People are already looking forward to the weekend, as it is already Thursday. Small acts of self-care can go a long way towards reducing burnout and tiredness. Lets look at the
When you are drained, worn out, or looking ragged around the edges, it is difficult to care about anything. Due to demanding family obligations, a draining job, or financial difficulties, your once-flaming zeal may now appear more like burned rubble. Perhaps you feel as though you have very little to offer because of a sickness, the uncertainties and upheavals of our day, a number of circumstances, or a combination of these.
"Burnout is what you're going through." It can cause sadness, anxiety, marital problems, and the inability to carry out daily tasks at home or at work.
Take heart: You can fill your cup again with time and effort, gradually reintroducing some of the vitality and joy you've been missing. Here are three ideas to get you going:
1. Schedule time only for you.
Self-care requires that you make time for yourself; it is not an extravagance." You need to take it easy and give yourself time to rest and recover. If necessary, schedule it; begin with 10 or 15 minutes a few times each day.
How do you recapture valuable time in a schedule that is already too full? Be selective about how many commitments you say "yes" to within a given day, week, or month. Give yourself the right to refuse anything that drains you or doesn't serve you.
Choose what helps you feel at peace in the little moments. Take a cup of tea, for instance, or just spread a blanket or mat on the floor at home or at the office and lie on your back." You want to tell your body to take a break. Don't glance at your phone or email. When you feel the pull of stress, it helps you reset and step back.
2, Commit to improving your health.
A powerful physique helps counterbalance the demanding circumstances that have led to your burnout. The fundamental ingredients in a healthy diet are:
Exercise. Exercise of moderate intensity, the kind that challenges the heart and lungs, releases vital hormones that aid in controlling mood, sleep, and many other functions. An ideal amount of weekly activity is 150 minutes, or 22 minutes each day. If it's all you can manage, start with just a few minutes per day. It doesn't have to be elaborate. "Any action that makes you happy, like dancing, yoga, or fast walking, can be practiced.
"Burnout is what you're going through." It can cause sadness, anxiety, marital problems, and the inability to carry out daily tasks at home or at work.
Take heart: You can fill your cup again with time and effort, gradually reintroducing some of the vitality and joy you've been missing. Here are three ideas to get you going:
1. Schedule time only for you.
Self-care requires that you make time for yourself; it is not an extravagance." You need to take it easy and give yourself time to rest and recover. If necessary, schedule it; begin with 10 or 15 minutes a few times each day.
How do you recapture valuable time in a schedule that is already too full? Be selective about how many commitments you say "yes" to within a given day, week, or month. Give yourself the right to refuse anything that drains you or doesn't serve you.
Choose what helps you feel at peace in the little moments. Take a cup of tea, for instance, or just spread a blanket or mat on the floor at home or at the office and lie on your back." You want to tell your body to take a break. Don't glance at your phone or email. When you feel the pull of stress, it helps you reset and step back.
2, Commit to improving your health.
A powerful physique helps counterbalance the demanding circumstances that have led to your burnout. The fundamental ingredients in a healthy diet are:
Exercise. Exercise of moderate intensity, the kind that challenges the heart and lungs, releases vital hormones that aid in controlling mood, sleep, and many other functions. An ideal amount of weekly activity is 150 minutes, or 22 minutes each day. If it's all you can manage, start with just a few minutes per day. It doesn't have to be elaborate. "Any action that makes you happy, like dancing, yoga, or fast walking, can be practiced.
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The baby blues, postpartum depression, or postpartum anxiety?
You have probably heard of "baby blues" or "postpartum depression." You may have even filled out questionnaires on your mood at your postpartum doctor's visit. Baby blues are a common response to decreased hormone levels after childbirth, and they can cause you to feel depressed, tearful, and overwhelmed. Nevertheless, these effects are modest and only last a few weeks. When the symptoms last for a long time and make you feel bad, there could be something else going on.
Postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression share many symptoms (such as poor sleep, trouble relaxing, and irritability). While anxiety is a typical symptom of postpartum depression, not all sad mothers experience anxiety. It's important to get the right diagnosis because women with postpartum anxiety may not respond as well to some treatments for depression, like interpersonal psychotherapy or medicines like bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Like postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety can be caused by changes in hormones that happen after giving birth. It may also get worse because of real stresses, like worrying about the baby's health or money or figuring out your new role in a relationship. A history of miscarriage or stillbirth also makes you more likely to have anxiety after giving birth. If you had anxiety before you got pregnant or while you were pregnant, you may also have anxiety after you give birth. Changes in hormones can also cause anxiety and sadness after stopping breastfeeding.
