Category Archives: Health & Fitness

Health & Fitness

Experiencing Night Sweats? This Might Explain Why

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Night sweats are an uncomfortable and often embarrassing experience that can affect men and women of all ages. 

Night sweats refer to excessive sweating during sleep. It mainly occurs in the lower extremities, particularly the feet, hands, and legs.

While they can be a symptom of a serious illness, night sweats are often relatively harmless and manageable. 

The right mattress can help you get a restful night of sleep. Tempur-pedic mattresses are renowned for their comfort and support.

In this article, we’ll explore some common causes of night sweats and how to manage them. With the right knowledge, you can get back to sleeping soundly and waking up feeling refreshed. Keep reading to learn more.

5 Common Causes of Night Sweats

There are several potential causes of night sweats, but these are five of the most common causes:

  1. Your Medications

Your prescribed medications might cause night sweats as a side effect, including the following:

  • Antidepressants
  • Anti-inflammatory medications 
  • Antipsychotics
  • Benzodiazepines 
  • Corticosteroids 
  • Hormonal treatments 
  • Immunosuppressants 
  • Pain medications

Talk to your doctor if you think your medication could be causing night sweats.

  1. Your Alcohol Intake

Certain lifestyle factors can cause night sweats. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause your core body temperature to increase, triggering night sweats.

  1. Your Bedroom Temperature 

Is your bedroom causing night sweats? Excessive heat in your bedroom or living environment can increase your core body temperature. Sleep experts suggest keeping bedrooms between 60 to 65 degrees for optimal comfort. 

  1. Your Stress Level

Do you lead a stressful life? Stress can raise your body temperature and trigger night sweats. You can reduce nighttime anxiety by creating a bedtime routine and sticking with it. 

The routine should include no screen time in the bedroom and going to bed at the same time every night. 

  1. Your Health

The night sweats may be related to an underlying medical issue. Many medical conditions can cause night sweats. 

Endocrine disorders affect the hormones responsible for regulating our body’s functions, such as thyroid disease and diabetes. 

Hormonal imbalances that cause changes in the production of estrogen and progesterone can be behind night sweats. Certain types of cancers and certain autoimmune disorders are also possible causes. 

The body’s hormone levels change during pregnancy and menopause, as well as some other medical conditions.

How to Manage Them

No matter the cause, you can do some simple things to manage night sweats: 

Turn down the thermostat: Hot flashes and night sweats are often triggered by an increase in your core body temperature. 

Wear loose-fitting clothes: Loose clothes help reduce your core temperature. 

Stick to a nightly routine: This will help regulate your sleep cycle, enabling you to fall asleep earlier and stay asleep longer.  

If you experience night sweats, the first step toward managing them is to see a doctor. Your doctor will be able to determine the cause.

Treatment for night sweats depends on the cause but may include lifestyle changes, medication, or hormone therapy. By understanding the common causes, you can take steps to reduce the severity of your night sweats and improve your quality of sleep.

Health & Fitness

Understanding the Difference Between Complex PTSD and PTSD

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Many people are familiar with the acronym PTSD, but fewer know about complex PTSD. Both conditions are the result of exposure to traumas, but complex PTSD is a more severe condition that can develop when the trauma is prolonged or repeated. 

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, occurs when someone experiences a traumatic event. The event could be a one-time occurrence, such as a car accident, or it could be repeated exposure to traumas, such as in the case of soldiers who have been in combat. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal. 

Complex PTSD is similar to PTSD in that it is also caused by exposure to traumas. However, complex PTSD is distinguished from PTSD by the fact that it occurs after prolonged or repeated traumas. Complex trauma can occur in cases of child abuse, domestic violence, human trafficking, and war. The symptoms of complex PTSD can be more severe than those of PTSD and can include self-harming behaviors, dissociation, and feeling as though one’s personality has changed. 

Complex PTSD vs. PTSD: The Differences

PTSD develops after a single, traumatic event. C-PTSD, on the other hand, develops after exposure to long-term trauma, such as child abuse, domestic violence, or war. In addition, C-PTSD includes all of the symptoms of PTSD, plus additional symptoms related to changes in self-identity and self-direction. 

C-PTSD is a relatively new diagnosis; it was first included in the DSM-5 in 2013. Because of this, there is still much research needed to better understand the condition. However, we do know that C-PTSD can be debilitating and significantly reduce quality of life. If you have experienced long-term trauma, it is important to talk to a mental health professional to see if you might have C-PTSD. 

Treatment for Complex PTSD vs. PTSD

Treatment for both conditions typically includes some form of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy. Some people with complex PTSD may also benefit from medication to help with anxiety or depression. The most important thing is to find a treatment that works for you and that you feel comfortable with. 

