Health

The fingernails are one of the first things you notice when you meet someone. There are also some instances when the colour, condition and shape of the nails serve as tell-tale signs of certain diseases or health conditions. A few examples of such health problems include psoriasis, anaemia, liver problems, diabetes or lung diseases. Discolouration and abnormalities on your nails may also denote either acute or severe infections. Below are some of the most common nail abnormalities and what they might indicate.

Yellowish and cracked nails

If you notice yellow stains on your nails, then you most likely have fungal nail infection. It is a highly prevalent form of acute infection that can damage your nails and nail bed. To prevent the disease from worsening, you can buy med packs from companies like https://www.anytimedoctor.co.uk. They can provide you with the necessary anti-fungal medication to resolve your problem as soon as possible.

Rippled fingernails

Do you have pitted or rippled fingernails? It’s highly likely that you have inflammatory arthritis and/or psoriasis. Pits are tiny depressions while ripples or ridges are deep horizontal or vertical lines on the nails. You can consult with your doctor to find out the underlying medical condition that might have triggered rippled or pitted fingernails.

Clubbing

Nail clubbing is a condition wherein the nails thicken and change in structure and shape. This nail abnormality is a common sign of more severe health problems such as inflammatory bowel disease, pulmonary disease, AIDS and liver problems.

Leukonychia

It is a condition wherein tiny white spots appear randomly on the nails. It often results from nutrition deficiency, but it may also be caused by injury or trauma. It is not a serious condition. The white spots tend to disappear after a few weeks.

Terry’s nails

Terry’s nails is a condition wherein a dark band appears on the nail. You can often observe this condition among ageing people. However, it may also develop amongst individuals who suffer from health problems such as liver disease, heart failure and diabetes.

Onycholysis

This is a condition where the nails detach from the nail bed because of an infection or trauma. It can also be caused by serious medical conditions such as thyroid disease, yeast infection, and nutrient deficiency. Lastly, it can be triggered by severe nail fungal infection. It’s crucial to pinpoint its cause in order to manage the condition correctly.

Take care of your nails!

If you tend to neglect your fingernails and toenails, now is the perfect time to change your ways. There is a variety of things you can do to ensure that your nails grow healthy. Some of these tips include clipping the nails after you take a bath, keeping them clean and dry all the time and avoid biting or tearing them with your teeth. After using cuticle treatment to remove the old layers of nails, apply a small amount of cuticle oil for hydration.

Also, be more mindful when applying nail polish. As much as possible, you should let your nails breathe for at least a week before you start applying a new coating of polish.

 

 

When it comes to staying on top of your health, stress and anxiety tend to be some of the most overlooked aspects. It can be exceptionally challenging to keep stress levels low when trying to maintain a busy work schedule, which is why some people do not even bother trying. They often resign themselves to suffering from constant stress, which is a sure-fire way to acquire severe diseases and disorders down the line.

While it can be exceptionally challenging to keep stress and anxiety in check, it is only due to the distracting nature of a busy schedule. Here are a few best practice methods to help you combat the stress and anxiety of a hectic schedule.

No matter how bad things get, always work toward pacing yourself

Many people tend to resign themselves to a hectic lifestyle when faced with too many responsibilities to keep track of without getting distracted. That said, there is always an ideal way of dealing with such situations, no matter how much you have to accomplish at once. Pacing yourself is one of the most effective ways of fighting the stress of a busy life, and it can be achieved in different ways.

For example, you can write a list of your responsibilities to help put everything into perspective. While it can be stressful to deal with work on a daily basis, you will feel better if you can mentally brace yourself for the coming days by writing up a schedule.

Find time to take breaks

While there are some situations where it can be challenging to take breaks, a lot of the issues that come from a busy schedule are often self-inflicted. For example, a business owner who feels the need to steer their business at any given moment does not have to put themselves through such a heavy burden. Instead, it would be a better idea to take a step back now and again to take stock of the situation and return with a fresh perspective. No matter how busy things seem, you can always find time for yourself.

