Wonderful Wellness: Easy Ways To Improve The Body And Mind

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How often have you said to yourself, “I’ll start a diet tomorrow” or “tomorrow I’m going to start exercising? Too often we think we can change our habits at the drop of a hat, or because we are feeling motivated that week. Then we find that the weight isn’t shifting or our end goal feels far away, it can result in self-sabotage- gaining weight and feeling lower than ever. None of the big changes with our longstanding habits can be done quickly, what is needed is a lifestyle change, and often that can seem overwhelming. For best results we need to change slowly, we grow into them so to speak. However, with a little bit of planning and some behavior changes, you genuinely can put yourself on the road to success. The Nutrition Insider has some great tips and ideas for you to consider.  And this article has just a few to get you started.

Keep Fit 

With busy lifestyles, just about all of us can find it hard to find the time to exercise. For this reason, finding ways to fit activity into our daily lives is the way to go. One of the best ways to tone up, burn calories and get the cardiovascular system going is walking, Making the choice to go for a good walk each day contributes to your weekly exercise and your fitness levels will soon improve. Walking is safer than jogging or running as it puts less strain on the joints, and is generally more enjoyable as it doesn’t feel like a slog. Choose your route, and walk each day with the intention you are going to enjoy it. It’s amazing how much more we notice when we are not rushing to get somewhere, but are walking for fitness. Take time to enjoy nature around you, the trees and the sky, the birds singing and you will find that it really is a pleasurable way to exercise. If you need more of a workout, pick up the pace or take a route which has hills- be sure to take plenty of water with you to keep you hydrated. The best thing about walking is it’s free, anyone can do it with no special equipment. And it’s easy to fit into your routine, give yourself a little extra time and walk to work, the shops or to friends instead of hopping in the car. Swimming is another low impact and enjoyable activity and is also very good for working out without putting pressure on the joints. A few lengths of breaststroke and you are using all your muscle groups, burning calories and toning at the same time. Many swimmers can feel very hungry after doing a few laps of the pool, so it’s advisable to take a healthy packed lunch with you to eat afterward- that way you won’t be tempted to dine at the first fast food place you pass on the way home! These activities do not follow a regimented plan like a gym workout which makes them more enjoyable, and if done on a regular basis will genuinely do you so much good. 

Eat Well

Most people tend to throw themselves into low fat and low-calorie diets when trying to shift excess weight, but more and more research is pointing to keto style diets being more effective. 

This is where you reduce the number of carbohydrates you eat, replacing them with moderate amounts of protein and healthy fats. Modern keto diets are different from the old style Atkins which you may be familiar with, you can enjoy many more vegetables and even many low carb fruits. It can be a healthy balanced way to eat and your body will be burning its own fat supplies as fuel, you will lose body weight more quickly without feeling hungry. For vegetarians and vegans, there are many enjoyable dishes which are healthy and will keep you feeling satisfied. Look online to find tasty new recipes and have fun learning to cook them for yourself. Reducing saturated fat in your diet is very beneficial as the cholesterol levels will drop reducing the risk of heart disease- simple swaps like using olive oil instead of vegetable oil, for example are good ways to do this. For the all-around eater who likes a bit of everything, portion control, and exercising is the key. By choosing fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds and reducing your saturated fats and salt you are onto a winner. Depriving yourself through a strict diet (unless for serious health reasons) will have you constantly thinking about food, often you give up because you feel so hungry and find yourself raiding the fridge usually opting for the most unhealthy thing in there because it seems so long since you tasted anything good. Feed your body healthy food every day to stop feeling hungry, and sometimes a little bit of a treat will keep you happy and fulfilled, just don’t overdo it. Take lots of walks, think about healthier food choices with correct portion sizes and your body and mind will thank you for it.

Healthy Mind

When it comes to health there is more to it than our physical body. True well-being involves taking care of the mind too. One way to do that is by getting back into education or taking a course.Studying is a good way to achieve goals and can boost mental health and give us a sense of accomplishment. One good way to study is online as fits around your life and is a flexible way to educated. There are hundreds of online colleges that offer accredited qualifications, so whether you want to study for a BSN to masters in nursing online or get a degree in engineering, a diploma in marketing or any kind of certification then you’re able to do so. Whether you already have a degree or qualification and want to take it further or you’re a newbie to higher education there’s something out there for you. Other ways to improve your mental health is to get enough sleep, it’s easier said than done but prioritise your sleep and organise your day so that you’re not working and busy until late at night. Spending time socialising with friends is also good for the soul, sometimes laughter and good conversation really is the best medicine. 

What kinds of things do you do regularly to boost your wellness?

