Ten Indicators that You May be Addicted to Marijuana

Did you know you can become addicted to marijuana? Consistent use of the drug can lead to an issue known as marijuana use disorder, which can subsequently lead to a form of addiction in some cases. Although not as common or dangerous as other drug addictions; such as opioid use, recent studies have shown that 30 percent of those who use pot may have some degree of this disorder. People who begin taking the drug before the age of 18 are four to seven times more likely to develop a marijuana use disorder than comparatively older people. 

It is quite difficult to assess yourself objectively with regards to judging whether you are addicted to a substance. However there are signs of addiction that are unique to certain drugs. The first step in recovering from any addiction is recognizing that the problem exists. You might not need a rehab center or go through painful withdrawal symptoms, but addicted you may well be if you are subjected to any of the following indicators below:

  • Withdrawal and Tolerance

Humans naturally develop a tolerance for any drug that they consume regularly. The same is the case with weed. What that means is that you need to take more of the drug in order to get the same level of high. What follows from that conclusion is that you are building up a tolerance for that drug. Experiencing tolerance or withdrawal symptoms is a possible sign of marijuana addiction. Withdrawal signs can include insomnia, loss of appetite, irritability and anxiety.

  • Consuming More Than You Intend To

Your initial intention may be to just “take a couple of drags”. But you may end up consuming the entire joint and then going for more. Consuming more than you intend to is an indicator of addiction.

  • Inability to Stop Using Canabis

You may be making an attempt to quit using marijuana and finding that you are not being able to stop as easily. Experiencing a level of difficulty in stopping your habit is an indication that you may be hooked onto the substance.

  • Consuming All of Your Time

Be aware for how you are spending the majority of your free time or worse, during work or school time. Marijuana addicts do not realize it, but much of their time is spent getting high, waiting for the time to get high or trying to procure the drug. Although it draws negative connotations, you may becoming a ‘pot head’. When you get to this point, your addiction can get more problematic as your social lifestyle may be interrupted, as well as failing grades and/or slacking off from your job. Is that what you want?

  • Loss of Interest in Other Activities

To continue from the previous point, marijuana users who become addicted, stop doing other things. Their physical activities decrease along with other recreational activities and are all substituted by getting together with people who consume marijuana and getting high. 

  • Persistently Consuming the Drug

If you continue to consume marijuana before going to school or work, despite having been caught and warned about it, then you could be a subject of marijuana use disorder to some level.

  • Using Marijuana as an Escape Mechanism

If consuming marijuana precedes trying to deal with any problems that you have e.g. relationship issues, work problems etc, then you may be addicted\. This indicates that marijuana is being used to escape the unpleasantness of a current situation. This is more common with alcohol, but take a lesson what happens to some people who go down that path. It is not pleasant.

  • Relying on Marijuana for Creativity, Enjoyment and Relaxation:

If you feel that you need to consume canabis to relax, get in your creative zone or just enjoy yourself, you could be addicted. Regular users are unable to realize that the period of “relaxation” wears off and then they are prone to irritability and anxiety, which could actually lead to violent behavior.

  • Choosing Things to Do or Relationship Partners Based on the Possibility of Marijuana Usage

If the possibility of whether you’ll be able to use marijuana dictates your choice in relationships and activities, it could indicate an addiction to marijuana.

  • Inability to Fulfill Daily Obligations

Regular users of marijuana start to fall short on attending to any daily responsibilities that they may have. Thinking about them may lead to irritation as they perceive them to be larger than they actually are. This is because their minds are on getting high; an indication of being addicted.

Bottom Line

If you are taking marijuana, you must be aware of the consequences, both within your own body and indirectly, how you may be affecting others, you friends, family, school and workplace. In addition, whether you are addicted to the drug or not, do not drive or work machinery that could be harmful to you or others. And one more thing – marijuana is illegal in most states!

Mantras for You to Develop a Strong Connection with Self

Words can change our lives for better or for worse. People have always used mantras, chants and prayers and other forms of meditation techniques to put themselves on a more focused path. But, does it really work?

