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80 Strangers Risk Their Lives To Save A Family Of Nine From Drowning

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“I’m going to die. My family is going to die this way. I just can’t do it.”

– Roberta Ursrey, Mother

For all that is wrong in the world, there are beautiful moments happening everywhere. Moments that capture the human heart and spirit.

Like when 80 people form a “human chain” to save a drowning family.

Panama City Beach, Florida is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Beautiful beaches, clear water, and plenty of things to do. People rave about the place.

On July 8th, 2017, the beaches, water, and hot spots were not the main topics of discussion. People had something much more worthwhile to discuss.

80 Strangers Risk Their Lives To Save A Family From Drowning

“We’re going to get them out.”

Jessica and Derek Simmons, while strolling along the beach, saw a bunch of people staring out into the water. At first, they thought it was a shark – not at all an uncommon scenario. Upon evaluating the scene, the married couple slowly came to the realization that it was no shark. Flashing sirens, a police truck, and about a dozen bobbing heads screaming for help.

A family and five others were crying out in desperation. A powerful current had swept them away.

Jessica Simmons, an accomplished swimmer, told the Panama City News Herald, “These people are not drowning today. It’s not happening. We’re going to get them out.”

The problem was a riptide – powerful, channeled currents of water which extend from the shoreline outward. Rip currents are exceptionally dangerous, particularly if one is not a strong swimmer – and most young boys are not.

Stephen Ursrey, 8, and his 11-year old brother Noah were caught in this riptide, dragging the boys over 100 yards (the length of a football field) away from the shore. The boy’s mother, Roberta would get caught in the tide trying to help. Then her 27-year-old nephew, her 67-year-old mother, and her husband.

This riptide was bad. So bad that swimmers trying to help were being pulled in one after another. Meanwhile, the struggling family, between gulping salt water and gasping for air, felt utterly helpless.

“The tide knocked every bit of energy out of us,” said Mrs. Ursrey. The heroic folks trying to help weren’t faring much better. “I was exhausted,” said Tabatha Monroe, who thought she was going to drown.

With no lifeguard on duty, the situation wasn’t looking good. Law enforcement had decided to wait for a rescue boat, as there was no rescue equipment on the beach.

“Form a human chain!”

These four words would end up saving lives. At first, it was “just five volunteers, then 15, then dozens more” as it became apparent that no help was going to arrive in time. Around 80 people linked up hand-in-hand, some of whom could not swim at all.

With the chain formed, the Simmons’ – both outstanding swimmers – could make their way out to the stranded. That’s exactly what they did. “I got to the end, and I know I’m a really good swimmer,” Jessica Simmons said, “I practically lived in a pool. I knew I could get out there and get to them.”

Upon reaching the stranded, Jessica and Derek first helped the children. Young Stephen and Noah, touching each one of the approximately 80 strangers, were finally safe on shore. When Jessica Simmons reached Roberta Ursrey, she could barely keep her head above water.

Mrs. Ursrey then blacked out. “I blacked out because I couldn’t do it anymore,” she said. Her unconscious body was passed along the chain and tended to by people on-shore.

She would wake up to sand and screams. Her mother was having a heart attack. “Let me go, just let me die and save your self,” she said to Mr. Simmons. “I felt my heart sink,” his wife said. He and Ursrey’s nephew held her head above water long enough to reach the chain.

Over an hour later, as the sun was setting, everyone was safely back on land. The beach, now congested by onlookers, erupted in applause.

“It was beachgoers and the grace of God’s will,” Mrs. Ursrey said, “That’s why we’re here today.”

selflessfm

Brittany Monroe, the first to attempt a rescue, was transported to a nearby hospital for examination. She was treated for a panic attack and subsequently released. Barbara Franz suffered a “massive heart attack and an aortic aneurysm of the stomach,” but remained in stable condition following treatment.

The collective effort of over 80 people left an impression on Roberta Ursrey, “It actually showed me there are good people in this world.”

The heroics and exceptional swimming abilities of Jessica and Derek Simmons may have been the difference. Reportedly, the Simmons met up with the Ursreys following Barbara Franz’s recovery.

For her part, Jessica Simmons posted the following on Facebook:

“To see people from different races and genders come into action to help TOTAL strangers is absolutely amazing to see!! People who didn’t even know each other went HAND IN HAND IN A LINE, into the water to try to reach them. Pause and just IMAGINE that.”

We’ll try, Jessica. Very well done.

https://youtu.be/5Is-S9IzXN0

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved
References:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/07/11/beachgoers-form-incredible-human-chain-save-drowning-family/
http://www.usla.org/?page=RIPCURRENTS
https://www.facebook.com/Jessiemae1691/posts/1539400839423658
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/07/11/a-riptide-swept-away-a-florida-family-then-beachgoers-formed-a-human-chain/?utm_term=.37bc6d625e16&wpisrc=nl_most-draw10&wpmm=1

21 Best Foods For Weight Loss to Never Ignore

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Being overweight is something that a lot of us struggle with. Despite the efforts that we take to lose excess fat, it can be difficult to make significant changes. If you are overweight, understand that you are not alone. In fact, healthdata.org says that over 160 million people in America alone are overweight or obese. As these rates continue to skyrocket, many people are looking for an easier way to shed fat.

As you probably already know, the food that you eat plays a big role in your weight and body fat percentage. Some food is inadvertently bad for you and should be avoided at all costs. With that being said, adding healthy foods to your diet can be just effective for weight loss as it can be to remove junk food from your diet. There are certain foods that you can eat in order to promote weight loss and shed fat. The simple act of adding these recipes into your daily diet can tremendously propel your weight loss journey. In this article, you are going to learn about the 21 best foods for weight loss that you should never ignore.

