Health

Is your kitchen a danger zone? Discover the common risks and the answer to what is the best way to prevent poor food safety.

Every year, 1 in 10 people become ill from eating contaminated food. In addition, about 420,000 people die every year as a result of food contamination.

Considering how simple it is to practice proper food safety procedures, these numbers are staggering.

The problem is, however, that many people simply do not know how to prevent poor food safety. By educating yourself and your employees, you can help bring the number of food safety-related deaths and illnesses down.

So, what is the best way to prevent poor food safety?

Read on to find out!

1. Handwashing

We’re putting handwashing as number one for a reason: it’s the number one way to prevent foodborne illnesses.

The problem is, while many people do wash their hands, most don’t take the time to wash their hands properly.

When you wash your hands, use a good amount of soap, and wash them under warm water. Warm water helps to kill bacteria, so this is very important.

And, make sure you are washing your hands for the right length of time. Washing your hands for just a few seconds is basically like not washing them at all.

To properly clean and disinfect your hands, you need to wash them for at least 20 seconds. A good rule of thumb is to sing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song twice while washing.

Also, you need to make sure you are washing your hands at the right times. Washing your hands after using the bathroom is obviously a must.

But, you should also wash your hands if they’ve been in contact with someone else’s bare skin, or really, any dirty surface.

And, most importantly, always wash your hands after handling raw meats.

2. Stay Out of the Danger Zone

In the food safety injury, there is something known as the ‘danger zone’.

The danger zone refers to foods that fall within a certain temperature, and are therefore not safe to eat.

The temperature range for the danger zone is 41 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Foods that fall at temperatures between these numbers are at a higher risk for growing bacteria that could make someone sick.

The longer a food sits in the danger zone, the greater chance there is for bacteria growth.

In order to keep foods out of the danger zones, you should be monitoring them with thermometers regularly.

This is especially important for those who have catering businesses or who run buffet lines, as these foods can be especially susceptible to neglect, and therefore, danger zone temperatures.

Keeping track of all these temperatures can feel like a lot. Luckily, there are food safety templates out there that can help you stay on top of everything.

3. Store Food Properly

Food storage is one aspect of food safety that is often overlooked.

When it comes to fruits and vegetables, you should always store them immediately after cutting them. As soon as a fruit or vegetable is cut open, it becomes more susceptible to environmental contaminants.

Placing fruits and veggies immediately in the fridge will help eliminate this concern.

Also, make sure you are storing food in the proper order.

Veggies and fruits should be on top, while meats and poultries should be on the bottom. This will prevent raw meats and poultries from dripping onto the fruits and veggies and contaminating them.

4. Cook to the Right Temps

Many people think that a food’s texture and color are enough to determine if it’s safe to eat.

However, this is not the case.

The only way to determine if a food is properly cooked is by testing it with a thermometer, making sure it is out of the danger zone.

When cooking eggs, you should always ensure that both the white and the yolk are firm. When cooking food in a microwave oven, make sure it is properly covered, and that you rotate and stir it for even cooking.

If you are reheating sauces, soups, or gravies, always bring them to a boil before reserving.

5. Chilling at the Right Temps

Just as you need to make sure you are cooking foods at the right temps, so too do you need to make sure you are chilling them at the right temps.

First things first, periodically check to make sure your chilled foods are always at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.

For meats, poultries, eggs, and seafood: refrigerate them within 2 hours of purchasing or cooking.

Also, many people thaw foods on the countertop, at room temperature. However, this is completely unsafe. You have three options for thawing foods:

1. In the microwave

2. In the fridge

3. In a pot of cold water

In order to ensure warm foods cool off quickly enough when storing, separate them into smaller portions and place them in shallow containers.

6. Rinsing Utensils

Rinsing your utensils is another important aspect of food safety that is often overlooked.

Cutting boards should be always be washed and sanitized after handling foods that are prone to bacteria, such as meats and poultries.

Also, if you can, opt for plastic cutting boards over wood ones. It’s much easier to wash bacteria out of a plastic cutting board than a wood one.

Knives also need to be washed periodically. Just like cutting boards, you should wash your knives after handling bacteria-friendly foods, like meats and poultries, and seafood.

7. Properly Address Food Allergies

Did you know that roughly 15 million Americans suffer from food allergies?

If you own a restaurant, there’s a high chance that you encounter someone with a food allergy on a weekly basis.

This means you need to be very diligent with training your staff in the right way to handle food allergies.

For example, if someone alerts you of an allergy as you’re about to serve them food, you cannot simply remove the food from the plate to fix the issue.

Foods can cause allergic reactions through anything they touch. This includes not only other foods, but also utensils, plates, and serving pans.

If someone has a food allergy, everything needs to be cooked and served using freshly washed supplies. This is the only way you can guarantee the allergen won’t come in contact with anything.

