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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
Studies show that 30 to 40 percent of the general population snores, which means there are an awful lot of people out there not getting a good night's sleep. Whether you snore, or your partner, there are some easy ways to alleviate snoring and catch some zzzz's before you know it.
Snore-free night's sleep
Tongue exercises : believe it or not there are exercises that you can do with your tongue that will help “train” your tongue where to stay in your mouth while you are sleeping to prevent snoring. One good tongue exercise to practice is making the “t-t-t-t-t” sound : sort of like you are scolding someone. This strengthens the tip of the tongue. You can also let your tongue hang out relaxed, then tense your tongue by pointing it and holding this position for three seconds.
Buy a mouthpiece : one of the most effective anti-snoring techniques is using a “boil and bite” mouthpiece. These mouthpieces form to your upper and lower teeth and pull your lower jaw and the back of your tongue forward. This process allows your airway to be opened and you to breathe easier.
Wear an air mask : commonly used for severe sleep apnea, a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) mask pushes air into the nasal passages and throat, allowing the airways to be opened. Unfortunately, only 50 percent of users use their machine correctly, as they cannot keep a mask on throughout the night.
Sleep with a tennis ball : say what? Hear us out on this one, because most people snore while sleeping on their back if you provide a barrier between your body and your back while you are sleeping you will be less likely to sleep on your back throughout the night, thereby reducing your snoring. Some people suggest putting a tennis ball in a pocket T-shirt then sleeping with the T-shirt on backwards. You can also put the tennis ball in a fanny pack and then wear that backwards. If you happen to turn onto your back during the night, the ball, whether it is in your shirt or in your fanny pack, will cause discomfort and you will roll onto your side.
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
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What are the signs and symptoms of Monkeypox?
After exposure, it could be days or weeks before you develop symptoms. They include fever, chills, headache, muscle ache, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes. After a few days, a rash often develops. The rash starts as flat, red bumps, which can be painful. Those bumps turn into blisters, which fill with pus. Eventually, the blisters crust over and fall off — the whole process can last two to four weeks.
Is Monkeypox treatable/curable?
According to the CDC, “Monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting from two to four weeks. Most people with monkeypox get better on their own without treatment. Following diagnosis, your healthcare provider will monitor your condition and try to relieve your symptoms, prevent dehydration and give you antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections if they develop.”
How do you prevent Monkeypox virus?
The best way to help prevent spread the monkeypox virus is to:
- Avoid contact with infected animals (especially sick or dead animals).
- Avoid contact with bedding and other materials contaminated with the virus.
- Thoroughly cook all foods that contain animal meat or parts.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Avoid contact with people who may be infected with the virus.
- Practice safe sex, including the use of condoms
- Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose when around others.
- Details
- Written by Lisa Jillanza
You can’t turn on the television anymore without hearing about the latest infectious disease: Monkeypox. While there is a lot of information all over the Internet about Monkeypox, here we break down what you need to know, what you should do and how to prevent the spread of this disease.
So, what is Monkeypox?
According to the CDC, “Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It leads to rash and flu-like symptoms. Monkeypox was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in groups of monkeys being used for research. It’s spread mainly through human contact with infected rodents but can sometimes be spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.”
How common is it?
Monkeypox is actually rare. But the number of cases is increasing in Africa, as well as in regions that haven’t seen these infections before.
Where is it found?
For decades, Monkeypox was only found in Africa. But 2022 has brought outbreaks to regions outside of Africa, like Europe, the Americas and Australia.
Who is affected by Monkeypox?
According to the CDC, “Anyone can get monkeypox. In Africa, most cases are among children under 15 years old. Outside of Africa, the disease appears to be more common in men who have sex with men, but there are numerous cases in people who don’t fall into that category.”
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
Everyone knows that your kidneys are two vital organs in your body. Located in your lower back, your kidneys work as blood filtration, keep a balance between minerals, eliminate waste from blood and water, excrete waste materials from the body through the urinary tract, produce hormones, and more.
These organs are very important and without both kidneys, humans would not survive much longer. While they are vital organs, they are very prone to many diseases caused by food items, hereditary diseases, blood pressure, diabetes, and more. If food is not damaging your kidneys directly, it will damage them indirectly.
That’s why is it super important to maintain a kidney-healthy diet
This includes eating all kinds of healthy, fresh, herbal, homemade, and farm-fresh foods.
The following foods should be avoided for the health of your kidneys:
- Processed food
- Salt or sodium food items
- Beets
- Tomatoes and tomato seeds
- Fast food
- Sugary foods
- Alcohol
- Lentils and beans
- Junk food
- Frozen food, ready to cook food
- Artificially flavored juices
- Potatoes
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
The Fourth of July brings food, picnics, swimming, fireworks and so much more.
Why not kick off this Fourth of July with a bang and not just end it with one?
This month we offer you this “Firecracker Frenzy: Fourth of July Workout Challenge”.
Start off with these warm-ups:
*30-second march in place
*20 glute kicks
*20 squats
*20 jumping jacks
*30-second march in place
And the workout:
*25 jumping jacks
*20 side lunges
*25 jump squats
*15 push-ups
*10 burpees
*20 crunches
*20 sit-ups
*30-seconds to 1 minute plank
Repeat full circuit one time.
Cool Down:
*30-second march in place
*Stretch
Have fun and Happy Fourth of July Everyone!