In skincare, there’s a tendency to focus excessively on the face since that’s where wrinkles, dryness, acne, etc. are the most noticeable. The rest of your skin needs attention, too, especially parts like the neck, shoulders, chest, and hands that get a lot of sun exposure. Once a day– after a shower is a good time– apply body lotion up and down. Don’t forget the lower legs, another spot that people, especially men, neglect and which can get very dry.
When sleep is calling, it’s so tempting to skip removing makeup or washing your face and just crash in bed and let dreams take over. That’s a big skincare mistake, though.
If makeup and dirt sit on your face overnight, your skin can dry out and, worse, your pores can get clogged, leading to an acne breakout. That can start a cycle that’s hard to break.
Before bed, remove makeup and thoroughly cleanse your face. If you apply a moisturizer overnight, use one that won’t clog pores. Avoid sleeping in a room that’s too cold or dry, so add a humidifier if necessary.
Your feet can actually be made stronger and healthier when you eat healthier and avoid foods which increase inflammation. It’s a bit paradoxical to think about, but your feet are part of your body and benefit just as much from healthy living as other parts, such as your stomach, muscles, and gut. Here are a few ways your feet benefit when you live a nice, healthy life.
There have been numerous studies done which demonstrate that diet and exercise can play a significant role in how inflamed we are. Inflammation, these studies have shown, begins primarily in the gut, but eating a healthier diet with less sugar and processed foods can significantly reduce the level of inflammation in the body.
It’s theorized that inflammation is actually a defensive mechanism which activates when abnormal cells begin to grow at a rapid and substantially unhealthy rate. The inflammation of tissue slows the growth of these abnormal cells but can also lead to various negative health outcomes as well.
This inflammation often leads to foot pain and can cause swelling, as well as more serious conditions like psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. These symptoms can develop quickly and without warning. You can cut down on inflammation by eating less sugar, saturated fats, and omega-6 fats, found in vegetable oils.
There are many conditions which affect your feet that can be mitigated or eliminated entirely by eating right. One of the most common is osteoporosis. This condition is a devastating disease which causes progressive bone weakness and loss. It’s known to cause more frequent and intense fractures, including stress fractures and ailments of the foot.
Studies have shown you may actually be able to reduce your chances of osteoporosis by eating more calcium and vitamin D. These vitamins and minerals reduce the chances of fracturing bones and can be complimented by greater frequency and duration of exercising. To increase your intake of calcium, you should increase your intake of a variety of dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt.
A little-known disease which actually affects millions of Americans every year is peripheral artery disease. Like diabetes, this disease cuts off blood in some arteries, including those which deliver blood to your feet. This can cause major pain whenever you walk and often causes the feet to swell up and make any sort of motion difficult. The disease is diagnosed by measuring blood pressure in the arms and comparing it to blood pressure in the feet.
The American Heart Association has said that blood pressure in the ankle should be about ninety percent of that of the arms, but it can be reduced to up to fifty percent with significant swelling. This disease causes extreme discomfort in muscles, including the feet, but it can be prevented by partaking in a diet which is low in saturated fat, trans fats, and sodium. Experts also recommend eating fruits and vegetables frequently.
Diabetes is one of the most intense and debilitating disease for your feet. Like peripheral artery disease, diabetes is responsible for a plethora of foot problems, including skin irritations, nerve damage, and swelling. The National Institute of Health has recently estimated that up to seventy percent of those with diabetes also have problems with neuropathy, which is damaging or irregularities in the nerves.
Neuropathy often includes problems with the feet, including burning, swelling, and significant and frequent tingling. Those with neuropathy in their feet find it difficult to walk or commit to any significant exercise, which often worsens their condition.
In addition, about thirty percent of those with diabetes over the age of fifty are also struck with peripheral artery disease, according to a study done by the American Diabetes Association. Those who consume an excess of sugar are more likely to develop diabetes, meaning a diet low in sugars is the best way to prevent yourself from developing type 2 diabetes.
Excess weight can often prove crushing for feet. The human body is only meant to support a certain amount of weight, and those who are obese or morbidly obese often have foot and bone problems early on in their life. Being overweight increases risk of disease and pain points in a variety of conditions, but it’s usually the feet which have to bear the brunt of the excess weight.
Those who are overweight have more frequent and intense pain in their ankles and other bones below the waist. People also underestimate how much weight is needed to cause excess foot pain; it’s been estimated that only twenty-five pounds of additional weight is enough to cause severe foot pain and discomfort. Your feet carry your weight throughout your life, so it’s best to take care of them by exercising regularly and not adding additional weight to the load they have to carry.
]]>In addition to foot exams at your checkups, perform daily exams at home. Build it into your daily routine. Check for broken skin, redness, warmth, sores, calluses, excessive skin dryness, and scaling. If you see anything that concerns you, contact your doctor. If you notice tingling, burning, or numbness in your feet or legs, you should talk to your doctor about that as well. Likewise, blue skin on your feet or constantly cold feet could be a sign of poor circulation and should be reported to your physician.
If you keep your blood sugar levels close to your target goals, then you greatly reduce your chance of nerve damage or circulation issues in your feet. That means eating right, exercising, and seeing your doctor regularly. There are a few other things you can do as well to reduce your risk of complications.
Quit smoking — If you smoke, get the help you need to quit. Smoking is bad for your circulation.
Avoid anything that can injure your feet — Walking barefoot puts you at risk of injuring your feet, so it’s best to always wear shoes. Also, avoid hot baths or a heating pad on your feet. Wear comfortable shoes with good support.
Be careful how you cut your toenails — Cut your toenails straight across and avoid getting them too short. Never cut your cuticles as this can invite infection. If you have an ingrown toenail or a callus, see a podiatrist for help. Don’t go to the nail salon.
Keep your feet clean — Wash your feet daily being sure to clean between the toes. Dry your feet well and apply lotion. Keep up with your daily foot exams. Right after your bath or shower is the perfect time to examine your feet. If you have any blisters or sores on your feet, don’t pick at them. Apply antibiotics and let them heal on their own. If they aren’t healing, see your doctor.
Choose your shoes and socks with care — Cotton socks that aren’t too tight are best. Avoid narrow-toe shoes. Be sure your shoes fit well and aren’t too tight. Switch up the shoes that you wear. Wearing the same shoe every day can put repeated pressure on your feet in the same places. If you have deformities, ask about specialized footwear to accommodate.
If you do develop a foot ulcer, treatment will depend on how advanced it is.
Superficial ulcers — A superficial ulcer is in the top few layers of skin. They are treated by removing dead skin and thoroughly cleaning the area. This process called debridement should only be done by your doctor. Your doctor will use a scalpel or scissors to cut away the dead skin. After the ulcer is cleaned, it should be covered with a bandage to protect it. If there’s any sign of infection, you will be prescribed antibiotics. It’s important to keep the area clean and change the bandage as it heals. Keep off the foot as much as possible and prop it up when you sit. If needed, you may get a cast to keep pressure off the ulcerated area.
Deep ulcers — For ulcers that extend past the top few layers of skin into the muscle and sometimes bone, hospital treatment is necessary. Labs and x-rays may be done. Antibiotics by I.V. are usually par for the course in these cases. The area will be debrided just like with a superficial ulcer, but if the bone is affected then surgery may be required. A procedure called negative pressure wound therapy is often used. With this therapy, the ulcer is treated with a vacuum to increase circulation and speed the healing process.
