Cascia Talbert's Blog, page 10
May 30, 2022
How To Stay Healthy While Traveling
by Guest Author
There’s no escaping stories from friends, family, and complete strangers about their travel experiences – both the good and the bad. People are always happy to share their various health ailments they’ve encountered while traveling: food poisoning, jellyfish stings, insect bites, and twisted ankles as well as general exhaustion, dehydration, and muscle aches. If someone ends of regaling you with travel tales that include illness and injury, don’t let them discourage you! It doesn’t mean that only superheroes can take vacations or that you don’t get to try the local cuisine. Follow these steps to help you stay healthy and still enjoy yourself while you’re traveling.
1. Prepare yourself. Do some research about the location before you visit, including a study of common illnesses found in the country. Read up on the availability of clean water and medical care and how much these things will cost you in the local currency. In addition, always make sure to sign up for travel insurance. While it can be expensive, it’ll give you a peace of mind and will save you lots in case something happens during your travels.
This content is for members only. .fb-background-color { background: !important; } .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { width: 100% !important; }The article How To Stay Healthy While Traveling by Guest Author appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.
Living T.E.A.L After My Cancer Scare
My routine doctor’s checkup saved my life.
It’s true. Four years ago, I was living life like any other busy workaholic—underslept and over caffeinated. When it came time for my annual gyno appointment, I kept pushing it off because I simply did not have the time. Besides, I felt healthy. I was exhausted, but I chalked it up to my 80-hour work weeks. I was bloated, but I presumed that was due to my diet. As far as I was concerned, these were merely “symptoms” of living and working in a city as a woman. If there was anything really wrong with me, I figured I would know.
So, I put it off. And I put it off. Until finally, I couldn’t justify putting it off any longer. I hustled to the doctor’s office in between meetings, coffee in one hand and cell phone in the other, expecting another benign checkup. I wanted to get in and get out so I could get back to the bustle of my daily life. What my doctor said, though, forced me to slow down. After the pelvic exam he said:
“Michelle, you have a suspicious growth on your ovary.”
He assured me it was likely nothing, but a few weeks later upon closer examination, he recommended I find an oncologist and his tone changed. The dreaded C word began to appear in my brain even though he never said the word.
Within three weeks, I was sitting in the office of the University of Chicago Medicine’s head of gynecologic oncology department, who informed me I had a very large tumor. Dr. Ernst Lengyel is one of the premier ovarian cancer experts in the country. He told me there was only a 10% chance it was benign, but to find the answer, I needed to undergo surgery.
Walking into that surgery room was the scariest moment of my life. I was required to sign release papers giving the doctors permission to perform a hysterectomy if they did, in fact, discover it was cancer. I was still confident it was benign. After all, I felt no pain. I felt no symptoms. Wouldn’t I know if I had cancer?
When I woke up from the surgery, I learned that they had performed a hysterectomy because it had indeed been cancerous. That was a terrifying moment of realization for me. The gravity of my situation hit me like a ton of bricks. I was in complete shock. I had cancer. It happened to ME. I envisioned my kids growing up without a mother. My mind went to the worst place.
They needed to confirm what stage cancer it was and whether the cancer had spread or not. After an excruciating seven days in the hospital recovering, Dr. Lengyel called in just a few days after I was home when the pathology results were in.
“We caught the cancer while it was still stage one. It didn’t spread anywhere and was fully contained. Michelle, someone is watching over you. This never happens. You are blessed.”
He’s right. Even though 1 in 78 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer at some point in their lives, only about 20% of ovarian cancers are found at an early stage. That means that 80% of all women who are diagnosed with cancer have a low chance of survival because the cancer was caught too late. There is no early detection test and symptoms (like bloating and exhaustion) are too general to provide a mass prognosis, so the only way to successfully detect this cancer is through annual checkups like mine. When someone is diagnosed in the early stages (stages 1 and 2), the five-year survival rate is 90%. When the cancer is caught in stage 3 or higher, the survival rate is as low as 28%. Only 5% are diagnosed at Stage 1 and that was me!
That means that for a cancer as prominent as ovarian, which is the fifth leading cause of death for women age 35-74, the only way to catch it early and give yourself a good chance of survival is by going to a regular checkup with your gynecologist and really understanding the symptoms.
