Image: https://www.pexels.com/search/health/

 

Living a healthy lifestyle is about so much more than feeling good in the here and now, but futureproofing your body. All of us want to be around for as long as we can, we want to see our children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren grow up. Here are some of the ways you can keep your body fighting fit.

 

Live a healthy lifestyle

It goes without saying that living a healthy lifestyle will set you up for success. It doesn’t mean you need to be ‘perfect’ but eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of physical activity, sleeping enough each night and drinking enough water will all benefit your body. Things like bone health is important to build when you’re young, once you reach old age your bone cells can deteriorate quicker than they’re replaced leading to weak and brittle bones. Building up their strength throughout your life and increasing the density means you keep osteoporosis at bay for as long as possible. With a healthy lifestyle, you slash your risk of preventable illnesses. And since heart disease is the leading cause of death, this isn’t something to overlook. 

 

Attend all of your screenings

Living a healthy life is a good start, but attending all of the screenings you’re invited to (this will usually be based on your age and gender) ensures any medical issues are picked up at the earliest stage. This means conditions like certain cancers can be spotted and treated before they become dangerous. Since lots of illnesses don’t show symptoms until they’ve progressed, this is a great way to keep tabs on your health. As well as cancer screenings, eye tests can pick up problems like high blood pressure and diabetes, an audiologist can give you pointers on how to take care of your hearing health such as ways to prevent tinnitus. It’s a good idea to go to your GP once a year, have them check your weight, blood pressure, blood sugar and urine to assess your overall health. 

 

Keep stress down

Stress is a natural human response, it’s something that all of us will experience from time to time. Pressures from work or school, family, money or health can all elevate our stress levels. While many stresses will come and go and resolve themselves, if you’re experiencing long term stress it can wreak havoc on your body. It can prevent you from getting enough sleep, raise blood pressure, affect hunger hormones leading to obesity (and all of the related illnesses with that). Life is unpredictable, it’s impossible to alleviate all stresses within our lives as things just don’t work like that. But what you can do is make sure you’re responding to them in the healthiest possible way. Avoid alcohol, drugs, binge eating or smoking as a way to cope with stress. Take up a sport, practice meditation, take time out to put your feet up and relax. It’s not a luxury, it’s essential for wellbeing. 

 

Something we can all be sure of is that we age, and that hand-in-hand with the process of aging come all sorts of health problems too. Accepting this is great, and being prepared is even better, but in order to be able to do that you need to know what they actually are, and what kind of preparation you actually need to engage in in order to make sure you are doing whatever you can. In this post, we are going to take a look at some of the most common age-related health issues which you might want to try and prepare for, so that you can much more readily ensure that you are doing so. That could mean a better quality of life on the whole, and at the very least it will mean that you are able to know how to look after your body a little better.

Pic Credit

Hearing Loss

 

Something that happens to some extent to almost everyone as they age is hearing loss. If you are past the age of forty, chances are you have already have some kind of hearing loss – although it might have been so gradual that you are not even aware of it. Nonetheless, if you have experienced it and you know you have, then you will probably want to do something about it before it gets worse. The most important thing is to avoid loud sounds as best as you can, and to make sure that you keep your ears clean without intruding on the ear canal. If you experience something like tinnitus, be sure to get tinnitus therapy before it gets worse, and make sure that you follow the doctor’s orders when they say that you might need a hearing aid and so on.

 

Worsening Eyesight

 

By the age of 30, most people have lost some degree of clarity that they used to have in their eyesight. If you have already noticed this, you might be keen to do something about it. As such, it is important to make sure that you don’t overlook this problem, and that you instead go and get your eyes checked professionally to see how bad it is. If you have a prescription, then you should make sure you get it as soon as you can – otherwise you could be allowing your eyesight to get even worse. Avoid straining your eyes wherever you can, and you should hold off vision loss much more effectively in the long run.

Pic Credit

Breathing Troubles

After a certain number of years, it is likely that your lungs will start to struggle ever so slightly more than they used to. Such breathing troubles can be tiresome, literally, and can cause you to feel as though you are indeed getting old. But you can help to stave this off for longer in one simple way: make sure that you carry out plenty of cardiovascular exercise while you are young. The more you do that, the healthier your lungs will stay. You should also, of course, avoid smoking wherever possible, as that is just about the worst thing for your lungs that you can do.

“I received the below-mentioned products for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.”

Follow Your Gut Energy Balance #Ad #CountryLife, #GutConnection, #ItsAllConnected, #GutHealth.

Have you ever felt bloated, digestive discomfort, or irregular bowel movements? That could be caused by an unbalanced gut microbiome. Gut Connection from Country Life digestive balance is a great way to “get connected” and started improving your microbiome health. An unhealthy gut can affect things like an upset stomach, weight changes, skin irritations and so much more.  When it comes to your gut, you need to aim to improve your gut bacteria.

 

Gut Connection from country life is a scientifically formulated range of supplements that connects the gut to individual health issues that matter. Gut Connection from Country Life uses a unique formulation that balances your gut microbiome by boosting your existing probiotics with whole food fermentate. Your healthy stomach lining can then efficiently absorb the clinically studied ingredients in each Gut Connection, providing personalized solutions for your everyday issues.

