I’m still perplexed by what has changed with my health that has brought on the major hair loss in the past two months. I haven’t had lab work done in two months so it’s hard to say how my Hypogammaglobulinemia and severe Anemia are doing but I feel pretty good and have been taking an iron supplement for over a month. Anemia is a condition which can cause hair loss, it may be part of my problem.
I collected a week’s worth of hair and discussed it with my doctor yesterday to get her feedback. She said it was a lot of hair for one week and is ordering lab work to check my Thyroid which is a medical condition. She is also referring me to a dermatologist. In the meantime, she said to wash my hair with a shampoo for Eczema. We’ll see what the dermatologist has to say.
Looking at the medical conditions that can cause hair loss, I have one, Anemia, and possibly two with a Thyroid problem.
Here are some medical conditions that can cause hair loss:
A diet lacking in protein, iron, and other nutrients can also lead to thinning hair.
Iron deficiency anemia is a condition that occurs when a person does not have enough iron in their body, or their body cannot use iron properly. While severe iron deficiency anemia can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain, some people also experience hair loss.
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck just below the Adam’s apple. It’s part of an intricate network of glands called the endocrine system. The endocrine system is responsible for coordinating many of your body’s activities. The thyroid gland manufactures hormones that regulate your body’s metabolism.
Alopecia areata is a condition that causes hair to fall out in small patches, which can be unnoticeable. These patches may connect, however, and then become noticeable. The condition develops when the immune system attacks the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss.
Sudden hair loss may occur on the scalp, and in some cases the eyebrows, eyelashes, and face, as well as other parts of the body. It can also develop slowly and recur after years between instances.
Ringworm, also known as dermatophytosis, dermatophyte infection, or tinea, is a fungal infection of the skin.
“Ringworm” is a misnomer, since a fungus, not a worm, causes the infection. The lesion caused by this infection resembles a worm in the shape of a ring — hence the name.
Ringworm infection can affect both humans and animals. The infection initially appears as red patches on affected areas of the skin and later may spread to other parts of the body. It may affect the scalp, feet, nails, groin, beard, or other areas.
Next week I look at how stress and anxiety play a factor in hair loss.
Start tackling a project you’d like to work on. Go for a walk in nature. Spend time with you pet. Spend time laughing over funny memories. Do a photoshoot. Go shopping (or window shopping.) Binge watch a TV show you love. Make a playlist. Get in touch with an old friend. Clear out your […]
Happy Wednesday! So glad you stopped by today I appreciate you. Have an awesome day! I love Sunflowers, especially growing in the wild in large fields. My husband bought me a bouquet last weekend and here’s a shot of what I used as a vase.
New research suggests that PTSD is a normal response to common life events.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 7.7 million adults suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Along with a surge of awareness regarding PTSD, there are also many misconceptions. For example, some believe it is only associated with war veterans, events such as 9/11, or natural disasters.
Although this diagnosis has historically been associated with military veterans who undergo multiple deployments, there are many other events that can trigger symptoms of PTSD. For example, prolonged exposure to emotional and psychological abuse (e.g., verbally abusive relationships, alcoholism, or stressful childhoods) are risk factors for developing symptoms. Some of these lingering misconceptions may be due to the fact that development and recognition of the disorder is relatively recent and has really only blossomed in the last three decades.
History
In 1980, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) formally recognized PTSD as an actual mental health diagnosis. Historically, it had been formally recognized as “shell shock” and was thought only to occur in military war veterans. Further, PTSD had historically been thought of as something that someone “gets over” over time. This may be true for some, but it isn’t for others.
Researchers continue to discover risk factors that can cause PTSD symptoms. This includes emerging research on the study of what happens in childhood and how it affects adults in their lifetime (van Der Kolk, 2014). For example, some of my clients may have grown up with “tough love” and were disciplined with physical violence by a family member or a teacher. As adults, they may suffer from trauma-related symptoms but not realize the origin of their suffering.
Many who suffer from PTSD symptoms may have behavioral consequences such as binge eating, or they may self-medicate with alcohol, drugs, gambling, or other compulsive behaviors. Equally as important as identifying PTSD symptoms is understanding that they are a natural response to overwhelming events.
PTSD symptoms are an injury. Source: Pexels
PTSD is a Mental Injury, Not a Mental Illness
Researchers argue that it is important to view PTSD symptoms as a mental injury, versus a mental illness or something pathological (Zimbardo et al., 2012). This is because PTSD symptoms are a natural reaction to a distressing event where one may have felt overwhelmed, afraid, or helpless. Historically, mental illness is pathologized as something that is “wrong” with the person, versus simply a manifestation of how most people would respond.
For example. if a person falls and cuts their leg, that would be an injury. Bleeding could occur, which would be a symptom of the injury; the amount of bleeding would be based on the severity of the wound, previous injuries, etc. Similarly, PTSD symptoms may manifest into problems with concentration, angry outbursts, sleep disturbance, sadness, anxiety, and even nightmares. These are natural responses to overwhelming circumstances, whether they are obviously traumatic to most (war, natural disasters) or less obvious to most people.
