All posts by R.C. Liley

I'm an ex-mutual fund accountant who left the cubicle world to be a stay-at-home dad to my beautiful little girl, Avery, who entered our life on 11/15/13 and handsome little boy, Wes, who joined our family on 11/19/17. Also happily married to my wife, Kelley, as of 8/17/07. Sorry ladies... :) Fitness and nutrition is of the utmost importance in our family and we strive to reflect this in our daily life. I always prepare our meals at home and only go out if it's a special occasion, and even then I tend to not get much. Food should be fun and a joy to eat, not something quickly consumed from a fast food chain or scarf down before the next meeting. I have come from strictly logging high miles to train for the next marathon to keeping exercise varied and focusing more on strength. I still enjoy going for a run when I can, but nothing crazy, and I prefer hill sprints while pushing my daughter, Avery in the stroller. She loves it and I get a great workout! I want to show the world how to appreciate their body and feed it real, wholesome food while moving more throughout the day. In doing so, everyone would be healthier, happier, and we'd all live in a better place as a result. I blog mainly about my life as a stay-at-home dad and frequently include reviews, participate in campaigns, and share my thoughts on fitness and nutrition. If you ever have any questions or thoughts to share, please reach out as I'm always open to listening or helping others however possible. That is, when I have free time since Avery is and my wife are the number one priorities!
Going Healthy, Health, Life, Lifestyle

Addressing Male Infertility: The Expertise of IVF Doctors

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Infertility issues aren’t exclusive to women; many men face challenges when trying to conceive. Luckily, the medical world has made leaps and bounds in treatments available, and IVF doctors are at the forefront of these advancements. Let’s dive into how these experts can help address male infertility.

Understanding Male Infertility

Before delving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand the basics. Male infertility can be due to various reasons:

  • Low sperm count: When there aren’t enough sperm to fertilize the egg.
  • Poor sperm motility: When sperm can’t swim effectively towards the egg.
  • Abnormal sperm shape: Imperfections in shape can hinder fertilization.
  • Blockages: Prevent sperm from getting out.

The Role of IVF Doctors

Decoding the Problem

The first step in tackling any problem is to understand its root. An IVF doctor Melbourne will be skilled in:

– Diagnosis: Using advanced tools to pinpoint the exact cause of infertility.

– Advice: Offering suggestions tailored to the patient’s specific needs.

Crafting a Treatment Plan

Once they’ve understood the issue, they’ll move forward with a plan:

1. Medication: Some issues can be fixed with drugs that enhance sperm production or motility.

2. Surgery: In cases where there’s a blockage or another physical issue, a minor procedure might be the solution.

3. Lifestyle Changes: Sometimes, the problem might be a result of habits like smoking or excessive drinking. In such instances, guidance on making healthier life choices can make a difference.

How IVF Comes into Play

If the more straightforward approaches don’t yield results, IVF can be the game-changer. Here’s how:

  • Sperm Extraction: Directly extracting sperm from the testicles, especially when there’s a blockage.
  • ICSI: A single healthy sperm is injected directly into the egg. This is especially useful when the sperm’s motility is an issue.
  • Egg Donation: In rare cases where the sperm’s quality isn’t optimal, using a donor egg can increase chances of fertilization.

Steps in IVF Treatment for Male Infertility

1. Consultation: Meeting the doctor to discuss medical history and undergo basic tests.

2. Diagnosis: Pinpointing the exact reason for infertility.

3. Treatment Strategy: Deciding on the best approach (like ICSI).

4. Sperm Retrieval: Extracting sperm either through ejaculation or direct extraction.

5. Fertilization: Combining the sperm with the egg.

6. Embryo Transfer: Placing the embryo into the uterus.

The Success Rate

IVF has been a beacon of hope for many couples. While it’s not a guaranteed solution, it significantly raises the chances of conception for many with male infertility issues. Remember:

  • Each case is unique. What works for one might not work for another.
  • IVF success rates also depend on factors like age, overall health, and more.
  • Continuous advancements are being made in the field, improving success rates every day.