I’m just one story out of millions. And I know I’m one of the luckier ones. My doctors caught my cancer early enough to do something about it, and I’ve been fortunate enough to make a full recovery. Today, I’m the CEO and founder of an agency, and I’m busier than I’ve ever been. But I manage to find time to squeeze in doctor’s appointments, because I know first-hand what it could mean for your life and health when you put it off.
One of the ways I make my scary experience worthwhile is by telling my story. I do my best to raise awareness. If my story encourages even one woman to get checked out, then it will have been worth it. I’m fortunate to be a spokesperson for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) Illinois and we are doing a few things this month in honor of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. First of all, if you are in Chicago, make sure you look at the building across the skyline on September 14th. They will all be lit up in teal to commemorate Take Early Action and Live (T.E.A.L.) But the action can’t be all passive. Share your story with us! If you go to the gyno for your checkup, we want to know about it! Post a photo of yourself using the hashtag #KnowOvarian. Encourage other women in your life to take early action and live T.E.A.L. We want as many people getting checked up as possible.
Join the movement. Fight the silent killer with us.
.fb-background-color { background: !important; } .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { width: 100% !important; }The article Living T.E.A.L After My Cancer Scare by Michelle Mekky appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.
Bone Broth – How Good For You Is It?
by Kerri Haack
Have you heard about bone broth? If not, you may be living under a rock and should evaluate some of your life choices.
Of course you’ve heard about bone broth! It’s either the world’s cure for all types of illnesses, or simply a tasty excuse of spending more time in the kitchen. In either case, there’s lots of information about what it is, what it does, how to make it and how to use it.
What is bone broth?Well, it is stock. But, really good stock. The idea of what makes it bone broth over stock is that it is cooked longer and becomes thicker because of the collagen that comes out of the joints and bones. Also, the use of apple cider vinegar in bone broth, which helps in drawing out the collagen.
What are the benefits of bone broth?People are somewhat divided on this. At the very least, it is considered a healing food. Think about what you want to eat when you have a cold – chicken soup! And research has supported your body’s craving, “Chicken soup may have a number of beneficial effects for an individual with a cold.” Some of those benefits include improving hydration, clearing mucus and a reduction of the inflammatory response caused by colds, according to this study from 2000.
Further, bone broth can help as a sports recovery drink. First, the replacement of fluid from the liquid, then the replacement of electrolytes with the sodium. Following that, the amino acids from the collagen helping to rebuild muscles, bone broth seems to be a way better choice than one of those store bought sports drinks.
Is bone broth the cure all? Not likely. The vitamins and enzymes from it get cooked and become less useful. The collagen, which will be broken by your digestive system for amino acids, probably won’t promote bone growth or restore lost collagen in your body. And your body will use those amino acids wherever they are needed, not necessarily directly for your bones, according to this 2015 NPR article.
While bone broth won’t heal all wounds or right all wrongs, it certainly won’t hurt. And will make your kitchen smell delicious!
How to make bone brothNearly every chef has their own recipe for bone broth. They range from taking whole chickens, meat and all, to using bare bones and scraps. Some use stock pots on the stove for hours, others instapot and some choose crockpots. As you delve in to your bone broth personality, you’ll find the ingredients and method that works best for you. Then, soon, you’ll personalize your own recipe to pass along. Because with bone broth, you don’t have to be tied to an exact measurement of ingredients; bone broth offers a lot of grace for too much of one, not enough of another.
If you prefer a bone broth that uses a whole chicken, try out this recipe from Epicurious.
If you want a bone broth that uses mostly bones with some added chicken, try this recipe from Savory Lotus.
For a bone broth that is made entirely from bones, check out our recipe for Bone Broth from Scraps.
How to use bone brothThe quick answer is to simply drink it! Some people replace coffee in the morning with a warm cup of broth. It’s also easy to use as the base for soups and gravy. When reheating leftovers, sprinkle some broth on to add moisture and flavor.
Once you’ve gone through your soup repertoire and are looking for more uses for bone broth, the opportunities are endless. You can use it to make rice or even bloody mary’s! It can be used to make a homemade alfredo sauce, braising meat or cooking vegetables (like cauliflower rice).
