Category Archives: Going Healthy

3 Potential Causes Of Hair Loss

11/14/2023 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

Hair loss is experienced by many and can vary in degree. Although it is normal to shed hair every day after combing or brushing, there may be cause for concern when it comes out in clumps. It may be due to underlying medical issues or purely genetic. Hair loss affects both men and women but for men there’s an 80% prevalence rate for pattern baldness. With that said, this post takes a look at three potential causes of hair loss.

Genetic reasons

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If you have a biological parent losing their hair naturally, chances are you would, too. Science explains this as the hereditary sensitivity to the DHT hormone, which causes the hair follicles to shrink. Families with this trait often experience this as early as their twenties or by age fifty when aging sets in. Understanding your family’s genetic history is important to help you understand why you’re experiencing hair loss and helps you learn where your susceptibility stems from. Although genetic factors are beyond your control, advancements in science and technology have proven useful. Solutions like topical minoxidil and oral finasteride have proven to be effective in treating hair loss in males and females, although men use them more. The increase in hair transplant procedures also shows that many opt for this technique to regain a headful of hair.

Hormonal fluctuations

Fluctuations in hormones can significantly affect your hair follicles, potentially leading to patches on your scalp. This type of hair loss happens gradually, and for women, it may be misinterpreted as a reaction to a new shampoo or conditioner. Increased androgen production, triggered by certain conditions like PCOS, can cause this reaction in women. Thyroid issues can also be another underlying factor for hair loss. If it happens over time, it would help to see a specialist to ascertain the underlying cause. Also, Vitamin D deficiency is another common reason for hair loss. That is because this vitamin is essential for hormone synthesis, so the more you lack it, the less hair you have. The same goes for Vitamin E, which is influential in balancing hormones. Some vitamins to balance hormones for females can help restore normal function in the body. And this leads to the next point.

Nutritional deficiencies

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The adage ‘you are what you eat’ is true at this stage because your body will respond to what you consume. Your hair follicles need essential minerals and vitamins to thrive and grow healthy, but may not always receive the right levels due to diet and other factors. Iron deficiency is one of the main nutritional issues people face in their diet. It causes reduced blood flow to the scalp, leading to reduced nutrient flow to the base of the hair. The more this occurs, your hair loses zinc, vitamins A and C, reducing the strength and healthy growth of hair. An easy way to combat these nutritional deficiencies is to maintain a well-balanced diet. It shouldn’t be a one-off thing because your hair needs constant nutrition to keep growing healthy. A professional can help you bridge the nutritional gaps impacting the quality of your hair and stop the loss in its tracks. Certain supplements rich in essential vitamins can also help manage your hair loss problems.

Going Healthy, Health, Life

Are You Going Through a Midlife Crisis?

10/25/2023 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

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A mid-life crisis is a normal part of life for some people, and you may be experiencing one right now. It can be hard to deal with some of the changes that come with it, but there are solutions. From understanding the good points to making positive changes, here is more information.

What’s It All About?

The word crisis is a little outdated and shouldn’t really be used as it suggests negativity. But for simplicity, it will be referred to as such. A mid-life “crisis” is associated with the time in a person’s life when they feel changes are necessary. You may find you want hair restoration procedures all of a sudden, and this is fine, as it can make you feel better. There are also issues like gaining weight, depressive conditions, and feeling like you haven’t achieved your goals.

Can a Mid-Life Crisis be a Good Thing?

Both men and women experience the mid-life crisis, yet it affects men more. Between 10% and 20% of men will undergo the classic mid-life crisis. But even men who don’t will experience some changes when they reach their 40s or 50s. How you handle your change is crucial, and it doesn’t have to be all negative. You can use this time and experience to make some positive changes in your life, and these can be great moving forward. But you need to handle it well.

How to Handle It

The mid-life point is different for everyone, and what you experience won’t be the same as your friend. Of course, some men do make unsavory changes during this time, yet some hardly notice it is there. Many of the changes are mental and emotional, which can cause you to act out of character. This is why handling it well is vital. There are some common signs to watch out for and things you can do during this turbulent time in your life and the life of your family and partner.

