Category: Health & Fitness

A few minutes in a below-freezing tank may sound like torture, but it’s actually quite healthy. So what’s the deal and why are so many people paying for the experience?

Read on to learn about 5 fantastic cryotherapy benefits!

1. Treatments Only Take A Few Minutes At A Time

For those on the go, cryotherapy is like a quick day at the spa combined with an extreme workout.

Since cryotherapy patients subject themselves to sub-zero temperatures, treatments can only last for a short time.

But during those few minutes, the body burns hundreds of calories, perfect for the mom on the go.

And while the treatments may only take a few minutes out of the day, the effects last hours.

Expect a boost in metabolism, a reinvigorated sense of energy, and an even better night’s sleep.

2. Cryotherapy Is Safe And Doctor Approved

How can submerging one’s self into a freezing tank be safe?

At first, there were a lot of questions about the safety of cryotherapy. However, over time, doctors have witnessed cryotherapy’s benefits in their patients.

Some have even used it for certain cancer treatments!

So yes, cryotherapy is entirely safe. It’s not abnormal to feel skeptical, but the results don’t lie.

3. Athletes Will Recover Faster

Those who’ve heard about cryotherapy likely found out about it from athletes touting its effectiveness. Those who live an active lifestyle benefit from cryotherapy the most, as Cerulean points out.

A hard training regimen wears the body down. And while it’s great to wait a few days to let it rest, progress may be lost, rendering the workout pointless.

But with cryotherapy, athletes can train harder for longer without needing so much downtime.

Runners and sprinters especially see huge gains using this frozen recovery method.

4. Cryotherapy Can Alleviate Joint And Muscle Aches

Of course, you don’t need to be an athlete to get cryotherapy benefits. These treatments work great for the average person too, especially the elderly.

As we age, our joints wear down and our muscles ache. And while some of this is unavoidable, cryotherapy can turn back the clock and keep us at our healthiest and youngest, no matter how old we get.

Ultimately, cryotherapy targets inflammation in the joints and muscles, alleviating pain. Those with arthritis can benefit every bit as much as an athlete.

5. Cryotherapy Releases Endorphins

By now, we’ve learned that cryotherapy boosts recovery and even helps aching joints. But cryotherapy benefits don’t end once you leave the tank.

Cryotherapy releases endorphins, making patients happier and more relaxed, something they can take with them when they leave.

Final Thoughts On Cryotherapy Benefits

All in all, everyone could stand to benefit from a little cold soak. Be it athletes or busy moms, there’s no end to the fantastic health benefits cryotherapy can offer.

Are you one of the thousands that have tried cryotherapy? Let us know what you think in the comments.

And don’t forget to check out our health blog for more great health tips!

As a mom, you know just how difficult it can be to find the time for self-care.

Between making meals, keeping your kids from breaking everything in your home, and coordinating carpool with that weird mom on your block, you barely have time to think!

However, self-care is essential — not just for your sanity, but so you can set a great example for your children.

One of the easiest and most basic forms of self-care? Good oral hygiene.

You might think you’re taking good care of your teeth. But how can you be sure?

Read our list of these dental tips to find out — and be sure to share them with your kids!

1. Make Sure You’re Brushing Correctly

Pretty much everyone (thankfully) is aware that they need to brush their teeth a minimum of two times a day.

But are you actually brushing the correct way?

To make sure you’re getting the most out of your brushing experience, position your brush at about a 45-degree angle. This way, when you brush, you’ll clean both the teeth and the gums.

Also, resist the temptation to move your brush only from side to side.

Instead, aim to make small circular motions with your brush, which will help to knock more plaque and debris loose.

Also, make sure you replace your toothbrush at least every three months.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to brush your tongue! In fact, your tongue is where the worst-smelling bacteria in your mouth live. You can invest in a tongue scraper, but a simple toothbrush will do the job just as well.