Obvious vs. Less Obvious Trauma
Researchers state that forms of trauma can be categorized into obvious and less obvious trauma. Obvious traumas include war, childhood abuse and neglect, sexual assault, rape, and natural disasters such as hurricanes. However, there are also less obvious forms of trauma that include:
Invasive medical procedures; higher risk if performed on children who may have been restrained or had chronic issues.
Falls and accidents, particularly in children or the elderly
Natural disasters like hurricanes, fires, or earthquakes
Being left alone as infants or children
Automobile accidents or whiplash
A mental health professional can formally diagnose and treat PTSD. However, some people have symptoms but do not meet the full criteria.
It may be irrelevant whether a person meets the full criteria—what matters is if symptoms are causing problems in their life. Symptoms include feelings of irritability, angry outbursts, issues with concentration and sleep, feelings of detachment from others, and nightmares of the event.
A mental health professional can formally diagnose and treat PTSD. However, some people have symptoms but do not meet the full criteria.
It may be irrelevant whether a person meets the full criteria—what matters is if symptoms are causing problems in their life. Symptoms include feelings of irritability, angry outbursts, issues with concentration and sleep, feelings of detachment from others, and nightmares of the event.
‘There is an increasing number of books on evolutionary psychology that are available on the market focused on outcomes rather than ticking off boxes. When it comes to PTSD there is no doubt that while all survivors don’t fit into the same boxes, what really matters is that they can be helped back to a place of health from where they can move forward.’
There are several treatment recommendations for PTSD, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). This is a highly effective treatment used by the U.S. Department of Defense to help veterans with PTSD.
The sudden onset of the pandemic has literally shaken the entire world and what we consider “normal”, and living through these strange times has taken its toll financially, physically, and mentally. It’s only human to turn to something to help cope through difficult times. Some may have turned to comfort food, smoking, drugs, or even alcohol. If you feel like you’ve used alcohol as a crutch and want to kick the habit, then you’ve taken the first step into kicking the habit, well done! Take a look at how you can quit alcohol after a challenging lockdown.
Your first call with any health issues should always be your GP as they’ll be able to help refer you to the right place to help begin your road to recovery. They will also be able to give you advice on your mental well-being and how you can get yourself in the right mindset to achieve your goal of quitting alcohol. It might be a wise idea to ask for some tests to make sure you haven’t done any long-term damage to your body too.
Know the facts!
Alcoholism is an extremely complex subject, and many people have misconceptions about “alcoholics”. Educate yourself on what to expect while kicking the habit so that you can spot when you may be veering off track. Here’s a really helpful article on alcohol addiction myths that explains the most common misconceptions people have regarding what makes an alcoholic and the stereotypes surrounding it.
Surround yourself with support
Kicking a habit is very difficult to do alone, especially if you live in a house full of people you care about. Speak to your loved ones about your worries, what you’re going through, and how they can help support you through this difficult time. Many people find it helpful to have a loved one attend rehabilitation meetings with them for moral support, so perhaps this is something your loved ones could help you with. Sometimes, simply knowing your family and friends are on your team can help you through your addiction.
Change up your lifestyle
The way you’re living your life could also be part of the reason you’ve been reaching for alcohol, so why not change your lifestyle to help kickstart the new and improved you? Here are some tips to consider:
Get yourself outside as much as possible! Whether you want to exercise, or simply take a walk in the park to meet some friends, you’ll find your mood improving and the need for a drink declining.
Cut out stress from your life wherever possible. If you turn to drink after a long day at work, find a de-stress mechanism to use after arriving home.
Eating healthier food can help promote a healthier mindset, therefore reducing the need to have a drink.
Kicking a habit is a challenge, but with the right help, support, and willpower, you can quit alcohol for good – you’ve got this!
Ratuken is a browser plug-in that picks up on where you’re shopping and will tell you if the company is offering cashback. You can also use their site as a great way to shop for products to ensure you get the most cash back for your money. I look forward to the triple cashback days which they have several times a year, always at the perfect shopping season, it seems. I have earned $1102.32 to date and use the link and get $25 in bonus cash. Ratuken pays out once a quarter for the previous quarter. It’s the easiest way to earn money I’ve found yet!
Honey is a browser plug-in that shows coupon codes and collects points while you shop to earn cashback for a wide selection of gift cards. It tracks your sales at each participating company and when you have enough Honey Gold it lets you know you have enough points for a gift card. Honey will tell you if there are coupon codes when you go to checkout. Let it run thru the coupon codes to see which one is the best deal and it tells you how much you just saved. It’s amazing how many times I saved money when least expecting it. They have saved me hundreds of dollars over the years.
The capacity is large enough to fit your daily hydration needs. You can also store coffee or any other liquids. The stainless steel repels any lingering flavors. Put your portable sports water bottle in your gym bag or the side pouch of your backpack or as your daily companion.