I have been taking Gut Connection from Country Life Digestive Balance and eating healthier for about two weeks now and I feel better than ever. I feel like a new person with more energy and so much healthier, I no longer feel the discomfort of being bloated and miserable. I never realized how much my bloating, digestive discomfort and irregular bowel movements could affect my life until I was able to get relief with Digestive Balance.

 

Here are a few more products that Gut Connection from Country Life offers, Immune balance which helps with falling asleep, relaxing muscles, and during stressful times. Gut Connection from Country Life Energy Balance increases clean, clear energy and supports alertness (I think we could all use this one!) I will be trying these once I am done with the digestive balance.

 

Eating a nutritious and balanced diet in today’s society, in which you are surrounded by advertisements for processed junk and fast food restaurants galore, is admittedly a difficult task. Sticking to the healthiest foods can appear on the surface to take a lot more time, effort and money to prepare and consume, but this actually is not the case. Eating fresh, home cooked vitamin packed meals is as easy as can be, and once you understand the side effects of a bad diet you may never want to pick up the phone to order a fat filled takeaway again.

Image Source

 

Why It’s Important To Eat Well

 

The simple fact is, the food you eat provides you with the ingredients your body uses to survive and function each day. If your heart is running on deep fried foods with a high salt content, of course it will begin to suffer as a result. As the saying goes, ‘you are what you eat’. If reading that makes you feel a little nervous as you’re now picturing yourself as a huge slice of pizza, then this might be a sign that you need to make some changes. Food is fuel, and you need to fill your tank with the right foods containing all of the necessary vitamins and minerals so that your mind and body can operate to their full potential day in day out. Without consuming these nutrients, you will be much more susceptible to catching an infection, or developing a much more serious problem later in life. The risks associated with a bad diet are seemingly endless, but include heart disease, strokes, and diabetes to name just a few. If you’re a parent that eats terribly, your children will copy your eating habits even if you make a special effort to cook them something different and healthier compared to what you are eating. Ultimately it is your own responsibility to care for your health and set the right example for future generations, and ensure that you can lead a long and active life.

 

What To Eat For Ultimate Health

 

Deciding what to eat can be a struggle for many people, and there are massive outside influences that can impact upon your choice. Fast junk food should be removed from your diet completely, as it provides you with no health benefits whatsoever and will only contribute to increasing your waistband whilst potentially shortening your lifespan. Instead, look for healthier options that include lean protein sources like Peruvian chicken, and pair this with complex carbohydrates and vegetables for a complete dish. Each meal you eat should be a mix of these basic food groups, and there should be a real focus on consuming at least 5 portions of fresh fruit and vegetables every day. Avoid high sugar foods like cakes and sweets as these can cause havoc with the stability of your mood and energy levels.

 

Hopefully now you can understand how to eat well, and why it’s so important for your health to do so.

Image Source. Licensed under Creative Commons.

 

Our five senses literally help us to make sense of the world. As we get older, many of these senses naturally deteriorate, however certain lifestyle choices can speed up this deterioration process. Here are a few tips on how you can keep your senses sharp.

 

Sight

 

The biggest way to look after your eyesight is to avoid any activity that strains your eyes.

 

Using the right lighting when performing tasks such as reading or working on a computer is important. If the surrounding lighting is too dim or too intense, it could damage your eyesight.

 

Protecting your eyes from the sun is also important. Wearing sunglasses can stop harmful UV rays entering your eyes, preventing conditions such as photokeratitis and cataracts.

 

Your diet can also help you to maintain good eye health. Omega-3 fatty acids as found in fish and walnuts have been linked to a decrease in the risk of oracular degeneration, dry eyes and glaucoma. Meanwhile, foods that are rich in vitamins can also help to protect vision loss, often linked with a reduced risk of cataracts (this includes carrots, which may not help you see in the dark, but are good for your eyes due to their high vitamin A content).

 

Once you notice the first signs of vision loss, you should book an eye test immediately. Wearing glasses or contact lenses could help restore your vision and reduce eye strain, preventing further deterioration. Some companies such as Vision Express even offer free eye tests.

 

Unfortunately, vision loss can be hereditary for some people – myopia (or longsightedness) is a common example of this, although many of the above measures can prevent it from getting worse. Presbyopia (short-sightedness) meanwhile is a common symptom of aging and similarly may not be preventable.     

Image Source. Licensed under Creative Commons.

 

Hearing

 

Hearing loss is most commonly caused by prolonged exposure to loud noise. Anything over 85 decibels can be harmful when listened to for sustained periods – this could include loud music or loud machinery. People that work jobs in noisy environments such as air traffic controllers, nightclub workers and builders are most at risk and should wear ear protection at all times.

 

Using cotton buds to clean your ears can also cause hearing loss. Cotton buds have a tendency to push wax further into the ear and can cause damage to the inner ear. You’re much better off cleaning your ears out with eardrops or using water. It’s possible to seek professional treatment to get your ears cleaned out if you have an unhealthy build-up of wax.

 

If you notice that you’re having trouble hearing people or having to turn the TV up very loud, it could be worth getting a hearing test. Companies such as ListenLively offer free hearing tests online. Getting a hearing aid could help you to restore your hearing back to normal.

