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Why Group Therapy Works With Substance Addiction

Experts such as those at http://oceansrecovery.com/ will say that group therapy helps addicts because when they see others succeed, they are more motivated to succeed as well. Group therapy is a common therapy used with substance use disorders, as it provides many benefits that effectively treat those that are struggling. 

A common reason it works is that it relies on simple human behavior and the need to be in group settings. Humans like being together and feeling supported by others going through the same thing. Learn more about the benefits of group therapy here.

Stages of Addiction and Group Therapy

The science on the study of human behavior and addiction shows that there are 6 categories an addict will be in when it comes to understanding their motivation for change. It starts with just thinking about changing, to planning on avoiding a recurrence of the addiction. 

Those categories are:

  • Precontemplation
  • Contemplation
  • Preparation
  • Action
  • Maintenance
  • Recurrence 

Those categories come with the stages of treatment. During the later stages of treatment, an individual is more motivated to attend group and succeed than when they are just contemplating getting better.

Why Group Therapy Works

Group therapy works for a number of reasons beyond the basic human need to interact with other humans experiencing the same thing. Patients in group therapy experience skills development, learn how to think things through better with cognitive behavioral therapy and develop tools that will help them to succeed.

The kinds of skills that addicts will pick up will be the kinds that help them to break from addiction. When an addict is in later stages of addiction where reckless behavior is in play, they often don’t know what to do to get out of it. They just want what they want and can’t think clearly enough to make a sound decision. The result is often trouble for them.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is therapy where the patient is taught how to think through their problems in a more clear way. Here, they learn how to remove the negative thoughts from their minds. Those negative patterns are the ones that lead them back into addiction. 

Tools that addicts learn in groups involve the tools required to deal effectively with other humans. Here they learn how to interact with each other, take turns, and keep emotions stable during difficult conversations. It’s easier for them to do that when they are in a group setting where they are all experiencing similar things. Many enjoy going to group well after they leave a full-time treatment for that reason. 

Other tools addicts learn in-group is the substitution of addictive behavior with positive behaviors. They won’t know how to do this on their own, because their lives have been consumed with consuming. That behavior needs to be replaced with hobbies, events, activities, jobs, housing, and things that will help them to lead more responsible lives.

People in the group can help them to learn what others are doing to replace addiction with positive behaviors. When these tools are applied in the real world, the patient has a higher chance of success at treating their addiction and avoiding relapse.

Seek Support 

If you or someone that you love needs treatment for addiction, support is the greatest predictor for success. Experts like those at http://oceansrecovery.com/ will say that that is how and why group therapy works for those in addiction treatment. Begin the journey to recovery today and find your success with the help of experts and group therapy for addiction.

All Cases of Cancer Are Different

Different cancers can progress at very different rates. There are cancers that can affect parts of the body that are not even associated with the cancer itself, or so it will seem. Some patients will experience referred pain in different parts of their bodies because of a type of cancer that seemingly is from a completely different section of the body itself, which can make a lot of cancers more difficult to identify.

An oncologist Newport Beach can help patients pinpoint the exact location of the cancer and all the other factors that might influence how this cancer is going to manifest itself. A lot of people might make some assumptions about how the cancer is going to progress.

It is important to note that every case of cancer is different, even for the same patient. The people who have had cancer previously might get it in a way that is different the second time around. Their bodies will be different, and they will be older. A lot of new factors could make the case of cancer more complicated for them. They will also know what to expect this time, which could make things a little easier emotionally for returning patients. 

Benefits of Remote Patient Monitoring for Patients

One sector that has benefited from technology is the health sector. The relentless pace of automation has ushered in a new era in the medical field. One that is characterized by quality health services for patients suffering from a wide range of medical conditions. Even though there are considerable gaps in the health fraternity, remote patient monitoring or RPM has significantly transformed how patients with chronic illnesses receive treatment. It has set them on a new path of hope and a renewed sense of possibility.

