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Scientists Reveal 7 Ways Thinking About the Past Damages Your Health

March 12, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Many of us revisit our past to gain new insights or try to heal from traumatic experiences. However, doing this often can backfire and cause us to relive painful experiences instead of moving on from them. We should look at our past as a learning tool, so we don’t repeat the same mistakes; however, many people become stuck in a cycle of rumination. The past simply harbors stories we tell ourselves, but that doesn’t mean they have to define us.

We get to choose how those experiences shaped us. For example, if you grew up in a turbulent environment, perhaps you can choose to see the silver lining and look at how that shaped your character. You probably had to be resourceful, resilient, and durable at a young age. Maybe this helped you remain calm in your adulthood when bad situations came your way.

“To get over the past, you first have to accept that the past is over. No matter how many times you revisit it, analyze it, regret it, or sweat it…it’s over. It can hurt you no more.” ? Mandy Hale

We can always put a spin on past situations and look at them with rose-colored glasses. This doesn’t mean the past didn’t hurt us, but by choosing not to let the past define your present, you can successfully move on and feel inner peace.

A dangerous cycle

Replaying old scenarios only serves to take away your power in the now. If you live in the moment and choose thoughts that empower you, then the past can no longer dictate your life. However, by rehashing painful memories of the past constantly, those thoughts will always control you and bring your energy down. Living in negativity can harm your health, as studies have shown.

Emiliana Simon-Thomas, Ph.D., science director of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, said that negative emotions such as anger and fear could become a problem when they become someone’s disposition rather than just temporary feelings. This negative outlook on life can have an impact on your physical health as well.

In fact, a 2014 study published in the journal Neurology found a link between high levels of cynicism later in life and a heightened risk of dementia compared to more trusting people. This held true even after accounting for other risk factors like age, sex, lifestyle habits such as smoking, and heart health. This way of thinking may also hurt your heart.

A 2009 study published in the journal Circulation analyzed data from nearly 100,000 women and found that the most cynical participants were more likely to have heart disease than less cynical people. The more pessimistic women also carried a higher risk of dying during the study period than those who had a more positive outlook about the world. However, thoughts and beliefs are not set in stone. You’re welcome to change them whenever you want.

Something called neuroplasticity allows us to create new neural pathways in our brains when exposed to new stimuli. Exercises such as cognitive training, physical activity, getting adequate sleep, and eating healthy foods all promote brain health and the creation of new pathways.

Now you know how malleable the brain is. So let’s go over how ruminating on the past can harm your mental and physical health.

Science reveals healthy brain habits.

Here are seven ways scientists say thinking about the past can harm your health:

Ruminating is not a good form of self-reflection because it stirs up unpleasant memories and often does nothing to alleviate psychological pain. It can enhance negative feelings because nothing can be done about the past. It cannot be changed, so the only logical solution is to simply move on. However, many people have a hard time accepting traumatic experiences in the past and get stuck in cycles of replaying these situations.

However, remaining in a negative state only serves to bring more of these experiences into your field of awareness, as this is the vibration you’re putting out. Here are the ways that rumination can harm your health.

1 – Ruminating can become another addiction and form of escape.

Just like drugs, alcohol, sex, or any other addiction, ruminating can feel right at first because it takes you out of the present moment. Humans can become addicted to anything that brings them temporary pleasure, even if it ends up harming them in the long run.

2 – Rumination can lead to depression.

Moreover, it can increase the likelihood of having recurring depressive episodes. Living in the past leads to depression because it makes us feel powerless. We can’t change it, but we want to justify what happened to us somehow. Of course, the only way to successfully deal with the past is to accept it and move on. The future is waiting for us, and we deserve to give ourselves a shot at happiness.

3 – Rumination can lead to alcohol or drug abuse.

The cycle goes like this: we think about a distressing event in our past, decide to numb our pain with substances and repeat this on a daily or weekly basis. You can see how this is maladaptive and can lead to serious health problems in the long term.

4 – Rumination can also lead to the development of eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorders.

Many people like to use food to numb their emotions, or on the other end of the spectrum, choose not to eat to punish themselves for their past. Either way, this behavior can lead to dangerous health problems such as heart issues and digestive disorders.

5 – Rumination usually leads to negative thinking if not kept in check.

Thinking negatively about our past invites these feelings into our present, which makes us feel powerless to change our lives. The future depends on our present actions, but if we constantly live in the past, then we cannot effectively make changes toward our future.

6 – Rumination can hinder problem-solving abilities.

For example, one study found that women who discovered a lump in their breast who also had ruminative tendencies waited two months longer to schedule a doctor’s appointment than women who didn’t ruminate. This can have disastrous effects on health.

7 – Ruminating increases psychological stress and cortisol levels

This point exposes a health danger. Increased stress leads lead to cardiovascular and heart disease in the future. Anytime the body is in a prolonged stressful state, the immune system can’t work as well, which can lead to disease.

How to stop thinking about the past

Because ruminating tends to work in cycles, the only way out is to simply find a new habit to occupy your time. When we live too much in the past, perhaps that means we don’t have enough going on to keep our minds focused on the here and now. The next time you catch yourself ruminating, distract your mind by going for a jog, watching a funny TV show, or anything else that releases endorphins. We want to increase our feel-good hormones, not deplete them with destructive habits such as rumination.

Humans easily pick up on habits, but the problem is, many of us reinforce destructive habits. Whether that’s having a few too many glasses of wine after work to calm our nerves, overeating, or even sleeping too much, we can become addicted to bad habits quite quickly.

Unfortunately, depression is on the rise in our modern world, and perhaps rumination is a key factor in this uptick in mental issues. By removing ourselves from the present moment and rehashing the past, we don’t leave ourselves much room to experience joy. Also, forgiveness plays a key role in our ability to move on from the past. Whether that means forgiving ourselves or others for wrongdoings, being able to practice forgiveness is essential in moving on.

Learning the art of forgiveness

Here’s how to forgive, according to Dr. Robert Enright, a pioneer in the field of forgiveness:

Know that forgiveness is always in reach
Make a choice to forgive
Make a list of people to forgive
Honor your feelings before forgiving them
Commit to forgiving them
Consider how you might have hurt others as well

In this step, feel free to reach out to those who you think deserve an apology. It might bruise your ego, but you will feel much lighter after going through this essential step.

Realize that everyone is human and makes mistakes, including you
Open your heart
Realize the pain makes you stronger

You might feel pain during this phase, but realize that the experience made you more resilient and built your character. Being able to forgive people is an essential part of being human. This skill will help you later on when you encounter others who hurt you.

Reflect on what you’ve learned

Final Thoughts on How Thinking About the Past Damages Your Well-being

Being able to forgive yourself or others is a courageous act, and often sheds light on the human condition. So give up on obsessively thinking about the past. Instead, realize the struggles people go through daily. And you also learn that their negative feelings toward you are just a reflection of something they’re going through internally. Don’t take it personally.

20 Uplifting Quotes That Build Your Self Esteem

March 11, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Your self-esteem connects to many factors, one of them being your thoughts and feelings about the circumstances around you. We feel good about ourselves when we are successful at something, achieve our goals, or feel as if we have done something good for those around us. However, at the same time, the world attacks us with so many negative images. We may feel that we are never “enough” – not smart enough, not attractive enough, or not worthy enough. Sometimes we need uplifting quotes to help recognize our worth.

The following uplifting quotes remind us that we must first love ourselves to have a positive outlook on life. We tend to be more successful if we have a healthy self-esteem. When life tends to throw lemons at you, look to these inspirational quotes to remind yourself that you ARE enough and that you do have a particular purpose.

Why is it a good idea to have healthy self-esteem? How do uplifting quotes help?

Life is never easy, no matter what your circumstances are. Some wealthy people are very lonely, even though they have no financial worries. Then there are people with no money that are blessed with loving friends and family, and they find joy in this fact.

