Lifestyle

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, an estimated 19.7 million people suffer from substance abuse. A report by the National Institute on Drug Abuse indicates that between 40% and 60% of these people relapse after their treatment. Are you worried about relapsing?

If you want to minimize episodes of relapse, recovering addicts need to receive care services after undergoing a formal substance abuse treatment program.

Sober Living

Sober-living homes are only one of the options. You can find sober homes in Austin, where you should consider getting admitted if you feel you need more time to establish your coping mechanisms and habits before returning to your daily life. It is a place for people like you who need a transition from a treatment program to your normal life.

While you’re in the transition phase, a sober home can provide you with continued support so that you can learn how to become independent and remain substance-free in a community setup. Here are a few tips to help you find the right sober home:

Comfortable Amenities

At a minimum, a sober-living home should provide a place for you to sleep, whether in a private room, a shared room, or a dormitory with other residents. Typically, sober homes assign rooms to two residents at a time. Private rooms are considered an upscale amenity. Other upscale amenities include gyms, pools, a library, or an entertainment room.

Accommodating Staff and Residents

The ideal sober home has supportive, understanding, and generous residents. Recovering addicts who become friends with other residents they meet in sober homes are not unusual. On your first visit, try to interview a few residents to learn more about a sober home’s environment.

More importantly, a sober home must be staffed with social workers and medical professionals. In some cases, you might even find former addicts who have recovered and are now working in sober homes.

Staff and Peer Accountability

Recovering addicts often find it hard to decide for themselves. Sober homes should have strict accountability rules that keep residents from making bad decisions. Usually, accountability rules are enforced by staff and fellow residents. It’s a way of looking after your fellow residents while helping them learn decision-making skills, which will be necessary once they go out into the real world.

A Safe Location

A sober-living home should be located in a secure area, near nature but not too far from the conveniences of urban life. It should be isolated from busy places but still close to where your family and friends live so that they can visit you.

Affordable Cost

Unlike state-run halfway houses, sober-living homes are privately-owned, not receiving a single cent from government funding. They are not free. Aside from the monthly cost, you might be charged for groceries, utilities, and rent. However, sober living homes provide better care and amenities, and a longer stay for its residents.

Finding a place that can help you slowly return to your healthy life can be exciting. However, please remember that besides the things mentioned above, you should visit a sober-living home, interview its residents, and have long talks with its staff and manager before you finally decide to live there temporarily. Evaluate the environment and the people as a whole.

Inflammatory bowel disease is a general term for disorders involving the chronic swelling of the digestive tract, which can cause permanent damage. IBD occurs in either of two ways: ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.

Ulcerative colitis causes chronic inflammation and ulcers in the innermost lining of the rectum and large intestine. Crohn’s disease, on the other hand, is the swelling of the lining of the GI tract, which can spread to other parts of the body, such as the mouth and anus. Both disorders cause abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.

Undetermined Causes

Despite active research, scientists and medical experts still can’t pinpoint the factors that cause IBD. This is a problem because until they determine what the cause is, they won’t be able to develop a cure for the disease. But IBD treatment plans are available for those who need to manage the symptoms of their condition.

One possible cause is immune system malfunction. Scholars suspect that as the immune system tries to ward off pathogens and viruses, an abnormal response causes it to attack the cells in the digestive tract as well.

The medical community also believes that factors like lifestyle and heredity increase the risk for IBD.

Genetic Makeup as a Factor of IBD

At first, scholars suspected that IBD runs in families. But the evidence was weak because it wasn’t a parent-to-child transfer, which is the common indication of inherited conditions. But recently, medical experts have confirmed that there is a genetic component to IBD.

More than 200 genetic variations in the DNA code has an association with IBD. And this figure continues to rise as molecular biotechnology evolves each day. An article in the Journal of Autoimmunity studied identical twins to determine the weight of genetic factors in IBD. The researchers found that identical twins have 10 times the risk for Crohn’s disease compared to non-identical twins, and four times the risk for ulcerative colitis.

This finding means that although IBD isn’t necessarily passed down from parent to child, genetic makeup still has a contributing factor to the disease. Scientists have yet to find what triggers these genes to cause IBD. They’re pointing to external factors, such as environment, diet, or lifestyle, that may be triggering the disorder.

