Wellness Posts by Robert Parmer

How Caffeine Addiction Affects Wellness

support@wellness.com — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 05:00:00 Z

Wellness.com - How Caffeine Addiction Affects Wellness by Robert Parmer

Coffee culture surrounds us and dominates the rituals of people around the world, one pumpkin spice latté at a time. Whether it’s from your coffee pot at home, your favorite corner coffee shop, or straight from a French press at work, caffeine is used by many trying to remain productive throughout their day.
- However many people take it a bit too far and become full on caffeine junkies. These are the coffeehouse hounds, the veteran baristas, the - hotel coffee fiends. Many people, especially those in office work environments, view the addictive ties of binge drinking coffee as very normal. Society sees little to no problem with overconsumption, while the fact remains: caffeine can be an extremely addictive drug. Where to Begin - The starting point is identifying exactly why you want to quit caffeine and the ways in which you consume it. Is it because of money spent on coffee drinks every day? Maybe the coffee crash actually makes you feel irritable and you don’t even realize it. Some common reasons to quit drinking caffeinated drinks include: - Caffeine has less or little effect anymore - Dependence/addiction - Too many caffeinated beverages consumed in general - Constant dehydration - Sleep patterns affected - Tooth decay/discoloration - The financial expense of coffeehouses - Caffeine consumption is impacting other health problems - Specific orders from a doctor - Reasons Why Excessive Caffeine is Unhealthy - Caffeine can cause issues everywhere in the human body. From digestive problems to contributing to osteoporosis, coffee has been known to contribute to some health issues. The following graphic from - Healthline - shows the scope of how caffeine can affect the whole body. Using Alternatives to Help Wean Off - While alternatives aren’t exact replicas to a coffee connoisseur’s taste buds, they are a huge aid in kicking the coffee habit. Be sure to start small and gradually make the transition to new beverage choices. For example, if you typically drink three cups of coffee a day, begin weaning yourself off by replacing one of those cups of coffee with tea or another alternative.
- Maté: is a delicious and somewhat caffeinated drink. It also contains a lot of antioxidants, essential minerals, and other beneficial nutrients. I prefer to drink it hot with a small amount of agave for sweetness. Tea: the obvious choice for an alternative. Certain black teas - taste oddly similar - to coffee, and many tea blends still contain quite a bit of caffeine. Furthermore, check out this - coffee lover’s guide to tea. Other Healthy Drinks: I absolutely love - kombucha - , and am very partial to cold pressing fresh juice. Find that special drink, caffeinated or not, and make that a new go-to beverage. When all else fails, drink more water - ! - Side Effects of Quitting - It’s smart to start this new phase of your life when you have some time away from work. You may not be on top of your game and will likely require extra rest, depending on your body’s reaction. Especially in cases of the heavily addicted, it’s not as simple as just dropping the drink, cold turkey. These are some common side effects and reactions to quitting: - Excessive tiredness and fatigue - Depression - Irritability and stress - Foggy head - Insomnia - Headache - Constipation - Symptoms similar to the flu - Less Caffeine Means More Long Term Productivity - A huge pitfall to quitting coffee habits is that feeling of regret when it’s 7 AM on a Monday morning. You’re late for work and are still half asleep upon arrival. The bar for productivity has been set, and waking up is less of an option, more of an expectation. It is true that coffee and other highly caffeinated drinks help to alleviate the pains of an early morning, but realistically it’s only a short term fix. Kicking the caffeine habit will help ensure long term level headedness. Once you are past the initial wave of detox and side effects, something positive happens. A lack of caffeine in your body helps you think more clearly. Addressing workplace issues - will become much easier when excessive coffee drinking habits are broken. The biggest issue is the way that moods change when coming down from a caffeine binge. Identifying coffee/caffeine addiction is the first step, especially if you feel that it is affecting your health. Share your experience below, it might help someone else.

Alternative Treatments for Chronic Pain

support@wellness.com — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 05:00:00 Z

