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Psychotherapist Explains 5 Ways To Deal With A Narcissist In A Relationship

September 17, 2018 by Power of Positivity

So, you’ve fallen in love with a narcissist. The term sounds wildly demeaning but learning all you can about the narcissist partner can help you work with and ultimately love them while keeping your emotions on a level scale. We all have a bit of narcissism, and we sometimes need to feel special. Those that exhibit the traits of a narcissist to the degree that it affects their daily lives, however, are the ones with the diagnoses of Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is the extreme variation of a narcissist and can only be clinically diagnosed. With that in mind, if you do feel your partner exhibits narcissistic traits and want a compassionate way to address it, then this blog is for you.

Narcissist Partner

From helping them step forward in a healthy communicative relationship to discussing your concerns, here are five ways to deal with a narcissist partner.

1. Sympathy

A narcissist may have come into their traits by way of abusive means. For the vulnerable narcissist, their outward appearance is self-centered, indicative of a weaker inner core. Understanding how the person feels in their essence can give you a better understanding as to why they feel the need to be self-absorbed. Letting them know you are there for them and are happy to listen at any time of need, can open their ability to connect with you and communicate more openly.

2. Compliments

You may think the narcissist doesn’t need any more compliments, but this is a different type of praise. Instead of boasting about their performance or achievements, tell them how much it means to you when they are kind or express various positive emotions. This version of positive reinforcement can help them learn to empathize with your feelings and ultimately set in motion constructive feedback.

3. Constructive Feedback

If complimenting them for their better attributes is showing signs of helping them progress, then it could be safe to move forward into constructive feedback. Avoid demeaning, as that would lead to a backpedaling. Instead, focus on positive ways to tell them behaviors that can be addressed. As an example, mention “Normally we can’t talk about “x” without you raising your voice. It’s wonderful that we were able to talk about it today in a normal tone.” If constructive feedback leads to the sound of silence or irritability, then you may want to take that behavior into account, take a step back, and reassess.

4. ABC’s

Affect, Behavior, and Correction. Affect, meaning feelings during an event, behavior, or experience that caused that effect, and correction, or the change you would like to see moving forward. These ABC’s are another form of constructive feedback but can open the line of communication for how specific behaviors make you feel. With effect, you mention that you are feeling a certain way such as sad or afraid. Behavior, as you might have already guessed, is the behavior that caused that feeling, such as when they raise their voice. Finally, correction notes what you would like to see as far as change is concerned, such as “Can you, please lower your voice.” Grouping this you would say “I feel afraid when you raise your voice. Can you please lower it so that we may talk in a normal tone?”

5. Using “we” for understanding

Setting the understanding that you’re both in the conversation together can avoid feelings of isolation. For example, “Can we talk things out in a normal tone of voice?” Another aspect of pointing out “we” versus “you” is that you make it known that you’re emphasizing the relationship that you’re in. Pointing out the “we” can also help address one-sided conversation.

Often you will read about instances where you cannot love someone with a narcissistic outlook and, to be fair, sometimes that is the case. If you try to work with someone on the way they treat you and they will not budge, it may be time to seek greener pastures, especially if they begin to isolate you from your friends and family. However, sometimes all you need is to add some compassion and understanding to the mix, as there are instances where people don’t know how to act differently from what they have always known.

As in any relationship, communication is vital. Keep your own emotions in the forefront of your mind and try to learn the reasoning behind someone’s behavior. You never know, you might find out something you would not have known otherwise. One final thing to note is that if someone’s narcissistic behavior is so overbearing that you feel they may have a personality disorder, sympathetically advising them that they may need to seek professional help is the best course of action.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lO-TMrAyth4

A New Study Reveals How Much Exercise You Need To Lose Weight Fast

September 17, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Workouts aren’t as simple as you may want to believe. As much as we’d like them to be just about hitting the gym and doing a few exercises, they’re more than that. Haven’t you ever noticed how some people go to the gym for weeks or months, but you never notice any serious weight loss. Although eating habits can be blamed for such an outcome, time is also a determining factor.

Did you know that if you exercise for a short period of time, you would burn less calories than if you were to do it for longer? Another interesting fact is that workouts should never be too long because they can lead to excessive hunger and more eating.

How Long Should You Exercise?

According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), your weekly workouts should last between 150 and 250 minutes if you want to lose weight and notice a significant change. You should also vary the exercises from least demanding, such as the treadmill, to most vigorous, such as push-ups and pull-ups.

However, workouts vary according to individual, and what may be hard for one person can be easy for another. Try out different exercises to find out which one suits you best, then stick with it. If it’s your first time doing an exercise for weight loss, you ought to start with a beginner exercise, then slowly build your way up to more complex ones.