External Factors of IBD

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says IBD affects some subpopulations more than others. For one, ulcerative colitis has a slightly higher occurrence in males and Crohn’s disease is more common in females.

The CDC also states IBD is more frequent in people of Caucasian and Ashkenazic Jewish descent than other racial groups. Although this needs more thorough exploration, the trends in reported cases on certain ethnic and racial minorities and geographic regions support the claim.

The concentration of IBD cases in certain subpopulations suggest that the shared lifestyle, diet, environment, or other external factors in these areas may be triggering the disorder.

An article in The Lancet highlights the evolution of IBD across the globe. It reveals that the incidences of the disorder have increased in newly industrialized countries as they become more and westernized. This puts industrialization and the Western lifestyle under the spotlight as culprits for rising IBD rates.

Diet seems to be the most crucial factor in IBD cases. Western diet is characterized by food rich in animal protein and low in fiber. It’s also associated with reduced gut microbial biodiversity, which increases the risk for IBD and other chronic diseases. New studies show that IBD therapy focused on replacing Western diets with a plant-based one is more successful than methods used in earlier research.

Plenty of the claims about the causes of IBD are still initial conclusions. But these open new opportunities for exploration and unearth relevant information regarding the disorder. As the medical community continues to study IBD, affected patients are closer to receiving better treatments for their conditions.

Northern Ireland is an independent British colony, that borders with the Republic of Ireland – which expands over the majority of the islands’ landmass. Although Northern Ireland is smaller than the rest of the island, it is a country that condenses a rich and vibrant history into a comparatively small area. World renowned for its breathtaking scenery and social history, it was last year declared the No.1 region to visit in the world to visit by Lonely Planet. It’s capital, and largest city Belfast has a great number of attractions, such as the site where the famous ship the Titanic was first constructed – as well as a great number of metropolitan attractions such as award-winning restaurants, nightlife and some of Ireland’s most renowned dental practitioners.

Filling the gaps

One such dental practitioners operating out of Belfast is Blue Sky Dentistry, who offer patient orientated, bespoke dental work across a range of procedures. Consultations for the bedrock of the patient-practitioner relationship here, and treatments are only carried out after lingual discussions with a dentist the patient feels comfortable with. Dental implants are a procedure which is available here, and the results of which can vastly boost a patient’s self-confidence and restore their smiles. Implants are only generally used to replace teeth that are damaged beyond repair. The basis of the procedure is a small hole is drilled into the patient’s gums, and a titanium screw is inserted. Then, after a brief healing period – during which time the bone and titanium fuse together – a replica tooth constructed from porcelain is inserted within the screw. Thus, the gap between the patient’s teeth is filled with a virtually indistinguishable tooth – and their smile is restored to its full potential.

Shining through

Another service that is offered at Blue Sky, is teeth whitening. White teeth are generally synonymous with wealth and success, and today a rising amount of us are wanting to have smiles like the stars we see through films and media. As such, there has been an increased popularity in teeth whitening cosmetic procedures in recent years. Power Teeth Whitening is a blasting process whereby the patient’s outer mouth is first protected, before the dentist applies a layer of whitening gel directly to the teeth of the patient. Then, a high-powered laser is used to activate the bleaching ingredient within the gel. This non-invasive treatment causes no discomfort to the patient and can eradicate years of stains or damage to teeth from smoking or neglect instantaneously. Allowing patients to walk out of the practice with a Hollywood A-list smile the same day they walked in. Another teeth whitening procedure that is offer here is Home whitening, in which a custom-made mould is constructed of a patient mouth, and then – at home, at a time that suits them – a whitening gel is placed within the mould, and worn over the patients teeth. Results from this procedure take up to two weeks before coming to fruition – but when they do, patients can expect their teeth to be a great degree whiter and clearer than before, which can help boost their self-esteem innumerably.

Senior citizens make up a small portion of the American majority. But every year, Americans over the age of 65 continue to grow in number. This is why more legislators are working to create laws that will make life easier for the aging generation.

These simple entitlements are rightfully earned privileges because today’s senior citizens have contributed to the present U.S. economic powerhouse.

