Category Archives: Health

5 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Injury When Cycling

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Cycling is an enjoyable and inexpensive means of transport, but it can also be dangerous, as it involves riding on the road alongside fast-moving cars. According to the NHTSA, over 1,260 cyclists were killed in traffic accidents in 2020 alone, accounting for more than 3 percent of total traffic fatalities in the U.S.

Therefore, when cycling, you must make personal efforts to ensure you and everyone else stays safe on the road. This article will explore ways cyclists can reduce the risk of injury on the road.

Reduce Risk of Injury When Cycling

You Need an Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney if a Driver Hits You

Cyclists and motorists can be at fault when bicycle accidents happen. But when you get involved in a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may qualify for financial compensation.

However, to pursue maximum compensation after a bicycle accident, you need to hire an experienced bicycle injury lawyer. A qualified bicycle injury lawyer will not only help you handle settlement negotiations but will also represent you in court if your case goes to trial.

Five Ways Cyclists Can Reduce the Risk of Injury When Cycling

1. Obey Traffic Rules

Following traffic rules is the simplest way to reduce your risk of injury. Therefore, you should always cycle with the traffic flow, stop at red lights, and use appropriate hand signals when turning.

Some areas may require you to use freeways, while others, such as urban centers, may require you to use a bicycle lane or bike path. So, before you hit the road, familiarize yourself with local regulations that apply to cyclists.

2. Enhance Your Visibility on a Bike

Unlike vehicles, bicycles are small and can be difficult for motorists to spot, especially at night or in a misty atmosphere. Luckily, you can take some helpful steps to improve your visibility on the road.

Wearing brightly colored or reflective clothing is an excellent place to start. You can also get specialized lights on your bike to make it easy for motorists to see you at night.

3. Choose the Right Bike

The size and shape of a bicycle can make a big difference. Choosing the right bike for your height, shape, and style can make your ride safer, more comfortable, and more fun.

Ideally, when choosing a bike, you should ensure there is enough space between the top tube and seat to avoid bending over too much while riding. You should also be able to place both feet flat on the ground when sitting in a normal position on your bike.

Lastly, ensure your bike tires are suitable for the road you’ll be taking. While narrow road bikes are appropriate for smooth roads, wide mountain bikes ride well on rough terrains.

how cyclists can reduce injury risk

4. Wear a Good-Fitting Helmet

While helmets cannot prevent accidents, they can significantly lower the risk of head injuries in the event of a crash by absorbing much of the impact. But all helmets are not made equal, so you will want to pick a DOT-approved option.

More importantly, ensure the helmet you pick fits you properly. Strap it tightly enough on both sides so it won’t move in a crash but loose enough that you don’t feel too much pressure.

5. Check Your Bike Before You Ride

Whether you are cycling for fun or as an expert rider, you should always inspect your bike before hitting the road. Tires are an essential element of your bike, so check to ensure they have the proper pressure and adjust it to the right level, depending on the road you’ll be riding on.

You should also test your brakes to confirm if they are working correctly. The best way to do this is by spinning your bike’s wheels while you apply the front and rear brakes.

Lastly, lube the chain and other moving parts of your bike to ensure everything is running smoothly.

Everything You Need to Know About Virtual Therapy

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Around 13 percent of the world population is afflicted by mental health issues, and psychotherapy has emerged as a saviour for many people.  Psychotherapy can treat a wide range of mental illnesses, such as, depression, personality disorders, drug addiction, personal loss, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Psychotherapy can be one-on-one or can be a group session. Some forms of psychotherapy last only a few sessions, while others may continue for weeks.

However, the coronavirus outbreak has made it difficult for people to find a therapist, due to travel restrictions and frequent lockdowns at many places.  In these trying times, virtual therapy has been a blessing in disguise for mental health patients, and has proven to be as effective as a face-to-face therapy session. Due to the stigma attached to mental health, online therapy is extremely useful for people with mental disorders.

virtual-psychotherapy

In virtual psychotherapy, the therapist remotely addresses the patient’s symptoms remotely through a video chat or phone call. The remote interaction can take place on a smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC, whereby the therapist will ask relevant questions related to your mental health, and advise on how to overcome them using psychotherapy techniques and medication.