Like postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety can be caused by changes in hormones that happen after giving birth. It may also get worse because of real stresses, like worrying about the baby's health or money or figuring out your new role in a relationship. A history of miscarriage or stillbirth also makes you more likely to have anxiety after giving birth. If you had anxiety before you got pregnant or while you were pregnant, you may also have anxiety after you give birth. Changes in hormones can also cause anxiety and sadness after stopping breastfeeding.
A species of bulbous flowering plant in the genus Allium is garlic (Allium sativum). The onion, shallot, leek, chive, Welsh onion, and Chinese onion are among its close relatives. It is a common seasoning used all over the world and is native to Central Asia and northeastern Iran.
Benefits of onion
Allicin, which is found in garlic and may protect against cancer and heart disease, can help the immune system work better.
People with type 2 diabetes may benefit from garlic's ability to stabilize blood sugar levels, lower fasting blood sugar levels, and improve blood sugar control.
potential negative effects
Garlic consumption may cause heartburn in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease, so they should speak with medical professionals about this.
Garlic may interact with blood thinners, so people who are thinking about increasing their intake of it should seek advice first.
Quantity suggestions
When taken as a supplement, 3600 mg of garlic extract should be taken each day. Consuming 1-2 garlic cloves per day can aid in the body's proper functioning.
Recipes
Let's start a meal! Recipes to convert you to a healthy eating philosophy
low-calorie, low-carb, Low Sodium, High Protein, and Low Fat
When you're a new parent, it's hard not to compare your child to other kids and worry about whether or not they're growing and changing norms.
It doesn't help that social media is full of proud parents and that there are many books and popular apps that claim to know exactly when a child should smile, roll over, take their first step, etc. It's hard not to wonder: Is my child falling behind?
It's important to keep an eye on how your child grows and changes. But here are some things to keep in mind as you do so:
Each child is unique. This is the most important thing to remember. Each child is different because they come from different places and have different families and lives. It's impossible for all children, even those raised by the same family, to grow up in the same way.
Normal is not a single thing. For example, we say that a child should be able to walk by the time he or she is one, but anything between 9 and 15 months is fine. Normal ranges are usually in the fine print of all those books and apps, but one age is usually the one that gets the most attention. This is sad, and it can cause many families to worry for no reason.
There are different parts of development, and children may go through them at different rates. A child may start walking early but take longer to learn to talk because walking is so much fun. A child may be so interested in learning to talk that walking may seem less fun. Children learn how to use their bodies, how to talk, how to get along with others, and how to understand the world around them. Each child learns these things in their own way. It's important to look at a child's development as a whole, not just one milestone at a time.
How to deal with your problems
Even if you can see the big picture, that doesn't mean you should ignore the fact that your child seems to be growing up differently than other kids. It also doesn't mean that all apps are bad. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have a nice Milestone Tracker.
But you should talk to your doctor before you start to worry. You can also contact the Early Intervention program in your state and ask for a free evaluation. This program is for children younger than 3 years old whose parents or doctors are worried about how they are developing. If a child has a problem with how they are growing up, the program works with the family to help them help their child.
Your mom was right when she told you to stop sitting so close to the TV, or you might need glasses.
Myopia, or near-sightedness, is becoming more common all over the world. A child with nearsightedness can see things up close clearly, but things farther away look blurry. Experts say that part of this growing problem is that kids spend too much time inside looking at things close to them instead of going outside to look at things far away.
What is nearsightedness?
Near sightedness is very common. About 5% of pre-schoolers, 9% of kids in school, and 30% of teenagers have it. But what worries experts is that its spread around the world has doubled in the last few decades, and eye doctors have seen a rise in myopia during the pandemic.
When the eyeball is too big from front to back, it can cause nearsightedness. Genes play a big role, but more and more research shows that there are also things that happen during development. Research shows that the risk of myopia increases with the number of years a person spends in school. This is why nerds are often thought to wear glasses. Even more reliable studies show that a child's risk of getting nearsightedness goes down if they spend time outside.
Why would being outside make a difference for people who are near-sighted?
Even though this is surprising, it does make some sense. The way kids live changes their bodies as they grow and change. For example, a child who isn't getting enough food might not grow as tall as they could have if they had better food. A child who gets fat as a child is much more likely to stay fat for the rest of his or her life. And a child who only looks at things up close might get used to this and lose some of his or her ability to see far away.
When a migraine's characteristic throbbing subsides, the relief is immense. But for many people who suffer from these potentially debilitating headaches on a regular basis, their distress does not end when the pain subsides. Instead, a distinct phase of migraine known as the postdrome causes them to feel achy, exhausted, dazed, and confused — symptoms that are eerily similar to those of an entirely different condition.
This cluster of post-migraine symptoms, dubbed the "migraine hangover," is remarkably common, occurring after up to 80% of migraine attacks, according to research published in Neurology. According to Dr. Paul Rizzoli, clinical director of the Graham Headache Center at Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital, scientists are increasingly focusing on this previously underrecognized aspect of migraine.