1. Water

Although it isn’t necessarily food, water can’t be left out on this list. According to gaiam.com, water can boost your metabolism, cleanse your body of toxins, and make suppress your appetite.

2. Broccoli

Broccoli is one of the best foods for weight loss that you can find. It is filled with fiber and calcium and is great for a healthy snack.

3. Chia Seeds

Chia Seeds are an amazing source of fiber and have been shown to reduce appetite.

4. Chicken Breast

Chicken breast is a good source of protein and is low in fat. Lean meat like this is much healthier than red meat and makes for a great alternative.

5. Boiled Potatoes

White, boiled potatoes are super rich in nutrients like potassium and can help you naturally eat less and feel full easier.

6. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a fiber-rich meal that is delicious and fills you up quickly.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

According to powerofpositivity.com, ACV is great for weight loss and does things like increase metabolism, lower blood sugar, and suppress appetite.

8. Apples

The pectin found in apples is great for surpassing your appetite and feeling fuller. Both of these will help you to eat less and lose weight.

9. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is rich in healthy fats and makes for a great alternative to things like butter or olive oil.

10. Eggs

Another one of the best foods for losing weight is eggs. Eggs are full of protein and branched-chain amino acids which curb your appetite and keep you feeling full.

11. Yogurt

Dairy products like yogurt tend to be high in protein which is good for filling you up and keeping you full.

12. Almonds

Almonds are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which are effective at keeping your cholesterol to a minimum.

13. Cranberries

Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients which both help to maintain blood sugar and lose weight.

14. Blueberries

Blueberries are antioxidant-rich and are also packed with fiber. On top of that, the manganese in them which has shown to speed up the metabolism.

15. Dark chocolate

If you really have a craving for sweets, choose dark chocolate. Powerofpositivity.com says that it is a great alternative to milk chocolate as it is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids which speed the metabolism.

16. Salmon

Salmon is packed with healthy fats, nutrients, and protein. Eating salmon will keep you full for a long time. Also, the omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon have been shown to reduce the risk of obesity.

17. Whole Wheat Pasta

Whole wheat pasta is packed with fiber and can help you maintain healthy eating habits.

18. Grapefruit

Powerofpositivity.com says that grapefruit is great for weight loss. Grapefruit helps to reduce insulin resistance which can help you shed some extra pounds.

19. Brown Rice

Brown rice is full of fiber and is also has a low energy-density. What this means is, eating brown rice will effectively fill you up even though it is low in calories.

20. Chili peppers

Chili peppers contain capsaicin which has shown to increase metabolism and help the body burn fat.

21. Avocado

Avocados contain lots of monounsaturated fatty acids and water, says powerofpositivity.com. This makes them another great food for weight loss.

Foods for weight loss

Final Thoughts

Eating healthy is not necessarily easy, but it is something that you have total control over. Being mindful of what you eat and adding some of these fat-burning foods into your diet is going to make you feel and look much better. When it comes to losing weight, work smarter rather than harder. Weight loss isn’t some complicated rocket science formula, it is merely about being smart, staying consistent, and using tools like the fat-burning foods we have discussed here.

25 Foods That Make Women Age Slower

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Nobody stays young forever, but eating the right kinds of food will slow down the aging process! Yes, it’s true. There are certain foods that make women age slower. We’re all looking for that one magic pill that’ll help slow down the aging process. We buy expensive creams, do everything we can to remain young, but most of us don’t realize that there are foods that make women age slower. So, if you’re looking for some anti-aging miracle, you won’t find it in creams or pills, you’ll find it in these foods.

Here Are 25 Foods That Make Women Age Slower

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” – Hippocrates

  1. Almonds

Among the most commonly consumed nuts, almonds have the highest protein content. They’re also rich in copper, biotin, and vitamin E, which keep your hair, nails, and skin from looking aged.

  1. Apples

One medium-sized apple contains 17 percent of the daily fiber requirements your body needs. Apples also have a compound called quercetin that works against inflammation or body pain that makes you feel weak and old.

  1. Blueberries

Add blueberries to your breakfast or snack to help reduce your Alzheimer’s risk. This fruit protects your neurons from proteins that clump together in your brain cells.

  1. Carrots

At least half a cup of carrots daily can increase your body’s protection against inflammation that triggers arthritis. You don’t even have to cook carrots; you can crunch on a raw one. They’re so convenient to have in the kitchen.

  1. Cheddar cheese

If you’re worried about maintaining a sweet smile as you age, then snacking on cheese might help. Cheddar cheese apparently maintains the mouth’s pH levels. As a result, discoloration and cavity formation on the teeth is prevented, according to a study in General Dentistry.

  1. Cherries

Most age-related diseases arise from inflammation, but cherries can provide relief and reduce those body aches and pain. Cherries also have anthocyanin, which blocks enzymes that cause inflammation.

  1. Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate has loads of anti-aging benefits, but you must be sure to eat the type that has 70-percent cacao for best results. It also stimulates the hormone serotonin, which makes you feel young, happy and positive, as per a UC Berkeley study.

  1. Eggs

If you’re looking for super foods that make women age slower, your best bet is eggs! Aside from its high-protein content, eggs are a wonderful source of biotin, which keeps the nails from growing brittle as you age. Eggs also build bone strength.

