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Prevent Heart Disease by Learning About Your Heart

By
Greg
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Prevent Heart Disease by Learning About Your Heart

Your heart is directly involved in supplying all of your organs with the oxygen they need to function properly. Without it, your body would completely shut down.

This is why it’s so important to take good care of your heart. If you develop heart disease, your heart is no longer able to perform its primary function with the same efficiency.

Learning more about the anatomy and functions of your heart can help you understand not only the role it plays in your overall well-being but also how you can take better care of it to avoid heart disease.

Functions of the Heart

Each day, your heart pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood if it’s functioning regularly.

Your heart is a key component in keeping your blood cells oxygenated and delivering this oxygenated blood throughout your body.

Oxygenating Blood

Your cells could not perform their regular functions without oxygen, and oxygen fuels cellular respiration, which is where your cells use oxygen to break down nutrients into energy and waste. The waste gets discarded, and the energy is used as fuel for your body.

Since oxygen is such an integral part of your cells’ regular functions, your body has to ensure a constant supply is reaching your cells at all times, which is accomplished by oxygenating your blood.

The heart doesn’t supply this oxygen itself, but it does facilitate oxygenation by pumping deoxygenated blood into the lungs.

Circulating Blood

Once blood has been oxygenated, it moves from the lungs back into the heart. It then has to reach the rest of your body.

Your heart pumps this blood through your arteries, which carry it to organs and tissues throughout your body. Contractions, known as heartbeats, push blood through your circulatory system.

Once the oxygen is used up, blood returns to the heart to be oxygenated once again.

Anatomy of the Heart

Your heart is a complex organ made up of a series of chambers, valves, and tissues. Each part of the organ is involved in circulating your blood throughout your body, and damage to any of them can jeopardize your health.

Chambers

Your heart consists of four chambers. You have left and right atria located in the upper area of the heart and left and right ventricles in the lower area. The left and right sides are separated by a muscle wall known as the septum.

Blood enters your heart through the atria from your veins. It passes from the atria into the ventricles, which then pump the blood out of the heart.

The atria are thinner than the ventricles, as not as much force is needed to transfer blood between the chambers of the heart. More force is needed to pump blood out through the arteries.

The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood and passes it through to your pulmonary system via the right ventricle. Your left atrium receives oxygenated blood from your lungs, which is then pumped out from your left ventricle to the rest of your body.

Valves

Heart valves control the flow of blood through the heart, ensuring everything stays moving in the right direction.

Atrioventricular valves, also known as cuspid valves, are located between the atria and ventricles. They close as the ventricles contract, preventing blood from flowing backward into the atria once it has passed into the ventricles.

Your heart also contains semilunar valves, which are located near the bases of the ventricles. These valves close and the ventricles relax, and these actions keep blood from flowing back into the ventricles after it’s been pumped out into your circulatory system.

Blood Vessels

Your heart is connected to many different blood vessels that carry blood to and from different cells and organs. These include both veins and arteries. While your veins bring deoxygenated blood back to your heart, your arteries pump oxygenated blood out of your heart and through your body.

Your largest artery, the aorta, brings blood to many different areas through smaller branches. You also have the superior and inferior vena cava, which bring deoxygenated blood back to the heart from your upper and lower body, respectively. Your pulmonary artery and veins carry blood between your heart and lungs.

Your heart needs oxygenated blood to function too. This is supplied by the coronary arteries.

How Heart Disease Interferes With These Functions

Heart disease interferes with the regular function of your heart by restricting blood flow. Plaque builds up in your arteries, causing them to narrow, which in turn, limits how much blood can pass through them.

Without proper oxygenation in your heart and other parts of your body, your cells won’t have the energy they need to function properly. This can lead to major complications, like a heart attack.

Improving Your Health Through Heart Disease Treatment

Thankfully, there are many ways to keep your heart healthy and prevent heart disease. Common heart disease treatments include following a heart-healthy diet, quitting smoking, and getting more exercise.

Final Thoughts

Properly caring for your heart allows it to function efficiently. The more heart-healthy choices you make, the easier it is for your heart to continue to oxygenate and circulate blood like it’s designed to do.

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Type One Diabetes Versus Type Two Diabetes Explained

By
Greg
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0
Type One Diabetes Versus Type Two Diabetes Explained

If someone is asked to describe their health, they’ll usually say that they’re diabetic. Most people don’t mention whether they have type one or two diabetes. Both conditions cause the body to struggle with glucose storage and usage.

Glucose is used by the body to create energy, and diabetics have an impaired ability to collect the free glucose in the bloodstream, starving the body’s cells of needed energy. The two main types of diabetes have many similarities, but they are different diseases.

Let’s differentiate between them.

Type 2 Diabetes vs Type 2 Diabetes: Explained

Diabetes Type Two (T2D)

T2D is the most common, affecting 90 to 95% of Americans with diabetes. It occurs most often in mature individuals over the age of 45, but teenagers, young adults, and children are being affected, too.

Diabetes type two is when your body can still produce insulin, but the insulin produced is much less useful. You actually become resistant to this hormone that the body needs to regulate your blood glucose levels.

Risk Factors

  • Ethnicity plays a huge role in the risk of developing T2D. According to Harvard Medical School, Asian Americans, African Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanics are more likely to develop T2D.
  • Genetics is another risk factor. Inheriting certain genes makes you three times more likely to develop diabetes. The main culprit is lipids inside the pancreatic B cell membranes, which cause blockage of the process of storing and converting glucose to energy.
  • Obesity is another risk factor for anyone with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher.
  • Smoking increases your risk of developing T2D by 30 to 40%.
  • A lack of exercise and an unhealthy diet also increases your risk.
  • Environmental factors certainly contribute risk.
  • T2D might even be the consequence of having too little vitamin D.
  • And finally, age certainly plays a big role.

Type One Diabetes (T1D)

T1D only affects around five percent of Americans, and it shares many similarities with T2D, but it develops differently. T1D is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that the immune system attacks and destroys the pancreatic beta cells that produce insulin.

It’s unknown why the immune system attacks the pancreatic cells, but during the process, the pancreas stops making insulin, and supplemental insulin is needed from that time on. Symptoms of T1D appear much faster and are much more profound.

Although adults can develop T1D, and men are more at risk than women, it’s most prevalent among children, and it typically sets in at puberty. The rate of increase globally is at three percent annually among children.

Risk Factors

The risk factors are highly debatable in T1D, but it comes down to a few potential culprits.

