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15 Life Lessons to Learn From Your Most Epic Fails

September 11, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Do you have epic fails in your life that have defined you? Sadly, you will continue to err–as you are human. While you may want to beat yourself up and scream at mistakes, your disappointments provide you the chance for one of the greatest lessons.

Failure is all around you. From raising children to working a job, you make mistakes every day. A young toddler even fails at things too. How many times have you told your infant not to touch the stove?

It wasn’t until they touch the stove and feel the scorching pain that they realize they’ve made a horrible error. However, the burn will go away, but the pain they experienced will teach them a lesson.

Your life is remarkably like that of a toddler. You’re going through life learning as you go. Did you know that the fear of failure can often be more traumatizing than the epic fails that you experience in life?

It’s natural to want to avoid things that cause you pain to develop anxiety and panic. The child who touched the hot stove might be so scared of getting burnt again that they won’t come within five feet of the cooker. It’s unrealistic to avoid a stove for the rest of the child’s life, and you can’t avoid living for fear of falling or getting hurt.

The Persistence of Walt Disney

Who doesn’t love Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy? Did you know that these beloved characters were a struggle to bring to the public? The Disney empire wasn’t always the thriving success it is today.

Walt was an advocate for falling down a few times and often showcased his failures as much as his successes. When people hear the name Disney, they associate it with prosperity, but few know that the legend behind this empire filed for bankruptcy.

All the pressures in life caused Disney to have a nervous breakdown. Even once his characters became a household name, he found himself without money again when he created Snow White’s story. He had to get a bank loan to get the movie off the ground.

Indeed, Disney once even told reporters that it was essential for life to kick you in the teeth a few times. Those times teach you more lessons than fame and prosperity could ever do.

Everyone has a story, even the rich and famous, who seem to have it all going for them. It’s what you do during those times of adversity that matters most.

Fifteen Enduring Life Lessons

Thinking back on the lessons you’ve learned throughout life, you can see the ones that made you and the ones that broke you. However, here are 15 things that you can learn from those experiences.

1. Humility

The epic fails you experience in life will teach you humility. Once you’ve had your ego shattered a time or two, you look for new paths and develop a greater understanding.

You will learn to right the wrong that caused you to fail, and you can go on to fulfill your dreams. There is nothing more sobering than falling a few times to make you humble.

2. Empathy

Many people have sympathy because they feel sorry for others. However, once you’ve been to rock bottom, you learn how to empathize. You can relate to others on a deeper level when you’ve been in those dark places. You will have compassion for others, and it changes your perceptions of things.

3. Resourcefulness

If everything is handed to you on a silver platter, you do not need to be resourceful. However, once your finances have tanked and you’ve been on skid row, you realize how important it is to find new resources. Desperation can lead to inspiration, and you will learn new methods to make things happen.

4. Better Coping Skills

When you’re younger, you may use alcohol as a coping method for stress. However, as you age, you learn that you must be mentally and spiritually sound for your family and career. When the emotions roll in like the ocean’s tide, you find better ways to deal with them.

You may have turned to prescription medications or alcohol in the past, you now have learned to meditate or journal to get rid of all the angst you feel.

5. Develop a New Perspective

Through your epic fails and disappointments in life, you learn how to put happiness into perspective. Being happy is a state of being and not a destination. You discover how to view things in proportion, and you understand that you can only embrace the moment.

6. Grasp Time Management

Everyone gets 24 hours a day and seven days a week. No matter who you’re or how much money you have, time is life’s biggest equalizer. When you have a few failures, you learn how to manage your time.

If you don’t learn to manage time, then it will control you. If you want efficiency and to improve your result, then you know strategies to help you manage your time more effectively.

7. Better Planning Skills

Establishing a concrete action plan to accomplish your goals is crucial to success. Failures teach you to become a better planner. You need to refine your approach and not alter your goals. By adjusting past methods and techniques, you learn how to make your dreams possible.

8. Discover New Meaning

Life’s disappointments push you to uncover new meaning. You’re compelled to ponder your motives for wanting things. Either it’s important enough for you to move forward, or it’s not that significant, and you quit and give up. You’ll look at everything quite differently after epic fails than you did before.

9. Gratitude

Sometimes the pursuit of happiness and financial gain makes you lose sight of what matters. Ask a homeless person that lives on the street how wonderful it was to have a house and a comfy bed to sleep in. Hitting rock bottom forges you to be thankful for what you have in life.

10. Financial Responsibility

Once you’ve been through bankruptcy court or been on the brink of financial ruin, you have a whole new meaning for managing your finances. You soon learn that those $5 gourmet coffees on the way to work are an extravagance that you don’t need. Your epic fails in life teaches you how to be responsible with your money.

11. Embrace Your Faith

Everyone has different faiths and beliefs, which is your right in this country. However, one thing that you will learn is how to call on your higher power in times of adversity. Whether you are Christian, Muslim, or atheist, everyone has something that they can call on for strength and help.

12. Your “Real” Friends

It’s easy to have a lot of friends when everything is going grand. However, it’s the ones that stick with you when you have no money, have lost everything, and have no status to offer them that count. You will discover who is your true friend when you walk through the darkest times, and they still stand beside you.

13. Examine Your Heart

Once you fail, you have no choice but to look inside to see what might have caused you to have these disappointments. Analyzing the inside can help you move past the things that held you back, and you can succeed in the future.

14. Money and Prestige isn’t everything

How many times have you seen a movie or TV stars focus so much of their attention on their careers and the pursuit of money that they neglected their family? Having money in the bank and a few luxuries are understandable, but some people will trade everything for fame and fortune. If you lose your family but have a bank full of money, is it worth it?

15. Change Habits

A recent study found that 45 percent of your daily behaviors are forged from habits. If you have bad habits that could be holding you back, it’s time to evaluate them and learn methods to conquer those tendencies. Additionally, when you add new, better habits to the mix, you can achieve anything you set your mind to do.

Final Thoughts: Learn From Jim Carrey About How to Move on From Epic Fails

Your life will never be perfect, nor should you expect it to be. When you stumble and fall along life’s journey, it’s all about getting up and having the courage and strength to start again. Did you know that the famous actor Jim Carrey had many failures?

He is the winner of many People’s Choice and Golden Globe awards, yet he doesn’t even have a high school education. His family was so poor he had to drop out of school at 15 to be a janitor to help with finances. Carrey struggled with depression, anxiety, and the fear of failure.

In an interview, he stated that he used positive affirmations and visualization techniques to help him achieve his goals. Carrey is an outspoken believer in the Law of Attraction–using positive energy to attract the best in life. What’s your destiny? Where do you want to go in life? Don’t let your failures define your future. Using your life lessons, you have the power to overcome.

10 Menopause Self Care Tips Never to Ignore

September 11, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Going through menopause can be an incredibly difficult challenge, so it’s essential to observe some menopause self care tips. From the hot flashes to the loss of skin elasticity, and even the anxiety that comes along with everything, it can feel like your whole life is changing involuntarily. It may leave you wondering what your body will be like when it’s over.

The good news is that it’s manageable. Women everywhere have dealt with menopause and continued having an active and productive life despite the symptoms. You can be one of those women!

With a little effort and a lot of self-love, you’ll get through menopause like a pro if you take care of yourself. Here are ten menopause self care tips you should never ignore.

1. Be prepared for hot flashes.

A hot flash is the most recognized symptom of menopause. They can be brutal. The constant sweating, overheating, and pink/reddish skin can be embarrassing and can send your anxiety through the roof.

According to Harvard Health, about 75 percent of women in menopause experience hot flashes. If you’re lucky, you’ll be in the remaining 25 percent. However, if you’re in the majority, the good news is that there are some things you can do to minimize the effects of the flashes.

The first thing you can do is learn what triggers them. Common triggers include hot drinks, warm outdoor temperatures, medications, and stress. Once you identify your triggers (they aren’t the same for everyone), you can try to avoid them. At the very least, you’ll know the hot flash is coming.

You can attempt to keep your environment cool. Examples are lowering the temperature on your AC, putting cool sheets on your bed, and wearing thin, breathable layers of clothing. Finally, if you do have a hot flash, don’t panic.

