If you are someone that requires medical insurance, then you will know just how annoying it can be to find an insurance company with your best interest in mind. We are a lead generation, which means that we are always on the lookout for the best insurance companies to meet our needs and if you have been lucky enough to find an insurance lead, you may be excited to set up an account and get yourself protected.

Before you can commit to an insurance company, you must first take the time to read their terms and conditions. Within these terms and conditions you are likely to find clauses and here are some of the clauses you should look out for.

Pre and post hospital expenses

Something that you may not know is that your health insurance may either cover you on just pre or post hospitalisation expenses. This means that you may be covered on any doctors appointments but when it comes to actually going to hospital, you may not have the same coverage.

You should also not assume that everything medical related is covered by your medical insurance, as they will unfortunately take any step that they can in order to avoid paying out more money that you can. So if you take part in something like acupuncture or naturopathy, it is likely that your insurance will not cover the cost, even if you consider it to be a medical expense.

When it comes to pre and post hospital expenses , different insurance companies have periods between doctor and hospital treatments. So if you think that a set of treatment counts under the same claim, you may be wrong as the time between it may categorise it as two different points of treatment.  This may mean that you have additional premiums on top of your insurance, so you should look into this.

The waiting period

This clause is very often neglected when people first purchase their insurance and for this reason, people often forget that it exists.  Every time you purchase insurance, it comes with a waiting period. This means that you can not use your insurance straight away and if you experience any injury before your waiting period then you may have to pay for the bill out of your own money.

On top of having a waiting period for when you first purchase your insurance, there is also a waiting period between claims. This waiting period can be upwards of 60 days, so if you injure yourself several times within a small period of time you may not be covered and you will have to cover any of the expenses yourself, so be sure to check what the wait period is on whichever insurance agreement you make.

Insurance limits

When you purchase insurance, you may initially believe that you are completely covered on all injuries with your claim, but this really isn’t the case. Every insurance company has their limits and it would be impossible for them to be able to cover all injuries, as it would be too expensive.

If you are someone that has some serious health issues and you know that you will be dependent on your health insurance quite frequently. There are yearly limits on what your insurance company is willing to pay out and if you are frequently needing medical assistance, you will reach this limit quite quickly and may have to pay premiums to compensate for the extra care that you have needed .

Remember to always read the fine print when it comes to insurance, as you never know what has been hidden.

Factors like illnesses, injuries, cramps, and others can cause pain. The way you manage the pain you feel determines the outcome. The most common pain management treatment is the use of opioid medications. While opioid medications are proven to be effective, they have severe side effects. The best option for pain management is using non-opioid medications. These medications are referred to as alternative painkillers. You may experience side effects from most alternative painkillers if you abuse them.

Non-opioid Pain Management

Non-opioid pain management alternatives are effective and they have little or no side effects. Whether you are experiencing acute or chronic pain, there are several alternative pain management treatments you can use to reduce or stop the pain. Not all alternative pain management methods require medications. Read on to learn about the various alternative painkillers.

6 Alternative Effective Painkillers

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Acetaminophen is the best painkiller for moderate pain or illness. This medication can relieve minor pains like headaches or slight fever. Acetaminophen is one of the safest painkillers available. Anyone can use it including pregnant women and infants. When taking acetaminophen, ensure that you do so according to its prescription. Acetaminophen is safe but it causes side effects when abused.

Aspirin

Asprin is a very popular painkiller that serves several purposes. It can relieve or reduce acute pains, reduce swellings, prevent blood clots, and treat fever. Asprin unlike acetaminophen is not for everyone as it may cause some side effects like heartburn, nausea, vomiting and others. Ensure that you take aspirins strictly based on prescriptions. It is not for infants or teens.

7OH (7-hydroxy mitragynine) Kratom Tablets

Kratom is an herbal substance with pain-relieving properties, making it an effective painkiller. The 7OH tablet is not as popular as other alternative painkillers on our list but it has been proven to be very effective. 7OH tablets are available in several medical stores and you can also order for them online. Like most painkillers, 7OH Kratom tablets may cause side effects especially when abused. Ensure that you take the tablets according to the directions.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and inflammation. It can also be used as a treatment for fever. Ibuprofen is best for relieving pains like menstrual cramps and muscle sores. You may experience some side effects but not as severe as the ones caused by asprins. Ibuprofen can cause severe kidney damage when abused. Always follow the directions of a health practitioner when using this drug.

Naproxen

Naproxen is a powerful and effective anti-inflammatory painkiller. This is one of the medications that can be taken without a prescription, however, abusing it can cause severe health damage. The effect of Naproxen on the body can last for 8-12 hours. It is important to read the instructions carefully before taking this medication.