How To Best Avoid Falling Into Illness

Of course, while we can improve our health in several ways, we cannot always dictate just how and when we might experience an illness. Bacteria is all around us, and sometimes our immune system comes under attack. Some people have strong immune systems, and may just be able to brush off a particularly bad flu in a few days. For some, it might take weeks.

To a large extent, we also cannot completely control our percentage chance of contracting a certain specific illness, due to genetic markers, and your contextual lifestyle. For example, methods such as exercise can help reduce your chances of heart trouble, but if there’s a history of heart trouble in your family, the danger is still there. For that reason, learning how best to avoid becoming ill is not something that can be applied to everyone, and it will never work one hundred percent of the time. They say death and taxes are eternal and inevitable, but so is having to experience some form of illness throughout your life. However, with the following worthwhile efforts, you can slow this descent to feeling terrible, and protect yourself against the most common spreadable or developmental illnesses around:

Practice High Standards Of Hygiene

Practical medicine has evolved to such a degree that we can truly marvel at the possibility of care we can receive. However, some medical breakthroughs are as fundamental as anything else, and will never be upgraded or lose their potency. Hygiene is almost single handedly the most important form of health maintenance you could ever practice, especially when out in public. While most of us consider ourselves to have excellent levels of hygiene, and would often take offense at someone teaching us how to ‘stay clean,’ it can often be that we aren’t practicing it as well as we might imagine.

For example, let’s say we go to the gym. We know that this is a hotbed of bacteria. People are sweating, touching equipment, wiping their brow, sneezing into tissues, coughing on the treadmill from time to time etcetera. We know that some equipment might not be wiped down for some time. However, we put headphones in our ears after touching equipment. We might use the shower facilities without thinking about what sort of feet touched the cubicle basin. We handle our bottle of water in the midst of our exercise. This can all spread germs, not to mention just how in-contact with others we might be when working out.

All of this can contribute to us gaining an illness of some kind, or spreading around a viral infection we might have. In this context, washing your hands thoroughly, bringing small anti-bacterial wipes to slightly clean the surface of the equipment you’re handling (gym staff will appreciate this provided it’s not overboard,) and ensuring that you practice comforting personal space can all help you practice higher standards of hygiene. The gym is a pertinent example because it’s a place we go to improve our health, and so we might ignore just how our health can come under attack. Depending on your job, such as public facing roles, or working with children, you might even need to adopt more measures to keeping yourself protected. If you can do this, you will find your chances of gaining or spreading an illness to be lowered, if not completely, at least in a worthwhile sense.

Get Enough Sleep

It’s quite amazing to see just how necessary sleep is to our everyday lives. Just as going without nine square meals can cause anyone to become a much more primitive version of themselves (a fact often repeated in survival television programmes,) going without sleep for even one day will have massive effects on the brain and body. In fact, being sleep deprived to a point can start resembling similar levels of reduced reactivity we would expect from someone who is intoxicated. It doesn’t take long for our mental health to start slipping from this point on.

But getting enough sleep is not only essential for your mind – it’s essential for your body. Your immune system is functioning at its peak when you’re asleep, and your body slowly begins to repair itself. If you do not have this, it can be much easier to contract bugs and illnesses you might have otherwise shrugged off. Cold and flu symptoms become much easier to contract, and worse.

This is why treating sleep as something sacred is essential. Corporate working culture can somehow make us celebrate a lack of true sleep as an ‘achievement’ of some kind, when in reality, this perspective is warped. Going without sleep makes you no more of a hero than someone who manages to take care of themselves each night, and over time, those results will show. Instead, learning what’s right for you is important. Learn how to calculate your sleep and you’ll be able to see how your current schedule is helping or hindering your approach.

On top of these things, it’s essential for you to be consider your sleep hygiene. Regularly change your bedsheets. Go to bed in a ventilated environment. Try to limit the noise pollution nearby, or use memory foam earplugs to drown out the noise. Ensure your right temperature. And give yourself time before bed to unwind, such as reading a book for 15-30 minutes. If you can follow this procedure and keep the same hours each night, you will find yourself feeling much healthier and comfortable in your daily life – because you will have been well rested.

Eat Right

A poor diet can also negatively detract from your ability to fend off illnesses. This is because your body needs nutrients in order to function properly. It can be that eating well and also supplementing with essential vitamins and minerals can help you gain the strongest defense. Ensure you’re getting your RDA of Vitamin C, D and E. Zinc supplements can also help your immune system like no other. If you feel as though you’re losing out on your mineral intake, you might consider using Fulvic Acid to replace those lost through your food consumption.