2. Try A Waterpik

We know that many of you likely aren’t too thrilled with the prospect of flossing your teeth every day.

However, even if it’s uncomfortable, it’s also incredibly important.

It stops plaque from building up, cleans areas your toothbrush can’t always get to and can help to prevent periodontal disease. If you just can’t stand the string version, try a Waterpik instead.

Waterpiks can help you to clean the areas around braces and other orthodontic work and offer a deeper clean than flossing alone.

3. Know What To Avoid

If you want your teeth to stay looking beautiful (and working perfectly) there are a few things you need to stay away from.

The number-one thing to avoid?

Smoking and tobacco. This isn’t just a dental tip — it’s a health tip, too.

First of all, it turns your teeth an unsightly yellow shade and can cause your gums to deteriorate quickly.

According to research compiled by the American Dental Association, smoking can also lead to:

• Complications after dental procedures/surgery
• Gum disease
• Cancer in the mouth
• A weakened sense of taste
• Stains on the tongue

In short, if you aren’t smoking, don’t pick up the habit, and if you are, look into ways to quit.

But avoiding tobacco isn’t the only thing to remove from your lifestyle on this list of dental tips.

You should also aim to reduce your intake of sugary sodas, coffee, and (unfortunately for all the wine moms out there) alcohol. This is because all of these drinks contain high amounts of phosphorus.

Over time, this can actually lower your overall levels of calcium, which can weaken your teeth. Plus, the corn syrup in sodas can lead to tooth discoloration. Cut back on these drinks, and try to brush your teeth immediately afterward.

4. Get Regular Dental Checkups

We know that not a lot of people like going to the dentist. Some may even experience great anxiety before an appointment.

Take steps to calm yourself down, like learning as much as possible about your procedures and even bringing a friend to your appointment. Colgate’s website also has lots of information about what you can expect to go on during your dental appointment.

Also, you’ll feel a lot better when you find a dentist you know you can trust. You can learn a lot about a dental practice from its website.

For example, Forest Park Dental dentists include an introductory video on their homepage, clearly display their contact information, and include customer reviews on their website.

Remember that not all dental problems are visible to the naked eye — much less to someone who isn’t a professional.

Whether the appointment is for you or your child, you need to make sure you visit the dentist at least once every six months to stop any problems from getting worse.

5. Choose The Right Mouthwash…

Next up on our list of dental tips?

Make sure you’re using a mouthwash that’s doing more than just freshening your breath.

When you’re selecting your mouthwash, look for options that contain chlorine dioxide. Listerine is a great example.

This is because the agents in these mouthwashes actually help to eliminate the bacteria in your mouth while assisting in strengthening your teeth.

6. And Pick The Right Toothpaste!

Just like mouthwashes, not all toothpaste is created equal.

When you’re shopping for your next tube, make sure you look for one that has the ADA seal on it. This means that the manufacturers have followed regulations put in place by the American Dental Association.

In addition to helping you to clean your teeth more thoroughly, this seal means that the amount of fluoride in the toothpaste has been regulated.

Embrace Your Pearly Whites With These Dental Tips

Thanks to these dental tips, you’re ready to take your oral hygiene to the next level.

One final tip?

Always make sure that you supervise the brushing and flossing of your children. Consider setting up a rewards system or tracking their brushing with a sticker chart.

Explain to them that taking care of their teeth now will help them to avoid serious problems in the future!

Looking for more tips on how to be the best mom you can be? Need advice on how to find coupons for that ADA-approved toothpaste we mentioned here?

Check out our website to find the best deals for exactly what you’re looking for. Be sure to spend some time on our blog to get access to the latest parenting hacks and money-saving deals.

Now, it’s time to book your dental checkup!

Breakfast is the meal of champions.

Eating a hearty healthy breakfast is one of the best ways to start your day. When you get adequate calories in the morning, you’ll be energized and ready to tackle the tasks in front of you.