"Because patients are unaware that postdrome symptoms are a normal part of migraines, they come up with creative ways to describe them," explains Dr. Rizzoli. "They feel washed out, their head feels hollow, or they feel like they have a hangover when they weren't drinking." Prior to recent years, science had not paid much attention to this aspect of the syndrome, but it is a natural progression from focusing on the overall problem.
The four migraine phases
The typical migraine is characterized by severe head pain, nausea, brain fog, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound, among other symptoms. Migraines affect nearly 16% of Americans, with women being affected nearly twice as often as men. Additionally, severe headaches are among the leading causes of emergency room visits.
Migraine headaches can include four distinct phases, each with its own set of symptoms and lasting from hours to days. During the pre-pain prodrome and aura phases, you may notice changes in your vision, extreme irritability, trouble speaking, or numbness and tingling. The headache itself can feel like a drill is going through your head.
The hangover is marked by persistent migraine symptoms
Dr. Rizzoli says that in comparison, one to two days of postdrome symptoms may seem mild. But the lingering dizziness, fatigue, and stiff neck can be just as incapacitating as the headache itself. As migraine is believed to act as a type of electrical storm that activates neurons in the brain, Dr. Rizzoli suggests that a migraine hangover could be the result of "some circuits being electrically or neurochemically exhausted." "It just takes time for the brain to return to normal function or even replace some depleted chemicals."
However, he continues, there is still much to learn about migraine postdrome, and studies have not consistently found a connection between variables like the kind of migraine medication taken and the length of any subsequent hangover.
However, he continues, there is still much to learn about migraine postdrome, and studies have not consistently found a connection between variables like the kind of migraine medication taken and the length of any subsequent hangover.
In Nigeria, there is always complaining going on, and you hear people saying or asking questions like, "How can I keep fit?" The only foods I see around me are heavy foods that will not help me stay fit or maintain a healthy weight. Well, that is not the case because Nigerians have lots of healthy fruits and meals. It is all about how you prepare your meal, and this is the standard all over the world.
Let's take, for example, rice, which is a food eaten in every country in the world, but the pattern of preparation varies, and that's what makes a great taste and cultural difference. which is why I will be sharing foods that people living in Nigeria can frequently eat during weight loss. Here are some foods you can eat frequently while losing weight.
Let's take, for example, rice, which is a food eaten in every country in the world, but the pattern of preparation varies, and that's what makes a great taste and cultural difference. which is why I will be sharing foods that people living in Nigeria can frequently eat during weight loss. Here are some foods you can eat frequently while losing weight.
Potatoes: The potato is a root vegetable native to the Americas that is a starchy tuber of the plant Solanum tuberosum. The plant is a perennial in the Solanaceae family. You can eat boiled, grilled, or roasted potatoes during weight loss.
Hanke Fish is popularly known as "Panla" in Nigeria. This fish contains 78 calories and 18 grams of protein, which helps boost your metabolism during weight loss.
Hanke Fish is popularly known as "Panla" in Nigeria. This fish contains 78 calories and 18 grams of protein, which helps boost your metabolism during weight loss.
Sleep dentistry, also known as sedation dentistry, is an excellent option for people who are uncomfortable with dental treatment. And if you are one of these people, know that you are not alone. One in seven Australian individuals is frightened of visiting the dentist. But is dental fear the only reason a patient may choose sleep dentistry over conventional dentistry? There are a number of reasons why a person would opt for sleep dentistry. Here are 5 Top Benefits of Sleep Dentistry.
Do You Have an Extreme Gagging Reflex?
Some people avoid going to the dentist because they cannot bear the thought of having dental devices in their mouth. And the act of gagging can be both painful and unpleasant. In this situation, sleep dentistry will let you get dental care without having to gag all the time.
Your pain threshold is low
Certain individuals have a low pain threshold. This can be hazardous for both you and the dentist, particularly if it causes you to close your mouth or jerk uncontrollably when experiencing pain. As a result of your poor pain threshold, you may also be afraid of needles.
Fortunately, you do not have to receive your sedative by injection. Your dentist can deliver anesthesia through inhalation or by mouth. In any case, although you will not be sleeping, you will be sleepy and in a state of relaxation, which will reduce any pain and suffering you would otherwise feel.
Social Anxiety Affects You
If you suffer from social anxiety and are uneasy with the prospect of sitting in a dentist's chair, sleep dentistry is suitable for you. Once your dentist has delivered the sedative, you will enter a peaceful state in which you will be able to follow simple instructions.
Do You Have an Extreme Gagging Reflex?
Some people avoid going to the dentist because they cannot bear the thought of having dental devices in their mouth. And the act of gagging can be both painful and unpleasant. In this situation, sleep dentistry will let you get dental care without having to gag all the time.
