3 Less-heard-of Ways to Lower Your Stress Stat

Contrary to what most people think, stress can be good for the body. In fact, it is a natural response to threats like a pathogen fighting against the immune system or a possible bite from an animal.

If your fight-and-flight response doesn't work properly (or, on rare occasions, at all), you won't be able to determine the difference between a dangerous or neutral situation. You won't build lifelong skills like resilience or agility based on your experiences.

But chronic stress is a different beast. In the long term, it can increase the risk of inflammation, impair the immune system, and dampen the mood. For women, some studies suggest that it may decrease fertility.

While you cannot escape from chronic stress, you can learn to cope with it and lower its levels. And, as it turns out, even some of the unusual things you can do can help you manage this issue. Here are a few ideas you can try:

1. Do Some Chores

How can cleaning the house, sewing, or washing the dishes help you beat stress? These activities sound counterproductive. In reality, depending on how you do them, they can induce mindfulness.

Mindfulness is the concept of being conscious or aware of the elements of the present moment: sounds, objects you see, feelings, touch sensations, smell, and a lot more.

Doing this can slow down what could be an overthinking brain. It also teaches you to perform observations objectively or without judgment. This sense of detachment and awareness can reduce your feelings of anxiety and ease the tension in the body that could have been brought about by stress.

Usually, when people talk about mindfulness, they think about meditation. They don't mean the same thing, as there are other kinds of meditation.

Moreover, mindfulness meditation is just one approach to it. You can always be mindful by focusing on what you're doing, including the chores. Even better, activities like working on sewing patterns to download can turn into hobbies, so they become even more relaxing.

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2. Walk Barefoot on the Grass

Also known as earthing, grounding is the process of walking barefoot (or with the least barrier between the feet and the ground). This is based on the premise that this activity connects your body to the free electrons on the surface.

Based on studies, people may develop the disease because of oxidative stress, and this happens when the body has more rogue electrons stealing from other healthy cells. Grounding, therefore, can help restore the balance and, thus, provide antioxidant effects.

It may also improve sleep, reduce inflammation, and decrease the risk of illnesses. The best way to ground yourself is to go out early in the morning and walk on the green grass. This way, too, you can enjoy some sunlight that helps produce vitamin D.

However, if this is not possible, you can perform visualization. Imagine yourself walking in the forest barefoot or touching the sand with your feet. Another option is to picture your feet slowly growing roots into the ground during meditation.

3. Embrace a Tree

Another unusual-but beneficial-way to decrease your stress levels is to hug a tree. Called forest bathing (or shinrin-yoku, since it originated in Japan), this is a mindfulness practice that can promote health and well-being in the following ways:

• The forests can bring your attention outward, so you have less time to ruminate or overthink. In turn, not only does it calm your mind, but it also gives it a rest. This probably explains why many people feel refreshed after taking a walking trail among the trees.
• Even the faint smell of the trees and forest can be calming, according to a 2020 study. Scientists in the research explained that this could be due to the unique way the brain processes smells. Because it bypasses certain regions, the brain can receive these sensory outputs more quickly, so you also respond faster with scents.
• Hugging a tree may help release feel-good hormones. One of these is oxytocin, which other experts also call the love drug. It gives you the warm fuzzy feeling you get when you embrace a person. This is also the same hormone responsible for feeling or concepts of trust and empathy, which are essential in relationships.

Can exercise lower stress? Yes, it can. So do meeting with friends, writing your problems in a journal, or scheduling digital detox once in a while. But as this list shows, you can do so much moreto lower your stress level fast.

Should You Get Your Hearing Checked? Here Are the Signs to Look Out For

Hearing health is something that a lot of us are aware of, but we rarely check up on it. Unlike our overall physical health, our teeth or even our eyes, many of us tend to ignore our hearing health. This isn’t because we’re neglecting it, but it’s likely because most of us don’t know the effects of hearing loss. When you start losing your sight, it’s rather obvious because you start to notice differences in what you can see versus what others see.

This is a lot different from our hearing health because it happens very gradually as we age or if we’re exposed to loud noises. As such, we typically can’t tell if we have hearing loss or not and we usually brush it under the rug. Sometimes we just don’t notice a sound or we might be focusing on something else so we don’t hear someone calling for us. It’s fairly natural for this to happen and we usually don’t do anything about it.

So what are the signs that you should get your hearing checked? What kind of things should you be looking out for if you want to take better care of your hearing?

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Others complain about the volume that you listen to things at

One of the biggest telltale signs that you could be losing your hearing is if someone else complains about the volume that you listen to things. If you’ve ever passed your headphones to someone and they reel back because it’s too loud, or if they tell you to turn down the TV or your speakers, then there’s a chance that you might be experiencing hearing loss.

You work in a loud workplace

If you work in a relatively loud workplace that requires you to wear hearing protection, then it’s worth heeding their caution and ensuring that you have ear protection. Likewise, if you work in a loud environment such as driving a train, working as a DJ or even playing live music, then you’ll want to learn more about molded earplugs that could save your ears. If you work in a loud workplace, it’s a good idea to get your ears checked now and then so that you can ensure you’re not being affected by hearing loss.

You occasionally miss calls or alarms

Missing a call or alarm now and then is fine, but if you find that it happens more often than you’d like, then it’s worth seeing a hearing specialist. If it happens too many times and has caused you problems in the past, such as missing an important call or leaving a friend waiting outside your house for a long time, then you should definitely see an expert about it.

