wellness Archives - A Million Lives

October 7, 2019 by Greg Underwood

Learning Yoga Has Never Been So Simple With Those Online Yoga Classes At Glo

Yoga is everywhere these days. Celebrities do it. Chances are you neighbors may do it. If you’ve seen others do it you might want to do it yourself. At the same time, while yoga looks like wonderful fun, it might not look at all that easy. The moves can seem complicated. There is a way to get started on yoga even for those who aren’t sure if this right for them. People can look to the world online. The use of online yoga classes at Glo is one way to explore this incredibly popular world. This is where people can learn to translate the moves they might have only seen from a distance into moves they can do themselves at home. They will find classes that are just right for someone who is not entirely clear about what it means to do yoga. In the process, they’ll find a whole new life waiting just for them.

Easy to Follow

Beginners can turn to Glo to learn about all sorts of different movements that go into yoga. They can also learn about the kind of techniques such as breathing carefully that can help them change their lives for the better. A series of classes here is just the thing that people need in order to begin these kinds of exercises and make sure they are doing them properly. These movements are all about mastering the basics. The basics are where people discover that they can do such movements. They don’t have to worry that they are not following along properly. Online yoga classes from Glo allow participants the chance to rewind the material if they are having an issue with any kind of movement. They can also fast forward the classes once they have begun if they have already mastered certain elements of yoga.

Their Specific Needs

Everyone has a specific need when it comes to yoga. They might want to learn how to move more freely after an accident. They also might want to lose weight. Some women find yoga useful when they are pregnant and need to be able to carry the weight better. Many women also benefit from making use of yoga once they have given birth. Each person can look to online yoga from Glo and find the kinds of classes they need in order to help them help them discover exactly how to bring those goals and plans in their lives to full use. These are classes that are all about being able to find out how to navigate that all important path to the world of yoga success. Individual goals are there for each person to take and totally enjoy.

Taking it Anywhere

One of the factors that makes it so easy for people to learn about yoga is that online yoga does not require them to head out fast after a day at work. They’ll find the classes they want right at this company. People can also decide exactly how many classes they want to take and when they would like them to take. They don’t have to look for a class that starts at six or ends at seven so they can get home at night. The classes are given all year long whenever anyone wants to take them. They can get into the classes with the help from the app. No need to spend a lot of time looking for the kind of gym they like best or one that is located near their home or pale of business. It’s right there for them to appreciate.

June 26, 2019 by Greg Underwood

Metro Vein Centers Offers You A Trusted Vein Doc

What are Metro Vein Centers

Metro Vein Centers is a network of centers that were created to help individuals who are suffering from venous conditions. There are more than 10 offices in the United States that are located in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Texas, Michigan, and New York. Metro Vein Centers is the country’s leading center for the treatment of a variety of venous conditions. These conditions are treated using state-of-the-art technology. Metro Vein Center was founded in 2006 by Dr. Ali Meslemani. Dr. Ali Meslemani wanted to create a center that would help individuals who were suffering from painful and unsightly veins. The doctors who work at Metro Vein Centers are focused on treating the underlying causes of venous conditions. When these conditions are treated, patients receive relief from leg pain. Apart from getting relief, patients who get treatment at the Metro Vein Center are also able to improve their quality of life. These patients take pride in the way that they look because they no longer have unattractive veins on their legs.

What is unique about Metro Vein Centers

Metro Vein Centers is unique because it only works with highly trained and specialized vascular medicine specialist. These are specialists who come from different backgrounds, and they all have a deep desire to alleviate and improve venous conditions. The procedures that are offered at MVC are varied and innovative. Some of these treatments include radiofrequency ablation, ultrasound guided sclerotherapy, and intravenous laser ablation. These treatments are safe, and they are done within just one office visit. These treatments are painless and effective, so an individual is able to go home with fresh legs immediately after getting treatment.

Doctor Ali Meslemani, M.D.