  1. Grapefruit

Like oranges, grapefruits contain loads of vitamin C that helps protect the skin from premature aging. One grapefruit is rich enough to deliver the body’s recommended daily vitamin C needs.

  1. Green Tea

Wonder why older Japanese women have a longer lifespan? Apparently, they enjoy drinking green tea a lot. This drink contains high amounts of polyphenols that can block cholesterol buildup in the arteries, thus preventing the development of vascular diseases. Green tea also fights off inflammation, improves the elasticity of the skin, and limits wrinkle development.

  1. Kale

Kale is among foods that make women age slower. Its vitamin K content can help slow down cognitive decline in older women, as per a study conducted by experts at Rush University Medical Center. Those who ate at least two servings of kale daily improved their cognition as significantly as if their brain function was 11 years younger.

  1. Lentils

Lentils are rich in vitamin B9, which the body needs to prevent the hair from going gray. Add lentils to salads and soups for a yummy and textured dish.

  1. Milk

You need lots of calcium and vitamin D for strong bones and teeth. Well, milk is definitely one of the richest sources of these nutrients. To ward off brittle bone and osteoporosis, a common condition that affects women, drink at least three glasses of milk a day.

  1. Oranges

Soccer moms love preparing oranges for their kids a lot and they could be on to something. Oranges are rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, which have great anti-aging properties. Oranges also aid in the oxidation of bad cholesterol that might cause blockages in the arteries, so it’s also good for the heart.

  1. Oysters

Oysters are rich in zinc and vitamin A, which are nutrients essential to the health of the eye. A diet rich of zinc can prevent macular degeneration in older adults, according to experts at the National Eye Institute.

  1. Salmon

Salmon is rich in omega-3 that will increase good cholesterol content in your body. It also reduces the blood clots in your arteries and thus lower the risks of heart attack, as per a study in the journal Lipids.

  1. Sardines

Bone-building is crucial as a women age. Eating sardines regularly will keep the bones stronger because this food is rich in vitamin D and calcium.

  1. Shiitake mushrooms

Worried about the premature graying of your hair? You could be deficient in copper. But if you eat a cup of shiitake mushrooms daily, you can reverse this aging process.

  1. Spinach

Spinach, one of the superfoods, has high amounts of folate and omega-3.  A cup of fresh spinach or half a cup of cooked spinach can do wonders for your body against age-related diseases.

  1. Strawberries

Like other red and dark fruits, strawberries contain polyphenols, so here’s another great anti-aging food to indulge in for breakfast or desserts.

  1. Sweet potatoes

Bring back the luster to your skin and maintain your youthful looks by eating sweet potatoes daily. This food has loads of carotenoids. If you eat at least half a medium-sized sweet potato boiled or baked, you get at least 200 percent the daily allowance of carotenoids your body needs.

  1. Tomatoes

A popular staple in Mediterranean diet, tomatoes can boost your skin’s appearance because it’s an antioxidant and it’s rich in carotenoids too.

foods that make women age slower

  1. Walnuts

Snacking on walnuts isn’t only delicious, this food is also packed with antioxidants and omega-3 that prevents heart disease development. Ideally, eating about a handful of walnuts every day can decrease heart attack risks by 40 percent, according to a study found in BMC Medicine.

  1. Whole grains

Swap foods that use refined grains as ingredients, such as white bread or pasta. Instead, go for foods that use whole grains. Refined grains could cause your sugar levels to increase, which isn’t good for your overall health.

  1. Yogurt

A cup of plain yogurt has all the calcium your body needs for the day. Yogurt is also a probiotic, which balances the health of your gut and protects your body against cancer.

Foods that slow down aging

Final thoughts

Positive thinking itself isn’t enough because women of a certain age have to embrace a healthier diet to better manage (or prevent) the development of health problems. Keep these foods that make women age slower on your grocery list and your weekly menu in order to enjoy a fuller, longer life with family and friends.

7 Thoughts About Life From Aretha Franklin (That Will Change Your Life)

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Known as the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin died on August 16th at 9:50 a.m. at her home in Detroit surrounded by family and friends. She was 76. According to a family statement, the “official cause of death was due to advanced pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type, which was confirmed by Franklin’s oncologist, Dr. Philip Phillips of Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit.”

Aretha started singing gospel music as a child at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, where her father, C. L. Franklin, was the minister. In 1960, at the age of 18, she began recording for Columbia Records but didn’t get the breakthrough she needed as an artist. After signing to Atlantic Records in 1967, Franklin achieved major success with some of her most famous songs such as “Respect”, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”, “Spanish Harlem” and “Think”.

Fans of Franklin left flowers and a crown on her Hollywood Walk of Fame star in Los Angeles to honor her memory, and former President Barack Obama tweeted “Aretha helped define the American experience. In her voice, we could feel our history, all of it and in every shade — our power and our pain, our darkness and our light, our quest for redemption and our hard-won respect. May the Queen of Soul rest in eternal peace.”

She will certainly be missed, but her powerful, soulful music will live on forever. To honor her life, we have gathered some important thoughts and positive quotes from the Queen of Soul that will change your life.

Here are 7 thoughts about life from Aretha Franklin:

1. “We all require and want respect, man or woman, black or white. It’s our basic human right.”

One of her most iconic songs “Respect” earned her two Grammy Awards in 1968 and was one of the most influential songs for the feminist movement. Aretha Franklin‘s version of this song made Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of all Time,” coming in at number five. Not only did “Respect” become an anthem for the Women’s Rights movement, it also was an important song for the Civil Rights movement. The song’s message was loud and clear: you have to demand respect from people, because otherwise they’ll just walk all over you. If someone doesn’t respect you, then just turn the other way, because you deserve better.