When we have healthy self-esteem, and we have a personal joy in our lives – regardless of how “good” or “bad” the experience might be – we are better equipped to cope with the tougher situations in life. Sometimes uplifting quotes help us to see how to handle these issues.

In short, having healthy self-esteem will help you to stop overthinking situations and possibly blaming yourself for any negative things that happen. We can recite uplifting quotes when we feel anxious about life.

Next, you will tend to stop utilizing others to validate your worth. You must know your worth; it cannot be assigned to you based on the opinions of others. Your own idea about yourself is most important. Use the following uplifting quotes to realize your self-worth.

Furthermore, the more self-esteem and love you have for yourself, the more likely you are to believe that you deserve good things in life. You’ll see an increase in your motivations, and you’ll see yourself start to accomplish more personal goals. Say one of these uplifting quotes to yourself daily to lift your spirits.

Finally, when your self-esteem is healthy, you’ll find yourself overall much happier than before. You’ll find joy in areas you didn’t think possible. You might even share some of these uplifting quotes with others you suspect are having difficulty in their lives.

20 Uplifting Quotes to Renew Your Self Esteem

Keep the following citations in mind when life throws a curveball your way! Reminding yourself that you are “enough” by reading and reciting these uplifting quotes is a great way to bolster that healthy self-love that will only add to your happiness.

1. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection. (Buddha)

We often give our appreciation to our family, friends, and relationships. However, what do we give to ourselves? When we don’t have healthy self-esteem, we tend to seek our validation in others. While it is always nice to have a pat on the back for our accomplishments, we should learn to tell ourselves that we have done a great job. Focus on this uplifting quote as a reminder to love yourself.

We must first love ourselves to love others.

2. Until you value yourself, you won’t value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it. (M. Scott Peck)

Do you detest when somebody wastes your time? Put a stop to it. Ask yourself. What do I do with my own time? Am I vegging out in front of the television, or am I putting my spare time to good use?

When we truly value ourselves, we utilize our possessions for good. Only when we truly appreciate ourselves can we be of use to others. Sharing an uplifting quote such is this is an excellent reminder that we must love ourselves to give love to others.

3. A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval. (Mark Twain)

This is an uplifting quote from one of the great, outspoken individual who was often right in his assessments of others. While we don’t always associate him with uplifting quotes, Twain is correct – a man who does not hold himself in high regard will often find that he is quite uncomfortable with himself and with others.

Learning to love oneself often means accepting yourself for who you are – physically and emotionally, even mentally! We all have shortcomings, but we can learn to celebrate them as unique trademarks of ourselves. These uplifting quotes remind us that our imperfections are actually what make us who we are.

4. 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)

Again, celebrate the things that set you apart as something that makes you individual. Never let others define who you are. Are you a Star Wars “nerd”? Perhaps you are a health food “nut”? Those words are meant to categorize you as something odd, but take pride in the things you enjoy! Never, ever let anyone make you feel “less” because of your interests!

5. Love yourself first, and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world (Lucille Ball).

No one gives us an uplifting quote better than America’s favorite redhead! When you love yourself, everything else will take care of itself.

Sometimes, we have to put ourselves first. We have to learn how to press forward for the things we want. We keep trying because we love ourselves.

6. Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one. (Eleanor Roosevelt)

Individualism is a great thing! There is no one person on this earth exactly like you or me! That’s a wonderful thing! Only you can bring certain ideas to the company meeting. Only you can sing as well as you do. And only you can encourage the people around you in your special way! No matter what you do in life, no one else can perform that task the way you can. Be proud of who you are – you are an original.

7. If only you could sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person. (Fred Rogers)

You might feel small–or even insignificant. But with this uplifting quote, you can rest assured that your presence makes an impact on others. Indeed, you might be more valuable to someone than you can imagine.

8. Low self-esteem is like driving through life with your hand-break on. (Maxwell Maltz)

Have you ever tried to drive with the emergency brake on? You just drift along! Life is not meant for us to simply drift through! We are meant to just meander through life! We are meant to enjoy a rich and full life.

9. When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life. (Jean Shinoda Boler)

Part of self-love is making time for things we enjoy, such as reading, playing sports, or listening to music. We need to give our minds a break from work and worry sometimes; a hobby is a great way to do just that.

10. What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Ralph Waldo Emerson, a man with a great mind, gives us this uplifting quote. We hold high power – the power to love ourselves and to draw happiness from a positive self-assessment.

11. When you adopt the viewpoint that there is nothing that exists that is not part of you, that there is no one who exists who is not part of you, that any judgment you make is self-judgment, that any criticism you level is self-criticism, you will wisely extend to yourself an unconditional love that will be the light of the world. (Harry Palmer)

Whew! That’s a mouthful, but this uplifting quote is worthy of inclusion. Let’s break this one down. Own your thoughts, and be confident in them. Don’t judge yourself too harshly. And don’t be overly critical of yourself. Overthinking is detrimental to your mental well-being. Forgive yourself when you make mistakes–just as you would find forgiveness for others.

12. Self-care is never a selfish act – it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer to others. (Parker Palmer)

When you think of yourself and your unique skill set as a gift to those with whom you are in contact every day, you realize that your talents are a gift to those around you. It is a gift only you can provide.

13. Why should we worry about what others think of us, do we have more confidence in their opinions than we do our own?

We should never allow others’ opinions of us to determine our worth. We should do that ourselves.

14. To fall in love with yourself is the first secret to happiness. (Robert Morley)

Before you can give or receive the love of others, you must believe you are worthy of entering into a loving relationship. But how? By loving yourself, first and foremost.

15. Don’t waste your energy trying to change opinions. Do your thing, and don’t care if they like it. (Tina Fey)

When you love yourself, you can do what you feel is best for yourself. The opinions of other people are irrelevant, as long as you cause harm to nobody else.

16. Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do. (Brene Brown)

Have you made mistakes in life? Do you struggle with guilt or shame? Shed the self-loathing or embarrassment. Your errors are human. Moreover, they serve as part of your unique story. Own them, and you can carry them as a badge of honor.

17. So then, the relationship of self to others is the complete realization that loving yourself is impossible without loving everything defined as other than yourself. (Alan Watts)

To feel a rise in your self-esteem, you must also love yourself wholly. Furthermore, you must open your heart up to others. Life’s most exceptional experience is in giving and receiving affection.

18. One of the greatest regrets in life is being what others would want you to be, rather than being yourself. (Shannon Adler)

Live the life you dreamed of! Write your own story. Don’t feel obligated to follow a path that someone else sets out for you. That will lead to regret in the long run. Be confident, bold, and assured and become stronger with every goal you reach.

19. Once you embrace your value, talents, and strengths, it neutralizes when others think less of you. (Rob Liano)

Use your God-given skills to achieve all that you hope to accomplish on this earth. This uplifting quote is a valuable reminder that each of us possesses unique talents. Nobody can take those away from us. Thus, it would be a shame to turn your back because you fear the outcome.

20. To establish true self-esteem, we must concentrate on our successes and forget about the failures and the negatives in our lives. (Denis Waitley)

Failure is part of life. Bounce back from every misstep with your head held high. You’ll grow by learning from the experience and boost your self-confidence.

10 Things Cloudy Urine Can Reveal About Your Health

March 11, 2020 by Power of Positivity

You might be fascinated by some of the weird stuff the human body does. You might even think that your own body does both gross but cool things. If that is the case, you might find cloudy urine exiting your body as something that becomes oddly intriguing.

Sure, it might be interesting to see this, but cloudy urine can be indicative of some severe medical conditions. If you notice cloudy urine in the toilet more often than once, there is a problem. If you see it several days in a row, you should see your doctor right away.

Additionally, if you are experiencing pain, discomfort, fever, or other symptoms, you cannot ignore (or admire!) the cloudy urine. There is something else happening to your body in regards to the urine-making process. Here are ten conditions where cloudy urine is a primary symptom.