  • Genetics play a role if a child has beta-cell autoantibodies. This affects the way their bodies process glucose because the antibodies automatically destroy insulin or beta cells.
  • According to Stanford Children’s Health, being Caucasian increases your risk of developing T1D, which is the opposite of T2D.
  • Having cystic fibrosis, which causes scarring on the pancreas that stops the organ from producing insulin, also puts you at higher risk.
  • Hemochromatosis, which causes an overload of iron that can damage the beta-pancreatic cells, is also a risk factor.
  • Viral childhood infections can also cause T1D, such as rubella, measles, and mumps.
  • Many other autoimmune disorders in which the immune system attacks organs such as the pancreas can lead to T1D.  Examples of these disorders include celiac disease and thyroid autoimmune disease.
  • Stress can lead to autoimmune dysfunction and the subsequent development of T1D.

T1D is a challenging condition that affects young and older people, but with proper care, frequent monitoring, and simple lifestyle changes, you can lead a pleasant life with the condition.

Common Symptoms

The symptoms of T2D can manifest in various ways, including:

  • Increased urination
  • Dehydration and thirst
  • Increased appetite
  • Blurry vision
  • Unexplained fatigue
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
  • Wounds that take longer to heal
  • Unexpected weight loss
  • Thrush

Hyperglycemia is defined as high blood glucose levels. Patients with hyperglycemia exhibit dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, a fruity smell on the breath, difficulty breathing, and coma. Untreated hyperglycemia can be life-threatening.

Hypoglycemia is a potentially life-threatening condition of having extremely low blood glucose levels. Symptoms include shakiness, a pale face, sweating, chills, anxiety, and a rapid heartbeat.

The symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia occur more commonly in T1D than T2D, and they are more severe in T1D.

Other hypoglycemic symptoms include dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, weakness, extreme fatigue, tingling, and severe headaches. If untreated, patients can develop seizures, loss of consciousness, or coma.

Can T2D Change Into T1D?

The simple answer is no. Even though the two main types of diabetes share similarities, they aren’t caused by the same factors.

Patients who suffer from an uncommon condition called latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) can be thought to have T2D when they actually have T1D.

LADA mimics T2D, but the fact that it is an autoimmune condition that prevents pancreatic cells from producing insulin makes it a T1D disorder.  The LADA test establishes the diagnosis. So, to clarify again, T2D cannot become T1D.

Final Thoughts

Whichever type of diabetes you suffer from, you should adopt a healthier lifestyle to support treatment. Insulin-dependent individuals can’t simply throw out their injections.  Instead, they should use lifestyle changes to improve their overall health while adequately treating their T1D.

T1D is undoubtedly stressful, but amazing advancements are being made that could change the way we treat it in the near future. Don’t give up hope, even if you have to rely on insulin.

References

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/type2.html#:~:text=More%20than%2034%20million%20Americans,adults%20are%20also%20developing%20it

Understanding Insulin Resistance Supports Natural Healing

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/racial-and-ethnic-minority-communities-hit-hard-by-type-2-diabetes-heres-what-we-can-do-2017121912969

https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/health-information/cigarette-smoking-risk-factor-type-2-diabetes#:~:text=Smokers%20are%2030%20to%2040,type%202%20diabetes%20than%20nonsmokers.&text=Smoking%20can%20also%20make%20managing,to%20regulate%20blood%20sugar%20levels

https://portlandpress.com/biochemj/article-abstract/474/8/1321/49583/Vitamin-D-deficiency-and-diabetes?redirectedFrom=fulltext

https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=type-1-diabetes-in-children-90-P01977

What is Cystic Fibrosis-related Diabetes?

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5846224/#:~:text=Approximately%2050%25%20of%20patients%20diagnosed,%2C%20release%2C%20and%20insulin%20resistance

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22516771/#:~:text=Type%201%20diabetes%20(T1DM)%20is,prevalent%20endocrinopathy%20among%20diabetic%20patients

https://diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/content/54/suppl_2/S68

Use Natural Remedies to Kick Diabetes Out of the Park!

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What Are the Most Common Arthritis Types People Can Have?

By
Greg
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0
What Are the Most Common Arthritis Types People Can Have

Arthritis isn’t only a pain in the backside. It’s a painful inflammation that surrounds the joints in your body. Many people suffer from osteoarthritis, the most common arthritis type, but there are more than 100 other types of arthritis.

The first certainty about arthritis is that it’s misunderstood. The term ‘arthritis’ actually refers to a collection of diseased, degenerated, or painfully inflamed joints. The second certainty is that it reduces your quality of life.

Before you can learn how to manage arthritis naturally, you’ll need to learn about the seven arthritis variants that affect people globally.

Seven Main Arthritis Variants

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shared the current statistics for Americans, and 54 million people suffer from some form of arthritis, while 24 million of these people have a lower quality of life.

Losing the ability to be active and fully functional is emotionally debilitating. Start understanding your variant of arthritis to manage it on your terms.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

This type of arthritis doubles as a tongue twister. Ankylosing spondylitis is a debilitating type of arthritis that affects the spine. It most commonly affects the lower spinal vertebrae that connect to the pelvic area.

Spondylitis means inflammation, and ankylosing means fused joints. The tissues between your joints wear down, and the bones fuse into an immovable joint. The bones involved are the vertebrae, and the tissues between them are known as discs.

Over time, the inflammation surrounding the discs will wear them to a non-functioning state, which causes a condition referred to as bamboo spine. Men are more likely to suffer from AS, and it’s also genetically inherited with the human leukocyte antigen B27 protein.

Having the B27 protein doesn’t guarantee that you’ll develop AS, and some patients can develop AS even though they don’t have the B27 genetic marker. AS can also be caused by autoimmune dysfunction.

Gout

Gout is more common than AS, and it normally affects one joint at a time, often starting in the big toe. It’s caused by inflammation, crystallization of high levels of uric acid, or both. Unfortunately, it’s also extremely painful.

Repeated flares are a sign that the condition isn’t simply temporary but, instead, has evolved into inflammatory gouty arthritis.

It’s quite intriguing to think how common gout is in patients when you consider that it’s one of the easiest to manage and can often be prevented. It’s best to make use of nutritional and lifestyle changes and leave medication as a last resort.

Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile arthritis is a broad-spectrum term used to cover arthritis in children. Yes, even children can suffer from arthritis. It’s either genetic, the result of an injury, or inflammation from a continuing autoimmune phenomenon.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis is called the degenerative type because it often comes with age and the wear and tear you experience in life. Its main targets are the hips, knees, and hands. Risk factors for developing this type are overusing joints, sedentary behavior, old injuries, and obesity.

Age and gender also play a role, and genetics and ethnicity are also determining risk factors. Asian cultures have a lower risk of developing it. Fortunately, OA can be easily managed with a proactive lifestyle.

