Category: Health & Fitness

As our parents age, we need to look after them the way they once looked after us. This includes recognizing signs of illnesses that aren’t especially easy to spot.

Some of the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, like mood swings and forgetfulness are pretty easy to write off as mom or dad having a bad day. But the truth is, these things should make you watch them a little closer; especially if the disease runs in your family.

Because Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, patients with it worsen over time. However, an early diagnosis and treatment can help keep them stable.

If you’ve noticed some odd behaviors, you might already be asking yourself if there truly is something going on with your parent. Maybe you’ve even noticed that the topic agitates or causes them to shut you out.

We laid out some of the early signs of Alzheimer’s you should be on the lookout for. Continue reading and we’ll also show you how to deal.

Talking to Your Parent

Conversations with your parents about their health as they age are some of the scariest conversations for adult children to start. We never want to make our parents feel like they’re incapable or watch them become defensive.

Because of all the sensitivity around these topics, it can feel nearly impossible to have these talks. But they are necessary to have. First of all, this conversation will lead to your parent receiving a real diagnosis and treatment.

It also gives you an opportunity to establish a plan. If your parent is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, they will eventually lose their ability to take care of themselves.

Speaking with them early on allows them to share their wishes and concerns. Give them the opportunity to tell you where they’d like to live, how they want their finances handled, what to do with their prized possessions and many other things.

This open dialogue will make your parent feel safe which will become even more important down the road. Don’t wait until there’s a serious crisis or accident. Those circumstances will limit everyone’s choices and add to the stress.

10 Early Signs of Alzheimer’s

In progressive diseases like Alzheimer’s, a patient’s brain structure and brain chemistry become more severely damaged over time. This is the reason you see people with Alzheimer’s slowly lose who they once were.

It’s important to note that while the early signs listed in this article are the most common symptoms patients will display, not all cases are the same. Meaning those with Alzheimer’s can possibly skip some of these symptoms or display some others early on.

You should also be mindful that some of these symptoms can present themselves in the later stages of the disease.

1. They’re Having Trouble Completing Typical Tasks and Chores

People with Alzheimer’s often experience difficulty completing tasks they didn’t have a problem with before. If your parent is usually pretty tidy and you realize they’ve stopped keeping a clean house, for example, this can be a sign that something is wrong.

The same can be said for a parent who has forgotten some of the steps to a recipe they’d cooked you your entire life, or the rules to a game they already know how to play.

2. Forgetting the Day, Month, Time or Location They’re In

If your parent has gotten lost in a familiar place like their favorite grocery store or their neighborhood, they could have a serious problem. They might call you in a panic over being lost or not knowing what day it is.

In some cases, your parent can even think they’re in a completely different decade. Bringing up old events like your little league soccer game as if it was happening today is a definite red flag.

3. Decreased Judgment

None of us make the right decisions all the time. Lapses in judgment happen to the best of us.

But we’re talking about those times where your parent does something irresponsible that seems to be coming from left field.

For instance, your mother might wear a summer dress on a cold winter’s day. Or your dad can give more money than he can afford to a telemarketer.

4. Losing Things

Has your parent started storing things in strange places? Have you found shoes in the fridge or car keys in the fish tank?

A person with normal cognitive function will misplace things, but they can usually retrace their steps to find them. If your parent is exhibiting more extreme versions of this otherwise normal behavior, it may end up being Alzheimer’s disease.

Patient’s with Alzheimer’s tend to blame others for stealing items they misplaced too.

5. Drastic Moodswings

Drastic mood swings without logical reasoning is an early sign of dementia that shouldn’t be ignored. Your parent can be mellow one minute and cry hysterically the next if they have this disease.

This can also come into play if they’ve suddenly become suspicious or moody around something they enjoyed spending time with before. Sometimes these mood swings stem from the person feeling uncomfortable, maybe being too hot or cold.

Changes in mood also including being calmer or less emotional than they typically would be.

