Medical Issues

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are far-reaching. This crisis has changed the way we live. Most states and countries have stay-at-home or quarantine orders for safety reasons. These orders can make people feel isolated and add more stress. There are ways to relieve stress while staying safe at home.

Exercise:

Physical activity is a great option to  relieve stress. Exercise releases endorphins in the brain which improve our moods naturally. Being active also can help with weight loss or maintenance. Seeing physical changes and feeling the improved moods will show firsthand why exercise is helpful. There is no set in stone way to exercise, so it’s adaptable to each individual’s needs and interests. There is a myriad of ways to incorporate more physical activity into daily life.

Healthy Eating:

One of the most beneficial tips for how to destress during these difficult times is implementing a healthy diet. The foods people consume impact their health in numerous ways. Healthy eating has been shown to have positive effects on mood as well as helping to manage or even prevent some chronic diseases. Eating properly can improve people’s quality of life immensely.

Get Adequate Sleep To Relieve Stress:

Sleep is one of the most important things humans need for their optimal well-being. It’s still up for debate exactly what the purpose of sleep is, but it’s clear brain function suffers without it. Stress and sleep can produce a self-perpetuating cycle where stress causes insomnia and insomnia causes stress. Implementing bedtime rituals and making proper sleep a priority will make it much easier to handle the daily stresses and curve balls life can bring. Being well-rested brings improved moods and clearer thinking among other benefits.

Creativity:

Delving into a creative hobby or picking one back up could be a prudent way to help relieve stress during this time. Creativity has been shown to make people happier, reduce levels of stress, and keep the brain active. Choosing to begin writing, painting, sculpting, or any other creative endeavor might be a key part of coping with stress in life. Creation switches the mind into a different mode and distracts from negative thoughts. Also, there is a sense of satisfaction after having made something beautiful.

Relaxation Techniques Help To Relieve Stress:

There are numerous relaxation techniques like yoga, breath work, or progressive relaxation which have been used for generations to help people feel better and cope with the demands and trials of life. Yoga has been shown as a quite effective stress-relieving option for people throughout the ages. Besides their mental health benefits, yoga and tai chi can improve balance and fitness as well as helping with muscle tone when used consistently.

Time Management:

A significant number of people have begun working from home. Taking work home in the most literal sense can in and of itself cause stress. Trying to balance work obligations, family obligations, and have time to attend to personal needs can be a large obstacle to overcome. Time management has been shown to be quite effective as a means of reducing stress. Having boundaries and consistent schedules lifts some of the chaos and pressure and enables us to bounce from one realm of life to another. Work, family, and individual needs can be met more easily when time management becomes a priority.

This time is not easy, but there are ways to help get through it. Implementing some or all of these ideas will help relieve stress and allow things to go more smoothly at home.

Thanks to recent advancements in healthcare and nutrition, what we know as the “golden years” have only gotten better. People today experience an unprecedented quality of life and overall well-being, even as seniors. Average life expectancy rates have also increased, and are now at 80 years for women and 75 years for men in the United States. However, that’s not to say the risk of common health threats that proliferate among the elderly have gone anywhere. On the contrary, changes in our diet and lifestyle have made it more important than ever to ensure that our bones, belly and brain are in working order. Here are five conditions to watch for as you age.

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is an important issue in senior health, with around 43 percent of affected Americans being over the age of 65. Common age-related forms of this condition include presbycusis and noise-induced hearing loss. In both cases, the ability to hear higher-pitched sounds deteriorates. Regular testing and hearing aids can help.

Osteoporosis

As we age, our bodies lose the ability to create new bone tissue faster than old bone tissue is absorbed, which leads to weaker and thinner bones. This describes the development of osteoporosis, a disease that makes your bones fragile enough to experience serious damage even from the smallest movements.

Osteoporosis has no symptoms, so you need to ask an orthopedics professional to schedule a test. Yale Medicine is one such organization, specializing in the treatment of injuries and diseases related to the musculoskeletal system. Whether you’re seeking physical therapy or simply need a scan, you can prepare for your visit with them online.

Heart Disease

Over time, the heart has to work harder to continue moving blood through the body. Changes in the circulation system are normal, but others can be related to diseases that lead to heart attack or stroke. Common signs of heart disease include shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness and chest pain. Strokes are another issue to watch for as you age.

