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Psychology Explains Why People Cheat In A Relationship

March 23, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Cheating in relationships is incredibly common. John Howard, a therapist and behavioral scientist, claims that as many as 50 percent of people in a relationship cheat on their spouse. Perhaps not so coincidentally, the divorce rate also hovers around 50 percent. Many experts cite it as the number one reason for it.

So, why do people cheat (and divorce) in the first place? Many social scientists and relationship experts believe that monogamy – committing to one person – goes against the evolutionary grain. Here’s Franklin Porter, a couples’ therapist based in New York City:

“I don’t feel like it’s natural to be in a monogamous relationship. From an evolutionary standpoint, men are wired to impregnate multiple women to further the species.” Mr. Porter goes on to explain that humans began cohabitating and procreating despite the innate desire to “explore” – a longing that, Porter says, continues today.

Evolution aside, scientists dug a bit more into the “Why?” behind cheating in a recent study published in The Journal of Sex Research.

“When people cheat in any arena, they diminish themselves—they threaten their own self-esteem and their relationships with others by undermining the trust they have in their ability to succeed and in their ability to be true.” ~ Cheryl Hughes, Author

According to the research team, here are four commonly cited reasons why people cheat in a relationship:

1. Lack of Love (“I had fallen out of love with my partner.”)

Unsurprisingly, a fair number of cheaters say that they’ve fallen out of love with their partner. While the statement “I just fell out of love” may seem straightforward, it may also be used as an excuse. Furthermore, likely, some other cause – lack of communication, boredom, non-attraction – may also be at play.

2. Low Commitment (“I wasn’t very committed to my primary partner.”)

The truth is that some people enter into a relationship with a lackadaisical attitude. To them, the word “relationship” implies something more open-ended. The problem, of course, is when the other person doesn’t share this apathetic outlook.

It goes without saying that commitment levels tend to coincide with relationship happiness. Commitment is the close cousin of intimacy – and a lack of either can spell doom for a partnership.

3. Esteem Reasons (“I wanted to enhance my image.”)

Sexual conquests may also serve to boost the ole’ self-esteem. Men and women who cheat for esteem reasons think (often incorrectly) that a roll in the hay with some stranger may bring them some confidence.

Other people will engage in cheating to enhance their social credibility. Cheating to elicit favorable social opinion is more common among younger adults, though it also occurs in older groups.

4. Situational Factors (“I was drunk and not thinking clearly.”)

Then there are situational “factors” – the wrong place at the wrong time while quite possibly doing the wrong thing. Alcohol and certain drugs lower inhibition and impair judgment; predictably, the odds of one making a poor choice and cheating on their partner are much higher under such conditions.

The Effects of Cheating

Regarding the effects of cheating, the psychological – and, many times, physical – toll inflicted doesn’t invite much opposition. Put, cheating can be devastating to one or both individuals.

In a study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, M. Rosie Shrout of the University of Nevada at Reno, found “a connection between (both) mental health and health-compromising behaviors.” Concerning the former, victims of cheating were at a much higher risk of developing anxiety and depression.

Also, Ms. Shrout says, “As we expected, people who experienced more emotional and psychological distress after being cheated on engaged in more risky behaviors. They were more likely to eat less or not eat at all, use alcohol or marijuana more often, have sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or overexercise. Being cheated on seems to have not only mental health consequences, but also increases risky behaviors.”

Rediscovering Commitment

As mentioned, many scientists and other experts believe that humans are not naturally monogamous. Before the widespread adoption of religion, humans regularly engaged in polygamy to ensure the survival of our species. Additionally, the brain seeks what is exotic and novel. Left unchecked (or under the influence!), the brain is likelier to act on the desire for lust.

Final Thoughts: Why stay committed?

The simple answer is emotional bonding. A life partner is one with whom you can share life’s delightful memories, someone you can rely on, someone who will be there and love you unconditionally when all is said and done.

Beauty fades. Hormones die down. We get old. Those who choose love and commitment will reap the most handsome of rewards.

Researchers Reveal 5 Deficiencies That Keep People Up At Night

March 23, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Combined, vitamins and minerals – also known as essential nutrients – are responsible for hundreds of functions in the body. They are absolutely critical to good health – and are often the reason for not-so-good health. In fact, long-term vitamin and mineral deficiencies can lead to the development of potentially life-threatening diseases and illnesses.

Though vitamins and minerals are often grouped together, there are some significant differences between the two:

– Minerals are non-organic and maintain their chemical structure. They come from soil and water. Thus, thus we ingest them through the animals, fish, fluids, and plants that we eat.

– Vitamins are organic, and are broken down by air, acid, and heat. Since vitamins are so fragile, they are more difficult to absorb.

Why is this distinction important? Because both internal and external influences (body, environment, stress, insomnia, etc.) can lead to malnutrition; mainly through a shortage of vitamins within the body, but also through a lack of minerals. Further, the chemical makeup of vitamins necessitates additional dosing under certain conditions, such as those mentioned above.

Vitamins, Nutrients, and Sleep

“Sleep is important.” We’ve heard these three words – or some variation of them – over and over again. Yet, despite the mass of knowledge available explaining the essential nature of sleep, many of us shrug it off.

When we see a doctor about our sleep troubles, they are all-too-eager to prescribe a “knock-me-out pill.” (See: “Valium, Xanax, usage.”) It’s more time-consuming to evaluate things like diet and exercise and how they may be affecting our shut-eye.

It goes without saying that both diet and exercise profoundly influence sleep quality. Relatedly, both have various effects on the absorption and activity of vitamins and minerals.

