If you are considering moving for better healthcare treatment, there are a few things you need to take into account.
What benefits would come from such a move?
First, you need to assess your current situation and the healthcare services available to you. Are you happy with the care you are currently receiving? If not, what are you looking for in a new location? Some things to consider when choosing a new healthcare location include the quality and cost of care, the type of care offered, the types of health insurance accepted, and more.
It is important to weigh all of these factors when making a decision about where to receive your healthcare. You should also speak with your doctor to get their opinion on the best healthcare location for you.
Can you afford to move?
It’s also important to consider your budget. How much can you afford to spend on healthcare each month? And are you willing to relocate to a new city or country where the cost of healthcare is higher? If you do plan to relocate, don’t forget to research the cost of healthcare in your new city or country. This way, you can get an idea of how much you’ll need to budget each month.
You also need to factor in the costs of the move itself, from hiring the right Maryland movers to the costs of living in your new location. By taking the time to factor in all of the associated costs, you can create a more accurate budget and avoid any surprises down the road.
Is overall healthcare better in this new location?
Another factor to consider is the quality of the healthcare facilities in the area you’re considering. Do your research and make sure you are comfortable with the level of care that’s available. Some areas have better healthcare professionals and facilities than others, so it’s important to choose an area that fits your needs. Remember—you’ll need medical treatment for general care and issues beyond the condition in question. Research primary care physicians, urgent care centers, and walk-in medical services in Staten Island, NY or your prospective location is just as important as the specific treatment that’s inspiring your move.
If you’re raising small children, you’ll want to make sure there are good pediatricians in the area. You’ll also want to find a good daycare, if you’re not going to be able to stay home with your kids all the time. And, if you’re raising furry children, you’ll want to make sure there are good veterinarians in the area. Just like with doctors, you’ll want to do your research and find a veterinarian who is qualified and has a good reputation. Veterinary care is important for your pets, and you’ll want to make sure you have a reliable veterinarian to take care of them.
Is this location a good fit?
Finally, you’ll need to think about the climate and lifestyle in the new location. If you’re not used to hot weather, for example, moving to a country like Thailand may not be the best option for you. If you’re not a fan of cold weather, moving to a place like Canada may not be the best choice.
There is a lot of research that has been conducted on how climate can impact human health. It is clear that there are many different ways that climate can affect our health, both positively and negatively. It is important to understand the different ways that climate can impact our health so that we can take steps to protect ourselves from the negative effects and take advantage of the positive effects.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to move for better healthcare treatment is a personal one. But by considering all of the factors involved, you can make an informed decision that’s right for you.
Adding a new baby to your family is a big change for any couple. And while this change might be a positive one you and your partner have been excited about or planning for a long time, it can still be stressful to make major lifestyle alterations to accommodate your little one. Change, even positive change, can be stressful and even put new challenges on a healthy relationship. The great news is that there are trained couples therapists out there who can help if you and your partner are having trouble adjusting to parenthood or even feel estranged from one another as your priority shifts to your little one. To learn more about the usefulness of couples therapy after having a child, read on.
Adjusting to Change
Making the change from a couple into a family and adding a new family member to your home is a big adjustment for everyone. It’s important to go easy on yourself and your partner as you work together to reinvent routines and come up with a new daily lifestyle. During this time, you can make things easier by investing in products meant to make life after a new baby more convenient. From the perfect maternity bralettes to a quality jogging stroller, having the material tools you need as you make room for a baby is a great first step into your next life chapter as a family.
A couples therapist can help you and your partner make changes in creative ways you’ll both be excited about, too. Not only can they listen to your fears and concerns and challenges you’re facing with your new baby home, but they can also remind you of why you chose to make a family together in the first place. Especially during difficult times, having an ongoing relationship with a couples counselor who knows you both well will be key in making adjustments easier.
Creating New Shared Goals
As you begin that first Google search for couple therapy near me, it’s a good idea to remember what you and your partner are looking for in a couples counselor. Remember: Your therapist will be working for you. For this reason, it’s a good idea to take time with your partner to develop a list of goals for your relationship before your first family therapy session. Your therapist will be able to help you prioritize those goals, identify new ones, and hold you each accountable for making sure you honor your shared dream as life moves on.
Intimacy and Confidence
If you’re a new mom struggling with body changes and interest in intimacy, you already know that your self-confidence is key in feeling sexual again. If you’re hoping to bring back intimacy but are struggling with how to have conversations with your partner about your body’s changes, a couples counselor can help. Likewise, if you’re not sure how to approach the new mom, are worried about hurting her, or aren’t sure how to offer support, a therapist can work with you as well.
