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10 Best Management Options for Anxiety

An estimated 18% of the adult population in the country is affected by anxiety, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. This indicates that this mental health disorder has become an issue of concern. Anxiety is the body’s response to stress and might manifest alongside physical symptoms. It generally occurs when the body experiences stress and an increased production of cortisol. However, one can choose from several treatment options to relieve the anxiety-induced symptoms:

Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy or therapy offered by a licensed professional is a great way to understand one’s triggers and learn to manage the condition better. Here, the therapist can help patients figure out their stressors and develop coping techniques. Various types of therapies are employed to help patients get to the source of their trauma. Cognitive behavioral therapy (or CBT) is a popular treatment option for people dealing with anxiety. CBT aims to help one understand the connection between behavior, emotions, and thoughts. Exposure therapy is another option wherein patients are exposed to situations that tend to trigger their anxiety. Being faced with their fear helps one break out of their dysfunctional response to triggers. Additionally, therapists might use virtual exposure techniques to help one deal with social anxiety. Although more research is needed on the subject, studies suggest art therapy can also help one deal with anxiety and nervousness.

Support groups
Support groups help one deal with anxiety, as being surrounded by people that have gone through or are experiencing the same issues can help one feel understood. Support groups are safe spaces for people affected by a condition. They also offer patients an opportunity to feel supported and offer support. One’s doctor might be able to refer them to a support group.

Exercise
The body’s fight-or-flight response is partly responsible for the physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Exercise can help reduce stress and help improve one’s mood. Physical activity can also help affect the brain chemistry to make space for anti-anxiety chemicals, making exercise an important part of the treatment plan. Adding any form of exercise three to four times each week can help keep anxiety symptoms in check.

Sleep
The connection between lack of proper sleep and anxiety is well-researched. Recent studies suggest that improper sleeping patterns can increase stress levels, increasing the risk of developing anxiety. So, one can opt for herbal supplements that help improve sleep quality and, by extension, anxiety symptoms. Popular options include chamomile, passionflower, and magnesium glycinate supplements .

Aromatherapy
Studies have suggested that the use of essential oils could improve sleep and decrease anxiety. Considering that essential oils and oil diffusers are extremely affordable, aromatherapy can be a great option when accompanied by other treatments. Some of these oils can offer immediate relief and calm one’s senses to reduce the risk of anxiousness. Aromatherapy can also help manage symptoms like heart rate and blood pressure. Lavender, orange, sandalwood, neroli, and jasmine oils are common options one can consider.

Weighted blankets
These heavy covers have shown significant improvement in anxiety symptoms. The blanket can feel like a full-body hug, helping one calm down. Another benefit of the blankets is improved sleep. They also help ground the body by pushing it down, resulting in decreased production of cortisol—a stress hormone that contributes to anxiety.

Exposure to sunlight
Sunlight exposure is another way of managing various mental health conditions. Spending a moderate amount of time taking in sunlight can help improve one’s mental and physical health. The exposure helps the body produce vitamin D, a micronutrient that can help with anxiety management. Spending as little as 10 minutes in nature can help calm the nerves.

Grounding exercises
Engaging the senses is a great way to manage anxiety-related symptoms. Distracting oneself can redirect thoughts and emotions to something outside the mind and prevent one from spiraling. Touching the desk, car keys, or even the fabric of your trousers can be helpful. For better diversion, try holding on to an ice cube for as long as possible. Using virtual reality for distraction has also proven to help divert one’s stress-inducing thoughts.

Mind-body approaches
When dealing with anxiety, one can end up letting in disturbing intrusive thoughts and imaginary scenarios instead of living in the present. Mind-body exercises can help one avoid spiraling and losing touch with reality. Spending as little as 15 to 20 minutes a day practicing yoga, Tai Chi, mindful breathing, and guided imagery can train the mind and body to produce a calmer response to imaginary situations that would otherwise induce anxiety. Regularly practicing these exercises has been proven to improve the body’s generalized stress response. If one is unsure of where to start, getting in touch with a professional trainer is the best way to get guidance. Additionally, one can also opt for mindfulness practices. Numerous studies have shown that meditation and mindfulness practices can help improve anxiety symptoms. If one is new to meditation, they can use guided meditation videos or podcasts. Additionally, smartwatches can also help one practice mindful breathing by prompting the user at regular intervals throughout the day. Consistently dedicating a minimum of two minutes a day to these approaches can help one keep unwanted thoughts at bay.