Lifestyle Changes to Boost Fertility

  • Balanced Diet: Consuming a nutrient-rich diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can improve sperm health.
  • Exercise Regularly: Moderate exercise can boost testosterone levels and improve sperm quality. However, excessive training might have the opposite effect, so find a balance.
  • Limit Alcohol and Tobacco: Both can reduce sperm production and quality. Reducing or quitting can improve fertility.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress might interfere with hormones needed to produce sperm. Finding relaxation techniques, whether it’s through meditation, reading, or hobbies, can be beneficial.
  • Avoid Overheating: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures, like in saunas or hot tubs, might reduce sperm count. It’s best to limit such exposures.

Emotional Support and Counseling

Infertility isn’t just a physical challenge; it takes a toll emotionally too. Recognizing and addressing this aspect is crucial:

  • Open Communication: If you’re in a relationship, discuss your feelings and fears. Being on the same page with your partner can ease the journey.
  • Professional Counseling: Therapists or counselors specialized in infertility issues can offer coping strategies.
  • Support Groups: Talking to others who are going through the same challenges can be therapeutic. It reminds you that you’re not alone.
  • Educate Yourself: Understanding the issue can make it less intimidating. Attend workshops or seminars if available.
  • Set Boundaries: It’s okay to tell well-meaning friends or family that you’d rather not discuss your fertility issues. Protecting your emotional well-being is essential.

Final Thoughts

Facing male infertility can be challenging, both emotionally and physically. However, with the expertise of IVF doctors, there’s a ray of hope. They not only bring medical skills to the table but also the much-needed emotional and psychological support. If you or someone you know is grappling with this issue, remember that medical science is on your side. With a mix of patience, resilience, and expert care, the dream of parenthood might just be a few steps away.

Going Healthy, Health, Tips

What To Look For In A Dentist

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When you are looking for a new dentist, there are all sorts of things that you should pay close attention to. You of course want to make sure that you end up with someone that you can trust, whom you are going to be able to look to whenever you need any help at all with your dental wellbeing. This is something that can be hard to come by, but as long as you know roughly what to look for in a dentist, you should find that you are able to find it much more easily and effectively.

dentist office, dental tools, teeth cleaning

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In this post, we are going to therefore discuss what to look for in a dentist. As long as you can find at least some of the following, you should be able to know that the dentist in question is one you can trust, and one that you are going to be able to look to whenever you need help.

Location

It sounds funny, but in the end one of the most important things of all is that you find a dentist that is in a good location for you. You need to be able to get there quickly and easily, and that is something that is going to be really important to consider. If they are not in a good location, then you might struggle to really appreciate them as the right dentist for you. This is probably the first thing to consider, because from there you can then narrow it down as well as you can, and then move on to other qualities that you might be looking for.

Trusted

The more trusted in the community your dentist of choice is, the easier you are going to find it to trust them with your own teeth and dental hygiene. But how can you find out whether they are trusted or not? Mostly this comes down to simply finding some online reviews and testimonials, and you should be able to find those relatively easily if you are looking for them as well as possible. You can also ask around with people you know who have been to that dentist, and this is obviously a very good way of being able to trust them. This kind of word of mouth is what you really want when you are looking for a dentist you can be happy with.

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Price

Of course, price is also an important concern for most of us. The better the price is, the more likely it is that you are going to feel confident in your ability to go to that dentist whenever you need to. You should ask to see their price list early on, and many dentists will showcase this on their websites these days so that you can find it easily. Being able to get the help you need at a low cost is a wonderful thing, and something that is likely to figure highly when you are trying to find a dentist that you can be happy with.

Credentials

There are also credentials that dentists should have, and it’s probably a good idea to make sure that you are checking these before you actually have any work done by them. It is certainly the case that having some of the right credentials can be hugely important, and it’s something that you are going to want to think about if you are keen on looking after your teeth as well as possible. So make sure that you ask to see these early on, because it helps with being able to fully trust your dentist.

Dentist working on patient, teeth cleaning, dental work, oral health

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Consultation

Finally, the thing to do really is to make sure that you book in an initial consultation. This is the only way you can really be sure that you are happy with your dentist, and it’s going to mean that you can get a sense of what they are like, what your relationship with them is like, and so on. So book this in and go for it with an open mind. This is a great way to find out more about your dentist and to discover everything you need to know about them and how they work.

Those are the main things to consider when you are wondering what to look for in a dentist. As long as you have thought about those things, you should find that you are able to find a dentist that is right for you in no time at all.

