How to Recognize Stages of Dementia : 7 Stages of Dementia

How to Recognize Stages of Dementia : 7 Stages of Dementia


One of the main topics of discussion when someone is diagnosed with dementia is the “stage” of the disease — a marker of how far it has progressed

The word dementia gets used a lot when talking about aging and certain diseases. A common misconception is that dementia is a disease in itself. It is, in fact, a set of symptoms, which can be caused by a number of disorders.

The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Brain damage from an injury or a stroke can also cause dementia, as can other diseases like Lewy body dementia and Huntington’s disease.

Here How to Recognize Stages of Dementia : 7 Stages of Dementia

1.  No impairment
In this stage the person functions normally, has no memory loss, and is mentally healthy. People with NO dementia would be considered to be in Stage 1.

2.  Very mild.
Dementia signs are barely noticeable and simply appear to be the kind of forgetfulness associated with aging — such as misplacing keys but finding them again after some searching.

3.  Mild Cognitive Decline
This stage includes increased forgetfulness, slight difficulty concentrating, decreased work performance. People may get lost more often or have difficulty finding the right words. At this stage, a person's loved ones will begin to notice a cognitive decline. Average duration: 7 years before onset of dementia

4.  Mild.
At this stage, patients are “usually able to do basic activities of daily living,” says Shah — which means they can perform their daily routines, such as getting up, going to the bathroom, getting dressed, and so on, without difficulty. Symptoms of dementia at this stage may include:

• Some forgetfulness and memory loss
•  Repetition 
• Losing items without being able to retrace steps to find them
• Slight trouble managing finances, such as balancing a checkbook
• Confusion while driving

5.   Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline
People in this stage have major memory deficiencies and need some assistance to complete their daily activities (dressing, bathing, preparing meals). Memory loss is more prominent and may include major relevant aspects of current lives; for example, people may not remember their address or phone number and may not know the time or day or where they are. Average duration: 1.5 years

6.   Severe.
Caregivers have to help a lot more with day-to-day activities at this stage. Dementia signs at the severe stage include:

•  Needing help to get dressed
• Requiring help with toileting, such as wiping and flushing
• Wandering and becoming lost if not supervised
• Inability to recall the names of family members or caregivers, but still being able to recognize  familiar faces
• Sleep disturbances

7.   Very Severe Cognitive Decline (Late Dementia)
People in this stage have essentially no ability to speak or communicate. They require assistance with most activities (e.g., using the toilet, eating). They often lose psychomotor skills, for example, the ability to walk. Average duration: 2.5 years

6 Things That Can Make Labour More Painful

 6 Things That Can Make Labour More Painful
Labour can be a real pain. And for women who choose to be brave and go for a natural delivery without the help of pain relief, labour pains can be unbearable. However, there are times when some simple things done in a wrong way Can Make Labour More Painful

So, lets cut to the chase – Here 6 Things That Can Make Labour More Painful

1. Lying on your back
When you lie on your back, the baby’s weight presses down on your spine, and cuts off your blood supply. It also puts you in a position that is against gravity, making it harder for you to push. Instead, choose upright or forward-leaning positions, and rest on your side when you get tired.

2. Fear
What has fear got to do with it? When we’re fearful, we tense up. When we’re tense, we don’t breathe deeply, our body is tight and and we feel more pain. So, how do you combat the fear? I believe the best things a woman can do for herself (and her partner) to help prevent fear is get informed and educated with good quality information and surround herself with great support.This includes: 

• Getting independent birth education
• Reading books that give you great information
• Considering a homebirth 
• Look into Calmbirth/Hypnobirth classes 
• Join pregnancy or birth groups that are supportive of your choices

3. Shallow breathing
This automatically follows fear. Usually, when you are afraid, you breathe from your chest and not your belly. Consciously try belly breathing by taking a deep breath and holding for a second before breathing out. More the oxygen you take in, more relaxed your body is and more you are capable of fighting pain. Also, oxygen will help produce more oxytocin that will help move the labour along.

4. Being dehydrated
If you’re dehydrated, your uterus cannot contract as efficiently as it normally would. Dehydration affects every single cell in your body, so you will also feel tired sooner and will not be able to focus or concentrate. Try to sip on water throughout your labour, to keep your system working at optimal levels. It’s a good idea to keep bendy straws with you, so that your partner can hold the glass and you can drink the water easily

5. Not knowing any natural pain relieving techniques
Labour is painful, with or without pain relieving techniques. You should make it a point to learn some natural techniques that relieve pain, like breathing exercises, or visualisations. They will help relax you and give you something to focus on apart from the pain. You can also opt for a water birth, to make the birth more soothing and less painful.

6. Giving birth in a stressful environment
During your pregnancy, screen the nearest hospitals, before you decide where you want to have your baby. Talk to other people who have given birth at those hospitals and ask them about their experience. If the environment around you is stressing you out, you will tense up, and that will make your labour more painful. Ask them questions like the number of people in the birthing room, whether there were unwanted people around, whether it was chaotic and noisy or calm and peaceful, etc.

How to Get Kids to Eat Healthier

How to Get Kids to Eat Healthier
Most kids do not particularly enjoy eating "healthy" foods. So what your children learn to eat at home early in life sticks with them well into adulthood.

Here are 5 tips How to Get Kids to Eat Healthier 
1.   Give foods fun names
i.e. Tally's wiggle macaroni and cheese. You can also name things after them or fun T.V characters they like, for example Micky Mouse.