This Sierra bottle by MIRA is a whopping 40 ounces! I load up with ice three times a day, refill and drink all day long without any sweating, it’s perfectly insulated. It’s so insulated that whenever I leave water overnight it’s cold enough to drink the next morning.
Drop a bag in cold water and watch the Hibiscus start to flood the water with a beautiful red color. Wait until desired strength, I usually leave mine for several hours, even overnight. I add a touch of artificial sweetener. I love so many of their teas, it’s hard to pick a favorite. You can also find many flavors in bottles, Brambleberry is a great one if they still sell it. I haven’t been to the market in ages.
The Keurig K-Elite coffee maker brews all Keurig branded K-Cup pods.
This isn’t the exact coffee maker we have, this is a new and improved model with all the bells and whistles. We bought our machine several years ago and have not had one problem. I will give you a couple of tips. After you brew your coffee and take the pod out, leave the handle open to let it air dry. When the machine asks if you want to run hot water, get a separate cup, and let it run hot water. This helps keep the machine clean and requires less manual cleaning from grounds building up inside. These are two tricks we’ve discovered, no science to them. Keurig makes the perfect temperature cup of coffee or tea every time.
Our powerful, planet-friendly cleaning products handle big messes beautifully. so leave the cleanup to us.
I love how well their products work, smell/or not, are environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Just a dab of hand or dish wash liquid is all that is needed making each product last a long time. They also have refills for many products which cuts down on the cost and impact on the environment. I use their products all over the house but especially love the kitchen products. The Rosemary, Basil, Lavender, and Orange CLove scents are wonderful.
The next-generation Bona® Premium Spray Mop for Hardwood Floors is an all-in-one solution to clean and reveal the natural shine of your floors. Includes a 34oz refillable cartridge filled with Bona’s Hardwood Floor Cleaner and a washable microfiber pad. Clean hardwood floors effectively by removing dust, dirt, and grime to reveal beautiful floors. The extra-large mop head delivers quick and effective cleaning, and the flexible rubber corners protect baseboards and furniture from dings and scratches. A secondary grip allows for added cleaning power, and a retractable hook makes storage easy.
I can’t say enough about this mop! The upfront investment is more than a Swiffer but the results and long term payoff far outweigh the cost. BONA is a heavyweight mop, no bending in half when you apply pressure to clean stubborn stains. The mop head is at least twice as large giving you more coverage which means less mopping time. The cleaning solution is housed right on the mop and goes a long way, just a few squirts and a whole area is clean. The pads are microfiber and can be thrown in the laundry, another big bonus, no buying replacement sheets.
TOUCHED BY LYME: House approves increased funding for Lyme disease
The House of Representatives today approved a package of spending bills that includes $20 million in Lyme disease funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Fiscal Year 2021 amount represents a 43% increase over CDC Lyme funding from the previous year. The Lyme funding is part of $42 million designated for CDC efforts regarding vector-borne diseases.
Bonnie Crater, of the Center for Lyme Action, sent me the following timeline of what happened to Lyme funding in the past couple of weeks. (Note: a “minibus” bill is when several measures are bundled together to be considered as one item.)
Recap
July 7 The Labor-Health & Human Services appropriations bill included a +$2M increase on the Lyme item to grow that from $14M to $16M in FY21. See page 67 for a chart that shows this.
July 13 The House Appropriations Committee passes Labor HHS appropriations bill and is combined with five other appropriations bills in a “minibus” to be reviewed by the Rules Committee.
July 24 Representatives Chris Smith and Collin Peterson, Co-chairs of the Lyme Caucus, proposed Amendment 13 to increase the Lyme item by $4M.
July 28 Amendment 13 was “made in order” (passed) out of the House Rules Committee for House Floor consideration.
July 29 Amendment 13 was bundled in En bloc #4 and renamed Amendment #289.
July 30 En Bloc #4 was approved by voice vote on the House Floor
July 31 All the approved Amendments and the main Minibus bill were approved by a vote of 217-197.
Now the action on this moves to the Senate. Though Bonnie tells me Senators are unlikely to start work on it until after the election.
Nominations for the 2020 WEGO Health Awards come to a close tonight, so be sure to get your nominations in before it’s too late. Think about the people who have influenced your life in the past year and nominate them in categories like Life Time Achievement, FaceBook, Instagram, Advocating for Another, and Rookie of the Year, just to name a few of the 16 categories. Every vote counts.
I truly appreciate all of you who have voted for me, I’m humbled. If you would like to vote and haven’t here is my WEGO Health link. Thank you!
Once nominations and endorsements close at midnight ET, we’ll calculate the top three endorsed nominees within each award category to automatically move on as a finalist. The subsequent three finalists are selected by our judging panelists. The judging panel is comprised of past award winners, foundations, & organizations. Finalists will be selected based on their relevance to that award & the information you provide in your WEGO Health profile – so make sure it’s complete!
