Role of Nurses in the Healthcare Environment

The profession of nursing is often looked down upon on the pretext that it has no major role to play in medical healthcare other than checking blood pressure and pulse, administering the medicine prescribed by the doctors and other tasks of the sort. Looking at the hefty degrees and expansive experiences of the doctors, quite a few people assume that doctors are all that the medical arena comprises of. This notion cannot be further from the truth and during this time of the COVID epidemic, it is indeed unfortunate for people to have this false notion. It plays right into the idea that in order to be important, you have to be ‘out there’ and ‘in-your-face’.

The sight of a doctor clad in his or her radiant white coat or surgery scrub might be impressively daunting to see, but what most ignore are the nurses not only following the doctors but their swift train of commands as well. And it’s anything but easy to do. The medical science and healthcare advancements as we see them today, owe a lot to the role that nurses have been playing all along.

Let’s look at the training a person has to go through before becoming a nurse.

Nurse Training

Generally, to become a nurse, you must have at the very least achieved a two-year degree in nursing, which includes medical classes same as a freshman and sophomore doctor would take, but a four-year college degree would be preferred due to the competition a person might be subjected to when applying for the position.

A two-year degree would give you the title of an LPN – Licensed Practical Nurse. A four-year graduate would make you an NPN – Licensed Registered Nurse.

If you want to pursue a higher level of nursing, you can become nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists or nurse midwives, which requires a master’s degree. Additionally, nurse anesthetists are also required to complete 800 hours of clinical work after they have graduated with their MS.

After all that, you need to take the NCLEX exam, AKA National Council Licensure Examination, which is a required test that every prospective nurse needs to take which will determine if you are ready to become licensed as a nurse.

Now, let’s look into a few of the important roles that nurses play in facilitating effective health care:

Handling Crucial First Aid

Admit it or not, first aid is the most crucial part of the treatment, more so in emergency cases. Nurses are almost always responsible for looking into cases requiring immediate help. Whether or not a patient is able to survive until the doctor takes over the case is entirely dependent on the efficacy of the first aid and the usage of just the right life-saving techniques. Having been trained in such preliminary crucial procedures, nurses are at the heart of first aid administering and keeping the patient stable for further treatment.

Being the Source of Information to Patients

Doctors don’t always have the time to address each and every concern of the patients in detail by explaining to them about their disease/illness; which is quite understandable considering how such a large number of cases they have to tend to. As such, it is the nurses whose patients turn to when they have important questions to ask. Especially the patients who are admitted in the hospitals for days on end, this role of nurses becomes all the more important. From medicines to all sorts of strange discomforts or pains a patient might feel, it is the nurse who is a single bell away and who looks into what’s bothering the patient.

The Bridge Between Patient and Doctor

This is the most important role that a nurse plays. Doctors are mostly dependent on the report of the preliminary assessment done by the nurses for further treatment. The most trivial of things also matter when it comes to healthcare. As such, it is the nurses who facilitate this by collecting all that information and effectively passing it on to the doctor.

Also, any complaints that a patient might have are directly addressed to the nurses since doctors are not available all the time. Even if they are, the protocol calls for nurses to be at the interface between doctor and patient. In the simplest of terms, nurses facilitate effective healthcare by significantly sharing the burden with the doctors so they can better do their job.

If this is not enough to convince one of the importance of nursing, think about what would happen if they didn’t exist?

The Rates of Human Aging Between Young and Old

Older man with young child — Photo by Humphrey Muleba on Unsplash

It appears that some of our younger generation are aging faster than expected. At least that is the consensus from a number of research studies that have been done.

Let’s take a look at these studies and see if we can make sense of this phenomenon.

Participant Studies

According to the Los Angeles Times, in “Science Now”, “humans age at remarkably different rates. Additionally, we start aging earlier than one might guess,”. Also, in a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a 954-participant research program revealed that “young adults already showing signs of aging aren’t just prematurely old; they seem to be getting older faster than” other people.

The participants who were “taking part in a lifelong medical study since they were born at a hospital in Dunedin, New Zealand in 1972 and 1973.”, as per NBC News. Investigators “came up with a batch of 18 measurements they believe correlate with aging,” including “medical measures of their lungs, their kidneys, their livers, their hearts, their immune system and even the integrity of their DNA.”

The report showed that at age 38, participants’ “biological age’ – the state of their organs, immune system, heart health and chromosomes – ranged from as young as 30 to as old as 60.” People whose biological age was older even looked older. In addition, “the fast-agers showed worse balance and poorer motor coordination, and reported having more trouble with tasks such as climbing stairs or carrying groceries.” The report noted that, according to the National Institute on Aging, among others, provided support for the study.

Why Is This Happening?

Young girl on couch working on computer — Photo by Steinar Engeland on Unsplash

There is conjecture that this might be due to younger people being more fixated on computers and computer or office jobs than exercise; although many do exercise and go to the gym, they are compromised by the eight-hour daily sit down at the office.

Then there are the game junkies who play nonstop for hours each day. Playing video games for extended amounts of time can inhibit their perspective on life as well as their bodies. Parents should be aware of the amount of time their kids are on the computer playing games and consider consequences if they are neglecting other things like doing homework or studying for a school exam. Video games are a good escape but too much can do wonders for their fingers but not much else.

Teens on computer games — Photo by Stem List on Unsplash

As mentioned, there is no concrete evidence yet, but common sense does work its way here since lack of exercise can accelerate health issues or even cause the creation of issues that may not have existed if the person was keeping fit.

