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Cheater Words to Never Ignore from Your Partner

February 10, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Has your partner been tipping their hand about extraneous activities, using cheater words or giveaways?

For any man or woman, finding out about a cheating partner can be devastating. But catching your partner is not as easy as it seems. Sometimes, it takes years before you know. Confronting your spouse or partner soon turns into an ugly argument because cheaters rarely admit infidelity.

If you are trying to suss out whether your partner is cheating or not, search for clues in his behavior. In case you don’t find anything unusual, look for any red flags to identify gaslighting or subtle manipulation in his conversation.

In most cases, cheaters will do everything in their power to deny their betrayal. No matter how much evidence you gather against them, they will always have amazing comebacks and won’t confess unless you catch them physically in the act.

Here 14 common cheater words to never ignore from your partner.

1 – They lie to you.

While this one seems obvious, it may come to you as a complete shock if you truly love your partner. Even if you know all about your partner’s habits, cheating is never an easy one to embrace.

But how do they cover-up? By lying to you as frequently as the need arises.

2 – They lie to themselves

Chronic cheaters are dishonest, not just with you but also with themselves.

If you had a chance to enter into a chronic cheater’s head, you would find out that they use lying as a weapon to fight guilt and justify their behavior. Over time, this habit becomes so strong that they turn into pathological liars.

In most cases, they assure themselves that whatever they are doing is not hurting anyone. It really doesn’t matter what they are lying about. The issue is that they fail to be honest and true to their partner.

3 – They are guilty of gaslighting

Gaslighting is when someone attempts convincing you not to trust your own mind. As a result, you feel disillusioned and crazy. It’s common for cheaters to gaslight their partners in many ways.

Here are some of the cheater words that come out of your partner’s mouth when they are gaslighting.

4 – ‘You are overreacting.’

If you ever tried asking your partner about something unusual that recently happened, a cheater may want you to feel as if you are blowing something out of proportion. What they are actually trying to do is change the subject as quickly as possible by making you feel as if you are overreacting to the whole situation.

5 – ‘You are just paranoid.’

Are you really? When he smells like perfume all the time and comes home late every Friday, that’s the last thing you want to hear. Whether you saw your partner kissing someone or caught him having dinner with any of his colleagues, that’s the reply you get when you are upset or flustered. Maybe he’s right. But if it starts happening too often, it’s time to trust your eyes and not give in to him.

6 – ‘You are crazy.’

As if being paranoid wasn’t enough, now he wants you to think that you are downright crazy. That’s the reply you usually get when you are questioning your partner about his infidelity. Cheaters have a hard time admitting that they are lying to their partners. So the easiest way to deceive them is to make the idea so absurd that you start wondering if you are going crazy. Mind games and confusion become a regular part of this ugly cheating game, and you start believing that you are the crazy one in the relationship.

That’s not a very pleasant thing to hear, especially when it comes to your special someone. The highly insulting retort is just another gaslighting technique to shift the blame. These famous cheat words make you doubt your instinct and concerns.

In addition to these statements, remember to look out for these common cheater words when you doubt your partner.

7 – ‘I have to be out of town for the weekend.’

Who works on weekends? Even if he does, it can’t be twice or thrice a month. Ask questions to find out details about accommodation and travel. If your partner stutters or struggles to find the right words, you can confront him.

8 – ‘She/he is just a friend.’

Is your partner or spouse labeling an obscure relationship as a platonic friendship? It may be an excuse to spend time with someone other than you, without any guilt or remorse.

9 – ‘My battery died.’

All battery-related excuses are becoming absurd, with so many hi-tech options available to keep your phone alive. However, people continue to use this one to account for missed communications and lost time. Your partner or spouse is likely to avoid your calls when he is with someone else. Unless he is stuck in a four-hour-long meeting, your partner can always find a way to contact you to ensure everything is ok.

10 – ‘It’s all Your fault.’

But is it really? Do you remember the last time your spouse or partner admitted their mistake? Is he always trying to shift the blame on you no matter how hard you try to right things between the two of you?

Another way to shift the blame on you, your partner tries to make you feel guilty by giving you this lame excuse. While everyone has problems in their relationships, it is not one individual job to fix everything.

11 – ‘It’s not my fault.’

Again, if they are not blaming you, they are saving themselves from any blame. This blame game continues until the day you finally catch them. Your cheating partner says this every time you two have an argument. By blaming everything on you, they are not just lying to you but themselves as well.

12 – ‘You Are Not Meeting My Needs’

That’s another way of putting the burden of all your relationship problems on you as your partner transfers the blame on you again. Apart from being a cowardly move on his behalf, it is also another way of saying that you are not enough for him. Well, that still doesn’t give him any reason to cheat on you.

Remember never to accept responsibility for the mistakes they made, because you are not the one who cheated.

13 – ‘I am not going anywhere.’

If they constantly feel the need to assure you that, maybe the thought is lurking somewhere in their mind. They insist that everything is perfect and nothing or nobody is pulling them apart from you. In reality, they are only making a false promise only to disappear without leaving any trace.

That’s just one of the comebacks they have for the ‘Where are you?’ question. Even if you didn’t ask them, they would keep on telling you that they are not going anywhere and that they are always going to be around. Sometimes, that’s just another of saying that ‘I am already gone, but you don’t know it.’

14 – ‘I’m not being myself.’

Exactly! Don’t mistake these cheater words for an honest confession. Try asking why and your cheating spouse or partner is going to be at a loss for comebacks. If you complain to your partner about being distant, that’s all they have to say to you, without any solid reason.

Learn the primary reasons why couples argue.

Unless you are sick, depressed, or stressed-out, you are going to be just the way you want to be. Remember to track their behavior and point out changes in their behavior or routine on special occasions such as holidays and family events.

You Might Be Wondering Why Cheaters Lie?

While we all have our own narratives about why people, especially cheaters, lie, it is just a way of denying the facts and fooling your partner. Chronic cheaters are prone to lying. Making up excuses and cooking up stories helps them convince you that you are the one at fault.

Sometimes, they make up the most bizarre stories only to deny they ever had a choice in the first place. Cheaters usually play the victim until you catch them red-handed. For many cheaters, lying is the best way to stay free of guilt and confrontation. It buys them more time and gives them an easy way out to continue cheating on you for as long as they like.

While it’s of little comfort, you are not alone in the demographic of relationships that face infidelity. Statistics suggest that as many as 25% of men and 20% of women admit to cheating at least one relationship.

Final Thoughts on Detecting Cheater Words and Actions

Although it is true that some women and men can carry on affairs for decades without their romantic partners or spouses knowing, it is rare. Catching your cheating partner, becomes easy when you are aware of some of the most popular cheater words, including the ones we mentioned in this article.

Cheaters do everything to hide their secret so you or nobody else can know about it. But they are sure to make a mistake sooner or later. For that reason, there are always making up excuses to cover it up for as long as they can. Sometimes, strong women can tell when their man is lying.

All you have to do is be ready with the comebacks, every time they try gaslighting you when you confront them. Remember the most common cheater words that we highlighted in this guide to make sure you never fall for their lies again.

Psychologists Reveal 25 Phobias Diagnosed Commonly Around the World

February 10, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Phobias are more than just regular fears as they cause those who suffer from them to change their lifestyle or build their lives around their aversion. Even imagined fears could set them into a panic, so coming anywhere near the fear can be completely debilitating.

As a diagnosable mental disorder, a psychological professional can treat or ease phobias in their patients. With more than 19 million people suffering from phobias in the United States alone, the number from across the world is significantly higher.

