If you’ve ever forgotten something important, then you know how frustrating it is. Most people associate memory loss with aging, but the truth is that most people could benefit from consciously improving their working memory, ability to focus, and overall cognitive performance. Daily practice can help you improve your ability to recall details and manage your daily responsibilities. Training your brain for enhanced memory in focus will allow you to fully engage in life, become more productive, and stay “sharp.” Here are some tips for improving your cognition.   Pay Attention to Your Diet & Exercise Routine Diet is an important factor in cognitive performance and making sure you’re getting the right nutrients is key for improving memory and focus. A diet rich in leafy green vegetables, fish, nuts, berries, and even coffee and tea can improve your memory and help you function at your peak. Fuel your brain (and your body!) the right way to stay mentally fit. You should also get outside or to the gym and exercise regularly. Exercise has countless benefits, with cognitive performance being one of them. Research indicates that people who exercise regularly develop a larger hippocampus, which affects memory.   Play Memory Games Your brain needs exercise, just like your body. Committing to daily brain teasers and memory games is a great way to stay sharp as you get older. Something as simple as writing down ten words and then doing something else before trying to remember the words you wrote down is a simple, yet effective way to keep your brain “in shape.” Brain games don’t have to take up a lot of time, but you should do them consistently. They can also be a lot of fun—jigsaw puzzles, the daily crossword, Sudoku are all fantastic brain exercises. Try keeping a book of puzzles next to the couch and tackle one each day. You can also boost your brainpower by learning a new skill or improving an existing one. Your cognitive function will begin to deteriorate over time if you don’t challenge your brain with novel experiences. Even simply listening to music or exploring an unfamiliar environment can help!   Take Up Meditation and Get a Good Night’s Sleep Although it’s important to challenge your brain, it’s just as important to let it rest. Workaholics take note: you need to step back and relax if you want to operate at your peak level of performance. Meditation is a great daily habit for improving focus and memory. You can do it anywhere you can find a quiet space, and even just a few minutes can be beneficial. Yoga and Tai Chi can also be beneficial for your mental wellness and performance. You should also ensure that you’re getting enough sleep. Sleep improves memory and is essential for focus, mood, and general health and well-being. If you’re having trouble sleeping, it’s important to find out why so you can make adjustments and get more rest.   Spend Time with [...]

The COVID-19 pandemic has turned everyone’s daily routine upside down. While it has forced everyone to stay at home and practice social distancing, seniors need to be extra careful. Social distancing can leave you feeling both isolated and bored. However, it doesn’t have to, you can stay at home and still do a lot of fun activities. The following list will help you stay active, enjoy yourself, and keep you busy while you socially distance yourself.   Stay in touch with loved ones Being isolated can take a toll on your mental health. But luckily, technology can help you stay in touch with loved ones. All you need is a computer, tablet, or smartphone and you can easily connect with your friends and family through video calls on numerous platforms such as Skype, Zoom, or WhatsApp.   Meditate Another great way to keep your mental health intact is through meditation. You don’t have to do it for hours, just put on music that you find soothing and focus on taking deep breaths. As you do that try to focus only on your breathing and nothing else. Do this for about 4-5 minutes a day to start and build it up to 10-15 minutes. Understand that it takes time and practice for you to meditate properly so keep at it and don’t give up if you find it difficult initially.   Exercise Exercise is great for both your physical and mental health. Working out alone or with a caregiver, you want to keep it simple. Chair exercises for seniors are a smart way to keep your whole body fit as it engages everything from your core to chest and legs. Make sure you understand each exercise before you attempt it to limit the risk of injury. Also, if you plan on using any weights, be sure that you opt for weights you can easily manage.   Read a book You’ve probably had a book just lying around that you’ve been meaning to get to. There is no better time than now to read it. With the extra time on your hand, reading books you’ve been meaning to read, not only will this keep you busy, but also allows you to let your imagination take you to places you’ve always wanted to go.   Watch movies you love Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime have made it easy to watch classic movies. With thousands of movies available with a click of a button, you can browse through to find movies you’ve been meaning to watch or ones you already love.   Cook or bake Don’t let all the boredom force you to eat junk food. Instead, take the time to engage yourself in cooking or baking healthy snacks and food. The activity will help you relax and the result will be something for you to enjoy.   Online shopping Since you can’t go out to shop, let the shops come into your home with the [...]

