3 EXERCISE EQUIPMENT YOU CAN USE FOR A LIFETIME

3 Exercise Equipment You Can Use For A Lifetime

Whether you're interested in building up your body or just exercising for fun, exercise equipment will help you get the results you want. The accessibility of working out at home these days has made it easier than ever for people of all ages to stay healthy by exercising. Thus, if you want to establish a home gym for yourself, you need to make sure you're getting what you pay for if you feel like investing in exercise equipment. It's easy to pick out the newest, highest-quality piece and start working out with it. But will it be sturdy enough for your needs?  

Don’t know where to start? Here are three tried-and-tested workout equipment you could use for a lifetime.

1. Dumbbells And Barbelll

With the number of choices available on the market, it could be difficult to choose the best barbell or dumbbells out there. But with enough research, you will make a sound decision. Assess your body type first, what you want to achieve, then research what goes best with which kind of workout you choose.

Whatever workout regimen you may have, you can’t go wrong with investing in dumbbells or barbells with varying weight plates as these have been a tried and true form of exercise for home-based bodybuilders. These items can be used across a variety of different workouts, so they could really help tone different areas of your body.

Consult a fitness trainer or bodybuilder who could guide you with the purchase as there are different types of weight plates, weightlifting bars, and different-sized dumbbells you could use for specific workouts. If you have a bigger space for a barbell and a weight training bench, make sure you get a sturdy one, hopefully those that won’t rust easily; the same goes for the dumbbells. With this equipment at home, you could try deadlifting, bench press workouts, or CrossFit workouts. The possibilities are endless.

2. Treadmill

Have you tried to go for a run during the fall or winter? Or do you live in an extremely busy city where there doesn’t seem to be enough space anywhere to run? Maybe it’s always rainy where you are, or it’s quite unsafe to go out at night if you prefer after-sunset runs. Regardless of your situation, a treadmill is an easy way to go for a quick jog or run without leaving your home.

When you decide to shop around for fitness equipment, you can include a well-built treadmill that will last for a lifetime, provided you regularly maintain the machine, of course. There are now options to purchase different sizes and types of treadmill machines. The more complicated and expensive ones are digital, which could offer various readings and measurements such as distance traveled, time covered, calorie counter, even heartbeat rates per minute.

There are mid-range priced ones that also offer similar readings but on a simpler scale. But for both types, the track could usually be adjusted to imitate different ground environments and inclines for a more wholesome or challenging workout, depending on your fitness needs.

3. Stationary Bike Machines

If you would rather stay indoors than go biking around the city or your community, dodging and weaving around pedestrians in the process, stopping once in a while whenever there’s not enough room for you to proceed, or there are too much traffic lights in your block, purchasing a stationary bike machine might be a good idea for you.

There are various types of stationary bikes available in the market, but the purchase will have to consider your home space. Some of these machines are bulky, while there are more slender models that could be kept at any corner of your home gym. Much like the treadmill, the bike will also require maintenance, especially on the chains, to ensure they last years to come. But it's definitely another great investment to add to your home workout equipment as you can bike for as long as you want, only stopping at your own discretion.

Conclusion

Considering there are so many options available for home exercise equipment in stores or online shops, it might be a trial and error circumstance until you find what works best for you. One thing that might benefit you is to go to a local fitness shop or a gym and consult with a professional workout trainer who has knowledge of the topic at hand. With enough time and research, you will no doubt find the best exercise equipment for you, and you’ll be able to enjoy that workout routine at home—for a lifetime.

10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CHELATION THERAPY

Chelation therapy is an alternative treatment that’s used to remove heavy metals and other toxins from the body by using chemicals. It has been used for a long to treat lead and mercury poisoning, but, now, many believe that it can be beneficial for preventing heart diseases and other health problems. 

In this article, we discuss the top 10 things you need to know about EDTA Chelation.

1.      Chelation Therapy Is Conducted Through An Intravenous (IV) drip 

In chelation therapy, the chemical substance enters the bloodstream through an intravenous drip. The chemical in the bloodstream then binds itself to toxic metals or minerals in the body and removes them.

EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid) is a form of amino acid that’s commonly used to remove substances, such as lead, copper, and calcium deposits from the body. 

2.      Help With Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease where plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries. These plaques are caused by deposits of lipids, like cholesterol and calcium. These plaques can cause several problems, like blocking the blow flow, blood clotting, and weakening of the artery wall.

Chelation therapy may help remove these calcium deposits and supposedly restore the blood flow in the arteries. 

3.      Slows The Progression of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is a disorder that causes brain cells to degenerate and die. Patients of this disease have an abnormal build-up of proteins and metals that damage the brain. Metals, like zinc, iron, and copper may also build up in the brain, causing plaques.

Chelation therapy may help remove the excessive build-up of proteins and metal from the brain, which may help slow the progression of the disease.   

4.      Helps With Heavy Metal Poisoning 

Chelation treatment is may treat heavy metal poisoning. Some of the common symptoms of heavy metal toxicity include chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety, autoimmune disease, and neurological disorders.

To help with metal poisoning, EDTA is injected into the patient’s bloodstream. The EDTA then binds itself to the harmful metals and coverts the harmful toxins into inert substances that can be removed from the body through urine. 

5.      Reduce The Risk For Heart Diseases

Heart diseases occur when the fatty deposits in the arteries cause the blood vessels to narrow. This further affects the blood flow in the heart. ETDA chelation will bind to the deposits that caused the blockage, then remove it from the blood.

Though chelation therapy can help reduce the risk of heart attacks and other heart diseases, this treatment hasn’t been approved by the FDA. Therefore, if you’re thinking of chelation therapy to improve your heart’s health, it’s important to consult your doctor. 

6.      Helps With Oxidative Stress 

Iron is one of the most important minerals required by the body to function. The lack of it can lead to anemia. However, abnormal amounts of iron in the body can lead to free radical toxicity. Imbalance in iron regulation can also lead to other diseases, like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. 

A study highlights the key role of iron in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that causes damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA. Thereby, increasing free radicals in the body. This leads to increased oxidative stress, which directly impacts the aging process, leading to several health issues. 

In chelation therapy, iron-designed chelators may block the iron’s ability to create free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress.

7.      Anti-Aging

Some of the key factors that contribute to the aging process are increased amounts of toxic metals in the body, increased oxidative stress, and abnormal calcium deposits that often lead to various health problems and accelerates the aging process, making you look tired and old. 

Chelation therapy may remove the toxic metals from your body, reduces oxidative stress, and improves blood circulation. All these factors considerably contribute to slow down the aging process. 

8.      Reduces High Blood Pressure 

Metal toxicity is one of the key factors linked to high blood pressure that has often been overlooked. Abnormal amounts of metal in the bloodstream can affect the function of certain enzymes in your body, leading to blood vessel damage and inflammation. 

Furthermore, large amounts of metal in the body also increased the production of epinephrine, which is also known as adrenaline. This puts the body on the fight or flight survival mode, making the heart beat faster. All of these factors contribute to increased blood pressure. 

When chelation therapy is administered, it binds to the toxic heavy metals, like lead, which contributes largely to high blood pressure. When this happens, it may reduce your blood pressure. Chelation therapy may also reduce the risk of angina attacks. 

9.      Manages Arthritis 

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune arthritis that occurs when the body’s immune system isn’t working properly, causing inflammation and pain in your joints. This condition can slowly damage several parts of the body, like eyes, lungs, skin, heart, and blood vessels. 

Since toxic metals play an integral role in impairing the proper functioning of the immune system, removing them from the bloodstream may help reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. 

A study was conducted on an old Italian woman with rheumatoid arthritis and heavy metal intoxication. She was given an EDTA chelation treatment for metal intoxication and the final results didn’t show any signs of mental intoxication and her rheumatoid symptoms had improved.

10.  Treatment For Multiple Sclerosis 

As thousands of patients use it in the US, chelation therapy has been used as a treatment for multiple sclerosis. One of the key triggers for MS patients is toxic metal poisoning.

Chelation therapy is used to clear the heavy metals from the body that may further help reduce MS triggers caused by inadequate metal detoxication from the body. 

Symptoms Of Chelation Therapy

Though chelation therapy is FDA approved for the treatment of lead poisoning, there’s not enough evidence to prove that the treatment is effective for various other diseases. Sometimes, chelation therapy can cause symptoms like a burning sensation near the injection site, vomiting, headache, and nausea. 

Furthermore, chelation therapy can cause serious symptoms, like low blood pressure, brain damage, anemia, and mineral and vitamin deficiencies. Therefore, it’s important to consult your doctor before you start with the treatment. 

Chelation therapy shouldn’t be undertaken by children, pregnant women, and patients suffering from kidney failure. 

Dosage and Cost

The number of treatments required to treat a disorder depends largely on the disease and its condition. However, in most cases, chelation therapy is conducted several times a week to a few months to get optimal benefits. 

A single session may cost between USD$75 to USD$125. Though the treatment is covered by insurance companies, the coverage is limited to the treatments approved by the FDA. 

Natural Chelating Agents 

Heavy metal toxicity is known to be an integral factor for several health conditions. From serious health issues, like lead poisoning and autoimmune diseases, milder levels of metal toxicity can lead to symptoms, like headaches, nausea, and vomiting. That’s why it's important to rid the body of heavy metal toxins. 

Chelation has been popularly adapted for clearing these toxins through the use of chelating agents in the form of oral medicine or IV drips. However, you can also use foods with natural chelation properties for mild metal toxicity to restore your health. 

To avoid heavy metal toxicity, here are a few natural chelating agents you can add to your daily diet:

·       Cilantro: Cilantro is known as an immunity booster as it helps remove heavy metal toxins, like aluminum, mercury, and lead. Regular consumption of cilantro for two weeks can considerably remove heavy metals from your body. You can simply add cilantro to your diet by adding it to your meals and snacks, such as tacos. 

·       Activated Charcoal: Activated charcoal is known for its ability to bind with heavy metals in the body, then flush them out. Taking food-grade activated charcoal as a daily supplement leads to metal and general detoxification, which is important to keep the body healthy.

·       Onion And Garlic: The Sulphur content found in onion and garlic can help remove the toxic heavy metals from your body. Other than onion and garlic, foods like Brussel sprouts, eggs, and cabbage also have high amounts of Sulphur that can help remove toxic metals from the body. 