When are finalists announced?
Our first few rounds of judging to determine our finalists will be held throughout the month of August, after all, there are over 8k nominations to review! Once completed, finalists will be announced on our blog and notified via email on September 2nd. From there, we will move into our final round of judging early September, where industry professionals review the finalists and select one winner! Winners will be announced during our virtual online celebration on October 14, 2020.
I’m sending my best wishes to every nominee for the 2020 WEGO Health Awards! Good luck, you deserve the recognition.
So glad you joined me this weekend, I hope you’re doing great! Hearing this song makes me think of the first time I heard Born In The USA by Bruce Springstein and thought you might enjoy going back to the Glory Days.
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
I can’t think of a better year to celebrate International’s Friendship Day! No doubt our friends have helped us keep our heads above water in these difficult COVID times. Be sure to let your friends know how much you appreciate them today.
My journey continues as I look for reasons for the ongoing hair loss and what can be done to slow the process down. Here are the steps taken since my last post.
I started taking a Bioton supplement on July 26th after reading the number of positive reviews on Amazon. People mentioned stronger nails and less hair loss, even brighter skin after a month’s time. Stay tuned for my results.
I’ve bought a new flexible hairbrush at Amazon to help massage the scalp, you’ll read later how massage can help with hair growth. Now when I brush my hair, I can feel the hair coming out and have a better idea of the hair loss area, the upper back part of my scalp seems to be the area of most loss which is a common area for hair loss.
I have been using Flower Crown Hair Oil to massage into the scalp before washing. It contains Safflower, California Poppy, Violet Flower, Elder Flower, and Calendula infused Apricot Oil. The tonic can also be used on the ends of hair for nourishment. Rosemary also worked well to stimulate the scalp as well.
This pile did not sit well either, one week of picking up all that I could to show you how many hairs. It looks like more than 100 per day to me but I’m too impatient and frustrated to count.
Biotin is a vitamin. Foods such as eggs, milk, or bananas contain small amounts of biotin.
Biotin is used for biotin deficiency. It is also commonly used for hair loss, brittle nails, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
I’ve also found some interesting although unproven natural ways to keep hair healthy and to prevent hair loss Healthline.
Your hair is said to be your crowning glory, and it’s normal to want to improve your hair if it’s not to your satisfaction. If you’re trying to regrow hair that you’ve lost or would simply like to improve the hair that you have, try some of these natural remedies. Their proven benefits can help to stimulate growth and enhance the hair that you have.
Massaging the scalp can help to restore hair growth and can be used in conjunction with hair oils and masks. This stimulates the scalp and can improve hair thickness. Taking the time to massage your scalp each day can also help you relieve stress and tension. It’s thought that stretching forces during the massage encourage hair growth and thickness in the dermal papilla cells.
Aloe vera has long been used for treating hair loss. It also soothes the scalp and conditions hair. It can reduce dandruff and unblock hair follicles that may be blocked by excess oil. You can apply pure aloe vera gel to your scalp and hair a few times per week. You can also use shampoo and conditioner that contain aloe vera.
Coconut oil contains fatty acids that penetrate inside the hair shaft and reduce protein loss from hair. Coconut oil can be used either before or after you wash your hair depending on your hair type. If your hair tends to be oily, you can do a leave-in treatment overnight or for a few hours before you wash it. Massage coconut oil into your scalp and all of your hair. If your hair is dry, you can also use it as a leave-in treatment. There needs to be more research on coconut oil as a promoter of hair growth, but it’s been shown to improve the health and luster of hair and has been used for centuries.
Viviscal is a natural hair-growth supplement that promotes hair growth in people with thinning hair. It contains a marine complex known as AminoMar C. This is made of minerals, vitamins, and shark and mollusk powder. These ingredients help to regenerate new cells and strengthen existing cells. You have to take the pills twice a day for at least six months in order to see results. Viviscal also makes a shampoo and conditioner.
Consuming omega fatty acids can help to improve your hair from the inside since they are filled with nutrients and proteins. Taking an omega supplement along with antioxidants helps to improve hair density and diameter. It also reduces hair loss. Omega fatty acids help your cells to work correctly and can boost immunity, leading to better overall health. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage.
Taking ginseng supplements can promote hair growth by stimulating hair follicles. Ginsenosides are the active components of ginseng and are thought to be responsible for its positive effect on hair. Always take as directed and be sure to check for any possible side effects.
If you can handle the smell of onion juice, you may find that the benefits are worth it. Onion juice has been shown to successfully treat patchy alopecia areata by promoting hair growth. Onion juice is also thought to improve circulation. Animal studies show improved keratin growth factor and blood flow to the cuticles. You can blend a few onions and squeeze out the juice. Apply the juice to your scalp and hair and leave in for at least 15 minutes. Then shampoo normally.
