Category: Frugal Living Tips

To protect your teeth and prevent gum disease, daily dental hygiene is a must. Keeping an annual appointment to see a dentist is also recommended.

We only get one set of adult teeth. If we don’t take care of them, it can lead to issues impacting our health and self-esteem. In addition, corrective dental work is expensive, so it makes sense to become proactive in caring for our teeth.

Gum disease is easily prevented. Please keep reading to learn how to care for your teeth in our essential dental care guide.

Anyone Can Experience Gum Disease

Gum disease is a disease of opportunity. It’s directly tied to dental hygiene and the foods we eat. Of course, lower-income individuals and people without dental insurance are at a higher risk.

However, we all can do things to decrease the risk, and they don’t put a strain on our budget. All it requires is discipline and remembering that we must care for our gums the same as other parts of the body.

Click here to learn more about the early signs of gum disease.

Brush Your Teeth Two Times a Day

The first step to good dental hygiene is brushing our teeth at least twice a day. Then, if you’re able, brush them following each meal. This is particularly important after eating sweets. 

Not all food will harm your teeth and gums, but things like candy and sodas can take a toll over time. 

Most important, failing to brush your teeth will allow bacteria to build in the mouth, which leads to gum disease. 

Floss Following Each Meal

When you can’t brush your teeth following each meal, the next best thing to do is floss. It only takes a few minutes, and you can do it anywhere. Carry dental floss in your pocket or handbag.

Flossing is essential to oral health and preventing gum disease because it helps remove food particles that contribute to plaque build-up. 

Cut Down on Sweets, Acidic Foods, and Drinks

Food high in acid and sugar, like fruit juice and caffeinated drinks, can damage the enamel on your teeth and cause gum disease. Monitoring your food intake isn’t only about maintaining your weight. The food we eat impacts our overall health.

Too often people think the mouth is used break down foods before it enters the digestive system. Unfortunately, if the mouth isn’t adequately maintained, the damage begins before the food enters the body.

Use the Right Toothpaste and Mouthwash

One way to ensure dental care between visits to the dentist is to use the right toothpaste and mouthwash. When reading labels, keep “anti-” in mind. You want a product that fights plaque, bacteria, and gingivitis.

In a toothpaste, look for these ingredients: calcium phosphate, sodium fluoride, and stannous fluoride.

Go Ahead and Show Your Beautiful Smile

Gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Preventive maintenance is vital to maintaining a beautiful smile. Follow these tips for safe dental care.

If you loved this article, check out more great content under our health and fitness section.

Chronic pain treatments are as diverse as the causes. You can use everything from prescription drugs to over-the-counter medications to try and achieve relief.

However, there’s no guarantee. Chronic pain can be tricky, and getting to know what options are available can help you figure out what you should do.

Some of the best non-surgical treatment options for chronic pain can be found here.

1. Physical Therapy

There are countless documented benefits of Injury Rehabilitation and physical therapy. If you are dealing with chronic pain, this is one of the first treatments to try.

Keep in mind that the exercises you do will depend on the origin of your chronic pain. They should be customized to your condition, symptoms, and areas of pain.

Once you learn what to do, you have to keep engaging in the exercises to help ensure long-term success.

2. Acupuncture

This is a traditional Chinese medicine practice. During acupuncture, a practitioner will place thin needles into specific points on your body.

People are using acupuncture today for multiple ailments, including chronic pain.

3. TENS

TENS refers to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. With this therapy, electrical stimulation is used to help reduce pain.

When TENs are used, a type of low-voltage electric current is delivered using electrodes put on your skin close to where you feel pain. The electricity generated by the electrode stimulates your nerves in the area where you experience pain.

When this happens, the brain receives a signal that “scrambles” the typical pain signals.

TENs therapy is not painful. It can also be used to reduce cases of chronic pain.

4. Meditation and Mindfulness

Chronic pain can impact you physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you want a way to manage the depression, irritability, and frustration that goes with this, meditation and mindfulness may be beneficial.

You may also seek help from a rehabilitation psychologist. This professional may recommend that you begin practicing tai chi, yoga, or meditation to help you relax and to take your mind off the pain.

5. Weight Loss

Your joints, bones, and muscles work hard to support your body as you stand, sit, and move. If you are overweight, it can cause more pressure on your joints and bones and lead to chronic pain.

If you lose weight, it may help to alleviate some of the pain you feel. You can also speak to your doctor to learn more about effective ways to shed pounds. When it comes to alleviating chronic pain, losing weight may be beneficial.

Alleviating Chronic Pain without Surgery

If you deal with chronic pain, you know how debilitating it can be in any part of your body. However, there are non-surgical treatment options to consider.

Finding relief is not impossible. It is a good idea to discuss your options with a doctor.

Are you looking for more information and resources on various topics? If so, check out some of our other blogs.

Did you know that millions of people in the United States never receive a proper diagnosis for their sleep apnea? In order to receive such a diagnosis, patients are required to take part in an overnight sleep study.

And the costs for just one night aren’t cheap.

