Category: Health & Fitness

Everyone gets a few little red spots on their face from time to time.

However, there’s a big difference between an occasional breakout and something that quickly has an impact on your overall mental health.

In fact, a recent study found that a shocking 1 in 5 people with acne go on to develop depression. Those with acne, eczema, or other skin issues like psoriasis may also feel like they need to “hide” their skin to prevent ridicule or shame.

This can lead to social withdrawal, which only compounds one’s depression.

If you’re asking yourself, “Should I see a dermatologist?” there are more issues than just your emotional well-being to consider.

They can help you to get a handle on painful skin issues, stop itching, breakouts, or even just improve the overall look of your skin.

In this post, we’ll share some of the top reasons to see a dermatologist.

1. You’ll Gain Confidence

No matter your age, your income, or your gender, acne and other skin issues can impact anyone.

It doesn’t discriminate — but unfortunately, sometimes people do.

Maybe you’re being bullied at school because of your severe acne. Perhaps you’re concerned that you’re being passed over for a promotion in the workplace because clients find your skin off-putting.

Maybe your skin issues are even getting in the way of your romantic life.

You’ve thought to yourself, “Should I see a dermatologist?” but you’re too embarrassed to even make the appointment.

However, these professionals are here to help you.

The number one reason to know when to see a dermatologist?

When you feel like you’re putting your life on hold because of your skin problems.

Not only will this get you out of your home, clearer skin will also make you much more confident.

You’ll be much more likely to go after what you want when you’re feeling good about yourself.

2. You’ll Learn what the real Issue Is

Lots of people think that scrubbing their skin, using a combination of a bunch of different products, and covering up the issues with heavy makeup will give them the results that they want.

They also think they know exactly what the real issue with their skin is.

In reality, however, there are all kinds of different skin problems and even chronic conditions.

What you think is psoriasis, could actually be something like rosacea. What you think is acne could end up being nothing more than an ingrown hair.

And what you think is just an annoying mole?

Unfortunately, it might turn out to be cancer.

While you can read more here on the most common types of dermatological issues, you want to make sure that you get properly examined and diagnosed by a professional.

This way, by booking your dermatologist visit, you’ll make sure you truly are taking the right steps to correct the problem.

3. You can Lessen the look of Scars

Maybe you want to make an appointment for a dermatologist visit not because of current skin issues, but because problems you’ve had in the past are still causing you trouble.

Even if you no longer get annoying breakouts, especially bad acne can sometimes lead to acne scars. This can include red patches on the skin, or even icepick scars.

A good dermatologist can help to lessen the overall appearance of those scars. This primarily happens over the course of several sessions. Your dermatologist will usually try some form of laser light therapy that will, over time, cause the scars to fade.

This will also happen much more quickly than it would if you’d tried to handle it on your own.

Soon, you’ll be able to go without makeup!

4. You can Take Preventative Action

Annoyed by the look of those tiny wrinkles that are already starting to form around your eyes and mouth?

Know that there were a few years there where you spent a little too much time in the sun?

If so, then you should make a dermatologist appointment now. This way, you’ll be able to stop issues from getting any worse.

You’ll also be able to get a proper education about the right way to take care of your skin. The sooner you start building healthy skin habits, the faster and longer you’ll be able to slow the overall aging process.

This may not be able to stop wrinkles from forming altogether. These treatments won’t always be able to cure the skin condition that you’re dealing with. Sometimes, you’ll need to try a few different things before you get it exactly right.

But getting professional skin help will get you into the best routine possible for your skin. You’ll also learn about the kinds of products that you should — and shouldn’t be using on your face and body.

Your dermatologist will be able to set you on the lifetime path to glowing, healthy skin.

“Should I see a Dermatologist?” We say: “Why Not?”

We hope that this post has taught you to better answer the question, “Should I see a dermatologist?”

From helping you to make the right skincare decisions and get the treatment plan you need to just getting you to love yourself more, there are tons of reasons to see a dermatologist.

Looking for a skin professional in your area?

Need to find the skin products you dermatologist has suggested — for a better price?

We’ve got you covered as always.

Be sure that you check out our coupon and discount sections to find the best deals, and keep reading our blog for more skin-saving tips.

These days it seems everyone is talking about using CBD oil.

There’s a good reason for this, as CBD oil has many health benefits, for both physical and mental health.

If you’re curious about the health benefits of hemp oil or want to know how and when to take it – read on!