What is the Best Way to Prevent Food Safety?: Now You Know!

Now that you can answer the question, “What is the best way to prevent food safety?”, it’s time to put these tips to use.

As we discussed at the beginning of the article, food safety is a serious issue. Therefore, these tips aren’t really optional. You can learn more by taking classes offered by your states, which usually cost around $100 per person. It is usually required for each of your employees take these courses. If you need help covering the course costs, see if you can get a title loan with no title to get a secured loan to cover the business expense.

If you have questions about this article, be sure to drop us a comment below. Otherwise, be sure to check out our health section for more guidance on helping yourself and others lead a healthy life.

 

 

Dental Procedures

There are a number of reasons for people choosing to have dental implants and the attachment of dental prosthesis once their implants are secure enough for the second stage of the procedure, tooth decay or due to an injury being two of the main ones. The biologic process of osseointegration is the foundation for dental implants in the modern times. Osseointegration means the joining or bonding of materials like titanium to bone of the patient.

Once we have been given the green light by our dentist to move on to the next stage involving the addition of a dental prosthesis, we should start to think about dental implant after care. In fact, lots of people that have had this type of dental surgery will look on the internet for articles providing useful insight on how to take care of their new tooth or teeth when at home. Of course, by being prepared to find out more about the various aspects of dental implants and the attaching of a dental prosthesis, people with concerns about such surgery should be able to have a lot more peace of mind.

Long Lasting

Just like people hoping to keep their teeth for as long as possible will floss and clean them on a regular basis in order to achieve this common goal, those who have had dental prosthesis work should also do their best to take care of their new teeth. However, it must be said that the implants’ success or failure before we can even get to the dental prosthesis stage depends on the patient’s health, the drugs affecting the chances of osseointegration, and the health of the mouth tissues.

Brisbane-based people who get in touch with a Dentist Everton Park in order to enquire about the possibility of having much needed dental implant surgery carried out will talk to an empathic and highly-dedicated dental consultant before it is decided whether they are suitable for the surgery. Of course, once we have been accepted with our request for one or more dental implants, it would be smart to start asking about the sorts of things we need to do if we hope to have long lasting dental prosthesis.

Indeed, some of the more important aspects of dental implant after care can be seen below:

1. Rinse with salt water on a regular basis
2. Avoid irritating the implant
3. Do not take part in potentially risky activities
4. Keep an eye on bleeding and swelling
5. Be gentle when cleaning

Healing Time

Probably the most important thing to take into account after having dental implant surgery is giving the implant time to heal properly. Before the dental prosthetic – a tooth, denture or bridge – is fastened to the implant or an abutment is put in order to hold the prosthetic, there is an adjustable amount of healing time required for osseointegration.

Of course, in order to get back to smiling with confidence after having dental implant surgery and subsequent dental prosthetic work, we will need to make sure we take good care of our new teeth. The prosthetic can either be removable or fixed. If fixed, the person will not be able to remove the teeth or the denture from the mouth. If removable, the person can take the prosthetic off.

A sober coach is one of the best tools for staying sober. Read on to learn how a sober coach can help you stay on the path to a healthier life.

Many people have a difficult time dealing with the stresses of normal life after leaving rehab or recovering from addiction. Alcoholics Anonymous provides members with sponsors who help them stay sober.

Not everyone is afforded the luxury of a sponsor, though. It’s essential to have people in your life that understand how sobriety works and how difficult it can be to maintain. The unfortunate thing is that many people feel like they’re thrown to the wolves when they exit rehab.

This is where a sober coach can come into play.

Let’s take a look.

What is a Sober Coach and How Can They Help?

A sober coach, or a sober companion, is someone who can help you stay on track to being successfully sober. Hiring one will is sometimes a necessary step.

The thing that people don’t understand at first is that recovery is a life-long process, and different stages bring different challenges. Life’s larger stressors often trigger cravings. In fact, even the little things can be triggers.

Seeing an old drinking buddy or someone you used with, driving past an old apartment, or even hearing a song could trigger a craving. Those are things that are difficult to handle, and sometimes you need to call for help.

While sober coaches are sometimes associated with the rich and wealthy, there are people that will do the job for a reasonable wage.

Should You Get a Coach?

It’s up to you if you think you need a sober coach. Getting a sober coach is a relatively new idea, so not everyone knows that you even have the possibility to get one.

If you feel as though no one in your life understands you or your struggle to stay sober, that might be a good indication that you need a coach. While we shouldn’t blame anyone for not understanding sobriety, it does make living drug-free incredibly difficult when we don’t have people to relate to.

Not everyone knows the best way to help someone.

This is especially true if the people around you are drinking and using drugs. If someone around you, probably a counselor or parent, recommends a sober coach, you should certainly consider it.

If it isn’t you that’s experiencing addiction, learn ways to approach your loved one in a healthy way. Some approaches can actually serve to make the addiction worse.

