Category: General

Nicotine Craving and Withdrawals: The Main Reason Behind Failed Attempts to Quit Smoking

Smoking Inhibitor
What keeps you from quitting?

Currently, over one-billion people around over the world smoke cigarettes. It is killing machine that sends seven million people to their deaths each year. As we know, there are many serious physical and mental problems are associated with frequent smoking.

Many people pledge to quit smoking, but most of them fail to keep this pledge because they can’t beat the cigarette or nicotine craving. Many fail to quit smoking because they don’t understand the underlying reasons associated with nicotine withdrawals and they don’t learn how to outsmart those carvings.

There are many ‘remedies’ out there to help people who are hooked on nicotine. For some, they work. For others, they don’t. Remember that quitting smoking is all about resisting those cravings and having the willpower to deal with your withdrawals.

Side effects of nicotine consumption

nicotine cigarettes in ashtray
Do you really want this kind of nicotine in your body?

Nicotine is a potent psychoactive alkaloid that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system by inducing various effects on the brain. However, there are several side effects that are associated with regular consumption of nicotine. 

Since cigarettes are the most common type of nicotine administration that uses tobacco as the main source and is thought to have more than 70 carcinogens, nicotine consumption is more dangerous for health than you think. Take a look at the picture above. This is what goes into your lungs and due to this, there are several side effects that are associated with cigarette consumption:

  • Headaches
  • Dry mouth
  • Coughing
  • Constipation
  • Soreness in mouth and throat and change in taste
  • Upset stomach

People who have serious medical problems can get some severe side effects from the regular use of nicotine.

  • Rashes and swelling
  • Irregular heartbeat for long time period
  • Chest pains

If someone experiences these side effects, it is better to get immediate medical help.

Cigarette and nicotine withdrawals

Since nicotine can be as addictive as alcohol, cocaine and other addictive drugs, it results in various withdrawal symptoms when you stop using.

The symptoms of nicotine withdrawal depend on the level of your addiction i.e. how long you have been using nicotine and the quantity of your daily nicotine consumption.

Some of the common nicotine withdrawal symptoms are:

  • Difficulty in sleeping
  • Loss of concentration
  • Severe headaches
  • Gastrointestinal cramping

The psychological symptoms of nicotine withdrawal are underlined with irritability, bouts of anxiety and depression. In some cases, people also gain weight temporarily when they stop smoking

The symptoms of nicotine withdrawal are more severe in the following days of quitting but for some people they can persist for weeks or even months.

How to cope with nicotine cravings

While you experience the symptoms of nicotine withdrawals, you are simultaneously craving for it. Therefore if you are planning to quit smoking, prepare yourself for extreme cigarette craving.

Fill up your lungs with fresh air

Nicotine cravings often induce anxiety which urges you to smoke. To relax your mind in this situation, take up deep breathing exercises. Go outside and instead of filling your lungs with harmful carcinogenic smoke, fill them up with some fresh air. Take 5-10 deep breaths at a time. Lowering the level of your withdrawal anxiety will help you to stay on the course.

A healthy snack for each cigarette

Make a list of healthy snacks that are low in sugar and carbs, and treat yourself to them whenever you feel the strong urge to smoke. Citrus fruits and nuts are good options for these types of snacks. Engaging yourself in eating instead of smoking will also help distract the mind. Healthy food plays a role in improving the deteriorated state of your body due to excessive smoking as well.

Social support is vital

Having social support around you significantly helps in fighting nicotine or cigarette cravings. Being alone when your body is craving for nicotine will make you more susceptible to smoking again. When you quit smoking, make sure that you spend most of the time with friends and family.

Avoid smoker’s company

Many times people fail to quit smoking because people around them continue to smoke. Explain to your smoker friends about your quit plan so that they can understand why you are avoiding them. It has been noticed that people who successfully quit smoking once and overcome all the withdrawals and cravings, don’t get tempted by smokers around them again. So, you can rejoin your smoker friends once you are sure that you have got rid of the vice for good.