2. Get regular checkups.

Performing menopause self care tips doesn’t mean to do everything yourself. Regular checkups with your doctor can ensure that your body is functioning correctly. After all, your body is going through a lot of changes during menopause.

The changes that happen in your body, particularly a lowered level of estrogen, can put you at risk for specific medical conditions. These can include stroke, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Getting regular checkups will allow your doctor to identify these conditions early if they happen so that you can fix them.

Even after menopause, you should continue to get regular checkups. You’ll find that your medical needs are different during this stage of your life. Your health is more important than ever at that point, so don’t leave anything to chance.

3. Take care of your mental health.

Menopause is stressful. The constant changes in your mood, temperature, weight, and other bodily functions can drive your anxiety through the roof. On top of that, you may be dealing with embarrassment from the flashes.

You are not alone in your feelings. It’s important to remember that what’s happening to you is regular and that you can talk to someone about it. You may not need a professional counselor but confide in a loved one or a close friend.

You should also do things that help to reduce your stress level. Yoga is an excellent activity for reducing stress. Meditation is another one. Whatever relieves stress for you, make that a regular part of your life.

4. Don’t be embarrassed to admit when you’re not feeling your best.

Women are tough, resilient humans. It’s not uncommon to find “superwomen” all over the place. Many women pride themselves on being able to juggle everything that life throws at them.

Because of this, it can be difficult for a woman to admit when she isn’t feeling her best. During menopause, this can happen often. You simply may not be feeling as energized or motivated, and accepting this might be hard for you.

However, one of the biggest menopause self care tips you can follow is to listen to your body. If you’re not feeling up to tackling all the tasks of the day, give yourself a break. It doesn’t make you any less of a person or any less of a woman.

Women can be incredibly hard on themselves when they aren’t feeling like being intimate with their partner. However, you must talk with your partner about these feelings. Otherwise, they won’t know (unless they are a woman who is also going through menopause). Don’t be afraid to admit when you need a “me day.”

5. Take care of your sexual health/sex life.

Vaginal health can take a big hit during menopause. The vagina gets drier than usual, and the vaginal walls get thinner. There may even be a loss of skin elasticity in the vagina. This can result in painful sex plus vaginal health problems.

For a lot of women, the stress of having an ill-functioning vagina makes them feel like their sex life is on the line. However, that’s not what you should be focusing on. If your partner loves you, they will understand that you may have to put a hold on sex and intimacy until you get your vaginal health under control.

This doesn’t mean that your sex life has to take a back seat. There are lubricants and medicines that can help. You need to visit your gynecologist (#2, regular checkups!) and discuss the problems you’re having.

6. Get enough sleep.

Insomnia is a common problem for women during perimenopause and can continue all the way through menopause. While the exact cause for insomnia issues is unknown, medical experts speculate that a hot flash can interrupt deep sleep cycles. Even if you sleep through the hot flash, the quality of your sleep is being affected.

This can mean that you find yourself being more tired throughout the day. It could also lead to irritability and health problems. Get more sleep is a simple menopause self care tip, but not always an easy tip without some help. You may need to see your doctor if you can’t figure out how to sleep on your own.

7. Be aware of your mood changes.

Unfortunately, your menopause symptoms don’t only affect you. Since menopause affects your hormones, it also affects your emotions. This can manifest in the form of bizarre mood changes, which means that everyone around you must deal with it too.

Managing your mood changes is one menopause self care tip that can help everyone in your household. While you probably can’t stop the mood changes, you can at least be aware of them. Being mindful, along with a lot of understanding from your loved ones, will help you get through it in one piece.

8. Take care of your skin.

Menopause can wreak havoc on your skin. If you’ve never had a solid skincare regimen, now is the time to get one. If you don’t, you might become unrecognizable.

Menopause can cause your skin to get dry and thin. You can develop age spots and larger patches of dark skin. You may begin growing facial hair while the hair on your head thins out. There is even a possibility of skin growths and skin cancer.

This all sounds extreme, but you can significantly reduce skin problems by implementing a great skincare regimen. Don’t take this menopause self care tip with a grain of salt. Start taking care of your skin as early as possible.

9. Eat healthily and exercise.

Weight gain is another side effect of menopause. Even if you’ve always been at a healthy weight all your life, you can expect to put on a few pounds during menopause. Many women gain extra weight around their midsection.

There are several factors that cause weight gain. Genetics, lack of sleep, and hormonal changes can all play a role. However, eating right and exercising is a way to combat this. Living a healthy lifestyle can help you fight those extra calories and, in the process, combat many weight-related diseases that you can get as you get older.

10. Exercise your brain.

Unfortunately, the efficiency of your brain can take a hit during menopause. Many women suffer from memory problems and concentration issues. You could even go as far as calling these problems brain fog.

Some of this brain fog is due to other problems you may be having from menopause. Sleep problems, mental health problems, and even frequent mood changes can all play a part. If you manage these, you can reduce or even prevent brain fog.

The best thing you can do is to incorporate brain-stimulating activities in your life. Challenge yourself and do things that make you use your mind. Anything that makes you think and remember things is welcomed.

Final Thoughts on Menopause Self Care Tips

Menopause is a challenging time for any woman, and taking care of yourself during this time is essential. As your body goes through these inevitable changes, comfort becomes your primary concern. Don’t be afraid to be a little selfish as you deal with the effects of menopause.

The good news is that the phase won’t last forever. Eventually, your body will become your friend again, and you can get back to a healthy, everyday life. How healthy it is will depend on how good you are a menopause self care, so make sure you put yourself first and take care of all those menopause needs.

10 Easy Ways to Melt Away Cellulite Naturally

September 11, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Cellulite is something that most women will deal with in life, at some point. Numerous factors come into play when it comes to the production of this unsightly fat. Most folks think that you develop this problem when you are obese or have excessive fat in certain areas. However, even thinner people can develop these unsightly fatty deposits. Let’s take a look at the causes, along with treatments you can try at home.

Six Things That Cause Cellulite to Form

Your weight has some bearing on the development of cellulite, but even the skinniest women can get these dimply fat deposits. These dimpled areas are commonly observed on the thighs, hips, and buttocks. Why do women develop these pouches of fat? Well, here are some of the most common reasons:

•Sluggish Metabolism
•Hormonal Fluctuations
•Poor Diet
•High Overall Body Fat
•Color and Density of the Skin
•Little to No Physical Activity

There are many ways that you can get rid of these fat deposits that don’t cost thousands of dollars or require invasive procedures. Liposuction is one of the most common ways to eradicate this problem, but you don’t have to break the bank to get rid of fat.

Treating Cellulite with Common Sense Natural Care

Did you know that many women spend a lot of money on these treatments only to find that they don’t work as well? If you’re serious about getting rid of that unsightly, dimpled fat, try these ten natural ways first.

1. Juniper Oil

Juniper is an essential oil that helps with inflammation in the body. Thankfully, it is helpful in the reduction of fatty deposits too. For starters, you need to make a mix.

•Ten drop of juniper oil
•One-fourth C of olive oil

Mix the two oils in a container. Place a few drops of the oil on a natural bristled brush and rub counterclockwise in the troubled areas. You can do this a couple of times each day, preferably after a shower or before you turn in for the night.

It would help if you repeated this routine for about a month before seeing any noticeable changes. Did you know that juniper oil has also been hailed as a preventative measure in the fight against fat dimpling? Make sure you stock up on this essential oil.

2. Increase Your Water Intake

Did you know that one of the simplest things you can do for your skin is to hydrate it? You can do amazing things by just increasing your water consumption. Many people don’t know that cellulite is full of toxins, so you need extra water to help flush those poisons from the body.

Plus, drinking water will help you glow as you will be hydrated and have a more robust immune system. If you can’t stand plain water, you can add some flavors to it with fresh fruit to give it a kick. How much do you need to drink?

Well, start by having two liters each day. You can break that down into eight-ounce glasses or grab one big container and sip on it all day long. Water can help so many other systems in your body, so it’s essential that you increase your hydration for dramatic results.

3. Daily Moisturizing with Coconut Oil

Your skin needs moisture. While drinking water will help give moisture on the inside, you need to provide some on the outside. Some people tend to moisturize in the winter when the skin is prone to be dry or chapped, but it’s essential to do this all year long.

