Category Archives: Health
Is Laser Hair Removal Right for You?
Laser hair removal is a great way to eliminate unwanted hair from your body. If you’re considering getting this type of treatment, here are some things to consider before committing to a procedure.
Cost
Laser hair removal is one of the most effective ways of removing unwanted hair. But, it can also be quite expensive.
Luckily, there are ways to lower the costs associated with laser hair removal. Most providers offer financing plans. .Some companies will offer discounts on multiple treatments. Others will give you a discount on a specific body area. Laser hair removal costs range from $100 to $800 per session.
For the best results, you may need a series of treatments. These are usually performed at four- to six-week intervals. A physician can suggest how many sessions you need.
The cost of laser hair removal Columbia, MD, can vary depending on your location. Large markets tend to have more competition, and prices will be higher.
Areas of the Body Treated
Laser hair removal is a great way to eliminate unwanted hair. Laser treatment is much safer than shaving, waxing, and plucking. Several places on the body can be treated with lasers. Some of these are your face, back, legs, and chest. You may need a few sessions to achieve your desired result.
The amount of treatments you’ll need is dependent on the size of the area you’re treating. For example, treating a man’s back can take about an hour. However, it’s important to remember that a larger area will likely take longer than a small area.
Most patients will need at least three to five treatments. A medical provider will develop a specific plan for your particular treatment. They will determine how many sessions you need based on the area you’re treating and how fast your hair grows.
Precautions
When using laser hair removal, it is important to follow all the precautions and safety guidelines. These can help reduce the risks of side effects and damage to the skin.
Before your treatment, the laser should be adjusted to the appropriate parameters for your skin type. You should also avoid using any topical products that may be photosensitive. If you have any medical conditions, you should inform your physician.
Your doctor will also discuss the possible side effects of the treatment. Some of them include temporary swelling, itching, and redness. However, these effects usually subside within a few days.
To reduce the risk of these side effects, it is recommended that you do not apply cosmetics or deodorants on the treated area for three days after the procedure. Also, you should apply a cool compress on the area.
Re-Treatments Every 4 to 6 Weeks
The number of laser hair removal treatments you need depends on many factors. Your skin and hair type, as well as your age, are some of the main factors.
Some laser systems work by targeting the follicles of hair. By destroying them, the growth cycle is interrupted. However, the process is temporary. Hair that grows back will be finer and weaker.
Some people have a regrowth cycle that requires treatments every four to six weeks. It is a good idea to consult your doctor before beginning any treatment. They will provide you with expert knowledge and support.
If you have dark skin, it is important to choose the right lasers. Darker tones are more sensitive to laser burns. In addition, your skin should be hydrated after the treatment.
Pregnancy
If you’re thinking about laser hair removal, it’s important to do your research. Pregnancy can make your skin more sensitive, and the risk of complications could be greater. In addition, hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect your hair growth, and the best time to have laser hair removal is after childbirth.
Most doctors recommend that pregnant women avoid lasers during the first trimester. However, it’s still possible to undergo laser treatments if you choose a certified technician who uses a safe technique.
The best time to have laser treatment is when your hormones have returned to normal, about six months after your birth. This is when your body will have adjusted to the changes, and your hair will grow back to its natural pattern.
Pregnancy Supplements: What to Take and Not to Take
Supplements are not only good for a woman’s health, but they’re also a great way to keep up with dietary recommendations and minimize pregnancy risks. For example, nutritional supplements are a great way to avoid consuming high-mercury seafood and alcohol, and cigarettes. Plus, some of these supplements can even improve your maternal outcomes.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for healthy bone development and absorption. Vitamin D is also necessary for preventing pregnancy complications, including pre-eclampsia. However, knowing how much vitamin D during your pregnancy is good for you is essential. A daily allowance of 4,000 IU may be enough. Consider taking a supplement if you’re not getting enough vitamin D through food or sunlight.
However, excessive supplementation of vitamin D can cause toxicity. Too much vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia, an accumulation of calcium in the blood. This can be harmful to both the mother and fetus. To avoid toxicity, doctors recommend taking at least 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily. Higher doses may be recommended for short periods in the third trimester, but pregnant women should monitor their calcium levels.