What Will They Do for You?

A sober coach will be a person that you can call day or night for advice. They’ll recommend and push you to take on healthy habits that are conducive to recovery.

This person will also help to educate your family about ways that they can improve your recovery process. Family education is a central element to a successful road to sobriety. Ultimately, you’ll benefit from the fact that this person has been where you currently are.

Do What You Have to Do

Every person has a different experience trying to get sober. Some people will require a sober coach while others only need to spend time with family and friends.

Whether you or a loved one is experiencing addiction, it’s essential that you take immediate steps to improve the life of the person suffering. Visit our site for more information on when to start taking action.

 

Beauty may be more than skin deep, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t care about what’s on the surface. Read on for 5 ways to achieve better skin.

Good skin: we all want it, but it seems that so few of us have it.

The good news? You don’t have to spend half your paycheck on expensive creams, or spend every night with your face in an ice bath, to get the results you want.

In this post, we’ll tell you about three of the most basic tips for better skin that even the laziest among us can master (that go beyond just getting more sleep.)

Read on to learn how to look younger, enjoy clearer skin, and of course, finally get skin that’s soft to the touch.

1. Stop Over-washing

Especially if your skin is a letter less blemish-free than you’d like it to be?

It can sometimes be hard to resist the temptation to wash your face as much as possible. You exfoliate every day, use a cleansing brush or sponge, and you apply as much toner as is possible.

But the secret to better skin is to actually wash your face less?

We’re not suggesting that you fall asleep with your makeup on — just that you wash your skin less frequently.

This will help to preserve healthy oils on your skin, and will ensure that your skin doesn’t over-produce these oils because you’re stripping them away so quickly.

2. Invest in Professional Treatments and Products

If you’re serious about how to improve skin, then you need to get the right treatments and products to make it happen.

Look for face creams containing salicylic acid to help keep skin clear, and aim to buy retinoids when you want to keep skin looking young.

You should also make regular chemical peels and laser treatments a part of your routine. Sometimes, you just need a professional touch.

Consider a cool lifting treatment to firm things up and stimulate collagen production.

3. Keep Your Hands Off

We know: that whitehead in the middle of your forehead is just begging to be popped.

But before you become your own personal version of Doctor Pimple Popper, stop to consider one of the most important tips for better skin: resist the urge to pick.

This only pushes the gunk that’s clogging up your pores deeper into your skin (yes, even if it looks like stuff is coming out of it.) This will cause you to get another eruption right next to the zit you popped.

Also, think about all the stuff you touch during the day.

Do you really want that on your face? Touching it too much could be the reason behind those breakouts.

To master how to have better skin, keep your hands off.

Getting Better Skin Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

If you follow the three tips in this post, then we’re sure that the better skin you’ve always dreamed of is within reach.

Looking for more ways to love yourself more and live your best life?

Keep on checking back with our blog for more beauty advice, self-care tips, and even info about how to plan the perfect vacation.

After all, we know you want to show off your great skin!

 

Are you tired of sitting back and watching a loved one destroy themselves and everything around them? It’s time for a substance abuse intervention. Here’s how.

It’s scary to think about your loved one dealing with substance abuse. It’s even scarier to think about what might happen if you don’t address the issue.

About 21.5 million Americans struggle with substance abuse, which costs American society $200 billion in healthcare, criminal justice, and lost workplace productivity each year.

Substance abuse doesn’t have to be the story of your loved one’s life. We’re going through everything you need to know about staging a substance abuse intervention, from why you should do an intervention to the steps you need for a successful one.

Why Stage a Substance Abuse Intervention?

First things first: why should you stage an intervention?

Interventions are a helpful tool when friends and family have been unable to convince someone to seek support for substance abuse, especially if the individual is unwilling to accept that they have a problem.

It acts as a powerful way to convey a message from friends, family, and often a medical professional that someone needs help and their loved ones want to support them in seeking it.

What Happens in an Intervention?

The premise of an intervention is simple: the individual goes to a meeting with their loved ones, facilitated by an interventionist.

During this meeting, loved ones will read aloud a letter they wrote to the individual about how much they mean to the person, how their addiction has affected that person, and how they hope their relationship can proceed.

Signs You Need to Stage an Intervention

Admitting your loved one needs help is the first step towards getting them to admit that they need help. The key is to recognize problematic behaviors and know when to act.

This primarily has to do with recognizing the signs of addiction.

The specific signs of addiction can vary based on the drug of choice (opiate addiction is different than alcoholism, for example) but addictions do have a few commonalities. These include:

• significant behavioral changes
• significant physical changes
• ongoing deceptiveness

Behavioral changes can include mood swings, irritability, or sudden failure to meet daily responsibilities. Physical changes can include anything from unexplainable weight changes to changes in sleeping patterns to a neglect of personal hygiene.