Cannabidiol oil can be surprisingly effective for sufferers of stress

While it is a universal solution to make use of essential oils to help deal with stress, cannabidiol oil is perhaps one of the most effective oils available for keeping stress and anxiety at bay. While some might be wary about deciding to buy CBD oil due to its connection to cannabis, it is critical to note that it does not include the compound responsible for intoxication. CBD oil will not get you high, and it will undoubtedly aid in easing the stress. It also acts as an effective pain reliever, and can even treat symptoms of depression.

While fighting anxiety and stress alongside a hectic work schedule can make things trickier, it does not have to be a miserable process. With the help of the methods above, you can fight stress and face life’s responsibilities with a fresh perspective.

 

 

If you’ve experienced a recent medical emergency, it’s easy to rack up expensive bills. In fact, recent figures put almost seventy million people in the United States facing crippling medical debt. If you’ve been saddled with hefty medical bills due to a life-threatening illness, it may be worth evaluating whether or not it makes sense to seek out a viatical settlement.

There are plenty of viatical settlement companies worth looking into when you need money in an emergency. These types of companies offer you a lump sum of cash in exchange for your life insurance policy. In order to qualify for one of these types of settlements, you need to meet a few criteria. For starters, you are only eligible to receive a viatical settlement if you have a life-threatening illness such as cancer, ALS, or Alzheimer’s. Another factor in whether or not you qualify for a viatical settlement is if your policy is worth at least $100,000. Viatical settlement offer amounts range widely. However, in some cases, you can receive as much as 70% of your policy’s face value.

Knowing that you can get up to 70% of your life insurance policy’s value as a lump sum is obviously a game changer for many people who want to avoid medical debt. When even an ambulance ride can run you more than $1,300, it’s clear that seeking medical treatment can be a costly financial event to navigate. These are the reasons so many people end up taking on multiple medical bills or extra credit cards just to get the treatment they need. Particularly for patients needing regular medical treatment, such as chemotherapy, it can be daunting to navigate how to finance your hospital visits. Getting a lump sum quickly and efficiently can be a major boon for avoiding medical debt. It can allow you to finance your operations and procedures without needing to take on the additional stress of a loan and other forms of debt.

When it comes to getting your settlement, the process couldn’t be easier. Most companies have you fill out a simple form online that helps determine your eligibility. Once the viatical settlement company has concluded that you do qualify for a settlement, they will reach out to you to explain the process and any relevant terms and conditions. From there, you can provide them with the easiest way for you to receive your funds. The entire process is very simple, allowing you to quickly reclaim your peace of mind and get focused on paying off your debts or financing your medical procedures. Best of all, companies like American Life Fund will even offer you the ability to consult with a financial counselor. Doing so is a great way to ensure that a viatical settlement is the right fit for you and your family, and can even help as you set up goals for how to pay down your debts.

Viatical life settlements were designed to help the seriously ill take charge of their situation and avoid medical debts. These tax-free, lump sums are a great way to provide families with the money they need to pay for expensive treatments or medical care. Doing so can also help relieve the stress of taking on extra debt, ensuring you enjoy your life and get the most out of it.

To read more on topics like this, check out the health category.

When you’re trying to stay on the wagon, the occasional craving can seem like a giant boulder thrown at your wheels. Cravings are a normal part of overcoming addiction, so it’s important not to beat yourself up when you experience these frustrating feelings. Rather, it’s essential to distract yourself from the desire to succumb to addiction through methods taught to you by a professional, like your Toronto rehab centers.

One of the best ways to kick addiction cravings to the curb is through a great distraction. The next time you’re feeling the urge to sink back into old habits, use these distractions to find healthy alternatives instead.

Get active

Did you know that the endorphins you achieve through vigorous exercise can boost your mood? Replacing old habits with better ones is a great way to improve yourself while kicking your addiction at the same time. Whenever you’re itching for your old addiction, hitting the gym, going for a run, or taking a swim is a distraction that gets your body — and your mind — away from cravings.

This is especially beneficial if you indulged in your addiction at a specific time of day or in a particular place. Removing yourself from negative situations and replacing them with helpful activities that you associate with healthy alternatives can work wonders.

Get away

Cravings for addiction often start because you’re in a stressful or familiar environment that you associate with usage. Whenever you’re feeling like you’re going to fall off the wagon, getting out of that space is essential.