The problem won’t be how to use it, but how to keep enough on hand!
.fb-background-color { background: !important; } .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { width: 100% !important; }
The article Bone Broth – How Good For You Is It? by Kerri Haack appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.
If We Want to Change the Wage Gap for Our Girls: We Must Teach Money Confidence
Why teach girls about money?
End the gender wage gap?
Promote economic empowerment?
Ensure a safe retirement?
Create opportunities throughout life?
When girls learn about money, they learn critical life skills like salary research and negotiation, and the need to maximize their incomes throughout their lives to build wealth and financial independence. They also learn about investing, and the power of compounding and time. That information can help girls learn to start saving early in their careers, to ensure sufficient funds for retirement. Finally, girls’ financial literacy means a foundation for creating a life with opportunities and choices to help women with economics and business management.
The scary financial story for our girls today is that despite the Equal Pay Act of 1963, and lots of press about Hollywood and other industry wage discrimination, women working full-time continue to earn a fraction of what their male counterparts do — coming in at 80 cents on the dollar in 2017, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Even scarier is that our academically successfully — and frequently superior — recent women college graduates continue to under-earn their male counterparts. According to a recent study by the Economic Policy Institute, recent women college grads earn 86% of what men earn in 2015, down from 91% in 2000.
So, what does that cost women in a lifetime? Studies show that a half a million dollars is what under-negotiations a first salary can cost someone by age 60. Why is this still going on despite policy changes, publicity, and overall greater awareness of the problem?
One thought is that women earn less because they do not negotiate salaries as effectively as their male counterparts, if at all. So why not? Let’s take a step back, and look at what happens as girls grow up, and what they learn about speaking up for themselves, and knowing and acknowledging their talents and skills.
Psychologist Carol Gilligan has shown that girls learn between the ages of 11 and 15 or 16 that it is dangerous to say how she actually feels, compared to younger girls who are more courageous. Conversations with older adolescents can be marked by the phrase “I don’t know” when a few years earlier, the girls were outspoken and confident.
Another psychologist, Mary Pipher, talks in her book Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls about how girls who speak frankly are labeled negatively, and that girls are trained in society to be feminine, and to “achieve, but not too much.”
In my experience as a mother and a teacher, I remember my middle school daughter and her friends starting to say that it was not nice to “brag,” which really meant, avoid saying positive things about themselves. Later, in my financial education classes with high school girls, I saw the evolution of that idea. When asked if my students would ever try to negotiate a higher salary, one girl said she would not ask for more money if it could hurt the company or other people working there. Another girl said she would never speak up for herself; she would work hard and wait to be noticed.
And we see where that disposition leads. So how do we break this cycle for the next generation of women?
The answer is money confidence.
Money understanding is multi-faceted. There’s the knowledge that needs to be acquired, there are the skills that need to be developed, and then there are actions that need to be taken. For example, it’s not just enough to know that you should be earning what you’re worth, you actually have to negotiate the salary. In simple terms:
Money Understanding = Knowledge + Skills + Disposition.
Money confidence is believing in your ability to take care of yourself financially, and involves the ongoing learning and demonstration of the skills, mindset, and deeper understanding of how the critical financial pieces of your life fit together. These pieces include human capital, wealth management, and value creation.
In one recent high school girls financial education class of mine, we discussed the context of women and money, looking at issues around the gender wage gap, women and work, girls’ rising ambition levels, and the importance of income in the overall financial picture. We did a fantastic exercise around salary negotiation, so the girls could begin to understand — and experience — that critical process.
When we came back together for a debrief of the activity, the girls discussed the challenges of the process, and also the exultation when they had made a strong argument for a raise, and got it. We talked about what it would take for them to negotiate a higher salary in a real-life situation.
In the exercise, the girls have to make a case for why they should be paid more. During the debrief discussion, one student remarked that she could see how much confidence in herself would align with what she would be paid in the future.
The answer is obvious. Without confidence in your own worth, it can be difficult, or even impossible, to make a cogent argument on your own behalf, or even start the conversation for a higher salary.
Salary negotiations can be tricky. Part of the process is speaking up for your skills and contributions, defining that value in the workplace, and asking for more of the employer’s scarce resources for yourself. So, if you are someone who has grown up being taught not to “brag,” chances are explaining your skills and asking for recognition of your value, is not going to be something that comes easily to you.