Psoriatic Arthritis

This type of arthritis typically affects people with skin conditions like psoriasis. People often don’t realize how an infection in the body or on the skin can impact their bone and tissue health.

Reactive Arthritis

This is another type of arthritis that develops after having an infection, most commonly food poisoning or sexually transmitted infections. It affects the feet, hips, toes, ankles, and knees.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis is another common type. It normally develops when the body’s self-defense system becomes self-destructive, attacking the body instead of defending it.

RA is an autoimmune disorder that commonly affects the hands and feet, but it can also harm your organs. RA can be managed effectively with the same lifestyle changes as most arthritis variants.

Final Thoughts

Knowing more about the type of arthritis you’re experiencing is the starting point, but you must also learn about what causes it. With this knowledge, you can manage your condition much better.

Arthritis Variants Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the common questions people ask.

References

https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/what-is-arthritis#:~:text=Degenerative%20Arthritis,and%20pain%20may%20become%20chronic.

https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/factsheets/arthritis.htm#:~:text=Fast%20Facts,arthritis%20report%20severe%20joint%20pain.

https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/gout.html

https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/juvenile-arthritis#:~:text=Juvenile%20arthritis%20is%20the%20term,is%20usually%20an%20autoimmune%20disorder

https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthritis.htm

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/reactive-arthritis/

https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/rheumatoid-arthritis.html

https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/factsheets/arthritis.htm#:~:text=In%20the%20United%20States%2C%2023%25%20of%20all%20adults%2C%20or,%2C%20rheumatoid%20arthritis%2C%20and%20lupus

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The Complete Hearing Solution That’s Changing An Industry  

By
Greg
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0
THE COMPLETE HEARING SOLUTION THAT’S CHANGING AN INDUSTRY

Lexie Hearing® is an innovative game-changer in the US hearing aid market. We’re on a mission to make better hearing accessible for everyone with a reliable, affordable hearing care solution: the Lexie Lumen hearing aid.

The Lexie Hearing team is passionate about helping you enjoy healthy hearing without the need to spend thousands of dollars on hearing aids.

Why? Because too many people who would benefit from wearing hearing aids don’t have them because they’re simply too expensive. That’s why Lexie Hearing® is changing the industry. We’re helping people hear the life they love with real, digital hearing aids, a customer care program, and an easy-to-use mobile app that gives them control of their hearing health. All this at a price they can afford.

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Quality hearing aids at an affordable price

At Lexie, we leverage smart technology and remote care to ensure that we can still deliver the quality and features wearers would expect from premium hearing aids, but at 80% less than the average industry cost.

Every person who purchases a pair of hearing aids also gets access to the award-winning Lexie App, via Bluetooth capability an invaluable resource and natural extension of the hearing aids. Once the hearing aids have been delivered, the app is used to take a hearing check, and the hearing aids are automatically customized according to the wearer’s unique hearing profile. No two ears are the same, which is why hearing aids should be customized according to hearing check results.

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Control your Lexie hearing aids from the Lexie App. Activate Bluetooth on your smartphone and your hearing aids will automatically connect.

An all-inclusive hearing care solution

The small, discreet Lexie Lumen hearing aid comes in 5 different colors: light gray, silver, beige, metallic black, and bronze. Many wearers like to select the color that blends in best with their hair color.

What makes this a convenient hearing care solution is that everything a wearer needs is included in the box on delivery. There are slim tubes and domes in a range of sizes, to ensure the perfect fit according to the size of each ear. Batteries, drying capsules, and cleaning tools are also included so that the hearing aids can be properly maintained. By following the simple step-by-step instructions, a Lexie wearer will be set up in no time and can adjust the environment settings according to the environment that they’re in, directly in the app.

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Unparalleled expert remote care

What truly sets Lexie apart from other direct-to-consumer hearing aid brands is the team of hearing experts and product experts that is at the disposal of all Lexie wearers. Whenever customers have a question, need help to set up their hearing aids, or want to fine-tune their hearing aids further, the team is willing and able to connect through video or voice call at no additional expense. This means that wearers can get assistance 6 days a week, without having to leave home.

Source: Lexie Hearing

Hearing aids you can access and afford

Because we’ve removed the middleman, customers can buy Lexie Lumen hearing aids online with a one-time payment of $799 or get the all-inclusive subscription option for only $49 x 24 months. The subscription option includes Care Kits that are delivered at regular intervals during the 2 years. There are batteries, domes, tubes, and drying capsules in each Care Kit. There is also a protection plan included for breakages and losses.

Both offers include Lexie Rewards®, a first-of-its-kind rewards program that incentivizes customers to wear their hearing aids. The more they wear their hearing aids, the more likely wearers are to adjust well to the hearing aids. Rewards members will earn points that can be redeemed on purchases in-store in the Lexie App or used towards discounting their monthly subscription fee.

Of tremendous value to customers is that they can enjoy complete peace of mind with a 45-day, money-back guarantee. If their Lexie Lumen hearing aids don’t work for them, they can send them back within the first 45-days and receive a full refund.

Lexie Lumen hearing aids can be purchased online from Lexie Hearing, and are also available through Best Buy and Walmart, and in select Walgreens stores. You can find your closest Walgreens that stocks Lexie Lumen hearing aids here.

Lexie was developed by hearX Group, an impact-driven company that has provided over 1.2 million hearing tests in 190 countries globally. hearX takes pride in providing an entirely new way to overcome traditional barriers to the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disabling hearing loss.

Get your Lexie Lumen hearing aids risk-free, today.

 $150 off a one-time purchase or 2 months free when you subscribe. Plus a free hearing aid dryer.

Shop at Lexie Hearing

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Do I Have Neuropathy: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

By
Greg
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0
Do I Have Neuropathy, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

As we slowly and gracefully navigate through our Golden Years, life continues to present unpleasant surprise twists and turns with declining health. So one day, you feel pretty good, and the next day you don’t.

Take Ms. Ruthie, a 64-year-old Hairstylist with type 2 diabetes. Her once vibrant and successful 35-year career in hair care resulted in forced retirement due to symptoms related to Neuropathy. She started experiencing short periods of weakness and pain with walking and standing because of swollen legs and feet. Later, she began feeling dizzy and weak. She ignored these symptoms by attributing them to her age, diabetes, and work-related stress.

As the pain and weakness continued, she found it difficult to perform simple daily tasks around the salon. These unwelcome and unexpected problems were affecting her mobility more and more. To alleviate her discomfort, Ms. Ruthie decided to hire a part-time Hairstylist, purchase a walking cane for balance, and a pair of quality comfortable shoes. This was a short-term solution that worked well until the numbness in her hands flared up months later. She simply described her hands as feeling as if they were inside a bag of sand. This prompted her to make a doctor’s appointment, and she was immediately referred to a Neurologist for further examination. Ms. Ruthie was diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Pronounced as noo–rop–uh-thee, Neuropathy is defined as nerve damage and nerve pain.