Yes it does. One of the simplest forms of meditating is to just lay back and clear you mind; subsequently, relaxing your mind and body. A little soft music is also recommended, but some people may want just plain quiet.

Constantly reminding yourself of one thing everyday conditions your brain into believing in it, just like if you listen to one type of music for long, it can start altering the neurological path of your brain cells. We need to be our own constant reminder that life is good. It is important for our inner peace and mental health that we train our minds to feel good about ourselves and keep holding on.

To attain internal peace

“I breathe, therefore I am at peace.”

All our lives, we are taught how to eat, how to walk, how to talk and how to sit straight with our heads up. However, the most important aspect is often ignored. Breathing! One thing that keeps us alive, we ignore it as if it is barely there. Being aware of your breathing is important so you can acknowledge your existence. Sometimes, we forget that we exist just by getting lost in the quest of making things right; we forget that we are breathing. Stop and breathe deeply and slowly. Knowing that you exist and feeling what keeps you alive is enough to bring you at peace, physically and mentally.

To overcome anxiety

“There is nothing wrong with what I don’t know”

Often we are so lost in the act of controlling everything around us that we forget that a completely wide world of options and opportunities exist out beyond our thinking. The need to control everything emerges from our fear of uncertainty. However, there is really no cure for what’s unknown, because it is not a disease. It is important to remind yourself that the situations are always better than you think. It starts a pattern of thoughts that works on the law of attraction. Negative thoughts and hopelessness attracts negative outcomes because it diminishes our ability to think rationally and perform well.

To attract fulfillment

“I have what it takes to get things done”

Losing self confidence means losing all your chances of succeeding in life. When we do not trust ourselves with whatever we are facing, we lose the motivation to look for ways we can actually handle the situation. Remind yourself that what you have to do is not going to be done by anyone else. Nobody is given outwardly resources. Sit down, list the situation, and list the resources you need to deal with it. From that, count what you have in your hands to get the work started. Always start with what you have because that will remove the initial hesitance of starting something you intend to work at.

To find meaning in your work

“I have what I have and it is important”

It is not happiness that we are seeking, for it is too fleeting to be sought. Instead, we are looking for peace and confidence. Remind yourself to stop running after something that is too fleeting in nature. It will make you restless. Prioritize your choices, your responsibilities, relocate your focus on things that matter and be confident about them. You are given more than just flesh and bone. Instead of focusing on what you do not have, try to understand why you have what you have and why it is important to you. Acknowledgement is the key to peace and fulfillment.  

 

How Unrealistic Goals Pave Way for Depression

Today, our lives revolve around the idea of growth. Growth in terms of self-growth, economic growth, growth as a society, growth in technology – it has become a never-ending quest for becoming something more than what we are at the given moment.

We have become so obsessed with the idea of constant growth that the mere idea of stopping or staying still has become a synonym of failure, lagging behind, missing something out.

It is believed that if we stop, we die. After all, the time is ticking

This constant pressure to keep moving and keep doing something more has started to take a toll on our mental health, individually as well as collectively as a society. If we look back in time, we will see that today’s generation is more prone to anxiety, depression, and burnout than their ancestors. We might be progressing, achieving milestones, making things that can change the world, ticking things off our bucket lists, acquiring a new set of skills to meet with the time’s need, however, all this is coming at the cost of our mental health.

Where we are getting with this calls for the need to stop, reflect and evaluate. We need to stop and breathe and let go of the notion that stopping is the opposite of growth. Growth is not linear. It is not in one direction. Growth is inwards as well as outwards. Creating a balance between ‘being’ and ‘becoming’ is too important in this time.

But, how do we do that?

There is obviously a human need to keep creating meanings out of things and events. But, it does not mean one should lead themselves to the point of burnout.

Set realistic goals for yourself. Forget there is any clock ticking. There really is not. Time is relative and it is high time that we understand this now. The purpose is to create something of value, and it can be as little as planting a new tree in your garden, painting your wall, or contributing your role in a charity cause.