Exercise Days

Since now you know that 250 minutes of workout per week can help you lose weight, you have to plan your schedule. It’s not advisable to go to the gym everyday and do intense exercises since your body needs to rest. It would be preferable to do your workouts after every one day, for example, if you went to the gym on Monday, the next time you go can be on a Wednesday.

However, not everybody is the same. You may prefer short workouts to long ones. In that case, exercising for 20 to 35 minutes daily can also help you reduce weight. Additionally, daily exercises enable you to turn workouts into a habit. As a result, you remain disciplined even after you have attained your weight loss goals.

If your schedule doesn’t allow you to follow a strict workout routine, you should workout longer whenever you find the time. For example, if you do 75 minutes of simple and rigorous exercise on Saturday and Sunday, you can still meet your weight loss goals – the total workout time for both days is 150 minutes, which is the minimum recommended period.

Setting Your Exercise Goal

When you say that you want to exercise for weight loss, it’s rather vague and general. Instead, set a target for how much pounds you want to shed, for example, you plan on losing 1 pound, you need to run for 40 minutes every day or do 7 hours of intense aerobics per week. To save on time, some people mix diet and workouts so that they can lose the one pound at a faster rate.

You ought to have a workout routine to help you stay focused and keep track of your weight loss goal. In addition, your exercises plan should also include workouts that will actually help you lose weight – ask an expert about this part if you are not sure.

As you are preparing your fitness program, remember to include rest periods in-between different workouts as a way to avoid burnout due to sore and overworked muscles and joints. For example, if your workout session is meant to last 40 minutes, take a 3 to 5 minute break after 20 minutes. Breaks should be short to prevent you from drifting and forgetting about the workouts altogether.

Once you are done setting up your workout routine, write it down on piece of paper and hang it somewhere where you can see it everyday for motivation. Alternatively, you can use a smartphone app. that gives you reminders whenever its time for exercises.

Conclusion

Research done by ACSM shows that working out for 250 minutes per week can help you lose weight at a rapid pace. Therefore, it’s advisable that you create a personal fitness program which allows you to maximize this time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG-G9_LOkLA

8 Signs of Breast Cancer In Men

September 16, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Breast cancer in men is very rare, with only one chance in one thousand (1/1000) of diagnosis. Even so, breast cancer in men is just as serious as that which women experience. The American Cancer Society estimates that around 2,500 new cases of breast cancer in men are reported every year, claiming the lives of 460 men. Breast cancer in men is more common in older adults.

As you’ll see, many similarities exist between male and female breast cancer. There are also some differences that require addressing. First, the pathology of breast cancer is similar in both sexes. Genetics, hormonal imbalances, family history, and lifestyle choices play roles.

Other factors known to increase breast cancer risk in men include:

Aging
Estrogen exposure (e.g., hormone therapy for prostate cancer)
Excess body weight
Gene mutation (of the ‘BRCA2’ gene)
Heavy alcohol use
Liver disease
Klinefelter’s disease
Obesity
Testicle disease or surgery

Here are eight of the most common signs of breast cancer in men:

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.” – Mary Anne Radmacher

1. A (usually painless) lump near or underneath the nipple

In one story, a man named Ray found a lump near his nipple while showering. At the time, Ray experienced no other symptoms. At first, the man thought he had sustained an injury without realizing it. Only after visiting the doctor did Ray find out he had breast cancer.

2. Changes to skin

The skin around the nipple may become itchy and swollen and may begin to scale. Aside from the discovery of a lump, alterations to skin appearance are the most common symptom of male breast cancer. The skin may also pucker or appear dimpled.

3. Fluid discharge from the nipple

Nipple discharge is when the nipple secretes fluid, including blood. Per a study published in the Journal of Cellular Immunotherapy, nipple discharge is among the three most commonly-reported symptoms of breast cancer in men. Discharge may occur in one or both nipples and may appear bloody, clear, milky, or green-tinged.

4. An inverted nipple

Men with early signs of breast cancer may notice the nipple growing inward (inverted.) In some cases, an inverted nipple is the first symptom. Men often discover changes to the nipple’s appearance while showering or looking in a mirror. Nipple inversion is a strong sign of breast cancer and should be examined by a physician.

5. Nipple flattening

A nipple that loses its shape is often a cause for concern. Although a flattening nipple often coincides with inversion, this isn’t always the case. Regardless of the specifics, any changes a nipple’s shape and appearance, no matter how slight, must be checked out by a medical doctor.

6. Swollen lymph nodes

When cancer of the breast begins to spread (metastasizes), one of the first areas affected are the lymph nodes. Essentially a filtering system, the lymph nodes may also swell when we contract a bacteria or virus. Swelling under the armpit, on the arm or hand, or of the breastbone or collar bone areas is indicative of potential breast cancer.