Don’t act out of emotion and feeling

The changes during a mid-life experience are largely psychological, and this means your entire demeanor can change. Some of the hormonal and chemical changes in your body during this point in your life can cause wild changes and emotional swings. Yet, we make bad decisions when we are emotional. Impulsive behavior is one of them, and this is a typical sign of a mid-life experience. There are also some other common signs you can watch out for during this time.

Spotting the common signs

A mid-life experience, or crisis, can be positive or negative. It all depends on how well you handle it, and this can be as easy as recognizing the signs that something is going on. You may or may not have all of these, but some of the most common mid-life crisis symptoms are as follows:

Doing things you typically don’t like, drinking more, or taking drugs.
Acting on impulses that can lead to an affair or actually having one.
Leaving your family and moving out of the home with someone else.
A strong feeling that your life doesn’t fit you and you need to change it.
Becoming more concerned about how your clothes and body look.
Seeking out thrilling experiences when you usually don’t do these things.
Trying too hard to be confident around younger people you are attracted to.

Acting very out of character by engaging in risky activities like drug-taking is a strong sign that at least something is going wrong in your life. But you may also feel that your life isn’t what it should be, even if you are successful. This can lead to extra-marital affairs and big personality changes.

Try to remember the good things in life

We all have it hard sometimes, from the poorest in society to the most successful. It doesn’t matter who you are and what you have done. A mid-life crisis can affect you. Some of the hormonal changes can cause depression and anxiety at this point in your life. You can overcome this by remembering what you have done to make your life special. Your personal achievements, your loving partner, and raising great kids are some of the special things your life has to offer.

Talk to your family or a medical professional

One of the most disruptive things that can happen during a midlife crisis is drifting apart from family members, your partner, and your children. But when this happens, who do you have left, and what positive outcome does this achieve? Not much. Going through a mid-life experience is nothing to be embarrassed about and is common. Speaking to your family, partner, or a medical professional about what you are going through is the best way to get through this difficult time.

Plan for realistic mid-life crisis goals

It’s good to have goals in life, and we can all get by much better with them. However, only around 20% of us actually set goals in life, from daily tasks to large achievements. Goals can help when you are going through your mid-life changes, as they can keep you on track. But like any other goals, they must be achievable and realistic. For example, you may want to go back to college as a mature student. But consider if you have the available time and, of course, the money.

Remember, it is temporary

A mid-life experience isn’t forever. Most doctors agree that it is a transition period in your life and can be a positive thing despite the jokes and negative connotations. Like all of life’s downs, this too shall pass, and you can use this time to reflect on your life and make actionable changes. Just remember some of the points raised above, and you will be better equipped to spot, deal with, and use a mid-life experience to your advantage so it doesn’t end up being a crisis.

Summary

There comes a point in a man’s life where he can be labeled as having a midlife crisis. But instead, this can be a good thing. Knowing the common signs, such as becoming vain, can be a good thing when used correctly. But even feeling terrible, understand that it is all temporary.

Fitness, Going Healthy, Going Strong, Health, Lifestyle

Mental Toughness and Powerlifting: The Coach’s Influence on Mindset

10/25/2023 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

Powerlifting isn’t just a game of brawn; it’s a ballet of mental mettle. To push boundaries and consistently outdo oneself, an ironclad mindset is key. While one’s inner fire is vital, coaches are the maestros tuning this mental orchestra. In this piece, we’ll delve into the intricate weave of mental toughness in powerlifting, spotlighting the coach’s transformative touch on an athlete’s psyche.

The Power of the Coach-Athlete Relationship

Building Trust and Connection
- The foundation of a strong coach-athlete relationship is trust. Coaches need to create a safe space for their athletes to express themselves, both physically and mentally.
- Open communication allows athletes to share their fears, doubts, and goals with their powerlifting coach. This exchange is crucial for addressing mental barriers.
Setting Realistic Goals
- Coaches play a pivotal role in helping athletes set achievable goals. These goals should be challenging but attainable, promoting a sense of accomplishment and boosting mental resilience.
- Setting small milestones along the way can help athletes track their progress, reinforcing their mental toughness.