Conclusion

Chelation Therapy is an effective treatment for removing heavy metal toxicity from the body. Also, it has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of metal poisoning. Due to its ability to remove heavy metal toxins, it has been effective for treating conditions where heavy metal toxicity is one of the factors that cause the disease, like rheumatoid arthritis, oxidative stress, and multiple sclerosis. 

Chelation therapy is also being widely used for treating heart diseases as it's an effective way to remove the plaques on the artery walls, leading to improved blood circulation. The most common way to administer chelation treatment is through IV dips. However, you can also take them orally. 

Though chelation therapy can be an effective alternative treatment to treat several diseases, it’s important to discuss the treatment and dosage with your doctor. This way, you can get optimal health benefits from it without having to face any major risks.   

7 HEALTHY BREAKFAST IDEAS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

A lot of students eat cheap food that is fast to cook. They do it due to a lack of time and money. Unfortunately, such food can harm students’ health. If you decide to change your nutrition plan, start with breakfast, as it’s the most important meal of a day.

Below, you will find seven tasty and healthy breakfast ideas for college students. They will help you consume the proper amount of proteins, carbs, and fat to keep your body fit and healthy.

Fruits, Yogurt, and Nuts

It is probably the easiest to cook and the healthiest breakfast idea. To prepare this meal, you will need some fruits like banana, apples, peaches, etc. Also, you should get some nuts like almonds or cashew.

The last ingredient is yogurt. You need to choose only low-fat yogurt without sugar if you want to keep your nutrition healthy. Greek yogurt will be the best choice.

After this, slice the fruits and put them into a bowl with nuts. You can start eating fruits, nuts, and yogurt separately or mix them all to create a fresh, tasty, and healthy fruit salad with nuts.

Granola or Energy Bars

This idea will be highly appreciated by those students who always experience a lack of time. The recipe is simple. To provide yourself with a healthy breakfast every morning, you need to go to a grocery store and purchase some granola and protein bars. Also, don’t forget to grab some milk for the granola.

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Whole Wheat Bread with Peanut Butter

This idea follows the traditional breakfast with toasted bread and peanut butter. Since toasted bread isn’t the best choice for healthy nutrition, you have to replace it with whole wheat bread.

Feel free to make sandwiches by using whole wheat bread and peanut butter. Also, you can enhance your sandwiches with fruits or berries.

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Omelet with Vegetables

This dish is easy to cook. Also, it brings a lot of proteins and some carbs for a healthy and active student’s morning. For starters, you need to grab some vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, tomatoes, carrot, etc. Chop them and put on a heated pan with virgin oil, fry the vegetables for 10-15 minutes.

After this, break three or four eggs into a bowl, add some salt, seasoning, and ¼ cup of milk. Stir all the ingredients and put them on a heated pan.

Oatmeal with Berries

Students who burn a lot of calories, especially athletes, should have a healthy breakfast full of carbs. It’s hard to find something better than oatmeal for this purpose.

To prepare this dish, you should put oatmeal in a bowl with boiled water and heat it for five minutes. After this, you need to drain it. Feel free to add some butter and berries to make it tasty.

This easy-to-make and healthy meal will bring you enough energy to maintain an active lifestyle.

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Breakfast Burritos

In case you’re used to having a full-value breakfast, feel free to eat a burrito. It is a great combination of proteins, carbs, and fat.

In order not to spend the entire morning cooking a breakfast burrito, prepare it in the evening. You can freeze it and microwave when you’re hungry. For sure, you can purchase a prepared frozen burrito in a store, but self-prepared in much tastier.

Roasted Chicken Breast and Sweet Potato

If you care about your nutrition and consume only 100% healthy and natural products, cook a chicken breast with sweet potato.

To prepare this dish, you need to preheat an oven. After this, cut chicken breasts with sweet potatoes lengthwise, add some olive oil, salt, and season them. Put all the ingredients on a pan and bake them for 35-40 minutes.

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Concluding Thoughts

A lot of people think it’s crucial to train to death to have a strong and fit body. However, if you don’t have a healthy and well-thought-out nutrition plan, it will be hard to achieve this goal. Feel free to grab some healthy breakfast above and start your day with a well-balanced meal.

WHAT TO PLAY FOR THE BEST CHANCE TO WIN BIG

Someone in Arizona won the biggest lottery jackpot of this year: $410 million ($316.8 million in cash) on September 15. He spent $2 on a Mega Millions ticket, matched all numbers (including the “Megaball”). This is the second massive lottery win of the year, with a lucky player from Florida winning $396.9 million ($274.6 million in cash) this January. Against all odds, we might say: the chance of any player to win the Mega Millions jackpot is one in 302.5 million, and the chance of winning the Powerball jackpot is one in 292.2 million.

Winning big is a dream for many of us. Despite their attractive jackpots, lotteries don’t seem to be giving us the best chance to do so - so what should we play for better odds of becoming millionaires?

Slot machines

Slot machines were invented more than a century ago, and they spent their “career” constantly evolving and growing their fan base. They have become a staple of the gambling industry - there are hundreds, perhaps thousands of them in each major casino resort across the world, and further thousands can be played online. And at times, they can be pretty generous.

Slot machines are pretty tight when it comes to payouts - after all, it’s their goal to make profits for their operators. But they come with some very attractive jackpots.

In real life

In land-based casinos in the US, the most “generous” slot machine is Megabucks, built by the multinational casino equipment provider IGT. The slot machine has broken its own records several times, currently standing at $39.7 million paid out to a 25-year-old software engineer playing at the Excalibur Hotel-Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.

What are the odds to hit the jackpot at the Megabucks slot machine? According to slot machine expert John Robison (who holds a master's degree in computer science from the prestigious Stevens Institute of Technology), the odds of hitting the Megabucks jackpot are about 1 in 50 million. A much better chance than winning a lottery.

Online

Most online casino players are of the casual kind: they play with small amounts and for shorter times than their real-life counterparts. That shouldn’t be a surprise, though - instead of buffets and free drinks served by attractive servers, they get whatever they can find at home.

This doesn’t mean people don’t win big at online casinos. “Smaller” payouts, like the recent €7.78 million win at the River Belle Casino are relatively frequent - they happen several times a year. But the amounts paid out by online slots also reach eight digits quite often.

The record for the biggest jackpot paid out by an online slot machine currently stands at €18.9 million (a bit over $22 million), won by an online casino player in September 2018. And the most recent massive win happened this August: a Swedish player who preferred to remain anonymous pocketed a win worth €14.6 million (a bit over $17 million). Both of them were paid out by the most generous online jackpot network, Microgaming’s Mega Moolah. Since its inception, the jackpot has paid out more than €1 billion, earning the title of the most generous progressive jackpot network on the internet. And the odds of winning millions while playing one of the participating slot machines is about the same as winning big at a Vegas casino: around 1 in 50 million.

While these wins are far from being as big and spectacular than those offered by lotteries, the odds of them turning you into a (multi)millionaire are way better. And they are much more fun to play!

HOW TO STYLE YOUR STERLING SILVER RING

Silver rings have been popular for centuries. Silver was the go-to metal for wedding rings before the gold rush in the 1800s. It has retained its popularity over hundreds of years because it is a versatile, timeless, incredibly beautiful metal. 

Moreover, silver is easy to customize to meet your exacting standards. It is always trendy and will never make you feel like you are out of touch fashion-wise. You can wear your silver rings big or thin and match it with a variety of metals. 

Silver rings for women come in a variety of styles and you will be spoiled for choice. Also, since silver goes with everything, a silver ring is a worthwhile investment. It will last for all time and even your great-granddaughter will find it stylish. 

Here are a few fun ways to style your silver ring. 

1.     Wear Your Silver with Block Colors

These include black, grey, and silver. They are the perfect colors to make your silver accessories pop. A huge silver ring goes especially well when worn with block colors. This is the best way to make a statement with your ring and get a conversation going. 

Other colors that will bring out your personality effectively are dark and royal blues. Burgundy also sets your silver glinting and draws people’s eyes to your hand. The trick here is to opt for outfits that will make your silver pop.

2.     Stack Your Rings

If you are headed for an event that calls for some chic flair, stacking your rings is the way to go. They help to make an outfit less severe giving you a fun edge that draws others in. A silver ring is versatile and can be worn with other metals or stones.

Also, you can buy a pre-stacked set and not have to worry about getting the stacking right. If you have single stone rings, you can twist those to fit on top of each other for a trendy ‘with it’ look. 

However, do not overburden one finger. Spread the rings out but ensure the main stands out. You will not be able to do much with an ‘over-ringed’ finger. Besides, it will keep you feeling rather uncomfortable. 

3.     Match Your Silver Ring with Other Silver Jewelry

Do not overdo the matching by piling on myriads of pieces. It might look odd if you have on your rings, bracelets, earrings, nose stud, ankle and toe rings…you get the picture? Silver looks great when matched tastefully with other silver pieces. It helps to complement your outfit beautifully. 

4.     Mix and Match with Some Gold Pieces

Silver and gold go well together. A few years ago, fashion experts may have frowned upon this match up but gold prices are out of the court. Pair your silver ring with a gold one on your middle finger and watch a few brows go up. 

5.     Don’t Forget Your Nails!

People will look at your hands because your ring draws their eyes to them. They will notice your nails. Therefore, you want to make sure your nails are done well. Chipped polish and uneven nails are a sore sight. 

Also, ensure the shade of your polish goes well with your silver ring. Most dark shades will help to set your ring off. A plethora of shades may take all attention away from your ring. Consider laying some emphasis on your ring finger to create more interest but again, don’t overdo it. 

6.     What About Your Clutch?

An evening out is not complete without a stylish clutch. This is a bag that will be in your hands most of the night. Hence, you want to be sure that your accessories go with the bag. The color and style of your clutch should meld well with your silver ring. 

Conclusion

Sterling silver rings can be worn with a variety of outfits for just about any occasion. They fit well in the office and you can accessorize them for a wedding or office party. They are enduring and you will always have them unless you lose them. 

LEARN ABOUT TESTOSTERONE BOOSTING FOODS THAT YOU SHOULD EAT

When you find out that your testosterone levels are not up to par, you might immediately start thinking about introducing certain supplements to your diet or even starting to take testosterone injections in order to boost those levels. This is a pretty important hormone, so it’s no wonder that you are interested in increasing its levels as soon as possible. Are injections really the right way, though?