Like vision loss, hearing loss can naturally occur with age. Infections may also lead to hearing loss – if you experience pain as well as hearing loss you should consult a doctor immediately.

 

Touch

 

Many factors can affect our sense of touch, causing unusual pain, tingling and sometimes numbness. Some drugs may cause numbness, whilst sitting or lying awkwardly could also restrict blood circulation and cause a temporary lack of feeling (also a big cause of pin and needles) – however these are generally forms of temporary lack of sensation. It’s when numbness is ongoing that you should worry as this could be a sign of nerve damage.

 

Handling hot foods without protective gloves is a common cause of nerve damage in the hands that many chefs can suffer from. By always taking care with hot objects, you can avoid this damage. Similarly, you should take care with tools like blades and sanding machines – injuries involving these tools often lead to nerve damage.

 

A number of medical conditions may also lead to nerve damage, causing unusual tingling and numbness in arms or legs. A few conditions that can cause this include diabetes, HIV, lupus, vasculitis, vitamin b12 deficiency and lyme disease.

 

Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome can also cause numbness by putting pressure on nerves, usually as the result of an RSI. Multiple sclerosis is another disease that leads to a gradual lack of feeling (the cause of this disease is largely unknown and thought to be genetic – although it has been linked with a lack of vitamin D, as well as habits like smoking).

 

In all cases where you may feel unusual prolonged numbness, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor. You may not be able to reverse numbness causes by nerve damage, however you may still be able to stop the condition developing.

Image Source. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Smell

 

Many people experience a loss of smell when they have a cold or are bunged up from an allergy. However, there are causes for a lack of smell which can cause long-term damage.

Smoking is one bad habit that can permanently damage the sense of smell. By quitting smoking, you can protect nerve receptors in the nose.

 

You may also want to be careful when breathing in certain chemicals. If you work with pesticides or solvents, you could be at risk of animism – wearing a protective mask is advised.

 

If you think you’re losing your sense of smell you should always see a doctor. This is wise just to rule out conditions such as polyps.

 

Taste

 

The sense of taste and smell are strongly linked and as a result both are affected by similar factors.

 

Smoking is a major cause of lack of taste. This is because smoking kills of taste receptors (in serious cases it can lead to oral cancer). Fortunately, taste receptors can regenerate, so by giving up smoking you may regain your sense of taste.

 

Poor dental hygiene and use of certain medicine may also negatively affect your sense of taste. It could be worth seeing a doctor if you’re suffering a serious lack of taste (it’s worth noting that cold can sometimes cause temporary lack of taste).

Pixabay

 

We all know that smoking is super bad for our health. Of course, that’s not the only reason why you might be thinking about giving up; there are a lot of other reasons why people are stubbing out their cigarettes for good now.

 

Do you think that it’s time for you to kick this bad habit? Don’t worry; quitting doesn’t have to be a struggle. Here are some great ways to make sure you stop smoking for good.

 

Make A Plan

 

First of all, you should come up with a plan. There are many different types of plans you could create, but most people like to think of a goal or a target and write it down. For instance, it might be something easy to start off with like go one day without smoking. Once you’ve achieved that goal, you could always set yourself something a bit harder, like go a whole week without any cigarettes. Many people find that following a plan like this with a set target gives them a lot more motivation to stop smoking.

 

Watch What You Eat And Drink

 

Some people find that certain foods and drinks can set off their cravings for cigarettes. In fact, this is backed up by science as some studies show that alcoholic and fizzy drinks are often what make people crave smoking the most. So, if you know this is a risk for you, then try to stay away from these drinks. It’s better to stick with water and fruit juices as they are a lot healthier than fizzy drinks and alcohol anyway.

Pixabay

 

Consider Vaping

 

Have you thought about weaning yourself off cigarettes by vaping? A lot of smokers find that vaping gives them the chance to slowly cut down before they stop smoking anything for good. If you take a look on blazedvapes.com, you will see that there are lots of different flavors for you to try. One of the positive things about vaping is that, even though there is still nicotine in the liquid, there isn’t all of the tar and other harmful chemicals that traditional cigarettes have.

 

Join A Support Group

 

There are a lot of support groups aimed at smokers up and down the country, like the ones on nysmokefree.com, so I’m sure that there will be one that is local to you. These groups give people who are trying to quit plenty of support and advice to help them hit their no-smoking goal. You’ll also find that they are very sociable as well, as you will meet a lot of other people who are in a similar situation to you.

 

Start To Exercise More

 

Some people find that the more they exercise, the weaker their cravings are. This is because the body creates anti-craving chemicals when it is being active. Not only that, though, but it will be keeping you occupied so your mind won’t be thinking about smoking.

 

These are just a few great tips that can help you stop smoking. If you search online, you are bound to find more.

Image Source. Licensed under Creative Commons.

 

As we all get older, health problems can become more common. Many of these health problems can be reduced or cured by taking steps against them early. In order to take these steps, you need to catch the warning signs early. Here are just a few warning signs to be wary of.

 

Keep forgetting things?

 

Many of us get more forgetful as we get older, and this is usually nothing serious. However, if you find yourself continuously forgetting things, it could be an early sign of dementia. You should see your doctor the moment you notice this and get tests done to get an official diagnosis. Whilst there is no current cure for dementia, there are many medically approved ways to slow it down and stop it in its tracks.