Dr. Ali Meslemani is the founder of Metro Vein Centers. He is the doctor who had the idea to create one center that later went on to be fifteen. Dr. Ali Meslemani graduated from Ross University of Madison, and he also received postgraduate training at Henry Ford Hospital’s Department of Surgery. Doctor Ali Meslemani is an honorary member of the American Venous Forum and the American Medical Association. Dr. Blank had the desire to improve the techniques that are used to treat venous diseases. In order to do that, Meslemani created a network of centers that are dedicated to improving patients’ hospital experience and their healing time.

Where You Should Go If You Are Looking for a Vein Doc

Metro Vein Centers wants you to be comfortable with the treatment that you receive; that is why these vein centers offer you a treatment plan. Metro Vein Centers offers several minimally invasive treatments that can help you to quickly and comfortably treat your vein condition. These procedures generally lasts between one to two hours, and you will be able to recover within just a few hours with very little discomfort. The great thing about these procedures is that several of them are covered by your insurance. Metro Vein Centers is the perfect place for you to find a reliable and trustworthy vein doc.

June 26, 2019 by Greg Underwood

A Breakdown Of Three Glo’s Flexibility Classes

Glo, an online yoga and meditation platform, is loved for its one-of-a-kind blueprint that strengthens all aspects of life. No single practice holds back its education, movement, and meditation. The action and intention you find on the platform help you grow in body, heart, and mind. Take a look at the flexibility goals you can achieve in no time.

Flexibility from the Ground Up

For thirty minutes, you’ll focus on strength and release. Two blocks, a blanket, and a strap are all you need for this session that marks day one of the flexibility program. As you go through the routine, you’ll learn about alternative props. This online yoga exercise trains you to work your way from the ground up, as its name suggests.

Your lower back, legs, and calves are the main focus areas. The muscles and joints around these areas will enjoy added length and ease as you move along the different steps. Take measured breathes and keep an eye on your body’s alignment. From seated poses and a couple of standing series, the dynamic stretches should keep you in good shape. A well-deserved savasana rounds up the stretching session.

Place a nicely folded blanket underneath you and a block at the end for you to sit on. Take your feet on either side of the block and iron the flesh on your calf straight up. Add a second block underneath if you have any discomfort. You’ll then do a foot massage with your thumbs ensuring that your feet are straight-back all this while.

Wings of the Heart

Step up your mobility session as you learn how to open your wings. In this online yoga session, the focus is on your upper back, shoulders, arms, and chest. You’ll only need to add a wall space to the props of the previous session. The duration of the exercise remains constant.

It starts with the child pose where you take your knees wide apart with the big toes touching. Slide back to your heels and if it hurts your knees get back to the 90-degree pose. Bring your palms to face up with your head to the floor, and you’ll be good to go.

In the course of the session, you get to open up more space with a host of static and dynamic poses. Towards the end, you’ll get your body ready for an exhilarating backbend series with a gentle flow. The savasana caps off this class as is the case with most of the flexibility sessions. In this case, you’ll also opt to include a supine twist to spice up the ending.

Unleash and Go

This online yoga drill allows you to get back to the basics of what yoga is all about. A blanket and block are all you need to warm up your whole body. A series of strength building cobras and energetic crescent poses are the significant highlights of this session.

Once you are all warmed up, make a move for the deeper twists in your torso. The length of your spine and the side bends of your body’s trunk should be the next focus areas. Once you get on your feet, capitalize on different standing twists. The reverse warrior and revolved triangle are great twists to dwell on.

When you get to the floor, start with the gate pose and round it off with a couple of seated twists. As you move to the next classes, you’ll catch a glimpse of intelligent ways of taking your body deeper. At no point is your safety compromised through the workout sessions.

Parting Shot

Glo guarantees access to numerous meditation and yoga classes to help you put your best foot forward. The diverse range of styles in the online yoga platform takes care of all skill levels. Sign up today and explore unlimited yoga sessions.

April 26, 2019 by Greg Underwood

9 Lifestyle Tips To Promote Longevity And Good Health

For ages, the human race has been striving to unlock the secret to longevity. Several research studies have been conducted for establishing ways to live longer and healthier. While genetics has a key role to play, a healthy lifestyle is equally important to increase your life expectancy. Wouldn’t it be easier to incorporate a few positive changes in everyday life to stay healthy and live longer? Let us list some simple lifestyle tips that can make all the difference.