All About CBD Oil

You’ve been hearing about CBD oil for a while now.

Maybe you’re still unclear on what health issues it can help with, exactly what it is, and if it is legal.

Well, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s take a look at this little miracle.

What is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is an extract from the hemp plant. It doesn’t give users the mind-altering ‘high’ associated with marijuana. The marijuana extract responsible for a psychotropic high is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Not only will CBD not get you high, it has in fact been shown to reduce that effect if combined with THC use.

CBD oil is extracted from the buds and flowers of hemp plants. It is currently legal in 30 states where medicinal marijuana is legal – but make sure you double-check your local laws.

How Does it Work?

Humans naturally produce cannabinoids. They are hormones that work in a key-and-lock system with body receptors.

When people use CBD oil, cannabinoids trigger the body’s natural endocannabinoid hormone system. They also increase the body’s own production of cannabinoids.

We have receptors in the immune system as well as in the brain. CBD oil can increase the brain’s ability to coordinate movement, manage pain, process memory and emotion.

Receptors in the immune system, once triggered, reduce inflammation to speed up the body’s ability to heal. This is true for neuron damage as well as skin damage.

What is it Used For?

As it targets the brain as well as the immune system, CBD oil has many applications. It has been shown to be effective for:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Skin conditions such as burns or cold sores
• Chronic Pain
• Epilepsy
• Cancer
• Arthritis
• Dementia

Physical Effects of Using CBD Oil

The physical effects of CBD oil are wide-ranging. It works not only by directly triggering the body but by increasing the body’s own production of cannabinoids.

This creates a positive feedback loop and fast results. A brief list of just some of the effects of CDB follows.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

As CBD reduces inflammation, it has many applications. Diseases as diverse as arthritis, dementia, diabetes and chronic pain have inflammation in common.

Neuronal Effects

From epilepsy to multiple sclerosis, illnesses connected to damaged neurons can see a great result from CBD oil. It halts damage to neurons and in some studies is seen to trigger the body’s own healing ability.

It helps MS sufferers to improve motor abilities and greatly reduces seizures in epilepsy patients.

Pain Relief

CBD oil has been shown to reduce pain in two ways. It reduces the swelling or inflammation triggering pain response. It also lessens the brain’s sensitivity to chronic pain.

The biggest benefit of CBD over other pain relief medication is that is is not addictive. Addiction to pain medication is a growing issue in places like the US. The terrific advantage of CBD oil is that it gives natural, non-addictive pain relief.

Improved Memory Storage and Retrieval

Sufferers of PTSD can struggle to benefit from therapy as accessing their traumatic memories is painful and frightening. CBD triggers the body’s storage and retrieval of memories.

Hemp oil also relaxes the patient and increases their ability to replace the fear response to a trauma with a new learning, dramatically increasing the effectiveness of talk-therapies.

Promising Effects for Cancer Patients

Recent experiments have shown hemp oil might block cancer cells from spreading to other areas of the body. It also reduces its invasion in a localized area.

It seems to increase the death rate of cancer cells and suppress their growth.

It has further benefits to cancer patients due to its low toxicity, pain relief, and effect on nausea.

A Natural Sleep Aid

Cannabidiol is a sleep aid. This has applications for those with anxiety, chronic pain and other illnesses that impact on their ability to sleep.

We now know that sleep is critical for the body’s healing mechanisms.

That means that when we use CBD oil as a sleep aid it has the double impact of relaxing us and helping the body to heal itself.

How is it Taken?

Hemp oil can be used as drops on the tongue, your evening cup of tea, or in food. It can be applied topically to skin concerns.

Some companies sell CBD oil as an inhalant for vaping. It is even sold in capsule form.

Start with some internet research on your particular health concern to see what other users recommend. Dosage and application will vary between illnesses, and even between people.

Some people need to use much more or less of the medicine than others to see results.

Is Using CBD Oil Safe?

CDB Oil is non-addictive and has an extremely low rate of overdose. This makes it much safer than many over-the-counter medications.

But there are still some things to be careful of.

Many uses of CDB oil still require further research. The quick growth in the industry also means that it is largely unregulated.

That means that concentrations can change greatly from one product or brand to another.

It’s a good idea to find a medical doctor (MD) who supports the use of medical marijuana to have them recommend the type, brand, and dosage for your health concern. They can then monitor your usage and it’s impact and calibrate it accordingly.