Going Healthy, Health, Lifestyle

Health Issues That Could Be Causing You Confusion

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stressed out man, headache, work life balance

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Ever had one of those days where you feel like your brain is swimming in a fishbowl? Or perhaps you walked into a room and totally forgot why? Sure, we’ve all blamed it on the “Monday blues” or perhaps an alien abduction, and some of us might even panic about serious health issues like dementia. But what if it’s something else entirely? Let’s dig into some sneaky health issues that might be turning your cognitive clarity into a hot mess.

Hearing Wha…? Enter: Hearing Loss

First on our health detective’s list: hearing loss. Imagine trying to solve a jigsaw puzzle with half the pieces missing. That’s what a conversation might feel like if your ears aren’t catching the full story. It’s not just about volume, either. Sometimes, certain sound frequencies go MIA, making conversations sound mumbled or incomplete. Just check out these moderate loss symptoms to see just how bad things can get, even if you haven’t realized you have a hearing issue!

Unmuddle the Mystery: Regular hearing checks are your first line of defense. Modern hearing aids are less “bulky contraption” and more “stealthy superhero gadget.” They’re discreet, tech-packed, and can make a world of difference.

The Thyroid Tangle

Our thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, is the overlord of our metabolism. If it starts dropping the ball (or baton), you might feel foggy, tired, or even chilly.

Clear the Cloud: A simple blood test can check your thyroid levels. Treatment might involve dietary changes, medication, or just closely monitoring the situation.

Vitamin Deficiencies: The Invisible Vampires

Low on B12? Or perhaps vitamin D is ducking out? These silent suckers can drain your energy and clarity without making a visible scene.

Banish the Bloodsuckers: Get those vitamin levels checked. You might need supplements, dietary changes, or even just a few more minutes in the sunny outdoors (with sunscreen, of course!).

Sleep Apnea: The Breath Bandit

This sneaky thief comes out when you’re sleeping, causing you to pause your breathing multiple times. You might not remember these episodes, but you’ll likely feel tired, moody, and yep, confused during the day.

Cage the Culprit: A sleep study can diagnose sleep apnea. Treatments range from lifestyle changes to using a CPAP machine to keep your airways open.

stressed out man, headache, work life balance

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Dehydration Drama

Our brains are like sponges, and they need hydration to function correctly. Dehydration can make thinking feel like wading through peanut butter.

Douse the Drought: Drink up! Make sure you’re sipping water throughout the day. No, coffee and margaritas don’t count!

The Blood Sugar Rollercoaster

Spikes and dips in blood sugar aren’t just a concern for diabetics. Ever felt that post-lunch slump or the brain-dead sensation after gobbling down a donut?

Stabilize the Ride: Opt for meals that release energy slowly. Think fiber, protein, and complex carbs. And maybe, just maybe, limit the donuts to “occasional” status.

Anxiety and the Overthinking Orchestra

An anxious mind can play our thoughts on loop, over and over. It’s exhausting and can feel like your brain’s been through a marathon without the medal.

Tune Down the Tempo: Mindfulness, meditation, and even professional therapy can help. Remember, it’s okay to seek help when the internal chatter gets too loud.

Medication Muddles

Some medications have side effects that can leave us feeling like we’re navigating through a foggy swamp.

Pave a Clear Path: If you suspect your meds might be clouding your clarity, it’s best to talk to the doctor who may be able to find a different dosage or alternative medicine to help you manage things.

Infection Intrusion

Believe it or not, some infections, like UTIs or Lyme disease, can affect the way our brains function, because our body is so busy fighting off the bugs, that the brain can get neglected.

Boot Out the Bugs: If you’re feeling off and have other symptoms like fever, fatigue, or unusual aches, see a doctor. The sooner you have a diagnosis, the sooner you can get back to firing on all cylinders metaphorically speaking, at least.

Whew! Who knew our brains had to dodge so many curveballs? But now that we know a little more about some of the potential health issues that could be causing us to feel a little more foggy than usual in the brain department, we can stop worrying and start acting on our concerns. There is no point worrying about dementia or writing off a real problem as a blip when you can simply talk to a physician and have the issue treated asap, so what are you waiting for?