The point is, do not count what you are doing. This will put a pressure on you and that will turn a healthy mind into an anxious mind – obsessive, compulsive and always restless. There won’t come a day when you are not be given an opportunity to create something, whether it is in your professional life, your personal relationships or your social life. Even if you do not realize, you are making a change. Our purpose is to live day by day so we can understand what elements make life what it is, instead of constantly chasing something.

Set goals but do not set the standards for measuring it. Do not set standards to define failure. These standards and this desire to achieve the idea of perfection are the main causes of increasing anxiety disorders and depression in today’s generation. Setting the goals too high will only throw you back too low. Go outside, exercise to feel good about your body, be generous and give as much as you can. Do not narrow the scope of your being by always trying to achieve something in materialistic terms.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A Healthy Fat Option for Your Diet

Fat is considered the most controversial nutrient among all the macronutrients due to its health risks for human beings. But this so-called “fact” has been rightfully challenged, thanks to nutritional and food sciences that have discovered that not all fats are bad fats. There are fats that are essential for a healthy lifestyle and then there are fats that pose major threats to the physical well being in the long run.

As far as choosing food that provides good fats in abundance, it is difficult to look past extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil extracted using natural methods and free of any additives provides the best composition of healthy fats and other micronutrients.

What is the difference between extra virgin olive oil and regular olive oil?

Before buying olive oil for your daily consumption, it is necessary to know the difference between regular and extra virgin olive oil. You may have come across both sitting side-by-side on a store shelf, and never even bothered to find out the difference. These are two singular products and here’s why:

  • Olive oil can only labeled as ‘extra virgin’ if it is not treated with chemicals and high temperatures, and contains no more than 1% of oleic acid.
  • Regular olive oil is treated with temperature (it is heated) and other chemicals for refining purposes, and its oleic acid content is also more than extra virgin olive oil.

Remember that the nutritional composition of both types of olive oil varies too. Therefore, insist on buying extra virgin oil for maximum health benefits.
Still not sure why you should choose extra virgin olive oil? These health benefits that you can get from the oil may change your mind.

Cardiovascular benefits

The Mediterranean diet has been found to reduce heart attacks and strokes by 30%. One of the underlying reasons behind this is the prevalent and excessive use of unrefined olive oil, which is a prominent part of the cuisine of the region.

There are various cardiovascular benefits that can be availed with the use of extra virgin olive oil:

  • Research suggests that monounsaturated fats help in improving the endothelial function of the arteries which is necessary for having a healthy cardiovascular system. Extra virgin olive oil contains more than 70% monounsaturated fats, thus its inclusion in your daily diet will strengthen your arteries like nothing else.
  • Olive oil helps in improving the LDL and HDL cholesterol balance in the body. Daily consumption of extra virgin olive oil also helps in reducing levels of triglycerides which are considered to be unhealthy fats.
  • People with the problem of chronic high blood pressure can maintain their systolic and diastolic blood pressure with olive oil.  

Prevention of cancer

Due to its rich antioxidant qualities, extra virgin oil can prevent the onset of cancer by reducing the oxidative damage in the body due to free radicals. With decreased free radical activity, a person becomes more resistant to the growth of cancerous tumors.

Provides relief from pain

Extra virgin olive oil contains a natural phenolic compound which acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and provides relief for inflammation. Medicinal research has proved that inflammation is the root cause of many chronic diseases.

Obesity prevention

Feeling less satiated is one of the major reasons behind obesity in many people. People binge eat because they just can’t get that feeling of being full. Extra virgin olive oil is composed of healthy fats that don’t only fulfill the daily requirement of fats, but also makes you feel satiated. When that happens, you eat less, experience less cravings, and don’t gain extra weight.

Prevention of Alzheimer’s disease

As far as neurodegenerative diseases are concerned, Alzheimer’s tops the list. It is one of the leading causes of dementia in the human population. Dementia causes a steep decline in mental abilities to the point where it becomes difficult for the person to function normally. Oleocanthal, a chemical found in extra virgin olive oil, improves brain function and arrests the declines of mental abilities with the aging process.

