We know that working out is an essential part of staying healthy and encouraging positive lifestyle changes, but unfortunately, working full time can make it incredibly difficult to get up and get active. For manual laborers and those who are on their feet all day, such as hospitality and retail employees, they get their steps in and keep moving as part of their job, so not hitting the gym after work isn’t as much of an issue for these people.

That being said, the same isn’t true for office workers. In fact, one in seven office workers say that they haven’t exercised at all for 16 months at a time. Given the sedentary nature of working in an office, this means very little in the way of physical activity is being done, and this can have a hugely negative impact on overall health.

Working an office job is sometimes seen as easy, but it’s incredibly mentally taxing and this means many people simply don’t have the motivation. In addition, looking at a screen every day can incur feelings of tiredness, making it all the more difficult to muster up the energy to work out at the end of the day.

If you’re an inactive worker struggling to find the time to weave exercising into your life due to the demands of your job, here are some tips you can take on board to get more active.

1. Change your commute

Many of us fall into the trap of driving to work, even if we only live a few miles away. Provided there’s good lighting and it’s safe to do so, there’s no reason why your workout can’t become your commute. Try cycling or walking to work. This will get your heart rate up, your limbs moving, and can even help you feel more energized and ready to tackle the day.

2. Treat workouts like meetings

You wouldn’t bail on an important work meeting because then you’d be letting people down, so why let yourself down by not sticking to your workout plans? Pencil in time to workout like you would any other meeting. If it’s in your diary and you have the time set aside to do it, get into the habit of sticking to the plans you’ve made.

3. Use your lunch break wisely

Not everyone has long lunchbreaks, but if you have an hour or so, try and get out for a walk. It’s harder when you have a shorter amount of time because you need to make sure you eat as well, but those with longer lunch breaks can certainly look to do a few laps on the block to get active. If you’re into running, you could even go on a short run! In addition, if you work from home, why not do a few trips up and down the stairs – even if it’s just for 10 minutes or so.

4. Do shorter, harder workouts

Along the same wavelength as trying to squeeze workouts into your lunch breaks, try and aim for shorter, harder workouts. You don’t need to spend an hour sweating away at the gym to see results, HIIT workouts are just as effective, if not more so, and they can be done in as little as 15 minutes. To help you muster up the energy to do a HIIT workout, it may be worth looking into supplements like Innovapharm to allow you to produce more energy.

Summary

Working out a full-time worker can be difficult, but hopefully these tips have helped to give you some inspiration on how you can remain active, even with a busy professional schedule.

 

Did you know that hiking is the fourth most popular outdoor activity in the U.S. and that it lowers your risk of heart disease, strengthens your core, improves your blood pressure, and more?

Most hikers also use a trekking pole for various reasons, so if you’re interested in a hiking staff and want to learn more, keep reading.

Increased Stability

The ground is unpredictable when taking a hike, so using a walking stick can help keep your balance. Regardless of the type of terrain, you are in, from crossing water to narrow ridgelines, a trekking pole allows you to brace yourself and remain steady rather than falling.

Reduced Impact on Lower Body

Lower body pain is a big issue when hiking down a trail. When you go downhill, you can experience pain in your knees and joints. The hiking staff absorbs some of the shocks your joints take and relieves both pressure and pain. Mountain terrain isn’t the only terrain on which hiking sticks are useful; in fact, you can experience joint pain even on level terrain.

Eased Ascents

When hiking uphill, the trekking pole allows your upper body to help out your lower body to ascend. The poles allow you to push off the ground and ease the work of your legs. The poles can also help keep you from hunching over, which allows your lungs to expand fully.

The poles will also prevent your hands from swelling if you are hiking in high elevations. If you are hiking with your arms at your side as your rise in elevation, the circulation in your fingers, hands, and wrists decreases and causes swelling.

Steady Pace

Since the walking stick increases your efficiency and level of comfort, you can establish a steady pace rather than stopping to catch your breath or increase blood flow to your hands. Establishing a consistent rhythm can also increase your speed, but this is more common on flat terrain than on a mountainous one.