You find yourself pointing your ear at someone when you want to hear them

If you find that you’re constantly pointing your ear at people to hear them, then it could be a sign that you’re starting to lose your hearing. However, it could just be because you’re in a loud place, but it’s a concern that you shouldn’t ignore. While it doesn’t mean that you’ll need to start wearing a hearing aid every day, it could be a good wakeup call so that you start paying a little more attention to how loud your environment is.

Having a conversation makes you feel tired

Another sign that you might have hearing loss is if you feel tired after you have a conversation, particularly if it’s in a relatively loud space such as a crowded area. Trying to listen to people when we have hearing loss can be surprisingly stressful. This is because our body needs to compensate for our hearing loss, so we tend to strain our body if we want to hear something. This means that we can feel a little fatigued after a conversation. This makes it hard for us to be in social situations and can lead to us feeling isolated from others.

You experience a ringing or buzzing in your ear

A ringing or buzzing in your ear indicates that you have tinnitus. However, it doesn’t always mean that you have hearing loss. It’s worth checking as the conditions for both hearing loss and tinnitus are similar, but it doesn’t mean that one causes the other. While they are closely related, it’s good to remember that tinnitus can usually be treated in a number of different ways. You can retrain your ears to filter out the tinnitus, or you can even use devices to mask the tinnitus.

Tell-Tale Signs Of Vitamin Deficiency You Should Watch Out For

When people talk about nutrition, it is often in relation to exercise and weight loss. It’s important that you get your balance of nutrients right after working out so you can recover properly. However, nutrition isn’t just important after exercise, it’s important all of the time.

Your body needs certain vitamins and nutrients to function properly and if you have deficiencies, it can lead to serious health problems. That’s why it’s so important to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and potentially consider taking vitamin supplements. 

The problem is, a lot of people don’t realize that they are lacking in certain vitamins and nutrients until it starts having a serious impact on their health. Knowing how to spot the signs and adjust your diet accordingly is one of the best ways to protect your health. 

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These are some of the most common signs of vitamin deficiency that you should watch out for. 

Getting Sick All The Time 

We all catch a cold from time to time, no matter how healthy we are. But if you are constantly getting sick and you find it difficult to beat a nasty cold, it might be down to your nutrition. Certain vitamins and nutrients are essential for a healthy immune system, so if you are missing them from your diet, you will get sick very easily and your body won’t be very good at fighting off illness. Vitamin C is a common one and people often recommend that you eat citrus fruits when you have a cold. As well as citrus fruits, you can find it in most green vegetables and there are plenty of supplements you can take too. 

You also need vitamin D for a healthy immune system, so make sure that you get outside and get some sun as much as you can. Iron, Zinc, and Selenium also boost your immune system and you can find them in leafy green vegetables, meat, and seafood. Unless you eat a varied diet that includes a range of different vegetables, as well as meat and pulses, your immune system will be weak and you will get sick all the time. 

Fatigue 

Fatigue is quite a common problem, which has many potential causes. It might be down to lack of sleep or an underlying health condition, but it is often due to poor nutrition. People that do not get enough iron in their diet often develop a condition called anemia, which is characterized by a low red blood cell count and causes excessive tiredness. If you speak to your doctor, they can give you a blood test to determine whether you have anemia or not. In some cases, adjusting your diet may be enough to solve the problem but doctors often prescribe supplements to help improve your iron levels and boost your energy. 

A generally poor diet that is high in fat and sugar and low in vitamins will also lead to low energy levels. Even in people that have plenty of iron in their diet, this can still be a problem. If you notice that you are feeling tired, consider eating more fresh fruit and cutting back on unhealthy snacks. You’d be surprised how much difference it can make. 

Having said that, chronic fatigue can also be a sign of more serious health problems, like heart disease, thyroid diseases, or mental health issues such as depression. So, don’t ignore the symptoms and see a doctor right away. 

Lack Of Sleep 

Your fatigue will be made worse by lack of sleep, which can also be linked to vitamin deficiencies. There are countless reasons why you may find it hard to get a good night’s sleep, so it’s important that you investigate different possibilities, but there is a strong chance that it could be down to a vitamin D deficiency. Lack of vitamin D is one of the more common deficiencies because we spend so much time inside and don’t get enough sunlight. This has been shown to have a negative impact on sleep patterns and the overall quality of sleep that people get. If you can, get outside a bit more and make simple lifestyle changes, like walking instead of driving, to increase your vitamin D intake. 

Spoon Shaped Nails 

People who have anemia often notice other changes as well as fatigue, like spoon shaped nails. If you notice that your fingernails are up from the nail bed, it’s likely that you are lacking in iron. Some people notice this symptom even if they don’t feel fatigued. Speak with your doctor and they may provide supplements, especially if you are very fatigued as well. However, they may simply recommend that you change your diet. 

Hair Loss 

Hair loss is one of the lesser known symptoms of nutritional deficiency, but your hair is actually a very good indicator of how well-rounded your diet is. Many people with a poor diet have dry and brittle hair and, in some cases, it can start to fall out. This often goes unnoticed in men because they assume that it is just male pattern baldness. However, improving your diet is one of the best tips to stop hair loss for both men and women. Some hair loss is normal as you get older but if you notice that your hair is suddenly very dry and you are losing large clumps, that is a cause for concern. Hair loss can indicate a deficiency in fatty acids, protein or iron, so if your hair has changed in any way, consider whether your diet may have a role to play. 

