Lifestyle Blogger

Long-term grief disorder is now a recognised mental health issue.


Long-term grief disorder is now a recognised mental health issue.

We all experience grief differently and on our own timelines when a loved one goes away. However, physicians now have a formal diagnosis for it when a high level of grieving persists for more than a year. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)—the manual used by physicians to make mental health diagnoses—included "prolonged grief disorder" in March 2022.

 

"Not just missing your loved one after a year counts as prolonged mourning. It hinders function and is incapacitating. " "It goes beyond accepted societal, cultural, and religious standards.

Prevalence and signs

 

Only people who are grieving the loss of a loved one are considered to have prolonged grief disorder. According to estimates, 7% to 10% of adult bereaved people have the disorder.

 

The symptoms are extremely specific. A person with extended grief still feels a strong longing or yearning for the person who died or is so consumed by thoughts and memories of the person who died that it gets in the way of their daily life after a year.

 

Also, for a person to be diagnosed with chronic grief, they must show at least three of the following signs:

 

Acute anger, bitterness, or sorrow relating to the loss; difficulties re-engaging with life; emotional numbness, especially regarding connection with others; a feeling that life is now worthless; intense loneliness as a result of the death. A feeling that a part of oneself has died.


Other illnesses like depression, PTSD, or drug use can't explain the symptoms better.

 Continually grieving

The veil of grief can wrap us for a variety of reasons, keeping us lost in another reality. The risk elements are divided into two groups:

 

circumstances surrounding the death, such as trauma, suddenness, or violence; lack of planning; death of a child or younger person; or death in a hospital intensive care unit; circumstances surrounding the bereaved person, such as a history of mental disorders, such as depression or drug use; other losses in life; or a lack of social support.

Travel photos are always inspiring, which is why we like to share them. Traveling can be enjoyable and relaxing for some. Here are some spectacular travel photos from around the world to inspire you to start traveling.
 

Chronic inflammation can do more harm than good, despite its important role in the body's defence and repair mechanisms. That probably leaves you wondering, "What can I do about it?"

In reality, you have a lot of options. The truth is, you might already be doing it. This is because many of the best strategies for reducing inflammation are also things you should already be doing.

The three main strategies for battling chronic inflammation are prevention, detection, and treatment.




There are 6 ways to stop unhealthful inflammation.:

Choose to eat a healthy diet
Choose to eat a healthy diet.

Because of this, eating more kale is not likely to significantly reduce inflammation throughout the body. However, eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and legumes (sometimes referred to as an anti-inflammatory diet) may reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. In addition to the anti-inflammatory effects of the diets themselves, there are health benefits to cutting out inflammatory foods like soda and processed foods.

Regular exercise.
The Best Action Plan To Fight Unhealthy Inflammation

 Exercise may help reduce some types of inflammation through immune system control. For instance, exercise has an anti-inflammatory effect on white blood cells and cytokines, which are chemical messengers.



Keep a healthy weight
The Best Action Plan To Fight Unhealthy Inflammation

Avoiding excess weight is a key factor in preventing fat-related inflammation because extra fat in cells causes systemic inflammation. Maintaining a healthy weight lowers your risk of developing type 2 Regular exercise Exercise may help reduce some types of inflammation through immune system control. For instance, exercise has an anti-inflammatory effect on white blood cells and cytokines, which are chemical messengers.

(Unsplash CC0)



We all know that exercise is good for us, for both our physical and mental wellbeing, but it can come with a painful side-effect: muscle soreness. 


Fortunately, we don't have to hobble around in agony for days after a workout, as there are things we can do to reduce soreness and we will list these below.


Of course, if pain persists after trying one or some of the following ideas, be sure to see your doctor.




#1: Stay hydrated


You should stay hydrated during a workout to prevent dehydration and to keep your energy levels up, and you should hydrate after your workout too. The fluids that pass through your system ease inflammation and deliver nutrients to your muscles to aid with recovery, so remember to top yourself up with water at regular intervals. 


