Six Ways Stress Can Affect Your Physical Health

 

 

Everyone experiences stress in their day-to-day life, but if one finds themselves constantly stressed out, this could lead to a variety of more serious physical health issues. Therefore, if one feels that they are experiencing lots of stress, they should seek help before it leads to some of the more serious physical health issues listed and discussed below.

 

 

1. Susceptibility to Infection

If one is experiencing a lot of stress in their life, the immune system is actually directly affected by being suppressed. Just like with anything else that suppresses the immune system, it can cause one to become vulnerable to most infections that could have usually been fought off with ease. If one already has an illness, large amounts of stress can prolong an illness that would have generally passed in a couple of days. If one is feeling stress and finds themselves undergoing an illness, being surrounded by both family and friends can offset some of the effects of the stress.

 

 

2. Heart Problems

The heart is one of the most vital organs of the human body. Without it, one cannot live. If one experiences large amounts of stress, one can actually find themselves experiencing a variety of different heart problems. Eating comfort foods is one way that people often cope with stress, but this can actually do more harm than good. Most comfort foods tend to have high fat and salt content, and this can be damaging to the heart.

 

 

3. Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease related to how the human body makes insulin. Some doctors believe that if one constantly experiences chronic stress, this could actually lead to insulin dependent diabetes. This is especially true for those that are already at risk of contracting diabetes.

 

 

4. High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a chronic disease and is extremely common, especially in people that live in the United States. Stress is known to increase blood pressure. Therefore, if one experiences chronic stress, it could lead to someone with high blood pressure problems developing anything from a stroke to actual heart failure.

 

 

5. Pain

Although stress in and of itself does not cause physical pain, it can actually aggravate pain conditions that already exist, through repetitive strain injury. According to a specialist from Brantford Mall Dental Office, chronic stress can also cause jaw clenching, which often leads to temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders.

 

 

6. Skin Problems

The most common skin problems that stress causes are acne and eczema. It has even been known to cause itchy skin rashes.

 

All in all, stress can cause a lot of different physical health issues, especially if one is experiencing chronic stress.

 

Categories: affect, blood pressure, chronic stress, comfort foods, experiences chronic, health issues, high blood, human body, mind and body, nbsp nbsp, physical health, Stress, ways

The Problem with Perfection

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Do you feel like you’re constantly striving to be perfect? Are you setting exceptionally high standards in every area of your life? Do you long for the perfect body, house or relationship? If so, you could find that trying to be perfect is harming your emotional and physical wellbeing.

 

Whilst it’s healthy to have goals and aim high, it seems that in recent years society’s lust for perfection has got out of hand. Every day, we see images of celebrities who look flawless and seem to live ‘perfect’ lives. We know it’s just an illusion and yet we still strive for perfection in our own lives, even though we don’t have a millionaire budget. We aim to be the best at work, try to be a perfect husband or wife, want to raise perfect children and try to create a perfect, spotless home.

 

But obtaining perfection in every area of life is impossible. And people who try to achievethese unrealistic goals can end up anxious and depressed when they fail to meet the high expectations they’ve set themselves. They may find that their relationships suffer as they try control the people around them and they can feel like a failure or out of control when things don’t turn out as they hoped.

 

If you find yourself constantly striving for perfection, it might be time to give yourself a break. Remember that things don’t have to be perfect all the time. For instance, it’s better to ignore the housework if it means you have more time to spend with your family. Don’t beat yourself up when you don’t achieve perfection; instead congratulate yourself on what you have achieved. Don’t be afraid to ask for help around the house or at work if you feel you’ve got too much on your plate. And remember that even those people that seem perfect on the outside, have the same insecurities as everybody else on the inside.

 

In some extreme cases, a desire to be perfect can lead to more serious health issues such as panic attacks, depression, eating disorders or obsessive compulsive disorders. For more information about these kinds of mental health issues, visit: www.mind.org.uk

 

Categories: catton, constantly striving, health issues, jenny, nbsp, people, perfect, perfection, time, written

Exploring the Link Between Oral Health, Asthma, Allergies & Eczema

 

The mouth is teeming with bacteria. Most of this bacteria is the good sort which helps in the normal function of your teeth and gums, but there is still a chance you may be suffering from periodontal or gum disease.

Gum disease is said to be one of the most common ailments in the world. There’s almost as many people suffering from gum disease as the common flu at any given moment in time. But most people don’t realize that gum disease could have much more fatal consequences. In the past, studies have linked the seemingly benign disease to various other forms of bodily ailments such as- diabetes, heart disease, asthma and, in severe circumstances, cancer.

 

The Window to Your Health

There is a substantially growing amount of evidence supporting the notion that the mouth is the window to our body’s overall health and wellbeing. Particularly gum disease or periodontal disease has been observed by experts to be closely correlated to other forms of ailments people generally suffer.