While we’ve focused largely on healthy fats in this article, virgin olive oil also contain adequate amounts of vitamins and trace minerals that are essential for many body functions. Introducing virgin olive oil in your diet can prompt a positive and healthy change in your lifestyle without compromising on the intake of fat.

 

Substance Abuse Treatment with Alternative Methods

Drug Addiciton
There are substitute methods that one can try when addicted to drugs

Alternative methods for treating substance abuse have become so pervasive that many medical providers and treatment centers have abandoned the traditional approach. In fact, these methods are not even considered alternative anymore by the people who have benefited from them. Also called holistic treatment, these remedies focus on working the mind and body in a more natural environment. In the following section, we will look into some of the most commonly used and effective alternative methods for the treatment of drug addiction.

NAD IV treatment

In alternative treatments for drug abuse, use of a coenzyme derivative of a vitamin B3 complex called NAD has become very popular. It is an organic compound and is considered to be one of the basic human nutrients. NAD IV treatment has been especially beneficial for alcohol and opiate abusers.

The coenzyme acts as catalyst in many biochemical metabolisms in the body that are necessary for energy production. Substance abusers or addicts have low levels of proteins and vitamins in their system. Nutrients which are essential for the organic formation of NAD. Therefore, their energy levels are low, and the craving and withdrawal symptoms become more intense. Such people are extremely susceptible to rebound.

NAD IV treatment works on the lines of providing the patient with large doses of NAD intravenously. This increases energy levels and helps in lowering the intensity and frequency of withdrawal symptoms. The whole course of administering NAD is considered as a detox plan, which helps in providing improved mental clarity, better cognition and a more stable mood.

Practice of mindfulness

Mindfulness is a state of mind in which a person becomes more self-aware and is able to maintain his or her focus on the present moment. An important part of mindfulness is to expel negative thoughts without obsessing over them. Mindfulness and meditation practices also help in lowering levels of a hormone called cortisol in the blood. Cortisol is a steroid by nature which is responsible for inducing stress in the human body.

People affected with substance abuse find it tough to recover from the vicious cycle of addiction. They live under constant stress, negative thoughts and emotions and this increases their chances of relapsing. Meditation and mindfulness along with other addiction treatments can help them maintain a stable state of mind.

Biochemical Restoration

In the early stages of rehabilitation, recovering addicts are feeling terrible due to anxiety, depression and mood swings. All these things happen because in this cleansing phase, their body undergoes a drastic biochemical imbalance which makes it difficult for them to pass through the recovery phase.

In biochemical restoration, consumption of nutrients plays a very important role, because many of the bodily reactions, from the regulation of neurotransmitters to the levels of blood sugar, are affected by our patterns of nutrient consumption.

Biochemical restoration uses suitable amounts of different nutrients to make sure that the recovering addict can successfully get rid of his/her harmful habits.

Exercise

Exercise, as most people know is one of the most effective ways to stay healthy, even if you are not ill; subsequently, this is another way to fight off the hold of addiction. Of course, there are lots of benefits that can be contributed to daily exercise and collectively, all of these can be used as a substitute method for the treatment of drug addiction.

It is not necessary that one should start with an extensive exercise routine, recovering addicts should start with light physical activities. While physical exercise has many well-known physiological benefits, there are also certain positive mental and psychological advantages that can fight against addiction.

  • Exercise provides a sense of purpose and perception that you are striving for your own improvement
  • During exercise our body releases hormones called endorphins, also known as happy chemicals because they boost mood
  • Exercise encourages neurogenesis in the hippocampus, which improves memory and learning

Work with your medical professional to discuss exercise, as he/she may want to put you on a special training plan due to your condition.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture, now an integral part of alternative medicine, has been around as part of traditional Chinese medicine for a long time. This medical practice is usually performed to relieve physical pain but there are theories that suggest that acupuncture can also regulate neurotransmitters and the endocrine system, which results in relaxed state of body and mind.

Keep in mind, acupuncture is not a standalone treatment for drug addiction. But it can be used with other alternative drug addiction treatments for enhanced results.

