The Danger Of Lung Injuries Related To E-Cigarette Use

The use of e-cigarettes and vaping as smoking alternatives and general habits has risen dramatically since their introduction. Due to their newness and status as a non-traditional smoking option, the dangers associated with their use are often overlooked or understated.

However, many people have been hospitalized with EVALI—e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury—according to the CDC. In total, 2,558 nonfatal cases and 60 fatal cases have been reported as of January 7, 2020.

To help medical professionals better identify the condition and the patients most at risk of death from it, a study was conducted.

The Study

Two data sets were included in this study—that reported by health departments to the CDC and that from patient interviews and medical record abstractions. The EVALI data—including fatal and non-fatal cases—were compared to evaluate what patients were most at risk of death due to the condition.

By comparing the patients who developed EVALI and died from it, a profile of potential risk factors could emerge and be used for future identification, prevention, and treatment.

Findings

Of the fatal cases of EVALI, the majority were male (32 of 60). This trend held true for non-fatal cases of EVALI, as well, with 1,666 of the 2,498 included patients in this category being male. Further, patients who were white experienced EVALI, both fatal and non-fatal, at a higher rate than those in other ethnic groups (39 of 49 fatal, and 1,104 of 1,818 non-fatal).

Older individuals, defined as 35 or older, were more likely to experience fatal cases of EVALI than those under the age of 35 (44 of 60). However, this same group experienced fewer non-fatal cases than the younger group (551 of 2,514).

An individual’s medical history also played a vital role in the development and severity of EVALI. Fatal cases were linked to asthma, cardiac disease, and mental health conditions. Obesity was present in over half of the fatal cases.

What it Means

There are several characteristics that may contribute to fatality in patients hospitalized with EVALI. Of these, chronic health conditions were notable and included cardiac diseases, respiratory diseases, and obesity.

This study provides a basic profile that at-risk individuals may fit when developing EVALI. As such, clinicians should be aware of these risk factors when diagnosing and treating the condition to give each patient the most optimistic outlook possible.

How Effective And Safe Is The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine?

With the world still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, a glimmer of hope has sparked optimism in many people. The development of vaccines has occurred at record speed, creating the potential for protection from the virus. This is especially important for those who face a higher risk for complications and severe cases of COVID-19.

Due to the rapidity with which the vaccines have been developed, there is a tremendous burden on those making them—in this case, Moderna—to provide evidence of the vaccine’s efficacy and safety. Because of the time constraints, research in this regard has been quite limited. However, a study was recently conducted to test those two vital factors—efficacy and safety—among high-risk individuals.

The Study

Across the United States, 99 centers participated in this trial. Overall, 30,420 volunteers with high COVID-19 risk were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups—one to receive a placebo, the other to receive the vaccine. Both groups were to be injected with either the vaccine or placebo twice, with the second injection occurring 28 days after the first.

The study was evaluating a primary endpoint of COVID-19 prevention at least two weeks after the follow-up injection. This endpoint only applied to those who had not had COVID-19 at any point prior.

Findings

Among those receiving both injections and without evidence of COVID-19 at baseline, the placebo and vaccine groups experienced symptomatic COVID-19 at differing rates.

Overall, the placebo group saw 185 participants develop symptomatic COVID-19, while the vaccine group saw only 11 participants become ill. For more perspective, this means that 56.6 people in the placebo group and 11 in the vaccine group developed symptomatic COVID-19 per 1000 person-years.

The only severe COVID-19 cases—30 in total—occurred in the placebo group.

What it Means

The data heavily favors the vaccine group in terms of the measured outcome—prevention of COVID-19. In other words, this study shows that the vaccine is, in fact, effective in its intended use.

Overall, a 94.1% efficacy was observed. This includes overall prevention of COVID-19 and severe cases of the illness. Further, no safety concerns were observed or identified, meaning that the use of this effective vaccine is likely safe for the demographics included in the study.