#2: Have something to eat after your workout


When you feed your muscles the nutrients they need to repair and become stronger, you will quicken the recovery process. You need a healthy balance of protein, carbs, and fat to aid your recovery, so consider this when preparing your post-workout snacks. 


For protein, consider:


  • Protein shakes

  • Eggs

  • Cottage cheese

  • Protein bars

  • Chicken


For carbs, consider:


  • Chocolate milk

  • Oatmeal

  • Whole grain bread

  • Rice cakes

  • Berries


For fat, consider: 


  • Avocado

  • Nuts

  • Trail mix (dried fruits and nuts)

  • Full fat yoghurt


#3: Keep moving


You shouldn't exert your body when you're feeling sore, of course. However, it's still acceptable to do some light exercises, providing you aren't in a great deal of pain after your workout. 


A slow walk or some light stretching can get the blood pumping through your body and this will get the nutrients needed for your recovery through your body that bit faster.

The unconditional love of black women, especially African women, for Ankara styles is heart-warming. I have previously shared lots of posts about the latest Ankara styles and how beautiful Ankara is. Honestly, Ankara is beautiful and unique. Designers have taken Ankara to another level and you can now wear Ankara to any occasion and look good.

Over in Africa, Ankara is the traditional dress. What makes the difference is the style, material type, cultural heritage, and representation. Nevertheless, these stunning Ankara styles are trending on Instagram, have caught the attention of so many, and have been pinned on Pinterest. We have put together our top Ankara top picks worn by the beautiful Ghana women making the rounds on Instagram.




Why do people love wearing Ankara?

Ghanaian women are posting different Ankara styles, and the beauty of it is what we will share with you. These are questions we may or may not have answers to, but below are 63 of the hottest and most elegant Ankara styles worn by Ghanaian and Nigerian women to try now.

Do you own a pair of Ankara dresses?

Are you looking for the latest Ankara dress style to take to your designer?

Why do you love Ankara?

It's common knowledge that adding prints to our wardrobe makes our looks more unique and interesting. African prints are well-known for their intricate design compositions that depict African culture, tradition, and history. Knowing the history of Ankara fabric and African prints can help you tell a story through your clothing or simply improve your sense of style.

Can you really believe that African textiles didn't start out in Africa? In 1846, Dutch businessman Pieter Fentener Van Vlissingen industrialised the process of printing on batiks, a type of fabric widely worn in Indonesia. Yes, Indonesia was the birthplace of the fabric known as "Kitenge" in East Africa and "Ankara" in West Africa.

Ankara fabric, known for its vibrant African-inspired prints, can be made either by hand or by industrial-sized textile mills. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind African print, handcrafted Ankara is the way to go because no two pieces will ever be exactly alike.

Take a good look and download 63 Unique Ankara Styles Ghanaian Women Love.


















This year, back-to-school initiatives promote a secure return to full-time, in-person education in order to improve kids' academic and psychological well-being. Even though it may be tempting to keep summertime sleep patterns, it's important for kids to have a regular schedule where they sleep when it's dark and are awake when it's light. This is how our bodies work best. This is valid for home schooling families as well; no child should spend the entire morning in bed, even if the trip to school only requires a short walk to the kitchen table, allowing for more sleep than those who must take an early bus.

All of us need to sleep, but children especially need to sleep. Children who don't get enough good sleep are more likely to experience learning difficulties, behavioural issues, and health problems.



Here are a few easy steps you can take to ensure that your child gets the rest they require.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Have a schedule for
 
Our bodies function best when we go to bed and wake up at around the same time each day.

Eight to ten hours of sleep is required for teens and children. Count back 10 hours from the time your child is supposed to wake up in the morning. They should be getting ready for bed around that time (for younger children, count back 11 hours).
 