Rosemary is one of the first essential oils people choose to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss. Rosemary oil stimulates new hair growth and can be used to treat androgenetic alopecia. Mix a few drops of rosemary oil into a carrier oil and massage it into your hair and scalp before rinsing. Do this a few times per week. Add a few drops of rosemary oil into your shampoo and conditioner on a daily basis. Do not use essential oils directly on the skin. Always mix them in a carrier oil or shampoo.
You can use geraniumTrusted Source oil to promote hair growth and boost circulation. Mix a few drops into a carrier oil and use it to make a hair mask. You can also add a few drops to your shampoo and conditioner. Geranium oil can help to strengthen, hydrate, and restore your hair.
You can use fresh lemon juice or lemon oil since they are said to enhance hair quality and growth. Lemon oilTrusted Source can help you to maintain a healthy scalp and encourage hair growth. Apply fresh lemon juice to your scalp and hair 15 minutes before you shampoo. You can use lemon essential oil diluted in a carrier oil as a hair mask.
If you want to improve your hair, come up with a plan, and stay consistent. Remember that the treatments may take a few months to yield noticeable results. Be creative with the remedies and mix them up as much as you like.
It’s important that you take time each day to focus on nourishing your hair to get the luscious locks you want. Taking this step and practicing self-care will be extra beneficial if your hair loss is related to any emotional or stress-related issue. Stay positive and do your best to maintain a healthy lifestyle that will complement your hair treatment plan.
I’ve used Tea Tree Oil Shampoo and Conditioner in the past for the scalp but not sure how Tea Tree fits in with hair growth or loss. I know it keeps the scalp clean which can open hair follicles and help hair grow. Apple Cider Vinegar can also help clean the hair of build-up and clean the scalp, that’s an old trick I learned from my granny.
I would love to hear what you’ve tried and what has worked. Next week I look at specific conditions for cause hair loss like alopecia.
Vacuumed part of the living room, still need to clean the floor.
Potted two house plants.
Enjoyed a candle for a few minutes.
Emptied dishwasher.
Woke up 4:00 A.M. with the puppy.
Haven’t taken a nap.
I cleaned up but no shower, those hospital towelettes sure come in handy, hair still in a ponytail.
Took my morning meds.
Washed face twice.
Emptied bathroom trash.
Brushed teeth twice.
Played with dogs, felt like forever!
Went to Starbucks for a cold coffee with my husband.
I’m exhausted at 2:30 P.M.
This is an exceptional day! I set my goals at a realistic level this week and am working at breaking them down. Today is Tuesday and I’m ahead of schedule. The new puppy is exhausting but he brings so much joy and laughs.
I don’t always give myself credit for all the little tasks and tend to focus on the bigger things which make me feel like I haven’t accomplished much. All task add up even on the worst days, everything adds up to an accomplishment.
Happy Wednesday! So glad you stopped by today I appreciate you. Have an awesome day! This week I share some photos from around the back yard. The birds and bees are loving the flowers and seeding basil, the rosemary has grown so much this summer and the tomatoes are wrapping up their season.
Survivors Blog Here is celebrating our six anniversary with a big celebration! Come by, say hello, browse and read a few posts while enjoying the refreshments. We could not have made this journey without the thousands of guests on our site. I want to thank each of you and let you know you’ve made an […]
Stacey Chapman has this great page she put together of her favorite chronic illness Bloggers and I’m so humbled to be on the list. I want to call attention to her blog and to the other great writers you may not have discovered yet. Please check out the bloggers she has listed and most of all follow her. You will not be disappointed, Stacey is a shining light in life.
Stacey is positive about life, no matter how many things are stacked on her plate outside of her own health concerns. Right now she is helping her son who had a terrible accident and had to move home for assistance. I know her well enough to know, she will not take time for self-care because she is so dedicated to her family.
Please send her a note of good wishes and encourage her to take five-ten minutes for herself, just to smell a candle, take a hot bath that smells out of this world, or just go outside by herself to think of her life. To think of life after this chaos, to her normal level of living.
Long before I began blogging, I was following Blogs about Chronic Illness, Fibro and CFS/ME. Over the years, I have come across some really great Blogs and met some really great Bloggers. So I wanted to introduce you to them. I am so grateful to have found a plethora of information and encouragement, over the years, from great people like them.
**UPDATE**: The great thing about the blogging world is the support that comes with finding people who live with similar challenges. We know and understand what it is to live like this, when often, others cannot. We may have experienced the same symptoms and can offer advice or suggestions. Sometimes, it simply comes down to the ability to make connections again, after many of us have had to abandon our careers. After nearly a year of being part of this blogging world, I am happy to have met even more awesome bloggers and friends than when I originally wrote this post. As such, I felt it was a great time to add a few names to my already awesome list:
Jayne, at See Jayne Run, holds a special place in my heart. She is full of life and personality and happens to swear as much as I do! Despite all she has lived with and endured, she still keeps a positive and hopeful outlook on life. Which, as we all know, can sometimes be super challenging. Jayne writes a super eloquent Blog at: https://seejaynerun.com/
Terri writes at: https://reclaiminghopecoaching.com/ Terri has been living with Fibro since 2012 and has been writing for nearly three years. I really love hearing from Terri through blogging. She writes positive, helpful posts and takes ownership of having once lost hope in her battle; something we can pretty much all, sadly, relate to.