For these reasons, Americans struggle to know whether they’re just a loud snorer or if they actually have an underlying sleep disorder, like obstructive sleep apnea.

That’s why we’re here to inform you about the signs of sleep apnea. Our guide will answer your most Googled question, “What is sleep apnea?”, and dive into the symptoms you need to know about. Continue reading!

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that causes interruptions in your breathing while you’re in a deep slumber.

Even if you snore loudly or feel overwhelmingly tiresome after a seemingly good night’s sleep, you should consider learning more about sleep apnea. The disorder comes in three forms:

• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Central sleep apnea
• Complex sleep apnea syndrome

Keep in mind that obstructive and central sleep apnea share many symptoms, which can cause difficulty if you’re seeking a formal diagnosis. Luckily, new treatments for sleep apnea have recently been discovered!

Signs of Sleep Apnea

Between the three kinds of sleeping disorders, it’s difficult to narrow down sleep apnea symptoms. 

The most common of the three is obstructive sleep apnea, so if you feel like you’re suffering, continue reading for the warning signs of sleep apnea. 

1. Restless Sleeping

Do you often find yourself thrashing in your sheets and waking up in a pile of your bedding?

Unfortunately, this is a super common sign of sleep apnea – however, there are additional disorders that could be contributing to your sleep interference. These include:

• Insomnia
• Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
• Parasomnia
• Narcolepsy
• Hypersomnia

As you can see, these disorders can cause restless sleeping. But if you’re experiencing a night full of constant motion, consider talking to your doctor about sleep apnea.

2. Loud Snoring

Now, it’s quite common for people to snore very loudly. However, loud snoring when it comes to sleep apnea is a completely different story.

This specific disorder involves the throat muscles, which support your tonsils, uvula, throat walls, esophagus, and tongue. Simply stated, when your body is ready to sleep, these muscles relax and cause your airways to narrow.

In terms of obstructive sleep apnea, the airways could narrow too much, and your brain receives a signal saying your body can’t breathe. Then, you wake up from this signal so your airway reopens to its normal state.

If you or a sleeping partner notices a sudden, rapid change in your breathing patterns while you’re snoring, this could be a result of obstructive sleep apnea.

3. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

If you are living in the dark about whether or not you have sleep apnea, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a medical condition caused by sleep apnea.

EDS happens as a result of your nightly awakenings. Since you are waking up so frequently during times meant for sleeping, your brain’s “awake” signals have the potential to change during the day. 

While EDS is caused by sleep apnea, all kinds of people experience it. Whether they have a chronic loss of sleep or are taking medications, EDS has the chance to harm anyone.

Consult Your Doctor Today

If you are experiencing these telltale signs of sleep apnea, you should speak with your doctor. Living with an unknown disorder is scary. Seek the help you deserve!

If you’re snoring louder than usual, experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness, and waking up in a mess of your bedding, it’s time to reach out for help. Remember that you’re not alone. 

Did you find this article helpful? Read more content like this on our website.

There are currently more than 28 million people living in the state of Texas. No matter where you live within the state, having access to healthcare ensures that you can continue to live a happy and healthy life. 

So how does Texas healthcare work? The more you know about the system, the easier it will be to use it when you need to.

Want to learn more about the Texas healthcare system? Then you’re in the right place! Read on to find out nine important facts about healthcare in Texas.

1. Texas Healthcare Looks After Millions of People

The Texas healthcare system currently serves 16 counties across the state. This allows it to have a wide reach, which is important when you have so many healthcare needs. 

The system comprises a combination of local surgeries, outpatient facilities, hospitals, and emergency rooms. There is also a range of specialist health centers includes: 

• Behavioral facilities 
• Fitness centers
• Rehabilitation centers
• Imaging centers

Your doctor can refer you to these centers for treatment. However, you can also contact private centers, such as rehab centers, directly for support.

2. The Healthcare System in Texas is a Huge Employer

As you can probably imagine, taking care of so many people requires many staff and resources.

Because of this, the Texas healthcare system is one of Texas’s largest employers. There are currently more than 1.3 million people working in the Texan healthcare system. Their jobs include:

• Physicians and physicians assistants 
• Nurse practitioners 
• Pharmacists
• Physiotherapists
• Psychologists
• Surgeons
• Dieticians 
• Paramedics
• Radiologists
• Hospital porters

Of course, within each of these roles, there are specialist areas. This means that whatever you need in Texas, there is a medical professional available to help you.

3. The Texas Health Care Information Collection Monitors How Well the System Works

Back in 1995, Texas Legislature establishes the Texas Health Care Information Collection or THCIC. This is a state body that is responsible for collecting reports of health care activity across the state.

THCIC can monitor the quality of Texan healthcare across a range of different departments by collecting this data. They even focus on specific departments within the hospitals and other facilities. This ensures that each facility is delivering quality care to its patients. 

4. There are Four Majors Types of Healthcare Plans in Texas

As with every other state in America, it is important to have healthcare insurance in place for you and your loved ones. This helps you to cover the cost of healthcare treatments so you can focus on recovery over finances.