For instance, if your teen must get up at 7, they should be dressed and in bed by 9 p.m. (since most of us don't fall asleep as soon as our head strikes the pillow). By around age 8, a younger child should begin getting ready (showering, etc.).
Probiotics are living microorganisms that, ideally, provide health advantages regardless of where in the body they are used. There are pills and powders that can be taken by mouth and suppository capsules that are injected into the vagina that contain these microorganisms.

We are led to assume by advertisements that vaginal probiotics, like douches, will somehow improve our health or make us feel "cleaner." Some ads say that these products help prevent or treat things like yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and urinary tract infections.

Women screened early are less likely to develop colorectal cancer.

A new study shows that women who start testing for colorectal cancer at 45 are much less likely to get the disease than those who don't test or who start testing at 50. The study's results, which were published online by JAMA Oncology on May 5, 2022, back up new national guidelines that say colorectal screening should start at age 45 instead of 50. This is because the number of young adults with colorectal cancer has gone up by 50% over the past 50 years.




The study, directed by Harvard researchers, analyzed 111,801 women (average age: 36) from the Nurses' Health Study II who were followed from 1991 to 2017. Every two years, participants reported whether or not they had undergone a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, examinations that use a flexible tube and a camera to examine the colon and rectum. The tests allow doctors to find cancers early on and remove polyps that could turn into cancer. 

This research is still being watched. Information by Hazard health

Photo by Pexel

Things to Think About Before Starting Your Cryptocurrency Investment Journey

Deciding to start investing can be an exciting time. Knowing that you will be taking a more responsible and considered approach to your savings can make you feel more accomplished and allow you to better plan out your budget. There are many different things you can invest in, but cryptocurrency continues to be a favorite for many, regardless of its volatility and the recent troubles the market has faced. If you’re looking to start investing in cryptocurrency, consider a few things before you begin.




Consider Why You Want To Invest.
First, you want to consider why you’re interested in investing. Your long-term goals are an important thing to consider here. If, for example, you’re interested in investing in cryptocurrency as some sort of get-rich-quick scheme, then you’ll be disappointed. While we’ve all heard the amazing success stories of the overnight millionaires who invested early in certain popular cryptocurrencies today, that doesn’t happen anymore. While the markets are volatile and can jump in value significantly, you’re unlikely to see any crypto coin become big money in the way that bitcoin did. However, if you’re looking to invest in a marketplace that doesn’t stagnate and is constantly on the move, then the cryptocurrency market may be for you. It’s a high risk, but that does mean there is potential for high rewards too.


Content. You can't avoid it if you're a digital marketer. Whether it's videos, social media posts, native ads, landing pages, marketing emails, or blog entries, all online marketing revolves around content.

It's reflected in marketing budgets. Companies are boosting their expenditure on content marketing, according to a SEMrush survey; nearly half of respondents claim they spend more than $10K on annual content output, up from 38% in 2019.

It's impossible to employ such a valuable and powerful resource on the spur of the moment. A good content strategy that makes the most of every asset, whenever and wherever it is shared or promoted, is essential for successful content marketing.
The transition through menopause is indeed a time of confusion, and it can be challenging to keep up with all the ways your body is transforming. When you listen to your body, you should not disregard anything truly unusual. Specifically, you should inform your gynaecologist if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Vaginal odour, itching, or burning. Irritants, such as perfumed pantyliners or new soap, can temporarily trigger these symptoms. But if they recur frequently or worsen, your doctor may want to check for a sexually transmitted or vaginal infection.


Menstrual changes. Even though irregular periods are common during perimenopause, your physician will want to know if your menstrual cycles occur more frequently than every 21 days. She will also investigate if your menstrual cycles have become noticeably heavier or longer.

Pelvic discomfort or pain. Menstrual cramps and occasional pelvic twitches are normal. However, if pain or discomfort, including bloating, worsens over time, you should speak up. Uterine fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and (rarely) cancer are potential causes.

