Category: Self Improvement

How to Find the Best Dentist in Marina del Rey for You

Are you looking for a new dentist in Marina del Rey? Whether you’re new to the area or your old dentist wasn’t working out (or they retired), it’s time to find a new dental practice to take care of your oral health.

But how can you find the right one for you? There are so many dentists to choose from, and all of them are competing for your business! 

We’re here to help you narrow down your choices. Keep reading to learn a few tips for finding your new dentist today.

Read Reviews

One of the best ways to find a good dentist is to read reviews and look at star ratings. It’s best to look at reviews that aren’t on the dental practice’s website, as they will likely only post positive reviews.

When you Google dentists in your area, you can look at the Maps option to find a list. Under each practice, you’ll see reviews. Make sure that you read the reviews instead of just looking at the star rating. This way, you can see if they apply to you. 

For example, if someone is unhappy with pediatric dentistry and doesn’t need a pediatric dentist, this review won’t help you. 

Check Hours and Location 

When it comes to picking a dentist, accessibility is everything. You want to make sure that they’re close enough that you can get there via car or public transportation without having to deal with too much traffic.

You also want to make sure that their hours work for you. Do you want a dentist with emergency hours? Does the dentist only work during your work or school hours? 

It’s ideal for picking a dentist that works with your schedule, so you never have to rush to get to an appointment. 

Check Payment and Insurance Options

Let’s face it; dental work is expensive. You want to know how much you’re going to be spending at your local dentist’s office. 

Most dentist’s offices accept a wide range of dental insurance plans, so you shouldn’t run into trouble. That said, it doesn’t hurt to contact your dentist to make sure that they can take your plan. 

Some dentists offer loyalty plans for people who don’t have insurance. This way, they get a reduced price on all of their necessary procedures.

Look at Services 

What services are you looking for from your local dentist?

Most dentists are general dentists. They can help you maintain healthy and clean teeth with preventative dentistry and do basic restorative procedures such as fillings.

Other dentists offer cosmetic treatments or pediatric dentistry. These are specialized dentists, so not all practices offer these services. 

Before committing to a dentist, make sure that they offer what you need. 

Find Your Perfect Dentist in Marina del Rey

Use these tips to find a dentist in Marina del Rey that can take care of all of your dental health needs. Remember, check out their services, look at payment options, read reviews, and make sure the dentist is accessible to you.

With these tips in mind, you’ll find your ideal dentist in no time.

For more helpful tips and tricks, visit the rest of our site!

5 Budget Ways to Care For Yourself and Live a Happier, Healthy Life

Does it feel like happiness is evading you? If the answer is yes, don’t feel alone! Unfortunately, studies show that only 14% of Americans cite themselves as being very happy, but we want to change those statistics with this simple guide! 

We are going to show you how to care for yourself without breaking the budget! So, let’s take a look at these top 5 self-care tips for creating a happier and healthier lifestyle today. 

1. Put Healing First

Having an underlying health issue is a major source of depression and anxiety for people. If you continue to let a chronic health condition go untreated, it could end up costing you more money down the line in the sense that you will have to treat the physical issue and the mental health aspect of the illness. 

For example, say that you notice that your hearing is becoming a little harder lately. You might find that you are becoming more anxious over the thought of losing your hearing entirely, but if you take action now, you can manage the hearing loss and combat the anxiety that goes along with the issue! If this problem applies to you now, then consider a visit to Amplifon Hearing Clinics today! 

2. Spend Time with Family and Friends 

This pro-tip is 100% free! We are social creatures, and without proper social interaction, we can become deeply lonely and depressed. Consider ways that you can spend time with your loved ones that can help you stay healthy. 

For example, try meeting with friends a couple of times a week for an outdoor workout session. Being outdoors is scientifically proven to increase happiness and improve mood, and when you also include physical fitness and socializing, you have a budget-friendly recipe for a healthy routine!

3. Update Your Grocery List 

Eating cheap and healthy might sound like an oxymoron, but with the right planning, you can stretch your dollar and stay healthy. So what does diet have to do with happiness? We’re glad you asked! 

Studies show a direct correlation between eating healthy and happiness. Creating a balanced diet improves your health and happiness by giving you more energy, regulating your metabolism, and reducing the risk of chronic health issues.

4. Practice Meditation 

Meditation is another free way to take care of yourself. Even just 5 minutes of mindful meditation a day can improve your mood and outlook on life.  When meditating, try your best to eliminate all outside distractions like cell phones, pets, people, etc., and take just a few minutes to yourself to focus on self-care.