Very quickly, here is a list of vital tasks that both minerals and vitamins perform – most of which directly affect sleep:

Minerals

– Ensure balance of water in the body
– Help build and maintain bone health
– Carry oxygen throughout the body
– Promote oral health
– Assist with the metabolism of vitamins
– Encourage cell formation and health

Vitamins

– Build bones (Vitamins A, D, and K.)
– Protect the immune system (Vitamins C, E, and others.)
– Help store other vitamins and minerals (Vitamin E.)
– Release energy into the body (B-vitamins.)
– Permit energy production (Biotin, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, and thiamine.)
– Build cells and proteins (Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid.)
– Produce collagen (Vitamins C & D)

Now that we’ve gotten our “review” out of the way, let’s talk about a few specific vitamins and minerals needed to ensure a good night’s sleep.

Here are 5 nutrient deficiencies that can cause poor sleep:

1. Magnesium Deficiencies

Magnesium is sometimes referred to as “nature’s chill pill,” and for a good reason. ‘Mg’ relaxes both the brain and heart through regulation of blood flow. More specifically, Mg chemically activates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) – the automatic response that counters the fight-or-flight mode.

Mg also regulates the sleep hormone, melatonin. Melatonin controls the sleep-wake cycle of the body, also known as the circadian rhythm.

2. Potassium Deficiencies

Potassium, like magnesium, is a natural relaxant. While Mg helps get you to sleep, ‘K’ helps keep you asleep. (Unrelated question: can some chemistry major explain why the letter ‘K’ was chosen for potassium on the periodic table?)

Anywho, potassium supplementation may improve sleep quality and duration in healthy adults. Lack of potassium correlates with both heart irregularities and muscle spasms – the two most common causes of disturbed sleep!

3. B-vitamin Deficiencies

Numerous studies demonstrate that B-vitamins impact the quality of sleep and lack thereof. A deficiency of vitamin B-9 (folic acid) connects to the onset of insomnia. Meanwhile, vitamin B-12 is said to ease the symptoms of insomnia.

Consuming B-5 (pantothenic acid) is said to relieve anxiety and stress, which may help promote sleep.

4. Iron Deficiencies

The results from a study published in African Health Sciences found that iron deficiency anemia (IDA) – a condition wherein the blood lacks healthy red blood cells – contributes to poor sleep quality. (A relationship also exists between iron deficiency and the presence of anxiety and depression.)

Other research shows that low iron levels cause problems such as shortness of breath and heart palpitations. Iron deficiency is also linked to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and restless leg syndrome (RLS).

5. Calcium Deficiencies

Per Medical News Today, calcium is directly related to sleep cycles. In a study published in the European Neurology Journal, scientists discovered that calcium levels are highest during REM sleep – the deepest phase. Thus, we can attribute some sleep disturbances to calcium deficiencies.

Besides magnesium, calcium may be the most important mineral for good sleep. This may help to explain why dairy products, which are rich in calcium, are the most widely-consumed products of the sleep-deprived.

Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/magnesium-and-sleep
https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/vitamins-and-minerals.htm
https://www.livescience.com/38401-nutrients-linked-better-sleep.html
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/163169.php
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4480468/

When Should You Get Married, According to Your Zodiac Sign?

March 21, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Your fate is not set in stone, but according to astrologers, each sun sign of the zodiac has an age they should ideally get married at. Researchers looked at beliefs about chance or fate and found that ‘The practice of astrology can be traced in most if not all human societies, in most time periods. Astrology has prehistoric origins and flourishes in the modern world, where it may be understood as astronomy practiced by the people.’

Read on to find out when, if ever, your zodiac sign says is the best age that you should plan to take the plunge and stand at the altar at your wedding.

Here’s when you should get married based on your sign:

ARIES MARCH 21 – APRIL 19

Aries as a group like to have a companion throughout their life. On the other hand, they also like to think they are very independent. Aries is likely to marry early in their 20’s and be blissfully partnered.

TAURUS APRIL 20 – MAY 20

Home stability is a preference for Taurus. Love, marriage, and a happy partner at home is a goal that Taurus will likely achieve early in life near their mid 20’s.

GEMINI MAY 21 – JUNE 21

Gemini is a zodiac sign that hopes for love that will exceed their romantic dreams. The Gemini will seek their romantic twin early on in life but will wait to marry until mid-30’s.

CANCER JUNE 22 – JULY 22

Cancer is lovable, not crabby, and their romantic marriage partner will find them irresistible around their early 30’s.

LEO JULY 23 – AUGUST 22

Lions love to pursue their love interests, but the one they marry will take a while to hunt down. Leo will wait until later in their 30’s to be sure that all their hunting for a mate is over.

VIRGO AUG 23 – SEPT 22

Virgo seeks a homey happiness and will look to marry early in life, in their mid to early 20’s. The Virgo will find an easy happiness in domestic life.

LIBRA SEPT 23 – OCT 22

Libras are in love with love, and so many people are worthy of their love, but this zodiac sign will be happy to marry early in life around age 20. Libras love to read their astrology, and, like other signs, often feel that they closely relate to what is written about them.

SCORPIO OCT 23 – NOV 21

Toughing it out and being fiercely independent until late in life is likely for the zodiac sign of Scorpio. However, the passion that this sign can feel for a mate may make them marry early. Either in their mid 20’s or late 30’s is when Scorpio could marry.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 – DEC 21

Do not try to trap Sagittarius romantically if you might hope to marry them in the future. Sagittarius wants to stay free, so a looser commitment than marriage may be what is needed. If they marry, Sagittarius could see themselves marrying at age 30.