 

Keep losing your balance?

 

A lot of people have more frequent falls as they get older. This could be due to naturally weaker muscles and joints, however, it could be a sign of other conditions too such as labyrinthitis or low blood pressure if accompanied by dizziness. It’s worth seeing a doctor get this diagnosed. Preventing falls could be particularly important if you have osteoporosis.

 

Straining to see things properly?

 

Loss of vision is also common as people get older. This could include struggling to read or struggling to see things far away, both of which can be easily corrected with prescription glasses. More serious visual symptoms to look out for include clouded vision or sensitivity to light which could be a sign of cataracts – this can be cured if caught early. Sudden blurry vision could also be a symptom of diabetes.

 

Having trouble hearing?

 

Hearing loss is also common with age – especially if you’ve had jobs in the past that were based in noisy environments. Hearing aids can usually help to restore hearing to full working order. You should see a doctor immediately if hearing loss is accompanied by pain in your ear or you’re suffering a loss of balance as well. Some people can also experience hearing loss accompanied by ringing in the ears, which can be a sign of tinnitus.

 

Not reaching the toilet on time?

 

A lot of older people can develop incontinence, which is an inability to control one’s bladder. If you notice that you’re unable to reach the toilet on time because you get a little warning, it could be worth seeing a doctor. Changing your diet and exercising your pelvic floor may be able to counter this issue. Whilst this condition can be embarrassing, it’s worth getting a diagnosis just to cancel out any serious digestive problems.

 

Getting regular chest pain?

Regular chest pain is one of the more serious symptoms to look out for on this list. It could be a sign of heart disease, which could be fatal if you don’t take steps to control it. Heart disease is the biggest killer in the world. That said, it can usually be kept at bay by making certain lifestyle changes and taking medication. A doctor will be able to diagnose this condition for you.

 

Not all of us are blessed with excellent hearing. Many people suffer from hearing loss from a very young age, and others see (or rather hear) a deterioration as they age. And chances are, you may struggle with hearing yourself.

 

If you do notice the signs of hearing loss, you should visit your doctor or audiologist for advice and support. They will guide you on the way forward. However, you can also take steps to protect your hearing, and this includes making an effort to avoid the following bad habits we will cover in this article.  

 

Bad Habit #1: Poking around in your ear

 

If you have a build up of wax in your ear, the tendency might be for you to stick your finger in there and have a dig around. Not a good idea, as the deeper you probe, the higher the chance of you perforating your eardrum. This can result in lasting damage to your hearing. And the same applies to cotton buds or Q-tips. While they can be used to clean the outer rim of your ear, you could cause damage if you push any further. Therefore, avoid sticking anything into your ears in the first place. Use ear drops to soften up the wax and/or visit your doctor for ear irrigation, which is a painless process of cleaning out your ear.

 

Bad Habit #2: Smoking

 

You know smoking is bad for you, but did you know it can affect your hearing? As is discussed in this article, research suggests smokers are 70% more likely than non-smokers to suffer from hearing loss. This is because the nicotine and carbon dioxide from cigarettes lower oxygen blood levels and limit the blood vessels that are needed for good ear health. If you ever needed another excuse to give up smoking then, let the state of the long-term health of your hearing make you think you think twice before having another cigarette.

 

Bad Habit #3: Playing music too loud

 

When listening to music through your headphones, you should set the volume so you can still hear what is going on around you. If you can’t hear anything other than your rocking tunes, then you have the volume turned up too loud. Prolonged exposure to loud noises will affect your hearing, and this extends to having the television turned up to the max, or listening to music at a concert without some form of ear protection to dampen the noise. You might find reading the information here will be useful to you, so check out the article, and then think twice before turning up the dial on your music in the future.

 

Bad Habit #4: Drinking alcohol

 

As with smoking, it will be of no surprise to you to know that drinking alcohol in excess is bad for your health. As well as damaging your liver and your nervous system, studies suggest excessive drinking can also lead to ototoxicity, a condition that creates a toxic environment in your bloodstream which can result in permanent hearing loss. If you don’t want to cut out alcohol from your life forever, the least you can do is moderate your drinking habit to alleviate the risk to your hearing.

 

Hear this!

 

Stop poking around in your ear, ditch the cigarettes, turn down your music, and cut back on the alcohol!  By taking steps to avoid any of these bad habits, you stand a better chance of good hearing in your life. Consider this today, and see your doctor if you need any further advice.

 

What’s the deal with fitness trackers these days? The market is saturated with fitness trackers, such as devices built specifically for purposes such as Garmin and Fitbit through to those which are more like smartwatches that have been adapted to meet the trend like the Apple Watches 4.

Behind the hype, attractive interfaces, and ever increasing functions, what are the real reasons for using them, and how can they help you to improve your health at fitness?

From fitness fanatics through to office workers, we are going to explore some of the main reasons both physically and psychologically why a fitness tracker has its place.

Keeping Track of Your Daily Exercise

If you work in an office, your day will most likely start with a commute, you end up at a desk and then finish work with a commute back home. If you don’t leave near to the station or your carpark then you are likely to get in a few steps walking during the commute, but once in the office, the most you will be walking is probably to the coffee machine and back.