7. Areola symptoms

The areola is the darker skin surrounding the nipple. Discoloration or discomfort of this area is often a symptom that something is wrong. Bumps that develop on the areola and do not regress may indicate ductal carcinoma or cancer of the breast ducts. Persistent pain and swelling of the areola should be examined by your physician.

8. Concurrent symptoms

Anomalies of the breast, if accompanied by other symptoms, may indicate the spreading of cancerous cells. People who delay medical intervention often experience pain in various other areas of the body. Provided that the person seeks prompt medical care, the symptoms should remain isolated to the breast and, potentially, lymph nodes.

Final Thoughts

For all the physical problems posed by breast cancer in men, it may be a psychological trait that makes the condition especially dangerous. The tendency of some males to want to “tough it out,” or flat-out ignore, signs of an underlying medical condition can prove deadly in the case of cancer.

In one study, researchers found that men waited about 19 months to seek medical care upon discovering initial symptoms. We can safely assume that many of the men who put off medical treatment for such a long period don’t think of their condition as particularly dangerous. Moreover, we may assume that the very strong cultural undertone of breast cancer as a “women’s issue” contributes to this problem.

The bottom line: breast cancer is a dangerous disease and one that can spread quickly without intervention. No matter your gender, if you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms, seek medical attention right away. If you’re one of those “No big deal” guys, swallow your pride and get schedule an appointment with your doctor!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKB0jThAfnQ

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

5 Body Parts You Need to Clean More Often

September 16, 2018 by Power of Positivity

“The most important house to clean is your own body.” – Marina Abramovic

We all know the importance of cleanliness, and most of us think that by showering with soap, we’ve prevented potentially harmful bacteria from making us sick. Most days, you likely go through the motions on autopilot. As soon as your alarm buzzes in the morning, you get out of bed and head to the shower for your daily cleanliness routines. But do you really make a conscious effort to clean every inch of your body? Here are some body parts that you should clean more often to keep them healthy and safe from harmful bacteria:

Here Are 5 Body Parts You Need to Clean More Often

1. Scalp

You likely wash your hair regularly, but have you heard that using less shampoo is better for you? Daily shampooing apparently removes the natural and beneficial oils that make the hair healthier. Here’s a fun time comparison: Several decades ago, the New York Times advised women that it’s best to wash the hair twice a week, as opposed to once a month, based on the recommendations of specialists!

While a lot of people use shampoo to clean their hair, most don’t pay special attention to the scalp. The many sweat glands of this area will form flakes if not properly scrubbed and massaged. This is why your head itches if it’s not clean.

Ideally, you should spend two minutes scrubbing your scalp to get rid of the dead skin cells that build up every day. You should also massage your scalp to help increase the blood flow that gives your hair needed nutrients. But how often should you shampoo? It depends on your hair type, as too many shampoo chemicals can also be bad for the hair. If you have oily hair, you might need to shampoo every other day.

2. Belly Button

The navel or belly button is perhaps the most disregarded body part when it comes to cleaning. Bacteria easily build up in this dark, moist area. Some people’s belly button can smell really bad because of the accumulation of sweat and dirt. In some cases, the smell may be a symptom of a bacterial, fungal, or yeast infection, or the belly button might have a wound or bruise that has remained untreated.

It’s quite simple to clean the gunk out of your belly button. Use a soft washcloth to gently massage your navel and use table salt to disinfect the area. Don’t use creams or other skin care products because these might leave residues that may cause more buildup.

3. Behind your ears

There are skin folds behind your ears that have a high concentration of sebaceous glands. These glands collect sweat and secrete sebum, so you’ll need to scrub and wash this area properly. The area behind your ears can smell like cheese because of bacteria growth. While this is normal, as your skin goes through the biological process of renewing itself, the odor won’t be pleasant – especially if other people smell it too.

Sometimes, blackheads also form behind your ears when it’s not clean or residues remain from shampoos and soaps. Before you shower, you might also want to swab this area with cotton soaked in white vinegar to kill the bacteria or germs. If you wear earrings, regularly remove and wash these too.

4. Tongue

Your tongue is like a sponge. It absorbs bacteria from the food and drinks you put in your mouth. If you’re not conscious about cleaning your tongue, you might develop stinky breath because of the bacteria buildup. A study says that 50 percent of halitosis, also known as bad breath, is due to tongue residues.

A simple remedy? Clean your tongue whenever you brush your teeth. Using the same toothbrush, reach the back of your tongue and gently scrape outwards towards the tip. If you have a sensitive gag reflex, using a tongue scraper would be better than a toothbrush.