Cracking Around The Mouth 

Dry, cracked skin around the corners of your mouth can be caused by a cold sore, but it may also be an indication that you have a vitamin deficiency. This condition, called angular cheilitis, is fairly common and it is usually down to a vitamin B or an iron deficiency. People notice that these small areas of cracked skin appear and they will not heal. Over time, they keep breaking open again and they usually don’t go away unless you address the vitamin deficiency that is causing it. 

Other oral health problems may be caused by a bad diet too. Mouth ulcers, for example, are very common in people that don’t get enough vitamin B in their diet. A pale, swollen tongue is another common sign of vitamin deficiency to watch out for as well. 

Dry Eyes 

Dry eyes are a very common problem these days because many of us spend all day working at a computer and most of us spend a good chunk of the day looking at our phone screens too. The light from the screens can put extra strain on the eyes, causing them to dry out and become painful. However, before you start blaming your phone, you should also consider your nutrition. 

Vitamin A is incredibly important for eye health and many people that suffer from dry eyes also have a vitamin A deficiency. If left untreated, vitamin A deficiency can lead to more serious ocular health conditions and it is even the leading cause of preventable blindness in children around the world. 

If you are concerned about dry eyes and you think that it may be caused by screens, you can use eye drops or sprays to rehydrate your eyes. Taking regular breaks to look away from the screen and refocus your eyes will also help a lot. However, if the symptoms persist, you should try to add more vitamin A to your diet if possible. 

If you notice any of these symptoms, you may need to change your diet to address your vitamin deficiencies. But if you are concerned about anything, it’s best to be on the safe side and see your doctor. 

Snoring Can Be A Sign Of These Health Problems

 

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You probably thought that snoring is nothing other than an annoyance at night. If you snore, you have to deal with people complaining about it in the morning. Even worse, if you live with someone that snores, you have to stay up all night trying to deal with it! 

In either scenario, you shouldn't turn a blind eye to snoring and dismiss it as inconsequential. It's important to get treatment for snoring as it is linked to some health issues. Similarly, snoring can also be a sign of different health problems manifesting in your body. If you snore, it's smart to see a doctor so they can diagnose the cause of your snoring. There's every chance that it could be one of these issues:

Rhinitis 

Rhinitis is a condition affecting your nose, making it hard to breathe. You will typically suffer from a stuffy nose, which gets worse at night. This can come about due to allergies, in which case you have allergic rhinitis. Or, your nose can react to environmental factors - like strong smells or dry air - causing the stuffy feeling. It's incredibly annoying, and the blockage in your nose means you're more likely to breathe through your mouth and snore at night. So, if you snore all the time and have a constantly blocked nose, this could be why. 

Sleep Apnea

Snoring is very closely linked to sleep apnea. Indeed, it's one of the main symptoms, along with choking at night. Sleep apnea is a condition where you struggle to breathe at night, and can often stop breathing for periods altogether. You tend to wake up feeling really restless, and you may startle awake in the middle of the night. It's a fairly serious condition as it leads to a considerably poor night's sleep every single evening. 

Thankfully, treatment for sleep apnea is available with special machines called a CPAP machine. Basically, you wear a mask over your face that's connected to the device, and it helps you breathe normally. It's worth finding a CPAP buying guide before getting any machines, just to be sure you buy the right one for your condition. Anyway, sleep apnea may be the reason you snore, particularly if you wake up in the middle of the night and always get a bad night's sleep. 

Excessive alcohol consumption 

That's right, snoring can be an indication that you're drinking too much alcohol. If this is the case, you need to cut down right away. Alcohol will do terrible things to your health, so it should be ingested in moderation. Excessive consumption causes snoring as the alcohol relaxes your tongue too much. Basically, this makes it flop around in your mouth, blocking the throat. In turn, this creates the sound of snoring. Try cutting down on alcohol - particularly before bed - and see if it makes a difference. 

You see, snoring isn't just an annoyance, it can be a symptom of underlying health problems. Figure out what's making you snore, then get the right treatment for it.   

The Ways In Which Even An Office Job Can Endanger You

You might think that getting to spend all day behind a desk is pretty compared to some of the jobs out there. There’s no denying it doesn’t quite carry the risks of working on a construction site, in a mine, or an oil platform, but if you neglect to recognize the health risks inherent in many offices, you can leave yourself open to some pretty serious injuries. Here, we’re going to look at some of the most common office health risks and what you can do to deal with them.

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Eyestrain

While it might not seem like the most serious of risks, eye strain can cause a lot of problems. For one, it’s painful, leaving your eyes feeling stinging and watery. However, it can also lead to increased stress, as well as headaches, including migraines, that can ruin your day even when work is done. Most modern eyestrain is caused by being too close to your screen, which emits blue light that can cause real harm. However, there are blue light covers you put over a monitor to control those emissions.

Musculoskeletal injuries

There are a lot of posture problems in the average office. Sedentary lifestyles can increase your risk of chronic hip pain, back pain, and knee pain. You can lose your range of mobility to the point that it’s easy to pull something simply by twisting the wrong way, or the pressure of bad posture can slowly cause inflammation and pain. Ergonomic furniture in the office can help you ensure you’re sitting in a safe and healthy way, but it’s crucial to take breaks, stand up, and stretch your legs.