How about trying something more natural first? Believe it or not, there are some natural ways to increase these levels, so there’s no need to resort to injections before trying certain other methods first. As you can see here, there are a lot of natural methods to take into consideration. Don’t immediately jump to the most extreme way of doing things, i.e. taking injections.

Before we go any further, I want to make one thing perfectly clear. While testosterone is known as the male hormone, it doesn’t mean that women don’t have it and that they don’t need to maintain it at an optimum level. Both genders should make sure that all their hormones are perfectly balanced, including this one. So, don’t assume that I’m addressing this article only to the male population. Everybody needs to take care of their health and hormones play a huge part in it.

Why Testosterone Is Important

I’ve mentioned briefly that women also have this hormone, but I need to emphasize that they have it in much smaller amounts. Testosterone is primarily responsible for the development, as well as the maintenance of male attributes and characteristics. If you think about it closely, it’s actually what makes men, well, men.

This hormone affects all the important functions and processes in your body, from the sexual and reproductive function, to bone and muscle density. Even some behaviors are conditioned by the levels of testosterone. Let us quickly check out some of the most important roles of this hormone in our bodies, so that you can clearly and completely understand its importance.

For starters, it affects the reproductive system, leading to men with lower testosterone developing erectile dysfunction, as well as sperm production issues. Plus, men with lower amounts of this hormone inside their bodies can lose their sexual desire. All of that has a negative impact on the complete reproductive system, which is a rather important system in everyone’s life.

This hormone also affects our central nervous system, which is, among other things, responsible for our behavior. That’s why I have mentioned briefly that even some behaviors are conditioned by the level of testosterone people have. First of all, less testosterone means less motivation and self-confidence. Then, there’s the fact that low levels of this hormone can cause lack of energy, sleep issues, as well as certain inexplicable episodes of sadness among men.

Our skin, hair, bones and muscles are also affected by this hormone. Its low levels can cause hair loss and skin irritations, but also make you more susceptible to bone fractures. This is also the hormone that helps you burn body fat much faster, meaning that the lack of testosterone can lead to body fat accumulation. This is especially unfavorable for all the athletes and bodybuilders, which is why they frequently resort to supplements.

Before getting back to the natural methods of increasing the levels of this hormone, I have one last thing to say. It’s perfectly normal for men after 30 to start experiencing this drop. It can get more and more severe year after year, which is why you need to be aware of all the things that you can do to prevent the decrease and maintain the perfect levels that your body needs in order for all of its parts to function properly. You’ll find out what it is that you can do below.

Testosterone Boosting Foods

Now, let us get back to our main topic. I was talking about the natural ways of boosting testosterone. Some of those include exercising, keeping stress levels in check, maintaining a healthy sleep schedule. Among the most important methods for increasing the levels of this hormone in your body, though, is keeping track of the food you are consuming. If you think this has anything to do with going on diets, then you are definitely wrong.

Dieting is not what I have in mind. I’m talking about something completely different and, although it’s not dieting, it does involve you keeping track of your actual diet. I don’t know if you were aware of this, but there are foods you can eat in order to make sure that your testosterone levels are up to par. It’s amazing what we can do with our bodies if we only make sure to eat the right ingredients.

Here are some of those foods to consider: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323759#top-8-testosterone-boosting-foods

Eating certain type of food can definitely be your way of increasing the low testosterone, thus boosting the health of your bones, the growth of your muscles and hair, as well as improving sperm production and sexual health among the male population. Those are only some of the functions of testosterone and you can rest assured that there are a lot more important ones that can all be significantly improved with the help of nothing else but the right foods.

So, before you resort to certain extreme measures such as injections, you might want to make sure that you are doing the best you can to naturally increase the level of testosterone in your body. As explained, this can be done in several different ways, and it’s probably best if you combined them all together. Still, the food I am talking about definitely plays a major role here and introducing changes to your diet is the first thing you should try if he levels of this hormone drop.

Since I know that we aren’t all that well acquainted with all the nutrients that the ingredients we are consuming are carrying, I’ll share a list of foods you should definitely add to your diet in order to boost the production of this hormone. If you are expecting to see certain “fancy” ingredients that nobody can ever find anywhere, your expectations are definitely wrong. Although, I can understand why you would think that.

Believe it or not, the food that can help you maintain the perfect level of testosterone can be found all around us. It’s just that you probably haven’t paid attention to it all, since you probably didn’t have this problem any time before. Now that you do need a way to resolve the issue, it’s time you got familiar with what you should eat. Let’s get started with our list.

Egg Yolks

I know there are a lot of pieces of advice circling around telling you to get rid of the yolks and only eat the whites, but if you take the time to see foods that boost testosterone, you will definitely find egg yolks on almost every list. This doesn’t mean that the advice I have mentioned about ditching yolks and eating the whites isn’t good advice. It’s just a matter of perspective. Let me explain.

Egg yolks are definitely not healthy for people who have cholesterol issues. So, if you are one of those, you should do your best to avoid yolks. Still, there’s a different side to this story. I suppose we have all learned a while ago that things are not always so black and white or, in this case “yolk and white”. Here’s the good side of the yolk.

It’s full of vitamin D and it contains a lot of nutrients that are vital for our overall health. Among other things, egg yolks will definitely help you boost your testosterone levels, specifically thanks to the vitamin D I have mentioned. So, if you don’t have any issues with cholesterol, don’t ditch the yolks and eat the whites, because the yolks play a huge part in the production of the male hormone.

Beef

Welcome to another controversial opinion. Okay, it’s probably not that controversial. Plus, it’s not even merely an opinion. It’s actually a fact based on scientific evidence, meaning that I’m not here simply sharing what I believe is true. I’m sharing what the whole world believes is true and, most importantly, I’m sharing beliefs based on scientific facts.

We all know that the very mention of red meat can cause some people to cringe while explaining how it is full of fat and how it can be extremely harmful for our health. I’m not going to argue with that. It is definitely a true fact, but it is actually connected to overconsumption and not normal consumption of red meat. Overconsuming anything is definitely not a good idea.

Normal consumption of beef, however, can have an immensely positive impact on the male sex hormone. Beef liver, for example, is a rich source of vitamin D and we have already made it clear how vitamin D is important for testosterone (more info). Ground beef, on the other hand, contains zinc, which is another significant factor. If you are worried about the health issues that are usually associated with beef, all you need to do is make sure you don’t eat it too often and try to choose only lean cuts.

Tuna

Now, here’s one thing that isn’t connected to any controversies whatsoever. Everyone is definitely going to agree with the fact that tuna is extremely healthy for us. Sure, there’s the question of mercury and minimizing its intake, but you don’t need to worry about that unless you eat tuna or other seafood more than three times a week. I think it’s safe to assume that almost nobody is that crazy about tuna, right?

While you are sure that tuna is healthy for you, you might not always know why. Well, apart from the fact that it is really low in calories, it’s also known as an extremely protein-rich and heart-healthy type of food. Although those are definitely some rather important benefits, they are definitely not what we are here to talk about today.

Believe it or not, one serving of tuna can actually help you achieve the desired daily levels of vitamin D. Whether fresh or canned, this food will always be an extremely important source of vitamin D, which will in turn be able to extremely boost your testosterone levels. If you don’t like tuna at all, there are other fish foods that could substitute it. Just remember, no more than three times a week.

Milk

Everybody already knows that milk is the perfect source of calcium, which is particularly necessary for the strength of our bones. It’s also a huge source of protein. If we take both calcium and protein aside right now, we will still be left with an important vitamin that has a huge impact on the production of testosterone. If you guessed that I’m talking about vitamin D, then you have guessed it right.

A lot of people tend to avoid milk because it is full of saturated milk. While they do succeed in avoiding the saturated fat, they also deprive themselves of other nutrients this way, including the vitamin D that is crucial for the increase of the male sex hormone you are trying to achieve. There is a simple solution for this, though. Make sure to choose low fat milk and you’ll be able to get the vitamin D you need without worrying about saturated fat.

Pomegranates

Who could resist the refreshing fruit known as pomegranates? I don’t know about you, but I would never say no to this fruit. Not only is it tasty and refreshing, but it is also a rich source of antioxidants which has a huge positive impact on your overall health. The most important thing that I need to mention, though, is that pomegranates have actually proved to be a super food when it comes to testosterone. Studies have shown that eating this fruit for two weeks can actually boost your testosterone levels by an amazing 25%.

HOW TO DRY BRUSH

Dry skin brushing is a healthy treatment for exfoliating skin, stimulating capillary and lymphatic circulation and promoting skin beauty. Dry brushing is one of the 4-steps featured in the new clean, vegan, cruelty-free body care line –  Ida Body Care.

You have to think of dry skin brushing as another major tool in your beauty toolbox, according to Ida Body Care Founder & Creator Vicki Weaver Payne. “Dry brushing is one of the best ways to cleanse the skin without removing the protective mantel of acids and oils,” she describes. “It gently and effectively removes the top layer of dead skin cells and deeply cleanses the pores. Dry brushing has been practiced for centuries as a preventative for dry skin and a way to exfoliate the body, thus stimulating skin renewal.”

Dry skin brushing, meaning not in the bath or shower, can change the health of the whole body.  Here are just a few of the benefits:

• Tightens skin

• Aids indigestion

• Reduces cellulite

• Stimulates circulation

• Increases cell renewal

• Clean lymphatic system

• Removes dead skin

• Strengthens immune system

• Improves exchange between cells

• Soothes and tones skin

• Stimulates hormones and oil-producing glands

• Increases relaxation

How to Dry Brush:

Always body brush on dry skin, followed by a shower or bath. As a general guide, start at the feet and ankles working up the body using brushstrokes in one upward motion toward the heart.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU RETURN TO YOUR FAVORITE SPA/SALON

As we begin to reopen and your favorite spa/salon is able to take appointments, you should be armed with a number of procedures and facts to ensure that your visit is safe and healthy as we get back into our routines. Many businesses have created new ways to interact with their customers through self-distancing lines at checkout, no return policies, mask enforcement and interacting with staff behind shielded plexiglass as well as other measures.

“The hands-on services and treatments provided by hairdressers, aestheticians, manicurists and massage therapists are going to be especially challenged to adopt similar restrictions in an effort to protect their staff and clients,” states Jeff Alford, president of The CBON Group, Canada’s largest supplier of professional infection control products.

