Category: Health & Fitness

Vaping has become a stopover on the journey toward quitting smoking. Almost 7 out of 10 smokers say they want to quit. When you consider the amount of harm smoking does to your body, this does not come as a surprise. 

But is vaping healthier than smoking or are you just replacing one vice with another? 

Join us as we look into the truth about vaping. 

What Exactly Is Vaping? 

Vaping is the inhalation and exhalation of aerosol from an e-cigarette. The appearance of the first e-cigarette was back in 2007, and since then the popularity of vaping has increased immensely. 

Vaping is still relatively new so there’s a lot that we don’t know yet about the risks. But here’s what we do know. 

The Truth about Vaping Vs. Smoking 

A report published by Public Health England shows that vaping is 95% safer than traditional smoking. However, opinions in the U.S. vary, with vaping considered by many to be just as bad as smoking.

Compared to smoking, what are the main differences and how does vaping reduce the common health risks? 

Let’s take a look at the differences between the two. 

The Chemicals 

Smoking can harm practically every organ in the human body. Traditional cigarettes include thousands of chemicals and many of these are toxic. The most dangerous of these are categorized as carcinogens and are linked to cancer.

Nicotine, formaldehyde, and arsenic are just a few of these chemicals that are being inhaled into the lungs. These chemicals are the result of tobacco combustion that is necessary to produce smoke. 

Vaping doesn’t require combustion so vapers aren’t at risk of being exposed to carcinogens like those listed above. Chemicals found in vapor include nicotine and vegetable glycerin.  

The Cost 

Vaping can save a considerable amount of money compared to smoking. 

Vaping has a heftier initial cost than smoking because of the equipment needed to get you started. There are also replacement parts needed to keep your vape going.  For example, check out one of these vaping necessities.  

However, the cost of refilling or maintaining your vape is cheaper than purchasing packs of cigarettes. In fact, vaping is around 40% less expensive than smoking. 

The Health and Safety Risks 

Cigarettes are responsible for more than 400,000 deaths each year.  Smoking causes more deaths than car accidents, firearm incidents, and drug and alcohol use combined. 

Taking that into consideration, vaping is a solution smokers can use to lead to eventual quitting. Vaping is not only less harmful to the user, but it’s also less harmful to those around them who would otherwise suffer from second-hand smoke. 

Beating Your Nicotine Addiction 

We know that vaping is a better alternative to smoking cigarettes. But the long term effects have yet to be seen so there is still a lot that we don’t know about the health implications. The truth about vaping will continue to come out over time. 

If you’re looking to quit smoking, these tips from the American Lung Association may help. 

Check out the rest of our site for lifestyle tips and stories. 

Did you know that in 2017, the United States spent a whopping $3.5 trillion in health care alone? That’s an average of $10,739 per person.

Medications alone account for about 10% of that spending. Every year, the average Joe or Jane shells out $1,200 on prescription drugs.

With that kind of money on the line, it’s no wonder that more people are seeking alternatives. There’s Complementary and Alternative Medicine, for instance, including the use of all-natural remedies. More than 30% of U.S. adults use some form of CAM.

What are these remedies, and do they work? If so, what health conditions and ailments can they help with?

We’ve rounded up (and explained) seven of these natural medicines below, so be sure to keep reading!

1. Hemp Plant

Hemp is different from marijuana, but they come from the same cannabis sativa plant species. That’s why hemp benefits are similar to the medical benefits of marijuana.

The main difference is that unlike marijuana, hemp doesn’t induce the same intoxication. Hemp (and its derivatives) contain less than 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is one of the active compounds that creates the “high” marijuana is known for.

Like marijuana, hemp contains considerable amounts of cannabidiol (CBD). It’s also an active compound found to have many health benefits, such as pain relief. It appears to affect the nerves and pain pathways, and in doing so, helps reduce inflammation too.