Your pain threshold is low
Certain individuals have a low pain threshold. This can be hazardous for both you and the dentist, particularly if it causes you to close your mouth or jerk uncontrollably when experiencing pain. As a result of your poor pain threshold, you may also be afraid of needles.
Fortunately, you do not have to receive your sedative by injection. Your dentist can deliver anesthesia through inhalation or by mouth. In any case, although you will not be sleeping, you will be sleepy and in a state of relaxation, which will reduce any pain and suffering you would otherwise feel.
Social Anxiety Affects You
If you suffer from social anxiety and are uneasy with the prospect of sitting in a dentist's chair, sleep dentistry is suitable for you. Once your dentist has delivered the sedative, you will enter a peaceful state in which you will be able to follow simple instructions.
Milk hydrates better than water.
Could this possibly be true? If so, should I drink milk to rehydrate after working out? And should everyone's water bottles contain milk rather than water?
What supports the claim?
Naturally, the milk industry is funding the advertisement. Even though I had never heard of this claim before, the studies that support it aren't especially innovative or compelling. Three short studies from more than ten years ago are cited on the website that supports this advertisement:
In a 2007 study, 11 volunteers—5 men and 6 women—worked out until they became noticeably dehydrated on several occasions. Their urine output was measured over the next five hours after each rehydration with a different beverage.
Compared to drinking water or a sports drink, the study participants retained more fluid after consuming milk (Powerade). Milk was therefore thought to offer better hydration.
According to a 2016 study, seven men who exercised and drank fat-free milk, water, or Powerade experienced marked dehydration. The outcomes were comparable.
In a 2016 study, 72 healthy, well-hydrated men participated. They drank various liquids, and after four hours, the researchers measured how much urine they produced. Water, whole milk, skim milk, beer, orange juice, Powerade, Dioralyte (an oral rehydration solution used after fluid loss from diarrhea), tea, and coffee were the beverages used in this study. The results for the other beverages were comparable to water; however, the researchers discovered that fluid retention was best after consuming either type of milk or the oral rehydration solution.
Milk seems to be a winner, don't you think? Maybe. But there are other factors to think about.
Study specifics are important.
These studies' results cannot be considered conclusive. There are significant limitations, as there are with all research. For instance:
Due to the small number of participants in these studies, the outcomes could be greatly influenced by a small number of individuals.
In two of the three studies, intense exercise in a warm environment resulted in significant dehydration and several pounds of fluid loss. The findings might thus not be applicable to those who engage in more commonplace daily activities or workouts.
The studies also linked better hydration to less urine production in the hours following the consumption of various fluids. This is not necessarily the best definition of hydration—it is merely one.
The benefits of milk that these studies claim it to have may be too slight or fleeting to have a significant impact. In a study involving 72 participants, milk drinkers, for instance, produced about 37 ounces of urine over the course of four hours, whereas water drinkers produced 47 ounces. Does the 10-ounce difference have a significant impact on one's health? Would this difference have vanished if the study participants had been watched over a longer time frame?
More than 1,000 calories would be present in the amount of milk that the seven men in the study consumed. For someone working out for only 30 minutes a day to help maintain or lose weight, that may be acceptable for an elite athlete after hours of strenuous exercise in the heat, but it is unproductive and expensive. Free and calorie-free tap water is available.
Hyping hydration: numerous claims, little evidence
The milk billboard reflects our more recent emphasis on staying hydrated for health. Advertisers for sports drinks, energy drinks, and yes, water bottles, promote or even manufacture this. But does consuming "plenty of water" result in improved athletic performance, skin radiance, or weight loss? Does drinking the regularly advised eight glasses of water per day and keeping an eye on the color of our urine (darker could indicate dehydration) affect our health? I'm not persuaded based on the strength of the evidence presented thus far.
However, there's still more! A recent Australian trend called "emotional support water bottles" combines a security blanket with a way to publicly demonstrate your commitment to good health. (Yes, it exists; the TikTok video #emotionalsupportwaterbottle has received over 80 million views.) Then there is intravenous hydration on demand for healthy (and frequently wealthy) individuals who are convinced that intravenous fluids will enhance their appearance, cure their hangovers, ease their jet lag, or treat and prevent a variety of other illnesses.
Is emphasizing hydration actually beneficial?
Medically significant dehydration wasn't a problem for the majority of healthy people who weren't rapidly losing fluids due to heat, intense exercise, diarrhea, or the like before water bottles were ubiquitous and monitoring fluid intake became commonplace.
The truth is that for the majority of us, drinking when we're thirsty is a wise move. Despite the significant exceptions noted below, you probably don't need to keep a constant supply of fluids on hand or pay close attention to your daily fluid intake in order to be healthy. Whether or not you drink eight glasses of water per day is a far less significant health concern.
When does dehydration become a serious issue?
