Category Archives: Going Healthy

Going Healthy, Health, Life, Tips

Safety and Comfort: The Role of Medical Supervision in Detox

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Detoxification involves removing toxins from the human body to enhance recovery after substance abuse. It is among the first few steps in the long journey to recovery and sobriety. Unfortunately, detox is a dangerous process that triggers withdrawal symptoms, from pain to Delirium Tremens, a life-threatening condition.

Complete weaning off from drugs or substances typically sends the brain into overdrive, making a person crave alcohol or drugs. These withdrawal symptoms vary from one individual to another, making it hard to predict the extent or intensity of their manifestation. Therefore, medical supervision is critical during detox to minimize discomfort, pain, and the chances of life-long complications. Here are more benefits of medical supervision during the detoxification process.

Improved Health and Safety

Medical supervision can improve safety, especially for people with chronic drinking history, mental health issues, and previous detox history. The medical supervision team helps patients alleviate discomfort or pain and prevent health complications.

If health experts notice signs of health complications, they address the problem immediately, making the process safe and comfortable. This is because the patients’ vitals and body responses are monitored 24/7 to keep tabs on their progress and avoid sudden turns of events. Besides, medical detox involves regularly assessing the physical and mental health, thus preventing withdrawal symptoms-related emergencies.

Timely Intervention to Manage Withdrawal Symptoms

Under medically supervised detox, patients are monitored by different healthcare professionals. These professionals have the knowledge, skills, and experience to mitigate or manage withdrawal symptoms. This means a patient does not struggle with the symptoms alone since the team is dedicated to ensuring the recovery process is safe and smooth.

Safe and Conducive Environment

What would happen if a patient develops medical or mental conditions and switches from the recovery center to the hospital and back for treatment? Medically supervised detox offers detox, treatment, and monitoring in a safe and conducive environment. This makes it easy to prevent access to alcohol or drugs, eliminating triggers and reducing the chances of relapse. The temptation to drink alcohol or abuse drugs is reduced into cravings until the patient recovers fully and can resist the urge.

In most cases, detox is one of the first steps of a comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation program. Therefore, the patient will continue the treatment process until they achieve sobriety after detox. Medical supervision helps identify causes of chronic stress, triggers, and ways to manage body responses that might compel the patient to relapse. The medical professionals also offer aftercare support and medical follow-up to ensure patients are back on their feet.

Enjoy Medical and Psychological Support

Mental health stability plays a significant role in enhancing the rehabilitation process. Therefore, health professionals strive to address medical and mental conditions during detox to ensure the patient recovers fully. Healthcare workers pay attention to signs of mental disturbance and provide holistic care that improves the detox process and its outcomes.

But how do detox programs facilitate holistic detox and recovery? The recovery process involves the collaborative efforts of medical doctors, therapists, and counselors. Therefore, each case is referred to the relevant professional for coordinated diagnosis and treatment.

Detox and substance withdrawal are dangerous since they can cause pain or life-threatening conditions. However, medically supervised detox helps monitor progress and respond to medical or mental complications associated with the detox process. This enhances safety and improves the outcome of the recovery process.

Going Healthy, Health, Life, Tips

Understanding and Recognizing Hearing Loss in Dads: A Guide to Better Communication

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Every June, Father’s Day reminds us of the importance of communication in families. Effective communication is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship, and a key aspect of successful communication is clear and accurate hearing. Hearing loss, unfortunately, can affect individuals of all ages and genders, including dads. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of hearing loss in fathers is crucial to supporting their overall well-being and maintaining strong family bonds.

Studies show men ages 20 to 69 are twice as likely as women to experience hearing loss. The perception that hearing loss only happens to older people is not necessarily true. Men can start losing their hearing in their 30s and 40s when communication with their children is paramount to developing strong relationships. While it is true that men are more likely to experience hearing loss at an early age compared to women, the exact reasons for this gender disparity are not entirely clear. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon, including lifestyle influences. Men are often over-represented in occupations that expose them to high levels of noise, such as construction, manufacturing, and military service.

According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, it takes people, on average, seven years from the time they suspect they might have a hearing loss to the time they seek treatment. So, this June we ask, “How do we get dads on-board with better hearing health?”

First, we need to recognize the signs of hearing loss. Hearing loss can be gradual and may go unnoticed for some time. Dads experiencing hearing loss may exhibit the following signs:

  1. Difficulty following conversations: If your dad frequently asks others to repeat themselves or appears to misunderstand what has been said, it could be an indication of hearing loss.
  2. Turning up the volume: Notice if your dad consistently sets the television or radio volume higher than usual. This compensatory behavior may suggest difficulty in hearing.
  3. Social withdrawal: Hearing loss can lead to frustration, embarrassment, and isolation. If your dad begins avoiding social gatherings or seems less engaged in conversations, it could be due to hearing difficulties. Healthcare experts warn that withdrawing from social interaction can lead to cognitive decline or depression.
  1. Misinterpreting speech: If your dad frequently misinterprets or misunderstands words, it may indicate a decline in hearing capabilities. Spoken consonants can be especially tricky, so for example, when you offer dad “cake” and he asks about Aunt “Kate,” that may be a sign of hearing loss.
  2. Ringing in the ears: Tinnitus, characterized by a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears, is often associated with hearing loss. If your dad complains of such symptoms, it is essential to consider the possibility of hearing impairment.