If the damage to the foot is too great, partial or complete amputation could be necessary. That’s why you must follow your diabetes management plan to prevent major ulcers from developing. Foot problems are one of the main diabetes complications. They can be serious and even life-threatening, but luckily they can be prevented through proper foot care and diabetes management. If you smoke, quitting is vital. It’s one of the most important things you can do to prevent circulation and foot issues. Keeping your blood sugar in your target range will also ward off major issues with your feet.
]]>First, start by relaxing and set up a warm soak for your feet. Add some bath salts or Epsom salt to your warm water. Soak for about 5 to 15 minutes to allow your skin to soften. This will make removing callus and cutting your toenails very easy.
After removing your feet from the water, dry them and grab your nail file. Gently file away at any corn or calluses until the skin feels smoother. If you have larger corns and calluses that cannot be filed away don’t worry. Try not to use callus Shafter or cutting them to avoid infection and bleeding. It's recommended to visit your local podiatrist to get them professionally trimmed.
The next important step to getting rid of all your dead skin on your feet is exfoliating. Simply just massage your feet with any foot scrub product. If you want to make an easy DIY foot scrub with household items just follow these steps: Dilute two tablespoons of sea salt with equal amounts of baby oil and lemon juice.
If desired, add any other type of oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, canola oil, or any essential oils. While scrubbing it’s best to try to avoid any open wounds.
Taking care of your toenails is essential when it comes to pretty feet. Here are some quick tips for improving your toenails!
Keeping your feet moisturized is key to preventing callus and cracks from forming. Using a thicker type of lotion or cream such as lip balm and heal cream will stop dry skin. This will get your feet glowing!
Now, you no longer have to stress about going to a salon and paying expensive prices to have pretty feet. With these simple steps of removing calluses, exfoliating, nail care, and moisturizing you can make your feet look like a million bucks. Go be confident and show off the feet you’ve always dreamed of having!
]]>Unless you wear a lot of sandals or flip-flops, you may not pay much attention to your toenails. But, you should keep an eye on your toenails no matter what kind of shoes you wear. Onychomycosis or toenail fungus is hard to clear up once it sets in. With time, it can even completely destroy the nail. If you get it, it won’t go away without treatment. Often repeat treatments or more than one kind of treatment is needed to fully eliminate the fungus. Toenail fungus is also not usually painful, so many people develop it without even knowing.
Treatment for Superficial Infections
With superficial onychomycosis, you may notice small, white patches on your nails. Because this is just the beginning of the infection, you may be able to file off the patches and apply a topical, OTC antifungal medication. However, if the fungus has penetrated the nail and gone deep into the nail bed, an OTC antifungal won’t do the trick. It only treats the surface area, so the fungus won’t be rooted out. These surface fungal infections are painless, so they often go unnoticed until they develop into full-blown infections.
There are several home remedies for toenail fungus, as well. None of them have been proven effective though, so use with caution. Tea tree oil is one home remedy. In ancient times, Egyptians even used crocodile dung as a toenail fungus treatment.
As you can see by the lengthy treatments and the difficulty in curing it, your best bet is to prevent toenail fungus from growing in the first place. Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash daily and immediately change out of wet or damp socks. If you get pedicures at nail salons, be sure the salon is sanitizing equipment between uses. Watch for signs of nail thickening, discoloration, or white patches.
Many elderly people mistakenly assume nail thickening is just a part of aging. While it can be, it also is a sign of toenail fungus. Should you notice any of these changes, see your doctor. It’s much easier to cure a fungal infection that’s just getting started instead of one that’s been going on for some time. If you keep your feet in good shape, your chances of having to deal with toenail fungus are slim.
]]>Chiropodist Justin Turner of Women’s College Hospital’s Foot Care Clinic says it’s crucial for us to, “take good care of them,” as for many of us we “often don’t look at our feet until they hurt.”
Bunions are a common foot deformity for people. Usually bunions occur after repeated or prolonged use of a shoe that is too narrow, particularly for women.
“A bad fitting shoe will actually crush the foot.”
Bunions are difficult to get rid of once they form. Orthotics can slow its growth on the foot, but not actually make it go away. Surgery is the only real solution for bunions that are particularly hard to deal with. The further bad news here is that surgery isn’t always successful.
Removing any remaining or old nail polish allows you to properly see the condition of your toenails and identify any problems, like onychomycosis (nail fungi) or hangnails. Use a non-acetone polish remover for better safety as removers containing acetone are harsh on nails and can cause a thinning of the nail plate and the formation of ridges over time.
You should periodically give your toenails some time without nail polish as discoloration can occur over time. If the nails do change color, leave them bare for a few of weeks and they should go back to normal.
A relaxing foot soak for 15 to 20 minutes is amazing, especially after a long day on your feet. Use aromatherapy oils in the water if you like. A foot soak loosens dry scales and softens the thick, hardened layers around your feet.
Use warm water, not hot water. Hot water will dry your feet out. Use a toenail brush to gently scrub your toenails post soak.
After a foot soak, use a pumice stone, emery board, or callus file to gently reduce the size of corns and calluses. It may take a few trimmings before you are able to remove all of the hardened skin, but take care not to cut or file the skin too deeply.
Removing calluses can help prevent cracks from forming. Remember that you are only trying to remove dead skin cells, not healthy tissue.
Use a stainless steel nail clipper to trim your toenails. Cut the toenails straight across and then gently round the corners with an emery board to avoid cutting them too short.
Push the cuticles back carefully. Most dermatologists will tell you that there is no good reason to cut your cuticles (also known as the eponychium). Cutting cuticles not only increases the risk of splitting and bleeding but also leaves your feet more susceptible to bacteria and fungus.
Paraffin wax treatments soften the skin of feet. The warm wax increases blood flow and opens up the pores, for better moisture absorption. Paraffin wax baths are available online and at retailers, usually in the $30-$70 price range.
During a wax bath, when the wax has begins to cool, wrap your feet in a towel to hold in the therapeutic heat for a period.
To wrap up your home foot spa treatment, apply some emollient moisturize after the paraffin wax treatment is done. Your softened tissue will absorb the lotion better and ensure suppler and more hydrated skin.
Gently massage your feet while applying some lotion, focusing on the toe joints and the arch. This is really helpful if you have plantar fasciitis.
After applying lotion and massaging, put on a pair of socks to ensure better absorption of the lotion.
Athlete’s foot: Apply an antifungal ointment, lotion or powder, which are available without a prescription.
Nail fungus: A topical antifungal like Lamisil or medicated nail polish will help rid your feet of this. Tea Tree Oil is a natural remedy you can try also.
Foot perspiration: Because excessive perspiration can lead to odor and fungal growth, treat it with powders or a shoe spray. A shoe insert with activated charcoal is a possible solution too.
If there’s one last thing to leave you with then it’s these. Wear shoes you can actually wear and be comfortable in and see a doctor if foot problems persist or worsen.
Prenatal vitamins are a godsend in terms of pregnancy care, which is why it’s the first on this list. They not only help keep your body healthy and well during the whole cycle of pregnancy, they also help with your baby’s development, pumping them with the needed vitamins they’ll need for growth even before birth.
Think of these vitamins as a sort of boost for both you and your baby, immunity-wise and development-wise. After all, nobody wants to spend their pregnancy vulnerable to the many strange sensations and illnesses that might come along.
Take those prenatal vitamins as soon as you find out you are pregnant– it will make a lot of difference as time goes by.