While the gender wage gap is caused by a number of different factors, an unwillingness to negotiate is certainly one of them. Carnegie Mellon economics professor Linda Babcock suggests that men are four times as likely as women to negotiate their salary. When we look at the evolution of adolescent girls, it is easy to se2e where women’s reluctance in this area might come from. And once we know where a problem comes from, the solution becomes that much clearer.
For more information about conversation points and activities to teach your girl how to grow in confidence, articulate her worth, and negotiate a salary, go to www.financialnutrition.com/learn.
.fb-background-color { background: !important; } .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { width: 100% !important; }The article If We Want to Change the Wage Gap for Our Girls: We Must Teach Money Confidence by Melissa Donohue, Ed.D. appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.
4 Tips For Healthier BBQ Grilling
by Guest Author
The barbeque season is in full swing and delicious grilling aromas can be smelled throughout your neighborhood. Don’t’ waste time getting outdoors and getting some tasty treats onto your barbeque. Go with the classic hamburgers and hotdogs or try something a little more interesting like going to a barbeque restaurant.
In recent years with the rising concerns about health and diet, the barbeque has taken a few hits to its global popularity, based on some new research. When meats are cooked on a high heat like the grill they will sweat out their fat and grease. That grease then falls into a grease tray. Once the grease tray reaches a certain temperature, it can start to vaporize this liquid that will then float back up into your food on the grills.
The vapors known as Heterocyclic Acid (HCA’s) and Hydrocarbons can be dangerous to your health. These substances that are found in most meats have been connected to certain types of cancers. But don’t give up the grill just yet. With careful preparation and proper cooking instructions you can safely reduce the number of these carcinogens from adhering onto your food and ruining your favorite BBQ recipes.
Cook Over A Lower Heat
When you are using your grill, it is habit to crank up the heat to get your cooking going faster. It’s fine to throw it onto high to heat up, but once there is meat added to the grill, it’s better to turn the heat down while cooking. This may take a bit longer but it will be safer in the long run.
Cooking on high is what causes the HCA’s to start dripping into the pan, starting the vaporization process. Well done meat is where the danger lies. Take your time and cook your meat thoroughly but slowly and you will be able to reduce your risk significantly.
Precook in the Microwave
For beef, chicken and pork, you can use your microwave to precook the meat for just a few minutes. Using your medium heat setting on your microwave, cook meats for up to two minutes. This will allow some of the juices containing the HCA’s to run out before you put them on the BBQ grates. Drain the juices and pat the meat dry before transferring it to your barbeque.
Grill More Veggies
The only risk with grilling vegetables on the barbeque is getting your taste buds blown away. Many people don’t think to add vegetables to the grill but it’s just as fast and easy as over the stove. In fact, the heat radiation from the barbeque will help to bring out all of the natural flavors and sweetness of your vegetables. There is no need to worry about HCA’s and you will be doing your health and diet a favor.
Use Marinade
Marinade can be the key to added flavor and safety from HCA contamination. A spicy marinade can contain a good level of antioxidants that will counteract the effect of harmful vapors rising into your food. Using herbs like Rosemary, Thyme, Garlic and Sage can reduce the amount of HCAs up to 90%. If you want some very spicy flavoring, then check out this hot sauce store.
Add Wine Or Beer
Some of the tastiest marinades have a base of either red wine or beer. The alcohol in the spirits can eliminate up to 60% of the HCA’s in the meats you are cooking. They are also great for tenderizing your meat for more even cooking and add a great flavor to your meal.
.fb-background-color { background: !important; } .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { width: 100% !important; }The article 4 Tips For Healthier BBQ Grilling by Guest Author appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.
National Child Passenger Safety Week
The last week of September has been designated as National Child Passenger Safety week in the United States. While we should always be aware of and using safety precautions with children in vehicles, this time of year is excellent to review and be sure you are adhering to the current laws safety measures that are put in place.
With school already in full swing for the year, car pools have begun, and kids may be catching rides from friends’ parents, babysitters, nannies, and more. It is important for you to know who your children are riding with and what the current laws are for when you give rides to other people’s children.