10 Steps to Stage an Addiction Intervention

Now that you know why you should stage an intervention and what to look for as signs that your loved one needs an intervention, let’s talk about what you should do during an intervention.

Remember that the ultimate goal of a family intervention is to get your loved one to agree to treatment. Structure your intervention with that in mind.

If your loved one does need to receive professional treatment for addiction, you can learn more about options with Jacksonville Metro Treatment Center.

1. Choose Your Team with Care

Before you write any letters or set a tie, you need to choose the right team for the task.

This isn’t as easy as choosing any family members who are willing to volunteer. You need people who know, love and trust the addicted person. More importantly, you need people the addicted person is most likely to listen to.

People who have strained relationships with the person are not the people you want in the room, even if they’re a close family member. The point of an intervention isn’t to air grievances or mend fences.

You can engage the whole family in recovery once the addicted person agrees to treatment, but that comes after the intervention.

It’s also a good idea to have a professional interventionist in the room to act as an impartial third party and keep the intervention on track and on message.

2. Find the Right Time and Place to Talk

When we talk about the right time, we’re not necessarily talking about a time of day, though that’s also important.

The bigger point here is to talk to your loved one during a sober moment, or as close to sober as they usually get.

In general, talking to someone while impaired by drugs or alcohol isn’t a great idea, as anyone who’s ever tried to reason with a drunk person can tell you. Besides a lack of rational thinking, drugs tend to impair a person’s ability to reason, remember, and react calmly to something they don’t like.

As a rule, first thing in the morning is usually a safe bet.

You should also find the right place to hold an intervention. Many families try to do this at home, but the family home can actually be too comfortable, as the person could retreat to the bathroom or their bedroom.

Instead, a therapist’s office is a good place to hold an intervention, as people tend to be on their best behavior and they won’t form negative associations with the room.

3. Gather Information

Next, you need to do your homework.

Gather information about nearby treatment options, as well as information on the type of addiction your loved one struggles with. This will help you have an informed dialogue when the time comes.

4. Plan the Order of Talking and Rehearse

Once everyone has the required information and you know where the intervention will happen, you need to figure out the order of speakers.

The intervention ends when the person leaves or agrees to go to treatment. Allowing the right person to speak at the right moment can reach the desired goal much faster.

For example, if the addicted person has a loving relationship with a spouse or child, the child could speak first and the spouse could speak last. That way, the child is speaking when the person is likely most resistant and needs convincing, and the spouse can speak when the person is feeling most moved.

You also need to hold rehearsals, preferably several. An intervention isn’t a school–emotions run high, and you need the speakers to keep emotions in check for the person to be receptive to what they’re hearing.

5. Write a Script and Stick to It

You also need to write a script, usually a letter to the addicted person. This will be your script. Anything not in the letter shouldn’t be said during the intervention.

Write your script and go through it several times with the interventionist. You want to maintain a calm, loving, nonaccusatory tone that nonetheless expresses the hurt you feel in a way that encourages the person to seek help.

Once you have your script, stick with it, regardless of what you or the addicted person may be feeling. Surprise can make people uncomfortable, and that can lead to critical errors that make the whole thing fall apart.

6. Mind Your Body Language

Your body language should be like the language of your script. It should show your loved one that you want to talk and you want them to change.

Be careful to maintain open, warm body language throughout the intervention. Your arms and legs should be uncrossed, with your hands unclenched. Your shoulders should tilt towards the person you’re speaking to, and you should look at them when you talk to them.

7. Manage Your Expectations

Before, during, and after the intervention, it’s important to keep your expectations in check and realistic.

The person likely won’t do a complete 180 shift in their life after an intervention, and it’s unfair to be frustrated when they don’t. It’s also unfair to be frustrated if they’re unreceptive to what you’re saying, no matter how badly the person has hurt you.

Remember that TV interventions are usually successful because, well, they’re on TV. Even if the whole intervention goes as planned, there’s no guarantee that the person will accept help, acknowledge that they need it, or even stay through the entire intervention.

It’s important to manage your expectations, as this will help you keep your emotions in check.

8. Keep Tempers in Check

With that in mind, it’s vital that everyone involved in the intervention keeps their tempers and emotions in check throughout the entire process.

If someone is addicted, chances are they’ve hurt you, intentionally or otherwise. That’s not fair to you or the other members of your family. But you should address those issues in treatment, not during an intervention.

The angrier or more upset everyone gets, the less likely it is for the addicted person to agree to treatment. Resist the urge to lay blame, argue back, launch counterattacks, or make ultimatums. If the person tries to pick a fight, don’t rise to the bait.

If the person picks a fight and manages to change the subject, you’re suddenly arguing about your family issues instead of the problem at hand, and that isn’t productive.

