Wellness · WordPress · Writing · writing challenge

The simple things…

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Joy. A simple word, yet it carries a whole lot of weight in it for far too many people are constantly in search of joy and many fail to find it as often as they should. I think the fault lies in having great expectations and waiting for things that are exceptionally good before they can have some iota of pleasure.

Connecting with my spiritual side and aiming to grow more spiritually aware, diligently practicing gratitude, choosing to have an optimistic and positive mindset, staying as fully present and living in the moment are conscious steps that I take daily and these have helped me to continually create more positive emotions for myself.

For me, the simple every day things of life bring joy to me and helps enhance my sense of wellbeing. When the work day is over, the thought of going home to my place of comfort consistently brings me pleasure. It’s not that I don’t like going to work, but knowing that I get to return home to my place of refuge where I can choose to lounge in my pajama’s, relax, exhale, be with my family etc. makes those hours spent pursuing the daily bread worth the effort.

My children are a constant source of joy for me. Listening to them share their dreams and work towards them, watching them grow into independent young adults and experiencing their wins in life brings me an immense source of wellbeing and accomplishment.

At the start of each day, I make my to-do list and set little goals that ultimately contribute to achieving my bigger goals definitely makes one feel good. There are many days that I am unable to do all the things that I set out to do, but I have also learnt not to guilt trip myself, to be thankful for the things that I was able to do and not to dwell inordinately on the things that I failed to do.

As adults, we get bogged down with so much in form of rules, responsibilities and life that we often forget how to feel that unadulterated sense of bliss. I truly believe that living mindfully helps us to create, recreate and really experience that sense of happiness and bliss that we deserve.

I wish you joy.

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@beyondexisting.j

How to manage stressful mornings #fyp #deepthoughts #advice #decisionmaking #selfcontrol #emotionalintelligence #stress #Howto Our daily lives can start off on a stressful not and may even take unexpected turns that will make or mar an ordinarily simple day. In such situations, what matters most is not about what is happening to us, but how we respond to our experiences. How we exert self control knowing that wrong decisions taken under duress can be defining.

♬ Дикая львица – ALEX&RUS

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Humans · mental health · Nature · Philosophy of Life · Poetry/Poems · Wellness

across the bridge…

as we laid
your body down
and you crossed the bridge

to the other side

the airy wind
blew it’s gentle breeze
around us, it flowed

to the other side

a lone tear
escaped my eyes
racing to my mouth

I had promised
that I would
stop crying

but the calmness
of the air
reminds of your gentle ways

when will we
see you again, if ever,
my heart is pained.

For you my dear friend – departed – I wish not to say. May your soul find rest after all the pain. May you know peace and may your wings continue to flap gently in the wind. I see your smile. Though we know that none of us will get out of here alive, that death is part of life, yet, its sting is never lessened.

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Life · Philosophy of Life · Wellness

The Power of ‘I AM.’

I AM. The two most powerful words in your life and without exaggerating, in the Universe. Have you ever taken the time to ponder over these two small words ‘I AM’ and the power entrenched in them?

Going deeper than the simple understanding of the power of ‘I AM,’ do you consciously recognize those subconscious “I am” statements that you make about yourself? On a daily basis, what do YOU think of YOURSELF? What thoughts of you do you accept?

Naturally, we are our own worst critics as well as the co-creators of our lives. We have been given this free will and immense power to decide who we are and who we want to become. The sad truth, however, is that most of us lack sufficient positive belief in ourselves and we expend our energy picking ourselves apart rather than building ourselves and this is in addition to external beliefs that we have internalized based on third-party thoughts and influence.

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We all have the power of choice and no matter how late you wake up to this knowledge, knowing this and accepting this power, we can start taking the necessary steps to break the cycle of self-limiting beliefs that surreptitiously takes hold of our lives.

An important factor in the lives of individuals who have broken their chains of limitation to rise up and achieve their goals is their recurrent positive attitude and strong “I am” affirmations. Belief + Action = Results. The journey of transformation always starts from within.

When you consciously begin to utilize the power of “I AM” statements, believe me, your life will transform. This is not a probability that works only for some people. It will work for you when you WORK AT IT!  It’s all a matter of consistency. You have to make it a daily habit to affirm yourself in a positive way. Once you make this a conscious habit, after some time, it becomes an unconscious habit – you have re-trained your brain to accept better, more positive beliefs about who you are.