2. “You cannot define a person on just one thing. You can’t just forget all these wonderful and good things that a person has done because one thing didn’t come off the way you thought it should come off.”

Acceptance of others played an important role in her music as well, and this quote sums that up perfectly. We can’t simply judge others on their mistakes, because who doesn’t mess up at some point in life? We should remember others mostly for all the good things they’ve done, because most people in the world are good souls who are trying to figure things out just like the rest of us. Positive thinking helps to reframe life and keep us focused on the good intentions of those around us.

3. “Being the Queen is not all about singing, and being a diva is not all about singing. It has much to do with your service to people. And your social contributions to your community and your civic contributions as well.”

Aretha Franklin knew that God didn’t give her the ability to sing just for the fame, money, or other material gains. She used her voice to deliver the importance of social justice, and always answered the call to raise money and write checks for the Civil Rights movement. Her music truly unified people because it transcended race, social status, and religion; it was about human equality.

4. “Music does a lot of things for a lot of people. It’s transporting, for sure. It can take you right back, it’s uplifting, it’s encouraging, it’s strengthening.”

Aretha Franklin’s music was certainly all of those things. She captivated crowds with her powerful voice and important messages throughout her music. In her career, she won 18 Grammy Awards and sold over 75 million records worldwide.

5. “Sometimes, what you’re looking for is already there.”

This quote can remind us that maybe what we’ve been searching for is right in front of our eyes already. We often become blinded by what society wants us to do, think, or say and instead of listening to our own soul, we give into popular opinion. However, maybe what we really need is within us already if we search hard enough. Aretha Franklin never looked outside herself for the answers, because she knew that her natural talents would change people’s lives. Though she had plenty of people guiding her along her musical journey, Aretha found most of her inspiration within.

6. “Who hasn’t had a weight issue? If not the body, certainly the big head!”

Aretha struggled with her weight for years and suffered from health problems in her later life. However, she didn’t let her health stop her from delivering music to thousands of people, and despite the fame, she always remained humble.

stay strong quotes

7. “People really don’t have to give you anything, so appreciate what people give you.”

Perhaps this is one of the most important lessons we can learn from Aretha Franklin: never take for granted what people give you. Remember that no one owes you anything, so accept what others offer you with grace and humility, and try to give them something in return. Life is much more fulfilling when you focus on what you can give rather than what you can gain, as the Queen of Soul did throughout her life.

Source:

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved</h6

10 Essential Spices That Help Fight Depression

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Millions of people in the United States suffer from depression each year. Depression causes sadness and loss of interest in things that used to be enjoyed. Unfortunately, depression sometimes even leads to suicide. It can be difficult for some depressed people to identify the cause of the depression, though. Without finding the cause, most people resort to pharmaceutical drugs to alleviate the symptoms. There are other ways to treat depression, however.

There are herbs and spices that have been found to alleviate the symptoms of depression. This allows the depressed person to get in the right state of mind to find the cause or get help. While the healing properties of herbs and spices are not well known to most people, they are not just cooking spices. They are an all natural way to help treat depression. These cooking spices help balance hormones in the body so hormones that are lacking are increased. Usually, hormones being back in balance will alleviate the symptoms of depression and help the person suffering return to a happier state of mind.

10 Essential Spices For Cooking that Help Fight Depression

Turmeric

An ingredient in turmeric called curcumin has been in several studies as a treatment for depression. Each study found that curcumin helped in treating depression. A psychiatry and pharmacology professor from the University of Toronto weighed in on the possible healing properties of turmeric and curcumin for treating depression. He stated, “curcumin does have an effect on several physiological systems that are implicated in the causes of depression. It certainly would be a reasonable hypothesis that it could be in possession of antidepressant properties”. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps those with depression because oftentimes, a depressed person has more inflammation than normal, causing depression.

Rosemary

Clinical research shows that rosemary can reduce the symptoms of depression. A study where 30 students with moderate depression were treated with rosemary and 30 were treated with a placebo showed that rosemary does work. At the end of the 30 days, the students who were treated with rosemary were down to only mild depression. The students who took the placebo still had moderate depression.

Saffron

Saffron helps treat depression by balancing the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the body. An Iranian study was done where one group of depressed individuals were given saffron and the other group was given Prozac, an antidepressant pharmaceutical drug. At the end of the trial, saffron was found to be just as effective as Prozac.

Thyme

Thyme is another one of the spices for cooking that are effective in helping treat depression because it contains lithium. Lithium is a mineral that is already used to treat depression but using thyme to get lithium is an all natural way to do it.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the symptoms of depression. It also helps control blood pressure, which helps with depression. Cinnamon is one of the easiest spices for cooking to use for depression.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is another spice that reduces the inflammation that leads to depression and anxiety. Regularly adding nutmeg to a drink or food recipe can significantly improve the symptoms of depression. This all-natural method is delicious and nutmeg can easily be added to recipes.

Vanilla

In Hong Kong, studies were performed on over 1,200 people to see if vanilla could help with depression and anxiety symptoms. After the studies, it was determined that vanilla does improve the symptoms, and helps with anger, hostility, and overall well-being. This study showed that just the scent of vanilla would do the trick.

Cloves

Cloves contain potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and heart rate. This provides relief for depression and anxiety.

Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds help with mental health disorders, such as depression. There are many minerals in fennel seeds that allow them to return the body to a more normal state, easing the symptoms of depression.