Maybe It’s Time to Try

If you are curious about using CBD oil, we recommend you do some research online and talk to a specialized medical doctor.

Like any other medication, the results vary greatly between people and illnesses. It might not have the effect you are hoping for.

Then again, it might just be the change you’ve been waiting for to improve your health.

Like many things in life, the only real way to find out is by trying. So be careful, do your research, but be open to giving it a go.

Start your research at an expert site such as Floyd’s of Leadville, and take it from there.

For more ideas to increase your family’s health and happiness, check out our articles on coping with divorce, healthy eating, and more here!

Among all hormonal problems, thyroid diseases are the most common. If you have noticed symptoms like weight loss, feeling tired or nervous, chances are you might have a thyroid imbalance.

It may lead to three conditions.

Excessive production of the thyroid hormone is called hyperthyroidism. When the thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormone than the body needs, it causes increased metabolism.

Decreased production of the thyroid hormone is called hypothyroidism. Unlike hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism means that less thyroid hormone is produced leading to reduced metabolism.

This causes slowing down of bodily functions like heart and brain function, energy level and calorie burn.

Generalized swelling of the thyroid gland is called goitre and is the most common thyroid problem. Goitre is visible as swelling in the neck.

Underactive thyroid is more common than overactive thyroid and is seen more in women than in men.

Major signs of thyroid imbalance in women include:

Menstrual Problems

Many of the patients who are low in thyroid don’t have their cycle and they can lose their cycle for months before the cycle comes back.

This is a very common phenomenon also in women who have high thyroid as they experience light periods or skipped periods.

By treating the thyroid, you can have the cycle come back after two or three months.

Changes in Body Temperature

Hypothyroid patients have an increased sensitivity to cold.

This is because when your thyroid is low, there’s less blood flow to the cells and you get a feeling of coldness in the body.

Common complaints are feeling warm or excessive sweating due to the increased body metabolism.

Fluctuations in Body Weight

Weight gain is common among patients with hypothyroidism because of reduced metabolism.

Women with hyperthyroidism experience weight loss symptoms as the body processes work much faster.

Make sure your thyroid doctor confirms the thyroid problem as these may be general symptoms that anyone could have.

Heart Problems

Thyroid imbalance may lead to heart problems in women. You may experience heart palpitations known as premature ventricular contractions (PVC s).

You may have an irregular heartbeat where sometimes it’s only one contraction and other times it may feel like the heart is fluttering like a butterfly.

Increased heart rate is a common symptom of hyperthyroidism.

Dry Skin and Hair

The dry skin can occur in patches or throughout the entire body.

Thyroid imbalance in women may lead to hair loss from the scalp or from the eyebrows. It could also just manifest as thinning of the hair with minimal or no hair loss.

Psychological Problems

Thyroid problems may cause you to have psychological complaints like fear, irritability, and anxiety.

You may find that at most times you are moody. Hypothyroidism can lead to having depressed feelings. Many patients with depression are low in thyroid, particularly a type of thyroid hormone called t3 which is the active form.

You may also experience poor concentration, specifically brain fog where you have very poor short-term memory.

You can forget things like where you left your keys or where you park your car and this is a very common sign.

Get Your Thyroid Imbalance Under Control

There are many other signs of thyroid problems like fatigue, loss of strength, high cholesterol, bowel problems and joint pain. However, all symptoms usually do not all occur at the same time.

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves disease whereas hypothyroidism can result from treatment of hyperactive thyroid. A common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease

Thyroid problems can be diagnosed with blood tests and sometimes using a thyroid scan or a puncture.

Treatment of thyroid imbalance is by taking thyroid hormone pills or medication to regulate the production of the hormone.

Another option is treatment with radioactive iodine to stop the function of thyroid cells and at other times you may opt for surgery.

If you have any symptoms which might indicate thyroid problems, ensure you consult your healthcare provider for advice. For more information, contact us.

Testosterone is the hormone in males responsible for such functions as developing bigger muscles, controlling your sex drive, and making sperm. Believe it or not, as men age, their testosterone levels drop. This results in around 4 out of 10 men over the age of 45 experiencing low testosterone.

This drop in testosterone can cause problems with your sex drive, the ability to have kids, and just be simply embarrassing. Though it can be easy to confuse low testosterone levels with erectile dysfunction, low testosterone mostly has to do with libido and low sexual desire.