But remember, none of this is a substitute for a diet comprising of many food groups in their right balance, of eating your caloric needs and consuming many leafy green vegetables. On top of that, ensure that you’re drinking enough water. This is where many people fail to uphold their needs. Ideally, an adult person should drink 2L-3L minimum of water a day to stay healthy. This might be more if regularly enjoying exercise or if suffering from an illness that is causing lost fluids. Eating right, especially when ill, can be a difficult process. But if you meal plan effectively, learn to cook healthy, simple meals and give yourself enough time to enjoy the process, you’ll be much more able to build the defense system your body needs.

Report Said Illness

Of course, many of us fail to visit the Doctor because we feel bad for bothering them over something small. But it could be that our symptoms are lasting for longer than we think, or that something difficult is returning again. Sometimes, the best way to prevent an illness is to catch it before it becomes really bad. This means educating yourself online based on your symptoms, using symptom checker tools, and inspecting how you feel might help put you in touch with the right medication you need. For example, an ear infection could become much worse if left unattended or without the right medical application. This is just one small example, but it goes to show how just sometimes, it’s worth mentioning your worries.

Get Vaccinated

Each year, a flu shot can be a wise thing to get. But of course, it’s important to become vaccinated for other illnesses as well. Some are mandatory, some are not-so-much. However, what’s worrying is how anti-vaccination sentiments have started to once again grow cases of smallpox, when in reality, this should have been completely stamped out. Vaccinations for you and your children are essential, and while this is blindingly obvious and slightly patronizing, keeping that ideal can prevent toxic sentiments such as those described from spreading further.

Quit Your Vices

Smoking, drinking, staying up late, living a sedentary lifestyle, eating too much sugar or trans fats can all contribute to your immune system being weakened. Take drinking, for example. Not only is alcohol bad for your organs, but it dehydrates you. Not only that, but you’re more likely to engage in unaware unhygienic behavior when drunk. Next, you’re going to lack the correct REM sleep needed to heal and repair appropriately. On top of that, you’re likely to binge on junk food the next day as you try to soothe your headache and satisfy the nutrients your body is aching for. Over time, this can prove a worrying circumstance, especially if it happens regularly. This is why curbing your vices is one of the best practices you can engage in to prevent regular illness.

With this advice, you’re sure to best avoid falling into illness.

How Weight Training Increases Bone Density

As we get older, we lose bone density. If this happens, we become more susceptible to diseases such as osteoporosis. However, the good news is that weight training can help to increase bone density. Why is this? Take a look to learn more.

What is ‘bone density’?

In a nutshell, ‘bone density’ refers to how healthy your bones are. Bone is made up of collagen and calcium. During our childhood and teenage years, our bones are being added to in order to make them stronger. Old bone is not removed as much as new bone is formed. It is said that in these years, our bone are the strongest.

However, after the age of 30 there is not that much new bone formation. However, old bone is removed and if the rate at which the old bone is removed is faster than the rate at which new bone is formed, you’ll be more at risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures.

How weight training helps to increase bone density

The good news is that you can do something right now to help to increase bone density – and that is through becoming fit and exercise.

Expert personal trainers have put down three biological factors, in exercise, that help to increase bone density. These are:

· The degree of the muscle strain an exercise exerts,

· The rate at which this muscle strain occurs, and

· The frequency at which this muscle strain happens.

By far, one of the best exercises to help with increasing bone density is weight training. This is because it incorporates all of the above three factors. In particular, the force exerted on the muscle helps to stimulate bone growth. It can also help to tone you up more effectively when losing weight, and since a tummy tuck is a serious procedure, this is good news too.

What weight training exercises are the best for bone density?

Possibly some of the best exercises to promote the increase of bone density are push-ups and squats. You can add in a free weight, such as a pair of dumbbells or barbells, to make this exercise more challenging.

There are a couple of dos and don’t when it comes to doing the squat properly. For example, when most people try to squat, their knees protrude far too much over their toes. Their bum goes straight down and their heels come off the floor. This happens because proper squat technique requires some hip flexibility, proper balance and a hip hinge.

Each time you squat, hinge your hips so that your glutes move backwards during the downward phaseof the squat. You knees will no longer protrude over your toes but if you are tall, this may happen but make sure that it does not put pressure on your knees. Finally the pressure of the squat will be on your heels instead of your toes and you will be able to get more depth to your squat.

Another major mistake that people make when they squat is rounding their necks or looking down at the ground. The spinal alignment is automatically thrown off which makes the squat a very dangerous exercise especially is you are using a lot of weight.