Benefits of Virtual Therapy

Let us examine how virtual therapy is a boon for mental health patients:

1. A friendly home environment

Virtual therapy encourages mental health patients to self-manage their symptoms in the comfortable and friendly home environment, thus fostering self-independence. You can monitor your progress and gain self-confidence by following a personalized therapeutic plan for mental wellbeing. Online therapy sessions are a huge benefit for disabled people as it reduces the stress associated with regular trips to the therapy clinic.

2. Personalized interaction with the therapist

The online communication with your psychotherapist to address your symptoms and answer your mental health-related queries is a major advantage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual therapy can also offset unpredictable situations, like bad weather and commuting issues, and may come handy for those folks who are too busy and want to get therapy on their own terms.

3. More privacy

Many people prefer a more private setting when going for mental health treatment, primarily due to the social stigma attached with mental illnesses. A virtual physiotherapist will not only ensure your privacy but also provide quality therapeutic treatment without the need for you to step out of your cozy home or waiting for hours in a therapist’s waiting room. Virtual psychotherapy sessions are conducted through a secure and encrypted connection.

4. Timely care

Online therapy has made it possible for people with mental disorders to seek an appointment with the therapist and get timely care when they it the most. You do not have to worry about the travel time, location, traffic situation or mobility problems. The therapist will assess your mental health symptoms, observe your issues and diagnose your problems promptly, thus ensuring timeliness of care.

online-therapy

5. Overall health improvement

Online therapy helps you to connect with a qualified professional who is genuinely concerned about your mental wellbeing. The restrictions imposed by the pandemic has made it difficult for many people to interact with others, and the online face-to-face communication with a trained therapist will be helpful in reducing the stress levels.

Bottom Line

Online therapy is an effective and proven alternative to traditional therapy sessions. A virtual therapist provides practical and personalized treatment to mental health patients using a stable Internet connection and a smartphone or tablet, and ensures timeliness of care and patient satisfaction, similar to that a traditional therapist provides. To sum up, virtual therapists can help mental health patents to live a healthier and joyful life.

The Benefits of Plant-Based Oils

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Plant-based oils are often called vegetable oils because they are mostly derived directly from the seeds of vegetables. However, some plant-based oils are extracted from fruits, grains, and nuts.

Once the triglycerides have been extracted from the vegetable seeds, they are purified. Some oils are chemically altered before arriving at the grocery store, ready for you to buy in a bottle.

Benefits of Plant-Based Oils

There is a wide range of plant-based oils, and they are all comprised of a mixture of triglycerides. Popular oils include:

  • Avocado
  • Coconut
  • Flax
  • Hemp
  • Olive
  • Peanut
  • Soybean
  • Sunflower
  • Walnut

You can also get other derivatives of the seeds of vegetables, fruits, and nuts. For example, soybeans can also produce soybean meal, as sold by US Soy.

What Are the Benefits of Plant-Based Oils?

Plant-based oils have a wide range of health benefits. Nutritionally, they’re all different. Some contain more unsaturated fats than others, and each one is abundant in a unique range of micronutrients.

Here are some of the benefits of plant-based oils.

1. Improved Heart Health

The omega-3 fatty acids in plant-based oils have been shown to lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels in the blood. These unsaturated fatty acids can also help to lower blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease.

Many people take a supplement to increase their intake of omega-3s but if you’d rather get your unsaturated fatty acids from natural sources, vegetable oils are the perfect way to do so.

2. No Trans Fats

Unlike butter and other animal products, plant-based oils are trans fat-free. Trans fats have been closely linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart attack.

3. Reduced Menopausal Symptoms

Research suggests that some plant-based oils can reduce menopausal symptoms. In particular, vegetable oils were shown to lower the severity of hot flushes, which is a common symptom in menopause.

4. High Micronutrient Content

Every plant-based oil contains a selection of micronutrients. They tend to be high in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K).

If you want to increase your micronutrient intake or you have a nutrient deficiency, incorporating more plant-based oils into your diet will help.

5. Improved Flavor

You can use vegetable oils to fry ingredients to create a main meal or you can drizzle it on top of salads and bread rolls. Popular cooking oils include soybean oil, peanut oil, and olive oil. Peanut oil is commonly used in salad dressings because of its unique flavor.

Using vegetable oils in your cooking not only enhances the flavor but also adds extra nutrients and omega-3s to your meals.