Don’t get too caught up in advanced techniques at first; instead, focus on being aware of your breathing and minding your wandering thoughts. Finally, make sure the environment is comfortable and conducive to meditation. 

5. Encourage Healthy Habits for Everyone 

When you are trying to make positive changes to your lifestyle, it is much easier if everyone is on board in the house. Encourage your family members to practice healthy habits alongside you, such as eating healthier and daily exercise. If your family and friends live a healthier and more happiness-focused lifestyle, you will be less likely to be exposed to things that could derail your goals, like negative vibes and poor dietary options. 

How to Care for Yourself 

These simple tips on how to care for yourself will help you improve your health and happiness in no time. So, keep this guide close and start your journey today! 

We would love to connect further with you! So, visit the rest of our site today for more great tips like these! 

What Kind of Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments Are There?

Are you unhappy with your smile? If so, do you want to know some of the best cosmetic dentistry treatments available?

Over the past few decades, cosmetic dentistry has improved, and it’s become more affordable. As a result, many people are having treatment to achieve their dream smile, not just celebrities.

But, a lot of the general public don’t realize the number of available treatments or how they work. So, they continue living unhappily with teeth issues that can easily be fixed.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide to tell you the kinds of cosmetic treatments available and how they can help.

Read on for more information.

Tooth Bleaching

Many people want to get rid of tooth stains and discoloring so they can achieve that perfect smile. After all, having bright white teeth can drastically improve your appearance.

One of the quickest and easiest treatments is tooth bleaching. There are many ways of doing it, but we recommend you only get it done by your dentist.

This is because the treatments you can buy over the counter or online can be harmful.

One of the most popular bleaching methods is applying a gel to your teeth several times over a few weeks. You will then be left with a whiter smile that can last for a long time.

Braces

Braces are the most popular way of straightening your teeth. Unfortunately, many people associate braces with geeky-looking kids and not something suitable for adults. So, they end up not enquiring about treatment and getting their teeth fixed.

Yet, there are different types of braces, including ones that are practically invisible. These are called Invisalign braces and are growing in popularity fast.

This is because they’re subtle and don’t come with the same types of problems that classic braces do.

Plus, the treatment is fairly straightforward.

To begin with, your cosmetic dentist takes a mold of your teeth. They then use this to create a clear aligner that you wear throughout the day.

Afterward, the process is repeated approximately every month as your teeth start to move. Finally, you’re left with straight teeth that you can be proud of.

Veneers

Veneers are a very popular cosmetic dentistry treatment amongst celebrities due to their long-lasting effects. To simplify, it’s ultimately the way to achieve the perfect smile forever.

The procedure consists of a dentist gently filling down the enamel of your teeth. Then, a porcelain shell is placed over them, which makes your teeth look new.

You can choose from many shades, and it’s often difficult to tell if you have veneers or if your teeth are natural.

Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments

We hope our guide on cosmetic dentistry treatments has been useful to you.

As you can see, there are many great options to choose from, and they can be cost-effective. The main thing is to ask your dentist for advice and not to suffer in silence.

Finally, check out our blog for more great health and beauty tips.

Perfect Smiles: This Is the Best Age to Get Braces

As your child develops, you’ll have followed development milestones with interest. You’ve watched their first steps, seen them hit their reading milestones, and seen baby teeth come and go.

But parents are often left wonder what to do if their child needs braces. What is the best age to get braces? What are the signs you need braces?

Read on for our guide to the best age to get braces.

When to Get Braces

There are many significant benefits of braces. The most obvious is the aesthetic. All of us want perfect, glowing smiles. None of us want our child to be embarrassed by crooked teeth and shy away from beaming.

This concern aside, braces are also important if your child has any of the following issues:

  • overbite
  • underbite
  • overcrowding
  • uneven bite

Issues to do with bite are known as malocclusion. They need treatment from a specialist orthodontist. An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the treatment of jaw and teeth alignment issues.

Age to First Visit Orthodontist

It’s usually best to first visit an orthodontist when your child’s adult teeth come through. This usually happens at around the age of 7.

This doesn’t mean that this is necessarily the best age to get braces. In fact, most children will not need to have braces until they are in their teens. The reason to take your child early is for the orthodontist to spot problems early. With regular monitoring and early treatment, outcomes will be more successful for your child. 