Dehydration can become a serious issue due to weather, exercise, or illness. People who work or exercise outdoors in warm, muggy conditions are especially vulnerable, as are people who are extremely old, suffer from illnesses that cause significant fluid loss, such as diarrhea, and don't have reliable access to fluids. Replacing lost fluids is crucial if there is significant dehydration; this may even necessitate receiving intravenous fluids quickly in a medical setting.
The idea of substituting milk for water for rehydration may not convince everyone despite the claims made in milk advertisements and the dubious studies supporting them because of the taste, consistency, and added calories in milk.
As for me, I'll continue to drink water until there is stronger proof that milk actually has a health benefit over water for routine hydration. I'll skip the water bottle, though.
Photo by Pixabay
What your ears and wallet can expect from the new hearing aid options.
Over the counter (OTC) hearing aids are now legal thanks to a change in FDA regulations. What does this mean for you if you are one of the 48 million Americans who have some degree of hearing loss? Dr. James Naples, assistant professor of otolaryngology/head and neck surgery at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, was kind enough to explain the potential benefits and drawbacks.
The fundamentals: hearing aids vs. amplification devices
Hearing aids come in a variety of styles, but they all function in the same way. They amplify sounds to make them louder, whether they are worn behind the ear or in the ear canal. They also aid in the filtering of certain types of noise. Dr. Naples says, "All hearing aids filter out some unwanted noise and improve our ability to hear sounds by using a combination of signal processing and directional microphones."
Contrast prescription or over-the-counter hearing aids with personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) available at most drug stores. These products simply amplify nearby sounds. They are not tailored to a person's hearing loss, are not regulated by the FDA, and are not intended to treat hearing loss.
According to Dr. Naples, PSAPs are an excellent option for people who experience hearing loss only in specific situations, such as watching television.
Will an OTC hearing aid require a hearing test?
People's hearing has traditionally been tested by a certified audiologist, who is trained to configure hearing aids based on a person's specific hearing loss. The procedure is similar to that of obtaining prescription glasses.
Hearing tests determine how loud a sound must be in order for you to hear it clearly. People with normal hearing can detect sounds that are less than 25 decibels in volume (dB). Mild to moderate hearing loss ranges from 26 dB to 55 dB. A person with mild hearing loss can hear certain speech sounds but struggles to hear softer sounds. When another person speaks normally, someone with moderate hearing loss may have difficulty hearing the speech. Hearing loss caused by aging or other factors can affect one or both ears.
A hearing test by an audiologist is not required for OTC hearing aids. These devices, however, can only treat mild to moderate hearing loss. "Even if you have severe or profound hearing loss, you should still see an audiologist for a full exam," Dr. Naples says.
Will the cost of hearing aids be reduced?
Yes, most likely, though savings will vary. Although Medicare does not cover hearing aids, some Medicare Advantage and other commercial health insurance plans do.
Because of new FDA regulations, many people with mild to moderate hearing loss no longer have to pay for a hearing exam and fitting. The cost of hearing aids, however, will represent the most significant savings. While prices vary depending on the brand and type of hearing aid, a single prescription hearing aid costs around $2,000–$4,000 if you need one for each ear, which many people do.
The majority of prescription hearing aids for the US market are manufactured by a few companies. High prices are exacerbated by a lack of competition.
The new OTC hearing devices should increase manufacturer competition and lower average prices over time. According to preliminary estimates, the average price could fall to around $1,600 or lower.
Will over-the-counter hearing aids be as good as prescription hearing aids?
The FDA will regulate the quality of OTC hearing aids in the same way that prescription hearing aids are regulated. Appearance, styles, and characteristics may vary.
Are OTC hearing aids appropriate for me?
Hearing aids do not come in a one-size-fits-all format. "While over-the-counter devices may benefit many people with mild to moderate hearing loss, they may not be appropriate for all types of hearing loss," Dr. Naples says.
Consider drugstore readers, which are magnifying glasses that are useful for reading up close. "These are intended to correct a specific type of vision issue. Depending on your vision, they may only be of limited assistance," said Dr. Naples. "over-the-counter hearing aids may have similar limitations."
Prescription hearing aids can be fine-tuned and fitted individually, whereas OTC aids must rely on generic sizes that cannot be altered. In addition, unlike prescription hearing aids, OTC devices may not be returnable. It is currently unknown how repairs, warranties, and replacements will be handled.
What else should you think about?
Some people may not receive a proper diagnosis of their hearing loss if they self-prescribe an OTC hearing device.
"Their hearing loss could be a sign of an underlying condition that needs to be evaluated." " Hearing loss can be caused by a variety of conditions, and many people are unable to determine the cause without an evaluation. Dr. Naples says: "Thus, even if you benefit from an over-the-counter device, you should see your doctor if you experience symptoms such as ear pain, dizziness, vertigo, hearing loss in only one ear, or ringing in the ears, which could indicate a condition other than simple hearing loss."