6. Healthier Hair

The benefits of plant-based oils aren’t exclusive to cooking and nutrition. Many vegetable oils are beneficial for hair health too.

Take a look at the labels of your favorite hair care products and it won’t take long for you to spot a plant-based oil as one of the ingredients. Common oils used in hair products include avocado, coconut, and jojoba oils.

Incineration of Medical Waste: An Introduction

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Incineration is a thermal process that transforms medical wastes into inorganic, incombustible matter thus leading to significant reduction in waste volume and weight. The main purpose of any medical waste incinerator is to eliminate pathogens from waste and reduce the waste to ashes. However, certain types of medical wastes, such as pharmaceutical or chemical wastes, require higher temperatures for complete destruction.

Medical waste incinerators typically operate at high temperatures between 900 and 1200°C. Developing countries of Asia and Africa usually use low-cost, high-temperature incinerators of simple design for stabilization of healthcare wastes.

The most reliable and predominant medical waste incineration technology is pyrolytic incineration, also known as controlled air incineration or double-chamber incineration. The pyrolytic incinerator comprises a pyrolytic chamber and a post-combustion chamber.

Medical waste is thermally decomposed in the pyrolytic chamber through an oxygen-deficient, medium-temperature combustion process (800– 900°C), producing solid ashes and gases. The gases produced in the pyrolytic chamber are burned at high temperature (900– 1200°C) by a fuel burner in the post-combustion chamber, using an excess of air to minimize smoke and odours.

Small-scale decentralized incinerators used in hospitals, of capacity 200–1000kg/day, are operated on demand in developing countries, such as India. On the other hand, off-site regional facilities have large-scale incinerators of capacity 1–8 tonnes/day, operating continuously and equipped with automatic loading and de-ashing devices.

In recent years, mobile incinerators are getting attraction in the developing world as such units permit on-site waste treatment in hospitals and clinics, thus avoiding the need to transport infectious waste across the city.

However, the WHO policy paper of 2004 and the Stockholm Convention, has stressed the need to consider the risks associated with the incineration of healthcare waste in the form of particulate matter, heavy metals, acid gases, carbon monoxide, organic compounds, pathogens etc.

In addition, leachable organic compounds, like dioxins and heavy metals, are usually present in bottom ash residues. Due to these factors, many industrialized countries are phasing out healthcare waste incinerators and exploring technologies that do not produce any dioxins. Countries like United States, Ireland, Portugal, Canada and Germany have completely shut down or put a moratorium on medical waste incinerators.

Couples Therapy: A Therapeutic Tool To Rebuild Relationships

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Conflicts occur in almost all relationships since it is very difficult for two different people to view the same thing from the same perspective. If handled properly, divergent views can bring partners together; however, they may drift away if relationship conflicts are not resolved amicably in the early stages. The steep rise in relationship breakdowns has led people to search for therapeutic solutions and couples therapy is playing a key role in saving marriages and conflict resolutions. Read on to know more about couples therapy and its benefits in mending relationships:

marriage-therapy

What is Couples Therapy?

Couples therapy, sometimes also known as marriage counselling, is a kind of psychotherapy in which a relationship therapist makes use of therapeutic tools to assist partners analyse their relationship, identify and resolve conflict and improve relationship efficacy.

The main areas of disagreements between partners include distancing, Internet addiction, in-laws, infertility, jealousy, controlling behavior, money fights, parenting, chronic health issues, abuse, and sex-related difficulties.  For example, some couples, after years of marriage, avoid each other and coexist as roommates after years but couples therapy can reignite the relationship.

What does a marriage therapist do? The marriage therapist talks to both the partners, identifies the key relationship problems and devise a plan to solve those problems. It is to be noted that therapist’s goal is not to resolve the issues but to devise a communication method for partners to solve mutual disagreements during and after therapy. It is also very important for the relationship therapist to develop trust with each partner without alienating the other.

The therapist focuses on a particular issue and actively participates in resolving the conflict through a solution-focused and change-oriented approach.  Needless to say, both the partners must participate in couples therapy actively.

Couples usually go for marriage therapy only when the chill in their relationship has reached dangerous proportions. It is advisable to go for marriage therapy in early stages of the relationship, as it is more challenging, time-intensive and more difficult for long-term partners to come to a mutual understanding on contentious issues lingering for years and years. Infact, resentful feelings are difficult to be reversed if they continue for a long period of time.