Cloudy Urine May Signal These Issues

1 – Kidney Infection

Kidneys can become infected just as quickly as any other part of the body. A number of different urinary infections start in the kidneys and are a result of an untreated kidney infection. The majority of a hundred thousand UTIs each year start as kidney infections.

If you experienced pain in your back, groin, or inner thighs, a fever, an upset stomach, and cloudy urine, it could be a kidney infection. When the disease is really bad, your urine will not only be dark but also have a foul smell. The pain is likely to make you double over and run screaming for your bed.

Researchers reveal new kidney stone breakthroughs.

2 – Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are calcifications in the kidneys. The calcifications harden into tiny stone shards. The shards can roll around in your kidneys for years before they finally cause symptoms.

The first sign that you might have a kidney stone is cloudy urine. Some of the acid in your urine can send some of the tiny granular stone bits out with the urine. These are not stones yet, but had they stayed in your body; they might have become larger and more jagged stones.

3 – Kidney Disease

From autoimmune disorders where kidney disease is a secondary symptom to primary kidney disease where the kidneys are dying internally, it can happen. Age is not a factor since even young people can get kidney disease. Cloudy urine, bloody and cloudy urine, and foul urine smells are signs that kidney disease may be present. This is especially true if there are no accompanying symptoms indicating an infection.

4 – Cancer of the Kidneys

Cancer of the kidneys can be detected and caught soon enough to be treated. Even in later stages, a kidney replacement can deter a systemic spread of disease. Natural and homeopathic products can ease the discomfort and help detox the body before, during, and after cancer treatments.

These 25 symptoms are red flags of kidney issues.

5 – Twisted or Blocked Ureters

The ureters are these long, slender tubes that travel from your kidneys to your bladder. It is rare, but they can become twisted. They can also be blocked by stones. Most of the patients with twisted ureters never even know that they have them until they become stuck. Unblocking the ureters may also help them untwist.

Think of it this way: a large marble is inserted into a garden hose. The marble barely fits. The water forces the marble through, but the marble gets stuck. The tube begins to kink. The water cannot get through except for a trickle. Despite the force of the water behind the marble, it cannot get through because it has caused this kink in the hose. That is precisely what happens when a stone blocks a ureter, and the ureter twists up or curls. Nothing gets through except maybe a trickle until the blockage moves out of the way. Then the ureter might unkink itself, and everything returns to normal (or it might need some assistance via a minor surgery, but usually that is the last resort).

6 – Bladder Infection

Infections from the kidneys can travel into the bladder. Then the bladder becomes infected because it holds onto the urine and the infectious cells from the kidneys. Extreme pain and a constant, urgent need to urinate are the hallmarks of a bladder infection, along with cloudy urine. The worst of the worst in bladder infections will turn your urine blood red.

Drinking lots of water and urinating regularly helps alleviate bladder infection symptoms. There are also some natural herbal remedies that increase the bladder’s natural ability to fight infection. Vitamin C and highly acidic juices help, as does antimicrobial supplements. It is an excellent idea to urinate after sex (yes, every time!) as the urine will flush harmful bacteria from the bladder and urinary tract post-coitus.

7 – Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer affects a small percentage of people annually, yet it ranks sixth highest in the list of diseases contracted. Men are far more likely than women to develop bladder cancer and far more likely to die of it. Reproductive structures related to male bladders play a part in the development of bladder cancer in men.

Bladder cancer is a very silent and deadly disease. With the exception of the presentation of cloudy or bloody urine, you might not even know you have it. The sad part is, by the time you see funky urine in the toilet bowl, cancer has grown to a stage beyond level one. If you notice your weird urine sooner, and you take the time to have it checked out, it could be the best life-saving thing you would have ever done for yourself.

Knowing the signs of bladder cancer can save your life.

8 – Prostate Cancer or Enlarged Pre-Cancerous Prostate

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a complicated way of saying noncancerous enlarged prostate. While it is treatable, it does cause men to urinate more frequently, and cloudy urine is frequent. That is because an enlarged prostate can push sperm and seminal fluid up into the bladder and make the urine cloudy.

Likewise, prostate cancer does the same thing to the bladder. The big thing here is that prostate cancer can spread to the bladder. Keeping an eye on the prostate and checking it often is a good idea. However, there are other things you can do, like drinking coffee daily, that can reduce the size of the prostate, decrease prostate cancer risks, and decrease inflammation.

9 – Urinary Tract Infections

At the very end of the urinary system is the urinary tract. After the urine travels through the ureters from the kidneys, and then from the ureters to the bladder, urine is expelled through the urinary tract. Everything from intimate sexual encounters to wiping the wrong direction can push bacteria into the urinary tract and cause an infection. (This is why urinating after sex is so important!)

Cranberry juice and a steady diet of yogurt can turn a tract infection around. The acidity of the cranberry juice (100%, not cocktail) kills bacteria in the tract and restores the PH balance of urine. The yogurt prevents bacterial growth.

10 – Diabetes

Although diabetes is not directly related to the kidneys and urinary system, excess protein and sugar are dumped in the urine. A lot of protein makes urine look cloudy, while the sugar makes the urine sharply sweet in odor. Mothers checked for gestational diabetes often have to do a dip-stick test to check for protein dumping, an indication that gestational diabetes is present.

If you are not aware of any diabetes diagnosis in yourself, a simple test strip can reveal it. In some cases, these test strips show pre-diabetes, meaning that it is not too late to turn back the clock on this disease. Diet and certain supplements can slow the progression of diabetes and sometimes even reverse it.

Learn how to eat to control diabetes.

Final Thoughts on What Cloudy Urine Means to Your Health

While seeing cloudy urine in your toilet bowl may be intriguing or fascinating to you, you should not allow your fascination to get in the way of your health. Preventing cloudy urine and the medical conditions that cause it are best, but treating it after the fact is equally important. Finding out what the problem is early on helps.

Most kidney and urinary system problems can be addressed with supplements, diet, and care. You can manage these issues from home without having to use harsh antibiotics or prescription medications. Visiting with a holistic or natural health practitioner will give you some ideas of what you can do to keep your urinary system healthy.

When you continue to experience health problems and symptoms that refuse to subside, it might be something more life-threatening. It helps to consult with a doctor and let him/her know everything you have been doing to stave off infections and diseases. Tests run on urine, and blood samples can detect more serious medical conditions. Then you can discuss with your doctor (or doctors) what you should do next about what is happening with your kidneys and urinary system.

12 Natural Beauty Hacks No Woman with Alopecia Should Ignore

March 10, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Many causes can trigger alopecia or female pattern hair loss. Thankfully, multiple natural beauty hacks can treat this condition. But you don’t need to sit around and wait for your treatments to take hold. Try these at-home beauty hacks to boost your morale and feel better, sooner

What is Alopecia?

Alopecia is a form of premature balding, where a person loses all their hair due to an underlying problem that can be genetic or from some disease. In the case of hereditary balding, it is an inherited disorder. Another common reason for female balding is a scalp disorder, where there is a restriction in the growth of hair on the head. Sometimes, scalp disorders can cause hair loss or hair thinning.

However, you may also find alopecia in younger women as well–as in puberty, even.

If you’re suffering from alopecia, don’t despair, we’ve compiled a list of 12 natural beauty hacks, for not only treating your hair-loss disorder but also remedying hairless at its source.

Doctors explain the main causes of balding.

12 Natural Beauty Hacks for treating Alopecia

Try these natural beauty hacks to see improvement.

1. Eat for your hair’s health

Eating for hair health is an essential component of your health routine; this is because it can help to reduce the signs of aging and promote healthier, shinier hair.

The problem is that, although most people are aware of the importance of consuming sufficient amounts of iron, zinc, and vitamin B6, they aren’t aware of what foods for hair growth contain those nutrients. However, a growing body of research has focused on the role of foods for hair growth in promoting healthy, healthy hair. Read on to discover some foods for hair growth that could improve your health.