“One thing consumers do know is that they will likely be encountering a very different world when salons and spas start once again to take appointments,” continues Alford. The professional beauty industry is in turn going to be welcoming back a very different kind of client, one that is more aware, more educated and more scrutinizing of workplace environments and sanitizing practices in place to keep them protected. “The new norm in the age of coronavirus is going to be accompanied by social awareness where consumers assume greater responsibility for their own physical safety and personal welfare”.

The general public has witnessed protective measures imposed on them by retail stores, restaurants, banks, transit, etc. However, they have also exercised their own personal safety responses by wearing masks and gloves, shopping online, avoiding busy store hours or simply just staying at home. When salons and spas do re-open, consumers can continue taking measures to reduce the risk of infection when getting a haircut, manicure, facial or a massage.

Here are tips from Alford that he suggests the public can look for as they return to their favorite salon or spa.

Advanced Awareness of Salon/Spa Policy Changes 

Even before you book an appointment, you should be aware of what measures your salon or spa are taking to keep you safe while in their care. Their website, social media channels or email notifications should be announcing changes in policy that might include, required use of face masks, restrictions in services (like no hair drying), reduced (or extended) hours, no walk-ins, no waiting areas, no outside food or drinks, etc. Become familiar with those policies and make sure you’re comfortable with them before making a booking. You do not want to become a social media sensation by causing a scene when you show up and are potentially taken by surprise.

Communicate with Your Professional Beauty Facility

Perhaps your local salon or spa isn’t all that tech savvy with making updates through digital media. You can also give them a call when booking your appointment and inquire about changes in policy. You can ask if staff will be wearing masks, what additional cleaning and disinfection practices are in place and whether they are undertaking any screening measures (e.g. checking for flu-like symptoms, temperature taking or filling out forms). This knowledge will give you the confidence to continue with your booking or contemplate an alternative destination. Safety is not only about you, but the practices enforced upon the people around you as well.

Before You Enter…

Before entering your salon or spa, you should see notification of any changes communicated through signage or posted letters at the door or window. This will let you know that policies are being universally applied to everyone. Remember, the risk of infection does not just come from within the facility but also from other patrons.

Reception, the First Line of Defence

A salon or spa’s primary objective during this outbreak is to prevent the introduction of viruses that can lead to infection. Larger establishments may have a designated greeter at the door who can screen clients before they enter the premises. Smaller salons or spas should have a physical barrier or reception desk that prevents clients from freely entering before being processed. Hand sanitizing gel, availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks and gloves, disposal of outside coffee cups, form-filling, etc. may all be part of the new norm. If these measures are not in place, you may need to ask yourself why and what other precautionary steps are not being taken to keep you safe?

Social Distancing is Possible

While maintaining distance may not be possible when obtaining professional beauty services, your salon or spa should still be taking measures to respect the 2-meter separation rule whenever possible. This may include removal of waiting areas, limiting capacity and by-appointment-only service to avoid over congestion. It may also involve removal or decommissioning of every other workstation, shampooing sink, blow drying area, etc. to ensure distancing. If your salon or spa do not have these precautions in place, you may be exposing yourself to a higher risk of infection through exposure to other customers in close quarters.

Getting Ready for Your Appointment

Your professional beauty provider should clean and disinfect their workstations and treatment areas between every appointment. All disposable items used with a client should be discarded. Any manicure/pedicure tools should be high level disinfected in a soaking tray. All points of client contact including work surfaces, chairs, treatment beds, face cradles, magnifying lamps, etc. should be disinfected with a Health Canada approved hospital grade disinfectant for the requisite contact time. Some products may take as long as 10 minutes to do their job, so you should be prepared to wait in between appointments. If your salon or spa has fast client turnover that does not allow for proper sanitizing protocols to take place, you should be aware of the heightened exposure to infection you may be facing.

Ask Your Professional Beauty Practitioner

The coronavirus outbreak has required beauty professionals to brush up on their germ and infection prevention knowledge. Some may have already had sanitizing best practices in place prior to COVID-19, but additional training and education may now be required. There are numerous online courses available to the cosmetology trade with opportunities to receive certification. So, you should be able to engage with your professional and have them address any health-related questions. Better still, he or she should start your appointment by letting you know what measures they have in place to keep you safe prior to the commencement of any treatment or service and conclude with “do you have any questions or concerns before we get started?.  If your facility is not doing this or is unable to respond to your infection prevention questions, how safe should you feel?

In the new norm, social awareness will play an increasingly larger role to ensure you’re using the services of a salon or spa that is well positioned to protect you from the risk of infection. This is true during a pandemic like coronavirus but also during seasonal flu outbreaks or to prevent everyday infections associated with the spread of viruses, bacteria and fungi in personal care establishments. Social awareness will not only be practiced at a facility but also through word of mouth, online reviews, social media engagement, etc. to ensure your friends and family also have the same level infection prevention knowledge and monitoring. Only then, can we all know and be confident that we’ve done everything possible to contain the risk of an outbreak resurgence and keep everyone safe and protected.

7 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD WORKOUT TOGETHER WITH YOUR DOG

It’s not easy to champion an active lifestyle, especially in these current times of restricted movement. Simply switching off the TV, putting on your pair of running shoes, and going out for a brisk walk or jog gets a lot more difficult every day. This leads to the emerging cases of weight-related diseases, which have not only affected humans but their pets as well. 

In 2018, 56% of the nation’s dogs were considered overweight or obese. With this, going out with your dogs to shred a few pounds has never been important. Working out is a tough challenge, but you and your dog can face it together.

There are a lot of good effects on people when they workout with their dogs and vice versa, including better cardiovascular health and improved physical shape. You may not notice it, but exercising with your dogs is also a heartwarming experience that they appreciate a lot from you. To make things even better, you can reward them with healthy treats from Pet Honesty to complete a fun and tiring workout session.

Now’s the time to get off your couches and let your furry friends help you fight the flab. Check out these top reasons to start working out with your dog.

1.      Dogs Boost Your Mood

Aside from a sedentary lifestyle, chronic stress is also another factor that causes a number of different problems in your cardiovascular, physical, and mental health. Luckily, dogs make an excellent workout partner. Their emotions are contagious, and their tail-wagging enthusiasm is just one evidence of that.

Simply having them around keeps stress at bay as they can help reduce the stress hormones in your body. This, in turn, can steady your blood pressure and heart rate, calming your feelings of fear and anxiety. 

2.      They Motivate You

Using your dog as motivation to exercise is a great way to get the calories burning. Dogs have a sharp memory. Try taking them out for a jog on a Monday morning, and repeat this at the same time on Tuesday. On Wednesday, they’ll surely wag their tails and anticipate to do this activity with you.

This being said, let that furry smile and enthusiastic panting push you to put your workout gear! Your dog’s restlessness and inbuilt energy will help you stay motivated to sweat out the calories, especially if you have contemplations of skipping your workout activities on a certain day.

3.      Dogs Are Great Social Companions

Our dogs bring us a lot of opportunities for social interaction, especially in these difficult days. Let your four-legged furry friend start the walk for you. A weekly jog around the neighborhood or frequent play-fetch in the park with your dog encourages a healthy conversation and interaction with like-minded people outside.

You can also get more accomplished steps and some much-needed fresh air every day. If dogs naturally need to stay connected to the outside world to remain physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy, then so do you.

4.      Furry Friends Don’t Flake Out

Getting a workout buddy that never flakes out is a good motivator to keep that energy running. Your dog will never weasel out of your workout sessions because their schedule of activities depends on you, too. The good thing is that since your dog lives with you, they won’t complain nor tell you that they won’t make it.

Unlike your human buddies that’ll undoubtedly fail you when their commitments get in the way, dogs are always ready to go out with you. They’ll never get bored or find something more interesting to do. When exercising with your dog, you’ll be able to push harder and stay consistent with your daily workout routine.

5.      They Keep A Steady Speed

To maximize its health benefits, going out for a daily walk requires an active pace. Walking for about 15-17 minutes per mile is the best pace for you, and is considered a natural speed for dogs. This also encourages you to have a natural speedometer, which is far more amusing especially if you find that your dog is sniffing around on every corner.

However, if you see your dog pausing frequently, you’re probably going too slowly so try speeding up to keep them out of boredom.

6.      It’s Free Of Charge

When your furry friend is running with you, there’s no need to spend a lot. Thus, working out with your dog saves money on gym memberships, weekly spin classes, and even on spending money on the latest fashionable exercise equipment.

Also, having a good run with your dog helps you escape the confines of crowded and sweaty gyms. Going out is also a great way to get some natural glow on your skin.

The bonus part? Instead of spending money, you’ll get paw-filled hugs and slobbery kisses!

7.      Working Out Is Good For Them, Too!

Working out works for your dog, too! Just like you, dogs thrive on exercise because it makes them happy, healthy, and strong.

A few sweats with your dog will help keep their heart, lungs, joints, as well as their digestive and circulatory systems healthy. Exercising can also control their weight and expend energy. If you’ve ever noticed your dog zooming or racing extra fast around your house, then try to burn their excess energy by working out.

Since most dogs get easily bored, you can keep their not-so-fun behaviors under control when you bring them to your regular workout session. Exercise may distract them from destructive chewing, biting, and digging, helping calm their anxieties.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Treat

Overall, dogs make wonderful companions because they give you the motivation to get out and exercise. In addition, spending time with them feels more like playtime because it distracts you from constantly checking the calories you burned for the day.

But remember, it’s also important to go for a vet visit for your dog before bringing them to your exercise routine. Also, make sure that you’re both well-nourished, well-hydrated, and well-rested to get the most out of your daily health routine.

Working out is a win-win for both you and your dog because you’ll both come home exhausted and ready to cuddle up for a post-exercise nap. These tidbits of fun, sweaty moments with them are simply incomparable, and the activities you do together are physically and emotionally rewarding.

HOW ESSENTIAL IS NATURAL LIGHT TO YOU?

Natural sunlight is an essential part of maintaining health, not just in the body, but in the home too. Natural sunlight in the home isn’t just about energy and lighting bill reduction. A dark and dismal room has an oppressive atmosphere. It is often damp too, although some humidity is needed to prevent dry skin, a room that is too damp leads to mould, which can cause breathing difficulties and allergic reactions. Roof windows might be the only way to add natural sunlight to a room.

Improved Mood

The amount of sunlight we receive impacts our moods. Sunlight increases production of happy hormone serotonin. Apart from the physical impact of walking into a room that is light and airy compared to a space that is dark and dismal, you feel lighter and brighter in the space flooded with sunlight before serotonin is even released. This improved mood can even increase productivity, which has a circular effect, leading to a better mood.