Read on to discover why having the best breakfast means you’ll have a fantastic day.

Perks Of The Best Breakfast

1) You Get to Have Coffee

Who doesn’t love waking up to a cup of joe?

One of the reasons breakfast is so great is because breakfast time means coffee time.

Lunch and dinner foods just don’t taste as good with coffee as breakfast foods do. Having coffee in the morning will energize you and make you ready to tackle whatever your day holds.

If you wait until later in the day to have your coffee, the caffeine could keep you up and cause poor sleeping patterns. Breakfast is the best time to have your coffee – which also makes it the best meal of the day.

2) Breakfast Foods Are Comforting

Another reason to have the best breakfast is that breakfast foods are naturally comforting.

Foods like pancakes, waffles, and french toast have a high carb content that makes them feel like a warm hug in your stomach.

It’s hard to feel unsettled while eating fluffy pancakes and bacon.

3) You’ll Be Satisfied Until Lunch

When you’re hungry you perform worse at work and are less productive.

Low blood sugar can cause mood swings and headaches. This is why having a big breakfast is so important.

When you eat enough calories in the morning, you’ll feel full and satisfied until lunchtime when you can have another meal.

Not sure what to eat for breakfast to keep you full? Check out my nutrition advisor for ideas on how to get the proper vitamins and nutrients.

4) Breakfast Makes You Thin

Studies show that people who eat breakfast are thinner than those who don’t.

This is because breakfast kickstarts your metabolism to get it working throughout the rest of your day. Breakfast literally means “break the fast”. When you’re asleep, your body is in fasting mode and your metabolism slows down significantly.

The first meal you eat during the day breaks this fast and revs your metabolism up again. You want to be sure that you’re starting up your metabolism as early in the day as possible so that it’s burning calories for you all day.

Eating a healthy breakfast will also ensure that you’re satisfied enough to not binge eat at lunchtime. Sensible meals that are balanced cut out senseless snacking throughout the day.

Have Your Best Breakfast Every Day

Make it a goal to prepare yourself a nutritious breakfast every single morning.

Your breakfast should be the largest meal of the day, as your body has the rest of the day to burn it off.

Treat yourself to a high protein breakfast to ensure you stay satisfied longer.

If you have any questions about this article or want to contact us for any reason, please do so here.

According to a recent Gallup poll, about 50% of Americans take vitamins to supplement their diet. Americans have become increasingly knowledgeable on the importance of having a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet.

However, most of us are still lacking the basic nutrients dieticians recommend. A vitamin-rich diet can not only improve your cardiovascular system but also promote bone health and strengthen your immune system.

If you’re interested in learning about 5 vitamin supplements that can do wonders for your health, read along!

5 Essential Vitamin Supplements

1. Vitamin C

Vitamin C may be the most well-known of all vitamins, and may be one of the easiest to take! Vitamin C is essential for keeping your immune system strong, but it also has many other benefits. It has been shown to reduce stress levels and lower the risk of stroke by up to 42%.

Even with all these benefits, not enough Americans are getting their daily requirement of Vitamin C. If you suspect you’re one of these people, make sure to look for a 500mg vitamin C supplement.

2. Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a powerhouse for the body. It helps to promote a healthy nervous and digestive system and can lower your risk of heart attack. Unfortunately, Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal products, so many vegans and vegetarians may not be getting enough of it.

Even though the daily requirement for Vitamin B12 is relatively small, we need to replenish it every day. For that reason, a B12 supplement is vital, especially for adults over the age of 50. B12 supplements can be found in stores almost anywhere and can be vegan-friendly as well.

3. Inulin Powder

Inulin has been found in foods like bananas, asparagus, and garlic for a long time, but supplements for Inulin are only recently taking off. Most Inulin supplements come in a powder form like What Protein and have many benefits associated with them.

Inulin mainly impacts the digestive system, where it can promote many positive side effects. It can promote blood-sugar levels and reduce constipation. But, it also has benefits outside of the digestive system, including a reduction in stress levels and improving sleep quality.

