Wellness Archives - Page 2 of 46

Which Are The Best Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers in the US?

January 11, 2021 by Mandy

Addiction to drugs or any other substance is already quite hard to accept and treat. When it doubles-up with psychological issues, the term is then dual diagnosis. This type of dual treatment is very sensitive and challenging for the patient. First of all, as a patient, you have to accept the presence of both your body and mind.

Then, you will have to look out for the best dual diagnosis treatment centers in the US. That’s why we aim to introduce you to some of the beneficial and useful centers. After reading about their services, you won’t have to waste time online again to search for the same.

Some of the best dual diagnosis centers are:

Alo House Recovery Centers:

It’s the best dual diagnosis centers located in California. It has a careful and ever-lasting blend of substance abuse and psychological health care services. The doctors with masters’ certified degree and decades of experience in both fields are the USP of this center.

This center has a supportive approach to treat its patients with a motto: Connect, not control.

With their regular sessions, the doctors here aim to familiarize patients with their self-esteem and confidence.

Caron Treatment Centers:

Caron is one of the most reliable dual diagnosis centers in the USA, with 60 years of experience. Here, doctors have been inventing new technologies and treatments for eliminating substance abuse and mental issues for decades.

This treatment center ties up with multiple insurance companies, taking the burden of finances of the patient’s shoulders. So, once admitted here, the patient can effectively focus on being better instead of the bills.

This center is really the best because it does not hesitate to involve family members of the patients. They conduct regular educational workshops for both patients and their family members. They aim to heal the entire family from the trauma and addiction that the patient has been going through.

Harmony Foundation:

It’s one of the best dual diagnosis treatment centers in the US that existed effectively for more than 50 years already.

It has a 43-acre establishment near Estes Park, Rocky Mountains, Colorado. The combination of the staff’s treatment years has been more than 416 years. And that is quite an experience that counts and cannot be ignored.

Stats show that 71 percent of Harmony’s patients get employed within the first year of their treatment. This facility is definitely for those patients who want to restart their lives. They also have proper detox treatment to break existing patient’s dependence on any substance within the first year. Such substance includes drug, alcohol, or anything else of similar nature. Harmony also runs support groups, both offline and virtual. It’s for everyone, that is, patients and their families.

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation:

Hazelden has 15 drug and alcohol treatment facilities in the nation. Some locations are in New York, Florida, California, and Illinois. They have 70 years of running experience to treat dual diagnosis conditions of various patients. The name of the facility is a tribute to Betty Ford, the First Lady of Recovery. She was the first one to put a light on the drug addiction problem in the nation. She promised to eliminate the addiction completely.

Hazelden follows 12-step principles and practices. It indeed includes understanding the patient, respecting him/her, caring for the person, and counseling them on time. This foundation is specialized in personalized care to treat more than one co-occurring disorder.

A Mother’s Guide To Using a Yoni Egg

January 6, 2021 by Mandy

If you are a new mother and ready to explore the yoni egg and wanting to get everything right, you may have lots of questions on where and how to start. Much is said about the egg, crystals, origins, and benefits but not about how and when to use it. This article will cover some of these questions and give a yoni egg guide.

Is the Yoni Egg Safe for Me?

Generally, the yoni egg is harmless. It does not interact chemically with the body, so there shouldn’t be any interactions or side effects.

However, it is advisable to consult with your doctor or gynae before you start using the jade egg. This is especially important if:

You’re a virgin (It may be painful to use or may break the hymen)
Have recently or are currently recovering from a vaginal infection (it may interfere with healing.)
Have recently or are currently recovering from surgery around your vagina or uterus (the egg may antagonize healing wounds and slow down recovery. The exercises may also be excruciatingly painful.)
You’re pregnant (It is generally advisable to avoid using the yoni egg when you are pregnant as it may cause complications such as early labor or even triggering contractions.)
Have recently given birth (It would be wise to wait until you have healed properly so that you don’t open healing wounds or slow down the healing process.)
You are on your periods (This would be messy and counter-effective. It will block your period flow and may worsen uterine and vaginal cramping.)
If you have any concerns about your sexual health, get in touch with your doctor for advice before using a jade egg.