The bacteria associated with gum disease was, at first, thought to be the primary contributing factor. It was believed that as gum disease worsened the bacterial growth increased and spread to other parts of the body and created different sorts of issues there. Recently, though, there is a growing consensus that inflammation is the leading cause for this link between deteriorating oral health and overall wellness issues.

 

Asthma & Allergies

Studies have shown that the most common ailment associated with gum disease is asthma. Researchers in the United Kingdom have found that when adjusted with other factors, such as age, sex, height, weight, smoking habits and lifestyle choices, the patients suffering from gum disease were most at risk for developing asthma.

The debate on whether gum disease is related to other forms of health issues is still ongoing. Whether it’s bacteria or inflammation or both which cause these problems is still relatively unknown. Research is ongoing but there is a lot of evidence to show that the irritants present in the body can migrate to other parts, sometimes leading to minor allergies.

Bacterial infection is considered to be the main cause for gum disease leading to respiratory problems such as asthma. Pneumonia is also said to be caused in certain cases where the bacteria in the mouth is transmitted to the lungs via the windpipe.

 

Eczema

Asthma is itself closely associated with a sort of skin irritation whose cause has not yet been uncovered – atopic eczema. Eczema is a sort of skin inflammation which cause the skin to redden, dry out, itch and crack. Patients, especially children, suffering from asthma are said to be at a higher risk for this sort of skin ailment. Dry and irritated skin is a fairly common problem and this sort of eczema is mainly triggered by allergens in the body.

Susceptibility to allergies, asthma and eczema are all correlated to developing gum disease. The best way to combat these ailments is to take much better care of oral hygiene.

 

Preventative Care

Brushing the teeth twice a day, once before bed at night and once in the morning, is a common staple of good oral care. But a lot of people don’t understand the importance of brushing for longer, preferably two minutes, for better results.

Also, a lot of people are unaware of the amount of fluoride their toothpaste contains or the amount that is actually recommended for use. Fluoride is highly effective in protecting your teeth from tooth decay, which is why it is being added to mainstream toothpastes by manufacturers. The element is naturally present in food sometimes and is known to also eradicate your mouth of almost all its bacteria. The recommended level of fluoride is 0.7-0.2 parts for every million parts of water.

 

Oil Pulling

You’ve no doubt heard about the health craze, oil pulling. Though it’s taken on a new life in the health world these days, it’s not new at all – the practice actually has old roots in Ayurveda Indian medicine.  It simply involves swishing around with a plant-based oil (coconut, sesame, sunflower) for about 15 minutes, which is said to improve oral health and draw out toxins from the body.

A casual perusal of online article on oil pulling will present a whole host of health issues that the practice supposedly cures; everything from hangovers to sinus infections to eczema.  While there doesn’t seem to be definitive proof of any of this, it makes perfect sense that faithful oil pullers would see a variety of health benefits.

Oil pulling is a great way to keep your mouth very clean, and having a very clean mouth helps to maintain health in the rest of your body as well.  So while I’d hesitate to endorse oil pulling as a cure-all for anything, it is one way to ensure good oral health, which has a myriad of benefits.

You can protect yourself from all the issues caused by gum disease by simply brushing and flossing regularly, replacing the toothbrush you use once every 3 months and eating a healthy diet. Regular dental checkups will also be useful in spotting signs of gum disease early and treating it effectively. Detecting gum disease early will be your best chance at avoiding any of the other health issues correlated with it.

 

 

About the Author:  Dr. Kimberly Dyoco is a Chicago dentist who founded One Mag Smile, a practice that specializes in both general and cosmetic dentistry.  Dr. Dyoco loves exploring the many links between oral health and the rest of the body and enjoys sharing her knowledge and passion as a guest author on a wide variety of health and lifestyle publications. To find out more, check out www.1magSmile.com.

Categories: Asthma, Disease, disease early, Eczema, exploring, Gum Disease, health, health issues, oil pulling, oral health, oral heath, people don

9 Sexual Health Issues Your Teenage Son Should Check For

While your teenage son doesn’t have to deal with period pains or the fear of pregnancy, that is not to say he doesn’t have any sexual health issues with which to cope. Some male teen sexual health issues are perfectly normal variants that affect anyone’s wellness, while others may be abnormal and seriously threaten his wellbeing without medical attention. According to Rima Himelstein, MD, of the Crozer-Keystone Health System, you should ‘talk to your teenage son about doing monthly testicular self-examinations. If your teen finds a lump, bump or mass, or has pain in the scrotal area, ask your teen’s doctor to evaluate it as soon as possible.’ But what problems might your son be facing?