More extensive testing is needed to provide more context and evaluate the efficacy and safety of the vaccine in relation to demographics not included in the study. However, the results are more than promising.

Everything You Should Know To Use An Exercise Bike Effectively

Are you looking for cardio equipment that could make up for your skipped workouts? An exercise bike is one of the best cardio machines you could consider for a cardiovascular workout at home. It helps burn calories faster and strengthens your muscles, heart, and lungs.

You could choose from a variety of exercise bikes present in the market. To make the most out of them, you must select the right type that suits your fitness goals. There are various exercise cycles for sale in Canada, ensuring you high-quality performance at reasonable prices.

Exercise bikes exert less pressure on the joints compared to other kinds of cardio machines, thus are ideal for people experiencing joint problems. It also provides an effective aerobic workout, making your muscles stronger.

In this article, we will focus on the effective use of exercise bikes and how to gain maximum benefits. So, keep on reading to learn more about it.

How To Use An Exercise Bike Effectively?

For an effective workout, you must set-up your bike in a way that is most comfortable to you. Adjusting its seat and handlebar properly will provide you comfort while using the bike. Here we have highlighted the required adjustments you would need to set-up your exercise bike before getting started.

Adjust The Seat Height

Wear your biking shoes and place your feet on the pedals to adjust the seat height properly. As your one leg is fully extended on the bike, make sure there is a slight bend in the knee of 5-10 degrees.

You should pedal comfortably without pointing your toes to fully extend your leg. If your hips move side-to-side as you pedal, it indicates the seat is quite high for you.

In a recumbent bike, seats are adjusted forward and backward. Be sure to extend your legs fully with a slight bend in your knees.

Handlebar Height

You should be able to reach for handles comfortably while cycling. You may experience back, shoulder, hand, or neck pain if the handlebars are too low, too high, too far away, or too close. Make sure to bend your elbows slightly while riding.

It is better to raise your handlebars a little higher to prevent pressure on the lower back and neck. Also, you could consider advanced adjustments, like altering the handlebar height or width.

Seat Fore/Aft Position

Besides adjusting a seat’s height, you could adjust it forward or backward that is fore and aft position. During pedaling, ensure your forward knee is aligned with the pedal axle.

Pedal Clips Or Foot Straps

Stationary bikes that feature straps, help in keeping the feet in place while pedaling. The clip-in pedals offered in spin bikes allow exercisers to clip their cycling shoes securely in the pedals.

If you have your feet strapped into the pedals, you can push and pull the pedals in a circular motion, creating a smooth pedal stroke. Make sure there is less space between the upper part of the strap and the shoe.

Resistance Level

Exercise bikes come with the option of manually adjusting the resistance and speed. You could set them depending on your fitness goals.

If you increase your resistance level, it will work your glutes and hamstrings more. Make sure to push and pull on the pedals for an effective workout.

The Right Way To Ride An Exercise Bike

Keep in mind these steps when you get on an exercise bike:

  1. Before you hop on to the bike, make sure you are dressed in padded bike shorts or apply a gel pad on the seat. It will provide you added comfort while riding the bike.
  2. As you sit on the bike, make sure your legs are fully extended with a slight bend in the knee when you are pedaling. If so, it indicates that your seat is placed correctly.
  3. Make adjustments to the resistance level. For interval training, you may have to adjust the resistance to have a rigorous workout. You may reduce the resistance to take some rest while riding.
  4. Pedal gradually as the bike powers up. Remember to not move your ankles while pedaling.
  5. Begin cycling gradually and then pick up the pace. You may increase the resistance and speed after few minutes of riding. As you are finishing up, reduce the resistance to help you stabilize your heart rate.
  6. Utilize different programs if you are using an electronic bike. They have multiple options, such as a heart rate monitor, workout duration, and various levels of resistance. Also, you could select programs that help you strengthen muscles or burn calories.

Experts recommend exercise bikes for burning calories and strengthening your muscles. So, if you use the equipment the correct way, you will be able to achieve your fitness goals in a few weeks.