The truth is that your overall peace of mind will improve as time moves on and you and your partner get used to having a new baby around. In the end, creating a family with your partner can enhance your bond and relationship if you remember to make your relationship a priority, too. In seeing a couples therapist after having a child, you’re sending your partner a message that they matter to you. Best of luck as you and your partner make your relationship a priority and work together to provide your child with a healthy environment in which to grow. Congratulations on your new arrival!
The diagnosis of any ailment can be difficult for not only the patient but their caregivers as well. For those who suffer from chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, or CIDP, it’s no different. However, having a better understanding of the illness can benefit both the person living with the disease and their loved ones by helping them cope with what they have to deal with on a daily basis.
What is CIDP?
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, also known as CIDP, is a rare disease that causes sensory loss and severely impacts mobility. A CIDP diagnosis can come as a shock initially, but it’s important to have a full concept of what to expect from living with this ailment. CIDP occurs when an autoimmune response causes the body to attack myelin, the protective covering of the peripheral nerves. Nerve damage ensues followed by symptoms including weakness in the limbs and a loss of sensation and reflexes that could ultimately result in paralysis.
CIDP is an extremely rare disorder that is diagnosed in only five to seven people out of 100,000. It’s often confused with Guillain-Barre syndrome because of the similarity in symptoms. While both are autoimmune diseases that impact myelin, CIDP symptoms can take longer to develop and present themselves compared to those of Guillain-Barre. In fact, CIDP is only diagnosed if the symptoms present themselves for eight weeks or longer.
Treating CIDP
Since CIDP is an autoimmune disease, prescribed treatments often work to suppress the immune response that is causing the attack of myelin. This includes corticosteroids to suppress the immune system, as well as intravenous immune globulin. IVIG is intended to infuse antibodies into the blood. Doctors may also recommend plasmapheresis to remove harmful antibodies. Physical therapy is also suggested in certain cases to help improve mobility. This will help to build physical strength, balance, and coordination to provide an improved quality of life.
Typical CIDP comes with limitations, such as transport. In some circumstances, patients have turned to car auctions to find buyers for their vehicles that they can no longer use. Buyers can find great vehicles at wholesale prices by participating in an online auction. Money made from the better bid in a live auction can be put toward IVIG treatment and other care for CIDP. A high bidder can provide opportunities that may not be fully covered by health insurance. For example, immunotherapy drugs can be used to interrupt the immune system to help stop it from attacking the myelin. There’s also the possibility of stem cell transplant, effectively resetting the body and its responses to various diseases.
Tips for Patients and Caregivers
Dealing with the symptoms of CIDP and the side effects of certain treatments can be overwhelming for the patient and their caretakers, but it’s important to have a support system in place to embrace each day with the illness. Asking for and accepting help can be difficult; however, a healthy physical and emotional environment is needed for CIDP patients to thrive. A CIDP patient needs to be able to take care of themselves, becoming fluent in the ailment by consulting with a healthcare provider and doing further research to make sure that they are getting appropriate care. Self-care is what fuels proper treatment, as simple as eating well and getting enough sleep.
It’s important for a patient to have outlets to vent their feelings after their diagnoses. You can contact a local CIDP chapter to have an understanding of what to anticipate as both patient and caregiver. Specialists can provide some insight into the pain and paralysis that may be associated with CIDP. Open wavelengths of communication, talking, and listening from the onset can be a game-changer when making sure that those dealing with this disorder are in the best place possible.
Having stress as a student is a normal thing; however, getting loaded by stress to the point where you’re very overwhelmed is not. Stress can be healthy in small doses, so it’s important to know how to control it and overcome any major hurdles in life. Whether you’re in school for the medical secretary program or a graduate degree for business, chances are, you will have stress throughout your different courses depending on their difficulty and demands.
Here are five stress management techniques that will help you as a student.
1. Exercise
One way you’re going to want to do to relieve stress is to participate in any type of physical activity that will get your heart working and muscles toned. Participating in regular exercise programs can help you produce more endorphins, which can help you feel better. Likewise, it will improve your mood and lead to better sleep and nutrition.
If you’re in college for the sports management master program, then you know how important exercise is for everyone, not just athletes. As a sports administrator, you’ll have to encourage sportsmanship along with physical fitness among your athletes to keep up a healthy lifestyle in order to reach their athletic goals like playing in the Olympic games, Super Bowl, and other professional sports like gymnastics. You can set the best example for them by showing up with your stress under control and maintaining a healthy weight even during the offseason.
2. Mindfulness
Another technique to manage your stress as a student is to practice mindfulness. You can do this through meditation, breathing methods, guided imagery, and other methods to help relax your mind. Mindfulness will help you reduce your stress responses so you can better regulate your emotions and therefore enhance your mood. It might take some time to become a master in mindfulness, but if you get started now, you will be able to better handle stress when it manifests throughout your school year.