It is also critical to have realistic expectations about what hearing aids can accomplish. "The best bet is to get a hearing test to confirm your type of hearing loss and to ensure that over-the-counter hearing aids are an option for you," he says.
Author: Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
Istock photo
Over the counter (OTC) hearing aids are now legal thanks to a change in FDA regulations. What does this mean for you if you are one of the 48 million Americans who have some degree of hearing loss? Dr. James Naples, assistant professor of otolaryngology/head and neck surgery at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, was kind enough to explain the potential benefits and drawbacks.
The fundamentals: hearing aids vs. amplification devices
Hearing aids come in a variety of styles, but they all function in the same way. They amplify sounds to make them louder, whether they are worn behind the ear or in the ear canal. They also aid in the filtering of certain types of noise. Dr. Naples says, "All hearing aids filter out some unwanted noise and improve our ability to hear sounds by using a combination of signal processing and directional microphones."
Contrast prescription or over-the-counter hearing aids with personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) available at most drug stores. These products simply amplify nearby sounds. They are not tailored to a person's hearing loss, are not regulated by the FDA, and are not intended to treat hearing loss.
According to Dr. Naples, PSAPs are an excellent option for people who experience hearing loss only in specific situations, such as watching television.
Will an OTC hearing aid require a hearing test?
People's hearing has traditionally been tested by a certified audiologist, who is trained to configure hearing aids based on a person's specific hearing loss. The procedure is similar to that of obtaining prescription glasses.
Hearing tests determine how loud a sound must be in order for you to hear it clearly. People with normal hearing can detect sounds that are less than 25 decibels in volume (dB). Mild to moderate hearing loss ranges from 26 dB to 55 dB. A person with mild hearing loss can hear certain speech sounds but struggles to hear softer sounds. When another person speaks normally, someone with moderate hearing loss may have difficulty hearing the speech. Hearing loss caused by aging or other factors can affect one or both ears.
A hearing test by an audiologist is not required for OTC hearing aids. These devices, however, can only treat mild to moderate hearing loss. "Even if you have severe or profound hearing loss, you should still see an audiologist for a full exam," Dr. Naples says.
Will the cost of hearing aids be reduced?
Yes, most likely, though savings will vary. Although Medicare does not cover hearing aids, some Medicare Advantage and other commercial health insurance plans do.
Because of new FDA regulations, many people with mild to moderate hearing loss no longer have to pay for a hearing exam and fitting. The cost of hearing aids, however, will represent the most significant savings. While prices vary depending on the brand and type of hearing aid, a single prescription hearing aid costs around $2,000–$4,000 if you need one for each ear, which many people do.
The majority of prescription hearing aids for the US market are manufactured by a few companies. High prices are exacerbated by a lack of competition.
The new OTC hearing devices should increase manufacturer competition and lower average prices over time. According to preliminary estimates, the average price could fall to around $1,600 or lower.
Will over-the-counter hearing aids be as good as prescription hearing aids?
The FDA will regulate the quality of OTC hearing aids in the same way that prescription hearing aids are regulated. Appearance, styles, and characteristics may vary.
Are OTC hearing aids appropriate for me?
Hearing aids do not come in a one-size-fits-all format. "While over-the-counter devices may benefit many people with mild to moderate hearing loss, they may not be appropriate for all types of hearing loss," Dr. Naples says.
Consider drugstore readers, which are magnifying glasses that are useful for reading up close. "These are intended to correct a specific type of vision issue. Depending on your vision, they may only be of limited assistance," said Dr. Naples. "over-the-counter hearing aids may have similar limitations."
Prescription hearing aids can be fine-tuned and fitted individually, whereas OTC aids must rely on generic sizes that cannot be altered. In addition, unlike prescription hearing aids, OTC devices may not be returnable. It is currently unknown how repairs, warranties, and replacements will be handled.
What else should you think about?
Some people may not receive a proper diagnosis of their hearing loss if they self-prescribe an OTC hearing device.
"Their hearing loss could be a sign of an underlying condition that needs to be evaluated." " Hearing loss can be caused by a variety of conditions, and many people are unable to determine the cause without an evaluation. Dr. Naples says: "Thus, even if you benefit from an over-the-counter device, you should see your doctor if you experience symptoms such as ear pain, dizziness, vertigo, hearing loss in only one ear, or ringing in the ears, which could indicate a condition other than simple hearing loss."
It is also critical to have realistic expectations about what hearing aids can accomplish. "The best bet is to get a hearing test to confirm your type of hearing loss and to ensure that over-the-counter hearing aids are an option for you," he says.