Experiencing Venous Insufficiency? Here Are The Things You Need To Do Right Away

Your health should always be a priority to ensure that you live a long, happy life. Health professionals are constantly making us aware of the importance of being healthy by exercising and eating a balanced and varied diet. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to health issues such as venous insufficiency. This condition essentially means that the venous wall in your legs cannot function well, and does not allow for the blood to be pumped from the legs to the heart. This results in a blood pool in the legs region, causing itchiness and swelling around the ankles.

Although venous insufficiency is not a serious condition, those who suffer from it can feel constant pain and this issue can disable them and prevent them from taking part in daily activities. It is important that you act quickly if you suffer from this issue and take the appropriate actions to prevent it from worsening. In this article, we will advise you of the things you need to do right away if you are experiencing venous insufficiency.

Wear Compression Garments

When you notice that you are suffering from venous insufficiency, it is a good idea to wear compression garments on the inflicted area. These garments are usually made of elastic, flexible fabric and can promote blood flow from the leg towards the heart and reduce swelling and pain. Although you can obtain one yourself. Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to prescribe you a

Consult With Your Doctor

As we mentioned previously, venous insufficiency is not considered to be a serious health threat. However, it can be extremely uncomfortable and prevent the individual from living a normal life. It is important that you do not ignore the symptoms when you suffer from this issue, and seek advice from a health professional. Depending on how severe your condition is, the doctor may recommend that you find an expert in the field for additional support – if this is the case you can make an online search to find Vein Doctor locations by city so that you find someone in your local area. A professional will be able to recommend the appropriate treatments as well as suitable lifestyle changes you may need to consider.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Having a sedentary lifestyle, smoking and a lack of exercise will contribute to venous insufficiency. You must assess your lifestyle and consider any changes that you might have to make to improve your condition. You can also ask your doctor what they recommend. Changing your lifestyle may not be easy to achieve, but it is fundamental that you do.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being a healthy weight is vital for the functioning of our body. When we are over the weight we should be, we are prone to developing a range of severe health conditions. As you can imagine, your weight is a contributing factor to venous insufficiency as the extra weight puts additional pressure on the valves in the leg veins. If you are overweight, you should consult with a nutritionist to discuss your weight and the type of diet you should eat. It is important to note that you can develop this health issue even if you are of a healthy weight, and in this case, you should continue to monitor your diet and activity levels to prevent issues.

Increase Activity Levels

Exercise is a must when it comes to your health – no matter what issue you have. Both your physical and mental well-being will benefit from physical activity. Any doctor will advise you to start exercising when you present with venous insufficiency. Even if you do not enjoy going to the gym and do not believe this is for you, there are other activities that you can do. Walking, for example, will help better this condition and you can always make the time for it in the day.

Elevate the Legs

This condition can be a result of long periods of standing up or sitting down, which you may have to do on a daily basis due to your job. If this is the case, ensure that you take regular breaks and move the legs around or elevate them as much whilst sitting down. This will increase blood circulation and avoid the pooling of blood from forming.

Avoid Tight Clothing and High Heels

Wearing tight clothing and high heels may make you look good, they certainly will not help your legs feel good. Although you may wear these occasionally, you should refrain from wearing these items on a daily basis as they restrict blood circulation within your body.

Venous insufficiency can have an impact on your daily life, you must take appropriate steps to ensure that you improve the condition and the discomfort and pain that comes with it. Follow the tips discussed above right away if you are suffering from this health issue.

Do COVID-19 Lockdowns Have Unintended Health Consequences?

As the COVID-19 pandemic took the world by storm in early 2020 and continues to linger, multiple methods have been employed in attempts to slow the spread of the virus and keep the global population as healthy as possible. In the flurry of activity, many of the measures were implemented without much consideration of the consequences—blunting the transmission of COVID-19 was simply too important.