For some recovering addicts, however, traveling long distances or going on vacation have been great ways for a person to reconnect with themselves. Trying something new in a gorgeous place, like parasailing near Singer Island, can show that you’re more capable than ever before. Not only does this show that you’re willing to invest in yourself and your happiness, but it also allows you to remember that you’re more than your addiction.

Invest in a hobby

Many people find that they need to replace the addiction with something else. One fulfilling way to do that is by picking up a hobby. This can be as simple as doing jigsaw puzzles or as complicated as learning a new language. No matter what you choose, engaging your brain and filling the space that would otherwise be taken up by bad habits.

This is a particularly fun distraction because it enables you to try a whole host of activities. Many people enjoy the thought of cooking classes, horseback riding, crafting, or video games. Test out each one to see which most appeals to you.

Read a book for inspiration

Reading is particularly beneficial for because since it completely engages the mind. While this hobby might not be for everyone, almost every addict can benefit from reading an inspirational novel or a self-help book to learn more ways of coping with addiction. Talk to your local rehab center or therapist to discover which books sound like beneficial options for you.

Love yourself

Loving yourself is a lifelong commitment. But in those terrible moments where you want to break, reminding yourself that you matter is vital. Take a moment to look into a mirror or connect with your body and say that you love yourself. This is even more powerful if you do it out loud.

The whole reason you chose recovery in the first place is because you love yourself and those around you. Sinking back into addiction simply isn’t a good way to show yourself that you care about your own well-being. The next time you’re struggling, remembering that you love yourself will help remind you that you care about your present and your future. Talking to yourself is a tried-and-true method you can use to talk yourself out of a craving.

The next time you’re worried about falling off the wagon, remember these tips to help you keep your balance.

To read more on topics like this, check out the health category.

By now, you’re most likely aware of what anxiety is. Chances are you’ve struggled with it from time to time, like most of us have. However, one of the things that we’re not always educated about in regard to anxiety is how to actually find relief from this difficult problem.

One of the reasons for this is because there are a number of different forms of anxiety, but the real reason is because the education that we’re given regarding mental health is subpar. Unless you specifically tackle an elective or a college/university program dealing with psychology, chances are you won’t really learn much about anxiety unless you go out of your way.

This article will discuss the various forms of anxiety and give you some real talk about how you can overcome these issues.

Different Types of Anxiety

There are many different types of anxiety, each of which can have different effects depending on who you are and the situation that you’re in. These are some of the most common types:

• Social anxiety. Social anxiety is one of the most common forms of anxiety, and is indicated by someone who becomes anxious when they are around other people. Someone with social anxiety doesn’t usually experience anxiety when they are by themselves, and sometimes it’s only when they are around unfamiliar people.
• Panic disorder. Panic disorder is characterized by panic attacks, which can be very intense experiences marked by hyperventilating, sweating, and rapid thoughts. Panic attacks can strike quickly and spontaneously – often times within 10 minutes or less. Managing panic attacks can take practice, but can be immensely rewarding.
• Generalized anxiety. People with generalized anxiety often find that they are anxious even when there is no specific reason for them to be so. This can adversely affect their quality of life.
• Anxiety caused by other experiences / conditions. People can also develop anxiety regarding certain situations, people, or experiences, in the form of trauma. People can also develop anxiety as a result of certain conditions like PTSD.

Managing Anxiety

There are lots of different ways that you can manage your anxiety – many of which, unfortunately, we aren’t taught in school. Here are some of the easiest ways to work through your anxiety:

• Be open. One of the first things that a therapist would tell you is to be open. Dig deep into your fears, your worries, and your past to identify what’s actually causing your anxiety. If you’re truly open and honest with yourself, you can perform this step without ever needing to see a therapist.
• Take a nature walk. Nature is one of the best solutions for a number of mental health problems, including anxiety. Taking a stroll through a forest or down by a quiet beach is one of the best ways to overcome your anxiety.
• Meditate and relax. Meditation is a fantastic strategy for helping people to overcome their anxiety. Meditating frequently helps to develop a state of mind that is free from worries and stress, allowing you to approach reality as it really is: without anxiety.
• Exercise. Anxiety is often caused by an overactive mind, so tiring out your mind and body by getting enough exercise can be of immense benefit if you’re hoping to slow down your mind and avoid anxiety.