Summary

People tend to think that they have to choose between traditional and alternative treatments when it comes to drug addiction. They feel it’s the case of ‘either or”. This couldn’t be further from the truth. A holistic approach could be devised by combining both types of treatment options, but no decision should be made alone. It should always be reviewed by a medical professional. So, discuss these holistic approaches with your doctor first, as this can help you pave your path for a more convenient recovery.

Health Risks of Compression Tights

Compression tights seem to be all the rage in the US today. The latest clothing trend has been embraced by both men and women. From Reebok CrossFit compression tops to Spanx Power Panties shoes, people are fostering the trend of wearing clothes that squeeze, squish and sculpt their figure.

While the compression tights can help tone the figure, there are various potential health risks associated with the clothing that we will discuss in this article.

Infertility in Men

A scientific study conducted in the 1970s found that Swedish men had relatively higher infertility rates as compared to men in nearby European nations. The researchers came up with the ‘Swedish Tight Pants Theory’ that holds tight clothing directly responsible for lower sperm counts.

Men who wear tight clothes such as compression tights can damage their testicles. Doctors describe the heat produced in the scrotum when wearing tight pants as heat castration. The clothing overheats the testicles. This results in reduced quality of the sperm, eventually resulting in infertility.

 Genital Infections

Another health risk associated with compression tights is genital infections. Compression clothing rubs against the skin. This disrupts the skin barrier that prevents infections, according to a dermatologist at the Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City, Josh Zeichner, M.D.  

In addition, tight pants restrict air access to the genitals. This results in increased heat and humidity, which creates the perfect environment for fungal, viral, and bacterial infections in the genital area.

 Negative Affect on the Spine

Compression tights limit the mobility of the joints. They cause the joint capsules to stretch. This negatively affects a person’s spine. It can result in painful back pain that is hard to treat.

Compresses the Abdominal Area

Compression clothing tightens the abdominal area causing various health complications. The abdomen area contains vital organs.  Pressure on the abdomen area creates problems such as reduced lymph flow to the pelvis and poor blood circulation. It can also push acid from the stomach into the esophagus resulting in gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Painful Burning Sensation in the Thighs

Wearing clothes that are too tight for long periods of time can result in a painful condition that neurologists call ‘meralgia paresthetica’. The condition is associated with painful tingling or burning sensation in the thighs. It is caused by pressure on the nerves that supply blood to the upper thighs. If left unaddressed, the condition can become severe resulting in excruciating pain.

Conclusion

Compression clothing can result in serious health complications. That’s why it’s important that you avoid wearing them. You should consider wearing loose clothing at all times, even during workouts. However, if you are bent on wearing compression clothing, make sure that you buy the right size based on your leg and hip measurement. You should buy clothing that is not too difficult to put on or take off.  This will help prevent the serious health complications mentioned in the article.

Encouraging the Love for Charity and Humanity in Your Kids – Where to Begin?

The world is in a state of turmoil. The hatred, intolerance and violence that have us all in their grip need not affect the future generations. This makes it extremely important that we raise our kids to be kind, considerate and generous individuals who understand and appreciate their own worth.

Kids need to know that they can grow up to make a difference, simply by being kind to others. Teaching these values to children doesn’t always involve lectures. Instead, show them how kindness works by making it a part of day-to-day life.

Best Practices for Raising Kind Children

Howard Fensterman isn’t just an accomplished NY lawyer, but also a proud family man who has tried his best to instill a love for humanity and charity in his children. Here’s what he suggests:

Show Them Kindness Every day

Take them along when you perform an act of kindness. Make this a weekly thing where together with the kids, you go to the local hospital to volunteer and cheer up the patients, or just pay for the next person’s coffee at your local cafe. Encourage your kids to give away a toy every month.

Encourage Sharing

Sharing is an awesome way to be kind to others. Your kids should learn that sharing their toys and other items is a fun way of making new friends and plain feels good.

Teach Them to Be Thankful

Thankfulness is one value rapidly vanishing from our homes. Teaching your kids to be grateful for the smallest things makes them understand that even if it’s not a lot, the person gave all they could afford to give at the time. They need to learn that saying thank you to people who do nice things is an important part of being kind.