Sage

Sage, also known as salvia, helps improve the nervous system and blood circulation. This leads to a decrease in depression and the symptoms that accompany it.

Conclusion

Depression is a serious illness affecting millions of people every day so it is important to know your options. There are more natural ways to treat depression than through the use of pharmaceutical drugs. Spices for cooking have many more benefits than just making a meal taste delicious. The spices can help your body return to its natural hormonal balance, potentially easing the symptoms of depression. Spices for cooking are an easy, all-natural method. Simply find ways to use the spices in your favorite recipes and you may find relief from the symptoms of your depression.

8 Telltale Symptoms of Heart Attacks in Women According to a Cardiologist

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Heart attacks can happen to anyone. But the symptoms of a heart attack in women are different than those in a male.

The American Heart Association explains that women are more likely to die from a heart attack than men are. One in three women die of a heart attack, and this high rate is likely due to the differing symptoms.

Most people know the common symptoms of a heart attack but don’t realize that women experience it differently. While chest pain is a sign, it isn’t the only one, and some women don’t experience it at all. Sometimes the pain feels more like pressure or heartburn than people realize, too.

A heart attack happens when the blood flow to your heart becomes disrupted. Research shows that women might experience symptoms for weeks before the attack, as they don’t typically occur suddenly. Plus, symptoms can seem to stop and then start again later.

According to the CDC, heart attacks are the leading cause of death in women in the United States. Knowing the silent signs of a heart attack in women can be life-saving. The sooner medical treatment begins, the more likely the person is to survive.

Symptoms of Heart Attack in Women

Do you know the main silent signs of a heart attack in women?

heart attack in women1. Chest Pain, But Not Always

As the most common heart attack symptom, chest pain seems to be the sign everyone waits for. While it is common, not everyone experiences chest pain or discomfort at all. Other people experience tightness, pressure, squeezing, or aching rather than the pain they expect.

Studies show that 42% of women who have had heart attacks did not experience any chest pain before or during the attack. Those that did experience pain didn’t always have it on the left side of their body, as most people believe happens.

When chest pain is present, it might ease or completely go away for a while. Then, it returns later that day or even more than a week later.

2. Unusual Fatigue

Women are often tired because they lead busy lives. Whether they work outside of the home, care for children and other family members, or run the home, women tend to be stressed. However, new or increased fatigue could be the first sign of heart attack in women.

Signs of fatigue to watch for include:

  • suddenly becoming worn out after a typical activity
  • you feel like you can’t exert yourself
  • your chest feels heavy when you’re moving

Fatigue can occur anytime in the weeks leading up to the heart attack or just before it occurs. Even after resting for a while, the fatigue will still be present. The fatigue occurs as a result of the excessive stress to your heart when blood flow is blocked.

3. Pressure In The Lower Chest Or Upper Abdomen

Another sign of heart attack in women is pressure or discomfort in the lower chest or upper abdomen. Some women describe the feeling as being similar to a bra that is too tight.

Just like with chest pain, this pressure can go away for a while only to come back. If that happens to you, it could be a sign of a heart attack.

When the pressure happens in the lower chest area, many people mistake it for a stomach issue. Sometimes the discomfort seems to spread to other parts of your body, as well.

4. Jaw, Neck, Or Upper Back Pain

When there is an issue with your heart, it triggers nerves in that area and other areas of the body. You might experience pain in your jaw, neck, or upper back for no specific reason. If the discomfort or pain begins or worsens when you exert yourself, it’s a good sign of a heart attack.

This symptom isn’t as prevalent in men, but women often report the experience. The jaw pain typically occurs on the left bottom side, which is closest to the heart.

Pain in other parts of your body usually happens when the chest pain spreads. You might not even notice the chest pain first, though, so don’t rely on it as a warning. Sometimes the pain will happen suddenly and can even begin while you are sleeping at night.

5. Shortness Of Breath

Shortness of breath is an often-overlooked symptom of a heart attack in women. Since women’s bodies go through so many changes, it isn’t unusual to experience this symptom. It’s an important thing to watch for because it could be a serious indication.

The heart pumps oxygenated blood to your tissues and recycles oxygen-depleted blood through your lungs. This function can’t occur when the heart isn’t working properly, resulting in a lack of oxygen throughout your bloodstream. When this happens, you experience shortness of breath.

Leading up to a heart attack, a woman might experience shortness of breath without exertion. The breathless feeling will worsen as time goes on, as well. Plus, it might get worse when you lay down and improve when you are propped up.

breathe darling meme6. Nausea Or Vomiting

When nausea or vomiting accompanies any of the other symptoms, it could indicate a heart attack. It’s often confused for food poisoning or other gastrointestinal problems, especially with upper abdomen discomfort.

Since the heart is your vital organ, the slightest blood flow problem can make you feel sick. If your heart isn’t getting enough blood flow, it starts to die, and your entire body suffers. You will feel an overall sense of being unwell, and your nausea will likely be intense.

7. Indigestion

Indigestion is a common symptom of a heart attack in women because the heart rests above the stomach. Sometimes, heart attacks are mistaken for indigestion, causing someone to believe they are fine. Indigestion typically eases when you rest, so if yours doesn’t go away, it could be something more serious.

If you experience indigestion that feels unusual or lasts for more than a couple of minutes, see a doctor immediately. Additionally, if you’ve never had indigestion before and it’s now regularly occurring, you should get it checked. Likewise, if intense indigestion happens suddenly, it could be a sign of a heart attack.