A key theme with the squat is to make sure your spine is in proper alignment. By keeping your shoulders back and your chest out your lower back will most likely have the correct natural curve. If you round your shoulders back and your chest out, your lower back will most likely have the correct natural curve. If you instead round your shoulders and sink your chest in, your spinal alignment will be thrown off.

Hyperextending your lower back by arching too much or rounding your back can put significant pressure on the intervertebral discs which are soft gel-like cushions that protect each vertebra. If the disc ruptures because of too much pressure a portion of the spinal disc pushes outside its normal boundary. This is called a herniated disc and may require surgery.

In this article, we’ve given a couple of pointers about how to do the squat which is an excellent exercise for increasing bone density and improving fitness. There are loads more exercises out there that you can do to help you with improving your bone health. You just need to find one which you enjoy and works for you!

How All On Four Dental Implant Can Be Beneficial?

Teeth are an important part of our body right from chewing the food to giving a close-up smile. These days in the technological world and because of the medical enhancement you can implant your damaged permanent teeth with an artificial one giving you the natural look along with myriad benefits. You can get all on 4 dental implants for every kind of your teeth, all within a day.

Dental implants, teeth whitening, and any other dental procedure that aims to give you a better appearance are known as cosmetic dentistry. Having a top cosmetic dentist in your team could make the difference between having a glowing smile and the contrary. 

Most general dentists can perform cosmetic dentistry, but to get the best results and avoid any complications, a cosmetic dentist is a suitable option. 

Due to the care-free attitude most people live with about their oral health, problematic issues such as bad breath, teeth decay, and teeth loss might go untreated. Don’t excuse your lack of dental care for your busy life because most if not all dental issues have an available medical solution that will prevent damage. 

Teeth loss can be costly to remedy. Teeth implants are expensive, and although the type of implant required depends on an individual, you can avoid it through dental health care practices at home and visiting the dentist’s office.

In the hustle and bustle of today’s life, people have failed to lead a healthy lifestyle because of which about 35 million Americans lost their teeth. The advancements in Implant dentistry is no less than a boon for such people. The total tooth replacement has proved to be the finest and the perfect cost saving option known as All-on-four Implant.

As the Implant is carried out by professional and proficient dentists because of which it’s hard to find the difference between the natural tooth and the one having all on 4 dental implants.

About All-On-Four– The, all on four is a dental implant technique which can substitute all your natural teeth on the upper and the lower jaw only with 4 dental implants.

Because of such attributes, here we are providing some advantages of all-on-four dental Implant which can prove beneficial for the people grappling with the dental issues.

Permanent Teeth

Even if you lost your permanent natural teeth then replacing it with an all-on-four dental implant can also give you the teeth which last forever.

Pretend like Natural Teeth

The teeth replaced in the four-in-one dental implant looks the same as the natural teeth. Even people cannot differentiate between the original and the artificial teeth once the implant is done by an expert dentist.

Cleaned Easily

The implanted teeth can also be brushed and cleaned properly just like a natural tooth.

No Need to Take Out

While cleaning or performing any other task, it is not required to take off your teeth. So it’s better not to take out. Keep it like a natural one only.

Fixative is not required

The implanted artificial teeth do not need any fixative to put and fix in the right place.

No Need to Press down the gums

There’s any need to press down the implanted gums to keep it at a comfortable position.

Enables you to feel the food’s temperature and taste

The all-in-four dental implant not only looks natural but also functions the same. It can also experience different tastes of food including sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy and whether the food is hot or cold.

Enables you to bite hard and strongly

Just like your natural teeth, you can bite any food hardly and strongly so that can eat your favorites including the one with a hard covering and need a forceful bite.

Helps in facial restoration

Because of losing all the teeth people in old age lose the facial grace which can now be corrected and restored with the help on an all-in-one dental implant.

Restrict bones from getting deteriorated

As the artificial implanted teeth do not need calcium from your body because of which there’s no chance for the deterioration of your bones.

So if you’re grappling with any dental issue then consult your dentist and get the all-in-four dental implant to live a hale and hearty life.

Tips for Good Daily Oral Hygiene

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #DoMoreForYourWholeMouth #ColgatePartner #CollectiveBias ad

As a teenager I didn’t always take care of my teeth, and it resulted in cavities, pain, and a lot of extra dental work (not to mention, some high dental bills).  Like a lot of people, once I became an adult dental hygiene became a priority to me, and now I’m a mom this is even more true! Not only do I want to work harder to avoid those extra dental procedure, but I wish to set a good example for my son.  Today I’m going to share some tips for a good daily oral hygiene routine, which includes using Colgate TotalSF Advanced Whitening Toothpaste.