3. Nutrition
Another way to manage your stress is by eating the right kind of food and dietary supplements. Many of the unhealthy diets consisting of processed and sugary food and beverages we consume can lead to significantly higher cortisol levels and other more serious health problems like a heart attack. Foods that are high in added sugars, refined grains, and saturated fats have been proven to increase cortisol in our bodies, thus increasing our levels of stress. Implementing lifestyle changes such as opting for organic or vegan dietary approaches can help us keep our cortisol at healthy levels and pursue healthier lifestyles.
Taking the right supplements can also help reduce the effects of stress like high blood pressure and heart disease, among other risk factors. For instance, Blood Pressure 911 can help you improve your blood pressure by lowering hypertension and supporting better cardiovascular health. It’s made up of vitamins C, B6, and B12, niacin, and folate to control your type of high blood pressure effectively. Please be sure to speak to your doctor prior to taking this supplement. Health statistics and clinical research at the CDC and American Heart Association have shown that the silent killer, otherwise known as heart disease, is the number one cause of death in adults in the United States, so take the first step away from its sight with Blood Pressure 911.
4. Organization
Another technique you can use to reduce your stress levels is to organize yourself. Organization can give us a sense of control that can help us perform better. Having a cluttered and unorganized life can lead to small stresses that build up and eventually hinder you. Being organized can help you be punctual, retain important information, and even land the job of your dreams.
5. Journaling
Lastly, if your stress goes beyond the classroom and stems from other aspects of your personal life instead, you can try out journaling. Journaling can help you put your feelings into words, allowing you to release negative emotions and thoughts onto a piece of paper. Think of this as a diary for your overwhelming feelings.
These stress management techniques will make it easier for you to go through your educational journey in a more effective way.
Sometimes one of the hardest things to do for people you care about is giving them a gift that you truly feel they would love. You might not know if they would enjoy it, use it, or just throw it away in a few months to avoid hoarding clutter. As the digital age continues to thrive and we welcome new technology each year, it seems like gift-giving just becomes more difficult.
If people don’t want cute and sentimental knickknacks, and you can’t afford to buy them an expensive piece of technology, what options are you left with? We are going to go over some of the best and most practical gifts you can give your loved ones this year so you aren’t scrambling when the time comes.
1. Help them store memories.
The days of having photos printed at the local grocery store are unfortunately over and digital memories are the new trend. Not only do people not have the time with their hustle and bustle lifestyle we have adapted to, but there are so many different ways today to use a picture storage device to stow our most precious memories and do with them what we wish.
One gift you can’t go wrong with is giving them an easy, bulletproof way to ensure these memories can be stored and organized for good. Photo storage devices today can store hundreds of thousands of photos and hundreds of hours of videos. They are typically compatible with several different types of devices including laptops, PC, smartphones, social media, mobile app,s and the cloud, such as Google photos. Fortunately, most photo storage devices today can be bought for under $100 and come with a money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied.
2. What do they enjoy doing in their spare time?
The person you are searching for a gift for most likely has one or more hobbies that they enjoy. If they enjoy cooking, try buying them some new fancy kitchen utensils that they can perfect their craft with. If they enjoy photography, perhaps they would enjoy some practical camera accessories they have been putting off buying for themselves.
Whatever it is that they enjoy outside of work and family life, try to find something they wouldn’t want to spoil themselves with, but definitely deserve. These types of gifts are great because they are personal and memorable.
3. You can’t go wrong with food and drinks.
One of the most practical gifts that you can purchase for someone is food. We all eat food, and most of us enjoy it, even more, when we don’t have to buy it ourselves. You probably know what types of food and drinks your gift recipient enjoys, so put together a list of ways that you can put something together such as a basket, gift card, or by cooking them a meal.
If they are health-conscious consumers perhaps they would enjoy a box of fresh, organic pineapple or grapefruit. If they enjoy drinking alcohol, you might consider giving them a case of their favorite cranberry hard seltzer or a bottle of liquor. They will be overjoyed when they find out that you know what they like and will surely put it to good use.
4. Gift them a mini vacation.
We aren’t saying you should go all out and book them a 7-day vacation at a resort, but if you think in smaller terms this could be a great gift for someone who loves taking a short weekend adventure out of town. Whether you book them a cute cottage on Airbnb or tickets to an amusement park, they will never forget this type of gift.
5. Buy them a service they use regularly.
One of the most practical gifts someone can receive is a service they regularly use in their life. Whether it’s unlimited car washes each month or housekeeping service, they will be overjoyed when they realize they don’t have to pay the monthly fee for a service they would be using anyway. Even if it’s an online service such as a Netflix subscription, they will be appreciative of the gesture.