Therapy

Therapy is a known pain-relieving treatment and it comes with several options. Therapy is the best pain management treatment as it has no side effects. Therapy pain management methods include:

• Exercises: Several exercises can help relieve certain pains in the body. A professional in the field of pain management can help you with some of the best exercises that can relieve pain. Ensure that you do not overwork yourself.
• Massage: Massaging is one of the oldest ways of releasing pain. The intensity of the message depends on the cause of the pain. A pain as minor as a headache may only require a little head massage in some specific areas. Muscle strains or dislocation may require intense massages.
• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is another alternative pain management treatment that has proven to be effective in several cases. Not all pain symptoms can be managed with physical therapy.
• Acupuncture: Acupuncture involves inserting needles into certain parts of the body. This procedure can help interrupt pain signals which in turn, relieves pain. You can not administer acupuncture on yourself, always get it done by a professional.

There are other therapeutic pain management methods aside from the ones listed. Therapy is a delicate treatment that should be administered only by professionals.

Conclusion

Pain management is very important, especially for very severe cases. There are different types of pain and they each have their various treatments. Minor pains can be managed with over-the-counter medications like aspirin and ibuprofen.

The best way to manage severe pains is by visiting your doctor. A headache is minor when the pain is not so intense and constant. A recurring headache requires the attention of a health practitioner and not an over-the-counter medication.

The constant intake of painkillers, whether they contain opioids or not, can cause some severe health damage. The best way to manage minor pains is by therapy, which includes exercising, massaging, acupuncture and other treatments. Try to consume as little medications as possible.

People are all too quick to overlook the importance of a good skincare routine. Our skin is one of our most important organs. It does so much for us. From protecting us from harmful UV radiation to allowing us to experience the physical sensations that make life so amazing. So it is vitally important that you take the time to properly look after your skin.

So many skincare products these days are filled with chemicals that can actually cause your skin damage in the long run. Especially if you are using a product that isn’t designed for your skin type. A lot of people forget that there are so many amazing alternative skincare products out there that are far healthier than the products you find in your local supermarket. Today we are going to examine 5 alternative skincare products that you need to try!

Mango Butter

Like cocoa butter, mango butter is an amazing skincare product that really packs a punch. It is created by cold pressing mango extract into a smooth, creamy paste. The main advantage to mango butter is that it is full of antioxidants. This will help protect your skin from environmental threats such as UV radiation and pollen. Making it a fantastic option for use in the hotter months.

Mango butter also helps the skin naturally produce more collagen which helps promote skin elasticity and moisture. Which will help you maintain a youthful appearance by preventing wrinkles while also giving your skin a more natural sheen. Mango butter is ideal for people who have a dry skin type. Using a natural moisturizer like mango butter is also preferred as artificial moisturizers can actually dry out your skin in the long run.

There are lots of mango butter products available online. But you can also make it at home with ease.

Batana Oil

Batana oil is an often underappreciated skin care alternative that has a wide range of uses. It is made from the extract of nuts from the American pine tree. It has become increasingly popular in recent years due to it being a fantastic natural skin care alternative for those with a sensitive or dry skin type.

Batana oil is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins. It can be mixed into other skin care products such as body butters. But you can also use completely 100% raw batana oil and still gain all the benefits. It is a fantastic moisturizer that helps the skin retain moisture for far longer than conventional products.

It is also one of the more environmentally friendly skin care products out there. A majority of the companies that sell Batana oil source it ethically and give back to the communities where the oil is harvested from.

Avocado

If you are someone who suffers from skin conditions such as eczema or pimples then you will definitely want to make use of avocado skin care products. Avocado is chock full of omega 3 fatty acids which help promote skin regeneration.

There are two ways you can use avocado to help your skin. You could go the simple route and add more avocado to your diet. But you can also directly apply avocado to your skin or add avocado oil to other skin care products. Applying avocado directly to the skin is the most efficient way of receiving its benefits. Doing this will also help repair stretch marks and give you a more even skin tone.

Shea Butter

Shea butter is one of my all time favorite skin care products. It is harvested from the Karite nut tree. It is filled with anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. Helping your skin stay supple and smooth. It is a great choice for reducing skin irritation caused by rashes or chapped lips.

But it also has strong regenerative properties too. Which makes it a great choice for healing skin wounds such as scrapes, cuts, and bruises. Shea butter does have a small SPF factor as well. On its own it won’t prevent sun damage. But using products that have shea butter oil in them will help your skin stay more resilient to UV damage.

Aloe Vera

People often think the only use of Aloe Vera is as an aftersun remedy. But using it as part of your regular skin care routine will provide your skin with a number of benefits. It is one of the best natural moisturizers out there, ideal for those with dry or sensitive skin.

Aloe Vera is readily available in most pharmacies and supermarkets. But Aloe Vera plants are also extremely easy to take care of. And extracting the gel from the plant is an easy process. Pure Aloe Vera oil, extracted directly from your own plant, will be far more potent than any product you can buy. Plus it is always nice to add some natural greenery to your home.