4. Vitamin F

While the body does naturally produce many of the vitamins we’ve listed here, the body can’t naturally produce vitamin F. But, vitamin F is an extremely beneficial vitamin and getting enough of it should be of top priority.

Vitamin F can reduce LDL, otherwise known as “bad”, cholesterol. In doing so, Vitamin F improves overall circulation and reduces the risk of heart infection. It can also promote skin and nail health by combatting drying and thinning, to leave you looking younger and healthier.

5. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is also a strong antioxidant. As antioxidants are the secret to long-term youth, a vitamin A supplement is something people shouldn’t be able to get enough of. But on top of that, Vitamin A has many other benefits for essential health.

Vitamin A is essential for eye health, as it prevents macular degeneration, which can lead to age-related blindness. It can also promote proper immune system support, as the genes involved in immune responses are regulated by Vitamin A.

Final Thoughts

Even with all the benefits they bring, not enough Americans are reaching their recommended vitamin levels. For this reason, vitamin supplements can be a great addition to a life of healthy dieting and exercise.

On top of vitamin supplements, natural health supplements can also work wonders on the body and promote overall health. Natural health supplements and vitamin supplements can work together to improve the overall health of anyone ready to try them.

Staying healthy can be a mission, particularly in the rush of today’s modern world.

Tips and tricks are essential strategies for better health and wellbeing, but sometimes you need access to professional women’s health services. But how do you find them? More importantly, how do you find health services you can afford?

Here are a few ways you can find and access affordable health services.

Community Health Centers

If you don’t qualify for Medicaid coverage and can’t afford a health plan you can access women’s health services through your local community health center. They’re low-cost and how much you actually pay will depend on your income.

Community health centers are in both rural and urban areas. They offer many services including prenatal care, baby shots, and referrals for specialized care.

High School Wellness Centers

Many high schools have wellness centers that provide basic health services. If you’re a student at a school with a wellness center, you can access these services free of charge.

Wellness centers are different from school to school, but most provide the following:

• Treatment for when you’re sick
• Simple lab tests for diagnosing potential health problems
• Preventive care including routine checkups and sports physicals
• Immunizations
• Mental health services
• Substance abuse care and prevention
• Sexual health care and education
• General health education

Not all schools provide all these services. It’s important you check what services your school provides. Most schools will have a list on their website or a brochure available.

Most wellness centers need you to have parental consent to use their services. This will likely involve having a parent or guardian sign a general form. The form won’t give details on what kinds of services you’re accessing. That said it’s still a good idea to ask staff about confidentiality if you don’t want a parent or guardian to know why you’re accessing a wellness center.

College Student Health Centers

Many colleges offer a low-cost insurance plan. You simply sign up as you register as a student. This insurance will let you access the on-campus college student health centers.

Family Planning Clinics

Family Planning Clinics are a staple of women’s health care for a reason. They provide many women’s health services including:

• Pregnancy testing
• Ultrasound exams
• STI testing
• Birth control services

Most major cities have at least a couple of birth control clinic locations. The Office of Population affairs provides a free tool for locating a clinic in your area.

Free and Low-Cost Clinics and Health Centers

There are many free or low-cost health clinics around the U.S. The trick is finding them.

Sites like freeclinics.com let you search for free and low-cost clinics in your area. Most low-cost clinics will be income-based, meaning you’ll be charged depending on your income. While finding women’s health services specifically can take a bit of digging, it’s possible to significantly narrow down the clinics in your area by price.

Affordable Women’s Health Services Isn’t a Pipe Dream

We live in a tumultuous time for women’s reproductive rights. But accessing affordable health care is still possible. Using the above services will ensure you stay happy and healthy. Which means you’ll be able to give your best to your career and family.

Looking for ways to improve your health at home? Read about why diet and exercise are the keys to a healthy life.