Fresh avocados and tender baby kale add a healthy spin to this delicious smoothie bowl, packed with fruit for a sweet treat. 9 ounces oat milk. ¾ cup. baby kale. 1 ½ Tbsp. honey. ¾ cup avocado pieces. 1 ½ cup frozen mango chunks. 1 ½ cup frozen pineapple chunks. 1 cup frozen banana. Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure the lid. Start on its lowest speed, then quickly increase to its highest speed. Blend for 30-40 seconds. Serve immediately with your choice of garnish – crunchy granola, fresh fruit, and a sprinkling of chia seeds.
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Definition Of Addiction
Biologically (medical definition) Addiction is a “chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequence, and long-lasting changes and damage to major organs of the body, including the brain.”
There are many psychological addictions such as food, gambling, exercising or gaming. The term addiction does not only refer to a dependence on substances such as alcohol, heroin, or cocaine. A psychological addiction is defined as “an inability to stop using a substance or engaging in a behavior even though it may cause psychological or physical harm.”
What Causes A Person To Become Addicted
Addiction is a complex condition that affects a person’s behavior and brain. And while the phrase “addiction” often conjures images of drug abuse and alcoholism, it’s important to remember that addiction can take many forms. From gambling to sex to social media use, addiction can cause harm in several ways.
But what causes someone to become an addict? What makes one person more likely than another to develop an addiction problem? The answer is complicated, and there are no simple explanations for why some people become addicts while others do not. Addiction is multi-faceted with many diverse causes. Research indicates that the following three play a significant role in the onset of addictions.
1. Genetics: Genes can play a significant role in the onset of addiction. People with a first-degree relative (parent, children, sibling), with an addiction problem may have an increased risk and a predisposition to developing an addiction. While there’s still a lot more to learn about the connection between genes and substance use disorder, it’s one of the most common root causes of addiction.
2. Environmental Factors: Environmental factors are also a contributing factor, such as being raised in poverty or experiencing an abusive childhood. Other environmental factors that may affect the onset of substance use include peer pressure, unstable home environment, parents that use drugs, presence of drugs at home, and community influence.
3. Trauma: Childhood experiences may significantly impact a person’s physical and mental health. Traumatic childhood experiences may lead to emotional difficulties such as substance abuse. Examples of traumatic experiences include:
• Physical and/or sexual abuse
• Verbal abuse
• Emotional neglect
• Witnessing violence
• Parental separation or divorce
• Stress-related to military-family life
• Traumatic brain injuries can also cause change within the brain that results in an increased risk of addiction and other symptoms like headaches, memory loss, and sleep problems.
PROCESS OF RECOVERY
Definitions Of Recovery
“Recovery from addiction and mental health problems is a process of change through which an individual achieves improved health, and wellness” ~ World Health Organization
The Recovery Journey, which encompasses all of these states. It is a “…process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.” “Physical Health, Emotional/Psychological Health”. Spiritual Health” and “Sexual Health” ~ World Health Organization
How Is Your Cardiovascular Health?
Many people are not diagnosed with cardiovascular disease until the condition worsens to the point where they have angina, blood clots, stroke, or heart failure. That’s why it is important to start taking steps toward a healthy heart and arteries today. A good screening test for early signs of disease is Biofeedback Testing. This non-invasive computerized testing will assess your cardiovascular system. The information can then be used to devise a specific program to improve your heart efficiency and arterial health before symptoms occur, or even if symptoms are already present.
Many Benefits of Vibroacoustic Therapy
Vibroacoustic therapy, or, sound healing, offers numerous benefits for the mind, body, and spirit. Through various vibrations and frequencies, sound healing promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and calms the mind. It can also help balance energy centers within the body, known as chakras, restoring harmony, and promoting overall well-being. Vibroacoustic therapy has been shown to enhance meditation, improve sleep quality, and alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. Additionally, it can stimulate creativity and boost focus and concentration. Sound healing is a non-invasive and enjoyable practice that offers a holistic approach to healing, promoting a sense of deep relaxation and inner peace.
Acupuncture & Cognitive Decline
Acupuncture has shown promising potential in addressing cognitive decline. By improving cerebral blood flow, it enhances oxygen delivery and reduces stress hormones like cortisol while increasing serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine—specifically linked to memory. Acupuncture also promotes cholinergic and dopaminergic neural transmission, facilitates neurotrophin signaling and nerve growth factor, and protects cerebral neurons from apoptosis and oxidative damage. Furthermore, it regulates glucose metabolism, suppresses acetylcholinesterase, and decreases levels of amyloid beta proteins in the brain regions associated with cognitive decline. Research suggests that combining acupuncture with drug therapy may be more beneficial for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease than drug therapy alone, highlighting its complementary role in Western medicine.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is a potent ally in combating muscular discomfort, tensions, aches, and sports injuries. By targeting deep muscle layers, this therapeutic technique enhances blood circulation, reduces inflammation, and releases toxins. Through focused pressure, it improves mobility, flexibility, and reduces pain. Deep tissue massage is particularly beneficial for chronic pain and rehabilitating sports injuries. With its precise approach, it offers long-lasting relief, making it an essential tool for those seeking to overcome muscular ailments.
Gum Disease While Wearing Dentures?
Dentures are a common solution for individuals with missing teeth, providing functional and aesthetic benefits. However, it’s important to remember that wearing dentures does not eliminate the risk of gum disease. In fact, improper denture care can contribute to gum problems. Gum disease can manifest as redness, swelling, and bleeding gums. When plaque and bacteria accumulate on dentures or denture-supporting tissues, it can lead to inflammation and infection. To prevent gum disease, it’s crucial to maintain proper oral hygiene by cleaning dentures thoroughly, letting your gums rest, and brushing the gums and tongue. Good oral care ensures a healthy smile, whether you have natural teeth or dentures.
Acupuncture Benefits for Men’s Health
Around 72% of Canadian men engage in unhealthy habits, increasing their susceptibility to chronic diseases. Men generally pay less attention to their well-being compared to women, exhibiting higher rates of alcohol and tobacco use, risky behavior, and neglecting regular checkups. Men face common ailments like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression, along with unique challenges such as prostate cancer. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including exercise, a balanced diet, abstinence from smoking, stress management, and lowering alcohol consumption, can mitigate many health risks. Acupuncture has proven beneficial for supporting the prostate, addressing stress levels, reducing blood pressure, and providing overall physical and emotional support.
Importance of Strength Training Over 40
Are you over 40 and ready to get into the best shape of your life? Regular strength training exercises help counteract age-related muscle loss and maintain muscle mass. Incorporating resistance training, such as weightlifting or bodyweight exercises, stimulates muscle growth and strength. It’s crucial to focus on progressive overload, gradually increasing the intensity and challenge of workouts. Adequate protein intake is also vital for muscle repair and growth. Additionally, prioritizing recovery through proper sleep, nutrition, and rest days is essential for optimal muscle development. With consistency and a well-designed exercise program, building muscle after 40 is achievable and can enhance physical performance and quality of life. Scan QR Code To Get your FREE Report: 5 Things To Consider Before Hiring a Personal Trainer
The Cost of Compassion
Compassion Fatigue is the cost of caring for others, or for their emotional pain, resulting from the desire to help relieve the suffering of others. It is also known as vicarious or secondary trauma, referencing the way that other people’s trauma can become their own. Caregivers in the addiction and mental health field in meeting and providing for the needs and resources of their clients are in danger of becoming emotionally depleted by the intense needs of clients, and the workplace. This can result in a reduction in sense of accomplishment and feelings of inadequacy when clients do not respond, to efforts to help.