Relaxation

It is hard to relax in a space that is dark and dismal. Even painting the walls in light and airy colours with light furnishings doesn’t make the space any less oppressive. Sunlight is needed to help put the body at ease. With a room flooded with natural sunlight, you’ll stop wondering about what is lurking in the shadows and find yourself relaxing.

Body Clock

Sunlight is required for sleep. Natural sunlight exposure in the mornings helps the body wake up in a way coffee and a sunlamp or artificial light don’t. Sunlight coming into a room prior to waking not only helps warm a room but it slowly and pleasantly lifts a person from deep sleep before the alarm goes off. Exposure to sunlight throughout the day even helps a person fall asleep at night. Being pleasantly woken instead of a jarring alarm and being able to fall asleep at night reduces stress. Reduced stress improves moods and cognitive abilities as does higher quality sleep.

The Room Itself

A dark and dismal room impacts mood, but it also leads to damp. When a room is damp, mould starts to grow. Apart from looking unsightly and smelling pretty terrible, it can lead to breathing difficulties. It also ruins softs furnishings and rare LPs. A dark and dismal room isn’t particularly inviting and can make people feel on edge.

Exposure to natural sunlight is vital to health. Sunlight helps you feel better in more ways than one. It even boosts your immune system and helps balance hormones. Vitamin D, otherwise known as the sunshine vitamin, is essential for healthy bones.

Natural sunlight in a room does more than improve moods, but improved moods are a good place to start experiencing the benefits of sunlight. Each room in a house needs adequate daylight for the health and mental health of a home’s residents. So much time is spent inside that it is vital to have windows. Light and airy spaces are inviting and warm.

HAIR COLOR TRENDS SWEEPING THE NATION

85% of women color their hair at least once every couple of months. Trends are always changing as hair dyes and treatments advance. Hair dyes are no longer made with the levels of harsh chemicals and peroxides that they were 40 years ago. This means that you can always have your hair dyed without it becoming frazzled or feeling like straw. This year, like Pixie Lott and Khloe Kardashian, many women are choosing to embrace their natural hair color. Vivid colors are on trend too, to add some fun and pizzazz. 

Going back to the natural color

Between 75 and 85% of the world have black and very dark black hair, and around 11% are naturally brunette. Yet many dark-haired women dye their hair lighter, or add highlights. If you do this, your hair will need regular maintenance, as it grows around 1.5cm every month. You can rock and embrace the roots, or keep dying your hair monthly. Many women are finding that it is difficult to keep up, or it's too expensive, so they are going back to their natural hair-color. Rather than waiting months (or years) for the dyed color to grow out, the easiest way to go natural is to use a hair color removal treatment. It is the gentlest way to remove hair dye, rather than dying your hair darker and damaging it. 

Vivid hair color

Vivid, bright colors from magentas to violets are all the rage at the moment. These shades are now available to buy in mainstream stores, and not just specialist salons. If you are planning on dying your hair yourself, however, you need to read the instructions carefully. Many of the colors only work on pre-lightened hair that is a very light blonde. If you are lightening your hair first, you should make sure that you choose a product that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals that can damage your hair further. Vivid hair colors are generally semi-permanent - this means that they sit on top of your hair rather than penetrating it completely. If you are planning on having unicorn hair for a long period of time, you will need to maintain it. 

Shades of fall

If you like to regularly change your hair color, take your inspiration from the seasons. As we move into fall, shades of copper, chestnut, russet and golden orange are on trend. These colors are incredibly flattering for most skin tones and won’t give you a washed-out look if you have pale skin. If you want to give your dyed hair an extra blast of shimmer and shine, use a gloss treatment that will add natural highlights, making your fall color hair glow in the sunshine. If you want your hair to stay silky and shiny long after you have dyed it, make sure that you also use a strengthening and nourishing treatment such as Olaplex, and you should also choose shampoos that are sulphate free.

This year, platinum blonde is on the back burner, and shades of dark brown and walnut are on trend. These natural colors are easier to maintain, and keep on looking beautiful. 

CBD PRE ROLLS - A BREAK FROM THE TRADITIONAL WAY OF SMOKING

Living healthy can get expensive but it’s worth the investment. That is if you’re purchasing the right goods. It’s only considered a waste when you’re buying ineffective things. If that were the case, you might as well have bought the ordinary version of it that’s way cheaper. Finding a product that delivers satisfactory results can be difficult being that the market is concentrated with different brands.

It’s difficult but it’s not entirely impossible. All you need to do is do your extra research before you start adding things in your cart. This doesn’t apply to everything, but giving in to the current trends can also lead you to promising items. You see, there can only be two reasons why something is suddenly blowing up. The first is because of the bandwagon effect and second, is that it’s producing good results.

An example of the latter is CBD. Cannabidiol (CBD) has been changing the game for natural remedies ever since it was introduced in the market. While some people assume that the existence of this substance was discovered in place of marijuana is illegal, this article says otherwise. Now, due to its rising popularity, it’s being produced by multiple brands, in different forms. One of which is the new best friend of tobacco and cannabis smokers, CBD Pre-rolls.

What Is CBD?

CBD is a substance derived from the sister plant of the famous marijuana, known as hemp. Cannabidiol can be extracted from both sources, the only difference is that marijuana contains THC at a higher level in comparison to hemp. THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is a component naturally found in Cannabis. It’s considered to be toxic for the reason that it’s producing the psychoactive effects or the so-called “high” among users. On the other hand, hemp can only carry a maximum of 0.3% THC, making it a safer origin.

Hemp-derived Cannabidiol has little to no trace of THC and still provides the same health benefits as the other Cannabis plant. These benefits include the following:

1.       It Helps Combat Cancer

2.       Manage Seizure Attacks

3.       Alleviates Chronic Pain

4.       Has Neuroprotective Properties

5.       May Reduce Skin Inflammation

6.       Reduces Anxiety

The plethora of benefits you’d be reaping has urged people to find creative ways to get the substance in their system (https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/cbd-oil-beginners-guide). CBD can now be taken orally through oils, tinctures, capsules, pills, and edibles. There are also topical variations such as lotions and creams, lastly is through vaping or smoking it. Inhaling Cannabidiol is studied to be the fastest way to activate it because it travels directly through the lungs. With the high rate of CBD smokers, multiple companies are now selling pre-rolled Cannabidiol.

CBD Pre Rolls

Pre-rolled CBD is created by grinding high concentrated CBD hemp, placed on a paper, and then rolled. In short, it’s a joint made out of hemp flower that’s pre-rolled for the customer’s convenience. Manufacturers have cultivated a special breed of cannabis to create these products. The big difference between Cannabidiol joints and the typical marijuana stick is that the former doesn’t get you euphoric. This might come as odd since what’s the purpose of joints when you can’t experience the psychoactive effects.

However, these products are for individuals who aren’t a big fan of how their bodies reacted to cannabis. It’s also considered to be a great transitioning product for both marijuana and tobacco smokers. Unlike oils that come in heavy glass bottles, CBD pre-rolls are more convenient to carry around. Pre-rolls can come in different variations so that users aren’t limited to one type. They can be in the form of cones, joints, or cigars. 

Depending on your preference you can choose which of these you find yourself more comfortable in.

Tobacco

There are 1.3 tobacco users worldwide, and up to 8 million die each year. The alarming number of deaths has made tobacco one of the biggest health threat that humanity has ever faced. However, despite these claims, people are still keen on using it. Peer pressure, curiosity, relief from stress, and plain pleasure are among the common reasons why people indulge in this activity. What you thought was just a one-time thing became an addiction for life.

Tobacco is composed of an addictive drug known as nicotine. This substance can reach your brain seconds after a single puff. That’s why users found it impossible to stop once they’ve started. Not only is it difficult, but stopping would also mean experiencing withdrawal symptoms which is never pretty. It’s a good thing Cannabidiol was discovered or otherwise it would be a different situation for tobacco smokers.

When you find that you just can’t give up smoking, you can slowly transition over CBD pre-rolls instead of completely quitting. Not only can it satisfy your need to smoke but it also gives you the benefits of Cannabidiol.

9 COMMON SPORTS INJURIES AND HOW TO MANAGE THEM

Many people like sports so it’s not surprising that many people become the so-called ‘weekend warriors.’ Once these people finished their work duties, they look forward to spending some time outdoors to participate in some popular sports on the weekends.

However, some people risk getting injured during a friendly game, especially if there are many players aiming to win and the game gets really physical. If you do get injured, it would be helpful to know how to identify the point of injury so that you’ll know how to manage it.

That being said, here’s a list of the most common sports injuries and some tips on the best way to manage each injury:

1.      Strains versus Sprains

To clarify, a strain is an injury of the muscle tendons or muscle fibers. On the other hand, a sprain is an injury of the ligaments. Because the muscle fibers, tendons, and ligaments are not usually used forcefully, the sudden exertion can cause each of these to be pulled, or even torn, to the point of pain.

If this happens, you may need medical professionals to treat the injury site. However, if you’re far from the clinic, you should apply the PRICE Method:

·       Prevent the worsening of the injury by rendering the strained or sprained body part immobile until a doctor can take a look at it.

·       Refrain from moving the injured body part, even to walk a short distance.

·       Ice the location to prevent inflammation

·       Compress the injured body part with an elastic bandage, if you have it.

·       Elevate the injured location so that it doesn’t swell too much.

If there’s a lot of pain from the site of injury, you may take an over-the-counter pain reliever to manage it temporarily until you can consult a doctor. Take note that the PRICE Method may also be applied for other sports injuries when needed.

2.      Groin Injuries

Many amateur athletes experience groin injuries, particularly in sports such as baseball, football, soccer, and hockey. It’s the side-to-side movement in the game that can result in groin injuries. Sometimes, athletes may forget to do some leg and abdomen stretches, causing the injury.

The groin is made up of muscles within the inner thighs, near the urethra. When these muscles are strained, the pain will suddenly set in. To manage it, you should protect the injury site by rendering it immobile and apply some ice.

If the pain is too much, you can temporarily take some over-the-counter painkiller. Take time to rest so that you won’t be escalating the pain. To determine the extent of the injury, you’ll need to consult a medical professional, such as Walker Spine & Sport.