Once you have recognized potential signs of hearing loss in your dad, it is crucial to encourage him to seek professional help. Approach the subject with empathy and understanding, emphasizing the benefits of early intervention. A comprehensive hearing evaluation by an audiologist or hearing care specialist can determine the extent of hearing loss. While the goal should be for dad to make an appointment with a hearing care professional, his familiar primary care physician can also be a good place to start. In addition to its network of audiologists and licensed hearing aid specialists, HearUSA works closely with primary care physicians.

Additionally, broaching the subject of hearing aids means understanding for yourself how modern devices differ from what your father (and maybe you) think of them. Various models are designed to be discreet, so they don’t stand out; and rechargeable, so he doesn’t have to worry about changing those tiny batteries. Many models also offer a wireless connection to your smartphone, laptop, or tablet to adjust the hearing aid performance based on the specific sound situation, such as having a conversation in a crowded restaurant.

The impact of hearing loss extends beyond the individual experiencing it. Family members can contribute to a positive and supportive environment by learning about hearing loss and its effects on communication. Understanding the challenges your dad faces can help you adjust your approach and offer appropriate support. Encourage your dad to share his experiences, concerns, and any adjustments he may need to improve communication. Be patient with your dad and empathize with his struggles. Recognize that hearing loss can be frustrating and emotionally challenging. Providing emotional support can significantly improve your dad’s well-being.

Recognizing hearing loss in dads and taking proactive steps to address it is essential for maintaining strong family connections and overall well-being. By recognizing the signs, encouraging professional evaluation and implementing treatment, everyone benefits.

By: Andrew Wagner Au.D. CCC-A at HearUSA

Going Healthy, Health, Life, Tips

Things To Consider To Improve Your Smile

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Smiling suits everybody. If you do not smile often due to a lack of confidence or because you do not feel satisfied with the health of your teeth, you need to take action. It is healthy to smile. 

If you desire a healthier-looking smile, here are some things to consider. 

Positive young multiethnic couple smiling and looking at each other on street · Free Stock Photo (pexels.com)

Seek expert modern dentistry support

Using modern dentistry experts, you can ensure to obtain the best results. There, you can ask about new procedures and get the most recent treatments to ensure your teeth are as healthy and as confident as you desire. 

There will be various dentists near you that can help with your concerns. Ensure to talk to them about what you would like to achieve, and they will provide the best treatment plan to help you achieve your dream smile. 

Whether you want to try straightening, whitening, or something else, an expert will guarantee to provide you with what you need. You can get Invisalign in Birmingham (or wherever you live) for example, if you’re looking to reduce crookedness and crowding, which in turn will also make it easier to clean your teeth each day. The straighter your teeth are, the less likely it is that food will get stuck between them, so it makes sense to look into orthodontic treatments if you’re also concerned about plaque, gum disease or discolouration. 

Soften your smile

Another way to improve your smile and its appearance is to soften your face when you smile. 

You will appear softer and more relaxed if you soften your face. It will help to make your smile look more natural, which will make you love it more when you see it in photos. 

Teeth cleaning (at home and with the dentist)

It is important to clean your teeth thoroughly and effectively. Doing so at home should involve brushing twice a day and flossing daily. 

After that, you can also seek cleaning at your dentist. They will perform a deep clean to remove plaque. 

Limit your coffee and red wine intake

Limiting your coffee and red wine intake can do wonders for your teeth, their health, and your smile.

Caffeine and red wine can stain teeth, leaving them to appear yellow or brown. Therefore, cut down if you wish to improve your teeth and their appearance. 

Cut back on the sugar and smoking

Similarly, sugar and smoking can impact the health and appearance of the teeth. Too much of either can cause rotting and oral health issues. 

Cutting back or eliminating the two completely will benefit your teeth and help you achieve healthier teeth, making you feel more confident when you smile. 

Practice smiling in the mirror to perfect your smile and gain more confidence 

Practising smiling in the mirror can help you find your natural smile, one that you feel confident and comfortable with. 

The more you practice, the more you will see how great you look when you smile. You can find your perfect smile and smile more. 

These tips are simple yet effective when it comes to improving your smile. If you currently live an imbalanced or unhealthy lifestyle, making a few changes can do wonders for your oral health. Furthermore, if you practice smiling and perform dentist treatments, such as straightening, you can feel more confident when you smile, encouraging you to smile more.