Slips, trips, and falls

There are a lot of offices out there that could stand to be a lot tidier. The biggest risk of all is having any tripping hazards out in the walkway between desks. Looking where you are going as best as possible can help you avoid them but any tripping hazards are largely the responsibility of employers. If you don’t feel they have taken care of the work environment or left warnings where necessary, it may be worth talking to the best injury law firm if you injure yourself. Otherwise, try to warn them of work environment conditions ahead of time so they can fix it.

Lifting accidents

Similarly, if you feel like you aren’t able to safely lift some essentials in the office, such as boxes of documents or digital equipment from the storeroom, you should let your employer know. Trying to lift heavy objects without the right aid can cause sudden and serious back injuries. You can be taught proper lifting form to make sure that you’re doing it as safely as possible, but you should also know when you’re doing to need certain pieces of equipment, such as trolleys, to help move especially heavy objects. This isn’t as common in the office but does still happen regularly enough to keep it in mind.

Ensure you protect your rights to a safe working environment and speak up if you feel unsafe or have been injured by the office. You have to be your own advocate.

Common Reasons You May Be Experiencing Chronic Hip Pain

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Your hips are involved with a wide range of movements you make every day, from walking and running to getting up and down and turning. It should come as no surprise, then, that many people live with chronic pain in their hips. However, just because they are a vital and key part of daily motion does not mean your hips have to hurt. The more you know about the common causes of pain in this area, the better prepared you will be to overcome it. 

Arthritis and Joint Damage

Arthritis is not a single disease. Rather, it is an umbrella term for many different types of degenerative joint disorders. The two most common forms are rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. They have very different clinical presentations and causes. 

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where your body actually attacks the joints and, sometimes, organs. It can appear at any time in life but is more common in adults than children. RA can be a debilitating condition that needs careful management from a rheumatologist. 

Osteoarthritis is more akin to wear and tear. It usually develops over time as joints wear out. Poor nutrition and injuries can exacerbate the condition and cause it to appear in younger people. As osteoarthritis of the hip progresses, many people choose to undergo hip replacement Charleston SC to restore function to and relieve the discomfort in the joint. 

Soft Tissue Injuries

Pain centered on the external portions of the hip tends to be caused b soft tissue damage. This may be a strain, a sprain from a sudden injury or movement or tendonitis from repetitive use. In most cases, resting the affected area can help ease these symptoms. 

Although arthritis and soft tissue strains are common causes of chronic hip pain, they are not the only ones. The best way to determine why you are experiencing chronic pain is to discuss your symptoms with a medical care provider and undergo testing.

How To Protect Yourself From Asbestos

Asbestos, though is has many uses and is very versatile, is a very dangerous substance. It is known to cause cancer and many other health issues. If you are doing any work with products that contain asbestos or if you will be near someone who is, then you need to take special care to make sure you do not get exposed. If you cannot do this on your own or you do not feel comfortable then the best idea is to hire a professional. Asbestos is dangerous and no job or project is worth risking your health.

Coveralls

Thin disposable coveralls will protect you while you work and they are also lightweight and breathable so you can still remain comfortable. Coveralls will protect your skin from asbestos, fibers and any other debris that may be around while you are working. They will keep your skin from getting irritated and they will also make it much easier to clean up when you are done. Because asbestos fibers are so dangerous you do not want them clinging to your skin or clothing, especially after you have taken your other protective gear off. You can learn more about proper protection from Asbestos.Net

Goggles

Goggles will protect your eyes from asbestos particles. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and they travel far when released into the air. This is not a substance you want to get in your eyes. Goggles that create a seal all the way around your eyes will offer the best protection for this type of work. They will also protect your eyes from any other debris or flying parts while you work.

A Respirator 

A respirator is probably the most important piece of you protective equipment. Most of the problems that asbestos causes come from breathing in the particles and microscopic fibers that are floating around in the air once they are disturbed. It is very important to get a respirator that covers both your mouth and your nose and uses HEPA filters. Regular paper masks that are used for dust or mowing the lawn will be of no use when it comes to asbestos. It is just as important to ensure that you are using the respirator correctly as improper use will render it useless.

Working with or around asbestos can seem very intimidating and daunting or even scary. However, there are plenty of ways to make the experience safe. If you visit your local hardware store you'll likely find what you need and someone who can help you.

5 Habits That Are Damaging Your Hearing Health

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Right from birth, our bodies are exposed to different kinds of health problems right through our growing days into old age. But there are certain kinds of health problems that we are totally responsible for as a result of our habits and actions. Hearing loss may not be the most talked-about health issue. But with over 48 million Americans affected by different kinds of hearing conditions at some point in their lives, this health issue is more common than we may acknowledge. Unfortunately, most people only realize the negative consequences of their habits either when it is too late, or when their attention is drawn to it. So, in this article, we will take a look at some everyday habits that are causing damage to our hearing.

1. Listening to loud music

Sometimes, we feel like cranking up the volume to appreciate the beats and enjoy the music. But as the bass continues to pound in your inner ears, just remember that it could leave behind some permanent hearing damage. There is a reason why, thankfully, most smart devices warn us when we are turning up the volume too high. However, and quite unfortunately, most people go ahead and ignore the warnings. So, always remember to turn down the volume. And if you are a music lover, then it is best to ensure that you do not soak in your music non-stop if you are using earphones. Also, never turn the volume up beyond 65% of the volume setting on your device. 