Steps Involved in Couples Therapy

Therapy can help in healing relationships. Some people need only a few sessions while others require months to resolve the conflicts. Here are the key steps involved in couples therapy:

Step 1: Collect Basic Information

It involved asking standard interview questions regarding the relationship history, family history of each partner, employment, cultural background, prior counselling experience and chronic health issues. This step is important for the couple to become comfortable with the therapist.

Step 2: Goal Setting

Since this counselling is a joint venture meant to understand the relationship, the therapist assists the couple in identifying the issue(s) that will be the focus of treatment, establishing treatment goals and devising the treatment plan.

Step 3: Treatment

The therapist helps the partners to get a better understanding into the dynamics of the relationship conflict, and their respective roles in conflict resolution, thus helping them to change the way they perceive the relationship and each other. Since behavioral change is a crucial aspect of couples therapy, the therapist often assigns homework to each partner to apply the skills learned in therapy to their day-to-day interactions.

Step 4: Goal realization

The ultimate goal of couples therapy is to help partners get insights into relationship issues, develop a conscious relationship, increase emotional expression and develop the skills required to communicate, brainstorm and problem-solve with each other more effectively and amicably.

Conclusion

Couples therapy is an effective tool to restore broken relationships. It helps partners to understand each other and their relationship as a couple, besides developing essential relationship skills, such as trust, patience, forgiveness, communication, selflessness and stress management.

A Handy Guide to Ecotherapy

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Ecotherapy is an emerging therapeutic treatment method aimed toward treating both physical health and psychological issues by detoxifying the body. The essential idea behind ecotherapy is that the human being is connected to the natural environment and is impacted by the changes happening in the external environment on account of environmental toxins. Detoxification of the body through outdoor activities is the fundamental basis of environmental therapy.

green-entrepreneurship

Why Do We Need Ecotherapy?

In the past few decades, environmental degradation has not only destroyed natural ecosystems but has also led to significant increase in diseases related to environmental toxins, allergens and microorganisms. The outcome of this environmental crisis has been widespread prevalence of different types of cancers, chronic allergies, asthma, anxiety, depression and other ailments.

Ecotherapy, also known as environmental therapy, endeavours to unravel environment-related health issues by strengthening the linkage between the Nature and human being. The self-balancing mechanism of Nature can help in improving both physical and mental health by creating harmony between the natural elements and mankind.

Studies have shown that Nature can provide the healing touch and enhance physical health, psychological state and life satisfaction. For instance, the presence of houseplants in the workplace can positively affect creativity and productivity among employees.

The Different Types of Ecotherapy

Ecotherapy consists of an array of nature-based healing approaches which can be carried out individually or in groups under the guidance of trained therapists. Therapist notes, usually taken during a session, can provide a good understanding about the nature of ecotherapy services required for a particular health problem.

To obtain the best results, ecotherapy is usually conducted in natural settings to get the simplest results. The popular types of ecotherapy techniques include nature meditation, horticultural therapy, animal-assisted therapy and conservation-related activities.

ecotherapy

Nature replenishes our souls and has the power to boost our spirits. Meditating in nature activates our senses which assists in mindfulness training and propels the meditator to contemplate how a specific aspect of nature relates him to and what he can learn from it. Nature-based mediation is usually done in groups in a natural setting, like a park or forest. For instance, an old person can regain self-respect after realizing how old trees provide shelter for birds and shade for younger plants and passers-by.

The therapeutic benefits of gardening have been known for centuries. Horticulture-based therapy involves involvement in gardening and plant-based activities to realize specific therapeutic goals. Soil digging, planting trees, maintaining garden beds, trimming leaves and mowing grass are some of the common horticultural activities. Social isolation, depression, post-traumatic stress and drug abuse are the main mental disorders where horticultural therapy can act as a therapeutic modality. The major benefits of horticultural therapy include improvement in memory, cognitive abilities, task initiation and socialization.

ecofriendly-gardening

Animal-assisted therapy is the use of animals in the mental healing process. Grounded in the human-animal bond, the main goal of this therapy is to assist people deal with physical and mental ailments through pets. Traditionally, dogs have been used as therapy animals but cats are being used more and more, usually dogs and cats. For example, a therapy cat can be a loyal companion for a senior who is feeling lonely in an old age home. Similarly, pet therapy may help a kid who has recently his mother to overcome emotional trauma.