Even if someone knows that their phobia is unwarranted, it doesn’t stop the uncomfortable feelings that accompany them. Some of those feelings include sweating, chest tightening or pains, anxiety, fear, shaking, and many other sensations.

Research reveals that many common phobias are the same across the world, and they include the following:

Trypanophobia
Escalaphobia
Astraphobia
Agoraphobia
Equinophobia
Hoplophobia
Cynophobia
Aquaphobia
Mysophobia
Zoophobia
Aerophobia
Hypochondria
Gerontophobia
Necrophobia
Acrophobia
Emetophobia
Ligyrophobia
Nyctophobia
Ophidiophobia
Claustrophobia
Autophobia
Social Phobia
Arachnophobia
Nomophobia
Pyrophobia

Common Phobias Around the World

1. Trypanophobia

The fear of injections can cause people to avoid doctors, dentists, and other health professionals altogether. If they know a medical treatment will require the use of a needle, they’ll either skip the procedure or experience increased heart rate and feelings of dread and anxiety in the time leading up to the treatment. Others with trypanophobia pass out during an injection.

2. Escalaphobia

The fear of escalators is real for those who suffer from escalaphobia. If escalators are the only way up or down, the person will likely opt-out.

3. Astraphobia

People with this phobia may experience increased heart rate, shaking, and sweating during a thunder and lightning storm. During a storm, you’ll find those who have this phobia hiding out until it’s over. They may also spend more time than others tracking the weather.

4. Agoraphobia

This phobia brings on a fear of being alone or being in a place where escape isn’t always easy. Those who have agoraphobia may avoid crowded areas, open spaces, and anywhere else they may be left alone or without a direct escape route. In some cases, the person may avoid leaving their home altogether.

5. Equinophobia

The fear of horses causes those who suffer to panic or have anxiety at even the mere thought of horses. Sometimes the idea isn’t enough to trigger the phobia, and being near a horse is what triggers it, however. Either way, this fear is all too real.

6. Hoplophobia

Just the thought of guns can cause feelings of anxiety for people who suffer from this. Movies or TV shows that include guns are avoided, and if they know someone carries a weapon, they’ll likely avoid that person altogether.

7. Cynophobia

More commonly called the fear of dogs, personal experiences from childhood usually cause this phobia. Whether a child saw a dog behave aggressively or if they have been bitten themselves, the fear can carry on throughout their lives.

Suffering from cynophobia is different than just being skeptical of strange dogs because it is excessive. This excessiveness causes instances of avoiding places where there are dogs, even if those dogs are familiar and known to be excellent.

8. Aquaphobia

This fear of water includes lakes, oceans, swimming pools, and even bathtubs. It can cause a huge problem when it comes to hygiene.

9. Mysophobia

This is the fear of germs and dirt. It can lead to or be the cause of the obsessive-compulsive disorder. Those who have the phobia will compulsively wash their hands, engage in extreme cleaning, regularly, and avoid places that may be dirty.

Taking it even further, some who have Mysophobia avoid physical contact, overuse disinfectants, and obsess over illness outbreaks.

10. Zoophobia

This phobia applies to all animals. No matter the shape or size, animals will trigger anxiety or other uncomfortable feelings in those with zoophobia. This condition normally stems from some traumatic events earlier in life.

11. Aerophobia

Although airplane accidents are rare, the fear of flying still affects a significant amount of adults. This fear can cause trembling, increased heartbeat, disorientation, or avoidance of flying. It can be overcome through exposure therapy by first envisioning riding in an airplane, then by seating in the seat, and eventually by flying a short distance.

12. Hypochondria

This sounds like something everyone deals with, but for those with hypochondria, the fear of becoming ill is more than just worry. It causes the person to be overly concerned with their health, and they begin fearing they have many illnesses based on undiagnosed conditions and symptoms.

13. Gerontophobia

This condition contains two separate fears; the fear of growing old and a fear of the elderly. Both fears can cause problems in life, as everyone has to face growing old, and everyone has to face older people at some point.

14. Necrophobia

The fear of death or of anything pertaining to death is called necrophobia. Sometimes just the mention of death can cause concern for those who have this phobia, while others need to see corpses, coffins, or the like before their anxiety sets in.

15. Acrophobia

The fear of heights affects a large portion of people from across the globe. This phobia can cause anxiety attacks, and those who are afraid tend to avoid heights altogether.

16. Emetophobia

The fear of vomiting causes severe anxiety and can be related to vomiting in public, the fear of seeing vomit, the fear of watching someone vomit, or the fear of feeling nauseous.

17. Ligyrophobia

This is the fear of loud noises, including loud voices or even a person’s own voice. It can cause people to avoid going out or having people over to their home.

18. Nyctophobia

The fear of darkness causes breathlessness, sweating, nausea, dry mouth, a general sick feeling, shaking, the inability to think or speak clearly, and many other uncomfortable feelings. Since this fear is common in children, it is only considered a real phobia if it lasts for more than six months or occurs in older children and adults.

19. Ophidiophobia

Also known as the fear of snakes, this phobia is common. The reason for the phobia varies, however, as some people are turned off by the idea that snakes are disgusting, and others are afraid of poisonous bites.

20. Claustrophobia

An overwhelming fear of tight or crowded places can cause the person to avoid windowless rooms, elevators (especially crowded ones), and even driving on busy roads. As one of the most common fears in the world, it can lead to panic or anxiety attacks and oftentimes, requires therapy to cope with.

21. Autophobia

The fear of being alone or being abandoned can cause a person to cling to those close to them in an unhealthy way. It stems from being abandoned as a child or of just feeling like they were alone as a child.

22. Social Phobia (AKA Social Anxiety Disorder)

Being fearful of social situations is a real phobia that affects many people across the world. It can cause people to avoid social events or any place that may be busy. While this is technically not a “phobia,” it does impact millions of people.

While those with a minor case of the phobia will avoid public speaking, others with a more severe case avoid school and work. This causes problems with everyday functioning and interferes with the person’s ability to take care of themselves.

Psychologists explain how to fight social anxiety.

23. Arachnophobia

The fear of spiders and other arachnids often causes uncomfortable feelings in people. Arachnophobia can be triggered by a simple picture of a spider in some with this phobia, while others may have to see a real spider to be bothered.

From hearing stories of ancestors who were poisoned by a spider bite to watching movies where spiders killed people, arachnids are a common fear amongst people from all over the world.

24. Nomophobia

This is a newer phobia and is the fear of being away from a cell phone or electronic device. If someone uses electronic devices impulsively or as a way to avoid socializing, they may suffer from this fear.

This fear goes so far for some people that they carry multiple devices with them at all times and always have a charger handy. They never turn their phone off, keep it nearby even when they are sleeping, and they constantly check it for missed calls or messages.

25. Pyrophobia

The fear of fire can become so intense for some people that it becomes a true phobia for them. They may feel fearful even when a fire isn’t an actual danger at the time, as even just the thought can cause anxiety. This same phobia also includes high temperatures.

Final Thoughts on Phobias and Mental Health

Suffering from phobias and serious fears can be debilitating and life-altering. This is especially true when the person suffering knows that the phobia is unwarranted and still can’t control it.

Luckily, there is help if you seek a therapist who specializes in phobias and overwhelming fears. Eventually, you can live a somewhat normal life without the fears affecting your daily life. With many people suffering all over the world, you are not alone.