Safety Stats
According to the CDC, the leading cause of death among children in the United States is from motor vehicle injuries. This is a terrifying statistic for parents to see but many of these deaths are preventable. For instance, out of the children 12 years and under that died in car crashes in 2015, 35% were not buckled. These statistics really drive home the fact that using the appropriate restraints for children riding in motor vehicles is crucial in keeping them safe from harm.
Brief Overview: Passenger Safety And Car Seat Laws
When talking about child passenger safety there are several areas in which one can focus including car seats, booster seats, and seat belts. So let’s begin with some of the most vulnerable passengers: babies. All babies should be securely riding in a car seat when inside of motor vehicle. It is extremely important that car seats are utilized correctly to ensure that the baby is as safe as possible. If you need a reminder to check your child’s seat, the perfect day to do so is September 29 which is designated National Seat Check Saturday. Here are a few things to keep in mind when your child rides along with you.
From birth until age 2 children should be buckled into a rear-facing car seat. (Or until they reach the height and weight limit of the seat)From age 2-5 years of age, or when the child has outgrown their rear-facing car seat, the child should be riding in a forward-facing car seat. From age 5 and up until a seat belt fits the child properly the child should be buckled up in a booster seat. A child should be 57 inches tall to properly fit into a seat belt without a booster seat. Children 12 and under should always ride in the backseat of the car because a deployed airbag is a hazard to them rather than a protection.Child Safety With Other Drivers
As a busy parent you are not able to be with your child 24/7 and you want to know that your child is in good hands. There are certain precautionary steps and considerations you can take to ensure that anyone who drives your child is responsible and knowledgeable regarding child passenger safety. On the other hand, if you are a nanny, carpool driver, or someone who frequently provides transportation for child passengers be prepared to provide certain information to other parents and guardians to ease their minds. Here are some tips for items to check.
Driving Records. Be sure that there are no major infractions on an individual’s driving record such as a DUI or reckless driving charge.Proof of Insurance. Sadly, many people will drive without insurance, so you shouldn’t make the assumption that someone is insured simply because they own a car or drive.Car Maintenance Records. Be sure that the vehicle is up to date on inspection. Are there any issues such as low tread on the tires or maintenance alerts light up on the dash? Ask Questions. Ask the driver what their driving habits are and make it known that you do not want certain distractions present while your child is a passenger in the vehicle. One behavior that is a frequent distraction is cell phone usage.We all know that accidents happen and hopefully they will not occur with your child present in the vehicle. Yet, you can give yourself some peace of mind by following these tips and ensuring that your child is as safe as possible in the event of an unfortunate accident.
.fb-background-color { background: !important; } .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { width: 100% !important; }The article National Child Passenger Safety Week by Laurence Banville appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.
10 Incredible Things to do in Maui
by Guest Author
Now that your plane tickets to the island of Maui, Hawaii are booked, here comes to enjoyable part – planning your itinerary in Hawaii’s second-largest island. There are so many things to do in Maui, that you might be wondering where to start. Maui’s interesting and beautiful attractions and activities care to just about every interest. For people looking for an adventure, their usual destination is the dormant Haleakala volcano, while for more relaxed travelers can soak up the sun on one of the many shorelines or enjoy the island’s 14 golf courses.
In this article, not only are we going to highlight some of the most popular things to do in Maui, you will also find information on accommodation, be it in Maui beach house rentals or hotel options, first-hand tips, and recommendations.
Bike down Haleakala at sunrise
Take advantage of your vacation adrenaline or jet lag and spend your day, early morning atop an active volcano. It may be a little touristy, but this mountain range called “house of the sun” is worthy to visit and best for panoramic photo ops. Don’t forget to bring your warmest outfit and watch the stars fade as the sun surfaces from above the clouds.
Unwind at the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
This mountaintop offers great views, food, and drinks with over 55,000 plants and 45 lavender varieties. You can also explore the 13.5-acres ground by yourself, relax on benches or under a gazebo, join a walking tour, experience the lavender treasure hunt, or simply enjoy a picnic lunch. The plant may not be endemic to Hawaii, but lavender thrives in Kula’s cool, dry climate and blooms all year long, so it’s always a good time to visit this farm.