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)

You might be wondering what is remote patient monitoring. Simply put, RPM is a virtual health tracking approach that uses the latest technologies to allow for better communication between a doctor and a clinician with their patients. The patient is expected to fill in data about their current state of health and transmit it to their doctor. This approach is especially beneficial to those suffering from chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart complications, and high blood pressure. Since remote patient monitoring tools are used, the accuracy of information relayed is primarily guaranteed.

What are the benefits of remote patient monitoring for patients?

There is no running away from the fact that RPM has significantly improved the health of individuals suffering from chronic illnesses. With ease in communication, both the doctor and the patient are informed about the state of affairs as far as health is concerned. To better understand this subject, here are some benefits that characterize Remote Patient Monitoring:

  • Peace of mind and daily assurance-Nothing is more assuring than knowing that a medical officer is constantly checking your health. It gives the patient courage, which is highly necessary if any meaningful recovery is to be realized.
  • Improved education, support, and feedback: Since most communication happens on a real-time basis, the patient can learn more about their condition by asking questions and giving timely feedback.
  • Improved quality of care-RPM allows patients to access quality health care since there is accurate data concerning their health condition. Risky health conditions can also be tackled before they snowball into something severe and challenging to treat.
  • Better access to health care-Remote Patient Monitoring reduces human traffic at the medical facilities. Medical officers have ample time with their patients, hence improving the quality of healthcare service extended.

Devices used in remote patient monitoring

To make remote patient monitoring process a success, some devices apply. They include:

  • Mitra microsampling devices-This is a handheld device designed to allow for remote blood sampling.
  • Continuous Glucose monitoring device-This device comes in the form of a sensor hidden under the skin. It allows for glucose testing without necessarily having to prick the finger.
  • Mixed reality surgical devices-This refers to a combination between augmented and virtual realities. It facilitates virtual interactions while creating a level of presence.

As discussed in this article, digital transformation has positively impacted the health sector. Besides improving healthcare services for patients, medical practitioners have equally benefited from the numerous technological advancements that have seen them expand their knowledge base. As the world of technology continues to grow, you can only expect that better days are coming.

3 Easy Ideas To Help Support Your Child’s Learning and Development at Home

Are you concerned about your kids’ academic knowledge slipping during days off from school, or wondering how you can support your child’s learning at home? Helping your kids develop mentally, emotionally and academically in the home is just as important as teaching them good life skills. Consider working these three ideas into your usual home routine to help support your child’s intellectual development.

1. Focus on Reading and Exploring Ideas Every Day

Perhaps the single biggest change that could make a significant difference in your child’s learning at home is reading every day. By reading all sorts of books together, you can help your child learn advanced concepts, explore new ideas and expand his or her mind. As a bonus, reading can quickly become a healthy hobby for your child!

2. Attend Local Educational Institutions and Activities Together

If you live in an area with access to libraries, museums, historical societies and other types of educational institutions, consider making the time to take your child to those institutions regularly. If you don’t have those resources near you, ask whether your school offers any enriching extracurricular activities your child could enroll in. These activities could perhaps be done virtually from home, or may only be a short walk or drive from your house.

3. Set Aside Dedicated Homework Time Each Afternoon

Finally, it’s not uncommon for children to struggle with completing homework or getting up the motivation to do their homework. If this sounds like your child, it may help to set aside a dedicated time frame in which homework must be completed every afternoon. For example, if your child returns from school at 3:00 pm, you could set homework time from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

Helping support kids’ learning at home may seem like no small task, but just a few easy tweaks can be a step in the right direction. Try these three ideas to help your child learn, develop and grow at home every day.

Reasons to Take Up Masters in Nursing Online

Having a nursing degree is an accomplishment all on its own, but have you considered taking up further studies to continue growth and development in your career? 

If you haven’t, here are some reasons you might want to think about. There are plenty of opportunities to move up in your career in the industry, but first, you will need to pursue these opportunities to reap the benefits. Getting your masters in nursing online is one such way to do it. 