6. Avoiding Social Situations

So, your parent used to be a social butterfly who enjoyed family gatherings and coffee dates with friends, but they’ve recently become withdrawn. This can happen because they’ve become uncomfortable being around people because they are frightened by their own strange behavior.

While becoming withdrawn, you parent can sleep more often than usual, develop passive personality traits, or take several naps throughout the day.

7. Problems with Written and Verbal Communication

People with dementia will forget common words. They may even replace them with words that don’t fit into their sentences, making their speech difficult to understand.

Furthermore, they can have a hard time reading; especially out loud. With dementia, your parent can fall into the reading level of a child during their early years of elementary school.

8. Forgetfulness

Most people classify Alzheimer’s disease with constant forgetfulness. It’s one of the most common symptoms.

Whether your parent is forgetting new information or thing they’ve already known, you should take the action seriously. Absent-minded behavior will also include repeatedly asking the same question.

9. Changes in Vision

Although it isn’t the most popular symptom, it does occur in some patients. Alzheimer’s disease can cause problems with processing colors, space, and reading.

This can weaken their ability to drive safely. If your parent had a recent fender bender where they ran into a nonmoving object like a tree or sign that they say “came out of nowhere” you should have their cognitive skills evaluated.

10. Trouble Thinking Critically

Has your parent recently began struggling to pay their bills without changes in income or commitments? Are invoices piling up and they don’t understand why?

People with dementia have trouble solving problems such as these. Sometimes the problems become so overwhelming that they just put them off instead of facing them.

An expense tracker can help you help your parent stay on top of their finances.

Talking to Your Parent’s Doctor

In the beginning, most patients with Alzheimer’s are uncooperative and display great levels of anger and denial. But if you are truly concerned that your parent has the disease, you should do everything you can to make sure they are correctly diagnosed and helped. This involves talking with their doctor.

HIPAA is set in place to protect patient privacy and information. Because of this, your parent’s doctor isn’t allowed to share things with you pertaining to their health. However, you are still fully able to share your concerns, even if your parent is against it.

Using the information you’ve learned about the early signs of Alzheimer’s, write a letter to their physician. In the letter, you should include your observations with timeframes.

Perhaps your parent called you three times in a single day asking what time your child’s birthday party will be. Maybe you watched them pour salt instead of sugar into a batch of lemonade.

These events should be noted and shared with the doctor. And although the doctor won’t be allowed to tell you specifics about their appointments with your parent, your letter will make them alert.

Your parent might even be more accepting of the conversation about Alzheimer’s or screening for the disease coming from their doctor instead of their child. Think about it, that role reversal can’t be fun for them.

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Although there has yet to be a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there is support available to those patients who are living with it. The treatments range from medication, memory care, and lifestyle changes that can include assisted living.

It’s important for the patient to have a loved one who understands all these options as their disease worsens. For example, a lot of people don’t know the difference between assisted living and memory care (compare here.)

Follow our blog for tips about budgeting, health, and family life that can still be implemented if your parent is showing early signs of Alzheimer’s.

If ever there was a conversation that felt awkward, it would be one that starts with the phrase ‘let’s talk about toe fungus’.

However, as awkward as it may be, it is a serious condition that impacts the lives of a lot of people.

Sure, there are numerous over the counter options you can choose, each more expensive than the last, but did you know there are also a number of home remedies for toenail fungus that you could try.

Treatments such as garlic for toenail fungus or even oregano oil. Keep reading to find out the best home remedies.

Tea Tree Oil

If you are looking for toenail fungus home remedies then one of the better-known options would be tea tree oil.

An essential oil it naturally contains a high quantity of both antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.

The treatment is simple. Just apply a small amount to your infected toenail twice a day and you will be as good as new in no time.

Listerine; One of the Secret Toenail Fungus Home Remedies

You probably know Listerine as a tool to keep your teeth clean and breath fresh, but you might not realize that when it comes to infected toenail home remedies, it is the secret weapon of many.