15 Anemia Symptoms to Never Ignore

February 10, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Anemia is the world’s most common blood disorder. It affects about three million people in the US and over 1.6 billion people in the world. Here’s why it’s critical to know how to identify anemia symptoms. While anybody can develop anemia, it is most common in small children. Anemia can also affect some animals, including dogs and cats.

There are over 400 types of anemia. A patient with anemia, however, will always have an abnormally low number of red blood cells circulating through their body. In many cases, the patient will have a condition that is causing their body to break down red blood cells at an abnormally rapid rate or impairing their body’s ability to produce new red blood cells.

Anemia Symptoms Fall Into Three Categories

The different types of anemia fall into three broad categories:

Anemia caused by blood loss
Anemia caused by the destruction of red blood cells
Anemic blood caused by a faulty production of red blood cell

Blood loss can be chronic or acute. Conditions that can cause chronic blood loss include stomach ulcers and some types of cancer. Acute blood loss can arise from injury or surgery.

Red blood cells usually have a lifespan of around four months, but some conditions can destroy them before they reach that age. One example is autoimmune hemolytic anemia, in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the red blood cells.

There are also a variety of disorders that cause the body to produce either too few blood cells or abnormal blood cells. Examples include sickle-cell anemia and leukemia.

Anemia has a multitude of symptoms. Some, such as a lack of energy, occur with any variation of the disease. Other anemia symptoms are seen only in certain types of the condition. For example, a patient with hemolytic anemia may have abnormally dark urine.

15 Anemia Symptoms to Never Ignore

1. Lack of Energy

Fatigue or lack of energy is the most common symptom of anemia and occurs in every type. The red blood cells have a significant job of transporting oxygen throughout the body. If red blood cells are deficient, there will also be a deficiency of oxygen in the patient’s body so that they will feel constantly tired. Chronic fatigue admittedly has many causes, like stress, poor sleep, or other illnesses. If none of these apply, however, it is probably time to call the doctor.

2. Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is also one of the more common anemia symptoms. A patient with anemia will often feel winded even after such a minor exertion as climbing a flight of stairs. As with chronic fatigue, the patient doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to transport the oxygen their body needs. In some cases, dizziness and lightheadedness will accompany the patient’s breathing difficulties.

3. Paleness

Unusually pale skin is another one of the anemia symptoms to watch for. The lack of blood cells and the resulting decrease in circulation will also make the gums and tongue paler than usual. The eyelids have mucous membranes covered with blood vessels. If these look unusually pale, they could also indicate anemia.

4. Headache

There are many things that can cause headaches, so a problem by itself may not indicate anemia. On the other hand, if the patient has some of the other symptoms of anemia plus a susceptibility to headaches, they need to see their doctor. In anemia, headaches indicate that the body isn’t getting enough oxygen or blood. This is especially true if the problems are accompanied by dizziness or feelings of faintness. Frequent headaches can indicate iron deficiency anemia, which is the most common type of anemia.

5. Jaundice

Jaundice is one of the anemia symptoms seen mainly in certain types of anemia. In jaundice, the patient’s skin and eyes take on a yellowish tinge. The color is caused by an accumulation of a waste material called bilirubin. Jaundice is particularly common in hemolytic anemia, which causes the body to destroy red blood faster than it can produce new ones. The destruction of the blood cells causes the production of an abnormally high amount of bilirubin. Jaundice can also occur in sickle cell anemia.

6. Hair Loss

Hair loss can be one of the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia. The hemoglobin in red blood cells stimulates hair growth, so a lack of hemoglobin will make hair fall out. It will also cause the remaining hair to become thinner and weaker.

In 2006, the “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” published an overview of various studies that researched possible links between iron deficiency anemia and different types of hair loss. While the researchers noted that the studies produced mixed results, they also commented that their hospital, the Cleveland Clinic, always screened patients with hair loss for iron deficiency.

7. Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is often one of the iron deficiency anemia symptoms. The condition is characterized by unpleasant sensations like itching or throbbing in the legs accompanied by a compulsion to move them. Patients typically experience the feelings and convulsions at night, and the symptoms’ intensity depends on the severity of the patient’s anemia.

In 2016, the science journal “Neurology” published an overview that described the causes of restless leg syndrome, which can be primary or secondary. Primary RLS occurs by itself, while secondary RLS is symptomatic of certain conditions – like iron deficiency anemia. The scientists reported that RLS occurs in 25 to 35 percent of patients with iron deficiency anemia.

8. Painful and Swollen Extremities

Painful swelling of the feet and hands is one of the anemia symptoms seen in sickle cell anemia, which is the most common inherited blood disorder. The condition affects 70,000 to 100,000 people in the United States alone. It is particularly common in African-Americans and affects about eight percent of them.

Sickle cell anemia is a congenital condition in which the red blood cells are sickle-shaped and rigid. The abnormal blood cells can get stuck in the vessels, and the resulting blockage causes pain and swelling in the hands and feet.

9. Chest Pain

Chest pain can also be one of the anemia symptoms. The lack of healthy red blood cells means that the heart has to work a lot harder to send nutrients around the body. It also isn’t getting the oxygen it needs to function. Consequently, a patient with anemia will experience pain and a feeling of tightness in their chest. Anemia can also cause the heart to develop an abnormal rhythm as it works hard to make the blood circulate.

10. Confusion

Confusion is one of the anemia symptoms seen in vitamin deficiency anemia, which is caused by a lack of Vitamin B9 (folate), Vitamin C, or Vitamin B12. That deficiency, in turn, can be caused by either poor diet or the body’s inability to absorb the nutrients. Pernicious anemia, which is seen mainly in people over 60, is an example of the latter problem. The patient’s body can’t absorb the Vitamin B12 needed to produce healthy red blood cells. Vitamin B12 is also necessary for a healthy nervous system, so pernicious anemia can cause symptoms like an impaired ability to concentrate or remember.

11. Numbness

When the body is short of blood, it will prioritize sending the available blood to the vital organs. Consequently, less blood will go to the hands, feet, legs, and arms. Numbness of the extremities is, therefore, one of the anemia symptoms to watch for.

12. Abnormally Long or Heavy Periods

Growths called uterine fibroids can cause women to have unusually heavy periods. Such periods cause a woman to lose more blood than her body can replace. Uterine fibroids also cause a woman’s period to last atypically long, so she loses yet more blood. If a woman’s period lasts for over a week, or she needs to change pads every hour for several hours straight, she should call her doctor.

13. Cold Hands and Feet

As mentioned earlier, if the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells, it will send most of them to the vital organs. Relatively few will be sent to the feet or hands, and they will thus feel abnormally cold, even if the patient is someplace hot.

14. Pica

Pica is the compulsive desire to eat things that aren’t food, like ice or clay. It is most common in patients with iron deficiency anemia for lack of iron can trigger strange cravings.

15. Susceptibility to Infections

This symptom is particularly common in patients with iron deficiency anemia, for the lack of iron impairs their immune system’s ability to function. In other types of anemia, the lack of red blood cells makes it harder for the body to send oxygen to the spleen, which filters blood traveling through the veins and thus prevents infection.

A patient with anemia will thus be less able to resist infection, and they will still sick longer.

Final Thoughts of Identifying Anemia Symptoms

Treatment for anemia will depend on the type and its cause. In some cases, the therapy will be straightforward. For example, a patient with iron deficiency anemia will need to take iron supplements and possibly modify their diet. Other patients may need more involved treatments like transfusions. If some other condition causes anemia symptoms, the doctor will treat that condition.