 

1. Gynecomastia: Himelstein notes, ‘Breast development in a male may occur during puberty.  Understandably, this may cause a teenage boy to stress. It can occur on one or both sides and usually goes away in a few years. Although usually normal, gynecomastia may be a symptom of something else so ask your teen’s doctor to check him.’

 

2. Pearly Penile Papules: These ‘are tiny bumps along the base of the glans penis,’ Himelstein explains. ‘Not only are they normal, but they are also common: 15-20% of male adolescents have them. If your teen doesn’t know that they are normal, my bet is that he will probably be worried about them.’

 

3. Varicoceles: Himelstein notes varicoceles ‘are like varicose veins in the scrotum.  Varicoceles are usually found above the left testicle but can be present on both sides.  Found in up to 15% of adolescent boys, a varicocele is usually not of concern but ask your teen’s doctor to confirm.’

 

4. Hydrocele: ‘A hydrocele is a collection of fluid that surrounds a testicle,’ says Himelstein. ‘Usually, a hydrocele is not painful and does not require any treatment. However, your teen’s doctor should examine him to rule out other causes of scrotal swelling.’

 

5. Spermatoceles: Himelstein details, ‘Epididymal cysts are small fluid-filled cysts that appear along the epididymis, a part of the reproductive tract that is behind the testicle.  A spermatocele feels like a smooth lump that is not attached to the testicle. Spermatoceles do not require treatment unless they are large or cause discomfort.’

 

6. Inguinal Hernia: ‘An inguinal hernia occurs when a small portion of the bowel bulges through the muscles of the abdominal wall and into the groin,’ Himelstein comments. ‘The bulge may become more obvious when coughing, straining, or lifting heavy objects. An inguinal hernia needs to be fixed with surgery and can be an emergency if the bowel gets trapped.’

 

7. Testicular Cancer: Himelstein points out, ‘Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in American males between the ages of 15 and 34. Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer include: a lump in a testicle which may or may not be tender, a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, a dull ache in the abdomen or groin, a sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum and enlargement or tenderness of the breasts.’

 

8. Testicular Torsion: ‘Testicular torsion is the twisting of the testicle and the spermatic cord,’ Himelstein explains. ‘This cuts off the blood supply to the testicle. The symptoms may be sudden and severe pain in the testicle or lower abdomen and nausea. Torsion is a surgical emergency. If surgery is performed within six hours, the testicle can usually be saved. Torsion is most common between the ages of 12 and 18 years.’

 

9. Epididymitis: Himelstein outlines, ‘Epididymitis is inflammation of the epididymis caused by infection or trauma.  A teen may experience the gradual onset of pain in the scrotum, inguinal area or abdomen as well as tenderness of the epididymis.  Treatment is usually antibiotics. It is important for your teen’s doctor to make sure that it is not testicular torsion.’

Categories: health issues, himelstein, himelstein notes, inguinal hernia, sexual health, teen, teenage boys, teenage son, Testicular Cancer, testicular torsion

Dual Diagnosis: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Problems

A mental health issue – such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety – is hard enough on your wellness, but when this coincides with a substance abuse problem, your wellbeing really is at risk. The same can be said if this co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis starts with addiction, and incurs a mental health problem, but the good news is that there are treatments that can help.

 

With a dual diagnosis, your mental health issue and substance abuse problem have their own unique symptoms that interfere with your ability to handle life’s difficulties, interact with others and basically function. On top of this, the co-occurring disorders intermingle and affect each other, which further compounds the problem. When one issue increases, the other one usually increases also, and if one problem goes untreated, this will ultimately make the other problem worse too. According to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, roughly half of people with severe mental disorders are affected by substance abuse, while 37% of alcohol abusers and 53% of drug abusers also have at least one serious mental illness. Of all people diagnosed as mentally ill, 29% abuse either alcohol or drugs.

 

While it’s common for people with mental health problems to experience addiction, but one issue does not directly cause the other. If you have depression or anxiety, you might turn to alcohol or drugs as a means of self-medication. However, the unfortunate side of this is that substance abuse causes side effects and eventually stops helping your symptoms and actually makes them worse. On the other hand, alcohol and drug abuse can increase your underlying risk for mental disorders, a complex interplay of genetics, the environment, and other outside factors. This can make it difficult to recognise or diagnose a co-occurring disorder.

 

Determining what might be a mental disorder and what might be a drug or alcohol problem can take time to tease out, especially because denial often clouds and complicates the issue. Denial is a common occurrence in substance abuse, as it’s difficult to admit to yourself – and those around you – how much alcohol or drugs affect your life and how dependent on them you have become. As the symptoms of depression or anxiety can be frightening, denial is also common in mental health problems, and you may choose to ignore them and hope they go away. Those who suffer from mental health issues often fear stigma, discrimination, or being viewed as week.