It’s like the saying, “you are what you eat”, only this time, both you and your baby are what you eat. It’s a huge responsibility to have another life growing within you, so while it’s tempting to go about the same old routines and cravings when it comes to food, it’s going to be a detriment about three to four months into your pregnancy– you definitely don’t want to be plagued with unnecessary fatigue or illness later down the line.
Take note, you are now supporting two bodies– yours, and your developing baby’s. You should definitely be eating more than you usually are.
Here are a couple of diet-related decisions that are best for you and your baby.
Drink more water for better circulation for both you and your baby.
Eat more fish for Omega 3, amazing for brain development.
Eat more folate-rich foods, like beans, nuts, and dark leafy vegetables, to help aid the development of your baby’s spine and neural connections.
Eat more fruits for extra energy!
Morning sickness will also definitely be something you’re going to experience, but if you want to reduce its frequency, or maybe even eliminate it altogether, try eating small but frequent meals instead of living on huge courses.
We’ve heard a lot of horror stories about parenting and not getting enough sleep. In fact, some of those stories begin during pregnancy.
Making sure that your comfort levels are at their height during this special period is imperative as it affects both you and your baby’s overall health. Getting eight hours of sleep is important, and naps in between the day are highly welcome!
Of course, getting eight hours of sleep might not be enough– it should definitely be good quality sleep to hit peak comfort. Cramps are definitely going to be a thing, so your relaxation time should address all of these pain points the right way!
There are a lot of good pregnancy pillows (which are made to wrap around you, by the way!) in the market that you can try, which many soon-to-be moms have sworn by.
Memory pillows are also highly recommended for pregnant mommies, as they’ve been proven to help relax muscles and relieve their users of various body pains.
Loosen up those pants and maybe even get your pregnancy dresses on! Some body pains pregnant women feel are due to the discomfort from their clothes. Don’t worry, it’s natural to gain weight during pregnancy! Embrace your new body and transition from fitted to free-flowing.
Not all tight things are bad, however. Some belts are invented to actually help with pelvic and back pain for pregnant mommies. In fact, some are even useful for postpartum recovery. These belts help distribute your weight so that your back and pelvis aren’t strained from all the newly gained downward pressure.
It goes without saying– you’re supposed to avoid any unnecessary drugs, alcohol, and, well, junk. Oh, and no eating raw meat! And definitely no smoking!
All these toxins can take a toll on you and your baby’s health later down the line, and that is the farthest thing from comfortable!
Of course, the best way to accurately keep track of your wellbeing is to be in touch with your doctor every step of the way. Your doctor is your fountain of knowledge and guidance during this trying time, so if there’s any sort of abnormal discomfort you’re feeling, or if there’s a specific type of need you want fulfilled, consulting your doctor first thing is always the best way to go.
If time won’t allow those doctor’s visits, however, keeping track of your baby’s heartbeat is now possible with portable heartbeat monitors specifically made for pregnant women. This helps you keep track of your baby’s vital signs even without the aid of a doctor.
Your pregnancy isn’t supposed to cause you discomfort and pain all the way through. There are a lot of new and innovative ways to alleviate any unnecessary discomfort while you’re preparing for your upcoming blessings.
Take a peek into our pregnancy collection and see which solutions can make your entire pregnancy feel like a vacation.
]]>Nowadays, however, shapewear is seen as an accessory. As it should be.
Shapewear has evolved in recent times. Good quality shapewear products don’t alter your appearance entirely. They just provide a slimming and smoothing effect, enhancing your natural figure. Another plus is they are more comfortable and made with flexible fabric, so you don’t feel like you are wearing a corset.
Shapewear should boost your confidence and should feel like your own skin. Whether you are planning on wearing a slim-fitting dress for Valentine’s Day, or you just want to feel more comfortable in your clothes, shapewear can be your solution!
If you are struggling with some extra flab this Valentine’s Day, here are some of the many benefits of wearing shapewear:
One of the benefits of wearing shapewear is it emphasizes your feminine features. If you are going for that hourglass figure on your next night out, shapewear can help you!
Shapewear can accentuate your bust and hips while slimming down your waist and abdomen. If you are planning on wearing tight-fitting clothing, wearing a shape suit can ensure that all your natural curves are noticeable.
Our Maven-Firm Control Bodysuit Seamless Shaper is the perfect accessory to enhance your natural figure if you plan on wearing a tight dress this Valentine’s Day. Make sure you stand out and look your best when spending the day with your SO!
Shapewear can help improve your posture while sitting, standing, and walking! Due to the compact feel of shapewear, you are more likely to sit and stand up straight, which will help with slimming ability as well.
Not only that, but because shapewear improves your posture, it can also help reduce strain on your back and neck, so you don’t have back or neck pain while out on the town!
Shapewear isn’t just for women. Men can have a slim torso and better posture from shapewear as well! We have the perfect shapewear for men, which is our Burnout- Men’s Body Shaper Vest. This vest uses compression-styled material for a cinched waistline that won’t be obvious under your suit this February!
Shapewear can help you improve the look of your abdominal muscles! With its compact nature, shapewear can pull ab muscles back to their original positions, helping you in your journey to having the flat tummy you’ve always wanted!
Women who have given birth recently love shapewear for this reason. Apart from helping with back pain, as previously mentioned, women who still have baby fat from pregnancy love using shapewear to guide their ab muscles (and internal organs) back to their original place.
So, if you have recently given birth, shapewear can help in the process of your recovery!
For the ladies that want to accentuate their chest, shapewear can also do that for you!
If you are wearing a low-cut outfit, accentuating your cleavage can definitely get your partner’s attention and you will look stunning to everyone else. If you are single this Valentine’s Day, don’t worry, shapewear has your back- literally.
Our Allure-Bust Enhancing Upper Arm Shaper Sleeves are the perfect accessory if you want to accentuate your chest, slim your arms, and improve your posture all at the same time! You are guaranteed to catch that lucky someone’s attention in time for Valentine’s Day!
Another great way shapewear can benefit you is by helping with your aging body!
As we age, our skin tends to become less elastic, and saggier. Not to mention all the health problems associated with aging, such as bladder problems, humpback, prolapses, and more.
Shapewear can help with all of that! Shapewear can make sagging skin look firmer underneath clothes, while also assisting with health problems, such as bladder prolapse, humpback, turnip leg, bulky leg, bosom prolapse, and more. Shapewear provides support to several areas of your body, so the weight of your aging skin isn’t causing any issues.
The Tantra’s Deep V-Neck Bodysuit can give you all in one: comfort, support, and confidence! Apart from lifting and slimming, this bodysuit is basically invisible underneath clothes, so you don’t have to worry about seeing any lines!
If you are struggling with losing that extra fat this year, give shapewear a try!
Shaping lingerie usually contains either Lycra or silicone, which is a breathable, but warm material. This material creates friction against your body, causing it to sweat, which makes you lose water weight!
This, combined with a healthy diet and exercise regimen, can help you melt the inches off!
Not only that, but shapewear can help you stay motivated in your weight loss journey. It can help you fit into smaller size clothes, and give you a visual of a slimmer, healthier you!
We get it, you want to fit into your new dress or suit this Valentine’s Day and look your best for your partner, or your friends, or just yourself! But you don’t have time to hit the gym five days a week or do food prep every night.
There is no shame in using accessories to edit your appearance. When you look your best, you feel your best. And you should be able to do whatever you want to look your best!