One method, in particular, has been exceptionally controversial on many fronts, including that of mental health. The lockdowns put into place in many communities across the world were intended to reduce the rate of transmission but may have had unintended health consequences.

To determine the accuracy of these assumptions, a study was conducted in the United Kingdom.

The Study

Individuals aged 18 and up were surveyed in four waves. These surveys took place between 2015 and 2020. In all, 27,000 adults were included, and of those, 9,748 had complete data and were eligible for use in longitudinal analysis.

The outcomes that were measured were alcohol consumption, current cigarette use, e-cigarette use, loneliness, and psychological distress. These outcomes were assessed in relation to various associations, as well, including age, education level, ethnicity, and gender

Findings

The study found that lockdowns caused psychological distress to rise within one month of implementation. The rise was significant (19.4% to 30.6%) overall with certain demographics experiencing the increase to varying degrees. For example, individuals of Asian background, those with degrees, women, and young adults were the most affected.

Loneliness did not notably increase, while smoking actually declined. Alcohol consumption, however, increased in both those drinking four or more times a week and those binge drinking.

What it Means

According to this study, the lockdowns implemented around the world in attempts to control the spread of COVID-19 had an overall negative effect on all people, and certain demographics were more likely to experience mental health consequences—namely women and young adults.

At the same time, smoking actually declined in prevalence, but adverse alcohol use increased across the board.

This study only reported on psychological distress one month into the UK lockdown, meaning that there is a possibility of the results being skewed in either direction. Longer or repeated lockdowns could lead to worse mental distressed than observed in the study or have the opposite effect.

However, it is clear that in order to mitigate the negative health impacts of lockdowns, measures must be taken.

6 Medication Tips Every Adult Should Know For Safety’s Sake

All medications are meant to heal. But some factors pertain to medicine use that could be potentially hazardous. And more so, if you are of over 65 years, the likelihood of having a medication mishap is higher than ever.

As we age, we become susceptible to medical conditions and diseases that require blood thinners, diabetes medications, antibiotics, among others. And without proper safety measures, a combination of these medications can draw a thin line between safe and unsafe medication practices.

And whether it is misusing beverages, taking drugs incorrectly, or using drugs that are prone to adverse side effects, there are medication tips that are indispensable especially for adults. And in the unfortunate event that you experience adverse side effects as a result of drug use, there are channels you can use to seek justice or any other drug-related complications.

Handy tips for adults regarding medications

Some medications are more culpable to adverse side effects when incorrectly used. In any case, the good news is that over 50% of all adverse side effects are thought to be avoidable, thanks to these tips.

1. Read the packaging labels and stick to the safety directions

As a rule of thumb, you should know when to use, how much to use, and how long to use your medication. Most medications come with such directions on their packaging, including containers that measure the millimeter amount. And in agreement with experts at DrugGuardians.com, simple drug safety measures are needed for specific drugs to stay effective. Insulin and most liquid antibiotics need to be refrigerated. Moreover, other types of medications such as nitroglycerin should be protected from direct sunlight to remain functional.

2. Consult with your doctor before stopping your regimen

We have all probably been there before. When you start taking medications, you realize that your problem has gone away so soon. So, what do you do next? You think to yourself that everything is okay, and you can disregard the rest of the medication.

That false sense of confidence that you are cured could be catastrophic. That’s because you risk stopping the medication prematurely before the condition can go away completely. In any case, it may just worsen. Therefore, for safety’s sake, contact your doctor to have their opinion first.

3. Check to find out if your medication is listed as unsafe for the elderly

We all trust our doctors, but the best advocate for your health is you. That said, it wouldn’t hurt to compare your medications against the U.S. Geriatric Society, which is the body that determines the criteria for potentially inappropriate medication use in adults.

The medications listed by this agency have an unfavorable balance of benefits and harm when used by adults, especially when pitted against the pharmacological alternatives. This list does not automatically eliminate the use of your medication. Therefore, you can consult your doctor for an alternative prescription or further directions.