A great reason for using a fitness tracker is to be able to keep track of how much exercise you are getting throughout the day. With 81% of office workers spending 4–9 hours sat down, it’s all too easy to finish the day feeling you have been productive, but missed the fact that you may have taken just 3,000–4,000 steps. That’s a fair mark off the recommended 10,000 steps a day.

Setting Realistic Goals

So often we will set a fitness goal and then give up. In fact, a study has shown that up to as many as 73% of people will give up on their New Year’s fitness Resolutions. A huge problem can be because we set the bar too high when we decide to get fit and give ourselves unachievable goals that end up demotivating us. Without being able to track our activity we can have distorted perceptions of not just how many steps we take a day but also how many calories we burn.

The fact that most fitness trackers will track not only your steps but also the calories that you burn both at rest and during exercise. This is a strong reason for using a fitness tracker. They enable you to have a clear idea of where you are starting from, a baseline based on facts and not assumptions, which will help you to set realistic goals and within realistic time frames.

Tracking Your Progress

Another main reason for using a fitness tracker is that it gives you the possibility of managing your progress. Whether that is in terms of steps taken per day, calories burnt or distance run. Fitness trackers will track your rate of recovery after exercise which you can compare over time and monitor as you get fitter.

Many of the fitness trackers also have corresponding applications or can be linked to third party applications, so you can download your data and then review it clearly over the following days, weeks, months and even years.

Motivation

Having a fitness tracker within eyesight on your wrist is a constant reminder of the reasons why you are wearing it – to keep fit. A bit like having Jiminy Cricket sat with you, gently nudging you in the right direction every time you are being to falter.

You can choose your home screen on the majority of fitness trackers as well – which when glancing at the data can stir that innate sense of rivalry inbuilt within us humans, not just with others but also with ourselves. Deciding to walk the long way home, jog for an extra 5 minutes or run up and down the stairs just to beat your total number of steps taken from the day before is great motivation.

And if just seeing the fitness tracker isn’t reminder enough – there are some brands like Fitbit that will actually vibrate if you have been sedentary for an extended period of time during the day. Enabling you not only to track your progress throughout the day but actively giving you the motivation to get up and move.

Earn Free Stuff

If you link up your fitness tracker to certain websites, apps, and even some health insurance companies, you will be able to earn points towards rewards based on your activity to spend on coffees, flights and other treats. The more steps you take, the food you track and data you feed them, the more points you earn. Some companies even offer cash rewards!

If there was ever a good reason aside from health to be using a fitness tracker – free stuff would be it!

Convenience for Runners

I don’t know if you remember the days when you used to painstakingly draw out your route on some running website, or even google maps if you were going on the road, to figure out how far you had run.

Now with fitness trackers such as Polar Vantage M or Garmin Forerunner 235 containing a built in GPS, this is a thing of the past.

Not only are you able to track distance but also speed, and with features such as lap-counters, lap splits, countdown timers and training logs, everything thing you need for a training session is literally on your wrist.

Aesthetics

Fitness trackers have been around on the commercial market since Fitbit launched its first wearable in 2009. Since then the number of companies offering fitness trackers has exponentially increased, so have their designs. From smaller more delicate wrist bands through to larger interfaces with the option to change the straps that make them appropriate for the corporate world and not just the gym. I have a Fitbit Versa with a number of custom Fitbit Versa bands so I can change up the appearance of my tracker whenever I want.

But the buck doesn’t just stop with watches, most recently Motiv have released a ring that can track sleep, heart rate, and activity, enabling your health to be quite literally at your fingertips. On top of this Google have long been talking about their research into contact lens technology. So if watches and rings aren’t for you – watch this space!

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored a few reasons for using a fitness tracker – from enabling you to understand your current fitness levels through to the ability to track progress and get motivated. You could actually end up financially better off too. Deals from websites, apps and health companies show how valuable your data is, not just to you, but also to others.

The future for fitness trackers looks bright – and over the next few years, we will certainly see a vast number of innovations not just in style but also increased functionalities.

I am so excited about this, did you hear? QuartzClinical is a cloud-based healthcare data analytics platform that uses artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data to deliver meaningful results for hospitals.

The goal is to help hospitals provide better quality healthcare at a lower cost and also QuartzClinical is leading a seismic shift in how hospitals operate. They help identify opportunities for improvement through dynamic dashboards, detailed benchmarking, highly accurate predictive analytics, and prioritizing the opportunities that will lead to the greatest impact for a hospital system. Their sophisticated platform incorporates lean and six sigma tools and project management tools to help hospitals automate their performance improvement opportunities. Our product has achieved worldwide recognition for its highly accurate predictive analytics that leverages big data and advanced machine learning.

They can predict which patient is likely to be readmitted to the hospital with an accuracy of 80% – that’s unheard of in medicine and represents a real change to how hospitals function. QuartzClinical is affordable to even small hospitals since we use a reasonable sliding scale and do not have per-user charges. Our goal is to create a seismic transformation in healthcare so that the world can become a better place. They also partner with hospitals to help them deliver better healthcare at a lower cost.

People have long known about the benefits of working out in a group. Giving you the chance to make yourself accountable for more than your own body, this approach to getting fit can be a simple way to push yourself in the right direction. A lot of people struggle with this side of life, finding it hard to know where to direct their efforts. To help you out with this, this post will be exploring some of the important aspects which go into this, giving you the chance to start making your workouts into a social activity, rather than something done alone.