Folic Acid
Pregnant women should take folic acid supplements if they’d like to reduce the risk of neural tube defects, which are problems that result from the lack of folic acid. These defects can result in the baby being born with a spinal cord that doesn’t close properly. Some examples include spina bifida, where part of the baby’s spinal cord remains outside the body, resulting in paralysis of the legs and bladder control issues. In extreme cases, the baby can die. Additionally, folic acid may help prevent some types of heart disease, as well as some cancers.
Folic acid helps form the neural tube of a developing baby, which is essential to developing the baby’s brain and spine. It also helps prevent neural tube defects and congenital disabilities during early pregnancy. This is why the CDC recommends folic acid for pregnant women. Studies have shown that folic acid can reduce the risk of neural tube defects by 50 to 70%. Therefore, taking folic acid supplements daily is vital to protect your unborn child’s future.
Calcium
Calcium supplements during pregnancy are safe, and some women may benefit from them. Studies show that calcium can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia and other pregnancy complications. Preterm birth, one of the leading causes of infant mortality in low-income countries, can also be reduced with calcium supplementation.
In one study, calcium and antioxidant supplementation decreased the risk of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women. It did not, however, reduce the number of miscarriages. In addition, calcium supplements had no significant effect on platelet counts, uric acid, or urinary protein.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is a North American plant commonly used to treat gynecologic disorders. The plant is sometimes taken as a supplement to alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and cramps. Native Americans also use it to treat other ailments such as musculoskeletal pain, cough, and pneumonia. Native Americans and European settlers have used it for centuries.
Black cohosh supplements should be used responsibly and with caution. Research indicates that high doses may trigger side effects. Some people report abdominal pain, headaches, or joint pains after high doses. Others experience dizziness, tremors, and visual dimness.
Nonprescription Cold And Cough Medicines
When taking over-the-counter cough and cold medicines during pregnancy, you should carefully read the label to ensure that no ingredients are dangerous to the developing fetus. Certain elements are unsafe to use in pregnancy, including guaifenesin, which may be present in some cough medicines. A lower dose should be used for shorter periods, and there are several other precautions that you should take.
The first thing you should know about nonprescription cough and cold medicines is that many contain more than one medication. Some of these combination medicines have drugs that are unsafe to take during pregnancy, such as loratadine and pseudoephedrine. Before beginning any combination product, always consult with your healthcare provider. Depending on your circumstances, some of these medicines are safe for pregnancy, while others may cause harm to you and your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what is safe to take for the best results. The best way to stay healthy during pregnancy is to use the lowest possible dose for the shortest amount of time.
Vitamin C
Knowing how much Vitamin C to take during your pregnancy is essential. Taking high doses of the vitamin can be dangerous. The US Food and Nutrition Board, part of the National Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Medicine, recommends that pregnant women take no more than 80 milligrams of vitamin C daily. The recommended upper limit for vitamin C is 2,000 mg for women aged 19 and over and 1,800 mg for women younger than 19. Pregnant women should not exceed these amounts as it can cause fetal harm, congenital disabilities, and rickets.
In one study, supplementation with vitamin C during pregnancy did not reduce the risk of stillbirth or other pregnancy complications, such as perinatal death and preterm birth. However, it did reduce the risk of placental abruption and pre-labor rupture of membranes. However, further research is needed to determine if vitamin C can reduce the risk of these conditions or prevent them.
What to Do If You Have Been a Victim of a Distracted Driving Accident
Between 2016 and 2018, there were over 900,000 crashes caused by distracted drivers in the US alone. Around the world, people often find themselves the victims of a distracted driving accident through no fault of their own.
If this has happened to you, you might be feeling scared and vulnerable, not knowing where to turn. Read on for definitive information on what your next steps should be.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is defined as any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from driving. This could be texting while driving, eating or drinking behind the wheel, or adjusting the navigation or stereo system within the car.
Texting is often the most dangerous distraction. Sending or reading a text will take the driver’s eyes off the road for about five seconds. This may not seem like much but, when traveling at 55mph, that can take a car the length of a football field.
When drivers are distracted, they are clearly more likely to get into accidents, endangering not just the lives of themselves and their passengers, but also the lives of those in other cars or on the sidewalk. In 2018 alone, distracted driving killed 2,841 people.
