Category: Health & Fitness

Every parent tells their child to stand up and quit slouching. Well, your nagging mother was onto something. Good posture supports good overall health and well being. 

As an adult, do you suffer from chronic neck and back pain? It could be lifestyle induced. Sitting for several hours a day hunched over a computer can create a postural strain on our neck and back. 

A posture corrector may be the key to reduce your pain. Here are 7 tips on wearing a posture corrector for beginners. 

Wearing a Posture Corrector the Right Way

Some posture correctors are meant to be worn all day long. It’s best to make sure you are wearing it correctly so that it is comfortable. Other models can be worn for a few hours at a time.

When choosing a model style, select the one that is the most comfortable for your body. You probably won’t use it for long if you don’t find it comfortable to wear. 

Look for a posture corrector that is adjustable so that it fits correctly. We all have different sized and shaped bodies and posture correctors should not be a one-size-fits-all product. 

Consider purchasing a posture corrector with padded straps if you will be wearing it for a long time. Padded straps add an extra layer of comfort. 

Also, ask how to clean your posture corrector. A posture corrector maintenance may be as simple as throwing it in the washing machine while others need to be hand washed or dry cleaned. 

Key Tips

1. Read reviews online before you buy it. Take a look at the pros and cons of each one and what other people said about the fit and comfortability. 

2. Your doctor or physical therapist may be able to suggest a model that will work for you. 

How Does It Work?

A posture corrector is a device that you wear to help improve your posture or your body’s alignment. The way you sit, stand, walk, or even sleep can all affect your posture. 

Posture is usually overlooked by most people but it can have a great impact on our body’s circulation, pain, and even our energy levels. 

Having good posture involves training yourself to stand, sit, walk, and lie in a manner that puts less strain on your muscles and ligaments. 

Experts agree that a corrective brace such as a posture corrector can help retrain your body to have correct posture. Sitting at our desks for long periods can cause muscle deterioration and force our bodies into uncomfortable postures. We loose alignment of the body and the results are usually painful. 

A posture corrector fixes this by reminding our bodies to sit with proper posture when it is being worn. Wearing while sitting or standing during the day, a posture corrector begins to realign your body into its natural position and takes the strain off your muscles and may reduce back pain. 

Key Tips

3. Use a lumbar pillow or a small rolled-up towel to help maintain the natural curves of you back when you are seated at your desk. 

4. Sit forward at the front of the chair vs. into the chair to have the correct posture.

Benefits of Posture Correctors

There are lots of benefits to having good posture. Having good posture allows you to develop strength in areas of your body that are experiencing pain. These areas such as the lower back, shoulders, upper back, and neck will all feel less stiff after your posture is corrected.

Correct posture can also boost your energy levels and help you breathe better. It gives you proper form when you are sleeping or doing physical exercise, so you are less likely to get injured. And a person with good posture usually appears taller and more confident. 

There are many ways good posture can contribute to your overall health and well-being. If you have trouble, remember to stand or sit with proper posture, this is where a posture correcter comes in. It gives you the gentle reminder you need to maintain good posture whenever it is worn. 

There are home exercises you can do as well to encourage better posture. Your physical therapist can recommend specific exercises for you. 

Key Tips

5. Training yourself to adopt a new posture can have many benefits for your health, including reducing neck, pain, and shoulder pain. 

6. Use the Flat Wall Test to see how far off your posture is from a neutral position. 

How Long Should I Wear One? 

Most posture corrective devices work by pulling the shoulders back into a neutral position by your side. These devices correct a poor stance exactly as they say they will, but they also do all the work for your body.

Wearing one of these devices will give you proper posture without even having to think about it. 

Sounds great right? Wrong! If you wear these devices around the clock, it defeats the purpose. A quality posture corrector will allow your muscles to become stranger and learn their new alignment on their own. 

The best posture corrector will have you use it less and less each day, and you build up strength. Look specifically for a device that allows you to build up your strength while holding your posture in a neutral position so that you don’t become reliant on the device. 

If you are rehabbing your muscles after a surgery or injury you will have different requirements from someone who was not injured. 

Be sure to ask your doctor or physical therapist how long your device should be worn. 

Key Tips

7. The time it takes to correct posture may be different from person to person. Make it a habit to practice good posture each day and if you have been injured follow your doctor’s advice. 

The Takeaway

Your Mother was right! Good posture is important. It can significantly increase your overall health, well-being, and even confidence.

Wearing a posture corrector could help you retrain your body into a more neutral position and reduce muscle pain.

If you enjoyed reading this article, please share it with your friends and read more of our health and fitness articles today. 

In one study, 41% of patients reported experiencing night sweats sometime during the previous month. Excessive sweating while sleeping is more common than you think. While common, waking up sweating could indicate a more serious health concern.

