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January 14, 2019

Your most embarassing fitness questions answered by a fitness guru

www.Vshred.com

If you follow fitness trainers or enthusiasts on Instagram, we are besieged by women at the gym who look supremely confident, airbrushed and without a bead of sweat. The reality is, most of us don’t look or smell our best after a tough workout.  Not everyone is comfortable walking into a class of strangers in form-fitting gym clothes.  And what about the sounds our bodies make when we are working out?  What about those of us who want to exercise but feel we are too heavy to even begin a program?  Fortunately, we have Certified Fitness Trainer, Model Turned Fitness Expert, Instagram Fitness Guru & YouTube Sensation Vince Sant, co-founder of the online platform www.vshred.com  to answer the questions you are too shy to ask. 

Why do I let out a little pee when I exercise?

Vince Sant explains that “This is very common amongst anyone who’s had a child. the term is stress incontinence, meaning you involuntarily leak out a little urine. It can happen when you exercise, laugh, or even sneeze.” First and foremost, don’t be embarrassed. Nearly every woman that’s given birth has experienced this. There are, however, two things you can do to improve stress incontinence says Vince, “Learn how to do Kegels, and practice engaging your pelvic floor in Pilates-based exercises. Both of these actions can help strengthen your pelvic floor and reduce the severity of your stress incontinence.”

Will running make my boobs sag?

 “Sag happens to all breasts that are natural. It’s normal for the collagen that keeps breasts firm to stretch out thanks to gravity, time, pregnancy, weight gain, or weight loss.” Although there’s limited research, Vince Sant says, “The up and down motion of running could logically contribute to sagging as well, but the health benefits of running definitely outweigh that possibility. If you wear the right sports bra, your breasts shouldn’t experience a lot of movement anyway. So, don’t be afraid to run!’

Why do I seem to sweat so much more than other people at the gym?

“How much you sweat is really individual, and it doesn’t necessarily mean anything positive or negative about your exercising ability,” says Vince. On average, men tend to sweat more than women, and if you are overweight you may sweat more near the end of your workout because it takes more for your body to cool itself down. Ultimately, it’s not a bad thing if you find yourself drenched in sweat while the person next to you on their machine seems to be relatively dry.

Why does running long distances make me have to poop?

Long distance running can aggravate some people’s digestive systems, particularly if you suffer from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). But you don’t necessarily have to have pre-existing digestive issues to get some unpleasant stomach symptoms on long runs. For example, studies show that as much as 50% of runners in a 10k race experience digestive issues, including runner’s trots. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, but there are things you can do to combat the unpleasant reality of urgent, frequent bathroom trips. Vince suggests avoiding high-fiber foods a few days before a big race, staying well-hydrated, and avoid caffeine.

Why do I tend to pass gas during certain yoga poses?

Passing gas during the occasional downward dog is extremely common. Why? You’re bending and stretching, which massages the internal organs—which can sometimes stimulate your digestion. (There’s even a yoga pose called “wind reliever). Vince recommends, limiting any high fiber snacks beforehand, and stretching before your actual class to “eliminate” ahead of time.

What’s the best way to start exercising if I am completely out of shape?

Literally just put one foot in front of the other. A Chinese Philosopher once said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” And walking is nothing to be ashamed of. Vince stresses that “It really is exercise and there are all kinds of athletic people and celebrities in amazing shape who use it to stay that way. Get a pedometer and take at least 10,000 ‘baby steps’ a day and start improving your fitness.”

I have gym anxiety. What should I do?

There are four psychological reasons for gym anxiety: Not being sure what to do, comparing yourself to other people in the gym, feeling like people are judging you, and feeling like you don’t belong. What are a few ways to reduce gym anxiety?

Vince Sant provides some tips:

Ask friends how they feel about their own programs. You can even try to go to the gym with a friend, which is a great way to stop feeling like you’re getting judged.

Watch YouTube videos for each of the exercises you plan to do on your first day at the gym.

Wear workout clothes that you feel are both flattering and comfortable.

Pick a gym that is known for being more low key as opposed to a “meat market” or a “sceney gym.”

If going to the gym is too anxiety provoking, you can try an online fitness platform such as www.vshred.com

My Skin Chafes almost Everywhere: My Butt Cheeks, Under My Arms, Inner Thighs, How Do I Reduce the Pain?

