At the long-awaited midnight hour on December 31^st, revelers around the globe finally found the opportunity to wave goodbye to 2020. For many people, the ritual meant that they could move on from the year of the pandemic and start looking forward to the future.

If you find yourself standing at the precipice of possibility, confused about what direction you should take in your life, it is important to remember that you are not alone. It is completely normal to take a moment for yourself and wonder, “What should I do next?”

Your mental health is an aspect that requires care and nurturing and worrying about the unknowns of the future can be a frightening and affecting subject at first. Large changes seldom happen overnight, and despite the conceptual appeal of saying goodbye to 2020, there are many variables to consider when moving forward in terms of practical and personal application.

The desire for purpose in life is a perfectly natural thought, especially when facing the start of a new year. If you feel like you want to take your life in a new direction in order to obtain a sense of purpose, there are many personal factors to bear in mind. Being self-aware and staying positive and open-minded about your expectations is a good place to start, as keeping a healthy state of mind is imperative to your overall well-being. Here are some tips to help you alleviate some of that unwanted stress and anxiety that you might be feeling in regards to navigating through the new year.

Identify, Accept, Act

It may not seem like it at times, but worrying can be a perfectly natural part of life and it may even offer you an upside. Understanding rational worry can be a great way to begin eliminating the chances of a psychologically overwhelming scenario occurring. By making use of a simple framework like the one below that you can apply throughout your daily routine, however large or seemingly trivial the problem may be, you can strive to put your mind at ease.

• Identifying the subjects that make you worry can help you to begin explaining them to yourself, thus enabling you to start creating a plan of action for yourself.
• Accepting what makes you uncomfortable is important in helping you to embrace the way in which you interact with subjects as an individual. This is an important factor in terms both self-awareness and personal development.
• Acting to address and change the parts of your life that make you uncomfortable is part of life’s journey. Once you can find a plan that works for you, freeing your mind from unnecessary worry can allow you to begin to approach previously unnerving situations with a new sense of purpose.

If you find any truth in that ancient phrase, “change incurs from within,” then dedicating some time to identify how you internalize the world may help you to start discovering which direction you want to take in the new year.

One way of achieving an optimistic outlook is to begin to swap complaining for pragmatism and acceptance. Regular complaining can have negative consequences such as an increased level of stress and feelings of hopelessness.

While venting from time to time can be a fun and self-actualizing experience, especially when you can have a laugh with your friends, it is important to not get weighted down by the prospect of frequent negative comments on everyday occurrences. Expanding the mind and attempting to see matters through a variety of perspectives and frames of reference might help with this.

Surround Yourself with Positivity

Establishing a healthy support network can be a superb way of making yourself feel comfortable and cared for when you might need some external input. A great friend can stay by your side through thick and thin, offering you a reliable source of inspiration and advice. Surrounding yourself with people whom you can talk to and listen to can be a step in a positive direction. You can nurture a relationship of this kind by:

• Making time to chat – If you can set aside a regular time to catch-up with your friends you can give yourself something to look forward to, which is a great way to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. Actively listening to your friends in a non-judgmental and supportive way can help them to do the same for you, as nurturing a great friendship requires input from all parties involved.
• Recognizing toxic behavior – If you feel as though you cannot connect with some of your friends on an emotional level, it is important to recognize that relationships are constantly transforming and evolving as people develop throughout life. If you discover that some of your acquaintances exhibit signs of toxic behavior, it might be time to move on in order to replace negative influences with positive ones.
• Maintain an open mind – Maintaining an open mind can generally be a good way of expanding your opportunities both personally and professionally. It can help you to remain empathetic and strengthen the bond between you and your loved ones. If you can offer people your time and your attention, you might start to notice a positive change in the way people interact with you on a regular basis.

Staying in contact is perhaps more important now than ever, as the constantly shifting landscape of restriction has left many people feeling isolated from their friends and loved ones. A quick message or a short phone call can make all the difference to someone’s day, even if it is simply just to tell them you are thinking of them.