Evaluate Hazards

Whether hiking in the summer or the winter, a trekking pole can help evaluate hazards. For example, you can use them to determine how deep water is before attempting to cross, and you can use them to test the thickness of the ice to see if it is safe to walk on.

Protect Against Animals

When hiking, you are in the home of wild animals, so it’s vital to stay aware of your surroundings. Even if you try your hardest to avoid all animals, some might still attempt to approach. If this happens, you can bang your tickets together or against a tree, or you can wave them to make yourself look larger and scare the animal away.

Start Hiking With a Trekking Pole Today

Now that you’ve learned several reasons why you should get a trekking pole, it’s time to buy one and get outside for a hike. Using a trekking pole can lessen the impact your body feels and use it for protection.

If you enjoyed this post and want to read similar ones, check out the rest of our blog.

 

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 5.8 million people lived with Alzheimer’s as of last year. Alzheimer’s affects the brains of people and is characterized by progressive degeneration of specific parts of the brain. Experts are still trying to zero in on specific causes of Alzheimer’s disease, but clinical studies have cited several environmental and lifestyle factors that can increase an individual’s susceptibility to Alzheimer’s disease.

However, older people have a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease, representing about one in nine persons aged 65 and above. Symptoms can range from very mild brain disturbances and sleeplessness to other serious conditions like hallucinations and paranoia, which come with the progress of the disease. These might come new to you if you have to care for a relative with Alzheimer’s all of a sudden. But you’re not alone. Here are three keys to managing Alzheimer’s disease.

1. Educate yourself on the illness.

Living with an Alzheimer’s patient can be frustrating, and if you’re new to all the disorientation and memory loss, it can be more frustrating for you. Generally, neurodegenerative diseases may affect each patient differently, and you may see clinical symptoms which can be hard to pin down to one underlying cause of Alzheimer’s. The same applies to Alzheimer’s treatment options. The best way to gain a hold of yourself in managing a patient is to opt for continuous and further research.

Specific areas to consider for your research can include common behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer’s patients or behavior changes over short periods of time. Beyond all the Alzheimer’s treatment solutions, the one thing many patients need is empathy. Getting earlier access to further studies can help you understand some of the behavior problems and empathize with the new changes.

2. Know the right medications and supplements for treatment.

Patients may require critical care from therapy and overall wellness professionals, who may put patients on routine checkups and new treatment appointments. However, if you’re the main caregiver, you’re equally essential in administering medication at home. Therefore, it pays to understand drug and supplement use for Alzheimer’s patients. Supplements like VitaRx can provide the vitamin and other essential nutrients to sustain the mental health conditions and overall health of a sufferer. However, prioritizing the medical advice and instructions from pharmacists can be a good idea.

Also, ensure to only use drugs approved by health experts with extensive experience. As a caregiver, if you must provide any drug to a patient, ensure to perform a thorough drug evaluation. First, check drug labels for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) certification. Several types of drugs exist on the market today for Alzheimer’s. But choosing an option based on the drug’s clinical benefit can impact your Alzheimer’s patient’s health.

3. Seek help when needed.

Supporting a family member living with Alzheimer’s disease is no easy task. Having to administer drugs and provide primary care on a daily basis can affect your lifestyle choices. The good news is you don’t have to do it alone. About 16 million Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers exist in the United States, so finding a caregiver to help with the daily duties can be a good idea. In today’s digital world, you can find online caregivers who can provide counseling and therapy sessions to Alzheimer’s patients in the comfort of their homes. This can be a convenient option compared to moving your patient to the hospital every time for their appointments.

All in all, managing Alzheimer’s can be stressful for both the patient and the caregiver. Although the disease may have no cure, creating a support system for a patient can significantly help manage Alzheimer’s disease.

Pass the hors d’ oeuvres and pop the bubbly—it’s almost time to ring in the new year! After indulging in delicious treats and cocktails for the better part of a month, you may be thinking your New Year’s resolution to commit to healthy eating is moot. Not true. You can detoxify your body post-holiday reveling, and get ready to start the new year with some healthy habits.