Pamela Jessen writes about Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Chronic Fatigue and Invisible Illnesses on her Blog; which covers alot of territory! She is a prolific volunteer and is incredibly involved in the chronic illness community, offering a voice for those of us so often underrepresented. Find Pamela’s blog here: https://pamelajessen.com/
Meet Caz at InvisiblyMe-you will absolutely love her!! Caz is 30, has been sick for 11 years and blogs about a myriad of conditions and living life positively with them. You can feel that same positivity and warmth in every exchange you have with Caz. You can check out her Blog here: https://invisiblyme.com/
Kim at I Tripped Over a Stone was one of the very first Bloggers that welcomed me to the Blogging world with open arms and really encouraged me. Kim is a veteran spoonie and aside from writing her blog, maintains a Facebook page and has written a book about Fibro. Please find Kim here, I’m sure she’ll be just as warm to you: https://itrippedoverastone.com/
Melinda is another Blogger who has been super welcoming and supportive. The thing about Melinda is this: she’s fiesty!! Watch out!! Despite Melinda suffering from multiple health issues, she still finds the time to be positive and occasionally silly. Melinda blogs in a couple places. You can find her here: https://lookingforthelight.blog/ and here: https://survivorsbloghere.wordpress.com
Lee Good was my very first Pinterest follower and every exchange I’ve had with her has been really great! She has a tremendous wealth of knowledge and expertise when it comes to Blogging. Lee has her own Blog: http://www.fibrofiles.net/p/about.html but Lee also manages The Fibro Blogger Directory here: http://www.fibrobloggerdirectory.com/p/directory.html The great thing about Lee’s directory is that you can find great Fibro Bloggers from around the world conveniently listed in Lee’s directory.
Claire Saul writes at PainPals Blog. Claire has an award winning Blog and does a great roundup of inspiring weekly blog posts on Mondays. This Monday Magic gives one an opportunity to check out other great blogs, besides Claire’s. But make sure not to skip over her great content! Find Claire here: https://painpalsblog.com/
Michelle writes at The Zebra Pit. What I really love about Michelle’s Blog is that it is super diverse and covers not only Chronic Illness, but also touches upon Mental Health, recipes and health and wellness. Michelle is also super personable and sweet!! Check out Michelle’s Blog here: https://zebrapit.com/
While I haven’t had any specific interactions with the Bloggers who write these Blogs, I have found their Blogs to be very informative! I imagine these Bloggers are just as awesome as their content. Check them out!
If I have forgotten you, please forgive me, this is a dynamic page and will be updated and added to accordingly! I find and meet great Bloggers every day! ❤ Stace
CBD has revolutionized modern medicine by transforming the way human illnesses have additional treatment options. However, a common question persists on everyone’s mind, whether the same applies to animals or not. To the question posed above, the answer is yes. Let us explore how CBD has been able to enunciate its potential benefit on animals.
Similarities between pets and humans
Apart from both being mammals, many physical similarities are prevalent between a human being and an animal.
Seizures
Anxiety
Stress
Nausea
Cancer
Inflammation
Several studies have supported the strong impact of CBD on several pets, including cars, dogs, birds, and horses. The effects have resulted in benefiting animals in a similar manner in which it has helped us, humans. Moreover, it is entirely safe for pets as most of the animals have an Endocannabinoid system which facilitates a safer CBD consumption. In addition to being safe, it also benefits the regulatory system in the body.
Do cats feel apprehensive?
Contrary to what our normal perceptions might seem like, reports say that cats do experience anxiety. One of the common reasons for anxiety accounted for them being separated from their owner when they go through separation anxiety. CBD is a potential healthy alternative to several conventional methods that aid in controlling this stress. It helps to be far more effective as compared to other drugs that can further lead to causing side effects.
Do dogs experience anxiety?
Dogs, one of the most common pets across households, have also been reported to experience anxiety. The last century has witnessed countless studies completed to evaluate the impact of stress on dogs. Results confirm that dogs, too, feel stressed, similar to that of human beings because of the presence of cortisol, the same component causing stress in humans.
Cortisol further imposed an increasingly harmful effect with ‘Cushing’s Disease,’ a disease that became prevalent among K-9s at a high level. The growing passage of time has been able to introduce CBD towards regulating bodily functions that have reduced cortisol levels among dogs. CBD assists by relaxing the brain out while incorporating a balanced diet.
Nauseous horses
Similar to cats and dogs, horses too can experience nausea, which can weaken their daily functioning ability. Nausea is primarily caused due to several gastrointestinal problems that lead to several physical concerns, such as the following:
Heartburn
Bloating
Lack of appetite
Indigestion
One of the best ways to treat the concern is through initiating CBD that aims to relax the gut microbiome while regulating the gastrointestinal tract.