2.   Be a good role model.
Most of the parents we know complain that their children refuse to eat healthfully. The real problem most often lies with the parents, not the kids
Most of us are so accustomed to eating out and buying prepared foods in the grocery store that we don’t even know what good food is anymore. In order to be good role models we must educate ourselves first and then practice what we preach.

3.   Don't nag about unhealthy choices.
When children choose fatty, fried, unhealthy foods, redirect them by suggesting a healthier option.

4.   Experiment with fun colors and shapes.
Could you cut that sandwich or fruit into a star or heart shape with a cookie cutter?

5.   Sit down to family dinners at night.
If this isn't a tradition in your home, make it one. Research shows that children who eat dinners at the table with their parents have better nutrition and are less likely to get in serious trouble as teenagers. Start with one night a week, and then work up to three or four, to gradually build the habit.

How to Burn Belly Fat Fast With Lifestyle Changes

How to Burn Belly Fat Fast With Lifestyle Changes
Losing that belly fat is about more than just aesthetics; having excess weight around the midsection can increase your likelihood for a variety of illnesses, including diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and certain cancers.

Here How to Burn Belly Fat Fast With Lifestyle Changes
1.   Take the scenic route.
Park your car as far as possible from the entrance to your office, the shopping mall or a restaurant and get those legs pumping. Ten minutes of daily moderate paced walking (five minutes each way burns about 20 calories) can take off over 4 pounds a year

2.   Exercise regularly
While not everyone has time to spend two hours at the gym every day, it is still possible to get enough daily activity to help your body burn off unwanted belly fat.  Try to fit in three five minute sets of vigorous exercise per day, five days out of the week.  Some great examples of workouts that will get your heart pumping and help you lose belly fat include

3.   Get enough sleep.
People who are sleep deprived tend to feel sluggish, causing them to overeat to compensate for the lack of energy.Getting at least six to seven hours of sleep a night is crucial to maintaining your overall health, and can help you manage your weight in the long run.

4.   Relax
Stress causes our bodies to pump out a hormone called cortisol which causes us to build and retain belly fat.  If you’ve tried every health food, trick, cheat, and exercise under the sun but you just can’t seem to lose the weight around your waist, relax.  It may be the stress itself that is to blame.  Instead of worrying about your weight, set aside some time each day to do something you love.  Think about what makes you happy and find a way to include that in your daily routine.

5.   Don't try to "spot-reduce."
Crunches and other ab-busting workouts are great if you are trying to build muscle, but if you have excess belly fat, these types of exercises will build muscle underneath that fat without targeting the fat itself. Instead of trying to tone up your stomach only, focus on total-body toning exercises that build overall muscle mass.

6.   Eat the Right Foods
Depending on who you ask, the lineup of foods that can magically burn away unwanted weight is a long one.  However, many of the items included on that list are questionable at best.  Here is some foods(how to lose belly fat naturally with foods) that really will help you to shed belly fat when included as part of a balanced, healthy diet.

7.   Cook meals at home when possible
Use olive oil or cooking spray rather than butter. When eating out, opt for protein-rich foods over starchy foods like pasta. Ask for dressings and sauces on the side to cut down on extra calories.

6 Steps How to Treat Imsomnia With Healthy Habit

6 Steps How to Treat Imsomnia With Healthy Habit
Insomnia is defined as difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, or waking up early in the morning and not being able to return to sleep. In general, people with insomnia sleep less or sleep poorly despite having an adequate chance to sleep. The poor sleep causes difficulty functioning during the daytime. Insomnia is not defined by the number of hours slept because the amount of sleep needed varies from one person to another.

here 6 Steps How to Treat Imsomnia With Healthy Habit
1.   Don't drink drinks containing caffeine for at least four hours before bedtime.
Caffeine is a stimulant, so will make it very difficult to get to sleep or may cause increased wakefulness during the course of the night. Avoiding beverages with caffeine will no doubt improve sleep, in any individual, especially those with insomnia.

2.   Relaxation training,
or progressive muscle relaxation, teaches the person to systematically tense and relax muscles in different areas of the body. This helps to calm the body and induce sleep. Other relaxation techniques that help many people sleep involve breathing exercises, mindfulness, meditation techniques, and guided imagery. Many people listen to audio recordings to guide them in learning these techniques. They can work to help you fall asleep and also return to sleep in the middle of the night.

3.   Keep the temperature of your sleeping area to your taste,
not too hot or not too cold. This is down to opinion, sleep at the temperature that is best for you. This way you will be much more comfortable and maybe sleep better.

4.   Stimulus control
helps to build an association between the bedroom and sleep by limiting the type of activities allowed in the bedroom. An example of stimulus control is going to bed only when you are sleepy, and getting out of bed if you've been awake for 20 minutes or more. This helps to break an unhealthy association between the bedroom and wakefulness. Sleep restriction involves a strict schedule of bedtimes and wake times and limits time in bed to only when a person is sleeping.

5.   Try not to sleep during the day,
reserve sleep for the night instead. If you feel sleepy during the day, try to distract yourself, talk to a friend, do some exercise. Persistent napping during the day will detract from the amount and quality of sleep you get during the night.