Forget the store-bought lotions full of chemicals; you need to use natural ones with no harmful additives. Coconut oil is one of the best things that you can use for your body. Did you know that this popular cooking oil has anti-fungal properties and a high saturated fat content?

After showering, rub your troubled areas down with some of this oil. You can rid the cellulite you struggle with if used daily. Your body must be wet when you apply this oil, as it will help to lock in the moisture.

4. Increase Your Omega-3s

Your body needs fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins to build your immune system. However, did you know that adding Omega-3s to your diet will help build your tissue vitality and make it smoother? It’s even known to reduce unsightly cellulite over time too.

You can take supplements like cod liver oil, or you can increase your consumption of salmon. All you need is one teaspoon each day either by capsule or food. It’s enough to give you the power to fight these unsightly fat pouches.

5. Exfoliating Coffee Scrub

If you’re a fan of Java, then you will love this next scrub. Coffee smells fantastic, but did you know that it can help to exfoliate your skin too?

What would be better than removing the dead skin cells from the surface of your skin and replacing them with new, healthier ones? Start by making this scrub:

•One-fourth C of coffee grounds
•3 Tbsp. of brown sugar
•2 Tbsp. of coconut or extra virgin olive oil

Mix the contents to make a paste. Take about one tablespoon of the scrub and massage it firmly into your troubled areas. You should use this more than three times each week, but you can use it for up to a month.

This mixture will last up to a month in an airtight jar. With regular use, you will see the skin change in these areas as new, healthy cells are formed. Additionally, the rubbing motion will stimulate the area bringing blood circulation, which will help to tighten the flabby skin around the cellulite.

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6. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is all the rage these days. It’s used for acid reflux, digestive health, and a plethora of other things. Did you know that ACV has helpful minerals like potassium and calcium? These natural minerals help reduce and eliminate the toxins within cellulite so that you can reduce water weight. Make a scrub using these ingredients:

•One-fourth C of ACV
•One-half C of Water
•5 drops of Honey

Mix these ingredients and slather them on the areas of concern. You should leave this mixture for about 30 minutes to allow it to work. Now, wash the ACV mixture off with warm water. It would help if you did this at least twice a day until you get the results that you desire.

7. Stabilize Your Hormones

One of the best things that you can do for yourself and the cellulite issues you have is to eat a well-balanced died. When you live a healthy lifestyle, your body will produce stable hormones that are important to keep fat at bay.

It would be best if you had a wide variety of colors in your diet, which comes from fruits and vegetables. Additionally, you need plenty of exercise and to keep your stress levels down. By incorporating a few of these things, you should see a reduction in these dimply, fat deposits.

8. Dry Brushing

Have you ever heard of cupping therapy? This ancient art is so beneficial because it causes the blood to rush to the area, which improves circulation. Also, improved blood circulation helps to stimulate the body’s healing properties.

Dry brushing will help to stimulate these troubled areas as well as get rid of dead skin. It’s one of the most naturally frugal methods around. You will boost the drainage of the lymphatic system as well as get rid of toxins. All you need is a soft, dry brush, and a few minutes to dedicate to it each day.

9. Seaweed Wraps

If you want to get rid of fat deposits naturally, then seaweed may be the answer you need. Did you know that seaweed will work like that of coffee grounds as a scrub? Start by making a seaweed paste with these ingredients:

•3 Tbsp. Seaweed
•One-fourth C of Pink Himalayan Sea Salt
•One-fourth C of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
•5 Drops of the Essential Oil of Choice

Mix the four ingredients together. If you don’t have dried seaweed, then you will need to use a mixer to blend. Apply to your skin about 20 minutes before you shower. You should do this every day until you see the benefits you desire.

10. Tangerine Oil

There’s nothing better than the smell of sweet tangerines, but did you know that these little citrus fruits can abolish toxins from your body? Like other essential oils, tangerines are superior in cutting fat and helping to stimulate blood circulation. Mix these ingredients:

•5 drops of Pure Tangerine Oil
•1 Tbsp. of Olive Oil

Mix these oils and put them in an airtight container. Massage about one tablespoon into the affected areas two times each day. Please keep it in the refrigerator to help it from spoiling, and make sure you don’t expose your skin to the sun for a couple of hours after the application. There’s no need to wash it off.

Final Thoughts on Trying These Tips to Naturally Melt Away the Unsightly Cellulite

If you’re tired of these unsightly dimpled fat deposits, then you have the power to do something about it. No, you don’t need to take out a loan for liposuction or spend your savings trying to look better, you can use the power of nature to fix the skin you’re in.

Scientists Explain How an Artificial Kidney Could Replace Dialysis

September 11, 2020 by Power of Positivity

If you have an end-stage renal disease (ESRD), then perhaps you have heard of the groundbreaking new treatment in the works that uses an artificial kidney. It brings a ray of hope to those who’ve suffered waiting for a donor. Is this artificial body part the answer to a significant medical dilemma?

Your kidneys are a biological engineering feat that keeps your blood clean with countless tiny filters called nephrons. After filtration, they send the waste to your bladder to eliminate as urine. Without your kidneys, your body would poison itself, and you couldn’t live.

Medical experts have voiced their concerns about the hazards of American lifestyles. They point to the alarming obesity epidemic that is caused by poor diets and lack of physical activity. All these factors lead to a rise in chronic kidney disease and failure.

The Relationship Between Kidney Disease and Other Diseases

Did you know that recent reports show that at least 15 percent of adults in this country have a renal disease? The number is probably more significant because many people have low-functioning kidneys that have yet to be diagnosed. Sadly, chronic kidney disease is among the top killer diseases in the modern world.

Since your body systems are interrelated, it makes sense that a disorder in one would affect your whole body. Not only are your kidneys part of your urinary system, but they are also a vital part of your circulatory system. Diseases that affect your heart and blood vessels will also cause trouble for your kidneys.

• Hypertension

Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is a disease that causes too much pressure to be exerted on your arteries and veins. Since your kidneys are the central station for blood filtration, their many nephrons are loaded with blood vessels transporting blood back and forth. Hypertension can cause damage to these blood vessels, resulting in chronic kidney disease.

• Diabetes

Chronic kidney disease and kidney failure are classic comorbidities of diabetes. Think of your blood vessels as water pipes. If the water pipes in your home become overloaded with silt and other sediments, it will eventually damage them.

If you have uncontrolled diabetes, the surplus of sugar in your blood will do the same thing to your blood vessels. It can clog or even block vital blood vessels in your kidneys, resulting in kidney damage and improper blood filtration.

• Obesity

Obesity is a common denominator for both high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes. Perhaps it is the most preventable condition that can lead to kidney disease or end-stage kidney failure. A proper diet and exercise regimen can bust the fat and minimize your risks.

Signs & Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease

If you have diabetes, hypertension, or other medical conditions, you can be at risk for chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal failure. Some of these signs and symptoms overlap with other diseases, so you should consult your primary healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. Here are some common symptoms:

Change of appetite and unexplained weight loss
Change of sleeping patterns
Edema in the hands, feet, or ankles due to water retention
Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
Blood in the urine
Muscle cramps
Increased urge to urinate, especially during the night
Constant skin itchiness
Lightheaded feeling or headaches
Lack of sexual performance in male patients

There’s no easy fix when your kidneys are failing. When dialysis is no longer sufficient, kidney patients must rely on a transplant. These can be taken from a living donor or from an organ donor who has died.

None of these options are in vast supply because donor kidneys must be a perfect match for the transplant surgery to be a success. It’s difficult to find living donors who will give a kidney to a stranger, and not everyone with viable kidneys who dies is a registered organ donor. No wonder the waiting list for a kidney transplant is so long because the demand exceeds the supply.

Kidney patients often pass while waiting for a transplant, since their bodies can’t live long without at least one properly functioning kidney. The wait for a kidney transplant can take years, and these patients don’t have enough time. Even if they are fortunate enough to get the transplant surgery, they can die from organ rejection or other complications.