Allergist Explains What Happens to Your Body If You Have a Food Allergy

February 10, 2020 by Power of Positivity

In the United States, 32 million people live with a life-threatening food allergy. With that number, there has been a 377% increase in anaphylactic food reactions. The only way to prevent this type of response is to learn more about the allergy.
Learning about what happens to your body when you develop a food allergy is a big part of understanding the problem and the reactions that may occur. The other essential aspect of learning is how to prevent an episode and how to treat the allergy.

Before explaining those things, however, it is crucial to know the signs and symptoms of a food allergy. And, you should know how your doctor will form a diagnosis.

Signs and Symptoms of a Food Allergy

The symptoms and signs of an allergy to food are different for everyone. The differences are based on the severity of the allergy and the amount of the food consumed. Some of the signs and symptoms include:

tingling mouth or tongue
itching in or around the mouth
Hives
Itching and eczema
Swollen lips, face, tongue or throat
Wheezing
Nasal congestion
Difficulty breathing
Stomach or abdomen pain
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Fainting or feeling lightheaded and dizzy
Anaphylaxis (which could lead to death)

What is Anaphylaxis? And Why is it Life-Threatening?

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can cause death. This reaction can cause the airways to tighten and constrict. Your throat could become swollen, making it difficult or impossible to breathe.

Additionally, you could experience shock, a severe drop in blood pressure, or a rapid pulse during an anaphylaxis reaction. It can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or even a loss of consciousness.

Discussing this reaction in depth is important because it is such a severe reaction. Anyone with a food allergy could potentially experience anaphylaxis, and knowing the severity can help with prevention and understanding.

How Doctors Issue a Food Allergy Diagnosis

Becoming diagnosed with an allergy can be difficult, especially for children. Since children experience so many bodily changes, doctors may want to check for other issues first. Some doctors may even chalk the reactions up to being only eczema or acid reflux until testing is done.

This is not always the case, however, and you may find that your diagnosis is relatively easy. When you first begin thinking you may have developed a food allergy, you should take notes. The notes should include what your reaction was, what foods you had been eating, and how long it took for the response to ease up.

Take notes like this each time you react. You may be able to narrow down the exact food pretty quickly or, at the very least, you’ll be able to narrow it down to a couple of foods. When you see your doctor, go over the notes with them.

From there, your doctor will likely order an allergy test done by an allergist to be sure that it is the culprit. There are a couple of different types of allergy tests, but the most common one is skin testing, which involves pricking and puncturing the skin of your back or forearm with various allergens. This test will show how severe the allergy is, along with just confirming that there is an allergy at all.

With the prick and puncture method, a raised bump will appear on the area where a specific substance was poked into the skin if there is an allergy to that food.

Other allergy tests include:

A physical exam to rule out other medical issues
A blood test, which measures your immune system’s response to a substance based on the IgE levels
Elimination diet, which is when you will eliminate a suspected food for a full week or two and then adding the suspect back into your diet to see if a reaction occurs
Oral food challenge, which is done in a doctor’s office. You’ll eat the suspected food in small but increasing amounts to see if and when a reaction occurs

Things that can help speed the diagnosis up:

Track your symptoms
Keep track of the foods that seem to cause the reaction
Pay attention to how much of that food you consumed
Give the doctor your family history of allergies

A Doctor Explains What Happens to Your Body

When you develop an allergy, your body suddenly begins viewing a substance (in this case, food) as harmful. Your body will then start producing immunoglobulin E (IgE), which are antibodies. These antibodies attach to cells, causing a release of histamine.

The histamine causes inflammation in more minor cases and a drop in blood pressure or anaphylactic shock in severe cases. This is because Immunoglobulin E antibodies are supposed to fight infections. In the case of an allergy, however, IgE is mistakenly released.

How Does a Food Allergy Develop Later in Life?

Some people are born with food allergies, and others develop them later in life. This concept is confusing for most people because it seems impossible to develop an allergy later in life to something you never had a problem with before. Unfortunately, it happens, and it’s not unusual.

Developing an allergy later in life is common, according to Dr. Davis at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. Dr. Davis is a practiced allergist and has seen patient’s as old as 85 develop an allergy to something new.

Unfortunately, doctors and researchers don’t quite know why this happens later in life, but there are theories. Sometimes it is believed that the allergy developed after being exposed to something that they hadn’t often been around before. That isn’t always the case, however, as an allergy can expand to a food that you’ve consumed regularly.

Food Allergy Treatment Plans

There is no cure, although allergies can go away at any time. There are treatment options, however, to help you along the way.

Prevention

Treatment plans vary, but they all begin in one place: prevention. The number one rule is to avoid the allergen as often as possible and have ideas put into place to prevent a reaction.

This means you should read all the food labels every time. If there is no ingredient label, a person with an allergy should avoid it. Unfortunately, this often means that pot lucks are not an option, so you may need to plan and pack your food.

Another way to prevent a reaction is by telling those you are around regularly about your allergy. They may choose to leave that allergen at home next time they know you’ll be around. This also means they will know to speak up if they see that allergen near the foods you consume.

Other Treatment Options

Create an action plan and make sure those who are regularly around are aware of it
Ask your doctor to prescribe an epinephrine autoinjector such as an EpiPen
Know how to use your epinephrine autoinjector and make sure those you are with also know-how
Wear a medical alert bracelet in case you have a reaction and cannot communicate
Take Benedryl for less-severe reactions

If You Have to Use an Epinephrine Autoinjector

When prescribed, a doctor will show you how to use the autoinjector, but if you haven’t done it before, you’ll likely forget or feel uncomfortable. It isn’t tricky, however. The autoinjector has a concealed needle that pops out and injects one dose of epinephrine into your body when you press the injector into your thigh.

It is also important to remember to tell those who you are often around how to use the autoinjector just in case you become unconscious or aren’t able to administer it yourself for any reason.

You should carry it with you at all times, and having an extra autoinjector in the places you visit frequently could be life-saving. It is also essential to check the dates on your autoinjector to make sure that the medication isn’t past its expiration date.

If you have to use your EpiPen or equivalent medication, you will need to visit an emergency room afterward. Another dose may be required but, even if it isn’t necessary, you still need to be checked out by a professional.

Final Thoughts on Living Life Fully Despite A Food Allergy

While a food allergy diagnosis can be life-altering for everyone in your home, it gets easier as time passes. The more you learn about allergies, the easier it becomes to live with and manage the allergy.

Prevention is critical, but it is also vital to have an action plan in place in case a reaction occurs. While there is no cure, it is manageable.

Following doctor advice (and specifically the allergist’s advice) will help you through. A doctor can also help you understand what is happening to your body.

10 Relationship Goals Every Couple Should Have

February 10, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Relationship goals are essential for living a healthy life as a couple. That’s because humans are very social creatures by nature. They thrive off regular interaction, affection, and warmth from others. In fact, people who are isolated from others suffer from such things as sleep problems and depression.

Romantic relationships are among the most fulfilling methods of receiving the love and deep connection people need. However, maintaining these close relationships requires a lot of work.

All relationships begin with a rush of excitement and novelty. But, over time, these feelings naturally wear off. Fortunately, there are plenty of tips that ensure relationships last longer. Relationship goals make this process more comfortable since they encourage teamwork among couples.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY “RELATIONSHIP GOALS?”

People often hear about “relationship goals” in today’s world. Yet, many of us are unclear about what they are. Essentially, relationship goals are a value or outcome shared with a partner. This is similar to other goals for the future, but relationship goals are mutual, not individual.