In addition, you might want to gargle with a mouthwash after your clean your mouth. Choose a mouthwash that has cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) in its ingredients as it can reduce bacteria buildup by 34.5 percent more than other types of mouthwash, as per clinical research.

5. Feet

Most people don’t scrub their feet when taking a shower but experts say this area must be cleaned as often as you wash your face or brush your teeth. It’s easy for the feet to come in contact with fungi and bacteria, which can lead to calluses and other skin irritations.

Apart from giving your feet TLC in the bathroom, apply lotion or moisturizer every day to maintain the suppleness of the skin. Don’t forget to pay attention to the areas between your toes, as well as the heel and ball of your feet. These are the areas that dry faster and dry skin might lead to an infection.

Trim and file your toenails every two weeks. Experts also recommend rotating the shoes you wear to air them out since the feet can sweat and leave residues.

Final thoughts

As a matter of good hygiene and wellness, mere positive thinking isn’t enough. Always take a few extra minutes to focus on cleaning these often-overlooked body parts. It’s not too late to develop this positive habit in your routine and you’ll feel loads better after. Cleanliness is next to godliness, after all!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKn7Oq8hNVk

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

5 Evening Habits That Are Bad For Your Hair

September 16, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Many individuals take pride in their hair. It’s not uncommon for someone to have a comprehensive hair care routine in order to keep it healthy and feeling fresh. Unfortunately, not all of these routines are made equal, and sometimes the habits we build to care for our hair could have the opposite effect entirely. Here are some evening habits that hurt your hair and how to prevent them.

Here Are 5 Evening Habits That Hurt Your Hair

“Sleeping on a silk pillowcase will help to prevent hair breakage and damage that can happen in the middle of the night as you toss and turn.” – Unknown

1. Sleeping with wet hair

It’s understandable that, after washing your hair at night, you might already feel exhausted and want to turn in for the night. Unfortunately, that is actually a very damaging routine. This is because hair is incredibly weak when it is damp or wet, and in this state, there is a much higher chance of it breaking.

The friction from wet hair rubbing against bed sheets as one sleeps can cause dryness, fizziness, and broken cuticle ends. The tension that affects one mere strand of hair can affect all the others around it, too, and forcefully towel-drying can also present the same problems.

In order to avoid this problem, you can perform some hair care by moving this routine to the morning (and we will talk more about all the reasons this can be a great move in a short while). However, if you really must wash your hair at night, be sure to give it plenty of time to air dry. You can also use a hair dryer on a cool setting in a pinch. You can also braid wet hair before going to sleep to avoid damage, but try not to make this a regular habit.

2. Brushing badly or not brushing at all

If you choose to brush your wet hair right after getting out of the shower in the evening, your hair will receive the same amount of damage that sleeping with wet hair will cause. Unfortunately, there are just as many negative effects that can come from not brushing before bed at all!

If you sleep with tangled up hair, you’re likely to add more tangles to it, create knots, and cause fizziness, split ends, and breakage. By brushing dry hair right before bed, you stimulate the scalp and help to distribute natural oils throughout the entirety of your hair strands, positively promoting healthier and shinier hair.

Once again, your best option is to ensure your hair has plenty of time to dry before bed so you can run your brush through it before you hit the sack. In fact, brushing your hair can be relaxing, and doing so in the evenings may help you get to sleep more easily. For best results, use a wide-toothed comb – best for natural oil distribution and also great for removing tangles.

3. Using the wrong pillowcases

Cotton pillowcases – and cotton sheets in general – have a good chance of increasing hair loss. This is because cotton tends to cause added friction to the hair, leading to looser hair follicles or breakage. Even if you don’t move around a lot at night, the slightest friction can lead to this problem. Sheets that collect lint are even worse, so older pillowcases that need replacing will cause the same issues.

What sort of sheets should you opt for, then? Satin or silk are both much healthier options for the hair. It’s a good investment to make, as not only does it ensure greater hair, but it also makes for a more luxurious bedtime.

If you cannot purchase silk or satin sheets, then you can get a silk scarf or something similar to wrap your hair up at night. Not only will this prevent unwanted frizz and friction, but it will also keep the hair in place so it doesn’t get too tangled as you snooze, making it a two-in-one solution.

4. Tying your hair incorrectly

The way you tie your hair before going to bed can dictate whether or not your hair becomes damaged as you sleep. Using a hair tie that uses metal parts can be especially damaging, as the metal can actually tear at hair follicles when you sleep. Tight elastic bands may also damage the hair, especially when your hair is wet, and may cause creasing along the follicles.

Tying your hair too tightly – whether in a ponytail or a bun – is also very harmful. It’s easy to assume that tying the hair tightly will prevent knots from occurring, or stop breakage, but it is actually quite the opposite. As a matter of fact, doing so repeatedly can cause the hairline to recede and result in thinning.