 

The important thing to take away from this is that substance abuse problems and mental health issues don’t get better when they’re ignored; they get much worse. You need to admit you have a problem before you can move on with your life and live it to the fullest. Start by taking a look at your family history – has someone related to you grappled with either a mental disorder such as depression or alcohol abuse or drug addiction? Genes and family history do play a role in your risk for developing these problems, so if a family member has suffered a mental health or substance abuse problem, it may help to open your mind to the possibility that you may likewise be affected.

 

Take a look at your own life: Are you highly sensitive to the effects of alcohol or drugs, and have you noticed a relationship between your substance use and your mental health? Getting depressed when you drink is an example of this. Moreover, while it’s normal to experience a small amount of depression or anxiety after you’ve stopped drinking or doing drugs, if the symptoms are still there once you’ve sobered up, you may be dealing with a mental health problem.

Categories: abuse problem, Dual Diagnosis, health issues, health problem, health problems, mental disorder, Mental disorders, Mental Health, Mental Health Problems, substance abuse

How to Take Care of Your Nutritional Wellness in Your 50s

When you were younger, nutrition wellness was important. You needed milk to promote healthy teeth and bones, you were given plenty of fruits and vegetables, but nutrition isn’t really a factor once you reach 50, right? Surely, all the damage has been done and there’s nothing you can do to change it? Not according to award-winning wellness writer Hope Gillette, who argues that it’s never too late to eat healthily.

 

‘Eating healthy isn’t just important when you’re in your youth,’ says Gillette. ‘Proper nutrition is what fuels our bodies but it also what protects us from aging processes. Proper senior nutrition is an essential part of the healthy aging process, and for adults over the age of 50, eating right can mean improved mental awareness, resistance to illness and disease, increased energy levels, faster recuperation time from illness, and better management of chronic health problems.’ Moreover, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) states that eating right can lower your risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart diseases and certain cancers, so what do you need to do to ensure proper nutrition? For people over the age of 50, the NLM provides the following guidelines:

 

1. Choose a variety of healthy foods.

 

2. Avoid empty calories. This means you should steer of foods like crisps, biscuits, fizzy drinks and alcohol, as they are packed with calories but contain very few nutrients.

 

3. Pick foods that are low in cholesterol and fat, particulary saturated and trans fat.

 

Three rules isn’t a hell of a lot to ask for, is it? That said, there are a few more nutritional guidelines to bear in mind if you want to live a long and healthy life way past your 50s. According to the National Institute on Ageing (NIA), it’s very important to drink plenty of fluids, but people over 50 begin to neglect this guideline as they age. Gillette explains, ‘Many seniors lose their sense of thirst as they age, and dehydration becomes a serious issue. Seniors should not wait to drink throughout the day, and should regularly schedule beverages as well as supplement meals with liquid options (like soup).’

 

Moreover, it’s an important rule for anyone to reduce their intake of salt, as we in the West tend to eat too much of it anyway. However, this rule becomes even more crucial once you reach the age of 50. Gillette points out, ‘It is also important for people over the age of 50 to limit their sodium intake. Too much sodium in a diet can contribute to certain health issues, like high blood pressure. Seniors should only consume about 2/3 of a teaspoon of table salt—1,500 milligrams (mg) sodium—from all sources, in a day.’ However, the reason why we tend to eat so many salty foods is that processed and junk foods are often cheaper than healthy options, so what do you do about nutrition if you’re on a budget?

 

‘It’s true that eating healthy is often more costly compared to alternative options,’ Gillette admits. ‘But proper senior nutrition will save money down the road as it helps prevent chronic health issues. Seniors who are working on a budget should purchase plain (generic) labels or store brands often cost less than name brands, plan meals around food that is on sale, and divide leftovers into small servings, label and date, and freeze to use within a few months. Additionally, opt always for fresh food before you eat processed or pre-packaged products that may seem more affordable but contain ingredients that may be harmful for your health and won’t give you enough nutritious content.’

Categories: blood pressure, chronic health, eating healthy, empty calories, health issues, high blood, hydrate, nbsp, proper nutrition, proper senior, reduce salt, senior nutrition

Mental Health Time Off: Why You Need to Go Back to Work

Mental health concerns can significantly affect your corporate wellness, having an impact on your job performance and attendance, as well as your wellbeing in general. This may cause you to lose your job, while not having a job at all can make mental health problems worse. According to Kristin Tinker (PGCPPP, PGDPsyc, BSc, BCom), Manager of Rehabilitation Services at Resilia, Research supports the fact that employment is generally the most important means of obtaining adequate economic resources, which are essential for wellbeing and participation in today’s society; work is central to individual identity, social roles and social status.’ At the other end of that scale, there has been a strong link shown between  worklessness and poor mental and physical health.