Mental Toughness: The Key to Powerlifting Success

Embracing Failure as Growth
- In powerlifting, failures are inevitable. Lifters miss lifts, face setbacks, and encounter plateaus. Coaches must teach athletes that these failures are opportunities for growth.
- When athletes view setbacks as stepping stones to success rather than roadblocks, they develop mental resilience.
Developing a Strong Mind-Muscle Connection
- Powerlifting requires precise technique and control. Coaches help athletes refine their form and build a strong mind-muscle connection.
- By focusing on the mental aspect of each lift, athletes can optimize their performance and build confidence.

The Coach’s Role in Handling Pressure

Preparing for Competition
- Competitions can be mentally draining. Coaches assist athletes in preparing for the psychological demands of competition.
- Visualization exercises, pre-competition routines, and relaxation techniques can help athletes stay calm under pressure.
Handling Nerves and Anxiety
- It’s natural for athletes to feel nervous before a big lift. Coaches help them manage anxiety by teaching relaxation techniques such as deep breathing.
- Creating a supportive environment where athletes feel understood and encouraged is essential for minimizing performance anxiety.

Building Resilience and Mental Toughness

Challenging Comfort Zones
- Coaches encourage athletes to step out of their comfort zones by progressively increasing the weight they lift.
- This process not only builds physical strength but also mental resilience as athletes tackle new challenges.
Instilling Discipline and Consistency
- Mental toughness is often a result of disciplined training and consistency. Coaches play a vital role in maintaining a structured training regimen.
- Athletes who see the results of their hard work are more likely to develop a resilient mindset.

The Coach’s Support System

Providing Emotional Support
- Coaches should be more than just instructors; they should be mentors and sources of emotional support.
- Offering encouragement and empathy during tough times helps athletes maintain their mental strength.
Encouraging Self-Belief
- One of the coach’s most significant contributions is instilling self-belief in their athletes. Believing in one’s capabilities is fundamental to mental toughness.
- Coaches can help athletes recognize their progress and potential, boosting their self-esteem.

The Impact of Positive Reinforcement

Celebrating Achievements
- Coaches should celebrate their athletes’ successes, no matter how small. Acknowledging progress boosts motivation and confidence.
- Positive reinforcement encourages athletes to keep pushing themselves mentally and physically.
Constructive Feedback
- While praise is important, constructive feedback is equally crucial. Coaches should provide guidance on areas for improvement.
- Athletes who receive balanced feedback are more likely to develop a growth mindset.

Overcoming Mental Blocks

Identifying Mental Barriers
- Coaches must be attentive to their athletes’ mental state. Recognizing mental blocks such as self-doubt or fear of failure is the first step in addressing them.
- Creating an open dialogue allows athletes to share their concerns with their coach.
Tailoring Training Plans
- Once mental barriers are identified, coaches can adjust training plans to target specific weaknesses.
- Tailored training helps athletes confront their fears and gradually overcome them.

Conclusion

In the powerlifting universe, mind grit is just as crucial as muscle grunt. Coaches are the unsung architects behind an athlete’s mental game, crafting resilience, molding mindsets to embrace hurdles, and priming them to shine. By building trust, charting achievable goals, and offering a shoulder to lean on, coaches nurture athletes to cultivate the mental resilience vital for triumph in this intense sport.

For powerlifters, every stumble is a stepping stone to progress. It’s about honing the synergy between mind and muscle and mastering the art of thriving under pressure. Coaches are the guiding stars in this transformative journey, shaping not just their physical feats but also their mental spirit.

Bear in mind, powerlifting isn’t merely about hoisting weights; it’s a dance of elevating one’s mental boundaries. Paired with a dedicated coach and a resilient mindset, powerlifters can carve their legacy both on the lifting platform and beyond.