1. Housing Aid

Not all senior citizens have sufficient retirement funds to cover all their expenses. One major expense that worries them when they stop working is their monthly mortgage payments.

Those who have fewer savings should be entitled to government housing aid that is equivalent to their basic housing costs. It could be construed as a mortgage payment or rental in case the senior lives at home or a condo. It is a great privilege for seniors who are discharged from nursing homes in areas like Worcester County, MA to live in their own property or with their families.

2. Free Public Transportation

Local municipalities are enjoined to craft policies on allowing all senior citizens to use the public transportation system within their locality for free on an unlimited basis. Places where the transport system is not fully used can allow such entitlement, while those places with fully used systems can provide subsidies for seniors to compensate for the extra costs.

3. Free Medical Services

In almost all countries around the world, senior citizens are entitled to free medical services. But for the American senior citizens, this is a fundamental right. The nation is known for top-of-the-line health care system and medical services. This entitlement also reinforces the fact that the U.S. is a socially conscious nation that cares about its aging people.

4. Waiving of Student Loans

With the same principles of housing aids or subsidies, seniors with inadequate retirement savings should also be forgiven gracefully of their outstanding student loans. Seniors have paid their monthly dues for their student loans for many years and by the time they retire, they should have paid it in full.

However, those who are not financially stable may have left out some loans, such as their student loans. This is why the whole amount should be considered fully paid when they hit their golden age.

5. Tax-Free Social Security

Pension pay and social security taxes for senior citizens should be granted in full and without any dues. This is the only income that most U.S. retirees depend on, so any deduction will be highly unjust and unfair. If a senior still has to pay loans, they may not be able to enjoy their retirement with a very limited pension or social security.

The U.S. government is devising more plans to be able to provide all entitlements and privileges to the aging population. In some localities, there are already policies crafted honoring seniors with entitlements like discounts on basic groceries and needs. There are also specific parking spaces intended for the elderly, tax discounts for elderly home reconstruction and other privileges that seniors can enjoy.

More people are attracted to the idea of undergoing laser hair removal. This is not surprising, though, considering the result it offers. Compared to waxing and shaving, it has an almost permanent effect when it comes to hair growth.

Today, it has become a popular procedure for both men and women to deal with hair. In case you’re planning on undergoing one, there are a few preparations you have to do. This will ensure a safe and successful treatment. To find out what those are, here’s what you need to know.

Stay Away from Artificial Tanning

A month or two before your scheduled appointment, keep your skin light as much as possible. Avoid applying self-tanning products or undergoing any tanning procedure. Aside from that, try to limit your exposure to the sun, as it may cause sunburn. In the case of skin problem, you are not advised to undergo this procedure. This is why many people choose to undergo laser hair removal in Draper during the winter season.

Prevent Hair Waxing or Plucking

Refrain from waxing or plucking the hair on areas you intend to have laser treatment. Pulling out the hair may hinder the result. Shaving a day before is okay, but don’t do it on the day itself because it may cause your skin to swell, which can cause irritation or infection. In addition, try not to use apply any bleaching agent on the surface.

Avoid Applying any Skin Products

Keep the treatment site free from products or chemicals. Lotions, creams, or deodorants — it’s best not to apply any of these. As they will be removed during the procedure, it’s best to leave your skin bare. Right after the treatment, be sure to consult your physician before using them again.

Wear Loose Fitting Clothes

On the day of your appointment, be sure to wear comfy and loose fitting clothes. You might feel tightness or a bit of swelling right after the procedure, so it’s best if you have shirts or dresses that allow movement and have soft fabric. Tight-fitting or abrasive clothing might bring so much discomfort.

Expect Pain During the Session

As this treatment involves laser, you might feel a slight sting on your skin. The less painful area to have this procedure would be your underarm, but it still depends on the person’s pain tolerance. The good thing is this sensation is nothing if you think about the result you’ll enjoy later on. In case the pain gets unbearable for you, ask your physician for an anesthetic gel or cream. You may also apply warm compress on the treated area to alleviate the swelling or pain.