Hover over the above image to shop for great products for your oral health.

Brushing Properly

Obviously it is very important to brush your teeth twice a day.  I generally brush my teeth in the morning and right before bedtime, but if you can brush immediately after meals or after eating sweet or acidic foods that is a good idea.

You should also be sure you are brushing all areas of your mouth, including the front and back of teeth, along your gum line, the inside of your cheeks, and tongue.

It is also important that you brush for 2 minutes each time you brush.  Try looking at the clock when you start or finish.

Other Brushing Tips

You can also hum a tune or sing a song in your head to keep time and to help the time pass as you brush.  I do this a lot!  And it is very helpful.  I also sing when I’m brushing my son’s teeth; it entertains him and ensures that I brush his teeth for a proper amount of time.  (For him, we usually sing, “This is the way we brush our teeth.” But for myself any tune will do.)

Speaking of kids, I also make it a point to brush once a day with an “audience.”  My son is like my shadow, and he thinks it is funny to see Mommy brush her teeth, so in the mornings he’s usually there to watch.  It is a great way for me to set a good example and it keeps me on task.

Choosing the Right Toothpaste

I’ve always loved the Colgate brand, and I am very excited about new Colgate TotalSF.  It contains stannous fluoride as a new ingredient for a whole mouth clean, protecting your teeth, tongue, cheeks, and gums. The formula helps prevent plaque, gingivitis, bad breath and tartar build-up, and it has several important benefits that I look for in a toothpaste:

  • Sensitivity relief
  • Enamel protection
  • Breath freshening
  • Whitening
  • Fights Tartar
  • Cavity prevention
  • Helps Prevent Plaque
  • Protection against Gingivitis

I’m especially happy about the benefits for sensitivity, enamel and breath.  I deal with teeth sensitivity on an almost daily basis, so this is a MUST HAVE feature. Since I’m concerned with cavities and tooth loss, enamel protection is also very important.  And who doesn’t want to have fresh breath?

Colgate TotalSF is a great product, and I’d definitely recommend it to you.

You can pick up Colgate TotalSF in the dental hygiene aisle at your local Walmart.  Right now there’s also a great Ibotta offer for the product.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush

Every dentist I have ever had has recommended a soft bristle toothbrush.  I personally love Colgate soft bristle toothbrushes. I’ve bought them for years, usually in a pack of 4.  They have a sleek and simple design. They have bright colors. And most importantly, I love the style and feel of the bristles.

Flossing

Flossing is also extremely important.  Tooth sensitivity often kept me from flossing properly, but now I use easy-glide or easy-slide floss, and that makes flossing way less painful!  I also have a water flosser, which is a great thing and something I recommend.

Mouthwash

Rinsing with a good mouthwash after brushing is also important for getting that “whole mouth clean.”  My own dentist has also recommended that I dip my toothbrush in mouthwash and brush it along my gum line for extra protection against gingivitis.

Drink Water

Drinking water is also important to your dental and overall health.  I don’t drink very fast, so I like to buy the little 10 ounce bottles.  I can grab one of these and drink them relatively quickly, whereas I tend to sip on the bigger bottles longer and end up not drinking as much. (I guess it’s a mental thing for me.  I just have more success when drinking out of the smaller bottles.)

Our baby’s doctor also recommended to me that we drink more tap water, as it contains fluoride, another great thing for teeth.  I like to throw ice into a pretty straw cup and fill that with water. Something about having a nice looking cup just makes it more enjoyable, I think.

As always I welcome your thoughts.  If you have any great oral hygiene tips, I’d love for you to share them in the comments.

I also invite you to check out Colgate TotalSF Advanced Whitening Toothpaste for yourself.

Adapting Your Routine To Getting Older

As we get older, our health becomes more of a priority than we ever considered it to be when we were younger. But that doesn’t have to be a negative; you’re looking to make changes to your lifestyle to assist yourself in ageing well rather than stopping yourself from living. Respecting your age is about changing diet and exercise, not sitting still and watching the clock tick over. So with that in mind, we are going to take a look at some of the change you should be making as you get older in order to keep fit and healthy well into your later years.

Exercise

Throughout our lives, we should be getting some sort of exercise into our daily routine, but as we get over 50 the demands of our bodies change. The rules of being active suddenly become very different and we must adapt to the new normal. So what are the changes that you need to take note of and why?

First of all, the importance of warming up and down properly beforehand becomes not just important but essential. Whereas you might have got away without a post-exercise stretch in the past, those days are behind you and to feel the benefits of your fitness regime you should make sure you are stretching yourself out. One way that you might want to consider is to include a yoga session at the end of your daily workout or instead of. Many people put their positive fitness in later years down to doing yoga, including former athletes who have done programs like DDP Yoga to fight back against the pain they have put their body through. If it is good enough for the professionals, then it might just help you too.