Allowing yourself to own your emotions and recognize that your feelings are valid may help you to start explaining them in a manner that feels comfortable to you. It is worth remembering that what you feel is authentic and there is no reason you should feel self-doubt amongst friends.

Learning a New Skill

Learning something new can be an incredibly fulfilling task, especially when recognizing the benefits that it can offer to your mental health and career opportunities. If you feel like you are beginning to experience a form of stagnation and you are struggling to work out which path to take, then there are many online learning opportunities at your fingertips. It might be worth your time to consider some of the aspects that go into choosing an online course, in order to find out what works best for you.

Whether you are passionate about a particular subject and you happen to be an expert in the field, or you have found your interest piqued by a previously unknown issue, learning something new can help build your mental prowess and dexterity. Managing to commit to a fresh new learning routine might help with your ability to face challenges and develop your problem-solving ability, both of which can help you garner a positive new outlook for the year ahead.

Due to the predicted growth in demand for healthcare professionals, you might find that you want to train as a nurse to help offer your support and empathy to those you can in these uncertain times. The fantastic online training programs at Marymount University, for example, can supply you with the opportunity to learn a fascinating and important new skill, while perhaps illuminating to you an exciting new direction in healthcare.

Seizing on the chance to learn online may also help you transcend feelings of stagnation in your professional life, as learning can offer new tools to approach familiar situations with a fresh lease of interest and accessibility.

Eating a Balanced Diet

Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet can benefit your physical and mental health in a multitude of ways, which is of upmost importance when you find yourself searching for a sense of purpose and direction. Making sure you receive the right level of sustenance can help you tackle the trials and tribulations of everyday life whilst feeling fresh and energized.

Some of the main benefits include:

• The ability to sleep easy – Getting a good night’s sleep can help you to alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety. Also going to bed on an empty stomach might mean that you sleep better than if you’re snacking in the evening. Sleep should be a time for relaxation, even for your digestive system, so sticking to a balanced diet and planning your meal times can allow you to get the rest you need in order to thrive in the waking hours.
• Decreased likelihood of fatigue and apathy – A lack of sufficient nutrition is linked to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, so finding the right balance for you can help put your mind at rest. Feeling depressed can lead to a lack of productivity and motivation, but it is a natural occurrence in contemporary society. However, there are steps that you can take steps to neutralize it, which might also include keeping an eye on your nutritional intake.
• Helping with weight control – If you are concerned about staying in shape for the new year, making yourself aware of the benefits of certain food groups can be a great way to ensure you can stay in a healthy physical condition.

Striving to eat healthily can be an exciting new endeavor, as it allows you the opportunity to develop your cooking skills in areas you may have previously had little experience in. Even if it is just for a few evenings a week, mixing things up in the kitchen can be a great way of clearing your head and adding some excitement back into the everyday.

Keeping it Interesting

Speaking of mixing things up, trying something new as often as you can might be the spark you need if you feel trapped in a perpetual cycle of listless mundanity. When your everyday routine becomes tired and starts to seem trivial, it can have a negative effect on your health and well-being. Searching for a new hobby to try may work wonders for getting you motivated.

For many, the coronavirus restrictions have meant that staying inside with the same old view has become the norm. In some cases, this might lead to feelings of oppression and inescapable negative association. It can be useful to remember that your space is important in more ways than one, especially when environmental factors mean that you have to spend so much time within its confines.

Designating time to mix up the look of your living space might provide you with some fresh breathing room in which to carry out your daily tasks. It is important to keep your brain stimulated in order to increase your capacity to learn and retain information, and an environment that you find overwhelmingly uninteresting can affect you negatively. If you can, try moving your desk to a place with more natural sunlight or change the positioning of your furniture, as this can go a long way towards creating a healthier environment.

Finding the Bright Side

Despite the many factors that can be implemented into daily life to ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently, it seems inevitable that the world can be unpredictable and throw you a curveball every once in a while. If events occur outside of your control and impose a challenge to your routine, there are ways in which you can prepare yourself for the unwelcome and find the bright side when everything seems overwhelming.