They inspire relationships and create a goal that both partners can work toward. Creating relationship goals is essential when creating other goals for the future. Not only do they promote conversation between partners, but it also gives both people in a relationship something to dream about.

EPIC RELATIONSHIP GOALS THAT EVERY COUPLE NEEDS

1. KEEP INTIMACY ALIVE

There’s no denying that intimacy is one of the most important aspects of any relationship. This need means both physical and emotional intimacy, which link to one another. Unfortunately, intimacy in a relationship often becomes less exciting over time. As a result, couples are more likely to divorce or break up.

This need not be the case for everyone, though! Intimacy can be rekindled in a romantic relationship. And setting a goal for the future that involves keeping intimacy interesting is a perfect relationship goal.

It’s also not that challenging to keep things interesting for couples. Something as simple as talking about personal fantasies is enough. Or introducing toys or new positions in the bedroom. On the emotional front, couples must always be present and attentive to their partner and be committed to releasing negative thoughts.

2. GO ON DATES

When relationships are new, going on dates is a natural part of the process. People want to impress their significant other and show their love for them via regular surprises and nice dinners. Once the relationship takes root, these activities usually stop. Often because couples get caught up in their daily lives and responsibilities.

Considering that dating is an excellent way of expressing care and concern toward another, it’s no surprise that many people look back on it fondly. This is why dating, even in a long-term relationship, is essential. Not only do dates help couples relive the early days of their relationship, but it also helps them more closely connected.

3. SKIP THE PETTY ARGUING

As much as people may not like it, arguing is a normal part of any relationship. Psychology Today even notes that arguing correctly can be beneficial to relationships. However, conflict and arguing are also one of the most common factors contributing to divorce.

While there are certainly some arguments that signal the end of a relationship, there are also petty arguments that some couples get involved in. These latter arguments should be avoided.

Instead of getting into small arguments about meaningless things, couples must handle fights or disagreements with both humility and maturity. In doing so, they handle any issues present in the relationship. Plus, they foster an open discussion about how each person feels.

4. GIVE PLENTY OF LOVE

Love is a vital part of any relationship. It brings people together and keeps them going during difficult times.

Sadly, many people forget that love was the fuel for their commitment to one another. As time goes on, they get up caught up in the motions of a relationship instead. They don’t put much forethought into how they are making their partner feel. Instead, they do things because they always have.

Couples need to produce as much love for one another as possible to keep their relationship going strong. While giving unconditional love is difficult, it’s a worthwhile ambition for any relationship goal.

5. EMBRACE ALONE TIME

There’s no denying that being in love and receiving that love back is terrific. But, individuals can only create a relationship that is as healthy as they are. So, if one person isn’t satisfied with their own life, they cannot build and maintain a satisfying relationship.

It’s essential that both people involved in a relationship take some time for themselves. This time can be spent with friends, enjoying alone activities, or just working on oneself. Spending time apart from one’s partner gives people the chance to work on themselves.

Without this alone-time, couples cannot thrive. This is why embracing being alone, on occasion, is a crucial relationship goal.

6. TALK HONESTLY ABOUT THE FUTURE

Most of us are already keenly attuned to the importance of regular communication in a relationship. However, many people are scared about discussing the future with their partner. This is especially true if the partnership is new.

Regardless of how scary talk of the future is, couples must discuss their future openly and honestly. This includes discussing their personal goals and interests, along with circumstances in their life that will change.

By talking about these every few months, couples are better able to shape their relationship into one that fits each person’s changing life. Not only that but setting a relationship goal that involves talking about the future keeps both people in sync with one another. As a result, couples enjoy a secure connection.

7. BE SUPPORTIVE

In a relationship, there are fundamental goals that the couple creates together. However, relationships are made of two people. These two people each have their own dreams and aspirations.

Rather than being jealous of these goals, or disapproving of them, partners must always be supportive of one another. They must support the successes of their significant other. Plus, they must be their significant other’s biggest cheerleader as they pursue their own goals. Such support helps both people feel closer and strengthens the relationship, overall.

Knowing that a partner is supportive is also very helpful to the other person. It helps them feel more comfortable talking to their partner and improves their trust.

8. TAKE TRIPS TOGETHER

Traveling is stressful, especially when you go with someone else. This can result in bickering between couples when they do not travel together well.

But, traveling is an excellent way of exposing people to new experiences. It introduces them to new cultures and encourages them to step outside their comfort zone. Naturally, traveling together gives couples new experiences that they wouldn’t have otherwise had.

As they travel, couples lean on one another more to get through the new challenges associated with traveling. In time, this improves their connection since it promotes more reliance on one another. Not only that, but it boosts communication between couples.

9. BE THERE THROUGH THE ROUGH TIMES

Television, movies, and other forms of media love showing just the positive sides of relationships. Unfortunately, this skewed picture isn’t what relationships are actually like. They are tough!

Everyone goes through challenging events — for instance, the passing away of a family member or beloved pet. Being there for a significant other when these challenges arise is essential for a long-lasting relationship.

Beyond that, couples will inevitably encounter challenges that affect them both. In these instances, each partner must handle the other’s faults maturely. They must work on resolving the issue without stopping to name-calling or other immature habits.

10. HAVE FUN TOGETHER

If couples aren’t having fun together, then what’s the point of being together? Life is stressful. There’s no doubt about it. And relationships have their own unique obstacles. But being with another person gives people the chance to go through these challenges with someone by their side.

Connecting in this way helps couples experience excitement and joy together. It makes the relationship more meaningful and boosts the amount of fun each person has in the relationship. That’s why having fun together is probably one of the essential relationship goals that we’ve talked about in this list.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON RELATIONSHIP GOALS

Bringing two individual people together is always tricky. Those two people must connect and commit to sharing part of their lives together. However, having a good relationship, particularly one that lasts for a long time, helps people enjoy healthier lives.

So, whether you’re just starting a new relationship or not, keep these relationship goals in mind. Use them to strengthen the connection you have with someone else. And look to them as you make your overall goals for the future so that you can become the best (i.e., happiest) version of yourself.

10 Relationship Goals Every Couple Should Have

February 10, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Romantic relationships are among the most fulfilling methods of receiving the love and deep connection people need. However, maintaining these close relationships requires a lot of work.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY “RELATIONSHIP GOALS?”

EPIC RELATIONSHIP GOALS THAT EVERY COUPLE NEEDS

1. KEEP INTIMACY ALIVE

2. GO ON DATES

3. SKIP THE PETTY ARGUING

While there are certainly some arguments that signal the end of a relationship, there are also petty arguments that some couples get involved in. These latter arguments should be avoided.

4. GIVE PLENTY OF LOVE

Love is a vital part of any relationship. It brings people together and keeps them going during difficult times.

5. EMBRACE ALONE TIME

Without this alone-time, couples cannot thrive. This is why embracing being alone, on occasion, is a crucial relationship goal.

6. TALK HONESTLY ABOUT THE FUTURE

7. BE SUPPORTIVE

In a relationship, there are fundamental goals that the couple creates together. However, relationships are made of two people. These two people each have their own dreams and aspirations.

Knowing that a partner is supportive is also very helpful to the other person. It helps them feel more comfortable talking to their partner and improves their trust.

8. TAKE TRIPS TOGETHER

Traveling is stressful, especially when you go with someone else. This can result in bickering between couples when they do not travel together well.

9. BE THERE THROUGH THE ROUGH TIMES

Television, movies, and other forms of media love showing just the positive sides of relationships. Unfortunately, this skewed picture isn’t what relationships are actually like. They are tough!