 

Tinker explains, ‘Overall, there is a growing awareness that long-term work absence, work disability and unemployment are harmful to mental health and wellbeing. The Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (AFOEM) and the RoyalAustralasianCollege of Physicians (RACP) recently released a Consensus Statement on the Health Benefits of Work. They identified that work, in general, is good for health and wellbeing and long term work absence, work disability and unemployment have, in general, a negative impact on health and wellbeing.’ It is a well-documented fact that not having a job comes with significant financial pressures, and strains your family and relationships.

 

‘Research has shown that being out of the workforce for an extended period can lead to an increase in mental health difficulties, as well as physical health issues,’ Tinker points out. ‘Physical health issues caused by being out of the workforce include an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. Finally, being out of the workforce has been shown to play a significant part in establishing long-term patterns of unhealthy behaviour, such as lack of exercise and increased drinking and smoking. Therefore, the sooner an injured worker is able to return to work, the less likely further difficulties will arise.’

 

If you have left work due to a psychological injury, you are less likely to return to work than those who leave due to a physical injury. However, there is a strong correlation between returning early to work and mental health. Tinker adds, ‘Work absence perpetuates itself; the longer someone is off work, the less likely it will be that they will return to work.’ You should go back to work as soon as possible, not only for financial reasons, but for your wellbeing. Once a health professional gives you the go-ahead, you should return to work for many reasons. Returning to work as soon as possible:

 

• offers therapeutic benefits


• helps to promote recovery and rehabilitation


• leads to better health outcomes


• minimises the harmful physical, mental and social effects of long-term sickness absence


• reduces your risk of long-term incapacity


• promotes full participation in society, independence and human rights


• reduces poverty


• improves your quality of life and wellbeing

 

So what’s getting in the way of you returning to work? Tinker details, ‘Research has identified that there are a number of barriers that may exist that can prevent a person from returning to work and treatment needs to specifically target these issues. Where flags are identified, communicated to stakeholders and actively managed, return to work prospects are improved. Identifying and being aware of the specific flags relevant to an individual can assist in treatment and referral options.’ So, if you’ve had to take time off work due to mental health concerns, speak to your GP and employer about potential barriers to your returning.

Categories: absence work, health concerns, health issues, Long term, Mental Health, physical health, return to work, term work, time off, work absence, work disability

The 5-Step Way to Deal with Employee Mental Health Concerns

It’s now commonly accepted that mental health issues are a concern. Therefore, as an employer you cannot keep your head in the sand; you need to take note of your employees’ mental wellbeing. Mental health issues have an impact on corporate wellness, not only affecting your employees on a personal level, but also your company’s success.

 

However, workplaces are still trying to minimise the issues relating to mental health of an individual as a strategy in order to delay action. According to a recent survey of ASX Top 300 companies, ‘over 40% of participants did not perceive mental illness as a potential risk to their organisation, and of those that did, close to half, said their organisation did not have policies in place to manage this risk. In addition, nearly 70% of those surveyed reported that they did not have a dedicated and properly trained resource to identify and manage an employee suffering from mental illness.’

 

According to Debra Brodowski, Manager of the Psychological Assessments Centre for Corporate Health, ‘From a broader workplace perspective, it is acknowledged that mental health issues do not only affect the actual individual in question. To this end, it is noted that there is a wider impact of the team members to consider when there is an employee with mental health issues. Team members may be supporting their colleague with a mental health issue, and as such this may take a toll on the team in relation to wellbeing, team workload, organisational morale, and workplace productivity.’

 

Therefore, it is vital that you address mental health issues in the workplace. In order to this effectively, you need to follow the five-step assessment process recommended by the WHS:

 

1. Identify the Risk: Brodowski explains, ‘An employer must identify any foreseeable hazard (read: perceived stressor) that may arise from the conduct of the employer’s undertaking and that has the potential to harm the health and safety of an employee or other person.’

 

2. Assess the Risk: ‘An employer must assess the risk arising from any hazard (perceived stressor) that is identified at the time the risk arises,’ says Brodowski. ‘Or before changes to work practices/ systems are made.’

 

3. Review the Risk: Brodowski urges, ‘An employer must review the risk when injury or illness arises (i.e. when stress due to work is highlighted) or when significant changes are proposed to work practises/ systems of work.’

 

4. Eliminate the Risk: ‘An employer must aim to eliminate the risk,’ Brodowski notes. ‘Or if not practical, control the risk.’

 

5. Control the Risk: ‘An employer must make attempts to control the risk,’ Brodowski asserts. You can do this in a number of ways. Firstly, you can isolate the person from the hazard or perceived stressor. Then, you could minimise the risk itself. Finally, you can take administrative steps, such as training, to reduce the risk.

 

Brodowski argues, ‘Under this risk assessment process, the duty of care for the employer shifts the focus from a reaction/ intervention model to one that is adopts a prevention/ elimination of risk stance. As an employer, to act appropriately to an individual who is presenting with mental health issue in the workplace, and therefore meet corporate responsibility under duty of care, there is a need to develop an appropriate framework to recognise, respond, and review each individual with a mental health issue as it arises.’ Indeed, there is a certain financial cost in doing so, but Brodowski urges, ‘The wider impact on workplace relationships, organisational culture and workplace productivity are much broader in nature and are considered to be more significant. As such, nowadays, effectively identifying and responding to mental health issues needs to be considered as a standard workplace health and safety practice for an e

Categories: assessment process, employees, health issue, health issues, Mental Health, perceived stressor, risk assessment, risk brodowski, team members, wider impact, workplace productivity

When Alcohol Works: Health Benefits of Moderate Drinking

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but can the same be said for a glass of wine or a beer? Perhaps a legend exists in your family that relatives have told you about your great-grandfather having a glass of beer with dinner every night and living to be 98 years old. Is there any truth in that? Can consuming alcohol in moderation really be beneficial to your health? Read on to find out.

 

Drinking in Moderation

According to research, drinking in moderation can be defined as consuming one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. Moderate drinking does not mean abstaining all week then getting drunk on the weekends. Drinking in excess not only puts your health at risk, but potentially your life as well. 

When you overdo it with alcohol, you increase your chances of driving under the influence (DUI). As Jack Diamond, a DUI lawyer in Massachusetts addresses on his website, being arrested for a DUI can lead to a multitude of problems in your life, including your health, legal and financial situations. It goes without saying that if you are not of legal drinking age, you should not consume any alcohol until you are.

 

Good for Your Heart

Studies have shown that a moderate amount of alcohol actually raises the levels of “good cholesterol,” or HDLs in your bloodstream. Higher levels of HDLs are beneficial in preventing several types of heart disease that result from cardiovascular disease. So, a drink a day may reduce your risk of suffering a heart attack or even a stroke.

 

Live Longer

Apparently, there is some truth to why your great-grandpa lived so long when he had a glass of beer every night with dinner. Consuming alcohol with meals may reduce your risk of dying by up to 18 percent. Just take a look at people who follow the Mediterranean diet for proof of this one. Wine is a staple at Greek, Italian and Spanish lunch and dinner tables, and these cultures tend to suffer from lower instances of diseases and health issues in general, thus, living longer than the rest of us.

 

Prevent Symptoms of the Common Cold

Who knew that a cold could be prevented with a glass of red wine? Researchers discovered that non-smoking individuals who consumed eight to 14 glasses of red wine each week were 60 percent less likely to develop a cold! Sixty percent! That is rather significant when so many Americans miss work each year because of the annoying symptoms of an incurable cold. It seems that the antioxidant properties of red wine are an excellent dose of preventative medicine (and wine tastes better than medicine, too).

 

If you are worried that your usual glass of wine or beer with dinner, or your afternoon martini might cause health issues later in life, worry no more. Instead, enjoy the fact that you are able to reap the benefits of drinking alcohol in moderation. As long as you maintain that moderate intake, you could very well become the next legend in your family.

Writer Melanie Fleury has watched family members get DUI’s, but she also has seen many friends and family members who know not to drive after enjoying a glass of wine with dinner. Jack Diamond, of Jack Diamond Law, knows that a DUI can seem like the end of the world, but assures clients that it is not. 

 

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/klauspost/92783024/

Categories: Alcohol, Benefits, consuming alcohol, Drinking, family members, health, health issues, jack diamond, moderate, moderate drinking, Red Wine, Wine

Alcohol And Mental Illness: There Is A Connection

Sadly, one of the most popular ways for someone coping with a mental health issue to ease their mental and emotional pain is by numbing these emotions with alcohol. These individuals who could benefit from other types of therapy find solace in a bottle. What is even more tragic is the knowledge that they may not even realize there is a problem until they have been arrested or injured from driving under the influence.

 

The problem with alcohol abuse is that it can also lead to additional forms of behaviors that will induce mental health issues. Many actions committed by someone under the influence leads the person to feel shame when they are sober. That shame then brings on a depression or becomes too hard to handle, so the person resorts to alcohol to cover the pain. It is a vicious circle that must be broken.

 

Driving Under the Influence

Any of these individuals suffering from a mental illness and treating with alcohol continue to drive. They believe that they do not have an alcohol problem, and therefore justify driving. Often referred to as functioning alcoholics, these drunk drivers are some of the most dangerous on the road. According to one DUI attorney San Bernardino based, a DUI often leads to license suspension, fines and even community service.

 

What makes them so dangerous? Their confidence level when they are driving drunk. In a recent study, it was discovered that confident intoxicated drivers caused more accidents, and had more deadly results than first time DUI offenders. Their “confidence” in their skill to drive, because they do not believe they have a drinking problem, allows them to justify irrational decisions behind the wheel without question.