The solution to this? You can avoid tying your hair altogether. If you must tie your hair, use loose, soft scrunchies that are free from any metal. In addition, when tying your hair to go to sleep, do so very loosely. You can opt for a loose, high ponytail if your hair is not particularly long, a loose high bun for longer hair, or even a nice braid for a wavy touch when you wake up. You should also be sure to change the position of your tied hair every so often because wearing the same top knot for the whole day may cause further damage.

5. Skipping hair care

A lot of people decide that simply shampooing and washing the hair is sufficient for full hair care, but this is far from the case. While you don’t need a lengthy hair routine for healthy tresses, it is vital that you incorporate some extra steps beyond shampooing, and there is no better time to do so than in the evening.

Neglecting to use conditioner can lead to easily preventable breakage to the hair. It causes you to miss out on some great properties that can boost growth and shine. Scalp care is also vital as this is where all your hair follicles are embedded – an unhealthy scalp means unhealthy hair by default.

How can you practice proper hair care? First, condition your hair as often as you wash it. If you plan to wash your hair every morning, then before you go to bed, use a deep conditioning product that can help to keep your hair moisturized as you sleep. For scalp care, put on a scalp mask before you go to sleep.

Final thoughts

Old habits die hard, but when these habits can cause damage to your hair, you’ll want to switch them up and search for better solutions instead of just positive thinking! By avoiding these harmful evening habits that can damage and replacing them with our suggested hair care solutions, you’ll ensure healthy, shiny, and beautiful locks of hair.

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

6 Signs of A Pinched Nerve to Never Ignore

September 16, 2018 by Power of Positivity

A pinched nerve is medically known as radiculopathy. It is characterized by this uncomfortable pain and sensation in the body due to a compression or constriction of a set of nerves. This condition is a symptom of several diseases that commonly start developing in adults as young as 30 years old. Below are some signs of a pinched nerve that you should never ignore.

Here Are 6 Signs of A Pinched Nerve to Never Ignore

“Treating persistent nerve pain can be frustrating. Nerve pain often has a very irritating quality that can be more uncomfortable than pain due to other causes.” – Howard LeWine, M.D.

1. Your hands and feet “fall asleep” often.

You often experience this sensation after sitting with your legs crossed for a long period. You have a hard time getting up and moving about because it seems like your feet have fallen asleep. If you slept on a chair with your arm hanging out for hours, you wake up with a numb and weak hand or arm.

In most cases, this happens as a result of a temporary nerve compression, but you gradually find relief once you’re up and moving your arms again. However, if the numbness doesn’t go away or develops out of nowhere, then it could be a sign of a concerning health issue. If your limbs regularly fall asleep and feel weaker, then consider visiting a neurologist to get a proper assessment.

2. You feel less sensation in one part of your body.

Do you notice less sensation in one area of your body, especially when you wake up in the morning? This could be an indication of poor blood circulation. If there is pressure blocking the proper flow of blood in your system, your cells might be deprived of oxygen and other nourishment. By itself, poor blood circulation isn’t a serious condition, but it can progress into a health problem linked to various diseases.

A pinched nerve may be a symptom of a cardiovascular problem, especially among women, so you need to have this checked if it’s becoming frequent and bothersome. According to experts, women don’t usually manifest the usual symptoms of a heart attack like chest pains, shortness of breath and fatigue, so they tend to delay treatment for a pinched nerve.

3. You feel “pins and needles” in your arms and legs.

That uncomfortable sensation of tingling and prickling in your arms and legs happens when you awkwardly lean on your limbs while standing or sitting for a long time. Normally, once you shift to a better position, the pins and needles go away. However, if the discomfort persists, it might be due to a nerve condition, which could lead to problems like neuritis, sciatica, or carpal tunnel syndrome.

In serious cases, pins and needles could be a symptom of an underlying condition like diabetic neuropathy. Occasional episodes of pins and needles aren’t concerning but if it’s chronic, consider seeing a doctor or a physiotherapist as soon as possible. You need a proper diagnosis and treatment since there are different types of diabetic neuropathy.

4. You have a recurring headache.

You can experience a headache with a pinched nerve around the neck area and it could be a symptom of a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or some form of degenerative disease. The pain that radiates from a pinched nerve usually develops around the back of the head. It might spread to the forehead. You may also experience difficulty in moving your head from side to side because it’s tender and numb.

Doctors might prescribe medication or muscle relaxants for headache relief or you might have to take oral steroids for long-term treatments. Undergoing physical therapy will also reduce the discomforts of the pinched nerve so that you won’t have your daily activities disrupted.