10. HAVE FUN TOGETHER

FINAL THOUGHTS ON RELATIONSHIP GOALS

Pediatricians Explain What Causes Night Terrors in Children

February 9, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Do you dread putting your children to bed because they struggle with night terrors?

Every day when the sun goes down, and the darkness arrives, millions of children get ready for bed. Their parents might tuck them in and even read them a story. Sometimes parents will also say a prayer with their kids. The old prayer: “Now I lay me, down to sleep, I pray to the Lord, my soul to keep. If I should die, before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take” stemmed from a perceived need to protect kids through the night.

Here is the question. From whom or what did kids need to be protected? Children might have perceived a need to be safeguarded from the boogeyman, monsters in their closet, and things that go bump in the night. Of course, this was all a part of their imaginations. However, this prayer also safeguarded them from the horrors of night terrors.

Scary dreams can be extremely frightening for a child. However, nighttime terrors make dreams more horrifying. Bad terrors of the night often seem like they’re real. While the visions are not real, they are so intense and lifelike that the mind perceives them as reality. Parents, you must not be afraid. Your child can overcome their nighttime terrors. Pediatricians are one type of authority on this issue. They can help you to understand better what causes nighttime terrors in kids. Once you have this information, you will be able to help your child to navigate this dreadful condition.

Do you dream you’re being chased? This is what it means.

An Overview of Night Terrors

There are 74.2 million kids in America. Many of these kids don’t experience any problems with sleep terrors, which is another name for this condition. Kids Health states that up to 6% of all little ones deal with this issue. This means that nearly 4.5 million kids will have to contend with nighttime terrors. Estimates show that 85% of all adults have nightmares, and the numbers are about the same for kids. However, night terrors are more extreme than nightmares.

Let’s put the statistics into an even clearer perspective. If we placed all the kids who suffer from sleep terrors into a city, it would equal the population of Los Angeles. This is a lot of children who frequently endure intense bad dreams every night. Toddlers are generally not included in this group.

Parents are understandably upset at this predicament. They want to help their kids to have peaceful dreams and proper rest. They wish they could somehow protect their little ones from fear of bad dreams. Moms and dads must realize that this situation is entirely out of their control. Sleep terrors are something that a child must overcome on their own. Still, dads and moms can assist the process.

How do night terrors happen to kids?

Many pediatricians agree that sleep terrors typically happen to young people who are stressed, overtired, ill, and who experience trauma. Night terrors can also occur in a tired child or one who is stressed or suffering from a sickness. When kids don’t get enough sleep, this frightening condition can happen. It can also result from some trauma, but we’ll address that issue later. Minors who often sleep away from home or in new environments can deal with sleep terrors. There are other factors that lead to people having nighttime terrors. Infant and toddlers typically don’t have this problem.

The Sleep Foundation reveals that both sexes are prone to this issue. Underlying medical conditions or substance abuse can also trigger this problem in kids. Sleep disorders, mental health issues, and drug or alcohol usage can lead to this problem as well. Unfortunately, some young people do use drugs and alcohol, and sleep terrors could be a side effect of their habit.

Sleep Stages and Other Reasons for Night Terrors

When people go to sleep, they usually sleep in stages. There are four stages of sleep. Stage 1 is the first level. People typically sleep very lightly during this stage. It is generally easy to wake someone up at stage 1. This is also the early stage of non-rem (NREM) sleep. The brain is also very active during stage 1. By the time a person reaches stage 2, their mind slows down, and it becomes harder to awaken them.

Once a sleeper reaches stage 3, they are in the deepest part of NREM sleep. When a person arrives at stage 3 sleep, it is also impossible to awaken them. Stage 4 is known as REM, and a person can quickly wake up. People who are in this stage have frequent brain activity. How does all of this relate to your child’s sleep terrors? Let’s find out.

Most kids will have their sleep terrors as they transition from stage 2 into stage 3. After going into stage 3, the nighttime terrors will take place. This is the reason why it’s so hard for people to wake up a child who experiences sleep terrors. They are stuck in the deepest part of the sleep cycle when they happen. Brenner Children’s also inform us that sleep terrors will occur because of fear associated with transitioning from one sleep stage to the next. Once again, babies and toddlers usually won’t experience these problems.

How does a child display the symptoms of sleep terrors?

Night terror symptoms can be frightening for parents. All parents will become alarmed or worried when they see their kids behaving strangely in their sleep. Hearing your child scream out loudly or thrashing their body around will cause any parent concern. Some kids will sit up in bed, staring wildly off into space at something. Their pupils could be dilated, and a look of horror can show up on their faces. This scene can terrify you because you cannot wake them up, and they seem like something else is in the room with them – and you.

Sweat will sometimes drip from their face, or they might have heavy breathing. A racing pulse or a flushed face is not uncommon for people experiencing sleeping terrors. Some parents will even see their kids sleepwalking. In some situations, some parents have watched their kids sleepwalk like they were moving toward some strange being. Stranger yet, some parents have witnessed their kids talking to someone while they were sleepwalking. Their conversations and movements were usually dreadful and very disturbing to watch. These are some of the primary symptoms that kids will display when they have sleeping terrors.

What can you do to help your child get to overcome these frightening experiences?

The Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles tells parents that they should never wake up their child when they’re going through a sleep terror experience. They also caution parents against restraining them as well. They say this because you can end up doing more harm than good when you take these actions. Parents, we understand that it will be hard to sit by and watch your child suffer through this event. The best thing that you can do is to keep them safe. You should comfort them and make sure they can’t hurt themselves or others while their sleep terrors play out.

Can a psychologist help your child with sleep terrors?

Psychologists are aware of mental health conditions and their impact on a person’s ability to sleep. They also understand that many people suffer problems with sleeping because of a traumatic experience. Sleep terrors can result from poor mental health and a traumatic situation. People that go through traumatic experiences usually suffer from neurochemical changes, which causes them to release stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol while they sleep. These two chemicals can impact a child’s brain and contribute to kids dealing with night terrors.

Don’t Show your Child Scary Movies Before Bed

Showing your kids scary movies or telling them about modern-day boogeymen such as Freddy Krueger, Michael Myers, Jason Vorhees, the Chucky Doll, and the killer clown It. Kids might find these frightening characters entertaining and fun. Still, these are terrible fictional characters that create a lot of dread for children when they sleep at night. They, too, can contribute to nighttime terrors. Demons and devils inspire many horror films today. These types of movies can also add to this problem. Sometimes, kids are so scared after watching them that they go bed thinking about what they just saw. They could easily have a terrifying sleep experience because of them.

Learn the signs that your child has night terrors.

Final Thoughts: How to Manage your Child’s Sleeping Terrors

Don’t forget; there is no cure for night terrors. Remember, most kids simply outgrow them. Kids can have sleep terrors when they’re, three and they could last until they are 18 or older. However, most kids will outgrow them by the time they’re 13. In the meantime, be patient and make sure you protect your child through this ordeal.

Parents, you should also figure out if your child is going through some mental health issues. Mental health problems are becoming more common for kids in modern times. Since they are, you should make sure that you are seeking out psychological help for situations such as anxiety, depression, or even suicidal thoughts. Did you know that many kids dealing with suicidal thoughts often have sleeping terrors? You should try and correct any underlying mental health conditions that cause your kid to experience night terrors.