Make it a goal to dig deeper, soul search and find those negative, defining and debilitating words that you hold over yourself. These words don’t serve you well and your goal is to transform them. These negative words steal into your psyche and as you believe them, they become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

We all have been blessed with unlimited power and creativity and our inner spirit knows this. Your “I am” statements affirm the truth of your nature. When you say ‘I AM JOY or I AM AT PEACE,’ life provides you with the means to find inner joy and peace. Replace your I WANT’S with I AM and start to embody the power of who you truly are.

You get to choose what to think about yourself. 

Health · Social Issues · Wellness

The Gatecrashers…

As I think of Kate Spade, my mind goes to this poem that I wrote which can be found in my poetry book Unbridled.’ You can read Unbridled for free. 

 

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The Gatecrashers

Uninvited, they arrive. I smell them from miles away.

Their radar zeros into the crowd, they steal in to join the happy gang.

Their presence disturbs and stifles, like thieves, they are up to no good.

Planting themselves on both sides like guards, the silent battle of my mind begins.

My other self, the invisible one vacates in a hurry to watch them from the other side

‘Do they know your secrets?’ depression asks in its know-it-all voice.

‘I bet you wouldn’t be the belle of the ball if they knew,’ loneliness opines.

Lips crack a smile, false laughter rings in the room,

intelligent conversation over glasses of wine;

breezy kisses blown into the air of cheek sides,

troubles forgotten maybe till tomorrow or less;

We do know how to throw great parties,

our mannequin faces caked in powder

I count minutes before it’s alright to escape;

With depression and loneliness dogging each step I take,

making such ruckus as we jostle out of the room.

© 2018 Jacqueline

Mental illness and depression is no respecter of persons and knows no boundaries. It is a silent killer and fast becoming an epidemic. An insidious illness that robs the sufferer of so much. We must stop the stigma. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. We must keep talking and keep the channels of listening open. Please take care of yourself and each other.

#RIP Kate #How are you feeling? #It’s okay to ask for help

Mental Health Matters

Health · Wellness

Times in Your Life To Consider Health Supplements

In an ideal world, you should be able to get all the nutrients and minerals that you need from the food that you consume on a daily basis. However, there may be times in your life that you need the boost which is provided by health supplements.

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Of course, you need to know more about the different options available. Just a few of the most common include fish oils, multivitamins, magnesium, vitamin D and vitamin B12. It is worth consulting with your doctor about the benefits of these various substances to you. So, here are a few of the most common times in your life when it may be appropriate to take health supplements.

When You Have Vitamin or Mineral Deficiencies

If you have had a blood test which shows that you have deficiencies in certain vitamins or minerals, you may want to take supplements as a way of correcting this imbalance. Your doctor will be able to advise you as to which ones are appropriate for your particular deficiency or deficiencies.

When You Have Dietary Restrictions

Whether you have dietary restrictions which are caused by your health or a lifestyle choice such as veganism, you may not be getting some of the minerals and vitamins that you require. The supplements which you take may be able to fill in the gaps and help to give you the greater sense of balance that you are looking for.

When You Are Pregnant

There are plenty of nutrients out there which have shown to play a major part in preventing birth defects and promoting the health of your baby. Your obstetrician is best-placed to give you direct advice about pre-pregnancy and pregnancy supplements which can play a useful role in the healthy development of your baby.

When You Are Getting Older

As we age, our calorie requirements adjust and the amount that you eat can start to decrease. When this happens, you may end up getting fewer vitamins and minerals in your diet. Once again, this is where health supplements can play a role in picking up the slack.

When You Take Medications Which Lead to Deficiencies

There are all sorts of medications out there which can end up leading to mineral and vitamin deficiencies. You can even end up being unable to absorb a range of essential nutrients. The best course of action is to work with your health professionals who will help you to select the right supplements for you.

When you are deciding on which supplements to take, you also need to consider what other food you are eating which are a source of that particular vitamin or mineral. You don’t want to risk exceeding your maximum intake levels as this can end up having the opposite impact on the one that you were intending. As we have mentioned a couple of times in this article, you are always better off consulting with your doctor if you are at all unsure.