That being said, shapewear can give you the confidence you need! Remember, you can give yourself the best kind of love. So, love yourself this year by staying healthy and boosting your confidence! Come snag some of our shapewear so you can look your best this Valentine’s Day!
]]>One great way to grow your butt muscles and make them firmer is by exercising them. Here are a few ways to exercise your glutes at home, so you can avoid the New Year’s crowd at the gym.
Combining these at-home workouts with our Brazilian Butt Lift Machine will get you racing toward a better-looking, bouncier butt in no time at all!
Combining our Butt Lift Machine with these foods is a combination that will give you that juicy booty of your dreams! You can even use the machine while eating! Here are some foods that can help you in your butt-growing journey:
Another important factor in making your butt look great is the clothes you wear, and how you wear them. Here are some of our tips on how to dress for that bubble-butt appearance:
Now that you have some tips on how to grow and tone your booty this year, head over to our website and get your Brazilian Butt Lift Machine today to get your bubble-butt journey started! We can’t wait to see where 2023 takes you
]]>Ab Rolling - Ab rolling has become more popular in recent years. It’s a simple, but effective workout to engage your core and build ab muscles fast. Just use an ab roller wheel (we recommend our Fitness Ab Roller Wheel) and hold the sides in a push-up position. Roll the wheel back and forth, aiming for 20 times. As you get used to the rhythm, you can aim for more sets, and achieve your dream abs in no time!
Double Ab Rolling - You can also use our Core & Abdominal Double Ab Roller to engage more of your arm strength in your ab rolling. Simply set the black kneepad under your knees and bend over while grabbing both rollers. Perform the same action as stated previously with the ab roller, rolling back and forth against the resistance of the bands.
Squat Arm Extensions - Using our FlexReal Resistance Band, hold both handles and squat down, then stand up and raise both arms while holding the band. This is technically a full-body workout, but it engages strength in your arms and legs, so you can tone up both at the same time!
Triceps Strength Training - Our Adjustable Triceps Resistance Band is perfect for exercising your upper body. You can set up the band so that you pull it toward yourself for 20 reps or at your sides while you pull it into the center of your body for 20 reps. Those big arm muscles you’ve been dreaming about will be yours!
Pilates - Pilates can be great for those seeking a low-impact workout, while still being able to tone their upper and lower body. Our Pilates Fitness Bar with Resistance Band is perfect for those that want to tone their arms and chest. While holding the handles with your feet and placing the bar on the back of your shoulders, slowly squat down and back up for 20 sets. Your flabby arms will be long gone!
Stepper Machine - A stepper machine is a great way for those who want to tone up their lower body to use most of their lower body muscles. We have a great one called the Portable Quiet Hydraulic Home Fitness Stepper Machine, where you can work out both your legs and arms! If you want model legs, this is the workout for you!
Workouts for Hips - Great exercises for your hips include donkey kicks and lunges and can be done with our Corelux Elastic Loop Resistance Band. Using our band, perform your lunges or donkey kicks in sets of 10-20 to get rid of stubborn love handles for good!
Workouts for Glutes - We can’t talk about lower body exercises without mentioning the glutes! The exercises mentioned above are also great for your glutes, but if you want some extra help with firming loose skin while also relieving muscle soreness, our Brazilian Butt Lift Machine is perfect for that! Using EMS biological microwave impulses, this device stimulates hip muscle movement, for easy and effective backside muscle building!
Once you’re done taking your body to new levels and burning off that Xmas weight, make sure to take care of your muscles so you don’t get cramps or joint pains. Massaging your muscles does wonders for relieving pain, and our Percussion Massager Device offers deep physiotherapy massages to get your body back in the groove!
Now that we’ve shown you some at-home workouts, you can skip the gym membership and get that dream fitness body in the comfort of your own home instead!
So why are people so quick to turn on their resolutions? In order to answer that, let’s take a look at what people are resolving to do…
Mick from Inside Mastery did research on new year's resolutions and found that people are most inclined to make health/fitness-related resolutions. To illustrate this, he created a bar graph of popular resolutions where the top 3 are:
Skipping or Jumping ropes are one of the best ways to lose weight and get fit. Jump rope smarter with the Shuffle-Auto Counting Skipping Rope.
For some help:
With a built-in digital counter, you never have to worry about whether or not you got the most out of your jumping.
Getting bored of simple exercises where you run on a treadmill or cycle till no end? It's hard to keep motivation going when you're bored. Give boxing a try!
For some help:
Get your boxer on with the Full Body Resistance Band to get a low-impact, full-body workout designed to make you sweat.
It's not just about exercising, don't you want to know how you're doing throughout your fitness routine? Ensure you monitor your workouts so that you can keep track of your progress.
For some help:
The Smart BMI Scale With Bluetooth LED Display is the most accurate scale on the market and syncs up with your smartphone.
Sit down and think about how you sit for a moment. Most likely, your back arches and neck sags. 80% of people suffer from bad posture which can result in major back and joint issues. Improving your posture this year could improve your attitude as well.
For some help:
Trying on the Intelligent Posture Corrector kicks bad posture to the curb. By sending soft vibrations down your spine, the corrector does all the reminding you need to straighten your back and help you stand tall.
You don't just wanna fix your posture but also look slimmer and enhance your curves without the unsightly lumps!
For some help:
Keep your arms and bust looking sexy all while improving your back posture by trying on the Allure - Bust Enhancing Upper Arm Shaper Sleeves.
Why stop at the back and arms? Improve your leg posture simply, affordably, and quickly.
For some help:
Commit to fully bettering your posture with the Leg Posture Corrector. That allows you to add pressure to different sides of the leg, resulting in better traction and correction results.
It’s not impossible to build habits and keep healthy this year. Break the cycle of neglecting your new year's resolutions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and allow us to help you get the most out of 2023. Find even more ways to get the specific help you need by visiting here.
]]>Most all of us have heard of braces. Whether you got braces as a kid and your teeth have shifted, or you’ve never gotten braces before, if you get a fresh set of braces, you’re going to be able to fix your teeth. Braces are an option for any oral issue, because they are versatile. Also, there are many different kinds of braces, like metal braces with colors, metal braces without colors, and braces that go behind the teeth.
This means that you can customize the appearance of braces, so that they make you feel confident. Another perk of braces is that you’re never going to forget them, because they’re not able to be taken out.
Of course, there are cons to braces, too. For one thing, it is incredibly hard to adequately clean your braces, and when you don’t have a clean mouth, you might experience problems with your teeth. Another problem that comes with braces, is the fact that you can’t eat all the foods that you love, because there are parameters and rules surrounding which foods are acceptable to eat, for people with braces.
Finally, braces are incredibly expensive, so if you’re someone who doesn’t want to pay a lot of money to fix your teeth, then braces might not be for you. It’s going to cost a lot, for this method.
When you have straight teeth, you’re going to be less likely to contract issues with your oral health, like gum disease. You might not know this, but when you have straight teeth, you’re more likely to be healthy, so it’s vital that you straighten your teeth, if you can. Clear aligners are a great way to straighten your teeth, and in fact, clear aligners might even be the best way to straighten your teeth.
Not only are clear aligners more comfortable than braces, they’re also more visually appealing, because they’re simply clear liners on your teeth that you can take on and off. Plus, instead of having to deal with having certain food restrictions, clear aligners are great, because you take them out before you eat. This means that you’re going to be able to eat all the foods you love, without worrying about affecting your smile.