5. Your pains are accompanied with a burning sensation.

You’re suffering from inflammation of the nerves when you feel a burning sensation; this is your body’s defense mechanism against an injury or infection. But when you have a pinched nerve, the inflammation and pain might not be directly affecting the compressed area.

For instance, the pain of a common back problem like sciatica could radiate out to the buttocks, legs, calf, and foot as the nerves compress. Someone suffering from this condition might not be able to walk or stand because of the inflamed nerves. Relieving sciatica can take weeks for some people. For older individuals, the discomfort and body pain might go on for months with a proper treatment plan.

6. Your muscles are very weak.

Pinched nerves affect and interrupt the signals that the motor nerves deliver from the brain to the organs and senses. Hence, you feel muscle spasms when your nerves are compressed. Prolonged compression, however, can lead to muscle weakness as the signals remain blocked. The pressure also reduces the nutrients that the muscles connected to the nerves receive.

When this happens to your body frequently, it could be a symptom of a condition like multiple sclerosis (MS) or stroke. This is also more likely if you experience muscle coordination and breathing problems. Apparently, one in four patients suffering from MS originally received a pinched nerve diagnosis and some continue to live with a misdiagnosed condition.

Final thoughts

With proper pain management and positive thinking, you can mitigate the long-term effects of a pinched nerve. Hence, getting an early diagnosis instead of ignoring the warning signs is vital to reversing the damage of this condition. Maintain a positive attitude about your health in order to preserve a good quality of life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKB0jThAfnQ

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

9 Signs of A Yeast Infection to Never Ignore

September 15, 2018 by Power of Positivity

“A yeast infection is nothing more than an overgrowth of microorganisms that are already present…” – Dr. Katherine McHugh

A yeast infection is a common condition that develops in the genitals, feet, or mouth. However, it’s mostly associated with a female problem because 75 percent of women get a yeast infection at some point in their life, as per a study in The Lancet journal. Sometimes, however, a yeast infection could be a symptom of another health condition and here are some signs that you should never ignore:

Here Are 9 Signs of A Yeast Infection to Never Ignore

1. You have a thick and chunky discharge.

It’s normal to experience a vaginal discharge with clear to milky consistency, as your body goes through the monthly ovulation process. But a thick and excessive discharge, with some curdling similar to the consistency of cottage cheese, could be very uncomfortable.

Women don’t usually complain about normal discharge but a yeast infection can feel icky and uncomfortable. While this symptom is treatable, you should consider getting tested for any presence of Candida albicans in your system. According to the Central European Journal of Urology, an excess of this fungus might trigger a urinary tract infection (UTI). If left untreated, a UTI could cause serious problems in the kidneys.

2. Your private part has a strong and abnormal odor.

Some discharges, including a yeast infection discharge, doesn’t have a strong odor. But when there’s an unpleasant stench, you should definitely have this checked. A yeast infection might not be the primary reason behind the abnormal vaginal odor. Rather, it could be a symptom of a different condition. You might have developed a common problem like bacterial vaginitis or trichomoniasis. However, the smell might also be a symptom of cancer, as per the Mayo Clinic.

Aside from practicing good hygiene, you may need to take prescription medication to get rid of this problem. Also, doctors advise against douching since this will disrupt the natural acidity in your vagina and lead to more serious health problems.

3. Your private part feels very dry.

A yeast infection causes vaginal dryness because of an acid-alkaline (pH) imbalance in your system. This condition is also linked to lower estrogen levels, which is common to women going through menopause.

Sometimes, the medication or birth control pills you’re taking may be the cause of the dryness, so ask your doctor if you can switch to a different brand. Vaginal dryness can lead to pain during intercourse, as well as a drop in the libido. Some women use lubricants for relief but studies show that lubricants might only worsen the symptoms of yeast infection.

4. You have an itch in your crotch that’s very intense.

If you’re itching, it means your vagina is reacting to the yeast infection and scratching it won’t soothe the problem. The more you scratch, the worse it will get because your vagina is already irritated and inflamed.

A doctor might prescribe anti-fungal treatments that will lessen the itch, but you also have to make a few changes to get some relief. Try not to use feminine products that have strong perfumed scents. Also, get yourself checked for pubic lice as this might actually be the problem, and not a yeast infection.

5. You feel a burning sensation as you urinate or when you’re intimate.

Do you feel any burn when you urinate? Does it hurt when you’re in an intimate moment with your partner? It’s likely because the yeast infection caused some swelling and soreness around the vulva. However, you should never ignore or tolerate the pain. Seek a doctor’s help right away, as this might be a sign of endometriosis. This condition can progress to complications such as infertility or ovarian cancer.