This is a collaborative post.

Health · Wellness

What Your Health Really Needs, When It Really Needs It

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When it comes to our health levels, you’re always going to find that you need to focus on different things. Because there’s no one size fits all approach to your health levels. Of course, there are key recommendations that are going to help you to stay fit and feel your best, but as you go through life you’re likely to find that your needs change. And when your needs change, you have to tweak your approach to health a little. Whether we’re talking about growing children (such as your own) or old age (whether that’s yours or your parents’), everyone will need to take a different approach to health. But how do you know what your body needs?

Most of the time, it will be telling you. And while you may not be all that in-tune with yourself yet, you will be. Before long, you’ll recognize the signs and what your body is trying to tell you about what it needs the most. But until then, we’re going to break down what some of them might be. Because during different phases of your life, your body will want and need different things. So let’s take a look at what you need to know to help your health during them.

To Feel Good

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First of all, we’re going to talk over the things that your body needs right now in order to feel its best. And yes, we’re kicking off with some of the most simple, but also the most effective, tips.

Water

First of all, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re drinking enough water. This is the secret to feeling good. And yes, it’s really that simple. When you drink more water, your body will be energized and able to work at its best. Your digestion will improve, your skin will clear up, and your brain will function better – all because you started to hydrate your body better. So whenever your body doesn’t feel its best, load up on water!

Fuel

Alongside water, you have to fuel your body. Yes, it’s nice to be able to eat for taste or enjoy certain foods because they’re comforting, but when you want to feel good, you need to focus on foods that fuel. Things like salmon, walnuts, and eggs are great for you. Start to research different foods and see what will benefit your body the most.

Sleep

And sleep is the secret. There’s nothing else that can really beat the benefits your body will get from a good night’s sleep. You’ll find more details at SleepFoundation.org on why our bodies need sleep, but above all else, you heal. When you’re tired or achy, your body is going to work on repairing itself when you sleep. So make sure that you’re getting a solid seven to nine hours each night, just to ensure that your body can feel its best.

To Look Good

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And yes, of course, we all want to look our best. But we don’t always associate health with beauty – when the two go hand in hand. So if you want to start looking your best as well as feeling it, here’s what you need to focus on.

Your Diet

We’ve already talked about the foods your body needs to feel good, but you also need to realize that what you eat is reflected in your body too. You are what you eat! So if you want to look good as well as feel it, you need to focus on the foods that will help you to do that. And we’re not necessarily talking about weight loss (although this can help you if your weight is at an unhealthy level), but the foods that will improve your skin, give you healthy hair and generally help your health. So start to look into nutrition and what you need to be eating to look your best.

An Exercise Program

Again, we all tend to look to exercise as something we do to lose weight. But it’s so much more than that. When you exercise, you get your blood flowing, your skin glows, your circulation improves, and yes you do tone your muscle and lose fat too. But with the right exercise program, you will start to look your best.

Avoiding Stress

Stress is an incredibly dangerous toxin that will always show in your skin, your digestion, and even your mental health too. So if you’re serious about looking good, you need to work on keeping your stress levels as low as possible.

During Pregnancy

Taking Care of yourself during pregnancy

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It’s vital that you work to have a healthy pregnancy. While you may feel as if there isn’t a lot you can do to influence the success of your pregnancy and the health of your baby, there’s so much!

Nourish Your Body

During pregnancy, you really need to focus on nourishing your body and helping your little one grow. There are lots of great foods to eat when you’re pregnant and this list on HealthLine.com details most of them. When you load up on things like dairy, leafy greens, and berries, you’ll be doing what you can to boost your health.

Keep Active

Staying active as much as possible if going to help you to keep your body healthy during pregnancy – it can also aid with your labour too. If you don’t exercise regularly, then you don’t have to go to crazy with this, but things like gentle walks, doing your housework, and even gardening can help. If you don’t stay active, you may find it harder to stay mobile during the later stages.

Listen To Your Body

Above all else, you need to listen to your body. Rest when you feel tired, eat when you’re lacking in energy, and laugh when you’re feeling a bit stressed out. You’ll know what your body needs, when you need it, so do what you can to really be in tune with yourself.