Skin-to-skin and skin-to-clothing rubbing can cause a red, raw rash that can bleed, sting, and cause pain during your post-workout shower. Moisture and salt on the body make it worse. Underarms, inner thighs, along with the bra line (women), and nipples (men) are vulnerable spots. Vince advises, “Wear moisture-wicking, seamless, tagless gear. The fit is important. Baggy shirts have excess material that can cause irritation; a too-snug sports bra can dig into skin. Apply Vaseline, sports lube, Band-Aids or Nip Guards before you run. And moisturize after you shower. Drier skin tends to chafe more.

Am I too overweight to work out?

Forget the fancy equipment, you don’t need anything to start. Keep it low impact and rest when you need to. For example, Vince suggests the following, “Jog for 30 seconds. It doesn’t matter if you have to walk for 5 minutes to get your breath back, just do it, then jog for another 30 seconds. Do that 3 times. Then when you’ve done that for a couple of days, jog for 10 more seconds each time. Then only take 4.5 minutes to get your breath back. And as you lower the rest time, repeat it 5 times instead of 3. Keeping the overall workout time at around 20 minutes total is fine.” If you haven’t exercised for a while, the body heat, breathlessness, and sore muscles can be off-putting, but those feelings quickly become more manageable.     If you have any concerns about your health and ability to work out, always consult with your doctor first.

Vincent Seth Sant

Fitness Expert & Co-Founder V Shred

Vince Sant, 25, is the Co-Founder of V Shred, the fastest growing online fitness and nutrition portal in the world. As an ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer, Former Model Turned Online Fitness Expert, Instagram Fitness Guru & YouTube Sensation, Vince’s mission is to offer the masses a sustainable and transformative lifestyle-based training program designed to put the fun back into fitness and nutrition.

In 2015, Vince co-founded V Shred along with Nick Daniel, Roger Crandall, Kevin Pearn, who sought out to create a healthy fitness movement specifically designed to deliver profound changes in your body with the minimal amount of workout time.

Vince is responsible for creating some of the world’s most popular fitness and nutrition programs such as Fat Loss Extreme and Toned in 90 Days for women and men and Ripped in 90 Days for men.

V Shred is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information visit http://www.vshred.com

 

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January 13, 2019

6 Dental Procedures That Will Improve Your Smile and Your Health

 

Today there are more ways to protect your smile and your dental health that at any time before. From basic procedures all the way through dental surgery that can be done on an outpatient basis, your dental professional can correct a number of problems and ensure they don’t trigger more issues elsewhere in the body. At the same time, many of them make it much easier to flash a beautiful smile.  Here are some examples of procedures that may be right for you.

Dental Implants

Did you know that there are two different approaches to dental implants? If you have some teeth missing or are about to lose all your teeth, rest assured your dental professional will talk with you about both options. Each approach provides benefits that you will enjoy for a long time. In fact, you may never need to replace those implants once they are in place.

Root Canals

Root canals can correct a number of potential issues. The process often involves removing some of the pulp or the root to alleviate pain and prevent the spread of inflammation. While you will need sedation for this type of dental surgery, today’s methods make it possible to undergo the procedure and go home all in one day. While you still need someone along to do the driving, many people experience no more than minor discomfort in the days following a root canal. Best of all, the pain you felt before the procedure is gone.

Teeth Straightening

Just as people may receive dental implants at many different times in life, it’s also possible to have your teeth straightened even if you are no longer a youth. Perhaps it may be necessary to remove a molar to eliminate crowding and then wear some type of retainer or brace for a period of time. The good news for adults is that there are clear aligners that can have the teeth in perfect alignment in a year or so.

Extractions

When a tooth is in such poor condition that it cannot be saved, the most practical solution to to extract it. This form of dental surgery is relatively simple and straightforward. You are likely to need nothing more than a local anesthetic to deaden the gum around the base of the tooth. While you will need to take it easy the rest of the day, getting rid of a tooth that is basically nothing more than an empty shell is one of the best things you can do for your health.

Fillings and Crowns

Perhaps the decay has not yet consumed most of the tooth. In this instance, a dentist can remove the decayed portion, fill the space, and then top off the tooth with a crown. As with the extraction, this procedure can be done in the dental office and you can go home in a few hours. The filling and crown certainly improve the look of your smile, and eliminates one potential risk of inflammation and infection.