4. Inform your healthcare provider of all your medications and nutritional supplementation

Make it habitual to keep your doctor informed about your medications every time you visit the hospital. The list could include:

  • Dietary supplements.
  • Vitamins and minerals.
  • Weight-loss regimens.

5. Have your medication list to guide you

You could be seeing multiple doctors, and chances are each one will be prescribing their medications to take. Drug structures and effects on the body differ, but sometimes a combination of two or three medications could be toxic and cause adverse reactions.

And without a central database where your doctors can refer, then they might as well act only on the information you provide to them, which could be catastrophic. The ideal scenario would be to have your primary caregiver review the list on a regular basis to ensure it is updated for your subsequent visitations.

6. Be in contact with your doctor

Doctors put enough effort to ensure we are well and kicking. And whereas they do their part and prescribe the appropriate medications, our anatomy might respond with unforeseen reactions. That’s why you have to keep your doctor in the loop regarding your progress.

As you age, there is a high likelihood that you will start taking prescription medications to take care of symptoms and stay active. And aside from the tips recommended herein, the ideal scenario would be to stay in contact and have an honest conversation with your doctor.

And if you are taking medications for chronic conditions as part of your daily life, stick to safe medication practices to ensure you and your close ones are safe. While prescription drugs are a requisite for some conditions, it is imperative that you develop a workable plan to make sure you stick to the routine, stay safe and remain healthy for years.

8 Strategies For Staying Healthy

Health is wealth – even though people often take this for granted, without good health, there is not a lot that you can do. You will not be able to enjoy time spent with your loved ones or do the job you do. Not only may you suffer from a range of health issues, you may be in physical pain or feel mentally drained due poor health.

Staying healthy should not be complicated or something that takes a lot of effort. This is something everyone should do and make it a priority. In this article, we will provide you with eight strategies for staying healthy, so that you can improve the health of your body and of your mind.

1. Be Active

We all know that one of the most fundamental ways to stay healthy is to be active and take part in some form of physical activity. Exercise is crucial for general wellness. Physical activity has short and long-term benefits. After being active, you will immediately feel more energised and with a positive attitude. In the end, exercise can reduce the risk of several health conditions including cardiovascular and weight problems. Although going to the gym is usually an option for individuals to stay fit, this is certainly not the only option available and you can choose something that is right for you and that you will enjoy.

2. Eat Good Food

People often say ‘a healthy body is made in the kitchen’ – this is because diet underpins health and fitness and you must take this seriously. You can see a massive difference in how you feel physically and mentally, when your diet changes. It is important to eat a variety of foods, including meat, healthy carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables and avoid overly processed foods. Remember that being healthy does not mean that you will have to go on a restrictive diet and this can actually be unhealthy for your body. You can enjoy yourself, but it is vital that you have moderation in everything that you do.

3. Take Supplements

Eating good food should be the main way you eat nutrients, minerals and vitamins. However, it can be difficult to obtain all the required nutrients from a single source. If you find that, it is difficult to get all the nutrients you need from food, taking supplements is a good idea. Supplements shop is usually available locally, and you can either order these in store or online. Considering the variety of supplements that there is available, it may be a good idea to consult with your doctor before deciding on which ones to take. You do not want to take vitamins that your body is not lacking, as excess of these can have a negative effect on your body. A healthcare professional may be able to conduct the appropriate tests to assess which supplements you should be taking.

4. Avoid Unhealthy Habits

Many of us often partake in unhealthy habits that put our health at risk. Some of these behaviours include drinking too much alcohol, smoking or taking other drugs, however, not eating, not sleeping and being overworked can have just as much of a bad effect on your health. You must assess your lifestyle and decide on what unhealthy habits you have that you can replace with healthier ones. If you need help to stop smoking or drinking, you should be able to get this support from your doctor. This may be a difficult journey, but you must do this to stay healthy.