(Image Credit)

 

Finding The Right Gym

 

Gyms have become incredibly popular business ventures to run, over the last few years. With so many of these establishments popping up, newer examples are having to work hard to provide an experience which their customers won’t be able to get anywhere else. This has opened the doors to scheduled group events being schedules by companies like this. There are loads of different types of workout which are covered by this, ranging from cycling to swimming, and everything in between.

 

Finding an example which will work for you is crucial when you’re looking at an option like this. There won’t be much point in going to a spin class if you hate cycling, for instance. By browsing the web, you will be able to find loads of examples of gyms offering group Zumba classes, weight lifting sessions, and other workouts which tie you to a group of other people. Going down this route will make it far easier to keep up with your routine, especially if the groups are held nice and often. Most gyms will be happy to boast about these sorts of activities when they are on offer.

 

Downloading An App

 

Over the last decade or so, smartphones have just about taken over the computing space. As more and more people get their hands on devices like these, there are increasing numbers of apps which are designed to go with them, opening the doors to resources which never used to exist. A great example of this comes in the form of gym buddy tools. Taking your location, fitness preferences, and availability into account, tools like these can find strangers who have similar goals to you.

 

It’s important to make sure that you choose the right example when you’re using an app like this. While some may be able to find a partner for you nice and easy, they won’t always take security and safety into account, and this is crucial when you’re meeting up with someone you’ve met online. As a big part of this, it’s always worth looking for examples which use some sort of tracking and alert system to make sure that users are looked after. Along with this, you can always stick to meeting at local gyms to avoid being alone with your gym buddy, and this is a great way to keep things on the right level.

 

Picking A Sport

 

Throughout the course of history, people have long been working hard to create all sorts of different sports. Some involve balls, while others use pucks, but they all share something in common; they all work you out. Of course, you can find examples of this which are done on your own, like tennis, but these can be avoided when you’re choosing the options you like. For example, football is popular all over the world and involves loads of running, making it perfect for those who want to keep fit without having to think about it.

 

Finding activities like this is easier than you might think. With the popularity of certain sports, there are loads of private teams and clubs which have been formed over the years, providing you with the opportunity to get out and get active with a group of like-minded people. As the digital age as developed, a lot of groups like this have put together their own websites and social media pages. This makes it very easy to find ones which will be happy to welcome you, even if you’re completely new to the sport you’re looking to try.

 

Fitness As A Side Effect

 

When you’re looking for an activity which can keep you fit while also giving you some social time, you don’t always have to look for dedicated exercises. There are loads of different ways to spend your time which will be good for your body, and not all of them are considered exercises, making it possible to make improving your fitness into a side effect of the time you spend with your friends. The only important thing to consider is the fact that not everyone will enjoy the same things. This makes it crucial to look for a range of activities, rotating what you do and giving everyone the chance to have their voice heard.

 

To find activities like this, you may have to be a little creative. Hiring bikes to explore your city or local area can be a great idea, giving you the chance to do some sightseeing, while also improving your body in the process. Likewise, exploring the rural areas which you have nearby can also be satisfying, but you will have to do it on foot. Exercise can come from loads of places. To find more examples like this, it will be worth doing some research, spending the time to figure out exactly what you have on offer.

 

With all of this in mind, you should be feeling ready to start working harder on the time you put into getting fit. Making this part of life into a social activity holds loads of benefits, ranging from making it easier to keep yourself motivated to make the whole thing far more fun. Of course, though, this will only be successful if you put the time into it. Once you have people to work out with, you should be able to keep this going for many years, building positive habits along the way.

(image)

 

Smoking kills!

 

There, we said it, not that it should be any surprise to you. Should you have fallen prey to smoking addiction, you really are jeopardizing your health. This fact sheet will tell you all you need to know!

 

However, other than your good health and longevity on this planet, there are other reasons why you should give up smoking. If you ever needed another incentive (as if the health risks weren’t enough), consider the following.

 

#1: You will look younger

 

No matter what facial serums you use, know that you are aging yourself every time you take a puff of a cigarette. The longer you smoke, the more it affects your skin, causing dryness and wrinkling that might not befit your current age. There is more information here on the scientific reasons why. The sooner you stop smoking then, the better. You will improve the oxygen flow to your skin, your collagen levels will go back to normal, and your skin will look healthier than it might do at the moment. Have a look in the mirror and see the effects for yourself.

 

#2: People won’t avoid you

 

While you may be neglecting your own health needs by smoking, other people won’t be. Knowing the dangers of passive smoking, your friends and family might choose to steer away from you every time you light up another cigarette. Oh, and your clothes and breath will smell bad too, so if you have noticed people backing away from you, even when you don’t have a cigarette in your hand, you now know the reason. Kick the habit then and your social circle will improve tenfold!

 

#3: You will start to enjoy food again

 

Smoking impairs your senses of taste and smell, so if you haven’t been enjoying your food recently, it’s probably not because of your lack of culinary skills (we are assuming). After giving up the smoking habit, your senses will strengthen, and you will get to experience those wonderful tastes and smells that you have otherwise been missing.