What to Do After a Distracted Driving Accident
If you’ve been the victim of an accident from a distracted driver, it’s obviously an incredibly stressful time. The first thing you need to do is make sure that you are physically taken care of. Go to a hospital and seek medical treatment for any injuries you might have sustained.
The next step after having a crash with a distracted driver is to get a copy of the police report. Someone at the scene will likely have called the police. From the report, you can see if there were any witnesses and request their contact information.
The next step is to find a personal injury lawyer. Make sure that they make the prosecutor in charge of your case is aware of any of your injuries. This will help to stop the defense lawyer of the distracted driver from negotiating the case down to something less serious.
When it comes to the aftermath of a distracted driving accident, you will also likely be dealing with an insurance company. Discuss your options with your lawyer to see what would be most beneficial to your case. Don’t agree to anything with your insurance company until you’ve had a second opinion, because it can affect how the law case plays out.
Even well after the accident has occurred, feel free to seek professional help from a therapist at any time. You’ve been through a lot and it may have had a lasting impact on your mental health. It’s always best to seek professional support, rather than trying to tough it out on your own.
Keen to Learn More?
Being involved in a distracted driving accident is a turbulent time for anyone. No one should have to go through something like that, but it’s reassuring to have a guide of what to do if the worst should happen. Remember there are those out there to help you through every step of the process, from legal support to medical and mental health aid.
If this information on what to do after a distracted driving accident was helpful, you might benefit from some of our lifestyle articles. Browse through them for tips on everything from relationships to home and garden.
Stop Buying Bottled Water! Here’s What to Do Instead
The average American spends about $100 on bottled water each year. Unfortunately, there’s little evidence that bottled water is safer or healthier than tap water.
First of all, many plastic bottles contain phthalates and other chemicals that affect endocrine function. Second, they leave a massive carbon footprint. On top of that, buying bottled water can be expensive in the long run.
Note that some bottled water brands use tap water. Although the tap water is treated, it may still contain bacteria and traces of heavy metals. Luckily, there are better options available.
Feeling confused? Here’s why you should stop buying bottled water and what to do instead!
Bottled Water May Not Be Safe
The safety of bottled water depends largely on the brand. These products are regulated by the FDA and must meet certain quality standards. But even so, the water may come from different sources, including local water supplies.
A recent study conducted on 47 bottled water brands has found that most of them had detectable levels of either heavy metals or PFAS.
Arsenic, lead, and other heavy metals may cause severe toxicity. These compounds have been linked to cancer, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and birth defects.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are just as harmful. Over time, these chemicals may lead to hormonal imbalances, cancer, and liver problems. Plus, they tend to stay in the human body for years.
Plastic Bottles May Contain BPA
Another concern related to bottled water is the presence of bisphenol-A, or BPA. This synthetic compound is used in the manufacturing of plastic products and may affect human health.
BPA can leak into foods and beverages, making its way into your body. In one study, subjects who ate canned soup (which may contain this compound) every day for five days had 1,221% levels of BPA in the urine than those eating fresh soup.
Some brands are now offering BPA-free bottled water. Unfortunately, this option isn’t safer either. BPA-free bottles typically contain bisphenol-S or bisphenol-F, which have similar effects as bisphenol-A.
Note that bottled water is bad for the environment, too. Its entire life cycle contributes to pollution and global warming.
Switch to a Water Filtration System
Bottled water won’t necessarily improve your health or protect against diseases. As far as its taste goes, most consumers can’t tell the difference between bottled and tap water.
Whether you want to stay healthy, make savings, or reduce your carbon footprint, it’s worth switching to water filters. A quality water filtration system, like the ones at FilterSmart.com, will remove dirt, bacteria, chemicals, and heavy metals.
Filtered tap water will always be cheaper than bottled water. On top of that, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re drinking clean water and protecting the environment.
While it’s true that a premium water filter may cost more upfront, you’ll save a fortune in the long run.
Stop Buying Bottled Water Once and for All
As you can see, buying bottled water is pretty much a waste of money. Most brands have detectable levels of chemicals and pollute the environment. Some are no better than tap water.
A whole house water filtration system offers more value for the money. It not only leads to cost savings but may also boost your health. Make the switch today—your future self will thank you!