It’s no wonder that many people with arthritis and fibromyalgia turn to CBD products. Cancer and multiple sclerosis patients also turn to CBD products for pain relief.

Other studies have shown that it’s a much more powerful antioxidant than the C and E vitamins. In that way, it may help boost immune functions and may even prevent signs of aging!

CBD also appears to have potent anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. Some researchers also say that it may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease.

While hemp is not a “miracle” plant per se, its benefits are backed by research. If you’re looking for herbal remedies that scientists say have potential, hemp may be your best bet.

2. Garlic

Garlic doesn’t just make dishes tastier and tangier. It may also be able to help combat hypertension!

Many studies, like this one, found that garlic supplements reduce high blood pressure. Researchers believe that this is due to the bulb’s high antioxidant content. These include “organosulfur” compounds and flavonoids that can protect cells from oxidative damage.

Other studies also found that garlic supplements can combat high cholesterol levels. These products showed a significant reducing effect on serum triglycerides.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is one of the most popular natural remedies for treating burns, sunburns, and wounds. According to studies, this may be due to the plant’s growth hormone called glucomannan.

Glucomannan has shown to speed up the healing of wounds. It also appears to increase the breaking strength of scar tissue. In that way, the plant’s medicinal properties can help prevent wounds from re-opening.

Aloe Vera is also widely used in skin care products because of mucopolysaccharides. These carbohydrates help bind and keep moisture in the skin, which hydrates the skin, makes it more elastic, and also reduces wrinkles.

4. Echinacea

Echinacea, a member of the flowering daisy family, is another popular herb for colds and flu. You may know this plant as the “American coneflower”.

Echinacea has a complex mix of active compounds, some of which appear to be antimicrobial. Others appear to interact with the human immune system.

According to researchers, echinacea extract can lower the risks of respiratory infections. These include tonsillitis, pneumonia, and even ear infection.

Moreover, scientists suggest that the herb possesses antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. These effects also appear stronger in people with greater susceptibility to such conditions.

5. Calamine Lotion

Do you remember the pungent pinkish stuff your mom doused you with after getting all those bug bites? That’s calamine lotion, which is a mix of various minerals, including zinc and ferric oxide. It’s been in use since 1500 BC, but not only for pesky, stinging insect bites.

Modern science proves that your mom was right, as it does have skin-soothing properties. It relieves itching and discomfort left by bug bites, poison ivy, and even chickenpox. Moreover, its main ingredient of zinc oxide is an antiseptic, so it can help keep infections at bay.

6. Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a natural holistic healing treatment that primarily uses natural plant extracts. These extracts are in aromatic oil form, also referred to as “essential oils”. This practice has roots dating back to at least 3,500 years ago.

The oils used in aromatherapy are extremely concentrated plant extracts. You can inhale them using a diffuser or as a topical application when mixed with a carrier oil.

One study found that essential oils, such as lavender, can help combat sleep problems. Lavender oil has also shown to ease anxiety in patients with heart conditions.

7. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one form of alternative medicine that doesn’t use medications. Instead, it uses very thin needles to create an effect on specific body points. Today, there’s also a version that utilizes electrical stimulation.

Modern science has also proven the effectiveness of this ancient Chinese practice. Even the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has approved its safety and efficacy, so it’s not surprising that many insurance policies now provide coverage for acupuncture.

Acupuncture has shown to benefit the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. It also improves cardiovascular and digestive functions. In doing so, this practice can help ease pain, improve sleep, protect the heart, and boost digestion.

Try out These (Lower-Cost) All-Natural Remedies for a Healthier You

The seven all-natural remedies we’ve talked about are scientifically-backed, so there’s no need to be on the fence about them. Speak to your doctor and let them know that you want to try these remedies so you don’t have to worry about allergic reactions, especially if you’re taking prescription meds, which may interact with some herbal remedies.

Want more tips to help you keep your health in check without burning a hole in your pocket? Bookmark our site so you can keep checking back for more money-saving tricks!