Protein-rich meals
Food and lifestyle choices can play a crucial role in determining the body’s response to stress. Frequent rises and dips in one’s glucose levels throughout the day may contribute to aggravated symptoms of the disorder. So, starting the day with protein-rich meals is a great way of keeping blood sugar levels in check. Further, not skipping meals can also help one manage anxiety symptoms. One should opt for healthy meals and snacks. So, beans, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, fish, and eggs are versatile foods that can help one meet their daily protein requirement.

Known Signs of Hemophilia and Anemia

Bleeding disorders refer to a group of conditions like hemophilia or anemia that interfere with normal blood functions in the body. Hemophilia affects the ability of the blood cells to clot naturally, while anemia lowers hemoglobin count in the red blood cells. These conditions exhibit a unique set of symptoms that can be identified. Early diagnosis helps doctors form a viable healthcare plan. So, it pays to know and identify the following symptoms. Hemophilia and Anemia: Understanding the difference Both conditions are common bleeding disorders. However, anemia & hemophilia signs are distinctly different from each other when it comes to the disease progression. The latter is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cellâs ability to clot and close wounds. Certain clotting factors in the blood bind with the red blood cells to prevent uncontrolled bleeding. Anemia is a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells in the first place. Also, a low hemoglobin count affects the red blood cellâs ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and extremities via the circulatory system. Genetic mutation triggers most known types of hemophilia, while certain nutritional deficiencies in the body trigger common forms of anemia. Symptoms of hemophilia The absence of essential clotting factors in the blood can trigger a variety of noticeable and unusual symptoms. Uncontrolled bleeding Bleeding is one of the primary symptoms of hemophilia. It can happen under the skin or in the joints. As the red blood cells are unable to bind and clot, this pool of blood can trigger swelling, pain, and tightness in the joints. This symptom is most commonly noticeable in the knees, elbows, and ankles. Blood collecting under the skin can lead to buildups under the muscle and soft tissue to cause more painful bruising. This symptom is called hematoma in medical terminology. Frequent nosebleeds When the bleeding is triggered externally, it can result in frequent nosebleeds that can be difficult to stop. Note that external environmental factors and physical injuries generally cause nosebleeds. So, any unexplained bleeding could indicate a developing condition. Bleeding caused due to cuts, bruises, and vaccinations Lack of essential clotting factor VIII can trigger bleeding from the lightest of impacts, cuts, bruises, or even after losing a tooth. Some people experience sudden bleeding after taking a vaccination. This could be the bodyâs reaction to producing antibodies, but the strain could be too much to bear, resulting in bleeding from the extremities. Blood in urine or stool Excess blood in the urine or stool is a clear sign of disease progression. The urine and stools appear dark red or even blackish due to the presence of red blood cells mixed with the excreta. Immediate medical assistance is advisable for visual symptoms. Bleeding in infants Complicated pregnancies can be physically taxing for both the mother and the child leading to possible symptoms of hemophilia at birth. But in some rare cases, infants may experience internal bleeding in the head. Symptoms of anemia The most common types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia, develop due to the lack of nutrients in the body. Therefore, anemia exhibits more physically taxing symptoms as the condition worsens. Tiredness Increased fatigue and weakness for no apparent reason is one of the main indicators of nutritional deficiencies. An unexplained decrease in overall stamina with no physical exertion or any activity during the day could mean low iron in the blood. Without iron, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. And low hemoglobin means not enough oxygen is being circulated around vital organs in the body, thus resulting in fatigue induced by low energy levels. Respiratory symptoms Experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, and even noticing an irregular heartbeat could indicate a possible anemic condition. An iron deficiency lowers hemoglobin count, and this means not enough oxygen is being circulated by the blood. Low hemoglobin affects the breathing rate as the body struggles to extract more oxygen resulting in shortness of breath. The heart must also put in extra efforts to pump the low hemoglobin blood forcefully, thus resulting in irregular heartbeats. Doctors refer to this condition as heart palpitations. These symptoms can also induce chest pains due to the sheer stress being put on the organ. Pale skin and damaged hair Skin and hair symptoms are visible indicators of a developing anemia condition. An iron deficiency results in low red blood cell production and indirectly affects the shade of the skin. Pale skin is noticeably visible around the face, gums, lower lips, lower eyelids, and even on the nails. This symptom is more visually obvious among people who flaunt a lighter skin tone. Also, hair thinning, hair fall, and a damaged scalp is a clear sign of iron deficiency. Treatment options Note that anemia & hemophilia signs never overlap. Once the primary indicators are confirmed, doctors quickly suggest blood tests to identify the leading causes or triggers. Knowing the differences can help with prompt diagnosis even though both the conditions are bleeding disorders. It is even possible to recover from common forms of anemia within 2 to 3 months. Hemophilia is a more serious bleeding disorder that is treated by introducing the missing clotting factors. Doctors also suggest prescriptions that help stimulate the body to release more clotting factors. However, a transfusion offers more promising results for moderate to severe progression. Effective preventive measures and home remedies can help lower the risk of bleeding. These conditions cannot be completely cured. But it is possible to improve the quality of life by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits. Prescriptions and treatments only help slow down the disease progression.