Wellness.com - Alternative Treatments for Chronic Pain by Robert Parmer

When my father was in his early twenties, he was bucked off a horse and landed directly on his left shoulder and neck. Since he didn’t go to a hospital or seek medical care in the proceeding months, he has developed chronic pain in his neck and shoulder; chronic pain that has literally lasted a lifetime. This pain is something that a large group of people in the world know all too well, as chronic pain is a frequently occurring health issues that many people face. 100 million people in the U.S. live with chronic pain - , with 6 out of 10 of those people experiencing pain so severe it impacts their quality of life severely. On a global scale, 1 in 7 people are hindered by chronic pain. This constitutes as the leading cause of long-term disability in the world. Chronic pain is not only difficult to live with, it’s also extremely costly. It’s estimated to cost society between $560-$635 billion each year. This is equal to everyone in the U.S. paying $2000 a year. Many people opt for invasive treatments like surgeries or treat chronic pain with heavy painkillers. These have problematic, sometimes catastrophic, side effects. Addiction to painkillers has hit epidemic levels. So what are some less invasive options for pain management? What healthy alternatives are out there? - Acupuncture - Many people stray away from acupuncture if they are afraid of needles. However, acupuncture needles are so small that they rarely cause any pain. They actually barely even break the skin. The process of acupuncture feels like releasing a pressure valve in your body. It’s even euphoric for some people. Acupuncture is something that’s proven to help me manage pain associated with sitting in front of a computer for long hours. When I was experiencing waves of lower back pain and soreness in my wrists I started going to community acupuncture clinic. These types of clinics clinics offer services to people at sliding-scale rates that are based loosely on how much money you make. Many places will even see patients with no medical insurance. Related: - Find an acupuncturist near you - Massage and Chiropractic Work - If it’s within your budget or your health insurance plan, massages and realignments can make a substantial difference. A lot these places are able to fluctuate prices if you just ask, especially if it’s your first time there or if you plan to pay for multiple sessions. Additionally, check deal sites such as Groupon for special rates on massage and chiropractic services. It may take a little bit more planning with this approach but you can save a lot of money when you pay these services well in advance at promotional rates. Related: - Find a chiropractor near you - Stretching and Yoga - One of the best ways to start your day is by warming up with stretches and yoga. I go through a simple stretching routine as soon as wake up each morning. Most days I also use a - yoga app - on my iPhone to jumpstart my day (there are numerous user-friendly options for both Android and iOS). Studies have shown - that yoga and stretching assist in managing chronic pain. This is because yoga not only makes us more limber and flexible, it also eliminates stress and releases endorphins into our body. Another main reason to stretch and do yoga as much as possible is that it releases muscle tension which oftentimes causes a lot of pain. Related: - Find a yoga instructor near you - An Overhauled Diet - Sometimes pain can be amplified by poor diet choices. Over-eating processed foods and meals full of preservatives and additives has been shown to - negatively impact fibromyalgia - and other digestive disorders like IBS and Crohn's. Cut back on yeast and gluten, dairy, carbs. Eliminate additives and chemicals in food such as aspartame, and MSG and pack plenty of - Omega-3’s - , - healthy fats, and clean protein sources into your diet. Up your superfood and vegetable intake and focus on antioxidants, which is actually a promising alternative painkiller - of the future. Experiment with supplements, detoxes, and even - IV boosts - for a supercharged approach. Medical Cannabis - Perhaps the most controversial form of alternative treatment on this list is the use of medical marijuana for chronic pain. Whatever stance you take, there is no denying the fact that medical cannabis has proven to be an effective alternative treatment for pain and other illnesses. A - previous Wellness article - points out that cannabis helps treat epilepsy, ADHD, Alzheimer’s, Crohn's Disease, Arthritis, and PTSD. It also helps people with eating disorders and is frequently used to treat pain. It’s important to point out the - distinct differences between the two active components - of cannabis: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD): - TCH is a psychoactive component (what gets people high) while CBD is not psychoactive. TCH sometimes causes anxiety while - CBD can actually treat anxiety. CBD is also an - antipsychotic. Some strains of THC can be used as a sleep aid while CBD can promote wakefulness. Currently 8 states and Washington D.C. have legalized recreational cannabis use and 29 states allow marijuana to be used medically. There are only seven states left in the U.S. that do not allow medical marijuana or CBD use of any kind. The scales have turned as the majority of our country has opened up to the promising uses of medical cannabis and CBD. The ‘minority’ is now truly the ‘majority.’ - Information on legalities for recreational and medical cannabis use courtesy of - NORML. Pain Management Counseling - Sometimes pinpointing the source of your chronic pain poses a tremendous challenge. Pain can be sporadic and difficult to trace. It may even be so widespread that finding the source is difficult. This may result in cognitive issues and - stress that causes physical pain. If you struggle with chronic pain make sure your doctor is also a pain management specialist who focuses on counseling and actually talking with you about your unique pain elements. It’s important to be thorough with this process; communication wins! - When addressing chronic pain, reserve painkillers and opioids as a last option. There are so many alternative pain management options out there so be diligent until you find something that works best for your individual pain management. Be proactive and set goals centered around chronic pain. You really can overcome your pain if you keep yourself accountable for your needs!