6.   Take a hot bath,
as this will help you to relax and as you cool down, you begin to feel increasingly sleepy!

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms Signs

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms Signs
Everyone gets nervous or anxious from time to time—when speaking in public, for instance, or when going through financial difficulty. For some people, however, anxiety becomes so frequent, or so forceful, that it begins to take over their lives.
The symptoms of anxiety are sometimes not all that obvious as they often develop gradually and, given that we all experience some anxiety at some points in time, it can be hard to know how much is too much.

Here 9 Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms Signs :

1.   Keep an eye out for crying or appetite changes.
Sudden weight gain or weight loss could be a sign of any number of medical issues, but even if depression is not the cause you should still consult a doctor. Frequent crying paired with some of the above symptoms could indicate depression, especially if you aren't sure why you're crying

2.   Excessive worry

The hallmark of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)—the broadest type of anxiety—is worrying too much about everyday things, large and small. But what constitutes "too much"?
it means having persistent anxious thoughts on most days of the week, for six months. Also, the anxiety must be so bad that it interferes with daily life and is accompanied by noticeable symptoms, such as fatigue.

3.   Get mysterious aches and pains diagnosed. 
If you have frequent unexplained headaches or other pains, consult a doctor. A medical condition is likely at fault, and depression is a likely possibility if you are a preteen or teenager who matches some of the other symptoms as well

4.   Sleep problems

Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep is associated with a wide range of health conditions, both physical and psychological. And, of course, it's not unusual to toss and turn with anticipation on the night before a big speech or job interview.
But if you chronically find yourself lying awake, worried or agitated—about specific problems (like money), or nothing in particular—it might be a sign of an anxiety disorder. By some estimates, fully half of all people with GAD experience sleep problems.

5.   Identify other changes in your energy level and mood.
Depression can have opposite effects in different people. Are you restless, unable to concentrate, and extra irritable? Or have you become tired, unable to perform routine tasks, and prone to avoiding active motion?

6.   Irrational fears

Some anxiety isn't generalized at all; on the contrary, it's attached to a specific situation or thing—like flying, animals, or crowds. If the fear becomes overwhelming, disruptive, and way out of proportion to the actual risk involved, it's a telltale sign of phobia, a type of anxiety disorder.

7.   Hopelessness. 
Have you felt tempted to "give up", or had trouble imagining any improvement? Have you become more of a pessimist since you began suspecting depression?

8.   Chronic indigestion

Anxiety may start in the mind, but it often manifests itself in the body through physical symptoms, like chronic digestive problems. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition characterized by stomachaches, cramping, bloating, gas, constipation, and/or diarrhea, is basically an anxiety in the digestive tract.

9.   Panic

Panic attacks can be terrifying: Picture a sudden, gripping feeling of fear and helplessness that can last for several minutes, accompanied by scary physical symptoms such as breathing problems, a pounding or racing heart, tingling or numb hands, sweating, weakness or dizziness, chest pain, stomach pain, and feeling hot or cold.

8 Springtime Eye Alergy Tips

8 Springtime Eye Alergy Tips
When we think of spring and eyes we immediately associate it with allergies and dry eye symptoms.
Also, we often skip yearly eye exams, which puts not only our eyes but also our overall health at risk. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to turn things around

If you think you have eye allergies, here are 8 Springtime Eye Alergy Tips :

1.   Get an early start.
See your eye doctor before allergy symptoms start this year to learn how to reduce your sensitivity to allergens.

2.   Keep blinking.
Neglecting to do so is a main cause of eye irritation among computer users. Blinking washes, hydrates, and lubricates the eye. Computer screens have a subtle hypnotic effect that suppresses blinking, so computer users are at risk for dry, irritated eyes. Look away from your screen frequently and blink.

3.   Start Steeping

You may want to swap that afternoon cup of coffee for green tea: Not only is it hydrating (which helps you produce tears) but the brew also contains catechins, which are among a host of antioxidants (like vitamins C and E, lutein, and zeaxanthin) that may defend the eyes’ tissues from AMD and cataracts. Research from the Chinese University of Hong Kong has proven that catechins are absorbed in the highest concentrations by the tissues in the retina, the part of the eye that detects light.

4.   Don't rub your eyes
Don't rub your eyes if they itch! This will release more histamine and make your eye allergy symptoms worse.

5.   Contact lens.
Cut down your contact lens wear or switch to daily disposable lenses to reduce the build-up of allergens on your lenses.

6.   Make Over Your Makeup Routine

Bacteria can thrive in mascara, so toss the tube after three months. Also, sharpen liner pencils regularly. It’s okay, of course, to line the base of your lashes, but “putting liner inside the lash line can block the oil glands, which protect your eyes’ surface,” says Ruth D. Williams, M.D., a former president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

7.   Artificial tears 
Use plenty of artificial tears to wash airborne allergens from your eyes. Ask your eye doctor for the best brands.

8.   Air purifier
Consider purchasing an air purifier for your home, and purchase an allergen-trapping filter for your furnace.

How To Treat An Eye Infection At Home

How To Treat An EyeInfection At Home
Irritated and burning eyes could indicate a more serious problem, like an eye infection or allergic reaction.

Our first instinct is to use over-the-counter eye drops to help soothe our eyes and reduce the redness. These may provide temporary relief, but they do little or nothing to treat the underlying causes of irritation. In fact, they can dangerously mask them, possibly worsening the problem later on.