Don’t Stop Them from Giving A Helping Hand

Kids are often excited about helping their parents around the home. However, they are never encouraged because of the torrential messes and potential clean ups that might be required. Don’t be afraid. Let them help out by loading up the dishwasher or putting clothes in the washing machine. Let them know that it’s okay to lend a helping hand.

Take the time to understand the unique personalities and learning needs of your children, then give them the opportunity to learn more about life, as well as the small things that truly makes it worth living.

Finally, visit Howard Fensterman Charities to learn more about some of the leading charities that are actually making a difference in this world.

 

Dry Drowning: What Every Parent Should Know

 

Girl drowning in pool
Some warning signs of drowning: hair over the forehead or eyes, vertical position in the water, arms moving under water and possible gasping. But they should see medical attention soon after recuperating so as to confirm there is no dry drowning.

Photo by frantab – yayimages.com
Just recently, in May 2017, a child in New Jersey was saved from drowning by an off-duty policeman during a back-yard pool party. This is not uncommon and is indicative of the many water accidents that occur throughout the county, especially during the summer months.

Lindsay Kujawa, a blog writer in Southern California had described a harrowing incident about her family’s brush with dry drowning.

Her son had slipped into the pool and was being sucked to the other side by the pool jets. Kujawa, who noticed his fall almost immediately ran to pull him out. Initially, he showed no sign of distress. However, hours later, he had to be rushed to the hospital as his mother hopelessly saw her son’s oxygen level drop.

While her son had recovered, the mother wrote that it was one of the worst things that could happen to a mother, and that other parents should learn from her experience.

If you, like many others, have never heard of the term ‘dry drowning’, you should consider reading the article right till the end.

What is Dry Drowning?

The term dry drowning seems to be confusing to most people. The first thing that you should keep in mind regarding dry drowning is that it has nothing to do with hot and dry climatic condition. It happens when a small child inhales water after being submerged in water for a few minutes. The drowning is called ‘dry’ since it happens outside the water.  

Unlike adults, small children’s lungs have lower capacity to handle fluids. A child who slips and falls in the pool for even a few minutes will face life threatening situation later on. The  signs of distress show up to 24 hours after being submerged in water.

Signs of Dry Drowning

  • Submerged in Water — A child less than 5 years old who has been pulled from water after drowning. It’s important that the child should receive immediate medical help even if submerged in water for a few minutes.
  • Vomiting — Inflammation, lack of oxygen, and intense coughing causes vomiting. It shows that the child is in distress.
  • Feeling Tired — While it’s normal for a child to feel sleepy after some time at the pool, it may also be due to loss of oxygen. If a child has been submerged in water and looks extra fatigued, it’s recommended to call a pediatrician.
  • Difficulty in Breathing — Shallow and rapid breathing is another sign of dry drowning. Seek immediate medical help if the child displays labored breathing after being submerged in water.
  • Changed Behavior — If a child seem sick or woozy, it may be due to lack of oxygen. Again, it’s recommended to get medical help.

    Get Immediate Medical Help

If a child has been pulled out of water after slipping, it’s important to seek immediate medical help. Even though the child may be acting fine, the fluid that has accumulated inside the lungs can cause a life threatening situation.

The medical professional will obtain an X-ray of the lungs and mentor signs of respiratory distress. In case any anomaly is detected, the doctor will take immediate steps to address the issue. Timely professional help may well save the life of the child.

What is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)

A news article published on CNN website this year reported a two-year old in Indianapolis dying of a little known disease that doctors suspect was Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). The girl had developed strep throat and was given antibiotics. Later she reported of a high fever and pink rashes started popping on her body a few days later she died of the disease.

Not many people are aware of RMSF and how it spreads. In this article, we will shed light on the disease and what you can do to protect yourself and your kids from this illness.

What is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)?

RMSF is a disease that is caused by the bacterium rickettsia. The bacterium enters the human body through the bite of an affected tick, which are are tiny, bloodsucking parasitical insects. Some of the diseases you can get from a tick bite are Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. While both adults and children can get the disease, children are particularly susceptible to RMSF.

Animals can also get bitten. There was one case where a small female malaise had a black bump next to her eye. As the days passed, its owner noticed the bump was growing. Upon close examination, it was found to be a tick that was attached to her. Fortunately, the parasite was successfully removed without any further complications; however, this might not always be the case. The dog picked up the tick in the back yard of their Long Island home, so ticks can be anywhere. Be careful!

Individuals who suffer from the disease develop a fever and rashes across their body. If not treated through the right antibiotics, the disease can prove fatal, like in the case of the little girl. It’s important to take protective measures against ticks, particularly during the warmer months when these predators are usually the most active.

How to Avoid Contact with Ticks?

Ticks are usually found in brushy and wooded areas, having leaf litter and high grass and many times, found in the center of camping trails. In order to avoid contact with ticks, it’s important to use a repellent that consists of 20+ percent of picaridin, DEET or IR3535. The repellent must be applied on the exposed skin. It should not be applied on the eyes, hands or mouth. The action of the relent lasts for several hours. You can find the best repellent on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website.

Furthermore, it’s important to treat clothing such as pants, socks and boots with a product containing 0.5 percent permethrin before going camping. The effect of the product may last through several washings.

After coming indoors, you should also tumble dry your clothes in a dryer with high heat setting. Drying the cloth for 10 minutes will kill the ticks. Additional time will be required for treating damp clothes. If washing is required, you should wash the cloth in hot water.

Lastly, you should find and remove ticks from the body. It’s important to shower as soon as possible when you come indoors. Consider doing a full body check to find ticks. You can use a full-length mirror to find ticks on the body. Places to look include under the arms, inside the belly button, in and around the ear, between the legs, behind the knees, in your hair and around the waist.

These simple measures listed above can help you and your family in avoiding the threat of being infected by the deadly Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Making Life Easier for Arthritis Patients

Arthritis is a painful condition and it is not easy to live with it as it can make the lives of both the patient and the caretakers disconcerting and disruptive. This is because patients find it highly difficult to even perform their daily tasks due to the stiffness and chronic pain.

Clearing a Common Misconception

Many people believe that arthritis is a single disease that causes joint pain. In fact, arthritis is both a disease that can be of as many as 100 different types, and an umbrella term used for a variety of other joint diseases that also cause severe joint pain.

Although arthritis is mainly associated with old age, it can also affect children. According to Arthritis Foundation, about 300,000 children suffer from some form of arthritis. The condition is more likely to affect women than men.

How to Make Life Easier For Arthritis Patients?

Arthritis, the leading cause of disability in the US, not only causes extreme pain and makes performing regular tasks highly difficult, but also poses emotional challenges. This is why the American College of Rheumatology recommends non-drug treatments and lifestyle changes in addition to the medications.

Following are some tips for making life easier for people suffering from any kind of arthritis:

Get Moving

A lot of people when diagnosed with arthritis stop exercising, which is wrong. Exercise helps to keep your muscles strong and your joints moving. However, you shouldn’t put too much pressure and avoid doing very hard exercises. It is extremely important to consult your doctor to know about the exercises that keep your joints and muscles healthy and moving.

Also, do not hold a position for a long time, whether you are standing, sitting or lying on your bed. Try to get up and do little stretching after every 15 minutes.

Plan Your Life

Rather than going into depression when diagnosed with arthritis, the smart approach is to plan your life accordingly. Make choices that do not require much activity and rigorous work. For example, use various tools especially designed to aid arthritis patients, buy clothes that can be worn without ironing, keep items that you frequently use within easy reach, and make modifications in your house by installing various adaptive aids.

Take Care of Your Diet

Food items that contain high amounts of antioxidants help in reducing inflammation, managing pain and enhancing energy levels. Foods that are rich in antioxidants are called anti-inflammatory foods include:

  • Nuts and seeds
  • Salmon
  • Berries, especially blueberries
  • Dark chocolate
  • Various supplements, such as that of fish oil and turmeric, also help in reducing the joint stiffness. However, always consult your doctor before taking any medicine or supplement.