6. You get no relief from taking yeast infection medications.

If you’ve been prescribed a yeast infection medication but feel no signs of improvement after a week, then you might have a resistant strain. You may need to change your treatment plan. However, don’t do this without getting a consult first. See a doctor who can order a culture in order to determine what’s really affecting your system.

7. You experience abdominal pain.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a yeast infection but feel pain in your abdomen, don’t delay going back to the doctor. Yeast infection affects your vagina and vulva only. If the pain extends to the abdomen, then you need to have your cervix and uterus checked. Some vaginal problems start off with similar symptoms as a yeast infection.

8. You develop a fever.

You don’t develop a fever with a yeast infection. However, if you have a vaginal discharge along with a fever, then it’s likely a symptom of chlamydia or gonorrhea. It might also be an indication of a kidney infection. Visit the doctor right away for a proper treatment.

9. Your partner has similar symptoms too.

A yeast infection is not contagious, as even children can develop an overgrowth of the Candida bacteria in the mouth (thrush). However, if your partner shows similar symptoms as yours, it’s important that he gets tested as well to rule out any other problems. While this is not a transmittable condition, it’s best to avoid getting intimate with your partner until all the symptoms have cleared. This way, you avoid the additional irritation, discomfort, and pain that can come with having a yeast infection.

Final thoughts

With proper treatment and a positive doctor-patient interaction, a yeast infection can clear up in roughly a week, but this can also be an infection that recurs. If this is the case, tell your doctor how often you experience the discomfort so you can have additional tests and prevent other potential diseases from developing. Remember positive thinking because it’s time to take action.

https://youtu.be/klnkeaa3pZw

Science Explains Why It’s Best to Drink From A Copper Cup

September 15, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Drinking out of a copper cup might seem a little weird, but doing so will provide important health benefits for your body. Water gets a positive charge from copper, and when copper leeches into water, it adds antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. The study that revealed this information also found that storing contaminated water in a copper cup for 16 hours dramatically reduced the amount of harmful microbes in the water.

People in developing countries could have access to clean drinking water if they use copper cups to store their water. This study is truly groundbreaking and could change millions of people’s lives.

In addition to providing clean drinking water, copper can eliminate infection risk in hospitals. In preliminary results of a multi-site clinical trial in the United States, researchers found that copper surfaces in hospitals killed 97% of harmful bacteria that can result in infection. Just because of the copper surfaces alone, the study showed a 40% decrease in infection risk.

Now that you know the power behind copper, we will go over a few important benefits of drinking water out of a copper cup. Even if you don’t live in a developing country or frequently visit the hospital, a copper cup can be a positive addition in your life.

Here are some benefits of drinking from a copper cup:

“If you hold water in a copper bowl, preferably overnight or for at least four hours, the water takes certain qualities from the copper that are primarily good for your liver, but also for your health and energy in general.” – Sadhguru, Indian yogi, mystic, and philanthropist

1. It improves the digestive system.

For the best results, drink water from a copper cup when you first get up in the morning. Drinking water when you wake up stimulates the digestive system and helps eliminate toxins. When you drink from a copper cup, it stimulates something called peristalsis, or the contraction and relaxation of the stomach, which helps your body digest food. During detoxification, your body will eliminate harmful bacteria and reduce inflammation, which will improve your digestive functioning. If you have digestive issues, drinking from a copper cup could prove instrumental in your recovery.

2. A copper cup helps boost your immune system.

Because of the antioxidants present in copper, drinking water from a copper cup regularly can strengthen your immunity. Copper aids in different enzymatic processes that promote endothelial growth, or tissue healing. Because copper helps eliminate harmful bacteria, it can help give your immune system a boost and keep you healthy.

3. It helps you lose weight.

Copper can play an important role in your weight loss by helping to heal the thyroid gland and break down body fat. Copper actually helps with the synthesis of an important coenzyme in the body called adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. Otherwise known as the “molecular unit of currency,” it basically helps give the body energy. Therefore, when you drink water from a copper cup, you will have more energy, which can aid in weight loss.

4. Copper cups can ward off cancer.

Drinking from a copper cup can help fight cancer because of the antioxidants present in copper. Antioxidants help fight off free radicals, which allows oxygen to move through the cells, therefore warding off cancer. While there aren’t many studies available regarding copper’s use for cancer, it holds a lot of promise for the future of cancer treatment.

5. It stimulates your brain.

Copper aids in the synthesis of phospholipids, which helps to form myelin sheaths over neurons in the brain. These sheaths allow the impulses to move from one neuron to another in the brain, and the faster these impulses move, the more efficiently your brain can function. The better your brain functions, the more you can engage in positive thinking which will only increase the benefits of drinking from the copper cup. Drinking from a copper cup can also help prevent seizures and other brain-related ailments.