The Healthiest of The Healthy: Super-Veggies

support@wellness.com — Sat, 11 Feb 2023 05:00:00 Z

Wellness.com - The Healthiest of The Healthy: Super-Veggies by Robert Parmer

Call me crazy, but I’ve never had an issue with eating vegetables. Even at a young age, I was accustomed to eating all kinds of veggies, and they never phased me. In fact, I consider myself extremely open to eating most foods, there’s not much that I don’t like the taste of. Now, after working extensively at a fully organic produce section of a health foods store, I’ve collected quite a bit of knowledge about some of the healthiest foods to eat. The book (and related website), - World’s Healthiest Foods - , is an awesome resource for anyone trying to pinpoint the healthiest foods to eat. A big shout out to WHF for cataloging this useful information in such a fantastic way. While there is a relevant time and place for Western medicine practices, it often overlooks one major thing: - preventative care. This type of mindset involves thinking in terms of a long-term approach for maintaining a healthy life. And it all starts with a health-conscious diet. After all, we’ve all heard the adage: “we are what we eat.” Well, if you eat the following vegetables you are probably very healthy! - Eggplant -
-These purple wonders are high in fiber, and extremely low in calories and fat. Eggplant contains heart-healthy properties- because it contains potassium and powerful - antioxidants. Beets And Their Greens -
- Beets - are a great example of all-around -beneficial health food. When you eat beets, your heart will thank you, your blood sugar will remain level, and your digestive system will be in tip-top shape. Many people don’t realize that the greens of beets actually contain more essential nutrients than the root does. So rethink tossing beet greens in the garbage, instead, wash beet greens and sautee them with your favorite foods. Brussels Sprouts-
Why does everyone seem to hate the taste of brussels sprouts? I think the answer is simple, they haven’t prepared them in a -way that's tasty enough!- While cabbage is also healthy to eat, the miniature version, -brussels sprouts-, actually contain more than twice as much of vitamins A through K, as well as double the amount of calcium, iron, potassium, and protein. According to Medical News Today, -one serving of brussels sprouts meets your daily requirements of vitamin C and K.
- Broccoli-
While all dark green vegetables provide many vital vitamins and minerals, - broccoli- is a - great source of potassium, fiber, folic acid, vitamin K - and vitamin - C. Sweet Potatoes-
While technically related, sweet potatoes are actually only distant relatives to their more starchy cousins. Sweet potatoes are nutrient dense- and contain more complex carbohydrates, protein, and fiber than a lot of vegetables. Bell Peppers-
While all sweet -bell peppers- are tasty and full of vitamin C, the red variations are actually the most healthy of all. This is due to a high amount of -lycopene- in the shiny red ones. Keep in mind, lycopene content is actually increased when foods like red bell peppers and tomatoes are cooked instead of eaten raw. Kale-
While it might get a bad rap as being a bourgeois health food, -kale- is extremely rich in vitamin K and many other vitamins and minerals. Kale is more easily digested by your body when it is cooked. Reach for kale chips as a go-to snack, or braised kale rather than raw kale salads. Asparagus-
-Asparagus contains high levels of asparagine, an amino acid that is also a natural diuretic. As a result, the increased urination releases fluid and also helps the body get rid of excess salt. This is very beneficial to those who suffer from conditions like edema, high blood pressure and certain heart-related diseases. Not to mention that -asparagus is a known brain food, and is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants. Sources: - http://www.whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=49 - http://www.whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=10 - https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/brussels-sprouts.html - http://www.whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=9 - https://www.livescience.com/45408-broccoli-nutrition.html - https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-broccoli.html - https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-sweet-potatoes.html - https://www.livescience.com/46016-sweet-potato-nutrition.html

The Health Benefits of House Plants

support@wellness.com — Sat, 17 Dec 2022 05:00:00 Z

Wellness.com - The Health Benefits of House Plants by Robert Parmer

As a huge advocate for houseplants, - my living rooms - and kitchen are filled with them. My living room is a jungle, and I love it! - Surrounding a living space with plants offers many benefits, which segue to mental and physical health. An Aid For Seasonal Depression - When blankets of snow cover the landscape, many struggle to be released from Winter’s firm depressive grip. Seasonal depression prevalence in America ranges in accordance to the climate of the area. The - range of those affected - varies significantly, with depression rates around 1.4% in Florida and as high as 9.9% in Alaska. The harsh realities of Winter are taxing on humans, especially as seasonal and climate shifts become more apparent in the world. Areas of the East Coast this year faced record amounts of snowfall. For example, Boston, MA had over 100 inches of snow - this year! When extreme conditions like this present themselves and challenge society, it’s easy to put mental health and well-being on the back burner. However, in times like those it is actually - more - important to treat seasonal depression and other related mental health issues. With the aid of houseplants, anyone can brave the most brutal seasonal changes from the comfort of indoors. Creating your own personal plant paradise will create an indoor illusion. It’s pretty incredible how much of a difference this makes. Green plants are a symbol for health and life. The off seasons of Fall and Winter paint a much bleaker and more depressing landscape than the brighter months of the year. Growing houseplants in a well lit room creates an atmospheric setting, where the body and mind can reminisce on better weather. Subconsciously the lush foliage will make you feel happier and so will the sunlight and attributed Vitamin D. Cleaner Air Equates to a Healthier Life - It’s a well known fact that plants benefit the Earth. They make the world we live in cleaner and quite literally serve as a ‘breath of fresh air’ for life forms. But just how beneficial are plants for - indoor air quality - ? - In the article titled “ - Top 18 houseplants for purifying the air you breathe, according to NASA - ” the best air filtering houseplants are highlighted. These useful varieties filter out many toxic chemicals from the air including ammonia, formaldehyde, and benzene. This is particularly helpful when living in cities and areas with bad air quality. On top of that plants obviously produce crucial oxygen. The difference between homes with no plants versus many plants is almost comparable to the feeling one experiences when entering an outdoor or camping setting. The air just seems cleaner, and the most obvious byproduct is a more comfortable, breathable environment. Where to Start - Starting from scratch can be very overwhelming when it comes to introducing indoor gardening to your life. But don’t fret! Creating an ideal plant sanctuary is surprisingly easy, you just have to know where to begin. Here are a few tips:
- Start on a budget. It is easy to go overboard with purchases when you houseplant fever hits a person. Which means it is important to not go overboard when buying items like pots, soil, and the plants themselves. Place plants in the proper location. Decide which plants are the best fit for a home based on the amount of windows in a room and its access to sunlight. Consider the following: does the sunlight from a window generate rays all day long or for only a portion of the day? Is the plant in question going to benefit from excessive sunshine or does it fare better with low light? If you’re unsure, it’s better to do your research and figure out the ideal amount of light for a plant. Tip: it usually states this information on the tag that labels the plants at the store/nursery. Water your plants the correct amount. One of the most common failures associated with houseplants is simply forgetting to water them. Obviously plants need water and sunlight for photosynthesis, but it’s important to note that overwatering is also a common problem. The best bet is to also research the amount of water a plant craves, and set a watering schedule accordingly. Create a rhythm for your life. Houseplants aid in managing organizational stress - at home. They require both long-term attention and planning, which are characteristics that drastically help promote organization. Make your home greener in more ways than one. While the obvious color change in scenery will occur, houseplants make your living space greener in other ways as well. Reuse old glass containers for - terrariums - , turn a broken piece of furniture into a - planter - , or create a - repurposed indoor herb garden. Why throw these items away when you can make them into something beautiful? - Furthermore, growing indoor herbs is an easy endeavor and an excellent starting point. Herbs are - simple to grow - indoors at any time of the year. Use them for cooking, their aromatic properties, or simply for decoration. Challenge - I’ve created a Wellness goal titled “ - Surround Yourself With Houseplants - ” and challenge you to start your own indoor jungle. Your life will be changed forever once you introduce plants indoors, especially if you struggle with seasonal depression or poor air quality. Post a photo of your new living areas once they are overhauled with greenery in the comments section, or suggest your favorite variety of indoor plant to the Wellness community.

