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10 Symptoms of Food Poisoning Never to Ignore

September 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

If you have ever had to cope with food poisoning, then you know the unpleasantness of the experience. Fortunately, food poisoning usually passes after a few days. But there are some dangerous symptoms of food poisoning never to overlook. If you have these symptoms, you should reach out to your doctor immediately. Here’s the list of the ten symptoms of food poisoning you should never ignore.

What is food poisoning?

Food poisoning stems from eating contaminated food. The most common causes of food poisoning are bacteria, parasites, or viruses. You’ll show signs of food poisoning anywhere from two to six hours after eating contained food, depending upon the type of bacteria that’s was in it. Typical symptoms of food poisoning include the following:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Headache

What is the most common cause of food poisoning?

There is a long list of bacteria and viruses that cause food poisoning, but here are the most common types that cause food poisoning.

coli: This bacteria can be found on undercooked meats or raw veggies and fruits. It’s especially dangerous for children to get sick from E. coli.
Listeria: This type of bacteria shows up on deli meats and soft cheeses.
Norovirus: This virus spreads quickly. You can get it from a minuscule participle of an infected person’s poop or vomit. You can also get it from being close to someone who has norovirus.
Salmonella: This bacteria is the most common reason for hospitalizations and deaths due to food poisoning. It’s found on raw eggs, undercooked meats.
Staph infections: These infections can be transferred from an infected person’s hands touching food.
Clostridium perfringens: This bacteria can thrive on raw meats or poultry.
Trichinella spiralis: This worm enters the body through raw meat, especially pork. If you don’t cook the meat properly, you will get infected by the worm.

Dangerous symptoms of food poisoning never to ignore

Note: These symptoms should set off an alarm in your head–call your doctor for advise, especially if symptoms persist for more than two days. If you have underlying health problems, do not delay in calling your physician for advice.

Bloody stools

It’s good to get this checked out since you could be having internal bleeding and not know it. It’s not untypical to have a bloody stool when you have food poisoning, but having them too long or too often is a bad sign.

High fever

If you have a fever of 102 degrees, Fahrenheit call your doctor right away. The fever combined with fluid loss can mean you need immediate attention to prevent severe consequences.

Frequent vomiting

Throwing up is one of the classic symptoms of food poisoning. If you’re vomiting too much too often, you can get dehydrated. Take a break from drinking when you first start vomiting. After an hour of not vomiting, try some ice chips to see if you can keep those down. At this point, you can sip a little soft sports drink because these have extra electrolytes in them. Be careful not to gulp down your beverage, or you could end up back at the toilet. Keep eating ice chips and sipping a sports drink to get hydrated. You can also drink hot tea or seltzer water.

Dehydration

If you’re not urinating or if you have a parched mouth or feel dizzy when you stand up, it could mean you’re dehydrated. As soon as you stop vomiting, you should begin to build up your fluids. If you can’t keep fluids down for too many hours, you should contact your doctor. You might need to head to the hospital to get an IV to get rehydrated. Some people are prone to dehydration, so if you’re one of them, you need to be even more careful if you get food poisoning. There are several hydrating drinks and powders on the market that are good to keep on hand in case of stomach problems. These hydrate you faster than standard sports drinks or other liquids.

Diarrhea that lasts more than three days

Similar to constant vomiting, if you have diarrhea for too many days, you’ll get dehydrated and weak. It’s essential to be proactive if you do have diarrhea for more than three days, contact your doctor. They can write you a prescription to stop your diarrhea and allow your body a break.

Learn why hydration is an essential good habit for everyone.

Difficulty breathing or heart palpitations

This is uncommon with food poisoning, but it does happen. Food poisoning is hard on your body, especially your heart, if you’re older. Difficulty breathing or heart palpitations can occur when your body is under stress. Don’t delay. Contact your physician right away or visit the emergency room if you have these symptoms.

Can’t urinate

This is a sign you are dehydrated. Don’t ignore this. Push fluids, and if this persists, contact your doctor right away.

Confusion

Confusion is rare, but if you or someone you’re caring for has food poisoning and gets confused or disoriented, it means they are dehydrated. Push fluids, such as sports drinks, right away. Contact your doctor if the confusion persists.

Dizziness

Like confusion, lack of urinating, dizziness could be a sign of dehydration. But sometimes you feel weak after vomiting and having diarrhea. Stay in bed at least 24 hours to allow your body to rest. Drink lots of fluids and if you feel hungry, eat some food. Follow the BRAT diet if you want. It can help you get started on eating foods again.

B-bananas
R-rice
A-apple sauce
T-toast

At one time, doctors recommended everyone eat the BRAT diet after being ill, but now they feel like you can eat other foods if they’re bland enough. So, use common sense and don’t overdo overeating heavy or spicy food, or you could end up getting sick again.

Vision changes

Again, vision changes when you have food poisoning are rare but can happen, especially if you have heart problems. Don’t wait for this to go away. Contact your doctor right away to get help.

Can there be long term health issues from food poisoning?

Food poisoning usually lasts a few days at the most, but some people end up in the hospital with long-term problems and even death. Some food infections cause long-term issues such as the following:

Arthritis: Studies found that there have been Salmonella outbreaks that have caused long term arthritis afterward.
Brain damage: Some bacteria or viruses potentially can cause brain infections called meningitis.
Kidney failure: Your kidneys go through a lot when you get food poisoning. Getting dehydrated is serious because it can result in kidney damage or kidney failure.

What foods commonly cause food poisoning?

There are some particular foods you should be wary of, especially in the summer months when it’s hot outside and food can spoil easier.

Turkey, chicken, and other meats

Undercooked meats or meats that you’ve left out too long can grow bacteria and make you sick. Raw chicken, undercooked turkey are big culprits. If you’re cooking meat, cook it thoroughly. Use a meat thermometer to guarantee you’ve cooked the meat properly. Wash your hands with soap and hot water after handling raw meat of any kind. Never touch your mouth, face, nose, or eyes when you’re handling meat.

Fruits and vegetables

Lots of hands touched the produce you buy at the grocery—everyone from the pickers and packers to those who put out the produce at the grocery store. Your product harbors lots of germs, even if it’s organically grown. Fresh fruits and veggies harbor bacteria and viruses, so be exceptionally throughout when you wash your produce. Rinse your veggies and fruits under running cold water. You can soak them in cold water if you want. Rub the outside of the produce and pull off out leaves of leafy greens. Don’t use dish soap or bleach, since these can leave a residue on your produce.

Raw milk, raw soft cheeses

Soft cheeses like feta, brie, blue cheese, Camembert, or queso fresco can carry bacteria or viruses. Also, ice cream and yogurt. Buy reputable brands of these products to ensure say handling. But sometimes, an outbreak can’t be prevented, so if you hear of a recall on foods, follow the guidelines right away.

Raw eggs

Be careful about eating raw eggs. You are placing yourself at elevated risk for a round of salmonella poisoning.

Seafood

Be sure to wash seafood thoroughly and cook it. If you eat raw seafood, buy it only from reliable dealers who you trust will handle it correctly.

Sprouts

Sprouts sit in water in a warm place, which is the perfect place for fungus bacteria to grow. Wash your sprouts well and pat them dry before you use them to rinse away anything harmful.

How to treat food poisoning

If you do get food poisoning, you need to be vigilant about replenishing your body with fluids to avoid dehydration. Replace your fluids after you’ve not vomited for at least an hour. Then begin sipping liquids. Try food after several hours if you feel hungry.

Those at risk

Older adults or people that are immune-compromised should take special precautions if they get food poisoning. They will need to keep special hydrating fluids on hand. There are several over-the-counter products you can buy to help you get hydrated.

Homemade rehydration solution

You can make your own rehydration solution for yourself or your children. Here’s the simple recipe

4 cups of Gatorade (Gatorade G2 is best because it contains high levels of the needed electrolytes)
1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of plain table salt
Chill, stir and drink completely.

The Brat diet can help calm your stomach after a stomach bug.