Teeth Cleaning

Teeth cleaning is sometimes viewed as an optional procedure. This line of thinking holds that if you brush and floss regularly, there is no need for a professional cleaning. That’s not the case.

While the brushing and flossing does quite a bit to remove residue from teeth, there is still some that’s difficult to reach on your own. During the cleaning, a professional gets into the tiny spaces between teeth and other nooks and crannies in the mouth where residue and bacteria are still present. This is usually done by a qualified dental hygienist.

The cleaning goes a long way toward reducing the risk of cavities, helps to minimize the potential for losing enamel, and in general keeps your teeth healthier. That means you are less likely to need dentures or implants even when you are older.

These are only a few of the procedures that modern dental professionals offer. What would help improve your dental health and improve your smile? Schedule a check-up with your dentist today and find out if anything needs to be done right now. Whether it’s a cleaning, an extraction, one of the forms of dental implants offered today, or some other procedure, your dentist will be happy to tell you why it’s needed, and how you will benefit from the work.

 

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January 13, 2019

5 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Footwear For Your Office

 

Part of being properly attired for the office involves selection footwear that is in line with the dress code. Fortunately, there are quality brands like Merrell shoes that offer all sorts of solutions. All you have to do is decide what qualities you want and find a pair that has all of them. Here are a few tips that will help you choose a pair of shoes for the office that will serve you well.

Casual or Business?

What sort of footwear is included in your company dress code? Consider what sort of designs the employer considers appropriate. For example, did you know that a pair of slip-ons may be considered too casual even if they are somewhat dressy? If that’s the case, then you might want to consider something like an Oxford design with a lower heel and subtle appearance.

You can bet that among the best shoes for men in Canada you can find something that’s fine for the most casual office setting or one that leans more toward the traditional and the conservative.

The Colour Matters

Colour may also come into play when it comes to selecting shoes for the workplace. A safe choice with any type of traditional office setting is to go with basic black. A nice pair of Merrell shoes in black will go with just about any type of business attire one can imagine, making them more versatile.

If your company dress code does allow options like darker brown shades in addition to black, feel free to invest in a pair or two. They will certainly work on those days when you wear some lighter shades of slacks and pair them with a darker sport coat.

Materials That Hold Up Well Are Important

Always consider the materials used for the shoes that you select. Some synthetic materials look fine at first, but they don’t tend to wear well. Lesser brands may be made of materials that crease a lot faster than those made using higher quality materials. The last thing you need is a new pair of shoes that look heavily worn after only a month or so. Spend a little more for the best shoes for men in Canada and you will actually save money on shoe repair and replacement over the next couple of years.

Go With a Comfortable Fit

Since you will be wearing the shoes all day, it makes sense to go with a pair that feel comfortable. That means the size must be perfect and the cushioning should be sufficient to absorb the shock of walking over concrete floors that are covered with nothing more than a thin layer of padding and carpeting. You’ll find that all the designs offered by Merrell shoes have excellent cushioning and sizing that makes it easy to enjoy a proper fit.

Support Matters Even If You Are at a Desk All Day

Support is just as important as comfort when it comes to shoes for the workplace. Perhaps you do spend the majority of your day at a desk. Even so, you need support that ensures your feet and legs are not subjected to undue stress. Thanks to the support offered by the best shoes for men in Canada, your feet will feel fine at the end of the day. Your lower legs will also not feel strained and the odds of experiencing muscle cramps are kept to a minimum.

Remember that investing in the right pair of shoes for the workplace is not just about projecting a professional appearance. It’s also about wearing something that’s good for your feet and lower legs. Choose carefully and those shoes will serve you well for a long time.

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January 13, 2019

5 Excellent Reasons to Get a New Tattoo or Redesign an Old One

What do you think of tattoos in general? Do you have any right now? Would you like to have one or more? The answers will tell you if tattoos in Toronto are right for you. If you would like to explore the reasons a little further, consider these scenarios that lead many people to get a new tattoo or have some additional work done on an older one.