Unsure when to be concerned about night sweats? Keep reading to discover the causes of night sweats and when to see a doctor.

Determine if your night sweats are a symptom of an underlying condition with this helpful guide. 

Common and Serious Causes

How many blankets you sleep with and how warm your bedroom is could both cause night sweats. However, if you wake up sweating and notice your pajamas and sheets are wet, you might want to speak to a doctor.

Here are a few common causes of night sweats to consider.

Medications

Many medications list night sweats as one of their side effects. These medications often include antidepressants, steroids, pain relief medications, and medications for diabetes.

Hormones

Many different hormone disorders can cause sweating and night, including:

• Low testosterone
• Carcinoid syndrome
• Hyperthyroidism
• Menopause

In fact, over 80% of women experience hot flashes during menopause. You can learn more about menopausal night sweats to determine if menopause is the cause.

If hormonal issues are causing your night sweats, you might also experience headaches, weight changes, or energy fluctuations. 

Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are both normal. While both are mental health concerns, they also cause a number of physical symptoms, including sweating.

If stress and anxiety are causing your night sweats, you’ll likely experience:

• Mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Weakness
• Feelings of dread
• Sleep issues
• Digestive issues

It can help to determine what’s causing your stress and anxiety to ease your night sweats.

Infections

Serious infections are sometimes accompanied by night sweats as well. You’ll experience a lack of appetite, weakness, weight loss, and fever. If these symptoms last for more than a few days, call your doctor right away.

Sleep Apnea

If you stop breathing while sleeping, you likely have sleep apnea. This condition is often accompanied by night sweats, exhaustion, and headaches. You might have difficulty focusing, too.

If you think you have sleep apnea, speak with a doctor right away. Sleep apnea can cause severe complications if left untreated.

Cancer

Night sweats are sometimes a symptom of cancer. You might also experience chills, fever, or unintentional weight loss. Body weakness and pain in the chest, bones, and stomach are common, too. 

When to See a Doctor

Still unsure when to be concerned about night sweats? You should see a doctor right away if you believe you have an infection, sleep apnea, or cancer.

You should also see a doctor if you experience:

• Chronic or bloody coughing
• Diarrhea or stomach pain
• A very high fever
• Localized pain

Your doctor can help the underlying condition that’s causing your night sweats.

Don’t Sweat It Out: When to Be Concerned About Night Sweats

Try not to stress. Instead, know when to be concerned about night sweats to get the help you need. Remember, night sweats can indicate a serious concern.

Don’t delay speaking with a doctor.

Visit the Health and Fitness section for more helpful tips. 

You’re thinking about donating bone marrow? That’s great!

About 18,000 people need a bone marrow transplant every single year, so donating bone marrow can be very critical in saving someone’s life. 

But you may have questions about being a bone marrow donor.  

For those looking to be a bone marrow transplant donor, we’ve compiled a list of the seven most frequently asked questions about bone marrow donation risks.

1. What Are the Side Effects?

During a bone marrow transplant, bone marrow is taken from the donor and transferred into a recipient where new stem cells are cultivated. Bone marrow is a soft, fatty tissue found inside the bones. It is most commonly extracted from the:

• Brestbone

• Hip

• Skull

• Ribs

• Spine

These bones all contain stem cells that produce white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. White blood cells work hard to fight against infections whereas red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body and help eliminate waste from the body’s tissues and organs. Platelets allow the blood to clot.

The bone marrow is collected from the donor, while under general anesthetic. During the bone marrow donation, you are put in a sleep-like state using a combination of inhaled gases and intravenous drugs. Most side effects come from the anesthetic. 

After the procedure, you will likely experience side effects such as:

• Fatigue

• Back pain

• Hip bain

• Muscle pain

• Headache

• Bruising at the incision site

Expect side effects to last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Additional side effects from the anesthesia can include mild nausea, vomiting, and a sore throat. Most donors are recommended to take pain relievers for the discomfort. 

Click here to learn more about bone marrow donation options. 

2. How Long Is the Recovery Time?

Bone marrow donation is a surgical process. It is typically an outpatient procedure and you’ll return home the same day as the operation. Most people only stay in the recovery room for about an hour.

Many people who donate are able to return to their usual routine just a few days after the donation. Your bone marrow will replace itself four to six weeks after the procedure.   

3. What Is the Pain Level of the Procedure?

Because the donation process is done under a regional or general anesthetic, you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. After donating bone marrow, people experience different levels of pain. 

The bone marrow is extracted by injecting a needle into the back of your pelvic bone with two separate perforations. This procedure will often leave the donor sore. 