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The Evolution of Kidney Dialysis

If you have chronic kidney disease and your kidneys are failing, your only hope of surviving is dialysis. In the 1940s, Dr. William Kolff invented the first dialysis machine and called it the “artificial kidney.” After caring for his many renal patients and observing their mortality rate, he correctly concluded that their blood could be artificially filtered to prolong their lives.

He brought his invention to the United States and introduced it to renal specialists at Mt. Sinai Hospital. His work brought limited success for patients who were in renal failure, but his artificial kidney machine couldn’t help those with end-stage renal disease or ESRD.

Twenty years later, another kidney specialist named Dr. Belding Scribner built on Dr. Kolff’s work and devised an artificial kidney that could filter toxins from ESRD patients’ blood. It worked through a port that drew blood from the patient’s arm through the filtering machine, then pumped the cleansed blood back into the patient. Scribner’s portable device allowed renal patients to do dialysis from the comforts of home.

Today, most people go to a dedicated dialysis center for treatment rather than doing the process at home. These centers are found in most major hospitals and private clinics across America. Those with kidney failure or end-stage kidney disease usually have dialysis treatments from 3-4 hours at least once to three times each week, and sometimes daily for severe cases.

The Cons of Kidney Dialysis

Yes, this artificial kidney filtration can prolong renal patient’s lives. However, it’s a temporary treatment for the symptoms, and it can’t cure the failing kidneys. If you are a dialysis patient, it’s difficult to have a normal schedule because you are connected to the artificial kidney for hours each week.

Kidney patients must take many medications to minimize their symptoms, and some of these drugs can have substantial side effects. Dialysis is an expensive treatment, and most private insurance plans and Medicare will only cover 80 percent of the cost. The 20 percent left for the patient to pay can be staggering and can cause serious financial problems.

The artificial kidney is merely a bandage for kidney failure and end-stage kidney disease. Of the estimated 468,000 Americans on dialysis each year, roughly 20-25 percent will survive their first year of treatment. Only about 35 percent will live past five years.

The Birth of Bionics

As of now, the only treatment options for kidney disease patients is a transplant or dialysis. While survival odds are much better for those who get a transplant, patients often die while waiting on the long list. Dialysis can prolong these patient’s lives, but they often lose the quality of life and have a slim margin of survival.

With such dilemmas as these, advanced technology may hold the keys to a better solution. Remember the iconic 1970s television show about the man and woman who were rebuilt with bionic parts? What was then science fiction is a reality in the 21st century.

Of course, current medical technology has yet to produce a human with superpowers, but bionic parts have revolutionized health and medicine. In 1982, the first artificial organ, a bionic heart, was successfully transplanted. Advances in bioengineering continue to find artificial solutions for other organ transplants, such as an artificial kidney.

Final Thoughts on The Artificial Kidney Project

You may have already heard about the conglomerate of American kidney experts and bioengineers called the Kidney Project if you are a kidney patient. Their goal is to replace traditional dialysis with a bionic kidney that is transplanted in the patients’ bodies. It’s a complex marriage of the human body and machine that can offer the quality of life and more time to kidney patients.

This innovative artificial kidney debuted during National Kidney Week at the American Society of Nephrology in November 2019. The Kidney Project is centered at the University of California-San Francisco Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, with Shuvo Roy as the project director. Roy and his associates have a positive outlook on the bionic kidney’s success.

Instead of kidney patients being hooked up to a traditional dialysis machine, this artificial kidney will be surgically transplanted into their bodies. It will use high-tech filters to remove toxins from the blood, just like a human kidney. The device is still in its developmental stage and can go to clinical trials with FDA approval, which experts hope will be soon.

Chronic kidney disease is severe and can affect your quality of life and even cause premature death. If the new artificial kidney is successful and gets approval, it may be a ray of hope for kidney patients worldwide. If you follow a healthy lifestyle and get regular checkups with your primary healthcare provider, you may keep your kidneys happy and healthy for years to come.

Counselors Explain 10 Signs a Child May Need Mental Health Therapy

September 11, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Kids will be kids. It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish the awkward behaviors of growing children from more serious, mentally unstable behaviors that may plague their well-being. However, as a parent, you may get a vibe that something is wrong with your child. Do you even suspect your child would benefit from mental health therapy or treatment?

Don’t ignore these vibes. Children often don’t talk about the mental and emotional problems they’re going through, so it’s up to you to recognize these problems and get them some help. When talking to them doesn’t work, it’s time to get professional help.

According to psychology researcher Courtney E. Ackerman, MSc., here are ten signs that, according to counselors, your child needs mental health therapy.

Ten Signs You Should Seek Mental Health Care or Therapy for Your Child

1. Constant depression.

This red flag is one of the most common mental disorders in the U.S., so it’s no surprise if a child is suffering from it. There are so many factors in life that can contribute to a child feeling down and hopeless, and they may not all be obvious. However, it’s important to recognize depression as soon as possible so you can get your child the mental help they need before something disastrous happens.

These feelings should not be confused with fleeting moments of sadness. That’s completely normal. However, if your child’s sad moments are lingering for weeks or months, this is a primary clue that something is not right. Some signs to look for are negative thinking, extreme self-criticism, feelings of being unlovable or unlikeable, or overreacting to minor problems.

2. Skipping school.

Skipping school is usually a significant indicator that there is something wrong with a child. It could be that they’re exceptionally down, as was discussed in the previous section. Children could have problems at home or feel unsafe at school. It could also be a combination of any of these situations.

Whatever the reason is, skipping school is a sign that something is going on with your child. While the direct reason could be physical like bullying, for example, you can be sure that it’s having some harmful mental effects on your child. You should get your child some mental help so you can get to the bottom of the problems.

3. Bad behavior in school.

Just like skipping school is an indicator of problems, so is bad behavior in school. Children may not know how to express how they’re feeling about certain things, or they may be embarrassed to express themselves. This turmoil can lead to children “acting out.”

The best way to get to the root of your child’s bad behavior is to talk to them. Often children act out because they don’t understand the lessons, but they’re too embarrassed for their classmates to find out.

If this is the problem, it’s simple to fix. However, if there is more going on, getting mental help for your child may be the best way to figure out why they’re misbehaving.

4. Out of control behavior.

It can be incredibly difficult and frustrating to deal with a child who has out of control behavior. You may have seen this before in public – that parent who has a child who screams, hits, or destroys in-store displays because they can’t get what they want. Hopefully, you aren’t the parent that’s dealing with that.

Unfortunately, children who are displaying this type of behavior are doing so because the parent has not asserted themselves as the authority figure. The children have lost respect for the parent and feel as though they can do whatever they want without consequences since, usually, the parent doesn’t implement any consequences.

The problem with this is that the child grows up with this false mentality. As teenagers and adults, this out of control behavior can lead to them getting into constant trouble and going through severe hopelessness. That’s why it’s important to get mental help for the child (and probably the parent also) when they are out of control at a young age.

5. Hurting themselves or others.

It’s never normal to hurt yourself. In most cases, it’s not normal to hurt others. If your child is doing this, you need to rush to get them some mental help.

This type of behavior can and will escalate if it isn’t taken care of immediately. It can be dangerous for the parents but especially dangerous for any other children that are around. Don’t delay on getting a violent child the help they need.

Never ignore these ten hidden signs someone is suffering from mental abuse.

6. Talking about death or suicide.

Kids say some weird things but talking about suicide should never be one of them. The suicide rate of teenagers in the United States is alarming. It’s the second leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24 years old.

If your child mentions anything about dying or ending their life or something vague like they won’t be your problem anymore, stop what you’re doing and get them some help. This type of conversation means that they are dealing with some other underlying severe issue (most likely depression), and they don’t know how to handle it.

7. Frequent mood swings.

It’s normal for children to have mood swings. However, you should begin to worry if the mood swings are frequent or interfere in the child’s daily life. If this is the case, your child is in mental distress.

There can be quite a few reasons that a child has frequent mood swings. Being extremely sad or hopeless is one of those reasons, but it could link to a different underlying cause. Examples are (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) ADHD, bipolar disorder, and dysthymic disorder.

Unless you’re a medical professional, you won’t be able to diagnose your child on your own. Mental health therapy can identify any problems your child may have and provide you with a treatment plan that will help your child live every day and productive life.