Virtual Vacations: When the Destination Matters More than the Journey

support@wellness.com — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 06:00:00 Z

Wellness.com - Virtual Vacations: When the Destination Matters More than the Journey by Robert Parmer

In an age where everything is available online—education, personal finance, shopping, even doctor visits - —is it possible to take a literal mental health day without actually having to physically leave your home? - “Wherever you go, there you are.” - The origins of this truism are a little difficult to trace (it could be Alcoholics Anonymous, but many will recognize it as the title of a major book on meditation - ). In any case, the wisdom of it should be familiar to anyone who went on a vacation, only to return home somehow feeling more tired, drained, and stressed than before “getting away from it all.” - For as much stock as we put in weekend-getaways and escaping from the ordinary, there is more to mental wellness than serene settings or a simple change of scenery. If vacations are about relaxation and rejuvenation, how can they leave us feeling ill? - You can change your location, but that isn’t the same as changing your mind. We have a chronic disconnect in Western medicine, whereby we treat the body (physical symptoms) without necessarily giving a second thought to the mind. Emerging evidence - is pointing at the mind-body connection - as more than just a new-age fiction or an exclusively spiritual concept: we simply cannot treat one while ignoring the other any longer. Enter the virtual vacation - The idea of a virtual vacation is hardly new, but practical - Virtual Reality (VR) - platforms are beginning to finally realize the potential of putting the mind—rather than the body—at the center of the travel experience. The most ardent VR supporters and enthusiasts tend to be members of the gaming community. This makes some amount of sense, considering gaming on any platform provides a bit of escapist stimulation and fantasy-fulfillment. VR simply takes what for many is already an immersive experience to a new, more sophisticated level. This immersive-interactive approach to VR has already gained some support in academic circles. Enterprising instructors are using VR platforms to take whole classrooms on - virtual fieldtrips. Ordinary fare like a day at the zoo or a local history museum is supplanted by fully interactive tours of historical towns, an intergalactic ride through the stars, or even challenging construction projects. And it isn’t just for kids: virtual classrooms and game-based learning - are becoming a staple of progressive online degree programs, where students of all ages are finding it easier to balance work and life with their desire to go back to school. In short, VR is beginning to overcome the physical limitations of the classroom and getting more people to learn in exciting new ways. For those who struggle to find the time for rest and relaxation, this could open the door to one of the time-tested fundamentals of mental wellness: meditation. Reunite Mind and Body - VR-assisted meditation - is not so much a virtual vacation as a tool to help users better realize—and focus on—their own happy place. Learning the fundamentals of meditation through VR isn’t just a matter of replacing vacations. Developing mindfulness and greater mental health awareness teach the skills needed to fully experience an actual vacation: travelers, for perhaps the first time, can truly be there, when they go there. Traveling is hard on the body: jumping across time-zones, acclimating to different weather, navigating exotic cuisines; and every physical challenge is compounded with stress and emotional strain. VR vacations are on their way to becoming a more viable alternative for those who don’t want the hassle. As the - technology required to both create and experience - fully-immersive VR becomes more sophisticated, affordable, and widely available, the creativity of amateurs and the enthusiasm of a growing consumer base will drive even greater innovation. Tactile elements could be incorporated (the feeling of sand between your toes, the caress of a warm breeze while walking along a beach, etc.) to make the experience more convincing. In this way, virtual vacations amplify the mental relief and emotional centering of a traditional, “analog” vacation. Just - Be - There - The old wisdom that the journey is more important than the destination doesn’t always apply in an age of instant gratification. But the problem isn’t that we don’t spend enough time getting to wherever we are going; it is that we don’t always spend enough time - being there. And this is where the benefits of the virtual vacation truly shine: if getting there is simply a matter of pulling on a headset or firing up a VR program, - being there - can finally be the sole point of focus. For anyone looking to focus on wellness or escape to a place of better health, this is an exciting development. As virtual vacations, guided meditation, and other mentally-focused programs emerge to take advantage of VR technology, the mind—rather than the body—may finally be back at the center of our experiences. Interesting Virtual Reality Opportunities: - https://www.gearbrain.com/vr-travel-samsung-gear-vr-google-cardboard-1737536488.html - http://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/cool-gadgets/virtual-reality-vacations - https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/future-of-vacations-virtual-reality

Severe Winter Weather Puts Millions at Risk: Here’s What to Be Conscious of

support@wellness.com — Sat, 02 Feb 2019 08:00:00 Z

Wellness.com - Severe Winter Weather Puts Millions at Risk: Here’s What to Be Conscious of by Robert Parmer

Right now the United States is in the middle of brutal, record-shattering conditions. Cities around the Midwest are facing lows plummeting as low -60°F with wind chill factored in. Subzero lows across the United States are currently widespread, so literally just stepping outside is putting many people at high risk for injury. The coldest recorded temps in the Chicago so far were - 23°F at O'Hare International Airport - and wind chill temps as low as -55°F in West Chicago. Parts of Iowa are getting hit with the most piercing coldfront in over two decades: - temperatures of -60°F with windchill. Things are actually starting to get surreal out there. A - massive cloud of steam fog - is rising above the Great Lakes, once moving rivers are freezing, and railroads are being - set on fire - just to get through the final days of January. The Arctic blast in the midwest - has already taken eight lives. Widespread news sources are advising that everyone facing the extreme cold stay indoors as much as possible. Now more than ever, it is especially important to make winter safety your priority. Hypothermia and Even Frostbite?! - Hypothermia is a genuine concern whenever the winter cold exceeds freezing temperatures. When the core body temperature of a person decreases to 95°F that means hypothermia has begun to set in. It affects humans in - three main stages: - Mild: Shivering and increased heart rate set in as an attempt to to preserve body heat. Mental confusion and clumsiness may also begin to surface. Moderate: Amnesia/confusion, slurring of speech, lessened reflexes, and decreased dexterity become present. Severe: This stage of hypothermia is most dangerous and worsens as internal body temps drop to 82 °F and below. Shivering stops as extreme cold sets in—inflamed skin, hallucinations, and lack of reflexes are present. Oddly enough, when humans are experiencing severe hypothermia - paradoxical undressing - is fairly common. This is a phenomenon of intense confusion where the exposed individual quite literally becomes exposed, removing their clothing having lost losing rational thinking. When mild hypothermia sets in it’s important to bundle up and get indoors. Drinking warm liquids can also help get you back to a healthy temperature. Seeking medical attention well before severe hypothermia sets in is incredibly important; hypothermia is vicious and unforgiving. Frostbite is another unusually relevant health concern for people in the U.S. right now. Most people in the U.S. aren’t used to facing frostbite-worthy conditions, but the recent Arctic blast means that exposed skin can be frostbitten within five minutes. Do not go outside without layering up and having proper warm clothing. Cover hands and face and be sure that you aren’t outdoors for long if winter clothing becomes wet. Other Common Associated Injuries - Traveling in extreme weather is especially dangerous. Car crashes and slide-offs are drastically increased in the winter. Becoming stranded in the conditions blasting the Midwest could be a deadly mistake. When facing extreme conditions like sub zero temps the best option is simply to stay indoors and avoid travel. It’s also important to be aware of safety hazard indoors during the glacial weather. Afterall, you’ll likely be spending a lot of time inside. Avoid using a kerosene heat source or any other inexpensive heaters. These heating solutions are much more likely to cause a fire. Also never use an oven as an indoor heat source, or anything else that can emit carbon monoxide into a living space. Those Especially at Risk - Elderly, children, and homeless people are all much more prone to injury in harsh winter storms. Be sure to help out elderly people clear snow from walkways whenever possible. Older people are much more susceptible to injury doing these basic tasks and can become hypothermic more rapidly. Young children will want to play outside in the winter wonderland of snow, but do so sparingly. Kids can become moderately hypothermic without even realizing it, especially when they are so busy playing outdoors that they don’t realize just how cold they really are. Supervise children when they are outside. Don’t let them play for more than an hour at a time (even when properly bundled) without breaks to warm up indoors. The homeless population needs help in these particularly frigid phases of winter. Over - half a million people - were sleeping outside on any given night this month. Those sleeping outdoors face many additional challenges and don’t have the luxury of warming up indoors. In order to help you can donate any extra warm clothing you may have, or buy warm drinks or meals to those in need. If you can’t do this and want to help, consider - donating money - to local homeless shelters. While conditions may seem bleak in the midst of this Arctic blast, remember that spring is just around the corner. Stay warm and stay safe; we can make it through this!

Why Nurses Are the Unsung Heroes of Addiction Treatment

support@wellness.com — Sun, 30 Sep 2018 07:00:00 Z

Wellness.com - Why Nurses Are the Unsung Heroes of Addiction Treatment by Robert Parmer

Addiction - is an issue of epidemic proportions in our world today. And at the forefront of addiction issues today are - heroin - and other opiate dependencies. A recent - graphic by Beaches Recovery - points out the deadly realities of heroin addiction and overdose in the US: - There’s been a sixfold increase in heroin overdose deaths in the last 15 years. Heroin overdose deaths in the US currently hover right around 13,000 a year. Women have become three times more likely to die as a result of a heroin overdose just in the last few years, as women try, abuse, and become addicted to heroin more than ever. While the drug affects people of all genders and ethnic backgrounds, middle aged men (25 and 44) are most likely to become addicted to heroin and overdose. Last year, more people died from heroin than any other year. The CDC also points out the following in a resource titled - Heroin Overdose Data: - “ - From 2014 to 2015, heroin overdose death rates increased by 20.6%, with nearly 13,000 people dying in 2015. ” - It’s clear that the abuse of heroin has hit catastrophic proportions. This means that those involved in rehabilitation, detoxes, and preventative care efforts play an integral role in changing statistics like the ones presented above. Those who aid in addiction treatment are certainly modern-day heros. The work they do saves countless lives and gets those who are addicted back to a point of stability and health. Addiction therapists, counselors, doctors, and many others in the healthcare field approach difficult situations centered around heroin addiction on the daily. But today we are focusing on a specific group of people within the healthcare industry that directly interacts with, supports, and gets addicts back on their feet. Since their crucial role in addiction and overdose treatment is sometimes overlooked, - nurses are the unsung heroes of addiction treatment. There Through Difficult Detoxes - The detox stage for heroin addicts, especially in cases of overdose, is an extremely painful process. This is particularly painful for heroin addicts, but the harsh reality for anyone hooked on opiates is presented when the process of ridding a body of a drug starts. While nurses' roles may vary when it comes to care for drug users, the jobs they do are without a doubt critical factors when recovering from heroin’s deadly grasp. Nurses are there through the difficult detoxes. They are there to support addicts through the immense physical pain and mental side effects of recuperating. This requires the utmost level of patience and unconditional care. And the process of detoxing isn’t usually a quick one. It can takes days or even weeks for side effects of withdrawal to begin to subside. Nurses are there the whole time. They are the ones holding patients' hands and caring directly for those on the road to addiction recovery. Preventative Care Efforts - There’s no denying it, nurses constantly save lives through preventative care. They are oftentimes the ones who notice patients' signs of drug abuse and dependency. Think about who typically talks to patients first in hospital settings; nurses are at the forefront. It’s their job to pick up on these nuances by talking with patients and through screenings and a persistent eye for the details. In a lot of ways nurses are expected to provide a multitude of services. Branches of nursing are overarching and stretch beyond just medical nursing. There are many psychology elements to addiction recovery so nurses are trained in mental health services as well. Treatment Over Criminalization - Since taking drugs like heroin are obviously not legal, many addicts face criminal charges when trying to turn their lives around. Those who are incarcerated certainly still need legitimate health services. So many nurses work in jails and prisons and must balance safety and medicine in countless ways. Furthermore, nurses and other healthcare professionals are sometimes the people who step into unjust legal situations and push for - rehabilitation and alternatives to jail sentences. Addicts are not always criminals. A lot of times incarceration does not address dependency problems long term. Thus, jail time can become part of a vicious circle of addiction. Nurses in these settings are paving the roads of change. Substance-Abuse-Specific Nursing - A specific branch of nursing specific to substance abuse even exists! This niche of nurses works with those suffering from addiction, all day, every day. The following - excerpt from a Discover Nursing page - describes the job characteristics of a substance abuse nurse, perfectly: - "Substance abuse nurses are specialized in pain management, and help regulate treatment for patients addicted to drugs, alcohol, and other substances. Much of their job also involves teaching patients about the dangers of substance abuse and possible treatment options. Since addiction is both a mental and physical disease, these nurses are trained in both general medicine and mental health." - Next time you see one, thank a nurse, for all they do.