Remember that the jade egg has not precisely been approved for use by any medical authority, so it would be far better to use it with a go-ahead from your doctor.

While still on the subject of safety, it would be wise to make sure that you get yours from a trusted and reputable manufacturer. Fake crystals may not only expose you to harmful chemical poisoning but may also crack and chip off to reveal rough spots that may be very harmful.

How to Get Started

After getting your go-ahead from your doctor, here’s how to proceed with the jade egg.

Choose your yoni egg. Sizing is essential, so make sure that you choose the one that will be comfortable and safe. It is generally advisable to start with the average size going down, unless in exceptional cases such as post-maternity, where a large size would do just fine.
Check your egg thoroughly to make sure that it is authentic. Buying from a reputable seller ensures that the crystals are legitimate and that the egg won’t start producing harmful chemicals inside you. Do not use the egg if it has any cracks or chips – these could cause severe injuries and complications when inserted or removed.
Clean the egg thoroughly. It would help if you used a natural soap to wash it. Rinse it under running water until it is clear of any soap. You can also sanitize it with a sanitizing liquid such as anti-bacterial solutions or in a UV light sanitizer. If possible, let it air dry. You could also wipe it dry with a clean towel.
It is suggested that you ‘charge’ your yoni egg sufficiently before using it. No, not by plugging it into the socket but by placing it in sunlight or moonlight. The full moon is especially preferred. This helps the egg to ‘absorb’ the energy so you can attain maximum benefits. This is merely an option and will entirely depend on your preferences.
If you are set to explore the yoni egg’s benefits at a spiritual level, make sure you have the right crystal for your intentions. For instance, the jade crystal is usually associated with the heart chakra, which has to do with your relationship with other people. If you are looking to resolve loneliness, romantic frustration, or get rid of the feeling of isolation, a green jade yoni egg will be ideal.
It is now time to set your intention. Think about precisely what you are trying to get and fixate on it. Hold out your egg and make your intentions clear, preferably vocally, until you feel a firm connection or a shift of energy to your yoni egg.
If your egg is drilled, tie the string through the hole until it is firm enough to stay on when you yank gently. It should also be long enough to pull.

How to Insert

Turn the egg until the pointy side is facing down. This should be the side with the string if your egg is undrilled.
Get in a comfortable position and start putting the egg in gently with the larger side first. It should be effortless, just as easy as putting in a tampon.
Don’t shy from using a lubricant if you feel like you need one.
Push it in as deep as feels comfortable. You are assured that it won’t go beyond the cervix.

Do not worry about your yoni egg getting stuck. The vagina is very elastic, and you can push it out with the smallest push. It is designed to slide out effortlessly, so you can hold it in place for as long as you feel it is necessary, then push it out when you are done.

Conclusively, using a yoni egg is fairly simple. You only need to push it in gently and pull it out with the string or push it out with your vaginal muscles when you are done exercising. You can use it with Kegels, yoga, meditation, and even try a beginner’s guide to breathwork. You must clean the egg thoroughly and keep it in a clean place to avoid getting infections. If the egg falls, check it thoroughly for any cracks or chips and discard if it has any – these could pose serious health risks when left unchecked.

Three Tips to Look Your Best During and After Pregnancy

December 21, 2020 by Mandy

Despite those rumors you’ve heard about “glowing,” it sometimes seems that pregnancy gives you the opportunity to experience adolescence and old age all at once. Here are some tips to help you look your best during and after pregnancy.

1. Keep Exercising

From the moment you find out that you’re pregnant, it begins getting harder and harder to exercise. Pregnancy brings aches, pains, and sleepiness, which make it much harder to get out and be active.

However, it is very important that you do your best to maintain close to your previous physical activity level throughout your pregnancy, provided your activity level is considered safe by your doctor.

Regular exercise releases endorphins to elevate your mood. It helps your blood to circulate, which can reduce fluid build-up. Exercise gets harder as the pregnancy goes on. Many women find that exercising in water or while laying down is preferable during the later months.