9. Don’t Give Up

Finally, don’t give up on your loved one, no matter how frustrated you might be.

They may be resistant now, but they need you at this moment more than ever. They need to acknowledge that they have a problem, and they need your compassion in order to do so.

Some people commit to making a change after one conversation. Others take several tries. The key is to keep trying and not lose your patience.

Beyond Your Substance Abuse Intervention

A substance abuse intervention can be scary, but this is when your loved one needs you the most. If you want your loved one to make a change in their life, you need to give them the support and prompting to do it.

If you need more tips for living a healthier, drug-free life, check out our blog for more tips, like this post on what to do if you think your child is on drugs.

 

There is a set of specific risks that come with working in a refinery:

• Flammable and explosive substances;
• Falling materials or debris;
• Dangerous weather conditions;
• Equipment failure;
• Improper safety precautions employed by the company;

And these are only the elements that can cause immediate damage. Those working in a refinery can also be exposed to substances that can have lasting effects on their health. Respiratory issues caused by the low-air quality in a refinery, for instance, are common health problems. All these threats can result in injuries, leaving the workers to deal with a lengthy process of coping, recovering, and getting proper compensation for their injuries.

If you’ve been involved in such an incident, then you are most likely dreading the months to come. After all, it’s a bleak scenario most don’t want to think about until they are forced to:

• It affects your livelihood and your entire family;
• It can bring a long period of physical recovery;
• Medical bills and treatment can affect your finances;
• It can even force you to find a new job if the injuries are so severe that you are not cleared to work in the refinery again;

However, in the case of a refinery injury, it’s essential to gather yourself quickly, think of the next steps to take and make sure you minimize its effects as much as you can.

Take Immediate Care of Your Injuries

The first and most important step is to take care of yourself. Seek medical help right away, and inform your employer of your situation.

It’s possible to receive some medical care at the site of the accident, but you should also see a doctor of your choosing once your condition is stable. They can help assess your case and the severity of your injury, which will be useful when seeking compensation.

Seek Legal Counsel

If you’ve been the victim of a refinery accident, then it’s best to hire an attorney to represent your legal interests. Even if your employer offers insurance, a knowledgeable lawyer can help navigate your claims, avoid legal loopholes and get you fair compensation.

Trying to do this all by yourself would be a time-consuming and challenging process. After a refinery accident, your priority should be your health and well being, not trying to understand the complexity of compensation law, insurance policies, or other bureaucratic matters and problems that might arise along the way.

Hire an Experienced Lawyer

Your safest bet is to get the help of an attorney experienced in worker’s compensation cases, especially since this niche comes with a broad set of challenges. Do a bit of online research and look for law firms that have the right expertize to represent you. Some even offer free consultations, so you can set a meeting to discuss your case and see if you’re comfortable with them.

Don’t think that you can sit back and relax once you’ve hired a refinery accident lawyer. Ask to be kept in the loop and be updated regularly. Your attorney shouldn’t make any critical decision without you knowing.

Keep Detailed Accounts of the Events

While your lawyer’s job includes talking to witnesses and securing any documentation related to your accident, you could also take some precautions to speed this process.

For instance, you could create a list of witnesses and other incidents at the refinery. You could also collect all the medical bills you get for receiving treatment for the accident. Share everything with your attorney who will represent you in your worker’s compensation claim.

A Long Way to Go

The process of recovery and rehabilitation depends dramatically on the severity of your injury, though it’s unlikely you’ll be back to work very soon after an accident.

Employer negligence or not, having a professional handle your legal actions can improve your chances of winning a trial or receiving proper compensation. Your priority should always be focusing on your well being, not trying to figure out the legal system on your own.

Viagra isn’t the only way to give yourself a bit of a boost in the bedroom. We take a look at 5 natural alternatives to viagra that could be just what you need.

Let’s face it, sex is great. That basic truth holds up for most no matter who a person is or how old they are.

As a matter of fact, 88% of the people between the ages of 44-59 have sex on average 1-2 times a week! And a lot of that sex is being powered by or, at very least, getting a boost from good old Viagra.

But what if you can’t take the little blue pill for health reasons? What if you’re just against the ingestion of synthetic performance enhancers? Are you doomed?

Nope!

There are actually many natural alternatives to Viagra that you can explore, 5 of which we share with you below!

1. Panax Ginseng

If you’re looking for a natural herbal alternative to Viagra look no further than Panax Ginseng. Panax Ginseng is a staple in Chinese medicine for dealing with erectile dysfunction. What’s even better is that it has a mountain of solid data behind it that says it works!

This natural Viagra alternative performs best for people who have high lipids in their blood or for those who have metabolic syndrome. It can also improve the overall blood flow in your body and help with other diseases.

2. DHEA

Dehydroepiandrosterone (say that 5 times fast) is a naturally occurring hormone within your body. It’s produced by your adrenal glands and helps support healthy production of testosterone in men.