Health is wealth! There are many health issues through which a person deals in life. Among many, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a situation in medicine that causes hand numbness, pain, or discomfort, affecting approximately 75 million people worldwide. These syndrome therapies are relatively successful, but it is essential to diagnose early. If you think you are suffering from this syndrome, call the doctor for care.   Symptoms – The symptoms for this syndrome are as follows: Tingling and numbness in your hand & fingers, particularly the thumb, middle, and index finger. Aches in hand, back or forearm. Night time numbness or discomfort, which can make it difficult to sleep. Soreness, which arises when using your hand and wrist. Difficulty holding items like a car steering wheel. The thumb is weak   What is causing this syndrome? Again and again, making the very same hand gestures can lead to carpal tunnel disorder. It is most common among people whose work needs wrist movement, held the intent to pinch and grip. People more at-risk are individuals who use machines, carpenters, product checkers, production line employees, farmers, singers, and mechanics. Often activities like farming, needlework, golf, or canoeing will bring the effects. Females are more prone to have a carpal tunnel. Sometimes it is hereditary. Carpal tunnel syndrome can also be induced by a wrist injury, for example, a fracture. Or, diseases like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disease may trigger it. This disorder can also become more prevalent in the last few months during pregnancy.   Various therapies to cure Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Resting the hand or wearing a splint in the evening may be all that is requires to alleviate symptoms of mild cases for carpal tunnel syndrome. Side effects for carpal tunnel syndrome sometimes occur at night, causing people to wake up or shake and move their hands until the numbness subsides. Always consult your doctor before going for any therapy. Some remedies are as follows:   Yoga poses are designed to reinforce, stretch, and balance the upper portion of the body and ligaments, which can help to reduce pain or improve core strength. Hand-treatment – Early studies show that specific hand treatment strategies, both physical and behavioral, may reduce carpal tunnel disease. Take quick, frequent breaks from repetitive hands-on activities. Lose weight if you are obese or overweight. Turn your wrists or stretch your fingers or palms. In the evening, wear a comfortable but rigid wrist splint. Ice your wrist or soak it in an ice bath once or twice an hour for 10 to 15 minutes. Get relieved from pain at night via shaking your hand or wrist gently, or by any other hanging exercise for your hand. Immerse your palm in lukewarm water, then gently massage or stretch your wrist and hand. Do this 3-4 times per day.   Consume more vitamin B6 Vitamin B6 is an essential mineral involved in hormonal regulation, as well as reducing tiredness and fatigue. It [...]

Hidradenitis Suppurativa, often shortened to HS, is a chronic skin condition that causes bumps, lesions and wounds that form near hair follicles under the skin. There are three stages starting from a mild form with a bump or two that fill with pus and moving up to severe symptoms of abscesses forming, tunnels or sinus tracts joining, infections and scarring. Because there is no cure, all treatments help to manage or reduce the symptoms and complications that come with HS. That includes medical support, emotional support as well as making certain lifestyle changes like adopting a Hidradenitis Suppurativa diet.   Complications That Come From Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) Complications are more likely in people with stage 2 or 3 flare-ups. They include but are not limited to; Abscesses and Drainage: Areas that are prone to HS are prone to forming deep pockets of exudate in the form of abscesses that need careful  treatment, as well as medication from a doctor to treat. The wounds are slow and difficult to heal, and can sometimes become infected. A Change In How Your Skin Appears: Scarring is common after the wounds eventually heal and pitted skin is also a problem. Difficulty Moving: The sores, wounds and scar tissue can all add up,making it hard to move and painful to move, especially when it is affecting the thighs and armpits. Arthritis is also a complication that some people with HS have to deal with. Fistulas: fistulas are when the tunnels or passages join together beneath the wounds. Since HS often flares where there are lymph nodes their drainage can be negatively affected by the scar tissue. Anxiety, Depression and Isolation: It is not uncommon in people with Hidradenitis Suppurativa to struggle with these things as the condition impacts their appearance, their self-confidence, keeps them indoors and makes them feel things like embarrassment and even shame.   What Can You Do? Some coping tips include: Finding a support group, counselor or therapist you can talk to about your emotions and struggles. Sometimes these people will have real experience and can offer useful advice and sometimes they are a great and safe place you can unload to. Look at ways to manage your stress, that might be via medication but you can also consider things like meditation, keeping a journal or changing somethings in your life like a Hidradenitis Suppurativa diet. Keep your family and friends aware of what is happening physically and emotionally so they can be there to support you, rather than pushing people away. Find a good doctor. Sometimes that might mean pushing for a specialist or getting referrals until you find someone you are happy with and feel are listening to you. Let them help manage your pain and properly care for your wounds.   Conclusion: As a person with HS has to deal with flare-ups, periods where symptoms are worse, and they are unpredictable it can leave people struggling not just with the physical symptoms but also [...]