8. Fainting

Fainting, also known as syncope, is a serious warning that something is wrong, and it could be a heart attack. Feeling like you will faint isn’t normal, and it’s a sign of insufficient blood flow to the brain. This is especially true if it happens when you’re exercising or doing other strenuous activities.

If you feel weak or shaky, it could be a sign that you might faint. This feeling often occurs because of low blood pressure because the heart can’t pump enough oxygen. You might also experience anxiety, dizziness, or feeling lightheaded.

When to Call Emergency Services

Do you think you or someone else might be experiencing a heart attack?  Act quickly! You should never ignore the signs of a heart attack.

At the First Sign of a Problem

If you think you or someone else might be having a heart attack, call emergency services immediately. Don’t wait to see if symptoms improve because it is better to call for help and be wrong than to wait. Every minute that you wait potentially causes more damage and could lead to death.

When Someone Experiences Upper Body Pain

Any chest discomfort or pain can indicate a heart attack. If it lasts more than a few minutes, call for help right away. If the pain spreads to the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach, don’t wait to call an ambulance.

If  the Shortness of Breath Occurs with Other Signs

Shortness of breath with other issues can indicate a serious problem. Oftentimes, the person will break out in a cold sweat or feel faint and nauseous. If doing simple things like walking to the restroom causes the issue, call emergency personnel immediately.

The Person Becomes Extremely Weak

If someone suddenly becomes weak, it is a sign that oxygenated blood isn’t circulating. The person’s heartbeat might become irregular, and they could begin vomiting. Don’t assume these are signs of a virus, as it could be a heart attack.

heart attack in womenFinal Thoughts on Telltale Symptoms of Heart Attack in Women According to a Cardiologist

The symptoms of a full-blown heart attack in women differ from men, and the differences often lead to women not calling for help. A heart attack doesn’t happen suddenly, even if it might seem like it sometimes. There are usually signs in the weeks leading up to the event that indicates a problem is imminent.

Don’t wait to call for help if you think you or someone else is having a heart attack. The sooner help arrives and medical treatment begins, the higher the survival rate will be. Don’t diminish the symptoms and assume they are less serious or wait around to see if they get worse.

It is always better to call for help and get diagnostics tests to confirm you were wrong than risk losing a life. Every minute counts for heart disease, and knowing the symptoms of a heart attack in women can make all the difference. When you know what to watch for, you will immediately recognize any heart attack symptoms and know when to get help.

8 Hormone Imbalances That Make It Hard to Lose Weight

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As you well know, losing weight is more than diet and exercise. To nobody’s surprise, hormones can play a role as well. With that in mind, we want to share eight hormone imbalances that make it hard to lose weight.

Eight hormone imbalances that make it hard to lose weight

“…where your body stores excess weight is not a random occurrence but rather a complex hormonally driven process.” – Hormone Rebalance Centre (source)

  1. Chronic inflammation

Studies show that long-term problems with inflammation may lead to weight gain and obesity. Chronic inflammation is also linked to cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

Dr. Mark Hyman, a licensed physician and New York Times bestselling author, recommends a 1- to 4-week anti-allergen protocol that may help deal with many problems associated with inflammation and weight gain. Dr. Hyman calls for eliminating “some foods that irritate the immune system more than others,” including:

  • Dairy: butter, cheese, milk, and yogurt
  • Gluten: barley, oats, rye, and wheat
  • Nightshade vegetables: bell peppers, eggplant, potatoes and tomatoes
  • Yeast, including fermented foods

  1. High cortisol levels

Cortisol is the fuel that ignites our fight-or-flight system. Our primary stress hormone, cortisol also communicates with the brain to manage emotions like motivation. While it gets a bad rap, cortisol is essential to many bodily functions. For example, it helps keep inflammation down, regulates blood pressure, and manages our circadian rhythm (“sleep/wake cycle”).

But cortisol also increases blood sugar, and too much of it can boost the rate at which our body stores fat in cells. Of course, this malfunction can lead to weight gain.

  1. Excess Estrogen

Certain forms of estrogen influence how the body manages weight gain. When estrogen levels are low – during a woman’s menstrual cycle, for example – the body’s metabolism slows, and this can result in weight gain.

Other causes of this form of hormone imbalances include:

  • anorexia
  • intense exercise
  • lactation
  • ovarian surgery

  1. Hypothyroidism

Disorders of the thyroid are notorious for causing weight problems. Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. When this happens, the metabolism is essentially handicapped; the body’s ability to convert fat into energy slows, and the chances of gaining weight increase drastically.

Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, oversleeping, and brain fog.

  1. Low testosterone

Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in men and influences fat-burning, muscle mass, and skin tone in both sexes. Testosterone deficiency can result from a stressed-out lifestyle, poor diet, and obesity. Regarding the last, it is thought that low “T-count” can be both the cause and the effect. In other words, low testosterone is a potential catalyst for weight gain.

Most frustrating is that an individual may still experience weight gain with low T-counts despite a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Fortunately, treatment of low testosterone can effectively reverse any side effects of the condition.

  1. Excess insulin

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that converts sugar glucose into energy. A proper balance of this hormone is crucial to ensuring normal blood sugar levels.

After we eat, pancreas cells are activated that release insulin into the bloodstream. Insulin then clings to and signals cells to absorb sugar and to use it for energy. When insulin levels too high, the body feels hungrier more frequently. As a result, we may overeat and experience difficulties in losing weight.