 

#4: You will experience a greater sense of freedom

 

If you are constantly craving another cigarette, you might feel locked out of certain places. Bars, diners, hotels, and many workplaces have placed smoking bans. You might even be barred from visiting friends and family, or at the very least, you might find yourself relegated to the garden when you want to smoke. Where once smoking was a social habit, the tide has turned, so to have more freedom in your life, giving up could be the best thing you do today.

 

#5: You will sleep better (and so will those around you)

 

Research has found that smokers are more likely to have less sleep at night due to the increased nicotine levels in their body. Because nicotine is a stimulant, it keeps you awake at night, and because of your dependency to cigarettes, your cravings might also disrupt your sleep patterns. Smoking can also cause you to snore, so if your partner has relegated you to the spare room, then your bad habit may be to blame. Stop smoking then, and your sleeping pattern will return to normal, as will the sleeping pattern of anybody sharing the bed with you.

 

Finally

 

While we advocate the need to give up smoking, we know it isn’t easy. However, there are solutions. Vaping is cheaper than smoking, so by picking up some cheap e-liquid, you will do your financial (as well as your physical) health a lot of good. Your doctor will also have advice for you, so it’s worth booking an appointment for some professional advice on how to kick the habit. Your life will benefit if you do, so perhaps today is the day you consider the change to your lifestyle, for your health and all of the other reasons we have mentioned in this article.

 

Take care, and thanks for reading.

Thanks to my New Years Resolution to try new things, I recently did something that I never thought I would. I, along with my closest friends, signed up for the 2019 Warrior Dash in Austin Tx. I’m so excited and scared at the same time to participate in this run! While researching it I found that this isn’t your ordinary run. There are over 17 unique and challenging obstacles within the race. Learning this makes me a little nervous because this will be my first time running a race with an obstacle course. This year’s race includes three different distances so that everyone can participate in a distance that’s right for them. The three distances to choose from are 5k, 10k, or a chance to skip most of the running and participate in the obstacles with a 1-mile course. Being a person who likes to challenge themselves, I chose the 10k. I can’t wait to see what it’s all about! I’ve heard so many good things about this race and how fun and intense it can be. What’s awesome about this year is that they are celebrating their 10 year anniversary. Being that this is a special year, they have added new obstacles and the three new distances to choose from. Warrior Dash has also offered a great deal this year by providing a discount code. This code allows someone who signs up between January 21, 2019, and January 27, 2019, a buy one get one 50% off. This means that if you pay for one race, you get another half off! All you have to do is use the discount code WARRIORWEEK19 to get this great deal.

Each Warrior Dash race is uniquely compromised with challenging obstacles to overcome during your run. At the same time, the races are created for any level of runner and allow you to choose the race that suits you the best. Here are a few of the signature obstacles, Up Slide Down, Alcatraz, Get a Grip, and Kiss My Grass. There is also a brand new first-time zip-line obstacle called Super Fly that will be introduced this year! Another obstacle worth mentioning is the       3-story El Capitan. This is the tallest Warrior Dash obstacle that requires you to climb ladders and cargo nets to the top of the 3-story obstacle. Once at the top, you get to the finish with a long slide down! I am so excited and scared to complete these obstacles!

Not only is Warrior Dash an intense run full of obstacles, but they also contribute to a great foundation that means a lot to me. A great way to give back to your community while having fun! Warrior Dash is proud to continue its long-standing partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. By signing up as a St. Jude Hero, participants can fundraise and receive a variety of perks based on the total raised, including access to the St. Jude VIP tent with private showers, complimentary gear check, food, non-alcoholic beverages, a race registration refund, duffle bag, and picnic blanket. All donations go towards the lifesaving work being done at the St. Jude Red Frog Events Proton Therapy Center. Since the program began in 2012, Warrior Dash participants have helped raise more than $15.5 million for St. Jude. Frog Events Proton Therapy Center. Since the program began in 2012, Warrior Dash participants have helped raise more than $15.5 million for St. Jude.

Being healthy is very much something that takes a lot of time and energy to get right, and it is amazing how hard it can be to make sure that you are looking after yourself as well as possible. There are many absolute basics to health and being healthy which you might not be taking care of, in fact, and it is possible that you might be able to improve your life and your wellbeing in general by attending to a few of these as soon as possible. In this post, we will look at some of the health essentials that you might want to be taking care of, so that you can be sure that you are going to live the healthiest life you possibly can. Although some of these are likely to be obvious, it is often the obvious things that we overlook, and which are therefore worth remembering from time to time. With that in mind, let’s take a look at those health basics you should make a point of trying to master as soon as possible.

Pic Credit

Drink More Water

 

Your body is two-thirds water, so it is hardly surprising that you should need it in copious amounts in order to be truly healthy. The vast majority of adults today do not drink enough water, and it is surprising how hard it can be to actually do so if you are not already in the habit of doing it. Drinking more water is all about ensuring that you make it easy for yourself – and we will look at how to do that shortly. First, however, let’s discuss some of the signs that you are probably not getting as much water into your body as you should be.