Some describe the pain as an ache on their hips or backside, while others say it feels like a strained muscle in their back. Sometimes donors report difficulty sleeping. Aches may last up to several weeks. 

4. Can I Expect Medical Complications Related to the Donation?

No medical procedure is risk-free. Always be upfront with your health care provider about pre-existing medical conditions and have an open dialogue about donating bone marrow to make sure you’re a good candidate. 

About 2.4% of donors experience serious complications due to damaged bones or anesthesia.

If you donate through organizations like Be The Match, you are covered by medical and disability insurance for medical complications directly related to the bone marrow donation. Both the donor and patient are also monitored by a safety committee. 

5. What Is the Time Commitment?

The average time commitment for the bone marrow donation process is 20-30 hours over a four-to-six week period. This does not include travel time or overnight stays. The actual bone marrow donation will take one to two hours.

Almost 40% of donors will experience travel time throughout the bone marrow donation process. 

It is important to attend information sessions that provide resources to help you understand your responsibilities as a donor. Determining donor suitability with a simple blood test or cheek swab at the beginning of the process is critical. 

Online registration to be a bone marrow donor takes less than ten minutes! 

6. Is It Harmful for Me to Lose Bone Marrow?

About 5% of your total bone marrow cells are collected during the procedure. It is not harmful to lose bone marrow in this small quantity. Your body will naturally replace the lost bone marrow over the next several weeks.

Donating bone marrow does not weaken your immune system or body. The average individual will donate approximately one quart of bone marrow, a fraction of the total bone marrow your body contains.

During the donation process, the bone marrow is filtered to remove particles of bone or fat. In addition to the bone marrow, red blood cells are also taken and later given back to the donor via an IV in the recovery room. 

7. How Is My Personal Information Handled?

There are millions of donors on the registry. Privacy and confidentiality is a high priority for bone marrow donation organizations like Be The Match or the National Marrow Donor Program. Personal information is never shared with government agencies or companies.

Genetic type information obtained from your blood test or cheek swab and personal identifying information are stored separately to ensure your privacy. 

Your genetic type information helps match donors to recipients. The closer the match is, the higher likelihood the bone marrow transplant will be successful. 

Bone Marrow Donation Risks

Considering to be a bone marrow donor can be a stressful process. Curb your worries by being aware of the bone marrow donation risks. Always consult your health care professional before making the decision to become a donor. 

Remember, if you are a good candidate, you could be the answer to saving someone’s life!

Want to see more posts like this one? Check out the rest of our blog to learn more!

Do you want to connect with a professional who can take care of your family’s dental health? 

Untreated dental issues have lifelong consequences and costs. For example, over 30% of today’s young adults have untreated tooth decay. It’s costing them their smiles and their jobs.

If you don’t want your children to experience the same problem, you need a trusted dentist. Better yet, get a family dentist. The range of a family dentist’s specialties addresses oral health at all stages of life.

Below, we have a guide on how you find a top-rated dentist to help your family’s dental and oral health problems.

1. Ask People You Trust for Recommendations

One of the best ways to find a trustworthy dentist is to turn people you trust. That can be a friend, another family member, or others. These people are likely to give recommendations of dentists they trust.

As a tip, approach someone who’s had more than standard cleaning or teeth whitening. If you know a friend who’s had considerable dental work done, talk to them about their dentist. You can also keep an ear open when a co-worker talks about their dentist’s work on them.

Talking to friends and family in the same local is also a great way to find a local dentist. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for close friends and family members who have a bright and happy smile. If you know someone who’s had a major dental problem before, ask them for their dentist’s name and contact info.

2. Get a Referral From a Physician

You can also ask your family doctor for help in finding a good family dentist. If you’ve gone to your physician with dental or oral issues, they may be the ones to recommend a dentist to you. Physicians who have young children can vouch for a good pediatric dentist too.

Also, most medical professionals won’t hesitate to assess their dentists. Thus, you can trust their judgment on dentist recommendations, too.

If you don’t have a family physician yet, talk to a local pharmacist. Like doctors, pharmacists get feedback on dentists near them. Don’t be afraid to ask a local pharmacist about a popular local dentist.

3. Go Online to Search for a Top-Rated Dentist

Another great way to find a top-rated dentist for your family is to get on Google. If you want to get a good dentist, you can rest assured that the internet can help you out. It’s as simple as typing ‘dentists near me’ on the search bar and pressing enter.

Depending on where you live, you may find an overwhelming amount of search results or only a handful. The most important thing is that you’ll find top-rated dentists on the search results. An online search also helps you make a list of probable family dentists.

The internet also gives you the chance to look at client reviews. If you want to, you can also use a dental provider review site. These sites give reviews and “ratings” of dentists in an area from clients.