Other notable health benefits include: healing wounds quicker, slowing down aging, maintaining cardiovascular health and lowering blood pressure, reducing or eliminating arthritis and inflamed joints, warding off anemia, aiding in melanin production and promoting healthy skin.

Final thoughts

If you don’t already drink water out of a copper cup, you should definitely start due to all the health benefits you will receive. It might seem strange at first, but once you notice how great you feel, it will become second nature. You can look on popular sites such as Amazon or Ebay for a quality copper cup.

https://youtu.be/dDn84WupgBA

Researchers Explain How Arguing Can Improve Your Marriage

September 15, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Some people may assume that successful marriages are blissful solely because those couples don’t fight. The truth is, every couple has their fair share of arguments. It’s the ones who fight the right way that survive and thrive in a lasting and mutually-beneficial relationship. Researchers explain some ways that arguing can actually improve your marriage:

Here Are 6 Ways Arguing Can Improve Your Marriage

“To assume that any couple goes without arguing is just nonsense.” – Seal

1. You control your temper.

You need to control your temper when arguing with your spouse. Heated arguments might lead to flare-ups and hurtful words because, obviously, people can get very emotional when angry. Be aware of when you’re about to lose your temper. At such times, express to your partner that you need some time to cool off. Instead of meeting each other head on and provoking more anger, some couples actually pause and have timeouts in the middle of a tense discussion.

A timeout is an effective behavioral tool for managing anger. In a marriage, partners may actually set a formal agreement that details the parameters of a timeout and use this each time they have a fight. This way, conflicts between couples are better resolved and settled when heads are cooler.

Aside from helping dissipate anger, cooling-off periods also give partners a chance to see the issues better. It’s easier to organize your thoughts or gather insights rationally when you’re not angry.

2. You take turns when stating your arguments.

Good arguments, like good relationships, are about give and take. Couples who fight right are always aware that they must give each other the opportunity to express feelings and opinions that are causing friction.

As it is, conversations are hard to initiate during a fight, but couples who respect each other make it a point not to interrupt when the other person is stating a case. You’re trying to dominate and control the situation when you interrupt your partner during an argument, instead of trying to understand the other side of the situation.

Therapist Casey Caston said that in his marriage, he and his wife prevent each other from interrupting during arguments by using a toy microphone. The one who has the microphone at a given moment has the chance to speak. When that person is done, he or she must hand the mic over for their partner’s turn to speak.

3. You listen to each other.

In line with not interrupting your partner in an argument, good communication skills require sharp listening skills as well. In successful marriages, when one person speaks, the other genuinely listens in order to understand their spouse’s concern.

People who develop good listening skills are said to be more discerning and open to the other side of the argument, according to a study. Active listening works not just in marriage, but in all kinds of relationships.

Listening also allows couples to acknowledge each other’s opinions and feelings, even if they’re not yet on the same page. It makes them understand each other’s style of communication better. Listening creates a positive atmosphere that removes defensiveness. With this out of the way, couples can productively resolve their arguments and issues.

4. You know when to use humor.

Arguments are serious matters but having a sense of humor might help clear tension in this highly charged situation, according to a study in the Society for Personality and Social Psychology. Some types of humor, however, might be more effective than others. Researchers learned that jokes which aren’t made at the expense of someone could help ease the tension better than self-defeating humor.

Successful couples who are in tune with each other’s feelings use humor to comfort and reassure their partner. It’s one way of telling each other that even when they are upset, stressed out, and anxious that everything will still be fine after the negative feelings have disappeared.

5. You never show disrespect.

Arguments that include criticism, sarcasm, name-calling, eye rolling, and other behaviors that show contempt won’t end up well. Besides the fact that you can never take back these hurtful words and gestures, fighting dirty can be very damaging to a relationship and may have long-term effects. It can lead to discord that breeds resentments and self-esteem issues.

Ultimately, partners who argue fairly understand that they are part of the same team. So, why bring each other down with smack-talk and disrespect?

6. You learn to apologize.

Why is an apology hard for some people? It’s because when a person apologizes, he’s owning up to the fact that he has caused his partner hurt and pain. Some might not accept that they were at fault in the marriage, so they don’t make an effort to apologize.

However, successful couples are not afraid to say sorry to each other. They do this to seek forgiveness, first and foremost. Making an apology also helps couples drop their defenses down and become less argumentative towards each other.

Final thoughts

Despite positive thinking, arguments crop up because couples need to work out the problems and issues in their marriage. These fights aren’t supposed to divide couples but strengthen and protect their relationship. Maintaining a long-term relationship entails hard work, but if loving couples know how to properly engage with each other, then even arguments will have lasting positive effects.

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