Neuropathy Symptoms

Common symptoms include a frequent feeling of “pins and needles” in the leg, feet, and hands. Persistent tingling of the extremities with stabbing pains often shooting down to the feet. Bare feet feel covered up. Insomnia occurs due to constant pain. There’s excessive sweating or inability to sweat. Muscle weakness, dizziness, loss of balance, and lack of coordination are possible. You may experience sensitivity to the slightest touch as well as intolerance to heat and cold.

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Neuropathy Types Defined

There are four known types of Neuropathy: Peripheral, Autonomic, Focal, and Proximal. 

Peripheral Neuropathy is nerve damage, dysfunction, and pain to parts of your nervous system like your peripheral nerves. It can develop from a brain injury, stroke, alcohol abuse, or other medical conditions like diabetes, a leading cause of chronic pain. Symptoms can worsen and tend to flare up due to triggers related to inflammation, infection, swelling, and physical pressure on the nerve.

Autonomic Neuropathy affects the involuntary nerves that control the organs of your body. These nerves control heart rate, heart contraction strength, blood pressure, urination, intestine movements like diarrhea and constipation.

Focal Neuropathy is common. It includes conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome caused by compression of hand and wrist nerves. Compression can occur due to pressure from prolonged positions or from overusing a limb in a manner that causes inflammation.

Proximal Neuropathy is less common than other neuropathy types. It affects nerves of the limbs such as the thighs, upper arm, or shoulders. It is common to occur along with Peripheral Neuropathy.

Causes of Neuropathy

A number of factors can lead to a neuropathy diagnosis. Diabetes is the main cause where you experience pain, burning, and loss of sensation in the feet and hands. For example, deficiency in vitamins B1, B6, B12, E, and Niacin can harm nerve function. Excessive alcohol consumption causes low levels of Thiamine which is vital for proper nerve function. Nerve damage can occur because of injuries or intense physical activities that compress the nerves. Normal oxygen levels due to vascular disorders that reduce blood flow to the extremities, genetic disorders, and autoimmune diseases can also cause Neuropathy. Other diseases such as kidney and liver disorders, tumors, myeloma, and lymphoma are also known triggers.

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Treatment for Neuropathy

Good news! There is an abundance of remedies available to relieve and treat neuropathy symptoms. However, before indulging in any of the following activities, discuss them with a Neurologist or other medical professional specializing in geriatric medicine as there are long-term benefits, side effects, and risks involved.

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Covid and Neuropathy

A new long Covid study shows that the virus can cause lots of different long-lasting effects, these symptoms include nerve damage, heart problems, tingling sensations, depression, and brain fog. The damage to the nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord was more likely 90 days after infection.

Conclusion

Neuropathy, in any form, can be very difficult and stressful to deal with. It is the damage of any nerve in the body causing dysfunction. The type of nerves and pattern involved depends on the cause. Peripheral Neuropathy, a common type, is usually brought on by diabetes, alcohol abuse, chemotherapy, and several other potential reasons. It can significantly diminish your quality of life and the ability to be active. Do not panic. Pay close attention to the warning signs. Immediately seek medical advice to choose the best treatments and solutions to fit your needs. Unfortunately, there is no known permanent cure for Neuropathy; however, as previously noted, there are preventative measures to stop it from worsening.

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Fortunately, Ms. Ruthie does not struggle with her neuropathic pain and swelling as much as before. Instead, she has followed her doctor’s advice and performs several activities to combat it and control her blood sugar. The monthly IVIG treatments, low-fat diet, and physical exercise have changed her quality of life. Ms. Ruthie enjoys traveling with her family again, planting vegetables in her garden, and participating in an aerobics class.

She finds it easier to resume providing hair care services to select clients from time to time.

If you have Neuropathy or its symptoms, I wish you blessings of overall excellent health and long-term relief.

All the best!

Sources

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14737-neuropathy

https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/neuropathy

https://journals.lww.com/pain/Abstract/9900/Post_acute_sensory_neurological_sequelae_in.32.aspx

https://www.livemint.com/science/health/long-covid-can-cause-severe-nerve-diseases-check-these-symptoms-11648393999682.html

Frequently Asked Questions About Neuropathy

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Senior Living Communities Defined and Choosing What’s Best

By
Greg
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Senior Living Communities Defined and Choosing What’s Best

We know growing old gracefully has its challenges. A major one involves the elderly being forced to alter their current living arrangements and move to a senior-assisted facility. In most situations, this is due to physical disabilities or other unusual and questionable behavior, it gradually or suddenly becomes necessary. The decision is often made by the person’s family member, guardian, or another concerned individual. This possibly involves the senior facing the grim reality of choosing to leave the comfort of their home where children and pets were raised, dinner parties were held and many other loving memories were made. The best living lifestyle depends on which individual services are needed. The level of quality care required with daily health, safety, and maintenance needs should be considered.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 70% of people age 65 or older, require long-term care services. Although most people believe long-term care affects only those in their senior years, 40% of individuals currently receiving these services are under the age of 64.

Knowing the differences in making the best choice on your senior living arrangements does not have to be complicated, frightening, and/or expensive. Here is what’s offered and the differences between Assisted, Supportive, and Independent Living communities.

Assisted Living

Most Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) also known as retirement homes, residential care, or long-term facilities primarily help residents with minor medical services. The goal is to treat each resident like family and provide personalized care in maintaining or regaining their independence. Currently, over 800,000 Americans currently reside in assisted living facilities, with just over half of the residents being aged 85 years and older.

Choosing assisted living vs. living at home greatly enhances the quality of life and improves health and safety. At a minimum, the apartments offer one unfurnished room, a private wheelchair-accessible bathroom, and a kitchenette. At-home maintenance is provided when needed and to make the resident’s life easy, a registered nurse and experienced care team are on-site around the clock. They assist with first-aid wound care, bathing, dressing, toileting, medication management, and physical, speech, and occupational therapies.

In addition, most ALFs have an on-site fitness center with a personal trainer, wellness center, 24/7 security, and emergency call system. Scheduled transportation is arranged to assist with medical appointments or shopping. There are three delicious and nutritious chef-prepared meals to enjoy every day. To stay sharp and fit, a monthly calendar of events is planned to encourage participation in social, spiritual, recreational, cultural, and educational programs on-site.

Care.com allows you to search for and connect with caregivers and senior living communities in your area.