Physical activities, like walking, jogging, cycling or doing yoga, can rejuvenate the human-nature bond and can reduce stress, anxiety and anger. Likewise, conservation-based activities can inculcate a sense of belonging and connectedness with the natural elements .

Bottom Line

Ecotherapy is an effective therapeutic technique to treat physical and mental illnesses. It is also an effective way to strengthen the human-nature and human-animal bonds, thus helping in the conservation of natural ecosystems and wildlife.

RF Treatments: What You Need To Know About Latest Technology

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With time, the skin is sure to show the signs of aging. It will loosen up because the skin will lose the key proteins or elastin and collagen, which are responsible for keeping the skin firm. This is the reason why we see skin sagging, wrinkles, and the creepy appearance on our neck, hands, and the face. There are many anti-aging therapies that can help. There is plastic surgery, but it is costly. The recovery time is also long.

Radio frequency skin tightening

There are dermal fillers too. If you are looking for a non-invasive treatment, then you can go for Radio Frequency (RF) technology. RF treatments are very effective for cosmetic purposes. The latest RF technology will boost the collagen protein in your body, tighten the skin, and give you an anti-aging effect. RF treatments can work also on other parts of the body for reducing circumference and cellulite. But does it work really?

What Is RF Technology?

RF treatment or Radio Frequency (RF) skin tightening is a non-invasive way to achieve skin tightening and make you look younger. The procedure can be carried out at the doctor’s office. The professional will use a wand connected to a machine, which creates radio waves. The doctor will pass the wand over the body and apply the waves to the skin. The device will heat the deep skin layers (dermis) of your body to produce collagen.

The technology combines PEMF or Pulsed Electro Magnetic Fields and MP-RF or Multi-Polar Radio-Frequency to stimulate the production of collagen. They are both completely safe. The result will be reduced skin sagging, wrinkles, and fewer fine lines.

The radio waves will heat the dermis level between 50 and 75 degrees C. Studies have revealed that the body will produce heat-shock proteins if the skin temperature is maintained over 46 C for three minutes or more. The passing of RF energy into your body is not just safe, it is also painless. It also works for people with all skin types. Patient satisfaction is very high, which is why RF technology has become so popular in the United States and in many other western countries.

Radiofrequency Procedures

RF procedures take between 20-45 minutes. There is very little downtime and almost no side effects. There can be just a bit of redness for up to a day. You will get an even result without any surface irregularities that can be a problem with some other technologies. However, it is best to avoid RF treatment if you have rosacea, a condition that causes flushing, blushing, or visible blood vessels on the face. Also avoid RF if you are sensitive to deep heat on your body or if you have broken capillaries or blood vessels.

1. Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) can achieve many other objectives. It is good for reducing nodules, tumors, and such other body growths. The Radiofrequency Ablation procedure can treat both malignant and benign tumors, chronic venous insufficiency of the legs, and also chronic neck and back pain. It is very effective for pain relief.

The RFA procedure is like a needle biopsy. Here, a needle-like probe will be inserted into the body. The radio frequency emissions will be sent to the surrounding tissues that will eventually kill these nearby cells. The body’s natural immunity will remove them as the cells die. This will cause an internal reaction to shrink the nodule.

The professional therapist will use ultrasound or another imaging technique to place the probe at the tip of the right location. Such radio frequency treatments can be done in an outpatient setting or at the doctor’s office. General anesthesia is not required. However, the person may administer some medicine that will help you relax. A numbing agent may also be applied on the skin area where the probe is going to be inserted.

Usually, you can return home on the same day and go back to your normal routine in 24 hours.

2. RF Technology for Skin and Body Treatments

RF technology can provide many skin and body treatments. It mitigates the body’s natural decline of collagen with age and boosts its production. With every decade, the body may lose about 10 percent of the total collagen. RF therapy can correct this. It can improve the skin, lift its appearance, and make it appear tighter. Of course, the efficacy of radio frequency skin tightening will be different for each person, depending on the body part that is treated and the modality used. Many younger patients also opt for this therapy to increase the reserve of collagen in their body.

Skin tightening is a common goal of radiofrequency therapy. It can also re-texturize the skin when micro-needling is combined with it, which reduces acne scarring on the face and also the stretch marks on the body.