Not only does it contain thymol and menthol, but also eucalyptus. It’s a simple anti-fungal soak, and by bathing your feet for thirty minutes a day and keep toenail fungus at bay.

Using Garlic for Toenail Fungus Treatment

If you know that garlic was an anti-fungal agent would you still toast it on bread and eat it with spaghetti, or cook with it at all?

I would, but that’s beside the point.

If you want to successfully use garlic for toenail fungus treatment all you need to do is crush up a few cloves and apply them to the infected area for thirty minutes a day.

A Change of Diet Can Fight Nail Fungus

Food and diet play a big role in our overall health. If you put the right things in then you get the rewards in many ways. Fighting back nail fungus is just one of these benefits.

A diet rich in protein, iron, essential fatty acids and vitamin D is one of the best home remedies for toenail fungus you can find. One that treats the problem as well as providing a greater all-around benefit to your body.

Foot Fungus is Not a Life Sentence

Having foot fungus might be embarrassing, but it is not a life sentence. Buy the brand products if you want, but at least give some of the homeopathic foot fungus remedies a chance.

Try a bit of garlic for toenail fungus relief, just maybe try one of the other options if it is date night.

For more tips on how natural remedies can help you check out some of our other posts. Whether you want to save money, live green or just generally learn about alternative ways to approach life’s obstacles, we have the information for you.

“Keep calm…summer is coming!”

If you can feel your stress levels rising, the much-anticipated summer season is the perfect time to indulge in some much needed “me time”.

“Self-care, is vital to physical, emotional and mental well-being,” says Psychology Today. Yes, taking time to rejuvenate and refresh yourself is good for your body and state of mind.

Read on for 10 self-care tips that will help you to cool off and avoid a mental burn-out this summer.

1. Positive Perspective

One of the top tips for self care is to feel good about yourself. Throw out those trashy magazines that tell you that you’re not good enough – you ARE good enough!

Summer is a time of beach bodies and unrelated expectations. Stop comparing yourselves to others, especially distorted reality shown through the media. Make it your goal to enjoy your summer, just as you are.

Be grateful for what you have. Try to jot down a few things you are thankful for each day. This gratitude list can help you to start each day on a positive note.

And above all, be kind. It’s contagious. Helping others really can help yourself.

2. Go Somewhere

It doesn’t matter if it’s a staycation or vacation, taking time out for yourself is one of the best tips for self care.

Take a road trip off the beaten track, sightsee around the city, visit museums and art galleries, or just have a picnic in the park. These simple, fun activities can give you some time to relax and unwind in an interesting setting.

If you can, go off the grid. Whether you travel to a tropical island or deep into the mountains, just take time to re-energize.

3. Pamper Yourself

One of the key ways to self care is to take time to pamper yourself. Head to a spa, have some beauty treatments done, go shopping, or just take time to relax in a bubble bath at home.

Head out and buy a new outfit. Instead of following the latest unflattering fashion fads, try to choose clothes that make you look and feel confident.

If you’re not one for heading to the spa, there are many treatments you can do at home. For instance, adding essential oils to your bath can create a luxurious time-out session. Add a few candles and some relaxing music, and you’ll be totally chilled out.

Another way to use essential oils is to have an aromatherapy massage. Therapeutic massages are one of the best self care methods as they can help to ease a variety of aches and pains. Even if you ask your partner to give you a DIY massage from home, you’re guaranteed to feel like a million dollars.

We recommend Banyan Tree essential oils for all your aromatherapy needs. Their products will refresh your senses and restore your spirit.

4. Get Out There

Head outside and breathe in the warm fresh air of summer. Take advantage of the extra sunshine and spend time doing some outdoor activities.

Pick an activity that you know you will enjoy. For instance, hiking, gardening, swimming, biking, yoga, or outdoor fitness classes.