Best Way to Reset Your Body After the Holidays

You wake up January 1st after a night of lively New Year’s wassailing and the only thought in your otherwise throbbing head is, “Must fix hangover.” You are in desperate need of a cleanse to flush out those alcohol toxins and replenish essential vitamins and minerals. Drinking plenty of water is certainly a smart move, but a cleanse can kick hydration into high gear and speed up your hangover recovery.

Clear out the bad stuff and help your body get ready to start off the New Year right.

Maintaining Your Health Throughout the Year

Once you’ve detoxed your body of the last remnants of sugar cookies and eggnog, you can forge ahead with next steps toward a happier, healthier you. Here are 5 habits to start right away that can keep you in optimal health all year long:

1. Hydrate.

Water is a mainstay for so many of our body’s important functions. Here are just a few of the countless ways water is our friend:

• Removes toxins
• Regulates body temperature
• Supports cognitive function
• Aids digestion
• Promotes nutrient absorption

2. Stay active.

You don’t have to commit to an intense, 5 days-a-week program. There is a range of activities—hiking, yoga, swimming—to keep you moving. Choose ones that best align with your preferences, lifestyle, current physical shape and goals. Regular movement can help you maintain flexibility and mobility, assist in better-quality sleep and boost mental health.

3. Rest.

As important as it is to stay active, it’s just as important to get rest. Giving your body the opportunity to recover is necessary to replenish energy and avoid injury from overuse.

In addition, sleep is essential to your physical and mental health. Good-quality sleep is linked to improved concentration, better dietary habits, stronger immune function and lower risk of depression.

4. Smile.

There’s a well-known correlation between happiness and good health. But what about times when you’re not happy? Smile anyway. Following the “fake it ‘til you make it” philosophy, smiling, even when you’re not particularly feeling it, can still activate the part of the brain associated with happiness.

5. Detox.

Even if you follow an enviable health regimen, your body can still reap the benefits of a cleanse. You can choose one that targets a specific area of the body, or a full-body one that removes impurities throughout.

Cleanses support multiple habits that make up a healthy routine. Short-term or periodic use of a cleanse eliminates toxins from your body, which can lead to better brain function, more restful sleep, improved mood and so much more.

Committing to healthy living is easy. Sticking with it is infinitely harder. Fortunately, an effective cleanse can not only detox your body from the effects of unhealthy habits, it can also support you as you build and maintain new, healthier habits. Cheers to you in 2022!

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of six naturally-occurring minerals. Asbestos is largely used in construction to make roofs, floors, piping, cement sheets, brakes, shingles, and insulating machine covers. A high tensile strength coupled with anti-corrosive properties and heat and electricity resistance, make the material useful as well as deadly.

Asbestos is dangerous only when it disintegrates into fine fibers and dust particles, which when inhaled or ingested can accumulate and build up along the linings of the body organs. Since these minuscule fibers are non-degradable, they become permanently trapped and irritate the surrounding tissues, nerves, and organs and lead to numerous life-threatening health disorders.

Long-term asbestos exposure can, therefore, be extremely harmful if safety measures aren’t observed. Some occupations like construction, engineering, farming, furniture, and metalwork carry a greater risk of asbestos exposure. The key here is awareness and observance of the safety protocols when working with asbestos.

Diseases Caused by Asbestos Exposure:

To inform you about the various diseases that can be caused by asbestos exposure, we’ve compiled the following list of the common asbestos-related diseases.

Mesothelioma:

Perhaps the deadliest but a rare disease caused from asbestos exposure is mesothelioma — a cancer that attacks the mesothelial cells present in the protective linings surrounding various body organs like the lungs, heart, abdomen, or even the brain. If detected earlier on, patients have a significant chance of recovery with mesothelioma treatment, but if the disease has progressed beyond a certain stage, recovery can be tricky if not impossible.

Mesothelioma develops in 4 stages, each worse than the one before it. Like all other cancers, mutations in the healthy mesothelial cancer forms the tumor which then metastasizes.

The mass that forms, due to excessive cell division of the bad cells, is called a tumor. Initially, the tumor remains restricted to its point of origin, but with time, it grows and spreads to other organs and tissues.

Stage 4 is where the cancer becomes terminal and chances of survival drop significantly.