If you think you may have either condition, it’s important to seek professional help. A qualified mental health professional will be able to give you a diagnosis and help you find the best course of treatment. 

Symptoms of Complex PTSD and PTSD

PTSD symptoms can be divided into four main categories: intrusive thoughts, avoidance, negative changes in mood and thinking, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. People with PTSD may relive their trauma over and over again through intrusive thoughts or nightmares. They may also try to avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma or numbing their emotions altogether. These symptoms can make it hard for people with PTSD to go about their everyday lives. 

Complex PTSD also shares many of these symptoms with regular PTSD. However, there are two key differences that set complex PTSD apart. First, complex PTSD generally occurs after exposure to prolonged or repeated trauma, such as in cases of child abuse or domestic violence. Second, complex PTSD often leads to problems with self-regulation, which can manifest as impulsivity, self-harming behaviors, or suicide attempts. Complex PTSD can also cause problems with relationships, resulting in isolation and mistrust. 

C-PTSD is a relatively new diagnosis, but it is important to be aware of the difference between C-PTSD and PTSD so that you can get the most accurate diagnosis and treatment if you have experienced long-term trauma. If you think you might have C-PTSD, talk to a mental health professional.

Health & Fitness

What Happens To Your Body As It Ages?

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Ageing is an inevitability that will affect us all at some point. But what actually happens to your body when it ages? And are there ways you can slow down the ageing process? 

Reduced bone and muscle

Muscle mass declines by around 3-8% every decade after the age of 30, with most men losing around 30% of their muscle mass over the course of their lifetime. Losing muscle tissue negatively affects your strength and is a leading cause of immobility in older people. 

As you age, you also lose bone density. This, combined with the decline in muscle mass tends to result in the characteristic shrinkage that you see in old age. The deterioration in bone tissue leaves you at risk of developing osteoporosis, which in turn makes you more vulnerable to breakages and fractures. Women are particularly susceptible to osteoporosis as their bodies produce less estrogen after the menopause and this hormone helps to protect the bones from breaking down. Additionally, according to this dentist who does dental implants in Tampa, your dental health will deteriorate too. Thankfully, you can help protect your body from losing bone and muscle tissue by doing regular exercise. Strength training, combined with a balanced diet, is particularly effective as it supports bone and muscle repair.

Oxidative stress 

Free radicals are a natural waste product of your metabolism, but can also be produced in response to exposure to UV radiation, cigarette smoke, car fumes, and other external pollutants. Over time, free radicals can cause damage to body tissues and cells, and break down collagen.  This process is known as oxidative stress and is a major contributor to the ageing process. 

While some oxidative stress is inevitable as part of natural ageing, it’s a good idea to try and reduce it with simple heathy habits. Always protect your skin from the sun, avoid smoking, and cut down on saturated fats and alcohol. Vitamin E helps to protect your cells from oxidative stress, so consider taking a supplement with a high vitamin E content like Nestle BOOST Optimum. 

Changes in perception

As you age, your ability to see and hear decline. Hardening and thickening of the eye lens makes focusing and seeing in dim light harder. The number of optic nerve cells also decreases with age, affecting depth perception, and the lens starts to yellow, changing the way you perceive colours. You can help to slow age-related eyesight damage by wearing sunglasses to protect against UV radiation, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular checks at the opticians. 

When it comes to hearing, you’ll find that your ability to hear high-pitched noises decreases as you get older. One of the most frustrating aspects of this is that most word consonants are higher-pitched and are harder to hear, therefore, understanding speech becomes more difficult. You might also find it harder to focus in on single conversations when there is a lot of background noise. Maintain your hearing for as long as possible by protecting your ears from loud noise, either by avoiding loud places or wearing earplugs. 

Conclusion

Many changes occur in your body as it ages. A loss of bone and muscle tissue will leave you more vulnerable to breakages, fractures, and immobility; whilst oxidative stress will damage your cells and tissue, causing skin to lose elasticity. Your eyesight and hearing will also decline, changing the way you perceive things. Fortunately, there are healthy behaviours you can adopt to help reduce the damage caused by ageing. 

Health & Fitness

Scam from Truth: Navigating the Wellness Industry

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The health and wellness industry covers a vast range of sectors and markets that have grown exponentially in value and revenue. One of the most critical challenges in this industry is the ever-increasing information available to anyone seeking means to improve their health and navigate potential health solutions. 

A lack of ethical boundaries and credibility has turned the wellness industry into a confounding and intimidating maze of misinformation that can distort scientific truths and medical expertise.

According to data from the Global Wellness Institute in its Global Wellness Economy Monitor 2021 report, the wellness economy accounted for roughly 5 percent of global economic output in 2020. The industry’s worth is projected to grow by almost 10 percent on average year over year, which could reach a total of $70 trillion by 2025. From corporate wellness to mental health, there is the opportunity for growth and fraudulent activity in every sector of the wellness industry. 