Load on antioxidants

Disease and aging are mainly induced due to damage caused by free radicals. This can be prevented by loading on antioxidants. The best food sources of anti-oxidants include leafy green vegetables, berries, nuts, grapes and herbs like turmeric, cinnamon, and rosemary. Make these a part of your daily diet and experience the difference, both in the way you look and feel.

Focus on plant-based foods

A plant-based diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds decreases health risks and promotes longevity. These foods are high in nutrients and antioxidants such as carotenoids, polyphenols, vitamin C and folate. Together, these potent substances bring down the risk of life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, metabolic syndrome, cancer, and even brain deterioration.

Take supplements

Although you may be taking a balanced diet, nutritional gaps may still be there. Get periodic health assessments from an expert to identify where you lack and cover it up with supplements. For example, if you are not soaking up enough sunlight, you may suffer from a deficiency of vitamin D. This is a vital mineral that keeps you in good health and can be easily restored with supplementation. Similarly, increase your intake of probiotic foods.

Maintain an ideal weight

People who are fit are more likely to live longer than those who are overweight or obese. The best thing to do is to maintain an ideal weight by eating right and following a regular exercise regime. The secret lies in avoiding overeating and cultivating healthy eating habits, as this article explains. Also, make sure that you have an established exercise routine, whether it involves brisk walking, cycling, swimming, aerobics or any other activity you enjoy.

Keep stress at bay

While exercise and healthy eating will keep you physically fit, meditation and mindfulness keep you healthy in mind. Living longer is not just about being healthy in the body but also keeping stress away. Of course, modern lifestyle is full of stress but you can try some holistic therapies to keep it in check. Be in touch with nature and try deep breathing, yoga and tai chi to restore mental peace and balance.

Sleep well

Another tip to live longer and healthier is to get enough sleep. Ideally, six to eight hours of sleep is considered as the optimal level. This is because of the body repairs and rejuvenates itself during sleep. While you should try to take seven hours at night, a short nap during the day can do you good. However, sleeping excessively may do more harm than good.

Steer clear of unhealthy habits

Needless to say, unhealthy habits like smoking and boozing can lower your life expectancy to a considerable extent. Besides elevating the risks of multiple health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, they can also take a toll on your skin and make you look older than your years. Similarly, you should avoid the intake of unhealthy fats and processed foods as well.

Grow spiritually

Undoubtedly, taking good care of your body is the secret to living longer but there is also a need to strive for spiritual growth. People who attend religious service or volunteer for social causes tend to be happier and more positive. They also have lower rates of health issues and lower mortality rates. Not only does spiritual growth helps you keep fit in the body but heals the mind and ensures mental health too.

Nurture your social circle

People who follow an isolated lifestyle are more susceptible to problems such as anxiety, depression, and stress. These can translate into a higher risk of health conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, obesity, and poor immunity. Therefore, it is best to have a social circle and nurture relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Providing and accepting support definitely has a positive impact.

These simple lifestyle changes can have a far-reaching impact on your health and help you extend your lifespan as well. The best part is that these are easy to embrace as habits and are capable of making you a happier and more fulfilled individual.

April 19, 2019 by Greg Underwood

Pathoma – The Whats, the How’s and Whys

The tension riding on a prospective student preparing for USMLE cannot be comprehended by someone unaware of the trials and tribulations of pursuing a career in medical science. The first step of the USMLE is probably a major roadblock for aspiring doctors, wherein Pathoma comes in as a big help in understanding the concepts.

While it is relatively easy to understand the concepts that are explained in the book, personal touch to the same gives a rather unique angle to students when preparing for the exams. That’s where a well-crafted cheat sheet and personal notes and come in handy. Such types of hand-crafted material are hard to come by and sometimes not available at all. The advantages of such material are many. To outline a few, you get a birds-eye-view of the entire course and test, you get the inside scoop on what to read first and what to follow up with. You understand the pattern of questions, how to interpret and remember diagrams and concepts, all in one handy booklet.