Many men choose to seek help by visiting a Low T clinic. If you are considering going to a Low T clinic yourself, what do you need to know?

7 Questions to Ask a Low T Clinic

If you have low testosterone, TRT will help build your testosterone levels. But you need to ensure the Low T clinic is reputable. Here are 7 questions to ask.

1. What are Your Treatment Goals?

As a man with low testosterone, your primary goal is to feel better. You are likely experiencing some of the following symptoms:

• Loss of endurance
• Changes in weight
• Sexual dysfunction
• Fatigue
• Depression

These are all typical symptoms of low testosterone and can be easily treated. The goal of receiving treatment is to start feeling like your old self again. So be sure to make certain that the clinic’s goal is to address the above symptoms.

2. Do You Follow Specific Ethical Standards and Principles?

Every medical clinic should have a stated list of specific ethical standards and principles. As medical professionals, they should be working to provide the highest standard of care by being dedicated to principles rooted in evidence-based medicine.

Feel free to ask the clinic for a list of these standards and principles in writing.

3. What Sets You Apart From Other Clinics?

Not every Low T clinic is the same. As with any business or medical practice, for every good apple, there are plenty bad ones. Don’t be shy about asking any clinic what sets them apart from others in the area and why you should consider going to them for treatment.

Do plenty of research, and ask around among the medical community to find out which clinics have a reputation for cutting corners. Listen to your gut, and never hesitate to walk away if you feel uneasy about the way a clinic operates.

4. What are Your Methods for Administering Supplemental Testosterone?

Again, it’s so important to do your research ahead of time to know what questions to ask, especially about the methods they use to administer supplemental testosterone.

Ask them if they use injections for testosterone replacement therapy. If they don’t, ask why not? This is a very important question because if they don’t use injections, it would be wise to reconsider receiving treatment from them.

We suggest seeking treatment from clinics that recommend weekly injections. This is because weekly injections is a method for better ensuring dosing accuracy, and you are more likely to get the results you’re wanting. There are other methods, but they tend to be far less reliable.

5. What are the Possible Side Effects?

As a potential patient seeking treatment for low testosterone, be aware that possible side effects do exist. These can include the benign growth of your prostate, male pattern balding, and increased skin oiliness and acne.

Each man receiving treatment will react differently, but any reputable Low T clinic should be upfront about these possible side effects and will be proactive about determining the proper dose for your body, then consistently monitoring your levels.

And when you do experience side effects, how will the clinic mitigate them? The use of injections and frequent testing are vital to helping your body level out to a normal hormonal balance, rather than relying on a predetermined testosterone score.

6. How is Progress Monitored?

We highly recommend that you not be shy about asking the clinic to describe their process for determining whether a candidate is suitable for testosterone replacement therapy and how that patient’s progress will be monitored.

Your safety should be their number one priority, rather than rushing into treatment. It’s very common for low testosterone levels to fluctuate, so the clinic should conduct frequent blood testing so that adjustments can be made for dosing to be properly administered.

An important question to ask would be, is their treatment plan based on recommendations passed down from the Endocrine Society? If not, this is a major red flag that shouldn’t be ignored.

7. What Improvement Should I Expect?

How long should it take to expect improvements in how you feel? Some patients begin to notice improvements within a month of beginning therapy. But of course, the clinic should explain that these results can vary from patient to patient.

It’s probably more reasonable to expect to see positive results around the 4-6 week mark. The quality of how your care is managed will be the top factor in how well your body responds to treatment.

Low T treatment can be tricky. There are no shortcuts. Manage your expectations, and don’t expect miracles or for your low testosterone symptoms to magically disappear after the first treatment. It will take time for the delicate hormonal balance to be properly restored.

Click here for more info on testosterone for men.

Once you’ve found a reputable clinic with the knowledge and ethical principles necessary to provide you with the best care possible, put your trust in them to monitor lab results, as well as your body’s symptomatic response, and to then make educated medical decisions to get the kind of results that you want and deserve.

The Importance of Being an Informed Patient

If you feel embarrassed at the notion of speaking to a Low T clinic about your low testosterone, relax, this a fairly typical male reaction. There is no reason to feel embarrassed at all. The reality is that all of our bodies go through changes as we age.

Just remember, there is help available, and you shouldn’t let your ego get in the way of seeking a solution for your low testosterone.

Click here for more information on important health-related topics.