Skin Cancer – Early Signs, Types, and Preventive Tips

Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells that most commonly occurs due to sun exposure. It can, however, develop for a variety of reasons. It is divided into three types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The risk of developing this cancer can be reduced by limiting or avoiding exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Early detection of this skin condition offers the best chance of treatment and cure. Early warning signs of skin cancer Abnormal markings on the skin Irregularities on the skin are a major warning sign of this condition. Any new mole, sore, lump, bump, lesion, or other mark that gradually gets worse, has multiple colors, oozes, bleeds, keeps coming back, or never goes away is extremely suspicious and needs to be checked right away. Examining your skin once a month is highly recommended. For a preliminary full body scan at home, a person needs to stand in front of a mirror and closely examine various regions of the body, including hidden areas such as between your fingers and toes, the armpits, and the genital area. It is best to consult a doctor if anything unusual is noticed. Sudden change in weight Many things, including physical activity and calorie-controlled meals, may help someone grow slimmer. However, consistent loss of muscle mass and fat without a known cause or physical activity may be an indication of skin cancer. This early warning sign means it is advisable to see a doctor and get tested. Extreme fatigue Feeling tired at the end of the day is common, but feeling exhausted and fatigued after doing little to no work can be concerning. Cancer consumes the body's nutrients in order to develop and spread; as a result, the nutrients are no longer replenishing healthy cells. This can result in significant fatigue. Painful and itchy skin conditions Red, itchy, and painful skin sores or pimples can be caused by toxins in the environment or a severe allergic reaction. If no obvious cause can be found, having it checked is the best way to avoid future complications. In terms of occurrence, basal and squamous cell skin cancers are more common and less severe than melanoma. They can appear anywhere on the body, but are most commonly noted on the face, head, or neck. Symptoms of basal skin cancer Basal cell carcinoma can appear as an itchy, elevated patch of skin or as a flat, firm region of skin similar to a scar. In dark-skinned individuals, it may be the same color as the skin or darker. If one has pale skin, it may appear pale, reddish, yellow, or pink. It causes tiny, pearly pimples with blue, brown, or black borders. It can also appear as raised edges and a lower center in growths, as well as abnormal blood vessels that spread from the growth. In some cases, it also leads to open sores that ooze or crust over and do not heal on their own. Symptoms of squamous cell skin cancer Squamous cell carcinoma can present as a raised growth or lump, possibly with a lower center, or as a rough or scaly red area that may crust or bleed. It appears to be a growth with a wart-like appearance. This skin condition can take many different forms. Other symptoms of this cancer include changes in skin color, a sore that does not heal, new swelling outside a mole's border, itching, pain, or tenderness in a mole, seeping, scaliness, or bleeding in a mole, and a black track around a nail. Symptoms of melanoma Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. There are two methods for detecting early melanoma symptoms. It is also known as the ABCDE method or the ugly duckling method. Keep an eye out for the following abnormal mole symptoms: A- Asymmetries If a mole's two halves are uneven, this can be an early sign of the condition. B- Border The edges of a harmless mole are uniform and smooth. A mole with uneven, scalloped, or notched edges may indicate the presence of melanoma in its early stages. C- Color Non-harmful moles are only one color, usually brown. Melanoma can change the color of the skin from tan, brown, or black to red, blue, or white. The lesion may be darker, or the color changes may be less noticeable on dark skin. D- Dimension Less dangerous moles have a smaller diameter, and a cancerous mole is typically one-quarter of an inch in size. E- Evolving It can be dangerous if a mole begins to change or evolve, such as in shape, color, or elevation from the skin. It may also begin to bleed, itch, or crust. The "ugly duckling" method is based on the idea that a person's moles tend to look alike. If one mole seems unusual in any manner, it may be an early warning sign of skin cancer. Although not all moles indicate this, it is still advisable to have them checked if any of the symptoms listed above are present. Preventive measures against skin cancer Stay inside during particularly sunny hours, such as 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Avoid using UV tanning beds, tanning in the sun, and getting sunburned. Apply sunscreen to all body parts exposed to the sun, including the face, when going outside. Always wear protective clothing, such as a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses with UV protection. Use a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection (UVA/UVB) and has an SPF of 15 or higher. Use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher if you intend to spend lots of time outside. Before going outside, apply 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) of sunscreen all over your body. Reapply every two hours, after swimming, and whenever you sweat profusely. Examine your entire body and skin from head to toe once a month. A dermatologist should be seen at least once a year for a thorough skin examination.