Usually, the infection will end in one to two weeks.Prescription medications are also available for the relief of seasonal, allergy-related eye irritation. Your doctor may recommend cold compresses to help relieve the symptoms of allergic

Here 8 Ways How To Treat An EyeInfection At Home :

1.   Wash your hands frequently 
Wash your hands frequently to help prevent your eyes from becoming infected or infecting someone else. Avoid touching the infected eye.If you have to touch your eye, wash your hands. Do not share washcloths or towels that are used for drying hands with other people.

2.   Flushing the eye with water.
With exposure to a foreign body or chemical to the eye, it is important to flush the eye with lukewarm tap water or commercially prepared eyewash solution.

3.   Contact lenses
If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor whether you should stop wearing your contact lenses for awhile. Contact lenses can spread infection from one eye to the other, and you should thoroughly disinfect them if worn in an infected eye.

4.   Foreign body is in your eye
If you think a foreign body is in your eye, do not rub your eye; this can cause serious damage. Do not attempt to remove a foreign body from your own eye or someone else’s. Treatment other than gentle eye irrigation is generally not recommended and should be reserved for medical professionals.

5.   Keep blinking.
Neglecting to do so is a main cause of eye irritation among computer users. Blinking washes, hydrates, and lubricates the eye. Computer screens have a subtle hypnotic effect that suppresses blinking, so computer users are at risk for dry, irritated eyes. Look away from your screen frequently and blink.

6.   Enough sleep
Get enough sleep. Most people need at least seven hours a night. Many need eight or more

7.   Rest your eyes
For mild cases of eye discomfort, rest your eyes, take over-the-counter pain relievers and avoid bright light.

8.   Seek the Doctor
Most importantly, seek the aid of your ophthalmologist if your eyes do not improve after three days. Early medical treatment is important in overcoming infectious eye problems.

What Causes High Blood Pressure Rates

What Causes High Blood Pressure ??
The exact causes of high blood pressure are not known
In most cases of high blood pressure, the American Heart Association says there is no one identifiable cause.
This kind of high blood pressure rates is called primary hypertension or essential hypertension. It is usually a combination of factors, such as:

1.   Weight. 
The greater your body mass, the more pressure there is on your artery walls. That's because more blood is produced to supply oxygen and nutrients to tissues in your body.

2.   Age. 
The risk of high blood pressure increases as you age. Through early middle age, or about age 45, high blood pressure is more common in men. Women are more likely to develop high blood pressure after age 65.

3.   Activity level. 
Lack of physical activity tends to increase heart rate, which forces your heart to work harder with each contraction.

4.   Using tobacco. 
Not only does smoking or chewing tobacco immediately raise your blood pressure temporarily, but the chemicals in tobacco can damage the lining of your artery walls. This can cause your arteries to narrow, increasing your blood pressure. Secondhand smoke also can increase your blood pressure.

5.   Sodium intake. 
Excessive sodium in the diet can result in fluid retention and high blood pressure, especially in people sensitive to sodium.

6.   Stress. 
High levels of stress can lead to a temporary increase in blood pressure. If you try to relax by eating more, using tobacco or drinking alcohol, you may only increase problems with high blood pressure.

7.   Potassium intake. 
Low potassium can result in elevated sodium in cells, because the two balance one another.

8.   Drinking too much alcohol. 
Over time, heavy drinking can damage your heart. Having more than two drinks a day for men and more than one drink a day for women may affect your blood pressure.

9.   Family history. 
High blood pressure often runs in families.

10.   Too much salt (sodium) in your diet. 
Too much sodium in your diet can cause your body to retain fluid, which increases blood pressure.

How To Quit Smoking Easily And Naturally

How To Quit Smoking Easily And Naturally?
If you want to quit smoking, you can’t just throw your cigarettes in the trash and hope for the best. You need a plan to be successful

More you learn about your options and prepare for quitting, the easier the process will be
Below are some tips which may help you to quit smoking

Be positive. You can tell people that you don't smoke. You will smell better. After a few weeks you should feel better, taste your food more, and cough less. You will have more money. Perhaps put away the money, which you would have spent on cigarettes, for treats.

1.   Change your drink

The same study looked at drinks. Fizzy drinks, alcohol, cola, tea and coffee all make cigarettes taste better. So when you’re out, drink more water and juice. Some people find that simply changing their drink (for example, switching from wine to a vodka and tomato juice), affects their need to reach for a cigarette.

2.   Choose a specific quit date
Instead of trying to quit each year on your birthday or for your New Year's Resolution, try quitting on a Monday! And not just next Monday - but every Monday. That gives you 52 chances in a year instead of just one chance––making it more likely that you’ll succeed

3.   Write a list 
Write a list of the reasons why you want to stop, and keep them with you. Refer to them when tempted to light up.

4.   Quit when you’re in a good mood.

Studies find that you’re less likely to be a successful quitter if you quit when you’re depressed or under a great deal of stress

5.   Get some quitting support

If friends or family members want to give up too, suggest to them that you give up together. Also, there are your local NHS stop smoking services and the NHS Smoking Helpline

6.   Survive the first week.
Use a cigarette substitute like mints, sunflower seeds, toothpicks, and coffee stirrers to help you get used to not smoking. When you were smoking, your mind and body became accustomed to the physical act of smoking, holding the cigarette in your hand, and putting it to your lips; using harmless substitutes eases the psychological transition to not smoking.

7.   Be prepared for some withdrawal symptoms. 
When you stop smoking, you are likely to get symptoms which may include: nausea (feeling sick), headaches, anxiety, irritability, craving, and just feeling awful. These symptoms are caused by the lack of nicotine that your body has been used to. They tend to peak after 12-24 hours, and then gradually ease over 2-4 weeks.