There are such materials created by many people. But not all of them are on the verge of soon to be ‘doctor near me’. Notes created by students who have gone through the entire process of USMLE have a certain edge to them. They are easier to grasp and absorb and offer practical tips and tricks to overcome pain points faced during the preparation of the USMLE. Cheat sheets can contain shortcuts to remembering particular concepts and/or processes and how to approach a particular test. Thaerationey can also point out the important stuff that other people might forget to include.

Notes and cheat sheets are helping tools that any student should make use; especially if they are nearing the dates of the exam. They will particularly be helpful in keeping track of stuff that is tricky. Keep following this blog to know more about where you can get such helpful materials that can offer much-needed guidance to your haphazard way of studying. A constructed and step-by-step approach to dealing with preparation for an exam is the best way to go about it. It improves the efficiency of your hours and makes you recall facts and figures better when attending exams.

It is imperative that you understand the notes and material you get from one source will be different from another. Everyone has a different way of studying and preparing. So, cheat sheets and notes are prepared in accordance with that. Along with the customized material, you’d also get inputs about the pattern of studying and how you can incorporate the same in your timetable. So, instead of worrying about what to do about your upcoming exams and thinking on what to focus on next, grab the chance to avail a guided tour through the course. Make your preparation shine through with flying colors using the tips and tricks mentioned. Keep following more articles by this author to stay on track when more stuff comes online about the same. You could also contact me over email.

April 10, 2019 by Greg Underwood

Clean the Air in Your Home Without Touching the HVAC

Poor indoor air quality can aggravate asthma and allergies, trap unpleasant odors in your home, and contribute to the development of lung conditions. Use these tips to give your space a quick refresh without worrying about dealing with the HVAC unit.

Keep It Clean

Particles of dirt and other debris get trapped between the fibers of cushions, curtains, and furnishings. Keep living spaces clean to reduce the amount of irritants in your indoor air.

Hire a professional cleaner to treat your carpets, drapes, and furniture. High-powered steam kills bacteria and removes ground-in dust that can become airborne every time you sit or walk.
Bring houseplants into your space. These floral accessories remove toxins from your air while beautifying the room.
Invest in an indoor air purifier to keep airborne particles to a minimum.
With a wet-dry vac, clean hardwood and linoleum floors thoroughly to remove thick layers of dust and mold. Give special attention to baseboards and carpeting that lies against the wall.

A periodic deep cleaning keeps mold spores from taking root and ruining your indoor air quality. It also removes known allergens that can compromise your respiratory health.

Keep Offenders Out

Image via Flickr by tantonr

The best way to keep your indoor air quality high is to reduce the number of particles you let into your home.

Aerosol sprays, such as deodorants, leave behind heavy chemicals that complicate breathing and irritate sensitive skin. Skip the spray versions of your favorite cosmetics, or use them near an open window to keep potentially harmful ingredients from sticking around.
Reseal windows and door frames to ensure an airtight fit that keeps unwanted drafts from introducing foreign particles into your space.
Repair any water leaks in your basement, bathrooms, and kitchen area to discourage the growth of mold and mildew.
Open windows and doors to improve indoor air circulation and sweep irritants out. Use a box fan to clear small or enclosed spaces quickly.

Defend your space from heavy particles to protect indoor air quality.

Other Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Do you need more ways to improve your indoor air quality without getting your HVAC system serviced? These tips will help you fine-tune your clean air routine.

Vermin such as cockroaches, mice, and ants can threaten your indoor air quality. Call an exterminator to clear them out.
Keep the use of perfumed sprays, incense, fabric refreshers, and other home fragrances to a minimum.
Pets are sources of irritating dander that sticks to everything it touches. Bathe and groom your pet regularly, especially those that spend time outdoors.
To reduce indoor exposure to harsh chemicals, make your own eco-friendly household cleaning products.
Radon and carbon monoxide are odorless, colorless, and potentially deadly. Install an air quality monitor that alerts you when levels get too high.

Your HVAC system is an important component in your home’s air quality. However, there are many steps you can take to improve your indoor air without the hassle or expense of HVAC service and repair.