New bleeding. If you haven't had a period for at least a year, unexpected bleeding could indicate uterine cancer or another potentially serious condition. An ultrasound or biopsy may be necessary.

Building happy teams has arguably never been more important than during the Great Resignation. Company executives battling to retain outstanding staff rely on certain basics such as bonuses, increased retirement contributions, and promotions.

These common strategies can undoubtedly motivate and entertain team members. However, with more companies dangling the same carrots, people tend to go toward the biggest ones. Then, every time someone leaves, you have to try to put your team back together again.

As employees seek professional fulfilment in areas other than their income, you have an opportunity to be creative. Here are three methods for creating a happier, more productive team.


1. Increase the volume of their workplace.


We never grow tired of wanting better toys. They may not be the same as those we had when we were younger, but we still adore them. At whatever age, our "stuff" keeps us happy and fulfilled.

Your team members may only require a desk, computer, chair, phone, wastebasket, and stapler. Giving them more than the minimal necessities, on the other hand, can make them feel special. You shouldn't have to spend too much money on it.

Not everyone can afford a corner office, but they can incorporate parts of one into their workspace. Consider light therapy lamps (often known as "happy lights") in windowless offices, as well as more ergonomic seats and footrests. Perhaps a team member would like a standing desk or a treadmill workstation to keep them moving as they work.

Obviously, there are several electronic devices that would warm the hearts and workstations of employees. Screens that are larger and of higher quality, monitor stands, and mouse pads that charge mobile devices are a few examples. In a less technological vein, green plants may do wonders for the aesthetic appeal of a sterile area.

The members of your team will not all desire the same creature comforts; therefore, you must cater to their specific desires and needs. Have kids prepare wish lists so you can assess the cost of the desired items and begin budgeting for them. Keep in mind that these workplace enhancements are significant contributors to both team happiness and productivity.


2. Organize extracurricular team activities.


Not only do members of the happiest teams work well together, but they also like each other. Logic dictates that if they love spending time together outside of work, they will be happier on the job. It is your responsibility to establish extracurricular opportunities that will strengthen these friendships.

Food and drink are always excellent opportunities for social interaction and conversation. Team breakfasts, lunches, and happy hours provide employees with an opportunity to unwind and enjoy one another's company. They are comparable to joyfully chaotic holiday family meals.

And don't overlook entertainment. Have various teams battle against one another for cheesy travelling trophies and boastful bragging rights. Who can answer the Wordle of the day in the fewest attempts and quickest time? Then there's bowling, NCAA basketball tournament brackets, and exciting Minecraft competitions.

Allowing staff time for activities while they are on the clock is one of the keys to team happiness here. You cannot expect a single father with a child to spend all night with the same folks he saw during the day. Furthermore, you don't want him to feel like he's missing out on the pleasure every time he prioritises his family.

Hosting these non-traditional corporate holiday parties will not prevent work from being completed. In contrast, coworkers tend to discuss work even in social settings. After dinner and a movie in the conference room, who knows what unique solutions your team may come up with?

How well is your cardiometabolic health?

5 Major Risk Factors For Heart Attack And Stroke.


The two most common causes of death in the US are heart attack and stroke, both types of cardiovascular disease. Risk factors include a family history of cardiovascular disease, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Excess weight raises the probability that several of these risk factors will emerge.
 
Do you have optimal cardiovascular health? And have you minimised your risk factors for getting cardiovascular disease in the future? Sadly, research indicates that few Americans can affirmatively respond to these questions.


What is cardiometabolic health?

 
Your cardiovascular system includes your heart, blood, and blood vessels. Cardiometabolic health is a term that refers to a combination of many of these risk factors. To estimate how many people in the US have optimal cardiometabolic health, researchers published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reviewed survey results from more than 55,000 adults in the US. Optimal measurements were defined as all five of the following:
 
optimum body mass index and waist circumference
Normal blood sugar (without taking medicine to lower blood sugar).
Ideal cholestotal level (without taking cholesterol-lowering drugs).
normal blood pressure (without taking drugs to decrease blood pressure)
There was no evidence of cardiovascular illness, such as a prior heart attack or stroke.
 