8.   Get moving

A review of scientific studies has proved that exercise (even a five-minute walk or stretch) cuts cravings and may help your brain to produce anti-craving chemicals.

How To Stop Smoking With Hypnotherapy And Acupuncture

How To Stop Smoking With Hypnotherapy And Acupuncture

Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is a type of complementary therapy that uses hypnosis, which is an altered state of consciousness.

Hypnosis is widely promoted as a treatment for various long-term conditions and for breaking certain habits

a psycho-therapeutic way of bringing you in a trance-like state to help you realize your true feelings about smoking, and the hypnotherapist will plant the seed in your mind that gives you negative feelings towards smoking and will help you to stay motivated.

However, scientific studies and patients contradict each other. Many experts disagree about the effectiveness, while many patients swear by it. Several studies found that it can be effective for a short while, but doesn’t work long term for most patients, while other studies claim it to be the other way around.

One study conducted at the San Francisco VA Medical Center found that hypnotherapy showed some great results for smokers who had a history of depression or struggled with other psychiatric conditions.

Although hypnosis has helped many people to quit smoking, science is still not sure about its effectiveness.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a commonly used therapy to help people quit smoking. The acupuncture needles used are usually hair-thin, and they are inserted into various points in the ear where they remain for about 20 minutes.

For help in between sessions, many acupuncturists provide tiny balls (the size of the tip of a ball point pen), that are taped with invisible tape to the ear. When a craving

for cigarettes hits, the smoker is instructed to press gently on the ball, which stimulates the acupuncture point.

A 2006 study analyzed 24 placebo-controlled trials on acupuncture, acupressure, laser therapy, or electrostimulation for smoking cessation. There was no consistent evidence that these therapies were effective for smoking cessation. The researchers, however, concluded that further research was needed because the poor design of many of the studies made it difficult to draw a conclusion.

One study involving 141 people found that acupuncture plus education on smoking cessation was four times as effective as acupuncture alone. The study also found that acupuncture plus education was twice as effective as sham acupuncture plus education

Benefits of Quitting Smoking

Stopping smoking can make a big difference to your health and lifestyle.The sooner you stop smoking, the faster your body will recover and your risk of developing life-threatening conditions will decrease.

Here are 9 Benefits of Quitting Smoking:

1.   Longer life expectancy

If you quit smoking by the age of 30, you could increase your life expectancy by 10 years - just think what you could do with that extra decade. Even if you are in your 60s when you decide to quit, you can still add three years onto your life. Not only will you have a longer life if you stop smoking, you should also have fewer health problems, making for a happier, more independent later life.

2.   Stop smoking for younger looking skin

Stopping smoking has been found to slow facial ageing and delay the appearance of wrinkles. The skin of a non-smoker gets more nutrients, including oxygen, and can reverse the sallow, lined complexion that smokers often have.

3.   An Increased Risk of Impotence

Guys concerned about their performance in the bedroom should stop lighting up, suggests a study that linked smoking to a man's ability to get an erection. The study of nearly 5,000 Chinese men showed that men who smoked more than a pack a day were 60% more likely to suffer erectile dysfunction, compared with men who never smoked cigarettes.

4.   Reduce the risk of getting serious smoking-related diseases 
Such as heart disease, cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and peripheral vascular disease.

5.   More energy

Carbon monoxide robs your body of oxygen, and without oxygen your body can't work properly. When you quit smoking you will be lowering the carbon monoxide levels in your body allowing your lungs and muscles to work the way they should. More oxygen to the brain will also help you to feel more alert, energised and awake. You should also find you can sleep better without that nicotine in your system.

6.   Ex-smokers have whiter teeth

Giving up tobacco stops teeth becoming stained, and you'll have fresher breath. Ex-smokers are less likely than smokers to get gum disease and lose their teeth prematurely.
More money Finances improve. You will save well over £2,000 per year if you smoked 20 a day.

7.   Reduced stress levels

Many smokers reach for a cigarette when they are feeling stressed and while that immediate hit of nicotine after withdrawal may make you feel relaxed at first, in the long term, smoking only increases stress levels. Studies have shown that ex-smokers are less stressed than they were when they were smoking. 

8.   Quitting smoking improves smell and taste

Kicking the smoking habit gives your senses of smell and taste a boost. The body is recovering from being dulled by the hundreds of toxic chemicals found in cigarettes.

9.   Protected loved ones

Passive smoking can be as fatal as smoking a cigarette directly, by not smoking around your friends and family you will be reducing their risk of developing smoking related illnesses.

8 Reasons Why We Should Meditation (Benefits of Meditation)

There are so many advantages to meditation.
Hundreds of studies suggest that meditation doesn’t just decrease stress levels but that it also has tangible health benefits such as improved immunity, lower inflammation and decreased pain. Additionally, brain-imaging studies show that meditation sharpens attention and memory.

Here is the list of benefits that meditation can provide you with:

1.   You will become more mindful and aware
Being mindful means that you are more aware of your thoughts and your actions in general. Unless you are in a heightened state of awareness, you can’t observe your thoughts rationally.

Meditation offers you the time to reflect on your thoughts and focus mainly on your breathing or some other aspect of your being. It gives you the awareness to refocus your mind on the present moment, as opposed to the past of the future.