Symptoms: Initially, the signs of mesothelioma indicate common cold, and the cancer, therefore, goes unnoticed. The patient will experience a persistent cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath. But as the cancer progresses, the symptoms become far more intense. The patients come down with a fever, experience night sweats, ascites, bloating, swollen hands and feet, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and difficulty in breathing even when performing mundane everyday tasks.

Cancers of The Digestive system:

Recent studies and researches demonstrate a strong link between asbestos ingestion and cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. The accumulation of asbestos fibers and particles triggers mutations in the stomach, colon, kidney, liver, and even in the bile duct.

Collectively, these cancers account for more than 286,480 cases annually, of which over 147,090 are fatal. Asbestos is a leading cause of the gastrointestinal tract cancers along with smoking and alcohol. When ingested or inhaled, the particles can build up in the tract, leading to an inflammatory response in the surrounding tissues.

Symptoms: During the earlier stages, symptoms are mild and may involve indigestion, stomach discomfort, nausea, heartburn, and a loss of appetite. At more advanced stages, though, the patients experience sudden weight loss, bloody stools, vomiting, bloating, development of ascites within the abdomen, trouble swallowing or breathing, and swollen limbs due to excess fluid retention.

In case of liver cancer, the skin can take on a yellowish tint which can be a sign of excessive bile production. The standard treatment option for most patients is surgery.

Effusions:

Effusion or ‘water build-up’ that occurs in the membranous coverings of various body organs is a common consequence of asbestos exposure. Organs of the body like the heart, abdomen, and lungs are surrounded by a double layer of connective tissue called the pericardium, peritoneum, and pleura, respectively. Their function is to protect the critical organs and hold them in place. Small amounts of fluid are present between the two layers to provide for lubrication, moisture, and to prevent friction.

The fluid buildup can increase if a foreign substance, like asbestos, disrupts the body systems. The increased fluid secreted then fills up the two connective linings. As the effusion gradually grows in size it exerts pressure on the surrounding organs, presses against nerves, and blocks capillary and vessel pathways.

If left undetected, the consequences can often be deadly. For instance, pericardial effusion can compress the heart to the point of cardiac tamponade. Similarly, by obstructing breathing, pleural effusions can prevent oxygen from reaching the body’s extremities and cause organs to die.

Symptoms: Symptoms vary depending on the type of effusion.

• Pleural: Patients experience phases of sharp chest pain, chronic dry cough, shortness of breath, labored breathing, and orthopnea.
• Pericardial: Swollen hands and feet, pain in the left side of the chest and left upper arm, dyspnea, chest fullness, lightheadedness, palpitations, and anxiety.
• Peritoneal: Loss of appetite, sudden weight gain, nausea, vomiting, ascites, swollen ankles and feet, fatigue, indigestion, constipation, and back pain.

Atelectasis:

Another asbestos-associated disorder is atelectasis that affects the respiratory system. The condition can lead to the lungs collapsing due to their inability to fill up. To understand how deadly this disease is, first, you have to understand how respiration occurs.

The air we breathe in through the nose passes through a cartilaginous tube called the trachea, which divides into separate pipes called the bronchi. The air in the bronchi enters the lungs and goes into further branch-like structures called bronchioles, which eventually end up at the minuscule bag-like structures called alveoli or air sacs.

The alveoli are responsible for the gaseous exchange in the lungs: the air is purified, and carbon dioxide is converted into oxygen. The air-sacs are lined with a layer of surfactant for the sake of lubrication. Inhalation of foreign bodies, like asbestos molecules, can cause the alveoli to become blocked and their volume goes down while the mucus secretion increases.

Depending on the cause of blockage, there are two types of atelectasis:

• Obstructive: Also called resorptive atelectasis occurs when foreign particles physically block the airways, forming a mucus plug. This prevents gaseous exchange within the alveoli, subsequently causing the lungs to collapse.
• Non-obstructive: It occurs when something pushes or compresses the lungs internally. This exertion that interferes with alveoli’s functioning can be due to the buildup of scar tissue, fibrosis, or even an effusion.

Symptoms: The intensity of the symptoms for atelectasis depends on the severity of the disease. Symptoms are milder when only one lung is affected, but extremely aggressive when both are affected. Patients may experience sharp chest pain, shallow coughing, and shortness of breath when walking or talking.

As the condition worsens patients experience fast and shallow breathing and can only breathe when sitting in an upright position. Patients may also report palpitations, fast heart rate, and cyanosis – a condition that makes the skin appear bluish-purple caused by a lack of oxygen supply to body organs and extremities.

The Takeaway:

Inhaling or ingesting asbestos can harm you in more ways than one. While the exposure cannot be eliminated completely, prevention and precaution can certainly minimize the risks involved in asbestos exposure. Wearing a mask, covering your hands with gloves, and spending less time in areas with higher asbestos presence, are small habits that will keep you safe.

Negotiating healthcare claims can be a complicated process. Before dealing with your health insurance company, the best thing you could do is review what they cover and how much you will have to pay yourself. You should also seek legal counsel if necessary because some settlements require all parties to sign agreements to settle litigation issues.

Many people are unaware that a third-party payer can cover their healthcare needs, such as an insurance company or government program. As you prepare for these negotiations, it is crucial to know the dos and don’ts of settlement discussions.

When you are injured and need medical care, the last thing on your mind is likely to be negotiating a settlement agreement with the responsible party. However, suppose you do not take the time to prepare for these dealings. In that case, you may be unable to receive fair compensation. Hence, here are a few tips to help you get ready for your health-related settlement negotiations:

Calculate your medical bills

One of the most important things to know before negotiating a settlement is the total cost of your medical care. It would be best to estimate your medical bills accurately before discussing matters with the other party. The party responsible for your ill-health should pay your medical bills. But, if they refuse to do so, you will still need the total cost of your medical care to negotiate over some percentage.

Calculate your lost earnings

If you have been unable to work because of your injury, you should also estimate your lost earnings. You should also calculate your future lost wages if your injury has caused you to lose earning capacity. The responsible party should pay for your lost income and future lost earnings. This money will help you improve your quality of life post a severe and life-altering injury.

Mesothelioma settlements

If you suffer from mesothelioma, you may be entitled to legal compensation. You should consult with a personal injury or asbestos-related injury attorney with experience with mesothelioma settlements and claims. Lawyering up will ensure you get a fair deal. You can also claim compensation if a close family member’s death occurred due to mesothelioma.

Have a clear picture of your injury

It is also essential to have a sound understanding of your injury before negotiating a settlement. You should know the medical diagnosis of your injury, as well as any long-term effects the injury may have. It would be best to collect all the proof to strengthen your claim and get a better bargain.

Know your recovery time frame

Suppose you are currently recovering from your injury. In that case, you must know how long you will be unable to work because of your condition. You will want to see the extent of your injuries and explain it to the other parry’s negotiator. You should also know how much time you will need to recover before returning to work.

Have a realistic settlement estimate

It is essential to have a realistic estimate of what you hope to receive in compensation. Do not ask for more than what you realistically expect to receive. However, remember that you may also negotiate a lower settlement if the responsible party is not willing to pay what you are asking for.

Have a settlement agreement in writing

A written settlement agreement may be presented to you for your review before any formal talks begin. This agreement should spell out the terms to know what you agree to. You should have an attorney review the contract before signing it.

Have an attorney represent you

Suppose you are unable to negotiate a settlement on your own. In that case, you may want to consider hiring an attorney to represent you. A lawyer specializing in health-related claims can negotiate on your behalf and ensure you receive the money you are entitled to. Your attorney can also give you advice on how to prepare for negotiations.

Get your medical records in order

It is essential to have your medical records ready before negotiations begin. You will need copies of any necessary medical reports. You should also have a list of medications you are currently taking because of your injury. This information will help you show the extent of your injuries during negotiations.

Be wary of high-low agreements

If you and the responsible party cannot reach a settlement agreement, take your claim to court. Before your case goes to court, the responsible party may offer you a high-low agreement. A high-low agreement means the responsible party will pay you a higher amount than what you would typically receive in a settlement for a specific period. But, if the case goes to trial and the jury concedes in favor of the responsible party, you will receive a lower amount. This type of agreement can benefit the other party more than you. So think before taking matters to trial.