RF Technology for Skin and Body Treatments

Fat reduction, particularly when it is combined with radio frequency skin tightening allows body contouring on the face and elsewhere for the skin. Venus legacy RF technology and treatments like truSculpt ID and EmSculpt NEO are now very popular.

So, there are many applications of RF technology. It can be used for skin tightening, wrinkle reduction through a radio frequency facial, cellulite reduction, double chin, and others.

Benefits of Radio Frequency

There are many cosmetic and health benefits of RF therapy. RF technology for face can reduce the fine lines and wrinkles. There are many other benefits too. For example, the low frequency waves can fight sun damage. Collagen in the skin can get broken down because of overexposure to the harmful UV rays of the sun. The treatment will stimulate the production of collagen and rejuvenate the skin, which is why it is such a popular cosmetic skin care treatment. Besides, increased level of collagen will tighten the loose skin, which can help you get the body shape you want.

It also increases the level of hyaluronic acid, which is a natural moisturizer in the skin. Its rising level will make you appear younger. It will also make the wrinkles and redness fade away.

RF is less expensive compared to other invasive procedures. There is no healing time.

Radio Frequency Treatment Side Effects

There are only a few minor side effects of radio frequency treatments. In some patients, it can cause breakouts because of the heat that targets the deep layer skin. In very rare instances, it has also caused unintended fat loss by targeted the body’s fat cells, especially from heating the wrong layer or over-aggressive heating. Some patients may experience contracture around the neck region if the procedure is not carried out well.

Human exposure to radio frequency waves is considered safe, which is why RF treatment has been approved by the Food Drug Administration (FDA) and also by the American Cancer Society. It is a very effective facial treatment and can also be applied to some other body parts. The side effects, if any, are generally minor that go away quickly.

Take precautions and be careful after the radio frequency treatment and everything should be good.

How Do You Know if a Supplement is Good Quality?

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Many various nutritional supplements are available on the market today. People often seek out supplements to live a healthier lifestyle, but the process can be complicated and challenging because so many options are available. Supplements are an essential part of the diet for many people who are deficient in specific nutrients.

how to select dietary supplement

People may not realize that the FDA does not have the same oversight over nutritional supplements and vitamins as over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Even though they are labeled with the store’s name, vitamins and supplements sold under the store’s private label are still very likely to have been produced by reputable private label supplement manufacturers who also produce supplements for national brands.

Drugs, however, must meet a much stricter set of requirements. The FDA prohibits the marketing of supplements from treating, diagnosing, preventing, or curing any disease. As a result, supplements should avoid making disease-related claims, such as “lower high cholesterol” or “treat heart disease.”

Some dietary supplements may include fillers or lack the appropriate amount of a vitamin or mineral. Low-quality components are avoided for a good reason. There are both high-quality and subpar products accessible. With our help, you can determine whether a supplement is high-quality.

Invest In Products From Reliable Manufacturers or Sellers

Customers who shop at well-known retailers will likely find supplements made by recognizable national brands. Moreover, people who purchase supplements from a reputable retailer, as opposed to an independent sales consultant or marketer, run a lower risk of being overcharged for the products. It is one of the many advantages of shopping at a well-known and respected store.

Locate The Label Bearing The USP or ConsumerLab Designation

There are third-party organizations that take supplements more seriously than the FDA. More specifically, some organizations perform tests to ensure that dietary supplements and vitamins do not contain any fillers and are not manufactured in unclean or contaminated environments, which could lead to the inclusion of microbes or even heavy metals in the product’s constituents.

ConsumerLab and the United States Pharmacopeial Convention Dietary Supplement Verification Program (USP) are the two most reliable third-party organizations. However, ConsumerLab’s stamp of approval is the one that is most likely to be seen in stores, even though USP is widely regarded as the most reputable monitoring organization.

Consider Supplements or Vitamins That Are Domestically Produced

Since the FDA does not stringently regulate dietary supplements, the origin of the ingredients is not necessarily a reliable indicator of the product’s quality or safety. On the other hand, dietary supplements produced in the United States from ingredients sourced within the country have a lower risk of containing harmful chemicals or toxins than those manufactured in other countries.

Greater Quantities Are Not Always Preferable

RDAs for vitamins and nutrients are frequently misunderstood, leaving many people with an inadequate supply of essential vitamins and nutrients for healthy cellular function. Moreover, many supplements boast of high concentrations of vitamins and minerals in their ingredients.

On the other hand, some vitamins and nutrients can harm health if consumed excessively. Ask your physician or dietitian to determine which vitamins and nutrients are most important and how much to finish regularly.

Ultimately, it’s best to avoid dietary supplements that provide far more of a particular nutrient than is required daily.

Take The Supplements In Moderation

Although many people choose to supplement their diets, experts still believe that modifying one’s diet to include more healthful foods is the most effective way to meet one’s nutritional needs. Nevertheless, there are times when a person’s diet on its own isn’t enough to meet their needs, and this is when they require supplements. People can shop confidently, knowing their supplements have been thoroughly vetted for safety.

5 Top Ways to Reduce the Impact of Indoor Air Pollution

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Indoor air pollution is one of the greatest environmental dangers of the 21st century. According to the World Health Organization, more than 7 million people die each year due to the adverse impacts of air pollution on respiratory, cardiovascular and neurovascular systems. Recent studies have also found that the indoor air pollution can also have devastating impacts on mental well-being, ranging from mood disorders to neurodegenerative diseases. Let us explore how we can reduce our exposure to indoor air pollution, thus avoiding physical health and mental well-being issues:

indoor-air-cleaner

1. Natural Ventilation

It is the best way to allow fresh air into indoor living spaces. Natural ventilation allows replacement of stale air with fresh air, thus helping to control room temperature, replenish oxygen, remove maldors and harmful airborne pollutants, and expelling carbon dioxide.

Short-term indoor activities, like painting, welding, soldering or sanding, have the potential to generate high levels of toxic pollutants which may persist in the air over a long period of time unless ventilation systems are used. Harmful indoor pollutants, such as formaldehyde and radon, can contribute to building-related illnesses commonly known as the sick building syndrome. It is essential to have a proper design of the ventilation system in order to provide indoor air free from pollutants.

2. Air Cleaners

An air cleaner improves the indoor air quality by removing pollutants from the air in a confined space, especially particle pollution. Air purifiers can effectively remove the common indoor air pollutants such as malodors, smoke, dirt and pet dander. The filter in the clean air captures the pollutants while the clean air is introduced into the room using the in-built fan. The filters are made up of paper, fiberglass or mesh, and require periodic cleaning and replacement.

To tackle the issue of indoor air pollution, it’s essential to understand its sources and effects on your health. In your quest for cleaner indoor air, don’t forget to find out which air purifiers are best suited for your specific needs by checking air purifier reviews and expert recommendations.

3. Dehumidifiers

Humidity has a major influence on indoor air quality. High levels of humidity encourage the growth of mold, dust mites, pollen and bacteria, besides increasing the concentration of VOCs. The purpose of a dehumidifier is to reduce the moisture level (between 35 to 50%), thus improving indoor air quality.

Using a fan, the dehumidifier draws warm air currents into its coils which contracts as it is fed through the refrigerated. The condensation is left inside the dehumidifier and falls into the storage tank while the dried air is released back into the room.

dehumidifier-for-indoor-air-quality

4. Houseplants

Plants have effective air cleaning qualities and absorbs air pollutants, thus acting as a natural air purifier that is both cost-effective and therapeutic.  Houseplants trap harmful toxins and remove common chemical compounds, such as formaldehyde, benzene and Trichlorothylene. Some of the popular air-purifying indoor plants include are rubber tree, spider plant, snake plant, weeping fig and peace lily.

safer-air-quality-in-home

5. Therapeutic Methods

The mental health issues associated with indoor air pollution can be tackled by therapeutic tools. Environmental therapy aims to treat environment-related health problems by strengthening the connection between the environment and its elements. The popular nature-based therapy activities are nature meditation, horticultural therapy, animal-assisted therapy and nature conservation tasks.

Light therapy is an emerging therapy which involves the use of an artificial source of light to treat depressive disorders with seasonal patterns, sleep issues and other types of depression. The patient sits near a device called light therapy box which gives off bright light that mimics the natural light. It is believed that light therapy has a positive impact on brain chemicals linked to mood and sleep, thus easing depressive disorders. Light therapy is also known as phytotherapy.

Bottom Line

Indoor air pollution is responsible for a wide range of physical and mental health issues. To mitigate the harmful impacts of air pollution, you can improve natural ventilation, use air purifiers, dehumidifiers and houseplants in your premises, and opt for therapeutic treatment tools.

Is it Safe to Drink RO Water?

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Reverse osmosis is a water filtration technology that uses a semipermeable membrane to filter impurities from water. The technology was originally introduced to make seawater more drinkable and reduce heavy metals in water. Now, it’s commonly used for home water filtration systems.

Reverse osmosis systems are highly effective for filtration because they eliminate a wide spectrum of contaminants from water. They filter out contaminants like bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, fluorides, and hard minerals.

Reverse osmosis systems are great at what they do, but there’s a catch. The WHO says that the low mineral water produced by RO systems tends to negatively affect human health, especially after long-term consumption.

How is RO Water Harmful to Health

Since these reports, many homeowners who rely on reverse osmosis systems for clean drinking water have become concerned. People wonder if RO Water is really safe to drink and if it’s still a good investment. There are a lot of factors to consider before concluding on this.

Here we will discuss why RO water may be considered harmful. We’ll also weigh the pros against the cons to see if RO water is really worth it.

How is RO Water Harmful to Health?

Reverse osmosis removes a lot of impurities from water. Unfortunately, this includes a large percentage (90-99%) of beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium. Based on several studies conducted by the WHO, demineralized/low mineral water is harmful to health. And according to WHO reports, the effects of drinking demineralized RO water start to show very quickly.

In several weeks or a few months, people who drink demineralized water may notice symptoms that suggest acute magnesium or calcium deficiency. Other complaints like cardiovascular disorders, muscle cramps, tiredness, and weakness also surface. Intake of low mineral water has also been associated with a higher risk of fracture in children, pregnancy disorders, and certain neurodegenerative diseases.

Demineralized water causes malnutrition and leaches away existing minerals in the body (meaning that minerals gotten from food the person eats will be urinated away).

Even when used for cooking, RO water leaches away important minerals from food.

Is RO Water Still a Good Option?

Although RO systems produce demineralized water, they still have some benefits. Reverse osmosis systems are one of the most effective filters available. If you choose to ditch RO filters, you may have to deal with contaminants like lead, arsenic, chlorine, bacteria, and high amounts of total dissolved solids (TDS) that come with tap water. Compared to demineralized water, these contaminants could lead to a longer list of health problems.

Reverse osmosis filters are a lifesaver in places with poor water quality. They make the water potable and prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.

Also, with a well-balanced diet, you’ll barely feel any effects of demineralized water. You can supplement some of the minerals missing from your drinking water with food. Ordinarily, water shouldn’t be your primary source of nutrients, so altering your diet to include more minerals and vitamins should sustain you.

But if you’re still worried about the demineralized water affecting your health, there are ways to go around it.

Some reverse osmosis filters have a remineralization stage where healthy minerals are added back into the water. Of course, the water will not contain the same amounts of minerals as regular water, but it’s better than having no minerals in the water at all. With some more minerals in your water, the adverse effects of RO water will reduce considerably.

Best Reverse Osmosis Filters

We listed mostly under sink filters since they are a more common type of RO filter. But if you prefer a RO filter with zero installation requirements, you can find at least 5 countertop RO filters that are just as effective.

We also tried to include filters with the remineralization feature since they are a better variety.

1. Home Master Artesian

Home Master is an under sink system with the remineralization feature. The filter adds beneficial minerals into the water at two different stages before finally dispensing it. It has easy-to-change filter cartridges and doesn’t come with a bulky filter housing. The system is also designed to reduce wastewater considerably.

2. iSpring RCC7AK

This filter is highly rated for its remineralization abilities. It works in 6 stages, with alkaline remineralization being the last stage. The alkaline filter needs to be changed twice a year, but the RO membrane can last up to 3 years before needing a change.

3. APEC Essence ROES-PH75

APEC essence also has a remineralization feature. It has a 6 stage filtration process, the last stage being an alkaline calcium filter which makes the water taste like bottled water. The filter is suitable for small cabinets. Its installation process is also simple and can be done without a plumber.

Reverse osmosis water may be deficient in a few minerals, but it’s still good to drink with the right precautions. If you have contaminants in your water, you should consider getting one. All that matters is that you take the necessary precautions to ensure that you don’t lack the nutrients you need to stay healthy.