Apart from all these techniques, keep yourself busy in activities where your mind can be distracted. Start exercising, immerse yourself in reading, and listen to some calming music.

Controlled nicotine consumption

To treat the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal in heavy smokers, controlled nicotine is recommended where you gradually decrease the quantity of nicotine consumption by getting small amounts of nicotine from sources other than cigarettes. Nicotine gums, inhalers, sprays and nicotine patches are used for this purpose. Remember, use these products under the supervision of a professional physician.

Norovirus – A Leading Cause of Gastrointestinal Illnesses in the United States

A 3D graphical representation of a number of Norovirus virions

Norovirus is an infectious disease that disturbs the digestive system of humans. It is the leading gastrointestinal disease and is caused by the consumption of contaminated food. According to the statistical study of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on the subject of food borne illnesses, nearly 20 million people fall ill due to norovirus each year just in the US alone. The virus can also turn deadly as statistics have shown that it is fatal for at least 800 affected people each year, but in general, most people do recover within two to three days.

Origin of the Virus’s Name

Norovirus is named after Norwalk, Ohio, where the first outbreak was reported in a school in 1968. People also called the infection caused by norovirus ‘stomach flu’ or ‘stomach virus’, also it is common to label it as food poisoning. 

How Norovirus Spreads and Works?

A large part of the population can be infected by the norovirus at any given time, because the disease can spread very easily. Consuming foods or drinks that have been contaminated with the virus is a common way of acquiring it and the virus can easily spread if you’re not careful – if you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your mouth and nose, you can easily get infected. That is why the CDC and all other major health organizations recommend to wash your hands frequently, especially when in public environments. In addition, washing your counter tops with chlorine-based disinfectants will help to eliminate the virus. The transmittable ability of the virus is also known to be aerosolized i.e. it can be sprayed into the air by infected people. Indeed, even with the best precautions, the virus can still be acquired, as noted by a recent Princes Cruise in the South Pacific, where 91 people were infected. It should be pointed out though, that with the scores of cruise ships that leave port every day, an outbreak like this is considered rare among these vessels.

An adult can be affected by norovirus from as few as 18 virus units. According to the CDC, a number of norovirus that can fit on a pinhead would be sufficient enough to infect more than 1000 people. Outbreaks of norovirus mostly begin from food outlets. The CDC points out that 70% of norovirus outbreaks are caused by infected food workers.  When food infected service workers prepare food, they easily transmit the virus to customers.

Sign and Symptoms of Norovirus

The symptoms of norovirus generally start to appear 12 to 48 hours after a person first comes into contact with it. Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal cramps and pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Malaise
  • Weakness and body pain

These symptoms are usually coupled with low grade fever. In most of the cases, symptoms vanish quickly, however viral shedding might last for several weeks through excretion. This viral shedding also adds up to the contagious nature of the norovirus and makes it difficult to control the outbreak of the virus.

Treatment Options for Norovirus

Norovirus is not a bacterial infection, therefore antibiotics can’t help the affected person. However, there are some self-help tips that can be useful for an affected person that will alleviate the pain and effects of the disease.

Hydrate your Body

Diarrhea and excessive vomiting can cause dehydration. Pedialyte is a good option to hydrate affected people of all ages. Drinks containing sugar, caffeine and alcohol should be avoided since they can worsen the condition of diarrhea. The best drink you should have – water. The most natural substance on earth and one that is recommended to all whether you are ill or not.

Take Care of your Diet

In many cases, appetite picks up in affected people. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain a proper diet during the course of illness. Adding fresh and light fruits that are rich in nutrients will help you to not feel weak. Soup, fresh fruits, lean protein (fish and poultry) and yogurt are some suitable food options to introduce in your diet during the illness.

It is also better to provide your body with complete rest during this time to ensure a quick and full recovery.

Always Consult a Physician!