8. Strange eating patterns.

Children who are under mental distress can display strange eating habits such as not eating enough or overeating. It’s normal for kids to fluctuate in how much they eat – they’re growing, and their bodies are getting “used to” the nutrition they need as they grow. However, if you notice extreme fluctuations, this is a sign that your child may need some mental health therapy.

Extreme can be defined by significant weight loss or weight gain, a sudden disinterest in their favorite foods, sneaking foods or snacks when they’ve already eaten, or relying on food to deal with their emotions. If these behaviors aren’t taken care of, it can lead to problems like anorexia, bulimia, or obesity. This habit will only make your child even more mentally distressed.

When you notice that your child has strange eating habits, don’t hesitate to find out why. If they won’t talk to you about it, get them some help before their physical health becomes a problem also.

9. Difficulty sleeping.

Sleeping problems are a classic sign of mental distress. While it’s normal for children to have dreams or even nightmares now and again, they shouldn’t interfere with your child’s life. Once they cross the threshold to vivid dreams or night terrors, it’s time to find out what’s happening with your child mentally to interrupt their sleep so much.

Counselors explain that vivid dreams and night terrors are usually manifestations of painful emotions that your child is dealing with internally, but possibly not expressing while they’re awake. Mental health therapy can get to the bottom of these unexpressed emotions, and hopefully, the vivid dreams and night terrors will stop.

If this problem isn’t taken care of, it can lead to other issues while they’re awake like anxiety, fatigue, irritability, and more. Don’t ignore your child’s dreams and nightmares if they become excessive.

10. Drug or alcohol abuse.

It’s not pleasant to think about a child or teenager abusing drugs or alcohol, but unfortunately, this is an ordinary reality in today’s world. It can come from hanging with the wrong crowd, but there is usually some mental or emotional underlying issue that causes them to choose that path in the first place. If your child is abusing drugs or alcohol, you need to get them the best mental health therapy that you can afford.

Abusing drugs and alcohol can ruin a child’s life. Often, begging and pleading with them to stop doesn’t work. Reasoning with them won’t work. Only getting to the root cause of the problem works, and children are often uncomfortable confiding in their parents. Getting mental health therapy might be the only way to get them back on the right track.

Final Thoughts on Signs That a Child Needs Mental Health Therapy

As a parent, you want the best for your child. It can be incredibly difficult to decipher what’s going on in your child’s head. After all, you’re not a psychic, and no one expects you to be one.

The best you can do is be attentive. Look for signs such as the ones above that counselors suggest and when you see them, take action. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) indicates that a great starting point is to talk to your child’s teachers and counselors at school.

Keep in mind that your mental health is essential also, and having anxiety about your child’s mental health may affect yours. It’s okay to get mental health therapy as a family. In fact, that could be a great way to let your child know that they aren’t alone.

25 Ways to Make Your Weight Loss Plan Work Faster

September 11, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Are you in a hurry to lose the weight you’ve carried for years? First, you must realize that you didn’t gain the extra pounds overnight, and similarly, losing it will take time and effort. For those looking for a more immediate solution, consulting a weight loss surgeon at https://www.adelaideweightloss.com.au/ could be the next step toward a healthier life. With the right guidance and support, you can finally achieve lasting results and feel confident again.

Thankfully, you can do some things to enhance your weight loss plan. If you’re ready to kick your weight loss into high gear, then there are 25 things you can do to help.

25 Ways to Kick Weight Loss Plan into High Gear

Are you looking to supercharge your journey to better health and a trimmer figure? Try these new habits.

1. Change Your Lifestyle

Don’t look at your efforts as just another diet because most diets are short-lived. Instead, focus on making better food choices and creating a healthier lifestyle. When you make gradual changes in your old eating habits, it can be easier to lose weight and keep it off for good.

2. Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic exercise is one of the best workouts for your heart, mental, and overall health. The American Heart Association recommends this type of workout to help keep your heart fit. It’s known to lower blood pressure and help manage blood glucose levels too.

3. Walking Daily

Walking is one of the best exercises around because it helps you move your entire body, plus you can enjoy the scenic views of nature too. Whether you use a treadmill indoors or the track outdoors, walking daily can quickly help you in your weight loss plan.

4. Resistance Bands

Resistance bands have recently made a comeback. They’re very inexpensive, can fit in your suitcase when you travel, and give you a good workout without oversized equipment.

Using the power of science, resistance can help you to build muscles and lose weight too. Plus, you can target areas like your arms and legs with ease.

5. Use a Smaller Plate for Portion Control

The average-sized plate in America is 14”. Psychologically, when you see a large plate, you feel like they need to fill it up.

Switching to a 10” dessert plate can help you in your weight loss plan. You won’t have room to pile on the goodies, and you shouldn’t go back for a second helping either.

6. Switch to Heart-Healthy Fats

No matter how amazing your eggs taste when fried in bacon fat, it would help if you switched to more heart-healthy fats like coconut, avocado, or olive oil. Using canola, lard, and vegetable oils are harmful because they have unsaturated fats that cause inflammation.

This inflammation can fill your blood vessels, causing a buildup of plaque, which can lead to a heart attack. You need to use an oil that is good for your body and not one that causes health risks. Inflammation can also be counterproductive to your weight loss plan as it will put water weight on you, and it will reflect on the scales.

7. Supplement Your Diet with Probiotics

Probiotics are great for your gut health, which has a direct link to your mental health. These beneficial bacteria can help your body protect against infection, aids in digestion, and will strengthen your immunity.

8. Eat More Fiber

You can find fiber in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. The more fibrous foods you eat, the less your desire to snack. Any healthy weight loss plan must have fiber. Plus, it will keep your bowels regular too.

9. Spice Up Your Meals

Did you know that some spices can help you burn fat and make it easier to lose weight? Adding flavors like turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, ginger, rosemary, cumin, and cardamom. No wonder the Spanish tend to be heavy with the spices; they don’t seem to have the weight problems of Americans.

10. Get Enough Sleep

Why are Americans backward? When you’re depressed, you eat. When you’re tired, you eat too. Sadly, when you are exhausted, you will often consume extra calories and drinks to keep yourself awake.

If you’re not getting the right amount of sleep, your body cannot function at optimal levels. Plus, you may be inclined to snack and drink caffeinated drinks to keep yourself going.

11. Stay Hydrated

Water helps to flush impurities from your body. No, diet soda won’t do the same things for you as water. If you’re drinking diet beverages, it could be harming your weight loss plan more than helping. Avoid caffeine as much as possible and stick to good, refreshing water.

12. Try Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting is all the rage these days. Rather than eating around the clock, you only consume foods during a specific window of time. Research has shown that those who incorporate fasting into their life can lose way more weight than those who eat three meals.

13. Eat More Protein

If you’ve read about the Keto plan or other similar diets, then you’ve learned that protein and good fats are what you need to lose weight quickly. Your body needs protein to help keep your glucose levels stable and to burn fat. Additionally, protein helps to fill you up faster, so you don’t overeat.

14. Cut the Carbs

Carbohydrates are in everything from pasta to potato chips. A carb is a combination of sugar, starch, and fiber, and your body has a more difficult time breaking down these particles. You should strive to eat under 100 carbs per day unless you’re on a restricted weight loss plan that calls for under 50.

15. Get Healthy Together

Getting an accountability partner is probably the most significant thing you can do in the weight loss journey. You need someone to help you along the way. It helps if the person who is assisting you lives in your household, but that’s not always necessary. Just having someone to go to the gym with or taking a walk with you is extremely helpful in you reaching your goals.

16. Eat Slowly and Chew Better

Did you know that Americans eat way too fast? It’s true; people are in such a hurry to get to the 100 places that they need to go that they eat quickly.

The problem is that when you eat slowly and chew each bite, you will consume less. Try to chew each bite to the count of 10 and see if it makes a difference in how much you eat.

17. Calories Still Count

Even if you’re on a low carb diet, your calories still matter. Most people have a misconception that as long as you eat foods low in carbs, you can eat all you want.

In theory, having two double cheeseburgers from a fast food restaurant without the bun would work, but the calories would be more than you should consume in an entire day. You won’t lose weight eating like that, so you must still count your calories no matter what plan you’re on.