5. Look After Your Skin

Our skin is the largest organ in our body. Many people forget that looking after our skin is necessary and should not be seen as a luxury. The number of people developing skin conditions is on the rise, and this is often the result of a poor lifestyle. Your skin is responsible for maintaining the temperature of your body and absorbing vitamin D, which is necessary for a healthy body. There are simple things you can do for your skin on a daily basis, including moisturising it before bed and using sunscreen every time you go out. Additionally, drinking enough water during the day ensures that your skin is hydrated and healthy throughout the day.

6. Manage Your Stress

We all need an appropriate amount of stress to survive. However, excess levels can be detrimental to our health and wellbeing. It is crucial that you put the appropriate coping mechanisms in place to cope with the normal stresses of life. Things you can do to reduce stress include meditation, going to the gym, singing, dancing, or going out with friends and family as much as you can. These will ensure that you take some time away from your normal life and focus on something that you enjoy. Furthermore, it is important that you assess your life in case that there are particular stressors that are causing you anxiety and difficulties coping. A stressful job or severe issues with your family will have a massive impact on you and your health – you must not ignore these issues or you risk it worsening.

7. Get Your Sleep

Good quality is the foundation of good health. Nowadays, people live chaotic lives, with so much distraction around them and so much to do, which results in lack of sleep. Sleep is fundamental for the functioning of our body and our mind, and lack of it or poor quality can cause severe health issues and poor cognitive functioning. You must ensure that you sleep well and enough every night. Your bedroom should be a comfortable space where you are able to fully relax and sleep properly. If you struggle with falling asleep or still feel tired after sleeping, you may be suffering from sleep issues; in these cases, seeing a doctor is a good idea.

8. Make This Your Lifestyle

Being healthy is much more than following a diet or following an exercise routine for a few weeks until you see results. You must make this your lifestyle. Eating the appropriate foods, exercising and taking care of your mental health is something that you should aim to do on a regular basis with no effort. Making big changes is always difficult and can be a long process. You will struggle if you try to change suddenly. For example, if you are not used to eating healthy food, it will not be easy for you to suddenly give up sweets and savoury snacks. Take one day at a time until you have reached a point where you are happy with how your health and lifestyle are. Firstly, you will need to change your mind-set and everything else will follow.

You must look after your health so that everything else in your life goes well. You will not be able to work properly or fully enjoy yourself if you are suffering from health issues. This page will provide you with specific strategies on how to stay healthy that are simple and extremely effective.

Here’s How You Can Use Personality Tests To Improve Your Health

With personality tests gaining popularity, more and more people have been considering it, but they’re not sure what to do with the information gained from a test. After all, many people find a personality test useless, as they feel that they already know enough about their personality, without having to take a test. However, personality tests can help you in your career, personal life, lifestyle, and even your health. You’d be surprised at what an effect your personality can have on your health. Keep in mind that a lot of our actions and methods are determined solely by our personality type, so it makes sense that this would in turn affect your health.

Mental health

Of course, there are a lot of factors that factor into your mental health, such as genetics, past traumas, and your current situation. That being said, your personality type can play quite a big role in it. Some personalities are more prone to feeling anxious, or focusing on the negative things in life. So, how can a personality test help with that? The first step is to take a personality test to determine your personality type. Secondly, try and pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses using the information given in the personality test – so if you were an ESTJ personality type, you would learn about ESTJ strengths and weaknesses. You can then try to focus on your strengths to improve your self-esteem, which plays a big role in your mental health.

Exercise

You’re probably thinking to yourself, “How on earth does my personality test have an effect on my exercise?”. The truth is that many people think they hate exercise, when in fact they just haven’t found the right form of exercise for them. Different personalities like different things, so it makes sense that different personalities may be more drawn to certain forms of exercise than others. For example, you may have tried running as a way of getting into shape quickly, but you gave up after one try. This could be because you are the type of person who gets bored very easily, which makes running less than ideal when it comes to what form of exercise works for you. Try to incorporate your likes and dislikes into your exercise routine.