By acting upon the above tips and by using over counter anti-diarrhea medications, you should start to feel better in few days; however, you should seek the advise of a medical professional when you first start to feel these symptoms, but if you wait (NOT RECOMMENDED) and your symptoms worsen, it is imperative that you contact your physician immediately. With that said, some of the more serious symptoms you may encounter if you do not seek professional medical help right away could result in:

  • A high-grade fever
  • Your diarrhea is not going away even with over the counter medication
  • You can’t tolerate liquids and solid food items
  • There is blood in your stool

Of course prevention is better than the cure. Try to avoid eating from unhygienic food places. Don’t eat under-cooked meals. Also, don’t eat food prepared by a sick individual or one that appears to be ill. If you have caught the norovirus, try to avoid public places and restrooms to prevent further spread of the disease.

 

Mantras for You to Develop a Strong Connection with Self

Words can change our lives for better or for worse. People have always used mantras, chants and prayers and other forms of meditation techniques to put themselves on a more focused path. But, does it really work?

Yes it does. One of the simplest forms of meditating is to just lay back and clear you mind; subsequently, relaxing your mind and body. A little soft music is also recommended, but some people may want just plain quiet.

Constantly reminding yourself of one thing everyday conditions your brain into believing in it, just like if you listen to one type of music for long, it can start altering the neurological path of your brain cells. We need to be our own constant reminder that life is good. It is important for our inner peace and mental health that we train our minds to feel good about ourselves and keep holding on.

To attain internal peace

“I breathe, therefore I am at peace.”

All our lives, we are taught how to eat, how to walk, how to talk and how to sit straight with our heads up. However, the most important aspect is often ignored. Breathing! One thing that keeps us alive, we ignore it as if it is barely there. Being aware of your breathing is important so you can acknowledge your existence. Sometimes, we forget that we exist just by getting lost in the quest of making things right; we forget that we are breathing. Stop and breathe deeply and slowly. Knowing that you exist and feeling what keeps you alive is enough to bring you at peace, physically and mentally.

To overcome anxiety

“There is nothing wrong with what I don’t know”

Often we are so lost in the act of controlling everything around us that we forget that a completely wide world of options and opportunities exist out beyond our thinking. The need to control everything emerges from our fear of uncertainty. However, there is really no cure for what’s unknown, because it is not a disease. It is important to remind yourself that the situations are always better than you think. It starts a pattern of thoughts that works on the law of attraction. Negative thoughts and hopelessness attracts negative outcomes because it diminishes our ability to think rationally and perform well.

To attract fulfillment

“I have what it takes to get things done”

Losing self confidence means losing all your chances of succeeding in life. When we do not trust ourselves with whatever we are facing, we lose the motivation to look for ways we can actually handle the situation. Remind yourself that what you have to do is not going to be done by anyone else. Nobody is given outwardly resources. Sit down, list the situation, and list the resources you need to deal with it. From that, count what you have in your hands to get the work started. Always start with what you have because that will remove the initial hesitance of starting something you intend to work at.

To find meaning in your work

“I have what I have and it is important”

It is not happiness that we are seeking, for it is too fleeting to be sought. Instead, we are looking for peace and confidence. Remind yourself to stop running after something that is too fleeting in nature. It will make you restless. Prioritize your choices, your responsibilities, relocate your focus on things that matter and be confident about them. You are given more than just flesh and bone. Instead of focusing on what you do not have, try to understand why you have what you have and why it is important to you. Acknowledgement is the key to peace and fulfillment.  

 

Health Risks of Compression Tights

Compression tights seem to be all the rage in the US today. The latest clothing trend has been embraced by both men and women. From Reebok CrossFit compression tops to Spanx Power Panties shoes, people are fostering the trend of wearing clothes that squeeze, squish and sculpt their figure.

While the compression tights can help tone the figure, there are various potential health risks associated with the clothing that we will discuss in this article.

Infertility in Men

A scientific study conducted in the 1970s found that Swedish men had relatively higher infertility rates as compared to men in nearby European nations. The researchers came up with the ‘Swedish Tight Pants Theory’ that holds tight clothing directly responsible for lower sperm counts.