As the term sitting is the new smoking explains, staying off your feet for an extended amount of time on a daily basis can increase blood pressure, weight gain, abnormal cholesterol levels and a possible increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease or cancer.

How Do We Control Excessive Sitting?

Woman sitting on chair working on laptop — Photo by Windows on Unsplash

Every 15 or 30 minutes, get off your chair and walk around the office. If your office is small, go outside and take a brisk walk. Does your company have a gym? If yes, take advantage of it! Or why not try going to the gym before you get to work? These suggestions might be a little premature at this time since we are in the COVID era, so we suggest calling your local sports club and find out their current rules, as some states are more lenient than others, which is dependent on the infection rate.

There are also new devices that allow you to stand while working on the computer. You can adjust the stand to a height that is comfortable for you.

Summary

Man Riding Bicycle Besides making sure you get that blood running through your body at a healthy rate, make sure you are eating the right foods as well. All these components add up to a healthier lifestyle and one which will help you deal with the constant sit-downs at your office.

And you game addicts – wake up and realize that getting a heart illness at an early age is not worth creating that fantasy empire or getting an extra kill in a military war game. But if you must, let that blood run through your legs and stand up for the win!.

How the Eyes Work

Close up photo of a hazel eye — Photo by Jordan Whitfield on Unsplash

Let’s take a look at our eyes (pun intended). One of our most important senses, it contains an array of intricate parts that comprise the materials and intelligence for us to see. From one part to another, it’s like an assembly line of light. As the light passes through each component, the image that the eye sees gets more focused and adjusted for brightness or darkness.

The Parts of the Eye

Your eyes consist of numerous parts. Let’s focus on the main ones, which are the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, vitreous and retina. We’ll start with the basic phenomenon of light entering the eye. What’s the first part that light hits?

The Cornea

The cornea is the front part of the eye. It is transparent and dome-shaped. Its function is to help the eye focus. Since it is transparent, you won’t notice it if you look in the mirror, but it is there. You could think of it as your window to the world.

The Iris

Illustration of the Anatomy of the Eye Behind the cornea is the iris. Now, this component is very visible, as it is your eye color. So if you have hazel eyes, it is the iris that you are looking at.

The iris’s function is to control the amount of light that is received from the cornea. It is a regulating mechanism that knows when to shrink the pupil, which is behind the iris or when to widen it, in proportion to the amount of light that comes in. The regulating mechanism is a muscular component that controls this. If the iris is not working correctly, you will see too much brightness or not enough light, which of course will inhibit what you see normally.

The Pupil

The pupil is a dark opening situated in the focal point of the iris that permits light to strike the retina.

For those among us who are photographers, you will probably be interested in this analogy that you can think of the pupil as the lens aperture (how much the lens opens) and the iris as the F-Stop (the mechanism which controls the aperture). So when light hits your eye, it passes through the cornea and is intersected with the iris. The iris determines how much of an F-Stop setting is necessary and then that amount of light is passed to the pupil, which accepts that amount of light.

The Retina

The retina converts the surrounding image into electrical impulses. Like camera film or, for our millennial generation, a light sensor in a camera, it adjusts for the proper amount of light, then transfers this information into electrical singles that it sends to the brain.

More specifically, it converts light into electrical signals and then sends these signals to the brain for visual recognition. Using our camera analogy, it would be similar to the camera sensor which acts as the CPU to determine the amount of light, colors and dimensions and then translates that to neural impulses.

Just like the neurons in the brain, the retina contains layers of nerve cells interconnected by synapses. Some of these cells are light-sensing cells and are called photoreceptor cells, which convert light into electrical signals.

There is an outer layer of the retina called pigmented epithelial cells and contains two types of cells called rods and cones. Rods process dim light and cones process a well-lit environment, as well as determining color.

The following video explains how the eye works in a nutshell.

Summary

Our eyes are complex organs that convert the images that are sent to them into a visual perception that we humans can understand. We only brushed upon the basics of how our eyes work, but our intention was for you to get a general understanding of how they function and how they convert the light that hits our eyes into the objects that we see. See what I mean?

5 Health Benefits of Drinking Water

Young Girl Drinking Water — Photo by Johnny McClung on Unsplash

Water, the essential ingredient of life, but why is it essential? Why can’t we live without it and what are the benefits of drinking it? Here we will review its benefits and why it is so important to stay hydrated at all times.

1. Dehydration – Easily Prevented

First, what is dehydration?

When you feel thirsty, it is a sign that your body is telling you that you need to replenish yourself with liquids, so you grab a drink, but what if you don’t get that drink? What if there is no water available for a while? What if you are in a hot climate and need a drink but are miles away from any water source?

In these situations, you run the risk of getting dehydrated and that means that if you don’t rehydrate yourself within a reasonable amount of time, your organs will suffer, most specifically, your kidneys, heart and brain can be negatively affected.

This doesn’t mean that if you don’t drink anything right after a jog in the park on a hot day you will need to go to the emergency room, but it does mean that if you continue along this path of dehydration, you will start to feel the symptoms, which are:

- Feeling tired
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Dry skin
- Dark-colored urine

What symptoms you fell all depends upon your current health, as well as the environment you are in (e.g. hot climate, etc.). Some people can withstand a lack if water longer than others.

How Do You Prevent Dehydration?