Treating inflammation
Each animal tends to experience a certain degree of inflammation. Massive animals, such as horses and cows, can experience painful joints. With inflammation being the primary cause of arthritis, it links to several single diseases. CBD has the potential to combat the inflammation caused and has also managed to reduce it with repeated dosage further. Arthritis can be treated efficiently with the help of CBD, as compared to severe pain medications that had caused dampening long term side effects.
Cancer: The Key Murderer
Cancer is another common disease among individuals that have also worked its way to affecting animals. It works by multiplying the cells of the body, which gathers in a specific location that spreads eventually throughout the body.
As a result, the functioning of the motor skills tends to slow down with the insides beginning to deteriorate with time and exacerbating the issue, especially if not diagnosed and treated early. There have been a million researches conducted on cancer with the help of science, and CBD has proved to be one of the essential components showing a direct impact on removing cancer cells efficiently. It gets attached to the cells receptors while altering the mitochondria that results in the cell breakdown.
Pets affected with cancer treatment
While the strategy might not be a 100% proven one, however CBD mixed with other treatments has the potential to eradicate the cancer cells. Moreover, pets have also shown fewer side effects because of the component’s potential ability to regulate the functions in the body.
Does it sound way too dreamy?
Everything that is trending might not be accurate. However, occasionally a fundamental discovery might come in the way that has the potential to redefine the present. The statement made is what CBD stands for, which brings along the potential to treat humans, animals, and pets with a varied array of ailments with little or no side effects. Bid farewell to see your pets suffering from illnesses such as anxiety, stomach pain, stress, and others.
Dawn of a new beginning
CBD, with its tremendous physical benefits, have been able to alter the landscape of medicine within a shorter time. Although the previous studies limited due to backward regulations, there is still an abundance of knowledge waiting for us to explore. With the help of legalization incorporation across the US, scientists have been able to test CBD along with individuals treating themselves and their furry members suffering from several health diseases.
A Celebration for animal kind
Animals cases reported showing extreme signs of depression that has further made them lazy and de-motivated to be the cheerful self they are. Extreme examples of elephants hurling themselves on the floor while feeling low, pigs, seen crying due to the death of their siblings or friends.
CBD, in addition to revolutionizing physical health, also has been able to combat depression, not just limited to humans but also animals. With medicines proliferating the depression, even more, CBD has managed to offer a sigh of relief to animals without posing dampening side effects.
There’s a grave in Dozenhem military cemetery where the inscription on the headstone reads: “G. Blacker. Somerset light Infantry. 9th August 1917. Age 39”. This man existed, and he mattered. This man was a member of our family. He died for his country in World War 1. And like the others who are buried there […]
So glad you joined me this weekend, I hope you’re doing great! I’m sharing a new tune from Kenny Chesney called We Do. It’s a great anthem and has a great summer beat. I like the line “Who gets to live like we do?” No one gets to live like we do!!!!!!!
Re-energize, Re-generate and Seek Wellness
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Happy Friday! I am so glad you stopped by today. Covid-19 is increasing in numbers in many countries, we are depending on the actions of each other to survive this pandemic. Please wear a mask. Have a great weekend!
The photo I’ve been using was old, back when I was younger and believe much prettier, but reality can burn sometimes. Fifteen years, anti-psychotic medications and chronic illness has changed my looks.
I have always been comfortable with how I looked. That is until three years ago when I gained over 40 pounds from taking a new medication for my Bipolar Disorder. Anyone who takes medications for mental illness can relate to this amount of weight gain in a month’s time.
I write openly, honestly, and from my heart. I have taken many photos over the past couple of months looking for one I could live with. This is the best one so far. It will probably not be the last one. I want you to see the face behind the blog.
I was thrilled to find the product is cruelty-free, vegan, PETA approved, and in a relaxing Lavender scent. I have not tried Hemp cream products before because of the smell and was eager to see how well the cream worked.
This post may contain affiliate links in which I earn a small commission. They don’t cost you extra to use and help fund my coffee habit.
Here’s some information about Aromalief
What about the safety of the product?
Aromalief is made in an FDA registered facility and each ingredient has a Safety Data Sheet and Certificate of Analysis. We buy only high-quality ingredients from reputable suppliers and do our own internal testing for everyone’s peace of mind.
How do you make sure Aromalief is Vegan and Cruelty-free?
Every ingredient that we source comes with a written letter from the ingredient manufacturer that the product does not contain any animal ingredients and that they do not test it on animals. The manufacturing line also has a strict vegan-only policy. Aromalief is proud to have PETA’s Vegan & Cruelty-free designation.
What type of pain is Aromalief good for?
Pains of the body and the soul. This includes muscle, joint, nerve, and chronic pains PLUS stress, anxiety, and sadness. Our ingredients are the best in the market to help relieve pain due to arthritis, back pain, herniated discs, carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, and more. If your type of pain isn’t listed here, we still encourage you to try it. If it doesn’t help you, then simply return it. Have a little faith and try Aromalief.