That first hot flash or night sweat is enough to make any woman sit back and wonder what’s ahead. If you’ve recently entered menopause, you probably have a lot of questions. The great news is that there are many tools you can use to make sense of things like sleep disturbance, hot flashes, loss of libido, vaginal dryness, sleep disorders, and more. From mobile phone apps to support groups, therapy, blogs, and books, the information’s out there for menopausal women looking for answers. If you or someone you love is entering menopause, read on for three resources to help manage it.
1. MenoLabs App
Any postmenopausal woman will tell you that menopause isn’t easy. From changes in estrogen and other hormone levels that cause mood swings and night sweats to nausea and sleep disorders, some even report feeling a total loss of control. For some, managing menopause symptoms means prescription medicine. For others, it means becoming a Google scholar about everything hormone-related.
Whether your side effects are extreme or minor, MedLabs has an app that allows women to track everything from hot flashes to menopause insomnia while comparing themselves to other women with similar menopause symptoms. A great way to normalize what you’re going through and to help you feel connected, this app works for perimenopausal women, too. If you’ve started the hormone changes that are causing sleep problems or make you wonder if you need hormone replacement therapy, this app is a great place to look for answers.
2. Therapy and Support Groups
If you need something more personal and face to face, another answer could be seeing a therapist. While a mental health therapist can’t offer hormone therapy, they can certainly listen to your problems and provide a safe place to vent your frustration. Maybe your depressive symptoms have you asking Google things like “is court reporting school difficult?”, when you would have leaped at the challenge of learning a new skill like court reporting in the past. Maybe you’re legitimately concerned you’ve developed a mood disorder because of sleep issues and a change in appetite. Seeing a licensed and trained professional might be enough to give you peace of mind.
While you should always see your primary physician for medical symptoms like iron deficiencies or changes in blood pressure, a mental health provider can help you work through things like emotions relating to aging and empty-nesting.
Perhaps even better than a therapist is a group of other women going through menopause, too. These women would understand exactly what you were experiencing and be able to provide their own testimonials of how they’re managing symptoms. A place to meet new friends and go through menopause together, it might be worth asking your doctor or therapist if they know of any support groups for mature women.
3. Books and Educational Blogs
If you’re a person who naturally researches everything from CBD oil for anemia to chronic pain symptoms, you probably already know to do a Google search for books on menopause. Go further than that with your research. Look for blogs, vlogs, and pages or groups on various social media platforms. Challenge yourself to find informational material on things like menopausal hormone therapy, but also funny things. Laughing at this temporary state with other women is a great way to pull through.
In the end, remind yourself that menopause is only a temporary condition. While it may feel like you’ve been juggling hot flashes for a long time or that none of the treatment options are right for you, the reality is that menopause has an important role in your life as a natural phase of development. As you head into your golden years, do what you can to live in the moment. Those hot flashes prove that you’ve survived a life well lived and will again. Good luck to you on your quest for the right menopause resources!
Whether you’re facing a chronic medical condition or are simply sick of getting colds on a regular basis, it’s easy to feel like there’s nothing you can do to take control of your health. You can take your prescription or follow your doctor’s other medical advice, but you’re still likely to face further symptoms or more issues over time. Beyond the immediate medical attention you might receive, there are some ways you can improve your health and better manage whatever ails you. Small lifestyle changes, especially when used in a combination of multiple positive habits and professional medical advice, can help you better avoid health issues and recognize and treat any problems that do arise.
Understand your health.
When you’re looking to manage your health problems and improve your overall wellness, it’s important to know the starting point you’re working with. For informational purposes, go beyond your existing healthcare knowledge and seek out diagnostic tools, symptom checkers, and other resources to better understand your body.
The best symptom checker will give you insights into possible causes for your health issues, common symptoms of your existing diagnoses, and possible conditions that may be undiagnosed for now. With this knowledge, you can anticipate issues that might arise and work to treat symptoms you’re already facing. A symptom checker or similar tool can make the process easy, so incorporating this sort of research as regularly as needed will be a simple addition to your life. By staying on top of your health, you can treat or avoid complications for a better, healthier state of being.
Know what you’re putting in your body.
It’s important to put some thought into what it is you’re putting into your body. Take some time to consider your diet and any nutritional needs that might not be met. Think about upgrading your water products to avoid chemicals like chlorine from entering your body through your drinking water. Consider any allergies you might have, and take efforts to avoid any mild reactions you face, not to mention the potential of a more serious medical emergency. Give your body fewer toxins and other negative substances to filter out, and give it more of a chance to focus on the healthy food, drinks, and medications you’re consuming.
Stay active.
Hand-in-hand with a healthy diet, the importance of exercise in managing your health should come as no surprise.