Final Thoughts on Knowing the Symptoms Food Poisoning

Food poisoning isn’t fun. Try as you may to wash your produce, cook meats thoroughly, and wash your hands often when handling raw meat, sometimes you still get a food-borne illness. Fortunately, food poisoning doesn’t last that long. Stay hydrated and rest up for at least 24 hours, and pretty soon you’ll be back to normal.

However, if symptoms of food poisoning do not improve in a day or two, seek the guidance of your primary care physician. They can advise you of the next steps, or if you need professional treatment.

Study Reveals Raspberries Can Help Reduce Skin Inflammation

September 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

As part of your body’s natural defense, inflammation plays a huge role in healing. Sometimes it can be uncomfortable and undesirable, however, and finding a remedy is essential. One natural remedy is raspberries because they can reduce and prevent inflammation.

When inflammation occurs, it means that your body detects the presence of a foreign object, bacteria, virus, or other irritants. Once it realizes this, your body will begin an attack on the foreign body. While this all sounds like it’s beneficial, sometimes it isn’t. Inflammation can lead to chronic diseases and autoimmune diseases. Additionally, your body can make a mistake and attack its healthy cells as it would the harmful cells.

Since inflammation is only beneficial in some situations, it’s essential to reduce skin inflammation. Reducing the inflammation will also make you more comfortable. As stated before, these berries could likely aid in this endeavor.

Sixteen Primary Symptoms of Inflammation

There are two primary types of inflammation, and these include acute and chronic inflammation. The symptoms of each are similar, but the length of time is the most determining factor. These symptoms include:

Pain that can be continuous or may only occur when the affected area is touched
Redness around the affected area
Difficulty using that part of your body
Decreased ability to breathe and smell
Swelling or edema
Heat around the affected area
Unexplainably tired
Not feeling well in general
Fever
A rash appears
Blisters or pimples
Overly smooth skin
Scaly skin
Itching or burning sensation
Cracked skin that may (or maybe not) bleed
Skin thickens

Acute inflammation generally only lasts for a couple of days but can become subacute and can last for six weeks. Chronic inflammation can last for months and sometimes even years. It more often links to diseases than acute inflammation does.

Other differences between acute and chronic inflammation include the onset and outcomes. The onset of acute inflammation is only a few days, whereas chronic inflammation takes much longer to occur. With acute inflammation, the inflammation improved quickly unless an abscess developed. When this happens, it could cause chronic inflammation to develop.

Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, can cause tissue death or thickening. Plus, it will likely scar your connective tissue.

These signs of inflammation don’t always occur, either. It is not uncommon for inflammation to show no signs. Skin inflammation is different, however, because you can see it on your skin when it occurs.

Study Confirms That Raspberries Might Help Reduce Skin Inflammation

A well-renowned study examined the effects this fruit has on skin inflammation.

One study, performed on mice, showed that including high amounts of raspberries in the diet could reduce inflammation. No studies have been done on people yet, but they are likely in the works.

In the study mentioned above, performed by researchers at Ohio State University, scientists used a controlled study to compare results. One group of mice were given the human equivalent of one serving of raspberries each day. The other group was not assigned any berries.

After three weeks of following these diets, irritants were placed in the mice’s ears. The goal was to cause skin inflammation due to contact with an irritant. Scientists found that the mice who consumed raspberries daily had less inflammation than the mice that didn’t. This proves their theory that berries might help reduce skin inflammation.

The conclusion reached by scientists reveals that this fruit may help in significant ways. In the mice, the berries reduced inflammation caused by contact with a harmful substance or irritant. They also reduced inflammation on the skin caused by allergic reactions.

The amount of inflammation that was noticed is comparable to the effects of medications that people take. Since all-natural options are preferrable, this is good news for those that suffer from skin inflammation. By merely consuming the fruit each day, skin inflammation can be relieved, and medication may not be needed.

Studies have not conclusively confirmed if raspberries help reduce inflammation for other types of diseases or conditions. With the results of this study, however, scientists are hopeful for future studies on different conditions.

More research is necessary, but so far, success is found in using these berries for the reduction of skin inflammation.

Skin Inflammation That is Related to Skin Diseases

1 – Dermatitis

This condition occurs when you come into contact with an allergen or with a harmful substance. Harmful substances could include poison ivy or poison oak, perfumes or colognes, and even cosmetics. Often, these reactions aren’t severe, but they are uncomfortable. Some of the symptoms of this skin disease are:

dry, scaly, or flaky skin
hives
blisters or pimples
redness of the skin
itching or burning sensation
dark spots on the skin
being sensitive to the sun
swelling
stiff or tight feeling skin
open sores

2 – Psoriasis

This condition is when your body attacks your normal, healthy tissues. It is an autoimmune disease and causes skin cells to re-grow too quickly.

Psoriasis causes patches of thick, red, scaly skin most often on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, or palms. It can also occur on the bottoms of the feet, inside the mouth, and just about anywhere on the body.

3 – Allergies

When an allergic reaction occurs, it might cause the skin to become inflamed or break out into hives. This can happen from different types of allergies, such as food or medication allergies.

4 – Fungal, bacterial, or viral infection

These types of infections frequently cause skin inflammation. Some of the conditions that do this are:

ringworm
cellulitis
impetigo

5 – Eczema

This condition causes itching and inflammation of the skin. It generally develops in childhood and is outgrown, but it doesn’t always go away as adults suffer from it, too. Most often, eczema occurs behind the knees or in the crook of the arms. It can be present on any part of the human body, however, so don’t rule eczema out just because of its location.

This condition can spring up for several reasons, including the following factors:

genetics
allergies
immune disorder
bacteria on the skin

Other Care Hints for Skin Inflammation

Raspberries aren’t the only natural thing that can help reduce skin inflammation. There are many natural remedies, including herbs, a change of your diet, and other treatments you can try at home. These methods include:

1 – Cool, wet compresses

Applying cool, wet compresses or wraps to the inflamed area can help ease the irritated skin. Make sure the compress is clean, or it can lead to further irritation. Taking a cold bath in clean water can have the same effect, but don’t include soaps or other possible irritants.

2 – Warm oatmeal bath

Oatmeal baths contain anti-inflammatory properties and soothe the skin. Soaking in one can help ease skin irritation. Plus, it can protect your skin from other irritants, too.

3 – Increased intake of vitamin D

Find foods that are rich in vitamin D and make sure to implement them regularly in your diet. You can also find all-natural vitamin D supplements if you are struggling to consume enough.

4 – Tea tree oil

This essential oil contains both anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. It can help treat dermatitis and other skin conditions. You will simply rub the tea tree oil into the infected area as needed to ease the discomfort.

5 – Wear clothes that don’t irritate the skin

Clothes play a significant role in skin irritation and inflammation. Wear clothes that are smooth or soft, and it’ll help treat unpleasant skin conditions. Plus, it will help prevent new irritations.

6 – Manage your stress

Being overly stressed can cause skin inflammation. By managing your stress appropriately and positively, you’ll be able to reduce the inflammation. One way to manage stress is by exercising, or you can choose meditation or whatever else works for you.

7 – CBD oil

This oil can benefit the skin because it contains anti-inflammatory properties. CBD oil also reduces sebum production and can provide natural moisture to infected areas. Best of all, studies show it can relieve skin pain and itching.

8 – Change your diet

Certain foods cause inflammation because they contribute to weight gain. Over time, they can cause diabetes and other chronic diseases. Some of the inflammation-causing foods include margarine, carbonated drinks and sodas, fried foods, red meat, and refined flour.

You shouldn’t be disappointed about having to eliminate foods from your diet. There are plenty of other delicious foods that you can eat instead. Raspberries aren’t the only food that can help, and some other foods that are good for reducing inflammation include:

tomatoes
olive oil
nuts
fruits and berries
fatty fish
spinach

Final Thoughts on Science Reveals Raspberries Might Help Reduce Skin Inflammation

Scientists are working diligently to understand why and how raspberries can help reduce skin inflammation. For conditions such as dermatitis, allergic reactions, and many more, this fruit can help treat it.