There is also a big change to the type of exercise that you should be doing. Whereas you once might have focused on aerobic exercise, the name of the game as you get older should be to transition into resistance based workouts. The reason for this is that as we get over 50, bone density and muscle mass drops rapidly so we need to do more in order to maintain our strength. You do still need to do cardio, but now it should be in the form of interval training to get your heart pumping and your body moving, especially if you have one eye on your calorie intake.

Finally, when it comes to exercise in your 50s and beyond you might find that you now need to take an extra day or two in between sessions. Your body is changing and the name of the game should be to prolong your fitness, not injure yourself trying to do too much.  

Diet

As discussed under the exercise section, there are changes that happen to our body as we move into 50s that require changes to routine. Those changes also apply to what we are eating. There are many changes that you will need to make to your diet as you get older, one of which is to ensure that the once reduced intake of trans fats is eliminated altogether. Trans fats contribute to raised cholesterol and your risk of heart disease.

But rather than focus on what you can’t eat, we should also discuss the things you should be eating to promote a healthy lifestyle. One thing to consider is introducing prunes to your diet should you not already eat them. We have mentioned bone health when discussing changes to your workout routine, and prunes help to strengthen bone health. Whether you are having them as part of a salad, a jam, or just as a snack, find a way to get prunes in your diet.

Health

The positives of growing older far outweigh the majority of negatives, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore some of the troubles that can come your way. Being aware of health issues as you age is part of the fight against any serious problems occurring. However, should you find yourself in a situation that you hadn’t planned for healthwise then be prepared with all the information you can possibly have at your disposal. The same applies if you have friends or family members who are going through a difficult health diagnosis, arming yourself with information on things like cancer care and dementia services will put in a good position to deal with what life can throw at you.

Preparation is the key to everything in life and the same idea applies as you get older. LIfe doesn’t begin or end at 50, it continues and that is the great thing about ageing.

The Health Issues That Can Affect New Mothers

Having a baby can be a wonderful experience. But often the process of conceiving, being pregnant, giving birth, and then caring for your newborn infant can take its toll on your health. Here are some of the issues that might affect you right now.

 

Fatigue

 

Fatigue is more than just mere tiredness. It’s a state of being where you feel physically unable to carry out your regular tasks for an extended period. Not only can it interfere with work and relationships, but can also impact the level of care that you can offer your baby.

 

Being fatigued is often part and parcel of having recently given birth. The process of giving birth is demanding on the body and made worse by the fact that you now have a dependent infant who needs looking after. Lack of sleep, extra caring work, and nighttime feeding can all take their toll.

 

The problem with not getting sleep is that it can lead to increased inflammation in the body which can provoke feelings of worthlessness and depression. So depression and tiredness can form a vicious cycle where you end up feeling worse and worse. Mothers who are struggling should seek support from their partner or from family members to ease the burden through the most challenging phases.

 

Vaginal Pain

 

Having a baby is taxing on the birth canal and the reproductive organs in general. The vaginal opening has to dilate to many times its regular size to allow the baby’s head and body to pass through. Because this is a rare event, it can lead to damage to the surrounding tissue, causing long term pain.

 

Pain can occur elsewhere too. If you used Essure birth control inserted into your fallopian tubes (which can sometimes fail), you might have additional complications.

 

It’s essential, however, that you distinguish between regular, expected pain, and pain caused by medical mishaps or internal issues. If you continue to experience pain after the birth, make sure to check with your doctor that you’re not damaged in some, as yet, undetected way.

 

Pain In The Breasts

 

When the body detects the birth of an infant, it begins to generate milk in the glands inside the breast tissue. These glands become full and then put pressure on the surrounding area, sometimes leading to pain.

 

As a first step, apply a compress to the breast before feeding. Second, use ice packs in between feeding sessions to reduce swelling. You can also try eating an anti-inflammatory diet, rich in vegetables, to reduce inflammation from the inside out.

 

Finally, if the baby is causing you pain during feeding (perhaps due to a wayward tooth), consult with a lactation expert. Lactation specialists can provide advice on breastfeeding if the infant fails to latch or causes damage to the breast itself.

 

Urinary Issues

 

As the baby passes through the birth canal, it places pressure on the rest of the abdomen. This pressure can then cause damage to surrounding tissue, particularly the bladder and urogenital system. It’s not uncommon, therefore, for new mothers to experience a degree of incontinence in the months following birth.