Travel the road to Hana
This curvy coastal road on the island’s northeastern shore is one of the most favorites when it comes to tourism in Maui. This entire stretch includes zig-zagging through a lush rainforest with sea cliffs, waterfalls, pools, bamboo forest, 600 switchbacks, and 46 one-lane bridges. You can also see along the way that red sand beaches both hidden and not-so-hidden. The best way to experience this coastal road is by renting a car or book a guided tour but don’t forget to bring extra shoes, snacks, and swimsuit so you can keep your adventuring plans flexible.
Go Snorkeling
Snorkeling is, of course, one of the most exciting things to do in Maui, and there are plenty of beautiful places to do it. Exploring Maui’s underwater and hanging out with the amazing sea creatures can be like visiting another world. One of the top places to go snorkeling is in Turtle Town. It’s a place to a massive population of sea turtles thanks to the Endangered Species Act. Another interesting place to visit is the Coral Gardens to explore some of the island’s beautiful coral reefs. No matter where you decide to snorkel, you’re surely going to see some amazing underwater life.
Go on a Submarine Tour
This submarine tour gives you the opportunity to board a submarine and explore the wonders of Maui’s underwater. You’ll go a hundred feet down to see underwater marine life and coral reefs from a true technological marvel. Each trip is surely a moment to remember. It’s a comfortable and safe way to experience Maui’s undersea world.
Go Surfing or Stand-up Paddleboarding
Aside from sunbathing and snorkeling, there are so many more things to do in Maui. Surfing is the top Hawaiian activity, and Maui is the perfect place to learn. You can go to a surf shop to acquire your own surfboard and then there are several surfing schools in Maui for those who’d like to try new adventures. There are available great spots for experienced surfers.
The North Shore is the best place to catch some big waves. For advanced surfers, head to Honolulu Bay. These spots are recommended for experienced surfers only, as it can be dangerous for beginners.
Try the Local Food
Your Hawaiian adventure wouldn’t be complete without trying out some traditional Hawaiian dishes. One thing you must try on this beautiful island is the Kalua pork. This pig is cooked in a unique way in an underground oven to make the meat tender and juicy. Also, don’t forget to try some shaved ice shaved ice cream, a delicious snow cone that comes in different exotic flavors. You might also want to visit the Geste Shrimp Truck, which is not far from the airport. Try their famous Shrimp Scampi or Spicy Pineapple Shrimp.
Visit the Bailey House Museum
For any history lover, visiting Bailey House Museum is a must-see. This museum is dedicated to Hawaiian art and history. It is a home to Pre-European Hawaiian artifacts along with artwork from the 19th century. On the second level of the museum, you’ll find the picture perfect replication of a 19th century home in Hawaii. Don’t forget to make a visit to this museum while you’re in the ‘lao Valley.
Go Zip-lining in Ka’anapali
If you’re looking for something more adventurous, Zip-lining in Ka’anapali is perfect for you. On some guided tours, you’ll be leaving the beach to go hiking and off-roading going to the Ka’anapali Mountains. Then you’ll go zip-lining through many of Maui’s beautiful ravines and valleys.
Take a Trip to the ‘lao Valley
The ‘lao Valley is home to one of Hawaii’s most famous landmarks, the ‘lao Needle. It’s a massive rock covered in vegetation that is one of the most favorite places for people who love to hike.
Sponsored Advertisement
.fb-background-color { background: !important; } .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { width: 100% !important; }The article 10 Incredible Things to do in Maui by Guest Author appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.
How to Use Yoga to Improve Your Back Health
[image error]
Yoga has been around for thousands of years and remains globally popular even today. People are going to gyms and attending courses during their free time and on their doctor’s advice.Still standing the test of time, yoga remains a popular and effective means to relax and to improve one’s health.
As more people maneuver into white-collar jobs in IT, where hours of sitting a day are expected, work-related conditions such as chronic back pain are becoming ever more frequent. Yoga is known to cure or, at least relieve, these conditions naturally. This partly explains why so many companies include yoga as part of their employee engagement and wellness programs.
Still, you don’t need to go to a yoga session at work to achieve a more pain-free back. Here are some ways to practice yoga at home, at the office, or anywhere!
This content is for members only. .fb-background-color { background: !important; } .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { width: 100% !important; }The article How to Use Yoga to Improve Your Back Health by catherinejpark appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.