By consuming a large number of these berries each day, you may be able to see a difference. Skin inflammation is uncomfortable and sometimes painful, so finding a way to ease it is essential. While more research needs to be done, science has already revealed that it likely works. Since this fruit is right for you anyway, you have nothing to lose when trying out this remedy.

10 Reasons Why No One Should Beg for Love from Their Partner

September 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Nobody should need to beg for love from their partner. Ever. Period.

If you have to beg for love, you are in a bad relationship. This behavior isn’t something that should have to be done in any relationship. It’s a sign that your partner isn’t as dedicated as you are and that the feelings may not be equal.

A relationship is supposed to be a true partnership, and it requires two people to complete it. Both partners should work together to show affection or overcome issues. If only one partner is doing this, there is going to be a never-ending cycle of negativity.

If you find yourself in a relationship in which you have to ask for attention and affection, it’s a bad relationship. Your partner should be putting in as much energy as you are. Otherwise, you’ll be forcing the relationship along by yourself.

Aside from making you feel empty and lonely, there are many other reasons you should never beg for love. If you have to beg, it’s a sign that you aren’t their priority and likely never will be. You must think first about yourself and your well-being and decide that it’s time to move on.

Ten Reasons Why Nobody Should Beg for Love

Learning to appreciate yourself will help to boost your self-confidence. Know what you are worth!

1. Someone Else Will do The Things They Won’t

If your partner isn’t doing the things you need from them, it’s not your fault. Don’t beg for them to do something they aren’t interested in. You can find someone else who will be full engaged in the relationship.

Someone who is fully dedicated to the relationship will be able to connect emotionally. Your significant other will be supportive and interested in what is going on in your life. Plus, they will want to spend as much time with you as they can.

The person who wants to be with you won’t leave you feeling like your self-worth is diminished. You will feel happy and fulfilled after spending time with them. Remember, if you have to beg, it’s a bad relationship.

2. They May Not Be Ready

If your partner isn’t showing love, it could be a sign they aren’t ready for the relationship you need. No matter what you do or say, you can’t force them to be prepared.

Don’t waste your time trying to change someone who can’t be changed. Wait for a partner to come along who is ready when you are and who won’t hurt you in the process. Your well-being is more important than their lack of being willing.

3. They Don’t Appreciate You

If you have to beg, it’s a clear sign they don’t appreciate you, which means they don’t deserve you. You shouldn’t waste time praying for the love of someone who doesn’t deserve it. Eventually, someone who does appreciate you will come along and treat you the way you deserve to be.

Since your happiness is essential, you should never have to beg someone to treat you well. Instead, save your energy for someone who will never have to be asked twice to show you affection.

4. Begging Won’t Make Your Partner Love You

You cannot force someone to love you, and no amount of begging will change their mind. Just like with you, you can’t force an emotion to be happy. So, if this person doesn’t care to give you love, attention, or affection now, they’ll likely never care to.

5. It Extends Your Recovery Time

If your partner isn’t all-in, you’re going to feel sad and lonely often throughout the relationship. Eventually, the relationship will end one way or another. So, you shouldn’t spend your time being upset about the way you feel in your relationship.

You already feel bad that they aren’t giving you love and affection, so you might as well end it instead. The pain will occur in both instances, but do not force this relationship to work. Instead, move on. You will get through the hurt more quickly. By dragging the connection on any longer, you’ll only be pushing back your healing timeline.

6. It Can Stop You from Meeting the Right Person

When you are putting your energy into someone who doesn’t love you, you could be missing out on something better. There is, indeed, someone special out there who will love you the way you deserve to be loved. Do not let the right one pass you by because you are trying to gain the affection of someone who doesn’t want it.

If you stay in a poor relationship with someone you have to beg, the right person won’t be an option. Don’t put yourself in this position because you deserve true happiness and love someday.

7. It Can Cause Your Self-Worth to Diminish

Your self-worth, self-esteem, and confidence will all take a massive hit if you beg for love from your partner. It’s demeaning to you, as well, and will make you feel like you are unworthy. You have to remember that you are worthy and that it is your partner’s loss.

A relationship should only make you want to be better, and it should make you happy more often than sad. It should boost your feelings of confidence and make you feel secure about who you are. It should never cause your self-worth to be diminished.

Here are twelve signs that your significant other is ruining your self-esteem.

8. You are Perfect for Someone Else

Even though no one is perfect, you are perfect for someone. Remember this and remind yourself that if you have to beg your partner for love, you aren’t ideal for them. Don’t waste the fantastic things you have to offer on someone who doesn’t see how special you are.

Someone will want to be there for all you have to offer and for your flaws. They will love your imperfections just as much as they love everything else about you. Wait for that person who will accept everything about you and love you just the same, it’s worth it.

9. It Gives Your Partner the Upper Hand

When you beg for love, it makes the other person feel like they are above you. If the relationship continues after you beg, their treatment of you will only be worse because of it. The connection will never be equal, and you will always feel like something is missing.

They may use the begging against you and make it sound like they did you a favor. Or, the person could even use your plea as a tool to hurt you further by creating a joke out of it. Don’t make it even easier on your partner to hurt you.

Even worse, they may use it as an opportunity to use you. They would see that you are willing to do anything to gain their love. This scenario could lead to them, making you do things you aren’t comfortable with or that make you unhappy.

10. You Shouldn’t Have to Prove Your Worth

If your partner doesn’t see your worth, they don’t deserve your time or energy. You are worthy of someone who wants to spend time with you and who loves you. When that special someone wants to be with you and values who you are, they will make every effort to be there.

Instead of feeling so badly in your relationship, it’s better to wait it out until someone amazing comes along. This will help your self-esteem and confidence, and it will give you the chance to meet new people.

What to Do to Avoid Feeling You Must Beg for Your Partner’s Love

If your partner doesn’t answer your phone calls, stop calling them. Plus, if they are never the ones to call first, stop being the one to connect.

Either they will notice that your presence is missing, or you will realize that you deserve better. As your calls go unanswered, you will only feel worse, so avoid it, and it will help you move on.

Don’t wait for your partner, either. If you’re not positive, they’ll come through for plans or to talk. Please do what you want to do and make plans as you feel like it. If they wanted to spend time with you, they would have set up schedules or let you know they wanted to.

Take this time to realize that you will find someone who values you and cherishes your time spent together. You shouldn’t beg for love, because then you’ll never know what real love is like. Someone else will cherish you the way you are looking for.

Finally, learn to love yourself. If you can truly love yourself, you won’t feel like you have to beg for love from anyone. You will know your value and know that you deserve more than you are receiving. Loving yourself will help you wait for the right person to come along, and you’ll be available when they do.

Final Thoughts on Reasons Why Nobody Should Beg for Love from Their Partner

If you feel like you must beg for love for your partner, you have to do what is best for you. Remember to value yourself and give your time to those who willingly give their time, too. Instead, fill your life with people who love you and make you feel happy.

You deserve to be happy and to have everything you ever wanted in a relationship. If you beg for love, you aren’t getting what you wanted and what you deserve.

Therapist Reveals 15 Ways Nagging Harms Relationships

September 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

In a relationship, nagging usually doesn’t accomplish anything except making both partners distance themselves from each other. Therapists agree that it is something that can tear a relationship apart.

Sally Connolly, LCSW, LMFT, a therapist with over 30 years of experience, says the following about this behavior:

“Nagging, or making the same request over and over again, usually does not get the desired result. Instead, it generally leads to a downward spiral with negative thoughts and feelings about each other and withdrawing, feeling discounted, misunderstood, controlled or unimportant.”

If you find yourself in a continuous cycle of pestering your partner about the same things, you can be doing more harm than good. You may not even realize the damage it’s doing until it’s too late.

15 Ways That Nagging Can Cause Hard Feelings in a Relationship

Here are 15 ways that, according to therapists, nagging can harm your relationship.

1. Your partner feels like you aren’t listening to them.

At some point and time, your partner may have revealed to you why they won’t do whatever it is you keep bugging them about. Maybe you didn’t agree, or perhaps you forgot. Either way, your partner will feel like you just aren’t listening to how they think about a particular situation. When a person feels like they aren’t being heard, they stop trying to talk to you. They may feel like the situation is hopeless.

