Category Archives: Health

How to Find Support During Difficult Times

06/27/2023 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

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Have you ever noticed how sometimes life is moving along just fine, and then you suddenly get thrown a curveball? If you are going through a period like that right now, you are not alone. Everyone experiences times in their lives when nothing goes the way they had hoped, and everything feels more challenging.

There are many reasons why your life may feel more difficult right now than ever before. Perhaps you are experiencing ill health, maybe you have relationship troubles, or you are simply finding life extremely stressful right now. Whatever the reason you feel this way, it is crucial to know that you can reach out for help whenever you need it. There is never any shame in asking for help, and it is a brave thing to do. So, if you could use some extra support while you go through a difficult time, seek it out and use it while you need it.

If you feel ready to get help but are unsure what support you need, you should find these tips useful in helping you to get back on track:

Confide in a Friend

One of the most important things to remember when life gets tough is that you don’t need to face the issues alone. Reaching out to talk about how you are feeling can make a big difference. Being able to share how you feel and what life has been like lately for you can make you feel less alone and provide the support you need throughout this difficult time. There’s nothing quite like having a friend on hand to listen whenever you need it to make you feel better about any stressful situation you may be facing.

Seek Legal Advice

If your problem relates to a legal issue, this can be especially stressful, and you may feel unsure how to handle the problem.

Seeking legal advice as soon as you can is an excellent way to relieve the pressure you face and make life a little easier for you. You can start by conducting some research to help you find a reliable law firm, such as McKenzie Law Firm, to ensure you get a lawyer with a proven track record of helping people in situations just like yours. With the right law firm on hand to guide and assist you, you should feel any pressure you are feeling start to drift away.

Get Professional Help

Having a friend you can confide in can make a vast difference to how you feel when you are experiencing difficult times. However, sometimes you may need a little extra support. Many people find it beneficial to speak to a therapist when experiencing difficulties in their lives. Professional therapists have a wealth of experience of helping people who are feeling just like you are right now. While your therapist may not be able to solve the underlying issues you are going through at the moment, they can provide a listening ear and guidance when you need it most.

Going Healthy, Health, Life, Tips

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

06/27/2023 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

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:

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.
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.
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.

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.
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

06/27/2023 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

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.