If you are involved in any sport, are traveling or you know you will be in an area where liquids will be sparse, especially in hot climates, make sure you have some water bottles or drinks with you all times. Even bottles of soda will help with hydration.

2. H20 is Good ‘Food’ for Your Brain

The Neural Network in the Human Brain Water makes up 75 percent of your brain. If your brain does not have an adequate supply of this fluid you may feel foggy-headed and dizzy, but more importantly, it will affect your memory. This is especially crucial for the elderly to take note of.

Additionally, a lack of water in the brain will cause a deficiency in cognitive responses. Reduced electrolytes, which assist with the brain’s electrical signals can result in memory loss and other factors such as confusion.

3. Your Spinal Cord and Joints Depend Heavily on Water

You need to keep the tissues in your body moist. Usually, that is part of your body’s normal maintenance, but if dehydrated, your body will notify you. For one thing, your eyes, nose and mouth will feel dry. Your bones can get thirsty too, which is not good. Water acts as a lubricant and cushion to protect your bones, the spinal cord and the joints.

4. Water Aids in Digestion

Besides lubricating your body’s organs, water helps to break down the food you eat. The small and large intestines absorb water, which breaks down important nutrients. Water helps slow down digestion as this fiber turns to gel.

5. Your Heart Will Thank You

Illustration of a heart For those who are not aware, your blood plasma is about 90 percent water. If you are dehydrated, you stand the risk of lower blood pressure to the point that you may feel light-headed or dizzy when you are standing up. Now this condition can happen under other circumstances than dehydration (e.g. medication side effects), but if you haven’t drunk anything for a while, it may be that you are dehydrated; however, it these symptoms keep happening, a visit to the doctor would be the practical way to do.

How Much Water Do You Need?

On average, men need about four quarts of H20 per day and women should have about three quarts per day and it doesn’t have to be always water. It can be any type of fluid (but we’re not talking about alcohol here). Most beverages as well as certain fruits and vegetables. So grab that Gatorade. Eat that watermelon, but most of all, make sure you also drink the most natural fluid for your body – good old fashion water!

How to Save and Make Money During the COVID Pandemic

Working on a computer with mask — *Photo: Unsplash*

Many people may know about these jobs, but they don’t look at them seriously until they are in a financially stressful situation. If you have fallen into financial hardship because of COVID or any reason you feel the need to make some additional cash, you may want to look into the following:

Work at Home Jobs

You might think that all work at home jobs have some type of catch to them or are just outright scams. Well, the good news is that this is not the case. We wouldn’t recommend that you quit your day job, but you might want to try these part-time jobs. Here are four valid, legitimate part-time jobs that you can do and get paid for. There are no upfront charges or fees – there are no fees at all. All you have to do is apply!

Rideshare

Photo of toy cars with Uber, Lyft signs — *Photo: Unsplash*

Most of us are familiar with rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft. Even during this COVID pandemic, their business is booming. You just need to apply and send them the appropriate documents (driver’s license, insurance card, registration, etc.) as well as signing some forms.

Some people pull in $1000 per week but don’t kid yourself. There is a lot of driving and long hours! But even if you want to pull in a few hundred dollars a week, the opportunity is there.

On the con side, you will be using your car a lot, which results in paying for gas often and additional wear and tear on the car. You can balance it out, but regardless, it is a popular way to make some good income.

You can register with Uber here. You can register for Lyft here.

Driver Eats

Similar to Uber driver, there is UberEats. There is also Grubhub and DoorDash, but instead of diving people to destinations, you pick up meals from restaurants and deliver them to the person who requested them. Again, all you need to do is apply.

Mystery Shopping

Contrary to what some people may think, mystery shopping is a million-dollar business and there are many legitimate companies that offer this to consumers. What it entails is a visit to a local bank or store, ask them questions or do an audit, all according to the guidelines that they give you. Then you submit a report of your experience with the store or bank representatives.

Pay can range from $10.00 to over $80.00 per visit. It all depends upon what you would need to do. Definitely worth looking into. Here is one popular mystery shop website where you can gather more information or search mystery shopping on Google.

Take Surveys

These don’t pay much, but it’s good for some pocket change and only takes a minute or two to do. Check out UserCrowd for more info or Google Getting paid for surveys.

Saving Money by Looking Out for Promotions and Discounts

If you search, you will find. Here are ways to make a few dollars more by just doing some Google work:

Bank Promotions

Banks continuously offer money to open up a checking or savings account. The promotions can range from $100 – $250, but usually, you have to be a new customer. Regardless, it is a fast way to make a quick buck and for many accounts, you can just start with a deposit of $25 or $50.

Just make sure you are aware of the fees and/or other expenses that may accompany these deals, but for the most part, you do come out a winner.

Car Company Promotions

There are times when car dealerships run some amazing offers. These offers are not to buy a car and most of the time, they do not pressure you to do so. What they offer is a chance to ride in a new vehicle for free, including free gas for the day and along with that, you get anywhere from a $100 – $150 gift card to use wherever you like.

These promotions are not advertised, so you need to keep an eye out. One company had a promotional exhibit at the malls or you can try googling for car promotions, but you will have to sift through all the car discount listings on the page.

If you do happen to come across a deal, go for it and who knows? When you get back on your financial feet, you may just come back to the dealer and buy the car!

Cheap Gas

Cheap gas doesn’t always mean bad gas. There are tons of gas stations that don’t carry the names of the major suppliers and subsequently, do not charge the same amount for gas. Look for these stations. The difference per gallon can be substantial. Possibly a difference of 10 cents per gallon or more. Worth the trip!