A really easy way to get outdoors is to take a casual stroll in natural surroundings. Give your mind a chance to relax and admire the surrounding beauty.

Don’t forget to wear sunscreen! Frolicking under the scorching sun might catch you off guard, and you’ll spend several days looking and feeling like a snappy lobster.

5. The Power of Water

Our everyday lives are flooded with overbearing technology and stressful situations. Spend time near water to give your mind a much-needed break. “Being around water gives our brains and our senses a rest from overstimulation,” says Wallace J. Nichols, a marine biologist.

Whether you head to the beach, a pool, or a bubbling stream, the sounds and sights of water can help to soothe your soul. Take long showers and hot baths. Or try a fun water activity, for instance, surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming or sailing.

One of the most important self care tips in the summer is to always keep hydrated. Drink more water than you usually would as it’s easy to become dehydrated without realizing in hot weather.

6. Let Them Eat Veggies

Eat well in the summertime by taking advantage of the large variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Make it your goal to try something new each week.

Try to learn about the benefits of eating certain foods. Fill your diet your researched superfoods your body and mind will both feel great.

Some fruits and veggies that are filled with antioxidants include tomatoes, zucchini, watermelon, oranges, celery, nectarines, peaches, cantaloupe, berries, figs, pears, and the ultimate avocado. Add some nuts, green tea and anything dark green and leafy into your diet – and your body will feel well looked after.

7. Tech Timeout

Summer is a great time to take a break from the online world. Give yourself a chance to unwind and reconnect with real life. Limiting your time on social media and avoiding endless browsing sessions will also help you to use your time more wisely during the precious summer months.

Try not to use your devices an hour before bed, or give yourself screen time limits. If you feel really addicted, go cold turkey and try to take a few days away from technology.

8. Rekindle Your Youth

Think back and recall what you loved doing as a child.

Was it biking to the park? Rollerblading around the block? Screaming on rollercoasters?

Whatever your inner child is telling you to do, why not use some of your summer rekindling those happy memories?

9. Lose Bad Habits

Some more self care tips include getting rid of those bad habits you’ve been holding onto. The longer days and positive vibes in the summer months can give you extra time and motivation to improve yourself.

For instance, get up 30 minutes earlier than normal. That extra half an hour can rejuvenate you and give you some quiet time to savor your morning cup of coffee instead of rushing to go out.

10. Think Outside the Box

One of the best self care techniques is to challenge yourself and do something outside of your comfort zone.

Try out a new hobby, go on a luxury vacation, go stargazing, experience the great outdoors, or do anything you wouldn’t normally do. Make a summer bucket list and check them off as you do each amazing thing.

Try These Self-Care Tips This Summer

This list of self-care tips can actually be used all year round, but why not try starting this summer? Go on, treat yourself, you deserve it!

For more lifestyle hacks and health advice, take a look at our blog!

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.

Because the symptoms of Lyme disease are vague and changeable, they can be hard to spot.

Children suffering from Lyme disease can’t always describe how they’re feeling. They may just come across cranky or tired.

So if you live in an area that has a lot of ticks, you need to know what the symptoms of Lyme disease look like.

Take a look at this guide to find out how you can spot the warning signs of Lyme disease before it becomes serious.

Getting Bit by a Tick Doesn’t Mean Your Child Has Lyme Disease

A single tick bite won’t give your child Lyme disease. So don’t panic if you find a tick on your kid. If you remove the tick right away, your child can’t end up with Lyme disease.

Why?

A tick can only transmit Lyme disease if they’ve lived on a person for roughly 48 hours. As long as you’ve removed the tick before that time, your child doesn’t have Lyme disease.

Not All Ticks Carry Lyme Disease

The tick that bit your child may not even carry the disease. There are several types of tick, like a wood tick, that don’t have the ability to give people Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is usually spread by deer ticks. These ticks have red bodies and black heads, and they are about the size of a sesame seed. If the tick that bit your child doesn’t look like this, you probably don’t have to worry about Lyme disease.