2. There is a breakdown in communication.

This goes hand in hand with the first tip. Because your partner feels like you aren’t listening, they may stop trying to communicate with you altogether. There will be no more feedback on what you’re saying. They may begin to ignore you entirely, which will probably make your nagging worse. Eventually, you’ll start to feel just like your partner does – that they aren’t listening – and communication will break down between the two of you.

3. Arguments become more passive-aggressive.

After a breakdown in communication, the only thing that’s left is taking jabs at each other. Talking is getting you nowhere. Arguing is getting you nowhere. Now you’re left with resentment, which can manifest itself in the form of passive-aggressive behavior. This can further alienate your partner, as well as yourself. You’ll find yourself in a hostile relationship, which isn’t healthy for either one of you. It won’t last long with things being that way.

4. It can make your partner feel like you’re trying to his or her mother.

People love their mothers, and they may even seek out partners that have the same traits as their mother. This is especially true for men. However, that doesn’t mean they want to date their mother. You don’t want to be your partner’s mother any more than they want you to, but when you constantly nag your partner, it can remind them of how their mother used to get on them.

5. It just makes life dull and annoying.

No one wants to be around someone that gets on their nerves all the time. Just imagine if you must be around someone who is always pestering you, bothering you, telling you what you’re doing wrong, or getting on you about something. Yes, it’s frustrating being around or living with someone who won’t listen, but being a nag is never the answer. You need to find common ground on the situation.

6. It can make your partner tune you out.

The silent treatment. That would probably get on your nerves more than arguing would. Your partner may decide that they aren’t going to deal with your nagging. They are just going to ignore you and tune you out when your lips start moving. This can get irritating because they may begin tuning you out even during times that you aren’t a nag. They ignore you all the time now.

7. It can put your partner under a lot of stress.

Your partner may not know what to expect from you when you continuously nag them, and this can put them under a lot of stress. They don’t know how to act in front of you, what to say to you, or how to react to you. They may feel like you resent them or that they can’t please you. Not knowing what to do or say in front of someone you care about can create so much stress that you don’t want to be around that person. This is what can happen to your partner.

Here are five signs of poor communication in a marriage (and why this spells trouble!)

8. Your partner may begin to dread seeing you.

From the last tip, where your partner is stressed out, they’ll begin to dread seeing you because being around you isn’t a pleasant experience. They’ll start to expect drama from you, and no one likes to deal with drama. You can be sure that once you get to a point where your partner dreads seeing you, your relationship will be close to coming to an end.

9. Your partner may begin to confide in someone else.

You can probably think back to when you and your partner could talk about anything. That may not be the case anymore. You may begin to notice that you don’t speak as much or at all. This means your partner is probably confiding in someone else. It could be a friend or family member. You should hope that it’s not another romantic partner. Just keep in mind that your partner is human. If you make it difficult for them to talk to you, they’ll end up talking to someone else.

10. Your partner may begin to speak ill of you to others.

When your partner begins to confide in others, it might not be all pleasant talk. It’s going to hurt if you find out that your partner is saying bad things about you behind your back. Your partner probably needs an outlet to express how they’re feeling. Unfortunately, if you constantly nag them, they probably aren’t feeling good, so they’re probably not saying good things.

11. Your partner might lose their self-esteem.

When someone is continuously told that they’re doing something wrong, they may begin to feel like they can’t do anything right. It will start to weigh on their confidence and self-esteem. The last thing you want to do is to make your partner feel bad. You nag because they aren’t listening to you, and it can be frustrating. However, it would be best if you found a better way to communicate because you’re only making your partner feel bad about themselves.

12. It can make your partner react in a way they’ll regret later.

All that passive-aggressive behavior and the hit to their self-esteem can make your partner react in a way that they don’t intend to. Remember, your partner is human. People can only take so much before they snap. Don’t let things get to that point. Cut out the nagging before things escalate to the point of no return.

13. Your partner might stop coming home.

If you live with your partner, you probably expect them to come home each night. You may begin to notice that your partner has to “work late” all the time. It may get to a point where your partner stops coming home altogether. That’s going to cause a lot of additional problems in your relationship.

14. It can lead to depression.

When you constantly nag your partner, everything starts to break down, as discussed in the previous tips. This can lead to both of you being extremely unhappy with each other. You may love each other, but you can’t stand to be around each other. Now you’re both depressed, and your relationship is in jeopardy.

15. It can lead to substance abuse.

When all other methods of coping fail, substance abuse could be next on the list. This can happen to you, as well as your partner. This is probably the worst thing that could come from constant nagging. Substance abuse will introduce a whole host of new problems to the relationship. Old issues won’t even stand a chance of being solved. You should stop being a nag before things get to this point.

Final Thoughts on How Nagging Can Cause Breakdown of Love and Trust in Your Relationship

Understandably, you nag your partner because they aren’t doing something right, no matter how many times you bring it up. You’re irritated and frustrated, and you probably don’t know how else to get through to your partner. However, nagging is never the answer. It only makes things worse.

You need to sit down and have an in-depth conversation with your partner. Get their feedback on what’s happening between the two of you and make sure you listen and consider their side of things. This should help to clear up the situation, but if it doesn’t, then you need to consider the fact that the issue may never be resolved. You need to decide if it’s a relationship dealbreaker or a quirky habit that you can live with.

Whatever you decide to do, stop nagging your partner all the time.

7 Types of Toxic Relationships Strong Women Avoid

September 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

There are many types of toxic relationships, and many people don’t realize they are involved in one. Poisonous relationships can drag you down and place a massive burden on your life. This is why strong women won’t accept toxicity.

A good sign of a toxic relationship is that it makes you sad, angry, depressed, or disappointment more often than not. If your relationship isn’t making you feel fulfilled or happy, it could be an indicator that something is wrong.

A toxic relationship is any relationship that takes away from your well-being. Sometimes it is difficult to assess if you are in a toxic relationship. This is because there are good times which can convince you that the toxicity isn’t as bad as you think.

Fourteen Signs You Are in One of The 7 Types of Toxic Relationships

Allowing yourself to believe that the toxic times aren’t that bad can harm you more than you know. Studies show that unhealthy relationships can cause the following issues:

Increased stress
Compromised immune system
Decreased endocrine function
Depression and anxiety
A decrease in physical health
Lacking health habits
Increased heart rate
High blood pressure
Overeating or undereating
Increased alcohol consumption
Smoking
Lack of self-control
Poor mental health
Decreased self-esteem and sense of self-worth

How to Identify if Someone Special in Your Life is Toxic

If you are in a toxic relationship, someone probably came to mind while you were reading the types of toxic relationships. Some of the signs that you are being affected by toxicity include the following:

Always helping them fix their problems
Covering things up or hiding things for them
You feel anxious when you think about seeing them
Their presence makes you feel emotionally exhausted and drained
You become angry or depressed when they are around
The feeling that you have to impress them
Their drama and problems being affecting you
You dislike the person you are when they are around
They seem to not care about your needs
You can’t tell them ‘no’ without them changing your mind

Strong Women Will Never Accept These Types of Toxic Relationships

Here are seven types of romantic entanglements that a strong woman will always walk away from.

1. The Controlling Relationship

In this type of relationship, the other person will want to control everything about your life. From the places you go to the people you see, they will have a strong opinion about it. Over time, they will even want to control what you say, do, and think.

They will get angry or upset when you disagree with them, and they will continually try to change your opinion. You won’t have any personal space if you have a relationship with them. Plus, your significant other will pick at the things you do or say until you are just like them.

Strong women don’t allow this to happen. They know they need to leave the relationship at the first sign of a controlling person. This is not an ideal relationship unless you like always being told what you can do and say.

Sticking around a controlling relationship can cause you to miss out on opportunities. It will hinder your development and prevent you from bettering yourself.

2. Manipulative Relationships

In a manipulative relationship, the other person will try to confuse your perception of reality. Even when you have evidence of something, they will try to tell you that you are wrong. They are often adamant about it and never waver, and you may believe them.