Signs You Need Braces

We often focus on braces as a means of correcting crooked teeth. Crooked, twisted, or otherwise misaligned teeth are certainly a sign that your child may need braces.

Signs of malocclusion – jaw alignment issues – can be harder to spot. They include chewing difficulties, grinding teeth, noticeable overbite or underbite, and mouth breathing.

Raise these concerns at your regular visits to the family dentist. They will be able to advise you if you need a referral to an orthodontist.

How Much Do Braces Cost?

There are now many options on the market, from traditional metal braces to clear, plastic braces.

There is no standard price, as the amount of time the child needs to wear them, conditions they are treating, and other factors will all play a part. However, research suggests that the average cost for metal braces is between $3000-$7000.

Saving on braces is not easy, but can be done. Some options include shopping around for a cheaper deal, buying dental insurance, and exploring no or low-interest financing options. You may be able to apply for financial assistance in certain cases.

Right on Time – The Best Age to Get Braces

There isn’t one answer to the best age to get braces -that will depend on your child and their needs. But getting to an orthodontist early is key. That will set your child on the road to good oral health for the rest of their life.

Enjoyed this article? Please share it with other concerned parents to help them get the right treatment for their children. For more helpful information on everything from saving money to family life, check out the rest of our blog!

 

What Are Detox Facilities, and Are They Right for Me?

About 23.5 million Americans are addicted to alcohol and drugs. That’s about one in every 10 Americans over the age of 12.

Unfortunately, only 11% of these people receive treatment. Without proper treatment, your health could deteriorate. Your risk of an overdose will rise, too.

Instead, consider researching local detox facilities.

What is a detox facility, exactly? Is visiting a drug detox facility right for you?

Keep reading to find out! In this guide, we’ll review what to expect from detoxing, as well as the signs you need to detox. Reading this guide can help you make a more informed decision regarding your well-being.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about detox facilities today. 

What are Detox Facilities?

First, let’s answer the question that’s likely on your mind: what is a detox facility, exactly?

These facilities are designed to help people remove all traces of drugs and alcohol from their systems. Detoxing can help you feel physically stable. Afterward, you can start therapy to remain sober long-term.

Unfortunately, your body can become accustomed to drugs and alcohol over time. You might even develop a tolerance or become dependent on drugs to function. If you develop a tolerance, you could need more drugs to feel effects.

If you decide to remove the substance from your system, your brain will need time to adjust. This adjustment period often causes withdrawal symptoms.

Detoxing at home alone can become dangerous. If the withdrawal symptoms are too much, you might decide to start using again. Instead, consider researching drug detox facilities.

Visiting a drug detox facility will allow you to detox under medical supervision. You can detox safely and successfully.

Choose a detox facility that employs medically trained healthcare professionals. They’ll help you through every stage of the detox process.

The Process

It helps to know what to expect before visiting drug detox facilities in your area. Each detox facility might have its own unique process. Choose a detox facility based on your distinct needs.

Usually, the process involves three steps.

First, you’ll need to complete the evaluation process. A professional medical team will assess your mental and physical health. This screening process will allow them to determine your distinct needs.

They use a blood test to determine the amount of drugs in your system. The results can help them determine the amount of medications you need.

Your medical team will also review your medical, psychiatric, and drug use history. Then, they’ll use this information to develop your customized, long-term treatment plan.

Next is the stabilization process. This process involves stabilizing your health using psychological and medical therapy. The goal is to prevent future harm.

Your doctors will prescribe addiction treatment medications to help you avoid complications. These medications can also ease your withdrawal symptoms.

The final step of detoxing is preparing you for your treatment program. Completing inpatient rehab can increase your chances of successful detox.

You can learn more about addiction treatment methods here.

Signs You Need to Detox

Nearly 841,000 people have died from a drug overdose since 1999. In 2019 alone, there were 70,630 drug overdose deaths. Before you die from a drug overdose, consider researching detox facilities in your area.

Here are five signs you need help with addiction right away. 

1. Friends and Family Members are Worried

Your friends and family members will likely notice a problem before you do. If they’ve started expressing their concerns, consider seeking help. They can even help you find detox facilities in the area.

Otherwise, prolonged drug use could impact your relationships. You might start pushing loved ones away. You might even lie about or hide your drug abuse.

Before addiction can impact your relationships, consider seeking help.

Think about the situation from their perspective. They want you to live a long, happy life.

If your loved ones are trying to help, let them. 