Not All Deer Ticks Pass the Disease

Remember, a tick can only give your child Lyme disease if it’s been living on them for about 48 hours.

If you do find a deer tick on your child, check the size. A deer tick swells up when it feeds, so if the tick is still small, it hasn’t had a chance to pass on the disease.

Even a bite from a deer tick doesn’t mean your child has Lyme disease. It can take days for the tick to transmit the disease. So don’t panic if you find a deer tick on your child. If it’s not swollen, your child is most likely safe.

What Should I Do if I Find a Tick on My Child?

If you find a tick on your child, you should remove it right away. And to do this, all you need is a pair of tweezers.

Don’t try alternative remedies to remove a tick. Things like petroleum jelly or a match won’t necessarily work. In fact, they could cause the tick to crawl deeper into the skin.

Pulling the tick out with tweezers is the best way to remove it.

1. What You’ll Need to Remove a Tick

Before you remove a tick, take a moment to gather the supplies you’ll need. These supplies include the following:

• Tweezers
• Cotton ball (Q-tip, cloth, etc.)
• Rubbing alcohol
• Ziplock bag (or another sealed container)

Once you have these things gathered, have your child sit down at the table.

2. Use the Tweezers to Remove the Tick

Grab the tick as close to the skin as possible. Then just steadily pull the tick straight out of the skin.

Don’t twist as you pull. This could cause part of the mouth to break off and stay attached to the skin. If this does happen, just leave those pieces alone.

Trying to dig them out could push them further in. They will fall off on their own after a while.

3. Swab the Bite with Rubbing Alcohol

After you’ve pulled the tick out, dip a cotton ball into some rubbing alcohol and dab it on the bite. This will clean the area.

4. Put the Tick in a Ziplock Bag

If you know the tick isn’t a deer tick (or doesn’t carry Lyme disease), you don’t have to keep the tick. However, if you’re concerned your child might have Lyme disease, it’s a good idea to keep the tick. The doctor may want to see it.

But don’t just send the tick in for lab testing.

A tick that has Lyme disease doesn’t necessarily pass that disease on when it bites. So sending a tick to a lab doesn’t usually tell you or the doctor anything.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease

If your child has been bitten by a tick, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease in children.

Keep an eye out for these things after a bite. As soon as you notice any symptoms, you should visit a doctor immediately.

(Note: a small, red bump usually forms around a tick bite. Though it sticks around for a few days, this is normal. It does not mean your child has Lyme disease.)

Early Symptoms

A rash can form around the tick bite anywhere from three to 30 days after the bite. This rash usually looks like a bullseye, and it can expand to 12 inches across.

This rash isn’t normally itchy or painful.

Other early symptoms of Lyme disease include things like chills, fevers, general aches, fatigue, and headaches.

Later Symptoms

If you don’t treat the disease right away, more bullseye rashes can appear on the body.

Your child may also experience joint pain and swelling, especially in their knees. They can also suffer from weakness in their limbs, impaired muscle movement, meningitis, and Bell’s palsy (paralysis of half of their face).

These symptoms can occur either weeks or months after the initial bite.

Visit a Doctor

You should always visit a doctor as soon as you notice these symptoms. Even if the symptoms seem to go away, visit a doctor anyway.

The lack of symptoms doesn’t mean the disease is gone. And it could get worse if you don’t get Lyme disease treatment. Lyme disease will never go away on its own.

Avoid Lyme Disease in Children

The best way to avoid Lyme disease in children is prevention and pest control. Whenever your children play in bushy, grassy, or wooded areas, make sure you check them for ticks when they come back inside.

If your child has been in an area that may have ticks, keep an eye out for symptoms of Lyme disease. As soon as you spot anything out of the ordinary, schedule an appointment with your pediatrician.

Need some help keeping pests out of your yard? Take a look at this guide for some helpful pest control tips.