Psychologists Explain The Impact of Horror Movies on the Psyche

February 9, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Horror movies have repeatedly been under scrutiny because of their graphic and inappropriate nature. However, some defend movies by saying they are just that, a movie. Some psychologists assert that violence and horror material can cause damage to the psyche.

Many people have even wanted them banned or have harsher restrictions to lessen the exposure. Graphic images, movies, and music receive ratings by the MPAA and PAL. These rating systems exist so children under a specific age won’t face exposure to horror movies without parental permission.

Researchers have studied whether they can cause damage to the psyche for decades. The results of the studies may surprise you.

However, horror movies do have a cult following and are loved by many people, despite their content.

Why Do We Like Horror Movies?

One theory on why people enjoy horror films surrounds the excitation transfer theory. It suggests we receive our enjoyment from the feeling of suspense. Adverse effects turn into euphoria when the suspense ends, and the threat diminishes. If a resolution doesn’t occur, then dysphoria will increase.

However, another paper found horror films are as enjoyable even when no resolution was reached. It also suggests that arousal compels us to continue watching.

A positive correlation between a physiological measure of arousal and those who watched a horror movie clip exists. This connection suggests it could be another reason why we like horror films. Whether it’s due to a physiological response or a cognitive one isn’t known.

It’s often said that certain types of people like horror films. Research proves the opposite. Those that are more aggressive or argumentative do tend to seek out horror films. However, this research isn’t consistent in proving that they will like the material they’re viewing. In fact, some that possess certain personality traits prefer to skip horror content altogether and may even feel disgusted by the content.

Men and women experience differences in why they seek out a horror movie in the first place. Studies show that men sought out sensation and the harmful nature of a horror movie. However, women sought them out to experience a fair ending.

Several studies have shown that men and boys, in general, enjoy violent and frightening material more than women and girls. Females also report more anxiety and distress when watching horror movies versus males.

Some people claim that horror movies reduce their anxieties and help them sleep better. The theories above can account for this claim. However, there isn’t much research conducted that shows the positive effects that horror movies have on the psyche.

Effects of Fear on the Brain

Fear has been the most studied of the emotions. It’s easily studied because you can use both animal and human subjects, and it can be controlled or manipulated. The amygdala is where the brain experiences fear. There haven’t been any specific studies that investigated the exposure of horror films on the activation of the brain. There have studies that looked at fear stimuli and how it affects the brain’s activation.

These studies use measurements through scans of the brain. The scans used are MEG, PET, fMRI, and EEGs. One case study examined the effect of a bilateral amygdala injury in response to fear stimuli.

The subject had impaired fear recognition in faces, social-related fear, and impaired conditioning concerning fear. She was exposed to several scenarios in an attempt to induce fear. One of the stimuli included watching ten clips of a horror film. While she understood most people would fear them, she asked to rent one of the movies she watched. This outcome suggests that she enjoyed them instead of fearing them.

Since it’s a single case study, more research would have to be conducted. However, this study does bring forth the question of whether the amygdala reacting is associated with joy when watching horror films. People who possess higher activity in the amygdala may experience more fear or joy when it comes to horror than those who have less activity.

Learn how to minimize your psyche’s response to fear and stress.

Physiological Responses to Fear

Fear is one of your body’s survival mechanisms. When your brain perceives a threat, it causes you to get into “fight-or-flight” mode. This response can cause some interactions in your body and outside the body.

You may experience “goosebumps,” which is an evolutionary trait that makes you seem longer and more intimidating to other animals. Your heart rate and breathing increase. The blood vessels in the skin constrict, and the central blood vessels will pump oxygen and nutrients to your organs. Your muscles pump up with blood in preparation for a reaction.

Internally your glucose levels rise, your calcium and white blood cells increase too. You may “freeze” in place, get “butterflies” in your stomach, suffer a reduction in hearing, experience tunnel vision, and even have a dry mouth.

You will experience an emotional response, as well. This feeling can be an adrenaline rush causing you to feel happy or excited. The eerie feelings can produce negative reactions like crying or avoidance of the situation. While you may not experience all or only some of the responses, it’s a completely normal reaction and no cause for concern.

What Kind of Psychological Effects Do Movies Have?

Several case studies suggest exposure to horror movies can cause a condition called cinematic neurosis. Typically, the movies catalyze their underlying issues. This doesn’t mean horror movies are to blame, though. Any similar stimuli could have provoked their behavior.

In a study conducted by Sparks, he found half of the women reported lingering fright after the movie ended for some time. Only a quarter of the men surveyed reported the same. The women reported experiencing anxiety while in certain rooms, avoiding horror films, and increased nervousness.

Another study reported that 50% of their participants experienced effects long after the film ended. Over 50% reported having trouble sleeping and eating. However, no long-term consequences are significant enough to cause impairment to one’s social, mental, or work function.

Those that report impairment suffer from underlying issues typically. There is no evidence to support long-term adverse effects from watching horror films. However, there is evidence of short-term effects of anxiety, nightmares, and disrupted sleep.

Horror Effects on the Psyche of Children, Adolescents, and Adulthood

Children

Children may experience night terrors after viewing horror movies–here’s why.

In the case of early childhood, one study showed horror evoked nightmares in children aged 7-8 years old (24% of 43) and 11-12 years old (13% of 43). Younger girls experienced more fear than younger boys, and younger boys enjoyed scary movies more than younger girls. Sixty-eight percent of young children reported avoiding scary materials altogether.

Another study found that for 8-year-old children, the supernatural or someone being hurt was the most common fear-inducing content. Children that have a TV in their room were a predictor for their fear severity. Seventy-one percent suffered from lingering thoughts on the subject, 52% expressed worry, 59% had trouble sleeping alone, 56% suffered from nightmares, and 36% experienced shaking.

Studies on exposure to the stimuli showed desensitization in children as a coping strategy for horror. Younger children (Four to five-year-olds) benefit from holding an object and eating or drinking. The presence and reassurance of a parent proved to be the most successful method. Children that are under two experience less fear when they cover their eyes. In three to five-year-olds, this method increases fear.

Horror Movies in Adolescence

Adolescents watch horror materials for several reasons. They want to be thrilled, rebel, or are curious about death. The seek out Slasher movies for reasons including problem avoidance, perceived bravery, and thrill watching.

Boys that sought out gore related more with the killer while girls related more with the victim. Teenagers of both sexes that found violent TV funny and exciting scored high on sensation seeking, neuroticism, and psychoticism. However, this doesn’t mean it causes them to act violently.

Adults

Research slows when it comes to the effects it has on adults. Most studies focus instead on children and adolescents. The few studies that cover adulthood found the preference for watching horror declines with age. The need for sensation seeking also declines. This shift may explain why the interest in horror slows as we age.

Final Thoughts on Horror Movies and the Human Psyche

Horror movies and images have been studied countless times. Most of the research only focuses on the negative impacts on the psyche that occurs from watching them. Many report positive effects, and it could be due to the excitation transfer theory. Men tend to seek out and enjoy horror material more than women and suffer from fewer effects.

Children exposed to supernatural horror often suffer negative effects. They can cope effectively if they have the reassurance of a parent and desensitization to the stimuli. Adolescents seek horror out for various reasons, and boys enjoy it more than girls. The consensus is that horror movies do not have any long-term effects on the psyche in most cases. Exceptions to this are people who suffer from anxiety, phobias, PTSD, or highly sensitive people. On the other hand, some short-term effects occur more frequently in other thrill seekers..