Seek medical treatment

It is essential to seek medical treatment for your injuries as soon as possible. Suppose you do not seek medical treatment, and your injuries become worse. In that case, you may lose the opportunity to receive a settlement. Seeking medical treatment also helps to document the extent of your injuries. It is helpful to keep a diary of your injuries. This includes writing down when your injuries began, the activities in which you were engaged when your injuries occurred, and any necessary medications or treatments you have received.

Gather Evidence

You should gather any evidence related to your injury to support your claim. This includes photos of the damage, medical bills and records, employment records, and other documentation supporting your claim.

Establish liability

Before obtaining a settlement for your injuries, you must establish liability or prove the responsible party is at fault. Establishing liability can be difficult if the responsible party is not cooperative, is no longer in possession of the evidence, or denies any responsibility for the injury. If you are unable to establish liability, you may not be able to receive any amount as fair compensation.

Conclusion

This article mentions a few things you should keep in mind when preparing to sit across the table from someone who has compromised your health. It would be best to consult a personal injury lawyer before beginning negotiations. Lawyering up will ensure better table-talk and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

 

Dr. Joon Faii Ong is a world-renowned authority on Essential Tremors, especially related to the hands. We reached out to him to discuss the background and mechanics of hand tremors and what patients can do to cope with them.

What Causes Hand Tremors?

While some tremors are caused by a lack of blood flow or muscle fatigue, the most common reason for having a tremor is Parkinson’s Disease. Parkinson’s disease affects approximately 10 million people worldwide and 60,000 cases in the United States. This condition causes severe tremors, which can affect any part of the body, but most commonly affects the hands. The tremors are so bad that people find it incredibly difficult to do common tasks such as grabbing an object or even holding a cup of coffee steadily.

What is Essential Tremor?

Essential tremor does not have any specific cause and can be hereditary (passed down from parents). There is no treatment, but it can be managed with medication. In around 25% of cases, the tremor worsens as people get older, making everyday tasks more difficult. It is typically a fine tremor and starts from the hands before spreading to other body parts.

What are Hand Tremors?

Hand tremors are one of the more common symptoms of Essential Tremor. There are many reasons why you could develop these tremors, but most commonly, it is because of some sort of nerve damage or nerve problems that lead to your brain having difficulty controlling hand movements. When you have essential tremors, your brain tries to send signals to your hand, but it cannot control them properly.

Are Hand Tremors Debilitating?

As it stands, doctors are not sure of the exact definition of what makes a hand tremor debilitating or not. It can vary from person to person and how much they are affected by their tremors.

How do You Treat Hand Tremors?

There is no known cure for hand tremors, but there are ways to be managed. The most common way of managing them is through medication such as beta-blockers, which work to block the effects of adrenalin and reduce tremors. However, this type of treatment is temporary and can lead to more problems down the road. Another treatment method is surgery, but it is generally not recommended due to its invasive nature and risk.

What is the Long Term Prognosis for People with Hand Tremors?

The prognosis for hand tremors is generally positive. Tremors are not life-threatening, and there are many different ways in which they can be managed to allow people to continue with their everyday activities.

How Can You Manage Hand Tremors?

As previously mentioned, managing your tremors will involve both medication and physiotherapy. The most common physiotherapy method is a type of glove called a GyroGlove, which Dr. Ong developed.

Closing Thoughts

Essential Tremor is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. While it does not cause any pain, there are many ways in which you can manage tremors and get on with your day-to-day life. People who have Essential Tremors should speak with their doctor about different treatments and management options they can use.

In recent years, there has been a distinct shift in the world of smoking. Where cigarettes once reigned supreme unquestionably, the e-cigarette is now becoming more popular. Still, we as a society collectively know very little about it.

What benefits are there to making the switch from smoker to vaper? There are four benefits in particular that should make it more than worth it to make the jump. Here are the advantages of making the move from smoking to vaping instead.

1. More Cost-Effective

It is no secret that the cost of cigarettes has been steadily on the rise in recent years. This is partially due to a collective initiative to get rid of smoking. To smoke regularly, it can put a serious dent in anyone’s budget.