3.      Shin Splints

The front of the legs is where you can experience the injury known as shin splints. This usually crops up when the athlete is running a lot on a paved surface.

If there’s quite a lot of pain, you may have to see a doctor just to rule out stress fractures that may be causing the pain. A stress fracture is a break in the bone of the lower leg. Persistent pain may indicate the presence of a stress fracture.

Shin splints can be managed by complete rest, which sometimes lasts for a month.

4.      Patellofemoral Syndrome

This injury affects the tissues under the kneecap, characterized by constant friction between the patella (knee cap) and your thigh bone (femur). The injury can affect one or both knees. Basketball, volleyball, and running are common sports that are prone to patellofemoral injuries.

Once you have this injury, you may have to take a break from those sports mentioned above for around six weeks. In that time, you can rest, although your doctor may advise some mild, low-impact exercise as well as exercising your quadriceps to manage the injury.

5.      Epicondylitis

This injury affects the outside of the elbow, which is sometimes referred to as ‘tennis elbow.’ Hence, it’s common among tennis players but golfers can also have this injury.

The pain is caused by minor tears in the elbow’s tendons. Your doctor will recommend a complete rest of the affected elbow until the pain has dissipated.

6.      Dislocated Bones

This sports injury occurs when the end of one of your bones is suddenly forced out of its socket, which can happen to your leg bones or to your shoulder bones. If the bone is suddenly dislocated, you’ll instantly feel pain and there will be swelling of the injury site.

One of the most commonly dislocated bones is the shoulder joint since it’s often used in sports activities. The dislocation of the shoulder joint may be due to a lack of strength, reduced flexibility, or being unstable.

If you dislocate your joint, it’s advisable to rest and apply ice. Doing so will help reduce the pain and any swelling. If the pain persists for at least two weeks, you may need to consult a physical therapist.

7.      Fractured Bones

Any of the multiple bones of your body can be fractured, even during a friendly game. Some people should be careful about impact sports if they have a bone disease, like osteopenia or osteoporosis, since their bones can easily fracture.

If you have a fractured bone, you need to be rushed to a hospital emergency room for appropriate treatment.

8.      Concussion

Even friendly games may result in someone getting a concussion. This sports injury involves a blow to the head that can affect your brain, which can be quite harmful if left untreated. If you suspect you have a concussion, it’s best if you consult a sports doctor right away.

Here are the following symptoms of a concussion:

·       Inability to reply to questions right away

·       Confusion/feeling disoriented

·       Light sensitivity

·       Slurred speech

·       Feeling the urge to vomit, or actual vomiting

·       Feeling dizzy

·       Headache

If you do experience such symptoms, you should be brought to the emergency room right away. By using imaging tests, medical practitioners will examine your brain for possible internal bleeding or damage.

Remember, you shouldn’t return to the game after a concussion. You should also refrain from participating in future games until the doctor says you’ve recovered from it. It’s advisable to have adequate rest for and avoid using your mind in stressful work. Doing so will help relieve your brain until it has recuperated on its own.

9.      Sciatica Back Pain

Some athletes may develop a form of back pain known as sciatica. The pain may extend along the back of the legs and, sometimes, can reach the feet as well. This is caused by a pinched nerve or swollen disc in the back. There may also be some numbness and tingling sensations.

Some athletes, such as golfers, tennis players, and cyclists, are at risk for this due to the twisting of the trunk or keeping the back straight for extended periods of time.

Athletes who develop sciatica may be asked by their doctor to rest. As a form of therapy, the doctor may then recommend some stretching exercises for the hamstrings and back.

Tips in Managing Accidental Sports Injuries

The first and best way to address accidental sports injuries is to educate yourself about safe exercise practices before you take up a sport. This means doing the following:

1.      Get A Competent Coach

If you want your sports activities to be injury-free, it pays to have a guide for every game, session, or match. So, take your time looking for coaches who know how to train amateur athletes for a particular sport.

You may have to pay the coach but at least you won’t be easily injured as you take part in your favorite activities. To find reputable coaches, you can go to schools, like colleges and universities.

2.      Don’t Forget To Warm Up and Stretch

Many people who are new to sports aren’t taught to warm up first and do some stretching. Warming up and stretching are very important parts of any sports since they help your muscles and ligaments to be prepared for some exertion.

Refusing to warm up and stretch can result in painful injuries.

3.      Learn Safety Tips For Any Sport

Your preferred coach should be able to teach you how to safely take part in sports. For instance, if your preferred sport is diving, your coach should teach you the right way to jump off a platform and dive into the water. Divers may perform gymnastics moves during each dive, so part of their warm-up routine is to practice gymnastics on a safe surface in the facility.

If, on the other hand, you prefer a good old game of basketball, your coach should give you tips on how to actively look for an opening in the defense of the opposing team without falling and hurting yourself.

4.      Cool-Down and Stretch After the Game

As you let your body heat dissipate, it’s recommended that you do a lot of stretching as well. This allows your body to let the muscles, tendons, and ligaments gain some more flexibility, which is crucial for improving your muscle control skills. It also gives you time to assess how well you performed for that game, helping you evaluate whether you’re making progress in that sport.

Final Takeaway

It’s great if you have a favorite sport to pursue, especially during weekends when your schedule is lighter. Although, the drawback is that you might suffer some sports injuries that can leave you out of the game for a while.

To avoid sports injuries, you may need guidance from someone more knowledgeable and experienced. That way, you can still have fun without the pain and hassle of an injury.

HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT IN 30 DAYS

Let's be realistic: there's no one-size-fits-all solution to weight loss. Each person differs in genetics, metabolism, and a host of other biological and psychological factors. This makes drafting a single weight loss plan for everyone an impossible task.

That being said, to find a method of weight loss that works for your individual needs, you'll have to start with the basics. Some of the most proven tips that have produced excellent results for weight loss enthusiasts revolve around healthy eating and physical exercise. Many people make wrong nutritional choices, exacerbating their already deteriorating mental and physical health instead of cutting weight. Making small lifestyle changes can remedy this problem.

Below is a list of popular weight-loss strategies to help you lose weight within a month and take a big step towards meeting your fitness goals.

1.     Cut Calories

Some experts have a very simple answer to losing weight fast: if you consume fewer calories than you burn i.e., if you achieve a hypocaloric state, you lose weight. Sounds reasonable, right? Then, why are so many people not doing it right?

The problem is that weight loss doesn't follow a linear trajectory. You might get great results from cutting calories in the first week, and then tank bad during the rest of the month. That's because, in the initial period, most of what you discharge from your body is water weight and lean tissue. You need to continue cutting calories each week to maintain results. Moreover, a calorie isn't always equal. Two hundred calories from high fructose syrup don't affect your body in the same way as 200 calories of cabbage.

The key is to choose good calorie foods. Good calorie foods, such as vegetables and fruits, make you feel full for longer periods, and curb cravings. In contrast, foods such as candy, despite being low caloric, can set you on a very dangerous road to binge eating and derail your progress. You can also try a 30 day cut supplement to get good calories and keep your cravings at bay if you can't always consume whole foods.

Bottom line: To lose weight within 30 days, you’ll have to reduce your calories the right way to get optimal results.

2.     Cut Carbs

Another perspective of weight loss doesn't recommend cutting calories, but carbs. Your body uses glucose as a primary source of energy. This bodily preference shields fats and lets them accumulate inside your body, which can lead to obesity. Moreover, a carbohydrate-rich meal (French fries, rice, etc.) is known to cause insulin spikes. Insulin prevents fats from being utilized as fuel and produces more fat tissues to store leftover carbs. This also inevitably causes you to gain weight.

Most low-carb diet aficionados suggest substituting carbs with healthy fats and proteins. Some options include:

·       Fish

·       low-fat dairy products

·       leafy green and non-starchy vegetables

·       lean bird meat, such as chicken

·       Eggs

Whether you decide to slash carbs in your 30-day meal plan or not, you have to swallow the hard pill of removing sugars and refined carbohydrates from your diet. White bread, white rice, pizza, cakes, and artificial sweeteners are all obesity roots. It would be in your best interest to replace them with whole-grain substitutes, such as whole-grain wheat, brown rice, and brown sugar.

3.     Get Moving

Exercise doesn't just help you cut calories; its benefits extend way beyond. From increasing your metabolism to improving your mood and energy, regular exercise can change your entire outlook on weight loss.

A holistic 30-day weight loss program can never survive without a weight loss component. Do yoga, or stretch in the convenience of your home. If you can hit the gym to lift some weights — even better! It's extremely crucial to have some form of exercise to supplement your nutrition.

Here are some tips you can use to incorporate an exercise regimen in your busy routine over the next 30 days:

·       Don't have time for a proper workout? Ten minutes of high-intensity training (HITT) is just as good and effective as a 50-minute cardio session.

·       Remember, some progress is better than no progress. Start with little spurts of physical activity. As you lose weight, you'll have more strength and energy to take the next step.

·       Engage in exercises you have a knack for. Dancing, cycling, playing table tennis, or kicking a football around are also on the table.

4.     Stay Motivated

Even if you've curated the perfect fitness plan, you have to stay consistent with your good habits. To stay motivated:

·       Use apps to track your progress. Calorie trackers and other smartphone apps keep your mind on top of things.

·       Find a support network. Join a Facebook group of fellow weight loss enthusiasts. Share your progress through a YouTube Channel. The possibilities are endless.

·       Get a lot of rest and sleep. Sleep regulates eating habits. If you don't sleep well, you're going to feel agitated and stressed, and you're more likely to bypass your daily eating quota.

Final Thoughts

The widely agreed statistic is that 95% of people never get to maintain their weight loss results. While this isn't a scientific fact set in stone, many weight loss journeys are known to falter after the first few months. This is often the case because diets are too restrictive and hard to adhere to for longer periods.

However, this doesn't mean you’ll end up with the same fate. Any attempts to stick to healthy habits, such as daily exercise and eating a nutritious diet, will give you good results, even beyond the 30-day mark.

5 INCREDIBLE IMPACTS OF SPORTS ON EDUCATION

The theory of education has extremely changed over the years, whereby institutions, apart from focusing on daily classroom activities, are equally focusing on sports and co-curricular activities. These activities, in turn, are crucial in the all-round development of students.

Games also play a vital role in education, as they enable students to have inner strength as well as develop a fit and sound physique. Nonetheless, sports and extracurricular activities must be purposely designed and efficiently executed to deliver educational outcomes. That said, here’s a look at some of the positive impacts of sports on education.