Did you know fewer kids now have cavities?

This might be due to wider spread of important health tips on the Internet, better education, and a more health-conscious society. Regardless of the reason, you shouldn’t fall behind! Teach your kids about oral hygiene and help them maintain their teeth.

It’s okay if you don’t know where to start. If you’re a first-time parent or new to teaching dental care to kids, we’ve got a guide here for you. Read on for our 10 tips regarding children’s dental care.

1. Don’t Neglect Baby Teeth

Some people assume that because primary teeth, otherwise referred to as baby teeth, don’t need much attention since they’re temporary. This is not true. You have to pay as much attention to baby teeth as you do permanent teeth.

Baby teeth help guide a child’s permanent teeth to grow in the right location. Maintaining them also ensures better gum health too.

2. Brushing Starts Early

Don’t wait for your child to have a full row of teeth before you begin the habit of brushing. As soon as they have a tooth out, begin brushing. You don’t need to floss yet since the toothbrush can still reach the sides and back of each new tooth.

If you start early, your kid will get used to the concept of brushing. It might become second nature for them as soon as they hit two to three years old. They might be the ones to remind you about brushing!

During their early years, you should brush their teeth three times a day, after each major meal. Most adults brush only twice a day, in the morning and before heading to bed, but babies and toddlers need it more. 

Also, you shouldn’t worry about your kid ingesting toothpaste. Fluoride isn’t dangerous as long as they don’t engulf a whole tube of it.

3. When to Start Flossing

When should you start flossing? You don’t have to wait for your kids to talk and do things on their own. You can floss for them even when they’re still toddlers, as soon as they have a row of teeth.

Flossing helps remove all the food debris and plaque buildup between teeth. A toothbrush can’t reach all those tight spaces, so don’t assume brushing can get the job done. Keep doing this as your kid gets older and, like brushing, it might become a regular habit.

4. Watch Shows About Brushing and Flossing

YouTube is everywhere nowadays, even on gaming devices. Take advantage of this and watch shows about children’s dental care. This can help them get more excited about it, especially if they see their favorite characters brush too.

5. Kids Can Floss

Does your kid want to floss? One effective way to teach them is to take at least eighteen inches of floss and tie the ends to their fingers. This ensures they don’t accidentally let go of the floss.

Start flossing with the front teeth. This should help your kids get used to the process since they can do it in front of a mirror. Flossing teeth at the side of the mouth and the back requires more practice and steadier hands.

6. Let Kids Pick Their Toothbrush

Another way to motivate kids is to let them pick their toothbrushes.

It’s the same philosophy as letting them pick their clothes or backpack for school. Kids are more likely going to enjoy an activity if they had a hand in the decision. This makes the activity fun and more engaging for them.

When you buy the toothbrush, it can look boring and intimidating for them. It becomes a chore.

But when they choose the toothbrush, it becomes their decision. They want their decision to matter.

7. Build a Routine

If you want kids to love brushing their teeth, you have to make it a routine. It has to become a part of their daily life. 

Don’t skip brushing, even on those days when you feel exhausted. Take time to remind your kids to brush after every meal and brush alongside them. Soon enough, they won’t complain about it because they won’t think of it as anything more than a part of their daily routine.

8. Reward, Don’t Punish

Don’t scare them about cases of a cavity in toddlers. Don’t make up imaginary tales about monsters chasing them if they forget to brush. Instead of punishing them for forgetting to brush and floss, focus on rewarding them every time they remember. 

Rewards can make kids more enthusiastic about brushing. They won’t see it as a chore but as a fun activity.

You don’t have to stick with toys or desserts as rewards. Letting them play video games for an extra hour or letting them pick a movie for the night work as great motivational rewards too.

9. Let Kids Understand the Science

It might be tempting to make up fairy tails to convince your kid to brush their teeth and floss. Don’t step into that pit. You’ll have to explain the importance of brushing and flossing eventually.