The size of the facility, type of services included, and the number of services required all impact monthly fees. According to Genworth Financial, the average cost of assisted living in 2020 was $4,300 per month or $51,600 annually. Costs vary by state. A Florida resident’s daily rent cost $122 (average $3,700 monthly) for a one-bedroom apartment while in New Jersey the cost is $219 (average $6,650 monthly).

Supportive Living

Supportive living communities provide personal care, daily socialization, and educational activities in a comfortable, home-like setting. Residents enjoy private apartment homes (either studio, one or two rooms), and depending on their chosen community may have access to relaxing outdoor spaces, recreational rooms, and beauty or barber services.

In contrast to assisted living, these services are provided in supportive living at a reduced or subsidized cost. Also unlike in assisted living, if a resident becomes unable to pay for the care, they are not required to move from their apartment. These financial safety nets are why supportive living communities are such an asset to seniors, their families, and communities.

For example, in 2019 my 77-year-old family member had enjoyed living in an independent senior building for many years. The camaraderie and family-like environment greatly enriched her quality of life as a senior. She was involved in coordinating various social events and made many friendships. Due to a debilitating medical diagnosis, she suddenly needed assistance with housekeeping, personal care, and more. She was faced with moving into a supportive living community. Prior to moving in, proof of income and other items were required.

Documents Needed for Supporting Living

  • Birth certificate and social security card
  • Medicare and/or Medicaid Insurance
  • Primary physician’s name, address, and phone number
  • Life insurance policies including cash surrender value
  • Irrevocable Trust State showing a funeral home as Trustee
  • Funeral home’s financial worksheet
  • Maximum of $2,000 in total assets
  • List of properties sold, transferred, or given away in the last 5 years
  • Financial accounts; checking, savings, 401K, trust, IRA, investments, life insurance, etc. (closed or cashed in the last 5 years)
  • Car ownership within the last 5 years
  • Any Power of Attorney (POA) for Health Care and financial property

With supportive living, rent cost is determined by personal income. She received social security insurance benefits, therefore, after the monthly rent was withdrawn this left her with a $90 monthly allowance.

Just like other senior living opportunities, services and amenities can vary from community to community. In Illinois, the minimum services required in supportive living communities include:

  • 24/7 Nursing assistances (CNAs)
  • Assistance with bathing, dressing, and medication management
  • Three meals a day
  • Housekeeping and laundry service
  • Social, educational, and wellness activities
  • Arranged transportation for appointments
  • Wheel-chair accessible kitchenette with microwave
  • Wheel-chair accessible bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Wall-mounted TV and basic cable services
  • 24/7 Security and Emergency Call Systems
  • On-site activity room, library, beauty and barber salon, fitness center and more
  • Social programs and activities

Independent Living

Most Independent Living communities are also known as retirement communities, senior living communities, or independent retirement communities. Residents are typically 55 years and older and are mentally and physically capable of living alone without assistance with day-to-day activities. Some residents may need assistance with a few activities of daily living and can obtain various outside home health care services.

Seniors who wish to downsize or travel freely without the burden of managing a home may benefit from residing here. There is less home upkeep and increased access to nutritious meals, social interaction, physical and mental stimulation.

The most significant difference between assisted living and independent senior living is the care provided. Residents of a purpose-built independent senior living complex have taken an active decision to improve their quality of life by living in a secure, low-maintenance apartment, cottage, or home.

Independent senior living residents are able to live on their own with limited assistance and without around-the-clock supervision. Neither assisted living nor senior independent living communities offer 24/7 skilled nursing that is provided at nursing homes.

A few amenities of most independent living facilities include:

  • Housekeeping and laundry service
  • Stove, dishwasher, and full-size refrigerator
  • On-site activity room, library, beauty and barber salon, fitness center, and more
  • Social programs coordinated by residents and staff
  • Transportation to appointments and shopping
  • 24/7 Security and Emergency Call System
  • Low-income residents are also accepted at most
  • Small pets are welcome (in some communities)

Conclusion

Choosing to live in a senior-assisted community is possible as we grow older. Assisted Living assists you with around-the-clock minor medical needs whereas Supportive Living is based on reduced and subsidized costs and provides a few useful daily care amenities. Independent Living is for the active senior who does not require 24/7 assistance.

Moving to a senior living community can be the perfect solution. if you are struggling with making a decision, please keep in mind it’s based primarily on your physical condition and income. If you are unable to completely care for yourself, physically get around your home or community as before, it may be time to seek assistance and advice.

For more information, start with consulting with your physician, a family member, a close friend, and the Department of Health and Human Services to see the various providers and facilities. Go online for senior living communities in your area. Be it independent, supportive, or assisted living, I sincerely wish you all the best in reaching a comfortable living arrangement in improving your quality of life and fitting your needs.

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Aviron Rower Review

By
Greg
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aviron smart row machine review 2022

Even if you’re not a gamer, you can likely get addicted to arcade-style games on Aviron like Row Breaker, inspired by the Atari classic Breakout, allowing you to zone out and get your full-body workout as you lose track of time. 

Work up a nice sweat as you participate in games, competitions, guided workouts, and scenic virtual rows on a 22-inch display. 

The Aviron rower is priced at $2,199, buying one of the most engaging smart home gym machines. 

Find yourself working out longer as you swim from sharks, break down walls of bricks, shoot flying bugs, run from zombies, race Olympians, and compete against other community members. 

What’s unique about this rower compared to other options in this category, like the NordicTrack RW900, is the smooth and comfortable ride, dual-resistance system, featuring a higher seat, making it easier to get on and off. 

Aviron Tough vs Impact Series

The two rower models offered by Aviron are the $2,499 Tough Series and the $2,199 Impact Series. The hardware is slightly different, but the software and internal components are the same. 

Aviron Tough Series

Both Models Feature: 

  • Monorail design with steel/aluminum frame. 
  • 22-inch HD touch screen Android-powered with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 2MP camera, Microphone, Dual 2-watt speakers, 4GB of memory, and 32GB of storage.
  • 16 levels of magnetic and air resistance
  • Nylon belt
  • Adjustable Footpads for different show sizes.
  • 20-inch high seat

You can perform bicep curls, back rows, and tricep extensions to improve strength. The resistance tops out at 100 pounds when set at its highest level, which allows you to pull up to 100+ lbs with each stroke. In addition, Aviron recommends levels 1 to 10 for cardio and levels 11 to 16 for strength training moves. The rowers will automatically adjust the resistance, also available on the $1,499 NordicTrack RW900, but you can still manually adjust it with buttons on the console. 