Daily reading can improve your leadership abilities and your business.

3 Ways Daily Reading Can Help Your Business
Photo by Oladimeji Ajegbile from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-reading-on-book-2380263/f


1. Establish a common lexicon

When we are young, the stories our parents read aloud to us at bedtime help us pick up new words. And while the books we read as adults might be a little more complex, their main goal is always the same. Daily reading exposes us to new wand ords, some of which may describe things we already do (like the "lean startup movement" I mentioned) and others about which we have long been fascinated. Our communication will improve as we increase our vocabulary, making it easier for us to interact and network with our coworkers.

You can instruct your team in these lessons as well. By offering to purchase certain books for team members and ship them straight to their homes, you may emphasise learning and establish a shared vocabulary. A fantastic technique to establish a shared understanding of your objectives without spending hours explaining each person individually is by using books on particular areas of interest.

All leaders need to be excellent communicators, and reading is one of the best methods to increase your repertoire of communication techniques.



2. Encourage a developing mindset.

A reader would not read if they were unable to be open to other people's viewpoints. And individuals who have a growth mindset also exhibit this same openness.

One of the first things I look for when hiring new personnel is a growth mindset. Almost often, I'll choose to work with a candidate who has less experience but shows a desire to learn, improve, and put in the effort versus a more seasoned but haughty applicant. A growth mentality is automatically encouraged by reading. Every book you read exposes you to fresh perspectives and innovative approaches, some of which you'll probably agree with and others you won't. Whatever the case, what essential is that we maintain our humility and be aware of the fact that there will always be those who are more knowledgeable than we are about a given subject or, at the very least, have a different perspective on it.

Furthermore, even when we aren't actively reading or even thinking about the content itself, our unconscious mind naturally retains the information we read in our brains. Our minds take off once we adopt a growth-based attitude and start nourishing them with interesting and novel material, which promotes original problem-solving and substantial growth.

When should you see a gynaecologist? In some ways, the answer is simple, while in others it is more complicated. Experts recommend that women and people with female reproductive organs visit a gynaecologist as soon as they become sexually active or at least once before the age of 21.

Good gynaecological care, as this type of medical care is known, is essential for a variety of reasons. Depending on your needs and insurance coverage, you may receive gynaecological care from a gynaecologist, a primary care provider (PCP), such as a doctor or nurse practitioner, or a nurse practitioner. Consider this post "Gynecare 101. In it, I will describe the fundamental reasons for a gynaecological care visit and how to choose between a gynaecologist and a primary care physician. I will also talk about what happens during a visit to a gynecologist, what will be talked about, and how to make the visit as comfortable as possible.



Common types of gynaecological care
Visiting your health care team or a gynaecologist for gynaecological care is advisable for the following reasons:

A Pap smear to help prevent cervical cancer (this screening test examines cells on the cervix for abnormalities or precancerous changes); 
a discussion of birth control options; 
remedies for painful, heavy, or irregular periods; 
and changes in vaginal discharge, which may indicate a vaginal infection (for example, a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis).
 
If you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), such as burning when you urinate, cloudy or bloody urine, urinating more frequently than usual, or having an intense urge to urinate, consult your doctor.vulva (outer portion of the vagina) rashes, bumps, or irritationSymptoms of perimenopause or menopause, such as irregular periods, hot flashes, or vaginal dryness.
 
Should you visit a general practitioner or a gynaecologist?
Numerous primary care teams, particularly family medicine practitioners, are equipped to provide fundamental gynaecology care. They can do Pap smears and test for STIs, give you medicine or advice for UTIs, vaginal infections, and urinary tract infections, and help you choose the best way to prevent pregnancy.

Nevertheless, a gynaecologist is the best person to address certain issues. For instance, you should consult a gynaecologist if you have a vaginal discharge.