When it comes down to it, aligners are effective ways to straighten your teeth, and they’re the most convenient way to straighten your teeth, too. When you already have an extremely busy life, you’re not going to want to have to deal with the stress that comes with braces. So, opting for clear aligners is the fool proof way to get straight teeth!
If you’ve decided that clear aligners are for you, then there are plenty of brands out there to choose from, when you’re shopping around. However, the Healthy Livin’ Solutions Dental Aligner - Orthodontic Teeth Alignment Brace Trainer is the best option for people who are looking to fix their teeth. The product focuses on giving its users a perfect bite, which is vital for oral health and hygiene. Along with all of this, it’s the most affordable option, which is incredibly important to consider!
We’ve discussed several ways that you can fix your crooked smile, and we’ve learned that it’s important to fix a crooked smile because it affects your health not just your appearance.
Healthy Livin’ Solutions designed a product that is perfect for people who are looking to improve their smile and health. Because of the product’s high success rate on users with bite problems, crowded teeth, and more, the Dental Aligner - Orthodontic Teeth Alignment Brace Trainer is the perfect way to fix a crooked smile. So, order one today, and you’ll see results soon!
]]>The use of 3D printing technologies has exploded and is still growing, and the dental industry isn’t sitting this out. Low costs and relative ease of production are allowing dental practices to do their own 3D printing now rather than contract out for it. Some of the products practices can now produce on their own include dentures, dental models, surgical guides, dental crown substructures, and clear teeth aligners.
The pandemic gave a boost to the growth of teledentistry, and demand hasn’t subsided. No, nobody will be doing their own root canal, but many of the aspects of a regular dental checkup, even up to checking for cavities, can occur during a teledentistry appointment. Other benefits include better convenience, especially for patients living in rural areas, and more frequent checkups due to lower costs and, again, more convenience.
Dental lasers can sometimes replace the traditional dental drill and can help with removing cavities, repairing fillings, reshaping tissue, and speeding up tooth-whitening procedures. Some of the other benefits are pain reduction, faster post-op recovery, and a complete reduction of long-term bacteria.
In recent years, consumer demand for organic or otherwise more eco-sensitive foods has grown and grown. The same is true with personal care products. More and more people want products that are clean, natural, and sustainable. The dental industry is well aware of this and now offers bamboo toothbrushes, herbal toothpaste and mouthwash, and oral probiotics and supplements. We only expect this trend to continue.
Many people who have health care don’t have a dental plan because it either isn’t offered or they don’t want to take on the extra cost. Many others have neither. And some that do struggle to find practices that accept the coverage they do have.
These people don’t end up paying out of pocket for dental care. Instead, they don’t get dental care. And that has bad long-term consequences.
Subscription-based coverage is what some practices are turning to in order to improve dental health and attract more patients. Individual plans vary by practice, but most offer an affordable annual or monthly rate that includes most or all routine cleanings and x-rays. Some will even cover fillings and minor surgical procedures.
During your regular visit to the dentist for a cleaning and checkup, the hygienist uses specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. This process is called scaling.
Like teledentistry, at-home scaling grew in popularity during the pandemic and is here to stay for a growing number of people. It’s easy to understand why: you can’t beat the convenience, and and it’s highly affordable because (1) you can do it as often as you like as opposed to going to a dentist the same number of times, which will almost certainly put you over what your plan covers, and (2) because there are safe and effective tools on the market now, like the Easy Home Ultrasonic Calculus Remover Dental Scaler from Healthy Livin’ Solutions, that cost far less than the tools your dentist has and for which you and your fellow patients are paying for through your premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
Balance keeps the body in check and functioning properly, in multiple areas, such as your gut and core. Many don’t think they can actively improve their balance, but this is untrue. There are many ways to improve your balance; here are just a few of them.
In addition to active exercises and tools, there are some small steps you can take every day to improve your balance. For instance, you can adjust your stance so that your feet are further apart; keep your stance changing during other strength exercises to improve your balance. You can also do yoga.
There are dozens of great positions you can take when performing yoga which will improve your balance help you maintain a consistent body type and tone. Finally, you can engage different and numerous muscles which will keep you on balance and working toward your goal. These muscles, known as stabilizer muscles, are found in places such as your back and core.
There are many tools you can use to improve your balance. One of these is known as the “bongo board.” This board is specially designed for those who wish to improve their balance and coordination within their mind. This tool looks like a skateboard but is made with a wheel underneath which allows for repositioning and unstable movement.
You place your feet on the board and rotate around, keeping your balance and strengthening your core muscles as you move. Most of these boards also come with an instructional pamphlet, telling you exactly how to use the board so that each muscle group is strengthened and conditioned to maximum capacity.
In addition to the bongo ball, exercise balls are great for helping your balance and teaching you new techniques and conditioning concepts. You can also use a “stability ball” for more versatility and flexibility during your exercises.
These tools strengthen muscles in your core such as your abs, back, and pelvic floor while conditioning and strengthening your core stabilizers within your body. In addition to improving your balance and strengthening while using the balls, you can also stretch out and improve your flexibility as well. There are several different exercises you can do with these balls, many of which can be found online in guides and tutorials.
Much loke a bongo board, the wobble board is used almost exclusively to help improve balance and help athletes and average folks focus and maintain a sense of balance, both in their minds and their bodies.
The wobble board is currently one of the most popular items to buy in terms of exercise and self-improvement because of its simplicity and results. The board is circular and carries a sphere underneath which can adjust to both the angles you choose to exercise with and your skill level with the board. You can sit on the board and improve your balance this way, or stand and use it while trying to balance with one or both feet.
There are many tools to help your balance, but there are also exercises you can partake in without the use of tools or exercise equipment. One of the simplest exercises you can do to improve balance easily and efficiently are one-legged stands.
Simply hold yourself steady and lift up one leg for about ten seconds. Repeat this process ten to fifteen times before switching to the other leg. Your balance will steadily improve, and your legs won’t feel so weak as you use this exercise down the road. You can also shift your weight onto one leg, then the other, in order to strengthen both and improve your balance in a simple and fun way.
This exercise will seem difficult at first, but the more you practice, the better you’ll get at it and the easier it will become as you continue to practice. Start by balancing on your left foot, then engage your abs and bend forward while reaching toward the ground with your right hand.
You can also implement a five- or ten-pound weight while raising your right leg behind you to counterbalance. Tighten your butt as you return to the position you started in while also keeping you knee relaxed and your back flat throughout the exercise. The technique can be tricky but as you improve, the exercise will be easier and smoother.
]]>One of the most popular and efficient ways to clear you mind and help relax your muscles, yoga has become a worldwide phenomenon in the past several years. Yoga is not a single exercise, but a process of several techniques designed to clear your mind and help calm you, in addition to strengthening your breathing and calming your heartrate.
The key to yoga is peace and tranquility; find a spot where you can be alone and isolate yourself from your stressors and distractions. Consult an online guide to discover the vast number of techniques you can use for daily yoga sessions.
Swimming is one of the best exercises for the entire body because of the techniques used during the process. Swimming helps strengthen your back, legs, arms, and core muscles, as well as improve your cardiovascular health in a fun and easy way.
All you need is a local pool and some time, and you can learn to swim like a pro, using a variety of techniques such as the breaststroke, backstroke, and more conventional swimming motion. Swimming will help you move more fluidly on land as well because water is denser than air. If you want a great full body workout, consider swimming on a regular basis.