Expand Skill as a Nurse and Leader

If you would like to be able to take on more leadership roles in your job as a nurse, then getting a masters degree is one way to do it. With the knowledge you earn, you can be entrusted with bigger responsibilities inpatient care, including assessment and examination, direct diagnosis, development and management of treatment plans, and even medication prescription. 

You can even be now in the position to be a mentor or teacher to other nurses, who may be a lot newer to the role. The additional education you earn from your graduate degree makes you a more credible person in authority for the job.

Get Better Diversification in Roles 

Apart from taking on more responsibilities in handling patients, a masters degree in nursing also opens up more avenues for you to practice other roles. 

With your masters degree, you can become a certified registered nurse anesthetist, a nurse-midwife, or a teacher. As a nurse practitioner, meanwhile, you can be assigned to more acute and primary care settings. 

Get Better Hours

Nursing definitely takes a lot of dedication and commitment. The hours are just as demanding as the workload. While it is definitely a rewarding endeavor for those who really belong to its calling, it certainly can feel punishing as well.

A masters degree in nursing makes you eligible for more managerial roles, which means more traditional work hours at 40 a week. If you’re ready to make the shift in role and workload, your graduate degree could be your ticket to it.

Higher Pay Grade

Not only do you get better hours, but you also become eligible for higher pay. This comes with the higher role that you are now handling on account of you being a graduate degree holder. The opportunities, therefore, can only get much better with your masters degree.

There are plenty more benefits and advantages you can enjoy when you take up further studies for your nursing career. Give it some serious thought and consideration if you’re ready to take the next step.

The Comparison Between Hard Money Loans and Construction Loans

No matter what the housing marketing looks like, one thing you should know and that is, if you are a real estate investor in need of money to buy a property, there are certain things to consider. The real estate market has changed over the years. Real estate developers are seeing more challenges when it comes to acquiring money from traditional financial institutions. Banks are asking for more paperwork and evidence, which means with the effort to gather the right documents, your loan could be delayed and hold up the project. This is where hard money loans come in. These can make a huge difference to how your project is managed and completed. 

The Alternative

This is an alternative way to acquire a loan so that your project can begin. A hard money loan will speed up the process, more than the traditional construction loan from another lender would. Hard money lenders work with real estate investors to help them accomplish their investment goals. This is true across the board as long as the investor is eligible and meets the qualifications. Hard money loans do not have the strict rules that traditional loans do.

The Differences

financial lending institution usually issues conventional loans while hard money loans come from investment groups or private lenders. With a hard money loan, there is more flexibility among those lenders and the terms and conditions are more relaxed. Hard money loans to do construction or rehabs are usually guaranteed with the real estate property being the collateral. Of course, the interest rates are higher than the traditional lender, but the loan process is faster and simpler. 

Conclusion

If you have decided to apply for a hard money loan to complete your real estate project, it is very important that you select the ideal option that will work for you. If you can wait up to 3 or 4 months for a traditional loan, and you don’t mind the hassle, then by all means do so, but if you want to complete more than one project within the same time frame, a hard money loan is an ideal option.

Top 6 Reasons To See a Nutritionist

To keep your body running as efficiently as possible and to improve your overall wellbeing, it can be important to schedule an appointment with a nutritionist. A nutritionist can help you create an eating plan that works for you and your body to increase your health, help you lose weight or get your digestive system functioning well. Here are some reasons why you should see a nutritionist.

1. Allergies

If you think you may have a food allergy, it’s important to get checked out by a nutritionist. They can check your lab work for signs of allergies, put you on an elimination diet and diagnose intolerances. An effective hormone counseling Tampa FL session can even help you get through your season of menopause with fewer symptoms.

2. Weight Management

A nutritionist looks at more than the calories coming in and going out. They help you assess the root causes of weight gain, investigate your lifestyle choices and create a healthy meal plan for you.