What Defines Health Fraud?

According to the FDA’s definition of health fraud scams, they involve the advertisement or sale of products that claim to prevent, treat, or cure moderate to severe health conditions but are not scientifically proven safe and effective. 

Deceptive marketing catchphrases such as “miracle cure,” “vaccine alternative,” “guaranteed results,” “secret ingredient,” and “scientific breakthrough” are red flags for health fraud per the FDA, but not all fraudulent products are labeled so obviously and identified so easily. Some fraudsters are more cunning with their marketing tactics and may try to sell consumers on a health trend ahead of the actual product. 

The Role of Social Media in the Wellness Industry

Social media has become one of the most profitable marketing channels to target new consumers. Health trends can emerge out of thin air and become sensationalized on platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

The downside is that any health trend can go viral, even if it is false or misleading. Social media influencers without any credibility can lead followers into trying a new product or regimen, which can result in a wasted investment of money and time, disappointment, frustration, and even serious health risks and consequences. 

Fasting, juicing, and cleansing have all had their share of the spotlight as miraculous remedies for rapid weight loss and other ambitious health goals. However, there is often very little (if any) scientific or medical evidence to support these theories. The truth is, these wellness trends are often driven by marketing campaigns to sell products such as juices, teas, and supplements that are not as miraculous as they are hyped to be. 

COVID fraud has become an increasing issue on social media platforms, where scammers have advertised therapies and medications that can prevent, treat, or cure COVID. The Federal Trade Commission has intervened in 400 cases where companies have promoted false advertisements on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram since the start of the pandemic. The consequences of these false claims can be deadly for people who attempt to use these fraudulent and ineffective products in place of proper COVID treatments.

Final Takeaway

It is crucial to obtain information from authoritative and reliable sources, especially when a serious health issue is involved, but it can be difficult to know which sources are trustworthy. Some wellness scams can be so well-disguised and convincing that people believe whatever they claim and will buy into whatever they are selling. 

Being wary of buzzing health trends and advice from wellness gurus or influencers on social media can help you avoid becoming prey to a health fraud scam or medical myth. It is always a good idea to cross-check information you find with credible sources online to verify whether what you’ve heard or read is based on facts or fiction.

Health & Fitness

The Benefits of Inpatient Rehab

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 Inpatient rehab refers to a stay at a rehabilitation facility where you receive around-the-clock care from medical professionals. This type of care is beneficial for those who are struggling with addiction and need more support than outpatient care can provide. Here are some of the benefits of a rehab center.

Supportive Environment

One of the main benefits of inpatient rehab is that it provides a supportive environment. When you’re surrounded by people who are going through the same thing as you, it can be easier to stay on track with your recovery. There’s also 24/7 support from medical professionals, so if you have any questions or need any help, someone will always be there for you. 

Personalized Treatment Plans

Another benefit of inpatient rehab is that you’ll receive a personalized treatment plan. This means that your plan will be specifically tailored to your needs based on factors such as your age, substance abuse history, mental health, and more. Having a personalized plan can increase your chances of success because it ensures that you’re receiving the best possible care. 

Structured Environment 

Inpatient rehab provides a structured environment that can be helpful for people who need structure in their lives. The structure of inpatient rehab can help people progress in their recovery by providing a daily routine and expectations that need to be met. 

Safe Environment

Inpatient rehab offers a safe environment where people can focus on their recovery without distractions or temptations. People who are in treatment will be able to stay away from triggers that might lead to relapse. 

Who Needs Inpatient Rehab?

Anyone who is struggling with addiction or substance abuse can benefit from inpatient rehab. Inpatient rehab is a form of treatment that involves living at the facility while receiving around-the-clock care and supervision. This type of care is beneficial for those who are struggling with severe addiction or have relapsed after previous attempts at sobriety. Inpatient rehab provides a structured and safe environment where people can focus on their recovery without distractions or temptations. 

Inpatient rehab usually lasts for 30 days but can be longer or shorter depending on the individual’s needs. During treatment, people will participate in individual and group therapy, as well as other activities like recreational therapy and 12-step meetings. The goal of inpatient rehab is to help people achieve and maintain sobriety so that they can live healthy and fulfilling life. 

Why choose Inpatient Treatment?

Inpatient rehab provides many benefits that can help you on your journey to recovery. If you’re struggling with addiction, consider seeking out inpatient rehab so that you can take advantage of the supportive environment and personalized care that a rehab center provides.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, inpatient rehab can be an effective form of treatment. Inpatient rehab offers many benefits, such as 24/7 supervision, a structured environment, and a focus on individual needs. If you are considering inpatient rehab, it is important to find a reputable facility that will provide you with the level of care that you need to recover from addiction.