2. Get rid of habits that foster alopecia

Stop the poor habits that cause hair loss. For those of you who are in the process of losing your hair, it’s essential to recognize that you’re not alone. One report estimates that approximately thirty million females in America experience female pattern hair loss.

Although they might be unaware of it, when it comes to hair loss, bad habits are a significant concern. Preventing the practices that lead to and can worsen hair loss is the best thing you can do for your well being. Below are some methods to ditch to remedy hair loss:

Over-processing hair
Overusing heating tools
Keeping hair pulled back
Using holding and gel styling products
Smoking cigarettes
Wearing wigs daily

Science explains how fenugreek support hair health.

3. Exercise to unclog hair pores

Exercising is one of the best methods for unclogging hair follicles and scalp pores. It’s an easy bet that exercises that not only help you lose weight but also improves your health. One of the most popular workout programs is aerobics. Aerobics helps in enhancing your lungs and improves circulation in your body. All these factors will help you unclog your skin’s pores (including on the scalp) and stop the formation of toxins.

However, don’t overdo exercise. In a cruel twist of science, multiple studies show that over-exercising can trigger bodily responses that can increase the rate of lost hair.

4. Supplement lost or lacking nutrients with vitamins

Supplementing lost or lacking nutrients with necessary vitamins for treating Hair-loss disorders can be a practical approach to dealing with this problem. If you are taking supplements, you should consider including the antioxidant protection from vitamin E to your supplement regimen, which is essential.

Besides, you can increase the vitamins in your diet by including more citrus fruits in your daily diet. The use of vitamin supplements for hair loss disorders can also help to control and prevent more severe symptoms of hair loss.

Here are five signs of a chronic vitamin deficiency.

5. Aloe vera hair masks

Aloe Vera, as a hair mask for hair loss treatment, has been trusted by women for hundreds of years. It reputed among the oldest natural remedies for baldness. It contains a substance that is the source of vitamins, minerals, and alkaloids, which are necessary for the growth of hair.

While Aloe Vera does not help you regrow hair, it adds vital moisture to keep your strands robust.

Research on this topic supports the notion that aloe vera might help reduce alopecia. However, scientists are still checking into the validity of this claim. Their current stance? It is safe to apply to the scalp and won’t hurt you to try.

6. Onion hair rinse

Many women with beautiful hair are aware of the healthy hair benefits onion provides. Onion rinses bald remedy bald patches, extensive thinning, and hair loss symptoms. This outcome happens because the onion is full of sulfur, which supports and is a building block for hair growth. This rinse is simple to create. The ingredients are as follows:

Boiled onion juice
Carrier oil such as olive oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or whichever oil of your preference.
Mild shampoo

Instructions: Mix ingredients and massage into the scalp. Leave in hair covered for a minimum of 2 hours. Rinse thoroughly and style as usual.

Research conducted in 2002 confirmed hair regrowth in about 87% of study participants after six weeks of application.

7. Coconut oil scalp massage

The combination of coconut oil with essential oils like lavender, rosemary, cedarwood, and the rest forms a beautiful mixture that is both calming and stimulating. An effective remedy for hair loss is an effective remedy for scalp disorders as well. That’s because if the scalp is well nourished and cleansed, then the hair growth will accelerate and will grow faster than usual. Coconut oil is an age-old beloved by many people.

It proves to protect your hair from further damage by stopping protein loss in the hair strands, according to research.

8. Egg protein hair mask

An egg is an excellent protein treatment against thinning hair and bald patches. Applying egg to the scalp and hair to the ends will strengthen and feed your hair for natural growth. Mixing the egg with honey or essential oils enhances the treatment and helps with the smell of eggs. This mask should saturate the hair for 2 hours, and rinse with a mild shampoo.

In a study on sheep, eggs helped stimulate hair follicles and encourage growth. While no research focused on humans, science deems this DIY safe to try at home.

9. Apple cider vinegar rinse

Incorporating an apple cider vinegar rinsing into your daily hair regimen helps keep your scalp sound by warding off microscopic organisms and maintaining an appropriate pH level. Apple cider vinegar delicately exfoliates the skin on your scalp. Thus, it will advance hair growth over time.

Additionally, apple cider vinegar may help forestall balding and create an environment conducive to new hair development.

10. Chia and flaxseed rinse

On the stove, in a pot, heat chia seeds in 1 cup of purified or spring water on medium warmth until it thickens into a gel-like blend. Strain out the chia seeds and mix in 1 tablespoon of aloe vera.

The wealth of Omega 3-fatty acids, supplements found in flax and chia seeds, fortify hair, remedy bald patches, lock in much-needed moisture, and forestall breakage.

11. Avoid heat styling tools

Heat can cause stress to hair follicles and cause extreme damage. Avoiding heat while healing your hair and scalp is essential to retain healthy hair growth and to promote healthy hair development. Instead of using heat tools, try stretching your hair with braiding or string stretching methods.

12. Wear sleep protection

The best way to protect and heal your hair is to protect it while you sleep. Using bonnets and other silk material hair wraps can minimize breakage during sleep. Silk and satin pillowcases are also great for protecting your locks while you rest.

Final Thoughts: Try these alopecia natural beauty hacks

Women who face a daily struggle with alopecia express a myriad of emotions. These feelings run the gamut over the embarrassment of the situation to an urge to cover it up to anger directed at the Universe over their hair loss.

Those feelings are normal and not uncommon. Indeed, studies prove that hair loss creates adverse impacts on the quality of life for women who have this condition.

Know that you are a complete woman, with or without your hair. Love yourself. Find an alopecia support group to meet others with the same struggle.

But most importantly, take care of yourself, and don’t let anyone make you feel anything less than beautiful. Your beauty radiates from within.

Add these natural beauty hacks to your self-care routine. Be patient, as they might take weeks before you start to see results and improvement in your alopecia.

Therapist Reveals Why Every Parent Needs Massage Therapy

March 10, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Massage therapy isn’t a new concept as it has been around for thousands of years. The only thing that changed over the years is that there are nearly 80 styles of this therapy now, whereas this wasn’t the case in the past.

These different styles are characterized by various pressures, techniques, and movements. The methods all include pressing or rubbing muscles and soft tissues, and sometimes they are done on different areas of the body such as forearms, elbows, or feet.

Massages are often used by adults to alleviate symptoms or to heal from injuries of many health conditions. More recently, parents have been getting massages more often than before, and therapists say that they are right to do so.

Getting a massage is beneficial in so many ways. Furthermore, it seems that every parent needs this type of therapy. It can help with aches, pains, and other problems that parents encounter. Massages can also help with some of the emotional effects of parenting, as well.

Different Types of Massage Therapy

Some of the differences in the types of massages were mentioned before, but other characteristics that are different include whether the strokes are long and smooth or short and rough. Massages can last anywhere from five minutes to two hours, depending on the type of massage.

You would decide on which type of massage you want based on the reason you want the massage. If you are looking for relaxation and stress, you’ll want a different style than if you were relieving symptoms of a health condition or an injury. Simply tell your massage therapist what you are looking for, and they will likely be able to tell you the style you need.

Other things that may help determine which style is best for you is your age, physical condition, and any unusual situations or goals you may have. With that being said, it is essential to know some of the different styles of massages you can choose from.

Japanese Korugi massage can erase wrinkles.

Swedish Massage

This is the most common type of massage therapy. The strokes are rhythmic, long, and soft, and the masseuse will knead the muscles. Getting a Swedish massage is intended to be relaxing and energizing, but it can still help with injuries.

Four standard strokes may be used in this type of massage. They include smooth, gliding strokes to relax the soft tissue, and then it is followed up with squeezing, rolling and kneading. After that, there will typically be deep, circular movements to increase blood flow before finally finishing up with short tapping.

Deep Tissue Massage

This type of massage is best for painful or stiff areas of your body. The masseuse will use slow and deliberate strokes on pressure spots for muscles, tendons, and other deep tissue. It can relive reoccurring tension and can help repair and ease any discomfort caused by muscle injuries.