3. Mood Disorders

Get your mental health in check with food that can improve your mood. Certain types of food can increase mood disorder symptoms and make you feel even worse.

4. Athletic Performance

When you want to reach your peak athletic performance, proper nutrition can help. Focusing on the micronutrients, macronutrients and the timing of when you eat can all add a boost to your athleticism.

5. Digestive Issues

Eliminate the uncomfortable symptoms of diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel movements, or acid reflux when you begin to pay attention to the food you are putting in your body. 

6. High Cholesterol

Instead of relying on medication to keep your cholesterol low, you can add foods into your diet that are heart-healthy and can reduce your chances of heart disease.

Get your body as healthy as possible with help from a professional who can educate you on healthy food choices, empower you to create meal plans and encourage you to improve your health.

4 Ways To Get More Out Of Your Workouts

Exercise is an important part of an overall healthy lifestyle, but many people dread heading to the gym or lacing up their sneakers for a run. As a result, even many people who exercise regularly do so without much enthusiasm or effort, and thus don’t benefit as much as they could from the process.

If you’re ready to step up your fitness game and make big gains – in stamina, strength, muscle mass, or weight loss – it’s time to make some changes. From increased intensity to better nutrition, the following adjustments can make your workouts more effective and fun.

Get Outside

With the exception of distance runners, most people exercise indoors, which can be monotonous and uncomfortable, since gym air is often dry. Instead of just hitting the gym or the track, then, consider taking your workout outside and making it a little more playful. Many places even have playground-style fitness areas featuring workout equipment, but if your town doesn’t boast one of those you might consider setting up a slack line in the park, joining your kids on the trampoline, or pulling out your inline skates. Your workout doesn’t have to look like your usual gym circuit to still be good for you.

Work With A Trainer

Some people have workout buddies for motivation, but other people end up taking less productive cues from their pals and slacking off. That’s why, if you want to meet particular fitness goals, you should try working with a personal trainer. Personal trainers are not only master motivators, but they have the expertise to help you choose the right exercises to meet your goals and ensure that you don’t injure yourself by using improper form.

Consider Adding Carbs

Many fitness buffs consider carbs to be a dirty word and, if they’re going to grab a snack at the gym, would prefer to have a protein shake than anything resembling a simple sugar. Skipping out on carbs at key times could be keeping you from putting as much effort into your workouts as you’re capable of. Make sure that you’re getting a combination of simple and complex carbohydrates before your workout and then bring a small, simple carb focused snack to eat mid workout when your energy drops.

Cross Train, Don’t Combine

While it’s true that you should be doing both cardiovascular workouts and strength-focused activities as part of your overall fitness routine, you don’t need to do both on the same day, and doing so can actually reduce the benefits of your chosen activities. Instead of combining different styles of exercise, then, add some variety to your workout by cross training – running one day and weight training on another – to make more progress overall. This will also help cut through the boredom and increase your motivation.

One of the biggest mistakes that adults make when working out is allowing fitness to be boring when, as children, we ran and jumped and swam for play. By recontextualizing our fitness activities as fun and giving ourselves the necessary supports to be successful, including the necessary fuel, we can reconnect with our bodies and experience fitness in renewed ways.

Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental implants are one of the best solutions for anyone who is missing teeth. The following criteria determine if someone is a good candidate for teeth implants Happy Valley.

Healthy Gums

Dental patients with healthy gums have a significantly higher chance of having successful implants than those with receding, swollen or bleeding gums. These conditions are due to infections that can potentially compromise the integrity of an implant.

Healthy Jaw Bone

Jaw bone loss leads to an unstable foundation for teeth, causing them to eventually loosen and fall out. Healthy bone is also necessary to support a dental implant, which must ultimately fuse with it. Without sufficient bone, an implant can become unstable and unable to withstand the force of chewing.