But switching to vaping means potentially saving a lot of money as well. The initial investment is obviously a lot different – having to buy vaping devices and accessories versus just buying a pack of cigarettes – but the cartridges can be much less expensive on the whole. In the long run, you can see serious savings by switching from smoking to vaping.

2. Less After-Effects

There are more than a few health-related reasons to go from cigarettes to an e-cigarette. The smoke is a big reason and it turns out that the vapor in vapes doesn’t linger in the air for nearly as long as it would for traditional cigarettes.

That makes vaping in public much more tolerable than traditional smoking. Those around you don’t have to suffer from secondhand smoke nor the distinct smoker smell that has become synonymous with smoking. Eliminating the risk of passive smoking means being able to vape where you want without some of the restrictions that have been imposed on traditional smokers.

3. Mostly Safer

There is also a huge discussion about just how much safer vaping is than smoking. There is no doubt that it is safer, though the question turns into what potential downsides there may be. Still, using e-liquids means not leaving residue such as tar stuck to your lungs. That is a huge benefit in and of itself.

It has also been shown that vaping can help to improve immunity, reduce blood pressure, make your lungs function normally, and even ease breathing. That’s right, vaping can actually have potentially positive health benefits whereas smoking has none.

4. Greater Variety

There are some variations to traditional cigarettes but they can be subtle at best. Another major factor to make the switch to vaping is in all the different flavours out there that are available to try. There are fruit flavours and blends available from different vendors that will have you trying new flavours for months before you run through them all.

That sheer variety is a much better experience than traditional smoking. Not only for you, but for the people who are around you. Make the switch to vaping and see all the different flavours that are available.

Do you often indulge in dark chocolate? If not, it’s high time you start enjoying this guilt-free treat and reap its health benefits.

Dark chocolate is plentiful in nutrients that come from the cacao tree seed, which is the leading ingredient. It contains antioxidants, vitamins, fiber, and minerals, such as zinc, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, selenium, and potassium.

When consumed in moderation, this treat benefits the well-being of humans in a number of ways. It fights depression, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, provides antioxidants, improves brain function, protects the skin from UV rays, etc.

Online candy shops, like candycollections.co.uk, offer various dark chocolate bars.

Have a look at the benefits of consuming this treat.

Prevents depression

A crucial health benefit of consuming dark chocolate is preventing depression in consumers. This product has a couple of chemicals responsible for eliminating depressive behaviour. For instance, theobromine, whose structure is similar to caffeine, can reduce blood pressure and provide individuals with the necessary energy.

Another essential chemical found in dark chocolate is anandamide, which resembles THC in structure. In spite of the similarities in structure, anandamide isn’t addictive like THC. Nevertheless, it’s capable of providing a boost in mood and energy without causing any cardiovascular damage.

Additionally, phenethylamine is another mood-boosting component found in this dessert. When it enters the body, phenethylamine metabolizes into serotonin, which is responsible for regulating mood and inducing happiness. When serotonin levels are low, eating dark chocolate can help a person get the levels back to normal. See this article to gain a better understanding of serotonin’s role in depression.

Lowers the risk of heart disease

Another incredible health benefit of eating dark chocolate is the ability to reduce the risk of heart disease. Individuals who regularly consume this product are considered less likely to develop cardiovascular disease due to the effect of cocoa on the two risk factors, hypertension, and high cholesterol.

For instance, dark chocolate is boasted to reduce high blood pressure owing to its flavanols. The job of flavanols is to encourage the production of nitric oxide in the body. In turn, nitric oxide is capable of dilating the blood vessels, thus improving blood flow and reducing hypertension. Numerous studies have shown the positive effect of dark chocolate on individuals suffering from hypertension, as long as it contains between fifty and seventy percent of cocoa.

Even though vegetables and fruits are claimed to be rich sources of antioxidants, cocoa beans are considered more copious. Cocoa is actually among the ingredients with the highest concentration of antioxidants and nutrients.

When it comes to cholesterol levels, dark chocolate has an impact on both types of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). People refer to the former as bad cholesterol, while the latter is known as good cholesterol. Nevertheless, dark chocolate is claimed to prevent LDL cholesterol from oxidizing while increasing the levels of HDL cholesterol.