18. Eat a Variety of Fruits and Vegetables

Mother nature has a bounty of fruits and vegetables for you to consume. While some are higher in sugar than others, you don’t have to cut those out, just limit them. Fill your plate with nature’s offerings, and you will find that it fills you faster and has fewer calories.

19. Kick the High-Calorie Drinks

As hard as it is, you must get rid of your soda, juices, lattes, and other sugar-filled drinks. They are high in calories and sugar and can sabotage your weight loss plan. Stick with water, coffee, and an occasional diet soda if you must.

20. Limit Your Sugar and Sodium Intake

You already know that sugar is terrible for your weight loss plan, but did you know that sodium can be detrimental to your diet? Sodium is found in abundance in things like canned soups, potato chips, and other processed foods. It can cause inflammation and water weight, plus it’s not good for your heart either.

21. Enjoy Whole Foods

If you prefer white bread, then it’s time to switch to whole grain. You need the fiber; plus, white flour is highly processed and has things that are hard on your body. You don’t need white flour in your diet when whole wheat is a better option.

22. Avoid Overly Processed Foods

Overly processed foods, like boxed potatoes, mac-n-cheese, and a million other things, will do more harm than good to your body. They use preservatives like MSGs that are harmful to the body, and they can cause digestive issues. There’s no reason to eat processed junk when you have nature providing amazing things that are pure and good for you.

23. Drink Coffee and Herbal Teas

In addition to coffee, which is a non-calorie drink, you can also enjoy herbal teas. Many teas have significant benefits for weight loss, such as cinnamon. When you feel the urge to splurge outside of your allotted food for the day, a lovely warm tea can help to fill your gut and keep you satisfied.

24. Avoid Drinking Diet Sodas

Though the subject of diet soda has already been touched on. But you should honestly know why it’s so unhealthy for you. Did you know it can cause metabolic dysfunction? The first three letters of the word diet are “die,” and you should remember that those artificial sweeteners are not going to make you healthy.

25. Change Your Mindset

While there are many things that you can do to help your weight loss journey, perhaps the most significant is to change your mindset. If you think you will fail, then you will. You must start each day with the passion and drive that you will be successful no matter what temptations you face.

Final Thoughts on Making the Changes That Supercharge Your Weight Loss Plan

Set realistic goals and expectations for yourself, and you must remember that it’s a journey that you will walk for life. Set small obtainable targets, and you will master every one of them before you know it.

10 Ways to Relieve Arthritis Pain in Under 10 Minutes

September 11, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Wouldn’t it be a dream if your body were forever youthful and pain-free? Unfortunately, age and health conditions affect everyone. Still, a healthy diet and exercise regimen can help you beat arthritis pain.

Arthritis Basics

Scientists found evidence of arthritis in some of the earliest human remains. It seems to be a disease that has plagued humans since the beginning. Arthritis even affects members of the animal kingdom. Did you know that your body has between 250-360 joints? These joints are places where your bones connect with ligaments, tendons, and protective cartilage. Babies start with more, but some bones fuse, so they have fewer as they mature.

• Joint Types

Your skeleton has three different types of joints that are classified by the degree of movement. Most joints move freely, like your shoulders and knees. Your vertebrae are an example of joints with limited movement. Like the ones in your skull, a few bones are fused and don’t move.

• What Causes Arthritis

Although specialists have recognized over 100 types of arthritis, the most common type is osteoarthritis. It’s a common symptom of aging as your protective cartilage around your joints slowly erodes. The affected joints become stiff, painful, and inflamed as their range of motion is more limited.

Rheumatoid arthritis is another common type, but it is considered an autoimmune disease. If you have RA, your body attacks itself by slowly destroying the soft tissue that produces lubrication for your joints. As a result, your joints become painfully inflamed and eventually disfigured.

• Treatments for Arthritis

According to which type of arthritis you have, your healthcare specialist will usually recommend a treatment plan that includes medication and physical therapy. People with severe cases often must have surgery. Medical specialists also recommend a healthier lifestyle with proper nutrition and exercises geared to benefit arthritic joints.

10 Fun Ways to Beat the Pain of Arthritis

If you have been diagnosed with arthritis, you can still have a productive life filled with love and joy. Some of your usual activities may benefit your bones and joints. Try these ten fun ways to beat the pain of arthritis and get back to doing many of the things you love.

1. Go for a Walk

Walking is one of life’s simplest pleasures. Fitness experts explain that walking is one of the best exercises to help you get in shape. Strolling through the park can also beat arthritis pain and strengthen your muscles, joints, and bones.

If you have a dog, she will be your inspiration to take mindful walks together each day. Go at a pace that’s comfortable for you. As you walk in the park or through the woods, breathe the fresh air, and notice the natural wonders around you. Walking for as little as ten minutes can also lift your spirits and ease depression.

2. Take Dancing Lessons

Dancing has been an integral part of recreation and sacred ceremonies in nearly all cultures throughout history. When combined with music, you use your body to create a visual image of the beat and harmony. Each movement expresses the emotion of music and its magical story.

You needn’t be Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers to enjoy dancing. There’s a dance for everyone from tango, waltz, square dancing, or even break dancing. Turn on your favorite music and beat arthritis pain with a joyful dance. Make it romantic and dance with your partner if you want.

3. Plant a Garden

Perhaps nothing brings as much joy as walking among the flowers and other plants in a home garden. Are you tired of buying puny produce at your local supermarket? When you plant a garden, you’ll have healthy, organic produce, lovely flowers, and plenty of beneficial exercises.

Even if you have a small veggie patch in your back yard or some potted plants on your patio, it will be enough to keep your body moving and your happy factor maximized. Bending and moving to care for your garden can beat arthritis pain and make your joints more limber. You can complete gardening tasks in about ten minutes each day, making it a quick and enjoyable experience.

4. Use the Stairs

We can thank Elisha Otis for inventing the first elevator in 1861 that was generally safe for passengers. It forever changed how we navigate in multi-storied buildings. Until that time, people climbed stairs, which were patterned after natural formations that existed long before the first humans.

Although it’s tempting to ride the elevator in comfort, climbing stairs involves moving your whole body, and it’s the perfect exercise. Did you know that you can burn as many as five calories when you take 12 stairs? It also stretches your legs, improves balance, and works stiffness out of your arthritic joints.

5. Practice Yoga

When you consider yoga moves, forget the stereotypes of young hippies chanting, burning incense, and twisting their bodies into human pretzels. Yoga is so much more than complicated poses. It is an ancient Hindu philosophy that combines movement, breathing, mindfulness, and spiritual awareness.

Historians believe that the yogic tradition was developed as early as the 6th century BCE in India and spread worldwide. It didn’t find an American audience until the 1960s. Now, you’ll find yoga studios in most cities and some urban areas.

Countless studies suggest that yoga moves and stretches can beat arthritis pain and keep your body limber and healthy. Yogic practices like mindful breathing can be a positive influence on your mood and can also minimize or eliminate chronic pain. You can visit a yoga studio or learn basic poses online.

6. Take a Few Laps in the Pool

No doubt you’ve read about the many benefits of swimming. It’s a fun exercise that involves your entire body in motion. Because of the water’s density, your body floats, and it’s easier for you to move. Most physical therapists recommend swimming for patients with arthritis and other bone and joint conditions.

Take advantage of your outdoor pool and swim in warm weather as often as you can. If you don’t have a collection or the weather is terrible, most public gyms and spas have heated indoor pools. Consider taking a water aerobics class at your local YMCA or other available gyms.

7. Clean Your House

Ask anyone who spends a day cleaning the house if they got a good workout or not. It’s a never-ending job that can burn as much as 190 calories an hour. Plus, you are moving all day while bending, stretching, climbing, and walking. It can strengthen your muscles, connective tissues, and joints that are affected by arthritis.

If you are following an anti-inflammatory diet, cleaning your house can be an activity to help you beat arthritis pain. Your body stretches as you dust, sweep, and mop, and you get a little weight training in by moving furniture and lifting things. Just don’t overdo it because you can hurt yourself.

8. Play Games

There’s a reason that you learned how to play different games in high school gym class. Sports are a fun way to stay in shape and keep your joints pliable and healthy. Would you have ever guessed that a spirited game of badminton or croquet could beat arthritis pain?

Keeping your body moving is a great excuse for playing with your children and grandchildren. If you have arthritis pain in your hands, simple board or card games can work your hands and fingers for better flexibility. Playing games also benefit your psychological well-being.

9. Play a Musical Instrument

Aren’t you glad your parents made you take piano lessons or join the band when you were in school? Not only do you have an enriching lifetime hobby, but it may lower your risks of getting painful arthritis in your hands. Playing an instrument can also beat arthritis pain if you already have it.

Almost all musical instruments require using your hands and fingers to produce specific notes or tones. Even if you practice your scales on the piano or other devices, you are giving your hands a good workout. Also, music feeds your soul and is a beautiful way to bond with family and friends.

10. Ride a Bicycle

They say that once you learn how to ride a bicycle, you’ll never forget. Riding a bike requires correct posture, balance, and coordination. It’s especially beneficial to your hips, behind, legs, and feet. These are common points of arthritis pain.

When’s the last time you donned your helmet and other safety gear to ride on a bicycle? Bicycle transportation for all ages is the norm for many European countries. If you want to have some fun, go for a spin with your sweetie on a bicycle built for two.

Final Thoughts on Learning How to Beat Arthritis Pain with New Habits

While there’s still no cure for arthritis, but using correct posture, eating an anti-inflammatory diet, and getting proper exercise may help prevent it or beat the pain. Before you begin any diet or exercise regiment, talk to your primary healthcare provider or a certified fitness trainer. You can have fun exercising and enjoying more pain-free days in the future.

Dermatologists Explain the Cause of Nail Fungus (and How to Fix It)

September 11, 2020 by Deborah Tayloe

Do you or someone you love suffer from nail fungus? It’s a common problem that can happen to anyone, but a few individuals are at a higher risk than others. Did you know that your age, health, and lifestyle can all affect whether you will develop those unsightly, thickened surface yellow nailbeds?

What Causes Nail Fungus?

Many things can cause nail fungus, but it all starts from fungi that get into the nailbeds and fester. Tiny, microscopic organisms called fungi cause an infection in the nail that multiplies. Commonly, a condition such as ringworm or athlete’s foot introduces fungi to the nail.

Still, skin-to-skin contact with other contaminants or someone infected can cause this unsightly problem. Places like locker rooms, saunas, or a pool decks are also loaded with fungi; they love to dwell in moist areas. Walking across a public pool deck barefoot may be all it takes to introduce fungi to your nails.

You can pick up this infection from a pair of finger or toenail clippers or even a bath towel in the household. Another shocking thing is that you can develop this fungus even if you haven’t been exposed. The feet of someone who wears socks and shoes are regularly subjected to moisture from sweat, and it’s easy for fungi to thrive in such an environment.

How does the fungus make the leap from the skin to the nail? Here are a few ways to consider:

Cuts or abrasions surrounding the nailbeds
Cracks or tears in the nail
A space or separation between the toe or finger and the nail

Underneath the nail is nice and warm because the body is nearly 99 degrees. The infection can establish residence there as it’s the perfect breeding ground to live and thrive. Once it grows here, it will move and spread to other areas of the body.

When the infection starts, it’s easier to catch as it sits near the nail’s surface. However, as the fungi spread, it becomes much more complicated.

Who Gets Nail Fungus?

We’ve already established that anyone can develop a nail fungus, but some people have a higher risk of infection. As you age, the chances of you developing such an infection increase. Children are the least common people to get such a condition, especially before six.

People who live in hot and humid climates have an increased risk of infection due to their living environment. Your medical situation also plays a big part in whether such a fungus can thrive on your body. Those who have the following conditions are more susceptible:

Type 2 Diabetes
Circulation Issues
Psoriasis
HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Weakened Immune System
Organ Transplant Recipient
Injured Toenail or Fingernail
Athlete’s Foot
Cancer
Recent Nail Infections
Those Who Sweat Heavily
Those Who Frequent Gyms, Spas, or Swimming Pools

Symptoms of a Nail Fungus

The most common sign of a fungus of the nail is a thickened surface. Here are some other symptoms in the nails:

Yellow or brown discoloration
Crumbly or brittle nails
Foul smell
Shape distortion
Debris building under the nail
Dark coloring
Impossible to cut with clippers because it’s too thick

Fungus on the nails is quite common. It often starts as a white spot under the nail, an annoyance more than anything else. However, as the infection grows and penetrates, it will turn colors, become thicker, and crumble. What started as a fungus affecting one nail can quickly spread to other toes or fingernails.

Some mild conditions that are troublesome may not require treatment. However, you can do home-based therapies when the nail becomes thick, turns colors, or smells foul. Remember that even if your efforts are successful, the fungus can return.

The same fungus that gets between the toes and causes athlete’s foot is called tinea pedis, and it’s not the same as onychomycosis or nail fungi, but having this infection in between the toes can undoubtedly spread to the nails if there is an opening that allows it to creep in.

Difficulties with Nail Infections

While many cases of fungus are mild, some become complicated. When issues are severe, the toxins can cause permanent damage to the nail, and you may lose it. The goal is to keep the infection from spreading to other body areas beyond the feet.

The biggest concern is those with a compromised immune system, which can be dangerous if the infection gets out of control. Those with Type 2 diabetes can often have circulation issues too that affect their feet. This puts you at a greater risk of developing a bacterial skin infection like cellulitis, which can be dangerous.

With diabetes, any infection that affects your feet can be a severe complication requiring prompt medical help. While most don’t need to be concerned if there is a small dot of yellow or white under the nail, for the diabetic, it’s a cause for alarm.

Preventing Toenail Infections

Prevention is the key to keeping nail fungus at bay. You can reduce the risk of developing such a condition by doing the following things.

Wash your feet every day. Scrub them several times if they are prone to excessive sweat.
Wash your hands frequently and wash them, especially after touching your feet.
Wear shoes that allow your feet to breathe so no moisture builds up inside the footwear.
Always wear shoes in locker rooms, pool decks, and saunas.
Avoid using artificial nails and going to public salons for such treatments.
Don’t paint toe or fingernails as it traps bacteria.
Don’t keep old shoes that smell and have soles missing.
Buy sweat-absorbing socks that can keep your feet dry or change your socks a couple of times each day to prevent moisture build-up.
Trim your nails straight across and never cut to a curve.
File down any thickened areas of your nails before it becomes unmanageable.
Always clean all toenail and fingernail clippers with soap and water after each use.

Home Remedies and Treatments for Nail Fungus

Not every case of fungus requires a trip to the doctor. You can do many treatments at home to handle the situation. Here are the most common treatments–they’re at least worth a try.

1. Tea Tree Oil

Make sure you use a pure 100 percent essential tea tree oil. Rub the nail directly with the oil and allow it to dry before putting on socks or shoes. Repeat often as this oil is known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties.

The US government warns about toxic hand sanitizer ingredients on the market.

2. Olive Leaf Extract

Apply olive leaf extract directly to the nail, allowing it to do its magic. It has a property called oleuropein that can help it to eat away at the unsightly toxins.

3. Listerine

Did you know that Listerine was first created in the 1800s to keep surgeries clean? It was invented by Dr. Joseph Lawrence, who wanted to help control germs during surgical procedures at his clinic.

After some trial and error, they found that it would also do wonders for the mouth’s bacteria. However, you needed a prescription to obtain it. Today, you don’t need a prescription for this tonic, and a foot soak in this potent brew is just what you need to get rid of the nasty fungus. Only dilute it in water and soak your feet for up to fifteen minutes.

4. Vicks VapoRub

Do you remember your mom or grandma using Vicks VapoRub for many things? Well, they were smart to use this stuff for anything from sore throats to skin issues. Just rub some Vicks VapoRub on your affected nails and watch it work magic. It turns out that this product has camphor and eucalyptus oil, which is known to have a positive effect on nail fungi.

5. Snakeroot Extract

If you have a stubborn infection, you may want to try some Snakeroot extract. It’s a plant related to the sunflower, and it’s known for its antibacterial properties. If you’ve tried some of the other commonly found methods and they haven’t helped, then you may want to order some of this extract to try.