Once the baby is born, there are whole new challenges in exercising. You will certainly want to take a few weeks off, but once you and baby are up for it, it’s a good idea to start taking slow, leisurely walks together to get into the habit of regular exercise. You may find that your baby grows to enjoy these activities as well and establishes a better sleep pattern when taken on regular walks.

It’s hard to keep exercising during and after pregnancy, but if you do, you are likely to find that you gain less weight and lose weight more easily after the pregnancy.

2. Treat Yourself

Making yourself look and feel your best may be the last thing on your mind while you’re pregnant and right after your baby is born, but treating yourself throughout this time is more important than ever.

Have your hair and nails done regularly, visit the Institute of Natural Health for a soothing HydraFacial treatment, and invest in clothes that look good on you even though you know you will only be able to wear them for a short amount of time.

Pregnancy is extremely stressful. Stress isn’t good for you or the baby. Taking time to treat yourself, feel good about yourself, and take time for you is good for both of you.

3. Compromise With Your Cravings

Many women experience intense cravings during pregnancy which they have a hard time resisting, especially considering that their emotions are already threadbare. There is no reason to torture yourself by denying every indulgence, but it is important that you don’t follow your cravings too far.

Try to rate your craving intensity and decide whether to give in based on how bad the food is for you. Make sure that your cravings are not coming from habit instead of pregnancy. If you are consistently having cravings for chocolate cake in the evenings, it may have nothing to do with your pregnancy.

Enjoy Your Pregnancy

Perhaps the most important tip to looking your best both during and after your pregnancy is to enjoy it. Indulging in self-care is very soothing during a stressful time, so treat it like the necessity it is, not a luxury to be overlooked.

How to Help Someone Who’s Going Through a Relapse

December 18, 2020 by Mandy

There are millions of Americans struggling with some form of addiction. They all, of course, have parents, siblings, kids, partners, or friends. We tend to think mostly about how addiction affects the lives of the individuals trying to deal with it, and we rarely think that they’re part of a family and social network.

If someone close to you has a substance use disorder, it will inevitably take its toll on you as well. This is someone that you care about deeply, so it’s hard to see how it changes them. When they decide to seek treatment, it feels like you can finally breathe again. All you want is to see them get better. You’ve been there for them every step of the way. You were there for the highs and lows. Perhaps you’ve even seen them reach rock-bottom.

If they have a relapse, it can be devastating because you thought the bad times were behind you and you were looking forward to a brighter future. As disheartening as a relapse can feel, statistically speaking, they are not unusual. About half of those who have undergone addiction treatment will have a relapse. But this shows that they are not a lost cause. Sometimes, after a relapse, we might get angry and blame them or ourselves. We start to think that maybe they didn’t try hard enough or that there was something we should have done for them and didn’t. But no, there’s nothing wrong with them or use. A relapse is a temporary relapse, not a life sentence.

The Signs of a Relapse

Usually, relapses don’t just happen. They’re triggered by something. It could be stress from work or a major event such as the death of a loved one or becoming unemployed. The trigger is most often something that causes the person to experience strong emotions they can no longer cope with in a healthy way. If this coincides with being exposed to drugs or alcohol, there’s a chance they will no longer be able to resist cravings.

You won’t always be able to see if a loved one is about to relapse because they’ll try as much as they can to hide it. They can become more secretive and withdrawn, which can be a sign in and of itself. You may also mood swings, impulsive behavior, and changes in physical appearance. If they were still getting outpatient treatment, whether it was one-on-one therapy, group therapy, 12 step or non 12 step programs, or support groups, they might start missing meetings because they feel ashamed or afraid of negative reactions. This is one of the reasons why it’s so helpful to be able to recognize the signs of a relapse. So even though they’ll try to hide it, you can let them know that you’re there for them and you don’t love them any less.

Don’t Give Up

Although witnessing someone you love go through a relapse can be heartbreaking, keep in mind that many people relapse, and they still go on to live healthy, happy, sober lives. A relapse is not a failure but a sign that they need further treatment. The best approach is to look for treatment options in your area and speaking to a dedicated treatment provider.