These people do this to get away with behavior that you wouldn’t usually put up with. This is one of the reasons strong women avoid these types of toxic relationships at all costs.

Manipulative people only think of themselves, and they will do and say anything to benefit themselves. These people do not care (not even one bit) who they hurt along the way or who is affected by their behavior and lies.

3. The Narcissistic Relationships

If you are talking to someone and they continually interrupt you, they may be a narcissist. They frequently talk about themselves and will hardly let you speak at all. These types of people won’t ask questions or give you a chance to respond to anything they say.

So, avoid this type of relationship at all costs. Narcissists are self-centered and will be unable to pay attention to your needs or desires.

Here are the behaviors a narcissist will usually display to manipulate your relationship.

4. Drama-filled Relationships

Toxic people are often drawn to drama. There is always something to complain or cry about, and nothing ever seems to get resolved. Even if one problem is resolved, another one will quickly occur.

They will want you to be sympathetic and be there for them as they continuously complain. Unfortunately, this person won’t want advice, and they probably won’t listen to what you say, anyway. You may feel like they don’t want to fix the problems so that they can keep complaining about them.

People who are addicted to drama in this way will always play the victim. They will be in their most comfortable environment when the drama is occurring. This outcome could be because it makes them feel important or simply because they want attention.

5. Jealous or Judgmental Relationships

Being in a relationship with a jealous individual is toxic because they’ll never be happy for you. When they become jealous, they become judgmental and often criticize or gossip about you.

You will know that someone is jealous and judgmental because they will always have something negative to say. They will find something wrong with everyone they meet and behave as if they are superior. Strong women don’t put up with this because they know that they will be gossiped about and criticized, too.

6. Relationships That Are One-Sided

Both people should be making an effort in the relationship. When you feel like you are continually reaching out or trying to make a connection, it’s a sign that the relationship is one-sided. This will leave you feeling emotionally spent and could affect your self-esteem.

7. Relationships Based on Lies

If you start noticing inconsistencies early on, you might wonder if the entire relationship is built on lies. You may not even know the truth about the most fundamental aspects of their life.

One sign you can watch for is if they lie to those around them about small things. If they do, they may be lying to you about things that don’t truly matter. Fibbing about little things usually leads to lying about big things, so you can’t trust them.

Staying in a relationship like this will be detrimental to your well-being and cause you to lose confidence. You will find yourself questioning everything the other person says. Before you know it, you will be obsessively trying to find the truth or other things they may be hiding.

Instead of putting yourself through heartache and trouble, confusion, and pain, try to avoid this relationship. There are many honest people you could spend your time with, instead of wasting it on toxicity.

How to Handle Toxicity

It’s not always possible to leave a toxic person immediately. When this is the case, handling the situation appropriately is essential.

You shouldn’t let them control you, and you shouldn’t give in to their unhealthy ways. Instead, you should accept that the position is difficult and do what you can to make it easier. This situation doesn’t mean you allow them to behave however they want, but try not to snap back and make it worse.

One way to handle it is to tell them the truth. Tell them how they are making you feel and that it makes you not want to be around them. If you didn’t invite them somewhere and they ask why, be honest about the reason.

You can also set boundaries. Tell them that you don’t appreciate how they speak to you and won’t allow it anymore.

Another vital way to handle a toxic relationship is not to do everything they say. If you make it clear you make your decisions, they may eventually stop telling you what to do so often.

Finally, if none of those ideas work, it may be time to end the relationship. This may seem impossible, but you are strong and can get through it, just as other strong women do.

How to Leave a Toxic Relationship Safely

It’s not always easy to end a toxic relationship, or no one would be in them. Since it can be challenging to end it, these tips might be able to help you.

Plan ahead
Determine any obstacles and work on removing them
Remind yourself that it is for the best for everyone involved
Improve on your talents and secure financial independence if needed
Ignore those who encourage you to stay
Write in a journal regularly so that you can look back on it if you begin to change your mind about leaving
Build up your support system
Stop telling him about your life events
Spend your extra time hanging out with close friends
Stop giving so much time and energy

Final Thoughts on Strong Women Will Never Accept These 7 Types of Toxic Relationships

There are certain types of toxic relationships strong women will never accept, and for good reasons. These poisonous relationships will significantly affect your well-being and are detrimental to all aspects of your life.

One of the reasons strong women are so strong is because they stand up for themselves. They ensure that anyone in their life is making them happy, or they walk away. This helps them become more successful and have a higher quality of life, and you can have that, too.

You deserve happiness, and that requires removing all toxicity from your life, especially your close relationships. It may be highly challenging, but you will be better off and happier once you do. Don’t settle for any of these types of toxic relationships.

7 Yoga Poses That Can Help Relieve Upper Back Pain

September 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Do you suffer from upper back pain? You should know that you’re not alone in your struggles. The medical community estimates that almost 80 percent of the population will struggle with back pain during their lifetime.

The pain you experience can be mild or severe, as well as acute or chronic. It all depends on what is causing the problem, such as a slipped disk or inflammation. No matter what the cause, back pain can be torture.

Have you ever heard the saying used by many fitness gurus that you’re only as old as your spine? Well, it’s a true statement. As you age, your spine and bones become weaker, and you may experience more upper back pain than you did when you were younger.

When you have back problems, yoga is one of the best things you can do to help bring relief. Many people immediately want to go for pain management and try to put a band-aid on the situation. Still, it’s better to stretch the muscles and surrounding tissues rather than taking medications.

If you’re ready to kick back pain to the curb, then here are seven yoga poses that can help you find the relief you crave.

1. Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe

This pose helps to stretch the lower back, and it will also help to elongate the hamstrings. Since your hamstring muscles are the ones on the back of your thighs that pull and make tension for your back area, it’s essential to give them a good stretch.

How to Do this Pose:

Start by resting on your back, and keep your arms and legs extended to the sides.
Curve your left knee and squeeze it towards your chest area
Use a towel and bind it around your foot or hang on to it with your big toe doing what is called a yogi toe lock. You can accomplish this by wrapping your thumb and index finger around your toe.
Lift your left leg in the direction of the ceiling, straighten out your knee as much as you possibly can
Lightly embrace the left thigh bone toward the back near the hip’s socket as you at the same time expand out across the ball of your bent left foot.
Diminish the tension in both shoulders so they can go down toward the floor
Hold on for a couple of seconds, and then replicate this pose using the right side.

2. The Cat and Cow

Circumnavigating the back of your body in the Cat and Cow Pose allows you to stretch as well as lengthen the muscles that keep your spine standing tall. It can also help you to relieve any muscles that are feeling tension or strain.

How to Do this Pose:

Begin in a tabletop stance like a dog on all fours
Line up your shoulders above your wrists and make sure that your hips are directly above your knees
Energetically push the floor away from you and bring your upper back into a rolling position like that of a feline that’s been frightened.
Pull your shoulder blades away from each other as you work the tension in this area.
Squeeze your navel towards your spine
Stare in the direction of your belly button area
Prolong your tailbone so that it is pointing toward the ground

While it may take you a couple of tries to get this pose down to perfection, you will notice that your upper back pain will start to fade away as you maneuver your back correctly.

3. The Puppy

You can’t have a cat pose without a puppy. Many people find that this stretch is a great way to work the muscles that cause upper back pain and discomfort in the shoulders.

How to Do this Pose:

Begin in a tabletop stance like a dog on all fours
Line up so that your hips are over your knees, and make sure that you maintain this position all the way through
Gradually walk your hands ahead and dissolve your torso in the direction of the floor
Bring In the tips of the shoulder blades so that they are now close to each other
Straighten your arms ahead in the direction of the top of your yoga mat
Discharge your brow towards the floor

4. Half Lord of the Fishes

Bending the spine softly hydrates the discs sandwiched between the vertebrae and delicately triggers the circuitous muscles of the middle section of your body as well as the muscles in the lower back region – a twist and turn in each direction both reinforces and stretches these frequently ignored muscles.