2.   It lowers stress -- literally. 
Research published just last month in the journal Health Psychology shows that mindfulness is not only associated with feeling less stressed, it's also linked with decreased levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

3.   You will likely make better life decisions
As you gain more awareness of your thoughts, actions, and emotions, you will notice that you make better decisions. Instead of merely reacting to adverse situations, you will obtain a more useful comprehension of what’s going on in your mind.

This comprehension arms you with the skills to think before you act and therefore make purposeful decisions.

4.   It increases blood flow and slows the heart rate.

5.   It works as the brain's "volume knob." 
Ever wondered why mindfulness meditation can make you feel more focused and zen? It's because it helps the brain to have better control over processing pain and emotions, specifically through the control of cortical alpha rhythms (which play a role in what senses our minds are attentive to), according to a study in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.

6.   You can experience more well-being
Who doesn’t want to be happier and feel more contentment with life? Meditating consistently is a great way to open up your eyes to your life, and really experience all that life has to offer.

It will help you appreciate life more and feel more connected with the word you live in.

7.   It supports your weight-loss goals. 
Trying to shed a few pounds to get to a healthier weight? Mindfulness could be your best friend, according to a survey of psychologists conducted by Consumer Reports and the American Psychological Association. Mindfulness training was considered an "excellent" or "good" strategy for weight loss by seven out of 10 psychologists in the survey.

8.   It helps you sleep better. 
We saved the best for last! A University of Utah study found that mindfulness training can not only help us better control our emotions and moods, but it can also help us sleep better at night. “People who reported higher levels of mindfulness described better control over their emotions and behaviors during the day. In addition, higher mindfulness was associated with lower activation at bedtime, which could have benefits for sleep quality and future ability to manage stress," study researcher Holly Rau said in a statement

9 Benefits of Music For Health

Music is capable of a number of health benefits including lowering stress levels, raising states of consciousness, changing moods, accessing different states of mind, developing the brain and is useful in meditation -which has a ton of health benefits.

Now, scientific studies have shown that music really can change our mood and even help us concentrate.

Here is 9 Benefits of Music For Health

1.   Music Makes You Happier
Listening to music that hits you in a special way causes your brain to release dopamine which is known as a feel good chemical. It causes us to feel emotions like happiness, excitement, joy, etc. Listening to music provides us with the same burst of happiness that we would get from eating a piece of chocolate, sex or certain drugs.

Another study showed that music with a quick tempo played in a major key made people feel happy, while music with a slow tempo in a minor key more easily led to feelings of sadness.

2.   Ease pain. 
Music can meaningfully reduce the perceived intensity of pain, especially in geriatric care, intensive care, or palliative medicine (an area of healthcare that focuses on preventing and relieving the suffering of patients).

3.   Focus
Music may even be able to help you concentrate.
A new 'digital tonic' called Ubrain, which can be downloaded onto smartphones, claims to be able to help people focus, energise, wake up as well as relax.

The process uses two different beats in each ear to create a third 'perceived' beat (a binaural beat), which can stimulate certain activity in the brain.

4.   Improves Sleep Quality
Some of the most common things to interfere with sleep are stress and anxiety (heart rates.) Since music has the ability to affect both in a positive way, research has found that listening to music at various times promotes better sleep patterns for people and even created more restful sleeps. In some cases music might even be able to be used to effectively treat insomnia. [8]

5.   Increase workout endurance. 
Listening to those top workout tracks can boost physical performance and increase endurance during a tough exercise session. This works partly through the power of distraction: When we're focusing on a favorite album, we may not notice that we just ran an extra mile.

6.   Better mental healthThere are two distinct ways music therapy is used: either as a means of communication and self-expression or for its inherent restorative or healing qualities

Someone who is very withdrawn may find that music can act as an outlet for expressing things that they're unable to put into words. It can also act as a stimulus to awaken buried memories or evoke emotional responses that may take weeks to achieve with talking therapies.

7.   Reduces Depression & Anxiety
Researchers from Drexel University found that cancer patients who either listened to music or worked with a music therapist experienced a reduction in anxiety, had better blood pressure levels and improved moods. Music can have positive effects on the psyche, mood, pain and quality of life as well.

8.   Ease recovery in stroke patients. 
Researchers in Finland concluded that when stroke patients listened to music for two hours a day, their verbal memory and attention improved and they had a more positive mood compared to patients who didn't listen to music or who listened to audio books.

Benefits of Wake Up Early Morning

Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.
 – Benjamin Franklin

Great Men Who Were Early Risers

If you read the biographies of history’s greatest men, you’ll find that most were early risers. They used each morning to write, read, ponder, and plan for their day.

Below I share a few Benefits of waking up early :

1.   Earn Better Grades

In a 2008 Texas University study, college students who identified themselves as "morning people" earned a full point higher on their GPAs than those who were "night owls" (3.5 vs. 2.5). Good grades help students secure better career opportunities.

2.   Less Stress
Being in a rush can be stressful. When under stress you are more likely to forget to do things or skip important morning rituals like breakfast. Even if you do nothing in this extra time but sit on the couch relaxing and drinking coffee it is worth it.

3.   Increased creativity
Many writers and artists find they’re the most creative first thing in the morning. It’s when your mind is fresh. I’ve learned to organize my days so that I work on tasks that require the greatest creativity – like writing – at the very beginning of the day. I’ll write late at night if I have to, but I’ve found I usually spew out crap that I have to re-write the next morning.