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Invisible Braces – Benefits, Costs, and Top Brands

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Overactive Bladder – Common Causes and Management Techniques

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Top 9 Life Alert System Providers for Seniors

A medical alert system consists of life-saving devices that instantly connect the user with emergency help with the push of a button. Such equipment helps seniors live independently and offers peace of mind to their loved ones and caregivers. A good-quality life alert system for seniors has several useful medical features like fall detection, GPS tracking, and professional monitoring. In this article, we’ve listed the best medical alert systems for seniors out there today. Medical Guardian Founded in 2005, Medical Guardian is known for designing best-in-class life alert devices and systems. Depending on the lifestyle of a senior individual, they can choose between different types of On-The-Go and In-House systems. Almost every Medical Guardian life alert system for seniors features its state-of-the-art fall detection technology, along with other essential features like GPS location tracking, extra neck/wrist buttons, and water resistance. This company’s medical alert products have the longest battery life (up to 168 hours) and furthest signal range (up to 1300 feet) compared to any other product on the market. Medical Guardian also has a highly reliable monitoring center that operates 24/7. Bay Alarm Medical With over 70 years of experience in life alert devices, Bay Alarm Medical is one of the most trusted providers in the country.

Dental Implants – Its Types and Associated Costs

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Dental Procedures That Don’t Need Braces for Teeth Alignment

If your teeth alignment has always made you conscious of your smile, you need to address the issue. Crowded or crooked teeth and crossbites can majorly affect your facial profile and the way you chew your food. The insecurity and complications of a crossbite only grow with age. If you’re contemplating ways to align your teeth, and you want to achieve that without braces, you’ve come to the right place. This article discusses teeth alignment options that are possible without prominent braces. Invisalign It is one of the most popular ways of teeth alignment without braces. The treatment involves using a set of clear retainer trays made to fit the moving teeth. You will be given a set of new retainer trays every two weeks to make the desired changes. They can be removed when eating, but one needs to ensure they have them on for at least 22 hours in a day. The treatment tenure depends on the severity of the case and takes approximately around 12 to 24 months to align teeth. Advantages They are invisible, so you won’t have to avoid social gatherings or feel awkward They are removable, which makes cleaning the trays and teeth easy These can be removed when having a meal, which means fewer restrictions when eating Disadvantages Invisalign is a more expensive option The flexibility of removing trays can elongate the treatment if not worn for prescribed hours Some may develop a lisp or speak awkwardly with trays Inman Aligner This is another efficient way of teeth alignment without braces.

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Pulmonary fibrosis is a severe lung disease that occurs when the lung tissue is damaged and scarred. The scarring leads to thickened, stiff tissues and makes it difficult for the lungs to work efficiently. Several factors may cause pulmonary fibrosis. However, doctors cannot assess what triggers the condition. While the damage to the lungs is irreversible, there are several remedies that can help. So here are the signs of pulmonary fibrosis and some remedies. The signs of pulmonary fibrosis Before getting into the remedies of the condition, let’s learn about the signs of pulmonary fibrosis. Doing so can ensure proper diagnoses and care at the earliest. The first sign of pulmonary fibrosis is getting out of breath. The symptom occurs when the person exerts themselves through physical exercise. When the condition progresses, the affected individual may find it hard to breathe even with little to no physical activity. Older people who experience shortness of breath often confuse the condition as a sign of aging, failing to diagnose the disease early. Other signs of pulmonary fibrosis include: A dry cough. The sudden loss of weight. Fatigue. Pain in the muscles and joints. Clubbing, a condition that results in the widening and rounding at the tips of the fingers or toes.

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