As the knowledge about the medicinal properties of marijuana spreads, more regions are looking into opportunities to legalize the plant to benefit consumers and their economies. The medicinal applications of marijuana indicate a boom in the future of the marijuana industry, as users from across the globe are sharing their experience of choosing marijuana medication for treating several ailments. Some promising segments of application include cancer research, treatment for AIDS, and Alzheimer’s. The therapeutic benefits of marijuana were an innate part of several cultures across the globe up until a few decades ago. The natural properties of the plant that arises from the presence of cannabinoids interact with the body in such a way that it curbs several problems from the roots to give permanent relief. CBD or cannabidiol is one of the two major cannabinoids of the cannabis plant. The structure of the compound is similar to that of some chemicals in our body that enables interaction for the regulation of many functions such as sleep, memory, pain. One of the most popular areas of CBD oil usage is to relieve pain and inflammation, but there are other benefits of using CBD oil as well.   Can Help Curb Pain And Inflammation Pain and inflammation are the body’s response to a certain trigger that indicates the presence of an injury or problem. Chronic pain conditions occur due to permanent damage in any part of the body that could include muscles or joints. In some conditions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia, over-the-counter painkillers do not always offer the relief a patient needs. Pain-related to these conditions could affect lifestyle and trigger depression in some cases. Other medications come with a risk of addiction, abuse, and possible degeneration of the nervous system. The natural cannabinoid composition of the cannabis plant is available after the extraction of CBD oil. These cannabinoids can interact with the CB receptors of the body. The interaction reduces the sensitivity of the response of the body to a trigger situation such as an injured joint and reduces inflammation and pain. It can also be effective in coping with chronic inflammatory conditions. CBD releases chemicals in the body that control the perception of pain to influence the intensity of pain in users suffering from these ailments.   Can Treat Epilepsy Epileptic seizures refer to a disturbance in the electric pulses in the brain that leads to periods of unusual behavior and seizure activities. It is a disorder of the central nervous system that could provoke twitching in the arms or legs, along with long periods of loss of awareness. Although a large volume of research is underway to help patients cope with the seizures, the efficiency of these treatments has not met expectations. But the introduction of CBD to treat seizure activity in these patients shows a promising front. Studies indicate that the use of CBD in clinical trials helped reduce the frequency and intensity of seizure activities in patients that [...]

Staying healthy and fit is a goal that many people have. Not only do we want to look good, but we want to remain healthy. While looking young, keeping your skin youthful and staying healthy and fit is easier when you’re younger, it becomes much tougher as you age. However, just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you need to give in and no longer be healthy, fit or care about your skin and how you look. There are things you can do to age gracefully and keep yourself healthy and looking great well into your 5th decade of life and beyond. Without any further ado, this article is going to go over some ways to stay healthy, fit and beautiful as you get older.   Have High-Quality Health Insurance Having health insurance is incredibly important to maintaining your health as you get older. In many cases, it will drastically reduce the amount you need to pay for most healthcare services. Without it, visiting the doctor, getting prescriptions and doing many other things that are important as we get older will be quite expensive. This may keep people from visiting the doctor as often as they should. Be sure to do some research on the best health insurance plans for you. Your needs may differ from your friends, so be sure to evaluate your own needs and select a plan based on that. For example, some people need things like dental and prescription coverage, while others may not. Of course, once you have health insurance, it is important to use it. For example, visiting a doctor once a year for a check-up is always a good idea. Also, if you notice anything feels or seems out of the ordinary, don’t be scared to visit a doctor.   Eat a Balanced and Healthy Diet and Exercise What you eat is incredibly important to your overall health. A bad diet full of unhealthy foods is sure to not only affect your health, but also how you feel. Instead, you should aim to eat a balanced diet full of the nutrients you need. Unfortunately, many people in the USA struggle mightily with their diet. A bad diet can also contribute to many diseases like diabetes, heart disease and several others. The better you eat, the more healthy, fit and happy you will likely be as you get older. In addition to having a good diet, you should try to remain active as you get older as well. Even taking a few long walks a week or doing some light workouts can help you look and feel much better. Of course, be sure to listen to your body when exercising. Don’t overwork yourself and know what your body can handle and what it cannot. Injuries from improper exercises or trying to do too much can be incredibly painful and easily preventable.   Use the Right Skincare Products One of the most visible signs of aging that most people show [...]