CAPRICORN DEC 22 – JAN 19

Capricorn is a zodiac sign that wants to feel comfortable and secure with a partner before deciding on marriage. The Capricorn mate wants to feel you out and make sure that you can handle them at their worst, before they let you have their best. Getting married at age 25-30 is just about enough time for this zodiac sign to find the right spouse.

AQUARIUS JAN 20 – FEB 18

Aquarians have high levels of energy, enthusiasm, and vitality. This zodiac sign should wait to get married until they’ve aged and matured a bit, but they will likely rush into things in their early 20’s. Being overwhelmed with passion isn’t a bad thing when you’re young or old.

PISCES FEB 19 – MAR 20

Intense relationships can be scary to Pisces, so getting married is usually delayed until they feel more confident about the lasting power of the relationship. Pisces will look to wait to marry until well into their 30’s.

Researchers say of astrology ‘The Western tradition, which originated in Mesopotamia and was developed in the Greek world, has been most studied by academics. However, India is also home to a tradition, which has survived in a continuous lineage for 2,000 years. Complex systems of astrology also developed in China and Mesoamerica, while all other human societies appear to seek social and religious meaning in the stars.’

The zodiac signs will find the love they are meant to have in due time. The wheel of fortune may bring you someone whom you desire, but what age you get married at, or if you decide to get married, is something that only you get to determine.

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

Researchers Reveal Why It’s Good to Pee In The Shower

March 21, 2018 by Power of Positivity

It’s people like Debs Torr and Chris Dobson who make the world a better place. Mr.’s Torr and Dobson are students at the University of East Anglia (UEA) – a world-renowned research institution in Norwich, England. According to them, their plan will save about 720 million liters (187 gallons) of water every year. Their radical idea? Pee in the shower.

“We’ve done the math,” says Dobson, “and this project stands to have a phenomenal impact. With 15,000 students at UEA, over a year we would save enough water to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool 26 times over.”

The name of their movement? ‘Go with the Flow.’ Something that many people appear to be doing: according to a survey by Angie’s List, about 80 percent of us tinkle in the tub.

It’s understandable as to why 20 percent of us are reluctant. Peeing where you rinse and repeat doesn’t sound very hygienic (it is!). Others worry about urine staining their shower space.

An article published in Business Insider explains why it’s “a-ok” to let it flow (albeit, in the ocean):

“Human urine is 95 percent water. It also contains sodium (Na) and chloride ions – these are the same components that make up regular table salt (NaCl).”

(Note: According to the American Chemical Society, urinating in an enclosed area, e.g., a pool, is potentially dangerous. This is due to a chemical reaction that takes place between urine and pool cleaning liquids. Also, people with urinary tract infection [UTI] should refrain as well.)

Now that we know peeing in the shower helps the planet, let’s talk about some other benefits.

Here are 7 other reasons why you should pee in the shower:

1. Cleanliness

It’s cleaner – or at least as clean – to pee in the shower as it is the toilet. While a communal shower may be considered off-limits for many, your own shower serves as a hygienic second option. When it comes right down to it, your pee is going to backsplash anyways – might as well do it where you can rinse it off.

2. Saves Money

If you’re like most of us, you pay a water bill. While probably not the most expensive utility, you’ll probably save a few bucks by going in the shower going a while.

Most manufactured toilets use between 1.5 to 3 gallons of water with every flush. Older toilets are even worse, using 5 to 7 gallons every time. Thus, you save water.

3. Hygiene

Women have to use toilet paper every time they hit the john. By taking a tinkle in the shower, you don’t have to wipe, only rinse. Besides saving time and money, it’s more hygienic for females.

4. It prevents and kills fungus

The United States Army instructs soldiers to urinate on their feet when out in the field. Why? Because urine is a natural antibacterial and anti-fungal treatment. Urine is also a good antiseptic – and urinating on a wound can help disinfect it; a practice that goes back to ancient times.

5. It’s a time saver

Okay, so you’re probably not gonna save a whole lot of time – but in the morning, every minute counts. Not much else to say except you’ll be killing two birds with one stone. Who knows, maybe you’ll have enough time to down another cup of java (would that be defeating the purpose? Hmm … meh.)

6. It feels good

Oh, and peeing in the shower feels good. The warm water from the shower relaxes your bowels and urinary tract enough to make the experience pleasurable.

7. Because you can

Yeah! It’s your shower, after all (we hope.) Give that inner rebel of yours a reason to get fired up by doing something that “society” considers “unclean.” You can gain an extra bit of satisfaction knowing that the traitors who rail against shower pee are probably doing it too.

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

7 Sleep Habits of Highly Successful People

March 21, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Here’s a riddle: What does nearly everyone do a lot, yet can’t seem to get enough of? Okay, so you probably know by the title of this article that the answer is (wait for it…) SLEEP!

It’s a bit generic to simply say “Sleep. It’s good for you!” So, let’s get more specific. In this article, we’re going to discuss the sleep habits of successful people. We’ll wrap up by going over some tips to improve your ‘sleep hygiene’, courtesy of the National Sleep Foundation.

Let’s start off by asking another (non-riddle) question: What does success require? If we were to have a deep discussion about “success principles” we’d be here a while.

So, let’s narrow it down to three things that we should all be able to agree on: energy, thinking, and health. As it turns out, adequate sleep is the most important activity for maintaining the healthy function of all three.

Sleep is important enough to success that companies all over the world now have “nap rooms” for their employees. You may have heard of this little company called Google. Yeah, nap rooms. (Meditation rooms, too!)

“Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” ~ Benjamin Franklin

We’re fascinated with how successful people live. Articles have been written about what successful people eat, the books they read, and yes, how they sleep.

While some wildly successful people have erratic sleeping habits, most of them stick to a schedule. Case in point: Ole’ Benny Franklin (quote, above) used to sleep from 10 PM to 5 AM.

Here are 7 other sleep habits that the vast majority of successful people have in common:

1. They’re asleep by 1 AM

According to nine different sources who compiled the sleeping habits of 21 successful people – from Barack Obama to Elon Musk – about 95 percent of them are snoozing by 1 AM. (Winston Churchill apparently didn’t drift off until 3…as in 3 AM!)

2. They’re awake by 7 AM

According to Home Arena, nine out of every ten successful people are awake by 7. Ellen DeGeneres, the widely-successful comedian and T.V. host, is on her feet at precisely 7. Others, like Pepsi CEO Indra Nooyi, are “up and at ‘em” as early as 4.

3. They get at least 6 hours

Speaking of Ms. Nooyi, she’s one of the few outliers who doesn’t get a minimum of six hours sleep (she registers five). Even Elon Musk, the insanely-driven inventor extraordinaire, hits the hay for at least a half-dozen hours. Musk’s biggest competitor, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, gets seven hours of shuteye.

4. They’re extremely disciplined

No real surprise here. By most accounts – at least, the ones that are available – successful people approach sleep like they do everything else … with an uncanny amount of self-discipline.

5. They have a morning routine

While routines differ widely among the successful, they do have one. The late, great Steve Jobs used to ask himself every morning, “If today was the last day of my life, would I be happy with what I’m about to do today?” Job’s biggest life rival, Mr. Bill Gates, spends an hour on the treadmill each morning without fail.

6. They have an evening routine

Like their morning routines, successful people differ. But they tend to unwind in bed the same way, every time. Arianna Huffington gets rid of the tech; Oprah Winfrey meditates, and Kenneth Chenault plans his to-do’s for the next day.

7. They understand the importance of sleep

Successful people are also exceptionally busy (Google “Elon Musk’s schedule.” Insane.) Highly successful people generally don’t have a need for payday loans no credit check type of scenarios – and also take on more responsibilities than many of us can fathom. Some manage billions of investor’s dollars; some keep non-profit’s afloat; some are heads of state. All hectic, demanding, stressful stuff.

The outrageously successful don’t get to where they’re at by being dumb: as these people’s sleeping habits demonstrate, the successful know the importance of shuteye.

Per the National Sleep Foundation, here are some tips and tricks for improving your sleep habits:

1. Keep the same sleep schedule every day (even on the weekends).

2. Practice a relaxing evening routine every night.

3. Switch off the technology. The blue light emitted from e-devices disrupts the brain’s production of melatonin – our body’s natural sleep chemical.

4. Do some moderate exercise every day.

5. Design a comfortable sleep environment. Your bedroom should be cool – between 60 to 67 degrees. It should also be noise-free with a minimal amount of light.

6. Use a quality mattress and comfortable pillows. (Mattresses have a max life expectancy of about 9 years.)

“We are such stuff that dreams are made on. And our little life is rounded with sleep.” ~ William Shakespeare

https://youtu.be/hXxTtXOz5JQ

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

Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2015/11/13/the-sleep-habits-of-highly-successful-people-infographic/#4002a15b6d7f
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/news/a35114/sleep-habits-of-highly-successful-people/
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/andrew-merle/sleep-routines-of-successful-people_b_8869634.html
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/from-steve-jobs-obama-jeff-bezos-mark-zuckerberg-how-8-of-the-world-s-most-successful-people-start-a6686466.html
https://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/6-habits-highly-successful-people-before-bedtime.html

Crohn’s Disease: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

March 21, 2018 by Sarah Barkley

By understanding Crohns Disease, you can help yourself, or your loved ones get through the uncertainty. It might be hard to handle, but with a plan and treatment options, it is manageable. With information, you can navigate this time without as much worry and stress.

Inflammation from Crohns Disease often affects layers of bowel tissue, making it painful and debilitating. This disease can even lead to life-threatening complications, making it a condition that you can’t ignore. In other cases, the disease only produces mild symptoms, and the key is to find the best treatment options.

According to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, more than 780,000 Americans have this disease. There is no known cure for it, but there are treatment options available. Getting a diagnosis from a medical professional is the first step to treatment, and they can help you come up with an effective plan.

If you know the symptoms and causes of the disease, you will know what to look for. When you recognize the signs, you will know when to see a medical professional and begin treatment.

What Is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, and it can be debilitating and life-threatening. It is a type of inflammatory bowel disease and leads to uncomfortable symptoms and complications.

The disease weakens the lining of the small and large intestines, creating ulcerations. Crohn’s can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the rectum. It most commonly affects the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the colon.

Crohn’s affects the entire thickness of the bowel wall and can skip patches of the intestine. With treatment, you can enter periods of remission, but you might still experience relapses.

What Are the Symptoms of Crohns Disease?