2. You Experience Withdrawal

Have you tried quitting on your own? Maybe you’ve tried to go a few days without drugs. If you try to quit on your own after prolonged use, you can experience withdrawal symptoms.

If you’ve experienced withdrawal symptoms in the past, consider seeking help for your addiction.

Otherwise, you might experience dangerous complications. Withdrawal symptoms can include:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Mood swings
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Changes in appetite
  • Restlessness
  • Sweating
  • Tremors
  • Vomiting
  • Muscle pain
  • Fatigue
  • Congestion
  • Nausea
  • Nervousness
  • Anxiety
  • Discomfort

Severe symptoms can include delirium, seizures, and hallucinations. It’s important to seek medical help before detoxing. Finding detoxing facilities in your area can ensure your safety.

3. You Neglect Responsibilities

Prolonged drug use can lower your inhibitions. It might even cause you to neglect your responsibilities. For example, you might start ditching school or avoiding work.

You might neglect responsibilities at home, too.

Drug use might even become the priority in your life.

If these situations sound familiar, consider visiting a detox facility. You can get the help you need before it’s too late. Then, you can focus on taking control of your life again.

4. You’ve Developed a Tolerance

Remember, you can develop a tolerance after prolonged drug use. If you need more and more of a drug to feel its effects, consider seeking help. Otherwise, your addiction can become worse.

Your body will grow accustomed to the drugs, leading to more intense use. You might overdose as a result.

5. Your Health is Deteriorating

When was the last time you visited your primary physician? After prolonged drug use, your health will start deteriorating.

For example, your immune system could weaken, increasing your risk of an illness. You might develop a heart condition or experience heart attacks. Meanwhile, you’ll put a strain on your liver.

Your risk of lung disease, brain damage, and seizures can increase, too.

Seek help before you cause lasting damage to your health.

What are Detox Facilities?: Your Guide to Getting Clean and Sober

Finding detox facilities in your area will help you detox safely. Don’t try to detox alone at home. Instead, find a professional medical team you can trust.

They’ll develop a customized treatment plan based on your distinct needs. Then, you can take control of your life again. 

Searching for more tips and tricks? We can help.

Explore our latest guides today to get started. 

8 Tips on Staying Balanced as a Working Woman

Approximately 66.4 percent of mothers with children under the age of six are employed. Although many mothers have jobs, roughly 23 percent of them turn down promotions because they cannot balance work and parenting. 

The truth is that women in the workplace face unique challenges, especially if they are mothers.

What’s the secret to staying balanced? This article will share eight tips that can help you to strike a balance as a working woman! 

1. Learn Time Management Techniques

Do you constantly feel like there isn’t enough time in the day? If so, it’s time to reevaluate your time management techniques. You may find that you have plenty of time, but you aren’t using it wisely. 

Here are a few time management suggestions that can help you get more done! 

Use a Planner

Whether digital or on paper, using a planner can help you keep track of your appointments and time block the activities you need to get done. Furthermore, seeing the week or day at a glance can put your day into perspective and help you stay productive. Of course, you shouldn’t overbook yourself so much that you never have a free minute. 

Delegate

It can be hard to assign tasks to others, especially if you would like to do them yourself. There are only 24 hours in the day, so teaching your children to prepare basic meals or clean their rooms will save you a lot of time. 

Identify Your Time Wasters

Social media has its place, but it can easily eat up hours of the day. The same is true about watching TV, browsing the internet, or online shopping.  

The best way to recognize your time wasters, especially those using electronic devices, is using time management apps on your phone. They can provide you with detailed reports of where you are using your time, and you can use this information to adjust your habits and become more productive. 

2. Set Boundaries

If you’re working from home, it’s crucial to be firm about your working hours and avoid distractions from your family or friends during this time. 

Conversely, you should avoid allowing your work to spill over into your quality time with your family or leave you without time for hobbies or relaxation. 

You may find it helpful to do all your work in a designated area of your home, such as an office. Remind your children not to bother you when you are in this space so you can get your work done.

Finally, when your working hours are finished, shut off your computer and leave your job until tomorrow, if possible. 

3. Utilize Helpful Resources

With so much data at our fingertips, it can be hard to discover the resources that will actually help you get more done and lighten your load. Nevertheless, they do exist!

Take the time to research and bookmark websites or tools that can help you at work and in your personal life, such as the best pediatric websites

4. Focus on Your Health

When you’re busy, exercise and meal preparation are the last things that you want to do. Yet, these can help you manage your stress level by reducing adrenaline and cortisol, stress hormones. Exercise also promotes the production of endorphins, which make you feel happier and give you a boost of energy. 