Men who wear tight clothes such as compression tights can damage their testicles. Doctors describe the heat produced in the scrotum when wearing tight pants as heat castration. The clothing overheats the testicles. This results in reduced quality of the sperm, eventually resulting in infertility.

 Genital Infections

Another health risk associated with compression tights is genital infections. Compression clothing rubs against the skin. This disrupts the skin barrier that prevents infections, according to a dermatologist at the Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City, Josh Zeichner, M.D.  

In addition, tight pants restrict air access to the genitals. This results in increased heat and humidity, which creates the perfect environment for fungal, viral, and bacterial infections in the genital area.

 Negative Affect on the Spine

Compression tights limit the mobility of the joints. They cause the joint capsules to stretch. This negatively affects a person’s spine. It can result in painful back pain that is hard to treat.

Compresses the Abdominal Area

Compression clothing tightens the abdominal area causing various health complications. The abdomen area contains vital organs.  Pressure on the abdomen area creates problems such as reduced lymph flow to the pelvis and poor blood circulation. It can also push acid from the stomach into the esophagus resulting in gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Painful Burning Sensation in the Thighs

Wearing clothes that are too tight for long periods of time can result in a painful condition that neurologists call ‘meralgia paresthetica’. The condition is associated with painful tingling or burning sensation in the thighs. It is caused by pressure on the nerves that supply blood to the upper thighs. If left unaddressed, the condition can become severe resulting in excruciating pain.

Conclusion

Compression clothing can result in serious health complications. That’s why it’s important that you avoid wearing them. You should consider wearing loose clothing at all times, even during workouts. However, if you are bent on wearing compression clothing, make sure that you buy the right size based on your leg and hip measurement. You should buy clothing that is not too difficult to put on or take off.  This will help prevent the serious health complications mentioned in the article.

Encouraging the Love for Charity and Humanity in Your Kids – Where to Begin?

The world is in a state of turmoil. The hatred, intolerance and violence that have us all in their grip need not affect the future generations. This makes it extremely important that we raise our kids to be kind, considerate and generous individuals who understand and appreciate their own worth.

Kids need to know that they can grow up to make a difference, simply by being kind to others. Teaching these values to children doesn’t always involve lectures. Instead, show them how kindness works by making it a part of day-to-day life.

Best Practices for Raising Kind Children

Howard Fensterman isn’t just an accomplished NY lawyer, but also a proud family man who has tried his best to instill a love for humanity and charity in his children. Here’s what he suggests:

Show Them Kindness Every day

Take them along when you perform an act of kindness. Make this a weekly thing where together with the kids, you go to the local hospital to volunteer and cheer up the patients, or just pay for the next person’s coffee at your local cafe. Encourage your kids to give away a toy every month.

Encourage Sharing

Sharing is an awesome way to be kind to others. Your kids should learn that sharing their toys and other items is a fun way of making new friends and plain feels good.

Teach Them to Be Thankful

Thankfulness is one value rapidly vanishing from our homes. Teaching your kids to be grateful for the smallest things makes them understand that even if it’s not a lot, the person gave all they could afford to give at the time. They need to learn that saying thank you to people who do nice things is an important part of being kind.

Don’t Stop Them from Giving A Helping Hand

Kids are often excited about helping their parents around the home. However, they are never encouraged because of the torrential messes and potential clean ups that might be required. Don’t be afraid. Let them help out by loading up the dishwasher or putting clothes in the washing machine. Let them know that it’s okay to lend a helping hand.

Take the time to understand the unique personalities and learning needs of your children, then give them the opportunity to learn more about life, as well as the small things that truly makes it worth living.

Finally, visit Howard Fensterman Charities to learn more about some of the leading charities that are actually making a difference in this world.

 

Dry Drowning: What Every Parent Should Know

 

Girl drowning in pool
Some warning signs of drowning: hair over the forehead or eyes, vertical position in the water, arms moving under water and possible gasping. But they should see medical attention soon after recuperating so as to confirm there is no dry drowning.