Let them watch you brush and floss. Children are more likely to follow you if you walk the talk. 

Don’t stop there. Make sure you explain how brushing helps them maintain oral health. For younger kids, start with the concept that brushing and flossing gets rid of food stuck between their teeth. For older kids, you can explain how fluoride and brushing scrub off bacteria and maintain healthier enamel. 

10. Regular Checkup

An important part of your dental checklist is to schedule a regular checkup. Kids and adults should visit a dentist at least twice a year.

If your kids have cavities or other complications, they might have to make more frequent visits. This also applies to kids who need braces.

Practice Better Children’s Dental Care Today!

Children’s dental care doesn’t have to feel like a chore. It shouldn’t be an exhausting activity you and your kids have to slog through. Follow these tips and brushing can become a fun routine and you’ll be able to get it done right.

Don’t stop here though. We have a plethora of other useful guides to help you. Feel free to read more of our articles for great tips and tricks today.

Do you know people who take amino acid supplements? Wondering what those are, and what the benefits of amino acids would be?

In this article, we’re covering everything you need to know about amino acids and supplements. So you can decide if taking supplements is right for you.

What are Amino Acids?

Amino acids, commonly referred to as the building blocks of protein, greatly impact how your body functions. They’re often taken in a supplement form to naturally boost things like mood as well as athletic performance. And they exist in two forms: essential and non-essential.

Essential amino acids are the ones your body cannot make. They can only be obtained through your diet, and are often found in food sources like meat, eggs, poultry, and whey protein.

There are 9 essential amino acids in your body that perform a number of important jobs. Some play an integral role in how protein functions, whereas others impact your body’s immune function and fat metabolism.

4 Benefits of Amino Acids

As mentioned above, amino acids play a range of important roles in your body. They impact processes like tissue growth, energy production, and immune function, among others. And by taking them in supplement forms like Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy, you can improve a variety of other body functions.

Here are 4 of the major benefits of Amino acids and why you should take them:

Improved Sleep

Your body needs Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, to produce serotonin in your body, which is the chemical linked to sleep. If you have low levels of serotonin, your body is more likely to experience sleep disturbances and general tiredness and fatigue. So, by taking an amino accident supplement you can curb this problem and improve your overall sleep.

These supplements can help you also better avoid tiredness and muscle fatigue. They can also help you ward off mental fatigue.

Better Mood

Serotonin not only regulates your sleep but it also greatly impacts your behavior and overall mood. People with low levels of serotonin are more likely to deal with depression and feelings of apathy. Amino acid supplements can counteract this problem by boosting your mood and raising your overall happiness level.

Increased Athletic Performance

Amino acids help your body regulate and improve muscle protein synthesis after you finish working out. This means you’ll be able to more quickly improve muscle growth and see the gains you’re looking for.

They also help you prevent muscle breakdown, speed up muscle recovery time, and preserve your lean body mass.

Additionally, amino acid supplements impact the way your body uses carbs and fats for the better. People who take these supplements are more likely to experience increased endurance, as well as greater fat burning during workouts.

Improved Health

Amino acid supplements can benefit anyone’s health, but they’re especially beneficial to people dealing with liver disease. It’s believed that taking these supplements can help address the symptoms associated with liver disease, and even protect people with liver cirrhosis against liver cancer.

Final Thoughts on Amino Acid Supplements

Whether you’re looking to improve your sleep or how you work out, there are many benefits of amino acids. By reviewing the information in this article, you can decide if taking amino acid supplements is right for you!

Did you find the information in this article helpful? Check out the rest of our website for additional insights!

It was an emotional and painful decision to put your parent into a nursing home, but you knew that access to full-time care was in their best interest. 

At first, your parent seemed satisfied with the treatment they were getting. They enjoyed meeting new people, attending events, and they formed bonds with some of the staff. 

But lately, things seem to have changed — and you feel like you need to know how to report nursing home neglect. 