The symptoms of Crohns Disease range from mild to severe and include the following:

Abdominal pain and cramping
Persistent diarrhea
Kidney stones
Skin problems
Weight loss
Fever
Fatigue
Blood in your stool
Reduced appetite and weight loss
Pain or drainage near or around the anus
Rectal bleeding
Inflammation of skin, eyes, and joints
Inflammation of the liver or bile ducts
Urgent need to pass a bowel movement
Incomplete bowel evacuation
Low energy and fatigue
Redness or pain in the eyes
Vision changes
Bumps, sores, rashes, or other skin complications
Night sweats
Abnormal menstrual cycle
Shortness of breath

What Are the Types of Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s affects different parts of your GI tract, resulting in different types of the condition. These types include:

Ileocolitis: The most common type is ileocolitis. This type of Crohn’s affects the end of the small intestine and the large intestine. The symptoms that accompany this type include diarrhea, cramping, pain in the abdomen, and significant weight loss.
Ileitis: This type of Crohn’s only affects the ileum, which is the small intestine. The symptoms are the same as with ileocolitis, but severe cases can also cause fistulas or inflammatory abscesses.
Gastroduodenal: Gastroduodenal affects the stomach and the beginning of the small intestine, also known as the duodenum. The symptoms of this type include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
Jejunoileitis: This type of Crohn’s affects the upper half of the small intestine, called the jejunum. Characterized by patchy areas of inflammation, the symptoms include mild to intense abdominal pain and cramps after eating, diarrhea, and fistulas.
Granulomatous Colitis: Granulomatous affects the colon, including diarrhea, rectal bleeding, skin lesions, and joint pain. It also causes abscesses, fistulas, and ulcers around the anus.

What Causes Crohn’s Disease?

While the exact cause of Crohn’s is unknown, experts believe they have narrowed it down to a few factors, including:

Immune System: A virus or bacteria can trigger Crohn’s if the immune response is abnormal. When an abnormal immune response occurs, it causes your immune system to attack the digestive tract cells. Sometimes the bacteria your immune system attacks are harmless or beneficial, resulting in issues then, too.
Genetics: If you have family members with Crohn’s, you might have genes that cause the disease. Research shows that 20% of people with this disease have a relative with it. It isn’t always inherited, though, so don’t assume you’re safe because none of your family members have it.
Environmental Factors: Crohn’s is more common in developed countries, urban areas, and northern climates. It can also develop from something you’ve eaten, microbes, and cigarette smoke. Environmental factors can either trigger an immune system response or directly damage the intestine lining.

Who Is at Risk for Developing Crohn’s Disease?

There are many risk factors for Crohn’s Disease, including:

Age: It can develop at any age, but most people are diagnosed before they are 30.
Ethnicity: This disease can happen to any ethnicity, but it is more common in Caucasian people. The highest risk is for those of Eastern European Jewish descent.
Smoking: Smoking cigarettes increases a person’s risk of developing the disease. This controllable risk factor not only increases the risk, but it makes the condition more severe.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Taking ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, diclofenac sodium, and other anti-inflammatory medications increase the risk of developing the disease. While these are anti-inflammatory, they can cause inflammation in the bowel.
Stress: Stress triggers flare-ups of Crohn’s symptoms. People that experience long-term stress have a higher risk of developing the condition and exacerbating symptoms.
Unhealthy Diet: If you eat high-fat and processed foods, your risk increases significantly.

What Are the Complications Associated with Crohn’s Disease?

The symptoms of Crohn’s disease are bad enough, but it can also cause complications, including the following:

Bowel Obstruction: Since Crohn’s affects every layer of the intestinal wall, it can cause your bowel to scar and narrow. Eventually, a bowel obstruction can occur, requiring surgery to remove that portion.
Ulcers: Chronic inflammation can cause ulcers or open sores. These sores can occur anywhere in your digestive tract, from your mouth to your anus. Sometimes they happen in the genital area or the perineum.
Fistulas: When ulcers extend through the entire intestinal wall, it creates a fistula. A fistula is an abnormal connection between one intestine and your skin, the other intestine, or another organ. If the fistula is left untreated, it can lead to infection, an abscess, and even death.
Anal Fissures: An anal fissure is a small tear in the tissue lining or around the anus. Infections can occur, and they can cause painful bowel movements.
Anemia: You can develop low iron or vitamin B-12 due to diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramping. These symptoms make it hard to eat or for your intestine to absorb nutrients, causing anemia.
Colon Cancer: If Crohn’s affects your colon, it increases your risk of developing colon cancer.
Abscess: Pockets of pus can form on the walls of your intestines and bulge out, causing an abscess. You might notice pain, swelling, tenderness, or a fever.
Arthritis: Inflammation can lead to pain, swelling, and lack of flexibility, causing arthritis.
Bone loss: Bone loss is similar to osteoporosis, and it prevents your body from absorbing calcium. It also boosts the production of cells that break down your bones.

How Is Crohn’s Disease Diagnosed?

If you have any symptoms, it is essential to visit your doctor for a diagnosis. The diagnoses process includes the following methods:

Blood Tests: Your doctor might suggest a blood test to check for anemia or signs of an infection.
Stool Studies: You might have to give a stool sample so your doctor can check for blood or parasites.
Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy allows your doctor to see your entire colon and the end of your ileum. The doctor uses a thin, flexible, lighted tube that has a camera at the end. They can also take small samples of tissue for a biopsy.
CT Scan: A computerized tomography (CT) scan is an X-ray technique that provides more detail than a standard X-ray. The test scans the entire bowel and the tissues outside of it.
MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field and radio waves to give a detailed image of organs and tissues. It can help with examining a fistula or the small intestine.
Capsule Endoscopy: This test requires you to swallow a capsule that has a camera inside of it. The camera takes photos of your small intestine and transmits them to a recorder that can download to a computer. Your doctor will use these pictures to check for the disease.
Chromoendoscopy: During this technique, a blue liquid dye gets sprayed into the colon. The dye highlights and detects slight changes in the lining of your intestine. It shows polyps that might need removing.

How Is Crohn’s Disease Treated?

