Category: Health & Fitness

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.

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.

It is tough to make a healthy choice. Watching television is easier than working out. A cookie or two is tempting.

Likely, you’re already aware that avoiding healthy choices now results in consequences later. By not exercising, you might fail to drop to your goal weight. By eating a cookie or two, or three or four, you’ll possibly gain weight.

What you may not know is your choices impact your wallet.

Healthy choices can sometimes cost more short-term. However, healthy choices save more in the long run.

Below, I’ve listed ten healthy choice ideas that can — and will — save you money.

10 Healthy Choice Ideas That Save You Money

It’s common knowledge that the cost of living is skyrocketing all over the United States. Now more than ever before, it’s important to save when and where you can.

Saving starts with good health. And good health starts with making healthy choices.

Let’s check out 10 healthy choice ideas below.

1. Exercise

Exercise is one of the most effective healthy choices that you can make.

Certainly, a regular work-out will help you lose weight. Obesity and being overweight can lead to health complications down the road, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

But let’s say you already suffer from high blood pressure. Exercise increases your body’s tolerance for stress, thereby lowering your blood pressure.

You can work out at a gym, but you can also work out at home. You can take a jog around your neighborhood in the morning or evening. You can also do sit-ups, push-ups, and other exercises in the comfort of your own home.

2. Don’t Eat Out

Eating out is expensive. It’s hard to find a restaurant that charges less than $10 for a burger, fries, and soda.

Moreover, eating out is unhealthy. Case in point: the burger, fries, and soda.

In fact, most food served at restaurants is fried and, as a result, fattening. Even if it isn’t fried, there’s a good chance the portion size is too big.

Stick to packed lunches or good, old-fashioned, home-cooked meals. They’re portion-sized and not as often fried.

3. Eat Fresh Products

It’s true that packed lunches and home-cooked meals are less expensive and more healthy than meals served at restaurants.

It’s also true that home-cooked meals tend not to be the healthiest.

Mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and fried chicken are all staples of home-cooked meals. They’re also not healthy choices.

When it comes to eating right, nothing beats fresh fruit and vegetables. Celery, apples, carrots, peppers, grapes, and the like are wonderful sources of vitamins. Plus, they don’t have the calories that potatoes, meat, pasta, and cheese have.

It should be noted that canned fruits and veggies are not fresh. They are preserved. The preservation process wipes them of most of their nutrients.

4. Drink Water

Water is necessary for human beings to function. After all, we’re made of 60% water.

Stay hydrated and refreshed by keeping a small, refillable water bottle with you at all times. Refill it when you come to a water fountain. Make sure you don’t leave it when you leave your home.

While exercising, it is especially important to stay hydrated. Sweating causes you to lose fluid, which water replenishes.

Plus, water is typically the only free drink at restaurants. It also helps fill your stomach and ease food cravings while dieting.

5. Stop Smoking

Do I even have to explain this one?

Cigarettes contain numerous toxins and poisons, including those that are known to cause cancer. Smokers also suffer from short breath, constricted blood vessels, and heart disease, among other health issues.

But let’s not focus on the unhealthiness of smoking for a second. Instead, let’s focus on the finance strain it causes.

One pack of cigarettes can cost as much as $10. Ten-packs of cigarettes can cost as much as $100.

Smoking is as expensive a habit as it is an unhealthy one. If you’re already smoking, stop. If you’ve never smoked, don’t start.

6. Participate In Wellness Programs

Many companies offer wellness programs through their health insurance plans. Health insurance companies use programs such as HealthEdge to stay on top of their clients’ workers and those workers’ health.

Wellness programs reward participants for making healthy choices. For example, if you pass a wellness screening, the insurance company might lower your monthly premium. It might also send you a gift card or other prize.

Another common offering made by wellness programs is health-based challenges. For instance, in exchange for a small prize, you might be challenged to walk a certain distance within a day.

7. Turn Down Your Thermostat

Keeping your heat turned up doesn’t just cost you dollars. It also costs you sleep.

Heat causes discomfort. When you’re uncomfortable, you don’t sleep very well.

Not sleeping well leads to sleep deprivation, which turns into stress. When you’re stressed, you’re more likely to gain weight.

8. Keep A Food Diary

Keeping a food diary isn’t an obvious healthy choice. But, it’s one worth looking into, especially if you’re struggling with your diet.

Food diaries help keep track of what you eat during a given time frame. They’re a wonderful opportunity to count calories and ensure you’re eating right.

Additionally, food diaries can help you make healthy choices according to which foods leave you feeling good. Fruits and vegetables are lighter as well as nutritious, so you’ll find they make you feel better than fried foods do.

9. Download A Work-Out App

Struggling to exercise like we all do?

No problem! There are numerous work-out apps that help you exercise.

These apps keep track of your work-out for you. You can set how long you want each work-out to be. You can also choose a certain part of the body to work on.

10. Bike To Work

Cars are extremely expensive to maintain. They require gas, inspections, and regular oil changes.

That’s not even touching on any repairs you might have to make to your car.

Instead of driving a car, bike to work. Biking to work will save you a ton of money as well as give you an opportunity to exercise.

Need More Advice? Check Me Out!

Paying full-price is for suckers! My name is Laura, and I’m a thrifty momma looking to help you save a buck or two. Check out my blog for advice, tips, coupons, giveaways, and other goodies.