You have a New Story to Tell

You are no stranger to body art in Toronto. In fact, you have several tattoos and each one of them has to do with an important or person in your life. Now that you’ve entered a new chapter, there’s an event that you would like to memorialize with body art. Find the right professional, come up with a design, and determine where you would like it to go. Once it’s done, your new story will always be there to tell when the mood or setting is right.

An Old Story Has a New Chapter

Maybe an event that you thought was complete turns out to have a little more to it. By all means, keep the tattoo that tells the beginning and have it augmented so that it reflects the rest of the story. Remember that existing tattoos in Toronto can be altered or added to in such a way that they continue to capture the essence of the original inspiration while broadening the subject to tell a little more. A skilled professional can help you come up with ways to enhance the old design and ensure it captures the essence of the new.

There’s Someone or Something You Want to Honor

Many people choose body art in Toronto as a way to create a living memorial to someone they love. It could be a romantic partner, a relative, or anyone else who has brought many good things into your life. It can even be some event that has changed the course of your life for the better.

A professional can work from a photograph, a description, or even an idea and come up with the perfect tattoo design. As with the design elements, you get to choose the colours that are in keeping with the topic. When the work’s completed, you have something that makes it all the easier to sense the presence of that person or at least remind you of why that individual or event is so important.

You Appreciate Body Art But Don’t Have Any Right Now

You have friends with some wonderful tattoos in Toronto. You like they way they look and the stories they tell. Up to this point, you’ve never gotten any tattoos but now seems like the right time. There’s someone special who’s been in your life for some time, or something has happened that you want to remember all of your days. That’s worth a trip to a reputable tattoo parlor for getting your very first tattoo.

You See a Design That Would Look Great

You were out and noticed a tattoo that really caught your eye. The design is something that would work well with the body art in Toronto that you already have. After telling the person how much you love the design, it’s perfect acceptable to ask where it was done. If it was an original, ask the person if he or she would mind if you took a photograph and used it to recreate a similar design. What you will find is that many people are happy to oblige.

What’s your day like? If you have the time and are in the mood, why not visit your local tattoo parlor and see what designs they have? You can also bring along an original design that the artist can enhance a bit. You can bet that once the work is done, you’ll be happy with the results.

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January 13, 2019

Surprising Hacks to Look Beautiful on Your Wedding Day

 

Every bride wishes to look like a princess on her wedding day. Unlike real princess, she doesn’t have a team of helpers on her wedding day. Exhaustion is common to build-up because you have to do several things. On your special day, you have to look relaxed and energized. You want to look beautiful because you will be the center of attention on this day. Just like every bride, you will need special memories of this day for your remaining life. From wedding dresses to makeup, everything should be perfect. For your help, we have some surprising hacks to look beautiful on your wedding day.

Glowing Skin

Women try different things to look fresh on their wedding day. These simple things can make a big difference. Make sure to wash your makeup before sleeping. Use herbal face creams and face masks. On the day of the wedding, each bride needs a unique look. You will need a glowing skin and fresh smile to impress the audience.

Ideas for Glowing Skin

To get glowing skin, you will need a combination of pore cleansing, chemical peels and much more. Carefully work on your sweet smile. It doesn’t mean to practice your smile, but pay attention to your teeth whitening. Your wedding images look beautiful with white teeth.

Select Dresses in Advance

A wedding gown becomes the center of attraction of the whole ceremony. It should look perfect on your special days. For this reason, you have to prepare a trendy dress for your wedding. Choose a dress in which you look beautiful and comfortable. While choosing your dress, you can’t ignore bridesmaid dresses. Your clothing should correspond to the generic style of the wedding ceremony.

Carefully Choose a Hairstyle

Carefully check all options for your hairstyle and select correctly complimenting hair accessories. You will need a beautiful headpiece to compliment your hairstyle. After completing your preparation, stand in front of a mirror and check your final look.

Enjoy a Sound Sleep in the night

A comfortable sleep in the night is essential. Days before a wedding can make you look fresh. Avoid late night parties and sleep early in the night. You can’t have liquor 1 to 2 days before your wedding. If you are busy in part before your wedding night, you may feel horrible, exhausted and irritated on your special day.

Choose Light Meals

You have to quit junk food and unhealthy meals at least one day before a wedding. Make sure to avoid overeating to stay healthy on your special day. Keep it in mind that this day will become the happiest day of your life.

Important Preparation

If you both want to dance on the stage, you have to call a professional choreographer and do lots of practice. Before practicing a wedding dance, consider the theme of your wedding. After choosing a theme, it will be easy for you to select decorations, cake, flowers, etc.

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January 11, 2019

Pros And Cons: Dermal Fillers Versus Botox

Cosmetic procedures have been done for centuries. From simple non-invasive procedures to full surgical procedures, these beauty mechanisms have been extremely popular with people of all ages.

However, cosmetic procedures like Botox and dermal fillers are especially popular with the older generation when wrinkles and creases become more noticeable and prominent.

For a long time, Botox has been the top choice of clients wanting to have youthful looking faces. However, dermal fillers have been on the rise recently, competing for the top spot. Other options include over-the-counter drugs and face creams which promise younger-looking skin.

Since not all approaches are applicable and effective on everyone, knowing the one that suits you best is essential before going through these procedures.

One great way to weigh your options is to examine the pros and cons of your prospective cosmetic procedure. Continue reading to find out more about the unique advantages and disadvantages of these two popular procedures.

Dermal fillers

These treatments vary from type to type depending on their target parts. There are currently many different types of dermal fillers, the most popular of which are Hyaluronic Acid Fillers. This type has further classifications with treatments like juvederm, Belotero Balance, HylaForm, Prevelle Silk, Restylane, Restylane-L, Restylane-Lift, Restylane Silk, Restylane Refyne, and Restylane Defyne.

Pro #1: Immediate Results

Almost all clients who use dermal fillers see immediate results. Unlike Botox, whose effects can take a week to be noticeable, dermal fillers can instantly bring you results.

Pro #2: Non-surgical

This procedure is non-invasive so the risks associated with surgeries are reduced, if not completely avoided.

Pro #3: More Natural Looking Results

More and more people are going for dermal fillers because of the promise of more natural-looking results. Dermal fillers, especially juvederm, have been known to produce more natural results when compared to other cosmetic procedures such as Botox

Con #1: Relatively More Expensive Than Other Cosmetic Procedures

Since dermal fillers are one of the most sought after and effective treatments in the cosmetic market, they are also some of the costlier ones. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of dermal fillers vary from $600 to $2000 depending on the type and amount of fillers used.

Botox

First things first: the treatment we know as Botox is actually its brand name. It is a natural and purified form of botulinum toxin, a protein which can be obtained from bacteria. Although toxic in large amounts, a regulated amount can be used to treat cosmetic conditions like wrinkles, crow’s feet and sagging skin. It can also help treat medical conditions like hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating.

Pro #1: One Of The Most Affordable Cosmetic Procedures

Botox procedures are one of the most financially affordable cosmetic procedures. Unlike other cosmetic procedures, prices for Botox range from $135 to $550 depending on the cosmetic place. Be careful though, not all salons that offer Botox are legitimate and safe. Never compromise quality and professional work for affordability.

Con #1: Allergies May Occur

 

Although rare, allergic reactions can still occur after Botox procedures. This is especially true when non-professionals do the procedure. Before doing anything like this, you must make sure to inform your cosmetic professional of your health condition and allergies so as to help avoid this situation.

Con #2: Drooping Eyelids

Some clients of Botox procedures report drooping eyelids as a side effect. This event is caused by the movement of the Botox in the injection site. Patients are advised to avoid touching the area after the treatment to reduce the risk of drooping eyelids.

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January 8, 2019

5 Key Health Exams Millennials to Get This Year

https://tourocom.touro.edu/academics/faculty/harlem/niket-sonpal.php

With more and more millennials skipping out on annual health exams in favor of a quick as needed, visit to an urgent care facility, doctors fear the largest generation in America, may overlook serious health issues. There are 83 million Americans between age 22 and 37 and according to a November 2018 survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 45% of those 18-29 and 28% of those age 30-39 do not have a primary care physician. The issue is that health conditions that can be caught early may slip through the cracks. Dr. Niket Sonpal, Adjunct Assistant Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York City, offers 5 health exams millennials should get this year.

Dr. Sonpal, who at age 36 is a millennial himself, has compassion and understanding when it comes to millennials. “You’re looking at a generation with incredible debt and many don’t have jobs with health insurance,” he says.

In addition to the financial aspect, Dr. Sonpal adds that this is a generation raised on the internet. “When we got sick as kids, our mom searched for answers online. If we went to the doctor, it was a day of missed school and boring waiting rooms. Now as adults, millennials want, fast affordable solutions and often take a DIY approach to health.”

He goes on to say that healthcare has become an expensive hassle millennials choose to avoid. They would much rather facetime or text a doctor as opposed to miss work hours. They prefer to just walk into an urgent care clinic, pay $40 and be done with it, fast. “The problem though is that while this approach may be ok for treating a sore throat or flu, millennials might be missing an opportunity to nip a bigger problem early on.”

I want to urge all millennials women to get women’s wellness exams which is a PAP Smear and breast exam as well as a screening for STD’s and bloodwork. HPV, can lead to cervical cancer so it’s important to monitor dysplasia.

Dr. Sonpal encourages millennials to get these exams out of the at either the start of the year or their birthday month so they can easily remember when they last went to the doctor for these exams.

  1. Blood Pressure Screenings

You want to get blood pressure checked out at least once every 2 years and ever year if the top number is 120 to 139 and bottom between 80 to 89. High blood pressure is linked to diabetes which is really hitting millennials hard. According to the CDC, between 2001 and 2015 teen obesity rates rose 30%. “As kids, millennials were part of a supersize culture. Millennials also didn’t spend a lot of time going outside to play until the streetlights came on as Gen X’ers did. This all adds up to diabetes and heart disease if not monitored,” he says.

  1. Eye Exams

Millennials were raised on technology and their eyes are reaping the cost of this. It’s estimated that millennials spend over 12 hours per day consuming media with a majority of it on mobile devices on screens held closer to the eye. This leads to “nearsightedness” or “shortsightedness” where the eye weakens and can’t see clearly at a distance. A lot of millennials will find themselves squinting to see things that are further away, they may have dull headaches and find themselves rubbing their eyes frequently. “A lot of millennials are popping ibuprofen for headache associated with eye strain and neck ache from prolonged computer jobs. This then leads to stomach issues,” cautions Dr. Sonpal.

  1. IBS and Digestive Screenings

We also need to consider that the food we eat today is full of antibiotics and hormones. Millennials are a generation whose diet was primarily full of processed foods. We see a lot of Celiac Disease (intolerance of gluten). A study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, found that from the mid-80s to 2013, the incidence of colon cancer has been rising fastest for people between the ages of 20 and 29, by 2.4 percent per year. “The issue here is that we have millennials self-treating stomach issues that can be the start of something serious. If you’re experiencing chronic stomach pain, see a doctor. Gut health is incredibly important for overall wellbeing,” advises Dr. Sonpal.

  1. Mental Health Screening

Millennials are one stressed out generation. According to Psychology Today, suicide rates among young adults have tripled since the 50’s with millennials are reporting a sense of “faking it until they make it.” The problem is they feel disconnected from themselves and wrong for the life they are living. They feel as if they are not enough and then they scroll on their Instagram feeds and see people their age with luxury watches, travel to the Maldives and Dubai and they feel hopeless, stressed and depressed.  They’re popping Xanax and smoking marijuana to take the edge off. The good news is that millennials are willing to discuss their feelings and studies show that this is the first generation who doesn’t see any stigma about seeing a therapist or mentor coach. Sometimes a break up or a layoff can trigger a downward spiral into depression or even drug or alcohol addiction.

  1. Annual Exam and Immunizations

It’s recommended that you get the flu shot every year. Another important vaccine is for HPV which was mentioned earlier. Dr. Sonpal points out that the HPV vaccine has expanded coverage and is important to prevent certain types of cancer. Other vaccines may also be recommended depending on your health history. The only way you know is by having a yearly physical.

About Dr. Niket Sonpal:
Dr. Niket Sonpal is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and Clinical instructor at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Brooklyn who specializes in Gastroenterology. He is a graduate of the Medical University of Silesia – Hope Medical Institute in Poland. After completing his residency in Internal Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital, he was selected to be the 20132014 Chief Resident at Lenox Hill Hospital–Northshore LIJ Health System. Dr. Sonpal has completed his Fellowship in Gastroenterology & Hepatology at Lenox Hill Hospital and continues his work in the field of medical student and resident test preparation. He now serves as the associate program director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Brookdale University medical center.

He is the coauthor for the best-selling Master the Boards: USMLE Step 2 CK, Master the Boards Step 3, And Master the Boards: Internal Medicine. He is also the Chief Operating Officer for Medquest Test Prep, Director of Medical Education for Picmonic Test Prep, and a recognized expert on medical test prep.

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January 8, 2019

5 Tech Essentials for Your Handbag

The contents of a woman’s handbag are a closely guarded secret, however, for the purpose of this article we’re about to uncover some of the essential tech items every woman should have. Women’s handbags come in all shapes and sizes. Some are big enough to fill with all the essentials and still have room for the kitchen sink. If you’d rather not carry around such a cumbersome fashion accessory, you might be interested to know how you can pare things down. The following five items are essential if you don’t want to get caught out and be able to pass any free time you have effectively. 

Vape

There are going to be moments during your day when life is going to get very stressful. It’s something we all have to deal with on a regular basis, so it pays to be prepared. Carrying a vape with you means you can sit back and relax for a few minutes. Choose one of the many flavorsome e-juices from www.ultimatejuice.co.uk and you’ll enjoy those precious minutes.

Portable Battery Charger

You’ll never have to worry about getting cut off in the middle of a conversation because your battery has died. With a portable battery charger you’ll always be connected. If you don’t want to carry a charger, then a portable battery is a must. Purchase one with a double-USB and your BFF can keep her phone fully charged as well. Look for one that includes a portable flashlight, so you’ll never need to struggle in the dark.  

Earbuds

You could be listening to music or watching a movie on your smartphone, but if you’ve got a great set of headphones, it’s going to be far more enjoyable. There are some very elegant earbuds available, and it’s much better to have them and not need them than to leave them at home and then wish you’d carried them with you.  

E-reader

It would be impossible to carry a library full of books around in your handbag, but there’s no need for such a thing if you carry an e-reader. If you enjoy reading but don’t have the room for even the smallest paperback, an e-reader is the obvious answer. Choose a paperwhite style e-reader, and you’ll be able to catch a few minutes of your favorite novel whatever the weather.

Smartphone

Does anyone actually leave home without their smartphone nowadays? Just in case you do on occasions, we thought it best to add this one in at the end. With your smartphone tucked in your handbag you’ll have no problems finding directions, catching up on emails, posting on your social media profile, ordering a takeout, and buying tickets for a movie. We use our smartphones in so many ways that we’d be lost without them.

This is a list of the tech essentials, but let’s not forget all those other important items you need in your handbag. Band-Aids, a packet of tissues, a hairbrush, sunscreen, notebook, a manicure set, pocket knife, and so much more.

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January 7, 2019

The Glamorous Smile: Dental Implants

“You’re never fully dressed without a smile.”

This quote from the movie Annie resounds to our very existence. Having a great smile will take you places. It can improve your self-esteem and your overall confidence. It will help you express yourself more clearly and more effectively.

As a matter of fact, research studies have concluded that having a bright white smile increases your chances of having a successful professional life. This is because of the halo effect that causes people to have good impressions about people who they perceive to be attractive.

On the other hand, having a not-so-attractive smile can make it hard for people to achieve maximum confidence. They tend to be very self-conscious about smiling so they sometimes come off as a snob.

People nowadays realize this importance. That is why it is not much of a surprise that more and more people are undergoing cosmetic dental procedures, and opting for dentures and implants to improve their smile.

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, there are approximately 3 million people living in the United States who have gotten dental implants. Moreover, the organisation reports that this number is growing by 500,000 each year.

Now comes the big decision you need to make. Which is better, dental implants or traditional dentures? Continue reading to find out more about the pros and cons of having dental implants, and why they may be the right choice for you.

Dental Implants

Dental Implants can be roughly defined as a surgical and cosmetic procedure done to a patient that more or less permanently supports a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge and/or false teeth.

PRO #1: Last Longer Than Traditional Dentures

With good oral hygiene and a proper care regimen, dental implants have been found to be very durable. Some can last as long as 20 years! A high-quality dental implant can be a very good investment because it is more or less permanent if well taken care off.

PRO #2: Boasts A More Secure Bond That Prevents Slipping

Dental implants draw their bond strength directly from the bone to which they are attached. This is the main reason why they are the more secure option since they are embedded in the bone. Dental implants avoid the embarrassment of slipping incidents when compared to traditional dentures.

PRO #3: Prevents Bone and Gum Deterioration

Traditional dentures usually accelerate bone loss because of their tendency to wear away at the ridges of the bone to which they are attached. Dental implants actually stimulate the bone, preventing shrinkage or deterioration.

CON #1: More Costly Than The Average Traditional Dentures

To be upfront, dental implants can indeed be more costly, because the procedure and surgery is more complicated and the materials are more expensive. However, it is undeniable that dental implants are good investments in the long run.

CON #2: Some Dental Implants Require Bone Grafts Prior To The Surgery

Since not all patients are good candidates for dental implants due to severe bone loss, dental implants sometimes cannot be made without prior bone grafts.

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January 5, 2019

5 Heart Healthy Foods You Need to Include in Your Diet

When it comes to keeping your heart healthy, there’s no better place to start than your diet. We are what we eat, after all, and consuming too much of the tasty and convenient stuff—such as fast food, salty snacks, and sugary drinks—have been proven to cause no end of health problems. Some of these problems are so serious that they can affect your heart directly, which could send you to the hospital, or worse, the morgue.

So with preventing that morbid fate in mind, here are some heart-healthy foods you should definitely look into including into your diet.

Walnut milk. If you want to look after your heart while still indulging in some creamy and delicious milky goodness, then there’s no better way to do that than to add unsweetened milked nuts to your diet. Specifically, unsweetened walnut milk. Walnuts are known to have a generous amount of plant-derived omega-3 fats, which have been proven to be beneficial in keeping heart disease at bay and improve overall heart health. What’s more, the nutrients in walnuts such as magnesium, calcium, and iron also help give you more energy while improving your bodily functions. So get into the heart-healthy kick in a creamy and tasty way by adding nut-based milks to your daily food intake.

Green leafy vegetables. Ever since we went to school, we’ve always been told that a healthy diet includes vegetables, mainly the green and leafy kind. It won’t surprise you to know that our teachers have always been right to do so. Not only do green leafy vegetables give us a lot of vitamins and minerals to help us grow healthy and strong, but they also help keep major health issues like heart disease at bay. The vitamin K in greens, for example, protects your arteries and helps promote good blood clotting. Meanwhile, the dietary nitrates in vegetables also help reduce blood pressure and keep arteries flexible, preventing strokes, heart attacks and arterial ruptures.

Whole grains. Whole grains are grain products that have gone through very little refinement or processing as possible—i.e. they contain all three parts of the grain, namely the germ, endosperm, and bran. Unless the grain product you’re buying contains the words “whole grain”, or “whole” when it comes to wheat, then it can’t be considered as whole.

Why is this distinction important? It’s important because whole grain is much healthier than refined grains, especially for the heart. For one, whole grains have a higher amount of fiber, which has been proven to help lower LDL cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol, is linked to many heart diseases and circulatory conditions.

Studies have also shown that eating three servings or more of whole grains every day can significantly reduce systolic blood pressure by as much as 6 mmHg. This is enough to reduce the risk of stroke by about 25%, as well as significantly decrease the incidence of heart attacks.

Fatty fish. If you’re a seafood fan and love fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna, then you’re in luck, as consuming these tasty fish regularly can definitely protect your heart from all sorts of diseases and conditions. This is because fatty fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which has been linked not only to reduce blood pressure but also decrease heart disease markers such as cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar. So have these fish as often as you like—just remember to prepare them in a healthy way, like roasting, streaming, or stir-frying. No deep-frying allowed!

Beans. Besides having a reputation as “the musical fruit”, beans are as healthy as they are tasty. A healthy serving contains quite a bit of what’s known as “resistant starch”, which is known to resist being digested. It instead gets fermented by the beneficial bacteria in your intestines. This allows the resistant starch to work its magic in your body by reducing cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood, both of which are known to affect heart health in high levels. Resistant starch has also been discovered to stabilize blood sugar, yet another marker for heart and circulatory disease.

Conclusion

Don’t take your heart for granted. Include these heart-healthy foods in your diet right away to protect the most vital organ in your body from all manner of health conditions and diseases. Doing so will help you live a full and happy life.

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