 

There are many symptoms of dehydration, and once you look at this list you will see that you can probably put a lot of your everyday problems down to a lack of water. One of the most common – and clearest – indicators of dehydration is headaches. If you have frequent headaches, it is entirely possible that you merely need to drink a little more water. Similarly, you might feel tired a lot of the time, which can be a result of your body not being able to work its best because you have not given it the fluid to do so. If your skin is dry and patchy, that is one of the most obvious signs that you don’t drink enough water too.

 

If it is clear that you need more water, the solution is simple: carry some with you at all times. By carrying a bottle of water everywhere you go, you will find yourself drinking from it automatically, and before long it will be a positive habit which you don’t even notice yourself doing. Or you can try it out as a kind of challenge, and see whether you can make it work that way. Try to drink a certain number of liters every day for a week, and see if you feel or notice anything different within yourself. You might be surprised at how profound the change is, and hopefully, that will encourage you to drink more and more in the future. Water is an essential thing your body needs, so make sure that you are drinking enough of it as a matter of course.

Pic Credit

Get Your Sleep

 

It is something of a terrible indictment of our culture that very few of us get the sleep we need. Chances are, you do not get enough sleep regularly, and this is likely to be affecting your health in a number of profound and significant ways. You are probably already aware that sleep is important for your health – but are you aware of just how important, and just what kind of effect a lack of sleep is likely having on your health, and your life in general?

 

The research suggests strongly that failing to get a regular eight hours of sleep a night leads to an increased risk of heart disease, all forms of cancers, stroke, diabetes, and many other serious health problems besides these. Failing to get enough sleep on a regular basis also makes you more likely to be depressed, anxious, and to suffer socially. A lack of sleep has been linked to lower productivity and means that the body is less likely to be able to fight off diseases, owing to a weakened immune system. What’s more, sleepy driving causes more deaths every year in the US than drunk driving and drugged driving combined. Clearly, sleep is important. So how can you make sure that you get more of it?

Pic Credit

One of the most powerful things you can do here is to make a point of going to bed earlier. It sounds simple, but it is hugely effective. The more time spent in bed, the more likely it is that you are actually going to sleep more. You can also improve your chances of sleeping well by reducing your use of screens, as the light interferes with your body’s sleep cycle dramatically. Similarly, limiting caffeine so that you are not drinking any after midday is likely to help you out great too.

 

If you do all of this, you will get to sleep faster, sleep more comfortably and deeply, and enjoy the many health benefits of it as a result. It is absolutely worth doing.

 

Manage Your Stress

 

It is hard to think of a strong benefit for being stressed. In general, the more stressed you are, the more likely you are to become ill, and the more likely you are to cause ongoing damage to yourself mentally and physically. We have come to regard stress as a natural by-product of our busy lives, but is it really necessarily so? Or might it be that we can live better and healthier lives by reducing and managing our stress levels?

Pic Credit

Meditation has become hugely popular as a means of doing just that, and it might be worth looking into. If you want to keep your stress down, a regular meditation practice is one of the best ways to do so. Consider taking a local class or going on a retreat this year.

When we think of what, exactly, sends us to a hospital, it’s easy to imagine all the dramatic infections and wounds that we might have experienced or seen throughout the years. However, it’s often the hidden issues that can cause us a lot more trouble. Here, we’re going to look at some of the most common, expensive, and dangerous chronic conditions that you should be more aware of and how to ensure you’re checking for them.

Link to Image

Diabetes

A blood sugar test can help you see whether you’re diabetic or pre-diabetic (which means that you may become diabetic in the near future). Those who are overweight or over the age of 45 are at a greater risk of this chronic illness than most. Although it can be a scary diagnosis, there is plenty of medication to treat diabetes, and by eating healthily, exercising regularly, and monitoring blood sugars, diabetes can be managed effectively for the rest of your life.

High blood pressure

Heart disease, also known as the “silent killer” is one of the leading causes of preventable death in modern society. High blood pressure can be one of the earliest signs of it and also causes other issues like a stroke. With the right cardiovascular care, you can catch the warning signs of heart disease early and manage it over time. However, an annual blood pressure test is recommended for all people of all ages, though those who are older or overweight are at greater risk.

Depression

It can be hard to diagnose and harder to treat, but depression has also become an epidemic. Though little understood by the public at large, depression is more than simply feeling sad, it can make you feel genuinely unwell, with low energy levels, no motivation, sleep disorders and more associated with it. You can take self-examinations to look for the signs of depression and talk to your primary healthcare provider about your options if you’re concerned it might be affecting you.

Memory disorders

When it comes to little-understood health conditions, few are more frightening than dementia and Alzheimer’s. You can see signs of it in others and arrange a range of tests that can help diagnose it, such as neuropsychological tests and blood tests for poor thyroid function and vitamin B12 deficiency. Catching that deficiency early and using other preventative methods, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, can not just prevent Alzheimer’s but stop it from progressing too fast, too.

Bone conditions

Osteoporosis and arthritis are both two of the most common chronic health concerns and, although not exclusive to them, they overwhelmingly affect women. When it comes to osteoporosis, having a bone density test as part of your annual exam is part of your best bet of catching it early. There’s no test that can definitely prove arthritis, but if you’re suffering from joint pain or inflammation, blood tests can help determine it as a potential cause.

An annual physical with your doctor, checking your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar can help you catch the warning signs of most preventable chronic illnesses early. Being proactive is the only effective way to protect your health.