How to Do this Pose:

Commence in the seated position with your legs stretched ahead of you. If you need to elevate your body due to pain, you can sit on a bolster or a block.
Curve your left knee, and crisscross it over your right knee to position your left foot on the ground
Make sure you keep your right leg in a straight line, or curve your right knee and move your right heel in the direction of your left hip
Position your left fingertips at the back of your left hip
Breathe In and extend your spinal column
Breathe Out and twist and turn your torso in the direction of the left
Either fasten your left elbow around your knee or crisscross your left elbow throughout your left knee
Hold on for a few seconds and then replicate the position on the right side

5. Reclining Figure-Four

The reclining figure-four pose stretches and rotates the outer joints in the hips, which, once tense, tend to make a domino impact and trigger lower and upper back pain.

How to Do this Pose:

Start by lying on your backside with your limbs extended.
Curve your knees and put your feet flush on the ground, making sure that you keep them at least a hip-distance away from each other
Uplift and move your left foot
On the outside, turn your left hip and cross your left ankle over your right knee.
Now, lift your right leg and pull your shin side-by-side with the ground.
Interlace your fingers behind your right thigh
Softly pull your legs in the direction of your torso while stretching your tailbone near the ground.
Hold this stance and then repeat it on the left side.

6. The Sphinx

The sphinx pose puts the back of your body into a spinal lengthening position as it also delicately stimulates the muscles that run up and down the spine. It’s just what you need to alleviate upper back pain.

How to Do this Pose:

Begin by resting on your belly with your feet about 12 inches apart
Now, bring in your elbows until they are precisely beneath your shoulders and prop your upper body’s weight up onto the forearms.
Keenly pull your shoulders down from the ears.
You want to try to pull your chest in the direction of the yoga mat at the same time as you are pressing away your weight using your forearms.
Pull the underneath tips of your shoulder blades in the direction of one another.
Extend the top of your head towards the ceiling

7. Constructive Rest

This yogic pose softly stretches the spine while soothing any lower back pain you may be experiencing. It delicately makes the legs rotate, allowing more space in the sacrum or the small of your back.

How to Do this Pose:

Commence by lying on your backside with your limbs extended and relaxed
Curve your knees and put your feet flush on the ground
Place your feet on either side of your yoga mat, but make sure your knees are touching.
Keep your hands in whatever position you like so long as it’s comfortable for you.

Final Thoughts on Relieving Upper Back Pain with Yoga

While no pose or stretch is going to keep you from having any back pain, you can add these maneuvers to your daily routine to help strengthen and align your spine. The connective tissues and muscles in this area often become inflamed and sore from the pressure of slipped disks, twisted vertebrae, and other common problems.

It’s good to know that there are things that can be done to help alleviate the tension and strain you feel. You might want to add seeing a chiropractor regularly to your pain management schedule if you’re not getting the relief you need. Once you start getting manual adjustments from this holistic practitioner and doing these stretches, you can open a whole new world to you free of upper back pain and good spinal health.

Do you want to try to tap into the fountain of youth with your back? What’s holding you back from starting these yoga poses right now? You can strengthen your muscles and joints and improve your ability to move your spinal area.

Psychology Explains How to Beat Sad Feelings and Be Happy Again

September 14, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Do you have overwhelming sad feelings that seem to rule the day? When you examine your life, do you see wasted time and failures that you ruminate on? It’s overwhelming to think of all the wasted chances, losses, and things that you could’ve done and haven’t.

Life is much more complicated than anyone anticipates, but you can’t just settle into a routine of sadness and regret and live in misery. Do you feel like you’ve given up, and your day’s only goal is to get by?

You long to feel happy again, and maybe you’ve forgotten how good it felt to smile and laugh. You can be satisfied when you learn how to shake off those sad feelings and focus on life’s positive aspects. It’s going to take some work, but you can turn that frown upside down with these tips and tricks.

1. Give Back

One of the easiest ways to stop ruminating on your problems is to help someone else. Spend one afternoon in a soup kitchen, and it can do wonders for your spirit. There is always someone else that has things worse than you, and when you are giving back, you will feel a sense of joy.

2. Count Your Blessings

When you wake up each morning, spend about five minutes being thankful for all the blessings that you have. Sure, you may feel melancholy and down, but the sad feelings can quickly be overcome when you show gratitude.

Remind yourself that you have food in the pantry, clothes in the closet, a car to drive, a job, and a house to call home. Think of all the people who could only wish for one of those things, let alone all you’ve been given. A heart full of gratitude will shy away from pessimism and have a more optimistic outlook.

3. Get Out in Nature

Do you feel depressed and are afraid that the sad feelings might not go away? One thing you can do to help is getting outside in the sun. Studies reveal that many people who feel a constant state of sadness suffer from a Vitamin D deficiency.

There’s something so healing and renewing when you’re outside, enjoying the sun’s golden rays, and inhaling the tranquil breeze. Take a walk around in your bare feet and feel the earth between your toes. You will see a dramatic increase in your feelings when you enjoy some time in the great outdoors.

4. Take a Social Media Break

Social media can be overwhelming at times. If you’re feeling lonely, it’s not the place to be. People only put on their wall what they want you to see. They might have a picture of a happy couple celebrating a birthday with their child.

However, it’s usually an illusion. Sure, they might have had a good party, but they didn’t tell you about the horrific fight before the picture was taken. Social media is where you can be anything you want to be and make people believe your life is a fairy tale when it’s far from magical.

If you feel overwhelmed by all the perfection and people’s bragging about what they had for dinner, then turn it off. There’s nothing that says you need to engage in social media to be part of the in-crowd. Perhaps, you could read a good book or do something that will stimulate your brain like a puzzle.

5. Eat Healthily

Did you know that what you eat could be eating you? If you consume donuts, potato chips, and snack cakes all day long, your sugar will spike. Additionally, your body isn’t getting the fuel it needs to keep mental health needs at bay.

Why do you think so many people love the Keto diet plan? One of the benefits of cutting out all that white bread and sugar is they have mental clarity. If you have depression and anxiety issues, it could have everything to do with your diet and lifestyle. Try cutting out the junk food and see if it affects your sad feelings.

6. Get at Least Seven Hours of Sleep

Your body needs rest to repair cell damage and restore your energy. If you’re struggling with insomnia or using your sleep hours as a bargaining tool for binge-watching television, you need to make some changes.

Did you know that if you don’t get enough sleep, you can actually cause your body to go into a state of depression? Psychologists reveal that going days without slumber can cause a sleep-deprived psychosis. Stop putting everything else before your rest, and make sure you get at least seven hours a night.

7. Socialize Often

No matter how overwhelming the sad feelings are to you, you need to make sure that you don’t close yourself off in a room and isolate. Remember the movie The Shining, where Jack was stuck from a snowstorm in a hotel? After a short while, the walls started closing in on him, and he went crazy.

While you can’t take everything you see in Hollywood at face value, there is some truth behind the writings of Stephen King. When you are by yourself in a small room, the walls can start talking. You need to get out and mingle with others. Not only is it good for your mental health, but it will also help you to get rid of the sad feelings that plague you.

8. Exercise

Do you get at least two or three hours of exercise each week? You don’t have to lift weights or bike ten miles to get in shape. It would help if you had something that gets your juices flowing and keeps your brain’s neurotransmitters at optimal levels.

Why not try speed walking in nature or swimming? There are so many things that you can do that will enhance your mental wellbeing and counteract those sad feelings. Exercise is just as powerful as taking an antidepressant medication.

If you feel depressed and lonely, then why not turn on some music and do some cardio. Chances are you will feel much better when you’re done.

9. Get Help

If the melancholy feelings don’t go away, then you may need to get help. No one wants to go to therapy, but they go to these sessions to work on their problems. Some issues are keeping you isolated and lonely and taking the “wind out of your sail.”

You can do many things in therapy that can help you conquer the demons that trouble your mind. When you are dealing with past failures and regrets, it’s easy to ruminate on your troubles so much that you forget about enjoying the day’s blessings. A therapist can help you to overcome these issues and find practical coping skills.