It may sound odd and above your skill level, but boxing is a great way to get in some healthy and fun exercise every now and again. Boxing can help control your aggression and more destructive impulses as well, as it releases a large number of endorphins and keeps your body tough and in shape.
Boxing classes help you control your body and technique in a controlled and fun environment, with others to practice against and an instructor you can help you master the art. Of course, you don’t have to take it too far; you can spar casually with others or use a training bag.
If you don’t want to spend the time or money going to other places and buying equipment, you can always exercise from the comfort of your own home. Doing pushups and sit ups on a consistent and daily basis will help train your muscles and give you a feeling of euphoria once the workout is finished. Pushups and sit ups also help train your upper body and core muscles, and you can jog in place every day or every other day to get in some great cardio work as well.
If you don’t mind spending the extra time and money taking up fun and vigorous activities, you can join a team or league. There are plenty out there, ranging from football to basketball, tennis to soccer. Find a sport you love to play and go out to play it with others.
You can give encouragement while receiving that same encouragement. You can also improve your skills and hand/eye coordination while becoming fit and playing your stress and worries away. Joining a league doesn’t have to be competitive either; there are plenty of casual leagues all around you, you just have to look for them. All it costs is the entry fee and some affordable equipment, and you’ll be out scoring goals and hitting balls in no time.
Putting your mind to a complex task can actually do wonders to reduce your stress. The more complicated the task, the less stress you’ll feel and the more relaxed your body will become as you lose yourself to the exercise.
One of the most complicated exercises you can engage in is actually dancing. Dancing is a great exercise because it allows you to make as many moves as you want and add to your repertoire with every passing performance. The best part about dancing is that you need no prior experience to begin, and you can listen your favorite songs and jams as you pass the time away.
]]>Balance keeps the body in check and functioning properly, in multiple areas, such as your gut and core. Many don’t think they can actively improve their balance, but this is untrue. There are many ways to improve your balance; here are just a few of them.
In addition to active exercises and tools, there are some small steps you can take every day to improve your balance. For instance, you can adjust your stance so that your feet are further apart; keep your stance changing during other strength exercises to improve your balance. You can also do yoga.
There are dozens of great positions you can take when performing yoga which will improve your balance help you maintain a consistent body type and tone. Finally, you can engage different and numerous muscles which will keep you on balance and working toward your goal. These muscles, known as stabilizer muscles, are found in places such as your back and core.
There are many tools you can use to improve your balance. One of these is known as the “bongo board.” This board is specially designed for those who wish to improve their balance and coordination within their mind. This tool looks like a skateboard but is made with a wheel underneath which allows for repositioning and unstable movement.
You place your feet on the board and rotate around, keeping your balance and strengthening your core muscles as you move. Most of these boards also come with an instructional pamphlet, telling you exactly how to use the board so that each muscle group is strengthened and conditioned to maximum capacity.
In addition to the bongo ball, exercise balls are great for helping your balance and teaching you new techniques and conditioning concepts. You can also use a “stability ball” for more versatility and flexibility during your exercises.
These tools strengthen muscles in your core such as your abs, back, and pelvic floor while conditioning and strengthening your core stabilizers within your body. In addition to improving your balance and strengthening while using the balls, you can also stretch out and improve your flexibility as well. There are several different exercises you can do with these balls, many of which can be found online in guides and tutorials.
Much loke a bongo board, the wobble board is used almost exclusively to help improve balance and help athletes and average folks focus and maintain a sense of balance, both in their minds and their bodies.
The wobble board is currently one of the most popular items to buy in terms of exercise and self-improvement because of its simplicity and results. The board is circular and carries a sphere underneath which can adjust to both the angles you choose to exercise with and your skill level with the board. You can sit on the board and improve your balance this way, or stand and use it while trying to balance with one or both feet.
There are many tools to help your balance, but there are also exercises you can partake in without the use of tools or exercise equipment. One of the simplest exercises you can do to improve balance easily and efficiently are one-legged stands.
Simply hold yourself steady and lift up one leg for about ten seconds. Repeat this process ten to fifteen times before switching to the other leg. Your balance will steadily improve, and your legs won’t feel so weak as you use this exercise down the road. You can also shift your weight onto one leg, then the other, in order to strengthen both and improve your balance in a simple and fun way.
This exercise will seem difficult at first, but the more you practice, the better you’ll get at it and the easier it will become as you continue to practice. Start by balancing on your left foot, then engage your abs and bend forward while reaching toward the ground with your right hand.
You can also implement a five- or ten-pound weight while raising your right leg behind you to counterbalance. Tighten your butt as you return to the position you started in while also keeping you knee relaxed and your back flat throughout the exercise. The technique can be tricky but as you improve, the exercise will be easier and smoother.]]>The neck—or cervical spine—is a coordinated network of nerves, bones, joints, and muscles. It has the important job of providing support and mobility for the head, but sometimes it can become painful.
This article will give you the signs you should not ignore when you are experiencing neck pain.
1. When you have neck pain for more than 6 weeks and it's not getting better with rest or painkiller.
2. When your pain is going down your arm and back.
3. Light tapping on the spine is painful.
4. Weight loss without dieting is a potential sign of cancer.
5. If you have sleep deprivation due to pain.
6. A fierce headache, and/or an inability to bend the head forward (nuchal rigidity), and/or fever, and/or altered mental state are all symptoms of meningitis (inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, caused by infection or drug side effects).
7. When you have signs of nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
8. Severe throbbing pain in the neck and posterior occipital region.
Neck pain usually goes away within a few days or weeks. Most neck pain sufferers will try over the counter pain-relieving drugs and bed rest. But for the majority, these self remedies will not provide the relief that they need, In fact, bed rest or self-stretching can often be the wrong thing to do, because it can weaken the spinal muscles further. Weakness in the spinal muscles is one of the main reasons for neck pain and puts you at risk for injuring your neck with common daily activities such as bending, rotation, and extension. Most of us sit too much with neck tilted forward and flexed which can cause severe neck pain and tension on the neck and upper shoulder that lead to cervical injury.
]]>Studies have shown that most human teeth are not naturally pearl-white. In reality, most teeth are different shades and hues that tend towards yellow. Nor are teeth uniformly colored.
Teeth may be stained or discolored for a variety of reasons. If you want to make them brighter and whiter, you can do so safely. There are several options to choose from. You can visit your dentist for whitening treatments or try at-home whitening products.
But before you consider whitening or bleaching your teeth, here are some possible risks you should know.
Extrinsic discoloration is when foods, beverages, or smoking habits stain your teeth. Coffee, tea, red wine, foods with dyes, and tobacco can contribute to this type of staining. These stains affect the outside of your teeth.
Extrinsic discoloration may be treated with whitening toothpaste that target the teeth’s outside stains.
Intrinsic discoloration is from within the tooth. You may have intrinsic discoloration because of medication use, childhood illness, infection, tooth trauma, or aging.
Intrinsic discoloration may need to be professionally bleached to get the same level, or better, of teeth whiteness.
Generally, tooth whitening is successful in at least 90 percent of patients. As a rule of thumb, yellow-colored teeth respond well to whitening, while brownish-colored teeth don’t respond as well. Gray stains caused by smoking, taking tetracycline or fluorosis (ingestion of too much fluoride) most likely will not be dramatically changed by tooth whitening.
While teeth whitening is considered safe, you may experience some side effects from treatments:
Teeth whitening treatments may not be right for you to try while you have active cavities or certain dental work in progress.