In the meantime, check out the rest of our blog for other health tips. We’ll show you how to safely store water, how to get better sleep, and more!
How to Build and Promote Workplace Safety Culture
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), more than five thousand people died on the job in 2019. That’s more than fourteen people every day.
Worker deaths are a serious thing and should be prevented at all costs. The purpose of having a workplace safety culture is to look beyond specific safety programs and policies. The goal is to capture the behaviors and mindsets towards the safety of all of the company owners, managers, and employees.
Are you looking to boost team morale and make sure that you’re establishing a safe and organized work environment? If you are, then keep on reading and we’ll walk you through everything that you’ll want to know about building and promoting a workplace safety culture.
Characteristics of Positive Workplace Safety Culture
It’s usually easier to recognize an organization that has a negative safety culture rather than one that has a positive culture. This is because a lack of a safety culture usually means that safety initiatives are not bought into by employees. This usually leads to higher rates of accidents and injuries within the work environment.
While it might seem intimidating to build a positive safety environment, the benefits after the investment has been made will become evident throughout the company.
A company that has a good safety culture will likely experience:
- Decreased rates of accident or injuries
- Lower turn over
- High employee engagement
- Increased employee productivity
But what does a positive safety culture look like? Organizations with a strong safety culture tend to have employees that feel empowered to take action. They also feel responsible for the safety of themselves and their coworkers.
Now, let’s go over several ways that you can build and promote workplace safety culture at your place of work.
1. Define Responsibilities
In order to establish an effective safety culture, you first need to define the responsibilities within your company. This can be done at all levels of the company and includes goals and policies.
2. Create an Organizational Vision for Safety
It’s important that everyone in the organization is on the same page when it comes to the company’s vision for safety. It won’t be possible for you to reach your safety goal if all of the company’s stakeholders aren’t working towards the same goal.
3. Come Up with a System for Open Communication
Organizations that have a strong workplace safety culture need to invest in making lines of open communication within the company. You also need to make sure that workers are updated on new safety protocols in order to make sure that the procedures and policies can be implemented successfully.
One great way to share new information is with monthly talks about understanding health and safety. You want to allow for employees to openly communicate with regards to safety within the workplace.
4. Involve Employees at All Levels
Making a workplace safety culture starts from the ground up. It’s important that workers of all levels are included in the planning and implementation phase of any new safety procedures.
You can make your employees feel more involved by asking for their opinions during the initial planning phases. You can also prevent possible pitfalls later down the road during implementation.
5. Rebuild Reporting System
Your reporting system will need to focus on the positive. Your employees should feel free to share their safety concerns without any repercussions. When you reward workers who share their safety concerns, you’ll be able to rebuild your system and encourage other workers to report their concerns as well.
6. Implement Hands-On Training
When you’re building and promoting a workplace safety culture within an organization, it’s important to utilize proper training. Sharing best practices and developing opportunities for workers to have hands-on learning sessions will help your workers retain and successfully implement new safety procedures.
Also, when you invest in quality training, you’ll be showing your workers that you care about their safety. You’ll also increase team member support and buy-in.
7. Management Modeling
If you want your safety initiatives to be successful, then you need to make sure that the model is from the top down. This means that managers need to make a commitment to employing a safety-first work style. They should always be demonstrating safety is important and valued.
8. Hold Employees Accountable
Companies that fully embody a strong workplace safety culture will know that safety is of the utmost importance. Every worker will feel responsible for their own safety as well as the safety of their coworkers.
A big part of this feeling is holding your workers accountable. The more that an employee feels accountable for safety initiatives, the more likely they’re going to take action to improve the safety around them.
9. Celebrate Success
Keeping your team members updated about company progress is necessary for driving safety initiatives. Recognizing departments, individuals, and the company as a whole for its improvements can be a useful way to boost team morale.
The Importance of Knowing How to Build and Promote Workplace Safety Culture
Hopefully, after reading the above article, you now have a better idea of how to build and promote workplace safety culture. As we can see, there are a lot of benefits to establishing a good workplace safety culture. And it will be much easier to accomplish this if you make everyone feel involved and responsible for the safety of others.
Are you looking for more helpful articles? Make sure to check out the rest of our site today for more!
