Everyday we have an estimated 60,000 to 80,000 thoughts running through our minds. Considering that our minds can only handle 7-10 bits of information at a time, no wonder we start to feel overwhelmed, especially with what is going on in the world today. Unmanaged stress contributes to many health issues such as headaches, exhaustion, insomnia, depression, and a weak immune system. Alternative approaches such as Biofeedback testing and treatment are highly effective in handling stress. It detects imbalances, or weaknesses, in the stress handling areas of the body, and in turn, stimulates the affected areas to help the mind and body process and handle stress better.
Community News
Book Club: Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Soulful and uproarious, forceful and tender, Untamed is both a memoir and a galvanizing wake-up call. It offers a piercing, electrifying examination of the restrictive expectations women are issued from birth; shows how hustling to meet those expectations leaves women feeling dissatisfied and lost; and reveals that when we quit abandoning ourselves and instead abandon the world’s expectations of us, we become women who can finally look at ourselves and recognize: There She Is.
Do You Know Your Numbers?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is associated with an increased risk of kidney damage, heart attacks and stroke. The most accurate way to measure blood pressure is at home using a home blood pressure monitor. Home blood pressure monitors are easy to use. It is important that the cuff of the blood pressure monitor fits you properly. Most home blood pressure machines will keep a record of your measurements, so you can share them with your health care provider. High blood pressure responds well to treatment so know your numbers and seek treatment if needed.
Healthy Home – Summer Checklist
With the arrival of warm, sunny weather, home maintenance is likely the last thing on your mind, but it’s an important way to keep your home environment healthy. Here’s an easy checklist you can follow to get some tasks off your list. 1) Clean your kitchen exhaust fan filter. 2) Remove lint from washer hoses and dryer vent (inside and out). 3) Empty and clean refrigerator and freezer drip trays and coils. 4) Check for leaks in kitchen and bathroom plumbing. 5) Oil garage door and all door hinges. 6) Seal tile grout. Stay safe and healthy this summer.
Dementia-Friendly Technology
Dementia affects parts of the brain responsible for language, learning, and memory. Those living with dementia can find it scary and overwhelming, but there are some devices that can help make them feel safe and secure. An easy-to-read clock placed in clear view can help with daily routines and reduce anxiety. A wearable GPS tracker device can help locate someone with dementia in cases of emergency. Automated pill dispensers open automatically with an alert sound when it’s time to take medication. Finally, a wearable monitoring device can detect falls and alert medical responders to ensure those with dementia are safe.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Noise-induced hearing loss can often sneak up on you, as it tends to present differently from hearing loss related to other causes. Rather than making noises seem quieter, it instead causes a distortion in hearing, making it difficult to pick up certain frequency ranges. This is caused by the degradation of the Cochlea, which occurs from repeated, long-term exposure to loud noises. Things like using a lawnmower, listening to loud music, or using noisy equipment at work can all lead to noise-induced hearing loss over time. Avoiding noisy environments and using hearing protection can help prevent this issue.
Home Remedy for Denture Pain
Sometimes dentures can cause pain or discomfort, especially if your dentures are old or ill-fitting. An effective home remedy you could try is using black tea bags! Black Tea is full of tannic acid, an astringent that helps reduce pain, as well as, reduces swelling of the gums. Tannic acid also repels harmful bacteria. Steep a black tea bag in a cup of hot water for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bag and set aside to cool off. Hold it on the affected gum area for 10-15 minutes then rinse your mouth with warm water. Repeat 1-2 times daily. (Note: not intended to replace consultation with a medical professional.)
Treating Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that only affects diabetics. It occurs when the fragile vascular network that supplies the retina – the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that helps us see – begins to swell or leak. During the beginning stages of the disease, there may be no noticeable symptoms, so it’s important to have your eyes checked at least once a year, if you have diabetes. Once symptoms of diabetic retinopathy do develop, they can include dark or black spots in your visual field, or blurry vision, and it increases over time.
Smoking, Vaping and COVID-19
If you smoke or vape, are you at a higher risk of getting COVID-19? This is a common question, and since there is strong evidence that smoking can increase your risk of viral and bacterial infections (like colds and flus), it’s possible that it could increase your risk of getting COVID-19 as well. Smoking can weaken your body’s immune cells over time, making it harder to fight infections, and also negatively impacts your lung function. Quitting smoking with the aid of treatments like laser therapy is a good way to help limit your risk of experiencing complications from COVID-19.
Print vs. Digital for Reading Comprehension
Research shows that students learn more effectively from print textbooks than computer or tablet screens. While students overwhelmingly preferred digital text over paper, one study clearly found that comprehension was significantly better when the student read a paper text. When the student was reading for general understanding like grasping the main idea, and details weren’t critical, digital was OK. However, comprehension was significantly improved when reading printed texts. Therefore, it would be a good idea to print any reading assignments for your children as much as possible, so they aren’t staring at the computer or digital device so much throughout the day.
Benefits of Resistance Training
Many people associate resistance training with strictly muscle growth, but there are many other benefits from incorporating this type of training into your exercise regimen. Resistance training builds strength and tone to help protect your joints from injury. It improves balance to help you remain independent and reduce the chance of falls. Resistance training helps with weight management, as your body will burn more calories when you gain more muscle mass. Talk to your doctor to see if you are healthy enough to begin resistance training. An exercise professional can then help you develop a safe and effective program.