Cognitive Impairment

Memory is naturally affected by ageing, but only to a certain degree. Cognitive impairment can make the simplest of tasks confusing, as well as making it easy to forget things. Studies estimate that up to 20 percent of seniors have mild cognitive impairment.

The more advanced form is known as Alzheimer’s, which is a serious disease of the brain with irreversible effects. People who suffer from it often begin experiencing memory lapses. Dementia is another example. It’s worth consulting a doctor if you believe you have the symptoms.

Diabetes

Although possible at any age, diabetes is especially prevalent among seniors. With this condition, your blood sugar levels reach dangerous heights. This can lead to a range of complications in areas including your eyes, kidneys, heart and nervous system. Early signs include fatigue, blurry eyesight, extreme hunger and a frequent need to use the bathroom.

Conclusion

These are the most common conditions to watch for as you age. However, there are many more, so be sure to consult a healthcare professional often and always follow a healthy lifestyle.

We all know when we have had a poor night’s sleep. There is something about the feeling we have the morning after a disturbed night that makes everything we do feel more difficult. You move more slowly, you feel less steady, and emotions are often a bit closer to the surface – good emotions and negative ones alike. It’s not lost on anyone that bedtime is an important stretch of time for us all.What a lot of people might not realize is just how many ways there are to get a better sleep, or make it worse. Not only is there a lot we can do to affect how beneficial our sleep is, but there are a few surprising facts, things we thought were positive (but aren’t!) and a wealth of other information that is well worth knowing if you want to get the best night’s shuteye, so read on…

Reading is fine, but…

 It’s tricky to figure out how we should feel about a book before bedtime. By reading, we are working our brains, and it is easy to see how that could be a negative. After all, if your mind is racing, it’s next to impossible to settle down. However, studies show that reading before bedtime relaxes us physically, by allowing us to settle and breathe for a spell, and mentally by distracting us from stressors. Of course, what you read has an impact too: avoid page-turning thrillers for obvious reasons – and read an actual physical book, as e-readers use LED lights that affect our production of melatonin, and prevent us getting better sleep.

Eat and drink the right things

 It should be obvious that coffee before bedtime is a bad idea, so let’s assume that’s covered. The same is true of anything sugary like soft drinks or milkshakes, as well as foods like chocolate. In truth, no food at all should be taken within two hours of bedtime if you want to sleep well. If you are eating that close to bedtime, it should ideally be something light like a salad.

Supplements and tinctures are fine, too, as they won’t settle on the stomach. Some may even help you sleep, such as CBD supplements from the likes of https://www.everydayoptimalcbd.com/, while a cup of herbal tea can help your digestion and other physical processes. Take a glass of water with you, too, as thirst impulses can wake you up. What you eat or drink at bedtime can certainly help you get better sleep, or worse. 

Music can help you get better sleep

 Listening to music before bedtime is potentially very beneficial as long as it’s the right music. Naturally, anything that is loud and pulsing is a bad choice, as is anything that could be described as an “earworm” – you don’t want to spend three hours tossing and turning while “Surfin’ Bird” by The Trashmen works its way through your brain. Quiet, ambient beats are good, as is gentle classical music. According to inc.com, the best track for sleep is believed to be “Weightless” by Marconi Union, although you may find you have your own preferences.

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for being the best you in the morning – so take the opportunity to aid your brain in letting you have the most relaxing six to eight hours imaginable.

 By Dr. Chad Larson, NMD, DC, CCN, CSCS, Advisor and Consultant on Clinical Consulting Team for Cyrex Laboratories

At this point, the global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has impacted all of our lives in ways large and small. For many of us, we’ll be feeling the impact of this outbreak long after it’s gone. However, for those among us with an existing autoimmune condition, the necessity of taking every precaution to guard against this disease is particularly urgent.

Results from a recent study by Imperial College London indicate nearly 2.2 million Americans could die from the coronavirus within a year if we are unable to flatten the curve, and those already with immune system dysregulation are particularly vulnerable. This means that the 23.5 million Americans who suffer from an autoimmune disease need to do all that they can to protect themselves. Common symptoms of COVID-19 include: fever, chills, body aches, dry throat/nose, dry coughing and trouble breathing. It is a highly contagious virus that can affect individuals of all ages, but most severely affects older adults and those who have pre-existing conditions, such as an autoimmune disease.