Remembering to laugh when the chips are down can provide a great way of dealing with situations that seem impossible to approach. Finding your sense of humor can also help you explain something to yourself in a way that feels comfortable and approachable. Wearing a smile when the going gets tough might help you maintain your course, while inspiring hope in others.

The start of a new year may appear to be a daunting one, but if you start it with a little self-care and a positive outlook, you may find that it becomes the year for you.

When families are experiencing communication conflicts and increased difficulty understanding each other, it is not uncommon for them to seek out family therapy Kent County RI. Like other types of therapy, this kind helps people resolve problems by giving them healthier ways to address issues. Unlike individual types of therapy, however, family therapy usually involves multiple family members. That said, there are different types of therapies available for families. Here are four of them.

1. Structural

Structural therapy is about making adjustments and setting boundaries. With this therapy, the therapist will usually join family members at their home to make observations and suggestions for changes.

2. Systematic

On the other hand, systematic therapy involves looking deeper than physical observations. With this kind of family therapy, therapists look into unconscious communication and underlying meaning for behaviors.

3. Strategic

A third type of therapy for families is about strategizing to create a more direct approach. For families who do not want to wait a long time, this kind of therapy can be more brief. The reason for this is because the therapist has a lot of control over the situation. With a strategic approach, family members each receive “homework” assignments. With each assignment, families must learn new ways to communicate with one another. 

4. Bowenian

Although most family therapy involves multiple family members working together with the therapist, the Bowenian approach offers a therapy option for people who cannot or do not want to involve other family members. This kind of therapy is more about individual healing and relief than family reconciliation. 

When it comes to family therapy, there are several types to choose from. If you have never been to this kind of therapy before, you may wonder which options there are. Here are four the most common types, but they are not the only ones. Learning about the different family therapy types available can help you resolve problems you may be experiencing with those closest to you.

While an ostomy may sound frightening, in truth it is a lifesaving procedure. An ostomy need not interfere with life activities if patients have good attitudes and make an effort to take care of the ostomy, also called a stoma. Here is how to care for an ostomy.

Careful Cleaning

People who have an ostomy can bathe and shower, with or without the pouch. The important thing to remember, however, is not to use soap on or near the stoma. Soap can irritate the area and interfere with the barrier. The skin surrounding the stoma should be completely dry before a new barrier is applied.

Proper Supplies

People with an ostomy need to find the right medical supplies for their particular needs. For example, there are a variety of pouching systems and barrier types from which to choose. The best types of supplies depend on various factors.

• The type of ostomy
• Body shape
• Skin sensitivity level
• Body size

Those with a stoma need reliable ostomy supplies insurance to make sure they have access to everything es they need.

Quality Living

Those with ostomies can enjoy life fully, returning to work and daily activities. Some adjustments may be necessary, such as with clothing choices, but there need not be a closing in of life after an ostomy.

• Clear out old clothes, but make it fun. Have friends be part of it and offer honest opinions. Most of the time, ostomy pouches are much less noticeable than patients think.
• Patterns on clothes help conceal movement and bumps, and tight layers such as camisoles, undershirts, and leggings help hold bags securely against the body.
• By all means, those with ostomies should go out and socialize. They should bring at least one extra ostomy kit and locate the men’s or ladies’ room wherever they are so they can relax. This is also true for returning to work.

An ostomy does not have to cause a loss of enjoyment. This lifesaving procedure offers patients another chance to be their best. Those with ostomies can look forward to full, meaningful lives wherever their adventures take them.

Long-term muscle soreness is not only frustrating, but it is also life-hindering. When pain exists for long periods, people may struggle to complete daily activities. They may also find exercise, beneficial to mental and physical mentality, hard to achieve. Sufferers do not have to rely on pain medicine and pills. There may be natural ways to alleviate the discomfort, getting life back to normal. If you’re having a hard time finding relief, try the following four methods.