The conclusive answer is no, teeth whitening gel will NOT damage or harm your tooth enamel. Enamel is considered the hardest tissue in the human body. Enamel consists of tiny tubules that can only be viewed under high magnification. Even though Enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth, it is the layer of tissue beneath the enamel that absorbs the majority of the stain, called dentin. In order to achieve successful whitening, the product flows through the enamel tubules and begins to lighten the underlying stained tissue.
]]>It's true that some causes of neck pain, such as age-related wear and tear, are not under your control. On the other hand, there are many things you can do to minimize your risk. One place to start is to look at how you sleep and what effect this may have on neck pain.
Sleeping with neck pain can be painful and frustrating. However, protecting your neck and keeping your sleep pain-free is possible!
Sleep on your back.
Sleeping on your back will help to keep your neck aligned with your spine and give your entire body more support. It will also ensure your neck does not twist or lean to one side during the night.
In this position, there are minimal extra pressure areas as your weight is more evenly distributed across your bed. Plus, sleeping with your face turned up stops stomach acid from making its way up to your throat, known as acid reflux. This issue is something that side sleepers and stomach sleepers are prone to experiencing.
Note: If you snore, sleeping on your back can make your snoring worse. You may try sleeping on your side instead.
Sleep sideways.
Sleeping on one side is also a good option, especially if you find it more comfortable than sleeping on your back. A side sleeping position can also help your neck feel more supported, resting on 1 side on a pillow.
Side sleeping can lead to pressure building up. This pressure can cause inflammation, preventing the soft tissue from repairing and may even break down healthy cells during the night. These pressure points have a tendency to cause pain. This is especially true when it comes to the cervical portion of the spine. Typically, the best mattress for side sleepers is of medium firmness because it’s supportive enough to maintain healthy spinal alignment but soft enough to alleviate pressure points under major joints.
When a sleeper lays on their side, a gap forms between the head, neck, and the mattress. To rectify this problem, a pillow of appropriate height and firmness should be placed under the head and up against the shoulder. This pillow should allow the head to remain in a neutral position.
As long as the appropriate pillows are placed in the right areas, side sleeping endures as a good sleeping position.
For some individuals, the side position could be more healthy than back sleeping. These individuals are typically advised by a physician overseeing a condition such as pregnancy.
Notes:
Avoid sleeping on your stomach, as this can strain your neck.
If you’re a stomach sleeper, the chances of having a crick in your neck are greatly increased. Mainly due to the turned head and the stressed spinal pose. Stomach sleeping is the least healthy sleeping position out of all the sleeping styles.
This sleep position can even limit blood flow, which can cause dizziness upon climbing out of bed. Talk about the effects of poor posture!
Note:
Here are some additional tips:
Crooked, misaligned teeth are very common. Many children and adults have them. Although teeth that aren’t perfectly aligned are unique to you and can add personality and charm to your smile, many of us would want their crooked teeth aligned since the first thing you notice about a person's smile is their teeth.
It is proven that it is hard for a person to smile with confidence when their teeth are crooked and why orthodontic treatment is generally considered a wise investment that can pay off big in terms of self-confidence in social and professional situations.
Crooked teeth can be caused by one or more than the following:
Orthodontic treatment times can vary but usually fall within the range of six months to three years. After initial treatment, no matter which type of appliance was used, it is crucial to wear retainers as directed. Retainers help hold your teeth in their new positions and prevent them from moving back into their old arrangement. After all, you wouldn’t want your effort and investment in a beautiful smile to be wasted.
Straightened teeth have other benefits besides making your smile look great. Better tooth alignment can also prevent individual teeth from being subjected to more than their share of biting force, which could cause them to wear unevenly or be moved out of alignment. A well-aligned bite will distribute these forces evenly, and may even prevent jaw pain and headaches in the process.
Whatever your reasons for fixing crooked teeth, you will no doubt be glad you did!
Tooth whitening lightens teeth and helps to remove stains and discoloration. Whitening is among the most popular cosmetic dental procedures because it can greatly improve how your teeth look. Most dentists perform tooth whitening.
Whitening is not a one-time procedure. It will need to be repeated from time to time if you want to maintain a brighter color.
One piece of advice to maintain a bright white smile after teeth whitening is to watch what you eat and drink. Certain foods and beverages can discolor teeth. If you want to protect your pearly white teeth, here is a list of foods you should avoid.
A healthy diet and a change of habits can prevent tooth stains and preserve your pristine smile. The white diet is not too hard to follow and is only necessary for the first 48 hours after your teeth whitening treatment. Enjoy your favorite foods, but use caution.
]]>Most of us have experienced neck tension or pain at one time or another. These are often caused by poor posture or degenerative changes to the cervical spine. The result is stiff muscles in your neck and shoulders, pain and limited mobility. Neck tension and pain can occur for several reasons.
Exercise is a vital part of treating the spine after injury or surgery. Active therapeutic exercises distribute nutrients into the disc space, joints and soft tissues in the neck. A regular exercise routine helps patients improve mobility and strength, minimize recurrence, and reduces the severity and duration of possible future episodes of neck and arm pain.
1. Upper Trapezius Stretch: Sit up or stand tall with good posture keeping shoulders down. Slightly turn your ear to your shoulder until a comfortable stretch is felt on the opposite side of the neck. Hold that position for 20 seconds. Repeat to each side 3 times. Perform this exercise 2 times per day.
2. Fascia Roll: Upper and Middle Back: Lie on your back. Place the foam roller under your back at the height of your shoulder blades. Raise your hips off the floor and engage your abs and glutes. Make sure that your hips, back and neck form a straight line. Put your hands behind your head to support your neck. Slowly roll back and forth to massage your back muscles and mobilize your spine.
You can use a tennis or a golf ball to target specific painful spots. Maintain pressure on particularly painful spots for 20 to 40 seconds until the pain subsides.
3. Shoulder Scapular Squeeze: Squeeze your shoulder blades together. Hold 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times. Only squeeze hard enough to encourage good posture, not to create pain or discomfort. Perform this exercise 2 times per day
4. Neck Rotation: Rotate head gently and slowly from side to side. Do not turn head completely to either side, keep motion small. Keep chin level with the ground without letting chin drop to the chest. Repeat 10 times. Perform this exercise 2 times per day.
5. Sitting T-Spine Rotation: You may do this with a foam roller. Sit on a chair. Keep your upper body straight and place your hands behind your head with your elbows pointing out. Put the foam roller between your thighs. Press your thighs together to stabilize your hips. Turn your head, elbow, shoulder girdle, and thoracic spine to the side. While still in this position, tilt your upper body to the side. Repeat the exercise several times.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time.
Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint, the disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips, and spine.
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee affects the bones, the cartilage, and the synovium in the knee joint.
Cartilage is a slippery tissue that provides a smooth surface for joint motion and acts as a cushion between the bones.
Symptoms of this can usually be managed, although the damage to joints can't be reversed. Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight and healthy eating might slow the progression of the disease and help improve pain and joint function.
New research even shows that certain foods can help relieve knee pain resulting from osteoarthritis. Here’s what and what not to eat when you are experiencing knee pain.
People with knee pain reported less discomfort and used fewer pain meds after eating soy protein every day for three months, according to Oklahoma State University research.
Fresh red and black grapes contain resveratrol and soy products that contain isoflavones, plant hormones with anti-inflammatory properties.
In a study of 293 Australian adults, eating plenty of fruit reduced the risk of developing bone marrow lesions: a marker for worsening knee osteoarthritis and pain.