Eating habits

Just as with exercise, certain personalities may have more trouble maintaining a healthy diet due to their personality type. If your personality type means that you have low self-control, that could lead to unhealthy eating habits, such as binge-eating. Understanding your personality type and what may trigger certain reactions will help you determine how that effects your diet and how to fix it.

Better understanding of yourself

Understanding your personality will help you understand yourself, both in terms of physical health and mental health. It makes sense that our mental health would be affected by our personality type, since they both play an important part in who we are as people. And while the research on this is lacking, some studies have shown that a person’s personality type could have a direct effect on their physical health. You can read more about whether personality affects health-related quality of life here.

6 Non-Invasive Treatments For Neck And Spine Pain

With strenuous duties and other lifestyle habits, there is a rise in neck and spine pain. Many people will shiver at the thought of having neck and spine pain caused by back pain injuries. The experience becomes even worse when such requires surgery to relieve the pain. While some surgeries help in healing the situation, some will make the situation worse. This situation leaves patients with persistent pain. Fortunately, you don’t have to undergo surgery to relieve the neck and spine pain.

There are non-invasive treatments that specialists use to treat these pains. Here are the top six.

1. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is regarded as the number one option for treating back and spine pain without incision. The method takes care of the weak muscles caused by bad sitting postures or other causes. Physical therapy helps strengthen the back and neck muscles and retain their posture to reduce the pain. Physicians from United Spine and Ortho reveal two types of physical therapies to relieve neck and spine pains. Passive therapy involves the specialists moving the muscles to ease pain and encourage motion, while active exercises are meant to strengthen the body. The therapist might recommend one or both exercises to help heal the situation.

2. Spinal Braces

At times, you don’t have to increase motion to your spine to relieve the pain but minimize it. A spinal brace is a device worn to immobilize the part with the pain. It helps by strengthening or supporting the weak and injured muscles. Doctors can also recommend braces to treat spinal deformities and other situations causing the pain. They can work on the neck, upper back, and lower back to help relieve the pain. Specialists will recommend either the fixed or rigid braces, depending on your situation. It is important to wear these braces as instructed by the specialists to get the full benefits.

3. Massage Therapy

When you stress your back or neck muscles or put them into tension, you will likely suffer neck and spine injuries. Massage therapy helps in relieving the pain and works for individuals suffering from lower back pain. The massage therapist will work on the ligaments, muscles, skin, or tendons to relax and improve blood flow. With the relaxation, the pain goes away, leaving one with a rejuvenated body. Most people will do massages to ease other situations, including depression. Doctors may also recommend massage therapy as a supplement to help treat other ailments.

4. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the oldest methods for treating back and neck pains. The method has remained until now due to its effectiveness in healing these injuries, and it involves carefully inserting needles into some parts of the body. These insertions then ignite some biological processes that help to reduce or heal the pain. The method works scientifically to stimulate the production and release of natural opioids that heal the pain naturally. It is the body’s reaction to these inserted pins that activate the healing process.

5. Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic therapy is a recommended process for individuals who require low-impact treatment or don’t respond to physical therapies in healing back and neck pain. The method involves using warm water to help in soothing the muscles. It works the same way as physical therapies to relieve pain and strengthen the muscles. Other than the warm water working magic to your body, the act of immersing oneself in it heals the joints and bones. Aquatic therapy has worked well to treat arthritis effects, chronic back pains, and spine injuries.

6. Electromyography and Nerve Conduction

Both Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve conduction involve the therapist studying the nervous system, checking on the damages, and administering the right treatment without surgery.The doctor will use electrical stimulation done to various nerves and then measure their reactions to identify the damaged parts. The doctor can do more than one test to get the right results and treatment of the affected part, and It is mostly done to patients experiencing numbness or weaknesses. The Doctors will then develop effective treatment methods, which will depend on the situation one is suffering from. It is important to look for a qualified specialist when conducting this sensitive process.