2. Not eating a balanced diet

Yup, there is such a thing as ear food. Generally, the kind of food you eat will have implications on your physical wellbeing. Thus, it is very important to ensure that you consume a balanced diet on a daily basis. Fast food may be quick and delicious, but most of them are filled with a lot of trans fat and sodium, all of which do not add anything significantly positive to your health - and hearing health for that matter. Eat foods that are rich in omega-three fatty acids, which help to improve internal circulation, and hence feed the tiny cells located in the inner part of the ears. Also, ensure that you supplement your diet with vitamins such as vitamins D and B12. But only add these supplements if you have such a deficiency. 

3. Living an inactive or sedentary life

Not being active often or not regularly exercising is not only bad for your general health, but it also contributes to poor hearing. Being a couch potato, for example, will increase your likelihood of gaining unhealthy weight as well the many other health problems that come with it - diabetes, poor cardiac health, hypertension, etc. and all these can affect your hearing health. Regular exercise or an active lifestyle boosts blood circulation and, thus, provides the tiny blood vessels located in the inner part of the ears with enough oxygen and blood. This helps in delaying the onset of Sensorineural Hearing Loss. 

4. Smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol

As if you need to be given more reason to quit smoking or cut down on the amount of alcohol you consume. Alcohol abuse and cigarette smoking are mostly likened to the liver and cardiac ailments. But that’s not all; these bad habits can also have a negative impact on our hearing health. Smoking is one of the main causes of arteriosclerosis, a condition that leads to the walls of the arteries becoming thick. This condition can affect the supply of blood to the inner parts of the ears, as the arteries are responsible for that. Drinking too much alcohol can also cause hearing loss. This is because it can contaminate the bloodstream and make it toxic. Thus, the kind of blood supply that will reach the inner parts of the ears will end up killing the tiny hair cells that are responsible for converting sound waves to electrical impulses to the brain. Plus, alcohol can also cause vertigo and tinnitus. 

5. Not getting regular checkups

Unfortunately, most people wait until they feel some discomfort or pain before visiting a doctor. But it is always best to visit an ear or hearing specialist at least twice a year. This could be the difference between ending up with a permanent hearing loss or detecting a potential risk early before it becomes a problem. You may be provided with hearing aids such as the invisible-in-canal or iic hearing aids to help support your hearing. Note, however, that hearing aids do not cure hearing loss. 

19 Tips To Help You Stay Happy & Healthy As COVID-19 Continues

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The worst of the first wave of COVID-19 may have passed, but its impacts are set to last for a very long time to come. 

While you've done amazingly well to overcome the initial obstacles, it's clear that more permanent ideas are required. Here are 19 simple steps that will serve you well.

#1. Sleep Better

Daily routines have changed, but that shouldn't impact your nighttime routines. Set yourself a regular bedtime, and take the time to ease your body into sleep. When you sleep well, your energy and mood will greatly improve. 

#2. Eat Well

Nutrition is immensely important at all times. However, its impact is even greater right now. Increased water intake is particularly vital while a balanced range of foods should be a priority too. At this moment, portion control is pivotal.

#3. Stay Active

Most people have put on a few pounds over the last few months. Reduced activity is the main cause of those issues. Now is the time to stop making excuses. Yoga, home workouts, and cycling are just some of the available options.

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#4. Get Outside

In addition to time dedicated to vigorous exercise, you should get outside more frequently. The fresh air and vitamin D will serve you well. Exploring the local area with regular walks is ideal while gardening or picnics in the park are great too.

#5. Listen To Your Body

It's very easy to ignore declining health at this time. However, the sooner you respond to hearing loss or other health issues, the better. After all, failure to manage your health at this time could bring major disruption to your wellness.

#6. Cure The Boredom

Whether spending more time at home or less time with friends, you need to stop the boredom. Finding a hobby that can be enjoyed in short or long spells is essential. Otherwise, the repetitive nature of daily life at this time could pose problems.

#7. Meditate 

Keeping your mind, body, and soul in great health is a challenge at this time. Therefore, taking out a little time to enjoy breathing exercises or connect with your inner peace can pay dividends. Now is the time to put it into your routine.

#8. Get Ready For Work

If you're still working from home, it may be tempting to sit in your pajamas all day. This can disrupt productivity and make you lose confidence in your looks. A shower, followed by getting dressed, is essential.

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#9. Consider Building A Home Office

On a similar note, you must avoid working from bed or the sofa. If possible, transforming a guest room into a home office space should occur. If that fails, a designated area to work from should be the minimum expectation.

#10. Upgrade The Home

Looking at the same four walls for longer periods than ever before is probably getting a little frustrating. A dash of color and some new home décor features should soon solve this problem. It will make your daily life far better.

#11. Stay In Touch

Even the relaxed social distancing rules won't stop you from worrying about certain situations. However, digital communications can compensate for a lack of face-to-face interactions. Video calls and social media are ideal.

#12. Develop New Skills

You want to come out of this period with the knowledge that you've grown as a person. Learning a new language or developing new talents to boost your career of daily habits can have a positive impact. You may never have this opportunity again. Take it.