NordicTrack RW900

Aviron is the only rower with integrated Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube. Unlike the NordicTrack RW900, Cityrow Go Max, or Hydrow, the display tilts up and down but does not rotate side to side, making it a little harder to view all the angles when following along with the mat-based workout videos in the streaming services.

The more durable of the two models is the Tough series; it has extra steel reinforcement on the rail with commercial-grade bearings and double-width rollers and can support riders up to 507 pounds; the Impact series only supports 397 pounds. The huge benefit of going with the Tough is the ability to adjust the width between your feet, not just the length of the footpad, a feature not found on other smart rowing machines, helpful for tall, short, or heavyset riders. The footpads are 4.6 inches apart on the Impact series, and you can adjust the width. 

Other models like the Ergatta have the footpads close together, for some can be problematic. 

You can also use a separate sold lumbar support kit for $249 with the Tough series, which could help older adults and those with lower back issues. 

With the dimensions at 95 by 21 by 43 inches (LWH), the Aviron Impact Series is about 10 inches longer than other rowing machines in its category. They are made for riders up to 6’7″ with a 38-inch inseam; the Tough series is an inch taller and longer, allowing riders up to 6’8″, so make sure you measure your room to make sure it’s going to fit! 

You can fold up the Impact series when it’s not in use; when folded, it measures 54 by 21 by 62 inches (LWH) and stands upright on its own with no need for a wall mount. The Tough series does not fold, you’ll need a dedicated exercise space for this equipment, or it may not be a good fit. The Impact series is easier to move around if you need it and is slightly lighter than the Tough series (97 pounds vs. 125 pounds). 

Aviron Impact Series

Both models can be plugged into a standard power outlet and require a Wi-Fi or internet connection to access the interactive workouts. 

Since the machines download the workout content to the hard drive instead of streaming it, you don’t need a fast connection and shouldn’t have buffer issues.

The machine has a nylon belt that hardly makes any noise, but the seat does while it moves along the rail, quieter than a washer machine. 

Pros vs Joes

Aviron Price and Member Fees

The price starts at $2,199, so it’s certainly a high-end smart rowing machine, but it’s comparable to the other models like the Cityrow Go Max, Ergatta, and Hydrow. So you can take advantage of financing through Affirm, which starts at $62 a month for 36 months with a possible 0 down with 0% APR. 

Aviron offers a 30-day trial to send it back in the original box within a month of purchase for a full refund and no restocking or return shipping fees. Their rowers feature a 10-year frame warranty and a 2-year moving parts warranty. 

It would be best if you prepare to have someone assemble it for you, although Aviron says it should only take an hour to put it together yourself, attaching the rail and screen. 

Lumbar Support Kit $249 for Tough Series Rower

Like most smart workout machines, there is an extra charge for the membership, which gives you access to all the games, challenges, programs, virtual rows, and the ability to stream Youtube, Netflix, and Disney+ on the built-in display. The monthly cost is $29 a month or $299 a year. You can set up multiple user profiles so everyone in the house can use it and track their individual stats. 

Power Play

Even if you choose not to subscribe to the membership, you can still monitor your metrics (strokes, stroke rate, calories, pace, output, watts, distance, and elapsed time) as you row; you can track your workout stats over time and make friends on the platform.

On the bottom of the display, there is a button you can use to navigate and manually adjust the resistance levels with a headphone jack; you’ll find a camera and microphone located at the center of the top. You can also control the volume and turn the display on and off. 

Aviron Streaming Services

There Are Eight Ways to Workout

  1. Games – Outrun hungry wolves and escape from zombies.
  2. Streaming – Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ 
  3. Coached Programs: Personal trainer and rowing coach Austin Hendrickson helps with strength training, stretching, and core work.
  4. Power Play – Combining games and guide programs to create visual excitement, motivating and pushing you.
  5. Virtual Rowing: Experience the world’s most scenic destinations. 
  6. Competition – Compete with the community.
  7. Guided Programs – Pro trainers and athletes designed these to give you an activity off the machine for a full-body workout.  
  8. Pros vs. Joes  – Compete against professional athletes and Olympians.
Aviron Rower Mat $89

Invite your friends to work out alongside you and explore the many animated games and races. For example, Aviron makes it easy to stay engaged with the community by using leaderboards, challenges, achievement badges, matchmaking, group workouts, and private rooms.

You can read great customer reviews on the Aviron website.

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How Lighting Can Improve Safety in Your Home Environment

By
Greg
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How Lighting Can Improve Safety in Your Home Environment
Image courtesy of Unsplash

When you think of a safe home environment, good lighting probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, whether you hope to age in place or could use help navigating your home, lighting improvements can be a boon in many circumstances. Read on for vital advice to ensure your home is adequately lit for comfort and independence.

Consideration for Aging Eyes

Our vision changes substantially as we grow older. Some experts feel that in our mid-40s, it’s typical for eyesight to begin a steady decline, which accelerates in our 60s, leaving us less able to distinguish details and contrasts. Glare becomes more bothersome, it’s harder to tell colors apart, and our eyes take longer to adjust to changes in brightness. These vision changes can leave seniors at an increased risk for falls. With that in mind, HomeAdvisor recommends lighting modifications aimed at fall prevention. Examine areas of the home that tend to be particularly dim, especially transitional spaces such as hallways and staircases. It’s easier to get off-kilter because you might be moving from a bright room into a darker area. So, find ways to even out the lighting by choosing different light bulbs or adding more fixtures.

Low-Vision Essentials

If you’re someone living with low vision, there are several tricks for improving the lighting in your home environment. For instance, dimmer switches can help with adjusting ambient lighting. Also, make sure light switches are either lit or contrast strongly with the wall color, making them easier to see. Another recommendation is to use ample task lighting and set your lamps exactly where you need them, directing the light toward your project.  

Bright Ideas for the Bath

Bathrooms naturally lend themselves to trouble. With all the slick surfaces, shifting positions, grooming gadgets, and soapy water, it’s easy to understand how being able to see correctly can be an asset. With that in mind, assess your bathroom lighting. Is there sufficient brightness where you use the mirror? Do you have proper lighting in the shower and bath areas for safe transitioning? Is natural light allowed in, and if so, is it pleasant, or is there so much you’re experiencing glare? Be sure to make adjustments for comfort and safety. You can get a quote for a bathroom remodel and compare offers by entering your zip code.

Kitchen Concepts

Although the kitchen is the heart of the home, without proper lighting, it can quickly become a danger zone. Sharp blades, hot surfaces, and whirring equipment can mean potentially severe injuries if you can’t see well. One suggestion is to layer the lights throughout the space when upgrading kitchen lighting. By including multiple sources in various positions, you reduce both glare and shadows, evening the light and brightening the room as a whole. Avoid using shades, including some task lights in your work areas. Older homes often have fluorescent lightboxes with poor light quality, but you can replace them with options like track lighting, recessed lighting, or undercabinet lights.