Willingness To Wait

The entire implant process can take up to a year. After positioning the implant, a dentist must wait anywhere between four and six months before it fuses with the jawbone. If there is insufficient bone to support the implant, a dentist may first need to perform a bone graft, prolonging the entire procedure.

After the implant is stable, the next stage involves the placement of an abutment onto which the dentist will affix the crown. The abutment must extend past the gum, which seals around it. It may take up to four weeks for the gum to thoroughly heal before the dentist can create the crown and attach it to the abutment.

Willingness to Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Patients with good oral hygiene habits are excellent candidates for dental implants. Although it is possible to make up for the jaw bone loss of periodontal disease with bone grafts, patients must commit to carefully cleaning the areas surrounding their implants to prevent bacterial infections that could cause complications.

Dental implants are a safe and beneficial solution for restoring the function of missing teeth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

When it comes to repairing or replacing missing teeth, there are several options patients have. One of them is getting dental implants. A dental implant is defined as a metal post placed into the jawbone by replacing the root portion of a tooth that is missing. Dental implants have many benefits that other replacement options, such as bridges or dentures, do not have. Here is a list of the top benefits of implants that should be taken into consideration:

Prevention of Bone Loss

When a person loses their tooth, they also lose bone mass in their jaw. Teeth help the jawbone to main its mass through stimulation. Dental implants are the only option that is able to replace jaw bone stimulation. As a result, this helps prevent bone loss. 

Prevention of Changes In the Shape of the Face

Teeth are needed not only for chewing, but also to support facial structure. When a person starts losing their teeth, the support of the face is also lost. The shape of the face starts changing, and a person looks older. Being similar to natural teeth, dental implants provides the face with the necessary support, so its shape remains the same. 

Easy To Take Care For

There is no need to buy special products or tools to clean or take care of implants. There is no need for cleaning tablets, special cups, adhesives, or flossers. Regular brushing and flossing teeth are more than enough.

Easy To Speak With Them

Teeth are important for the ability to speak and form certain sounds. Therefore, missing a few teeth, especially at the front, can significantly affect speech. Since dental implants replace missing teeth, they make speaking much better. Moreover, implants are also held firmly in place – they do not slip or slide around in the mouth, which also contributes to proper speaking. 

Natural Look 

Modern dental implants look very natural and realistic. They are able to blend with natural teeth perfectly. This means that no one is able to tell which of the teeth are real and which are not. 

Durability 

Implants are immensely durable and long-lasting. With thorough and proper oral hygiene, implants can last for decades. Approximately, a dental implant should be replaced every 15 years. The durability of implants is important because it helps patients save money in the long run because there is no need for any adjustments. 

For those who are looking for dental clinics in order to get dental implants Cedar Park or dental implants Georgetown, don’t hesitate and contact a dentist today. 

Top 3 Reasons To Visit the Dentist

It’s fair to say that most people are disinterested in visiting a dentist regularly. This may be because appointments can be inconvenient or a little uncomfortable. If you’re not having any problems with your teeth, why is a dental checkup even necessary? Here are the top three reasons you should regularly visit the dentist.

1. Examination

Even if you think your teeth and gums are healthy, it’s important to see your Newport News family dentist on a regular basis. The frequency of dental visits should be determined by a dentist and based on your personal oral health and dental history. At your appointment, the dentist will perform an examination. This exam includes checking for cavities, plaque and tartar. Your gums will also be examined during your checkup. Using a special tool, the dentist will measure the depth of space amid your teeth and gums. It’s important to catch any issues early to prevent oral diseases.

2. Cleaning

After examining your teeth and gums, the dentist will clean your teeth. Plaque is a sticky, clear layer of bacteria that can be brushed away. However, if left untreated, it can become tartar. Tartar is thicker and harder and cannot be removed by brushing and flossing. Fortunately, the dentist can remove tartar during a process called scaling. A tool is used to scrape away the tartar that has built up on your teeth. After scaling, the teeth are polished and flossed.