According to the Mayo Clinic, regular physical activity can help combat health problems like high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, diabetes, stroke, and more. As an added benefit, it can improve your mood and boost your energy levels, giving you more motivation and endurance to make other efforts towards improving your health and bettering your healthy lifestyle efforts. Talk to your doctor to see how much exercise and what kinds of workouts are recommended for patients with your health conditions and medical symptoms.
Take time to unwind.
You already know that it’s important to get a correct diagnosis for your health problems, but have you considered whether your physical ailments could be caused, or at least exacerbated, by mental stress? Anxiety and other forms of stress can lead to physical symptoms like headache, nausea, and muscular or abdominal pain. By making time to relax and rest both your body and your mind, you can easily relieve some of the most common symptoms of stress and avoid more serious issues, like burnout, down the road. Schedule that spa day, spend some time in the hot tub, or give yourself permission to take a nap when you get home from work‚Äîand tell anyone that questions you that you’re doing it for your health.
When you’re dealing with health issues, whether they’re diagnosed conditions or new symptoms, it’s important to work with a medical professional to create a treatment plan. Creating a healthier you don’t need to end with taking medication or undergoing tests. By putting some lifestyle changes in place, you can take control of your health once more and even minimize the medical issues you face over time. From spending time with online symptom checkers to better understand your ailments to take time to clear your mind, your first steps toward better health can be easy ones.
There is no question that 2020 has been a tumultuous year. Even with no personal issues to contend with, nearly everyone you’ve encountered over the past twelve months has been dealing with distress, be it on a global or local level. From medical fears to stock market drops, the year has brought one challenge after another. For many people, this constant state of anxiety and uncertainty has led to another medical concern: symptoms of depression.
Medical Concerns
With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to make headlines, it’s no surprise that medical concerns are a top trigger for depression symptoms in 2020. On a global scale, people are worried about contracting the virus, having their loved ones test positive, or how they’ll seek care for other issues amidst the crisis. But the fear of diagnosis isn’t the only cause for concern when it comes to health in the past year. Medical costs, particularly in America, are extensive. From affording your copay to awaiting your total at the pharmacy checkout, healthcare costs are a stressor that can literally be a matter of life or death.
While it can’t remedy more systemic issues associated with healthcare costs, RX discount coupons can help you get the lowest price on medicine and dread your trip to the pharmacy a little less. Before you visit your pharmacist, spend some time browsing the available coupons for whatever medicine has been prescribed to you. You’ll find that plenty of local pharmacies and chains like Walmart and Walgreens will accept a coupon or discount card for popular medications, making sure you’ll pay less than the retail price whenever you head to the pharmacy.
Financial Stress
Pharmacy and medical costs haven’t been the only financial stressor to hit many people through 2020. In the United States alone, a crashing stock market, surging unemployment rate, and lacking government intervention have come together to form a recession that could distress anyone. Whether you watched as your net worth and portfolio sank or you struggled to afford essentials as grocery store shelves were wiped clean and medical costs rose, this year has been enough of a financial roller coaster to arouse symptoms of depression in anyone.
If you’re hoping to regain some financial security in the new year, an alternative investing platform like Yieldstreet can help. After your initial minimum investment, you’ll find high yields and ease of use go hand-in-hand with this investment opportunity, even if you’re new to the stock market. Whether you’re starting with one of the asset classes in the Yieldstreet Prism Fund or diving in with single asset offerings, you’ll find that Yieldstreet complaints are few and far between—and your annual return might help ease some of the depression symptoms caused by financial concerns.
Political Strife
In the U.S. and abroad, politics have been at the forefront of 2020’s news cycle. From the divisive presidential election in the United States to global leaders’ handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, protests against inequality and police violence, and the ever-lurking climate change crisis, people around the world have watched headlines and debated popular issues over the dinner table.
While citizens can’t single-handedly revolutionize international relations and eliminate the stress of political uncertainty, they can take steps to make a difference, however small they might seem. Participating in demonstrations to support causes you believe in, donating to or volunteering with organizations making change, signing petitions, and sharing information to raise awareness are all steps you can take to feel a bit more in-control amongst a convulsive political climate.
Changes in Routine
For those who thrive on routine, 2020 has been a direct line to depression symptoms and other distress. Daily commutes became a relic of the past for many workers while trips to the gym and weekly brunch dates or girls’ nights out faded into memories. People working from home found that the ritual of getting up and getting ready for the day fell to the wayside while those facing joblessness were faced with a loss of their former routine almost entirely. Even something as simple as going to a doctor’s appointment was a changed process.