Love Your Living Room

There are several important considerations for living room lighting. First, it’s another room where layered lighting can improve comfort, such as table lamps where you read, bright ambient lighting, and added floor lamps in dim corners. Another aspect to consider is that watching TV in the dark can strain your eyes, so make sure you flip on some lights.  

Add Some Technology 

CBS News explains important ways smart home technology can improve your lighting situation. For rooms that are tough to navigate, lights with motion or voice activation can ease your comings and goings, or you might want to set up lights to come on simultaneously every day. Another plus is turning on lights from your phone, as it can save you from coming home to a dark house if you’re out and about longer than expected.  

Philips Hue offers a premium experience via Bluetooth connectivity. You can control your lights from your mobile device. For $199, you can get a starter kit with 4 LED bulbs with ambiance adjustments to set the mood.

Philips Hue LED Starter Kit

Being unable to see well can make your home environment challenging. Thankfully through, well-chosen lighting can often improve conditions. Assess your situation, and look for ways to stay safe and sound at home.

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Why We Love How Bright Light Therapy Lamps Benefit Older Adults (And You Should, Too!)

By
Greg
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0
bright light therapy

If you experience sleep disorders, the blues, or depression in the winter months, you aren’t alone, and there is an entirely rational explanation for that. 

In this Senior Affair article, we visit the uses of bright light therapy and how it can help older adults by treating many conditions like: 

  • Depression
  • SAD (seasonal affective disorder)
  • Sleep disorders
  • Dementia
  • Alzheimer’s

According to the Mayo Clinic, certain skin conditions can also be treated, such as psoriasis.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder

When you suddenly feel sadness and low energy at certain times each year, they call this seasonal depression or (SAD). 

You can beat these feelings by using a seasonal depression lamp to bring the light into your home to boost your serotonin and melatonin levels.

These lamps have been used to sleep disorders – like insomnia, jet lag, or sleeplessness. By using light therapy, you can help your natural circadian rhythm, helping you fight fatigue and restlessness.

Your body creates different hormones; let’s discuss two of them. The first, serotonin, is produced when your body is exposed to sunlight when it gets dark out. Then, the serotonin converts to melatonin, which makes you tired and maybe depressed. 

What Is Bright Light Therapy?

All humans need sunlight to survive. A therapy that uses high-powered therapy lights that mimic daylight. These phototherapy lights usually provide 10,000 LUX that triggers your hormonal changes. 

Why Use Bright Light Therapy? 

Having these sunlight therapy lamps in your home positioned correctly and used for the appropriate amount of time can increase your melatonin levels and improve your mood, energy, sleep pattern and digestion. 

What Conditions Can Bright Light Therapy Treat?

Since sunlight therapy lamps can help with hormonal imbalances in the body, you can use them to treat seasonal affective disorder, circadian rhythm disorder, ADHD, and anxiety.

Using Bright Light Lamps for Community-Dwelling Adults

This information from the National Institute of Health recommends that it’s worth trying BLT (bright light therapy) with patients in an institutional setting. They found that its use reduced nap duration and increased mood when used with social and physical activities. They note that we should pay more attention to using these lamps in this setting for mental and physical well-being.

How Can Older Adults Benefit from SAD Light Therapy?

A study shows that three weeks of using bright light therapy boxes improved depression in 54% of older adults. In addition to lifting their moods, light therapy improves sleep and optimizes serotonin. 

SAD Lights Help with Sleep Problems for Older Adults

Everyone has an internal clock; this clock tells our systems when it’s time to sleep and when it’s time to wake up, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine also regulates body temperature. 

What to Look for in a Light Therapy Lamp?

Shape

A compact shape is an excellent pick for an older adult because they are lightweight; you could quickly bring it along with you on vacation or room-to-room by having a detachable or convertible stand.

Light Intensity

The lux is a measure of light intensity; most light therapy lamps offer 10,000 lux brightness. This research suggests that most indoor lighting only provides 100 lux, and a sunny day provides 50,000 lux. 

Advanced models have multiple brightness settings or sunrise or sunset modes for gradual adjustments from day to night. People prone to light sensitivity have features to eliminate flicker, glare control, and non-white light. 

Adjustable Settings

If you like variety, you should choose a model with multiple settings to choose from, like adjustable dimming and brightness regardless of the time of day, location or season. 

Timer

To avoid sunburn or overexposure, choose an option with a timer, or use a timer and manually time your session. Depending on your situation, following your doctor’s and the lamp manufacturer’s instructions about the recommended frequency and how long you should use it, this could be from 20 to 40 minutes in the morning, the same in the evening.

Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Bright Light Therapy Lamp

Check Out These Best Bright Light Therapy Lamps

Best for SAD: Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Light Therapy Lamp

We recommend Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Light if you experience SAD; this helps by blocking 99% of UV rays, improving sleep, and boosting mood. 

It features a large light face with two brightness settings, adjustable height, and angle with a five-year warranty. 

This lamp provides 10,000 lux of glare-free, LED white therapy light. It blocks 99 percent of UV rays and projects the light downward for maximum effectiveness. 

With a broad surface to project the light from, the lamp provides a total dose of light from 12 inches, so you don’t have to sit right next to the lamp.

Carex designed the Daylight therapy lamp to improve sleep, boost mood, and improve your concentration. The unit stands on a pedestal.

Price – $139.99 

 Customer Review

“I have suffered from SAD for about 10 years. Ever since I moved from the East Coast to Wisconsin, I suffer from depression starting at around early October lasting until April-ish. I have tried pretty much everything I could think of, except for prescription psychotropic medication. I’ve done supplements, herbal supplements, homeopathy, consistent exercise throughout the entire winter, dietary changes (several different types over the years, and even a Philips GoLite Blue. The blue light never worked, no matter how consistent I was. NOTHING worked. I should note that I was never dangerously depressed, but just “blah” from Fall to Spring.

I finally caved and saw my GP and discussed my depression. Though he initially wanted to put me on prescription medications, I expressed my concerns and that I’d be willing to try ANYTHING first prior to prescription medications, if he could think of anything. He mentioned giving light therapy a try. I got a prescription for a lightbox and contacted my durable medical equipment provider.

It didn’t work out with insurance and I wasn’t able to get it through them, but I did learn of what they were going to give to me with a doctor’s order, and I tracked it down on Amazon. I ended up purchasing this privately because I was starting to feel the depression coming on. I literally felt AMAZING within about 3 days. The following week, I really noticed the change when I was driving with the sunroom open on a sunny day, and found that I was actually smiling for no reason, just smiling taking in the beauty of the day and weather! I haven’t felt that good in years!