Also, there are numerous ways that you can save money on gas. Some of it has to do with your driving habits, but there are other ways to save as well.

Using the Additional Skills You Have

Woman working from home — *Photo: Unsplash*

No matter what you do for a living, most of us have a variety of skills other than what we get paid to do by our employer. Do you have a hobby that you can turn into a money-making business?

Some Examples:

- If you enjoy photography? Offer your services to the public.
- Are you good at teaching? If you have some experience on your resume, try applying to different schools or colleges or offer tutoring services to your local community at a reasonable fee.
- Do you write well? Freelance writing for blogs or other publications is routinely available.
- Are you in good physical shape and love to go to the gym? Offer the gym your services to become a trainer there.
- Do you take computers apart and other electronic devices just to see how they work and then reassemble them or better yet, repair them if they are broken? People are always looking for computer techs for help.
- A NYC suburbanite who works for Nassau County Long Island makes 3D photos of people and then he sells them at flea markets and other fairs. He pulls in a few hundred dollars each month.
- Another person creates realistic art and sells them at galleries. This is in addition to her 9-5 job. Albeit, 3D photos are kind of unique, but are you an artist, photographer, videographer or any specific skill in the arts, take advantage of it.

Just Get Out There!

These are just some of the many part-time job opportunities available. All you have to do is look for them!

How to Deal with Indigestion

Illustration of bacteria under a magnifying glass in the bowels

Indigestion is a feeling of discomfort in the upper abdomen and chest. You also may feel bloated. There can be many factors associated with this discomfort.

Ulcers and gallbladder diseases can cause it or on a lighter note, it could have been something that you ate and didn’t agree with you. Food allergies are another possibility. Whatever the cause, indigestion can be uncomfortable and painful and can compromise a person’s otherwise normal lifestyle.

Frequent indigestion can also be a sign of a weak gut. People with a weak gut may suffer from frequently because their body struggles to digest complex foods. Since indigestion is not a long-term condition, it flares up occasionally or in some cases, more often and then dies down. Unfortunately, there is no continuous treatment for it. However, by eating healthy and avoiding unhealthy food choices, a person can mitigate the risk of getting indigestion.

What exactly is indigestion, and how can a person manage it are some of the most common questions that are asked about the condition. If you are also looking for answers, then continue reading.

Understanding Indigestion

Indigestion or dyspepsia can occur due to a bunch of reasons, but when it happens it can present itself through the following signs

- - Discomfort in the stomach
  - Abdominal Pain
  - Bloating
  - Nausea
  - Heartburn
  - Vomiting

Some other less common symptoms of indigestion are

- - Gas or belching in the abdomen
  - Gnawing sensation in the stomach
  - Burning sensation in the stomach
  - Feeling unnaturally full after eating a medium-sized meal
  - Feeling dull
  - Having difficulty finishing a meal

In the case of a severe episode of indigestion, a person may feel

- - Continuous vomiting
  - Vomiting with blood
  - Black stool
  - Trouble swallowing food

If you experience severe symptoms of indigestion, then visit your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room.

Causes of Indigestion

Fast Food Hamburger — Photo by **Rajesh TP** from **Pexels**

In everyday life, in the absence of an underlying cause, indigestion can occur due to overeating or eating too fast. Some people may face indigestion after consuming some specific types of food, such as spicy, greasy, or fatty food. Sometimes, lying down immediately after having food can also increase the chances of indigestion as the posture makes digestion harder for the body.

Some common causes of indigestion are

- - Smoking
  - Drinking too much alcohol
  - Exposure of the gut to complex foods (that are hard to digest like highly processed foods)

Sometimes. Some medicines can also cause indigestion. You must read the side effects of drugs before consuming them. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen are notorious for having side effects in some patients.

When a person has an underlying gut problem, they can experience indigestion quite frequently. Some frequent indigestion causing gastrointestinal conditions are

- - Acid Reflux Disease (GERD)
  - Gastric Cancer
  - Pancreatic or bile duct abnormalities
  - Peptic ulcers

Ulcers cause blisters and sores over the inner lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, which can lead to frequent indigestion.

Even though rare, but it’s possible that sometimes a person may experience indigestion without a known cause. That form of indigestion is known as functional dyspepsia. Functional dyspepsia or FD may come about due to the abnormal muscle movement of the gut. When the gastrointestinal lining in the body squeezes too tight while digesting food, a person can experience indigestion. And since, in such a case, there is no identifiable cause, a patient cannot take any measures to avoid abnormal muscle movement in the gut.

How can Indigestion be Diagnosed?

When you start experiencing frequent symptoms indicating dysfunction in your GI system, make an appointment with your doctor. The doctor will ask you detailed questions about your diet habits. They will also run some blood tests and get scans of your stomach to rule out any underlying conditions.

In some cases, the doctor may ask you to take a stool test to check the percentage of bacteria in your stool to rule out peptic ulcers.

If all the tests come out clean, then the doctor may suggest an endoscopy. During an endoscopy, the doctor inserts a tube with a camera inside your body to check the inner lining of your gut. An endoscopy helps to spot blisters and other telltale signs of a damaged lining. Using the procedure, the doctor can diagnose the following conditions (which is why a person may experience frequent indigestion)

- - Infection Cancer
  - Inflammatory diseases
  - Ulcers
  - Reflux esophagitis

Once the doctor figures out the underlying cause of indigestion in a patient, they can give them a line of action to manage the condition effectively

How to Treat Indigestion?

Specific medicines can help ease the symptoms of indigestion. However, they may have some other side effects occasionally. The most commonly prescribed drugs to treat indigestion are

Prokinetics

Prokinetics are prescription medications like Motilium and Reglan that control the muscle movement in the gut and control motility. Motility is the uncontrolled movement of the muscles using metabolic energy. Some come side effects of prokinetic medicines are

- - Tiredness or Fatigue
  - Depression
  - Anxiety
  - Involuntary spasms or muscle movements

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

PPIs reduced acid in the stomach that can considerably ease the symptoms during an episode of indigestion. However, like other medicines, PPIs can have other side effects on the body. Those side effects may include

- - Backache
  - Dizziness or grogginess
  - Abdominal pain
  - Cough
  - Constipation
  - Nausea and vomiting
  - Light-headedness or headache

H2 Receptor Antagonists

H2 receptor medicines like Zantac and Pepcid can significantly reduce stomach acid and hence, be useful in easing the symptoms of indigestion. Some common side effects of H2 receptor antagonists are

- - Rash with or without itching
  - Constipation
  - Bruising or bleeding
  - Headache
  - Diarrhea
  - Nausea or vomiting

Even though the chances of having an adverse reaction to consuming the mentioned medicines are slim to none, they are still a possibility.

Home Remedies

Some natural food items can help subside symptoms of indigestion substantially. The most common organic food choices for indigestion are

- - Chamomile tea
  - Peppermint tea
  - Apple cider vinegar
  - Ginger
  - Fennel Seeds
  - Lemon water

Incorporating these food items in your daily routine can bring down the frequency of indigestion in people.

If you frequently face the problem of indigestion, then avoid greasy and spicy foods as much as possible and get yourself checked to rule out underlying medical conditions that can cause indigestion.

Over 50? – A Health Guide for Aging Men

Based on numerous studies, females are naturally healthier than men. This claim is based on the fact that out of 15 leading causes of death, men are ahead of women in all causes except for one, Alzheimer’s disease. And the only reason is simply that many men do not live long enough to develop this condition. Additionally, during this coronavirus outbreak, staying as healthy as you can is imperative, especially for men over 50!

On average, men die at least five years earlier than their wives. While there are biological reasons for health issues with men, there is also a discrepancy in how men approach their own health. If you look at the numbers, compared to women, men visit doctors less frequently. When it comes to health, this is often the last priority for them. So if you are a man over 50 and want to work on changing priorities, this post is for you.

Below you will find the four most common health problems among senior males and how you can deal with them and live a longer, healthier and a happier life.

Five Major Health Risks for Men Over 50

Cardiovascular Diseases

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men around the world. According to numbers, one in every five men die due to cardiovascular diseases and the average age of death due to heart diseases is 65.

Cardiovascular diseases can range from chest pain (angina) to high cholesterol and atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries). Cholesterol is the build-up of plaque inside the arteries which narrows the arteries and in turn affects the blood supply. If the plaque becomes unstable, it forms a clot which can result in a heart attack or stroke.

Men are more prone to heart diseases because naturally, their bodies produce more bad cholesterol which contributes towards the blockage of arteries.

How to Deal with it?

So while cardiovascular diseases continue to be one of the leading causes of death among men, on a positive note, you can work towards reducing your chances of developing this disease. How? Let’s find out.

If you have a family history of cardiovascular diseases, make sure you work closely with your primary healthcare provider. Ask for screenings and tests which can help you find out the state of your heart health. Early detection can reduce the risk of a heart attack.
If you are a smoker, consider quitting this habit. Smoking multiples the risk of cardiovascular diseases and increases the likelihood of an earlier death.
Make sure you maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Adding a physical activity of at least 30 minutes every day can significantly reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Lung Cancer

Men over 50, especially if they smoke, are at a much higher risk of developing lung cancer. Very often, the disease is diagnosed when it has already spread fully to the organ or to other parts of the body. And within a year of the diagnosis, less than half of the men are alive. So lung cancer is aggressive and is almost fatal.

Smoking remains the single largest cause of lung cancer in the US and around the world. According to the numbers, in the year 2018, around 121,700 new cases of lung cancer were diagnosed among men in the US. During the same year, more than 83,000 men died due to the disease. In the same year, 2.1 million new cases of lung cancer were recorded around the world resulting in 1.76 million deaths in the same year. But there is definitely something all men can do to reduce the risk of this deadly disease.

How to Deal with it?

Quit Smoking – This is the single, most effective solution which can reduce the risk of lung cancer at any age. If you are not sure how to go about it, you can always work with a medical professional. Doctors and therapists can suggest tools and ways through which you can overcome this habit of smoking.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men; lung cancer being the first. The small gland located behind the penis secretes fluids which play a significant role in ejaculation. Though it is a common type of cancer among men, it is often not life-threatening. While as many as one in six men are likely to get diagnosed with prostate cancer sometime over the course of life, only 1 in 41 die from the disease. The average age of diagnosis of prostate cancer is 66 years and the disease is uncommon in men under the age of 40.

Reducing the Risk of Prostate Cancer

Screening and early detection of cancer is recommended and choosing a healthy diet is one the most effective methods of reducing your risk of this disease.

Choose a low fat diet and limit your intake of fatty food each day. Avoid deep fried foods and food such as nuts, meat, and cheese. Instead opt for leaner cuts of meat and go for low fat options of dairy products.
Increase the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Both fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber, minerals and vitamins. A high consumption of fruits and vegetables leave little room for fatty foods.

Erectile Dysfunction

The condition is not a life-threatening one but is still one of the most common conditions affecting senior men. As many as 40% of the males over the age of 40 experience ED. The condition leads to a reduced quality of life, less enjoyment and increases the likelihood of depression.

What to do About it?

Medically, there is no cure of this condition. However, you can do a lot to improve erectile dysfunction naturally.

Exercise and eating right are the two important prerequisites when dealing with any medical condition and erectile dysfunction is not an exception.
Take good care of your blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction is often caused by atherosclerosis, the condition which leads to cardiovascular diseases. By taking care of your blood vessels, you can reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction.
Reduce weight. Maintain a close to ideal weight to minimize the risk of ED..
Work on strengthening your pelvic muscles by doing specific exercises.

A healthy life is possible even after 50. Just remember, age is just a number.

Understanding the Science behind Nightmares

woman sleeping in a wooden room — *Pixaby.com*

Waking up drenched in sweat, gripping the sheets in the middle of the night is a well-known concept for many people. And the culprit responsible for this is nightmares. A nightmare can wake a person up in a state of chronic anxiety and fear, while the world around them is fast asleep.

Nightmares can affect people of all ages, but children are more commonly the victim of the terrorizing sleep visions. However, most children grow out of it eventually, whereas if adults have nightmares, they might be in for a life-long chain of encounters with panic-inducing visions.

“It’s the stuff nightmares are made of” – A common expression we all have heard before, but what are nightmares exactly? Why do we have them and what can we do about them? Let’s delve further into this phenomenon and find out.

History

Back in the 1700s, a nightmare was defined as a disease characterized by having strong emotional responses due to a person’s thoughts during sleep. That is, people used to believe that when a person would think about having a weight upon themselves during their sleep, they would experience symptoms of nightmares. The said definition was first printed in the Universal Etymological English Dictionary published in 1721 by Nathan Bailey.

Although now people don’t often exchange the definition of a nightmare, the general perception about a nightmare remains the same. That is, a nightmare evokes strong emotional and physiological responses in humans.

Understanding Nightmares

Nightmares are an extension of a person’s fears and worries. However, the depiction of those fears and concerns in nightmares can be jarring and leave a person in a state of pain. According to the American Academy of Sleep, 10-50% of kids between the ages of 5-7 can be affected by nightmares to such an extent that they might end up disturbing their parents or a sibling to manage their fear.

Children’s nightmares are typically associated with a scary TV show or a film or any significant anxiety-evoking life event such as a death in the family or starting a new school. What a child sees in a nightmare is, in most cases, a reflection of how much they are affected by a harrowing life event or a scary story. Although the trauma of having a nightmare in kids is no less severe than that experienced by adults, children outgrow nightmares as they age. But if adults are on the receiving end of nightmares, then the chances are that they might never outgrow them.

The American Academy of Sleep reports that nightmares plague only 2-8% of the adult population. Adult nightmares are similar to children’s nightmares in most aspects. The nightmares an adult experiences are also a continuation of their thinking process. According to Lauri Quinn Loewenberg, the author of Dream on it, Unlock your Dreams and Change your Life; a nightmare is the continuation of our chain of thoughts from the day. Anything that disturbs a person during the day can disturb them during the night as well. The only difference is that in the day they can distract themselves while in the night, during sleep, they can’t distract themselves. And henceforth, nightmares can be overpowering and overwhelming.

Even though nightmares stem from the daily stresses, worries, and banes of life, they are not always the cause behind a nightmare. In some cases, poor eating habits can also cause bad dreams to occur. Indulging in a late-night snack or a carbohydrate-rich meal before going to bed can lead to a terror episode during the night.

For some people, hidden food allergies can also cause nightmares. Sometimes, it’s possible that people might not be aware of a food allergy that they might have. In such a case, that unknown food allergy can lead to disturbing nightmares.

Sometimes nightmares may also disturb a person while they are asleep if they have a sleep disorder. Some sleep disorders like sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome can induce nightmares in a person’s vision during sleep. Furthermore, having psychological disorders such as depression or anxiety can be the reason behind nightmares.

Brain and Nightmares

Typically, nightmares occur in the third phase of the night when REM (Rapid eye movement) is the strongest. There are four sleep stages that a person goes through. The first is sleep onset, the second stage is light sleep, and the third is the deep sleep stage, and the fourth stage is the REM stage.

In routine, rapid eye movement occurs every ninety minutes during the night and is associated with high brain activity, rapid eye movement, and involuntary motor movement. Most people get dreams during the REM stage.

Waking up due to dreams or nightmares is also more prevalent in the REM stage. According to an article published in the American Daily Physician, 80% of dreamers wake up from nightmares during the REM sleep or onset sleep.

What seems to be responsible for the profound responses to nightmares is the amygdala. The amygdala in the brain is associated with processing emotions. During the REM period of the night, the amygdala is highly active, which leads to intense emotional responses to nightmares. So when a person wakes up from a nightmare during the REM stage of sleep, their negative emotions are through the roof.

Dreamers that Encounter Nightmares Frequently

Even though anybody can have nightmares, some people are more susceptible to getting them. People with specific disabilities can have frequent nightmares related to their disability. For instance, a study published in 1990 in the journal Sleep Medicine reported that blind people are more prone to having dreams about getting into a car accident than people with vision. The fear of getting hit by a car or spilling coffee in a social gathering in blind people makes them four times more likely to have nightmares related to it.

Past trauma or distressing circumstances make certain people more vulnerable to the horrors of nightmares than others. A 1999 study published in the American Journal of Abnormal Psychology found that 40% of college students had at least one nightmare in a two-week study. These stats direct towards a strong connection between nightmares and everyday stress.

The only way to escape nightmares is to handle our fears of the day. Once a person learns to manage their everyday stresses properly, they will be less likely to have nightmares, unless they have a nightmare-inducing condition like a sleep disorder.

Six Super Seeds with Exceptional Health Benefits

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The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that your diet must include plant proteins, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. While it is difficult to find all three nutrients together, the use of seeds can help you solve this problem. Seeds, which are the reproductive unit of plants, are an excellent source of minerals, vitamins, healthy fats and essential amino acids.

Regular consumption of seeds is associated with a healthy blood sugar level, improved immunity, better heart health and lower risk of various medical conditions including obesity and cancer. It is easy to incorporate these tiny but mighty seeds into various recipes and each comes with a unique set of benefits. Do you want more energy or want to lose weight? There is a seed for that! Let’s look into the details about various seeds that can provide numerous health benefits despite their small size.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are considered to be one of the healthiest seeds on the planet. A good source of omega 3 fatty acids, chia seeds are extremely effective in controlling blood sugar levels and improving cardiac health. Chia seeds are a good source of fiber, magnesium and manganese which gives a boost to your metabolism and mental function. These seeds also contain polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the body.

You can easily include chia seeds in your diet. You can simply sprinkle them over smoothies or shakes as it gives texture to your drinks or you can add them to your desserts. Also, you can mix them into salads and enjoy the crunch with other ingredients.

Hemp Seeds

We need nine different types of amino acids for adequate growth and development. The human body cannot make these amino acids and completely depend on food sources to create them. Hemp seeds are one of the very few seeds which are considered complete proteins. This means that hemp seeds contain all the nine essential amino acids which the human body needs.

These seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fats and also contain both omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids. They include an important anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acid which helps prevent various skin conditions associated with dryness. Hemp seeds are also an excellent source of zinc and magnesium.

Unlike other seeds, hemp seeds have a nutty flavor so they can be consumed on their own. Along with other seeds, you can sprinkle them over salads, yogurt and smoothies for texture. You can also bake them. Many people also make hemp milk at home using whole hemp seeds.

Flax Seeds

Flax Seed Field Photo by enneafive

Very similar to chia seeds, flax seeds are packed with minerals, protein and fiber. Two tablespoons of flax seeds include six grams of fiber and four grams of protein. Flaxseeds are also rich in omega 3 fatty acids and contain various types of polyphenols. However, the omega 3 fatty acids that are contained within the outer shell cannot be easily digested by humans. So it is best to consume grounded flax seeds.

Various studies were conducted to find the effect of regular consumption of flaxseeds. The results indicated that the nutrients in flaxseeds can help improve cardiac health by reducing cholesterol. Flaxseeds are also known for reducing blood pressure and can reduce the risk of various types of cancer.

In addition to all these health benefits, regular consumption of flaxseeds is associated with improved blood sugar levels. They are an important source of Vitamin B1 which is essential for various functions in the body.

Similar to chia seeds, you can add flaxseeds to salads, smoothies and muffins. Flaxseeds are an integral part of the vegan diet and can be used as a substitute for eggs.

Nigella

Nigella is also a super seed that is widely used as a kitchen spice. But in addition to its culinary use, nigella is known for its various health benefits.

For centuries, it has been used to treat medical conditions such as bronchitis and other diseases caused by bacterial infections.

Nigella contains powerful antioxidants. With regular use of nigella, patients suffering from medical conditions caused by inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis, observed reduced markers of inflammation. Nigella can also protect against various health conditions such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Also, the anti-oxidants in nigella can help reduce the inflammation of the liver and can significantly improve liver function. The use of nigella is also associated with an improvement in stomach ulcers and improved blood sugar levels.

Unlike other seeds, nigella has a strong flavor. With a slightly bitter taste, toasted or ground nigella can be added to a variety of dishes or can simply be sprinkled over bread or yogurt. A concentrated dose of nigella is available in the form of capsules.

Sesame Seeds

Despite the small size, sesame seeds are an excellent source of protein, fiber, calcium and iron. They are rich in amino acids and contain linoleic and oleic acids which can significantly reduce cholesterol and prevent the risk of cardiac problems. Regular use of sesame seeds is associated with improved hair growth and skin condition. Since it is a source of calcium, the use of sesame seeds helps improve the health of bones and teeth.

It is very easy to incorporate sesame seeds into every diet. You can use sesame seed oil for cooking or stir-frying. You can sprinkle them on salads and yogurt. You can also add them to a variety of stir-fried foods for an added crunch. Sesame seeds have a nutty flavor and you can enhance the flavor by dry roasting the seeds. They are also a staple for bagels in most bagel stores.

Sunflower Seeds

Slightly bigger in size compared to the other seeds, sunflower seeds are a great source of healthy fats, proteins, fiber, copper and magnesium. Also, sunflower seeds are considered to be the richest source of Vitamin E. Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of folate. Just like other seeds, sunflower seeds provide a host of health benefits. They help maintain healthy skin, protect against cancer, keep the bones healthy and balance the blood sugar level.

Sunflower seeds are a source of oil that can be used for cooking or as dressing over salads. They have a distinct taste so you can use them as a snack or can use them along with other fruits and vegetables. Sunflower butter is also used as an alternative to peanut butter.

Pomegranate Seeds

Illustration of pomergrant seeds — *Pomegranate Seeds are Healthy to Eat*

Contrary to popular opinion, pomegranate seeds are good to eat, so besides the exceptional health benefits of pomegranates in general, such as vitamin C, potassium and fiber, you can get even more benefits if you include their seeds.

Conclusion

Despite their small size, seeds are an excellent source of plant protein that provides a variety of nutritional benefits. However, it is important to remember that while most of these seeds are healthy, consuming too much can have side effects. Also, if you are suffering from a medical condition, it is best to consult a doctor before you incorporate any type of seed into your daily diet.

Health Effects of Exposure to Radiation

More than half of the radiation we are exposed to comes from nature. The ultraviolet rays of the sun, the rocks, soil, minerals and even our bodies are sources of radiation. The other half of the radiation comes from man-made sources. This includes medical tests, radioactive treatments to cure certain types of diseases and nuclear power plants.

Since radiation has existed in our atmosphere for millions of years, human bodies have evolved and can deal with exposure to a small amount of it. With advances in research and technology, there has been an increase in the use of radiation in health care and energy sectors. Now radiation is commonly used in imaging, testing and treatment of various medical conditions. It is also used to fuel energy generation. While radiation has helped mankind by helping diagnose medical conditions more accurately, treat some of the previously incurable diseases and solve the problem of power shortages, it has tremendously increased the risk of potential health problems which can be caused by exposure to radiation. How exposure to radiation affects human health is discussed below.

What is Radiation?

Similar to other forms of energy, radiation is a form of energy. However, it travels as fast-moving particles or waves. There are two types of radiation.

Non-Ionizing Radiation

This type of radiation exists as a weak form of energy. The molecules of this type of radiation do not carry enough energy to modify the atomic structure of any other particle. This type of radiation comes from cell phones, microwave and infrared light.

Ionizing Radiation

Ionizing radiation is more dangerous compared to non-ionizing radiation. This is because it has more energy and can modify the atomic structure of any particle. Ionizing radiation includes ultraviolet radiation, radon, x-rays and gamma rays.

Health Effects of Radiation Exposure

When humans are exposed to non-ionizing radiation such as cell phones and microwaves, it does not cause any damage to the human body. However, when exposed to ionizing radiation, it can damage the DNA. Since the human body is exposed to a small amount of radiation naturally, often, it can manage to repair the damage. However, if the damage is extensive or cannot be repaired, radiation exposure can either permanently damage the cells or tissues or can cause the cells to become uncontrollable. Uncontrolled cell and tissue growth are medically known as a tumor.

Radiation Sickness

Radiation sickness is a series of symptoms that appear when a person is exposed to very large doses of ionizing radiation in a short span of time. During a radioactive accident such as a nuclear blast or accident at a nuclear power plant, people receive very large doses of radiation. The distance between the person and the source of radiation and the frequency and duration of exposure will determine the amount of radiation absorbed by the body. This, in turn, will determine the intensity of symptoms. The initial symptoms of radiation sickness include nausea and vomiting. Other possible symptoms can include:

Severe burns
Fever
Weakness and Fatigue
Dizziness and difficulty in maintaining balance

In case of a nuclear accident, it is important to stay tuned to the updates provided by the concerned authorities. They will provide recommendations about whether to stay at the place of the disaster or evacuate. They can also guide you when to seek medical assistance and what to do in the interim.

Increased Risk of Cancer

Exposure to ionizing radiation can significantly increase changes in the DNA. This increases the risk of gene mutation. Also since ionizing radiation can modify the structure of the cells and tissues, it can cause them to multiply uncontrollably. This uncontrolled cell division can cause cancer. Studies have found that the use of radiation in medical imaging and treatment for various types of cancer can increase the risk of cancer. However, the risk of cancer depends upon the source and amount of radiation exposure. It also depends upon the age and the frequency of radiation exposure.

For example, children who are exposed to radiation from a CT scan are much likely to develop cancer at a later stage in life, compared to an adult. Whereas the risk of an adult developing cancer from a CT scan is much lower. Similarly, the type of radiation imaging used also affects the risk of developing cancer. Thus, a person who has been exposed to more CT scans is more likely to develop cancer compared to those who are exposed to a normal x-ray. Similarly, a person who is exposed to a nuclear accident might suffer from radiation sickness immediately but has a much higher risk of developing cancer at a later stage.

Since 40% of Americans are already at risk of developing cancer at some point in their lives, it is difficult to assign a numerical value to the increased risk of cancer due to radiation. But it is certain that radiation exposure can increase the risk of cancer.

Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases

A study was conducted to find out the effect of radiation on cardiovascular diseases. The study included three-million people with 28 different types of cancer for 40 years. The result indicated that 33% of the people who were a part of the study died from cancer. While 11% of those treated from cancer using radiotherapy died as a result of cardiovascular diseases.

Radiotherapy given to treat various types of cancers can involve exposure of the heart to the ionizing radiation. This can increase the substantial risk of cardiovascular diseases. Also, exposure to radiation due to other sources such as radiation industries and exposure to radioactive accidents can also damage the heart and the blood vessels. As a result, it can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.