your life without worrying about your health.

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

Make sure you keep your appointments and checkups

One of the best things you can do is to look at preventative care but then also to see professionals if something does occur. This could be things like seeing the dentist, the eye doctor, and any specialist for any ailments you have. If anything happens like you lose a tooth you will need immediate care like getting dental bridges applied.

Get support to quit smoking 

Your respiration, circulation, and general fitness can all be impacted by smoking. Heart disease and stroke might potentially result from it. The single biggest step you can take to enhance your health is to stop smoking. You can seek free local counseling and support to assist you with quitting. Stopping is never too late.

Stress less 

We’ve all experienced it, and if you haven’t, probably, you’ve never been to a family meal. But if you consistently experience stress, it might harm your health. We are all aware of how detrimental stress is to our health. Our heart health may suffer the more worried we perceive ourselves to be. But with the job, relationships, families, and everything else life throws at us, it can be hard to resist giving in to stress. Avoid letting it affect you.

Embrace your joy

When it comes to self-care techniques, there is no right or wrong, yet it is simple to slip into the “shoulds” trap. Making self-care another item on your to-do list negates its purpose. If rising at five in the morning to meditate isn’t your cup of tea, try something else until you discover something that works for you. Following your delight will increase both your satisfaction and the efficacy of your self-care 

Every day, spend 20 minutes outside

How frequently do you experience anxiety and overwhelmed when you’re outside, strolling through nature, or unwinding on your porch? The likelihood is that you experience the majority of your stress when working at your computer inside, chasing after children, or rushing to put food on the table. Getting outside for at least 20 minutes each day is one simple method to put your mental health first. This can entail taking your dog for a walk or running a few miles. Even if you don’t always manage to get in 20 minutes, just taking a brief break outside can do wonders for your stress and attitude.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Little Changes You Can Make To Improve Your Self-Image

Think about the last time you had a bad day. Maybe you were feeling down about yourself, or perhaps everything that could go wrong did. It’s easy to let those negative feelings take over, but it’s important to remember that they’re just temporary. No matter how bad things seem at the moment, there are always ways to improve your self-image. Here are a few little changes you can make that will help you feel better about yourself in no time!

Photo by Kampus Production on Pexels.com

Be Kind To Yourself

Every day, we wake up and look in the mirror. We see ourselves, and we make judgments. We decide if we like what we see or if we don’t. We may feel good about ourselves, or we may feel inadequate. Our self-image is the way that we see ourselves, and it can have a significant impact on our lives. If we have a positive self-image, we’re more likely to be successful and happy. If we have a negative self-image, we may miss out on opportunities and be less likely to achieve our goals. 

Luckily, there are things that we can do to improve our self-image. One of the best things that you can do is to smile at yourself in the mirror every day. It sounds simple, but it’s actually quite powerful. When you smile, you send a message to your brain that says, “I’m happy with who I am.” Another great way to improve your self-image is to give yourself compliments. Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Give yourself credit for everything you do well, and soon you’ll believe it too! Improving your self-image is a process, but it’s worth undertaking. By making small changes in your daily routine, you can make a big difference in how you see yourself – and in how others see you too!

Dress Nicely

If you’re unhappy with your self-image, don’t worry – you can make plenty of small changes to feel better about yourself. For instance, start paying attention to the way you dress. Even if you’re just lounging around the house, put on something that makes you feel good about yourself. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy – just something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Additionally, make an effort to take care of your appearance. At the very least, keep your hair clean and styled and your nails trimmed and polished. But, again, you don’t need to go overboard – just put in a little effort to look your best.

Take Care Of Your Body 

You don’t have to make considerable changes to see a big improvement in how you feel about yourself. Taking small steps to improve your appearance and eating habits can go a long way in boosting your confidence and self-esteem. For example, something as simple as getting an orthodontics evaluation can make a big difference in how your smile looks. And adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet can improve your skin tone and overall health, giving you a radiant glow. By making some small changes, you can significantly improve how you feel about yourself. So don’t wait any longer; start making those changes today!

In Conclusion

Improving your self-image can be as simple as making minor changes to how you speak and treat yourself with kindness. By improving your relationship with yourself, you’ll see a big difference in how you feel daily. Plus, a positive self-image will help you attract more positivity into your life overall. Who knew that such little changes could have such a big impact?