1. See a Chiropractor

Chiropractors are medical professionals who understand the skeletal and muscle systems. They can examine the body, determining if anything is out of alignment, searching for the underlying problem. Some patients may require adjustments. Try to find a place with a variety of treatment plans, such as deep tissue massage Bowling Green. Sometimes the muscles need to be worked out to restore function.

2. Enjoy Epsom Salt Baths

This salt isn’t something you put on food. It’s a natural product that, when dissolved in warm water, releases magnesium and sulfate. The theory is that the mineral assists in relaxing muscles, permitting them to feel better. Epsom baths are a bit different from a bubble bath. Bathwater should be warm to the touch. Use the bag’s recommended amount, usually about one to 2 cups, and soak for approximately 15 minutes.

3. Consume Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Some studies point to anti-inflammatory foods as a possible method. Watermelon, ginger, turmeric, and pineapple enhance the body’s ability to reduce inflammation. Try to add these to your regular diet. Also, minimize salt and processed foods.

4. Drink Milk

After a workout, drink a glass of milk or use a milk-protein product. The protein seems to mitigate soreness.

You may be able to feel better by making small adjustments to your diet and habits. As always, speak with medical experts before making any changes, but there may be a natural way to heal your pain.

If you enjoy the fresh air and struggle to find the motivation to work out, then moving your workouts outside may be the answer. Exercising is more fun and feels less like work when it is outside. Almost any activity can be easily moved outside, but here are some especially fun ways to get you up and moving this year. 

Incorporate Equipment

What better reason to exercise outside than to use fun equipment you can’t use indoors? Feel young again by doing the activities you loved when you were a kid. You can burn lots of calories by jumping on 13 foot trampolines, or balancing on a tight rope. Both exercises use your core and leg muscles. If you live near water, go out on a paddleboard or rowboat. Rowing is a low impact way to burn lots of calories and get a full-body workout. If you live near a basketball court, then get a game together with some friends. The cardio will be worth it even if you end up losing the game. 

Join a Class

Lots of gym classes have been moved outdoors. Many classes, like yoga or pilates, are more enjoyable in the fresh air with a view. Groups of people are now doing fitness scavenger hunts. You can get a group of people together to run around the neighborhood and perform exercises at different locations. This is a great way to motivate everyone and also have some neighborhood fun. Some outdoor classes take place in a park with obstacle courses. This is a creative way to add circuit training into your routine. Working out with a group is simply a great motivator. So why not take the group outside and really make the workout fun! 

The most important thing is to get moving. Any activity that gets you outside is going to benefit your health. Starting is the hardest part, so begin with activities that you can look forward to. 

When someone you love is struggling with addiction, it can be a heartbreaking and challenging experience for everyone. It is not always easy to know how best to help. If you want to help them manage their addiction, here are a few things that you can do.

Programs

Most importantly, it is never up to you to manage someone else’s recovery; however, what you can do is get them connected to key resources. There are professionals and resources available that are trained to offer the type of assistance that can help an addict in their recovery. Finding the right intensive outpatient program Austin TX can be an important first step.

Understanding Limits

The desire to swoop in and fix the problem often comes from a good place because you care. The reality is that all you can do is support someone because it is their life, their addiction and their recovery process. As you support them, you need to understand what a healthy level of involvement is and set limits and boundaries.

Compassion

You must take the time to understand the importance of compassion. Many addicts experience hills and valleys throughout their recovery process. This can be incredibly challenging and frustrating; however, embracing and prioritizing compassion during recovery will be beneficial for everyone.

Support Systems

Addictions can also have a significant impact on the family, friends and loved ones. When supporting someone who suffers from an addiction, regardless of what it is, those in supportive roles must still seek their own support. Finding a community that you can lean on throughout is crucial. Addictions can rock families, friends and communities in unfathomable ways. While this directly affects one person, there are ripple effects that have a lasting impact.

While it is not up to you to fix the problem when someone suffers from addiction, there are many ways that you can help. Throughout this, you must be mindful of the way that it is affecting you and find ways to find support, strength and community if you truly want to help your loved ones.

The pandemic has introduced many differences in the world around us. And while people tend to focus on the negatives that have happened – because there is admittedly no shortage of examples – there have also been some silver linings in this cloud. For one thing, the situation served as a good wake-up call for some people about the importance of the healthcare sector, and the reality of its fragile nature. Many assumed that physicians and everyone else involved had the capacity to handle what was happening, but we quickly learned that this was far from the case. If you’re one of those with a newly sparked interest in helping out and contributing to the sector, but have no medical degree, don’t worry – there are still plenty of options available, and many of them are in high demand right now.

Home Care

With so many people finding themselves stuck at home during the various lockdown phases, and many of those being elderly or frail people without a support network, the importance of home care specialists has gone through the roof. Keep in mind that this kind of job can be a lot more complicated than you would assume – it’s not like taking care of your granny at home. You’ll have to deal with unusual hours, special conditions, and will need to be extremely patient in order to help your patients out to the best of your abilities. If you have a knack for it though, this can be a fantastic opportunity for a long-term career with solid prospects.

Rehabilitation and Sports

Physical therapy and rehabilitation are also fields that have seen a lot of growth in this situation. Keep in mind that you might need a specialized license for physiotherapy – but there are plenty of ways to apply any relevant skills you might have without that requirement. If you’re good at a particular sport, now may be a great time to start practicing that professionally, and to train others on how to improve as well. It can take a while to get this off the ground if you have no prior experience as a trainer, as it’s about much more than your raw skills. But once you get the hang of it, you might find a great delight in pushing people through the next plateau.

Nursing

And if you’re looking to get more directly involved in the healthcare sector without a medical degree, nursing may be right up your alley. There are various online ABSN programs that can help you get up to speed as quickly as possible, and the likelihood of this becoming irrelevant over the next couple of decades is pretty slim to none. There will always be a need for competent nurses, and in fact, the current market has opened up a lot of demand for this type of work. Keep in mind that this is also a job that requires a lot of patience and people skills, something which your nursing school may not necessarily focus on. It’s generally accepted that you will be focusing on building those skills on your own outside of your primary learning.

Using Your Tech Skills

Have a knack for technology but little to no aptitude for actual medical work? There might be a great position waiting for you in the tech sector! Medicine and modern technology have always been tightly connected, and there is a lot of synergy between the two fields. This has proven even more true in the last year, with a lot of advanced research focusing on things like working out the intricate details of the virus. There’s a lot you can do to help out if you’re good with things like programming, database administration, data analysis, and other advanced fields. And even if you consider yourself to be poorly educated on actual medical topics, you never know when you might find a new field that you’re surprisingly good at.

Medical Assistant

A medical assistant is generally tasked with the administrative side of running healthcare facilities, and you don’t need any in-depth medical knowledge to get started in the field. The exact job details may vary from one position to another, but the general idea stays the same. You need an aptitude for organizing things and for keeping your work tidy and professional. You will also need strong communication skills, especially when it comes to dealing with more difficult patients or physicians (they exist on both sides of the equation). If you can see yourself doing that without crumbling under the pressure, then the job of a medical assistant might be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s also not difficult to get started in this field, which is always a nice bonus. Keep in mind that you may be expected to keep developing your skills on your own time though, as you will have a lot of catching up to do at first.

Radiation Therapist

And for something a bit more specialized, there has been a lot of demand for radiation therapy specialists in the last few years. The job does require extra education, but the learning workload is typically not as heavy as that for regular physicians and other similar positions in the field. It’s also challenging work revolving around lots of new developments, so you’ll be expected to stay on top of your game at all times and keep researching new things. For those who like to constantly learn and improve themselves though, this can be a fantastic opportunity with great long-term prospects.

If you’re excited about helping others and want to contribute something positive to the current situation, the world of healthcare awaits you. There are many options to explore, and if you have the time, it’s definitely advisable to take a step back and evaluate everything in front of you under a microscope. You’ll likely find that there is a lot more that you can do on top of what you already knew, and some of these opportunities don’t even require that much effort to get started with in the first place.

Mаnу U.S. Fеdеrаl еmрlоуееѕ assume thаt Fеdеrаl Emрlоуее Group Lіfе Insurance (FEGLI) іѕ thе bеѕt рlаn аvаіlаblе tо thеm bесаuѕе they аrе аutоmаtісаllу еnrоllеd іn thе bаѕіс plan as soon аѕ thеу become employed. Mаnу еvеn choose tо аdd оnе оf thе аddіtіоnаl three coverage орtіоnѕ (Options A, B or C). But how dо fеdеrаl employees really knоw that they’re getting thе mоѕt аffоrdаblе рlаn and thе best соvеrаgе available? Hаvе they fullу wеіghеd thе pros аnd соnѕ of thе plans? Arе they aware оf аltеrnаtіvеѕ such as this federal employee health insurance open enrollment?

Tо hеlр federal еmрlоуееѕ bеttеr undеrѕtаnd FEGLI’s соѕtѕ аnd bеnеfіtѕ, I’ve come up wіth a lіѕt оf FEGLI pros and соnѕ. I hоре thаt thіѕ lіѕt will hеlр fеdеrаl еmрlоуееѕ dесіdе whether оr not FEGLI іѕ thе bеѕt рlаn for thеіr fаmіlу or whether they should opt for other alternatives.

Prоѕ of FEGLI

1.Cоnvеnіеnсе – Yоu’rе аutоmаtісаllу enrolled in basic coverage, regardless of your аgе оr health. Yоu don’t hаvе tо tаkе any mеdісаl еxаmѕ, аnd you’re guaranteed соvеrаgе as lоng as you аrе еmрlоуеd wіth thе government аnd рау the premiums. The рrеmіumѕ аrе аlѕо automatically dеduсtеd from уоur paycheck, ѕо you dоn’t hаvе tо worry аbоut mаkіng рауmеntѕ.
2.Ability tо сhооѕе соvеrаgе amount – Thе basic plan covers your ѕаlаrу rоundеd uр tо thе nеаrеѕt thоuѕаnd plus $2,000, but уоu саn сhооѕе tо add more соvеrаgе. Option A аddѕ $10,000 tо уоur coverage, and Oрtіоn B аllоwѕ you tо сhооѕе еvеn mоrе.
3.Family соvеrаgе – Option C allows уоu tо соvеr уоur ѕроuѕе аnd уоur сhіldrеn іn addition tо уоurѕеlf. Sоmе оthеr рlаnѕ rеԛuіrеd уоu tо hаvе ѕераrаtе роlісіеѕ for each person.

Cоnѕ оf FEGLI

1.Cоѕt – The аddіtіоnаl соvеrаgе Options A, B аnd C аrе an аddіtіоnаl соѕt tо the bаѕіс рlаn аnd thеѕе рrеmіumѕ increase аѕ уоu gеt older. Thе рrеmіumѕ fоr thе соvеrаgе оn your spouse аnd children are based оn уоur age, not thе аgе оf your fаmіlу mеmbеrѕ, ѕо thеѕе соѕtѕ also increase as уоu age. You’ll аlѕо hаvе to pay аn extra premium іf you’d like to add Aссіdеntаl Death and Dismemberment Inѕurаnсе.
2.Cоvеrаgе may be tеmроrаrу – You wіll оnlу bе еlіgіblе whіlе you wоrk for thе fеdеrаl government or if уоu retire from thе gоvеrnmеnt роѕіtіоn. If you choose to lеаvе your jоb оr are tеrmіnаtеd, уоu lоѕе уоur FELGI соvеrаgе.
3.Lack оf орtіоnѕ – Althоugh FEGLI dоеѕ offer a fеw орtіоnѕ, іt does not offer choices lіkе Whоlе Lіfе Inѕurаnсе, Single Prеmіum Whоlе Lіfе оr Universal Lіfе Insurance. Thеѕе policies оffеr fеаturеѕ and benefits that are not included in FEGLI’ѕ plans.
4.Dіffісult tо increase соvеrаgе – Yоu can dесrеаѕе your соvеrаgе аmоunt at аnу tіmе, but you саn only іnсrеаѕе during open еnrоllmеnt реrіоdѕ, bу tаkіng a physical exam, or wіth a “Qualifying Lіfе Evеnt”. The last ореn enrollment was аlmоѕt 10 уеаrѕ ago іn Sерtеmbеr 2004, so іt’ѕ unwіѕе tо wаіt fоr these ореn ѕеаѕоnѕ tо іnсrеаѕе уоur соvеrаgе.

It’s estimated that over 40 million adults in the US suffer from some type of anxiety or depression disorder. It’s not surprising, given the stresses and demands that come with modern life. There are plenty of factors that can contribute to these conditions that are outside of your control. However, you don’t have to let depression and anxiety rule your life. Here are three ways to combat symptoms and enjoy a calmer, happier life.

See a Professional Counselor or Therapist

Some people with emotional or mental health symptoms may be asking themselves, “What is counseling Somerville NJ“? Unlike a psychiatrist, who specializes in treating more serious issues, often with medication, a counselor or therapist helps people with more common problems. From dealing with grief or stress to overcoming harmful habits, counseling is a great way to address the issues that may be contributing to depression symptoms. It’s also an important resource where you can learn tools and practices to help you navigate more successfully when challenging times come.

Prioritize Sufficient and Consistent Sleep

While trouble sleeping can be a symptom of depression or anxiety, a lack of good sleep can also be a contributing factor. Rest is critical for a healthy body and mind but most adults simply do not get enough sleep on a regular basis. Set yourself up for success by maximizing comfort and building a nightly bedtime routine. Ideally, you should get a minimum of seven hours every night.

Focus on Diet and Exercise

Studies have shown that a diet full of processed foods, simple carbs and refined sugars can make anxiety and depression worse. Instead, try to eat a healthy, balanced diet full of nutritious, natural foods. Boosting your omega-3 and vitamin B12 intake can also help. In addition, make regular exercise a priority since it can help relieve stress, release natural endorphins and improve sleep.

If you have new or worsening symptoms, contact a mental health professional right away. By taking these proactive measures, you can help reduce depression and anxiety symptoms for a better life.

Do you find yourself wanting to make a living out of helping others? Whether you’re just entering adulthood or are looking to make a career change, there are many options available that can provide rewarding work, and all without having to earn a four-year degree. For a steady job that focuses on helping others, consider these three popular career options.

Massage Therapist

Pursuing a massage therapy career Atlanta is a great way to serve others while providing for your family. As a massage therapist, you’ll be able to help people learn how to manage and relieve chronic pain, reduce stress and live a healthier life. While the training and education varies based on the type of massage you choose to study, many programs can be completed in less than a year, making it easy for you to get started quickly.

Medical Assistant

For many people, a visit to the doctor can cause anxiety and stress. As a medical assistant, you can play an important role in helping people get the health care they need while helping them feel welcome, comfortable and more at ease. There are numerous paths and options for medical assistants. You can choose to obtain your certification with a high school (or equivalent) diploma or pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in the field. You can also work in numerous settings, from pediatrics and family medicine to specialists’ offices.

Personal Trainer

Good health is imperative to leading a happy and productive life. As a personal trainer, you can help people achieve their weight loss or fitness goals, rebuild muscle after an injury or surgery or simply stay in healthy shape for a longer, better life. You don’t necessarily have to take an education course to become a fitness instructor or trainer, although it may help you broaden your horizons and better understand the ins and outs of running your own business.

With a little training and lot of passion, you can make a career out of helping others. Make the switch today and take your first steps towards a more rewarding occupation.

Post-menopausal bleeding is not particularly uncommon although it does require examination and history taking to ascertain its cause. Typically the bleeding is temporary and benign, but occasionally it can be something more serious.

If your patient experienced their last menstrual cycle more than 12 months ago, and is now bleeding again, this is a cause for concern and should be investigated thoroughly. When detected early, most conditions that bring on post-menopausal bleeding (including cancer) can be treated successfully.