In Conclusion

As you can see, there are lots of different forms of anxiety. However, many of them can be managed with some of the same simple solutions that we’ve discussed in this article.

Meditating, exercising, being in nature and being open with yourself can all be immensely beneficial if you’re hoping to overcome your anxiety. The best thing? You can do all of these things at the same time!

To read more on topics like this, check out the health category.

You’ve likely heard of stem cells before, either in the news, online, or from someone you know. You might be wondering if they can help — and what stem cells even are.

To give you a better understanding, here’s a primer on stem cells, what they do, and whether stem cell therapy is right for you.

What are stem cells

According to WebMD, “Stem cells are the body’s raw materials — cells from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated.”

Stem cells can divide to form more cells, which are called daughter cells. These cells “either become new stem cells (self-renewal) or become specialized cells (differentiation) with a more specific function, such as blood cells, brain cells, heart muscle cells or bone cells.”

These are the only cells in the body that are able to generate new cell types.

According to MedlinePlus, the two main types of stem cells are embryonic and adult stem cells.

So why is this important and what can stem cells do?

What they do

Doctors believe stem cells can help increase the understanding of how diseases occur, generate healthy cells to replace diseased ones, and test new drugs for safety and effectiveness. Stem cells have already been used to treat diseases and fight some types of cancer and blood-related diseases, such as neuroblastoma, leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.

Stem cells, needless to say, are beneficial to humankind and modern medicine.

Whether you’re considering a career in medicine and want to enroll in an RN-BSN program to become a nurse (or other medical professional), or if you believe stem cell therapy is right for you, the fact that stem cells are already being used to treat diseases is encouraging news.

Is stem cell therapy right for you?

Before answering that question, it’s important to point out that there are controversies surrounding stem cell research.

That’s in large part because people disagree with the use of human embryonic cells because extracting the stem means destroying the embryo. People have different definitions of when a human life starts, and that’s where the controversy lies, because many people believe a human life starts at conception.

However, according to Medical News Today, “by 2006, scientists had already started using pluripotent stem cells. Scientists do not derive these stem cells from embryonic stem cells.” As a result (and because of many other findings and studies), stem cell research and procedures are becoming more common and accepted.

So, is stem cell therapy right for you?

You should always talk to a medical professional before making a decision, and stem cell therapy in Westchester might be the place to start if, for example, you’re suffering from joint pain. Stem cell therapy can help you improve your quality of life and avoid complications related to invasive surgery.

Regenerative medicine is a non-invasive method for patients suffering from joint pain (knee, hip, shoulder, etc.), and it’s especially sought out by patients who’ve already tried other methods, such as steroids or pain medicine. As stated earlier, stem cells can also help treat certain diseases.

As stem cell research and procedures continue, the hope is that doctors will be able to discover more cures to conditions that once seemed incurable.

For example, the University of California reported that “UC San Francisco researchers have safely transplanted a woman’s stem cells into her growing fetus, leading to the live birth of an infant with a normally fatal fetal condition.”

To see whether stem cell therapy is right for you, how it can help, and what your options are, speak with a medical professional.

To read more on topics like this, check out the health category.

Teenagers are struggling with depression in greater numbers, according to statistics reported from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System. This was a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Rates, which revealed patterns of suicidality among high schoolers at the national, state, and school levels.

This study proved that while rates of teen suicide declined for a while in the 1990s, they’ve been steadily rising ever since, and today’s teens are at considerably high risk. Once viewed as one of society’s great taboos, suicide has become more widely discussed, and it’s the second leading cause of death among youth ages 10-24.

If you’re concerned about your teenager’s mental health, there are certain ways you can help.

The depressed brain

Often times, teens and young adults struggle with depression for months or years before anyone takes any notice. But parents and educators who know the signs of depression can reach out and provide assistance.