#13. Consider A Pet

Companionship is vital for your health, and a pet can deliver several benefits at this time. Nonetheless, you must take a responsible approach and consider whether it's suitable for the long haul. If it's not, signing up to take rescue pets for walks can work wonders.

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#14. Regain Financial Control

Financial problems are the most common source of stress. Whether it's reducing your monthly outgoings, stopping interest fees, or creating a side source of income is up to you. Either way, increased financial control is crucial.

#15. Stay Tidy

While it's an issue that's most likely to impact your home, it can extend to other areas too. Ultimately, though, good organization starts with keeping things clean and tidy. The clear surroundings will promote a clear mind.

#16. Celebrate Success

Many aspects of our lives have been made a little worse due to the coronavirus. So, when positive features develop, it's important to appreciate them. Focusing on those sources of positivity will work wonders for your mindset.

#17. Buy New Outfits

You may think that there's no point in doing this. Nonetheless, looking good makes you feel good. So, if a new outfit can revamp your style and restore your confidence, you should have no guilt about doing it.

#18. Make Plans

Whether it's making a bucket list or booking next year's vacation is up to you. However, giving yourself something to look forward to will help drag you through the tough times. Now is the time to do it.

#19. Remember It's Not Forever

Right now, it may feel as though the COVID-19 life will never end. It will. Even if it's likely to cause disruption for months to come, we will beat this virus. When you keep hold of that fact, positivity should remain.

Common Health Problems To Address As You Get Older

Today, we take a look at some common health problems to address as you get older. When your body ages, it becomes susceptible to a range of different health issues. Some are virtually unavoidable, but most can be delayed for as long as possible. The earlier you start acting against these health issues, the less of a problem they become in your senior years. 

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Memory Loss

Memory loss is often associated with health problems like dementia and Alzheimer’s. Indeed, it’s also thought that most of us will experience memory loss as we get older. It’s all down to the brain losing its functionality, much like an ageing computer will become much slower and more prone to errors. 

Contrary to popular belief, old people can live with fantastic memories. It’s all about looking after your cognitive ability when you’re younger. Use brain training exercises to prevent memory loss, and follow a healthy lifestyle. Avoid drinking lots of alcohol as this has a terrible effect on your memory. I’m sure most of you have heard of people getting drunk and not remembering what happened the night before. If you drink consistently, then you will gradually erode away at your ability to retain memories. 

All in all, you can boil it down to remaining sharp and in control of your brain. If you keep stimulating your brain, you will be able to remember things for a long time. It sounds simple, and it is! The problem is that most people don’t realize this until it’s too late and they’ve already started showing signs of memory loss. 

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Hearing Loss

There’s no question that hearing loss can impact your life in many different ways. Again, this is something that seems like a natural progression as your body gets older. While most people over 60 will suffer from at least mild hearing loss, you can do your bit to delay it for as long as possible. Certainly, you may even live a life without the need for hearing aids. 

It all boils down to protecting your hearing while you’re younger. Ironically, young people are probably more at risk of hearing loss than other generations. This is largely thanks to people listening to music at loud volumes in headphones from a very young age. If this is something you’re guilty of, don’t worry, there’s a smart way to fix it. As this guide to hearing protection states, noise-cancelling headphones are the best option. Why? Because you cancel out any outside noises, meaning you can listen at a lower volume with more clarity. It might sound louder, but the decibel level is far lower thanks to cancelling out the noise. 

Other tactics exist alongside this - such as covering your ears when you’re around loud noises for an extended period. For example, if you work on a construction site or go to a concert, you should have earplugs to dampen the noise entering your ears. Adopt these preventative measures from a young age to delay the effects of hearing loss when you’re older. 

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Joint Pain

As you get older, something happens around the joints in your body. All joints have a protective tissue (cartilage) that stops the bones from rubbing against one another. In healthy humans, this allows for smooth movements without any pain. However, when you get older, this cartilage can break down and become more worn. Unfortunately, you can’t repair cartilage, meaning your bones rub against one another, causing inflammation and joint pain. 

The most common health problem associated with joint pain is osteoarthritis. Speaking of common things, the most frequently affected joints are our hips, knees, and the many joints in your spine. When you suffer from joint pain, you are afflicted with chronic pain that can make your life a lot harder. It may even reach a point where you have to stay in a wheelchair because you can’t move. 

Once more, you can prevent this by taking action right now. The best way to prevent joint pain is to exercise! Exercising prevents cartilage damage by strengthening your muscles and the other tissues around your joints. In fact, it can lead to more joint stability, which reduces the risks of joint pain. Weight training is particularly effective at doing this, though you should also avoid many joint loading activities - like running.

It’s easy to look at these health issues and assume you will deal with all of them in your golden years. Truthfully, there’s no reason you can’t avoid them all! At the very least, you can prevent the issues from becoming too serious to manage. Start thinking about your future today, and begin taking preventative measures to conserve your health. 

Best Responses To Questions Kids May Ask About The Corona Virus Crisis

How do you explain to a child about the coronavirus crisis? It is difficult enough for adults to get a full grasp of the pandemic, what more for a child who is wondering why he or she cannot go out and play. Here are some of the questions your little one may ask, and the best responses you can give.

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Question: "What is a Corona Virus?"

Response: "A Corona Virus is a germ. You know what germs are, right? But this one is different because it can make people sick very quickly. The germ comes from people who have it in their bodies already."