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Fun Facts

Hi, thanks for stopping by today. I love hearing your comments each week. We learn some interesting things, don’t we?

Steve Irwin has a snail named after him.

Sierra Leone is the world’s roundest country.

In 2011, more than 1 in 3 divorce filings in the US contained “Facebook.”

In Ethiopia, there is a place known as ‘The Gateway to Hell.’

There is a nut on a helicopter called the ‘Jesus Nut.’

Enjoy!

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.thefactsite.com/top-100-random-funny-facts/2/

 

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

10 Easy Exercises To Do In Your Home Gym

It’s no secret that a home gym can provide many benefits. In fact, research has shown that people who have a home gym are more likely to stick with their fitness routine. There are many reasons for this, but the most common one is convenience.

When you have a home gym, you can work out any time you want without having to worry about scheduling appointments or fighting traffic to get to the gym. 

You also don’t have to worry about paying high membership fees. Plus, you can hire your own gym equipment through companies like Hirefitness if you don’t want to fully commit to one type for too long.

Another big benefit of having a home gym is that you can customize it to fit your needs. You can choose the equipment that works best for you and the exercises that you enjoy doing. This means that you can create a workout routine that is perfect for you and your fitness goals.

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels.com

What you should keep in mind

If you’re thinking about setting up a home gym, there are a few things you will need to think about.

Space

First, you need to make sure that you have enough space. A home gym doesn’t have to be huge, but you do need to have enough space to move around and store all of your equipment.

Equipment

Second, you need to make sure that you have the right equipment. You don’t need to spend a lot of money, but you do need to get quality equipment that will last.

Rules

Third, you need to set some ground rules. For example, you need to decide what time of day you will work out and how often you will work out. Once you have these things in place, you’re ready to start working out!

Exercises

If you are ready to get going, here are 10 exercises to help you on your fitness journey.

Push-ups:

Push-ups are a great way to work your arms, chest, and shoulders. To do a push-up, start in a plank position with your hands on the ground and your feet shoulder-width apart. Lower your body down until your chest is just above the ground. Push back up to the starting position.

Squats:

Squats are good for working your legs and glutes. To do a squat, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands at your sides. Lower your body down as if you were going to sit in a chair. Keep your knees behind your toes and make sure that your back is straight. Push back up to the starting position.

Sit-ups:

Sit-ups are for your core. To do a sit-up, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. Place your hands behind your head and curl your upper body up towards your knees. Lower back down to the starting position.

Lunges:

Your legs and glutes will love you after doing this. To do a lunge, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands at your sides. Step forward with one leg and lower your body down until both knees are bent at 90-degree angles. Make sure that your front knee is behind your toes and that your back is straight. Push back up to the starting position.

Burpees:

Burpees will get your heart rate up and work your whole body. To do a burpee, start in a standing position with your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands at your sides. Lower your body down into a squatting position and place your hands on the ground in front of you. Kick your feet back so that you are in a push-up position. Lower your body down and then press back up to the starting position.

Jumping jacks:

Jumping jacks will work all over your body. To do a jumping jack, start in a standing position with your feet together and your hands at your sides. Jump up and spread your legs out to the side. As you land, bring your legs back together and jump up again.

Mountain climbers:

Another exercise that will work your core as well as the arms and legs. To do a mountain climber, start in a push-up position with your hands on the ground and your feet shoulder-width apart. Bring one knee up towards your chest and then quickly switch legs. Continue alternating legs as fast as you can.

Planks:

If you have never done a plank before, you’ll certainly feel it when you do it. To do a plank, start in a push-up position with your hands on the ground and your feet shoulder-width apart. Lower your body down so that your elbows are bent at 90-degree angles and make sure that your back is straight. Hold this position for as long as you can.

Side plank:

Side planks will work your obliques. To do a side plank, start in a plank position with your feet together and your right hand on the ground. Rotate your body so that your left foot is on top of your right foot and your left hand is in the air. Make sure that your body is in a straight line from your head to your feet. Hold this position for as long as you can and then repeat on the other side.

Squat jumps:

It may sound hard to do, but once you get the hang of it you’ll be a pro. To do a squat jump, start in a squatting position with your hands at your sides. Jump up as high as you can and land in the same squatting position. Make sure that your knees are behind your toes and that your back is straight.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you will find them to be incredibly beneficial to your fitness regime!

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda