Lifestyle Blogger

Certain Southern meals, such as barbecued pork, fried chicken, and mashed potatoes, are not exactly healthful. Indeed, research has connected Southern-style meals strong in meat and fried foods to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

However, traditional Southern food includes a variety of side dishes made with nutritious components such as vegetables, beans, and whole grains. They can be combined to create a complete, meatless dinner that is both filling and enjoyable. Serve two or more of the following concurrently.

Greens. Collard greens are traditional, but you can substitute other robust greens such as kale, chard, or cabbage. Stir-fry in olive oil with garlic cloves. To enhance the flavour, add a splash of your favourite vinegar and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
So many physical attributes deteriorate with normal ageing, including strength, swiftness, and stamina. In addition to these muscle-related reductions, there are additional alterations that occur in coordinating the motions of the body. As a result of these changes, you may find that you are unable to accomplish activities like as dashing to catch a bus, walking around the garden, going grocery shopping and bringing them inside the house, maintaining your balance on a slippery surface, or playing catch with your grandchildren as well as you once could. However, must these activities deteriorate? Consider why these reductions occur — and what you might do to reclaim your strength and coordination.



Changes in your strength


Age-related declines in strength, speed, and stamina are all connected with decreased muscle mass. Although muscle mass does not diminish significantly between the ages of 20 and 40, after age 40, lean body mass and strength can decline by 1% to 2% per year.

Muscle mass loss is associated with both a decrease in the number of muscle fibres and a decrease in fiber size. They die if the fibers become too tiny. Fast-twitch muscle fibers contract and die at a faster rate than other muscle fibers, resulting in a loss of muscular speed. Additionally, the ability of muscles to repair itself reduces with age. One element contributing to these changes is a decrease in muscle-building hormones and growth factors such as testosterone, estrogen, dehydroepiandrosterone (often referred to as DHEA), growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factors.

Coordination changes


Coordination changes are less a function of muscles and more a function of the brain and neurological system. Multiple brain centers must be linked in order for you to perform tasks ranging from golfing to holding a coffee cup steady as you walk across a room. This emphasizes the critical nature of the brain's wiring, the so-called white matter that connects the various brain regions.

Unfortunately, the majority of persons over the age of 60 who consume a western diet and do not exercise regularly have some small "ministrokes" (also known as microvascular or small vessel disease) in their white matter. Although the strokes are unnoticeable when they occur, they can damage connections between critical brain coordination centres such as the frontal lobe (which directs movement) and the cerebellum (which provides on-the-fly corrections to those movements as needed).


Additionally, as you age, you lose dopamine-producing cells, which can delay your movements and impair your coordination; thus, even if you do not get Parkinson's disease, many people develop some of the movement abnormalities associated with Parkinson's.

Finally, vision changes — the "eye" aspect of hand-eye coordination — is critical. Eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration are substantially more prevalent in older persons. Additionally, modest visual impairment might be the first indicator of ageing-related cognitive problems, such as Lewy body disease and Alzheimer's disease.
Those who visit our cognitive clinic are among the 22 per cent to 32 per cent of COVID-19 survivors who still have brain fog as a result of their long COVID, or post-acute sequelae of SARS CoV-2 infection (PASC), as experts refer to it.

What exactly is the meaning of brain fog?

Brain fog is a phrase for slow or sluggish thinking that can occur in a variety of situations, such as when a person is sleep-deprived or sick, or as a side effect of drowsy medicines. Following chemotherapy or a concussion, you may experience brain fog.

Brain fog is frequently transitory and resolves on its own. However, we don't exactly know why brain fog occurs after COVID-19 or how long these symptoms will continue. However, we do know that this type of brain fog can have an impact on other facets of cognition.


What is cognition?

The mechanisms in the brain that allow us to think, read, learn, remember, reason, and pay attention are referred to as cognition. A loss in your capacity to perform one or more thinking processes is referred to as cognitive impairment.

A wide spectrum of cognitive issues has been recorded among persons who have been hospitalized for COVID. Among them are issues with

Our brains may actively digest information that is happening around us while ignoring other aspects if we pay attention. Attention functions similarly to a spotlight on a stage during a performance, allowing performers to stand out from the crowd.

The ability to learn, store, retain, and recall knowledge is known as memory.

More complicated skills like planning, directing attention, remembering instructions, and juggling many tasks are part of executive function.

Long-term COVID sufferers may experience noticeable difficulties with attention, memory, and executive function. These difficulties have been reported in studies of patients who were not hospitalized with COVID and those who were, as well as those who had severe cases. These findings raise crucial questions concerning the impact of COVID-19 infection on cognition.

Even with mild COVID, less visible lapses in memory and attention may occur.


After recovering from a mild incidence of COVID-19, according to a recent study conducted by a group of German researchers, even persons who don't show evidence of cognitive impairment can have memory and attention problems.

A total of 136 people were recruited for the study through a website that advertised it as a brain game to evaluate how well people could perform. The average age of the participants was roughly 30 years old. Nearly 40% of the participants had recovered from COVID without needing to be admitted to the hospital, while the rest had never had COVID. All of the subjects said they had no memory or cognitive issues.