Author: Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
Istock photo
Shower heads that are made to spray water at a powerful stream can be used to massage your shower head. By operating the valves that control the water flow, the speed and spraying patterns can be altered to meet your needs. Modern shower head massage units also feature push buttons and other built-in controls that let you enjoy a relaxing shower head massage while watching television, listening to music, or even taking phone calls.
You can enjoy a soothing massage in the privacy of your own bathroom with a shower head massage. It is the most opulent method of bathing. The warm water jets clean your body of all the sweat and dirt from a long day at work while relieving tension in your aching muscles. Your skin's pores are also opened by the moist, warm air, which makes it easier to thoroughly clean out any oil or dirt that has become lodged there. This has a lot of potential for treating skin conditions like acne.
Not only does a hot water massage relieve tense muscles, but the steam in the shower's enclosed space also causes you to perspire. This promotes the elimination of toxins from your body and may help you lose weight. The steam may also help to moisten your nasal passages, get rid of congestion, and calm your mind.
Pexel photo
You can enjoy a soothing massage in the privacy of your own bathroom with a shower head massage. It is the most opulent method of bathing. The warm water jets clean your body of all the sweat and dirt from a long day at work while relieving tension in your aching muscles. Your skin's pores are also opened by the moist, warm air, which makes it easier to thoroughly clean out any oil or dirt that has become lodged there. This has a lot of potential for treating skin conditions like acne.
Not only does a hot water massage relieve tense muscles, but the steam in the shower's enclosed space also causes you to perspire. This promotes the elimination of toxins from your body and may help you lose weight. The steam may also help to moisten your nasal passages, get rid of congestion, and calm your mind.
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If you want a massage but can't afford the time or money right now, you can still reap some of the benefits by practicing some of the techniques on yourself. Self-massage is an excellent way to unwind and relieve tension in your body and mind. Self-massage, on the other hand, has the opposite effect and can be a great way to re-energize before work or during lunch. If you've never tried self-massage before, here are some basic techniques you can use right away.
You can also self-massage your legs, face, or even your own hands. To try it, make sure to alternate between rubbing, kneading, and applying and holding pressure on specific points. To self-massage your feet, for example, begin by applying pressure with your thumbs, then switch to a fist, and finish by pulling on your toes and rotating them slightly.
Make it a habit to use self-massage to help your muscles recover faster after a strenuous workout or to aid digestion by gently rubbing your stomach. Self-massage can also help with stress-related headaches, sinus congestion, jaw pain, and tired eyes. Self-massage takes only a few minutes and can be done at any time and from any location.
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You can also self-massage your legs, face, or even your own hands. To try it, make sure to alternate between rubbing, kneading, and applying and holding pressure on specific points. To self-massage your feet, for example, begin by applying pressure with your thumbs, then switch to a fist, and finish by pulling on your toes and rotating them slightly.
Make it a habit to use self-massage to help your muscles recover faster after a strenuous workout or to aid digestion by gently rubbing your stomach. Self-massage can also help with stress-related headaches, sinus congestion, jaw pain, and tired eyes. Self-massage takes only a few minutes and can be done at any time and from any location.
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Honey massage is an ancient Tibetan therapeutic massage that is beneficial for cleansing the entire body, stimulating and opening the energetic channels. Honey gets rid of harmful energy from the body, improves blood flow in the tissues and muscles under the skin, and keeps the temperature of the skin stable.
Honey massage stimulates the lymphatic system and influences the spine's flexibility and the entire central nervous system. Honey massages clean the pores of the skin and are also good for treating colds and sore joints.
Honey massage is a highly effective treatment and preventative measure for mental and physical exhaustion, sleep disturbance, and psychosomatic disorders. After a series of honey massages, you will not only feel rested and refreshed, but your skin will also become soft, and the puffiness, roughness, and discoloration will slowly go away.
Honey massage stimulates the lymphatic system and influences the spine's flexibility and the entire central nervous system. Honey massages clean the pores of the skin and are also good for treating colds and sore joints.
Honey massage is a highly effective treatment and preventative measure for mental and physical exhaustion, sleep disturbance, and psychosomatic disorders. After a series of honey massages, you will not only feel rested and refreshed, but your skin will also become soft, and the puffiness, roughness, and discoloration will slowly go away.
Mangos are edible stone fruits produced by the tropical tree Mangifera indica, which is said to have originated in the region between northern Myanmar, Bangladesh, and northeastern India. Since ancient times, M. indica has been farmed in South and Southeast Asia.
Class: Stone Fruit
Scientific name: Mangifera indica
Calories: 140 calories
Mango Fruit Health Benefits
Mangoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and assist in strengthening the immune system. One cup of mango has about 70% of the daily value of vitamin C.
The flavonoids quercetin, catechin, anthocyanins, kaempferol, and rhamnetin found in mango reduce the chance of developing chronic diseases. These have antioxidant capabilities that protect the body's cells from damage by free radicals.