January 11, 2019 by Greg Underwood

Heat Stress and How to Avoid It

According to writer Roman Payne, sunlight can be regarded as “the most precious gold to be found on Earth.” Without a doubt, that holds true in a country like sunny, cheerful Australia. But on the flip side, too much of this precious commodity can prove dangerous. In 2018, the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre and the Bureau of Meteorology posited that heat waves are Australia’s deadliest natural hazard. This fact was confirmed by the Australia Medical Association of Queensland’s Council of General Practice: heat stress kills more Australians than any other natural disaster, and more than 500 people die of heat stress every year.

Heat stress occurs when a person’s body cannot cool itself back to a healthy temperature of 37 °C. The drier and hotter the season is, the more risk you have of incurring heat stress—and possibly attaining a heat stroke, which is even worse. The best approach to countering heat stress is by equipping yourself and your loved ones against it: with necessary materials, such as weather-appropriate clothing and sunscreen, and necessary knowledge, such as from a fast-tracked first aid training course in Perth. To begin, here’s our briefer on everything you need to know about heat stress.

What Causes Heat Stress, and What Happens in Bad Cases?

Several ordinary happenstances can cause heat stress. Five of the most common ones you’d encounter in Australia are:

Being dehydrated. The likeliest cause of heat stress is dehydration, or when the human body doesn’t have enough water in it to function properly. You can become dehydrated if you don’t drink enough water, if you consume too much alcohol or caffeine, if you’re overexerting during exercise, if you’re experiencing severe diarrhoea or fits of vomiting, or if you’re taking medications that are diuretics (increasing the production of your urine). These can hamper your ability to sweat, which is how your body naturally cools itself from heat.
Exposing one’s body during the hottest parts of the day. Heat stress may also be caused by exposure to the sun in the hours that its ultraviolet rays are the strongest, between 11:00AM and 3:00PM. If you go out at these hours without sufficiently protecting your skin, you may also increase your risk of getting skin cancer.
Being stuck in hot, crowded, or restrictive situations. The environment is also a big contributor to heat stress. You could get hit by a nasty heat wave if you’re working in a poorly ventilated room for an extended period of time. Alternately, you could suffer heat stress at a very tight and crowded event like a rave concert or big sporting event.
We also wouldn’t rule out heat stress being a side effect of occurrences like bushfires. Though a single bushfire can be extinguished in minutes, it can smoulder for days after. The radiant heat caused by bushfires can instigate heat stress and other harmful conditions.

A deadly consequence of heat stress is heat stroke. Heat strokes happen when the body’s core temperature hits above 40.5 °C, causing its internal systems to shut down and fail. If the body’s temperature is not reduced quickly enough, the vital organs (such as the heart, liver, kidney, and muscles) can sustain major tissue damage. Heat strokes call for immediate medical attention; if someone in your vicinity has suffered a heat stroke, aid must be supplied as soon as possible.

Who Are Vulnerable to Experiencing Heat Stress?

Persons who are especially vulnerable to heat stress are the following:

The elderly. Persons over 65 years are highly susceptible to heat stress because their immune systems are frailer and their mobility is no longer at 100%.
Babies and toddlers. Children of very young age are also vulnerable to suffering heat stress. It is very important to keep them hydrated and shielded from the hot sun.
Young children and teenagers. Older children, such as preteens and teenagers, often love to be active in the sun. However, they sweat less than adults do and absorb heat rapidly in hot weather. Therefore, it’s wise to keep a close watch even on older children.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers. The bodies of women who are pregnant or nursing are naturally more sensitive to heat. In a situation as delicate as pregnancy or nursing stage, it’s best for women to keep as cool and hydrated as possible.
People with preexisting medical conditions. Those who are ill with heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other such illnesses are quite vulnerable to heat stress. Protection from the sun should be part of their holistic healing and wellness.

What Are the Common Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stress?

You should be aware of both the signs and symptoms that define heat stress. Signs are external manifestations that you can perceive on yourself or on others. Some of these common signs of heat stress are:

paler skin than normal;
abnormal levels of sweat (excessive sweating, or too little sweat), and,
dark-coloured urine.