Is it true that allergens aggravate snoring?

If your sleeping companion claims that your snoring gets worse when your allergies flare-up in the spring. Is there a link, and if so, what can you do about it?

A. Allergies that produce nasal congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose (also known as allergic rhinitis) can cause snoring to become more frequent and louder. Allergic rhinitis, in fact, is a prevalent but under-recognized cause of poor sleep quality. Sleep disturbances, such as sleep apnea, are more common in patients with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis. This can cause daytime drowsiness, weariness, and mood and memory problems.
Consult your doctor.
 
My last menstrual period was four years ago, yet I'm still experiencing hot flashes and night sweats. Is this typical, and are there other treatments other than hormones that could help me?
 
A. While many women experience menopausal symptoms for a short period of time, others may experience symptoms for years after their menstrual cycles have stopped. Heart palpitations, vaginal dryness, night sweats, hot flashes, sleep disruptions, and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety are all possible.

There are various non-hormonal approaches that may be beneficial. Those that help you stay cool are some of the greatest solutions for hot flashes and nocturnal sweats. Dress in layers so you can rapidly remove clothing to change your body temperature; put a small fan nearby that you can turn on as needed; use cool-water compresses on your skin; maintain your bedroom at a lower temperature at night, and wear light clothing to bed (ideally made of fabrics designed to wick away moisture). In addition, make an effort to exercise on a regular basis. It has been demonstrated to lower overall menopausal symptoms and may assist in enhancing your sleep quality. Also, make an appointment with your doctor. Depending on what she can do, she may be able to give you more options for therapy and rule out other health problems that could be causing your pain.

Get a free consultation from the Melody Jacob Health Team. Send us an email at godisablej66@gmail.com if you have any questions. Thanks for reading.

How can I reduce lasting menopausal symptoms?


If you're looking for addiction treatment in Rhode Island, you're not alone. Like many others, the Ocean State has a growing problem with addiction, and many people are seeking help. The good news is that despite its small size, there are many excellent options for rehab in Rhode Island, and the right one for you will depend on your specific needs. In this blog post, we'll discuss how to find the right rehab centre for you and your loved ones.

Understanding Your Condition

The first step in finding treatment is having a clear understanding of your condition. Knowing not only what substance(s) you are addicted to but also the severity of your addiction, what it entails, and what kinds of treatment work best for your condition is critical in finding the right rehab center. Some facilities specialize in treating specific addictions, while others offer general treatment programs.

It is also important to know whether or not you have a co-occurring mental health condition. Many people who struggle with addiction also suffer from mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, which must be treated alongside the addiction in order for the person to recover fully.

Determining Your Budget

Once you have a good understanding of your condition and what kind of treatment you need, it's time to start looking at rehab centers. The first thing you'll want to consider is your budget. Some rehabs are more expensive than others, and there is a wide range of prices depending on the type of program and the location.

New England is home to many spectacular luxury rehab programs, but these come at a premium price. They feature luxurious accommodations, gourmet food, and top-notch medical care. If you can afford it, the treatments offered at a luxury rehab may be the best option for you.

If your budget is tight, there are affordable options available. Many state-funded programs provide free or low-cost treatment, and there are also private rehabs that offer sliding-scale pricing based on your income as well as scholarships and financing options.
Picking the Right Location

Once you've determined your budget, the next thing to consider is the location of the rehab center. If you are attending an outpatient program, you should stay close to home so you can easily attend therapy and counseling sessions. If you are attending an inpatient program, however, you can consider a facility just about anywhere since you will live at the facility for the duration of your recovery.

Some travel across the country to go to rehab in Rhode Island, but it is important to remember that every rehab is different. Make sure you do your research before making a decision and ask plenty of questions so you can be sure the facility is right for you.

Finding a Facility That Fits

Finally, it's important to find a rehab center that fits your needs. Not all rehabs are the same and not everyone will feel comfortable in the same type of setting. Some people prefer a more relaxed and informal setting while others prefer a stricter, more military-style environment. There are also many different types of treatment available, so it's important to find one that aligns with your beliefs and values.

One of the best ways to do this is by visiting the facility where you are considering undergoing treatment. Many centers offer free tours and this is a great opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for the center. If you can't visit in person, be sure to check out the center's website and read reviews from past patients.

Finding the right rehab center can be challenging, but with a little bit of research and patience, you're sure to find one that's perfect for you. Remember to stay positive and to keep your recovery at the forefront of your mind throughout this process. With the right centre and treatment program, you can overcome addiction and get on the road to a healthy, happy future.

Do you find it difficult to use your smartphone or computer because your hands are stiff? If you want to keep utilizing your gadgets, try these tips.


Pexel image

Thanks to technology, the world is at your fingertips. All it takes is a few taps on a smartphone, a few keystrokes on a keyboard, or a few mouse clicks. That is more difficult to do if you have other health problems, like tendinitis or arthritis, that makes it worse.