Autoimmune diseases affect the body’s ability to fight the virus, and thus the symptoms of the virus become more severe. Many autoimmune diseases can compromise the body’s production of white blood cells that protect the body against foreign invaders. The lack of white blood cells prolong the length of time it takes to fight the virus, which causes the symptoms to get worse, and therefore puts those with autoimmune disorders at a higher risk.  Some of the most common types of autoimmune disorders are lupus, psoriatic arthritis, Type 1 Diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune thyroid disease and more. Although everyone should be taking precaution to prevent the spread of COVID-19, those with autoimmune disorders should be taking extra care to ensure that their health is not compromised during this trying time. Here are some important things to know about coronavirus if you are autoimmune compromised:

1. Go overboard in avoiding public spaces

While this should be a rule for everyone during this time, it especially applies to those with autoimmune disorders. In fact, if you’re reading this and you have an autoimmune condition, please understand that we as a society are practicing social distancing in part to protect you—so do your part! If you have an autoimmune disorder, ensure that you are doing everything you can to avoid public places. Self-quarantining includes having someone deliver your food (and sanitizing any food or packages upon receipt) and only leaving your house when absolutely necessary or for brief periods in open air locations with plenty of space between yourself and anyone else (six feet or more to be safe if you have an underlying autoimmune condition). It is important to note that this does not simply mean avoiding those who are sick or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Individuals can have the coronavirus and be asymptomatic for up to two weeks. This means that there are a large number of individuals who are spreading the disease unknowingly, as they are not aware they even have it themselves. If you have the luxury of living near family or friends who are not autoimmune compromised, ask them if they are willing to help you receive all essential items that you are not able to go out and get.

1. Tests are in limited supply…but you are a priority

One of the main causes associated with the rapid spread of COVID-19 is the lack of adequate testing available to the public. Although tests are being developed that allow for more individuals to be checked and receive their results quicker, there are still not enough tests for every individual who has been exposed to the disease. It is important to note that if you have any symptoms, especially if you also have a pre-existing autoimmune condition, there is a COVID-19 hotline that you can contact and ask where you can get tested. A Google search of “COVID-19” or “coronavirus {your state}” can put you in contact with your state’s coronavirus hotline and access to medical centers that are currently administering tests. If you feel that you are already experiencing more severe symptoms of the virus, contact your existing health care provider for the best steps on how to proceed—and make sure they are made aware of your condition. 

1. Symptoms of COVID-19 are not immediate—even for those with an autoimmune condition

Similar to the flu, it is possible to contract the virus unknowingly and live asymptomatic for an extended period of time. Individuals with autoimmune conditions are likely to experience more severe symptoms quicker, however it exactly depends on the health of their immune systems. For example, those with pre-existing lung conditions are likely to experience trouble breathing/shortness of breath when compared to those with full lung capacity. Contact your health care provider if you experience any COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to someone who could be positive. If you are at risk because of an existing autoimmune condition, you cannot afford to sit back and wait to see how bad your condition gets before taking action.  

When you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system has to work harder than others just to keep your body healthy and protected from regular day to day germs and bacteria. The most dangerous thing about COVID-19 is that our bodies have never been exposed to it before and there is no cure at this time. Some people who get it are asymptomatic and others experience nothing more than light cold symptoms, while others fall gravely ill. If you are someone with an autoimmune disease, you should not underestimate the possibility that you may fall into the latter category. Practice social distancing, wash your hands, follow the news—all the things everyone else is doing. But also pay attention to how your body is doing with your condition and be prepared to take action should you feel you may have been exposed. We still have much to learn about COVID-19 , but we know that anyone with a compromised immune system will be particularly vulnerable as we look to contain its spread.

Dr. Chad Larson, NMD, DC, CCN, CSCS, Advisor and Consultant on the Clinical Consulting Team for Cyrex Laboratories. Dr. Larson holds a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Southern California University of Health Sciences. He is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He particularly pursues advanced developments in the fields of endocrinology, orthopedics, sports medicine, and environmentally-induced chronic disease.