Sports Massage

Best for athletes before, during, and after training and sports events, this type of massage is highly recommended. It can help with flexibility, which will help prevent injuries. It can also ease muscle strains, which will speed up healing for athletes.

Chair Massage

This is a quick type of massage, typically lasting 15 or 20 minutes. The patient will sit in a chair, fully clothed, and receive a massage of their neck, shoulders, back, arms, or hands.

Shiatsu Massage

For this type of massage, the masseuse uses their fingers to apply rhythmic pressure to pressure points on the body. You may have heard these points called acupressure points, and stimulating them can encourage the flow of energy in the body.

Hot Stone Massage

This type requires that warm stones be placed on acupressure points in the body. They are left in place for a while and are soothing and relaxing as they transfer heat into the body.

Pregnancy Massage

Changes during pregnancy take a significant toll on your body. These specific massages can help ease many problems you may encounter, including the following:

reducing stress
decreasing swelling
relieving muscle pain
easing joint pain

Thai Massage

This type of massage requires that the patient move their body into numerous positions throughout the session. It compresses muscles and helps with joint mobilization. Sometimes, it also includes acupressure techniques.

Reflexology

A masseuse doing reflexology will use their hand, thumb, and finger to stimulate points on your feet. These points are related to many different parts of your body and can ease many various ailments. It is known to encourage overall health and well-being and dramatically aids with mental health.

Why Every Parent Needs Massage Therapy

1. Improves mental health

Massage therapy can improve your overall mood, and it can lead to an improvement in mental health. It can help with anxiety and depression, alleviating the symptoms, and making them occur less often.

The mental health aid is likely because massages can lessen the cortisol levels in your body, which is a hormone that induces stress. Getting a massage can also increase the dopamine and serotonin levels in your body, which leads to happiness and relaxation.

2. Can prevent and relieve headaches

This is especially true for migraines, although it is valid for all types of headaches. Frequently, these headaches and migraines are induced by stress or lack of sleep, both issues that parents have to deal with each day. The effects of massage therapy for headaches can last for up to three weeks, making them perfect for those who suffer often.

Learn what happens when you apply gentle pressure to this point of your forehead.

3. Lessens back pain

Parenting is a tough job, and it can cause stress on your body. Many times, this stress leads to back pain. It has been found that massage therapy is more effective for reducing back pain than acupuncture. Those who have tried it have reported that they were able to reduce the number of painkillers they were taking and even the frequency in which they were being made.

4. Can restore body flexibility

After having children, your body may never be the same again. This means that flexibility may be limited compared to what it was like before. Through massage therapy, you may be able to restore some of that flexibility, however.

While you may not realize how important flexibility is, it is essential in a couple of ways. First, you need to be flexible to have the proper range of motion in your limbs. The other reason it is so important is that it encourages your body to produce natural lubrication for your joints.

5. Improves sleep

With parenthood comes a lack of sleep. This is something that everyone knows, but no one knows how to get over it. Even once your child begins sleeping through the night, you may never be able to return to your previous sleep cycles.

Luckily, this problem can be alleviated. Since massage therapy relieves stress and helps you relax, it can help you fall asleep more effectively and promotes healthy sleep cycles.

6. Boosts your immune system

With kids come germs, which means you’ll need your immune system working as best as it can. Massage therapy can help you stay healthier by boosting your immune system and decreasing the likelihood you’ll get sick from all those germs your children are sharing.

Massages even increase the number of natural killer cells. These cells can prevent you from contracting diseases and helps to fight infections off more effectively.

7. Self-care is essential

As a parent, you likely spend all of your time and energy taking care of your kids. They are your priority, and their needs and wants always seem to take precedent over your own. It is so important to think about yourself, however, and make sure to make self-care a priority.

You can’t take care of others if you aren’t taking care of yourself. Even if this means one massage a month, it could make all the difference

Where to Get Massage Therapy

A quick internet search will lead you to massage therapists in your area. From there, you will need to determine which therapists perform the type of massage you are needing. You will want to inquire about experience and certifications, and you may even want to meet the therapist before setting up your first session.

Final Thoughts on Therapist Reveals Why Every Parent Needs Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can be life-changing for many people, with parents being at the top of that list. With crazy, busy lives, and both physical and emotional strain being a part of the lifestyle, parents can greatly benefit from getting regular massages.

Before setting up a massage appointment, however, you should have an idea of what you want to achieve during the session. This will help determine the right style of massage you need, which will lead you to the right masseuse or therapist.

5 Natural Ways to Have More Energy (Without Caffeine)

March 10, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Most people wake up to a warm cup of coffee in the morning to give them energy for their day. For others, it’s more of a habitual practice and source of comfort before their hectic days begin. However, some studies have shown that large amounts of caffeine can harm your health. After all, the FDA still classifies caffeine as a drug. Additionally, we consume more of it than any other drug, thanks to our love of coffee and energy drinks.

Here’s what the FDA says about coffee and energy drinks:

“In the U.S., 80 percent of adults consume caffeine every day – the average adult has an intake of 200 mg per day, the amount in two 5-ounce cups of coffee or four sodas. A study of 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students in Ohio found that students took in an average of 53 mg of caffeine per day, but almost one in five students took in more than 100mg of caffeine each day.”

The FDA states that a 5 oz (small) cup of coffee contains 60-150 mg of caffeine, depending on the darkness of the roast.

Small amounts of coffee are fine for most people, but the caffeine still causes increases in cortisol and adrenaline which activates the fight-or-flight response. Many people report feeling more restful and calm after eliminating caffeine from their diets, although it might take a few weeks to notice any effects. In our on-the-go society, coffee and caffeine are widely touted to keep us moving, but it can have a negative effect on our health in the long run.

These six morning drinks can wake you up better than coffee.

FDA classifies coffee as a drug

Caffeine is classified as a drug in addition to being an additive, according to the FDA. Plus, the world consumes it widely. Although it’s a highly addictive substance, it doesn’t cause harm in most cases so it’s not regulated by the FDA.

However, just like other drugs, caffeine can cause withdrawal symptoms and even lead to a substance abuse disorder, according to the American Psychological Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual version 5. Abusing caffeine to where the user feels mental and physical symptoms classifies as a substance abuse disorder.

Benefits of giving up caffeine:

– Reduced headaches (however, during the withdrawal period you might notice an increase)

– Reduced tightness in muscles

– Better concentration

– Feeling more alert in the mornings

– Reduces feelings of restlessness

– More regular and healthy bowel movements

– Better regulated sleep cycles

– Better awareness of hunger and fewer junk food cravings

– More balanced, healthy response to stress

Learn ten natural ways to have more energy without caffeine.

Studies showing negative effects of caffeine on brain

According to the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, caffeine from coffee can negatively affect sleep, reduce mood and blood flow to the brain, cause harm to your metabolism and genes, and can impair memory and cognitive performance. Researchers found that ‘Peak plasma caffeine concentration is reached between 15 and 120 min after oral ingestion in humans.’ Also, caffeine takes about six hours to leave the body, so if you have a late afternoon cup, you might notice more restless, interrupted sleep. Caffeine might be a major contributor to the increase in insomnia around the globe, compounded by other factors such as stress, lack of exercise, using technology too close to bedtime, and eating unhealthy foods.

A common misconception

Many people believe that caffeine improves their ability to function, but it doesn’t in all cases. The above research found that ‘An increase in arousal improves the performance of tasks where relatively few sources of information have to be monitored, particularly under conditions when the need for selective attention is stressed by time pressure. When, on the other hand, multiple sources of information or working memory have to be used, an increase in arousal and attention selectivity has no apparent beneficial effect on performance, which may consequently even decrease.’