Culturally, when we talk about losing weight, we usually do so with an eye toward how we look. However, reducing the amount of fat on your body also offers a number of other benefits, like better sleep quality and better general health. If it’s time for you to shed some excess weight, here’s how to do it without going through too much work or too much expense.   Work in a Workout Chances are, you’re well aware that one of the keys to weight loss can be exercising. Many people don’t exercise though because they think of it as something they don’t enjoy. They see it as too much work, too much discomfort, or just plain ineffective. Yet, Live Science notes that even short workouts can be effective in your weight-loss program — and you can do something you enjoy! If traditional options like jogging, cycling, or yoga don’t appeal to you, think about martial arts, volleyball, or indoor climbing. There are plenty of ways to get your workout in without investing in a costly gym membership; for example, put on a playlist and work on your dance moves, do some yard work for exercise, or download some free fitness apps that coach you on good choices and workout routines. To keep yourself comfortable, you should always dress appropriately for whatever activity you choose. For instance, for most sports, you’ll want supportive, good-fitting athletic shoes, stretchy outer clothing, and appropriate undergarments. If you need to invest in some new pieces, you don’t need to spend a bundle there, either. Retailers like Old Navy offer activewear, you can shop online for their sales, and you can even pick up an Old Navy coupon or promo code to help you save even more money on your purchases.   Examine Eating Habits The other obvious key to dropping unwanted pounds and inches is consuming fewer calories. Keep in mind, however, that we aren’t suggesting you should eat less food; that’s not the same thing as consuming fewer calories. In fact, if you play your cards right, you might even be able to eat more on your weight-loss journey — or eat less and feel satisfied. As Woman’s Day explains, there are some foods that work as appetite suppressants. Eggs, beans, avocados, and Greek yogurt are just a few foods that make you feel full, so you’ll need less food to be satisfied. There are several reasons for this. Foods with the right types of fat, protein, and/or fiber are the key, and with some foods, like avocados, you get more than one of those magical nutritional components. Since they are more nutrition-dense and lower calorie than unhealthier options like processed or fast food, you can often consume larger quantities. Another way to produce that fantastic full feeling is with soups. By making soups with healthy sources of fat, protein, and fiber, you get the whole package, all in your bowl. On top of that, soups are ultra-convenient. You [...]

For more than a week now, I’ve been immersed in how to handle the pandemic that is unfolding all around us. By now, one thing is clear to me. We are either our greatest allies or our own worst enemies at such times. How we react makes all the difference. One friend brought home a three-inch tome all about pandemics, determined to read her way through it. Another began advising everyone on how to correctly make homemade hand sanitizer. Still another insisted that by ignoring the entire thing, she was serving herself best. “There’s too much hype,” she declared. “I refuse to buy my way through this.” And you know, she had a point. As did everyone else. After my wife and I realized all of our emergency supplies were seriously old, we threw them out. A week before the Bay Area released a “shelter in place” order, we waded through the crowds of people at Costco. All around us, people were frantically loading their carts with toilet paper and bottled water.  The panic in the air was palpable. And we were not immune to the panic. Like halfbacks snatching an intercepted pass, we emerged triumphantly with a hard-won six pack of disinfecting spray. It was handed to me by a clerk who spotted them hidden behind a forklift. Indeed, the people who worked at Costco were clearly being run ragged by the intensity of the crowds pouring into the place. All of them had the firm, polite efficiency of ER nurses practicing triage. I came home determined not to panic, and yet found I was now glued to the major media. I couldn’t stop checking it hourly as if taking my eyes off of the situation could prove fatal. Finally, when I could take it no longer, I turned to a soothing activity—a jigsaw puzzle—and I promptly lost it. As I sat there, weeping into my half-finished picture of the Grand Canyon, I realized the coronavirus has left me stressed out and immeasurably sad. Our world is, indeed, having a crisis and there will be more suffering ahead. Perhaps even a lot of suffering. I simply couldn’t avoid the truth any longer. Taking a deep breath, I allowed myself to simply melt down as much as I needed to. I had a good long cry, and half an hour later I felt remarkably better. Instantly, I became clear-headed enough to carve a path forward for myself. This one did not involve binge shopping, or massive media consumption. Instead, I developed my own COVID-19 Self-Care Checklist. For along with the handwashing and disinfecting, I find I must take care of my vulnerable, tender heart as well. In fact, I suggest we all do. Here’s how I now proceed. 1. Limit media consumption to a sane amount. Only you know what that means. But if you’re dreaming about media, leaping in in the middle of the night, or binging on it until you feel slightly sick, [...]