  1. Menopausal imbalances

Menopause throws the female hormones through a loop (but you probably don’t need me to tell you that!). It’s the odd behavior of hormones that causes those lovely symptoms such as mood swings, cramps, hot flashes, fatigue, and night sweats.

As is the case with any type of hormone imbalances, weight gain may also result. Per the Mayo Clinic, menopause may occur between the ages of 40 to 50, with the average age being 51.

  1. Serotonin imbalance

Imbalance of the brain chemical serotonin is commonly linked to depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Per a 2006 study published in the journal Neuron, serotonin – the neurotransmitter that regulates mood and sleep – inhibits cravings by acting on receptors that curb appetite while blocking other receptors that cause cravings.

It can be stated, then, that a lack of serotonin in the brain may increase appetite. Anecdotal evidence exists that humans are more likely to crave refined carbohydrates (e.g., sugar and starches) when deficient in serotonin.

serotonin- hormone imbalances

Correcting hormone imbalances

Now that you have a good idea as to how and why hormone imbalance can cause weight loss, here are some ideas to help get your hormones back in sync!

  1. Limit exposure to stress: Common stressors that may facilitate weight gain include trouble at work, financial difficulties, toxic relationships, and poor self-esteem.
  2. Use progressive relaxation techniques: Active relaxation techniques include anything that takes your mind off of things. Get a massage, take a hot bath, or practice deep breathing.

Diet and exercise: While diet and exercise aren’t the “be all, end all” of weight loss, eating right and working out regularly can help maintain a healthy weight and balance hormones.

https://youtu.be/7BNGVmwxoHI

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

Single Mom Missed A Class, But Professor’s Response Is Going Viral For Perfect Reasons

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“Told my professor I missed class yesterday bc I couldn’t find childcare & this was her response. I’m literally crying. So blessed/thankful.”

– @morganking on Twitter

“Childcare falls through sometimes, and it does for me as well, and I bring my kids to work. We all need people around us, people supporting us. Nobody can do this journey by themselves.”

– Dr. Sally Beville Hunter

A single mother’s struggle

This subheading is a bit misleading. Millions of single mothers struggle every day to make a living and care for their children.

When you Google “affordable/quality childcare,” you’ll be hit with over 1 million results, reflecting the growing demand for dependable options. Studies from Yale University and articles in the Washington Post emphasize the importance of high-quality care, and research from healthcare and childcare agencies continues to stress its benefits. If you’re looking for childcare services near Hoppers Crossing, you’ll find that there are many options available that can provide both affordability and quality, ensuring your child is well cared for in a nurturing environment.

Morgan King, a 21-year-old single mom, is a perfect example. In addition to working nights at a restaurant and caring for her infant daughter, King is studying recreational therapy at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville (UT). Her career goal: to assist children with disabilities.

Realizing that she’d have to miss class, King emailed her professor, Dr. Sally Hunter.

Bring her!

King emailed her professor and explained her situation. She didn’t have anyone to care for her baby daughter and couldn’t make it to class.

Most professors would do one of two things (from experience): shoot off a quick reply with something like “Ok, just read ‘x’ and study ‘y,'” or not bother to respond at all. In their defense, most ‘profs’ are busy people, and most lectures are not mandatory.

Dr. Sally Hunter is not most professors. Of course, Dr. Hunter outlined the lecture’s topics and what work needed to be done; but it was her second paragraph that really stood out – here it is verbatim and in original format:

“In the future, if you are having trouble finding someone to watch Korbyn, please feel free to just BRING HER with you to class. I would be absolutely delighted to hold her while I teach, so that you can still pay attention to the class and take notes. I work for the Department of CHILD and FAMILY Studies – so how terrible would it be, if I was unwilling to have a child visit our class? I’m very serious with this offer – just bring Korbyn with you!”

Mom and Professor go viral

When the Knoxville News Sentinel reported on King’s story, the Tweet had been shared over 5,000 times. Even the UT Chancellor (head of the school), Beverly Davenport, got in on the action. Davenport re-tweeted and then added: “Morgan, thanks for showing us challenges college students face. Prof Hunter, thanks for being part of the solution.”

Others responded in-kind – students, single moms, and others who are struggling. The underlying premise of most replies: admiring Dr. Hunter, advocating for single mothers, and the essentiality of simple acts of kindness.

Readers: Have you or your child ever been on the receiving end of someone else’s act of kindness? Please share!

Paying it forward

Dr. Hunter is quite a humble individual. (In all the articles read and referenced, she [subtly] redirected the spotlight.) In fact, the professor discussed her need for help at one point:

“I had Issac, my oldest son, 10 years ago. It was March and I didn’t finish the semester until May. It was my last semester of graduate coursework to get the Ph.D. My professor, Dr. Blanton, said ‘Why don’t you just bring him with you to class?'”

Dr. Hunter also points to her duties as a Professor. Working within UT’s Department of Child and Family Studies, she remains sensitive to the personal needs of students outside of the classroom.

kindness quote - professor

A bigger issue

Childcare Aware of America, a non-profit institution that studies the effects of child care cites the following:

Research tells us that quality child care, for the first five years of a child’s development, provides “a (foundation) for future success and has long-term academic and social benefits (for) child and society.”

Affordable child care is not just a single mother issue; it is a problem that affects working families. At the macro level, child care (or lack thereof) has an impact on all of us. Children who are enrolled in quality programs “demonstrate lasting effects on IQ, (academic) and economic achievement, and lower incidences of childhood obesity and chronic illness.”