Remember these essential steps when undergoing laser treatment. This is to guide you accordingly throughout your appointment. Overall, there’s no risk for this procedure since it is non-invasive. But, you have to be careful about choosing who will perform it on you. Be more cautious and do your own research to avoid any problems. By doing so, you are sure to get rid of any unwanted hair in your body.

 

Your hair isn’t just a crowning glory fashioned to give you the best looks. It also says a lot about your health. The little things you notice in your strands’ appearance, texture or thickness may not just be a case of bad hair day.

Here’s the rundown of the things your hair is saying about your well-being.

You’re running low on iron

If you’re suddenly getting clumps of hair on the brush, you should be concerned. But not because it’s harder to style thinning hair, but because this could be a sign that your body is running low on iron.

Most people suffering from anemia complain of hair falling out. While the direct link between iron deficiency and hair loss isn’t clear yet (and some anemia patients don’t experience the symptom), doctors believe that since iron has a role in biological and chemical reactions in the body, more likely including hair growth, it explains why being low on iron contributes to hair shedding.

Load up on food high on iron if you’re anemic. Leafy greens, particularly the darker ones, are great sources of this element. So go for spinach, kale and Swiss chard. Eat Vitamin-C rich food, such as oranges and strawberries, to facilitate better absorption of iron.

Your mind is all over the place

The state of your mental health can have physical symptoms, particularly hair changes. A condition called telogen effluvium, characterized by hair loss, can occur when someone is under intense stress. You may also notice dandruff getting worse when your mental health isn’t in its best shape. This is because the body finds it hard to fight off the yeast Malassezia, which is causing dandruff.

So do your hair and scalp a favor and ease your stress. Practice meditation and mindfulness exercises. Sleep better. Say no more often, especially when you’re the type to take on more than what’s needed of you. During weekends, dedicate a time to pamper yourself in a spa-like bath at your home. And while you’re at it, massage your hair and scalp with natural shampoo and conditioner for fighting dandruff.

You’re slacking off on a healthy diet

Dull, thin hair may be an indication of a diet full of highly processed food (aka junk food). When there’s a shortage in nutrients, the body will prioritize supply to the most important organs, like the brain and the heart, leaving little to none for your hair.

So to give back its natural softness and luster of your locks, strive for a healthy, balanced diet. Go for meat, fish, beans and soy. These will promote the production of keratin, the protein responsible for hair growth. The omega 3-fats in fish and walnuts, on the other hand, can help in growing shinier locks, so make sure to include these in your meals as well.

If you notice dryness, brittleness and thinning of hair, consider the possibility that it’s not just one of those bad hair days, which you can fix instantly with a brush here and a spray there. It may be due to a deficiency, a stressor or a bad diet. Consult your doctor before making an appointment with the salon.

The time will eventually come that your children-turned-adults will leave home. Soon after college, they will go off and find their own fortunes. This leaves most parents a feeling of loneliness bordering on depression. Are you experiencing the same emotions now?

The Empty Nest Syndrome

The empty nest syndrome is not a diagnosed disease, but it is the result of a heightened feeling of being left behind. The house feels large and empty, and parents feel lost due to these sudden changes. This feeling of sadness can make parents vulnerable to alcoholism, marital conflicts and identity crisis, which can ultimately lead to depression.

This is usually a temporary condition until you can adjust to your new status. In the meantime, you have to adjust to your perceived loss and move forward. The truth is that empty nesters have an opportunity to enjoy yourselves in your new role.

Your children are no longer teenagers; they are now adults with their own lives. This change may take some time to sink in, but there are steps you can take to move into your new situation.

Coping in an Empty House

The following are some ways you can adapt to an empty house.

• Accept change. – For most of your adult life, you have focused on the needs of your children. You cooked, shopped, did the laundry and kept their schedules. These responsibilities are now theirs to take, and you should be proud that your children are now independent adults.
• Sort and organize stuff. – Growing up, your kids had a lot of clothes, toys, books and many other things, which you are probably keeping in the attic or basement now. Now is the time to sort them out, and decide which ones to donate to charities, sell in a garage sale or throw in the trash. Tap the help of professionals offering home organization services in sorting through your children’s old belongings.
• Communicate. – Try to keep in touch with your children to alleviate the sadness that you feel. Besides phone calls and text messaging, you can make use of online chat platforms to keep each other constantly updated in your lives.
• Spend more time with your spouse. – With your house empty of children, there is more than enough time to connect with your spouse. A recent study showed that empty nesters have more intimacy compared to couples with kids still living at home. When the children leave home to take a life of their own, it is also time for the parents to take more time together.
• Find time of your own. – While your kids were growing up, you spent most of your time taking care of their needs. Once they leave, you now have more time for yourselves. Aside from giving more attention to your spouse, you can also pursue your own interests, may it be gardening or baking.