10. Engage in a Hobby

What do you like to do for fun? Do you love to crochet, play golf, run, go dancing at a club, or sit around a bonfire with friends and laugh? You need to engage in a hobby that will give you a reason to get out of the house.

How long has it been since you’ve spent the evening with friends or family? Is there a new movie that you want to see, or do you long to take a stroll through a park and take pictures of the birds? If you don’t have a hobby, now is an excellent time to find something you like to do.

The key is to engage your mind and focus on something other than your problems. If you feel sad and depressed, then find a group of people to engage in a hobby with you.

Final Thoughts on Beating Those Sad Feelings

The sun isn’t always going to shine as some days there will be rain. You won’t always be happy, but for every night comes a bright new day. When you feel overwhelmed by sadness, you need to find ways to channel those feelings and use them for good.

Remember the iconic television couple Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball? They were a married couple in real life who also starred on a hit TV show. Their lives were far from perfect, but when the cameras were rolling, they made people laugh. Ball was infectious with her charm and wit.

Everyone loved Lucy because she had a way of entertaining you and making you laugh about simple things. When the story broke that her husband had an alcohol problem, was guilty of infidelities, and they were divorcing, it was hard to believe.

Ball’s beauty was that she didn’t let anyone see the pain because she laughed her way through it. She learned how to use her strengths to do something she loved. Now, life is far from a Hollywood sitcom, but you can do the same things.

You can take your experiences and use them to help others. You can make someone laugh, help someone going through a similar thing, or be there to comfort those who are downtrodden. This list gives you ten ways to overcome sadness and depression and live a full and happy life.

Breaking Research Proves Link Between Genetic Variations and Eczema

September 14, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Your skin is the largest organ in your body. No wonder you feel so miserable when you get a rash or other type of inflammation. From chronic dry skin in the winter to oil problems in the summer, it’s not easy taking care of the genetic variations in your skin that you have.

One of the most common skin irritations is atopic dermatitis, or as some call it eczema. It’s said to affect up to 12 percent of children and 10 percent of adults. It’s easy to identify this scaly condition as its trademarks are dry, thick, and itchy patches on the skin.

These patches are mainly observed in the folds of the skin. Many people confuse AD with psoriasis, which is another very itchy and dry condition. However, the two have some similarities but are quite different.

How Do You Know If You Have Atopic Dermatitis?

If you’re trying to distinguish AD from another skin condition, one of the things that doctors notate is the needling urge to scratch. It seems that you can’t leave your skin alone when these bumps and rash is present. Additionally, all the rubbing and scratching causes irritation.

It’s not uncommon for your skin to become inflamed and to weep and drain. Over time, the irritation will cause fluid-filled blisters to appear. These blisters can burst to leave an unsightly mess on your clothing. Scratching only makes things worse, but it seems that itching the area is unavoidable.

There is no need for medical tests to identify this skin condition as doctors know it when they see it. Though psoriasis and eczema are similar, they have some hallmarks that make them distinguishable. The first course of action is a topical cream to help ease the inflammation and urge to scratch.

Treating Atopic Dermatitis

Sadly, AD is a condition that is not curable, so it’s all about finding the treatment plan that works for you. You can quickly develop infections on the skin from scratching and introducing bacteria to open wounds. Secondary infections must be treated as they can become severe.

When creams aren’t sufficient, oral medications, including steroids, can be explored. Combination therapy is usually best. Studies have shown that stress can make AD worse, so flareups can become more common during times of angst and emotional upset.

How Does Genetics Variations Play a Part in Your Skin?

The medical community is continually studying AD and figuring out if and how they can resolve this nagging issue. Research conducted by the National Institute of Health reveals that they see some genetic links to this common condition.

When the skin lacks proper moisture, it’s easy to develop AD. The finding is astounding because identifying genetic variations could be the key to prevention.

Why Is the KIF3A Gene so Important?

It’s time for an in-depth science lesson. The reason why the KIF3A gene is so important is that it codes a protein that sends signals to the skin cells. This gene is what codes the skin to get the moisture it needs to thrive.

It isn’t very easy to understand the dealings of sensory mechanisms, but it’s a breakthrough finding. In previous studies, researchers found a link between KIF3A and children with asthma. They discovered that KIF3A and asthma run together.

Could genetic variations show susceptibility to this condition early so that parents could protect their infant from developing AD among other allergic disease mutations?

The gene KIF3A is responsible for creating a condition where water is lost from the skin; hence dry skin is the trademark of AD.

However, new research shows that some genetic variations in KIF3A were altered through methylation, which is where the gene is copied into an outline for protein production. It sounds extraordinarily complex, but it means that the KIF3A variants in those with asthma had higher rates of water loss in the skin than those without this breathing problem.

Can Low Levels of KIF3A Be Foretelling of AD?

Having lower levels of KIF3A was not substantial enough. Researchers needed to see if having these abnormal levels was the link to causing AD. They used mice to prove their theories, though none was harmed in the process.

When the mice had a dysfunctional skin barrier and increased water loss, they developed characteristics of AD. The conclusion was that genetic variations in the KIF3A protein caused dysfunction in the skin. So, the protein necessary to keep skin hydrated was missing, and thus AD developed.

These findings are astounding because they can now focus on intensive topical moisturizers that can restore hydration to the skin and prevent AD from developing. The prevention of AD could additionally prevent other allergic conditions in life.

Tests can be given to infants to show if they have these genetic variations of the KIF3A protein and are susceptible to AD. Then, rather than treating the aggravating symptoms associated with eczema later, they can manage the water loss issue to prevent it.

Since food allergies, asthma, and rhinitis also link to AD, it could be an astounding discovery to prevent all these painful conditions.

Here are ten tips to help you heal flaky, dry skin.

What About Adults Who Develop Eczema?

The study does little to help adults who suddenly develop AD later in life. Moving to a new climate or other forms of stress on the skin can cause this condition to develop. For instance, if someone lived in Florida where they were exposed to tropical climates and then move to Arizona, their skin can react to the changes in the atmosphere.

In Florida, the air is humid and warm. While the air is warm in Arizona too, it’s a very dry heat with little moisture. Those who have sensitive skin may find the move irritating and itchy.

Something as small as riding a plane from one side of the US to the other can induce symptoms. The changes in the atmosphere and the lack of moisture can affect the skin. When these conditions pop up later in life, the doctor may do a skin biopsy to ensure that you’re not dealing with another inflammatory issue.

Autoimmune conditions like lupus cause skin rashes and can be confused for something else before a definitive diagnosis is made. Additionally, a doctor will want to know both you and your family’s history when it comes to allergies. One hundred things can cause your skin to become inflamed, and AD shouldn’t always be the first to blame.

So, while the study was groundbreaking for helping to prevent AD from developing in children, these genetic variations do little to help adults with a sudden onset.

Astounding Statistics about AD

While ten percent of the adult population suffers from AD, did you know that it has a dramatic effect on their wallet too? Yes, the average person suffering from this skin condition will pay about $3,000 each year for treatment. Sadly, this is just the fees for seeing doctors and specialists to get help.

These numbers don’t include the costs of all the creams and other therapies. However, the math encompasses all measures to try to bring some sort of relief. Also, these folks are susceptible to a loss of productivity on their job. Did you know that people with AD often miss at least six days more each year than those who don’t have this condition?

When flareups reach their boiling point, doctors’ appointments, infections, and inflammatory conditions can leave people unable to work. Additionally, putting clothes on inflamed skin and wearing them for more than eight hours is unbearable.

Are Your Bad Habits Causing Your Eczema?

Did you know that your behaviors or bad habits can also affect your skin? Smokers are more likely to develop AD than those who don’t smoke. Everything points back to that hydration issue, and smokers have a loss of moisture in the body because of the toxins from cigarettes.

Furthermore, those who drink heavily can also have a problem. An abundance of alcohol in the system can be very damaging and can cause issues with hydration too. Sadly, the problems don’t stop there; adult AD is linked to higher odds of developing obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. It can be a marker for heart disease too.