Studies show that men with ED have low levels of DHEA so supplementing more into your diet could help crush your ED woes!

3. Rhodiola Rosea

A study conducted in 2002 found that 26 out of 35 men saw improvement with their ED after taking Rhodiola Rosea for three months. The people who benefited from this study also saw improvement in the way of reduced fatigue and more energy during the day.

Studies are still being conducted on Rhodiola Rosea but early results look promising!

4. Acupuncture

Acupuncture has mixed reviews about its helpfulness as a natural alternative to Viagra solution. Still, those who feel that it has helped them swear by its effectiveness.

In a study conducted in the late ’90s, 39% of participants found that acupuncture helped with their sexual performance. A later 2003 study found that 21% benefited.

While those numbers don’t inspire infinite confidence, acupuncture is a very low-risk procedure and is consequently, worth trying.

5. Yohimbe

This one is a little bit of a fringe suggestion when it comes to Viagra alternatives because there are a fair amount of critics regarding Yohimbe’s effectiveness. Still, some studies have shown that ingestion of it can boost sexual performance.

Yohimbe is essentially bark that’s extracted from African Yohimbe trees.

Be sure to talk to your doctor before trying this solution.

For more delicious indigestible alternatives for ED, discover more of your options!

Wrapping Up Natural Alternatives to Viagra

There you have it! Five natural alternatives to Viagra that can get you off the little blue pill and confidently into the bedroom.

For more of the best online tips on health, lifestyles and more, check out more of our excellent content on We Are Augustines today!

 

Have you ever had a throbbing headache? You will feel like the whole world is crashing on you. The pain can be so destabilizing and uncomfortable. Productivity will certainly reduce. However, several factors are responsible for this condition. But whatever they are, know that you can always deal with headaches. It’s just like finding the best mypaper helper. When you know the right thing to do, your sore head won’t trouble you for long. Check out these five steps to combat headaches.

1. Be physically active

Exercise has numerous benefits, and one of them is to relieve headaches. Blood circulation tends to increase when you exercise even for a few minutes. It can also help to ease you of a tension headache. Exercises can also help the whole body to relax properly.

You can perform any exercise. Even if you sweat a little, you will still enjoy the benefits. But if you have a headache, try to take things slowly when you move your body.

2. Don’t strain those eyes

Most jobs require staring at a computer for long hours. If this sounds like something you are into, know that a headache might result from this action. Staring at a mobile device for long eyes can also cause this problem. It’s a sign of stress that you can address. It could also be something else.

To avoid having a sore head in this kind of situation, learn to take frequent breaks when working. You can also adjust the brightness of your screen, so you don’t get to strain your eyes.

However, if you already have a headache, then its best you stay away from the computer for the rest of the day, or until your condition improves. Forcing yourself to work may even worsen the situation.

3. Avoid chewing

If you are trying to deal with a headache, then avoid chewing. Irrespective of the item, understand that chewing can hurt your jaw and head the more. Avoid chewing gums, fingernails, lips or even the inside of your cheek or any object such as a pen.

What about food? Yes, food is also essential. Avoid any sticky or crunchy foods too. Even if you have to eat them, you should not consume too much.

4. Have a good rest

Most times, headaches come as a warning sign. It could be a sign of hunger or that you are overworking yourself. When you are hungry, your body will alert you that you are running out of supplies. A headache is also one of the signals. Besides hunger, stress is also a common factor that gives rise to a headache. It’s a sign for you to slow down and have a break.

The advice here is to relax when you notice a headache forming. Take your mind off whatever you are doing at this moment. And if possible, close your eyes for some minutes or hours. And sleep in a well-ventilated and quiet dark room for a couple of minutes.

5. Go for a gentle massage

Massage is still another way to deal with a headache effectively, although many consider it to be an old-fashion. The gentle pressure applied to one’s temple can help relieve pain. Even if the person massaging you doesn’t have much experience, know that any form of rubdown might still contribute.

This process doesn’t need to last for hours. Understand that 30 minutes is enough to improve your psychological state and reduce stress. And, like searching for essay help online, you can check for the different styles and areas to message, so you can advise the individual assisting you.

Conclusion

Many things can cause headaches. It could be a clear sign of an impending sickness, hunger or something else. However, most headaches are stress related. But you can deal with all of them by taking the right steps. A good rest, exercise or massage can help you overcome the situation.

Do you experience abdominal pain some few hours after eating a meal? Stomach ulcers could cause this.  Statistics reveal that about 5 million of the American population live with this disease. Ulcers can be found in the duodenum, stomach or esophagus.

Many of us assume that all forms of ulcers come from stress or acidic food. Doctors differ with this saying that a lot of ulcers come from a bacterial infection. Acids in the stomach can also lead to ulcers since they can destroy the digestive tract lining. This occurs in people whose bodies produce excess acid. These are only some of the causes of ulcers. Today, we aim at helping you manage ulcers caused by different factors by discussing the symptoms and coping strategies.