On the other hand, symptoms are subjective indicators, or felt exclusively by the person experiencing the condition. Some of the most well-known symptoms of heat stress are:

feeling excessively tired or lethargic;
experiencing severe headaches or migraines;
dizziness and/or lightheadedness;
feeling thirsty;
feeling faint;
muscle cramps.

Any combination of these signs and symptoms could be indicative of heat stress. When in doubt, speak out—and seek immediate relief.

Tips on Avoiding Heat Stress

Ultimately, dealing with heat stress should anchor on the avoidance of it. Take a preemptive approach to battling Australia’s notorious heat, and make sure to do all of the following:

Check the ventilation systems in your home and workplace. Make sure that all ventilation devices, such as electric fans and air conditioners, are clean and in working order. Try to spend as much time as you can indoors, where there is sufficient cooling and airflow.
Tune into radio and television reports. Listen to your local weatherman when they say it’s going to be a very hot day out. Schedule the time you’ll spend outside accordingly.
Keep hydrated. Carry a refillable water bottle on your person always, and drink water at regular intervals (not only when you’re parched with thirst). In contrast, avoid drinks with high sugar, caffeine, or alcohol content.
Apply sunscreen. Be generous in lathering sunscreen onto your skin, even when you are indoors. It’s recommended that you re-layer sunscreen every 1 or 2 hours. Choose the type that states itself to be water-resistant, broad-spectrum (capable of withstanding both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays), and with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
Wear heat-protective clothing. In addition to sunscreen, use appropriate clothing to protect your body. Some key examples are wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses that can block out 99% to 100% of all UVA and UVB rays, clothing that’s tested for a high UV protection factor (UPF), and neck scarves or bandannas.
Keep a list of updated emergency contacts. Compile a list of important numbers—such as those of your city’s hospital or fire department—and tack them up in a place that everyone can see them, such as on your refrigerator or bulletin board. Make sure everyone knows where to look and who to call in case someone goes down with a case of heat stress.

With this info on hand, we hope you can beat the heat and enjoy safe and memorable moments out in the Australian sun. Cheers!

December 21, 2018 by Greg Underwood

Easing Into Ageing – Easy Ways To Make The Golden Years Better

Source

When it comes to ageing, it can be scary and upsetting but it doesn’t have to be. Many elderly people worry that they will become a burden on their family or that they won’t be able to do the things they used to do such as gardening, cooking, cleaning or even something as simple as going up and down stairs. While all of these are very real possibilities, it’s not the same story for any two people and so ageing can likewise be a wonderful experience that can be cherished as well! Here are just a few of the ways you can make small adjustments in your routine, your home and your life in order to make ageing as stress free as possible.

Home Renovations

Home renovations seem like a drastic step just to make ageing more comfortable, but some renovations can be integral to keeping the full use of your home. You can certainly keep your independence with a stairlift, allowing you to use all the floors of your home as your mobility wanes, regardless of age. After all, many people these days have bone and joint issues even if they aren’t elderly from doing heavy duty work their whole lives. Stairlifts can help everyone so you don’t need to worry about those aching knees or hips anymore!

If you have stairs outside your home it can be difficult to change this, but you can have a ramp installed which will help make getting into the house much easier for you – regardless of whether or not you’re in a wheelchair.

Small Changes

A number of small changes can be made to help make everyday life easier. Move things you use a lot of to areas of the home that are easily accessible such as hallway closets or lower cabinets in the kitchen. Consider having a new cabinet or set of cabinets added in the kitchen to accommodate moves and changes. Other changes can include changing your bathroom mats to ensure their grips on the bottom are all intact to avoid potential bathroom falls as well as putting suction cup based wall grips in the shower for that extra bit of balance.

Heat More Often

As we age we tend to feel the cold easier, but also chilly weather does a number on bones, joints and muscles. It’s medically proven that heat helps with all these things, but short of moving to Arizona where it seems to perpetually be summer, you can keep your heating on more often even if it isn’t all that frigid outside yet. Even the smallest drop in temperature can trigger joint or bone pain, so consider turning the heat on sooner, keeping it on longer, putting it up a bit higher or purchasing a small space heater to help warm the bones. Blankets and thicker clothing also helps as do supports such as tensor bandages.