Mango is abundant in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B complex, magnesium, polyphenols, and fiber.
Assist the immune system in its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions.
Mango is an excellent source of numerous vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, carotenoids, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Studies have shown that its antioxidant properties reduce inflammation caused by inflammatory bowel disease, lowering the risk of colon and rectal cancer (Lauricella, 2017).
Class: Stone Fruit
Scientific name: Mangifera indica
Calories: 140 calories
Mango Fruit Health Benefits
Mangoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and assist in strengthening the immune system. One cup of mango has about 70% of the daily value of vitamin C.
The flavonoids quercetin, catechin, anthocyanins, kaempferol, and rhamnetin found in mango reduce the chance of developing chronic diseases. These have antioxidant capabilities that protect the body's cells from damage by free radicals.
Mango is abundant in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B complex, magnesium, polyphenols, and fiber.
Assist the immune system in its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions.
Mango is an excellent source of numerous vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, carotenoids, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Studies have shown that its antioxidant properties reduce inflammation caused by inflammatory bowel disease, lowering the risk of colon and rectal cancer (Lauricella, 2017).
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition posted an online study on April 22, 2022, that suggests that not getting enough vitamin D may increase the risk of dementia and stroke.
The study evaluated more than 294,000 British residents, the majority of whom were women over 60. Researchers examined links between vitamin D levels and risks of dementia and stroke, using blood testing on all participants and neuroimaging techniques on almost 34,000. A normal amount of vitamin D in the blood is at least 50 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L), while a deficiency is less than 25 nmol/L.
In the 11 years that followed, low vitamin D levels were associated with an increased risk of both dementia and stroke. This observational study revealed that those with low vitamin D levels have a 54% increased likelihood of acquiring dementia than those with normal levels. Even if you have a low vitamin D blood level, these data do not suggest that taking additional vitamin D can prevent dementia or stroke.
If you are concerned about your vitamin D levels, consult your doctor.
Photo by Maggie Zhan
The study evaluated more than 294,000 British residents, the majority of whom were women over 60. Researchers examined links between vitamin D levels and risks of dementia and stroke, using blood testing on all participants and neuroimaging techniques on almost 34,000. A normal amount of vitamin D in the blood is at least 50 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L), while a deficiency is less than 25 nmol/L.
In the 11 years that followed, low vitamin D levels were associated with an increased risk of both dementia and stroke. This observational study revealed that those with low vitamin D levels have a 54% increased likelihood of acquiring dementia than those with normal levels. Even if you have a low vitamin D blood level, these data do not suggest that taking additional vitamin D can prevent dementia or stroke.
If you are concerned about your vitamin D levels, consult your doctor.
Photo by Maggie Zhan
Dental problems such as overbites, underbites, and crooked or crowded teeth no longer cause people to spend sleepless nights. Thanks to technology, people can now obtain braces and retainers that aid in the correction of these dental issues. Simply visit a reputable and skilled dentist or orthodontist, and you will be examined before receiving the custom braces. But there are various types of custom braces, so it's important to be aware of your options before seeing an orthodontist. You'll find it simpler to respond when asked for your opinion or to make a decision as a result. This article will provide key information on which type of braces is best to make things easier for you.
Lingual braces
Lingual braces are yet another option to think about, particularly if you are self-conscious about your appearance. Although the brackets and wires are mounted on the inside of the teeth, these braces have the same design as conventional metal braces. This implies that teeth will be internally pulled into place. Even though these braces are hidden from the inside, adjustments typically take longer. You'll also need to go to your orthodontist frequently. Furthermore, it's important to keep in mind that lingual custom braces are more expensive, difficult to maintain, may feel uncomfortable at first, may interfere with speech, and aren't recommended for patients with severe dental alignment issues.
Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces are nearly invisible and function similarly to conventional metal braces. The good news is that because they are made of a composite material that is intended to blend in with your teeth, their brackets and wires are less noticeable. In the past, ceramic braces were more likely to break, but newer models are more durable and leave teeth less stained.
Lingual braces
Lingual braces are yet another option to think about, particularly if you are self-conscious about your appearance. Although the brackets and wires are mounted on the inside of the teeth, these braces have the same design as conventional metal braces. This implies that teeth will be internally pulled into place. Even though these braces are hidden from the inside, adjustments typically take longer. You'll also need to go to your orthodontist frequently. Furthermore, it's important to keep in mind that lingual custom braces are more expensive, difficult to maintain, may feel uncomfortable at first, may interfere with speech, and aren't recommended for patients with severe dental alignment issues.
Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces are nearly invisible and function similarly to conventional metal braces. The good news is that because they are made of a composite material that is intended to blend in with your teeth, their brackets and wires are less noticeable. In the past, ceramic braces were more likely to break, but newer models are more durable and leave teeth less stained.
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