Photo by frantab – yayimages.com
Just recently, in May 2017, a child in New Jersey was saved from drowning by an off-duty policeman during a back-yard pool party. This is not uncommon and is indicative of the many water accidents that occur throughout the county, especially during the summer months.

Lindsay Kujawa, a blog writer in Southern California had described a harrowing incident about her family’s brush with dry drowning.

Her son had slipped into the pool and was being sucked to the other side by the pool jets. Kujawa, who noticed his fall almost immediately ran to pull him out. Initially, he showed no sign of distress. However, hours later, he had to be rushed to the hospital as his mother hopelessly saw her son’s oxygen level drop.

While her son had recovered, the mother wrote that it was one of the worst things that could happen to a mother, and that other parents should learn from her experience.

If you, like many others, have never heard of the term ‘dry drowning’, you should consider reading the article right till the end.

What is Dry Drowning?

The term dry drowning seems to be confusing to most people. The first thing that you should keep in mind regarding dry drowning is that it has nothing to do with hot and dry climatic condition. It happens when a small child inhales water after being submerged in water for a few minutes. The drowning is called ‘dry’ since it happens outside the water.  

Unlike adults, small children’s lungs have lower capacity to handle fluids. A child who slips and falls in the pool for even a few minutes will face life threatening situation later on. The  signs of distress show up to 24 hours after being submerged in water.

Signs of Dry Drowning

  • Submerged in Water — A child less than 5 years old who has been pulled from water after drowning. It’s important that the child should receive immediate medical help even if submerged in water for a few minutes.
  • Vomiting — Inflammation, lack of oxygen, and intense coughing causes vomiting. It shows that the child is in distress.
  • Feeling Tired — While it’s normal for a child to feel sleepy after some time at the pool, it may also be due to loss of oxygen. If a child has been submerged in water and looks extra fatigued, it’s recommended to call a pediatrician.
  • Difficulty in Breathing — Shallow and rapid breathing is another sign of dry drowning. Seek immediate medical help if the child displays labored breathing after being submerged in water.
  • Changed Behavior — If a child seem sick or woozy, it may be due to lack of oxygen. Again, it’s recommended to get medical help.

    Get Immediate Medical Help

If a child has been pulled out of water after slipping, it’s important to seek immediate medical help. Even though the child may be acting fine, the fluid that has accumulated inside the lungs can cause a life threatening situation.

The medical professional will obtain an X-ray of the lungs and mentor signs of respiratory distress. In case any anomaly is detected, the doctor will take immediate steps to address the issue. Timely professional help may well save the life of the child.

What is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)

A news article published on CNN website this year reported a two-year old in Indianapolis dying of a little known disease that doctors suspect was Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). The girl had developed strep throat and was given antibiotics. Later she reported of a high fever and pink rashes started popping on her body a few days later she died of the disease.

Not many people are aware of RMSF and how it spreads. In this article, we will shed light on the disease and what you can do to protect yourself and your kids from this illness.

What is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)?

RMSF is a disease that is caused by the bacterium rickettsia. The bacterium enters the human body through the bite of an affected tick, which are are tiny, bloodsucking parasitical insects. Some of the diseases you can get from a tick bite are Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. While both adults and children can get the disease, children are particularly susceptible to RMSF.

Animals can also get bitten. There was one case where a small female malaise had a black bump next to her eye. As the days passed, its owner noticed the bump was growing. Upon close examination, it was found to be a tick that was attached to her. Fortunately, the parasite was successfully removed without any further complications; however, this might not always be the case. The dog picked up the tick in the back yard of their Long Island home, so ticks can be anywhere. Be careful!

Individuals who suffer from the disease develop a fever and rashes across their body. If not treated through the right antibiotics, the disease can prove fatal, like in the case of the little girl. It’s important to take protective measures against ticks, particularly during the warmer months when these predators are usually the most active.

How to Avoid Contact with Ticks?