As You Age

As you age, Enjoying The View

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As you start to get older, your body also has different needs. And you have to take a lot of care. These tips can also be useful for your ageing parents too.

Looking After Your Joints

The number one area that you’ll want to take care of as you start to age (and even well before that) is your bones and joints! You’ll want to keep them mobile and ease an onset of arthritis that could be coming your way. Things like joint supplements and products which you’ll find more at ArthritisHope.com on that can help. By looking after your joints as much as possible, you should find that you can stay mobile as you age.

Taking Care Of Your Skin

Next, you need to think about taking care of your skin that little bit more. Because when you are, you see the visible signs on your skin. Make sure that you’re avoiding too much sun exposure, that you’re wearing SPF, and that you’re taking care of your skin with the right beauty regimen too.

Keeping Your Brain Active

And finally, you’ll also want to make sure that you keep your mind active as you age too. It’s so easy to believe that as you get older, it’s just natural for your mind to get a little bit rusty (along with your body). But that’s really not the case. Our minds and bodies only become less active because we use them less. So keep reading, write, do puzzles, learn more, try new things, and just generally look to make the most of your mind to keep it strong and healthy.

To Grow

Charming Girl, Baby, Play Time, Toys

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Now, this final point is aimed mainly at your kids. But it’s safe to assume that you won’t want all of these tips and tricks for yourself. So let’s take a look at the primary health needs of your small children.

Vitamins

Children have different nutritional needs to us. They need so many more vitamins and nutrients in order for their bodies to grow and their minds to develop. So make sure that you’re looking to feed them a mix of lean meats and proteins, leafy greens and vegetables, and whole grains. Also add in a good all-round vitamin supplement, just to make sure that their levels stay topped up.

Energy

It’s easy to think that children just have endless amounts of energy, and it probably seems that way, but you will need to nurture it. Along with a healthy diet that will help to fuel their bodies (which will be very similar to your own), you’ll want to make sure that they’re doing activities and classes that will push them to workout out and exercise. Lots of different sports will be great for this.

A Healthy Mindset

And finally, above all else, you’re going to want to make sure that you encourage a healthy growth mindset in your children. We all want to raise happy and healthy children, but it’s so easy to just think that their minds will develop themselves, or that you don’t need to do anything else to nurture them. But focusing on a positive and healthy mindset will allow them to grow into healthy adults.

Health · Lifestyle · Wellness

4 Things That Are Messing Up Your Immune System

Energy is one of those things that we are constantly chasing after in life. We need energy to concentrate at work. We need energy to keep up with the kids. We need energy to keep our relationships and love life healthy. Energy is what keeps us moving and if you’re feeling constantly tired and sluggish, then it’s important to know how you can replenish your energy and get those levels soaring back to their best. Before you can understand how you can boost your energy and repair any cracks in your immune system, you need to understand that our energy levels are not something that is passive. The choices that you make from food choices to hours you choose to sleep have a direct effect on your energy levels. Those social media buffs that are constantly perky and peachy? They’re likely living a life that ensures that they have bags of energy to work with. And you? When you’re feeling tired, sluggish and can barely function, that depletion is a direct result of your own choices.

Tired, Stressed, Fatigue

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Of course, there are times in life that the reason for our depleted energy levels isn’t a choice. Chronic illness, stress and depression all contribute to low energy levels, and it can be very hard to boost your energy levels when your immune system is being attacked. Medications can drain your energy and when your body is fighting as hard as possible against an illness or infection, it’s companies like https://www.herabiolabs.com that are going to be the rescuers rather than a concoction of ginger and cayenne pepper. Science is currently developing in leaps and bounds when it comes to medication and understanding the diseases that hit us, compromising our immune systems and making us feel weak. In the meantime, though, we need to do everything possible to work on our bodies and our health, so that even when illness does inevitable hit we can be ready to fight it. We have the choice to create the energy that we live with; whether that is low or high. If you can feel yourself flagging, ask yourself whether you are ready to fight for your body to work in the right way. It doesn’t take much; a few changes a day could change your life in a good way. Below, you can find some ways you are draining your own energy levels and how you can get your energy levels at their best again.