What do you all think of the story? Do you have any personal or professional insight on child care? Please do share with us!

https://youtu.be/ZSRMq_d7Q0c

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved
References:
http://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/2017/06/24/absent-ut-student-got-incredible-response-professor/424874001/
http://www.scarymommy.com/professors-response-single-mom-student-missed-class-going-viral/
http://usa.childcareaware.org/advocacy-public-policy/resources/research/statefactsheets/
http://yaledailynews.com/blog/2016/10/13/lack-of-child-care-affects-low-income-families/
https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/tennessee/articles/2017-06-24/professor-offers-to-watch-students-baby-during-class

7 Foods That Cause Mucus In Your Body

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Many people only think about mucus or phlegm when they’re feeling ill. Mucus is that sticky, annoying substance that makes your nose feel blocked. Phlegm is very similar to mucus in that way. But it’s produced from your lungs instead. Mucus is different, as it’s mostly in your nose, and it can cause some nasty conditions such as sinusitis or make you wake up with crusty eyes and a puffy face. It might not surprise you that some foods cause mucus. Consuming these foods, especially when you are already under the weather, can make you feel worse.

The best way to avoid being affected by the effects of mucus is to rid your diet of foods that cause mucus production. That might not be very easy – and you don’t have to quit those foods cold turkey – but making a conscious effort to reduce them in your diet will yield effects straightaway. Eating these foods in moderation is also a good step to take. If you suffer from problems caused by excessive mucus, you’ll feel much better after a week of adjusting your diet. Without further ago, let’s get to this list of foods.

Here Are 7 Foods That Cause Mucus In Your Body

foods that cause mucus

1. Milk and dairy

Cheese, milk, yogurt, and all other dairy products contain casein – molecules many believe may increase mucus secretions. Therefore, consuming a lot of dairy products means that there will be more mucus in your throat and sinuses. They also believe the lactose may be bad for mucus production, too.

So try replacing the milk in your coffee or cappuccino with a dairy alternative like almond. There are also a variety of plant-based milks that can do the trick – and feel free to experiment until you find the one you like. If you’re feeling adventurous, try some dairy-free cheese and ice cream! You’ll be surprised at the great tastes you can find.

Much information on thickening mucus after consuming dairy is anecdotal, and research is ongoing. Some scientists believe that any increase in mucus after dairy consumption is most likely a sensitivity or allergy. One study disputes that milk can cause mucus, calling it a myth.

Still other suggest that the perception of milk causing mucus might be due to the texture and viscosity of milk, which some may mistake for the feeling of mucus in the mouth and throat.

Long story short – talk with your doctor and ask it you could have a dairy sensitivity causing increases of mucus.

2. Sugar

As much as you love sugary treats, you need to be aware of the fact that sugars are one of those foods that cause mucus in your body. Even sugar in your coffee or tea is in danger of making your body produce more mucus, as well as processed fruits and even simple things like glazed fruits. Try replacing sugar with anything you can find; honey and agave nectar are always good alternatives. In baking, you can use more fruit, a natural sugar source.

In fact, consuming high amounts of sugar can lead to inflammation, which may increase mucus production. One study discusses how excessive fructose consumption (a type of sugar) can lead to inflammation and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

3. Meat and oil

This doesn’t mean that you need to turn vegetarian. However, if you do have the flu or a cough, it’s a good idea to avoid any meat or fish because they could make your mucus discharge even worse. In the long term, limit your meaty meals to several a week rather than eating meat daily. With fish, try to consume even less because fish is very rich in fatty acids and oils that can also contribute to mucus production.

foods that cause mucus

4. Wheat

Some people are sensitive to wheat and may experience increased mucus production after consumption. The sensitivity to wheat and its potential effects on mucus production are usually linked to conditions like wheat allergy, celiac disease, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

A study on wheat allergies notes that while some individuals may experience increased mucus production or respiratory symptoms after consuming wheat, these are not the primary or most common symptoms associated with wheat sensitivity or allergy.

5. Nuts

Some individuals are allergic to specific nuts, and an allergic reaction can manifest in various ways. Symptoms of a nut allergy can include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and postnasal drip, all of which may stimulate mucus production. In severe cases, an allergic reaction to nuts (or various other foods, according to studies) can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.

6. Alcohol

No matter whether it’s beer, whiskey, vodka, or any other type of alcohol – drinking is discouraged while you’re ill because alcohol tends to dehydrate you. Dehydration means that the remaining mucus feels more concentrated in the body. If you’re thinking about replacing alcohol with soft drinks, take note that carbonated sugary drinks can dehydrate you, too. The best source of hydration while you’re ill is water – because there are no additives in it, and it can easily break down the mucus.

7. Fried foods

Your favorite fast-food burger and fries might be your go-to meal on the way home from a hectic or stressful day at work. But does it leave you feeling sluggish the next day? That’s because these foods can increase inflammation in the body, potentially leading to increased mucus production.

As a study explains the association between fried foods, inflammation, and potential health consequences. Fried foods often contain trans fats and are cooked at high temperatures. As a result, it can form harmful compounds that promote inflammation. It causes particular inflammation in the bowel and can lead to inflammatory bowle diseases.

alcohol - foods that cause mucus

Final thoughts on the foods that cause mucus in your body

It’s difficult to deal with excessive mucus because it feels like it’ll never go away – but it will, as long as you keep up the positive thinking and the healthy mucus-defeating diet! Continue to be positive and don’t deprive yourself of useful nutrients, though, and if you feel very ill, always consult your doctor!

Editorial Note 08/24/2023: Added updated studies and food products, according to updates in research
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