Final Thoughts on Using Genetics Variations Research to Help Atopic Dermatitis Patients

While there is no cure for this condition, there are many effective management options to explore. It’s best to team up with a dermatologist from the cradle if these issues are present. While the studies regarding genetic variations are astounding, it’s too early in the game to put the data to use.

In the future, it may be possible to screen for abnormal variations of the KIF3A gene from birth. For now, it’s given hope that there may be early interventions in the future that can stop the suffering of children, and it may be the key to them having fewer allergy problems into adulthood.

Doctors Reveal an Embarrassing Health Problem Affects 25% of Women

September 14, 2020 by Power of Positivity

As a woman, there are certain things that you don’t want to discuss with anyone, not even your doctor. If you have an embarrassing health problem, you will suffer in silence. When you’ve had children, it can do strange things to the pelvic floor and cause urinary incontinence. However, you don’t need to give birth to have issues with bladder control.

Alarming Statistics of An Embarrassing Health Problem

Did you know that there are more than 25 million people in this country that suffer from a form of urinary incontinence, and of those people, 75 percent are females? It’s an extremely uncomfortable subject to talk about, let alone buy products to prevent a humiliating accident.

It takes about 6.5 years for a woman to seek help for this embarrassing health problem. Yet, the trouble is so common that it affects millions of people worldwide. Over 20 percent of women between the ages of 18-44 will struggle with the loss of control from UI, which is about one in four. However, after 60 years of age, the number dips to 23 percent.

Did you know that women are twice as likely to have problems with UI than men? The chief cause of these issues is childbirth, but it’s not the only reason. You must arm yourself with knowledge about the subject so that you can do something about it.

Common Causes of UI

Many things can cause the bladder area to misfunction. Some of the most common are as follows:

•Persistent Coughing
•Constipation
•Being Overweight or Obese
•Frequent Urinary Tract Infections
•Obstructions of the bladder
•Weak Muscles Loss of Sphincter Strength
•Nerve damage
•Neurological Disorders
•Cancer

Understanding the Different Types of Urinary Incontinence (an embarrassing health problem for many)

Yes, some people are cured of their incontinence, while others find methods to manage their difficulties. The first thing you should understand is the four different types that plague a woman.

Once you know the kind of incontinence you’re dealing with, you can take proactive steps to handle it. Here are the different varieties.

• Stress Incontinence

You may experience stress incontinence when you laugh, sneeze, or cough. A small amount of urine leaks out of the urethra and spills out of your body. Of all the varieties of incontinence, SI is the most common. Doctors typically see this problem in older women, though it can happen to you at any age.

The muscles in the pelvic floor have become weakened, or the sphincter muscle in the bladder is not functioning as it should. The risk for those with SI is obesity, smoking cigarettes, and those who chronically cough. Though this is an embarrassing problem, the amount of urine that leaks is usually not significant.

Most women can control SI by wearing a pad or disposable brief throughout the day. Thankfully, you can correct this by doing Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor as well as trying bladder training. In bladder training, you learn to hold your bladder longer by not giving in to those frequent urges to urinate. If these methods fail, then there are surgical remedies to consider.

Learn tips on strengthening your pelvic floor after having a baby.

• Urge Incontinence

Urge incontinence, unlike SI, is an indication that there is a problem within the bladder system. Women who experience this variety feel a sudden urge to urinate and may lose control of their bladder before getting to the bathroom. You may hear your doctor refer to this condition as an overactive bladder.

UI occurs when the bladder contracts abnormally. In a healthy bladder, the sphincter muscles effectively control the flow of urine. However, when these muscles become damaged, they contract more often than they should, which causes the bladder to be overactive. The force from the contraction is enough to override the muscles found in the urethra, so the urine inside your bladder leaks outside the body.

Why does the bladder experience these premature contractions in UI? The most common causes are from:

•Stroke
•Parkinson’s Disease
•Diabetes
•Multiple Sclerosis
•Spinal Cord Damage
•An Irritated Bladder

Your bladder can become irritated by many things, including drinking too much soda and avoiding water. They can use many different treatment forms for UI, depending on the cause. If there is damage caused by a significant illness, electrical stimulation to the bladder may help.

They can also use behavioral treatments to try to minimize the damage and bring relief. Unlike stress incontinence, this one is a bit trickier to treat.

• Mixed Incontinence

Roughly 14 percent of women who have incontinence will face a mixed variety. The condition is diagnosed when you face two or more types of bladder control issues, like stress and urinary incontinence. Experts surmise that when the muscles become weak in the bladder area that it sets off a chain reaction in the region that causes two varieties.

When you have mixed incontinence, you can leak when you laugh, cough, or exercise at the gym. Additionally, you may also have urgency problems and feel like you can’t get to the bathroom quickly enough.

• Temporary Incontinence

Yet another type of incontinence is the temporary variety. Sometimes, things can irritate the bladder or cause temporary damage, but the body can soon heal and overcome them. For instance, a urinary tract infection irritates the bladder area, and the disease makes things out of whack.

With temporary incontinence, the symptoms go away as soon as the situation is resolved. So, when you treat the underlying condition, like the UTI, then the bladder leakage will go away.

• Overflow Incontinence

Overflow incontinence is leakage that comes about from a loss of strength from the bladder muscles. It can also be the cause of an obstruction in the bladder where the urine empties. The most common problem with this UI is that women cannot empty their bladder completely, so they retain urine.

You may find yourself having the urge to go to the bathroom frequently, but you may not be able to fully empty all the urine that’s in there, causing further issues.

• Functional Incontinence

Functional incontinence is an embarrassing health problem that is observed in people with psychological issues. It affects children and adults on the autism spectrum and those who suffer from social anxiety disorders and other mental disturbances.

A woman who is afraid to go into the public restroom may hold her bladder all day until the bladder leaks under pressure. She may only feel comfortable using the facilities at home. Another angle with FI is that a person cannot get to the bathroom in time.

For those with arthritis and reduced vision, it may make those trips to the bathroom difficult or nearly impossible. Having a portable potty-chair might be helpful when a person cannot get to the restroom in time.

• Complete Incontinence

No one likes to feel a loss of control from their bladder, especially when they’re not close to a bathroom. Sadly, when you have a CI, you cannot control your bladder functions at all. These are often people who have went years with an undiagnosed problem that never got treatment.

Additionally, CI is often seen in older people who have weak muscles, which affects the muscles in the bladder area. Some surgical maneuvers may be helpful, but it’s usually not something that can be treated. Many people live with this embarrassing health problem and never talk to anyone about it.

Make homemade cranberry juice to alleviate a urinary tract infection–here’s how.

Final Thoughts on Treating This Embarrassing Health Problem

Treating incontinence is not always straightforward, especially if you have a couple of varieties. The first step is to identify which type you have so that a treatment plan can be formulated. Even though this is an embarrassing health problem, you must reach out to your doctor for help.

When you have bladder leakage, you don’t know if it’s caused by childbirth or cancer until you are checked. One of the first things that a doctor will do is a cystoscopy. A cystoscopy is a non-invasive test that looks at the walls of the bladder.

During this test, your doctor will be able to see if you have a muscle problem or damage to the pelvic floor. Your medical history will also play a significant part in your diagnosis as conditions like Parkinson’s, and MS can affect your nerves in this area.

Once the problem has been identified, then the goal is to treat the issue. Sometimes, a simple fix is strengthening those muscles with Kegels, while other times, the bladder might need to be tucked. Additionally, any extra weight that you carry around can put pressure on your mid-section and affect the bladder. Losing weight may be the simplest way to end this embarrassing health problem.

The key is not to wait until the damage is severe. Don’t be like statistics, and let years pass with no answers. Call and make an appointment today so that you can live your life without fear of embarrassment. There are treatment options that can reduce or eliminate the difficulties you’re having.

Weekly tips, affirmations, and small actions to feel your best.

Bloody stools

High fever

Frequent vomiting

Dehydration

Diarrhea that lasts more than three days

Difficulty breathing or heart palpitations

Can’t urinate

Confusion

Dizziness

Vision changes

Turkey, chicken, and other meats

Fruits and vegetables

Raw milk, raw soft cheeses

Raw eggs

Seafood

Sprouts

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!