Stress. Earlier on, I mentioned stress as a reason that we can feel low in energy. When our mental activity is at a height – ie, when stressed and overthinking things – it can be very difficult to pull it back. It can take an awful lot of energy for your brain to comprehend what’s going on. Long periods where we feel stressed can leave us very fatigued and bogged down, and this is all created with brain power. It’s called burn out, and those who have suffered it before will know exactly how draining it is to deal with. The first thing to do when you’re feeling sick, tired and run down, is to work out whether your thoughts are running away with you – literally.

Communication. For the most part, communication is a good thing. Talking to people that we love about how we feel can never really be a bad thing, can it? However, in this world of hyped technology and constant need to talk to people and check social media, you are draining your batteries faster than an iPhone. Sometimes, taking a step back and quite literally switching off our modes of communication can make a massive difference to the way that we feel. Blue light technology has an awful lot to answer for, and it’s important for you to put down the phone and the tablet and look at the world around you for a moment. Recharge your batteries to be able to work at the maximum efficiency available.

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Saying ‘Yes’. Are you a ‘yes man’? A yes man is someone who will say yes to everything. Overtime? Yes. Extra work? Yes. Extra time at the gym to get fit? Yes. Sometimes, saying yes is not a good thing. Being a people pleaser can drain your energy as fast as that ‘yes’ escaping your lips. It’s lovely to want to help everyone, but it’s also exhausting, and it can do you no favours to say yes to everyone around you. You need to remember that you have needs and you need to come first, sometimes. The last thing you need to know here is that it’s absolutely fine to say NO once in a while. If people get offended by that, you need to breeze on by and ignore it; you are important, and you should be remembering that you come first.

Sleep. Those who lack energy often find themselves unable to sleep, as well. Sleep replenishes those stores, much like a SIMS character; when the bar is empty, you cannot function. A lot of people nowadays struggle to get more than a few hours of sleep every night, but it’s so important for your basic functions. Sleep helps your brain to work through the day to day stresses and issues that you are battling against. Without it, you cannot work your issues through and they weight in your mind the next day. It’s a nasty cycle of stressful thoughts and lack of sleep and low energy. The way out of it? Any of these natural sleep remedies can help you to switch off and refresh.

There are literally hundreds of things that you can do to boost your immune system, but ultimately it’s going to come down to the choices that you want to make to make yourself feel good again. You matter and if you want to move forward in life feeling whole and healthy, your energy levels have got to matter to you, too. Take the time to fix them, before all you’re doing is not fixing them.

Health · Wellness

Foods For Brain Health And How To Use Them.

When it comes to nutrition, most of us think in terms of our bodies. We think about the food we can eat to relieve digestive discomfort or the meals we can plan that can help to manage our weight.

However, it’s worth spending a little time thinking about just how much the foods we eat can influence. As well as our weight and our physical health, the foods we choose to enjoy have a direct correlation with the health of our brains. When it comes to managing your mental health and overall wellbeing, adding foods that have been proven to be beneficial to brain health could be extremely beneficial.

Want to give it a try? Below, you’ll find a list of foods that have long been associated with improved brain health, as well as some helpful tips on how to incorporate these grey-matter-friendly foods into your existing diet…

#1 – Avocado

Avocados have been riding high on the list of common food trends for a few years now, but there’s a good reason for that: avocados are incredibly good for you. They are rich in essential fats and fatty acids so anyone interested in boosting their brain health will want to incorporate avocados into their diet.

If you’re new to avocados, why not give the recipe below a try? It’s a classic avocado dish — avocado on toast — but with a special twist.

#2 – Kale

As with avocados, kale has become the go-to “superfood” for the past few years. And, as with avocados, the reason for the popularity of kale is genuine. Kale is rich in a number of vitamins and minerals vital for brain health, but there’s just one downside… it’s not the most appetizing of foods, is it?

If you’ve previously shied away from kale due to dislike for its rather strong taste, perhaps these crispy kale chips could be just what you need to change your mind.

#3 – Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is chocolate that is comprised of at least 70% cocoa and, ideally, that number will be closer to 100%. Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can be hugely beneficial to brain health.