The cream has a subtle lavender and menthol scent, not overpowering. I have slightly sensitive skin and the cream didn’t cause any sensitivity. There are other scents available that I have not tried. I love this one and keep buying this scent, I need to give another scent a try.
It rubs in quickly, no greasy fingers on the keypad. It has a warming sensation that eases inflammation. I focused on three areas, neuropathy in my feet, sore shoulder muscles, and arthritis in my hands.
Right away I noticed a difference in my feet, they could touch each other without pain. It lasted long enough for me to go to sleep. My shoulders are always tense and I have a problem relaxing at night. I used the cream on my worst shoulder and it did warm up the muscles helping me to relax and sleep.
The thing I love the most about the cream is how well it worked on arthritis in my fingers, I also noticed neuropathy relief in hands. The fact that the cream dries enough to get right back on the computer is a huge bonus.
I have already bought six tubes to make part of my daily self-care routine. Aromalief is a great everyday hand cream too. There are several scents to try, it’s made in The USA and is women-owned. Let’s support our women-owned business when possible.
This study drives home all the horror stories I’ve been hearing from my fellow chronic pain sufferers.
Texas Ambassador Melinda Sandor
INDIVIDUALS WITH CHRONIC PAIN ARE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.
This population is at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 and must limit contact, but they also live with painful conditions that require regular medical care.
In order to better understand the challenges the pain community is facing and find ways to help, U.S. Pain Foundation recently conducted a survey of 664 individuals with pain about the impact of COVID-19.
The data, published in an April 15 report, highlights several concerning trends.
KEY DATA POINTS
77.4% said they were experiencing barriers to medical care
63.8% said they were experiencing increased pain
56.1% said they didn’t understand their insurer’s telehealth coverage policies
25.3% said they had not been informed by anyone of their telehealth options
25.1% said that despite the special circumstances, their insurer would not cover more than a 30-day supply of medication
13.6% said their appointment can be done over telehealth, but their clinician doesn’t offer it
10.2% of respondents said their clinician refused to refill medications over telehealth
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
I PRETTY MUCH FEEL L HAVE TO PUT MY LIFE AT RISK BY FORGOING MY MEDICAL CARE IN ORDER TO NOT PUT MY LIFE MORE AT RISK BY CATCHING THIS VIRUS IN A HOSPITAL OR DOCTOR’S OFFICE.
I’M ALREADY FIGHTING WITH THEM [INSURANCE] ON SO MANY OTHER MEDICATIONS AND DEVICES, I DON’T REALLY WANT TO ADD FIGURING OUT TELEHEALTH TO THE LIST.
I HAVE TO PHYSICALLY GO TO PAIN MANAGEMENT JUST TO PICK UP MY PRESCRIPTION. I FEEL THIS IS UNNECESSARY AND DANGEROUS CONSIDERING MY HEALTH ISSUES.
I have determined my hair loss is due to a number of factors, age, post-menopausal, genetics, and several medications that are taken. There isn’t anything I can do to change the amount of hair falling out but keep my scalp clean in order to keep the follicles open instead of clogged, preventing hair growth.
One change for my scalp is since the weather heated up is I’ve been wearing my hair in a ponytail with bobby pins. I’ll have to start counting to see if more than 100 hairs a day.
Here’s some interesting information from WebMD http://www.webmd.com that might help you better understand your hair loss factors and what you can do to help prevent future loss.
What Is Hair Loss?
Hair grows everywhere on the human skin except on places like the palms of our hands and the soles of our feet, our eyelids and belly buttons, but many hairs are so fine they’re virtually invisible. Hair is made up of a protein called keratin that is produced in hair follicles in the outer layer of skin. As follicles produce new hair cells, old cells are being pushed out through the surface of the skin at the rate of about six inches a year. The hair you can see is actually a string of dead keratin cells. The average adult head has about 100,000 to 150,000 hairs and loses up to 100 of them a day; finding a few stray hairs on your hairbrush is not necessarily cause for alarm.
At any one time, about 90% of the hair on a person’s scalp is growing. Each follicle has its own life cycle that can be influenced by age, disease, and a wide variety of other factors. This life cycle is divided into three phases:
Anagen — active hair growth that generally lasts between two to eight years
Catagen — transitional hair growth that lasts two to three weeks
Telogen — resting phase that lasts about two to three months; at the end of the resting phase the hair is shed and a new hair replaces it and the growing cycle starts again.
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 help your anxiety and help you regain your calm.
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
There are different remedies that 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 to manage your anxiety.
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 good alternatives to yoga, helping you get out in the fresh air and enjoy a change of scenery.
Anxiety brings many different challenges, but finding ways to cope can help you when you feel an attack coming on. While not every method will work for you, there are some simple but effective tips you can try to help you find what works best for you. Don’t let your anxiety beat you; make sure you get the help you need to overcome it.
Looking for the Light 