"The issue is repetitive finger movement on a keyboard or reaching and stretching your fingers on a mouse. A hand keeps moving, and the other hand keeps holding a phone in the other.

If you have pain or stiffness in your hands that makes it hard to use a computer or smartphone, think about the following steps. Make sure these suggestions are right for you by talking to your doctor.

Distribute the work.

Do you type in a "hunt and peck" fashion? Are you a thumb-only texter? This may result in overuse injuries. Rather than that, divide the task between your fingers and hand. "Change which fingers perform the work. If you're used to using a mouse exclusively with your right hand, try mousing with your left. Alternatively, switch which hand you use to carry your smartphone. "

Take pauses

Sedentary activity: using a computer or smartphone stops you from being active and cuts off the blood flow to your hands, making them stiff and hard to move.

To combat this, schedule breaks in advance of feeling the desire to stop. You've already aggravated your hands by the time they complain. It takes longer to regain control of the pain and stiffness, and you end up needing a longer respite. After 45 minutes of action, take a five-minute break. Stand up, take a drink of water, or perform any other action that significantly alters your position. "

Extend the range of motion in your wrists and hands.

It is critical to have limber wrists and hands. They should be stretched on a regular basis. Begin at your wrists, with your forearms stationary and your fists slowly rotating in circles. Following that, softly open and close your fists, if possible, lengthening your fingers. "Ensure that all of your fingers are aligned and working in unison and that no finger is ahead of or behind others, as is the case with arthritis."

Utilize either heat or cold therapy.

Both heat and cold therapy have their advantages and disadvantages. Heat is a sedative that relaxes the muscles. It's beneficial to do so before typing or using your phone for a lengthy period of time. It helps with stiffness but not with swelling. "Moist heat penetrates the tissues and joints more deeply. You can obtain moist heat by soaking your hands in warm water or by microwaving moist heat mittens. "

Ice is a natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic. "It is very beneficial for tendonitis or inflamed heated joints. It's beneficial if you've been using your hands for an extended period of time. Consider using an ice pack, cold therapy gloves (made with gel packs stored in the freezer), or soaking your hands in freezing water. Keep therapy sessions to a maximum of 20 minutes so that you don't cause your skin to get hurt.

Are you having difficulty sleeping? Your heart may suffer as a result.


Poor sleep is now being linked to several health issues, including a higher risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, according to increasing data. A new study of people in their midlife indicates that a combination of sleep issues, such as difficulty falling asleep, waking up in the middle of the night, or sleeping less than six hours each night, can virtually triple a person's risk of heart disease.

"These new findings emphasize the importance of obtaining enough sleep," says Harvard Medical School assistant professor of medicine and sleep specialist Dr Lawrence Epstein. He goes on to say that a lack of sleep can be caused by a variety of factors. Some people just do not schedule enough sleep time. Others have sleep-disrupting or interfering behaviours. Some persons also have a medical ailment or a sleep problem that causes them to lose sleep quality or quantity.



Who was in the study group?

The researchers used information from 7,483 persons who participated in the Midlife in the United States Study and provided information on their sleep habits and history of heart disease. A small group of participants (663 persons) also wore a wrist-worn gadget that tracked their sleep patterns (actigraphy). Women made up slightly more than half of the participants. Three-quarters said they were white, while 16% said they were black. The average age was 53 years old.

The researchers selected to study people in their midlife years since this is when adults typically encounter diverse and difficult life experiences in their work and family life. It's also when clogged heart arteries or atherosclerosis (an early indicator of heart disease) first appear, as well as age-related sleep problems.

What criteria did researchers use to evaluate sleep problems?

A composite of many characteristics of sleep was used to assess sleep health, including

regularity (whether participants slept longer on workdays versus non-work days)

satisfaction (whether they had difficulty getting asleep, woke up in the middle of the night or early the next morning and couldn't get back to sleep, or felt drowsy during the day)

alertness (how often they napped for more than five minutes)

efficiency (how long it took them to fall asleep at bedtime)

length of time (how many hours they typically slept each night).

To examine heart problems, researchers asked participants "Have you ever been suspected or verified by a doctor of having heart trouble?" and "Have you ever had intense discomfort across the front of your chest that lasted for at least a half-hour?"

McDonald's, Starbucks, and Coca-Cola are the latest companies to leave Russia.

Public pressure appears to work sometimes, as several of the world's largest corporations have declared plans to discontinue operations in Russia after being pressured to do so.

McDonald's stated yesterday that it would close all of its roughly 800 stores in Russia, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a reason.


"Every day, we serve millions of Russian consumers who rely on McDonald's," stated Chris Kempczinski, CEO of McDonald's. "At the same time, our morals dictate that we cannot turn a blind eye to the needless human suffering in Ukraine."

President Biden declared yesterday that his government will restrict all Russian oil and gas imports in an effort to strike harder on Russia's economy.

"Today, I am announcing that the United States will target Russia's primary economic artery. We are prohibiting all imports of Russian crude oil, natural gas, and energy "As Biden stated. "This implies that Russian oil will no longer be accepted at US ports, and the American people will inflict another devastating blow on Putin's war machine."
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