There is no cure for Crohn’s disease, but treatments can reduce symptoms and limit complications. These treatment options include:

Medications: Your doctor might prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroids, oral 5-aminosalicylates, or immune system suppressors. These medications are often the first step in the treatment plan. In some cases, your doctor might prescribe antidiarrheals and pain relievers.
Antibiotics: When fistulas and abscesses are present, antibiotics can reduce the amount of drainage they produce. The antibiotics also help heal these issues and reduce harmful intestinal bacteria.
Nutrition Therapy: Your doctor will likely recommend a special diet, and they might recommend nutrients infused into a vein. This therapy can improve your nutrition, allowing the bowel to rest and reduce inflammation. Your doctor might also recommend a low residue or low-fiber diet.
Surgery: If other treatment options don’t work, you may need surgery. The surgeon will remove the damaged portion of your digestive tract and connect the healthy sections. Surgery is also required to close fistulas and drain abscesses.
Probiotics and Prebiotics: These live bacteria can help you rebuild the good bacteria in your intestinal tract. They can also help prevent microorganisms from disrupting the natural balance of your gut. Prebiotics, found in plants, help feed the good bacteria.

What Is the Outlook for People with Crohn’s Disease?

While there is no cure for Crohn’s, effective treatments help you manage it and enter remission. Your doctor can help you determine the best treatment plan that will help you take control of your life.

Remission occurs when your disease is no longer active and inflammation stops causing damage. You won’t experience the symptoms, and your blood tests will show normal inflammation levels. Remission isn’t a cure, though, because you can still have relapses.

Final Thoughts on Crohns Disease: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Crohn’s disease can be painful and debilitating, but understanding it can help you. With a better understanding, you will know how to ease the symptoms and possibly enter remission.

When you know the symptoms and causes, you will recognize when to visit a doctor. Your doctor will help with a diagnosis and treatment plan. With the best treatment, you can still live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

12 Habits of Someone You Never Want to Marry

March 20, 2018 by Power of Positivity

“The secret of a happy marriage is finding the right person. You know they’re right if you love to be with them all the time.” – Julia Child

Getting married is the ultimate commitment. Most people suggest that you marry someone who is not only your significant other, but also your best friend. Sometimes, however, we marry people that turn out to be complete strangers. Most people tend to show their hands before marriage occurs. People who aren’t marriage material tend to exhibit several signs and habits. Keep an eye out for these habits, and maybe rethink happily ever after.

Here Are 12 Habits of Someone You Never Want to Marry

1. Lying

When it comes to relationships, honesty is key. “There’s the idea that “what they don’t know won’t hurt them.” This is absolutely not true. Nothing will kill your relationship faster than secrecy and lies. Deception in any form is deadly to trust,” says couples’ expert, Stuart Fensterheim, LCSW.

Both partners in a relationship should be honest with one another. If one partner has a habit of lying, this is a red flag. You don’t want to spend forever with someone who has consistently lied to you throughout your relationship. Even if the lies didn’t seem all that bad to begin with, lies can pile up and ruin a relationship.

2. Judgmental

Your relationship should be a safe space. Having a partner who is judgmental, of either you or other people, is a recipe for disaster. If your partner tends to put you down, or judge the things that you like, you should reconsider just how happy they really make you. Marriages should be a place where both partners feel safe from judgement – especially from one another.

3. Infidelity

Dr. Phil McGraw once said, “The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior.” Maybe there was a time where your partner was unfaithful to you, and you decided to forgive them and try to move forward. Unfortunately, infidelity is a habit that you don’t want in a spouse.

“If someone has spent past relationships cheating on a partner, chances are they will do so in future relationships, also,” says Cathy Meyer, a divorce coach, marriage educator and legal investigator. If your partner doesn’t respect your relationship enough to stay faithful, then you don’t want to make a long-term commitment to them by marrying them.

4. No outside relationships

What do your partner’s relationships look like outside of your own? Do they have friends? Do they have a good connection with their family? If your partner’s only relationship is you, then you might want to take a step back and look at the reasons why. Chances are, there are some skeletons in their closet that they don’t want you to know about. Someone who has no other positive relationships in their life except for their partner isn’t marriage material.

5. Hot head

Emotional intelligence and emotional maturity are all skills that have to be learned throughout life. Someone who gets angry at the drop of a hat is probably someone you want to avoid when it comes to marriage. Letting anger get the best of us is a bad habit, and one that many people pay therapists to help them break. You never want to marry someone who is a hot head. They can go from 0 to 60 in a second, and that isn’t good.

6. Needs to be taken care of

Can your partner cook? Do they know how to do their laundry? Are they capable of cleaning up after themselves? Can they make basic financial decisions on their own? There are all things you need to ask yourself when considering marriage. If the answer to most or all of these questions is “no,” you might want to reconsider marriage.

“Consider if you are dating someone you will have to carry along in life instead of a real partner you can depend upon. What appears fun and sexy now could eventually become deadweight that you have to carry—along with your children, household duties, and finances,” says clinical psychologist and author Jill Weber, Ph.D.

Your partner should be your equal! Marriage is starting a family together, not becoming the caretaker of your partner.

7. Mean to children

Not everyone is cut out to be a parent. That’s fine! There is a “child free” movement just for those adults who don’t see little ones in their future. However, there’s a huge difference between not wanting children, and being mean to them. If your partner doesn’t know how to act around children, bad mouths children, and just can’t muster kindness towards them… you might not want to marry them.