A metabolite in caffeine called paraxanthine has been shown to inhibit the body’s adenosine receptors, which then increases epinephrine levels and diastolic blood pressure. So, in basic terms, drinking coffee causes the fight-or-flight response to become activated because your body senses a threat. In other words, most people are getting through their days due to pure adrenaline pumping through their blood. If you feel exhausted when you get home from work, it might be due to the inevitable crash caused by caffeine.

So, now that we’ve talked about the negative effects of caffeine on the mind and body, we’ll go over some natural ways to have more energy (without the harmful side effects)

Here are 5 natural ways to have more energy without caffeine:

1 – Eat more foods that give you energy.

The body is much like a car: you put the wrong type of fuel in it, and it won’t run very well (or at all). Notice your energy levels when you eat a whole foods diet compared to a processed diet. Most people observe a surge of energy when they give up processed foods and replace them with fresh, whole foods. If you want to have balanced energy throughout the day instead of the energy crashes typical of a high-sugar diet, research shows you should eat mostly whole grains and proteins. Both of these foods offer more sustaining energy because it takes the body longer to break them down.

You’ll also want to eat plenty of dark, leafy greens. This delivers your body all the minerals it needs for optimal functioning. Fruits are important as well, but eat them sparingly to avoid fatty liver and other health issues. Also, nuts and seeds, as well as beans and legumes should be part of a balanced diet.

Bring healthy snacks such as fruits and veggies with you to the office to avoid any cravings or temptations to get vending machine snacks.

2 – Drink plenty of water.

It’s been shown that most people today suffer from chronic dehydration. We are replacing water with other unhealthy beverages such as energy drinks and coffee, which only further the dehydration. In fact, a 2015 study found that more than 10 percent of people who went to their doctor with complaints of exhaustion were actually suffering from chronic dehydration.

If you know you’re not getting enough water, make sure to carry a refillable bottle with you to work so you don’t become dehydrated. Avoid any other types of drinks for a while so you can monitor how you feel by just drinking water. For instance, instead of waking up with coffee, drink a cup of warm water with lemon instead. This will help your digestion, which will improve energy levels. Experts recommend that women drink at least 9 cups of water a day while men should drink at least 13.

3 – Get your body moving!

Unfortunately, many people don’t get enough movement in their day as our society has become more sedentary. With the advent of the Internet, this has lead to more office jobs and less need for us to be active throughout the day. However, lack of exercise has been linked to a slew of health problems as our bodies were designed to move frequently.

Exercise helps improve oxygen levels in the body as well as release feel-good hormones that increase energy levels. Plus, it lowers your risk of all types of diseases, including heart disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other illnesses. An oxygenated body wards off disease, so exercise is imperative for everyone. Aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 4 days a week.

4 – Get enough sunlight.

We spend much of our time indoors today, and depression levels are at an all-time high. When we lived more in tune with nature, we spent much more time outdoors. And time spent in nature links to overall health improvements. In fact, spending time in the sun helps your body produce Vitamin D, which links to bone health and immune system functioning. Plus, getting outside more often helps you feel more vibrant and healthy. Aim for at least 30 minutes of sun exposure per day, without any sun creams. This blocks Vitamin D absorption.

5 – Take a power nap.

Napping isn’t just for children – adults can benefit from a quick power nap too. Adults probably need naps even more than children because we have so many more responsibilities to attend to.

Research proves that naps can boost memory and increase alertness and energy levels. For a natural energy boost, try taking a 30-minute nap, but don’t overdo it because this can lead to grogginess.

Final thoughts on how to have more energy without caffeine

We hope the tips above can help you have more energy and feel better overall. By eliminating caffeine and adopting more natural energy-boosting techniques, you can avoid the inevitable coffee crash and have more balanced energy. Getting more sunshine, eating healthy, exercising, getting good sleep, and drinking enough water are all wonderful ways to boost your energy stores while getting healthier in the process.

A Teacher Shows Kids Why Washing Hands Is Important

March 10, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Washing your hands is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of disease and practice good hygiene. In highly populated places, such as schools and hospitals, washing hands and keeping clean becomes vitally essential to keep infections at bay. Here are some statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that show the importance of washing your hands:

Handwashing

It is estimated that washing hands with soap and water could reduce diarrheal disease-associated deaths by up to 50%.
Researchers in London estimate that if everyone routinely washed their hands, we could prevent a million deaths a year.
Contaminated hands spread a large percentage of foodborne disease outbreaks. Appropriate hand washing practices can reduce the risk of foodborne illness and other infections.
Handwashing can reduce the risk of respiratory infections by 16%.
The use of an alcohol gel hand sanitizer in the classroom provided an overall reduction in absenteeism due to infection by 19.8% among 16 elementary schools and 6,000 students.

A teacher proves this point

Speaking of elementary schools, Jaralee Metcalf, a behavioral specialist from Idaho Falls Elementary School, wanted to show her students the importance of washing their hands. She came up with a clever experiment. She proved to the kids first-hand how washing their hands could reduce the spread of germs and help everyone around them be healthier in turn.

At the start of winter, when the flu season typically begins, Jaralee realized how tired she was from getting sick. She knew that working around children would inevitably expose her to germs, but she wanted to show her students how washing their hands could reduce contamination.

The experiment

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10212869932103594&set=pcb.10212869900302799&type=3&theater

To explain how bacteria spread and why the kids needed to wash their hands thoroughly several times per day, Jaralee came up with a test. She asked several students with various hygiene levels to touch five pieces of white bread taken from the same loaf at the same time. They put the slices of bread in different bags to study how the bread would look after one month.

Details of the experiment

The first piece was wiped on all the classroom Chromebooks. The second one used as a control – it wasn’t touched and was promptly put into a bag. The third piece of bread was touched by the entire class who hadn’t washed their hands and placed in a bag labeled “dirty hands.” The fourth piece was touched once again by the whole class, but only after they had washed their hands with soap and water. For the final piece of bread, the class used hand sanitizer and then touched the piece of bread.

Slice #1 wiped on laptops

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Obviously, the laptop slice looked the worst out of them all, but the school hadn’t sanitized the laptops (which they normally do) before the experiment. However, this shows how easily germs can spread when people don’t regularly wash their hands.

Slice #3 with unwashed hands

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The dirty hands slice still looked pretty disgusting after one month, but not nearly as bad as the Chromebook slice.

The clean slice

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The only slice of bread that didn’t show bacteria growth was the fourth one. This clearly shows the importance of washing our hands!

The hand sanitizer slice

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10212906608780488&set=pb.1848286980.-2207520000..&type=3&theater

Surprisingly, the hand sanitizer slice still contained a lot of bacteria, even though hand sanitizer is advertised as a powerful anti-bacterial. This experiment shows why hand sanitizer should never replace proper handwashing. Jaralee shared the results of the experiment on her Facebook to show everyone why they need to be diligent about washing their hands, and hundreds of parents and teachers from other schools shared the experiment on their pages.

This experiment is very relevant at this time with the spread of the Coronavirus. However, it’s not a cause for alarm as long as you practice good hygiene and keep your immune system up, which includes washing your hands. Of course, there is a proper way to wash your hands for maximum cleanliness.

Final Thoughts About Washing Hands

The right way to wash your hands is to wet your hands with clean, warm, or hot running water and apply soap. Rub your hands together while the soap lathers. Thoroughly scrub the backs and front of your hands, between your fingers and under the nails. Do this routine for 20 seconds. In fact, the CDC recommends singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice. Then afterward, rinse your hands under hot running water and dry with a paper towel.

Scientists at CDC do not recommend the use of air dryers. That’s because hot-air hand dryers in public restrooms suck up bacteria from the air, and place them on the newly cleaned skin. This clearly defeats the purpose of washing your hands in the first place, so avoid air dryers in public bathrooms.

CDC Reveals Rapid Increase In Undiagnosed Autism Rates Since 2010

March 10, 2020 by Power of Positivity

As a parent, you might be wondering about the ever-rising autism rates. More and more kids are diagnosed today with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD than ever before.