While you can’t simply return to your former routines in most cases, you can work to create new ones. Give yourself a pseudo-commute by taking a walk around the block before signing into work. Sign up for a virtual class or schedule a non-negotiable home workout for yourself in place of your daily trip to the gym. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee in your favorite cozy spot after work each day. By regaining a sense of routine, however minor, you’ll decrease the sense of uncertainty that triggers many symptoms of depression.
Isolation
Even if you’ve been isolating with a group of people, it’s hard been hard not to get a bit lonely throughout 2020. Holidays and events have passed without the pomp and circumstance you’ve been accustomed to. When you do see friends or loved ones, it’s from six feet apart and behind a mask, or through a screen. If you’ve been quarantined alone, you’re left with even less of a sense of connection.
While it doesn’t replicate face-to-face interactions perfectly, virtual gatherings can make a difference in your feelings of isolation or loneliness. Set up Zoom drinks with your friends or register for an online event—with so many people isolated, there’s no shortage of interesting experiences to attend, from poetry readings to trivia nights.
Grief
For those who’ve lost loved ones to COVID-19 or due to other causes, 2020 has been a uniquely grief-laden year. Losing a friend or family member over the past year has been accentuated by isolation—funeral attendance is limited or virtual and many don’t get the chance to say goodbye. But death isn’t the only cause of grief that’s littered 2020. People are grieving on an international level: thinking of those who’ve been lost, the events that would have been, and the idea of their future that, for many, has been snatched away by furloughs or illness.
Whether you’re one of the many people dealing with depression from grief or other 2020 triggers, take the time you need to grieve your losses. As much as possible, try to preserve grieving rituals and seek out support from family members, friends, or support groups. If you’re dealing with especially negative feelings, consider talking to a therapist or psychiatrist to work through your feelings.
Whichever of 2020’s challenges triggered your mental health concerns, there is one piece of good news: seeking help fromtherapists for depression or other conditions has never been easier. Amidst the chaos, this year has also seen a rise in teletherapy and other forms of virtual medicine, making cognitive behavioral therapy and other treatments more accessible—and affordable—than ever before. If you’ve faced loss, loneliness, or other hardships in the past year, finding a good therapist is the first step to feeling better in the new year.
Whatever sorts of grief, medical or financial concerns, or other stressors 2020 has brought you, it might bring you some comfort to know that you aren’t the only one dealing with depression symptoms or more general despair. Perhaps the most reassuring aspect, though, is this: like every calendar year that’s come before, 2020 will come to an end.
Some of the latest advances in medicine include engineering genetics to aid cancer treatment, growing artificial organs and tissues for transplant, and smart pills. All of these advances are examples of changes in medical treatments brought on by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Advances in genomics, genetic engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are transforming healthcare and medicine.
Smart-Phone Connected Pacemakers
Implantable medical devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators send electrical impulses to the heart muscle chambers to help contract and pump blood through the body. These medical devices prevent or correct arrhythmias which can be remotely monitored by a physician. The latest advancements in pacemakers and defibrillators feature Bluetooth capability that connects them to wearers’ smartphones. Patients can track their cardiac treatment using a mobile app that gives them greater insight into the health data communicated from the pacemaker to the physician.
Respiratory illnesses are some of the world’s most common medical conditions. Millions of people in the United States suffer from different forms of lung disease, which is primarily caused by cigarette smoking, infectious viruses, and inherited gene traits. Brunswick Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine has years of experience testing and treating pulmonary diseases, sleep disorders, asthma, bronchitis, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Their team of specialists use state-of-the-art testing facilities and have a proven track record of quality patient care. They can treat symptoms of COPD, chronic bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, lung cancer, pulmonary arterial hypertension (HP), tuberculosis, sleep apnea, sarcoidosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and occupational lung diseases caused by long-term exposure to harmful irritants. Your respiratory health won’t improve by itself, and most respiratory illnesses worsen over time. The best way to improve your lung function and quality of breathing is to see a lung specialist.
Increased Access to Telemedicine
COVID-19 has challenged clinicians to adopt telemedical practices to deliver patient care online. The wide-spread adoption of a virtual care model is due in large part to fundamental policy shifts at both the federal and healthcare provider levels. State and federal regulators have acted quickly to reduce barriers to telehealth based on the understanding that virtual care speeds access to medical care while protecting healthcare workers and community members.
Regenerative Medicine
The cartilage in your knees wears out with age and doesn’t regenerate, leaving you to either rely on painkillers or undergo a cartilage replacement operation. Advances in stem-cell technology could play a big role in regenerating different parts of the body. Regenerative medicine is a branch of medicine that creates methods for regenerating, repairing, or replacing damaged or diseased cells, organs, and tissues. Ongoing advancements in regenerative medicine could help repair cardiac damage from a heart attack or allow for the growth of body tissues or organs needed for transplant.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is the newest innovation in cancer treatment and will soon become the cornerstone of oncology. The therapy uses the body’s immune system to fight disease by either stimulating or suppressing an immune response. The use of antibodies in lymphoma and leukemia treatments helps the immune system identify and destroy harmful cells more easily. The ongoing progress in understanding cancer at a cellular level shows that the immune system can effectively eliminate naturally occurring cancer cells.