 

Childbirth can weaken the muscles in the pelvic floor: muscles responsible for holding liquid in the bladder until it’s time to go to the bathroom. The good news is that these muscles strengthen again soon after birth, and can return to normal in a matter of months. If you’re worried about your pelvic floor, you can do exercises to strengthen them again naturally.

 

Heightened Risk Of Infection

 

Pixabay

 

You can see why C-section births would increase the risk of infection. When the body is cut open, it increases the opportunity for pathogens to break through the skin barrier and thrive in the body’s relatively hospitable internal environment. But why does a natural birth increase the risk of infection?

 

The problem with natural births come with the rupture of the membranes on the inside of the body that protect it again outside invaders. When a baby passes through, it can tear the sensitive membrane lining on the inside of a woman’s body, providing an opportunity for bugs to get in. The longer the labor, the higher the likelihood of an infection.

 

Problems can also occur if the placenta doesn’t detach properly from the lining of the uterus. Sometimes, the placenta can bring part of the uterus lining with it, causing bleeding and leading to a risk of infection.

 

New mothers should be alert to signs of fever. If you have a temperature after birth, return to the hospital for a check-up to make sure that there aren’t any postpartum complications.

 

12 Favorite Posts from 2018

It’s that time of year! Time to look back on our year and see how things went as we prepare for the next year. I always like to look back and then share some of my favorite posts for the year. This year has been very busy for me at home, and I haven’t done nearly as much writing as I normally have in past years, but I still managed to find 12 posts that I thought were worth sharing again for this year end post!  We have a few recipes, cleaning posts, health, fashion, and even a pet post.  I hope you enjoy!

(Please find the link for each post underneath the featured photo.)

Grilled Hot Wings + 6 Tips to Make Your Summer Cookout a Success

College Football Spirit with Dr Pepper® + DIY Photo Booth Tutorial

12 Tips and Must-Haves for Postpartum Care

5 Tips to Keeping Your Home in Tip-Top Shape for Your Family (and Your Cat)

Chicken Florentine Pasta

Panasonic HomeHawk Front Door Home Monitoring Camera Review and Giveaway

6 Baby Must-Haves for Cold and Flu Season

Fashion Reivew from prAna

Mama’s New Helper: DEEBOT OZMO 610 – Robot Vacuum Review

Homemade Dill Pickles

Cleaning Up with Rejuvenate® Click n Clean™ Multi-Surface Spray Mop System

Christmas Pajamas for the Family Review

 

I’d love to hear your thoughts on my 12 picks!  And if have a similar post, I’d love for you to share it with me!

6 Baby Must-Haves for Cold and Flu Season

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. The opinions are my own.

6 Baby Must-Haves for Cold and Flu Season

My baby boy just turned a year old.  So far we’ve been pretty lucky in the doctor visiting department.  He got his first case of the sniffles a couple of months ago, and right now we are currently battling an ear infection and virus at the same time…but considering the fact that he’s already a year old, and I hear about so many people going back and forth to the doctor that first year, I am considering us very lucky!  Today I am talking about some items that I consider to be must-haves for the cold and flu season if you have a baby.

Before we get started I have a couple of disclaimers: First off, I am not a doctor.  The medicines discussed in today’s post were recommended by our pediatrician, and I’m just passing along the information.  Second, if your child is ill, always call your doctor for medical advice and to find out if you need to bring them in.

 

Nose Frida

Nasal Aspirator

First off, we have the NoseFrida. Before having our son, I saw this product and was very intrigued by it.  I watched a number of videos and read reviews before buying it.  A lot of people, including my husband are grossed out by this product, but once I tried, I realized you’re not going to get any actual baby snot in your mouth.  (And let’s be honest…even if you did, I’m sure you would live, and it wouldn’t be the worst thing that every happened.)

It DOES work!  My son doesn’t like having his nose sucked out; he cries, and so it can be a little difficult for me to use it on him, but he doesn’t like the bulb syringe either, and this works so much better than the bulb syringe.

We also have the Oogie Bear. It is also a nose cleaner and an ear cleaner.


Tylenol

Pain Reliever / Fever Reducer

Next we have Infant Tylenol. This is no brainer, I’m sure! I always keep this on hand, along with Infant Motrin. Our doctor explained that a lot of people like to rotate between these two, but she just recommends going with what works.

Thaxton takes both medicines well. He likes the taste, and both appear to help with his fever and pain.  I often choose Tylenol, because it can be taken every 4 hours, but depending on the situation and time of day, I might go with Motrin.  (Again, be sure to read labels and consult with your own doctor for proper dosing instructions.)