Question: "Why can't I go out and play? 

Response: "We are doing our best to keep you healthy and free from the virus. We cannot see it, so the best we can do is to stay home. We do not know where it is. It is an invisible enemy. So to avoid getting sick, we should stay home. Only Mommy or Daddy can go out to get food and other things we need."

Question: "Mommy, why do you have to wear a mask when you go to the grocery?"

Response: "Mommy needs to do that to protect me from the virus. Remember I told you, we cannot see it? A mask protects Mommy's nose and mouth from inhaling the virus so I don't get sick. I also wash my hands thoroughly after I get home before I touch anything else. Mommy and Daddy are being very careful so that we don't get sick."

Question: "When can I go back to school? I miss my teacher and my friends."

Response: "Right now, there are still people who are getting sick, so your school will be doing online classes for now. You can still see your teacher and your friends. You will still be doing your lessons, sing songs, and learn art. The only thing different is that you will be using the laptop to do these things. It will not be forever, only until things get better."

Question: "Can I visit Grandma and Grandpa?"

Response: "Sure you can, but not as often as we did before. Once a week will be fine. But you will have to wear a mask and a face shield when we take you to visit your grandparents."

Question: "Can people die if they get the virus?"

Response: "Yes. People may die if they get the virus. These people are those who are already sick of something and then they get the virus. But if you are healthy and strong, you may only feel sick for a while and then get better. Now, do you understand why I keep telling you to eat healthy food and finish your veggies? It is because I want you to have a strong body to protect yourself from the virus."

Question: "When will the virus go away?"

Response: "Many people like scientists and doctors are working to find a cure. Do not worry, they are doing their best. Let us pray for them so that they may find the solution to get rid of the virus." 

These are just some of the questions a young child may ask. As parents, you must learn to choose the right words that your child will easily understand. Be honest, but also be careful not to overwhelm them with information and cause anxiety. Reassure them that all these things that are happening are only temporary.

Keep their little minds busy with other things. Encourage them to be creative through art. Get new books, especially on topics they are interested in. Keep them interested in learning new things. You can get your child a small plant that they can take care of. You can sit outside in your patio at night and gaze at the stars and the moon. Teach them about the planets, the solar system, asteroids, and galaxies. There are so many ways to keep a young child curious and hungry for new knowledge! 

My 4-year old grandson busy drawing the earth, sun, moon and other planets

Being on lock down has its perks too. Some of you may have been given a work from home set up by your employer. That's good because you get to spend more time with your child and you get that chance to personally see to it that your family is safe. 

We have been on lock down since March 16th. That's a total of 126 days to this day. Some restrictions have been lifted, but the rising number of cases is still getting everyone worried. My family and I follow strict sanitation procedures - wearing a mask (and face shield if possible), no shoes or slippers in the house, washing hands, avoid touching our faces when we are outside, and practicing social distancing. Prayers do help a lot too!

Before I end this post, let me share with you a photo of my grandson's drawing. He drew the earth, and then grabbed a red crayon and started coloring a part of the earth red. When I asked him what the red color is all about, he said, "This is the people on earth with coronavirus." And this kid is just 4 years old! 

That red area, according to my grandson is, "People on earth with corona virus"

Stay safe, and stay home as much as possible. Let us listen to the experts' advice and be vigilant always.

Five Tips For First Time Hearing Aid Users

When you’re using a hearing aid for the time, you might find the experience a bit disorienting, especially if your hearing loss has come on gradually. There will be sounds that haven’t heard clearly for a long time, so your brain will need time to readjust to interpreting those sounds. Here are some tips to help first time hearing aid wearers.

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1. Give yourself time. Hearing aids can take some time to get used to. You can’t expect your brain to remember how to hear, identify, and interpret every sound again instantly. Hearing aids can feel a bit strange at first on your ears, but this is perfectly normal. After your hearing aid fitting, it might take a couple of days or even weeks before they feel comfortable.  When you first put on a hearing aid, sit somewhere quiet at home. This will help you to get used to the new sound quality in your home and adjust to the noises you can hear again.

2. Start small. Getting your hearing skills back can take practice. When you first get a hearing aid, start by only wearing it for a few hours a day. If you start to feel tired or overwhelmed, remove them, but try to wear them for a little bit longer each day. The longer you can keep them on, the better you will become at identifying sounds, interpreting voices, and focusing on what you’re hearing.

3. Read aloud. Before you got your hearing aids, you might have been told to stop shouting a lot. When you experience hearing loss, it’s common to talk loudly as you can’t hear your own volume. When you can regulate your own volume again, you might need to practice. A good way to learn to do this is by reading aloud to yourself while wearing the hearing aid. This helps you to get used to an appropriate volume for your speech and will help you learn to recognize the sounds of words and speech again.

4. Pair reading and listening as often as you can. When you’re reading a book, try and read along with the matching audiobook. When watching television, turn the closed captioning on. Reading along with what you’re listening to can help your brain get better reacquainted with associating sounds with the right words and speech.

5. Enlist the help of family and friends. Your loved ones can be very helpful while you are adjusting to your hearing aid. Visit them or ask them to visit you so you can practice speaking comfortably in a group. The practice will help your brain to relearn the associations between sounds, words, and body language. It’s easier to practice with people that you know well, as their familiar voices will be easier for you to identify and understand. Your friends and family can also help by adjusting the volume on your TV. They can set the volume at a comfortable volume to their ears, so you can adjust to these volumes. Don’t turn your TV higher than someone without hearing loss would, or you could cause more damage to your hearing.