4.   More Proactive

Harvard biologist Christoph Randler discovered in 2008 that early risers are more proactive. They were more likely to agree with statements like "I spend time identifying long-range goals for myself" and "I feel in charge of making things happen."

5.   Increased fitness

If you’re tired of your gut, but don’t have time for a workout during the day, or find that your motivation to go to the gym evaporates after work, set the alarm clock an hour earlier and exercise first thing in the morning. An early morning workout will leave you feeling full of vim and vigor and ready to take on the rest of the day. And it’s a truly satisfying feeling to know you’ve already gotten it out of the way.

6.   More Optimistic

Various studies have shown that morning people exhibit character traits like optimism, being agreeable, satisfaction and conscientiousness. Night owls, while linked with creativity and intelligence, are more likely to exhibit traits like depression, pessimism and being neurotic.

7.   More Family Time

If you've gotten a jump on the day, you'll have more quality time in the evenings to spend with family. Instead of bringing work home, you can relax and unwind.
 

7 Crazy Facts of Love: Every Lover Should know

Falling in love is exciting. Colors seem brighter. Obstacles seem to vanish. The whole world is a more beautiful place because of our newfound lover. Although this may seem true at the moment, some of those strong feelings are occurring due to chemicals released in the brain. Although the science behind love isn’t extremely romantic, it is quite fascinating to realize the complexity of our bodies.

here are  psychology studies that all lovers should know.

1.   Falling in love takes one-fifth of a second
It takes a fifth-of-a-second for the euphoria-inducing chemicals to start acting on the brain when you are looking at that special someone.

Brain imaging studies of love suggest that 12 different areas of the brain are involved.

When looking or thinking about a loved one, these areas release a cocktail of neurotransmitters across the brain, including oxytocin, dopamine, vasopressin and adrenaline.

The brain gets a similar ‘hit’ from love as it does from a small dose of cocaine.

2.   We can sense and are attracted to a person with a different immune system.
If this isn’t bizarre, I don’t know what is. This finding came about during a study conducted by Claude Wedekind of the University of Switzerland. He had women test subjects smell unwashed T-shirts of men. Women consistently preferred the smell of the man’s shirt whose immune system was different than their own. Apparently the same findings were discovered in rodents.

3.   Kissing helps us choose
Two new studies of kissing have found that apart from being sexy, kissing also helps people choose partners–and keep them.

In a survey, women in particular rated kissing as important, but more promiscuous members of both sexes rated kissing as a very important way of testing out a new mate.

But kissing isn’t just important at the start of a relationship; it also has a role in maintaining a relationship.

The researchers found a correlation between the amount of kissing that long-term partners did and the quality of their relationship.

4.   Love can literally make you crazy.
Something you may or may not know about love is that it can lead to serious infatuation. The same levels of serotonin that bring about the infatuation are found in those with obsessive-compulsive disorder, which is an anxiety disorder. This is probably why you cannot seem to think of anyone else when you have fallen in love.

5.   Long distance relationships can work
Contrary to the received wisdom, long distance relationships can work, according to new research.

Two factors that help keep long distance relationships alive are that these couples:

• Tell each other more intimate information.
• Have a more idealised view of their partner.

6.   Love needs to be “blind” for survival.
It does not seem to matter what others say to a new lover—he or she is always perfect in our eyes. This blindness is critical for us to move forward in our relationship and is usually required to move onto the “attachment stage” as scientists call it so that they can stay in love long enough to have and raise children; in other words, to populate the earth.

7.   Romantic love and the love between a mother and child share a similar chemical connection.
The hormone oxytocin is released during child birth and when a child nurses as well as during orgasm. Oxytocin is thought to help long-term bonding.

Music Effect On Human Mind And Body

music has a special ability to pump us up or calm us down.

But the effects of music spread further still: right up from our genetic code, through our thoughts and bodies and out into how we relate in groups.

Scientists are still trying to figure out what's going on in our brains when we listen to music and how it produces such potent effects on the psyche and scientists have come across some clues.

1.   Improve verbal IQPractising the piano won’t just improve your musical abilities, it can also improve your visual and verbal skills.

A study of 8 to 11-year-olds found that, those who had extra-curricular music classes, developed higher verbal IQ, and visual abilities, in comparison to those with no musical training.

This shows the benefits of learning an instrument are not purely musical, but extend into cognition and visual perception.

2.   Reducing blood pressureBy playing recordings of relaxing music every morning and evening, people with high blood pressure can train themselves to lower their blood pressure - and keep it low. According to research reported at the American Society of Hypertension meeting in New Orleans, listening to just 30 minutes of classical, Celtic or raga music every day may significantly reduce high blood pressure.

3.   The happiness effects of musicIn research by Ferguson and Sheldon (2013), participants who listened to upbeat classical compositions by Aaron Copland, while actively trying to feel happier, felt their moods lift more than those who passively listened to the music.

This suggests that engaging with music, rather than allowing it to wash over us, gives the experience extra emotional power.

4.   Music improves concentration and attention
Easy listening music or relaxing classics improves the duration and intensity of concentration in all age groups and ability levels. It's not clear what type of music is better, or what kind of musical structure is necessary to help, but many studies have shown significant effects.

5.   Seeing happy faces
One of the effects of music is that it can make you feel different, but as little as 15 seconds of music can change the way you judge the emotions on other people’s faces as well.