Another important way to ensure that you stay healthy despite your busy schedule is getting enough rest. If you stay up working late into the night, you’ll feel sluggish the next day, but you’ll also increase your likelihood of getting sick or developing serious health problems. So, take the time to get right, exercise, and get plenty of sleep! 

5. Take Time to Enjoy Your Hobbies 

Hobbies are essential for working moms. They give you something to enjoy when you feel stressed out or overwhelmed, and they can help you relieve your frustration. Moreover, your hobbies can help you express your creativity and build your confidence. 

Therefore, make sure to make time for your hobbies at least once a week, and if you can, share them with your family. You may find that the things you love are great opportunities to bond with your loved ones. 

6. Nurture Your Relationships

Another way to find the balance between your work and family is by taking time to be with your family without distractions. That might mean turning off your cell phone for an hour or two or going out of town for the weekend. 

You may also find it helpful for you and your spouse to schedule date nights away from the kids and work talk. These moments can keep your relationship strong and allow you the opportunity to focus on your love for each other.

7. Wake Up Early

The early morning hours before the kids wake up are quiet and peaceful, so you can take advantage of this time to tackle the most difficult items on your to-do list. Whether that means getting some work done, house cleaning, preparing meals, or exercising, these hours are crucial to productivity. 

8. Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself

Being a mom, wife, and employee puts a lot of responsibility on your shoulders. If you feel like you are being pulled in a million directions, try taking a break or asking for help. 

Most importantly, remember that you won’t always do everything perfectly, and that’s okay. Just try to do your best, and when you have bad days, forgive yourself and start over. 

Balance is Possible for a Working Woman

Despite all the challenges that you face as a working woman, these tips can help you put all your responsibilities into place. Of course, everyone’s circumstances are unique, so find what works for you. Once you do, be consistent, stay productive, and remember to schedule time for yourself! 

Did you enjoy this post? If so, be sure to check out more of our lifestyle and family-related posts! 

5 Questions to Ask During Your Breast Augmentation Consultation

In 2018, 1.8 million cosmetic surgical procedures occurred and the number one surgery was breast augmentation. Wanting a breast augmentation is not uncommon and neither is asking questions before making a decision.

If you have a consultation scheduled shortly, ask as many questions as possible. Read on to learn five health questions you’ll want to know the answer to.

1. Am I Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

One of the most important health questions to ask during a breast augmentation consultation is if you are a candidate for the procedure.

You have to be 18 years of age to receive a fat transfer and 22 to get silicone implants. Age matters during this procedure because you need to have fully developed breasts and be in good physical health.

A plastic surgeon who tells you that you are a candidate when you don’t fall into the above categories is not someone you’ll want to work with even in the future.

2. What Options Can I Choose From?

It’s important to ask questions like this to ensure you are getting what you want from the procedure. There are different procedure types, fillings, dimensions, and implant shapes.

If you opt for breast augmentation surgery by Dr. Nadeau, a suggestion will be made for what is best for your body. However, it is always best to know your options.

3. How Can I Prepare for the Procedure?

During the procedure consultation, you’ll need to know how you can prepare for the surgery. Because you are going through a body transformation, you’ll have medical tests to complete.

Your surgeon may ask you to do the following before the procedure:

  • Get a blood test
  • Request a mammogram
  • Stop smoking
  • Avoid medications that increase the risk of bleeding
  • Take prescribed medications from your surgeon
  • Stay hydrated

You’ll also need to do practical things before the surgery like getting a ride to and from the facility, picking up medications from the pharmacy, and schedule time off from work.

4. How Long Will My Surgery Take?

Another one of the health questions to ask is how long the breast augmentation will take. The surgery can last anywhere from one to four hours but it depends on the patient and type of augmentation.

It’s important to know how long your procedure will last to schedule your day accordingly.

5. What Are the Risks?

Knowing the risks of a procedure is important and the surgeon should already tell you these things. However, if they don’t, ask this question before scheduling the surgery.

The risk will be different depending on the type of procedure you choose.

Health Questions You Need to Know the Answer to

Before any procedure, it is essential to understand the details of what you are putting your body through. These health questions can give you an idea of what you are going to experience and how to prepare for it.

The more information you know, the smoother the surgery will go. Always speak up about anything you don’t understand or are curious about during a breast augmentation consultation.

For more articles about different health tips, check out the other posts on our blog.