Know a great way to save cash? Want me to cover it? Contact me today!

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!

People have used essential oils since 2,000 BC for their medicinal benefits as well as to enhance spiritual health. This makes sense, given that the ingredients for these oils are all around us.

Today, women are opting for holistic alternatives to over-the-counter and prescription medications to help with common health issues. These issues include everything from depression to stress to hormonal imbalances.

Essential oils offer a wide range of benefits, though you need to learn which ones are right for you. What works for one woman may not have much effect on another.

In this article, we’re going over ten essential oils for women so you can decide which ones you’d like to try first.

1. Clary Sage

This is one of the best and most commonly used essential oils for women. Clary sage is a great option if you suffer from bad menstrual cramps or headaches. It can even help ease symptoms related to menopause.

Clary sage is also known as a calming agent. It helps with depression and stress. Women have also used it during childbirth to aid in relaxation.

Try adding two or three drops to your bath. Or, you can add it to a carrier oil and massage directly on areas where you’re feeling tension or pain.

2. Geranium

Regardless of your age, geranium is great for hormonal imbalances. This oil works like a tonic for your adrenal cortex, which produces hormones.

Geranium helps with symptoms of PMS such as fluid retention. It’s also great for fatigue, nervousness, and depression.

Add it to your bath or even directly to your moisturizer, as it can balance oil production in your skin. This essential oil is also known as an aphrodisiac and is great for use during massages.

3. Jasmine

In addition to helping alleviate the negative side-effects of menstruation and PMS, jasmine can help reduce stretch marks and can even heal acne.

Jasmine can also reduce postpartum depression along with anxiety and fatigue. During childbirth, it helps lessen pain.

Because jasmine is known as a mood-enhancer, it can help boost energy levels and increase your sex drive.

You can add it to carrier oils to apply to scars or stretch marks. Or, add it to an oil diffuser and enjoy the aroma.

Because it takes so many jasmine blossoms to produce the oil, it’s typically rather expensive. Check out Rich Minerals for a great deal on this and other essential oils.

4. Lemon

You’re probably already aware of the health benefits of consuming lemon. It’s a great source of Vitamin C and helps with cleansing and detoxifying the body. But it’s also one of the great essential oils for women.

Lemon helps promote healthy skin and can also relieve stress. You can add a single drop to a cool glass of water for an energy boost. Remember, just one drop is enough.

Or, try using lemongrass oil in a diffuser and enjoy a calming atmosphere as you start your day.

5. Lavender

If you have trouble sleeping, this is the essential oil for you. Lavender has a reputation of calming the central nervous system in order to promote relaxation.

If you’ve had a stressful day, add a few drops of lavender to a warm bath. You’ll probably notice its tranquilizing properties right away.

When it’s time to turn in, add a drop or two to the soles of your feet. You can also apply lavender oil to minor skin blemishes or irritations.

6. Basil

You know basil as a very common ingredient in the kitchen. But as far as essential oils for women, it has a number of benefits.

Basil is a great oil for muscle aches and soreness. Add it to a carrier oil and massage tired muscles. You’ll also probably notice it helps with relaxation as well.

This oil is also a great remedy for digestive issues, constipation, and even helps improve your memory. You can also add a little basil oil to insect bites to help soothe them.

7. Tea Tree Oil

If you want to ensure your skin and nails remain healthy, this oil works great. You can apply it directly to skin blemishes or areas of bad acne.

Tea tree oil is perfect for skin issues because it has both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. In addition to applying it directly to problem areas, you can add a small amount to your bath.

You can even add tea tree oil to your detergent.

8. Ylang-Ylang

Added to a diffuser, ylang-ylang gives off a beautiful, floral scent. It’s commonly used in aromatherapy treatments.

This essential oil is known for its ability to enhance libido. It’s also great for relaxation.

The intoxicating aroma of ylang-ylang is quite strong. You may try mixing it with another favorite oil, as some people find it too powerful by itself.

You can add it to your bath, use it in a diffuser or simply inhale straight from the bottle.

9. Eucalyptus

Of all the essential oils for women on this list, eucalyptus contains the most impactful health benefits. The primary one is circulation. This oil helps relax blood vessels, so if you suffer from circulatory issues, you need to give it a try.

It also has cardiovascular benefits. It’s commonly used for clearing sinuses and helping with congestion during illnesses like the common cold and flu.

You can also use it during allergy season to keep your sinuses clear. Add it to a diffuser by your bed like you would a humidifier.

10. Peppermint

If you suffer from frequent headaches, you might want to try peppermint oil. It’s great for taking the edge off and can also keep you alert during menstrual periods.

Peppermint is also a popular essential oil for aiding in digestion and other stomach issues. It can also combat respiratory problems and relieve tightness in the muscles.

You can find this essential oil in a roll-on applicator. Simply apply it to your forehead when you feel a headache coming on.

Try Your Favorite Essential Oils for Women

After you’ve nailed down which of these oils you think will work best, try several and narrow down your favorites. Keep the best ones on hand and enjoy a healthier alternative to medications.

If you’re concerned about using essential oils, talk to your doctor first. They’ll likely give you the green light.

For more great articles about women’s health and fitness issues, check out our blog.