How Med Tech is Helping Put an End to the Opiate Epidemic

support@wellness.com — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 07:00:00 Z

Wellness.com - How Med Tech is Helping Put an End to the Opiate Epidemic by Robert Parmer

In the past, I’ve written about the - stigmas associated with addiction - as well as the integral role of - nurses in addiction treatment. In this piece, I’ll focus on what has become the most problematic and widespread form of addiction the world is currently facing. There’s no beating around the bush: the world has an opiate addiction problem. The most dangerous drug of choice for Americans - used to be cocaine, but not anymore. The number one source of overdose related deaths is now opiates, in all its toxic, addictive forms. Specifically, the U.S. is more addicted to opiates (such as painkillers and heroin) than most places in the world. While the U.S. only accounts for about 5 percent of the global population, we consume - 80 percent of the world’s opioid supply. Furthermore, this is an issue that is drastically affecting our nation's youth. In recent years, an - estimated 28,000 adolescents use heroin - each year in America. And of course, drug use among college students certainly has an impact on grades and can ultimately cause students to drop out of school. Even - medical students - have been experiencing a rise in opiate addiction. It is common for such students to spiral into addictive lifestyles. It’s clear that there is a lot at stake. We’ve hit a pivotal point where deaths by opiate overdose are - almost double that of car crashes. So what can we do to combat statistics like these? - Fortunately, the tech-heavy world we live in has developed several methods to help resolve drug addiction efforts through technological wonders. But what do these tech tactics look like? And how are they working in conjunction to rehabilitation and other forms of crucial treatment? - Tech-Assisted Care Through Addiction Recovery Apps - Just as digital interfaces such as - QuitNet - have helped smokers break the habit, there are many digitally ingrained tools to help opiate addicts turn their lives around. The following apps are helpful for those struggling with addiction and offer unique ways to incorporate a smartphone app into the recovery process. Ascent - is a support app utilizing peer coaches, most of which have struggled with and overcome addiction in the past themselves. Ascent is for any type of life-altering addiction and gives those recovering access to help 24/7/365. It’s customizable and can be paired with a recovery partner. Today’s Step - keeps those in recovery inspired through daily motivational quotes, meditation and gentle exercise reminders, and through community building where others facing addiction share their stories. recoveryBox - uses a metaphorical stop light system, that tracks positive actions good habits (represented by "green lights”) and keeps accountability at the forefront by pointing out addictive habits that may cause relapses ("yellow lights" and "red lights”). When the “red lights” are tracked, those recovering from addiction get data that may help make patterns of triggering behavior in check. Quit That - tracks the amount of time you’ve been sober. The app gives a breakdown of hours, days, and months a person has been off a drug. It also shows how much money a person has saved by deciding to quit that habit. In addition to the above-mentioned apps, there are many social media sites specifically for those changing their lives and breaking the ties of addiction. The social media platforms - In the Rooms - , - The Daily Pledge - , and - Sober Grid - all seem very promising for community building and support for addicts. Virtual Reality Headsets - The world of Virtual Reality (VR) has become intertwined with most things nowadays, from video games to interior design to drug addiction therapy. An interesting - article by Motherboard - points out the main way VR is used to help understand and treat addictions to drugs like heroin: - “Traditional relapse therapy usually involves role playing: Therapists often pretend to be a friend or some other familiar person and offer the patient their drug of choice in order to teach them avoidance strategies. By strapping patients into a virtual reality headset and running them through a familiar scenario where they commonly use the drug, like a party, the treatment can be much more realistic and effective.The trick is to make addicts crave drugs. And then choose not to use.” - As VR continues to expand and the gear becomes increasingly affordable, odds are that this form of tech therapy will only evolve and reach more people in need. Gamification - Doctors, counselors, and nurses of tomorrow - must embrace the technological advantages of the next generation of addiction recovery. A unique and inviting approach is through what’s known as gamification. This process helps skyrocket productivity and has been - proven to work - in a plethora of ways. When it comes to a gamified treatment plan for those addicted to heavy drugs, the future is promising. Through gamification addicts will be able to overcome addiction in a surprisingly entertaining way. Engagement in the process of change - Fostering intrinsic motivation - Rewarding small, medium and long term goals through explicit systems of titrated challenge - Use of narrative or other metaphors for life goal change - Use of social, exploratory, achievement and competition to encourage change - Taking a route that is game-based will be rewarding for addicts in a newfound way. Who decided that addiction therapy had to be boring and emotionally straining all the time? - Whether those struggling with addiction choose to put on a VR headset, reach for their smartphones for moral support, or utilize a game-based approach, the future of addiction treatment is here and it’s certainly blooming! The rates at which addicts seek help and stick to long term recovery plans is likely to grow as technological elements to treatment will continue to pour in.

I’m That Person Meditating at the Office, and Here’s Why I’ll Never Stop

support@wellness.com — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 21:00:00 Z

Wellness.com - I’m That Person Meditating at the Office, and Here’s Why I’ll Never Stop by Robert Parmer