Stress and anxiety are two of the most common psychological conditions that are affecting millions around the globe. Stress is a response that a person exhibits due to a disruption in their physical or psychological conditions. Anxiety is a reaction that a person exhibits due to stress. However, many people ignore stress or anxiety, as they feel that it is only gonna last for some time, or it is going to ward off on its own. Pressure in work or personal life and chronic health conditions are two of the most common causes of stress and anxiety. If unattended in time, it could accumulate and interrupt everyday life and long term health. Hence, it is vital to diagnose these conditions in the early stages. It not only improves the health and well-being but also enhances the person’s ability to cope up with various physical or psychological health conditions.

When a person suffers from anxiety or stress, they show a lot of symptoms. Below listed are a few signs that are common in both these conditions:

• Headaches
• Disrupted sleep
• Obesity
• Depression
• Hypertension
• Physical pains
• Sweaty palms or feet
• Digestive disorders
• Irregular food habits
• Irregular heartbeats
• Poor concentration
• Irritability
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue

These symptoms can disturb both the physical and psychological well being of a person.

There are various treatments that could treat anxiety and anxiety. However, many health experts believe that the best approach is to modify the lifestyle and dietary habits. It not only treats anxiety and stress but also relieves the person from various conditions related to it. Below listed are some of the best-recommended foods to treat the disease.

Foods that alleviate stress and anxiety

Foods play a prominent role in enriching the overall functions of the body. The foods listed below are known to lessen the stress and anxiety levels in the body by regulating healthy physical and psychological functions.

Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the holistic adaptogenic herbs that is known to alleviate several physical and psychological health conditions. It includes obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, inflammations, and cardiac diseases, which could otherwise cause anxiety and stress.

Besides, curcumin is known to boost an essential component known as DHA, which is known to treat and prevent anxiety or stress. Turmeric’s antioxidant properties also reduce oxidative stress, which in turn reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress in the body. Thus, turmeric plays a vital role in treating the condition, the root causes, and other symptoms associated with it.

Avocado

Avocados contain essential vitamins that fuel the regulation of neurotransmitters, which elevate the mood and effectively treats stress and anxiety. They are also loaded with potassium, which lowers blood pressure, which in turn reduces the stress levels in the body. Besides, avocados improve memory, concentration, and prevents blood clots in the brain, which could be some of the side-effects of anxiety and stress.

Green tea

Green tea is enriched with l-theanine, which is known to fight stress and anxiety effectively. It is known to improve concentration, focus, and thought process that plays a crucial role in reducing stress and anxiety levels. Besides, green tea is known to soothe, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, Alzheimer’s diseases, and various chronic conditions, which could otherwise lead to stress or anxiety.

Blueberries

Blueberries are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that are essential for alleviating brain functions, which can relieve stress and anxiety. They reduce the oxidative stress that can promote intelligence and slow down the aging process of the brain. On a more positive note, blueberries also help the body in fighting diabetes, cardiac disorders, and other diseases that are known to cause anxiety or stress in the body.

Yogurt

Yogurt has a considerable positive impact on the brain. It does so by improving the person’s ability to cope up with anxiety, stress, and mood swings. Yogurt contains probiotics and other essential components that promote the healthy bacteria in the gut, which in turn enriches the brain functions. The immune-boosting powers of yogurt also help the body in fighting chronic physical and psychological conditions that can indirectly alleviate stress and anxiety levels in the body.

Alongside the foods mentioned above, following a healthy dietary and lifestyle routine is also essential to cure stress and anxiety. Make sure that your daily diet contains all the vital nutrients and also avoid any junk or processed food, which could otherwise trigger the conditions. Also, make sure to have a physical workout of at least 30 minutes a day/alternate days.

Conclusion:

Anxiety and stress are pretty common in the modern world. Attending them in the early stages and taking necessary measures can alleviate the condition and improve overall well-being. However, it is advised to seek proper medical treatment if anxiety and stress persist for a longer time. The foods mentioned can help in treating the conditions to a great extent, augmenting the treatment, and fight any side-effects of the medications or treatments.

Author Bio:

Emylee Modestino is a wellness lifestyle writer. She loves sharing her thoughts and personal experiences related to natural remedies, yoga and fitness through her writing. She currently writes for How To Cure. She can connect with others experiencing health concerns and help them through their recovery journeys through natural remedies.