8. Jealousy

Everyone gets jealous sometime in their life. It’s a natural emotion that we all feel. However, when someone doesn’t know how to control their jealousy and lets it affect their relationship, that becomes a problem. Someone who is constantly jealous to the point where it is causes problems in your relationship is not someone you want to walk down the aisle with.

9. No goals

“Some men with no ambition whatsoever like to talk up a good game, but at the end of the day, they are just saying what they know women want to hear,” says online dating and relationship expert, Joshua Pompey.

Someone who has no life goals is not going to be suited for your happily ever after. Being stagnant in life is a habit that you want to avoid when choosing a life partner. Your partner should have goals, dreams and ambitions, even if they might need some help achieving them!

10. No compromises

Compromise is key to a lot of marriages. You need to be able to work together to make a marriage work, and sometimes that means compromising on something that you want to happen. Relationships that don’t have compromise fall apart quickly. If your partner has shown no ability to compromise, they’re definitely not the one to spend happily ever after with.

11. Can’t keep promises

When you promise something, you are usually expected to follow through. There are some people, however, who consistently break their promises. If you’ve learned not to take a promise from your partner very seriously, it’s probably a sign that you’re not meant to be together forever. You want to marry someone who can keep their promises.

12. Lack of maturity

Marrying someone is a big commitment. It requires a fair bit of maturity. If the person that you’re with still seems like they’re stuck in high school, they might not be ready for the commitment that marriage requires.

Final thoughts

Hopefully, these twelve habits will give you an idea of what kind of person you should let into your life for the long haul. Marriage is a big step, and these habits will make it clear what kind of person is, or isn’t, ready for marriage.

https://youtu.be/DVqPIRU2EwQ

References:
http://www.thecouplesexpertscottsdale.com/2017/08/marriage-counseling-deadly-little-white-lies/
https://www.liveabout.com/marry-someone-with-a-history-of-cheating-and-you-will-be-cheated-on-1102862
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/having-sex-wanting-intimacy/201510/5-signs-you-might-really-be-dating-man-child
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/joshua-pompey/dating-advice-guys-to-avoid_b_2758814.html

5 Easy Ways to Clear Your Mind Naturally

March 20, 2018 by Power of Positivity

If you’ve had problems with focus, you’re probably struggling to find a way to clear your mind. “Anything that goes on in the mind is ripe to be ‘clutter’ if you haven’t learned how to focus and organize internally,” says director of behavioral sciences, Craig Travis, PhD.

For some people, taking medication that helps them focus is the right course of action. But, if you’re looking for a natural remedy to clear your mind and help you focus on your day-to-day tasks, science has your back. Here are some of the ways that scientists have found that people can naturally clear their minds and have better focus.

Here Are 5 Ways to Clear Your Mind Naturally for Better Focus

1. Meditation

“We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.” – Buddha

Meditation isn’t just for new-age hippies anymore. Everyone from psychologists to scientists have spoken about the benefits that meditation can have on your mind. The purpose of meditation is to have designated time to yourself in order to gather your thoughts. This time should be alone and quiet.

Scientists who have studied the brain during meditation have found that it improves the neural pathways in our brains. “We’re coming to recognize that meditation changes people’s brains… And we’re just beginning to gain understanding of what those changes mean and how they might benefit the meditator,” says assistant professor of neurology Rebecca Erwin Wells, M.D.

Meditation helps us stay focused, and to clear our minds of all of the busy static in our lives. All you need to do is find a quiet place to close your eyes and focus your mind and energy.

2. Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a technique that is used in therapy for all kinds of mental health issues, from anxiety to depression to emotional disorders. Science, and psychology, have long recognized that mindfulness is a technique that does so much good for our brains. For people who need a natural way to clear their minds, science has proven that mindfulness is the way to go.

“People with anxiety have a problem dealing with distracting thoughts that have too much power. They can’t distinguish between a problem-solving thought and a nagging worry that has no benefit,” says psychiatrist Dr. Elizabeth Hoge.

Mindfulness is a technique where you actively focus on switching your attention from one thing to another. For those using it to focus, it’s actively recognizing your thought process, and making a concentrated effort to clear your mind and switch your attention to a task at hand.

3. Write

If your mind is full of distracting thoughts, science has found that writing is one of the best ways to clear it. Writing down all of your distracting thoughts is a physical way of taking them out of your head.

“This can help get them out of your mind and alleviate the brain’s need to dwell or mentally try to work on things,” says psychologist Jennifer Gentile, PsyD.

If you’re struggling with a cluttered mind and really need to focus, taking a pen to paper can help you sort out your thought process so that you can move forward. Science has even found that taking the physical thoughts written on paper and destroying them – such as throwing them away or burning them – can help you clear your mind and keep it clear. The symbolic act of destroying negative or intrusive thoughts can do wonders for our mental health.

4. Move your body

Sometimes, all we need in order to help us focus and clear our minds is the physical act of moving. Exercise may help some people clear their minds. For others, just getting up and walking around, stretching, or doing a quick jog around the living room will work just as good.

According to a research by a group of scientists, “Overall, converging evidence suggests exercise benefits brain function and cognition across the mammalian lifespan, which may translate into reduced risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in humans.”

Taking our mind and using it to focus on doing movement and exercise is a tried and true way to clear our minds. When you find that you’re having a hard time focusing, try getting up and moving around.Take a walk, go for a jog, or do your favorite exercise routine.

5. Take initiative

Clearing your mind should be a step towards focusing your attention on a task at hand. You don’t want to linger on the actual step of clearing your mind. If you’re going to meditate, make sure you don’t accidentally take a nap at your desk! If you’re going to write your feelings, make sure you don’t get stuck writing too much out. If you’re going to use mindfulness, make sure you use it as a step towards focusing. And, if you’re going to physically move your body, don’t tire yourself out so you can’t focus! Taking initiative is probably one of the most important steps to clearing your mind: knowing when your mind is clear, and when it’s time to focus.