Medical research is essential to medical breakthroughs and advancements. Funding for research can often be challenging to obtain, especially when it comes to myocarditis research. Eliminating myocarditis progression, heart dysfunction, heart failure, and sudden death through community awareness is the mission of the Myocarditis Foundation. They sponsor myocarditis research grants for professionals researching a cure for heart disease. The foundation works to educate both professionals and the public about myocarditis by sponsoring research grants, public education, and political activism. By supporting research, the treatment for myocarditis will become safer, more accurate, and faster-acting.
Precision Medicine
Precision medicine allows for customized medical treatments based on an individual patient’s genetic and biological makeup, environment, and lifestyle. This personalized approach is replacing “one size fits all” therapies that prescribe the same medications to all patients. Advances in genome mapping allow medical treatments to be tailored to a patient’s genetic makeup. Genome mapping can now be completed faster and more cost-efficiently which means the practice could be used regularly to make informed medical decisions.
Many people don’t worry about their oral health until there is something noticeably wrong. Gum discomfort or bleeding could be a sign of periodontal disease or gum disease. It’s usually caused by bacteria in plaque buildup that causes inflammation. Dentists or specialists can treat the mild form of periodontal disease, gingivitis. It can progress to periodontitis if left untreated.
The Rutgers School of Dental Medicine’s periodontics team treats periodontitis with the least invasive methods possible. Depending on the progression of periodontitis oral surgery and dental implants may be necessary to treat severe cases. At the first sign of red, swollen, bleeding gums you need to schedule an appointment with a specialist as soon as possible.
Fixing Defective Genes
Over 10,000 diseases are caused by genetic mutations which is why techniques to fix defective genes are being developed. The genetic mutation sickle-cell anemia damages organs and provokes stroke and death. Gene therapy could be an effective treatment that collects a patient’s stem cells, genetically alters them, and replaces them in the body to create healthy blood cells.
With all the ongoing advances in medicine, it’s important that healthcare providers adhere to regulatory compliance and health care laws. Moore Law Firm provides a high quality of legal services to injury victims who have been injured by no fault of their own. Their personal injury attorneys handle medical malpractice, personal injury, dog bite cases, dangerous drugs, and medical devices, defective products, traumatic brain injury, negligence, and wrongful death. During a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Mobile, AL, you can seek legal advice about your ability to file and win a personal injury case and the maximum compensation you can fight for. Victims of negligence can turn to a personal injury lawyer to help them get through a difficult time.
Internet of Medical Things
Remembering to take the correct dosage of prescription medication at the right time every day can be difficult. A new pill that contains sensors can record when it is ingested and transmit the information to a topical patch worn by the patient. The information can be viewed on a smartphone to ensure medication is taken properly. This practice has been used to treat some types of mental illnesses.
These smart pills are one of many ideas on the internet of medical things (IoMT), which uses networks of connected devices to capture vital real-time data. Telemedicine also falls under the IoMT as patients can use wearable medical devices to measure blood pressure, monitor glucose levels, and test blood samples.
Universal Hepatitis C Treamtent
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) classifies hepatitis C as a silent epidemic and major public health issue in the United States. Hepatitis C can lead to liver failure, cirrhosis, and liver cancer if left untreated. There is no vaccine for the virus and access to the medication has been limited. Advances in treatments have led to a fixed-dose combination of medication that can be used to universally treat and improve hepatitis C.
2020 has seen several ongoing advances in medicine that will continue for the decade to come. Advances in medicine allow medical professionals to better diagnose, treat, and in some instances, cure, medical diseases, and conditions that affect the quality of life.
Have you been feeling not quite like yourself lately? Maybe your energy levels are low, you aren’t sleeping well, or you are struggling with anxiety and depression. All of these symptoms can have a damaging impact on your confidence, your mood, and your productivity.
Or perhaps your back and shoulder pain has been increasingly worse and you’ve been struggling to keep your chronic pain under control. Whether you just need a good laugh and a change of routine or you are in need of a more serious shift in your routine or health care, here are a few tips that contribute to improving your well-being on a daily basis. From a clean diet and exercise to an updated look and self-love, always remember the importance of investing in yourself.