3. Prevention

Regularly visiting the dentist enables the detection of any health issues. Cavities, gum disease and oral cancer are all better treated when caught in the early stages.

There are simple things you can do at home to keep your mouth healthy. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and use a mouthwash to keep bacteria at bay. Additionally, scheduling regular appointments with your family dentist will protect your oral health.

Top Reasons to Use CBD

Cannabidiol oil, or CBD oil as it is commonly called, has been touted as a cure-all. Unfortunately, it is not, but it shows considerable promise in treating various mental and physical conditions. It is important to remember that you need to disclose any herbal medications that you are taking to your health care professionals.

Reduces Anxiety

Anxiety is a debilitating mental illness that many people in the United States suffer from. One of the best reasons to use CBD oil is that you can get it in a fast-acting CBD vape juice that works for anxiety. For years people have taken benzodiazepines for anxiety, but CBD oil and vape juice are showing promise that they will reduce anxiety. Vaping it is one of the fastest ways to get the oil into your system.

Reduces Depression

Like anxiety, there are several promising studies for using CBD oil to treat depression. Anyone with this disorder knows that anti-depressants have severe side effects, including worsening of symptoms. The side effects listed for CBD oil are significantly less severe than those of current prescriptions. Although more testing is necessary, current studies are promising.

Helps With Smoking Cessation

For many smokers, it is the habit of smoking that is calming and not the actual nicotine. Not only can CBD oil help with cravings, but when used in a vape pen or other device, it can help with the habit as well. There are, however, pros and cons to using it to help you stop smoking. The pros are that it is less likely to cause cancer due to tar. One of the cons is that you can easily switch one habit for another.

Insomnia

Like the plant it is derived from, CBD oil can help with insomnia, particularly if it is due to depression or anxiety. One study suggests that taking 160 mg of CBD oil before bed helps to relax the body and makes you fall asleep faster.

Helps With Jaw Disorders

Since it improves nerve function, research suggests CBD oil helps relieve the pain and discomfort from jaw disorders such as TMJ. A painful condition that thousands of people currently suffer from.

Pain Relief

CBD oil can reduce chronic pain. Its cousin marijuana has been used for centuries to reduce both pain and inflammation. It is only recently that doctors discovered why. CBD, the nonpsychoactive derivative, works on the endocannabinoid receptors and reduces inflammation and acts with the body’s normal neurotransmitters. This both reduces pain and reduces pain caused by inflammation. Scientists are currently testing it with arthritis, sciatica and other forms of chronic pain.

Reduces Cancer Symptoms

CBD oil is currently being evaluated in the treatment of cancer symptoms and the symptoms related to cancer treatment. Its cousin THC is in use for treating nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. New research suggests that CBD oil has the same effects. This can give people who shy away from the mind-altering properties of THC the same benefits.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Although it might just be that cannabidiol oil works well for anxiety, it has shown promise in lowering blood pressure. This is not to say that it is a replacement for blood pressure medications, but it could significantly reduce the need for high-dosage blood pressure medications. One study suggests that it might be useful for periodic blood pressure spikes.

Helps Neuro Disorders

One of the neuro disorders that CBD oil has been approved for by the FDA is the treatment of epilepsy. This is one of the most studied uses, and it shows very promising results. The study showed that it reduced muscle spasms in the majority of people participating. This indicates that people who suffer from other types of spasms might benefit from using it.

A Word of Caution

As with any over-the-counter medication or herbal medicine, you should consult your doctor before taking it. It can interact with certain medications making them useless or very harmful. Although there are no known incidences of overdosing on CBD oil, it can make you ill if taken in large quantities. It is not a replacement for traditional medicine.

Overall, CBD oil requires further study. It shows promising results in treating various common physical and mental health conditions, but no long-term studies have been completed as yet. If you suffer from any of these conditions talk to your doctor about using CBD oil along with your regular treatment regimen.