Periods that are painful or irregular
 
Severe pelvic pain or pain during sexual activity. 
Recurrent vaginal infections, such as yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.
Urinary tract infections that reoccur.
Sexual assault.

Consult a gynaecologist about birth control if you want to use long-acting methods, such as an intrauterine device (IUD) or a birth control implant, or if you have certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure or lupus, that make certain birth control methods unsafe for you.

What occurs during a visit for gynaecological care?
As with any physician, a gynaecologist will inquire about your medical history. They will also inquire about your sexual history, including when you first had sex and whether you are sexually active, as well as your desire to have children.

When I see a new patient for a gynaecological exam, I perform a comprehensive examination that includes a breast exam, an abdominal exam, and a pelvic exam. The vulva and labia (lips) that form the outer genitalia, inner thigh, and buttocks are examined during a pelvic exam. I then use a speculum to examine the vaginal tissues. This examination may be slightly uncomfortable due to a feeling of pressure, but it should not be painful. Always inform your provider if you are experiencing pain during the examination.

If you have symptoms, you may be tested for vaginal infections, sexually transmitted infections, or urinary tract infections. Any vulvar skin issues may necessitate a small skin biopsy or lesion sample.
When Buying Real Estate In Singapore, There Are Six Important Factors To Take Into Account.


Singapore is consistently ranked as one of the best cities in the world. It is cosmopolitan, clean,
vivacious and fashionable for all of these reasons, the real estate and property buying sector in
Singapore is extremely attractive and competitive. Buying a house or a condo in Singapore makes a lot of sense. It makes financial sense since property rates usually appreciate over time and the demand is consistent.Singapore is a tiny island country, and therefore the land is always at a premium. So, you need to Prepare in advance and be thorough when you’re thinking of applying for a home loan to buy real estate.
 
 

Interest Rates
The interest rate on the loan is one of the most important aspects of choosing a home loan. In
Singapore, home loans are generally based on a few key types of benchmark interest rates. One of
the most popular benchmark rates is the Singapore Interbank Offered Rate (SIBOR). 

SIBOR is a daily reference rate that is based on interest rates with which banks lend unsecured funds to other banks. To know more about labour rates and other types of interest rates, visit the Singaporeanproperty website PropertyGuru.com.sg. PropertyGuru offers a platform to learn more about Singaporean real estate and home financing, and also has portal listings of the most popular condominiums, apartment
complexes, houses, and HDB flats in Singapore.

Eligibility
Before you begin looking for properties to purchase, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for
getting a home loan from a bank. These parameters include your income, credit score, and age. Your
information is verified during a background check. The Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) is also taken into consideration. The TDSR looks into your total debt and seeks to ensure that your monthly debt and income ratio do not exceed 60 per cent. The TDSR is an important measure that prevents
borrowers from being overleveraged.

So, here are some pointers on how to take sunkissed photos.




Taking advantage of the sun when taking photos can enhance your photos so much. I love sunny pictures, not just because of the brightness but also because they hide your flaws. Sunny pictures make your outfit look even better by naturally enhancing the colours and giving your skin a beautiful golden brown glow. So if you want to know how to best take sun-kissed photos, it's easy; just keep reading.


1. The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. if it is not a rainy day, which also depends on where you reside. What I usually do is that I work with the timing of the sun.

2. Now that you know when the sun is out, you put together your outfit and go outside.

3. Determine which direction has the best lighting effect. Because the sun is shining doesn't mean that every angel is perfect; instead, you look for a good background where the sun shines or directly hits your skin. Take some test shots, and you'll have your sun-kissed images.

https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=19AcKWI8t0irpEgwo8Xj2vzwTTJ-abrz6

The sun can give you a lovely glow if you embrace its uniqueness and blessing to us on earth. With that being said, let me break down my outfit details. Just like you expected, I am wearing my favourite femmeluxe Blue Mid Wash Long Distressed Front Shorts-Rae and Zara mutlicolored v-neck top printed crop top. The top has adjustable straps that you can tie at the back in different ways.