Based on an assessment and discussion, your loved one can try repeating the same treatment that enabled them to quit before, or they can try a different approach to better accommodate their needs.

7 Health Strategies to Get In Shape & Stay Healthy

December 15, 2020 by Mandy

When you are born, you only get one body. It is your responsibility to care for it. Unfortunately, by the time people reach adulthood, many of them have let themselves go. Much of this is due to a simple lack of knowledge. You have the power to take control of your health. You just need to know what to do.

Core Concepts:

Health Is Vital to Living a Fulfilling Life
Your Daily Habits Directly Impact Your Health
Improving Your Health Does Not Have to Be a Chore
The Most Effective Strategies Vary Depending on the Person

Are you ready to turn a new page in your life? If so, the following techniques should give you a great start. It is up to you to commit to the changes you need to make. Nevertheless, working on your health will improve nearly every aspect of life. As long as you are willing to try, you are already on the way to success.

1. Maintain a Healthy Diet

What does your diet look like? If it is similar to the standard American diet, then you likely eat a lot of processed foods. Plus, most people eat out several times a week. The first step to a healthier life will always be cleaning up your dietary habits.

It Is Easy to Out Eat Your Exercise:

Plenty of people think they can eat a big slice of cake because they went to the gym. Did you know that a single oreo has enough calories to fuel while you run for over a mile? Do not make the mistake of eating poorly because you exercise.

Up Your Intake of Plant Foods:

The easiest way to clean up your diet is to start preparing your meals at home. Make plants the focal point of all your meals. That way, you get all of your essential nutrients.

2. Regular Strength Training

Strength training is the next most important aspect of a healthy life. Even people without any expertise in the gym will benefit. However, remember to always start slowly and increase the intensity gradually.

Bodyweight Exercises Are Great for Beginners:

Beginners often feel a little trepidation about going to the gym. In that case, start a bodyweight routine. Bodyweight exercises are less stressful to the body, making them ideal for novices. As you get stronger, then you can add some weights.

3. Consume Adequate Amounts of Protein

Next, increase your protein consumption. Otherwise, all of your hard work will be wasted. For the body to repair muscles, it needs sufficient amino acids. These come from protein. Do not forget to consume a variety of protein sources.

Plant Proteins:

The most commonly overlooked protein source would be vegan protein USA. Plants have numerous proteins. Many of them are even healthier than the ones from animal sources. The best diets have protein from a variety of sources. Nevertheless, there are various options available to plant proteins such as supplements.

4. Work on Flexibility With Yoga

After working on your strength, it would be best to work on your flexibility. You will appreciate this as you get older. The sooner you start, the better the long-term results.

Focus on the Breath:

As you practice yoga, focus on your breath. Ensure that you are taking deep breaths and holding it at the top. Then, slowly exhale. One more tip, remember to listen to your body. If a pose hurts, do not push yourself. It could lead to injury.

5. Mentally Envision Success

Visualizations are a lot more powerful than you realize. Some people call it the law of attraction. The point is straightforward. By envisioning success, you make it that much more likely. Never underestimate the power of your mind. It is, by far, the most powerful tool any human has.

6. Pick Up a Hobby That Acts as a Cardio Exercise

Keep the blood flowing by picking up a new hobby that emphasizes cardio activity. For example, you could start swimming or kayaking. Not to mention, this way you can exercise while doing something you enjoy. That way, you avoid burnout.

7. Remember, Rest and Recovery Are Equally Important to Health

Hitting the gym 7 days a week might sound good. Nevertheless, it is actually quite counterproductive. Getting enough rest is essential. Without it, your body won’t fully recover.

The Consequences of Over-Exertion:

Overexertion does more than just make you tired. Muscles will break down unless you give them time to recover after you exercise.

The Key to Living Healthily

Living healthily sounds like an insurmountable obstacle to many. However, this is simply a matter of perspective. By shifting your lifestyle, it becomes as easy as waking up in the morning. Things will be difficult at first. However, as long as you persevere, you will be much healthier before you know it.