It’s common for people to turn to fitness accessories to help them lose weight and generally get healthy. But these accessories can not only be expensive; some of them won’t help you reach your fitness goals at all.

Stop wasting your money! Here are 10 valuable fitness accessories that are also affordable.

Smart Watch

Smart watches are very popular fitness companions. They help you keep track of your progress for the day, like how many steps you’ve taken, your average heart rate, and how many calories you’ve lost.

Some of them can even connect to your smartphone for even greater technical capabilities. But the problem with many smart watch offerings is price. Many of them are marketed as mini-computers and can cost hundreds of dollars.

Luckily, there are many affordable smart watch options out there. These watches offer the basic features that you need to reach your fitness goals and won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Many of them, like the Fitbit, even offer Fitbit accessories!

Wireless Headphones

Like smart watches, many wireless headphones on the market can be astronomically expensive. Obviously, some of these more expensive options are very high-quality. But great headphones at a lower price point are easy to find.

Many people love listening to music or podcasts while working out because it allows them to pass the time and focus on reaching their fitness goals. You want to get headphones without wires that might get in the way.

Jump Rope

Do you find it difficult to get an adequate amount of cardio during the day? A jump rope may be exactly what you need! Jump ropes are lightweight and portable and can fit inside any gym bag or purse.

If you don’t have time to hit the gym, go outside and work up a sweat during your lunch break. Not only can a jump rope help you get your heart rate up, it can also help you with coordination.

Fitness Applications

Part of the problem with reaching your fitness goals is staying on track and maintaining your focus. Luckily, there are many fitness apps available that can keep you on track.

Some apps allow you to input your meals and snacks so you can keep track of your calories consumed. Others try to make your workouts more fun by introducing games and rewards.

Take advantage of the technology at your fingertips to get healthy in no time at all!

Grip Strengthener

You probably don’t think of including hand exercises to your daily workouts. But if you work a desk job and sit at a computer all day, you run the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Working on strengthening your grip can help prevent this. It can also help prevent cramping and stiffness associated with continuous finger movement.

Yoga Mat

A yoga mat is one of the most versatile and affordable pieces of exercise equipment out there. Yes, you can use it for yoga poses, but it’s even useful for those who don’t practice.

No matter what your exercise of choice is, you should always stretch before or after. A yoga mat provides a comfortable surface for you to stretch while avoiding any potential injuries.

Although some yoga mats can be expensive, there are definitely affordable options available that provide the same amount of comfort. Make sure you do your research and don’t splurge for a more expensive mat if you don’t have to!

Free Weights

Although some people try to stay away from weight training as a part of their workout, free weights can help you burn more calories, even if you just want to stick to cardio.

Holding two five-pound weights when running on a treadmill or other cardio machine can help you use your exercise time wisely. The heavier the weights you want to purchase are, the more expensive they will be.

But if you want to purchase a full set of weights and turn part of your home into a personal gym, there are a ton of deals out there! Look out for affordable rates online or at your local sporting goods store.

Shaker Bottle

A major aspect of getting healthy is maintaining good nutrition. A lot of people turn to protein shakes to make sure they are reaching their macro goals. But many shakes on the market are loaded with sugar and can hinder your progress.

The best way to make sure you are getting your daily nutrients is to make the shakes yourself! Shaker bottles can be a very convenient way to take your homemade shakes on the go.

Just load the bottle up with your powder of choice, mix in water, and shake it together before or after a strenuous workout.

Running Belt

Many people prefer to run outdoors rather than feel constricted by the limitations of cardio machines. But most athletic wear makes it difficult to load your pockets with necessities like wallets, phones, or keys.

However, it can be very unsafe to leave your house without these things, especially if you live alone or are embarking on a long run away from your home. That’s where a running belt can be especially useful.

A running belt secures all your important belongings to your waist, so you don’t have to be afraid of losing them while on a run.

Workout Ball

Perhaps the most underrated of all fitness accessories, a workout ball can take your workouts to the next level. You can purchase a stability ball that can help you push your body to the limit during stretching.

You can also purchase a medicine ball to help you with your core strength.

Fitness Accessories Don’t Have To Break The Bank

The right fitness accessories can seriously upgrade your workout. But it’s possible to find quality equipment without having to shell out the big bucks.

For more information on how to save money for you and your family, check out the rest of our blog. Living healthy and staying under budget is a lot easier than you might think!