More shopping suggestions Women’s loungewear setsLittle black dressWhite midi dress,
Ripped jeans for women, and Femme Luxe.


https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1cURBl5Tk16D2XGwRk7s47eqWWDGKV154


https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=10KE18nVWLacx1wtEobyybeTdUc4tZSLR


However, it turns out that there are many myths regarding obtaining and treating poison ivy. Two Harvard dermatologists give the facts below to help you avoid — or manage — poison ivy.

How can you be exposed to poison ivy? "When I was a child, my parents informed me that poison ivy could only be contracted by touching red, shiny leaves," says Dr. Abigail Waldman, a dermatologist at the Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital. She emphasises that this is not true. Urushiol, the allergen-causing substance, is present throughout the year in all parts plant components, including the leaves, stems, bark, fruit, and roots.

Brushing up against any of the plant's parts or touching anything that has come into contact with the plant – your clothes, shoes, gardening tools, or your pet — can result in an allergic reaction. I don't recall being near any poison ivy, but it's likely that my dog got the oil on my hands and arms when removing her harness when we arrived home from a walk.

To avoid poison ivy, wash your hands as soon as possible.
If you've been exposed to urushiol, wash the affected area with soap and water (preferably dish soap) as soon as possible, ideally within an hour. "You should also wash anything that has been contaminated - not only your clothes, but also things you don't ordinarily wash, like your jacket and shoes," 

A rash may not appear right away.
You can develop symptoms – a red, itchy rash with blisters — four hours to four days after being exposed to urushiol. Why is there such a significant delay? Poison ivy rash is a type of allergic contact dermatitis. T cells, the immune cells that recognise and attack foreign molecules — in this case, skin proteins that react with urushiol — mediate it.

According to Dr. Jeff Yu, assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School, "T cells take 24 to 96 hours to ramp up in the body, which is why this is also known as a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction." After your first poison ivy encounter, symptoms take longer to appear. "However, once your body has been exposed and reacted numerous times," he continues, "it tends to show up faster since your body'remembers' the rashes and has T cells ready to go."

Pixabay - CC0 Licence

Cosiness: The Solution We Need in Our Lives Now (and How To Get Better at It)

Everybody is feeling the need to have a metaphorical hug right now. It's hardly a surprise that the Danish concept of hygge is becoming more popular. Danish people have been using hygge, which is about embracing the little pleasures of life and cosines, to improve their overall happiness. But what do we have to remember about the concept of comfort? It's a good idea to know some of the benefits but also how to start practicing comfort in ways that are practical and beneficial for you.

The Benefits of Cosiness

There are a wide variety of comfort benefits in the world. From a health perspective, we are going to recover better from anything. When we feel stressed, this increases our levels of cortisol. The stress hormone is going to prolong any sense of illness because the stress is going to affect our nervous system and immune system. This is why the simple notions of comfort in our lives can do a lot for us. Whether it's ensuring that your chest and back remain supported by having deep plunge bras or wrapping yourself up in a blanket and having extra thick socks, comfort is going to reduce our stress response, which means that we're not going to feel those spikes of anxiety and depression.

Additionally, it helps you be more content. When we feel more content in our lives, we become more present, and we increase our notion of self-care, but it also ensures that we don't use ineffective coping strategies. A lot of people focus on watching too much television, spending more time on social media, or quelling stress with alcohol or drugs. When we feel more content, we start to realize that the strategies we have been using were not so affected.

How Do We Practice Comfort?

Comfort is about understanding that, like anything in life that is beneficial, it requires practice.
Create the Right Environment

The best place to begin is in the home. You need to start surrounding yourself with things that will relax you. You might not have the money to completely alter the look and feel of your home, but you can reduce stress in your life by decluttering. When we remove unnecessary clutter, we start to feel less stress pulling on us because there are fewer things to deal with. The simple act of tidying regularly will give you the ability to deal with stress more effectively because you're not experiencing that decision fatigue.