Different stories about steroids have been heard and shared and while some of them are true, most are misconceptions. Most people refer to steroids as an illegal substance packed with so many side effects and the question is: ‘Are they right’?

Well, the truth is that steroids may harm the human body but they are instrumental in certain health situations.

What are steroids?

Steroids are man-made substances that mimic male sex hormones to enable the growth and repair of muscle tissues and develop male sexual characteristics. Steroids are available in different forms, based on the manufacturer. Steroids can be manufactured in liquid, gel, powder, cream or tablet form.

5 Myths about Steroids

We have put together 5 of the most common opinions about the use of steroids. Some of these myths are true, while some are over-exaggerated and baseless. Here are some of the most common myths about steroids:

Steroids have severe side effects

Do steroids have side effects? Yes, steroids have side effects but they occur mostly when used excessively. Side effects are bound to happen when drugs are abused. As long as steroids are used based on prescriptions from professional health practitioners, they are safe.

Steroids are illegal because they are dangerous

While this is true to some extent, it is not entirely the case. Steroids became illegal when Ben Johnson’s Olympic victory was claimed to be based on the fact that he used steroids. During the investigation of the case, regulatory bodies like the FDA, AMA and the National Institute on Drug Abuse opposed categorising anabolic steroids as a class three substance. Despite their argument, steroids were still classified as common control substances and declared illegal. Steroids may be illegal in some areas, but you can still get them from some shops, including online shops. You can get steroids online in this shop in Canada and have them delivered to your location if you can’t get them in your area.

Steroids are addictive

This is a common perspective that is mostly based on the behaviour of those who abuse the substance. The behaviour of those who abuse steroids and that of drug addicts are similar. And just like drug addicts, the withdrawal symptoms for steroid abusers are dreadful. People mostly get addicted to steroids when they completely rely on the substance to achieve certain outcomes.

Steroids are abused by only a certain category of people

The use of steroids is mostly related to athletes and bodybuilders but it goes beyond them. Steroids can be abused by regular gym goers, those with jobs that require muscle work, men in the force and so on. Steroids are known to boost body mass, aid muscle repair and growth and enhance strength. Most users easily get addicted to steroids due to their effectiveness. The myth about steroids being abused only by certain kinds of people is wrong. Anyone can become a steroid abuser.

Steroids guarantee a competitive advantage

While steroids are known to aid in the growth, repair, and development of muscle tissues, and also enhance strength, they can not guarantee a competitive advantage. Competitions are won based on skills and fitness. You may be active due to the use of steroids, but a skilful and fit opponent can beat you to the finish line. Some people may not agree with this opinion.

There are several other myths like steroids are so illegal, compared to other class three substances, steroids are all the same, steroids are unsafe for human consumption, etc. According to some arguments, there is no proven research on the dangers of using steroids; however, many people find this argument un-acceptable.

Who can use steroids?

Steroids are illegal in most areas but exceptions are made for those in need of them for medical purposes. Steroids are prescribed for some health conditions like impotence, delayed puberty, and body-wasting in those suffering from AIDS. A patient found with steroids should be able to provide proof of prescription from a practicing health practitioner.

Conclusion

Steroids are illegal in most developed countries and are mostly referred to as a common control substance. Using steroids on your terms as against that of a doctor is highly risky and harmful. Generally, self-medication is bad, always ensure that you take drugs based on a doctor’s prescription. A steady intake of steroids can

In popular culture, many jokes about the vegan lifestyle have been made, especially over the past few years. Many of these jokes are an extension of the misunderstanding many people have had about vegetarian diets and veganism. If you don’t know anyone vegan, you might yourself have a lot of misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding these lifestyles. As for many things, stereotypes and misconceptions are often the result of a lack of knowledge of the subject. So, let’s try to take a look at some of those stereotypes and clear things up so you can know what veganism is truly about.

Vegan diets lack protein

This is by far one of the most common misconceptions about veganism that leads a lot of people to believe that vegans either can’t build muscle mass or are simply weak. The reality is that many vegan protein sources exist out there that help replace meat. For example, there is a wide range of vegan multivitamins that often include protein and vitamin b12 which are mostly provided by meat in omnivore diets. For those who prefer to avoid supplements, you can use simple foods like beans and lentils as a great source of protein. Tofu is also very much a great source of protein that allows you to make wildly varied meals while respecting your vegan diet.

Veganism is expensive

This is a pretty commonly shared idea and while it is not unfounded it is also not true. One of the biggest issues when it comes to the price of a vegan diet is the fact that veganism relies on plant products for the most part and in general a lot of plant products are not produced locally. Import costs can raise the price of a lot of vegetables and fruits especially currently following years of pandemic. The current inflation as well as the rise in the cost of living has made veganism more expensive but no more expensive than a normal diet. A lot of the costly items are often organically farmed or out of season but generally, you should be able to maintain your diet for a pretty reasonable price.