What are the signs that you have stomach ulcers?

This disease comes with a burning sensation that often occurs after eating. Some people bloat after meals while others have stomach cramping. It is possible to vomit or experience nausea from ulcers. The stool may get dark, or you may suffer from diarrhea.

Some people lose weight due to the loss of appetite while others have difficulties sleeping because of stomach pains. You may also experience heartburns or dehydration. Fatigue and weakness are also possible symptoms of ulcers.

How to cope with ulcers

Seek medical treatment

Ulcers are painful, and they can threaten your life. The best option you have is to seek medical help to identify the cause of the condition. Apart from the bacteria we mentioned above, ulcers can also come from autoimmune disorders. Some of these include ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. A doctor can diagnose the symptoms you are facing to determine the right form of treatment.

Use antibiotics

Ulcers that is caused by bacterial infection is controlled through the use of antibiotics. These destroy the bacteria in the body so that it can stop affecting the lining of the digestive tract. You can also take proton pump inhibitors which control how much acid is produced in the stomach. Inhibitors such as lansoprazole and omeprazole can heal ulcers.

You can also take antacids

This is another form of medication which neutralize stomach acids. Antacids act as pain relievers since they can minimize the symptoms of ulcers. Some of them also contain alginate medicine which generates a coating that protects the stomach lining from acids.

Maintain a journal

You can monitor the intensity of pain caused by ulcers using a pain journal. Write down the foods that you take as well as your daily activities. Use the journal to track any common patterns that trigger the pain. It can help you know which activities aggravate it.

Do not overeat

Your meal portions can affect the symptoms either positively or negatively. Taking a lot of food makes your stomach work twice as hard to digest it all. This leads to high production of stomach acid. Use small plates to maintain small portions that do not affect your stomach’s activities. Do not continue eating when you feel full. Take a lot of water to help in the digestion and minimize any pain.

Eat the right foods

Look for foods that are rich in flavonoids since these are known to contain healing properties. Flavonoids also provide your stomach lining with a coating to prevent it from getting destroyed by the acid. You can get flavonoids from some fruits and vegetables such as apples and broccoli. Do not take citrus fruits since they can cause stomach irritation.

You can also look for foods which have polyphenols. These act as antioxidants to prevent the abdomen from ulcers. They can also cure ulcers. Such foods include dark chocolate, dried rosemary, and black olives.

Your sensitive stomach does not need acidic or greasy foods. Such only trigger the production of the high amount of acid in the stomach and aggravate the condition. Fried foods contain a lot of fat that can cause discomfort and pain.

Not all drinks are safe for ulcers. Some can lead to pain due to increased acid in the stomach. Stay away from sugary beverages and carbonated drinks. You should also minimize your intake of caffeine and citrus drinks since they extend the healing process.

Avoid alcohol and drugs

Alcohol has harmful contents that can worsen ulcers since it encourages bacterial infection that destroys the lining of your digestive system. Visit alcohol rehab today if you are struggling with the use of alcohol and break the cycle safely.

Smoking other drugs are also unhealthy when you have ulcers. It makes your body produce more acid than it should release. It can also cause a peptic ulcer to people who carry H.pylori bacteria. Quitting this habit will keep your body organs safe from diseases and minimize symptoms of infections.

Reduce stress

Whether the cause of your ulcers is stress or not, you need to manage these levels. The connection between the gut and the brain is strong, and stress can affect your digestion. Therefore, practice yoga or meditation as you increase your physical activities. Deep breathing exercises will give you a calming effect to regulate the production of acids in your body.

Take probiotics

Probiotics are also an effective treatment for healing ulcers. They contain living yeast and bacteria that your digestive system needs to function appropriately. They also destroy the H.pylori bacteria that causes ulcers. You can get probiotics from yogurt, Miso, Buttermilk or supplements.

Avoid taking NSAID drugs

This is also another cause of stomach ulcers. Studies reveal that people who take this pain relievers daily are at high risk of developing ulcers. Drugs such as ibuprofen used to relieve pain and treat fever are forms of NSAID. They interfere with the digestive system by lowering the production of enzymes in the stomach. Your body needs these enzymes to protect the lining of the stomach from acid.

Final thoughts

The techniques above can help you treat stomach ulcers without the need of undergoing surgery. It starts with improving your immunity and maintaining proper nutrition. A healthy lifestyle is also crucial in controlling ulcers.

A bit of teenage trouble is expected, but when you think your child is experimenting with drugs, it’s time to get serious. Here’s how to deal with it.

Nearly 50 percent of all teenagers have tried drugs at some point in their lives.