Zarbees

Cold Medicine

For running noses and coughs, our doctor recommends Zarbee’s Cough Syrup + Mucus. This is an all natural product.  Thaxton is too young to have other cold medicines, including children’s medicines, and so an all natural product like this is really our only option.  Our son loves the taste of this, so it’s very easy to give it to him.  If you’re buying, I do recommend getting a couple of bottles.  Our son had a stuffy nose for about a week, and the first couple of days we were giving him regular doses of this, and the dose was 4 mL each time, so about midway through the week, we had to go out and buy another bottle.

The main ingredients in this medicine are agave and ivy leaf.  You can go look up the benefits of those.  I should also caution you to be sure you get the product that says, “Baby” on it if you have a child under two.  Zarbee’s does have other products on the shelf alongside this one, which contain honey and should not be given to children under two.

Zarbees

Chest Rub

We also Zarbee’s Baby Soothing Chest Rub.  This is also an all natural product with eucalyptus, lavender, and beeswax.  It has a nice scent to it, and it definitely opens you up.  I usually rub in on Thaxton’s chest and on the bottom of his feet before bedtime, and he’s slept very well when he was sick, so I’d like to think it helped with his breathing.

Essential Oil Diffuser

Essential Oils

We love our Essential Oil Diffuser.  We have all of the oils in this kit, and anytime someone has a cold or is congested, we use Breathe Easy. from this kit.

Humidifier

Humidifier

Finally we have a Safety First Cool Mist Humidifer. I know a lot of people swear by these and actually run them all the time. We only run one when Thaxton is congested.  Again, I like to think that it helps.

 

I really hope you guys stay well this winter and can avoid the cold and flu season, but if not, I really hope that you find these tips for baby helpful!

And as always, I’d love to hear from you!  If you have a tip or product you use during cold and flu season, especially sometime that can help, babies, toddlers, and small children, I’d love to hear about it.  Leave your comments on this post, and also join the conversation on social media!

5 Tips to Keep Your Aging Parents in Their Home, Safe & Happy

in home medical alert
According to the AARP, “87 percent of adults age 65+ want to stay in their current home and community as they age,” and 71 percent of adults age 50 to 64 feel the same way.

In other words, the vast majority of older adults would like to stay at home as long as they can. There’s a good chance your parents share this sentiment.

If you haven’t already done so, your first order of business is to discuss the matter with your parents, and soon. You can’t make aging at home as comfortable and fulfilling as possible for them without first understanding exactly what they need to do it right.

Once that’s done, consider these five tips for improving your parents’ quality of life in the home they know and love.

1. Visit (or Call) Often

If you live near your parents, be a good kid and check in on them often. A couple times a week is plenty for able-bodied elders; for those who need more care, every day before or after you head to work is ideal. If you don’t live in town, visit as circumstances and funds allow, and replace those frequent check-ins with friendly evening calls.

2. Get a Medical Alert System

Even if you live down the street, you can’t be with your parents every second of every day. Delegate some supervisory responsibility to a medical alert system that immediately contacts authorities when something goes wrong. There are plenty of medical alert systems on the market; this Medical Alert review shows what to expect from top-rated products.

3. Hire a Part-Time Housekeeper or Aide

How do you feel about your mom and dad cleaning the gutters or reorganizing the attic on their own? A response of “eh, not so sure” is a good indication that your parents need some help around the house.

For light housework, hire a part-time housekeeper or aide who shows up as little as a few hours per week or as much as a few hours per day. Look carefully at home care service reviews, as quality varies widely. For bigger projects, find a dependable handyman in your parents’ neighborhood.

4. Look to a Visiting Nurse Service as Health Needs Dictate

Your parents may require regular care long before they’re ready to move into an assisted living facility. A visiting nurse service can help bridge the gap, or provide temporary assistance after an illness or injury.

5. Retrofit the Bathroom

How long has it been since your parents remodeled their master bath? If you don’t know the answer, it’s probably been too long. Far too many elders sustain fall-related injuries on wet bathroom surfaces; sadly, many never recover. Read up on how to remodel a bathroom for better, safer elder access, then set plans that fit your parents’ budget.

Aging in Place, Gracefully

Laypeople call it “keeping Mom and Dad at home.” Caregivers call it “aging in place.” Whatever your preferred nomenclature, you surely understand how important it is to keep your parents healthy, safe, and actualized in home they know and love — even if it’s tougher to get around than before.

If and when the time comes to consider moving your parents into an eldercare facility, you’ll rest easy in the knowledge that you honored their wishes for as long as you could — and that they’re ready to face the next stage of their lives with dignity.