Improving Academic Performance

Being confined to classroom walls every day can be very exhausting. Students become both bored, as only studying thoughts occupy his mind. As a result, he or she cannot be very productive in the classroom.

Unfortunately, it is commonly perceived that sports and extracurricular activities are a complete waste of time and that students should dedicate their time and energy to studying only. However, this should not be the case anymore, as sports has its major benefits.

Additionally, if a student is overwhelmed by classroom assignments, he or she can seek help from custom essay writing services and have the assignments done for them, so that they can maintain a balance is classroom work and physical activities.  

In conclusion, sports enables students to have a little escape from the norms of daily classroom activities, thus improving their academic performance.

Initiating Inclusive Participation in the Classroom

In every sport, team effort and collaboration is crucial for the success of every match. Taking part in sports and other physical activities give students a chance to interact with different people, thus building confidence, which in turn promotes active participation in the classroom.

Besides, extracurricular activities that are team-based are beneficial when it comes to overcoming divides. They enhance a shared feeling of:

·       Fellowship

·       Purpose

·       Identity among participants

Bettering Mental and Physical Health

Frequent participation in sporting activities by students from a young age reduces the risk of cardiovascular illnesses in teenage years through adulthood. Involvement in extracurricular activities is also positively related to the low abuse of drugs and alcohol in learning institutions.

Besides, incorporating sports and physical activities in education help in the reduction of depression, anxiety, and stress levels in students. As a result, scholars now can:

·       Make quick decisions

·       Better their problem-solving skills

·       Work well under pressure on the field

Paving the Way for Future Aspirations

Many students are passionate about sports. They often aspire to become sportspersons; thus, the integration of sports in education enables them to translate their aspiration into their profession.

Enhancing Concentration and Attention

High concentration and attention levels in the classroom are positively related to routine participation in sporting activities. This frequent participation in physical activities enhances the learner’s ability to grasp, remember, and utilize all subjects taught in the classroom.

Final Thoughts

Finally, it’s important to note that not all sporting activities automatically deliver positive gains. Therefore, to give positive academic outcomes, sports and extracurricular activities should be designed intentionally and effectively implemented.

5 WAYS TO PASS THE TIME WHILE WFH

We’re definitely living during strange times. We’re working from home, taking on a number of roles that we have never had to and we find that we’re always looking to change it up when it comes to adding a little variety to how we spend out time inbetween Zoom calls, projects and so much more. Pre COVID-19, we took our lunch break, popped by a neighbors cubicle or office to get a 5 mins escape or even took a moment at our desks. Being at home presents its challenges, but we have 5 ways that you can take a break while you’re WFH.

FITNESS BREAK

Sometimes we find that hours have gone by and we’re navigating projects, meetings and making note of what to do next. The day gets away from us and we realize that we’ve barely gotten up from our desk or couch and have been glued to our screens. It’s important to get up and walk around to ensure that you’re staying lucid as well as getting in a bit of fitness. Whether you’re doing stretches, meditation or 10-15 minutes of movement! We always have a number of apps that we enjoy using and when it comes to only using 7 minutes of your time, we suggest visiting 7 Minute Workout: Fitness App.

WATERCOOLER BREAK

It’s so important in this current time of social distancing and ensuring that you’re being safe as you navigate your life, to check up on those that you would usually see in person or who live away from you. As social people, it’s important to be able to laugh with one another, see one another’s faces and more. Whether you do a personal Zoom, Facetime or use Google Hangouts, this is a great way to make sure that you’re maintaining your relationships, continuing positive mental health and just getting back to basics with people that love you and know you. Make it as in person as possible – even though you’re virtual!

GAMING BREAK

Sometimes, you need to zone out for a few minutes or maybe a meeting was pushed back and you have more time on your hands. We’re all for playing responsibly so heading over to an online live casino is a great way to keep your mind engaged, play a variety of games and to keep yourself motivated throughout your day.

ORGANIZATION BREAK

It’s amazing how many of us have switched up our living spaces! Whether you’ve focused on enhancing your backyard, bedroom or other living areas in your home – making your space your own has become an essential since we spend so much time there. Sometimes, when we work from our desks, we find that piles of paper and other items begin to stack up. When you need a break, taking a few minutes to do a power clean allows your space to stay fresh while letting you come up for air throughout the day. For inspiration, we always enjoy looking at this feed to get home décor inspiration.

COCKTAIL BREAK

A great way to end the day is to have a cocktail. Once your work is done, it’s a nice way to transition from a busy day to your home duties. You can also see if other co-workers want to join you via Zoom or other friends that you know would be interested. If you are living with other people in your bubble, you can make this an event to connect to catch up on what you’re doing as well as upcoming plans. If you live in an area that has outdoor dining, this is also a great way to engage with others that are socially distanced.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

CAN MEDICINAL CANNABIS HELP YOUR WORKOUT SESSION

As an athlete or fitness enthusiast, you need to refuel your body and take supplements to boost muscle recovery after a long training and workout session. Also, injury prevention should be an important aspect of your exercise. Fortunately, CBD is a promising supplement that can assist individuals during their workout sessions.

While reliable scientific evidence concerning CBD's relevance to athletics hasn't been established yet, many researchers are finding pieces of the puzzle.

Take a look at what they have to say about how CBD helps in athletic activities:

1.      Helps in Alleviating Soreness

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is one of the usual effects of pushing yourself too much when working out. It happens because of stress and inflammation in the muscles, which makes it painful and stiff. Usually, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Ibuprofen, are used to treat DOMS. However, it might not work all the time and may have detrimental effects due to long-term use.

With its anti-inflammatory and pain-killing properties, which don’t make you high, cannabis is believed to overcome the post-workout pain. Additionally, it's thought to treat muscle spasms linked with Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis diseases. Furthermore, it's safe to use and doesn't affect your performance as an athlete.

To ensure that they're non-intoxicating and non-psychoactive, always check the ingredients of your CBD supplement. Ideally, they shouldn't have THC content or at least less than 0.3%.

2.      Improves Metabolism

CBD is thought to boost existing fat cells' metabolism and prevent the formation of new ones. There are two types of fat cells: white adipose tissue that stores excess body fat, and brown adipose tissue, which is responsible for using the beneficial fats of the body and generating it into heat.

By consuming CBD-containing supplements, they can support the browning of the white adipose tissues, decreasing the percentage of excess fat in the body and allowing a more productive metabolism. However, more studies are still required for this to be definite, but the initial finding is promising for preventing obesity in the future.

Moreover, skipping your meal after exercising can increase your weight rather than cutting them down. Instead, you can inhale CBD vapors as it helps refuel your body.

If you don't want to smoke, incorporating CBD on your foods can help. An excellent example is making your own CBD flour by following this instruction from seed supreme, which can be used for baking and cooking.

3.      Speeds Up Recovery

Injuries are prone to happen while training or working out. To prevent these from happening, you have to pay attention to muscle strengthening. Fortunately, cannabis can benefit your muscles and help you take fitness seriously.

CBD is thought to respond similarly to an anti-catabolic supplement, which is done by strengthening the endocannabinoid receptors. Once the endocannabinoid system operates, it may help prevent muscle loss and speed up the recovery process. Also, high-quality CBD supports the endocannabinoid system and enhances its function.

4.      Improves Sleep and Induce Calmness

Peace of mind and comfort are paramount to having an effective workout session. Taking medical cannabis is a great anti-inflammatory substance that induces calmness and enhances sleep quality. This way, you can focus more on working out or doing your training because you're not bothered by the pain.

Furthermore, an adequate amount of sleep every day is essential for your overall well-being. Cannabis is believed to play a role in your sleep, including:

·       Enhance sleep quality and duration

·       Help people who are suffering from sleep apnea

·       Aid people with PTSD by suppressing their dream

·       Alleviate Rapid Eye Movement (REM)

·       Decrease daytime fatigue

·       Lessens stress and anxiety

Best Ways To Consume CBD

To enjoy the effects of CBD, your product and method of administration significantly matter. There are different ways on how you can use CBD, and you can experiment which is best for your workout sessions.

Edibles are one of the trendy forms as it has a good taste, but it may take hours before it kicks in. People who use edibles often take another one after consuming one edible, which doubles the dosage before the effects hit.

On the other hand, the sublingual route is one of the best ways to take CBD as it's more effective and acts faster. Another way is smoking CBD, but it could cause lung diseases, while vaping may involve residual solvents and chemicals that could be dangerous.

If you're not a fan of vaping or smoking, you can try topical creams where you can apply it to your painful joints and muscles. If you want to relax while soaking yourself after a grueling workout, bath bombs are also a good idea.

Takeaways

Consuming cannabis is believed to alleviate muscle soreness, improve metabolism, improve sleep, calm you down, and speed up your recovery during injury. However, studies backing up these claims are still insufficient. Thus, as an athlete or gym enthusiast, it's advised that you seek help from a professional before trying CBD to prevent unwanted outcomes, ensuring your overall well-being.

7 TIPS ON STRENGTHENING YOUR MIDSECTION

Whether you’re looking to gain strength or just feel better about the way you look, proper exercising is the key to strengthening your abdominals. If you want to have a six-pack, or you would just prefer a tighter and more toned look to your stomach, getting there involves strengthening your core muscles. Here are 7 workout tips to point you in the right direction.

1.      High-Intensity Interval Training

If you’re looking to shed fat around your midsection, this comes down to reducing your overall body fat percentage. High-intensity interval training, or HIIT, has been proven to be one of the most powerful ways to accomplish this. Basically, what you do is take just a few different core-strengthening exercises, and complete each one at a very high intensity. When switching from one exercise to another, resist the temptation to rest in between. This elevates your heart rate, and helps to rev up your metabolism.

2.      Use a Stability Ball

To see some definition appear in your ab area, try including balance work into your exercise regimen. Using a stability ball, or yoga ball is a great way to engage your core. When you exercise with a stability ball, you not only build strength in your midsection, your back and pelvis get stronger as well. Strengthening your lower back is important because if there’s an imbalance of strength between your abs and your lower back, you may experience an injury or back pain.  Some great exercises you can do with a stability ball to flatten and tone your stomach area, while protecting your lower back, include:

·       Ball crunch

·       Ball knee raise

·       Ball bicycle crunch

·       Ball tuck

·       Ball pike

These are just some of the types you can do to get you started.

3.      Exercise with An Inversion Table

Have you ever thought of hanging upside down to strengthen your core? This can be done by using an inversion table. Doing sit-ups with the force of gravity against you can really be an effective way of strengthening your midsection. The best inversion table will come with detailed instructions on how to get the most out of it, in regards to therapy and exercise.

4.      Take it Slow

When you perform your stomach exercises, are you tempted to just fly through them to get it over with? Chances are, this approach isn’t going to give you the results you want. The most effective method is to slow down and feel the burn. Doing so helps target specific muscles and works them in a more effective way, promoting greater strength and getting your stomach toned more quickly.

5.      Engage Your Abs

Engaging your abs means holding your abdominal muscles tight, as if someone were about to punch you in the stomach. The idea is that you want to maintain this constant tension the entire time you’re working out your abdominals. Doing so really gives your workout an extra punch. The great thing about flexing your abs is that you can do this anytime. Even when you’re at home doing the dishes perhaps, you can engage your abs and no one has to know!

6.      Just Breathe

Never hold your breath when you’re exercising, whether you’re performing strengthening exercises or doing cardio. Your stomach muscles need oxygen to perform at their complete capacity, so be sure to feed them enough with full, deep breaths. In general, it’s recommended that you inhale when you’re having to exert the least amount of force, and exhale when you’re putting forth the most effort.

7.      Mentally Focus on the Task at Hand

When you exercise, are you daydreaming about all of the things you need to get done today? Are you focused on watching your favorite series on Netflix? If so, it’s time to shift your attention to your body. This is important for several reasons.

First of all, being completely in the present moment, paying attention to the sensations in your body will activate the mind-body connection. According to research, when you focus on activating your core, muscle activity increases. The result of this is that the strength of your midsection maximizes over time.

In addition to this, you also need to be aware of any painful sensations in your body that may indicate a possible injury, as you could push your workout too far.

Final Thoughts

Gaining abdominal strength has many benefits, other than just cosmetic appeal. Having strong abdominals supports good posture, which makes you look taller, and feel more confident. Abdominal strength reduces back pain, and helps your back fatigue. Strong abs also help to balance and stabilize your body. While doing your ab exercises, try visualizing your stomach getting flatter, and feel your muscles getting stronger. Focusing your mind can help bring you the results you desire.

THE 5 BEST IMMUNE SYSTEM BOOSTERS

A weakened immune system is the last thing you want when you get sick, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. While people can only do so much to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria, they can do certain things to boost their immune system to fight off sickness.

But what are the signs of a weakened immune system? How can you boost your immune system quickly? What is the best immune system supplement? Discover more as you continue reading. 

Signs of a Weakened Immune System

Many things can boost our immune systems, but many things can weaken them, as well. What warning signs do you have to show your immune system is weakening? See these four warning signs that can quickly indicate a weakened immune system. 

·       High-Stress Levels. When your body experiences high levels of stress, it decreases white blood cells known as lymphocytes that help to fight off infections. Your body is at a higher risk to catch a virus when you have low lymphocyte levels. 

·       Persistent Colds. While it is normal to have two to three common colds per year, any more than that indicates you have a struggling immune system. A common cold lasts seven to ten days because it takes your body three to four days to develop germ-fighting antibodies. 

·       Digestive Problems. Other signs of a weakened immune system include constipation and diarrhea. If you experience diarrhea that lasts more than two to four weeks, a weakened immune system may harm your small intestine's lining or your digestive tract. If you have difficulty with bowel movements, it may indicate your immune system is slowing down your intestine.  

·       Frequent Infections. Here, one of two possibilities exists. The first is that your body is incapable of making enough immune system cells to fight off infections. The second is that it is making enough cells, but those cells fail to properly function and are thereby unable to fight off infections.

Do Immune System Boosters Really Work?

People say immunity boosters can fight off annoying germs and bacteria, but do they really work? What ingredients do they have? Are they safe? Continue reading to learn more about immunity boosters, and what they can do for you.

Immune System Boosters Defined

Immunity booster products claim to do just that--support and boost your immune system to prevent you from getting sick. Though some vary, many immunity boosters have the same key active ingredients, including:

·       Vitamin C

·       Zinc

·       Magnesium

·       Vitamin D

The Effectiveness and Safety of Immune Booster Supplements

Are Immunity Boosters Effective? 

As homeopathic products or products that do not require approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), many immunity boosters have no claim to proof of their safety, effectiveness, or quality. 

While rules exist for these kinds of products, safety is another element of concern. 

Are Immunity Boosters Safe?

Safety is a major concern for immunity boosters as FDA approval remains to be seen. Many immune system booster products on the market today come with alarming ingredients that cause nasty side effects. One example is a product that has Belladonna, nux vomica, and pulsatilla. 

Immunity boosters include many beneficial ingredients, such as vitamin B12 and vitamin D. While these are often necessary to have high energy and immunity levels, too much of any ingredient is unhealthy, and can even be dangerous. Large doses of things like vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin B6 can cause problems like stomach difficulties, copper deficiency, and nerve damage. 

How to Boost Your Immune System Quickly

The strength of a healthy immune system is primarily based on a healthy lifestyle. 

But what does a healthy lifestyle look like? An immune system can get stronger from maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but what does a staying healthy look like? 

Description of a Healthy Lifestyle 

·       No smoking.

·       A balanced diet complete with lots of fruits and vegetables.

·       A pattern of routine exercise.

·       Healthy weight.

·       Drinking alcohol in moderation.

·       Adequate sleep patterns.

·       Proactive steps to avoid infection.

·       Stress management. 

But how can you boost your immune system quickly? By incorporating the lifestyle described above in your daily routine. By making any necessary changes, you will quickly boost your immune system in both a healthy and natural way.  

Drinks to Boost Your Immune System

As a constantly active machine, your body's immune system needs the healthiest energy and strength it can get. By fueling your body with a healthy, daily dose of important minerals and vitamins, your body has a better chance of fighting off viruses such as the flu. These can include vitamin C, zinc, potassium, vitamin B-6, and more.

The list of drink recipes below come complete with healthy nutrients and minerals to boost your immune system. But before you try them, consider the following list of important minerals, nutrients, and/or vitamins they contain.

Immune System Boosting Drinks

·       Orange, grapefruit, and another citrus (potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-9(folate), vitamin C, and zinc)

·       Green apple, carrot, and orange (potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-9(folate), and vitamin C)

·       Beet, carrot, ginger, and apple (potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-9(folate) and vitamin C)

·       Tomato (magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-9(folate), vitamin C, and vitamin K) 

·       Kale, tomato, and celery (magnesium, manganese, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-9, vitamin C, and vitamin K)

·       Strawberry and kiwi (calcium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, vitamin B-1(thiamine), vitamin B-6, vitamin B-9(folate), vitamin B-12, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin K, and zinc)

·       Strawberry and mango (calcium, manganese, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-9(folate), vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E)

·       Watermelon mint (arginine, citrulline, magnesium, vitamin A, and vitamin C)

·       Pumpkin seed (magnesium, manganese, potassium, and zinc)

·       Green apple, lettuce, and kale (iron, manganese, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B-9(folate), vitamin C, and vitamin K)

Now that you have discovered some natural recipes for healthy immunity boosters, what about supplements? 

The Best Immune Booster Supplement

Whether you forget to run to the grocery store for your drink ingredients or are looking for a simple addition to your daily routine, nothing beats a quick and easy daily supplement. 

Made with pure ingredients and with an efficient distribution of minerals and vitamins from micronutrient-targeted technology, AdvaLife offers smart health from smarter technology.  

Multivitamins for men and women are available from AdvaLife. You can finally have a safe, effective, and budget-friendly immunity-boosting supplement to help you from getting sick. Get yours today!

MICROSOFT AZ-304 EXAM: GAIN EXPERT-LEVEL SKILLS WITH SIMPLE PREP TOOLS SUCH AS PRACTICE TESTS

To earn the Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert credential, there are two new tests that you must pass. This is Microsoft AZ-303, which is also known as Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies, and Microsoft AZ-304, or Microsoft Azure Architect Design. Website In this article, we are going to discuss the AZ-304 exam so you can know everything you need to know about it.

If you asked anyone who has been in the IT industry for a while, they will tell you that the notion of survival for the fittest directly rules the IT job market. So, for one to make themselves a preferred candidate, they need to be updated in every domain, especially those that are relevant in their area of specialization. Author: HUGO S The certificate helps to validate your skills and knowledge to your superiors and helps you stand out in the crowd. In simple terms, the credentials in the IT industry have become a crucial part of job culture as they keep a specialist updated and ahead of others. Without much ado, let’s get into the finer details of the test.

What is Microsoft AZ-304?

An Azure solution architect typically partners with the clients, Cloud DBAs, and Cloud administrators to implement solutions. These specialists have various responsibilities, including advising the stakeholders and also translating various business requirements into reliable, scalable, and secure Cloud solutions. Author: LUKE V The candidates for the AZ-304 exam should have advanced knowledge and experience in IT operations, including disaster recovery, identity, security, networking, business continuity, governance, data platform, virtualization, and budgeting. This role basically requires managing how decisions in every area affect the overall solution. The applicants should possess the expert-level skills in Azure development. They must also have experience with DevOps and Azure development processes.

What details should you know?

The high-level list of the skills measured in the Microsoft AZ-304 exam is presented below:

·       Design Monitoring;

·       Design Data Storage;

·       Design Infrastructure;

·       Design Identity and Security;

·       Design Business Continuity.

The test became available at the end of June 2020. It consists of 40-60 questions that should be answered within 150 minutes. Certkiller >> The questions in this exam can be presented in different formats, such as multiple choice, active screen, short answer, review screen, build list, and best answer. The Microsoft Azure Architect Design test is given in the English language only and costs $165. As for the passing grade for Microsoft AZ-304, this exam is scored out of 1000 and the learners need to get 700 points or higher to pass it in order to obtain the associated credential.

To succeed in your endeavour, Microsoft offers two ways of learning: free self-paced or paid instructor-led courses. Author: MOHAMMAD R These two options are available right on the certification exam webpage under the block with the list of skills measured.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, anyone who wants to advance their career in Microsoft Azure, the AZ-304 exam should be one of the tests to clear. Discount 35% >>> With the latest exam dumps and practice tests used along with official prep options to polish the candidates’ knowledge and test-taking skills, this exam can be relatively easy to pass.