Empty nesters have the opportunity to do a lot of things, including spending more quality time with your spouse. With the children gone, you can also organize your house according to your own likes and preferences.

Well-groomed eyebrows do wonders to your face, as they help define facial features. However, achieving “on-fleek” eyebrows requires regular waxing, threading and plucking. For many, these grooming procedures are time-consuming.

Today, people are turning to permanent or semi-permanent make-up to reduce the time spent to maintain their brows. A common procedure is microblading, in which a technician uses a manual handheld tool to implant pigment on the surface of the brow. The result is a set of semi-permanent tattoos that give eyebrows a natural shape.

Despite the benefits brought by microblading, the procedure is expensive. According to ELLE Australia, the first treatment can cost up to $900. Because of this, some people resort to microblading their eyebrows at home.

The Risks of Do-it-Yourself Microblading

Head to YouTube, and you’ll find hundreds of thousands of tutorials showing how you can microblade your eyebrows at home. Some of the vloggers perform the procedure using only a few items, compared to the countless supplies required of microblading technicians.

Although microblading at home is a cheaper alternative, experts caution against it. For one, it’s difficult to microblade symmetrical brows by yourself in front of the mirror. If you’ve made a wrong outline on your eyebrows, you’ll be stuck with it for many months.

Do-it-yourself microblading also poses health risks. A wrong cut on your brow could cause long-term scarring or excessive bleeding. There’s also the risk of contamination, allergic reactions and infection when the procedure is poorly executed.

Choosing the Right Microblading Studio

Microblading by an expert certainly doesn’t come cheap, but you’re more likely to get better results than doing the procedure yourself. When you’ve decided on having your eyebrows microbladed, it’s a matter of choosing which studio to visit.

Here are the important factors to look for when choosing a microblading studio:

• Technician Training and Certification

Microblading artists are not required by law to undergo professional training or certifications. However, it’s reassuring to go to a studio knowing that the technicians have been trained and are licensed to perform the procedure.

When browsing through microblading studios, check their websites for artist credentials. You can also book a consultation with the studio and look for certifications. Make sure to familiarise yourself with the companies offer reputable microblading training courses, whether it’s in Sydney or other cities in the world.

Since a microblading technician performs a blood-related procedure, it’s highly recommended and sometimes required that he or she has completed blood-borne pathogens training. This course teaches them how to avoid blood exposure and what to do if blood is exposed to infectious material.

• Reputation

A microblading studio most likely has a Facebook or Instagram page that shows their technicians’ portfolios. This gives you an idea of the artists’ styles of work. Also, check reviews and the studio’s list of customers. If the studio has a reputable list of clients – say, celebrities – there’s a high chance that it provides good customer service.

• Cleanliness

The cleanliness of the studio is non-negotiable, as unsterile tools and other equipment are among the leading risks for transmitting infection. During your consultation, ask the staff if you can see their tool packages.

Microblading is expensive, and it’s tempting to perform the procedure at home. However, DIY microblading without the proper qualifications will likely cost you later on, both in terms of money and emotional distress. Having your eyebrows microbladed by a qualified technician is a worthwhile investment and helps you achieve the look that’s best for you.

When you work with a family therapist, sessions could include just you or your entire family seeing the therapist. Family counseling or therapy is typically used for treating a problem of one family member, such as alcoholism, depression, and drug addiction, that’s having a negative impact on the family as a whole. This form of therapy can likewise be used to address family-wide issues like conflicts between children and parents, spouses, and between siblings.

Should You Undergo Family Therapy?

Family therapy is a specific approach to talk therapy or psychotherapy. It is focused more on finding solutions than individual counseling and is typically more specific and shorter, with definite end goals.

Rather than address issues on a one-to-one basis, this kind of therapy recognizes that an issue affects all family members instead of just one family member. This means that to resolve an issue, everyone in the family must come together and give support to the family member who is having issues.

In addition, an issue exclusive to one family member might indicate a bigger and more complicated family issue. If only one family member undergoes treatment, it’s similar to trying to treat a disease’s symptoms without treating the cause of the disease.

What to Expect During Family Counseling

Family counseling has been shown to be effective in treating issues like drug abuse, alcoholism, depression, obesity, and other behavioral issues. It can likewise help resolve the conflict between different family members by teaching them various healthier ways to deal with their issues.

When you go to a family counseling expert in Broomfield, the therapist will meet with your entire family and you individually. After one or two sessions, the therapist will have most likely determined which specific treatment approaches will be best for you and your family.

Family therapists these days use a combination of different methods. This means that if you have an alcohol problem, you might need to undergo family therapy, individual therapy, and work with a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous.

Preparing for Family Therapy

It is imperative to make the family member who is having issues feel that they are not alone. If you’re the parent, you can tell to your child that his problems are your problems and that everyone in the family will support them as they work through their issues.

Do note that you and other family members might also need to take responsibility for your actions, like changing how you treat each other, etc. Family counseling will work best if everyone in the family is willing to go to regular therapy sessions and continue going to every session until the therapist says otherwise or until therapy is completed.

In addition, expect that you’ll be given homework as part of the family therapy, like parents holding their children accountable for their actions, giving them more responsibilities, or communicating with each other in a healthier way.

Family counseling is all about working together as a family to heal and treat any psychological, emotional, or mental issues that are trying to tear your family apart.

Since the rise of the Kardashians, the Kylie Jenner signature pout has become a trend among women across all ages. If you’re one of the people wanting that Instagram-worthy pout, you might get the urge to run to your Salt Lake City plastic surgeon and book an appointment for a lip filler. But before you do that, here’s a rundown of everything to know about getting your lips done.

What exactly are lip fillers?

Lip fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a substance commonly found in skincare products. The body produces the substance naturally and it works as a magnet for moisture. It helps the skin retain water, making it appear hydrated and healthy.

Cosmetic doctors inject hyaluronic acid into the soft tissues of the lips to increase their size and volume. Since this substance attracts water, it makes the lips look plumper, creating a bolder pout. Doctors can also use to smoothen wrinkles and fine lines and lift sagging cheeks. Since it’s a naturally occurring substance, the body readily accepts hyaluronic acid injections.

How long do fillers last?

Lip fillers last for at least six months up to a year. However, fillers can have a relatively permanent effect. Women who have their lips refilled usually haven’t lost all the volume from their previous surgery.

But what if you tire of your pouty lip or if the results weren’t to your liking? Reversing the effects of a lip filler was not possible about 10 years ago, when they contained collagen. But because they now contain hyaluronic acid, your cosmetic surgeon can inject hyaluronidase, which is an enzyme that hastens the degradation of hyaluronic acid, decreasing the volume of the lips.

Does the procedure hurt?

The level of discomfort mainly depends on your pain tolerance and the surgeon’s technique. So if you have a high tolerance for pain and your doctor is performed countless procedures, the process should be painless.

However, it is not advisable to not undergo the procedure at least a week before your period, since of your heightened sensitivity to pain during this time.

After the surgery, it’s normal to expect swelling because of the needle penetrating the skin. Depending on your skin sensitivity, there may also be some minor bruises. But there’s nothing to worry about since these usually disappear after a few days.

The best way to ensure that there are no side effects is to return for a follow-up consultation a week after your treatment.

How do I avoid getting “duck lips”?

Before you go in for your appointment, think about how plump you want your lips to appear. Decide if you want fillers for your upper lip, lower lip, or both. To avoid over-filling, you can start with a small dosage, observe the changes for a week, then come back if you’re not yet satisfied with the result.

Your doctor’s expertise is also a factor here. Go to a board-certified plastic surgeon to be sure that the person performing your surgery is qualified for the job.

You are free to do anything you want with your body. But before you make any permanent changes, think twice and do your research to save yourself from regretting the decision afterward.