Final thoughts

Medication can work for some people when it comes to a focused mind, but for other people, natural remedies work better. Clearing your mind takes a little bit of practice, but once you find a technique that works for you, you’ll be able to command focus easily.

https://youtu.be/FWMSYeRHWU4

References:
https://www.prevention.com/mind-body/cluttered-mind
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-athletes-way/201504/5-neuroscience-based-ways-clear-your-mind
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/mindfulness-meditation-may-ease-anxiety-mental-stress-201401086967
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24029446

10 Lists to Make When You Feel Like Everything Is Falling Apart

March 20, 2018 by Power of Positivity

List making is something that can help all of us. Whether you need to make a grocery list, or a list of things you need to accomplish, having it all written down is a great way to stay organized.

But what about when you feel like your world is falling apart?

List making can help us put our life back in perspective. Lists can also help you keep your thoughts positive. Here are the best lists to make when you need to feel better.

Here Are 10 Lists You Should Make When You Feel Like Everything’s Falling Apart

1. Happy things that have happened to you

Whether they happened two months ago, two weeks or two days – keeping a list of all of the happy things that happened to you will keep you positive.

“Positive things happen when you think positive because you take charge of your thinking. Because you take control of your thoughts you make good things happen. You become a powerful positive force,” says hypnotherapist Rex Steven Sikes.

Happy things often get lost in the fray of all of the negativity in our lives. Stress can make it difficult to remember happy things when you’re in the moment. But, when you sit down and focus on them, you’ll see that there are so many happy things in your life.

2. Things you love to do

What are your favorite hobbies? What are the things that you love to do? When things aren’t going well and stress hits, we don’t always have time to devote to our favorite hobbies. You may even forget the things that you love to do until you focus on them. Make a list of all your favorite hobbies so you can pick one to do when you need some time to yourself to de-stress.

3. Things you like about yourself

Stress can cause a dent in our self-esteem. Even if you think you have good self-esteem, it’s always good practice to remind yourself of your good qualities. Louise L. Hay once said, “You have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.”

When life feels like it’s falling apart, take some time to love yourself again. Make a list of all the things you like about yourself. Try to focus less on things you do for other people (“I’m reliable”, “I’m a good helper”), and instead focus on things about you, like “I am funny,” or “I am intelligent”.

4. Ways you can make someone’s life better

When stress gets to be too much, we tend to feel helpless. But there’s no reason that we can’t take control of our lives. Taking control seem feel difficult at first. So, start with ways you can make someone’s life a little better. What are the ways you can help people in your life? It will make you feel good when you realize how much worth you have for other people.

5. Your favorite songs

It may seem cliché, but music can make all of our lives a little better. According to a group of scientists, “It has been reported that music may have physiological effects on blood pressure, cardiac heartbeat, respiration, and improve mood state in people affected by anxiety, depression and other psychiatric disorders.”

Therefore, when you’re feeling down, listening to your favorite songs can be just the thing you need to make you feel better. It’s good to have a list of all your favorite songs so you can make yourself a playlist. It will be perfect for those days when your life feels like it’s falling apart.

6. Your bucket list

A “bucket list” is a list of things you want to do or accomplish before you “kick the bucket”. If life feels really overwhelming, reminding yourself all of the things you still want to do can make it easier to keep moving forward. Your bucket list can have big things or small things. Whatever you haven’t done yet but want to do before you “kick the bucket” can go on the list.

“Sometimes when we think our lives are falling apart what we don’t see, is that they might just be falling into place.” – L.J. Vanier

7. People who love you

When life feels like it’s falling apart, remembering the people who love you can be a positive and uplifting experience. Start with your family or significant others, and expand it to your circle of friends. You’ll be surprised by all of the people you know that love you. You can keep the list with you or put it somewhere you can see it. Whenever you need a reminder, take the list out and see all the names of the people that love you.

8. Places you want to see

Traveling the world is often expensive, and not everyone can afford it. But that doesn’t mean that imagining all the places that you want to go is a futile effort. Sometimes, all we need is a change of scenery to make our lives feel a little more in control.

“Sometimes pain is so strong and so deep that the only way to heal it is to travel, just leave everything behind and give yourself the space to get over the hump so you can begin to move forward,” says transformational coach & tour leader and author, Halle Eavelyn. So, make a list of all the beautiful places you want to visit, and then pick one to start working towards.

9. Favorite quotes

Whether they be from people, books, movies or poems, a list of your favorite quotes can help bring positivity back into your life. They can be quotes that inspire you, make you smile, or make you laugh. Whatever they are, make sure they bring out a positive emotion. After you write them all down, you can place the quotes somewhere that you can always see them.

10. Good memories

Stress can make us forget all of our good memories. When life feels like it’s falling apart, remembering all of the good times in your life will bring you right back around. Positivity takes effort, sometimes. Write your favorite, happy memories down so that you can look at them when it feels like life keeps throwing you curveballs.

Final thoughts

List making is something that can really help focus your attention. It can also help you focus on the positivity in your life. Even if the list is only a few items long, it’s still a good exercise.

https://youtu.be/qWkzCo0h0Ok

References:
https://dailyinspirationandgratitude.com/2014/07/13/it-is-true-think-positive-and-positive-things-will-happen/comment-page-1/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17980967
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/halle-eavelyn/how-travel-can-heal-your-_b_5003407.html

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