1. Invest in your physical health.
When you’re feeling unwell, one of the first ways this manifests is in your physical wellness. Prioritizing physical health is something that can be highly beneficial. Although it can be difficult to find the motivation to exercise when you’re struggling with depression or feeling down, research has shown just how effective physical activity can be at easing anxiety. Regular exercise can help combat depression by releasing endorphins that enhance your positive mindset and by taking your mind off your worries. Whether you run, cycle, hike, do yoga, take a boxing class, dance, or even just go for a walk around the neighborhood, getting your body moving can contribute greatly to helping you feel better.
Another area you may consider exploring is a type of physical therapy. If you struggle with chronic pain or any sort of physical ailment, your day-to-day may be impacted. It can be exhausting to constantly be in pain. Explore various treatment options for your specific needs. Massage therapy or acupuncture may help relieve back pain or ease achy joints. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may consider a more rigorous course of treatment to address your back, spine, or neck pain. Consult an expert for medical advice, such as seeking neck, back, and spine care in Mount Laurel, NJ, for advice on the next best steps. By working with a specialist, you can come up with a treatment plan for pain management that will prioritize your health and improve your general well-being.
2. Explore a natural diet and supplements.
If you’re feeling under the weather, either physically or mentally, you might consider changing your diet. What you put into your body has a great impact on your energy levels and your mood. Although each body requires a different diet, a general rule of thumb to follow is to focus on natural, unprocessed foods.
Think leafy greens, a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, seeds, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats such as avocado and fish. Berries can help reduce inflammation and are rich in antioxidants, which are thought to combat stress and potentially lower depression. Cashews, almonds, walnuts, and sunflower, and pumpkin seeds not only are great sources of protein but also provide tryptophan, which produces mood-boosting serotonin. In addition to emphasizing a wholesome diet, natural supplements are beneficial to improving how you feel. From herbal capsules such as turmeric to vitamins like vitamin D and C, supplements can be a natural, chemical-free boost.
Depending on your needs, you might explore CBD products that can have a variety of benefits. Found in the hemp plant, CBD is a natural extract that is being increasingly explored as an alternative to alleviating achy joints and anxiousness. CBD comes in many forms, available as oil, creams, and edibles. Whether you are experiencing occasional nervousness or are struggling with a sore back, consider trying out miracle CBD gummies and incorporating them into your daily health routine. THC-free is made with all-natural ingredients and these gummies are a tasty and easy way to feel better both physically and mentally. Be sure and try out different strains to find the best CBD products for your needs.
3. Change up your look and boost your confidence.
If you’re in need of a mood lifter, sometimes it can be as simple as changing your style. Although your self-worth should come from the inside, updating your wardrobe and changing your look can be a fantastic way to boost your confidence. You may want to just get a simple haircut or buy a new outfit. Or perhaps you want to make a more drastic change by trying out a new hair color or changing your style dramatically.
Updating your wardrobe can also be a fun and easy way to improve your mood. If you’re wanting to change your look entirely, flip through some look books, consult magazines and your favorite style gurus for some inspiration, or maybe even work with a stylist for some guidance. Figure out if you want to change your wardrobe for work, for every day, or for dressing up and going out. Invest in staple pieces, such as womens dresses, jumpsuits, and jackets, that can translate well from the office to the street to a dressy event.
Choose pieces that are comfortable, stylish, flattering, and timeless so you can wear them for multiple purposes and seasons. Sneakers are both comfortable and stylish and fall in line with classic street style. You can also never go wrong with a little black dress or maxi dress. And don’t be afraid to add in a statement piece to help define your own unique style.
4. Invest in your mental well-being.
At the core of making yourself feel better is learning to love yourself. This comes in many shapes and forms but ultimately boils down to investing in your mental and emotional well-being. There are many simple ways you can achieve this by incorporating small, positive changes into your daily life.
If you’re feeling like you’re in a rut, then it might be time to change your routine. This might be as simple as making an effort to spend time outside each day. Fresh air and connecting to nature are immensely healing and can improve your well-being for the long and short-term. Changing your routine also may involve a more drastic change, such as switching careers or moving cities (or even countries). By letting go of fear and embracing change as potential opportunities, you will have a much more positive mindset.
There is an abundance of other activities that can help shift your mindset and improve your well-being. Set aside time at least once a week just for yourself. Treat yourself to your favorite meal, a new book, or a spa day. Anything that brings you a small joy.
For the longer term, you may want to keep a gratitude journal, where you write down positive events that happened during your day or certain elements in your life that you are grateful for. Writing them down makes them more concrete and serves as a reminder of what you do have in your life as opposed to focusing on what you don’t have.
Meditation and breathwork can also be hugely transformational. These simple grounding activities help you to become present, connect to yourself, and become more in tune with your internal dialogue. By sharpening this awareness, you can start to recognize and move past negative thoughts and begin to shift your perspective towards a more positive one.