During the production of energy and other processes, the body produces harmful byproducts called free radicals.
These can damage the cells in the body. Free radicals have been linked to inflammation that attacks the joints.
Green leafy vegetables — such as broccoli and spinach — contain vitamins A, C, and K, which are antioxidants.
These help to protect cells from free radical damage. They also contain high levels of calcium, which contributes to bone health.
The knee-friendliest fruits appear to be vitamin C-packed ones, like kiwi, orange, mango, grapefruit, and papaya. The vitamin C in fruit protects the knee joint and supporting structures.
Certain types of fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These acids help reduce levels of two proteins called the C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6, which cause inflammation.
Some people with OA have high levels of CRP. This can lead to increased pain and swelling.
Omega-3s help the body respond to inflammation by interfering with certain cells. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish can help stop inflammation before it damages the joints.
Eating a 3-to-6 ounce (oz) serving of fish at least four times a week can help reduce OA inflammation and protect the heart.
Fish that are rich in omega-3s include:
Fish-oil supplements are also available, but eating fish offers greater benefits.
People with OA of the knee should try to avoid some foods, as they may aggravate the condition further.
Teeth whitening's a hot topic right now. But with so many whitening products and treatments now available to us, it can be hard to figure out what's effective, and more importantly, what's safe.
However, for all its popularity today, myths about teeth whitening still abound. Some of these myths are simply inaccurate or the whitener’s they advocate just don’t work. Worse, however, some of them can do more harm than good.
So, whatever you do, don’t believe the teeth whitening myths listed below:
1. Over-the-counter teeth-whitening products are as effective as professional treatments.
A number of scientific studies have found that sodium chlorite, an active ingredient in most over-the-counter teeth-whitening products, could significantly reduce the hardness of teeth in the presence of an acid, and make them susceptible to surface abrasions in the future.
Hydrogen Peroxide, when it comes into contact with the tissues, causes free radical reactions. These are the same reactions that age living tissue.
While these “whitening” toothpaste and chewing gums may have whitening chemicals in them, they are far too weak to have an effect. Whitening chemicals need to be in contact with the teeth for a minimum of 20 minutes in order to effect a color change.
2. Teeth whitening products can harm your enamel.
To be fair, some of the teeth whitening products that you can buy over the counter may do some damage on your enamel or gums, especially if you overuse it. However, your teeth and gums will be perfectly fine after teeth whitening if your dentist used a high-strength whitening gel.
3. You can whiten your teeth with baking soda.
This simply doesn’t work and will disrupt the ratio of good to bad bacteria in your mouth.
4. Teeth-whitening makes teeth weak and sensitive.
Just because you have sensitive teeth doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t do anything about the stains and discoloration that stop you from showing your full smile to the public. The truth is that like any medical procedure, teeth-whitening is also accompanied by a number of potential risks, including sensitivity, gum irritation, or even nerve damage. However, having the procedure carried out by a licensed professional dental health provider can help avoid or minimize those risks significantly. In addition, studies have also shown that the latest teeth-whitening technology, such as whitening gels activated by diode lasers; shows little to no surface alterations, damage, or sensitivity, in comparison to most conventional whitening products.
5. Once whitened, teeth will stay white forever.
Teeth whitening is believed to last up to three years. However, the duration may differ depending on the person. For those who eat or drink teeth-staining products such as coffee, tea, and red wine, amongst many other things, the likelihood of their teeth remaining white for such a period of time is low. The same goes for those who smoke.
6. You can whiten your teeth using acidic fruits.
True, but at a cost. The way it works is the acids eat away at your teeth enamel. In the end, you can do permanent damage to your teeth if you take this route to whiten your teeth.
]]>Your retainer sits inside your mouth and against your teeth, so it quickly accumulates bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Just like you brush your teeth every day, it’s essential to clean your retainer every day. So, you might be wondering how to care for it.
In this article, we will help you know more about the different types of retainers, how to clean them.
These are usually called permanent retainers. Fixed retainers are a thin wire worn across the back of the lower or upper front teeth, which is bonded in place with a cement similar to that applied on the brackets of braces. They’re used if you have a high risk of having your teeth shift. You can’t remove this type of retainer. It’s usually put into place for months or even years.
How to clean it?
A floss threader or similar cleaning device must be used to access the interproximal spaces between the teeth, which is similar to how people with braces have to floss.
Hawley is the most well-known removable retainer type. It consists of a metal wire which surrounds the six anterior teeth and incorporated with two omega loops for adjustments. The wire is anchored on an acrylic baseplate that sits on the roof of the mouth.
On the other hand, clear plastic retainers slip over your teeth and are pretty much invisible. It is a clear or transparent retainer that is fitted to the whole teeth curve or from canine to canine only. It is produced from a mold and looked like an Invisalign tray. It also only recommended being worn at night.
Compared to Hawley, clear plastic retainer is cheaper, less visible, and easier to wear.
How to take care of them?
Since it is removable, this type of retainer makes it easier to clean your teeth, but the patient has to remember to wear it daily. Initially, your orthodontist or dentist will want you to wear it all day and all night for at least three months; if no movement is detected, you may be instructed to wear the retainer only at night or for a few hours in the daytime.
Other notes:
Brushing the retainer is good, but it is also recommended to soak it in a retainer cleaner daily to remove the bacteria that might have been missed by brushing.
Also, be wary of the cleaning agent you use. Ensure that the product is not abrasive as it can damage the retainer. If calcium deposits remain stuck to the retainer after brushing or soaking it, you should consult your orthodontist to help you address the issue.
]]>Your neck is made up of vertebrae that extend from the skull to the upper torso. Cervical discs absorb shock between the bones.
The bones, ligaments, and muscles of your neck support your head and allow for motion. Any abnormalities, inflammation, or injury can cause neck pain or stiffness.
Neck pain is a common complaint. Neck muscles can be strained from poor posture — whether it's leaning over your computer or hunching over your workbench.
Most of the time, neck pain isn’t a serious condition and can be relieved within a few days. But in some cases, neck pain can indicate serious injury or illness and require a doctor’s care.
If you have neck pain that continues for more than a week, is severe, or is accompanied by other symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Muscle strains. Overuse, such as too many hours hunched over your computer or smartphone, often triggers muscle strains. This is usually due to activities and behaviors such as:
Worn joints. Just like the other joints in your body, your neck joints tend to wear down with age. Osteoarthritis causes the cushions (cartilage) between your bones (vertebrae) to deteriorate. Your body then forms bone spurs that affect joint motion and cause pain.
Injury.The neck is particularly vulnerable to injury, especially in falls, car accidents, and sports, where the muscles and ligaments of the neck are forced to move outside of their normal range. If the neck bones (cervical vertebrae) are fractured, the spinal cord may also be damaged. Neck injury due to sudden jerking of the head is commonly called whiplash.
Heart attack. Neck pain can also be a symptom of a heart attack, but it often presents with other symptoms of a heart attack, such as:
If your neck hurts and you have other symptoms of heart attack, call an ambulance or go to the emergency room immediately.
Diseases. Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, Osteoporosis or Fibromyalgia can cause neck pain.
In rare cases, neck stiffness or pain occurs due to:
With treatment, your neck will stop hurting in a few days in most cases.
If symptoms persist for more than a week, consult with your doctor. You should also see a doctor if you have:
It has always been known that prevention is better that cure. Here are some simple changes in your daily routine you might try considering: