One and Co

One and Co

by

Why It’s Time To Take Charge Of Your Sexual Health

If you’re guilty of letting your sexual health take a back seat, keep reading. In this blog, we take a look at why it’s so crucial that you take charge of this aspect of your wellbeing and how you can keep your sexual health on track.

Get tested

The truth is, if you have unprotected sex, you could be at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). If left untreated, these infections can cause damage to your health and even harm your fertility. However, STIs are not always easy to spot. For example, in the UK, chlamydia is the most common STI, and while some of the symptoms can include a burning or painful sensation while urinating, many people with this infection may not know they have it. In fact, according to Online Doctor LloydsPharmacy, around 50 per cent of men and 30 per cent of women with this infection don’t experience any symptoms at all.

So, regardless of whether you suspect you have an STI or not, it’s a good idea to get yourself tested and keep yourself safe. You can do this at a range of different places, including your local GP surgery or a sexual health or GUM clinic, or you could purchase a home testing kit from a reputable online pharmacy.

Practise safe sex

Practising safe sex is an essential part of looking after your sexual health, and in doing so, you  could avoid the worry of developing an STI in the first place. However, when it comes to getting intimate with your partner, it’s important that you think carefully about the method of contraception you’re going to use.

It’s worth noting that condoms are the only form of contraception that can protect you against both pregnancy and STIs, so this might be the best option with a new partner. If you have a long-term partner and you’re confident that neither of you have any infections, you might want to choose an alternative method of birth control. From the combined pill to the contraceptive implant, there are over 10 different options for you to pick from. To find out which one is best for you and your other half, you should speak to your doctor.

Taking responsibility for your sexual health and wellbeing is crucial, especially if you want to enjoy being intimate with your partner without having to worry about the potential implications. So, if you’ve been letting this issue slip lately, now is the perfect time to take control.

by

What to Expect When Doing Travel Nursing Jobs in Developing Countries

The large majority of travel nursing jobs which you will find out there, are those that involve working in developing nations, third world countries or places where they are in drastic need of healthcare professionals. For those with an education in medicine, this provides a wonderful opportunity for you to travel, discover new and exciting places, and to be able to help out in areas of the world that require support.
 

Working in these conditions however, are something which will most definitely be a shock to the system and it is important that you understand what kind of thing you can expect, when working as a nurse in developing nations.

Lack of Equipment

Unfortunately for many countries and cities around the world, and in spite of the will and desire of the medical staff, there is a great shortage of equipment in many of the places where you may be a nurse. This lack of equipment is likely down a shortage of money and in truth, the only thing that you can do about it is learn to survive with what you have. For those with experience in first world nations, this can be frustrating and an unfortunate fact of life which you must live with.

Negative Outcomes  

Owing to the lack of equipment and the poor education that many people have in developing countries, illnesses and ailments which may be considered as small issues in your home country, could very well be life and death in a developing nation. One must prepare for the fact that some people will have awful consequences for even the most minor of diseases or health issues, and it can prove to be very frustrating for someone from a country which is better off.  

Language Barrier

One of the most challenging things for many nurses working abroad is their inability to speak the local language, something which can often prove to an obstacle to giving the best care possible. IF you are heading away for a travel nurse position, it would be a very good idea that you at least learned the basics of the language which you will be exposed to, as well as learning some key medical terms so that you can better speak with your patient.

Sadness

Whilst what you will be doing for this developing nation will be offering them a huge helping hand in terms of improving the lives of the citizens, you must anticipate some very sad moments. Medicine in general offers up these moments of sadness but none more so than when you are working in a developing nation or third world country. Whether it be the death of someone because they didn’t have the means to get to the hospital in time, a child losing family members or having to tell a parent that their child didn’t get the vaccine in time, there are many frustrating and heart-wrenching moments which you must prepare yourself for.

by

Can Ulthera Safely Treat Sagging Skin?

Unfortunately, as we age, skin starts to sag. When that happens, feeling beautiful becomes more and more difficult. It seems impossible to hide that skin around the eyes and the mouth, and since women are still judged on their beauty, it leads to them taking quite extreme surgical methods. It now seems, however, that there is no more need for that, since women can choose to have Ulthera treatment instead.

What Is Ulthera?

It is a non-surgical treatment that helps to address loose, sagging skin. It has become very popular as of late because it is painless and requires no recovery time. In fact, it can easily be completed during a lunch break hour. There is barely any swelling or redness, meaning that nobody needs to know you have had “something” done.

If you see your skin is starting to sag and doesn’t look as smooth any more, Ulthera may sound too good to be true. Could it really be so simple that you only have to walk into a specialist’s office, and you walk back out looking 10 years younger without any risk? Although it does take a few weeks for the full results to become visible, that is basically as simple as it is.

Understanding Ulthera Results

You must understand that you will not see an instant result. If you are 50 years old, you won’t come out looking like an 18 year old within minutes. The results aren’t instant, in other words. Rather, skin cells, collagen, and elastin, are stimulated to tighten up. You will see some results and feel better instantly, but you will have to wait a little while for the full results. Those results, by the way, last for years. As your skin starts to regenerate the necessary cells to keep it smooth and tight, it can be said that the results are permanent. However, your skin will start to age once again after a while, which means that you won’t look like an 18 year old until you are 90 either. You may have to have the treatment repeated every three to five years, in other words.

Safety

The best thing about Ulthera is that it was FDA approved in 2014, meaning that it is completely safe. People still eye it with suspicion to a degree, however, but that is mainly because we are so used to the concept that the only way to truly look younger is to go under the knife. So long as you choose a registered and trained specialist, however, you will be able to experience the miracle that is Ulthera for yourself.

Physicians who are trained in using this procedure know how to deliver it in such a way that gives you the best results. They will also tell you honestly how long it will take before you notice the full results, and they will make sure that you have realistic expectations. Unlike Botox, which is also non-surgical and highly effective, there is no chance of having a frozen face, and you don’t have to go back every few months for new treatment.

by

Do You Need a Breast Reconstruction Surgeon?

Do You Need a Breast Reconstruction Surgeon?

Nowadays, there is a lot of emphasis on how someone looks. For women in particular, this translates into having beautiful breasts. However, that doesn’t mean that all breast surgeries are related to vanity. Rather, they are related to self-esteem. There are women who were born with physical deformities, women who have had accidents, and women who have had cancer, for instance, resulting in an “abnormal” chest. They therefore need a breast reconstruction surgeon to help them feel whole again. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why women may opt for this type of surgery.

Reasons to Find a Breast Reconstruction Surgeon

Breast cancer survivors

Breast cancer is a terrible disease that millions of women the world over have to deal with every year. Many of these women have to have a mastectomy, meaning they no longer have their breasts, or that one breast, or part thereof, has been removed. Many women feel that, in losing their breasts, they lost their womanhood as well, which leads to depression and sadness. Post-mastectomy depression is a recognized issue and surgeons are ready to help women reconstruct their chest. Many, in fact, specialize in this.

Breast injuries

When someone suffers a horrific accident or injury, they should be proud of themselves. And, in many cases, the fact that they survived is all they need to be happy again. However, if the injury affected the breast tissue, leaving them looking out of shape, this can lead to significant depression and sadness, as well as guilt. Women may feel guilty for focusing on their physical appearance instead of the fact that they survived, for instance. However, breast reconstruction surgery is available and having this surgery does not make someone vein.

Congenital deformities

In some cases, women are born with a deformity that leaves them with an abnormal chest. This is all down to genes and hormones and can have a significant effect on how women look. Some have completely asymmetrical breasts, for instance, others have nipple deformities, others have breasts that have an odd shape, and so on. Again, some women are happy to simply live with this, whereas others prefer to have surgery to feel better about themselves.

Surgical mistakes

Last but not least, some women have breast surgery, for whatever reason, and are unhappy with the results. The surgery could be completely botched, they could have developed excessive scar tissue (capsule contracture), they may have experienced excessive bleeding, their implants may have ruptured, and so on. There are countless potential problems. These issues often have a significant impact on a women’s mental health, leaving them to feel as if they are paying a price for vanity, or for trying to find the cheapest deal. Unfortunately, mistakes happen, even if the world’s best and most expensive surgeon performed the procedure. Breast reconstruction is available for those women, and there are now even surgeons who specialize in those types of procedures, helping women who are unhappy with the results of past surgeries.

by

Solutions for Common Caregiving Challenges

Caring for yourself can be a difficult task, and adding another person to that list can often cause a lot of stress. Caring.com surveyed more than 1,000 caregivers and reports that caring for someone else is their biggest source of stress. Often times caregivers tend to someone else’s needs before their own and it is important to take care of yourself, too.

Stress can do the body more bad than good and the Arthritis Foundation lists realistic solutions to 9 common caregiving challenges.

Challenge #1: I’m exhausted. According to a survey from AARP, the average caregiver is a woman in her mid-forties caring for a parent, holds a job and cares for her own family, too! Now, add a medical condition such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to that and you can imagine how she could feel exhausted all the time.

Solution: Try natural energy boosters. It can be hard to fall asleep at night, especially with the stress of caregiving. To get a good night’s sleep try and skip TV before bed, drop the temperature in the room and make it as dark as possible to help you fall asleep. Eating a healthy diet will also help as well because processed foods can spike your blood sugar and then make you feel tired shortly after. Alongside eating healthier, try adding even just 10 minutes of exercise a day.

Challenge #2: There’s too much to do. Caring.com’s survey showed that 58% of caregivers spend more than 10 hours a week helping a loved one with their daily tasks such as shopping, setting doctor appointments, and driving. Doing this and taking care of your own life can feel very overwhelming.

Solution: Focus on what is important and limit yourself and be honest about it. If you have your own life to look after or even a medical condition, talk to the person you’re caring for and tell them what you can/can’t do. If you suffer from arthritis, focus on doing what you can do before it gets too much on your body. Having them understand your needs might help make caring for them a little easier. If some of the tasks are too difficult, reach out to a fellow family member or health specialist who specializes in caregiving to help you out.

Challenge #3: Seeing my loved one this way makes me sad. According to the CDC, 9% of Americans suffer from depression and that number increases to 20-50% among caregivers.

Solution: Make time for yourself and focus on the positive. Getting wrapped up in caring for loved one is easy, but make sure you set aside some time to recharge your brain and focus on yourself. Try taking just 5 minutes a couple times a day and read something that interests you, or listen to music. Being a caregiver can affect your mental health so make sure you give yourself rests and focus on the positive and know that you’re doing all you can for them.

Challenge #4: It’s hard to always be the bearer of bad news. Many times the caregiver acts as a messenger between family members on what is happening, and delivering bad news can add on to their stress.

Solution: Pick another messenger. If you are caring for a parent, ask another family member to break bad news to the family. If they cannot drive anymore, have a doctor tell them rather than a caregiver.

Challenge #5: My body hurts more now that I am a caregiver. Physical demanding tasks such as helping someone out of a chair or supporting them while they walk can take a toll on your body.

Solution: Get more help from the person you’re caring for. Try and have the one you’re caring for do as much as they can first before helping them out. They might lean on you to do everything even if they are capable of doing it. Having them help out can ease the stress on your body and if you’re having to help them, make sure you engage the right muscles to help eliminate the risk of injury.

Challenge #6: I take on tasks that probably aren’t safe for me. Many hospitals and care facilities have people who handle heavy lifting and difficult physical tasks, but many caregivers still attempt to carry out these tasks on their own.

Solution: Know your limits. Try writing down all the physical tasks you have to do and run them by your physician and have them determine, based on your current health, what you should and shouldn’t do. If anything, hire extra help to do the tasks that you can’t do.

Challenge #7: I spend a lot of money on caring for them. According to caring.com, almost half of caregivers spend about $5,000 of their own money each year in caring for a loved one.

Solution: Keep finances separate and document expenses. Before spending your own cash on items such as prescription pills, see if the person you’re caring for has their own source of income such as Social Security or a savings account. If you must use your own money, document all the expenses and ask other family members to help split the cost. 

Challenge #8: I feel distant from the outside world. Taking care of someone can make it difficult for the caregiver to leave the house for things that are not caring-related. Becoming isolated from the world can cause a lot of health problems such as depression and other diseases.

Solution: Make your social life a priority. Try and find at least 15 minutes a day to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and talk to someone. Ask a neighbor or a friend to come over to chat or sit down and read a book. If this is too much, try online-support groups. These are meant to help those in the same situation and can help substitute when you can’t find time to go outside and take a walk with a friend. 

Challenge #9: I feel burned out. A Dutch study published in Disability and Rehabilitation show that more than 25% of caregivers feel an immense burden hanging over them due to the stress of caring for a loved one.

Solution: Share the load. Try making a list of your daily caregiving duties and try to delegate as much as possible to others around you. Sometimes asking for help can be hard but it will relieve the stress off of you and make caregiving easier. Taking notes too can help with delegating tasks and showing what someone should expect when doing a certain task.

Always consult your physician about your overall health and what you can do to best suite your needs.

Source:

Acorn Stairlifts

Pagan, Camille Noe. “Solutions for Nine Common Caregiving Challenges.” The Arthritis Foundation. http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/life-stages/caregiving/caregiving-arthritis.php

 

by

Make Safety Your New Year’s Resolutions

We are now halfway through January and many of us are still persevering with our New Year’s resolutions. A lot of people vow to lose weight and get in shape, some decide to travel more and others opt to renovate their homes. Whatever your New Year’s resolution is, it’s important for everyone to stay safe while going about them. We’ve put together some tips on how you can stay safe this year while sticking to your New Year’s resolutions.

Renovate your home

There’s something about improving your home by yourself that is so satisfying. However, it’s estimated that over 220,000 people a year end up in A&E with a DIY-related injury. It is important to make sure you have an understanding of what task you’re carrying out. Plan your project and home renovations carefully and check all your tools for signs of damage before you use them. Remember to wear suitable clothing and sturdy shoes and if you are not qualified, avoid all gas and electrical work.

See more of the world

If you’ve decided to tick off a few countries as part of your New Year’s resolutions, you’re probably familiar with staying safe whilst abroad. It is important to remember simple tips such as reducing the risk of suffering deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on long haul flights by wearing flight socks and drinking plenty of water. You can also do anti-DVT exercises. If you have an accident abroad and feel that someone else is to blame, there are specialists such as Slater and Gordon Lawyers who can help you with any queries you may have.

Get into shape

This is a very common resolution but one that often fails in the first few months of the year. It’s easy for us to forget that sometimes even getting fit and healthy can result in an injury. For example, if you decide to take up cycling as a way to get in shape this year, you need to remember these safety tips to stay safe on the road. To avoid an accident you should wear reflective clothing and always ensure you wear a helmet. Check that your lights are working properly before you set off on your journey. If it’s wet or icy out, reduce your speed limit and stick to routes that are well within your cycling ability.

By following these simple safety tips, you have a better chance at completing your New Year’s resolutions.

by

Wall Colours for Your Mood

Whether you are looking to make small changes or completely redecorating your home, it is important that you choose the right colour scheme, although it’s not an easy task especially if you need different walls in different rooms to provoke various moods. For instance, the bedroom should make an individual feel relaxed and calm, while the dining room should make one more sociable and lively. Below is a breakdown of how different interior wall colours affect our moods:

1. Blue

It is a very calming colour that makes one feel relaxed, centered and serene. This colour is majorly known to help in clearing one’s mind as well as lowering blood pressure. Although most blue rooms have a lovely appearance, it’s vital to note that pastel blues tend to come as very cold and chilly. However, the warm and light blues are great and are also easily balanced with furnishing.

2. Yellow

A yellow colour is generally necessary on the kitchen walls since it brightens one’s mood and also increases energy. This is something that majority of the people need in the morning as they prepare breakfast. This colour can also catch the sunlight and leave one with an uplifting feeling of liveliness and joy.

3. White

A white colour brings the fear of dirt in majority of the people. However, painting your house walls white is a good way to help bring the feel of more open and spacious and the individuals within it more neutral. The white colour majorly gives a happy medium which leaves people feeling clean. This colour also stands for innocence, protection, and goodness.

4. Green

It is a perfect colour that can be used in your home office since it shows prosperity and also reduces anxiety. It is also a restful colour for the eyes and is known to be mind clearing, restorative and encourages composure.

5. Purple

Purple is a dramatic and rich colour that is historically known to be the colour of luxury and royalty. A deep purple colour gives a mysterious, romantic and luxurious vibe and is also great for sparking creativity. The deep purples are not best for the bedroom unlike the lighter ones such as lilac and lavender which are good options due to their calming and light effects.

6. Orange

It is an exciting colour which brings a burst of enthusiasm and energy. It is among the great colours to use although not perfect in bedrooms and living rooms. The orange colour is recommended to be used in the kitchen and also the dining room since it stimulates an individual’s appetite.

7. Red

Most people link colour red to romance and roses while others link it to hostility. The colour is also known to raise blood pressure, irritability and heat beat. It is suggested that the colour should be used around Christmas into the social rooms only.

8. Pink

It is more interesting to understand that there is something called the pink effect. This is especially when there is exposure of large quantities of pink and thus having a calming effect on nerves and also aids in relieving the feelings of anger, neglect and aggression.

The pink colour has an opposite effect on its primary colour which is red. The lighter pinks are good in kid’s rooms since they promote playfulness and kindness.