Today there exists better diagnostic tools and a better grasp of ASD, which could affect this increased number. However, scientists realize there are more children with autism than anticipated. Many people wonder if autism is on the rise in the United States. So, are undiagnosed autism rates going up?

Recent studies

The Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network (ADDM) was started in 2000. This group has observed over 300,000 eight-year-old kids in sixteen different states looking for symptoms of ASD. Using the ADDM process, a study began a decade ago to determine how many four-year-old children in certain areas showed characteristics of ASD. This study examined undiagnosed autism rates in seven specific districts and lasted for one year during the years 2010, 2012, and 2014.

Results:

Here are the results over the first three years:

2010, 1 out of every 75 four-year-olds in five areas in the United States received a diagnosis of ASD.
2012, 1 in 66 four-year-olds in five of the areas in the US classified as having ASD.
2014 revealed 1 in 59 four-year-olds in six of the areas had symptoms of ASD.

Then in 2018, ADDM conducted another study on older children, finding that 1 in 59 eight-year-olds in eleven different areas showed characteristics of ASD. This study shows that ASD cases are on the rise. Of course, how we define ASD has changed, too, so that could be part of the reason. Plus, there are more studies being conducted all over the United States, but despite these other reasons, scientists believe the number of children with autism is growing.

Lack of diagnosis

Recently, Rutgers University conducted a study where children in specific areas were observed for ASD. Many of the kids who showed ASD characteristics but had never been diagnosed with ASD. This study revealed that out of 4,498 children, 1,135 had ASD characteristics, without previously being diagnosed. Researchers think these kids were not diagnosed for several reasons. The probable causes include:

Being part of a minority group.

Language and cultural differences can slow down the complicated process of determining if a child has ASD. If English isn’t the child’s first language, an ASD diagnosis will also be delayed.

Minority parents may distrust the assessment, insisting the child has a medical condition, or it’s a cultural issue instead of ASD. These situations delay a child’s evaluation and treatment.

Doing okay in school

If the child is doing well academically in the early grades, his parents, teachers, or doctors may not be concerned.

Older age before diagnosed

Some children with ASD function well socially and academically. Adults may not have ASD concerns until the child is older. This delays the opportunity for evaluation and treatment.

Every parent should request an ASD evaluation. Those children with even the smallest signs of autism should receive an immediate diagnosis. ASD can be detected in kids as early as two years old. Doctors and teachers must help parents understand that early detection and treatment can give their child the best opportunity for treatment.

Signs of autism

Autism is a formative condition that affects a child’s social communication and ability to function. ASD is a spectrum condition, which means this disorder has differing symptoms, from acute to mild.

Classic symptoms of ASD include:

Inability to relate socially or to function in age-appropriate communication
Repetitive actions or talk
They can’t perform in a class or complete their work.

Children with autism have social irregularities along with inflexibility in certain circumstances. Some symptoms are more exaggerated than others, but all kids with ASD have social and behavioral issues at some level.

Social irregularities

Not able to make eye contact with you
Won’t listen or look at you when asked. They may need a visual sign for you to get their attention.
Repetitive or obsessive behavior about a subject. Will talk incessantly about it, monopolizing the conversation.
Can’t interact with other children to share or act in a give- and- take play situation
Won’t respond when you call their name
Hand flapping, lip-smacking or clicking with their tongue or other unusual noises that aren’t typical for their age group
Lack of inflection in their speech, a monotone sounding voice.
Misses social cues, lacks intuitiveness associated with social interactions.

Inflexible or repetitive behavior

Obsessive about a topic such as numbers, a favorite comic, an animal, or a toy. They’ll read, talk and write only about this topic in school assignments.
Overly detail-oriented about a particular object or topic
Can’t transition well, gets easily irritated if their routine is disrupted
Gets overstimulated easily

Strong learners

Some children with ASD often have an exceptional ability to learn–and that’s a contributor to undiagnosed autism rates. Their challenges with learning are more common ones like interacting with a group in a classroom, sharing ideas appropriately, and being flexible around people. These kids often have are

Able to learn details quickly and to retain them
Exceptional in math or science or art
Great visual learner

NDBI for children with autism

Fortunately, early diagnosis and treatment help kids with autism learn to function well in social situations and be more flexible. Studies show that naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention or NDBI is a successful way to teach children with ASD. This intervention is two-fold, teaching excellent social and behavior skills in comfortable settings, motivating the child with rewards like games, toys, or privileges.

These sessions are usually led by a special education teacher who asks the ASD children questions encouraging their interactive discussion. She may stop and help a child to look her in the eyes or stop talking so others can share. When the discussion continues, if the child looks in her eyes and allows others to speak, the instructor rewards the child, usually with a special privilege to play with a specific toy or play a game they like.

The goal is to teach good social interaction at a young age. These sessions may be playtime for the child, such as playing a card game where the child must ask another child for a card, wait his turn and learn how to respond to losing or winning the game.

What if my child has autism?

You may suspect your child isn’t developing as he should. Perhaps for his age, he is behind in speech, and he doesn’t interact with others with eye contact or expression. Or he seems like a daydreamer, lost in his world. Your observations are helpful, and if you have any concerns, you should talk with your child’s pediatrician.

Scienced classifies ASD into five distinct syndromes. The symptoms of these syndromes look different in different children. The good news is that detecting ASD early and providing treatment will help. Never assume your child won’t have a happy, productive life. Many children and adults with ASD enjoy a great productive life at school, work, and in their community.

Five syndromes of autism are:

Asperger’s syndrome
Rhett syndrome
Childhood Disintegrative disorder
Kanner’s syndrome
Pervasive development disorder

Asperger’s syndrome

Kids with Aspergers don’t understand social norms. They may get obsessed over a topic, talking incessantly about it. However, they are often incredibly intelligent and command a fantastic vocabulary. Certain clothes may bother them, and they’ll refuse to wear anything with a texture they dislike. They need NDBI to teach them social protocols and how to be flexible. Changing their diet may help by eliminating sugar and food dyes.

Rett syndrome

Only girls are affected by this condition. Symptoms start at six months. These symptoms include hand flapping, delayed talking difficulties with fine and gross motor skills. Furthermore, the symptoms worsen over time with breathing problems, mental remission, teeth grinding, and lack of growth. Girls with Rett syndrome will need care for their entire life. Physical therapy may also help.

Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD)

This is a severe disorder where a child develops typically until he reaches the age of two, then suddenly regresses. This syndrome is baffling to parents and doctors. The child may stop talking or looking into the eyes. They may lose the social abilities they had. Kids with CDD need early treatment, diet changes, speech, and occupational therapy.

Kanner’s syndrome

This is your classic autism. Children with Kanner’s syndrome may have social ineptness, don’t make eye contact, overly sensitive to noise and light. These kids may be in loners, without interest in other people or activities. They do well in programs with other kids, need occupational therapy, and NDBI therapy to teach them social interactions.

Pervasive development disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

Kids with PDD-NOS may not seem like they have autism. They may have social, physical, or speech delays, but then grow out of it. These kids often learn to overcome their challenges, totally unaware they have PDD-NOS. Additionally, they do need training in social skills, and changes in their diet can help, too.

Final Thoughts on Rising Autism Rates

Undoubtedly, undiagnosed autism rates are up. Researchers are working hard to equip doctors, parents, and teachers to detect autism early on in a child. Children with autism benefit from consistent therapy will help them function at their schools, work, and communities.

25 Motivational Quotes from The Best Pop Songs Ever

March 10, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Music is powerful. It has to ability to bring us to tears or cause us to take action. That’s why it is so great when it comes to motivating you. Pop songs are no exception.

These songs are often upbeat and can be quite inspiring when you’re trying to motivate yourself.

Pop songs can greatly improve our mood and help us get moving. Whether you are wanting to start a difficult task or need a push to go for a run, music has the power to inspire you.

Upbeat pop songs can also help us process information more quickly and improve our memory. That means that if you need the motivation to finish some work, a little music can help you process it more quickly and retain information better.