So there you have a couple of small things you can start doing when your bones start acting up. Whether you need something a bit more drastic like a home reno to help you as you age or you can get away with a bit of heat and a rest for now, there’s no time like the present to start thinking about ways you can help yourself stay comfortable and happy as you age.

August 16, 2018 by Greg Underwood

A relationship between heroin abuse and depression? Read on to find out.

In the minds of heroin abusers, addiction and depression are often intertwined very closely – and you might have noticed this mentality yourself the more you interact with heroin addicts. Because of the nature of heroin, it also happens to be a very strong opiate that changes the chemistry of your brain, it causes changes in your mood and dependence that leads to addiction.

Is there evidence suggesting a link between the two?

Evidence suggest those heroin users may be right, though – a survey done by Advances in Psychiatric Treatmentestimates that almost half of opioid drug users (48% of them) have gone through depression at certain points in their lives, and turned to the drugs as a source of comfort. When depression occurs in such cases, it is known as Dual Diagnosis, and is very difficult to recover on a long-term basis, unless the user undergoes treatment for both cases.

The bad news is many heroin users do not receive treatment for both conditions, which makes relapse rates very high. This is the reason treating depression and heroin at the same time is important. The key is identifying the conditions early enough while the user is in the recovery process, and take the patient through extensive depression treatment to help them overcome the problem.

How does heroin affect the mind?

Heroin is an opioid that is very common as a recreational drug because of its euphoric effects. It is synthesized from morphine, which is an analgesic from poppy.

The drug works by exerting its effects through binding with certain receptor cells in your brain that are responsive to opiates. The drug changes to morphine in the brain after you consume it through the various methods – injection, smoking or snorting – and then proceeds to slow down the activity of neurons, resulting in a state of euphoria or sedation.

For many users of the drug, it provides a state of intense relaxation. However, the National Alliance on Mental Illness says that individuals with various psychiatric disorders experience more negative effects from the heroin side effects – contrary to opinions from people with depression who say that the drug is a solution to their hopelessness.

The psychological effects of the drug actually contribute to greater signs of depression, since the drug has debilitating effects, and the user goes through negative events after addiction, such as job loss, financial issues, problems in their relationships, and legal obstacles. The physical results from the addiction can lead to very severe emotional distress, including respiratory illnesses, vascular damage, muscle weaknesses and blood-borne illnesses.

Heroin use has a quick effect on the brain, and the brain adjusts very quickly to the drug. Due to this, the psychological and physical dependence develop very quickly. In fact, the NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) say that almost a quarter of people that use heroin will get to the point of addiction – at 23 percent. When addiction occurs, the user becomes uncontrollable and impulsive when they have not abused the drug, despite the negative effects of abuse.

What are some of the risk factors of depression?

One of the most challenging aspects for recovery of heroin users, especially those who are undergoing depression, is knowing the root causes of the condition. Contrary to popular opinion, depression is not just being in a low mood.

Some of the cases that may lead to it include stressful social environments, genetic risks, psychological trauma events such as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), imbalances in the chemistry of the brain, alcohol and drug abuse, and physical disability.

Treatment is usually challenging, especially when the person is still under the influence of the substance. In addition, there are symptoms of major depression disorder that bear similarities to those of opiate withdrawals – including weight loss, fatigue, poor concentration, and self-isolation. For the case of long-term heroin users, it may be difficult to determine whether they ended up using the substance due to depression, or whether depression was the result of their drug use. This is the reason the more comprehensive treatments pay attention and try to solve both issues for a more certain recovery.

Similarities between heroin withdrawal and depression symptoms

Very many heroin users tend to relapse when they attempt to quit. Even the most determined individuals can find themselves going back to the drug due to the side effects and withdrawal symptoms, most of which are so intense and uncomfortable.