The above are some of the best non-invasive methods you can undergo to relieve spine and neck pains. Specialists will recommend these methods depending on the situation you are suffering from. It is essential to find the right specialist to examine your spine and muscles and develop an effective method of relieving the pain. It is also crucial to avoid activities and strenuous exercises that will cause damages to your spine.

Why Physical Activity Is Important For Older Adults

Regular exercise is important for everyone but it gets more important as we age. Countless studies have proved that physical activity is important for both physical and mental health. Here are some of the most important reasons why older adults need to exercise regularly.

1.   A Longer Life

Physical activity may help older adults live longer. According to studies by the World Health Organization, a sedentary lifestyle is one of the major causes of death among senior adults. Regular exercise can improve bone density and muscle strength. It improves balance and lowers the probability of falls and disability.

Regular exercise may lower the likelihood of getting hip fractures by up to 40 percent. Even the gentlest exercises like walking can improve one’s lifespan by up to five years.

2.   Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight gets more difficult as we grow older. Regular exercise can help older adults burn excess calories and maintain their ideal weight. While it may not be practical for them to perform intense exercises that burn lots of calories, they can take advantage of mild exercises, therefore, elderly exercise pedals may be a great investment. There are lots of simple exercises that can be performed without having to visit a gym.

3.   Preventing or Delaying Diseases and Health Conditions

Regular exercise may prevent or delay the onset of age-related health conditions. Light housework, walking, cycling, and other types of cardio exercises improve the heart rate. They promote the flow of blood to the heart and improve general health. Being active promotes high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and lowers unhealthy triglycerides. It may lower your risk of type 2 diabetes, arthritis, cancer, stroke, and high blood pressure. Exercise can help older adults retain and improve their cognitive function as well.

4.   Introducing Some Spark Into Your Sex Life

Old age comes with low energy levels, a lower libido, and reduced confidence about one’s physical appearance. However, exercise can make things better. It improves your appearance, confidence, and energy levels, so older men who exercise regularly are unlikely to have erectile dysfunction and older women who exercise are more aroused.

5.   Lower Risk of Dementia

Exercise reduces the risk of dementia in older adults. According to a study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, those who lead a sedentary lifestyle are likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease earlier than those who exercise regularly.

6.   Improved Independence and Confidence

According to a study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, senior adults who exercise regularly are more confident and independent. They have more balance and can perform regular activities without the fear of falling. They are confident in their physical appearance and ability to live life with minimal help. Exercise may improve their general quality of life.

7.   It Is Fun

Older adults do not go out and exercise may be a great excuse to meet new people and have fun. Fun exercise options include cycling, dancing, and swimming. They are a chance to unwind and connect with family and friends.

Exercise offers an emotional lift. It is a great way to blow off some steam after a hard day and stimulate the production of endorphins. They are pain and stress-relieving chemicals that lower anxiety and leave you feeling relaxed and happy.

8.   Building Muscle

Your muscle fibers reduce with age and research suggests that you may lose an average of 3 kg of lean muscle every ten years from when you reach middle age.  Old age mostly affects ‘Fast-twitch’ muscles. They control speedy contraction and strength. Regular exercise can prevent muscle loss as it is linked to a sedentary lifestyle rather than age.

9.   Improved Lungs and Heart Health

Exercise, no matter how moderate, can improve the health of your heart and lungs, especially during old age. If you exercise at 70 percent of your maximum heart rate regularly, your risk of getting heart and lung-related problems is lowered.

Even though cardiorespiratory fitness is more difficult to achieve in senior adults than in younger ones, the benefits are the same.

In conclusion, exercise is very important for older adults. About half of the decline that comes with old age is caused by a lack of physical activity. People aged 65 and over need to exercise more than other age groups. Regular exercise can prevent high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, and arthritis. It can improve your confidence, independence, and sex life. It is never too late to start exercising and the benefits remain the same no matter how old you may be. When unsure of the right exercise options, consider seeking the opinion of a professional.

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