That’s a scary percentage, and it’s even scarier when your kid becomes a part of that number. Teenage trouble with drugs is serious, and it’s something you’ll want to address as soon as you suspect it.

But how are you supposed to do that?

Take a look at this guide to learn what you should do if you think your teenager is taking drugs.

Signs Your Teen Might Have a Drug Problem

You might be able to spot the signs of a substance abuse problem before you find any concrete evidence to support them, read more here. Don’t ignore these signs. If you suspect your teenager is struggling with drugs or alcohol, you should get them help as soon as possible.

If you aren’t sure what to look for, keep an eye out for changes in appearance and behavior.

Changes in Appearance

Changes in appearance vary depending on what substance your teenager is using. But if you notice any of the following warning signs with your teen, they could be good indications your teen is using drugs.

Here’s a quick list of things to watch out for:

• Flushed cheeks
• Red eyes
• Sweating
• Slurred speech
• Poor personal hygiene
• Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants all the time, even when it’s hot
• Uncontrollable shakes
• Running noses, even if they aren’t sick
• Nosebleeds
• Bruises or other wounds they can’t explain
• Track marks
• Weird, unfamiliar smell on their clothes or breath
• Frequent licking of the lips

These changes might also be harder to spot than they seem. Your child might chew mint gum or eat breath mints to cover up scents. They can also cover physical signs with clothing and makeup.

Changes in Habit

Your teenager might not show any interest in their normal hobbies or activities. They might spend more time by themselves, stay out later at night, or hang out with a new group of friends.

These changes can be hard to pinpoint or connect with drug abuse. If your teen has a drastic change in habits or personality at the same time, you might want to consider drugs or alcohol as a possible root.

Secretive Behavior

Some of these secretive behaviors might include locking the bedroom door, sneaking out at night, not telling you where they’re going, staying away from the house for long periods of time, or missing classes at school.

Because their drug habit is expensive, some teenagers steal to sustain it. You might notice your teen becoming more withdrawn and avoiding direct eye contact with you.

Other Signs

In some cases, you might find the drugs or alcohol. Other times, you have to look for smaller clues. If the car your teen drives comes home with unexplainable dents, they might be driving while under the influence.

Another sign of drug use is finding containers or another packaging inside the home you don’t recognize. Many teens also take their family members prescription drugs.

Know How to React to Teenage Trouble with Drugs

Your first natural reaction to learning your teenager is taking drugs or drinking alcohol might be anger. But don’t get aggressive with your teenager. Yelling at them or trying to punish them doesn’t do much to help the problem.

Getting angry with your child might cause their drug problem to get worse. They might respond by becoming more rebellious or turn to the drugs if they believe you’re upset with them.

This doesn’t mean you can’t be angry.

You can and should be stern. Stay away from explosive behaviors that might drive your child away. Focus on showing how you support them instead.

Have a Talk with Your Teenager

If you suspect your child is struggling with substance abuse, you should sit down and have a talk with them. This can give you more information on how to help them and give them a way out. Some teenagers want help but don’t know how to ask for it.

Make sure the place you talk is quite. Don’t pick a public location that is full of distractions. Try to catch your teenager when they’re calm and in a good mood.

Wait Until Your Teenager is Lucid

This might sound obvious, but many parents attempt to have a conversation with their teenagers when they’re high or drunk. This won’t accomplish anything. Always wait until your child is lucid so they understand the importance and seriousness of the conversation.

Be Direct

You want to confront your teenager, but you should do it in a calm and loving way. If you’re yelling and threatening to punish them, there’s a good chance they won’t open up to you.

The teenager might try to downplay the problem. They might deny using drugs or say they only use them every once in a while. At this time you can explain that you don’t want them using drugs at all.

It’s okay to put consequences to their behavior. But makes sure you stay calm while doing so.

Ask Open-Ended Questions

Teenagers tend to tell you more about their drug use if you ask open-ended questions. These questions might include, “Can you tell me more?” or “How can I help you?”

It’s important to remain non-judgemental. You can also ask them what they think you should do about their drug use.

Show Your Support, Don’t Punish Them

While their behavior should have consequences, normal punishments aren’t going to work. Grounding your teenager or taking their phone away isn’t going to make them stop using drugs or drinking alcohol.

While you’re talking with them, make sure you show them how much you love them and how you’re there to support them. If they’re honest about their drug use, let them know you’re thankful for what they’ve told you.

Get Your Child into Treatment

It’s important to get your teenager the proper treatment as soon as possible. Talking with a therapist or taking them to a rehabilitation facility will help them on their road to recovery.

Be firm about your choice to get them help. If they’re underage, the choice isn’t up to them. Don’t let them control it. When you’re dealing with teenage trouble over 18, you can leverage things like financial help and living situations to persuade them into treatment as well.

Looking for the right treatment facility for your teenager? Here are five good reasons to consider a Christian rehab center.