Veganism is for activists

While a lot of vegans are activists not all of them are. It’s important to understand that the reason why many vegans are activists is a lot of them become vegan as a response to how exploitative and cruel the meat industry can be. The rise of veganism can be directly linked to the general public learning more and more about the state of the red meat industry and how it treats animals. Despite all this, it’s important to understand that a lot of vegans are choosing this lifestyle not only because it is healthier for them but also because it can fit with their ethical code and general morals. While many people consider veganism to be a form of protest against the red meat industry it is not always the case for everyone.

Lack of diversity

For many years people considered tofu-based recipes to be incredibly bland and vegan cuisine to have a very real lack of diversity in its recipes. The reality of course is that as many people became vegan there has been a lot of room for experimentation which has led to a vast array of resources to create delicious vegan meals. That much becomes extremely true when you realize that some chefs are dedicating their craft to creating vegan cuisine and that there are many recipe books out there that promote veganism. This means that you can not only adopt a lifestyle that suits you better but keep eating delicious meals, nonetheless.

As you can see a lot of the stereotypes and misconceptions about veganism are totally unfounded or simply a representation of a small minority of vegans. If you are ever curious about how vegans eat you could always try out to one of their menu recipes online or from a cookbook. Even if you’re not vegan you might find that a lot of vegan meals are very good for your health as well as delicious alternatives to your usual recipes. Don’t be afraid to try them out and see if perhaps veganism is for you after all. Experimenting with food and different diets might be a great way for you to find a different lifestyle that suits you better or perhaps something that allows you to make positive changes in your life as a whole. So, they could deeper look into it and see if it’s for you.

It is no secret that our surroundings play a pivotal role in our physical and mental wellbeing. While we are in our homes we feel relaxed. Comfortable. While at work we feel focused or sometimes stressed. While at a nice restaurant with friends we will be happy and excited. Our environment is as vital to our health as breathing.

Which is why it is extremely important to ensure your home is a safe, serene, and orderly environment. Which brings us onto our topic of the day. Clutter. The accumulation of junk, dirt, old clothes, whatever it might be. A cluttered home can actually have a serious impact on your health. We are going to examine the dangers of a cluttered home and all the benefits of taking the steps towards decluttering.

A Dangerous Home

Clutter is defined as a collection of things lying about in an untidy state. Clutter can be anything from documents strewn about across your desk to a pile of dirty laundry sitting in the corner. And the impact clutter has on our health depends on what it is.

Let’s look at the most obvious health risk clutter presents. Trip hazards. Tripping over something is one of the most common forms of household injury. And this can be extremely dangerous. People have broken bones or suffered serious head injuries from falls in their own home.

Clutter can also lead to a number of illnesses. Most commonly caused by mold. Dirty laundry, unwashed plates and crockery, old tissues. All of these things are vectors for mold growth. Mold spores can lead to serious respiratory issues, fatigue, brain fog, and a range of other ailments.

Clutter also has an impact on your mental health as well. Studies have shown that our minds respond to the cleanliness and order of an environment. The adage that a clean and organized desk will help you focus is backed by science. Living in a cluttered environment can cloud your thoughts and lower your mood. So how can you go about decluttering your home?

Storage Solutions

Often our homes become cluttered slowly and without us ever even realizing. Primarily this is due to the constant addition of new items in our lives. Birthday presents, new clothes, new appliances, magazines. These things quickly pile up. So the first step is to find better storage solutions.

Most furniture stores offer amazing and compact storage solutions in a wide range of designs and sizes. These units often blend into your home’s decor seamlessly and will allow you to better avoid clutter.

You should also look at external storage solutions such as a storage unit. This is ideal if your home is full of old furniture that is taking up space. The first step is to ask yourself what size self storage unit do i need? For furniture you will need a larger unit. But, if you’re just storing old magazines and clothes, you could easily get away with a smaller one.

Throw Things Away

Humans have a rare ability to develop sentimental attachments to inanimate objects. It is one of the things that separates us from animals. But these attachments can often lead to hoarding. The truth is a lot of the clutter around your home could easily be thrown away and it wouldn’t have a negative impact on your life.

The first step in this process is sorting your old objects into three categories. Objects you use often. Objects you use on special occasions. And objects you haven’t used in over six months. As you can likely guess the third category will be thrown away. But it doesn’t have to all go in the trash. Consider hosting a yard sale or donating it to charity.

Throwing away old objects has been proven to have a positive impact on your health. Think of it as a form of therapy. As you get rid of physical items you will find your mind becoming clearer and more focused. Sort of like letting go of bad memories. It also opens your mind up to new possibilities too. You have created space in your home and your life for new things. A chance to form new attachments.