 

Programs to Help

in San Bernardino, a state program is in place for individuals who have been caught driving under the influence. The program requires a series of courses that have to be taken before driving priviledges are reinstated.

 

The San Bernardino DUI program has been very successful in helping those who have a substance abuse problem and have been arrested for driving under the influence. However, it would probably be more useful to address these mental health and alcohol problem issues before a DUI arrest or conviction occurs. Family members and friends must be observant about their loved ones and make sure that they are not suffering quietly from mental health issues. If you notice that alcohol or drugs are being used to help them cope with problems, you need to act to find them the appropriate help.

 

You can make a difference in someone’s life by stepping up and addressing this issue in a calm and compassionate way These people know deep down there is a problem, and many times they are just waiting for someone to offer them help.

 

 

Writer Melanie Fleury has several family members who suffer from mental illness. She has noticed that they also seem to drink more than other people in the family. She learned through the blog of a DUI attorney San Bernardino based, that driving under the influence has consequences beyond legal ones.

 

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamescridland/1391010417/

Categories: Alcohol, alcohol problem, attorney san, bernardino based, dui attorney, family members, health issues, illness, mental, Mental Health, mental illness, san bernardino

Six Ways to Spread Awareness about Today"s Health Issues

Disease is just as big a public concern today as it has always been. While modern medicine has allowed death rates from infections and some viruses to plummet, we’re not out of the woods health-wise. Instead, the diseases of the day take the form of things like cancer, serious digestive disorders, mental health issues, diabetes, heart disease and neurological illnesses.

 

Most people will, at some point, be touched by these diseases. Indeed, many people have a close friend or loved one that has suffered from one or more of these. Such experiences can make people want to increase awareness, either to promote better research or to help others who are affected. If you want to gain more awareness for a health issue, here are some ways to do it.

 

Word of Mouth

Word of mouth has long been one of the most effective methods of advertisement and promotion. Start helping your cause by talking to people about it. Begin with your friends and family, co-workers or anyone else you think will listen. Some of those people are bound to tell others and so on. The information keeps being passed on.

 

Social Networking

The advent of many popular social networking outlets makes it easier than ever to get the word out. The immense popularity of these sites means that thousands, if not millions, of people could view your page. Simply create a page for your particular cause, update it regularly with information and let the Internet do the rest. Post popular articles and news stories that are relevant to your cause, people will be more likely to share and re-post stories they find interesting.

 

Custom Gear

People love free stuff, and this gives you a great opportunity to raise awareness of your cause. Buttons from www.custombuttonco.com, are an ideal item because they’re inexpensive, come in many varieties and they can be custom-made. You should also consider items like lanyards, keychains and magnets, because of their functionality, people will look at repeatedly. This helps keep the cause in their minds and makes it more likely that they’ll spread the word. You can charge a small amount, something like $1, for these items and donate all the proceeds to your cause.

 

Rallies and Events

Consider holding a rally or event to raise awareness. It doesn’t have to be big or fancy. This is a good opportunity to raise money for your cause, too. People are more likely to spend money when they feel it’s for a good purpose and knowing they donated will make them feel good. It can be as simple as selling ice-cream or candy bars and donating the proceeds to your a charity that supports your cause.

 

Blogging

If a social networking site isn’t quite your thing, you can always start a blog. It may not get as much attention unless you actively promote it, but it’s still a start. This is a good platform for posting and analyzing related medical studies and news stories while expressing your own feelings and opinions on the matter. You can share your blog posts on your Twitter or Facebook account.

 

Fashion

Another ideal way to raise awareness is to appeal to people’s sense of fashion. Sell or raffle off t-shirts, pass out custom pins, or have some hats or bracelets made. When people wear these items, it’s like a walking billboard for your cause.

Cancer and other health problems are rampant in our country today. Most people have a family member or friend who is ailed by a common health problem. One of the best ways to help is to generate awareness and raise money for medical research. It doesn’t have to be hard work and you can start by trying a couple of these basic things.

Categories: Awareness, health, health issues, issues, nbsp, people, raise, raise awareness, raise money, social networking

Attorneys & Doctors: How a Legal Issue Affects Your Health?

You are most likely going to deal with health issues such as stress regardless of whether you are the defendant or a plaintiff in an upcoming legal case. However, these issues will be exacerbated if you are on the wrong side of a major federal case. Therefore, it is imperative to take steps to protect your health during this difficult time period. After all, getting so stressed out that it makes you physically ill is not going to help you win your case.

 

Health Issues that can be Caused by Legal Action

 Stress - Although everyone has stress in their life, you are likely to experience a higher level than you are used to while you are waiting for the trial to start. Unfortunately, going through a highly stressful situation will increase your risk of developing heart disease, obesity, gastrointestinal problems, headaches, accelerated aging, anxiety and depression.