There are four major types of healthcare plans available in Texas. These are: 

• HMO plans
• Exclusive provide plans (EPOs)
• Point-of-service plans 
• Individual PPO plans 

The right plan for you will depend on your age, medical history, and healthcare needs. Remember, it is important to get comprehensive healthcare coverage to protect your health now and in the future.

5. Nursing Homes Take Take of the Elderly Population

There are more than 3,000 nursing and assisted living facilities across Texas. These take care of a large portion of the population aged 65 and over. 

However, many issues have been raised about the quality of care that these care homes provide. Reports show that they receive at least twice the national average complaint rate. 

So if you are thinking about finding a home for a loved one, make sure you do your research.

6. They Are Targetting Surprise Medical Billing

Even if you have insurance, there is a chance that you can receive a large and unexpected bill for your treatment.

This often happens when an insurer and a hospital cannot agree on a patient’s care. When this happens, it can cause serious financial strain.

In 2019, Texas Legislature created more protection against surprise medical billing for consumers. This means that the majority of people with private insurance are now immune to receiving surprise medical bills.

7. Going to Medical School is More Affordable in Texas

To become a medical professional, you have to undergo serious training, and this can take years. However, this also means that tuition bills really stack up over time. 

However, due to an old Texan law, medical tuition in Texas is now capped at around $6,550 per year. This means that training in Texas is now incredibly popular. This also means that the state has the opportunity to get its hands on some of the best and most innovative new doctors in the country.

8. Access to Healthcare is Easier in the Cities

Where you live in Texas can have a big impact on your access to healthcare. Although there are 565 acute care hospitals in Texas, the majority of these are in cities.

On top of this, people living in rural areas are more likely to be living without healthcare insurance. This makes paying for medical care, even if you have access to it, a lot more challenging. At the moment, 36% of adults living in low-income rural households do not have medical insurance.

9. The State Could Pay More Attention to Mental Health Conditions

Unfortunately, the Texas healthcare system has several flaws. Its lack of funding and training for mental health specialists is one of them. 

For example, more mental health and substance abuse specialists are needed throughout the state. 

On the plus side, nationwide attention on these areas is putting more pressure on Texan facilities to offer better mental health care. There are now 315 rehab centers offering services with payment support.

Make the Most of Healthcare in Texas Today

As you can see, when it comes to Texas healthcare, a lot is going on. Keeping these Texas healthcare facts in mind will ensure that you can make the most of what the Texas healthcare system can do for you. 

To keep up to date on more great life and health advice, keep scrolling.

Let’s be honest: getting young kids to take good care of their teeth ends up feeling near impossible at times, with their refusal to brush and constant soda drinking. That said, it’s critical that you follow through, or else your child could face severe consequences to their teeth down the line.

But the same old reminders and warnings aren’t cutting it anymore. What can you do?

Well, we’re glad you asked. It’s time to take a look at our guide on taking care of your kids’ dental health from day one! 

But enough preamble! Let’s dive head-on into this thing!

Brushing Is Vital to Kids’ Dental Health

You should start your child on brushing their teeth as soon as they are around one year old (once their teeth start to appear) to help get them into a routine and protect their baby teeth from cavities and plaque. Even small children who don’t have teeth in yet should get their gums gently wiped after meals to prevent food from sticking around. Removing and cleaning baby bottles as soon as babies are done drinking from them also helps here.

If you are worried your child is too young to use toothpaste, start by brushing their teeth with water and work your way up to toothpaste. Remind them to brush twice a day, as well as floss once a day. 

But what if your child shows resistance to this habit? In that case, find ways to make dental care more fun and involve them. For example, let them pick out their toothbrush color and style. 

You can also use phone apps with your child’s favorite character to encourage them to brush. Pokémon Smile, for example, lets your child wear a funny hat through AR technology while they brush and catch Pokémon if the app sees that they’ve done a good job. 

Diet Changes and Dentist Visits

Another important aspect to aiding the dental health of young kids is controlling their diets. Too many sugary foods and drinks like soda will lead to acids present in the soda dissolving tooth enamel and creating cavities. Try to encourage your child to eat fruits in place of desserts when they need a sweet treat, and use caution if your child takes gummy vitamins (as these contain similar  sugars and acids). 

In addition, make sure that you schedule dentist appointments for your child as soon as they grow teeth. Regular checkups and cleanings are vital for catching problems before they grow into something worse. Feel free to look here now if you’re in the market for a top-rated family dentist. 

The Importance of Fluoride

Fluoride is a valuable component to strengthen your teeth, but many kids miss out on it if they drink purified water. This is because many kids receive their primary source of fluoride from tap water (as well as toothpaste). 

If you sense your child isn’t getting enough fluoride, try reaching out to your dentist. They can give you an oral supplement for your child to take that will increase their fluoride levels. 

Happy Teeth Means Happy Kids

And there you have it! Now that you know all about how to take care of your kids’ dental health, you’re ready to ensure their teeth stay healthy for the rest of their lives! And for more guides on keeping your kids healthy and happy, make sure to check out the other articles on our blog!