It is important to remember that this illness does not manifest in exactly the same way for everyone. Some people can present as functional and even very happy, while harboring shame about their recurrent feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and suicidality. Students with bipolar disorder are occasionally misdiagnosed with major depression.

Symptoms of depression can be much more than simple lethargy and low mood. This illness can lead to major sleep changes, decreased energy, executive dysfunction, difficulties with long-term planning, and psychomotor agitation. If a young person’s school attendance or grades begin to suffer, or they begin to socially withdraw, this could be a sign that something is wrong.

Understanding and awareness

Some adults remain fearful of depression and uncertain of how to handle it, due to misconceptions in media and the prevailing myth that it is a character flaw rather than a treatable illness. Young people who don’t feel supported by their family in the midst of their mental health struggles are likely to suffer at school, in the workplace, and in their social lives.

Fortunately, an increasing number of parents are beginning to understand the importance of teen mental health. Since the suicide of eighth grader Megan Meier gained international attention back in 2006, awareness has grown and stigma has actively eroded. This has allowed more teens to come forward about their experiences.

Plenty of resources are available for teens and young adults suffering from depression. Outpatient programs and psychotherapy are recommended for teens who aren’t in life-threatening situations, while inpatient groups or rehab for teenage depression are long-term solutions that allow young people to complete their education while pursuing recovery with a team of licensed professionals.

Causes and risk factors

Psychiatrists and psychologists remain uncertain of the exact reasons why young people are currently at such a great risk for mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder, but the statistics paint an alarming truth about the mental health crisis.

Likely, it is due to a constellation of factors. Social media is often blamed for causing teens to negatively compare their lives with that of their peers. The digital landscape has made teens more capable of self-imposed isolation during periods of depression.

Teens with a family history of mental illness, abuse, and trauma are at greater risk of developing mental health issues, often alongside substance abuse or self-harming behaviors that can be dangerous and even fatal. Similarly, teens experiencing disruptions in the family unit, such as an unexpected death or divorce, are particularly vulnerable.

When you know what to look for, you can begin to identify early signs of problems and help your teenager before the problem worsens.

 

 

It’s painful seeing your friend going through a depression. You’re not an expert, but you can at least be there during this tough time. These are some tips that you can use if you think your friend is going through a depression.

Reach out

You might notice changes in the behavior of your friend, and you don’t know what happened. Try your best to get information by reaching out to other people. Perhaps, you can call the family or talk to other friends. They might know something that recently happened that led to these changes. It’s challenging to help someone when you have no idea what’s going on.

Just be there

People who are going through depression need someone to tell them what to do, but others need someone to be there. They might want to talk about their problems, and you need to be willing to spend your time listening without judgment. There are instances when they don’t want to share anything at all. They just want to be with another person and feel secure. Your presence can make a huge difference.

Take the feelings seriously

Not everyone reacts to the same problem. You might think that what your friend is going through is shallow. Avoid judgment and be there to listen. Regardless of what you hear, it’s crucial that you take things seriously. You can say the phrases, “I understand it’s hard”, or “I can’t imagine how difficult it is”. These are encouraging words that your friend needs right now.

Be open to emergencies

Depressed people might find it hard to control their thoughts. Some of them end up thinking about ending their lives to escape from their problems. Make sure that you’re there when they start thinking negative thoughts. If you can’t, but your friend told you that help is necessary right now, you need to call emergency numbers right away. There are hotlines available for people going through a depression, and you need to inform your friend about them.

Recommend help

Your friend might hesitate before seeking help because it’s embarrassing. It’s crucial that you tell your friend that there’s no shame in going for counseling. These mental health experts will listen without judgment. They will take notes to provide suggestions, but the secret is safe with them. You can be there as much as possible, but you won’t be around all the time. It helps to have someone providing help when needed.

Take care of yourself

The problem when you’re trying to be there for another person during a difficult time is that you end up forgetting about yourself. Make sure that you don’t let your friend’s depression affect how you feel. You need to still take good care of yourself by doing the things you love. Go out with other friends who don’t have mental health problems, to keep yourself in check.

Some people eventually overcome their mental health problems, and the support of loving friends could be a considerable boost.

To read more on topics like this, check out the health category.