What causes bleeding after menopause?

Emphasise to your patient that in the vast majority of cases, bleeding post-menopause is not a cause for alarm. Oftentimes, the bleeding is so temporary that its origin is never discovered, and never needs to be. But of course, any unusual symptoms or extreme pain can be an emergency or require treatment quickly.

The most common reasons for post-menopausal bleeding are:

• A thinning of the lining of the uterus
• An inflammation and/or thinning of the lining of the vagina (known as atrophic vaginitis)
• Growths in the uterus or cervix (polyps). Similar to fibroids, these are typically not cancerous
• Abnormalities in the uterus or cervix
• A thickened endometrium (referred to as endometrial hyperplasia). This can often be caused by hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

The above are fairly common and usually not serious. But again, we must highlight that a serious underlying cause will be present in around 10% of patients presenting with them. This includes cervical, ovarian and uterine cancers, where clearly time is of the essence. This is why it’s essential for nurses and other healthcare practitioners to be aware of the symptoms and causes of post-menopausal bleeding, and what treatments may be required.

Do you feel confident in understanding why a patient is experiencing post-menopausal bleeding? Do you know the types of questions to ask and how best to phrase them?

If you’re looking to brush up on your skills in this area, you may well find our course Gynae core skills for first contact practitioners particularly useful. Designed specifically for healthcare professionals including first contact nurses, nurse practitioners and practice nurses, it can help you develop the skills necessary to diagnose and advise on a range of gynaecological issues.

This one-day course – worth 7 hours of CPD – is held entirely online so is perfect for interactive learning at a distance. Two dates are currently available: 12^th January 2021 and 27^th April 2021. All course material, evaluations and certificate of attendance are included, however this course is one of our more popular ones so make sure you sign up early!

Home fires are horrific: They are always frightening, potentially deadly and often costly. The best way to survive the experience is to prevent a fire from occurring in the first place. A lackadaisical approach to prevention is akin to fanning the flames of possibility. Every homeowner should take measures to fireproof a home, and every renter should light a fire under the landlord to take the initiative. Here is a lifesaving plan worth formulating.

Smoke Detectors

Sometime in your life, you may have asked yourself the following: How do I become a firefighter in Texas? If so, you likely are concerned about home-fire safety education, which is a firefighter priority. Most municipal fire companies promote smoke detector awareness, foremost, and for good reason: Placing working smoke detectors in every room is the single most effective life-saving fire-safety measure. Nearly 60% of fire deaths occur in homes without smoke alarms. Make sure your detectors are newer and your batteries are changed twice a year.

Electrical System

An outdated electrical system is a disaster-in-waiting. If your is decades old, and in particular if it is made up of knob and tube wiring, you need to replace it now. However, even newer layouts may be dangerously insufficient. If your circuit breaker continually trips, or if you have multiple electronics and appliances plugged into single outlets, you are overtaxing the wiring within the walls. The wires will get hot and can melt their surrounding sheathing, starting a fire within the insulation.

Sleeping Situations

Nighttime activities can create hazards if you do not take precautions. When you fall asleep, you will block out fire-causing conditions. A heating blanket that runs too hot can, for example, start a fire; you should set yours to turn off automatically. Smoking while relaxing in bed is particularly hazardous; it becomes too easy to become so relaxed that you fall asleep while the cigarette is still lit. Your best bet is to avoid taking a drag while in bed — or while sitting on a soft-stuffed chair, for that matter.

Cooking Calamities

The crowded kitchen offers many opportunities for quickly spreading flames to erupt; this is where grease and fire come into close proximity. Keep towels, curtains and plastic drying-racks far away from the stove, but store a fire extinguisher within reach of your cooking.

Firefighters join the ranks because they want to save lives when fires erupt. Rather than extinguishing a roaring blaze, they would prefer the fire did not start in the first place. You can do your part to put a blanket over potential fire causes by creating a prevention plan right away.