12 Signs of Congestive Heart Failure People Often Miss

February 9, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Most people are unaware that congestive heart failure affects 5% of people older than 60 and 2% of people between the ages of 40 and 60; this condition can also affect children, teenagers, and young adults. It affects men and women at equal rates, and black Americans are at higher risk of developing the condition than white Americans, Asian-Americans, or Hispanic-Americans. Doctors in the United States diagnose an estimated half a million new cases of heart failure each year.

Individuals with heart failure often end up being hospitalized multiple times, and the five-year survival rate after diagnosis is less than 50%. People with heart failure are also prone to just suddenly dying; close to 300,000 people die from heart failure in the US every year.

Everyone knows the signs of an acute heart attack. Men usually experience severe pain in their chest along with cold sweating and dizziness, while women may or may not experience pain in their jaw, neck, arms, or upper back, along with severe sweating and dizziness. However, practically no one is aware of the signs and symptoms of heart failure. Here, we will discuss how to recognize the possible presence of heart failure.

Researchers reveal that many heart procedures are unnecessary.

What is congestive heart failure?

Congestive heart failure is a progressive condition in which the heart gradually becomes weaker and less capable of pumping blood. The word “congestive” refers to the fluid that builds up around the heart and in the lungs as a consequence of the weakening heart.

Early stages of heart failure can be treated through medication and lifestyle changes. However, if the condition is not diagnosed and treated early, it will progress to a stage that cannot be treated due to irreversible damage being inflicted on the heart.

Untreated high blood pressure and congenital heart valve defects can cause heart failure. It also links to high LDL cholesterol levels, diabetes, obesity, thyroid disease, certain kinds of infections, and severe allergic reactions.

Symptoms of congestive heart failure that people sometimes mistake for other conditions

1. Fatigue

Fatigue is usually the first symptom people in the early stages of heart failure experience. Unfortunately, fatigue is a very non-specific symptom associated with many other conditions. Some people with heart failure find they get tired more easily while performing activities that didn’t previously make them tired, while others generally feel fatigued all of the time.

A lot of people in the early stages of heart failure ascribe their fatigue to “getting older” or assume they are “coming down with something.”

2. Weird aches and pains

Heart failure rarely causes chest pain. Instead, weirdly enough, strange aches and pains may appear in odd places during mild exertion, such as climbing stairs. The jaw is a common location to experience heart failure pain. Other sites the pain can occur are the arms, the shoulders, the back, and even the abdomen. If you feel weird pains during exertion that subside once you’ve rested, you should consult a doctor.

3. Shortness of breath

People in the early stages of heart failure also tend to experience shortness of breath during mild exertion. Everyone will experience shortness of breath and heavy breathing during exercise, but people with heart failure experience shortness of breath in response to only mild exertion. Unfortunately, most individuals ascribe this symptom to being unfit.

If you are experiencing shortness of breath during mild exertion, please consult a doctor before embarking on an exercise program. Individuals with undiagnosed heart failure could have a sudden heart attack during exercise.

Shortness of breath can mean one of these things…

4. Swelling of the ankles and/or feet

The inefficient beating of the failing heart makes it difficult for the body to return fluid from the lower extremities to the rest of the body. This causes fluid to accumulate in the ankles and feet, especially after standing or walking for an extended time. This indicator is a very non-specific symptom since ankle swelling can be caused by a large number of common conditions, such as varicose veins, overeating salt, kidney disease, and certain medications.

5. Urinating more often

Another odd and non-specific symptom of early heart failure is needing to urinate more frequently, especially at night.

Unfortunately, this symptom also indicates aging in general (people older than 60 often experience the need to urinate during the night). But it can also stem from benign prostate hyperplasia or pregnancy/childbirth causing damage to the pelvic floor. Drinking alcohol or coffee before going to bed or just drinking too much water can also cause the symptom.

6. Irregular heartbeat

Many, but not all, people with heart failure will experience episodes where their heart seems to be beating oddly-too fast, or irregularly. Usually, heart palpitations like this are meaningless and are caused by anxiety, drinking too much coffee, and other commonplace situations. If you have these experiences fairly frequently while relaxing, it might be wise to consult a doctor.

7. Weight gain

Most people with heart failure find their weight gradually inching up on the scale. This is not a consequence of increased body fat. It is caused by fluid accumulating in the body, often in the abdomen. The abdomen may also appear to be gradually enlarging. Most people ascribe this symptom of getting older and/or overeating.

congestive heart failure and dash foods diet

Cardiologists often recommend the DASH foods diet for cardiac patients. Read more about it here.

8. Lack of appetite

Another non-specific symptom associated with heart failure is a general lack of hunger or a reduced appetite. Lack of appetite is relatively common in the elderly, and it can also be associated with thyroid disease, kidney failure, and viral infections. It is quite common for people to experience a lack of appetite while fighting off a viral infection, and the lack of appetite can continue for up to a week after recovery from the disease. However, if you experience an ongoing lack of appetite coupled with weight gain (see #7), this is a sign that you need to consult a doctor.

9. A persistent, dry cough

Fluid accumulating in the lungs often triggers coughing that does not produce mucus. People with congestive heart failure tend to cough a lot. However, this is again a non-specific symptom since many things can trigger a dry cough, such as cold air, air pollution, allergies, asthma, a lingering respiratory infection, and lung cancer.

10. Blood in the mucus

Another odd non-specific sign of congestive heart failure is streaks of blood in mucus when the patient coughs. Blood in the mucus usually indicates a minor nose- or sinus-bleed caused by dry air. However, a failing heart can also cause this issue.

11. A bluish tint to the skin

As congestive heart failure worsens, the poor circulation and fluid accumulation in the lungs can make it difficult for the body to provide sufficient oxygen to the tissues. This symptom can cause the skin to appear pale or even mildly blue since well-oxygenated blood is bright red while poorly oxygenated blood is blue.

12. Fainting

Fainting isn’t a regular occurrence for most people, but in most cases, it is caused by standing up too quickly, which results in a sudden drop in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension). Other causes include the following:

Low blood sugar
Dehydration
Extreme fear that causes hyperventilation.

However, heart disease can also trigger fainting.

Diagnosis of Congestive Heart Failure

Heart specialists diagnose the condition a combination of a physical examination, listening to the heart through a stethoscope, an EEG, and a heart echocardiogram. The doctor will probably also order blood tests and possibly an exercise stress test and an MRI.

Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure

Cardiologists manage early-stage heart failure by treating an underlying cause, whatever that may be. For example, if the reason is a faulty heart valve, surgery to repair or replace the valve is necessary. If uncontrolled hypertension, medications cause it, and diet changes are the primary approach to treatment. Also, the doctor might prescribe medications to remove excess fluid from the body and regulate the heartbeat.

Unfortunately, final-stage heart failure is irreversible, typically. Therefore, doctors may only offer palliative care.

Learn the connection between dental hygiene and heart health.

Final Thoughts on Catching the Signs of Congestive Heart Failure Early

Congestive heart failure stems from several different conditions. Fortunately, you can control many of these conditions, changes, like hypertension and diabetes, by improving your lifestyle. The primary approach to treating both of these conditions is dietary changes. A heart-friendly diet combined with medication and controlled exercise can keep hypertension and diabetes in check, preventing the associated heart failure from progressing.

It is crucial to diagnose heart failure as early as possible because the early-stage disease is treatable. Unfortunately, the signs and symptoms of early-stage disease are vague and non-specific. Unfortunately, doctors sometimes only diagnose congestive heart failure after trauma to this vital organ. Thus, if you notice you or a loved one has one or more of the symptoms listed in this article, seek medical care from your physician.

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