If you’re looking for a brain health boost that actually tastes good too, then the dark chocolate recipe below is sure to delight you…

It’s worth noting that for those who have previously primarily eaten milk chocolate, eating dark chocolate can be something of a shock at first. However, when you’ve adjusted, you’ll come to love the crisp, bitter taste and enhanced health that eating dark chocolate affords you.

#4 – Eggs

Eggs may just be the original superfood. They’re inexpensive to buy; rich in a wide variety of essential nutrients, and there are a thousand different ways they can be used in cooking. If you’re looking to cultivate a health-friendly diet, then eggs will certainly have their role to play. As one might expect, eggs — and particularly their high protein content — have been linked with improved brain health, so they definitely qualify for a place on this list.

Given the plethora of different ways that eggs can be cooked, finding an interesting recipe idea to include was tough… but we think this classic Spanish omelet recipe is a choice that will delight everyone. Omelets are a fantastic choice when you’re in need of a quick and healthy meal, and the extra vegetables used in this recipe help to provide an extra health and taste boost.

#5 – Coconut oil

Coconut oil has long been associated with mental and cognitive health; it has even been suggested as a potential remedy for those who have been diagnosed with dementia. Given the prevalence of dementia in society, the need for specialist nursing, and the impact the condition can have on lives, this is a tantalizing thought, but sadly, one that is without scientific proof at this point in time.

However, while the jury is out on the benefits of coconut oil for dementia specifically, coconut oil does have all the markers of being beneficial for brain health in general. Coconut oil is high in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which have been linked to enhanced brain health and memory function.

If you want to give coconut oil a try, then introducing it into your diet is relatively simple. Coconut oil can be used as a substitute for butter, olive oil, and even eggs in some recipes. So we’re not going to suggest a specific recipe because most recipes can easily be adapted to accommodate coconut oil— instead, we thought it might be fun to look at the possibility of making your own coconut oil:

Do you think you might be tempted to give it a try?

#6 – Beetroot

Yes, humble beetroot has a huge role to play in human health. The nutritional profile of beetroot is full of vital nutrients, with manganese, B vitamins, fibre, and potassium all found in abundance. As a result of such a stellar showing in the nutrient stakes, it should come as no surprise that beetroot has also been linked with increased brain health.

Incorporating beetroot into your diet is incredibly simple. Beetroot can be added to sandwiches, pasta dishes, omelettes, and any other dish in need of a bit of a kick. However, health-wise, arguably the best way to get its benefits is to opt for beetroot juice. You can buy this surprisingly-tasty juice in stores, but it tends to be expensive; if you have a juicer, then you should have no problem making your own.

In conclusion

The food that we eat doesn’t just impact our physical health; it has a huge role to play in our mental and cognitive health also. By incorporating the foods above into your diet, you can be sure that your eating habits are providing health benefits and support where it’s needed most.

Health · Self Help · Wellness

Dealing With Chronic Pain? You’re Not Alone

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According to a recent report, 11 percent of people suffer from chronic pain. Chronic pain can impact a number of areas across the body, but it is typically common in the back and limbs. If you have RSI, you might have chronic pain in your wrists and arms. Whereas, individuals who have suffered an injury after lifting a heavy object may experience chronic pain in the lower back.

It is important to be aware that chronic pain can grow worse as time goes on. You might think that the issue remains constant, but this is not the case. It can also lead to further complications such as arthritis and difficulty with mobility.

Can Chronic Pain Be Cured?

It depends on the type of chronic pain that you are suffering from. Some chronic pain can be fixed with surgery. However, this can be both expensive and intensive. It can also be a coin toss as to whether or not the surgery actually has a positive effect. If you are thinking about getting surgery to deal with your chronic pain, you should consult your doctor. Make sure that you are aware of the possible side effects and issues that can be apparent even after the surgery is complete.

If your chronic pain can’t be cured, there’s still a good chance that it can be alleviated or indeed reduced. There are numerous studies exploring this possibility and researchers have seen good results with aqua therapy. Particularly, for patients suffering from fibromyalgia. Doctors may also recommend medication but this can be a slippery slope, and it’s easy to become dependant on the meds that they recommend.

How Does It Impact Your Life?