Ticks are usually found in brushy and wooded areas, having leaf litter and high grass and many times, found in the center of camping trails. In order to avoid contact with ticks, it’s important to use a repellent that consists of 20+ percent of picaridin, DEET or IR3535. The repellent must be applied on the exposed skin. It should not be applied on the eyes, hands or mouth. The action of the relent lasts for several hours. You can find the best repellent on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website.

Furthermore, it’s important to treat clothing such as pants, socks and boots with a product containing 0.5 percent permethrin before going camping. The effect of the product may last through several washings.

After coming indoors, you should also tumble dry your clothes in a dryer with high heat setting. Drying the cloth for 10 minutes will kill the ticks. Additional time will be required for treating damp clothes. If washing is required, you should wash the cloth in hot water.

Lastly, you should find and remove ticks from the body. It’s important to shower as soon as possible when you come indoors. Consider doing a full body check to find ticks. You can use a full-length mirror to find ticks on the body. Places to look include under the arms, inside the belly button, in and around the ear, between the legs, behind the knees, in your hair and around the waist.

These simple measures listed above can help you and your family in avoiding the threat of being infected by the deadly Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Making Life Easier for Arthritis Patients

Arthritis is a painful condition and it is not easy to live with it as it can make the lives of both the patient and the caretakers disconcerting and disruptive. This is because patients find it highly difficult to even perform their daily tasks due to the stiffness and chronic pain.

Clearing a Common Misconception

Many people believe that arthritis is a single disease that causes joint pain. In fact, arthritis is both a disease that can be of as many as 100 different types, and an umbrella term used for a variety of other joint diseases that also cause severe joint pain.

Although arthritis is mainly associated with old age, it can also affect children. According to Arthritis Foundation, about 300,000 children suffer from some form of arthritis. The condition is more likely to affect women than men.

How to Make Life Easier For Arthritis Patients?

Arthritis, the leading cause of disability in the US, not only causes extreme pain and makes performing regular tasks highly difficult, but also poses emotional challenges. This is why the American College of Rheumatology recommends non-drug treatments and lifestyle changes in addition to the medications.

Following are some tips for making life easier for people suffering from any kind of arthritis:

Get Moving

A lot of people when diagnosed with arthritis stop exercising, which is wrong. Exercise helps to keep your muscles strong and your joints moving. However, you shouldn’t put too much pressure and avoid doing very hard exercises. It is extremely important to consult your doctor to know about the exercises that keep your joints and muscles healthy and moving.

Also, do not hold a position for a long time, whether you are standing, sitting or lying on your bed. Try to get up and do little stretching after every 15 minutes.

Plan Your Life

Rather than going into depression when diagnosed with arthritis, the smart approach is to plan your life accordingly. Make choices that do not require much activity and rigorous work. For example, use various tools especially designed to aid arthritis patients, buy clothes that can be worn without ironing, keep items that you frequently use within easy reach, and make modifications in your house by installing various adaptive aids.

Take Care of Your Diet

Food items that contain high amounts of antioxidants help in reducing inflammation, managing pain and enhancing energy levels. Foods that are rich in antioxidants are called anti-inflammatory foods include:

  • Nuts and seeds
  • Salmon
  • Berries, especially blueberries
  • Dark chocolate
  • Various supplements, such as that of fish oil and turmeric, also help in reducing the joint stiffness. However, always consult your doctor before taking any medicine or supplement.

Host Charity Events at Your Workplace or Neighborhood!

How to Host Charity EventsAre you up to doing something good and rewarding for your community? How about a charity benefit? There are a variety of fundraising events you can choose from and while they are rewarding, they can also be a lot of fun! Whether you are honoring a loved one or celebrating a special occasion, it would be nice to include your causes in your celebrations and ensure that the event leads to long lasting change. However, it doesn’t have to be a grand affair.

It could be something simple like a huge yard sale or a golf tournament if you are planning something on a larger scale. Hosting fundraisers is fun and highly rewarding and pretty much anyone can be a part of it.