 

 Lack of Sleep - Anyone who has ever had insomnia understands how difficult it can be to take care of their necessary daily tasks without getting enough sleep. To make matters worse, going through an extended period of time without sleeping properly will put you at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, breast cancer, urinary problems, colon cancer and premature death. Therefore, it is definitely a good idea to consider asking your primary care physician to prescribe a sleeping pill for you until your legal issues have been resolved.

 

 Broken Relationships - Sadly, many relationships are unable to survive the strain of a major legal issue. However, if you take steps to reduce your stress level, you will have a better chance of getting through the situation without alienating the most important people in your life.

 

 

Take Action – Don’t Just React

 

 Make Sure You have the Right Representation - No one wants to appear in court, but you will be able to feel more confident about your odds of winning if you have an experienced lawyer on your side. For example, if your case is going to be held in a federal court, you should turn to a federal defense attorney who has a proven history of winning cases that are similar to yours. An experienced lawyer should, as stated by Katz & Phillips , P.A, ” exhaust every effort to get the charges against you reduced to something that won’t ruin the rest of your life.”

 

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exhaust every effort to get the charges against you reduced to something that won’t ruin the rest of your life – See more at: http://www.orlandocriminalteam.com/firm-overview/#sthash.g5Sel2zi.dpuf

exhaust every effort to get the charges against you reduced to something that won’t ruin the rest of your life – See more at: http://www.orlandocriminalteam.com/firm-overview/#sthash.g5Sel2zi.dpuf

exhaust every effort to get the charges against you reduced to something that won’t ruin the rest of your life – See more at: http://www.orlandocriminalteam.com/firm-overview/#sthash.g5Sel2zi.dpuf

 Consider Getting Some Counseling - Discussing your anxiety about the court case is one of the best ways to reduce your stress level. As an added bonus, a counselor is not legally allowed to share most of the things that you tell them. However, they do have an obligation to report anything you say that involves being a danger to yourself or another person. In other words, if you are guilty of a violent crime, you should focus on discussing your fear of prison instead of providing any details about what you did.

 

The stress of a legal case can definitely cause even the most even-tempered person to face a wide variety of issues. Therefore, it is crucial to seek assistance from a lawyer and a counselor to help you get through the trial with a minimal level of damage to your personal life.

 

 

Researcher Melanie Fleury enjoys learning about what can cause stress and ways to cope with or relieve stress. She hopes that by being educated on stressors and how to deal with them, readers can benefit. She used the site of Orlando criminal attorney, Katz & Phillips, P.A to learn more information consequences of being charged of a crime.

 

 

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Categories: amp phillips, experienced lawyer, health issues, katz amp, legal case, legal issue, life nbsp, nbsp nbsp, stress level

Health Issues Is Number One Reason for Retiring Early

If your wellness isn’t in top condition, you may be headed for early retirement. This is according to a new report, conducted by Merrill Lynch, New York, in partnership with Age Wave, which has found that poor health is the most widely cited reason for retiring early.

For the 2013 study, Americans’ Perspectives on New Retirement Realities and the Longevity Bonus, the survey polled 6,300 baby boomers aged 45 and older. The results of the survey revealed that just over a third of the respondents (34%) cite personal health issues as a reason for retiring early. However, health reasons tended to affect the corporate wellness of men slightly more than women, as the percentages were 36% and 33% respectively. A lesser 27% of those polled attributed early retirement to having sufficient financial resources, while 24% retired early because they had lost their job, 16% because they had wanted to spend more time with their family, and 10% retired early in order to look after a family member.

The survey also found that those seeking advice from financial professionals are also mostly concerned with health care issues. 75% of respondents said that ‘help sorting through health care and long-term care options’ was the information they viewed as most valuable beyond core financial advice. A still large 71% valued help ‘making sense of Social Security or employer pensions,’ while the same percentage of pre-retirees noted that they want to include some work in their retirement years. 39% are seeking part-time work and 24% want to have cycles of work and leisure time. Only 8% of the survey respondents planned on working full-time.

Nearly one-third (29%) of the survey respondents asserted that they never plan to work again. However, according to the report, ‘Working in later life is increasingly becoming the norm. For example, between 2006 and 2011, only the age 55+ workforce grew, while during the same time, millions of younger workers left or were displaced from the work force.’ The report noted that, during this five-year period, the number of workers age 55 and older grew by 4 million, while workers in the 45-54, 35-44, 25-34 and 16-24 age groups declined by 1.6 million, 4.4 million, 556,000 and 2.5 million respectively.

Health Issues Is Number One Reason for Retiring Early

Categories: health issues, Research, retirement