Your parent has missed their medications, isn’t being properly bathed or cared for, and they’re even starting to show the emotional signs of elder abuse. You’ve read more about the symptoms of elder neglect, and you’re convinced that’s what’s going on. 

But how does nursing home abuse reporting work? 

Read on to find out. 

Start With Documentation 

Before you do anything else, you’ll need to properly document the abuse and collect statements from the elders. 

Often, this will include taking photos of the physical signs of their abuse (bruising, bedsores,) and neglect (soiled sheets, dirty clothing, etc.) You should also document the incidents in writing. If possible, ask the elder to describe them in detail and try to remember the rough date around which it happened. 

Depending on the elder’s mental and physical state, they may be able to provide you with written statements on their own. Additionally, ask your parent if they’ve spoken with any other residents who have experienced abuse. 

Understand that the parent may be quite reluctant and embarrassed to share this information with you. Use this guide from the American Society on Aging to help you learn how to get the conversation started. 

In some cases, other doctors and nurses may be willing to report the abuse to you (the same goes with someone else on staff.) Though this is rare, if it does happen, make sure you collect their statements, too. 

This will help you to have the upper hand when you file your complaint. 

Understanding How to Report Nursing Home Neglect

Depending on the specific state in which you live, anyone who witnesses elder abuse (whether they be a staff member/doctor or another citizen visiting their parent) is legally required to report it. 

Of course, this doesn’t mean that they will — especially if they fear they’ll be punished. 

The burden of how to report a nursing home for abuse and neglect is likely to fall to you. 

There are numerous different ways you can report this. 

Though it might seem logical, do not report your concerns to the nursing home itself. They will do everything in their power to prevent you from legally reporting the crime to the proper authorities, including threatening the elder even further. 

Instead, go outside the nursing home entirely. 

You can contact the National Center on Elder Abuse to learn how to officially file the complaint within your state. You can also reach out to Eldercare Locator to speak directly with a representative that can help you and your parent. 

Additionally, get in touch with your parent’s primary care doctor. They will likely need to collect medical evidence and check up on the elder to evaluate their health and injuries properly. 

If your parent is using Medicare or Medicaid to fund their nursing home care, call a representative immediately and report the abuse. 

Some nursing homes may have what’s called a Patient Advocate, that is there to handle complaints and concerns (among other things) regarding the nursing home. If you feel this person can truly be a neutral party, you may wish to contact them. 

However, if you do do this route, you may want to have an attorney do the talking on your behalf. 

Hire a Lawyer to Help You

The choice to report nursing home abuse can be frightening for both you and your parent. You fear retaliation, further abuse, and the prospect of continued improper care for your parent and others. 

Plus, you don’t quite understand how the court proceedings work. You also want to be certain that you have the strongest possible evidence to secure a guilty verdict for this heinous crime. 

Representatives like those at ChasenBoscolo are experts in what you need to do to report nursing home neglect properly. We strongly suggest that you work with an attorney that has years of experience in dealing with elder abuse cases. 

Ask to speak to their references, ensure they’re licensed to practice in your state, and schedule a consultation with them to get a feel for their communication style. 

The sad reality is that nursing homes are able to make exasperating claims against patients (such as calling their competency into question) in order to avoid responsibility. 

Don’t let that happen to your parent. Work with an attorney who will fight for you instead. You’re not just protecting your parent’s life. You’re also helping to save others. 

Do You Need to Report Nursing Home Neglect?

Now that you know more about how to report nursing home neglect, it’s time to take action. 

Be sure to rely on the emotional support of friends and other family members at this time. Remind the elder that they didn’t do anything wrong and that you’re not angry with them. Try to be understanding and patient when they’re reluctant to talk about what happened. 

Do you need more advice about what to look for in a quality nursing home? Ready to have the tough conversation with your parent about long-term care? 

Our blog is here to help you with all that and more. We’ll even help you learn how you can afford better care, so keep checking back in with us for new posts every day.