Fundraising Ideas That Everyone Can Enjoy

Howard Fensterman is a New York lawyer and philanthropist who works with a variety of charities within his community and throughout the country. He has seen firsthand the huge impact a little bit of your contribution can make. Raising money is great way to reach out to others and help them in their time of need.

Whether you plan to give more books to your local literacy program, your local church or synagogue or want to gather funds for Haiti, Africa or other disaster stricken places, give it a shot!

Here is a list of some low-cost fundraising ideas that are designed to help build your community spirit, while also raising the necessary cash for a good cause.

Some examples of events you and your friends can host include:

  • Benefit Walk
  • Car wash
  • Bake sale
  • Poker tournament
  • Golf tournament
  • Neighborhood BBQ
  • Fashion show
  • Battle of the Bands
  • Happy hour
  • Garage sale
  • 5k walks or run

Host a Fundraiser in Your Community

Whether you are planning on starting a fundraising in your neighborhood or at work, make sure that everyone involved understands the stakes, and willing to contribute constructively to the chosen cause.
Clearly define the cause and specify the desired outcome of the event to everyone. Set the date and time-frame first thing. This will help you ensure that there aren’t any scheduling conflicts or availability issues for the attendees. Next make sure the venue you select is big enough for the number of attendees expected.

Know that you will need some sort of seed money to get the fundraising venture off the ground. Do a neighborhood pool, or ask your boss to contribute; approach other local businesses; if they’d like to give.

And finally, don’t forget to make sure you are raising funds for a legitimate charity. Double-check the validity of the organization and who the money will be forwarded to. Keep coming back to learn more about Howard Fensterman, his latest charitable venture and his latest advice on the donating money and raising events that do really well!

 

The Dangerous Health Effects of Physical Inactivity

Our bodies have been engineered to perform at their peak when physically active. Lack of physical activity has been shown by studies to increase the risk of cardiovascular and many other diseases. A study of healthy and young adults by researchers at the University of Liverpool had found that as little as two weeks of being physically inactive can result in increased risk of chronic diseases.

Being physically inactive can reduce the years in your life. Here are some of the dangerous effects of not being physically active.

1. Higher Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases

Being physically inactive for just a few days can increase the risk of heart complications. The blood cholesterol level will increase when a person is physically inactive. This will result in inefficient blood flow leading to a possible heart attack or other heart ailment.  

2. Increased Risk of Hypertension

Another dangerous health effect of inactivity is hypertension. People who tend to spend most of their time on the couch watching TV can suffer from hypertension, which refers to high blood pressure and mental and physical strain. This medical condition can damage the arterial wall. This can result in increased chances of a stroke. Also, hypertension can cause damage to kidney, resulting in kidney diseases.  

3. Bone Diseases are Likely to Occur

When it comes to bones in the body, the appropriate term is ‘use it or lose it’. The bones of persons who don’t engage in physical activities become weak. This can increase the risk of bone diseases such as osteoporosis and arthritis. The bones will fracture easily causing a lot of physical and financial pain. Senior individuals are more likely to develop bone diseases due to remaining physically inactive.

4. Increased Risk of Cancer

Lack of physical activity can contribute to increased risk of developing breast and colon cancer.  Inactivity directly affects the bowel movement. As a result, the food moves slowly through the digestive system. This results in the waste from digested food spending more time in the colon. As a result, the colon might be exposed to possible cancer-causing chemicals.  

Also, physically inactive women can develop breast cancer. The National Cancer Institute has stated that hormone levels in women who don’t exercise are lower. This contributes to increased risk of developing tumors in the breast.   

5. Higher Risk of Gallstones

Gallstones develop due to hard deposits of bile in the gallbladder. The condition can result in nausea, fever, and abdominal pain. The waste takes more time to go through the intestines due to being physically inactive. This in addition to higher level of triglycerides can increase the likelihood of developing gallstones.   

Physical inactivity has many other dangerous health effects apart from those listed above. It’s important that you engage in moderate exercise every day. Also, avoid prolonged periods of sedentary actions. Simply by walking half an hour every day can have beneficial effects on the body.