During the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, the low-density lipoprotein becomes reactive, which might lead to atherogenesis. This medical condition causes degeneration of the arteries that might eventually result in cancer. In the meantime, cocoa does its best to improve HDL cholesterol levels as well.

A copious source of antioxidants

Most of the health benefits provided by dark chocolate originate from its high antioxidant levels. It’s an abundant source of antioxidants because of the presence of polyphenols and flavonols, which have such properties. The importance of antioxidants in the human body is tremendous, as they minimize oxidative stress and neutralize free radicals.

Moreover, oxidative stress is caused in the body when the number of free radicals is excessive. They inflict plenty of damage on the tissues and cells in the body, which increases the risk of severe diseases like diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, etc.

During the research, researchers take oxygen radical absorbance capacity into account, referring to the antioxidant activity of foods. It’s the capacity of different ingredients to disarm free radicals with the help of antioxidants. Cocoa beans are definitely among the foods with the highest performance.

Dark chocolate is ample in organic compounds that take the role of antioxidants. Additionally, cocoa has shown greater antioxidant activity in comparison with certain fruits, such as blueberries. Go to this site, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287710#:~:text=Blueberries%20can%20help%20heart%20health,daily%20allowance%20of%20vitamin%20C., to gain insight into the health benefits of blueberries.

Improves brain function

Another health benefit of consuming dark chocolate is improving one’s brain function. High amounts of flavanols are touted to improve blood flow to the brain. As discussed above, flavanols widen the blood vessels and allow more oxygen to reach certain brain areas.

Furthermore, just by eating a few pieces of this product, your brain is provided with a short-term boost that increases alertness for a couple of hours. Also, the improvement of brain function in the short term is helped by the presence of theobromine and caffeine in cocoa.

Protects the skin from the sun

The skin stands to gain from dark chocolate and its bioactive compounds. Flavanols provide protection against sun damage, improve the flow of blood to the skin, and increase its hydration. In the summer days, especially before going on a vacation, you should increase the consumption of dark chocolate. It offers incredible protection against damaging UV rays. Read here about the health effects of UV radiation.

To sum up

This treat is almost guilt-free and super healthy.

Make sure you consume it daily!

 

Sharp Wastes are those medical (or biomedical wastes) that can cut through your skin. These include needles, syringes (with needles), scalpels, razors, broken glass, or any other sharp object that may be harmful if entered into the human body because they are biohazardous. Hence why sharp waste disposal is vital.

Simple sterilizing or disinfecting the sharp objects is not enough. They need to be shredded, so they cannot be used again. Sharps are the most dangerous industrial waste in the whole industry. Using a dirty injection can cause various problems as it carries numerous kinds of pathogens with it.

The problem is, hundreds of people get injected with something every day. And there is no guarantee about the syringes, whether they are safe to use or not. That is why special equipment is in the works, so the dirty ones are shredded.

There is a two-step process for sharps waste disposal;

 

• After using the sharp object, place the object in the disposal container immediately. Hospitals and health departments have these special containers used to dispose of the piercing tool.  
• The second step is to get rid of the container. You could call your trash collecting company, and they can get rid of it for you. But never leave it alone with other trash if it is hazardous because it is harmful. Non-Hazardous are fine if left out, but you should remove them immediately.

If the patient is getting treatment in his house, you should remove the needles and other sharp objects. Public trash collecting companies do this service, but it’s advisable to call special sharps waste disposal companies.

Although incinerators are available, companies have come up with their equipment for shredding the sharps. Incinerators use pressure and high temperatures to sterilize the sharps, but it’s not that effective because some bacteria survive high temperatures. That is why it is important to shred them to pieces, so even if any bacteria is present on them, it cannot get inside the human body.

Some countries have organizations that obtain illegal, second-hand syringes because they are cheap. And this causes many viral diseases like HIV, Hepatitis, etc. This is why these organizations need to stop. They are putting the lives of humankind at risk.

Syringes, injections are sensitive objects, and you should use them very carefully. And once used, you need to get rid of them. FDA, the American organization, has implemented some ground rules on how to proceed with the disposal process, and one should take a look at these steps before using any sharp object.