Since then, I’ve used it since 9/21/16, about 2 months. I notice that when I take several days off, I feel my mood shift. I also noticed that it reset my sleep pattern literally within 2 days. I don’t need an alarm clock to wake up now. If I use my lamp at 5 AM, I literally awaken at 5 AM whether I want to or not. This is great for consistency for work, but bad on weekends when I want to sleep in. Also bad for nights I stay up late for something because I’m up at 5 AM regardless! Stay up to 1 AM playing video games, I’m up at 5 AM! Kinda sucks, but I can’t fault the machine for that… It’s also large, and you will need a sturdy place to keep it because it’s heavy too. But it needs to be big I believe to work effectively. I wish it had less plastic around the base and more metal. It’s already heavy, so I could deal with a little more if it were all metal. I also wish it used LEDs instead of old-school fluorescent lights. But maybe LEDs wouldn’t be as effective? My blue light was small and LED (still bright though), but it wasn’t effective…

I would HIGHLY recommend this for Seasonal Affective Disorder/Major Depression. This literally saved my life and marriage, and I’m finding life up north bearable now, versus dreading it every Fall. Avoid the smaller lamps, and those gimmick blue lights. They do nothing.”

-Adam Hunt

Carex Theralight Radiance Light Therapy Lamp

Carex Theralite Radiance Light Therapy Lamp

This SAD light therapy light has all the tech options – an alarm clock, wireless charging station, and a USB port. It’s small and portable and provides the recommended 10,000 lux. It has four light settings, can also be used as a desk lamp, and could help with sleep disorders like insomnia. You can get more info here. 

Price. $59.99

Customer Review

5.0 out of 5 stars It’s been the best thing for my SADness. I wish I hadn’t waited until now to get one.

“I wish I had bought this so many years ago. I was so skeptical at first. Was like, meh, if nothing else, it’ll be an extra lamp.

I live in the cold Midwest where it’s now dark when I go to work and when I leave. My office is in the middle of the building with no sunshine whatsoever. Every year around this time, my coffee intake increases from none in the summer to a very large amount when the spring brings more light.

Normally, I drink 20+ oz of heavy-duty cold press coffee, a day, at least (roughly the equivalent to 20 oz of espresso)!

The day I got it, I used it & it was as if I drank all of my coffee straight away, minus the jitters and anxiety, in reality, I drank about 4 oz, BEFORE I used the light.

It’s freaking wonderful!

Now, it takes me a whole week to MAYBE drink 20oz.

My overall SADness has seemed to disappear.

I thought it was a fluke so I continued to use it and the results are the same! I wish I had one at home for the weekends.”

-Dara

Carex is offering $20 off select therapy lamps plus 20% off with code TAKE20

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

  1. Will a SAD Sun Lamp Actually Make You Happy?. Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic.
  2. Jurvelin H, Takala T, Nissilä J, et al. Transcranial bright light treatment via the ear canals in seasonal affective disorder: A randomized, double-blind dose-response study. BMC Psychiatry. 2014;14:288. doi:10.1186/s12888-014-0288-6
  3. M.D MCM. Seasonal affective disorder: bring on the light, Harvard Health Blog.
  4. Pail G, Huf W, Pjrek E, et al. Bright-light therapy in the treatment of mood disorders. Neuropsychobiology. 2011;64(3):152-62. doi:10.1159/000328950
  5. Seasonal affective disorder: using light therapy | Michigan medicine.
  6. Okawa M. [Bright light therapy for elderly]. Nihon Rinsho. 2015 Jun;73(6):997-1005. Japanese. PMID: 26065132.

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What Are The Most Common Types And Causes Of Arthritis: What No One Is Talking About

By
Greg
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0
What Are The Most Common Types And Causes Of Arthritis: What No One Is Talking About

If you’ve previously injured yourself and find ongoing issues with painful joints, you might wonder if you have arthritis or a particular type of arthritis. Perhaps you’ve decided to investigate further and search for the common causes of arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that affects almost everyone. It tends to be very disabling and can be why many patients apply for disability. Arthritis is an inflammatory process involving the joints of the body. It commonly occurs in the knees, hands, and feet.

What Are The Most Common Causes of Arthritis?

Several things lead to arthritis, including heredity, age, obesity, infections, sugar and alcohol intake, joint damage, and general inflammation. If you want to understand the causes, it may be best to learn about the most common arthritis types.

Infections

Infections can also be the cause of arthritis. An example of this would be Lyme disease, an infectious complication of the bacteria carried on ticks. Lyme disease can typically lead to joint inflammation of the knees.
A nasty infection in the blood called sepsis can also lead to the complication of septic arthritis, which can be seen in the hands, hips, and knees.

What Are The Different Kinds of Arthritis?

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the type of arthritis most commonly seen. It most often occurs in the elderly population. Some of the contributing factors to osteoarthritis are wear and tear, infection, and blood hormonal level issues. Osteoarthritis affects the elderly most of all, and it’s often seen in several joints. It leads to bony degeneration over time. The bones become deformed, and the cartilage which supports the bones breaks down.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Another common type of arthritis is an autoimmune type called rheumatoid arthritis, which affects the lining of the joints. It’s seen more often in people over 50 years of age, and it usually follows a previous injury or illness. Medical testing of the blood for factors produced in this inflammatory process is one of the primary methods utilized to make the diagnosis.

Psoriatic Arthritis

The other common type of arthritis is psoriatic arthritis, often a complication of psoriasis’s skin disease. Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic disease for which there is no current cure. It is also characterized by the autoimmune phenomenon where the immune system abnormally attacks normal cells in your body and causes inflammation of the joints.

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Effects of Inflammation

The inflammation in the joints is the main problem in cases of arthritis. Common injuries are often the source of inflammation and swelling. An infection, foreign body, or toxins in the system can also cause arthritis. Certain foods, environmental factors, and genetics also can lead to inflammation of joints.

When you have an inflammation of the joints, you will subsequently develop damage to the joint tissue. If the cartilage is damaged and cannot correctly replace itself, this results in stiffness and a loss of mobility. The goal in treating arthritis will be to address any underlying problems causing inflammation, restore mobility, and relieve pain.

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Arthritis Risks

Another problem with arthritis progression is the risk of needing joint replacement. There are different types of surgery that can replace a joint to help correct the symptoms of arthritis. For example, many patients have had good outcomes with joint replacement surgery, such as in the knees, hips, or shoulders. The surgeries can be complicated to experience, which will deter some patients. However, as time has passed, the success of joint surgery has improved with better equipment and improved techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

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