Priorities Self-Care

If you want to feel comfortable, you've got to understand that you are worth the effort. Many people feel that they are constantly giving to others, whether it's through social media or a lack of faith in themselves. It's about realizing that you can, and should, dedicate time to yourself and it is a gift to offer yourself comfort. It's something that we tend to lose touch with as we get older. As children, our parents tucked us in at night and as we became adults, we started to believe that we've got to be strong and attentive grown-ups. Having those opportunities to wrap yourself in a blanket is going to make you feel more in touch with yourself, comfortable, and therefore, cozy.

Slow Down

One of the hardest things to come to terms with is that we need to take it easy. Adrenal fatigue is a very real problem in the modern world that stems from doing too much too quickly. When we start to slow down, we become more present and exhibit more traits of mindfulness. We need to learn how to slow down, even if we have a busy life. It's about ensuring that we can compartmentalize where we need to start calming down and realising that there are aspects of our lives that don't require us to go a mile a minute. When you begin to take the pressure off yourself to go fast, you soon begin to understand that when you let things be and operate at the speed they were originally intended, you begin to do away with all of your preconceptions and fakery around what you're giving out to the world. This means that you may be more relaxed in who you are and can have significant carryover into other aspects of your life. For example, you may feel more attractive in yourself which comes from a sense of calm, sense of care, and a sense of self.

For many people, we are enduring an incredibly tough time. Now has never been a better opportunity to practice comfort.

Can technology enhance the mental health of elderly adults? 


Observing older individuals struggle with memory issues, low mood, anxiety, or a lack of ambition, especially during periods of physical separation, can be heartbreaking. You may be looking for alternatives to mental health consultations because you have to wait so long.

Reaching out to family members or religious leaders may be beneficial when discussing stressors. Alternatively, self-help books may empower older people who choose to keep their struggles private with new skills and perspectives. But with the rise of mental health mobile apps, telepsychiatry services, social media, and wearable technologies, what role does technology play in treatment?

Technology can improve the mental health and medication management of older adults.



Combating age-based stereotypes 

Upon observing a loved one struggle with their computer, you may question whether technology-based therapy should be pursued in the first place. Despite the fact that older people may be reluctant to use new technology because of stereotype threat (the fear of confirming negative preconceptions), a little assistance from loved ones can alleviate technology discomfort. The usage of technology among older people has increased significantly over the past decade, bringing with it potential benefits for mental health, everyday functioning, and quality of life.


Moving to the virtual realm 

A few years into the pandemic, a rising number of elderly people are seeing their doctors virtually. How effective is this for mental health? Several studies have thankfully demonstrated that virtual therapy is comparable to in-person treatment.
 
What about mobile applications that remove the human element? In this case, the findings indicate that mobile apps can be complementary but are insufficient as sole therapies for mental illnesses.

Privacy 

When browsing online treatments, you should confirm that the platform is HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliant, which means that your information is legally secured. Zoom and BlueJeans comply with HIPAA, although FaceTime and Skype do not. When using mobile apps for mental health, read the privacy policies. Red flags include disclosing or selling your information to a third party and using it for advertising purposes. 

Which apps might elderly people benefit from the most? 

Due to the rapid evolution of the market, it can be difficult to navigate the explosion of mental health apps for online treatment. Starting points for teletherapy services are Teladoc, K Health, and Doctor on Demand.
 
Wellness apps developed by the federal government (including Mindfulness Coach, COVID Coach, and CBT-i Coach) can assist in teaching skills, regulating sleep, and tracking symptoms to augment treatment of common mental diseases. For a reason, Medisafe is the most popular app for medication reminders: it provides superior privacy protection (and with the premium subscription, you can receive medication reminders in celebrity voices).

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