Motivation from Hit Pop Songs

If you need a boost of dopamine or a little push to take action, these motivating pop songs will give you a boost to help you get any task done. The quotes from these songs will inspire you to work harder, accept yourself, and inspire you to change the world.

1. Fight Song, Rachel Platten

“And I don’t really care if nobody else believes. ‘Cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me.”

This song says, “I’m not giving up” loud and clear. No matter what you’re going through, this quote will give you the pick-me-up you need to fight your battles and stay strong.

2. Fighter, Christina Aguilera

“Made me learn a little bit faster. Made my skin a little bit thicker. Makes me that much smarter. So thanks for making me a fighter.”

Everyone goes through something that drags us down, but this song will have you dusting off your shoulders and getting back up. Yeah, it was rough, but you know what, you learned something from it, and it’s a mistake you won’t repeat.

3. Unstoppable, Sia

“I’m so powerful, I don’t need batteries to play. I’m so confident, yeah, I’m unstoppable today.”

This is one of those perfect pop songs to listen to if you have been told no when you really believe in something. This quote says you’re a force to be reckoned with, and you’re not backing down.

4. Stronger, Britney Spears

“You might think that I can’t take it, but you’re wrong. ‘Cause now I’m stronger than yesterday. Now it’s nothing but my way.”

When people underestimate you, it always feels good to be able to come out ahead, and that’s exactly what this quote says.

5. Eye of the Tiger, Survivor

“It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the fight, Risin’ up to the challenge of our rival. And the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night, and he’s watchin’ us all with the eye of the tiger.”

You don’t have to be a fan of the Rocky movies to love this song. Its beat makes you want to move, and the words drive you to take action.

6. Lose Yourself, Eminem

“You better lose yourself in the music, the moment, you own it. You better never let it go, you only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow. This opportunity comes once in a lifetime.”

This song became a crossover hit when it was released thanks to its uptempo beat and inspiring words. Love or hate Eminem–there’s no denying this song gets you pumped.

7. Try, Pink

“But just because it burns, doesn’t mean you’re gonna die. You gotta get up and try, and try, and try.”

This one of those great pop songs to listen to if you are struggling in a relationship. Yes, it’s hard, but you can’t give up.

8. Confident, Demi Lovato

“So you say I’m complicated, That I must be outta my mind, But you had me underrated… What’s wrong with being confident?”

There’s nothing wrong with being certain of yourself, and this song reminds you of that with these power lyrics.

9. Brave, Sara Bareilles

“You can be amazing. You can turn a phrase into a weapon or a drug, you can be the outcast, or be the backlash of somebody’s lack of love. Or you can start speaking up.”

The opening quote from this song sets the mood. You have the power to act, but if you don’t act, nothing will change. Be brave.

10. Roar, Katy Perry

“I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter. Dancing through the fire, ‘Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar.”

Whether you feel unheard or just want to feel empowered, this song will help you speak your mind and take action.

11. Most Girls, Hailee Steinfeld

“Most girls are smart and strong and beautiful, most girls, work hard, go far, we are unstoppable, most girls, our fight to make every day. No two are the same…I wanna be like, most girls.”

There’s nothing wrong with being a girl, and the lyrics from this song make sure everyone knows it.

12. Survivor, Destiny’s Child

“I’m a survivor, I’m not gon’ give up, I’m not gon’ stop, I’m goin’ work harder, I’m a survivor, I’m gonna make it. I will survive, keep on survivin'”

This is another great quote from a song for when you feel like you’ve been left in the dust. It reminds you to keep pushing, keep trying, and keep surviving.

13. Girl on Fire, Alicia Keys

“Everybody stands, as she goes by. Cause they can see the flame that’s in her eyes. Watch her when she’s lighting up the night.”

When you are on fire, no one can touch you. Is there any better way to motivate you than to remind you of the fire within?

14. I Will Survive, Gloria Gaynor

“I’m not that chained-up little person and still in love with you. And so you felt like dropping in and just expect me to be free. Well, now I’m saving all my lovin’ for someone who’s loving me.”

When you know your worth, there’s no going back. This is the perfect song to remind us of that.

15. I am Woman, Helen Reddy

“Oh yes, I am wise, but it’s wisdom born of pain. Yes, I’ve paid the price, but look how much I gained. If I have to, I can do anything.”

This I the anthem from the women’s liberation movement for a good reason. It reminds women that they can accomplish anything they put their minds to.

16. Unwritten, Natasha Beddingfield

“Feel the rain on your skin. No one else can feel it for you. Only you can let it in. No one else…Can speak the words on your lips. Drench yourself in words unspoken. Live your life with arms wide open. Today is where your book begins. The rest is still unwritten.”

These lyrics remind us that we write our own destiny. You have the power to do anything you desire, and it all starts right now.

17. High Hopes, Panic at the Disco

“Had to have high, high hopes for a living. Shooting for the stars when I couldn’t make a killing. Didn’t have a dime, but I always had a vision. Always had high, high hopes.”

This quote reminds us that we have to keep our hopes high and stick to our vision. It’s easy to feel down when we are struggling, but if we stick with it, our struggles can turn into amazing things.

18. You Gotta Be, Des’ree

“Listen as your day unfolds. Challenge what the future holds. Try and keep your head up to the sky. Lovers, they may cause you tears. Go ahead, release your fears. Stand up and be counted. Don’t be ashamed to cry.”

This quote is from one of the most motivational pop songs ever written. Yes, this world is going to challenge you, but your attitude and determination make all the difference.

19. It’s My Life!, Bon Jovi

“This is for the ones who stood their ground. It’s for Tommy and Gina, who never backed down. Tomorrow’s getting harder, make no mistake. Luck ain’t enough. You’ve got to make your own breaks.”

If you’re ready to take the bull by the horns, this song will motivate you with its upbeat tempo and empowering lyrics.

20. Not Afraid, Eminem

“I’m not afraid, To take a stand, Everybody, Come take my hand. We’ll walk this road together, through the storm. Whatever weather, cold or warm.”

Eminem has never been afraid to speak his mind, and that has never been more motivational than the lyrics of this song.

21. Skyscraper, Demi Lovato

“You can take everything I have. You can break everything I am. Like I’m made of glass. Like I’m made of paper. Go on and try to tear me down. I will be rising from the ground, like a skyscraper.”

If you get knocked down, get back on your feet. These lyrics speak volumes when it comes to getting back after a hard fall.

22. What a Feeling, Irene Cara

“What a feeling, bein’s believin’. I can have it all. Now I’m dancing for my life. Take your passion and make it happen. Pictures come alive. You can dance right through your life.”

This song reminds us not to give up on our dreams and turn our passions into something more. It’s a nice reminder for those who work a day job while trying to follow our passions on the side.

23. Phoenix, Fall Out Boy

“So we can take the world back from the heart-attacked. One maniac at a time, we will take it back.”

This song is all about taking action and rising from the ashes. This quote says that the time is ours, it’s our turn.

24. That’s My Girl, Fifth Harmony

“Get mad independent, and don’t you ever forget it. Got some dirt on your shoulder, then let me brush it off for ya. If you’re feeling me, put your five high, That’s my girl!”

This quote reminds us that we’re going to get knocked down, but you have to dust off and get back up every time.

25. Never Give Up, Sia

“No, I won’t never give up…And I won’t let you get me down. I’ll keep gettin’ up when I hit the ground.”

This motivational song is a reminder to not give up. No matter how many times the world beats us up, it’s up to us to fight for ourselves. No one will do it for you.

Final Thoughts: Use These Lyrics from Top Pop Songs to Get Motivated

Whether you are struggling to achieve your dreams, feel like the world has a vendetta against you, or need that extra reminder that you write your own destiny, the quotes from these pop songs will empower and inspire you.

Now, create a playlist and get started. There’s no time like the present to make your dreams come true and live your life to the fullest.

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