People with chronic pain may struggle to maintain their career because of an inability to concentrate on a job or task. For instance, people suffering from RSI will have difficulty completing typography work. This is an issue as typically the condition is caused by jobs that involve typing. As such, you could suddenly be unable to complete a job that you are trained for. It’s for this reason that people often find that chronic pain can impact their income dramatically.

That’s why you should think about the cause of your chronic pain. It’s possible that the pain was due to an accident that wasn’t your fault such as a work-related injury. If it was due to another’s negligence, you could be entitled to a large settlement that will help you in the future. Don’t forget, people with chronic pain often have large medical bills to pay.

Coping With Your Condition

If you are suffering from chronic pain and you are struggling to cope, a support group could be the answer. There are various support groups online for people who are struggling with the same issues as you. By talking to them, you can get coping mechanisms from people who have first-hand experience of your condition.

We hope this helps you deal with your own chronic pain and some of the life challenges that may come with it.   

 This is a collaborative post.
Health · Wellness

The Biggest Danger To Your Health

Most of us will have had an infection at some point in our lives. Things like ear infections and chest infections are fairly common and shouldn’t cause you too much of a problem most of the time. You’ll probably just have to take some antibiotics for a while and you’ll be fine. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg and infections can be a lot more dangerous than you realize.

What Is An Infection?

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Understanding what exactly an infection is can help you to avoid getting them. The basic definition of an infection is the reaction that your body has when a foreign object of some kind invades it. Once that pathogen gets into your body and starts to multiply, you’ll get an infection. There are all sorts of pathogens that can cause infections including bacteria, fungus or viruses. You’re constantly coming into contact with pathogens in everyday life so avoiding them completely isn’t always possible. They can get into your body through skin contact, bodily fluids, inhaling airborne particles or touching objects that other people with infections have touched.

There are a few differences in pathogens that you should be aware of. Viruses are the fastest spreading form of infection and they are the cause of a lot of the more common illnesses that you find in day to day life. The common cold and warts, for example, are caused by viruses. However, there are a lot more serious conditions that are caused by viruses like meningitis or Hepatitis C. The major difference between a virus and a bacteria is that a bacteria can survive longer without a host. That means you’re more likely to pick up a virus from another person. Whereas a bacteria can easily be transferred from objects that have been touched by others, or through airborne particles.

Bacteria can also survive in almost any environment including extreme temperatures and some can even withstand a huge amount of radiation. That means that you are in danger of picking up bacteria from almost anywhere. The biggest misconception that people have about bacteria, however, is that they’re all bad. Bacteria actually play a very important role in the body and having the right amount of good bacteria is key to being healthy. This misunderstanding of bacteria has led to a huge rise in antibacterial cleaning products that kill all bacteria, good and bad, and that can cause health problems in itself. Researchers have linked this increased focus on killing all bacteria to a rise in allergies because small amounts of bacteria help to train the immune system.

The Worst Infections

While some infections can be solved with a few weeks of antibiotics, there are some far more serious ones. Encephalomalacia is often described as a pathological softening of the brain but that’s not always the best description. It’s often caused by a head injury or a stroke but it can be caused by a serious infection. It causes serious damage to the brain which can lead to a whole host of symptoms including loss of coordination, sleepwalking, memory loss or mood swings. The worst thing about this condition is that there aren’t really any treatments for it at the moment so if you get an infection that leads to Encephalomalacia, the changes can be for life.

Another serious infection that you’ve probably heard of is influenza or the Spanish flu. A lot of people misunderstand what the flu is and think that it’s just a really bad cold but it’s far more serious than that. A normal case of flu won’t put you in any danger and most people are going to get it a couple of times in their life, but there are far more dangerous forms of flu that can be life-threatening.

How To Avoid Infections

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While it’s not that likely that you’ll catch some of the worst infections out there, it could still happen. That’s why it’s important that you take the necessary steps to prevent infections. Good hygiene is the number one way to avoid infections and it’s easy to keep up with. Washing your hands after you’ve come into contact with anything that could be carrying infections is the most obvious way to keep yourself safe. Cuts and scratches are another big cause of infection if you don’t handle them properly. Even if it’s just a small cut, it’s important that you clean it out with antibacterial solution and cover it so no pathogens can get inside.

If you want to stay on top of your health, it’s important that you are aware of the causes of infections and know how to prevent them.

This is a collaborative post.