In fact, when you try to give up the drug without professional assistance, you will experience intensely uncomfortable withdrawal signs (early signs) for the next twelve hours. They include muscle pain, nervousness, and problems with sleeping (insomnia), watery eyes, profuse sweating, and a runny nose.

As the body continues to remove the drug from the system, you will go through the late symptoms of heroin withdrawal. These include intense cravings, nausea and vomiting, goose bumps, involuntary muscle and leg movement, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

If you are a casual user, withdrawing from heroin is not life threatening, but heavy users might have very dangerous seizures if they try and withdraw without medical help.

The symptoms can feel like you have a serious flu, but the psychological effects are harder to tolerate, at least for many users. A user can feel extremely depressed when they stay for some week to months without the drug in their system, and this is all because of the effects ion the brain – when the brain is relying on the drug to make you happy, the simple pleasure of living becomes pale in comparison. This is also known as anhedonia – the lack of pleasure.

A major risk to heroin users who are going through depression is suicide. Because the brain is dependent on it, they experience more feelings of hopelessness with life, and they are at a higher risk of committing suicide.

Final thoughts

There is a very active link between depression and heroin use – and it is more common than you may think. In case you have a loved one who is going through heroin abuse, it is more likely that depression is the cause or result of their drug use – so click here to find out more information about rehab facilities to help them recover.

July 11, 2018 by Greg Underwood

How to Choose an Aged Care Facility

When the time comes for a family member to be moved to an aged care facility, it can be very difficult for everyone. Making a decision on someone else’s behalf is always tough, even when you have their well-being in mind. On the other hand, when people decide to move to such a facility, they have a chance to choose the one they feel will suit them the most. Deciding which facility is the best for you is a practical task, and there are plenty of things on the list that you need to check before you decide, and we’re here to help.

Visit the center

Of course, you’ll need to visit the centers, but try to time your visits so you get the most of them. Stop by at different times of the day so you can get acquainted with the staff better since they’ll change shifts in the morning and afternoon. Try to be discreet in your observations but pay attention to see if the staff look tired, stressed or rushed. These are all signs of an understaffed facility and you should be wary of it. Visit at the weekends as well, because these are the times when management, as well as office staff aren’t usually present and use the opportunity to talk to the staff and ask them about their job.

Ask about the food

You should spend some time during the meals too and take note of the food. Pay attention to the variety of food as well as its quality and quantity. See if everyone is seated comfortably and if there is enough staff to help everyone during the meals. Small details such as if there’s water on the table will tell you a lot as well. Inquire to see if there are other options available if someone doesn’t like the item on the menu and check the menu yourself to see whether you’d like it. The menu should change often to provide a variety of foods as well as keep the residents interested.

Cleanliness is next to godliness

You already know how easy it can be to drop and spill something and how challenging it can be to clean it up. With a lot of aged residents, these facilities have to deal with a lot of spills but that doesn’t mean that these things should be tolerated. Spills on the floor can be dangerous because slipping and falling are dangerous for the elderly. Look around to see if everything appears clean and check for unpleasant smells. Bedrooms in aged care facilities should always have clean linen, bathrooms fresh towels, and male residents should be clean shaven, while ladies should be well groomed.

Daily activities

Just because you move to such a facility, it doesn’t mean you should spend your days watching TV and being bored. Socializing is important as we age, and even when our mobility decreases, our need for company doesn’t. Residents in aged care facilities should have a chance to get to know each other, interact with each other and spend time together. There should also be organized activities for individuals as well as groups to help residents stay active and meet others. Access to computers is important too, because the internet allows us to stay in touch with our family via emails and social media.

Reputation

Last but not least, you should pay attention to the facility’s reputation. Ask around to see what other people have to say about it and ask the facility for references. See if it would be possible for you to talk to families of people who are already staying there and some of the residents because that’s one of the best ways to get reliable information. There are also accreditation reports which can be useful but don’t underestimate word of mouth.

Trying to decide when the time is right for you to move to an aged care facility is tricky, but once you set your mind to it, you can start dealing with practical issues. Fortunately, there are many providers on the market, and you have a better choice today than people did decades ago. Start early, put together a list of important things to look out for, and find the facility that’s best for you and your needs.