A Vaccine For Acne Could Be Closer Than You Think!
by LouAnn Moss
Everybody hates acne. It has no real age restrictions, affecting most people from the moment they go through puberty and continuing long after, sometimes never fully going away. Its debilitating effects are as painful physically as they are emotionally. Acne affects your self-confidence and inspires shame and disgust, causing people to seek out anything — regardless of cost — that will help. Fortunately, there may be a cure on the way: a vaccine for acne.
The acne vaccine isn’t exactly breaking news, but the recent development in its research certainly is. New information (published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology) explains that the use of P. acnes bacteria antibodies does actually reduce inflammation in human skin. It may not sound extraordinarily important, but it is a very promising start for those who suffer from the skin condition, especially those with deep, painful cystic acne.
However, we aren’t there yet. Acne continues to drive the beauty market, plying consumers with offers of poreless, acne-free skin, and for only X amount of dollars! And then, of course, you need to keep buying it, month by month or else risk a relapse into bad skin; even people who have very little money will make sure they have enough for their acne treatments. For those who need to visit a dermatologist to get relief, the costs rise exponentially — and, unfortunately, that accounts for more than 40% of kids in their mid-teens.
Did you know that popping pimples and blackheads releases dopamine, which is the feel good hormone, but doing it can be bad for you instead you can watch videos that gives you a cathartic rush of satisfaction.
As a teenager, you shouldn’t have to be spending your hard-earned (and probably extremely limited) money to buy miracle cures or pay for prescriptions. Even so, many teens (and their parents) feel it’s their only option. The average trip to the dermatologist can cost between $45 and $200 per month, because treatment can never end or the pain and ugliness may return. These medicines are often as caustic as they are costly: the use of steroids, antibacterials, and harsh ingredients can dry skin out and make it painfully sensitive. In addition, extreme care is required during exposure to sunlight, and delicacy is a necessity.
The lower end of that spectrum is only if you have decent insurance, and paying premiums each month take their own toll. Approximately one-third of American families struggle to pay their medical bills, usually holding off on doctor visits until they are absolutely necessary. Many parents simply aren’t able to afford such consistent, high costs for something as common as acne, regardless of how desperate their child is for it.
That cost barrier includes trips to urgent care and the emergency room, which skyrocket compared to simple doctor’s appointments; depending on what services you receive and what kind of insurance you have, a trip to urgent care can run you around $200. They see, on average, 3 million people each week. Emergency room visits are even more expensive, costing upwards of $500 due to the immediacy of the situation; as pervasive and devastating as acne can be, at least breakouts don’t require trips to the ER!
A future where acne — and all of its expenses — can be narrowed down to one simple injection is positively ideal. We can only hope it arrives sooner rather than later.
.fb-background-color { background: !important; } .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { width: 100% !important; }The article A Vaccine For Acne Could Be Closer Than You Think! by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.
Weekend Reflection
Christmas is almost hear and the kids are getting excited about Santa. The terror wants a baby with a nuk. The baby just wants Mommy. And the big girl wants some new games for her Nintendo. Dad wants a new job and Mommy just wants some more sleep.
If everyone has been good Santa will provide.
This Christmas has been full of surprises for my family. We have all had our share of colds and lack of sleep. At age 10 my oldest still believes in the magic of Christmas. But the biggest surprise by far was when my husband decided to quit his job of two years. Merry Christmas to me…
It made me so upset and worried. I don’t know what the future is going to hold for us. I am scared to death for 2008. What will the new year bring? Will he find another job? Will we end up on the street? Will I have to leave my husband after 5 years of marriage? I am hoping that none of the above will happen.
He is a lot happpier and has interviews for new jobs lined up but that doesn’t mean that I am happy. Where does that leave his family?
Enough of my ramblings. Have a very Merry Christmas and I wish you the best for 2008.
If you want to contribute to Weeknd Refelection please add your link and comment below.
http://www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?owner=cltalbert&postid=19Dec2007&meme=wr
My Technorati Tags
2008 Christmas finding a new job New Years Santa Weekend Reflection Healthy Moms Add Your Link
The article Weekend Reflection by Cascia Talbert appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.