7 Ways To Protect Yourself Right Now

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It’s safe to say that we’re all living through strange times right now. We’re all having to adapt our lives and change our habits and it can be really hard to deal with. But, at the same time, it’s happening. And there’s not a lot that we can do about it other than work with it and try and make the most of it. Sure, there are also going to be negatives that we have to deal with too. It can be incredibly stressful and you may be experiencing a wealth of worries. But that’s not all. You may be dealing with money troubles or struggling to manage day care for your kids. And while there will always be a range of worries that go with the current situation, here can be positives too.

As with anything in life, you always have the option to focus more on the good things than the bad. It can be hard, but it’s something that can make you feel so much better when you do. After all, you’re spending more time at home and around the people that you love, and it’s a good idea to try and make the most of that. But at the same time, you will want to ensure that you are protected too. Let’s take a look at how you can do that.

1. Block It Out

To begin with, as much as you might want to stay up to date with the latest information, you should also try to block out as much noise as you can. Sure, take in all of the official information, but try to distance yourself from the news or social media conversations around the pandemic, especially if they are making you anxious.

2. Cut Back

Next, you’re going to want to take a look at your financial situation. One of the most important ways to protect yourself right now is for you to make sure that your money is manageable. It can help for you to cut back your monthly expenses here so that you aren’t paying out too much. Any way that you can reduce your costs and spend as little as possible will allow you to have a cushion in case anything happens to your income.

3. Save More

Now, you may find that you do actually have some spare money to put into savings. And, because we’re living and working through such strange times, it’s nice to be able to have some money in savings. Even if you use it soon, it’s very reassuring.

4. Be Careful

Next, you’re going to want to make sure that your home is protected. And that means that you’ll want to be a lot more careful about your house and property. Sure, you may be in all of the time now, but you may be targeted when you do go out of the house. So maybe look to hire a certified residential locksmith to keep the house safe. It’s also a great idea to make sure that you don’t lose your keys because you need to be in your house more than ever now.

5. Be Vigilant

And it’s important to be careful online as well as in real life. Sadly, you may notice that there’s a lot more online scams at the moment. So you’ll want to be vigilant. And not only that, but make sure that your online security is still good.

6. Go Slow

But that’s not all. You’re also going to want to make sure that you’re protecting your health here. And yes, that does involve wearing a mask or gloves and washing your hands when you’re in public, but it also means slowing down. Don’t feel pressure to be on the go. Don’t push yourself to do too much because it’s an exhausting time right now. So it’s okay to slow down in life and just enjoy the time right now for what it is.

7. Be Kind To Yourself

Finally, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re able to just be a lot kinder to yourself. It’s easy for you to beat yourself up and feel like you’re not doing so well, or to feel like a guilty parent, or worry about what’s happening with life. But this isn’t going to be the best thing for yourself. Instead, you will need to make sure that you are a lot kinder to yourself. Take it easy and just enjoy this time, because soon enough, life will be back in full swing.

What to Do About Your Embarrassing Health Problems

We all experience embarrassing health problems from time to time, and these problems can often go untreated and ignored. If you feel like you can’t seek help because of embarrassment, your health will continue to suffer, and that’s not the way it should be. We’re going to talk about some of the things you should do to deal with health problems that you find embarrassing or tricky to talk about, so read on now.

Look to Your Lifestyle for Explanations

Your health is heavily influenced by your general lifestyle so if you’re not sure what’s going on with your health and you want to put things right, the first thing you should do is try to live a healthier lifestyle. Simply getting a bit more sleep, drinking more water, getting active and losing some weight could be all you need to put those embarrassing health problems behind you. There are no guarantees but it’s worth a try.

There’s No Need for Shame

We all have bodies and they all do weird things from time to time. There’s no shame in dealing with your health problems even if they feel a little embarrassing at times. Everyone experiences issues and everyone gets help sometimes. Put your feelings of shame behind you and get the help you need if you think that’s the right thing to do.

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Don’t Worry Alone

Going it alone when you’re dealing with health problems is never a good idea. You will only end up putting your mental health under strain if you allow yourself to go it alone and don’t get the help you need. The stress associated with health problems, especially when you have no idea what’s wrong, can be pretty huge, so why put yourself through that?

Head to Your Pharmacy

It might sound embarrassing, but getting help from a pharmacist is a good idea. You can describe your symptoms and have an over the counter medication recommended to you. You can even pretend it’s for someone else if you’re too embarrassed to admit it’s you who’s having a problem with warts or whatever it is. It’s a quick and easy process though, so it could be what you’re looking for.

If a Problem is Persistent, Talk to a Doctor

If you have any problems that just won’t go away and you’re not sure what’s going on, don’t hesitate to see your doctor. It’s best to make sure that things are taken care of and your health is put first because that matters more than any level of embarrassment you might be experiencing. They’ll help you in a discreet and confidential way.

We all experience problems that seem a little embarrassing because our bodies are complex and throw some strange situations at us from time to time. Rather than ignoring the problem or hoping it just goes away, be sure to take the right action and do what you can to get those issues dealt with properly.