6. Olive Leaf Extract

Olives and their leaves are both known for their medicinal properties. With this herb, you can either use the capsules that heal your body from the inside out or apply the mixture to your feet. The immune-boosting abilities of this plant and the antifungal and antimicrobial benefits cannot be denied.

7. Vinegar

You can use vinegar for cooking and cleaning your house, but did you know it works great for removing fungus? Get a tub and put one-third vinegar to two-thirds water. Warm water is advisable since it helps open pores and allow the mixture to penetrate. Soak for about twenty minutes each day until you see an improvement.

Final Thoughts on Ridding Yourself of Embarrassing Nail Fungus

Having nail fungus is no fun, especially when you want to wear sandals and flip-flops in the summer. Thankfully, most cases can be treated with a home remedy. However, if you’ve tried several alternative medicines and nothing works, you need to see your dermatologist. A nail fungus could reveal a more serious underlying concern, so seek treatment if these remedies don’t work.

15 Short Inspiring Quotes for Boosting Self Confidence

September 11, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Many short inspiring quotes can help you boost your self-confidence. Sometimes, when life seems to be too much, you may need the guidance of others who have been through it.

These short inspiring quotes will be easy to remember when your confidence is faltering. Then, you’ll have the inspiration you need to remember how great you are.

There are other things you can do to boost your confidence, as well. After you have read the short inspiring quotes, you can read tips on boosting your confidence.

Why You Should Work to Boost Your Self Confidence

1. Life becomes more straightforward and easier.
2. You’ll experience more emotional stability.
3. Negative self-talk won’t happen as often.
4. You’ll be happier.
5. Overcoming hardships and unexpected obstacles will be more comfortable.
6. You will be surer of your decisions and feelings.

Short Inspiring Quotes for Boosting Self Confidence

1. “Remember, you have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” – Louise L. Hay

As Hay explains, all the times you criticized yourself, nothing positive came of it. It won’t help you be successful or better in any way, and it’ll have the opposite effect.

This time, try to approve of yourself and the decisions you have made. Even if those decisions didn’t work, you are still teaching yourself along the way. If you approve of yourself, your confidence will rise, and you’ll be able to achieve more than you thought possible.

2. “A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.” – Mark Twain

If you don’t approve of yourself, you will never be confident. Before anything else, work on earning your approval. Then, you will be able to see what you are truly capable of.

3. “One’s dignity may be assaulted, vandalized and cruelly mocked, but it can never be taken away unless it is surrendered.” – Michael J. Fox

It shouldn’t matter what anyone else says about you. All that should matter is the way you feel about yourself. If you remember this, your dignity will never falter.

4. “To fall in love with yourself is the first secret to happiness.” – Robert Morley

When you accept and love who you are, everything else will fall into place. It’s impossible to be unhappy or to let the words of others affect you if you love yourself.

5. “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – Buddha

Sometimes, you may think that as long as you love those around you, it’s enough. This fallacy isn’t true, however, because you deserve your love just as much as everyone else does. Remind yourself of how great you are and avoid thinking negatively about yourself.

6. “To establish true self-esteem, we must concentrate on our successes and forget about the failures and the negatives in our lives.” – Denis Waitley

If you continuously think about your failures and mistakes, your self-esteem will plummet. Instead, try thinking about all the positive things you have done and all the times you succeeded. Thinking this way will help boost your self-confidence quicker than anything else will.

7. “Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life, but define yourself.” – Harvey Fierstein

Speak up and say what you know to be true, no matter who tells you to be quiet. Don’t let others belittle you into wavering your opinion. Your definition of your life is the only one that matters, and don’t let anyone change it.

8. “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do.” – Brené Brown

Everyone makes mistakes and fails at things they’ve worked hard on. Even still, you have to focus on loving yourself. If you can love yourself while owning your past, you will know that you are brave and strong.

9. “Love yourself first, and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.” – Lucille Ball

If you can love yourself, everything else will work out. You have to love yourself to accomplish your dreams and reach your goals.

10. “Our self-respect tracks our choices. Every time we act in harmony with our authentic self and our heart, we earn our respect. It is that simple. Every choice matters.” – Dan Coppersmith

Do the things that make you happy and that you feel are the right thing to do. When you make your decisions this way, you’ll earn the respect of yourself, and this is important. It will boost your self-esteem and happiness, and you’ll continue to respect yourself even more.

11. “Why should we worry about what others think of us, do we have more confidence in their opinions than we do our own?” – Brigham Young

Be confident in your opinions, thoughts, and behaviors. If you are confident in them, no one can affect you.

Stop worrying about what others think of you. As long as you are confident, you will know their opinion doesn’t matter.

12. “One of the greatest regrets in life is being what others would want you to be, rather than being yourself.” – Shannon L. Alder

Living up to the expectations of others is sure to bring unhappiness. You will question everything about yourself, and your confidence will take a hit. When you are true to yourself, however, you will be confident and happy with who you are.

13. “Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

It is essential to be yourself if you want to boost your confidence. You owe it to yourself. Plus, you owe it to the world to grace them with the real you and all that you have to offer.

14. “If you don’t love yourself, nobody will. Not only that, you won’t be good at loving anyone else. Loving starts with the self.” – Wayne Dyer

Subconsciously, people can tell when you don’t love yourself. If you can’t love you, then they will feel the same way. Plus, you won’t be able to fully love anyone else until you can learn to love yourself.

15. “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” – William James

Everything you do makes a difference in the world. Stop telling yourself that it doesn’t because you are amazing just as you are.

Other Ways to Boost Self Confidence

Don’t Hide Who You Are

If you find yourself hiding certain things about yourself from others, you need to reevaluate. Ask yourself if there is a reason you feel the need to hide it. If there is no reason you can come up with, stop keeping it to yourself.

If you are open and honest about who you are, your confidence will benefit. This self-assuredness includes telling others about your hobbies or favorite things. When you are who you are, what you like, you’ll feel happier and more confident with yourself.

Exercise or Work Out Regularly

If you regularly exercise, you’ll see that your confidence will get a boost. You’ll feel accomplished that you stuck to an exercise regime, and it will help you be happier and more confident. Exercise is known to relieve and prevent depression and anxiety, so the benefits are plentiful.

Try Something New

It can be difficult to make yourself uncomfortable, but trying new things is essential in life. If you can be comfortable in a variety of settings, you’ll always feel more confident. Each time you step out of your comfort zone, you’re improving your confidence.

From starting a new job to meeting new people, you’ll be grateful that you gave it a shot. Each time, you will learn more from the situations, and eventually, you won’t feel so uncomfortable.

Do this regularly, and you’ll raise your self-esteem. If you only do it once in a while, however, you won’t benefit much from it. Aim for stepping out of your comfort zone every day, even if it’s something small like trying new food.

Change Your Look

Not only can your appearance affect other’s perception of you, but it also affects your perception of yourself. By simply changing up your wardrobe, you will be able to feel better about yourself and exhibit more confidence.

You will behave and think differently, depending on what you are wearing. So, if you want to experience confidence, you will want to dress in a way that makes you feel confident.

Work to Avoid Negative Self-Talk and Thoughts

Don’t tell yourself that your accomplishments are small or meaningless. You have to remember to focus more on your successes than you do on your failures or mistakes.

When you feel the negativity creeping in, make a list of all your accomplishments. This will help you remember all that you have done, so the next time the negativity doesn’t happen at all.

Fix Your Posture

If you are slouching, you’re not likely to feel very confident. Just like with the way you dress, your posture plays a significant role in your confidence levels. Studies show that practicing good posture can make you more confident and surer of yourself.

Final Thoughts on Short Inspiring Quotes for Boosting Self Confidence

Boosting your self-confidence is essential to living a happy life, and these short inspiring quotes should help. Remember them the next time you need a boost, and you’ll be able to remember why it’s essential to do so.

Your self-esteem depends on having confidence in yourself. If it will help, write out some of these short inspiring quotes and put it somewhere, you will often see it. Ensure that you are successful in life and that you reach your goals by loving who you are.

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

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!