A study by Logeswaran et al. (2009) found that a quick blast of happy music made participants perceive other’s faces as happier. The same was true for a snatch of sad music. The biggest effect was seen when people looked at faces with a neutral expression.

In other words: people projected the mood of the music they were listening to onto other people’s faces.


6.   Babies are born to dance!
Infants as young as five-months-old respond rhythmically to music and seem to find it more interesting than speech.

In a study by Zentner and Eerola (2010), the babies spontaneously danced to all different types of music, and those that were most in time also smiled the most.

7.   Music improves body movement and coordination
Music reduces muscle tension and improves body movement and coordination25-26. Music may play an important role in developing, maintaining and restoring physical functioning in the rehabilitation of persons with movement disorders.

Negative Effect Of Smartphone On Your Health

Smartphone addiction has been linked to lazy thinking by a new psychology study.

Smarter people tend to use the search function on their smartphones less often, the research has found.

Intuitive thinkers, though, who tend to be less intelligent, are more prone to searching for information on smartphones.

Here is a list of side effects of your smartphone addiction that are a lot more serious than you think and could have long-lasting consequences:

1.   Text Claw
Although it is not a medical term, text claw describes all of the finger cramping and sore hand muscles that come from continuous scrolling, texting, and gaming on smartphones. Doctors believe that the constant use of smartphones can cause inflammation in tendons, and possibly lead to tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.

2.   Nomophobia
Short for "no-mobile-phone phobia," this is exactly what it sounds like: the fear of being without your cell. According to a study of 1,000 people in the U.K., 66% of the population fears losing or being without their phones at any given time. Some of the symptoms of nomophobia include anxiety or negative physical symptoms if you have lost or cannot use your cell phone, obsessively checking to make sure you have your phone with you, and constantly worrying about losing it somewhere. Interestingly, the study found that women suffer from this more than men.

If this sounds like you, experts suggest employing common anxiety-relieving relaxation techniques like yoga and deep breathing.

3.   iPosture
How often do you see people obsessively slouching over their phones for hours at a time? Slouching strains the neck and back muscles. According to a Simplyhealth study of young adults that was conducted in the United Kingdom, 84% experienced back or neck pain in 2013. This is likely the result of being hunched over modern technological devices.

4.   Phantom Pocket Vibration Syndrome
No, you didn't just get a text message! A professor at Indiana University found that 89% of the undergraduates in her study experienced phantom vibrations when their phones weren't actually vibrating. The study also found that students who were dependent on text messages and social media updates were more anxious when their phones weren't really vibrating.

A good way to break the addiction? Try shutting your vibration function off and commit to only checking your phone during designated hours. If you have to keep your phone with you, place it in your bag instead. And try to resist checking your bag every five minutes. Otherwise, you might become the first case of Phantom Bag Vibration Syndrome.

5.   Computer Vision Syndrome
Did you think that staring at that small screen for hours would actually help your eyes? Squinting to see the miniscule font in your texts as you read through the latest Facebook updates leads to eyestrain, blurred vision, dizziness, and dry eyes. When combined with the back pain caused by iPosture, the negative consequences can be headaches and even migraines.

The Treatment Goals For A Diabetes Diet

When you have diabetes, being overweight or obese increases your risk for complications. Losing just a few pounds through exercise and eating well can help with your diabetes control and can reduce your risk for other health problems. You will also have more energy and feel better in general!

Learn how to lose weight in a healthy way and keep it off. Find the weight loss strategy that works best for you and start feeling better now.

Patients with diabetes also need to be aware of their heart health nutrition, in particular, controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

For people who have diabetes, the treatment goals for a diabetes diet are:

•    Achieve near normal blood glucose levels.
People with type 1 diabetes and people with type 2 diabetes who are taking insulin or oral medication must coordinate calorie intake with medication or insulin administration, exercise, and other variables to control blood glucose levels.

•    Protect the heart and aim
for healthy lipid (cholesterol and triglyceride) levels and control of blood pressure.

•    Achieve reasonable weight.
Overweight patients with type 2 diabetes who are not taking medication should aim for a diet that controls both weight and glucose. A reasonable weight is usually defined as what is achievable and sustainable, and helps achieve normal blood glucose levels Children, pregnant women, and people recovering from illness should be sure to maintain adequate calories for health.

Forgive Can Help Reduce High Blood Presure

Forgive does not mean forget, but it can give yourself to remove anger and grudges to others. So the anger and stress can disrupt emotion can be released

Researchers from the University of California, San Diego, find people who can release of his anger, and forgive the others mistakes, have a lower risk of high blood infected.

Researchers asked more than 200 volunteers to think about when they feel offended. Half of the group were instructed to think why it would make him angry, while others are encouraged to forgive the mistakes.

Participants involved in the study be linked the cables connected to the monitor, the equipment used to measure of blood pressure and heart rate reading.

The team, led by Dr Britta Larsen found the anger group participants have a high blood pressure ​​than forgiving group. The effect will be seen someone become more calm and there is no pressure heart rate.

The study, published in the Journal of Biobehavioural Medicines shows that forgiveness can reduce stress and give a positive effects for the body

The increase blood pressure in the short term is not too dangerous. But if a person has high blood pressure in the long term it could be increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, as quoted from the Daily Mail, Tuesday (07/31/2012).

that's way forgive the mistakes of others indirectly to protect and improve the health condition of a person, because he will avoid the condition of the increase in blood pressure and heart rate that could be a main factor of various diseases.