4. Search the Database of Your Dental Society 

Like doctors, dentists have dental associations and societies. If you want to find a dentist with top ratings, you can make dentist searches in the various associations. Some of these organizations include:

• American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM)
• American Dental Association (ADA)
• Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
• American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH)
• The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT)

The organizations listed above are only a handful of dental associations in the US. Visit their websites or contact them to get access to their dentist database. Don’t forget to compare practices between the various associations.

5. Check Your Dental Insurance Network

Finally, you can use your dental insurance network to find a dentist for your family’s oral health.

This helps you find a dental professional within your insurance network. If you don’t have dental insurance, you can use your medical insurance to access the network. You get to access a list of dentists partnered with your dental or health plans.

What to Keep in Mind When Looking for a Family Dentist

You want to find a family dentist to take care of all the dental needs of your family. You may be lucky enough to find the perfect dental professional right off the bat. For some people, it took some more effort and time to find the right dentist.

Before you settle on a dentist, there are a few things you need to check first. Start with the dentist’s board certification and state licensure. Visit the American Board of Dental Specialties (ABDS) to look for the certification.

Better yet, check it before you visit and commit time to see the dentist. Unexpired board certification and state licensure is a good first sign. It’s also a guarantee that the dentist went through the proper procedures of getting where they are.

Also, you must remember that not all good dentists have good websites. The two things don’t have a direct correlation. After all, not all good car mechanics have a good website either.

It’s appealing to find a website with good design and interface. It’s even better if the website gives information about the clinic, like their practice and staff. However, don’t take this as a standard of judging whether or not a dentist is good.

Picking a dentist who can be part of your healthcare team is a necessity. However, if they’re not in your insurance network, that’s fine, too. Know that out-of-network dentists can charge anything for their services.

Find the Right Family Dentist 

We understand that you only want the best dental professional for your family. Dental health is one of the most overlooked problems in young people. Finding a good family dentist can help correct early dental problems in children.

Now you know how to find a top-rated dentist. We hope you picked up something valuable from this post. If you want to learn more about dental health, feel free to check out our other guides as well.

If you’ve been looking for a natural way to boost your immune system, you may have come across Mimosa pudica seeds.

What are Mimosa pudica seeds exactly, and what do they do?

Keep reading to learn all about the benefits of Mimosa pudica seeds.

Kills Parasites

One of the primary uses of Mimosa pudica seeds is to remove parasites from the gut.

One study saw researchers add Mimosa pudica seeds to a test-tube full of roundworm. The seeds paralyzed and killed the roundworms. The worms were permanently made inactive.

If you’re suffering from parasites, Mimosa pudica can flush the pests out of your system for good.

Prevents Liver Damage

When used on rodents with liver problems, Mimosa pudica worked to prevent further liver damage. It was just as effective as some liver-protecting drugs! Couple that with the fact that it’s all-natural, and you’ve got an excellent choice for protecting your liver.

It’s not called the “touch-me-not plant” for no reason.

Promotes Gut Health & Mental Health

When you swallow Mimosa pudica seeds, they swell up in your gut and turn into a sort of paste. This sticky paste latches onto bacteria, heavy metals, and other toxins in your stomach. Then, the toxins are removed from your system via your bowel movements.

The Mimosa pudica will travel through your bowels on the way out, cleaning as it moves.

Mental health is linked directly to gut health. The majority of serotonin is made in the guy, and parasites and other toxins can hinder serotonin production. If you suffer from depression, anxiety, insomnia, or irritability, learn about mimosa pudica and see if it could be right for you.

Regenerates the Sciatic Nerve

Few pains are as bad as sciatic nerve pain. It branches all across the body, extending from the back to the legs. Sufferers of sciatic nerve pain are continually looking for better ways to find relief.

Mimosa pudica is a fantastic sciatic nerve regenerated. When tested on rats, Mimosa pudica restored the sciatic nerve 40% better than steroid-based treatments. 

Heals Wounds

Mimosa pudica has been used in traditional alternative medicine for decades. People used to warm the seeds up into a paste and apply it to wounds to stop bleeding. It was also put around boils to help release the pus.

While there was no way to test the effectiveness of these methods in the past scientifically, there is now. Researchers have found that Mimosa pudica seeds help wounds heal, and also promote skin health. The seeds contain manganese, iron, and other minerals beneficial in fighting infection and healing the skin.

Try Mimosa Pudica Seeds

There are a lot of different uses for Mimosa pudica seeds. Whether you’re looking for a mental health booster or a parasite killer, Mimosa pudica is a natural and effective way to find relief. If you’re struggling to find relief, try Mimosa pudica today.

For more informative articles like this, check out the rest of our blog.