The workplace hippie. The "overly" health conscious individual. The granola. The mediation junkie. These are all phrases I’ve heard being thrown around at work to describe those free-thinkers who aren’t quite content enough with typical rhythm of an office workplace. I am that person, and I am not ashamed! - I’ve decided to take the road to long term wellness, and I’ve found my route through mindful - meditation - practices and daily - yoga. But just because I have this view doesn’t mean I’m cramming it down my coworkers’ throats. And just because some of my coworkers may deem my head-clearing behavior bizarre doesn’t mean I should feel awkward or bullied for my choices. It may seem slightly daunting at first, but the following tips help make a focused mindset a reality.
- Start Practicing at Home - The beautiful thing about meditation is that it looks different for everyone. Some people only need a few moments of deliberate breathing to feel composed; others require much more time and may benefit from incorporating yoga poses into their routine. If you aren’t somewhat familiar with head-clearing activities related to mediation, I recommend you find your "happy place" at home first. Although I’m no professional, I can say that I’ve found several meditation practices that really work for me. While there are numerous meditation techniques in existence, the following meditation styles are simple and effective: - Zen (Zazen) Meditation: The Japanese word Zazen means "seated meditation." While sitting on the ground or in chair, focus on your breath and simply "just sitting" as ways to clear your thought space. Keep your mouth and eyes closed, and remain silent aside from breathing. Mindfulness Meditation: This type of meditation focuses on the present. Buddhist culture is in many ways founded by mindfulness. This belief system focuses on "the active, watchful mind and helps deter worry, doubt, and stress, as well as common mental health disorders. Metta Meditation: When practicing metta meditation, love for yourself, the world you live in, and love for others remain at the forefront of one’s mind. Also known as loving-kindness meditation, this can be done similarly to Zazen, but oftentimes includes repeating phrases such as the following: “May I be happy. May I be well. May I be safe. May I be peaceful and at ease.” - Furthermore, consider getting some - meditation accessories - to complete the ensemble of your space. Whether this entails building a gorgeous pond and waterfall you in your backyard or simply putting up a comfortable hammock to lay in, any addition to you make to your positive mental health environment is useful. For me, I started by simply clearing the floor in my living room entirely, laying down a simple yoga mat, turning on my favorite instrumental music (vocal parts in songs tend to distract me in this context) and sitting in a comfortable, upright position with my eyes closed. Meditate for as long as you like; whatever feels good. It’s really - that - simple to begin meditating for the first time! - Find a Safe, Secluded Area - The best way to start meditating at work is to find a location that is completely comfortable. When it’s warm enough, I love to be outside to clear my head, but in the colder months I find a spot on a waiting room couch or any open place I can be for a few minutes. For example, just today I took a walk around the complex where I work and meditated on a small dock for about half an hour. It’s pretty incredible what a world of difference a quick cognitive break like this makes on stressful days! - But why even meditate at work to begin with? How is it actually beneficial? - Two words: mental health. The world is facing a mental health crisis whether we recognize it or not. A resource by - Bradley University - points out that over 18% of the U.S. adult population (43.6 million adults) currently experience some form of mental health problem. Additionally that graphic points out that just under half (47%) of adults in the U.S. will experience a mental health problem during their lives. Practicing meditation and yoga on the regular helps alleviate life’s stressors and gives a person additional foresight and mental clarity. In fact, yoga is commonly used as - alternative treatment - for certain mental illnesses. Don’t Cave to Stigmas at Work, or Anywhere - In a world filled with a multitude of bogus stigmas, it’s important to remember to not let prejudice or misunderstandings get in the way of personal health. Most - group dynamics at workplaces - unfortunately include those who bully coworkers, even through adulthood. As it turns out the advice your parents gave you as a kid may transcend into adulthood: just ignore those who talk down to or degrade people. Don’t cave and let workplace bullies manipulate you. Instead, if you get any flak from colleagues for meditating at work, take the "killing them with kindness" approach. I can say through past experiences that at the adult level, a kindness approach almost always resonates in situations like these. Experiment With What Works Best for You - After learning how, when, and where to meditate, your body and mind will thank you. I also use - smartphone meditation apps - to help me feel motivated. These types of apps help create new direction for advancing in mediation and yoga. You can go at your own pace and progress at a rate that is most comfortable to you. Also there’s a plethora of helpful yoga videos online. They are available - for free - and by - paid subscriptions. Personally, I don’t pay for yoga instructions because I’ve found enough of these types of free resources on YouTube alone. Think simple searches for terms like "yoga basics" "yoga instructions" "beginner yoga poses" and branch out from there.

10 Most Stressed Out States In America

support@wellness.com — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 08:00:00 Z

Wellness.com - 10 Most Stressed Out States In America by Robert Parmer

In my last Wellness - article - , the healthiest states in America were highlighted in terms of mental health, physical health, and everything in between. In hindsight, stress is something that persistently plagues the world. Stress is one of the main issues that society faces. Related problems such as bullying, economic conditions, and - stressful daily commutes - all add to stress levels. So many people face heavy amounts of stress everyday and don’t bother to even acknowledge or change anything. Society has this odd way of just accepting that they are ‘forever inevitably stressed out.’ - An in-depth study by Movoto - has revealed the most stressed out cities in Continental America. There were many factors to this, including unemployment rates, population density, the rate of those with no health insurance, costs of living, and the average amount of hours worked per week. The 10 Most Stressed Out States - by Movoto - Florida - Georgia - New Jersey - California - Nevada - Illinois - New York - Maryland - North Carolina - Arizona - The following graph offers a little bit more information behind the most and least stressed out states: - Click here - for an interactive version of the graph.
-And furthermore, this is how population density correlates: - Click here - for an interactive version of the graph. Fortunately, stress doesn’t have to take control of our lives. Allowing stressors to build up and dominate is mistake number one. Accepting that stress is everywhere and learning - how to manage daily stress - is key. Related: - 5 Ways To Lower Stress Naturally